Hey guys! Happy Holidays! I sincerely apologize about the super late arrival, but finals, Covid testing, and Christmas prep really do take up a lot of time! I promise for 2021 to start updating more frequently and finish this story out! I started this fic November of 2018 and I know a lot of you want to see it to the end, so sit tight and stay tuned for future updates everyone!
Also, for those of you that couldn't see the chapter last time, there was this software problem that prevented people from seeing it on desktop devices. For mobile it wasn't really an issue. It should be resolved now, so I hope you all have a smooth time reading again.
Before I continue, I just want to get the other elephant in the room out of the way. I was not expecting Sephiroth to come! I was expecting an entirely new fighter but I don't really mind Sephiroth. I think he'll be a great fighter to pick up. (Not as op as Steve, but still great.) I haven't downloaded the update yet, but I will as soon as I update this. Also, I'm glad more Final Fantasy music is added to the stages! It feels like it's great to have more representation from that franchise. I'm glad Sakurai was able to make that happen. With only three fighters left, I'm still anxious to see which potential candidates will come.
I also want to give my opinion on Miyamoto's Super Nintendo World showcase. It looked to be so much fun with all the activities and things a person can do there. I would feel like I'm 9 years old again when I finally have the chance to go. I'm an American, and I'm hoping they build something just as good in Hollywood and Orlando as they did in Japan. I'm super hyped for what's in store once they're finally built. Hopefully they'll be open by the time Covid isn't a thing anymore. As for the presentation itself, I'm a sucker for all the hidden secrets and activities that are spread throughout the park. I'm also looking forward to the Mario themed food and rides too. Finally, I'm curious as to how Universal will handle other Nintendo franchises since it's Super Nintendo World after all. I personally want to see a Zelda, Pokemon, or Donkey Kong themed park. I would actually love a Hyrule themed ride or an interactive Pokemon scavenger hunt. Maybe a DK minecart roller coaster would be great too. Only time will tell though.
As for the story, we shift back to the World of Light where the fighters finally initiate their plan to take down Galeem! Do they succeed in the first phase of their plan? Read on to find out! Now, without any further delay, let's get into this brand new holiday chapter!
Several Kilometers outside the Lightspace Fortress, World of Light
With the plan already played out in their minds, the alliance that formed on Galeem's planet was more than ready to end the war once and for all. All they needed was a plan with resolve, strength, and luck to guide them.
After reaching a certain point, the group decided to split in two separate teams. One team was set to disable the conduit to prevent Galeem from absorbing any more power. The other team was to distract the Lord of Light from finding out about the power plant team.
Once the conduit was disabled, they would stop Galeem and win the war for good.
Mario was the first to stop and speak up. "So… This is-a where we part-a ways."
"I guess so." Responded Red.
"If we don't make it out of this, I'm gonna miss you guys." Said Cappy.
This prompted Falco to speak his own word. "I would like to speak up."
This statement got the rest of the fighters' attention.
The pilot then made a proposal. "Before we go, I want everyone here to make a promise."
Wolf grew curious at this. "What kind of promise, Lombardi?"
Falco then gave his explanation. "I remember Fox being leader of the squad back when I was flying with him, but my old comrade Peppy was the heart and soul of the team. Even with all the internal fighting, he taught me how to care for my friends and inspire them in their darkest hours. I feel like I can honor him and all of you by making a promise. I have no doubt all of you can fulfill it. I want every one of you here to make this promise. A promise to come back to us alive."
The pilot then stuck his hand out, making it into a fist. Mario, Samus, R.O.B., Lucario, and Red were among the first to stick their hands out with him, forming an improvised circle. Soon enough, more fighters stuck their hands out, making fists. Among them were Mewtwo, Lucas, and Rosalina.
Pikachu even joined the formation by jumping on Samus's shoulder and sticking his fisted paw out.
The last fighters to join the circle were Sonic and Wolf after showing some hesitation.
Falco then made his final declaration. "Now, we fight this battle with everything we have left! We won't surrender. We won't give up. This is the fight that determines the fate of the universe as we know it. And we're going to win with every one of us still here. Watch each other's backs, and don't make any mistakes. Good luck everyone."
"We will not let you down Falco." Responded R.O.B. "I know I will not."
After the Star Fox Pilot responded with a nod, the two teams split to their respective destinations.
R.O.B., along with Lucas, Red, Wolf and Pikachu, went west to the power plant.
The rest of the group, consisting of Mario, Lucario, Falco, Samus, Rosalina, Sonic, and Mewtwo, went north towards the Lightspace Fortress.
Pikachu was hesitant about going with the power plant group though. He took one last glance at the other group and saw Samus walking away into the distance. Without a second thought, the electric type ran toward the other group, making a beeline for the interplanetary bounty hunter.
Wolf was confused by this move Pikachu made. "Should we go after him?"
"Negative." Responded R.O.B. "I conclude that he only left us to be with Samus Aran again."
Lucas and Red were inclined to agree, given the history they shared.
"What do you mean by that?" Asked the confused Wolf.
"It was ten years ago. After I broke free from the Subspace Army's will, I saw the inseparable bond those two shared. It's a memory of friendship I can't help but replay in my files." Explained the robot. "I will accept this change in plans"
After some thinking, Wolf accepted the change. "I see."
As the distraction team was journeying to the entrance of the Lightspace Fortress, Falco was able to hear the footsteps of a certain mouse Pokemon approaching. By the time he turned his head around, the electric type pounced onto Samus's back in a shower of affection and worry.
Samus was caught off guard, but didn't attack as she realized what the sounds were coming from. "Pikachu? I thought you were supposed to be in the other group!"
"My assumption is-a she did not want to leave-a you." Surmised Mario.
"Even though I formulated the plan, this wouldn't matter much." Said Lucario before turning to the electric type. "Pikachu, don't let us down."
After hearing that, Pikachu was filled with determination just like the rest of the group. "Pikachu!"
As far as both groups still knew, they had confidence that they could win. Partially thanks to Falco's inspiring words. However, the battles ahead of them would be anything but easy.
Lightspace Fortress Throne Room
Galeem was sitting on his throne, observing the battle of Hyrule from the Lightspace Fleet's camera feed.
Soon though, two individuals entered the chamber.
These two fighters were Bruce, the Lightspace Army's Elite Brawler, and Dark Samus, the Savage Phazon Menace.
After turning off the feed, Galeem got off his throne and approached them. "What is it that requires that look on your face, Bruce?"
The brawler couldn't help but respond. "We looked at our sensors and picked up several fighters approaching this way."
The Lord of Light was not surprised at this scenario. "So they've started their attack. They don't realize their attempts are ultimately futile."
Once Galeem was done with processing the situation, he came up with a plan. "Have our defenses and remaining troops hold them back. Join them when you are ready."
The two fighters then gave a nod with Bruce giving back a reply. "Yes my lord."
They then left, dead set on stopping the opposition in any way they saw fit.
Lightspace Fortress Gate
The fighters had all managed to reach the front gate after the short walk there. Strangely enough though, there didn't look to be anyone outside the fortress to defend it from any intruders, there also wasn't any turrets or other defenses situated anywhere. All that stood in their way was the double-door front gate. It looked to be made of a very thick stainless metal, along with being surrounded by a mystical barrier. Finally, it was around ten feet tall.
"It looks like there's no welcome party." Said Falco. "I doubt this door will let any of us in though."
This gave Samus an idea. "It looks like we'll have to give it a good old knock then. Lucario, I'm gonna need your help."
The fighting type then stood by Samus, waiting for her plan.
"On my mark, we release a full charge shot and aura sphere at the same time. With enough force like that, the door will be just wide enough for all of us to get through."
"If I may," Said Mewtwo. "I can offer some help as well. I can charge up a ghost type move known as a shadow ball, which can contribute with your own power."
"Very well." Responded Lucario. "Just stand back from the gate. That goes for everyone here."
As the three started to charge, they all started to feel the strain affect their bodies tremendously.
After twenty seconds, the trio knew they had to release their charge sooner or later. Some fighters even got worried that they might be out of the fight. Especially Mario, Pikachu, and Falco.
After forty seconds, Samus knew it was time to release their power. "Now!"
The three fighters all released their shots at the same time. Each of the powerful projectiles hit the double doors without a split second in between each one.
As for the gate itself, the mystical barrier faltered, and the doors swung wide open, giving the fighters the window of opportunity they needed.
However, the fighters saw that the doors were slowly beginning to close again.
"Hurry! Get-a through the doors!" Shouted Mario as he was the first one that ran toward the opening.
Sonic soon followed him, unsurprisingly getting to the other side first, followed by Pikachu, Falco, and Rosalina. Lucario, Samus, and Mewtwo took a longer time getting to the other side, barely managing to make it just as the doors began to close. This was to be expected, given their strain from the combined attack.
Once everyone was in, they saw that they were in a room where there was a giant outward staircase leading to higher levels. Additionally, there were level doors on either side with balconies from higher rooms above them. However, at the top of the large center staircase was a figure all too familiar to some of the heroes.
"I can't believe you all actually made it this far. Color me impressed." Said the voice.
Mario looked up to see Bruce, the Elite Mii Brawler standing over them. "So you are-a still alive."
Bruce could only scoff at the statement. "I never lied, plumber. But word can only get me so far. What I do now, I do for my master. In the end, none of you will leave this fortress with your souls intact!"
The brawler then snaps his fingers, signaling the dozens of Lightspace troops to rush them. These troops were Light Primids which outnumbered them in a five-to-one ratio.
Every fighter was holding their own, but for some reason the enemy troops left Mario alone.
Bruce soon took a leap from the staircase, making a flip over Mario, and landing behind him. "I ordered them to leave you be. I still intend to settle the score. The vacuum of space won't save you this time!"
The two fighters soon got into a deadlock, with neither fighter giving in to defeat.
Meanwhile, the other fighters were holding their own against the Light Primids that came their way.
"Jeez! How many of these guys does Galeem have?" Said Falco as he was fighting alongside Mewtwo and Lucario.
Lucario was quick to come to a conclusion. "I think that's the problem. It doesn't matter how many we destroy. Galeem will have the power to make more. All we can do is push!"
Mewtwo then noticed something locked on them. With some quick thinking, he was able to use his telekinesis to push Lucario and Falco out of the way. "Get down!"
A blue explosion soon enveloped the psychic type, rendering him unconscious.
"Mewtwo!" Shouted Falco before looking up at the attacker.
Samus also took notice of the assailant too. Once she got a good look, she began to grow furious. "You…"
The attacker was revealed to be Dark Samus, fully intent on taking down her light counterpart and any others who stood in her way.
The Phazon entity then jumped down and tackled Samus to the ground. However, before she was able to get any lasting damage on her, a combined attack from Rosalina and Pikachu knocked her back, making her even more furious than before.
Dark Samus retaliated with a barrage of charge shots that Rosalina was able to intercept with her barrier and Lumas. Seeing an opening in the enemy's defenses, Pikachu was able to land a clean electro ball, stunning the Phazon menace.
This caused Samus to launch a super missile, pushing her dark counterpart into another room, away from the main entryway. "I'll take this one from here! The rest of you fight anything else that comes your way!"
The fighters all nodded after hearing that. All except Pikachu though. He was worried that his friend wouldn't make it. Out of a gnawing desire to help, the electric type followed after Samus, hoping to make sure that she would survive the struggle.
As for the rest of the fighters, they were struggling to keep up their defenses. Rosalina took the liberty to conjure a barrier that protected everyone inside. The ones within it were Falco, Lucario, and a temporarily incapacitated Mewtwo.
Meanwhile, Mario was fighting with Bruce. The brawler was gaining the upper hand though. "You won't win this time!"
Cappy soon started to join in. "That's where you're wrong! Now Mario!"
Suddenly, the plumber took off his hat and threw it at the brawler like a frisbee. Bruce was confused, but ultimately decided to deflect the hat away with his forearm.
However, it was a diversion. The real attack was a barrage of fireballs coming from his left hand. This left some burn marks on the brawler, but he was still far from undefeated. "You will regret that... "
Mario was able to bounce back as he caught Cappy again though. "I don't-a regret a lot of-a things in my journeys. Defeating-a you will definitely bring some-a relief."
The two fighters then made another charge toward each other with both of them fully intent on taking the other down.
Meanwhile, Dark Samus recovered from the stun Pikachu placed on her. As a result, she gained the upper hand as her light doppelganger was being pushed back into another room on the fortress's left side. She wound up in a narrow hallway where she didn't have much room to work with. Fortunately, neither did her opponent.
However, the positioning gave the Phazon entity an advantage. Seeing as how Samus couldn't avoid a projectile in a narrow space, she decided to charge up a Phazon shot. This was powerful enough to push the bounty hunter into the end of the hallway. The attack caused her to tumble into the floor of the next room.
The plan worked to Dark Samus's favor, and the bounty hunter found herself in an outdoor wide open balcony hanging over a deep chasm.
Pikachu was able to catch up to the two doppelgangers and realized that his friend was in trouble. "Pika!"
Dark Samus fired another shot, but her counterpart was quick to avoid it in the nick of time. The bounty hunter tried to close the distance by turning into a ball, but the Phazon menace wasn't making things easy for her.
Fortunately, Pikachu was able to deliver another electro ball, temporarily stunning the enemy once more. This also allowed Samus to pick her up and throw her to the edge of the balcony.
With the two fighters' combined power, they both dealt a never ending onslaught of thunderbolts, discharges, missiles, and charge shots, further weakening her.
Dark Samus was on her last legs. Realizing she was touching the railing just over the chasm with nowhere to go, she had no choice but to use her last ditch zero laser attack again.
Samus, realizing what was about to happen, shifted into a ball again to approach her doppelganger as quick as her body could take her. Once she was close enough, she turned back into a human to pounce on her. This prevented her from firing her Phazon zero laser, but it also sent them both over the railing and into the abyss below.
"Pikachu!" Shouted the electric mouse worriedly as he looked over the edge for them. However, what he saw was more than his heart could take.
Samus was hanging on for dear life by gripping onto the outer railing with her left arm. Unfortunately, Dark Samus had a steel hold on one of her counterpart's legs. With her free right cannon arm, Dark Samus was firing at her enemy uncontrollably, barely missing each attack.
Samus tried to shake her off to no avail. Noticing Pikachu standing over the edge, she called out to him. "Don't attack! If you do you'll get us both! You need to go back and get help! I'll be fine!"
"Pika…" Said Pikachu worriedly as he went back to the others.
This left the two doppelgangers alone, hanging over the cliff with neither one willing to let go. Samus tried to fire back, but Dark Samus was doing so much swinging that she couldn't get a clean shot. Every shot she tried to line up would either hit her leg or not hit at all. She even tried to kick the Phazon menace in the face to no avail.
Realizing that no help was coming in time, Samus decided to fire a wide charge shot that would undoubtedly make her dark counterpart let go, but she would also get shot point blank if Dark Samus were to fire back, forcing her to let go.
With a heavy heart, she decided to fire the charge shot. Once the Phazon entity knew this, she had to fire back. When both charge shots eventually collided, their grips were freed, sending them both to plummet into the pit.
However, Samus thought of something. Something that could save her from a bottomless grave. She was able to use her arm cannon grapple function to hold on to the lower part of the railing, preventing her from rapidly falling any further.
The same could not be said for Dark Samus though. Her grapple wasn't long enough to grab onto the railing or even Samus's foot. This was most likely due to her exhaustion of Phazon from her previous attacks. Because of this, she made a shrill vengeful screech at her sworn enemy as she fell to her doom below.
The scream echoed back up to the surface and gave Samus chills. However, those chills were nothing to worry about as she saw the figure of Dark Samus get smaller and even darker into the chasm below.
Once Samus made it back up to the surface, she was greeted by Pikachu, who brought Lucario and a recovered Mewtwo to help.
The psychic was the first to comment. "I'm surprised you were able to finish her off easily."
The bounty hunter smiled a bit nervously, but remained proud. "I had some help, but it's like I said before. I defeated her once, and I did it again."
"That's great to hear, Samus." Replied Lucario. "Let's get back to the others."
Back in the main entryway, Mario was still locked in combat with Bruce while the other fighters, Sonic, Falco, and Rosalina, were dealing with the remaining Light Primids.
Seeing how Mario was getting nowhere, Sonic decided to help him out.
He made a spin dash into the brawler, only to be knocked back by a well placed kick.
This caught the hedgehog off guard, seeing as how he was able to keep up with Bruce before. "How…? No one can match my speed!"
"Guess what, hedgehog?" Explained the brawler. "My master gave my new body all sorts of augmentations in order to take you down! One of them being better reaction time to things moving up to the speed of sound!"
The blue blur only grunted at the news. "Then I guess we're gonna have to keep on fighting."
It was then that he thought of an idea. He went close to Mario and whispered something in his ear.
Bruce took this opportunity to say something to the two partners and their hat companion. "Hey! What're you two talking about over there? Whatever plan you two might have, it can't beat my new and improved form!"
The two fighters then got into battle positions, fully intent on committing to whatever plan they came up with.
Sonic then spun into a ball in place after taking a quick glance at his partner.
After a few more seconds he gave a signal to his partner. "Now Mario!"
Once the speedster built up enough stagnant momentum, Mario ran up to the spinning blue ball and kicked it like he would a football. This impact left Sonic with enough force to obliterate several brick walls.
In a mere fraction of a second, the hedgehog managed to hit Bruce square on the chest, knocking him back into the right metal wall, and making enough force to cause a serious hole.
As he was recovering from the blow, he was expressing initial confusion and frustration before realizing what happened. "I… I get it now… Mario… combined with Sonic building additional momentum… kicked him… with enough force to make… the hedgehog move faster than sound… "
Bruce was able to get on his feet once more. He was banged up a bit from the earlier attack, but he was still capable of fighting.
Sonic was going in for another hit. He was about to land a left hook when the brawler suddenly grabbed his left wrist in fury. "I'll make this quick!"
He then turned a knob on his belt, causing a device on his glove to emit electricity, coursing through Sonic's entire body.
"Sonic!" Shouted Mario as he was running toward his friend.
Unfortunately, the plumber's speed was nowhere near Sonic's. As a result, he couldn't save him in time.
After Bruce was done administering his electricity, he dropped Sonic's limp and unconscious body on the ground for Mario to see.
The two combatants were looking at each other in the eyes, dead set on obtaining a victory.
The brawler was the one to speak up first. "Let's finish this."
Mario obliged by saying the first response that came to his mind. "Let's-a go."
The two ran toward each other until they were hitting distance from each other. They each traded blows with one another, displaying breathtaking speeds and incredible strength.
Both fighters had determination. However, Mario had something special. An advantage that Bruce would never have. "I'm-a not alone in this-a struggle, Bruce."
The brawler, confused at his words, let his guard down and received a kick from Mario at his face.
Once he recovered himself once more, he could see the other fighters surrounding him, as well as his own minions defeated.
"This is-a where it ends-a for you."
Backed into a corner, Bruce attempted one last ditch attack. "If I'm going down, I'm taking all of you with me!"
He then started charging up energy in his body and redirected it all into his right fist. "I'll make a charging punch so strong it will obliterate every one of you! This is the end!"
Once he stored enough energy, he made a mad dash towards Mario. However, before he could do anything, he found himself floating in the air. "What is this? What's happening to me?"
The Elite Brawler then noticed the source of the telekinesis on him. The legendary psychic Mewtwo, hoisted up on Lucario's shoulder while Pikachu and Samus were running at Mario's side.
Soon enough, all fighters had their sights set on Bruce, seeing as how he was the last opponent in the fortress.
Soon enough, Mario thought of an idea. A fitting defeat to the fighter that plagued him for much of his recent journey. "Lower him-a bit Mewtwo."
Mario then took a running speed at the brawler, fully intent on finishing the fight. "This is-a for my friends. And-a for our victories. Now and-a forever."
The plumber then jumped above the brawler with his fist raised high above his head. In a moment's notice, he swung the fist over his head and down onto Bruce's skull.
The impact didn't kill him, but it did considerably knock him out of commission.
Sonic was recovering from the earlier electricity attack. He was helped up by Falco and Rosalina.
"Are you okay?" Asked the celestial princess.
The Blue Blur, always quick on the jokes, decided to shift it over to Mario. "Why don't you ask him that?"
Mario was looking down on Bruce's unconscious body. Rosalina, worried for his longtime friend, left Sonic and went to Mario's side. "Mario, how are you feeling?"
After a few seconds of silence, the plumber gave his answer. "I feel-a fine. And-a ready to finish this."
The rest of the fighters saw the resolve in Mario's eyes. They all decided to follow his example and ascend the center stairs, making their way to the main hallway that would lead them to Galeem.
The main hallway was long and tedious. Fortunately, there were no enemies to impede their journey.
All of the fighters present were making double time on running to what was on the other side.
Mario was in the front with Sonic, Samus, and Pikachu at his side. Falco and Lucario were behind them, but had no problem catching up to the other four. Finally, Rosalina and Mewtwo were flying above them. Not only to prevent any surprise attacks, but to save their energy for the upcoming fight.
After several minutes more of traversing the hallway, they finally came across a big set of silver double doors.
Once all fighters saw the looming gateway, they all possessed the resolve necessary to achieve the impossible. Bringing Galeem down.
Mario then spoke up one last time. "Everyone, good-a luck. Once-a we get through these-a doors, there's-a no going back."
Everyone nodded to indicate their response. With that fast reply, Mario took the honor of opening the gate. "Here we go."
The doors swung open for them. Once they were on the other side, they saw a throne room filled with ornate gold and silver walls, railings, and staircases. At the center of the room though was Galeem himself, in his human form, sitting on his throne and looking down at his opposition.
"So… you finally made it." Said the Lord of Light. "I was expecting you to launch an attack here. It was only a matter of time."