Hey there guys, Just wanted to let you know that I made a sight change in the previous chapter, I made the king to a prince to add more depth to the story, anyways here you go.

Chapter 20: Un-welcomed

A small aircraft was soaring over countless vines and trees; going at a comfortable yet fast speed to reach their destination: Underground. The team was resting in cockpit of the vehicle; preparing their gear whiles Samus flew the ship with steady grip.

"So you guys decides who goes on a mission by picking names out of a hat?" Asked Gunner, polishing her cannon with a cloth.

"Yes we do." Replied Lucario. "May sound silly, but it's really effective. It gives the Smashers a fair chance, not to mention it's really simple; don't have to do anything complicated."

"Okay, so is everyone here because they got picked?"

"That's usually the case, but not this time."

"Oh?" The Mii stopped her cleaning, looking at the canine in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"We decide that we would pick specific fighters for this mission, due to the concerns of FW." Explained Snake, taking a quick smoke of his cigarette. "Everyone you see here volunteered on their own volition."

"Is that true guys?" The shooter asked her team. "Did you came here on your own free will?"

"Yes." Answered Fox. "When Samus and I were analyzing that blue substance found on the scraps, we discovered that the mucus comes from a specific variant of ant; which can only be found in Underground. We came along for this trip to find anymore possible clues on our mystery bomber."

"That makes sense." Said Gunner. "But why did you two wait to travel to the city till now?"

"We just got the information today." Spoke the armored woman. "We had to be 100% sure that the tests were correct. We can't be making mistakes on wild goose chases."

The Mii nodded, turning her head to the racer and the robot. "Falcon? R.O.B?"

"[Due to the fact that Underground is an advance technological city, I felt that my hacking abilities would be most useful in a place like that]"

The bounty hunter leaned against a wall, giving a smirk. "I was tried staying at the palace. Hoped to get some action on this wonderful mission."

"Well let's hope it's the good kind of action." Snake said as he finished his cigarette. "I don't want any incidents on this expedition. We're here to get the Newcomer and get out. Nothing else."

"We arrived." Samus told the team, the scenery of a futuristic medieval city came into view; being surrounded by a ginormous metal wall that covered every entrance and exit into the robotic metropolis.

"All right then, let's get a move on!" Announced Snake as he put his butt into an ash tray. "I have a feeling we'll have a big day ahead of us."

The ship landed on the dry dirt, extending its landing gear as the vehicle made a complete stop. The fighters hopped out of the aircraft to gaze up at the wall. It was made up of metal based alloy; most likely steel. Its structure was very tall as a skyscraper, seamlessly touching the clouds with its top rims. Finally. There was a humongous picture of an ant on the front of the barrier, which appeared to have been painstakingly engraved by tools based on the scratch marks that were near the outline of the metallic insect.

"So how do we get in?" Asked Gunner.

"[Right there.]" R.O.B. pointed to a door made of polished stone, which was located at the very bottom of the wall. Beside the door was an intercom, fitted with a simple speaker, and a big red button. "[If we buzz in, they answer, and let us through.]"

Snake walked up to the door and pressed the button. "Hello, it's Snake. Can you allow us entry? We have some business to discuss with the king." No response. "I repeat, it's Snake. Can you allow us entry? We have some business to discuss with the king." Still nothing.

"What's happening Snake?" Questioned Lucario.

The solider looked at the door intently, he appeared calm but in reality he was worried. "Somethings not right. They usually answer in no time"

"Perhaps they're just busy?" Said the shooter.

"Or maybe in trouble." Replied Fox "FW had to extract the mucus to create his bomb, it's possible he's been here already."

"You think the ants are in danger?"

"It's a possibility, it would explain why they didn't answer our messages recently."

"If that's the case, we have to get in now." Snake looked at the intercom and got an idea. "R.O.B., do you think you can hack the door?"

The robot pondered the thought for a several seconds before responding. "[I can, but I'll need direct access to the system for it to work.]"

"I can fix that." The Solider reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin. He used it to unscrew the four screws that were holding the frame together. When he was done, he took it off to expose the wires and circuitry that was hanging off the wall.

R.O.B moved towards the intercom and took one of the cords into his claws, to which he used to plug in the back of his head. "[Hmm. I can get it opened, but it'll take some time.]"

"That's good enough for me." Answered Snake. "Just tell us when you're through."

"[Sure thing.]"

The Veteran strolled to rest of the team, and gave a sigh. "Get comfortable people, we'll be here for a while."

"Since we're stuck at the moment, do you think you guys can tell me more about the ants?" Asked the Mii.

"Alright Gunner." Said Lucario. "I'll tell you everything that you need to know about Underground. Where do you want to begin?"

"Start with the history, I want to know how they came to be this way."

"Well, here it goes." The canine stayed silent to organize his thoughts before speaking. "The ants formed the city of Underground during the 64 era; having it built in this very jungle. They used to be a tribal democracy but overtime they evolved into a government monarchy, being under control of the Quartz royalty, a family of noble ants that ruled over the society. Shortly after the beginning of the Melee era, the ants discovered technology, which proved to be their most favorite invention; quickly adapting to implement the machines to every aspect of their lives."

"But how exactly did they become cyborgs."

"I was getting to that." Butted the Pokémon before continuing. "At the start of the Brawl era, a terrible plague swept through the city; they survived but it took a lot of ants in its wake, including the majority of the Quartz family."

"That's horrible!"

"Yep, and it doesn't end there." Said Captain Falcon. "The only surviving member of the monarchy was Rubrum Quartz, the youngest, and now only prince in the city. Rubrum went mad with grief over losing everyone he loved. One day he came up with the idea of implementing machine into his subjects. Believing that if they became 'evolved.' As he put it. The ants would become immortal. So he turned his people into cyborgs, thinking he's saving his species from the death itself." The bounty hunter paused, swiping the sweat from his forehead. "We were only aware of their existence after forming the Super Smash Brothers. Like we said earlier, despite how unstable the prince was, he was welcoming towards us; going as far to say that the Smashers weren't a threat to his kingdom. We got that information by touring Underground's history museum."

"Man." Stated Gunner, her mood deflating quite drastically. "I thought the prince was just an insane tyrant, but now I know he's just a guy who went through so much pain. It's no wonder he snapped."

"Yes it's a shame to what happened to Rubrum and his family, but keep in mind; what he did. Was wrong." Commented Samus. "Even though it's understandable to why he would do such a thing, it doesn't make it anymore right."

"Have you tried talking to him about turning his people back to normal?"

"We tried that, but he won't listen. Rubrum is so stubborn in his beliefs that he'll shut down the conversation altogether, or in worst cases going in a fit of protective rage for even mildly suggesting an idea like that."

"And we can't liberate them either." Said Snake. "It'll be pretty hard overthrowing Rubrum from his seat of power. Even if we were successful, we still have to deal with the prince's followers, which makes up almost half of Underground's population. These followers will only continue the policies of the kingdom, declaring a declaration of war upon our organization. That is something that we cannot afford."

"So…nothing?" Asked Gunner, appearing to be mildly upset. "There's nothing we can do to help them?"

"Afraid so. Perhaps one day, Rubrum and his followers will see the errors of their ways and change their lives for the better. But I wouldn't bet on it. Sometimes you have to stop worrying about stuff you can't control, and let nature takes it course."

"Damn. That just…That just sucks."

"Damn right indeed."

Whiles the group conversed among themselves, R.O.B. finally managed to open the entrance, which made a loud cranking sound as it retracted up into the wall. "[Hey guys, I got it opened!]"

"That's our cue." Said Fox. "Come on, we got business to take care of."

The Mii stood silent for a moment before raising her head up with a fake reassuring expression. "Yeah." After replying with a single five-lettered word. She followed her peers into Underground, not sure of what to expect.

The team was traveling throughout the city; looking at the scenery around them. The buildings were made out of sandstone, ranging from small huts to towering skyscrapers. Technology covered large parts of said buildings; motherboards, wires, and light bulbs were visible in the raise of the sun. Making the female Newcomer uncomfortable. "So besides the whole cyborg thing, is there anything else I should be wary of?"

"Hmm." Thought Lucario, searching his brain for any more information. "Besides the Roboticization, the ants had found a way to solidify digital data."

"Solidify digital data?" Asked Gunner. "You mean the stuff that computers use?"

"You heard me right. Don't ask me how, but Rubrum managed to find a process for turning computer code into tangible matter. I'm very intrigued how such a thing is possible."

"But why is that important to keep note of?"

"[Because they implemented the compressed data into their tech]" Replied R.O.B "[They mainly use for their weapons and tools, such as: ammo, sword blades, and force fields. The data itself is not very powerful but due to the fact that digital code is unlimited, the ants can't run out of energy. Which makes it a force to be reckoned with in combat.]"

"Oh."

"Speaking of the ants, where are they? These streets are usually busy as this time of hour." Questioned the vulpine. The avenue was void of any signs of life, the silent was so thick it could be cut with a knife.

"I got a bad feeling about this; something bad happened, I know it." Stated Samus.

"We can't go jumping to conclusions Samus." Responded the jackal. "We need more intel before we make our minds on something. I know it's…Hold on, I think I see something."

"What is it?" Falcon asked the Pokémon.

"Over there, the ants are at the times square." Answered the blue canine. He was pointing to an alleyway that was on the right of the team. At the end of the alley, a mass of red figures were moving in the distance, most likely the inhabitants of the city.

"Are they having a meeting of some sort?" Said Gunner.

"Could explain why they didn't answer the door; to busied occupied."

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go see what's it's all about!" Commented the male bounty hunter.

The fighters entered the alleyway and exited out to the courtyard, where did indeed see ants that were missing, all group together into a sea of crimson. Their body parts were replaced with machinery; some had robotic arms, some had robotic legs, there was even one ant that had half his face moved. Every single one of this creatures had become a cyborg. Standing emotionless with glassy eyes as they stared up at a huge TV monitor that was attached to the top of city hall. The screen became static for several seconds before a picture of cartoonish ant appeared on the screen, wearing a pristine gold crown.

"Attention ladies and gentlemen!" Said a garbled that emanated from the nearby speakers. "Give your praise for your lord and savior! Prince Rubrum!"

The picture had changed to the video of the crazy noble himself on a white background. He wore a dark blue cape that hung around his neck, alongside a golden crown that sat on top of his head, and a silver staff in his right hand. This guy was different from all the other ants, he didn't had any of the machinery that plagued the rest of his subjects. He was completely normal.

"That's odd, he doesn't have any of the cybernetic implants anymore." Said Snake.

"You mean he was once a cyborg?!" Whispered the shooter.

"Yep, He switched most of his body with his own technology; the only parts on him that were actually biological was his head and torso."

"But now he's all fine and dandy now?"

"Looks that way." Replied Lucario. "Doesn't make any sense."

"Hello my fellow subjects!" Said Rubrum.

"Hello Prince Rubrum!" Said all the ants at once, their voices sounding unpleasantly monotonous in nature.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting, I know how loyal you guys are to me." He chuckled with madness before continuing his speech. "Anyway, I just wanted to give you an update, you wouldn't believe what happened today."

"Oh really? What is it Prince Rubrum?" Shouted the crowd.

"Well, since you all are very interested. I give you the scoop!" Replied the noble, taking a very long breath. "I was making some touches on a very important program, when I noticed that the alarms in our city's finest laboratories have gone off. I checked the security cameras to see this little hooligan running around!" He said with anger as snapped his fingers.

The video changed to the feed of a child strapped down onto a steel wall. This child wore a dark blue helmet alongside a light blue jumpsuit, with a hand cannon attached to his left arm, just like the one Gunner has. Cables and wires ran into the kid, he seemed to be in pain as he struggled against his bonds.

"I-i-is that the Newcomer?" Stuttered Fox, feeling absolutely shocked.

"I think it is." Growled Snake.

"What's he doing to him?!" Said Lucario.

"I found this guy intruding into the development room! Injuring several of my guards before we caught him!" Rubrum stated before changing the picture back to him. "He was spouting about a bunch of nonsense. Say that 'He's confused' or 'Where am I?! I want to go back home!' Whatever that's supposed to mean!" Explained the prince, making air quotations with his fingers.

"I was wondering about what to do with him when I found out his potential. Turns out he's a machine like you and me, and his circuitry is very unique." The noble said with a grin.

"I don't like this." Stated the Mii.

"Neither do I." Responded the male bounty hunter.

"His body can absorb and adapt to certain situations. In other words, he can theoretically modify himself to combat any sort of scenario possible. If I can replicate this into our technology, we'd be unstoppable! We can then finally save to world from horrors of death by evolving them! We be remembered as saviors for eternity!" Shouted Rubrum as the zombie-like crowd, who clapped for him like a bunch of robotic puppets.

"We can't let him do this!" Said Samus

"Damn right we can't!" Agreed Snake. "We need to put an end to this ASAP!"

"Huh?" When Rubrum finished speaking, he noticed the group of trophies that stood behind the crowd, gazing at them through the tiny camera inside the monitor. "Oh, ho ho, look at this folks! It appears that we have some surprised guests within our mist." All the ants turned around towards the fighters, eyeing them with indifference. "Hello Smash Brothers. What made you drop by for a visit?"

"What do you think you're doing?" Demanded Lucario.

"Oh I'm giving a grand speech you blue pooch." Replied the prince, doing a stereotypical flamboyant pose. "You like it? I wrote it myself."

"You know what I'm talking about! You're planning to turn everyone in the world into cyborgs with that Newcomer!"

"I'm trying to help the world evolve, make them in better people. It's good for them."

"I highly doubt that most people would go along with your vision."

"Yes they most likely would." Sighed the prince, shaking his head in dismay. "I would have to use force to make sure they're saved. They'll fight against it for sure, but eventually, the world we come to agree with my way of thinking, thanking me for saving them from the clutches of the grim reaper."

"I had enough of this!" Falcon said to his peers before facing the psychotic noble. "Release the Newcomer! You don't have the right to treat him like a battery!"

"Hmm…actually I do." Rubrum replied with a smile as he took a piece of paper of screen, pointing to a section that was written in black ink. "According to our constitution, Anyone who commit acts of violence on government property will be labeled as terrorists; and since terrorists can't have individual liberties, they can be held indefinitely. And do you know what he did? He committed an act of violence on government property. He attacked my men, some of them are in critical condition because of him."

"He's just a child!" Argued the captain, fumes coming out of his ears. "You're willing to put the kid through such pain?!"

"Yes." The noble said, appearing quite depressed. "I have to do this for my plan to be a success. It hurts me so much to torture the boy like this, but it's necessary. I hate myself for even thinking it, but if doing such evil will make the world a better place, then so be it." The prince curled his hand into a fist and place it near his chest. "I made a promise to myself and I plan to keep it. I'll make grant eternally peace to the WOT even if it kills me!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, calming down shortly after. "Hopefully I can make it up to the people I hurt when I'm finally casted to the pits of eternal fire."

"I…You…YOU WILL!" Yelled the man, raising his voice to match that of a deafening roar.

"Wait Falcon, don't-" Butted Snake, trying to stop the Veteran but he was too late.

"YOU WILL NOT GET AWAY WITH THIS YOU RED DEVIL! I'll STOP YOU WITH MY COLD DEAD HANDS!"

Rubrum face contorted from the protective rage he was feeling, gripping his staff with intense strength. "Oh I see, you don't want me to save the world because you're pissed off at me! WELL GUESS WHAT SON! I'm not going to let the planet die in vain because of your false sense of morality! I'll do anything to evolve the universe! Even if I have to go through you!"

The prince pointed to the camera, his eye twitching sporadically. "GET THEM!" The ants took out their weapons into their hands; staring the fighters down with an uncontrollable bloodlust.

Just before anyone made a move, Gunner did a simple prayer. Putting her hands together as she clenched her eyes shut. 'God, if you're hearing this, please…Help us.

Hey guys, the chapter might be a bit late because of college and all, but i'll do my best to publish it on time

Also the SYOE is still open, so there's still time to put in your enemy.

Till next time.