Hiding in my Skin, Broken from Within

by Rie Sonomura

Her fear of abandonment. His desire to atone for the sin he committed against her, as well as to be seen as who he really is inside. Will they come to terms, heal from the pain, and let down their barriers? Falconcina. Content warnings in appropriate chapters; there will be some sensuality and spoilers for various games represented in Smash. WoL tie in in ch 17. NOW COMPLETE.

23. Our Beginning

penultimate chapter let's gooooooooooooo

Content warnings: Long chapter, blood, some swearing. NUDITY/SENSUALITY AT ONE POINT (not too explicit). Hints of PaluPit (that one's more on the platonic side really), Bayotena, and Cloudnetta. Also expect some surprises at the end.

Oh, and I'm sure it's pretty well implied but I wanna make it explicit: assume wherever the Smashers go to free one of their own, they do a total clean sweep and free every Spirit in the area too, even the ones I don't explicitly namedrop (except for Fiora for this fic as she stays in her Mecha form; the Hom form is the ONLY Spirit I'm omitting, and one other will be replaced). No Smasher OR Spirit left behind. Some characters that aren't Spirits proper have been made into a Spirit (Morgan, and a character you'll see next chapter... hint they've appeared in chapter 13, and they're NOT Elma, who appears here instead), and I even included some Spirit Board Spirits (like Black Shadow, Lao, the Squid Sisters and Elma) and shop Spirits (like Pyra). Bandana Dee usually is evolved from regular Waddle Dee, but they're also separate in this fic too. Lastly, the Fierce Deity Link Spirit (the last Dark Spirit before Bayonetta) was replaced with Lao, as a more metaphorical way of representing darkness. It was gonna be Malos from Xenoblade 2 originally, as a more literal example and also to complement Mythra being the final Light Spirit before Palutena, but since Elma's coming with the team in charge of saving Bayonetta...yeah.

Title Namesake - Our Beginning from the Persona 5 OST (Which is also in Smash Ultimate!)

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Hiding in my Skin, Broken from Within

Chapter 22 - Our Beginning

Once everyone headed up the stairs and into the portal, they emerged on what looked like the original cliffs they first faced Galeem at, only there was a sea of light and dark clouds where the ocean once was, with a luminous path meandering above the cloud ocean. In the skies above, Dharkon, situated on the left, was firing beams of dark energy at Galeem on the right, who countered with their own beams of light energy. Swarms of fake Crazy and Master Hands assisted their respective cosmic beings, fighting the Hands on the opposing side. The Smashers only watched.

"This war between light and darkness has gone on long enough," Marth said. "We have to defeat them both, or we'll all cease to exist..."

"Any ideas on what to do next, Shulk?" Simon asked him.

"Hmmm..." Focusing, Shulk's eyes began to glow blue as a vision came to him. Once it was finished, he took a deep breath and began, "We... can't go for Galeem or Dharkon individually in the hopes of attacking them both. In order to get access to Galeem, the balance of light and darkness must be disrupted so that the darkness overpowers the light; and vice versa for being able to attack Dharkon."

"Okay, but how do we do that whole disrupting thing?" Snake questioned.

"Apparently, freeing Spirits captured by Galeem will increase Dharkon's power, and the converse applies to increasing Galeem's power," Shulk explained. "And as I've implied, you don't want that outcome."

"Why not?" Dark Pit asked with a shrug, his tone somewhat dry. "We just kill one, shift the balance again and go for the other, right?"

"...Wrong." The blunt graveness of Shulk's reply made the normally cool headed Dark Pit stiffen in fear and gulp nervously. Shulk continued with, "If, for instance, Dharkon is defeated first, Galeem will absorb Dharkon's Spirits as well as their own and carry out their original plan of... erasing us 'imperfect' beings and restarting the multiverse." Glancing at Mario, he somberly told the plumber, "I've seen the other outcome too... if Galeem dies first, Dharkon will spread their corruption like a deadly disease... and unfortunately, Mario, you're their first victim. It... isn't a merciful end."

"M-mama mia..." Mario shuddered in terror as his own twin brother tried to comfort him, trying to put on a brave face. Equally horrified and heartbroken at the thought, Lucina and Captain Falcon, the two lovers who were reunited after being forced to fight on opposite sides of the cosmic conflict, huddled together and embraced each other tightly, not wanting to let go, bearing melancholy looks on their faces.

"Is... is there anything we can do at all...?" Falcon asked timidly, holding Lucina even tighter.

"What about... the Hands?" Lucina inquired. "Surely they'd be able to do something?"

"I imagine so, but..." Shulk held his hand to his chin in a thoughtful manner as he continued, "I'm not sensing them anywhere... Captain, you said Bayonetta and Palutena were most likely here, right? I don't sense them, either..."

"Strange..." The Captain murmured. Suddenly, he briefly staggered before crouching and clutching his head in his hands, as if he were having a horrible headache. "U-ugh..."

"Babe?!" Lucina immediately crouched down and got closer to her boyfriend, trying to figure out what was wrong. "What is it...?"

"It... hurts..." He panted, groaning. "W-wait... this...is..."

"This is...?"

"What's going on?! Where am I?! Someone, anyone, please help!"

"Roy..." The Captain murmured, slowly standing up. "He's here...he sounds terrified, poor boy..."

"Babe, does this mean...?" Lucina trailed off, apprehensively.

"It...would appear so," Captain Falcon answered his girlfriend. "Just like you could hear the screams of your family and friends when they were under Dharkon's control, I can hear Roy's. Which... can only mean he's under Galeem's control, like I once was."

Maybe... this is what Dharkon meant when they said I was Galeem's "back up" emissary. But... why am I hearing the screams of their captives just now...? Why not in the Light Realm? He faintly gasped as he came to a realization. "Unless..."

"Unless... what?" Shulk asked him.

Regaining his bearings, Falcon answered Shulk as he stood, "What if... Galeem is stooping to the same tactics Dharkon did in the Dark Realm? Influencing the thoughts or emotions of their victims?"

"It wouldn't surprise me," Shulk commented. "The two had been at war for a while. They want whatever edge over the other they can get, and you know what they say about imitation and flattery... well, maybe 'flattery' wouldn't be the right word choice here, but you understand what I mean."

"Yeah..."

"Nnnngh..." All of a sudden, Lucina groaned as the voice of another one of Dharkon's captives echoed in her mind.

"Sweetheart!" Falcon managed to catch his lover before she collapsed to the ground. "Is it...?"

"Another one of us that Dharkon has captured...yes..." Lucina strained. Within a few seconds, she shuddered as she murmured, "But... this one's... ugh... different..."

"H-how so?"

"This voice sounds... eerily calm, not in any sort of distress. Just breathing. Like this person's...waiting for someone..."

"Samus..."

"Ah...!" Looking around slowly, Lucina asked, "...Samus?"

"Yes?" Samus walked over to the Ylissean.

"Do you know... anyone who may bear ill will against you? Aside from Ridley, of course. The voice I heard... was full of evil and malice, like the person it belonged to had a vendetta against someone..."

"...There's no mistaking it." Samus turned and looked in the direction of the dark side of the cloud sea. "She's been waiting for me."

"Who's 'she'?" Lucina inquired.

"...Someone who should never have existed. Someone who was born from me that day when I was investigating the Phazon... my clone." Pausing, she looked down and took a deep breath before clarifying.

"...Dark Samus." Lucina's eyes widened in shock at Samus's announcement.

Looking ahead once more, Samus announced with determination in her voice, "I have to settle the score... if I have to free her from Dharkon in the process, it can't be helped. I've been waiting for this moment." Pressing a button on the device on her left wrist, she then held her arms out to her sides and her legs close together as she began to levitate, electric sparks gathering around her. One by one, the pieces of her Power Suit flew to her body and became equipped to her, starting from her boots, followed by her thigh greaves, arm attachments, and breastplate, concluding with her familiar helmet. Everyone watched in awe and wonder as Samus, now donning her Power Suit, slowly descended to the ground.

"Alright," she declared, her voice slightly muffled in the helmet. "I'm going in."

"Not without me, you're not," Snake spoke up. "Being separated from you once was hell, not to mention twice. If the third time was for real... I'd never forgive myself." He looked down wistfully.

"Snake..."

"Huh...?" A vision suddenly came to Shulk, after which he told the couple, "You... might want to bring Ridley along, too."

"Him?! Are you mad, Shulk?!" Samus protested.

"I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out," Shulk explained. "The minute Dark Samus is freed and realizes Dharkon was controlling her, she'll be absolutely livid, trying to free Dharkon's Spirits so that the light can weaken Dharkon and she would try to take them out. According to my vision, Ridley's the only one who can dissuade her, as he managed to break free from Dharkon's control on his own once he realized it, without being defeated, reached out to by someone close to him, or reasoned with."

"Ugh, fine," Snake griped, rolling his eyes. Glancing at Ridley momentarily, he then got close to the feared space pirate and, without a moment's hesitation, strapped a C4 to the beast's torso. Everyone gasped in terror, afraid Ridley would somehow retaliate, when Snake reassured them, "It's fine. The C4 won't go off unless I hit the switch." Turning to Ridley once more with a stern glare, he threatened the space pirate with, "Unless you wanna be blown sky high, you'll only help us free Spirits along the way, and dissuade Dark Samus from going after Dharkon once she's saved. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES are you to turn on us, or God forbid, try to go after Dharkon yourself, or Galeem for that matter. Nod if you understand."

Ridley wordlessly nodded with an obliging expression on his face.

"I'll be holding you to it, now," Snake emphasized. Everyone else looked on in wonder as Snake was able to tame the feared mass murderer using only a remotely-denotated C4 and threatening commands.

"Wasn't there someone else who resisted Dharkon's control without outside help?" Samus asked.

"That would be Wario," Robin answered the bounty huntress. "Probably because he's just too selfish to obey anyone's orders, only thinking of himself. He's the type to play by his own rules."

"I see," she replied. "Speaking of... where is he?"

"Wha-" Robin looked around and saw Wario riding off into the distance on his motorcycle. "...Of course he'd do this. We haven't even finished detailing our plans for now... Mewtwo, if you would?"

"On it." Mewtwo teleported away, and within seconds arrived back with Wario and his bike in tow.

"HEY! Nobody bosses Wario around!" Wario objected. Mewtwo only dropped him and his bike a short distance from the ground. "Ouch!"

"Wario, please, this is serious," Shulk reprimanded the haughty con man. "We need to plan our next moves carefully. It's imperative you hear us out to the end."

"Pffft, fine, I guess I'll do that," Wario conceded with a scoff. "You'd-a better make it snappy, though!"

"Anyway, since the team in charge of saving Dark Samus has been decided, what about saving Roy?" The Captain suggested. "I imagine once both are free, Shulk might get another vision of what to do next."

"I'll go," Chrom volunteered. Glancing in the direction of the clouds of light, he continued, "I'm his Echo. And if what you say is true, Captain, he needs someone to reassure him that everything's okay."

"Chrom..." The Captain murmured, somewhat timidly.

"I finally got my chance, and you welcomed me in spite of our past. I won't let this opportunity go to waste."

"I'll go too," Marth said. "Roy and I joined Smash at the same time, during the second tournament. He's a dear friend of mine, and he was beyond happy to see me again when he returned for the fourth."

"Chrom!" A familiar voice called out to Chrom. Turning around, Chrom saw the Spirit of his younger sister, Lissa, standing before him.

"Lissa?"

"It's so good to see you again, big brother!" Lissa smiled and hugged her brother. Even though he could barely feel her hug, he was content being reunited with his family.

"Just glad to know you're safe," Chrom told her.

"Aunt Lissa?" Lucina asked Lissa's Spirit. "Where did they find you?"

"It's all a blur," Lissa said. "I remember light beams invading Ylisse, and then everything went dark. Marth found me in that place you guys call the Mysterious Realm."

"They found one of yours, Tharja, in the Light Realm too, sweetheart," Captain Falcon told his lover.

"I see..." Lucina murmured. "This interdimensional war... Galeem and Dharkon even took people who weren't involved in the tournament at all..." Making eye contact with Lissa, Lucina declared, "Don't worry, Aunt Lissa. I promise, we'll defeat them both and get you and everyone else home safely."

"I'm so proud of you, Lucina," Lissa commended her niece from the future. "And I'm proud of my brother, too, for finally being accepted into Smash!"

"I'm happy that you're happy, my dear sister," Chrom said. "So, are you coming along?"

"Of course!" Lissa chimed. "I'll do my best to help Roy, and we can catch up along the way!"

"Good luck, father, Aunt Lissa," Lucina told them. "I pray Naga will keep you all safe."

"Alright, that's settled," Shulk announced. "I guess everyone else will help free Spirits, but I must urge you all to please, watch the balance of light and darkness. If the balance starts to skew too heavily to one side, I urge you to wait until those on the opposite side try to normalize it. If at ANY POINT Galeem or Dharkon are weakened enough to be able to fight them, do not engage. I repeat: DO NOT ENGAGE. We need to find a way to fight them both at once, so until then, please hold off."

"Shulk?" Lucina asked Shulk.

"Yes?"

"I... think I'll abstain from freeing Spirits," she said timidly. "Hearing Dark Samus's voice... this 'ability' Dharkon gave me... it takes a lot out of me. If I'm freeing Spirits, I'll probably hear her voice more... Plus, I can't shake it but I have a bad feeling about what would happen if the balance were upset, since Dharkon and I are connected. I think I should... see what happens first."

"Think I'll sit this one out too, for similar reasons," Falcon announced. "I... think I'm connected to Galeem somehow. I, too, want to gauge the effects that the shifting of the balance has on me first..."

"Understood," Shulk reassured them. "I suppose I'll take a break too... I've been spearheading the rescue efforts so far and I can only take so much." Turning to the others, he told them, "Alright, everyone, move out. Remember what I told you guys. Once Roy and Dark Samus are saved, meet me back here so I can discuss the next steps."

...

Once everyone else left, Shulk took a seat on the luminous path, with Fiora's Spirit close by. Captain Falcon and Lucina followed suit.

"I guess all we have to do now is wait," Lucina said.

"Looks like it," Shulk replied. "If what you guys say is true... I want to make sure you'll be alright."

"Thank you, Shulk," The Captain thanked him.

"I... also want to touch base with you guys," Shulk admitted, chuckling bashfully.

"I guess that would be nice," Falcon said with a smile. "Some idle chatter could put us at ease."

"So..." Shulk began, "Fiora's been filling me on some of it, but you two got close during your time away from Smash City?"

"Yeah," the Captain confirmed. "Kinda hard to believe it all started with me saving her from certain doom at the hands of the Territorial Rotbart."

"Which, not to brag, you guys would be toast against him had I not shown up," Fiora boasted, rubbing the bottom of her nose with her left index finger as a somewhat prideful gesture.

"What would I ever do without you, Fiora?" Lucina playfully inquired. "After that, the Captain volunteered to train me, and... the rest is history." Noticing the balance of the clouds below them already shifting in the darkness's favor, she stammered, trying to keep everyone there calm, "Of course, I learned a lot of valuable skills from his training too. I intend to put them all to use."

"I've noticed," Shulk remarked. "The way you tried to fend off Black Shadow that day... No ordinary person would be able to take someone like him on for as long as you did unprepared. I know the Captain trained his own combat abilities for situations like that, too. You've really come a long way."

"Don't you know it's rude to gossip?" Boomed a voice neither Lucina nor Captain Falcon thought they would ever hear again. Preparing for a fight, they, Shulk and Fiora stood and turned to see the Spirit of Black Shadow standing there.

"Black Shadow...!" Falcon grunted.

"Why are you here...?" Lucina interrogated him.

"Put down your weapons," Black Shadow demanded. "I have not come for a fight. I cannot harm any of you, even other Spirits like miss Fiora here, even if I wanted to. And trust me: the urge is very strong."

"State your business now," Fiora threatened him.

"My, aren't you feisty," Black Shadow taunted her. "Anyway, I was just suddenly freed from the grasp of the being you all call Galeem, without so much as being shoved into one of those disgusting Puppet Fighters. And... I am swallowing my pride to ask you all a favor."

"Depends on what it..." Shulk began skeptically before seeing Wario approach on his motorbike. "...is...?"

"There you are!" Wario called out to Black Shadow's Spirit. "You're not-a getting away that easy!"

"...Please, I beg of you all, get me away from this obnoxious money grubber who has no concept of personal hygiene!" Black Shadow pleaded. "I swear, he's worse than Don Genie!"

Several moments of silence passed before Shulk, Fiora, Lucina and Captain Falcon burst into hearty laughter.

"You fools dare mock my plight?! Have you no idea who I am? I am Black Shadow, revered criminal mastermind!"

"Not now, you're not," Lucina laughed, slapping her left thigh in hysteria.

"I can't believe Wario of all people is bossing you around now," Shulk chortled, his eyes starting to water from laughing so much.

"How the mighty have fallen!" Fiora howled, clutching her side.

"What can I say, dude?" Captain Falcon teased his nemesis, covering his mouth and giggling. "Karma's a bitch!"

"Were it not for me lacking a corporeal form, I would make you all pay for your insolence!" Black Shadow bellowed.

"Yeah, yeah, revenge-a later, helping me comes now," Wario dismissively told Black Shadow, grabbing him by the arm and dragging him away.

"Whyyyyyy..." Black Shadow whined as Wario pulled him along.

After the two couples spent several more seconds laughing at the ironic poetic justice that ensued, the Captain wheezed, "Man...that was rich. Only in situations like this, eh?"

"It's just one of many memories we've made together," Lucina said. "I... like making good memories. When I first traveled back in time to save my father, we caught up on the time I missed with him after he died in the future I came from."

"Awww," Fiora cooed before noticing the dark clouds surging forth some more, prompting her to gulp in fear.

"A-and... of course, the memories I made with you are very precious, Fiora," Lucina tried to quell her friend's fears. "And with everyone from Smash City... Shulk, Robin, Zelda, and most of all... the Captain." She looked at her lover and smiled affectionately, blushing.

"Heh, you're so cute, Lucina." Noticing the dark clouds increasing still and darkening the sky more and more, he said, "Remember when we visited Mute City? And our little date in New Los Angeles? That was wonderful... Being with you like that let me forget my cares and just... be myself."

"And being with you like I was then... helped me see the joys of a normal life, free from conflict... something I didn't really know in the world I came from. Once we get out of here, I hope we can go back to that... and make more lasting memories together..."

"Yeah," Falcon agreed. "If we all do have to part ways someday... we should make as many memories as we can beforehand. People come and go, but memories are forever." Looking to the side, he murmured, "Speaking of NLA, I wonder where Elma is—" Before being interrupted by a harrowing sight.

"Oh no..."

The other three finally noticed the issue - the balance had been completely thrown off and darkness reigned supreme, making Galeem vulnerable in the process. The skies were so dark, it instilled a terror like no other in the hearts of the four who stayed behind.

"Horrifying..." Lucina murmured, shuddering in dread. "This is the world Dharkon wants... pure darkness... without the light of hope anywhere to be found..." Looking at her right hand momentarily, she muttered tremulously, "Just like Grima..."

"I just hope everyone else remembers what I told them," Shulk thought aloud. "My heart's pounding... these next few seconds will feel like an anxious eternity unless the light surges back in..."

"U-ugh!" The Captain suddenly cried in pain. "N-no...!"

"Babe!"

Clutching his head, Falcon grunted as Galeem's signature aqua aura began to gather around him, just like when Galeem controlled him.

"S-Screw off, Galeem," Captain Falcon strained, feeling himself starting to lose control of his body. "Why... are you trying to... regain control of me now?"

Galeem's voice echoed in the minds of the Captain, Lucina, and Shulk:

Unless you want everyone to die here and now, you will follow my commands, Captain. You are my last line of defense... kill anyone who tries to go after me.

"Bullshit," the Captain spat. "Me, your last line of defense? Get off your damn high horse! You won't get me to hurt the people I love!"

"You're clearly bluffing, Galeem," Shulk retorted. "I would get a vision if someone was going in for the kill, and so far, nobody has. Besides, you do have the goddess Palutena at your disposal, right? Why do you insist on hiding her?"

Palutena... yes, the goddess who wields the power of light... her time will come, I assure you. But for now... this man, along with the goddess, is the closest thing I've found to perfection in an otherwise flawed universe... if he would only obey my commands, I might spare him and perhaps even let him bear witness to the new universe I will create...

"You must be insane... to think I'd ever willingly accept your offer," Falcon protested. "Why would I want a world without all the people I've gotten close to? Why would I want a world without... her?" He glanced at Lucina briefly, who softly gasped and blushed in response, her concern for her lover nevertheless still apparent on her face.

"Besides..." Captain Falcon continued, "I'm really... not as 'perfect' as you say I am. I have my own moments of weakness, lapses in judgment, my own pain and trauma... I've done my best to heal from the wounds, but the scars still remain. Hell, there's a lot I don't remember about my own life before I became a bounty hunter, and I feel like... regaining those memories is probably why I started being one in the first place..."

That can all be fixed.

In that instant, the Captain felt Galeem seize full control over his body as he watched himself grab Lucina by the collar.

"Babe... please, fight it..." Lucina murmured, tears coming to her eyes as she looked on in fear and sorrow.

"Please, Galeem...stop it..." Falcon begged Galeem, his voice starting to crack. "Do whatever you want to me, just please, don't hurt her..."

You seem... really attached to this woman. Is she not Dharkon's back up emissary?

"That doesn't matter!" The Captain countered. "I love her... I've loved her even before I told her how I felt. When she was captured by Black Shadow, I couldn't bear to see her hurt. I would have done anything to save her, even sacrifice myself. And as we trained, just as she felt closer to me, I felt closer to her too. Even back when she was injured, I sympathized with her. I just didn't know what my feelings meant until that day... and I don't care if I never regain my missing memories, or even if I let my own personal problems get the best of me again. As long as I have her... I'm happy. Cause I know she'll be by my side through thick and thin."

"Captain..." Lucina weakly whispered, blinking her eyes as tears streamed down her face.

You... loved me for that long too...? Captain... I truly am blessed to be with someone like you...

"You know, it's really fucked up that you and Dharkon would pit two people who love each other with all that they are, against each other, Galeem," The Captain commented spitefully before his voice turned pleading, "So just stop it... leave us alone..." He used whatever ounce of strength he could muster to glance to the side and saw Cloud standing a distance away, witnessing the whole thing. The Captain quietly mouthed to him, "Help," and Cloud nodded, heading off to find one of Dharkon's Spirits to bring the light back and hopefully make Galeem let go of Captain Falcon once they were no longer in danger.

Such vulgar language... but that is what I admire in you, Captain. You're such a complex creature...

"Shut up! Enough with this 'creature' bullcrap! I'm human! My flaws... and my best qualities are what makes me, me! I wouldn't change it for the world!"

If that's the case... don't you want a world where you can be the real you?

"Wha..." The Captain gasped softly. "Nnnngh..."

"Don't listen to them, my love," Lucina tried to reach out to him, slowly extending one of her arms to softly touch his face. "You showed me the real you by opening up to me bit by bit as we trained together... and I can tell that you're gaining the confidence to be more open to others and show them the real you, too..."

"I... Lucina, you're right..." The affectionate reminder gave the Captain a surge in willpower to resist Galeem's influence, and he commanded the arm grabbing Lucina's collar to let go. She wobbled a bit, but quickly regained her balance. Just then, the clouds of light began to re-emerge and push through the darkness, severing Galeem's connection to Captain Falcon as they were no longer in danger.

"U-ugh..." The Captain staggered before lurching forward, Lucina catching him in the nick of time.

"Are you okay, love?" Lucina asked him as she slowly set him down, lovingly caressing his face.

"Yeah..." Taking a deep breath, he continued, "I don't need a new world to be able to show the real me to others. I am more than the 'Captain Falcon' persona I'm famous for, and I won't be ashamed to show others who I really am anymore. It's all thanks to you, Lucina..."

"Babe..." Leaning her face closer, she softly kissed him on the lips. He kissed her back, slightly more passionately, a blissful feeling calming his nerves. Once they were done, they broke the kiss and softly smiled at each other.

"Captain?" Shulk began. "I've seen the real you shining through just before we entered the Dark Realm to save Lucina, too. When you care about people so deeply like that, it shows. And it's nothing to be ashamed of. We're all glad to have your company in Smash City."

"Shulk... thank you," The Captain said as he stood.

"I'm sorry, I don't really understand what just happened," Fiora interrupted them.

"Oh..." Shulk murmured. Turning to Fiora, he explained, "Lucina, the Captain and I just heard Galeem's voice in our heads, and they tried to control the Captain again just now, trying to press his buttons so to speak."

"I didn't hear anything," Fiora said. "Though, that's probably because I'm a Spirit... before we're awakened, we're for the most part unconscious, so..."

"Would explain why you couldn't hear Galeem or Dharkon," Shulk answered his sweetheart. "They have a greater connection to us Smashers than the Spirits, it would seem."

"You guys alright?" Cloud asked, walking over to them.

"Thank you, Cloud," Captain Falcon thanked the former AVALANCHE member. "If you hadn't reset the balance just now..."

"Yeah," Cloud concurred. "Hey, Captain? You look a bit...shaken up. I heard something about... showing the real you?"

"Well..." The Captain began. "I'm sure you know me as this confident, can-do man with bravery and heroism like no other... but that's just the surface. I experience sadness, fear, anger, joy, pain, just like anyone else. I'm not gonna lie, I'm just as scared as everyone else is in this moment..."

"None of us blame you," Cloud reassured him. "It's only natural to feel like that."

"That's not all, though," Falcon continued. "To me, showing this side of me when everyone is only familiar with the metaphorical mask I wear in public... what will they think? It's made me very insecure, and for the longest time, I would distance myself... before then, I did show one person who I was behind the mask, and she almost got hurt." Glancing at Lucina, he elaborated, "And... Lucina, when I offered to train you back at Gaur Plain... how all this began... I was afraid."

"Why?"

"I was afraid that... despite my best efforts to mend things with you, it wouldn't be enough. That 'what if' scenario terrified me..."

"Babe..." She hugged him, noticing the clouds of light surging in even more. "You showing up at the hospital that day... you saving me the day before... that was all I needed to know that your intentions were pure. You wanted to set things right even then, and I just couldn't say no."

"Sweetheart..." He hugged her back tenderly.

"In fact... your insecurities over showing weakness when people perceive you as a bastion of strength... that's how I felt, too. It's why I broke down at the hospital that day... it's another reason why I even left you after I was captured by Black Shadow, too, and pushed almost everyone else away. I hurt them because I didn't want them to see me at what I felt was my lowest point... but it made me feel worse. I felt... lonelier, like I had literally nobody. Like there was a gaping emptiness in my soul... When I came to in the dark dimension Dharkon sealed my consciousness away in, just before you saved me, I felt that same loneliness. I never want to feel that again..."

"Lucina..." Shulk and Fiora walked over to Lucina and joined in for a group hug.

"Thanks everyone..." Lucina murmured. "It's thanks to the Captain, and all of you, that I no longer have to feel insecure. It's one day at a time... right? When it comes to improvement?"

"Strength comes from experience," a familiar voice echoed. "That's true, even now."

The four turned around and saw Elma's Spirit descending to the ground.

"Elma!" Shulk commented. "It's been a while."

"Hadn't seen you since Alrest, Elma," Fiora said.

"You seem... a little different from how I saw you last, Fiora," Elma told Fiora.

"Only a little? Come on, Elma," Fiora teased, the two ladies giggling afterwards.

"Elma..." Falcon muttered. "Are you okay?"

"Shortly after you guys left New Los Angeles, these beams of light were vaporizing everyone... Lao, Lin, Tatsu, the citizens... then one got me. I don't remember much after that, only that I was freed from the clutches of... I believe their name was Dharkon? Just now."

"Wait, does that mean..." Shulk noticed the clouds of light were overpowering the clouds of darkness. The clouds of light were beautiful, shining in many colors like a prism, but everyone knew that beauty was deceptive, like Galeem themselves. "I hope everyone's careful..."

"Anyway, Lucina?" Elma asked the Exalt.

"Ah..." Making eye contact with the BLADE Colonel, she asked her, "Yes... Elma?"

"You're one of the most strong-willed, determined people I've known, and I've only just met you. Don't be so hard on yourself... Every experience, good or bad, is a chance to learn and become stronger. Never let go of hope."

"Of course, Elma," Lucina said with a nod. "I especially won't give up now, not when our freedom is on the line..." She turned to look at the two cosmic beings in the distance.

"So those are Galeem and Dharkon," Fiora commented. Feeling a surge in confidence, she proclaimed, "Let me at them! I'm gonna go all out!"

"Those are pretty big targets. We should buff up first," Elma suggested. "Then, we move in and keep the rhythm going!"

"You forgot the part where we put a dent in them!" Shulk jested, followed by Elma, Fiora and himself bursting into laughter. Once they had laughed it all out, Shulk told Elma, "In any case, weren't you interviewed by one of the Smashers? I'd love to spar alongside, and against, you someday, Elma."

"Ooh, me too!" Fiora chimed.

"The feeling is mutual," Elma said. "Hopefully one day, I'll join Smash City's ranks... it would be a great honor."

"It really would-" Lucina began before being interrupted by an intense pain. "Urgh...!"

"Lucina!" Falcon called out to the woman he loved. He saw Dharkon's signature crimson aura gathering around her again and murmured, "How the hell...?"

"What...?" Lucina strained, realizing what was happening to her. "How? Why...? Why are you trying to control me again, Dharkon? You're not even vulnerable yet!"

How easily you forget, my pet. Our connection is stronger than the one Galeem and that man have... As long as I am around, I can control you or that witch at any time...

"What...?" Captain Falcon asked apprehensively, hearing Dharkon's voice in his head as well. "Are they really that powerful...?"

"No..." Lucina uttered, her voice tinged with panic as she felt Dharkon's power holding her in place, putting her at their mercy. "I thought... I had become strong enough to shut you out..."

You put on this mask of self-confidence and inner strength, but I know no amount of training or resolve can give you the mental fortitude to keep me out. You're weak, and you hate to be seen that way...

"How dare you...!" The Captain muttered angrily. "Leave her alone! She's a lot stronger now, thanks to all she's been through!"

"That's right!" Shulk backed the Captain up. "Lucina, we're all proud of you, how far you've come. Don't let Dharkon tell you otherwise..."

"I... am strong..." Lucina insisted, slowly holding her hands to her head. "I won't...worry about people seeing me as weak anymore. They all know I'm doing my best... giving it my all. And I will prove it... by vanquishing both you and Galeem."

How do they know...everything about me? They know all my insecurities and hidden fears... No, I can't give in...I can't let them win...

You know, I can hear everything... I know you treasure these people... the same ones you pushed away? And that the thought of being all alone is unbearable?

"I know I'm not alone anymore," Lucina answered the being of darkness. "I should never have pushed them away... I promised myself I'll never push anyone away again. I won't let you use my emotions as a source of your power anymore..."

Once Galeem and I are gone, however, do you not fear for your future?

"I'll make my future a happy one..." Lucina grunted. "You'll never take my hope away from me. I will never rejoin you!"

I know just how to press your buttons, Lucina. I know all paths lead to you returning to that lonely future, be it within weeks, months, years, even decades...

"Enough," Lucina stated. "I know you're bluffing... just reveal Bayonetta so we can save her and get this over with..."

Very well. I must warn you, however... Saving her will be different from anyone you've saved thus far... can you really pull it off? I cannot wait for you to fail and give in to despair once more...

After that, Dharkon released their control of Lucina on a whim, not because the balance of light and darkness was returning to normalcy. Collapsing onto her knees, Lucina clutched at her chest and gasped for air.

"You okay, darling?" The Captain's words of concern sounded ever so comforting and reassuring to his lover, helping her regain her grasp on reality.

"Huff... huff..." Lucina panted. Slowly turning her head to face her lover, she stammered, "I... think so... I am a bit... confused, though."

"Why?"

"Why didn't Dharkon make me attack you or Shulk? Galeem wasted no time in trying to get you to attack me..."

"I remember when I freed you from Dharkon when I first entered the Dark Realm, that they introduced themselves as the Embodiment of Chaos and Darkness," the Captain explained. "They're probably just trying to mess with your head, in the hopes you'll let your guard down. For what, I'm not exactly sure, but if they didn't try to get you to kill me then and there, that is a bit odd... although, they had plenty of chances to do that back in the Dark Realm..."

"I wish I knew what exactly they were planning with me..." Lucina mused, her voice bearing an uncertain, somewhat apprehensive tone. "I guess we'll find out when they finally reveal Bayonetta..."

"And Galeem revealing Palutena in turn," Falcon added. "Which, it looks like it might hopefully be soon. I see everyone else on their way, and it looks like Roy and Dark Samus were just rescued."

Once the other Smashers, plus the newly saved Dark Samus and Roy, arrived, Snake said, "Hey, guys. Mission accomplished."

"Glad to see the rescues were successful," Shulk commented.

"Successful, yes. Easy, not so much. At least, not on my end." Glaring at Ridley for a moment, Snake continued, "Your vision accurately predicted what would happen when Dark Samus was freed from Dharkon's control, and as you foresaw, Ridley did manage to dissuade her, which is amazing in and of itself. It's what happened before that was a nightmare - as Samus fought Dark Samus, Scamus here was firing her Phazon shots like crazy, like Dharkon was sending her into a murderous rage the likes of which I've only ever seen once before."

"Call me 'Scamus' one more time," Dark Samus began threateningly, "And I will drag you into the Phazon Mines and dip you into the pools myself. If you think that's akin to a pleasant bath, you are sorely mistaken."

"Whoa... understood," Snake conceded with a nervous chuckle, holding his hands in front of him as a defensive gesture. "Anyway, those Phazon shots nearly got me a couple times, one was even this close to knocking the C4 detonation switch out of my hands." Snake held the index finger and thumb of his free hand close together without actually touching when he said "this close". "I bet you Ridley had a bit of hope to break free, but I was like, nope! Not today, you filthy genocidal maniac." Laughing heartily, he concluded, "I'm actually surprised he didn't try to make a move on me all this time."

"True, I could have killed you when your back was turned. I just didn't think it was worth it. Contrary to what Samus might tell you, I'm quite skilled at exercising restraint."

Everyone turned their heads in the direction of the voice and saw that it was none other than Ridley who said that. After a while of staring at the space pirate, eyes widened and jaw dropped in a dumbfounded expression, Snake blurted, "...you can TALK?!"

"Funny that you mention 'restraint'," Samus retorted, pointing her arm cannon at the C4 still strapped on Ridley's chest. "If only you could have exercised that same restraint when it came to my parents!"

"There was a purpose for that, Samus dear," Ridley taunted the galactic bounty huntress, who snarled in response as she lowered her arm cannon. "And yes, I can talk. It's just that for such a methodical creature like myself, words are often unnecessary. And I assure you, I will not try to attack any of you while we're still here, or even as long as the Hands are still alive. I oppose Galeem and Dharkon just as much as you do. It is inconceivable that Dharkon had the audacity to believe they could control ME. If anything, in an ideal world, they would be the one at my mercy." Looking down at the C4 on his chest, Ridley then requested of Snake, "Now, if you could please remove this cumbersome thing?"

"At least you said 'please'," Snake muttered snarkily as he removed the C4 from Ridley's body. "But this changes nothing. I've still got my eyes on you."

"So be it."

"If I may," Samus began, "It would appear that Dark Samus was alone in this area this whole time... even before Dharkon captured the others found in the Dark Realm after Galeem was first defeated. I think Bayonetta may have been in the same situation. Here, all alone in the dark, Dark Samus's vengeance toward me grew... probably fueled by Dharkon, no doubt."

"That thing had nothing to do with it," Dark Samus retorted. "You know I've sought to destroy you since my birth. But... that doesn't matter. Just for today, I suppose I'll... call a temporary truce. I want that thing gone for daring to control me... but I also know you must find a way to fight both them and the other creature, so I have nothing to do now but bide my time."

"She insists Dharkon had nothing to do with her rage toward me... but what I faced wasn't normal, even for her," Samus stated.

"Roy was... similar," Chrom spoke up. "But he was more... afraid. Terrified at waking up in a realm of almost blinding light, with nobody else to be seen for miles... From what I observed, Galeem played on his fear and he attacked us in his paranoia... He kept shouting, asking where we were this whole time, why didn't we come sooner... it took a lot to tranquilize him, and it seems he's still a bit shaken up... if Palutena was here all along too, I fear for what might happen."

Listening to Chrom recount what happened and recalling the harrowing memories, Roy whimpered and began to tremble. Marth wrapped an arm around his shoulder to comfort him and said, "It's all right now, Roy... you're safe. We're here for you, and we'll get to go home soon." Roy silently nodded, somewhat timidly.

"Hmmm... I think I've cracked Galeem and Dharkon's modus operandi," Shulk remarked. "Before, they would seize control of our bodies while our minds watched, and usually, we could be reached out to with the right words or connections if defeating us wasn't the only option. But... I think Galeem and Dharkon both realized they cannot corrupt positive emotions..."

"Like my love for the Captain..." Lucina murmured.

"Exactly. So they're now amplifying negative emotions - loneliness, pain, fear, anger... hatred... and manipulating their victims. And their hold on such negative emotions seems to intensify as we proceed... it would appear that Galeem or Dharkon practically becomes one with their victims now, twisting their emotions and reinforcing them with subconscious thoughts. We need to be careful..."

"Ugwaaaaah-!"

"Noooooo...!"

Captain Falcon and Lucina's pained cries suddenly broke the silence. Shulk immediately realized what was going on.

"It hurts... Galeem... what are you doing to me...?!"

"Palutena..." Falcon strained.

"No! Stop! I don't want to hurt Pit... or anyone! I..."

"S...she went silent..." The Captain murmured, his voice tinged with tangible fear.

"Is this how you get your sick kicks, Dharkon? Guh... I'd sooner go to hell than let my comrades die...!"

"Bayonetta!" Lucina shouted. "Just hold on! We're coming to-"

"Such power... no... I can't... any longer...!"

"Bayo-" In that instant, Lucina couldn't hear Bayonetta's voice in her mind any longer. "What... happened to her...?"

"Not good..." Shulk murmured tremulously. "Galeem and Dharkon mean business now..." Just then, a vision came to him. Once it finished, he urgently announced, "We must hurry."

"Why?" Rosalina asked.

"...Galeem and Dharkon are going to try to go all out with their respective emissaries, Palutena and Bayonetta. Within fifteen minutes, if we don't do anything, they will emerge and fight each other to the death. At that point, there'll be no use trying to save them... they'll be too far gone. If either one of them survives, they will follow the orders of whomever's controlling her and kill that being's nemesis...dooming us all. We have to try to find and stop them before then."

"But where are they?!" Pit exclaimed.

"They're... guarding the Hands on either side of the rift," Shulk said. Everyone looked around and saw paths leading to Master Hand in the distance on the light side, and Crazy Hand on the dark side. "Like I said though, Galeem and Dharkon are pulling out all the stops. We'll need to approach in parties of three, to try to snap them out of it."

"I guess it goes without saying I'll try to save Palutena," Captain Falcon announced. "I... don't dare tread into the dark clouds, considering Galeem tried to control me again when the darkness overpowered the light... I don't wanna risk anything."

"I'll go for Bayonetta, for similar reasons," Lucina said.

"Do you even need to ask? I'm going for Palutena!" Pit declared. "A good angel never leaves his goddess's side!"

"Bayonetta's been my partner since New Los Angeles," Cloud asserted. "I think I'd stand a chance of reaching out to her..."

"Cloud, I think I'll come with you and Lucina," Shulk suggested. "I think I can help in that regard too. I... blamed myself for letting this all happen in the first place. Were it not for Kirby... and Marth and the Captain... I'd have given up long ago."

"Poyooooo..." Kirby muttered sadly.

"Thank you so much, Kirby," Shulk hugged the pink puffball who saved all of his friends thus far. "Don't worry. This is our story... we made our beginning, and we'll write the ending together. We won't leave anyone behind!"

"Poyo!"

"I suppose I'll accompany Pit and the Captain, then," Rosalina said. "Palutena's a fellow goddess. I hope I can be of help... are you ready, Luma?"

The small star-like creature accompanying Rosalina chittered happily in response.

"Lucina?" Elma's Spirit asked Lucina. "I would like to come with you... I can sense Lao's Spirit right before Bayonetta. While he was under suspicion before the light beams attacked NLA, I can't just leave him... Questioning can wait until we both get back to NLA."

"Of course."

"And I'm coming with you, Shulk," Fiora's Spirit asserted. "I want to try to help, too!"

"Glad to have you with me, Fiora."

"Excuse me... Captain, Pit and Rosalina?" The Spirit of Pyra asked the team headed to save Palutena. "Would you guys mind bringing me and Rex along? I can sense the Spirit of my other half, Mythra, right before Palutena... it's a long story."

"Sure thing, you two," Rosalina told the Spirits of the Aegis and her Driver.

"Looks like I'll once again embrace the dark," Lucina pondered aloud, looking in the direction of the dark clouds.

"And I'll be returning to the light." Captain Falcon turned his gaze in the direction of the clouds of light.

"...Captain?" Lucina asked her lover before they parted ways.

"Yes?" Falcon asked her.

"I'm... a bit worried. Dharkon said that saving Bayonetta would be harder than anyone so far... and I fear they might be right. They also said they look forward to me giving in to despair again..."

"Just remember our training," The Captain consoled her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And know that I believe in you, my love. You've made me... made everyone so very proud of you. All that's left is to believe in yourself. I know you, Cloud, and Shulk can reach out to Bayonetta."

"Same to you," Lucina told him, drawing closer and hugging him tightly. "I hope you, Pit and Rosalina can save Palutena too... I don't know what tricks Galeem might have up their sleeve, but... don't give up."

"I won't." He hugged her back. "I'll see you soon, sweetheart."

"Same to you, babe..." She released him from her embrace, and he did the same.

"Alright, teams," Shulk called out, "Time is of the essence. Let's move out!"

---

Eight and a half minutes had passed. Pit, Rosalina and Captain Falcon had freed several light Spirits on the way to Palutena and Master Hand, and had just freed the Spirit of Mythra.

"Great to have you back, Mythra!" Rex's Spirit told Mythra.

"Same here," Mythra replied coolly before noticing Pyra next to him. "Oh, Pyra's here too? And we're...not sharing the same body?"

"According to the Smashers' descriptions a while back," Pyra began, "These beings, Galeem, the being that captured both of us, and Dharkon, the one that got Rex, are capturing people from different universes and different timelines... I guess it explains how we're able to exist at the same time like this."

"Weird..." Mythra muttered, her voice dripping with skepticism.

"Not to pressure you three," Rosalina began, "But we need to hurry. We have less than seven minutes to save Palutena before the worst happens..."

"Oh... right," Pyra said. "Come on, guys."

...

The team caught up to where Palutena was waiting for them. Like clockwork, she stood there, a blank expression on her face, as her eyes glowed red and the familiar aquamarine aura surrounded her body.

"Be on your guard," Captain Falcon advised his teammates.

"Oh man, I'm already getting Chaos Kin flashbacks from this..." Pit muttered anxiously.

"Just remain calm, Pit," Rosalina encouraged the angel. "Whatever Galeem makes her do or say... know it's not her actually saying it. It's Galeem trying to make her their servant..."

"I sure hope so..."

Within seconds, the scenery changed to a platform overlooking Palutena's Temple.

"So... you three think you can save me?" Palutena began, her voice, which mingled almost flawlessly with Galeem's, sounding somewhat condescending. "A queen of the cosmos, Galeem's little 'second in command'... and you, Pit...?"

"How did she know...?!" The Captain muttered under his breath, incredulously.

"Oh no... it is the Chaos Kin all over again...!"

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of the cloud sea, Shulk, Cloud and Lucina had freed several dark Spirits on the way to Bayonetta and Crazy Hand. Interestingly enough, the balance didn't shift either way, though they assumed that was because the team sent to rescue Palutena had been freeing light Spirits at roughly the same time, so any shifts would be canceled out.

After freeing Lao's Spirit, Elma asked him, "Are you alright, Lao?"

"I think so..." Lao's Spirit answered her. "It's funny, all this time, right before I awakened just now... I had the strangest dream."

"Do tell?"

"Yeah... it was so bittersweet. Charmaine and Chengshi were there..." Lao's face bore a slightly pained expression.

Remembering his words to her at New Los Angeles, Lucina decided to ask Lao, "Is... something the matter?"

"Hey, you're that Lucina girl..." Lao muttered before he answered her with, "No... it's nothing."

"You sure?" Elma asked her fellow BLADE. "Is there anything you want to talk about...?"

"I'm fine," Lao tried to reassure the colonel of the Reclaimers. "Just... tired, I guess."

Looking on at Lao, Lucina couldn't help but realize Lao was feeling more than he let on. He insists he's fine... but I can see he's clearly in pain. Who are Charmaine and Chengshi? ... I guess it's not my place to ask. Her eyebrows furrowed in concern as she pondered, Sometimes... the darkness, or light, in a person isn't so literal. It can be metaphorical... like how Lao struggles with his own inner darkness. Just like me...

"No time for daydreaming, Lucina," Cloud told her. "We need to get to Bayonetta on the double. Time's a wasting."

"Right."

...

They eventually arrived at Bayonetta's location. Sure enough, standing before them was the Umbran Witch herself, her eyes glowing purple and the familiar crimson aura emanating from her body.

"Bayonetta..." Lucina began. "It's okay now. We've come to save you."

"And what makes you think I want to be saved...?" Bayonetta taunted her. Her voice seemed to blend with Dharkon's almost completely, and her face bore an unnaturally smug expression. "What makes you think you can save me, when you were practically Dharkon's battery this whole time?"

"Wha...?!" Lucina stammered. "She knows...?"

"Don't let her mess with you," Cloud told the Exalt. "This is just Dharkon trying to assume total control. We can't let them."

"That's right!" Shulk spoke up. "Bayonetta, I know this isn't what you truly want! I know you're in there!"

"So Monado Boy and Mister 'Not Interested' came along for the ride too?" Bayonetta questioned as the scenery changed to the falling platform at the Umbra Clock Tower. Striking a pose, she provoked them with, "Let's dance!"

---

As they crouched in pain, Pit, Rosalina and Captain Falcon took a moment to regain their breath. Under Galeem's control, Palutena was not an opponent to be underestimated. Galeem made her dodge and block almost every attack flawlessly, and her counterattacks were precise and powerful.

"No..." Pit murmured, his voice starting to crack. "Unlike when the Chaos Kin controlled her, I can't just snipe Galeem from close by... they're remotely controlling her and I... I don't wanna hurt her..."

"We can still try to reach out to her," Rosalina reassured him. "Don't give up..."

"Right!" Pit nodded.

"You are all wasting your time," Palutena told them all flatly, her facial expression still remaining stoic. As usual, she and Galeem seemed to be practically on the same wavelength, and it looked like Galeem was slowly taking over until, soon enough, there would be nothing of Palutena left, merely an empty husk for Galeem to use. "This is all in accordance to the will of the Lord of Order and Light, my master."

"You can't possibly mean that?!" Captain Falcon protested, slowly standing up. "Have you already forgotten... that during Galeem's first attack, you sacrificed yourself so that Pit and Dark Pit could try to escape? And now you're..." He paused, biting his lip. "...no. This isn't you. Please, wake up! I know this isn't what you truly want!"

"But it is, Captain," Palutena answered him, the emphasis she placed on the "Captain" making him feel uneasy. "I failed to even stop Galeem in the first place... I, a goddess of light, was utterly powerless." A soulless, creepy smile graced her face as she continued, "But don't you see? Galeem gave me a second chance... they had compassion on me, and granted me the privilege of being their emissary... you were a fool to reject that honor, Captain Falcon."

"Honor?!" The Captain could not believe what was coming out of the normally rational goddess's lips. "Listen to yourself! Galeem is manipulating you!" Glancing back for a moment, he then said, "And what about Bayonetta? You cannot be okay with the idea of blood on your hands!"

"The Witches were supposed to have been wiped out centuries ago," Palutena replied. "It is unfortunate that Cereza... Bayonetta is of half-Lumen Sage descent, but her allegiance with the Umbran Witches makes it my duty to kill her."

Pit couldn't stand hearing his goddess talk like this any longer. Standing up, he called out to her, his voice pleading, "Lady Palutena...!"

"Pit...?" For a moment, it looked like the real Palutena was emerging, albeit barely, as she slowly turned her head to meet his gaze.

"Can you hear me, Lady Palutena? Please... this can't be you. When Bayonetta joined Smash City that day, you two may have gotten off on the wrong foot, sure, but you otherwise wouldn't be at each others' throats like this!" Remembering what Shulk said if only one of the two beings fell, Pit followed up with, "And if you do kill Bayonetta... you do realize that if Dharkon alone dies, Galeem will erase us all?! Please! I know you don't want this!"

"It is a small price to pay for a new, glorious universe, free of any imperfections..." Palutena raised her arms to the sky. "Galeem will erase everyone else, yes... except me. I have been chosen to oversee the new universe they will create. Finally, a world befitting of a goddess." Turning to Captain Falcon, she offered him with a crazed smirk on her face, "If you join me once again, Galeem will spare you too..."

"Hell no!" The Captain vehemently refused her offer. "That would mean all our friends and the people we care about would die! You wouldn't want to live in a world without Pit... would you?"

"He's right, Lady Palutena," Pit tried to reach out to her. "I don't want to imagine a world without you, either..."

"Pit..." Palutena's facial expression seemed saddened before turning into a spiteful scowl as she pointed her staff at Pit and threatened him, "Enough games. Out of my way, Pit... or I will destroy you right here and now..."

"Lady... Palu..." Pit's eyes flooded with tears as he collapsed to his knees, heartbroken.

"This has to stop..." Rosalina murmured.

"H-huh?" Pit felt Rosalina touch him on his shoulder.

"Pit... I... have an idea. But... I ask that you forgive me for what I'm about to do..."

"I don't care..." Pit wept. "As long as you can save her... please..."

"I will." Standing and walking over to Captain Falcon, Rosalina told him, "Could you... cover Luma's eyes for me...?"

"Huh...?" The Captain noticed the star-like creature that accompanied the queen of the galaxy floating over to him. "O-okay..." He covered the star creature's eyes as Rosalina walked over to Palutena, a determined expression on her face.

"So another goddess defies me?" Palutena mockingly questioned Rosalina. "You underestimate my, and Galeem's power... speaking of, were you not one of Dharkon's-"

And then, it happened. An unexpected sound broke Palutena's monologuing and echoed all around them. Pit and the Captain winced momentarily at the sound, then opened their eyes and saw what happened.

Rosalina had slapped Palutena across the face.

---

"Have a taste of this...!" Bayonetta fired a volley of bullets at Lucina, who deflected each one with her sword. She was cutting it dangerously close each time, as exhaustion was starting to catch up to her without the assistance of Shulk and Cloud, who were weakened by Bayonetta's earlier attacks. Under Dharkon's control, the Umbran Witch's power was to be feared.

"Not bad," Bayonetta taunted Lucina, "Considering everything Dharkon did to you... you still have that much energy?" Smirking, she followed up with, "But you're running out fast... aren't you?"

"I've... gotten stronger..." Lucina panted, wincing slightly and letting the arm holding her sword hang at her side. "In every area... in my skills, my mind, and most importantly, I've gotten stronger as a person... Neither you nor Dharkon can take that away."

"Well, aren't you a fucking goody two-shoes," Bayonetta spat before preparing a Wicked Weave attack to smack Lucina to the side.

"Lucina, look out!"

Shulk mustered whatever strength he could to run to Lucina and tackle her out of the way of the giant demon's fist.

"You too, Monado Boy?" Bayonetta scoffed. "Great, now one of Galeem's former puppets is going to lecture me too..."

"Bayonetta!" Shulk called out to her as he and Lucina stood. "This isn't you! This is Dharkon manipulating you! I know... how horrible you must have felt when you failed to defeat Galeem... how you must have felt being trapped here, all alone, all this time..."

"Oh, shut up! You can't begin to sympathize with me, so don't even try!" Bayonetta pointed one of her Love Is Blue pistols at Shulk.

"I can... actually..." Looking down solemnly, Shulk began, "When I had my vision, I tried to warn all of you, but I just...tensed up. I knew it would be of no use... they had power we couldn't begin to comprehend. The only other time I had a vision of the future that I couldn't change... was when I almost lost Fiora..."

"Shulk..." Fiora's Spirit murmured wistfully.

"I thought for sure I was dead after Galeem's attack... I thought everyone was. When I awoke to find myself technically alive, but alone... a despair unlike any I've known took over. I blamed myself for not being able to save you all... I genuinely thought I was useless. It's thanks to Kirby, Marth and Captain Falcon that I was able to snap out of it... All we have to save now are the goddess Palutena... and you."

"Don't you see, Bayonetta?" Lucina asked the witch. "Once we save you, and the Hands, we can all go home!"

"Home..." For a moment, it seemed like the real Bayonetta was shining through, before Dharkon influenced her thoughts again. "I'm a witch. I don't have a 'home', I go wherever my duties take me. And my duty right now... is eliminating that goddess!"

"You would kill an innocent person?!" Shulk exclaimed. "Just because she commands angels doesn't mean she's affiliated with your enemies!"

"Can't risk that ever happening, can I, Monado Boy?" Bayonetta smirked in a smug manner as she asked him, "Tell me, do your visions show a future where she, too, goes mad with power?"

"Only this one, but that's only because Galeem is manipulating her, just as Dharkon is doing to you!" Shulk urged her. "Besides, if you kill Galeem after Palutena dies, Dharkon will kill everyone, even you!"

"I'm going to hell anyway," Bayonetta shrugged. "It's par for the course for witches. I just figure, why not do so in style...?"

"Please, Bayonetta, I know there's still good in you..." Shulk pleaded.

"Well, this one-woman choir has had enough of your preaching, Monado Boy...!" Holding her pistol steady, Bayonetta fired a shot aimed at Shulk's heart.

"Look out...!"

Before Shulk could process what was happening, Cloud shoved Shulk out of the bullet's way, only for the bullet to go right through Cloud's left bicep.

"Ugh...!" Time seemed to slow down as he crumpled to his knees, his face contorted in pain.

"No...!" Bayonetta, the real one who started to break through, gasped as her partner since Mira took the bullet that was meant for Shulk.

"Cloud...!" Lucina cried.

---

"Ah..." Shocked, Palutena held one of her hands to the cheek Rosalina slapped. In that moment, Galeem's hold on Palutena had weakened.

As the Spirits of Rex and Pyra looked on, Rex's eyes widened and jaw wide open, and Pyra covering her gasping mouth with her hands, Mythra observed the scene unfazed and nonchalantly commented, "Wow. And I thought I was savage."

"Palutena." Rosalina began, looking down, her voice sounding agitated with a hint of sorrow. "Don't ever say anything like that again... that you would be okay with a universe without the people you love..."

"Rosa...lina..." Palutena murmured, feeling Galeem's control over her weaken even more.

"You were born a goddess... but I was made one. And I didn't choose to become one, either..." Looking to the side, she continued, "It all started when I offered to help Luma find his mother... years passed, we traveled all across the universe... but we never did find her. It was then I remembered my own family... my mother, father, and brother..." Looking up at Palutena with tears streaking down her cheeks, she wept, "By the time I saw my planet again... they were all long gone...!"

"Ah..." Tears began to gather in Palutena's eyes. From afar, Pyra began to be moved to tears at Rosalina's story as well, prompting Rex and Mythra to embrace her in a comforting group hug.

"I may be the new mother to Luma, and others like him too, but not a day goes by that I don't regret leaving my own family behind, never to see them again... don't make the same mistake I did... you have people here that care about you...!"

"Yes..." The tears flowed down Palutena's face as she collapsed to her knees and murmured, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Hearing Palutena breaking free, Pit's heart was filled with gratitude. "Lady Palutenaaaaa...!" He ran to her, sobbing, and embraced her tightly.

"Pit...!" At that moment, Galeem had lost their control over Palutena as her eyes returned to their normal green hue and the aqua aura vanished from her body. As the scenery reverted to what it once was, she embraced him back as she managed a smile despite the tears. "Pit... can you ever forgive me...?"

"Of course I do...!" He sobbed. "I forgive Rosalina too... I know she did what she had to do, to bring you back...!"

"I've missed you, Pit...!"

"Me too...!"

Looking on at the scene before him with a soft smile, Captain Falcon remarked, "All's well that ends well... I'm glad for them."

Not if I have anything to say about it.

Galeem was seizing control of Captain Falcon once again as the aquamarine aura once again emanated from his body.

"SERIOUSLY?!" The Captain protested. "You lost, Galeem! Palutena is free, and soon, Bayonetta will be free from Dharkon's control too! Checkmate!"

Even though you've ruined my plans time and again... I have this strange feeling of compassion toward you... I only want the best for you, and I know what you want.

"Ngh..." The Captain could feel all his senses shutting down, not even noticing everyone else's cries for him. "What's...this light...?"

Within seconds, he slouched over, breathing but not moving or responding to outside stimuli, as his visor lights glowed red once more.

"Captain...!"

---

Seeing Cloud wounded awoke something in Bayonetta, giving her the willpower to resist Dharkon's power and run to her injured partner, catching him before he hit the ground.

"Seriously, Cloud..." Bayonetta began, her voice starting to sound more like her own as Dharkon's voice began to fade. "What... the hell are you thinking...?"

"Are you alright, Cloud?!" Lucina called out to him.

"He is," Shulk confirmed. "I'd have received a vision if he were going to die. The bullet seems to have missed his vitals."

Getting in closer to have a look at Cloud's wound, Elma's Spirit confirmed, "Shulk's right. The bullet went right through and missed his brachial artery. With a Healing Sprout, he should be good as new."

"Yeah. Hurts like a bitch, though," Cloud hissed, grasping the wound.

"Cloud, why...?" Bayonetta asked him, her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Heh... I've been thinking, maybe Master Hand making me your partner wasn't a mistake after all," Cloud began with a chuckle. "We're more alike than you think... You have this standoffish air at first glance, but when people get to know you, you open up to them... I see myself in you when that happens. And... before we set out for Mira, we had some sparring matches, and once we were done and taking a break before we headed to our apartments, you just... suddenly opened up about your past. I did the same. It was surprising, but... nice." Cloud suddenly hissed in pain again from the bullet wound.

"Please, Cloud... don't exert yourself..." Dharkon was losing control of Bayonetta fast.

Smiling weakly, Cloud muttered, "I'm glad we're partners, Bayonetta. And we'll always be."

"Cloud..." Bayonetta broke completely free of Dharkon's control as the crimson aura around her vanished and her eyes stopped glowing purple. As the scenery reverted to the dark clouds, she hugged him tightly. "Don't you dare... ever give me a scare like that again, you bloody idiot."

"Are you...starting to cry?" Cloud chuckled faintly as he hugged her back.

"Oh, shut up," Bayonetta grumbled, trying to hide her embarrassment at showing her soft side. Glancing at Shulk, she asked him, "Do you have a Healing Sprout?"

"I do, actually," Shulk said, pulling one out.

"Thank you, Shulk." Bayonetta took the Sprout and stuck it on Cloud, watching the bullet wound slowly close like magic, as if it never happened. "Sorry for... the things I said."

"No worries," Shulk reassured her. "You... weren't yourself. Let's go save Crazy Hand, and with her and Master Hand back, we can go home. Right, Lucina?"

Something was wrong with Lucina. She was clutching at her chest, breathing heavily and sweating.

"...Lucina?" It was then he noticed Dharkon's signature crimson aura was emanating from Lucina's body once more.

"Why... Dharkon...?" Lucina strained, feeling herself slowly losing control of her body. "It's over... Bayonetta is free. Captain Falcon and his allies saved Palutena too, and soon the Hands will be free too... I didn't even give in to despair like you said I would. Just accept your defeat..."

But where's the fun in that? My pet... I know of your deepest darkest desires... You want to be with those you love forever, don't you? You don't ever want to lose them? I can give you that... if you return to me...

"I..." Lucina felt herself giving in, her body slowly going numb, her mind giving in to the temptation.

Dharkon really knows how to press my buttons... I... can't resist... why? Is this... what they planned for me all along?

I will spare you and your loved ones. You can live the rest of your lives together in harmony...

"Everything's..." Lucina weakly murmured as her eyes glowed purple once more and she hunched over, "Going...dark..."

---

"Ugh..."

Captain Falcon slowly came to, the light fading and revealing a hospital room. The dusky orange light of sunset shone through the windows, just like that day.

"Are you feeling okay, Captain?"

"Yeah..." Getting a grip on reality, he said, "Thank you for your help, Dr. Stewart."

"Any time," the man named 'Dr. Stewart' replied. But... this was not the same Dr. Stewart that the Captain knew.

Why did I just call him Dr. Stewart...? The Captain thought. Dr. Stewart doesn't look like that... or sound like that... he's never been this much of a stiff around me either...

"Is something wrong?" The doctor asked.

"No... it's okay. I'd just like to go home."

...

Once he arrived at his private quarters, the Captain disrobed and stepped into the showers, enjoying the feeling of the soapy lather melting off his skin under the stream of warm water. Once he was done bathing, he put on his clothes and briefly looked at himself in the mirror, seeing his own, unconcealed face.

"This...is me." He smiled. "The real me." Glancing for a moment at the helmet nearby, he stared at it for a few moments, hesitating.

"No..." He shook his head, his gaze drifting back to the mirror. "I don't need that anymore."

For a moment, he saw his own reflection, donning the helmet this time, with the aquamarine aura surrounding his body. The reflection was banging at the mirror with his fist as if he were trapped inside it, shouting something mostly unintelligible, but the Captain could barely make out the words "stop" and "not real".

"Gwaaaah!" Shocked by the sight, he fell backwards and landed on his rear. Taking a deep breath to try to regain his bearings, he cautiously stood and looked at his reflection again.

It was normal.

What was that all about...?

All of a sudden, a memory flashed into his mind.

"It's not every day I get to look at myself in the mirror like this...I sometimes wonder if the person staring back at me really is me..."

A... memory? He thought. Perhaps... there's something amiss about all this after all... Looking at the clock, he murmured, "Now's not the time to worry about it, though. I've got a championship to race in."

...

As expected, Captain Falcon had placed first in the new racing tournament. As he stood at the podium, he smiled and waved, feeling that this was a true victory for him... that he could be himself in front of everyone, no longer needing the helmet. All of a sudden, he saw the other racers below "glitch" and change form into familiar faces. Jody Summer. John Tanaka. Dr. Clash. Lily Flyer. Even Black Shadow and Blood Falcon.

What...?

He blinked, causing the images to revert to their old, unfamiliar forms.

I was right. Something's wrong...

The time came for him to be interviewed by Mr. Zero. At least, Mr. Zero in name only. The Captain couldn't place his finger on it but he was sure the person he spoke to wasn't really Mr. Zero.

"So, Captain Falcon... or should I say, Douglas," Mr. Zero began, "That was a breathtaking victory, and your decision to bare the real you lately and race without the iconic helmet has moved us all!"

"It... has?" He questioned. Stammering, he tried to regain his composure with, "Thank you..."

"See, there's the real you again! I'm so glad to see such authenticity... it almost feels like you're a different person."

Different... person? He glanced at the reflective marble floor for a moment and saw... a different Mr. Zero in the reflection.

The real Mr. Zero.

"You okay there, Douglas?" "Mr. Zero" asked. "If so, I'd like to ask you something..."

What the hell... His eyes darted around fearfully, seeing more reflections of the people around him that didn't match what he saw before seeing the reflection.

I... remember... I remember that... these aren't the people I know!

"Douglas...?"

"I..." His heart racing and vision getting blurry, Falcon stammered, "Please excuse me... I'm not feeling so well..."

He stumbled toward the exit, slamming the door behind him as he stepped out into the alley.

I'm... the real me... but everyone else... isn't...?

Wavering where he stood, he saw a familiar face before everything went dark.

Lucina...?

He felt his body become weightless, not even hearing himself hit the ground with a thud when he collapsed.

...

"Babe?"

Slowly opening his eyes, the Captain saw none other than his lover, Lucina, sitting close to him. He appeared to be lying on a couch in his home, the coffee table nearby with a fresh cup of tea situated on it.

Lucina's here... this person looks like her, sounds like her... it has to be her... right?

"Babe, say something."

"Ah..." Looking around, he murmured, "Lucina? You're here? And... you brought me home?"

"Of course, silly," she giggled. "This is our home. We're engaged and living together now, remember?"

Did that really happen...?

"Y-yeah, I remember..." He decided to play along.

Lucina wouldn't lie to me... right?

"But how are you feeling?" She asked him.

"Okay, I guess... Is that... some tea?"

"I made your favorite," she told him with a smile. Noticing him starting to sit up, she moved aside and let him take a sip.

"You like it?" She asked him curiously.

"Y-yeah..." He stammered. Smiling at her, he said, "Thank you, sweetheart. I'm looking... forward to our life together."

"Same here," she giggled. "And... you know what else I'm looking forward to...?"

"I think I know already..." he chuckled, drawing closer to her and wrapping his arms around her as she pulled him closer to her and their lips met in a passionate, yearning kiss. Within moments, the love behind the kiss turned to lust as she lay him back down and removed his scarf, her hands moving to the buttons on his jacket.

"Oh yes..." Falcon sighed blissfully as she planted her lips on the nape of his neck. He began to muss up her hair as his chest was exposed, feeling her hands stroke his back. "Mmmmm..." he tilted his head back and moaned as he felt her lips travel to his chest.

Maybe there's nothing wrong after all... this feels amazing...

His mind was becoming foggy with pure pleasure as his breath hitched and his body began to heat up, before suddenly noticing Lucina begin to straddle him, positioning her still clothed crotch right above...

Wait a minute.

"L-Lucina?" He interrupted her. "It's kinda hot that you're trying to dominate me right now, but... I do remember you said you weren't very used to the customs of romance, let alone... this. Aside from our first time, you're not that... shall we say, experienced yet?"

"Really? I guess I remember..." Lucina tilted her head to her side quizzically. Climbing off his body, she suggested, "Want another drink?"

"Yeah, that'll help..." As he sat up, he pretended to drink, only subtly moving the cup so that the tea's surface would show Lucina's reflection as she reached for the remote and turned on the TV.

What he saw shocked him.

"Captain...!" The real Lucina inside the reflection called to him. The same aquamarine aura from earlier was surrounding her too, and her face bore a desperate expression. "Wake up, darling! Please! That isn't me!"

"Wha?!"

"Babe...?" The Lucina sitting next to him asked him.

Gently setting the cup of tea down, he told her bluntly, "...You're not Lucina."

"What?" The "Lucina" before him chuckled nervously. "Of course I'm Lucina. Who else would I be...?"

"Explain this." He shoved the cup into "Lucina"'s face, letting her look at her reflection, which was the same thing Falcon saw.

"Kh..." The fake Lucina grunted as she appeared to "glitch" just as the crowd did earlier. Just then, she smirked as her voice changed to Galeem's.

"So, you've figured it out..."

"Ugh!" The Captain gasped, his consciousness snapping back to reality. Pit, Palutena and Rosalina stood before him, looking on with a concerned look.

"Is he awake?!" Pit exclaimed.

"Looks that way..." Palutena answered him.

I don't understand. I created a world where you can be the real you, and I've included your lover too...

"What good is being the real me, if everyone else is just... carbon copies?!" Falcon protested. "Dr. Stewart and Mr. Zero were in name only, and while the 'Lucina' you included was the spitting image of her in every way, her personality was different... that's no better than you erasing everyone else and leaving me alone in your new universe! So fuck off! Lucina and I will come for you and Dharkon, and then it'll be the end of the road for both of you!"

If that's what you decide, so be it. Know that when I see you again, I will not show mercy. Farewell, Captain Falcon. Farewell to you... and these disgusting flawed beings you care about so much...

At that moment, Galeem released their hold over the Captain, the aqua aura vanishing and the lights on his visor turning white again. Feeling exhaustion catch up to him, he fell to his knees, then collapsed face first onto the ground, unconscious.

---

"Mmm..."

As Lucina's mind emerged from the darkness of unconsciousness, she closed her eyes once again to a different darkness - one of desire and ecstasy.

She and her lover were entwined together in a cacophony of pure carnal pleasure, their naked bodies fusing together in a series of tantalizing movements. Their hands roving everywhere... their lips locked together, pausing only to catch their breath... their moans echoing throughout the bedroom... the sheer bliss flooding their bodies.

"So... good..." Lucina faintly gasped, moaning as the Captain's movements found the perfect rhythm. She embraced him tighter, sighing and moaning as the wonderful feelings built up in her. Briefly opening her eyes, she saw her lover's face.

He was wearing his helmet for some reason, but that just made him all the sexier, especially seeing the rest of his face contort into an expression of intense bliss.

Gods... that is such a turn on. She thought, as she closed her eyes once more and gave in to the pleasurable culmination that rocked her to her core powerfully, but gently at the same time.

"Cap...tain..." she sighed, unable to think about anything but him and the warmth flooding her being.

"Lucina..." He embraced her tightly as he shuddered, experiencing a breathtaking release, his voice sending pleasant vibrations down Lucina's spine.

After they lay in each other's arms as they came down from their rapturous high, Lucina pondered, Wait... our first time together...

She opened her eyes and saw their bodies were both emanating the crimson aura. The lights on Falcon's visor glowed purple, as well. Not only that, the walls seemed to be covered in some dark purple slimy material that vaguely resembled veins.

What...?

"Something wrong, sweetheart?"

"Ah..." Stammering as she felt unease begin to creep up on her, she asked him, "Did... we ever get to... make love to each other with you still wearing the helmet before?"

"Yeah," Falcon said. "Don't you remember?"

"I... guess so," Lucina conceded, deciding to play along.

"Maybe some time, we should do it with you wearing your old butterfly mask," he jested. "Spending time with you like this... makes me forget all my worries."

"Of course it does..." She giggled, snuggling closer to her lover, savoring the feeling of safety being in his strong arms gave her.

"It makes me forget the fact that I miss Snake and Samus..." He sighed sorrowfully. "They died from Dharkon's corruption. You, me, Shulk, Zelda, Robin and your parents and brother are the only people alive today... in this world of eternal darkness."

"Oh..." she sighed timidly, subtly backing away to give her lover space.

"Shulk lost Fiora too... Zelda lost Link and her counterpart, Sheik... Robin lost all his friends too... Our bodies were like a vector for this disease-like corruption. We were just the carriers and were unharmed, but they... I heard it wasn't pretty."

We...caused this?

"I... you're joking... you have to be..." Lucina chuckled nervously.

"Take a look." Reaching for his smartphone close by, the Captain showed Lucina a video feed of what happened to the loved ones of the people who were spared, barring herself.

"No..." Lucina shook her head fearfully, covering her mouth with one of her hands. What Falcon said was true... she first saw Fiora dying a horrible, disfiguring death, the method of which Lucina couldn't even begin to describe... the same happened to Link, Sheik, Cloud, Snake, Samus...

"This... isn't what I wanted..." Lucina sobbed. "I didn't want to be alone, but... not at this cost..."

"Was it worth it?" Captain Falcon asked her, his voice changing to Dharkon's.

"Aaaaagh!" Lucina cried as her consciousness returned to reality. Standing before her were Shulk, Bayonetta, and a fully-healed Cloud.

"She's back..." Shulk murmured.

"I know you're no quitter!" Bayonetta encouraged the Exalt. "Shove them out of your subconscious!"

"You can do it!" Fiora's Spirit joined in. "I know you can!"

"That's right!" Elma's Spirit said. "Remember your own strength!"

"Dharkon..." Lucina began. "You feed off my emotions, torment me, my loved ones, and threaten me time and again... and try to tempt me with a corrupt wish. Yes, being alone is a pain I can't bear. But to be surrounded by loved ones, only for them to be unhappy... that's even worse."

You...!

"My resolve is stronger than it's ever been before, Dharkon. In a way, I guess I should thank you. Your attempts at getting me to cave in to my insecurities actually tempered me to become even stronger still. I will use my newfound strength... to cleave the path to a hopeful future for myself, the ones I love... for everyone...!"

So be it! When I see you again, I will make you regret ever leaving me...

"Ah..." At that moment, Dharkon released their control of Lucina, her eyes returning to their normal blue color and the crimson aura vanishing from her body. Staggering, she felt her consciousness as light as a feather before falling backward onto the ground, losing consciousness within seconds.

---

"Ngh..." Captain Falcon slowly opened his eyes and found himself back on the luminous path, the cloud sea back to a state of perfect equilibrium. Noticing Lucina laying on the ground a short distance off, he crawled over to her and gently nudged her awake.

"Sweetheart...?"

"Mmmh...?" She moaned as she came to. "What happened? Why are we... back here?"

"Hey guys," Mario greeted them with a wave.

"Mario..." The Captain murmured as he slowly got up. Lucina did the same. "How did we get here?"

"After Master Hand was-a freed from Galeem's control, and Crazy Hand from Dharkon's, Palutena and Rosalina helped bring you back here, Captain. As-a for Lucina, Bayonetta carried her back here before the goddess and the witch followed the Hands to the rest of the Smashers. They've-a found a way for us to go home."

"They have...?" Lucina's eyes lit up with hope.

"Hold on, Mario," The Captain said. "Did you get to find out if... gathering everyone back together was the real Hands' intention all along?"

"As a matter of fact, that is-a true," Mario answered him. "The Hands... they're getting tired. They've been running tournaments for so long, they're thinking of hanging up their metaphorical hats and-a letting someone new take the reins. But first, they're-a planning to go out with a bang. This will be their biggest tournament yet, letting more new faces join over time, but after that... I don't know if something like-a this will ever happen again." Looking down solemnly, he continued, "It's-a safe to say me, Link, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Pikachu, Kirby, Yoshi, Marth, and-a Samus will stay, but I don't know if anyone else is guaranteed to return... not even you, Captain..."

"I... see..." The Captain looked to the side solemnly.

So... Snake was right, he thought. There is a chance I, or Lucina, or both will go our separate ways next tournament... or even any of our friends or loved ones...

"Babe..." Lucina affectionately stroked his face in an attempt to comfort him. "No matter what happens... let's try to make our immediate future as happy as possible. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it... right?"

"Right." He tenderly embraced the woman he loved.

I promise, Lucina... I won't let you go ever again. I won't let any more moments between us, or anyone else in Smash City, slip by again...

"Anyway, you two," Mario interrupted them. "Let's-a go. The Hands are waiting for us."

"Right."

...

The three arrived at a wide clearing just in between Galeem and Dharkon. There appeared to be a crack in the cloud sea, orange light shining through.

"Alright, everyone is here," Master Hand announced. "It would seem that this rift here is the key to our freedom. Crazy Hand and I will see what we can do." Master Hand and Crazy Hand then started rubbing together to create what looked like static electricity, and slapped the crack, which grew wider.

"Poyoooo..." Kirby was amazed by the display and inched closer before Master Hand blocked the way. "Sorry, Kirby. We're all thankful for your help saving us all, but we can't risk harm coming to any of you. We can sense throngs of Phantom Fighters created by Galeem and Dharkon in there. It would be too dangerous for any of you, but we should be able to handle it without any problems. Once that's done, the path to freedom awaits."

"Come on, Master!" Crazy Hand encouraged her partner. "Let's stick it to Galeem and Dharkon! We've had enough of their chains!"

"Indeed!" Master and Crazy Hand then dove into the rift.

A few seconds passed, and Sonic spoke up. "What do you think is going on in there...?"

Immediately after Sonic's inquiry, some of the Phantom Fighters Master Hand described were sent flying out of the rift and into the horizon. They included Galeem-created clones of Mario, Link and Snake with their signature red eyes and crystalline light blue bodies; and Dharkon-created clones of Sonic, Cloud, and King K. Rool, with crimson crystalline bodies and purple eyes.

"...That answer your question?" Snake rhetorically asked the hedgehog.

Once they were done, the Hands flew out of the rift, whose cracks spread until the cloud sea seemed to shatter, revealing the light of sunset below them.

"It's done... we have conquered both light and darkness," Master Hand said. "We can finally... go home."

"Hooooome...!" Luigi cried, running to the path that lay ahead of the Smashers, only for Galeem and Dharkon to inch closer to block the path.

"Luigi!" Isabelle called out, pulling out her fishing rod and tossing the lure at Luigi, snagging him and pulling him out in the nick of time. Mario ran to his brother, catching him before he hit the ground.

"Well, whoop de frickin' doo," Daisy sassed. "Of course these two would try to deny us our freedom!"

"Step aside, princess," The Spirit of Pearl, an Inkling and one half of popular Inkopolis pop duo Off the Hook, began. "Let a queen show you how it's done." Striking a pose, she shouted, "AYO, LIGHT 'N DARK THINGIES!"

"Um... Pearl?" The Spirit of Marina, an Octoling and the other half of Off the Hook, tried to warn her friend. "You... do realize we're just Spirits right? You can't summon the Princess Cannon like this!"

Slumping her shoulders, Pearl griped with a disappointed frown, "Ah, carp."

"Wait..." Palutena realized. "This means... Galeem and Dharkon have a common enemy now, which is us... all of us. Now that we're all free, they don't want us to try to escape. They'd sooner put aside their differences to try to stop us."

"What say you we team up, goddess?" Bayonetta suggested. "You were Galeem's former emissary as I was Dharkon's... maybe we could even switch opponents? You go for Dharkon, I'll handle Galeem?"

"That look on your face," Palutena skeptically commented, noticing Bayonetta's vaguely flirty smirk. "You're... expecting something in return, aren't you?"

"What? What ever makes you think that, goddess?" Bayonetta deflected with a chuckle before muttering under her breath, "Damn. Almost had it under control..."

"You... probably shouldn't, ladies," Captain Falcon dissuaded the goddess and witch. "You two were just freed from their control... you're probably more vulnerable than any of us right now."

"Now that you mention it, Captain," Palutena began, "I do feel a bit... tired..."

"Yeah, and I feel my magic isn't at full strength," Bayonetta remarked. "But... who will go, then?"

"I will," Lucina spoke up. "In a way, I am still somewhat responsible for bringing Dharkon here and making them so powerful... and Galeem followed. It's time I put an end to it all... with the training I received, I will not lose."

"Lucina, don't you dare think about going alone," Falcon told his lover. "I'm going too. I was somewhat responsible for all this too, a bit more indirectly... And I was Galeem's back up emissary, like Lucina was Dharkon's. Once Palutena was free, Galeem tried to win me back to their side with some kind of catatonic dream..."

"You too, babe?" Lucina asked him. "In my 'dream' Dharkon tried to offer me a world where me, you, Shulk, Robin, Zelda and my family were spared... but you talked about how you missed your own friends, like Snake... and the others missed the people they cared about too. I wouldn't be alone, but everyone else was. It was a world of selfish desires."

"In my vision, I was free to be the real me, but everyone else, even you, were replaced with carbon copies. Some were in name only, others had every detail down pat... except their personalities. Like the fake you Galeem created in my dream. That's what tipped me off... I'm free to be the real me, but everyone else is fake? I do not want a world like that..."

"I know..."

"Captain... you sure about this?" Snake asked the Captain.

"I don't want to lose one of my best friends again..." Samus added, her voice sounding solemn. "When you were away from Smash City, I was beginning to worry that you'd never come back... and if either you, Snake, or both have to leave next tournament..."

"Guys..." He embraced them both, trying to hide the uncertainty in his voice. "I... don't know what will happen. But I'll do my best to make it back to safety, and with Lucina by my side... I know she'll keep us both safe."

"My dear daughter..." Chrom embraced his daughter as tears began to gather in his eyes. Robyn and Morgan joined in the hug. "You've grown to be a wonderful, beautiful, kind young woman... you saved me not once, but twice now. I'm so proud of you and... I can't bear the thought of losing you..."

"Please don't die, sis..." Morgan wept.

"Lucina..." Robyn sobbed.

"Mother, Father, Morgan... I... am not going to lie. I'm a bit scared, too, even with my training, and the Captain by my side. I'll do my best, but... if I don't return... know that I'm sorry, and that I love you all. And..." Tears began to stream down her face as she told Chrom, "Father... if that happens... look after the other me and the other Morgan, okay...? They'll grow up into a prosperous future, the future my Morgan and I couldn't have... and I know you'll raise them right..." She wept, hugging her family closer.

Letting go of his friends, Falcon walked over to his girlfriend and tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder. Releasing her family, she turned around and embraced him, kissing him tearfully. Once they were done, he broke the kiss and reassured her, "Let's do our best... together."

"Yes." Lucina nodded, wiping her tears away after her lover released her. As the couple turned around to see the two oppressive beings blocking their way, they looked straight ahead with determined expressions, holding hands.

"Let's take a leap of faith..." Captain Falcon began.

"...Into the great unknown, and secure our freedom!" Lucina declared. The two, still holding hands, dashed toward Galeem and Dharkon. Even as the two cosmic threats retreated into an interdimensional portal, the couple did not stop running, and leapt when they reached the end of the platform, vanishing into the void.

"Lucina...!" Zelda shouted as she and Shulk ran to the portal. Her best friend and the Captain had already vanished.

"Wha..." A vision suddenly came to Shulk, after which he said, "...they won't be able to manage on their own."

"No..." Zelda collapsed to her knees, starting to cry. "I was too late to..."

"It's not too late," Master Hand reassured Zelda. "I can feel it... a Spirit whose will is so strong, it wants to help... I will grant it physical form and it will join Smash City's ranks as a fighter effective immediately."

"It...?" Zelda questioned before seeing Master Hand count down from three to one with his fingers, then came a snap.

"Come forth and join the battle, Piranha Plant...!"

"I'm sorry, did he just say..." Daisy began before a beam of light descended before the Smashers. Emerging from it was indeed, a Piranha Plant in a pot.

"WHAAAAAA-?!" Mario cried in surprise, falling over. The Piranha Plant dashed to the portal and leapt in as well, just as more Phantom Fighters emerged and flanked the other Smashers.

"Looks like we'll have our own battle to fight here," Shulk commented. "Let's give it our all, guys!"

"Poyo!" Kirby nodded.

"Wait... what's this?" Master Hand questioned. "I sense... more...?"

"This deity of order and light... they build their promises on falsehood. I will unmask their true form!"

"A being of darkness threatens the land? I, the Luminary, will vanquish this chaos...!"

"Guh-huh!"

"Hey, c'mon!"

"Target locked on. Commencing combat mode."

"Master... are you thinking..." Crazy Hand began.

"Five more brave souls..." Master Hand muttered. "Piranha Plant might not be enough. Those two could use all the help they can get... it's time for more to join the battle!" Extending his palm outward, Master Hand shouted, "Joker, Hero, Banjo & Kazooie, Terry Bogard, and KOS-MOS! It's time to SMASH!"

---

AW YEAH EPIC FINALE NEXT. I can't believe I'm actually finishing this...

also I def headcanon Bayonetta as a polyamorous pansexual don't DM at me

Reviews are appreciated. I thank you all for sticking by so far, no matter what. And if there's some spelling/grammar/punctuation/connecting word I'm still missing somewhere let me know.

Also, if you wanna hit up fellow Smash Bros. authors on Discord, check out the Super Smash Prose server! The ID is gDK48ua.

OH AND I'mma be bold and include my FP5 prediction I'm SUPER confident on: KOS-MOS! I've been teasing her all fic and tbh given patterns and some rumors, I am VERY sure she'll be FP5. (I was wrong, but I feel like she will appear anyway)

ONE LAST THING. I unintentionally called Dark Samus a racial slur. I didn't know that before someone pointed that out, and to anyone I offended, I'm sorry. I have changed the mocking nickname given to her to Scamus instead.