Hey, sorry for the long break in chapters. I came down with a bad cold and I just didn't feel up to writing. To make up for it, here's an extra long chapter today. Remember that feedback is welcome and that any universe can be suggested.
When we last left Captain Falcon, he visited the Kingdom of Hyrule and helped the hero and princess of legend defeat the evil Ganondorf and saved Hyrule. Unfortunately, the kingdom was subsequently destroyed. Now we join our heroes on a new journey to save the universes.
Chapter 7: Regrouping
"I see you've returned Captain Falcon, and you've brought friends. I think we have much to discuss," the Overseer of Worlds said softly.
"W-where's Midna?" Zelda asked shakily.
"I'm sorry to say that Midna fell into Tabuu's control, young one."
"We'll get her back Zelda… that's weird to say. I don't know who you are ma'am, but I hope you have answers. Who is this Tabuu?" Sheik stated.
"You may call me the Overseer of Worlds. I have no solid answers, only hunches, but those I will share gladly. First, I'm sorry to say that all those in Hyrule have fallen to the strength of Tabuu. Only you four and Ganondorf, who still resides in your Triforce of Wisdom, Zelda, remain from that kingdom.
You ask who is Tabuu. I would share with you the full legend, but I fear we lack the time. If the attack of Hyrule means anything, Tabuu is speeding up his timetable. He cannot be happy that Captain Falcon managed to save another of the Twelve Reborn, let alone gain so many powerful allies so fast. You must act fast to reach the other worlds and unite the heroes and villains who will make up your army.
But now we must discuss something strange. Zelda and Sheik, once one Soul, one body, are now two. I believe that when Ganondorf tried to separate you from your Triforce, something magical happened to your body. You split to represent the divinity you straddle. Zelda represents her divine form and Sheik her mortal form. Such magical trauma is difficult to reverse, and I lack the magical prowess in my old age to repair that. Such magic might be able to be channeled when the Twelve Reborn are gathered.
That brings us to our three Links. I'm not an expert on the Triforce. Alas, if only the Hero's Shade had survived the attack, he'd be able to give us a satisfying answer. As it stands, my guess is that the Triforce of Courage Link holds recognized the danger he was in and called across time and worlds to bring us these two other Links. I saw that they played major roles in that battle, and I predict that when the time comes, they will again lend their strength. That said, I believe only the Link of the current time period is one of the Twelve Reborn. They all possess the spirit of the hero, but only Link here possesses the reborn Soul of Snilk. Young Link and Toon Link, as I suggest we call them, are only here to aid in the fight. I also have one more gift for the three Links. I'm aware that they cannot speak. This was decreed long ago that Link may never speak as a result of being chosen for such a great destiny. It was to balance him. I believe drastic times call for drastic measures, so I temporarily grant the heroes of Hyrule the ability to speak to make communication easier.
Though you all had great synergy in that battle for Hyrule, I believe it is time for all of you to split up. I suggest Captain Falcon goes it alone from here, Zelda and Young Link team up, Sheik and Toon Link, and Link and Ganondorf-" The Overseer of Worlds monologued.
"No, you can't be serious!" Link exclaimed.
"Yeah, he's destroyed Hyrule countless times," Young Link pointed out.
"Let him remain sealed away," Toon Link begged.
"I believe I see why you say this Overseer of Worlds. Ganondorf can be an incredibly powerful ally in the fight against Tabuu, and he might be willing to help us since he's as doomed as us if he doesn't," Zelda contemplated.
"Exactly," the Overseer of Worlds beamed.
"Will you release him Zelda?" Sheik inquired.
"I'm inclined to say no, but a princess must put her people first. If he can help save my kingdom, I'll work with him." Zelda sighed.
Zelda raised her hands and a golden triangle appeared. Within it was a tiny black speck. The triangle began to spin and the speck grew larger. Soon, the speck began to take on the shape of Ganondorf and when it had reached the size of a man, the triangle disappeared and Ganondorf stood in front of them.
"I see you've set to free me, princess, but why?" Ganondorf asked not at all disoriented.
"So you need my power?" Ganondorf questioned after the Overseer of Worlds explained her story.
"As much as I hate it Ganondorf, yes," Link said resigned.
"This will be a dangerous mission," Captain Falcon explained.
"I despise working with you as well, but for… the chance to rule over Hyrule once more… I'll join you in your fight against Tabuu." Ganondorf said slowly.
"Good. I've gifted you each the power to travel between the worlds and those you travel with once that self-same power as well. I've also gifted you each the same book I've given Captain Falcon. From now on, it'll replicate when you get new allies. Good luck," the Overseer of Worlds wished.
The teams paired up, closed their eyes, and traveled to different worlds.
Chapter 8: Running Free
Captain Falcon opened his eyes to find himself in a tropical paradise. Everything was stunningly, blindingly green. Palm trees swayed peacefully and the hills rolled with subtle curves. The woodland animals, though bigger than those he was used to, were wandering around the area calmly, as if they had never had to fear for anything. It was the kind of place everyone dreamed of visiting. Captain Falcon decided to take a moment, just a moment, to take in the scenery and breathe the clean air. In his moment of peace, the animal pricked up their ears and Captain Falcon, too, did hear something approaching… fast. Before he could react, something resembling… a blue blur (for how else could you describe something so fast?) came to a screeching halt in front of him.
"Woah, don't stand in the road, bud!" the strange… hedgehog(?) said.
"W-who are you?" Captain Falcon asked.
"The name's Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog, fastest thing alive you know," Sonic responded.
Captain Falcon consulted his book. He learned that this was the world of Sonic the Hedgehog, a blue hedgehog, that constantly clashed with an evil scientist that went by many names, though he seemed to prefer being called Dr. Eggman these days. The place he stood in now must be the place called Green Hill Zone, Sonic's stomping ground. Though Sonic was by far the fastest, all inhabitants of this world were known for incredible speed.
"Sonic the Hedgehog, I don't know you. Let's just say I come from very far away. But if I met you, then that means I need your help and you need mine," Captain Falcon explained.
"Well, Egg Supreme is up to something again. Tails was supposed to give me the details, but…" Sonic started, but right as he mentioned Tails, a fox with yellow fur, an innocent face, and two tails came flying up, tablet in hand.
"Sonic! We have a major issue! Dr. Eggman has built a bunch of giant mechs and he's even rebuilt the Death Egg! Our forces are gathering in Sunset Heights, and we've sent out forces to gather the Chaos Emeralds." Tails exclaimed.
"How many times has he rebuilt that hunk of metal? Guess I gotta do some demolition work. Can you keep up with my speed, stranger?" Sonic asked.
"I'm called Captain Falcon, and yes, I can with my vehicle… the Blue Falcon!" Captain Falcon yelled.
The Blue Falcon blasted through the portal and stopped right by Captain Falcon. Tails gave a squeal of delight and flew up to the car, opening its hood.
"Wow! A G-Diffuser system! But there are only a few prototypes in the whole world, and none of them work. How did you get this?" Tails asked excitedly.
"Let's just say my line of work requires good transportation." Captain Falcon responded.
"What does this all mean, little bud?" Sonic wondered.
"It means he'll be able to keep up with even you, Sonic." Tails explained.
"Impressive. Hmmm…. How about a race, Captain Falcon? Last one to our base of operations is a rotten Eggman! Tails will send you the coordinates." Sonic challenged.
"You're on, Sonic!" Captain Falcon responded.
And so they ran off towards the base, careless and free.
Chapter 9: A Date With Destiny
Captain Falcon hadn't felt this good in years. Sure, he's gone this fast numerous times before, but between keeping tabs on his sister, thwarting Black Shadow, and otherwise worrying about his destiny, he had forgotten about the thrill of racing. There was never time for him to truly enjoy himself, something he was doing now. Captain Falcon was blasting through a lush paradise at high speed with nothing clouding his mind. He felt free, he felt clear. Fate could throw anything at him, and Captain Falcon would face it.
"Looking good, Captain Falcon, but can you do this?" Sonic asked, and performed the famous spin dash to launch off a ramp and perform a series of complex jumps off passing walls and random badniks to an amazing landing next to the Blue Falcon.
"Maybe not exactly that, but… Boost… FIRE!" Captain Falcon screamed.
Captain Falcon thrust forward a lever on his machine and the car went into a massive spinning motion that increased his speed. He proceed to launch off a ramp and perform a series of similar platforming maneuvers to land next to Sonic. From there, they had a contest. Each tried progressively more and more difficult moves to try and outdo each other, laughing at each other's successes. Tails flew behind them, cheering them on and providing directions when necessary. Soon, the scenery changed slightly, and the greenery and palm trees became sparser and they came upon a bridge that led into a city. But that's when a robot, nearly identical to Sonic, came up next to them.
"Metal? Why do you always come up at bad times?" Sonic sighed.
Metal Sonic, as pretty much anyone could guess that was its name, fired rockets at the three, and though all missed, it forced them to lose time. They needed to get to base quick so that they could counter Dr. Eggman.
"Sonic, this bridge could collapse if we don't stop Metal's attack!" Tails warned.
"But we need to get to base, Tails!" Sonic countered.
"I have an idea. It's called the Sandwich Boost. With it, you two can go on ahead and prepare the forces. I'll stay back and deal with Metal," Captain Falcon explained.
"How does it work?" Tails inquired.
"Metal is going to ram into you from the side in exactly eight seconds from now based on my analysis of his computer programming. I'm going to ram into you from the other. That'll create a draft that'll give you a huge boost, get ready!" Captain Falcon explained.
Right on cue, Metal Sonic tried to ram into Sonic and Tails from the left. Captain Falcon swerved to his left and completed the draft of wind. Sonic and Tails shot forward so fast Metal Sonic and Captain Falcon looked like they were standing still. That just left Captain Falcon alone with Metal Sonic. They were about halfway across the bridge: Captain Falcon had to stop Metal Sonic from reaching the city, or civilians might suffer. He deftly rammed into Metal Sonic, taking out his high speed blasters. Metal wouldn't be flying off anymore; he'd have to stay and fight. Metal Sonic again used his lasers, badly damaging the Blue Falcon. Captain Falcon jumped off a flipped over car and landed directly on Metal Sonic for more damage, but Metal Sonic then fired a missile at the Blue Falcon. Captain Falcon ejected and launched himself at Metal Sonic.
"Falcon…. PUNCH!" Captain Falcon attempted to unleash a fiery punch at Metal Sonic, but time froze.
"Foolish Captain Falcon, one of the Twelve Reborn. Tell me, why do you still fight, Yands? Your world is gone, your destiny annulled, your sister mine." Metal Sonic spoke, with the voice of an old man.
Still frozen in air, Captain Falcon was able to respond, "T-Tabuu? I-I will never stop fighting, not until Jody is safe."
"Heh heh hahahahaha, I'll grant you a deal, Captain Falcon. Give up your foolish quest to defeat me, and I will let you and your sister live out under my rule in the world I will create."
"Never! I will return to Mute City, with my sister, and I will defeat you Tabuu! Now unfreeze time so I can destroy your vessel!"
"Very well, I'll be coming for this world soon anyhow. And your mission has no chance of success. You have too many worlds to visit in too little time."
Time unfroze. The punch connected, and Metal Sonic dropped to the ground, made a few sad noises, and moved no more. Captain Falcon climbed into his critically damaged Blue Falcon and followed the directions Tails gave him and drove to the base.
Chapter 10: The Master Plan
Captain Falcon got to the meeting just in time. A bunch of mechanics took his Blue Falcon and began to make repairs while he went into the meeting. Inside, there were quite a few people, including Tails and Sonic. There was a pink hedgehog that was brandishing a hammer and a fierce personality that told Captain Falcon that he didn't want to mess with her. From the conversation, he guessed her name was Amy. There was also a black hedgehog with red highlights. He had shoes that seemed to have rocket or hover technology, and he bore a striking resemblance to Sonic, minus the coloring. His name appeared to be Shadow. Finally, at the head, stood a red echidna with spiked hands and a gruff attitude: a born leader. Everyone was calling him Knuckles; Captain Falcon couldn't tell if that was a nickname.
"Tails' idea to stick the Chaos Emeralds in a secure location after the last battle with Eggman worked. Blaze, Silver, and the others are bringing them here as we speak," Amy reported.
"Good to know, Amy. Now, our city is so far safe from attacks, but Eggman's mechs are beginning to rally at the entry points. They'll be on our positions within 24 hours," Knuckles explained.
"Any word on what his plan might be?" Shadow asked.
"Does it matter? All I know is I gotta wreck some mechs!" Sonic retorted.
"Actually, it does. Sonic, I relished our race earlier, but we need to act fast." Captain Falcon said as he finally stepped out of the doorway into the room.
"Oh, everyone, this is Captain Falcon! He's here to help us out," Tails offered.
"Strange to work with a human, but welcome aboard Captain Falcon," Knuckles politely responded.
"I have to tell everyone something. It's a long story, but we're all in terrible danger. It all started after Sonic and Tails left while I took care of Metal Sonic," Captain Falcon opened up, and told everyone everything: his world's destruction, Tabuu, and his journey here.
"You expect us to believe that?" Shadow asked incredulously.
"It's no stranger than what we've seen coming from Eggman before," Amy countered.
"Well, I appreciate the warning, Captain Falcon, but I'm afraid that we can't be bothered with this 'Tabuu' right now. Even if the world was about to be destroyed, we have Eggman preparing to launch on civilians. No, we defeat Dr. Eggman, and then we worry about Tabuu," Knuckles said resolutely.
"But-" Captain Falcon started.
"I know you're worried about us, Captain Falcon, but help us beat Dr. Eggman," Tails interrupted.
"Responding to his plans, Rouge was able to gather some intel," Amy began.
"Let's hear it," Knuckles commanded.
"Dr. Eggman apparently wants to open up portals to other "worlds" using the Chaos Emeralds. That's why the mechs are here. They're trying to take back the Chaos Emeralds, and the Death Egg will use its laser to open these portals all across the planet. He'll summon legions of monsters from other worlds. Only he will be able to stop it, forcing us to submit to his rule," Amy explained.
"That's no good for us," Sonic said.
"We have to shut down the Death Egg to stand a chance," Shadow offered.
"Well then what's our plan?" Knuckles opened the floor.
"This sounds awfully like the Dark Matter Reactor of my world. I believe I have an idea. Shadow, Sonic, and I will head up to the Death Egg to confront Dr. Eggman. Tails will provide air support for our fight there, and Amy and Knuckles will stay here to defend the city and give us intel." Captain Falcon offered.
"Do we have the Chaos Emeralds?" Tails asked.
"Yes, Blaze and her time retrieved them just a few moments ago," Amy answered.
"Good, then let's get moving! When I start going, Egg Head won't be able to stop me!" Sonic cheered.
Chapter 11: The Chaos Emeralds
It was a long flight to the Death Egg. Tails had offered to take them on the Tornado, his ship, but that wasn't big enough to hold four people. They commandeered an old Eggman carrier they had captured in an earlier battle and took off for the battle. Sonic was being the goofball he normally is and Shadow was staring gruff at one of the Chaos Emeralds. Captain Falcon thought to himself how bizarre this whole situation was. Here he was talking to two sentient hedgehogs. They could seemingly draw power from jewels of all things. But then he considered his own world. His world, full of sound barrier breaking machines, magical engines, and supervillains, might seem weird to these hedgehogs.
"So why did you decide to help out Shadow?" Sonic asked with a grin.
"It's for… her. I've been searching for more about her, trying to find out more about our past together. I had a vision from her. She said that I would learn everything I would need to know if I came to defeat Dr. Eggman here. This isn't to help you." Shadow responded.
The crew sat in silence once more. The Death Egg slowly grew from a speck to a menacing orb with the slightly off look with a mustachioed face on its outside. That, Captain Falcon figured, must be Dr. Eggman. Something felt off… why weren't they being attacked yet? Dr. Eggman was letting them fly straight into his airspace and nothing… Captain Falcon had a startling thought and cast his eyes across the inner workings of the vehicle and strained his ears. Then, the telltale beat. Dr. Eggman didn't have to worry: a remote explosive was placed inside these vehicles so he could detonate them if his opposition tried to use it to get to his base. Captain Falcon ran his fingers over it. He judged its receiver could pick up the signal about… 100 yards away.
"How far are we from the Death Egg?" Captain Falcon asked silently.
"I think about 130 yards and closing." Shadow replied puzzled.
"Get out of the plane!" Captain Falcon yelled and grabbed the two and jumped out.
Behind them, the plane exploded. They were lucky enough to be pulled in by gravity towards the Death Egg.
"Blue Falcon!" Captain Falcon called.
The Blue Falcon flew out of space and Captain Falcon jumped in, pulling the two with him. They landed (or rather hovered) on the surface of the Death Egg. Captain Falcon immediately set a course for the nearest entrance into the Death Egg. He didn't know about the two hedgehogs, but he could not breathe in outer space and the Blue Falcon could only maintain life support for so long. He quickly found the needed entrance and jumped out of the Blue Falcon.
"That was a close one!" Sonic exclaimed.
"How did you know it was going to blow?" Shadow asked.
"I've had a lot of attempts at my life, and Dr. Eggman not attacking us felt obviously strange," Captain Falcon explained.
"Hoo hoo! I see you've made into my Death Egg Sonic and Shadow! You and your friend are too late! My Death Egg is at full power and I will launch the full might of otherworldly monsters immediately! You can't possibly stop me Sonic!" Dr. Eggman's voice boomed over the loudspeakers.
"Looks like I need to scramble some eggs!" Sonic excitedly said.
"But what about Captain Falcon? He can't use the power of the Chaos Emeralds and even if he could, we'd never reach Eggman's control room in time," Shadow reasoned.
"That's simple. You two, use your Chaos Emeralds and hold back the beams. I'll head off to the control room on my own to take on Eggman," Captain Falcon offered.
"Seems like it could work…" Shadow thought out loud.
"Good luck bud!" Sonic responded.
With that, Sonic and Shadow stood shoulder to shoulder. Seven glowing gems circled around them. Within moments, the gems disappeared and Sonic and Shadow turned golden. Captain Falcon could feel the intense power coming off them and waved them off as they flew back outside to block the planet from the lasers. Captain Falcon then turned and ran off to the control room; Tails had sent coordinates to the room on the flight here. The Death Egg was truly strange, filled with insane contraptions and robots that Captain Falcon had to defeat a couple of on his way. Whoever had built this must have been a genius, a mastermind, a mechanic to rival all others…
And he was huge. Captain Falcon ran into the control room to see a large man with a bushy mustache, glasses, and a horrible red suit. This was the mastermind behind this horrible plan?
"Ho ho h- eh? How did you get in here? And who are you?" Dr. Eggman asked.
"I'm Captain Falcon, I come from another world, and I've come to totally destroy you, Dr. Eggman," Captain Falcon answered.
"You're too late! Already, the power of the Chaos Emeralds are failing Sonic and Shadow, and my lasers will open an army that cannot be stopped!" Eggman chortled.
"Not unless I stop your machine," Captain Falcon calmly pointed out.
"Even if I were to let you have access to my computer, it is blocked by a password; you could never crack it and command it to stop the lasers in time," Dr. Eggman countered.
"Who said anything about using the computer?" Captain Falcon said.
With that, Captain Falcon charged forward, and smacked Eggman away from the controls. In rapid succession, he dealt a series of blows with flames woven in between that made scrap metal of the computer within moments. Looking out the window at Sonic and Shadow, he saw the lasers weaken and finally disappear. Eggman screamed in annoyance and hopped into a hovercar of sorts, flying away.
"Good work, Captain Falcon!" Sonic said as he flew in.
"Dr. Eggman got away," Shadow countered.
"Not yet he hasn't. He went to the observation deck judging by his direction. We might be able to head him off there," Captain Falcon said.
The three tore off to the observation deck. Of course, Sonic and Shadow held back on their own speed as Captain Falcon could not even come close to keeping up with them at max speed in Super form. They finally arrived in the observation deck. It was a wide, clean room with a glass ceiling that opened up to space itself. All three of them were stunned by the endless white. They were starting to wonder where Dr. Eggman had went when the floor began to open up. Out of the hole came a signature Eggman mech. It was tall, with antlers, lithe and speedy legs, and rockets everywhere.
"Ho ho ho! Let me introduce you to my latest invention, Sonic, Shadow, and Captain Falcon! This is the Egg Stag and it will be your demise," Dr. Eggman blustered.
"A surprise for me, Eggman? You can imagine how Egg Stag-tic I'll be to wreck it!" Sonic punned horribly.
"Never do that again," Shadow groaned.
"Enough talk, let's destroy this… Blue Falcon!" Captain Falcon screamed.
And so they charged. And Dr. Eggman fired. His Egg Stag charged with electrical attacks, sliced at them with his antlers, and launched missiles, but Super Sonic and Shadow were impervious, obviously. And, of course, the Blue Falcon was now more armored with Tails' ingenuity. Dr. Eggman got a few hits in, but it was becoming clear the battle was in the heroes' favor.
"You should know better than to challenge us Eggman, for I am Shadow, the ultimate life form," Shadow called.
"I'm Captain Falcon, one of the Twelve Reborn," Captain Falcon continued.
"And I am Sonic the Hedgehog, the fastest thing alive and your foil, Egg Head!"
With that, Sonic, Shadow, and Captain Falcon all charged into the Egg Stag, utter destroying it and sending Dr. Eggman flying back to the planet below. They stood for a moment, then a ringing came in on the intercom.
"Sonic, we have an emergency!" Tails screamed.
"What's wrong?" Captain Falcon asked with a sinking feeling in his heart.
"A-a massive black void appeared in the sky just now and has sucked in half a battalio-" Knuckles said before he was cut off.
"T-they just got Knuckles. His command post was really close to the void," Amy hollowly said.
"Black void?" Sonic asked.
"I don't know Sonic, but we need-" Amy began before being destroyed.
"Sonic help-" Tails was too destroyed.
"This what I warned you about, Sonic. Tabuu is taking over your world," Captain Falcon explained as the void grew large enough to be seen from the Death Egg.
"Is there anything we can do to stop it?" Shadow wondered.
"Nothing. You must join me on my journey to defeat Tabuu and release your friends from the being's grasp," Captain Falcon responded.
"I gotta try. I'll just fly there an-" Sonic began.
"No Sonic, I'll go. You go with Captain Falcon to other worlds and build his army," Shadow interrupted.
"B-but Shadow, you may not come back!" Sonic exclaimed.
"You don't understand. I understand the vision now; I understand Maria's wishes. She wants me to never forget her, yes; however, she also wants me to move on and protect those important to me now. You and I may never have gotten along perfectly, Sonic, but those people down there are my friends just as much as they were yours. I'll go down, and you go give Tabuu hell for me," Shadow jumped through the broken glass down into the world below.
"Shadow…" Sonic began to wail.
"We have to go Sonic, the void will be here any second," Captain Falcon said as he grabbed Sonic's hand.
They both closed their eyes and imagined another world.