Hey guys! I apologize about the long wait. Finals really do take out a lot of time. Them being online doesn't help much either. However, I'm back for real this time with a new chapter that will give a proper beginning to the third and final act of this fic! This has been a long time coming, so I will do my best to make this story end with a bang! Now, without further ado, let's start this brand new chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Super Smash Bros. It is owned by Nintendo and Masahiro Sakurai.
PS, Stay indoors, wear a mask, and keep your hands clean!
Hyrule Kingdom, World of Trophies
It had been a little over a week since the new Princess Zelda had assumed leadership. During that time, the region gained its bearings amidst the chaos the Great Light Convergence caused.
Lucina, Chrom, and Robin were doing their best to help the princess in her responsibilities in any way they could.
However, the state of the kingdom would soon change when a group of newcomers arrived
Chrom was cracking down on the crime alongside Lucina and Robin. They were about to clear out another case of theft when they were all suddenly interrupted by an air piercing sound of an engine.
They all looked up at the source of the sound which seemed to be a jet with a golden bird design.
"I've never seen something so odd before." Said Chrom. "What do you think it is?"
"I don't know." Responded Robin. "We should get the princess and let her know."
Lucina was eager to get the princess and immediately took off towards the castle. "I'm on it!"
Hyrule Castle
Princess Zelda was in the quarters of the princess belonging to this version of Hyrule. She tried to touch as little as possible out of respect for her counterpart. However, she soon realized she had to use many things out of her study to learn more about the kingdom, and the different forms of culture that applied. She knew that if she were to encounter the rightful Zelda, she would immediately ask for forgiveness and give her throne to her.
She was studying hard on some guardian schematics. She actually became so invested in her research that she started to concentrate beyond what her mind could take her. Before the princess knew it though, she experienced another vision.
This one showed her yet another image of a ruined Hyrule up in flames. However, this time, there was a large glowing light above the ruins. However, the light was not at all benevolent. It looked to be raining fire on the ruins as silhouettes of warriors she couldn't recognize fought with all they had left. Unfortunately, it was no use as the princess saw them fall one by one.
She was about to go down on her knees when a loud and unfamiliar sound disrupted her vision and knocked her back into reality. She looked out the nearby balcony and found a bird themed jet landing in the southern outskirts of Castle Town. "What kind of vehicle is that? It looks similar to a Divine Beast I've been studying. Is this something I missed? No. Can't be. This is something entirely new."
As Zelda was beginning to determine what the vehicle was, a knocking at the front door took her back to her senses.
"Come in." Said the princess as she was turning around.
Lucina then came into the room. "Princess. We have a situation outside the castle town."
"Indeed. I heard the sound." Responded Zelda. "We should greet the new visitors properly."
"I already know Robin and Chrom will be there. Possibly with a platoon of your best soldiers." Said Lucina.
Zelda was firm in her belief. "I believe that will most likely be enough. Let's head down there."
The two female warriors then exited the study, leaving the years worth of research to be studied another time.
Hyrule Castle Town Outskirts
The Falcon Flyer was landing in a grassy field outside the commercial entrance district of the town. With the Captain's piloting skills, they were able to touch down onto the field with relative ease.
When the main ramp opened, the inseparable Ice Climbers, Popo and Nana, were the first to get off.
"Finally!" Said Popo. "I can breathe after that long flight!"
Nana couldn't help but agree. "You're right, Popo. It was getting stuffy in there!"
Jigglypuff was the next one to get off. Once he was on the middle of the ramp, he jumped off and floated above the climbers. The half-fairy type then landed on the tall grassy patch right in front of them. He then started rolling all over the grass as if it was his own bed. "Jiggly! Jigglypuff!"
The Ice Climbers were nothing but amused.
"Glad to know we weren't the only ones feeling that way." Said Nana.
Ness, Snake, and Cloud were the next few people to get off the Flyer.
The PSI wielder and stealth operative were stretching their limbs after the cramped ride they went through.
Ness then went towards the Ice Climbers to see how they were doing before striking up more of a friendly conversation.
As for Cloud, he was admiring the regality of the castle in the horizon. "Amazing. If only Aerith could see this."
"Who might that be?" Asked Snake out of curiosity.
"Sorry, Snake. Just… someone who meant a lot to me." Responded the mercenary hesitantly.
"I understand." Replied the stealth soldier. "We've all lost people we've cared about."
Cloud couldn't help but agree as he continued to walk with Snake.
The last two people to get off the jet were the racing pilot and an unlikely furry friend.
Captain Falcon was walking down the ramp with Incineroar at his side. During the ride to Hyrule, they were striking up a strong bond due to their similar characteristics and mannerisms.
When the captain saw the rest of the group, he was ready to lead the group into the town. "Alright everyone! We've made it to Hyrule! We'll make it a point to show the leader here that we're allies. Not enemies. Everyone ready?"
The moment the rest of the group heard his words, they all nodded in unison. This let the captain know they were more than ready to enter the town alongside him.
Once they passed the southern entrance, they were met with over a dozen spears pointed at them. Along with a skilled swordsman and a young mage.
"Stand down!" Shouted the swordsman. "We don't want things to turn violent!"
"So much for an alliance." Said Snake under his breath.
Captain Falcon chose to defend himself and his group. "Listen! All of you! We need to speak with Princess Zelda! It's a matter of great importance!"
"Why should we believe you?" Asked Robin?
The captain was quick to reply. "Because we absolutely mean you no harm. For all we know, the entire universe is at stake!"
"Believe what he says, soldiers." Says a new voice coming from the crowd.
The soldiers began to make a way for the individual who spoke. When there was a clear view, it showed Zelda and Lucina walking up to the group.
"So you're the new Zelda." Said Captain Falcon. "You're a bit shorter than the princess we fought with ten years ago."
The racer then stuck out his hand. "Nonetheless, we would be really grateful if we'd be accepted into your kingdom."
Zelda then reached out her hand to meet Falcon's, resulting in a shake. "I do accept. You are welcome to stay here for as long as you need."
"Excellent." Responded the captain. "We actually came to warn you about a threat that's coming to this world."
"I am partially aware." Said the princess. "Let's talk more inside."
As the group was about to head in, an even bigger rumbling shook the town like an earthquake.
The entire group looked back to the southern horizon to see a group of assorted ships coming their way.
The first ship that the fighter noticed was a huge floating battleship the size of a stadium. Its broad bow was adorned with a knight's mask while its flanks sported batlike wings and powerful cannons.
The second ship headed their way was a significantly smaller rocket ship that was sputtering as it landed next to the larger battleship.
Finally, there was a small fleet of pirate-like airships that touched down along with a troop transport ship leading them.
Captain Falcon, along with Ness, Popo, Nana, and Snake recognized the ships almost immediately due to stories they were told and their help during the Subspace War.
The captain was left flabbergasted. "You're kidding right?"
Zelda decided to inquire about the captain's reaction. "I take it you recognize those vessels?"
"Yeah I do." Responded the racer. "I know they're allies, but I also think they know they're all allies too."
"What makes you say that?" Asked Chrom curiously.
"I'm not sure about this, but I believe the majority of them have met each other before." Said Snake as he was looking through his binoculars. "It looks like they're all landing next to each other. Let's head down there and meet with whoever's on board."
"I couldn't agree more." Replied the captain.
Zelda, Chrom, Robin, and Lucina also followed the Captain's group to the entrance, seeing as how they would greet the new arrivals.
Ten Minutes Earlier, Battleship Halberd
Meta Knight, King Dedede, Marth, Ike, Simon, Richter, Ryu, and Pac-Man were on board the huge warship en route to Hyrule.
Of course, the dark and mysterious star warrior was in charge of the ship and the crew. Meanwhile, the King of Dream Land was only in charge of the Waddle Dees he brought with him.
"We're around ten minutes away from the kingdom. Where do you want us to land?" Asked a Waddle Dee pilot.
King Dedede decided to give the order. "Have us land in the grassy outskirts outside the town. It'll give us the most amount of room."
"Understood." Responded the pilot.
Pac-Man was feeling understandably nervous about the whole situation. "I feel like I'm outside my area here."
Fortunately for the pellet muncher, the regal Prince of Altea, Marth, was there to ease him. "Don't worry. We'll make it through this. A lot of us are unfamiliar with everything going on as well."
"Should we let the others know we've arrived?" Asked King Dedede.
"Of course." Responded Meta Knight.
"I'm on it, Meta Knight." Said Marth as he left the bridge and into the elevator.
For the other four fighters, Simon, Richter, Ike, and Ryu, they were all on board the upper battleship hull, where they were practicing their fighting skills on one another.
In this match, it was a battle royale where the last man standing was the victor. The two Belmonts were facing each other with their whips while Ryu was having trouble against Ike's greatsword skills.
Soon enough though, Ryu managed to deal with Ike by countering his strikes while Richter managed to squeeze by with a narrow victory against Simon.
When the two winners saw each other, they both knew that there had to be one victor in the final match. They then charged at one another with fighting intent embedded in their eyes. However, before they could clash, Marth got in between them, effectively stopping the impending fight.
"What are you doing?" Asked Richter. "We were just about to fight!"
Ryu was disappointed, but refused to let himself show it to the prince.
"I'm here to let you all know that we're less than ten minutes away from Hyrule." Explained Marth.
Richter was understanding of the reasoning. "I see. Let's finish this fight later."
Ike and Simon then got up with them as the five warriors made it back to the bridge.
Once the entire group was there, they could all see the silhouette of the castle approaching.
Meta Knight decided to give out a speech to the rest of his allies. "Once we land, we will meet with Princess Zelda and voice our struggle. I have no doubt that she will give us a helping hand in these difficult times."
Before the star warrior was about to say any more, a beeping alerted the group.
King Dedede then turned towards one of the Waddle Dee crew members. "What is it?"
The crew member was quick to respond. "Sensors indicate multiple airship cruisers approaching our right flank!"
Meta Knight immediately looked outside and saw a few pirate-like airships approaching the kingdom. What really stuck out to him though was the familiar troop transport ship that he saw leading them.
"A transmission is coming from the leading ship! Looks like one of our troop transports!" Said another Waddle Dee.
"Patch it through." Ordered Meta Knight.
A screen then came up on the bridge's main monitor, revealing the face of Fox McCloud.
"Meta Knight! Boy am I glad to see you again! You have no idea what we've been through!" Explained Fox.
"Save it for when we're at the kingdom, McCloud. We're almost there." Replied the star warrior.
However, Pac-Man noticed something that was approaching them on their left side. "Should we be worried about that?"
Marth and Ike got a closer look at the rocket that approached them.
"I know that ship!" Said Marth. "Send a signal!"
"Way ahead of you." Said King Dedede as he was pressing a few buttons on a control panel.
In a few more seconds, a screen revealing Olimar came up on a side monitor, making himself visible to both Meta Knight and Fox.
"Olimar!" Said Fox as he was seeing his old friend. "Where have you been all this time?"
"It's a long story." Explained the space explorer. "I've got people with me, but let's all land on the outskirts of town before we all explain how we've got here."
"Understood." Said Meta Knight.
Soon enough, the ships all landed on the grassy fields outside of town.
The airship crew, consisting of Fox, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Roy, Greninja, Yoshi, Wario, Bowser Jr, Little Mac, Amelia the Inkling, and Mr. Game & Watch, all walked out of the troop transport ship as the rocket landed close to the group.
This rocket had its own fair share of fighters inside. They included Olimar, Luigi, Daisy, Palutena, Bayonetta, Dark Pit, the Oak Town Mayor Matt, and a stowed away Isabelle.
The rocket group, minus Isabelle, all exited out of the cramped vehicle to get some stretching and fresh air.
Palutena and Bayonetta admired the kingdom from afar while Luigi was stretching along with Daisy.
Matt was about to do some stretching himself, but not before hearing sounds coming from the landing gear compartment. After a few more seconds, Isabelle popped out of the ship, surprising the mayor.
"Hold on a minute… I thought I asked you to remain in Oak Town!" Said a shocked Matt.
"The citizens said they can look after themselves! Besides, I couldn't leave your side Mr May- I mean… Matt!" Explained Isabelle.
The mayor then took a couple deep breaths before recomposing himself. "Okay Isabelle. Just come along and join the rest of the group. I understand you wanted to come along and support me. Now that you're here, you can help in whatever way you see fit."
Almost immediately, Isabelle obliged to stick with the group. Not only out of loyalty to her Mayor, but also to support the fighters she got to know back in Oak Town.
Soon enough, all three groups convened just outside the southern Castle Town entrance.
A lot of people exchanged looks at each other. Soon enough, everyone who knew each other before were starting to reconvene with one another, while other fighters were merely mingling.
Peach and Yoshi took notice of Luigi and Daisy among the crowd.
"Luigi?" Asked Peach.
The green plumber took notice almost immediately. "Peach! Yoshi! You're both-a safe!"
Daisy wasn't too far behind once Luigi started running towards the two allies. Once they were all close enough, they embraced one another in a group hug. This lasted for a few seconds before breaking apart.
"I thought you two were lost in space!" Said Peach.
"Easy for you to say, cousin!" Replied Daisy. "We thought you were abducted back in New Donk City!"
The floral princess's remark reminded something that Luigi still expressed some worry about. "Peach… We know about-a Mario. Our goddess-a friend told us about it. You must-a be worried sick."
This understandably brought back some concern inside the Mushroom Kingdom princess, but was promptly overshadowed by hope. "I am, Luigi, but I also know he will find a way to win. He always does."
This was what Luigi needed to hear from Peach as they both hugged each other for their lost friend and brother.
Daisy and Yoshi then joined the hug, expressing their faith in their friend.
After a few more seconds, they all properly broke the hug before reconvening with the other fighters.
Meanwhile, Wario overheard their whole conversation from a few meters away. Though he looked apathetic, part of him still cared about Mario missing. Mainly because he was worried about having no one to torment.
Bowser felt indifferent about Mario's whereabouts, but still held some concern much like Wario did.
In another part of the crowd, Ryu took a curiosity to Little Mac, indicating his external appearance as a fighter.
"You look like a very experienced fighter." Said the street brawler. "I can tell by your posture and equipment that you mainly focus on a special form of lightweight boxing."
Little Mac was flattered by this. "Well… thanks. Judging from your attire, you must really be skilled in numerous forms of martial arts. Actually, you remind me of a fighter that bore a strong resemblance to you. I can tell by your attitude that you're leagues above him though! You must be one tough guy!"
Soon enough, Ryu thought of something that would improve their combat abilities and bond as potential brothers in arms. "I appreciate it. We can spar sometime if you're up to it."
"Agreed." Said the boxer as he shook the street fighter's hand. "The name's Little Mac by the way."
"Ryu." Replied the fighter. "I'm looking forward to fighting you."
As everyone was getting to know each other among the crowd, the Starfox leader decided to speak up to the group as a whole. "It looks like everyone here has something they need or want to say regarding Galeem."
"We all do, McCloud." Said a masculine voice they all recognized.
Everyone looked toward the entrance to see Captain Falcon and Zelda's group head towards them.
"Falcon?" Said Olimar in disbelief. "Where've you been all this time?"
"Defend our world." Replied the racer. "It's a good thing we all had the same idea to come here though."
"What is the reason you all have come?" Asked Zelda.
Meta Knight was the first to step up and approach the Hyrule princess. "Princess Zelda, we come seeking an alliance between our own, and the Kingdom of Hyrule. A powerful enemy from beyond this world is preparing an attack that would determine the fate of this very galaxy. You may find this impossible to believe, but it is the truth. Almost everyone here has had a run in with the enemy or his forces. If we do not take a stand, we would all be subjugated under his rule."
Robin grew curious from the Star Warrior's explanation. "What's this enemy's name?"
Meta Knight was about to respond, but Princess Peach was the one that beat him to it. "His name is Galeem. The Lord of Light. Despite what you may initially think, he is as much a threat as the knight explains him to be."
"Intriguing. We must hold an audience in the sanctum. I highly recommend you all come." Said the princess before heading to the castle.
While Chrom, Robin, and Lucina were following the leading princess, the rest of the fighters made their way to the castle gates.
Each and every warrior that came to the kingdom had something to say, but they would have to save it until they reached the castle's throne sanctum.
Regardless of what they had to say though, they all had one common thought, to stop Galeem and end his threat once and for all.