Another day and another chapter.
Disclaimer: Fire Emblem and Super Smash Brothers are products of Nintendo. Seriously, the endings of Radiant dawn wouldn't be so bad if I was part of it's development, and there would probably be a second-generation Star Fox game. To those of you who don't know what I mean, Star Fox Command had multiple endings. The second ending is briefly referred to after this chapter.
Chapter VIII: Skirmish
Ike and his group returned again to Smash Mansion to find Marth in the middle of a conversation with Yune. The blue haired mercenary inquired"What is this about?"
Yune turned to respond to Ike"I had recieved grave news from Palutena, Majora's invasion is progressing much more swiftly then I anticipated. He has indeed invaded Tellius, but the countries there are formidable enough to not be too concerned about. Magvell and Elibe on the other hand were still recovering from their respective wars. There is also Altea, which is under siege by more subspace remnants."
"What? Does this mean Roy, Elis and Caeda are dead?" exclaimed Marth, his eyes widened.
Yune shook her head"Fear not, Marth. Pherae and Altea are well defended for now, I can sense your friends' life forces still shimmering. More important, have you gathered most of the artifacts I asked of you?"
Ike nodded"We have, and we are making ready to retrieve the Dawn Emblem."
The Deity of Chaos responded"There is one more, an ancient magic staff once wielded by one of your allies, as I have seen. Get that, and the Dawn Emblem, and you can save your worlds."
"Where might this staff be?" inquired Link.
"It lies somewhere in the starry universe of Laylat, the realm which has seen much conflict" replied Yune.
"That's outer space, how are we supposed to traverse that?" said Ness.
"You shouldn't have to worry about it" came Samus's voice as she and Pit entered the room.
"Samus's starship can take us to the Laylat System, if she's willing to let us use it" chimed Pit.
The blond Bounty Hunter interjected"I normally wouldn't do this, but none of us can traverse the galaxy without a ship. I recently added some high-tech lasers and a canon to help defend against potential hostilities, so we're set to go."
Link spoke up"How many people can fit in it?"
"It was built for one, but I could squeeze in three more" shrugged Samus.
"Then take me along" said Link.
"I too will accompany you, Samus. Zelda, Ike, want to come along?" inquired the winged Smasher.
Zelda shook her head"I will sit this one out, some of us need the rest after all."
Ike inspected his clothes before responding"I'm still in good condition, but I won't be as much help out in space. Still, I will go where I must."
Marth sighed as he began to walk over to the portal to his world"This may be selfish on my part, but I have to go make sure Elis and Caeda are okay. I know the chances are slim, but I must protect Altea."
"Paula and I will go with you, is that okay?" inquired Ness.
"I appreciate it, but what if something happens to you?" frowned Marth.
Paula sighed"Please don't underestimate us, our powers will be of help."
Marth shrugged, remembering the potential that Ness and Paula's Psi powers have"Very well, but don't go dying on me."
Yune spoke once more"That settles it, then. Ike, Samus, Pit, Link, once you have claimed the mythical rod, I will meet with you at the Krazoa Palace on Sauria."
"How do you know so much?" inquired Zelda.
"I have my ways, but right now there is very little time left before Majora spreads his wrath throughout the universes. Marth, you should not be so hasty" said Yune.
Marth squared his shoulders"I know, but I can't just ignore the trouble. With or without the Dawn Emblem, I will protect Altea with my life."
"Very well, good luck" nodded Yune.
Marth, Ness and Paula strode to the gate which led to Akaenia. Zelda turned to address Link"This dosen't mean much, but I want you to come back safely. For luck."
The Hylian Princess planted a light kiss on Link's cheeck. The Hero of Time struggled to keep from blushing"Thanks, I will do my best."
Zelda nodded"Just be careful, I'll help keep things in order here while you and Marth are away. Lucas, Kirby, DK and the others here will also help to protect the mansion."
Kumatora addressed Poo"There is time if you need to catch up to Ness, Paula and Marth. I sense a powerful force awaiting at their destination, they may require additonal aid."
"I feel it too" said Poo, rushing after Marth's group.
Link, Ike, Samus and Pit boarded the starship and made themselves ready to travel to the Laylat System. Ike was astonished at the advanced technology within the spacecraft.
"This works on auto-pilot, right?" inquired Pit.
Samus nodded"Yes, but the coordinates within the Laylat System would be quite foreign to it, so I'll have to fly it manually. I asked Master Hand to relocate the portal to the Laylat System to the sky above Smash Mansion, so we don't have to worry about moving my ship out of the mansion."
Pit sat at one of the controls"I take it you want us to help with navigation and all?"
"Correct, just make no mistakes, or I'll bill the lot of you. Pit, I'll instruct you on the Navigational panel. Link, Ike, you will help man the weapons, I've got the steering controls" instructed the bounty hunter.
The four went about seating themselves for the flight. Samus took the time to speak farther with Pit"On the navigational screen, you may eventually see a series of dots. Our current position is the blue dot, red indicates hostiles, and anything in gray is unknown. Think you got all that?"
"No problem" nodded Pit.
Samus sat at her station"Good, just don't let me down, Kid Icarus."
Pit shrugged, not bothering to comment on Samus's use of the name of his universe. The group activated the ship's systems and took off towards the portals hanging in suspension over Smash Mansion.
"The portals look the same, but the ship's scanners should identify the nearest one" muttered Samus, pushing a button on the main control panel. A beam shot at the portal just above the ship, revealing the sign above the portal-Laylat System, Star Fox Universe.
"This is it, gang" nodded Link.
Samus piloted her starship straight into the portal. The group braced themselves as the ship made a sharp jump into the portal, Samus sighed'I hope we're not rejected or I'll blow Master Hand into orbit'.
At the portal leading to Altea, Ness took a break to contact his mother and sister through a special phone that Apple Kid made for him at the start of the tournament.
"Ness? Is everything okay?" answered Ness's mom.
Ness nodded"I'll be away from home longer, tell Tracy I'll be fine. Is King doing all right?"
His mother's voice replied"Yeah, I was in the middle of giving him a flea bath. Oh, and Pokey recovered from some kind of shock and wants to tell you he's sorry this time. Said something about being locked in a capsule and had some time to think."
The black haired teen blinked, surprised. After a few seconds he said"That's cool, tell Tracy and Pokey I said hi."
"I will, just be careful and remember to go for it" said his mother, hanging up.
Marth, who was waiting near the portal said"What did you talk about?"
Ness shrugged"Nothing important, except that Pokey has apparently decided to be good again, dunno if I believe it though. So Marth, what's your hometown like?"
Marth glanced at the portal"We're about to find out."
"Ness, Paula" called the Dalaamese prince as he raced towards the three.
"What it is, Poo?" inquired Paula.
Poo replied"I need to go with you on this one, we don't know what to expect on the other side of that portal aside from this 'subspace' army. Marth, is it? Do you have a plan?"
"I may be a competent Tactician, but we need to see what we're up against before I can formulate a strategy" said Marth.
Paula nodded"So what are we waiting for?"
Marth's group of four glanced at the portal, prepared to tackle the invasion force attacking the Altean prince's homeworld.
Castle Crimea's defense team increased with the added reinforcements comprised of soldiers from Daein, which Micaiah and Sothe led. Crimea's soldiers proved reluctant to work with Daein, but Micaiah and Elincia worked to enforce order.
Meanwhile, Titania arrived at Ohma with Shinon, Gatrie and the ten Crimean Soldiers accompanying them to find a terrifying sight. The village was on fire, and some Primids were among the number of dark clad shadow warriors.
"Are we too late, Lady Titania?" asked one of the Crimean soldiers.
The red head replied"No, we just have to save the people and try to put out that fire. Brom, Nephenee and Heather are living in that village if I recall correctly, we must also save them."
"You heard the lady, let's go" said Gatrie.
Titania's group charged into the village to find themselves engaged in battle with Sword Primids. Gatrie pierced one Primid, while Shinon shot two more from a distance.
"Standard Thunder and Lightning tactics won't apply here for long" said Titania, cutting down several Shadow Warriors in her wake as the Gold Knight rushed into the village.
Three of the allied soldiers formed up to defend the Marksman from sneaky opponents, while Gatrie fought two more Sword Primids. The Primids were formidable, however, as the Marshall began to wear down. Just then, the Primids were struck down by two swift dagger strokes.
"Deputy Commander Titania, glad you could make it" smiled a blond woman in blue.
"Heather, thank goodness. Is everyone okay?" inquired the Gold Knight.
Heather turned to intercept a clumsy sneak attack from two Primids before replying"Nephenee took up her lance and is fighting some of the wierd creatures attacking Ohma. Brom nearly got killed by one of the monsters when Meg saved him."
"Let us assist Nephenee, then. Shinon, Gatrie, Heather, follow me. The rest of you keep a sharp eye out for any more of the monsters" instructed Titania.
Titania's group rushed into the village to find the green haired Sentinel engaged in battle with a Greap, which proved more then a match for her. Nearby, the armored heroes Brom and Meg were fighting off some Primids and Shadow Warriors.
Titania swiftly charged on her horse and brought her axe cleanly down on Greap. Nephenee took advantage of the distraction to finish off her opponent. Shinon and Gatrie eliminated the monsters attacking Brom and Meg.
"Titania, Shinon, Gatrie, thanks a bunch. But where are the other Greil Mercenaries?" inquired Nephenee.
"Ike still hasn't returned, Mist is out of action due to pregnancy with Boyd's child. The rest are helping to protect Melior, I came to evacuate the villagers of Ohma to the capital, where they should be safe" replied the Gold Knight.
"Really? That's a relief" breathed the brown haired Knight.
"It's not over yet" said Heather, glancing at the burning buildings. The Crimean Soldiers started pouring water buckets onto the fires to keep them under control.
"Looks like Ohma is safe, but those creatures were nothing like we've fought before" remarked Brom.
Titania nodded"I thought the same thing, now we need to evacuate everyone here to the capital until things settle down. Shinon, can you give me a damage report?"
The master Marksman shrugged"As far as I can tell, there were no casualties, but two of our Crimean allies foolishly got themselves killed defending me from one of the monsters."
Just then, a groan was heard. Titania, Heather and Gatrie rushed to the source to find a familiar sight. Lying on the ground at the edge of the village, unconcious, was a dark haired man in brown robes.
"Volke" whispered Heather.
"What was he doing here?" said Titania.
The man's eyes opened after a brief moment, struggling to stand up and sighed"I know not what those shadow menaces are, but I was in the area when they viciously stabbed me in the back."
"Can you tell us anything else? Or do we need to pay you?" inquired Heather.
Volke shook his head as he managed to stand"I'm in no condition or mood to take money from you. Deputy Commander Titania, I have some information that you can pay me for in the future."
"What can you tell us?" inquired the Gold Knight, skeptically.
The Asassin groaned and fell backwards, when Heather caught him and help him sit down"You're hurt, we need to take you to the capital before you can talk."
"Why do you care? My life is meaningless if I lost my pride" sighed Volke.
"Let's head back to the capital. Heather, do you have a Vulnerary left?" inquired Titania.
The thief nodded before pulling out a jug of medicine from her pocket, Volke took the item and drank it's contents. The asassin stood up once more and nodded his thanks"I will join you in defending Crimea, but only from the shadows, direct combat is not how I prefer to do things. Titania, do you have a eight hundred gold on you?"
"No, but Elincia should have enough for you" sighed Titania, as Heather and Volke got into formation with Shinon and Gatrie.
"Very well, I will await my pay" said the Asassin.
As Titania's group returned to the capital, Heather could not help but comment"You know, Volke, that was surprisingly generous of you. Charging only a few hundred, I mean."
Volke shrugged"Keep your comments to yourself."
Samus, Ike, Link and Pit emerged from the Smash Mansion side of the portal to find themselves in a large galaxy. Pit examined the stars"Hm, three of those places seem to have some kind of a letter formation on them."
"Fox told me about Sector X, Sector Z and Sector Y in some of his stories about his missions, let's head for the Y area" said Link.
Samus sighed"It's my ship, I'm the one who should be issuing orders. But I will go with this one."
The starship flew towards Ike's group's destination. Pit studied the map at his temporary station, while Ike headed into the ship's hallway to practice a bit with his sword.
At the cockpit, the winged Smasher addressed Link"Do you have a plan?"
The Hylian warrior replied calmly"No, but we might meet up with Fox, Falco and Wolf while we're here."
"Huh? Pit, check the scanner, there is some kind of anomaly ahead where Sector Y should be" muttered Samus.
"My, how very observant" said a voice as a robotic humanoid appeared before Samus's ship through a dark portal.
Pit was shocked as he sensed the speaker's aura"Dark Pit? Why now?"
Dark Pit sneered"Ah, yes, my light counterpart. Majora created this robot to travel the universes and invade the Laylat System. It's not too late you know, why not join me?"
"I'd rather fall in battle with honor" said Pit.
The Doppelganger shook his head"What a pity, thought you might have had more sense then this."
With that, the crafty doppelganger summoned a fleet of phantom ships to attack Samus's ship. Pit scowled"Only Palutena can meddle between the living and the dead, why are you doing this?"
"I don't need to explain to you" whispered Dark Pit.
Samus slammed on an emergency lightspeed panel on her ship's main computer and began to fly the starship away. Ike, startled by the sudden movement on the ship, raced back into the cockpit"What's going on?"
"No time to explain" said Link, pressing a green laser button on his station which Samus had shown him during the flight. The phantom ships were barely fazed as they chased the starship.
"Doggonit!" exclaimed the Hylian, shooting down an enemy ship with a bomb.
"There's too many of them, Dark Pit's trapped us" groaned Pit.
"Not on my watch" said Samus, pushing her ship's engine as far as she could without going into the red.
Suddenly, a smart bomb wiped out several phantom ships and nicked Dark Pit's super weapon.
"What the?" gasped the dark warrior.
Four Arwings and several Wolfin ships appeared and shot at Dark Pit's creations. The dark winged warrior's robot was sent flying backwards for a brief moment before Dark Pit figured out how to pull out of the spin.
Samus slowed her ship down and turned to face the robot and fired a torpedo. Dark Pit dodged and fired back with some stinger missiles from his weapon. Link and Pit took those out, just as one of the Arwings shot the monster's engine.
"Close call, everyone" muttered one of the Arwings' pilots.
"Right on time Falco, are Fox and Wolf with you?" asked Samus through her ship's communicator.
"Don't forget about me, the Star Fox and Star Wolf teams have joined forces once again to drive out the phantom ships" said a female voice.
Dark Pit sighed"I've had enough, this tin can is just not worth it. With Majora's tampered version of the summon support items, I will set a familiar face upon you."
With that, the doppelganger ejected a capsule from his ship and flew away. Pit turned to address Samus"Should we intercept? I've got a few questions for my dark side."
"Negative, it looks like we're up against Andross" said Samus, gasping at the sight of a white robotic face and a pair of hands.
"First two of our allies and now one of our supports, Majora's an insane fool to rely on clones" sighed Ike.
The Andross look-a-like fired debries from it's mouth, Fox and his group had to scramble to dodge him. Irritated, Andross started to inhale the starship. Fox intercepted that with a smart bomb, causing the cloned monster to explode.
The rest of the newcomers attacked and drove off the Phantom Ships. Link smirked"You'd think they'd learn us heroes will never be defeated."
Fox contacted Samus"I gathered a few allies and was on my way back to Smash Mansion when my radar picked up the strange hostiles. Our ships are likely a bit burned out right now, so we should talk once we land on the closest planet, Corneria."
"All right" said the bounty hunter.
The ships flew to a nearby bluish planet, and landed on the green fields a distance from Corneria City. Link breathed as they disembarked from the starship"It's beautiful."
"Guess you can saw that" said a toad-like humanoid, who is one of the Arwing pilots.
Fox approached Samus and addressed the Bounty Hunter"The Cornerian and Katrina armies were faring badly against the phantom ships, but we withstood the unknown enemy's attacks for the most part."
Ike remarked"At least you're safe, who is everyone else accompanying you, Falco and Wolf?"
Fox replied"Leon and Panther are Wolf's wingmen, Slippy and Falco are part of my team."
"Allow me to introduce myself" said the vixen humanoid.
"And you are?" inquired the Crimean hero.
The woman replied"I am Krystal, a former member of Star Fox."
Ike nodded"Nice to meet you, I'm Ike. I was wondering if any of you know of a mythical staff, I suspect it has to do with magic."
"My staff does have powers, but only Fox and I know how to use it. Why, I must ask, do you want to know?" inquired the Vixen humanoid.
Ike explained as best he could about Majora, the Dawn Emblem and Yune. Most of the members of Star Fox and Star Wolf were astonished. Wolf grunted"I'd say it was all poppycock if I didn't know better."
"You're all with us, then?" asked Pit.
"Yes, and it is best that I come on this mission. All of our ships will take formation around your starship, if it's okay with Fox and Wolf" said Krystal.
"I don't have a problem with that, let's get ready" said Fox.
"Yune told me to meet her at the Krazoa Palace on Sauria, wherever that is" explained Ike.
Fox and Krystal's ears twitched at the memory of the abandoned shrine. Slippy piped up"No problem, so what are we waiting for?"
The heroes and their allies made ready to board their respective ships. Samus took a moment to inspect her ship's engines before readying to take off back into space.
Krystal addressed Fox before she boarded her ship"You know, I'm still thinking about our break-up."
"Yeah, I know it was pretty selfish on my part. That's why I was thinking about starting our relationship again if we both survive the war" sighed Fox.
"I would like that" smiled Krystal.
"Hey lovebirds, why don't you hurry it up?" called Falco.
Fox and Krystal blushed before boarding their ships.
My apologies for the wait. Oh, and that Fox/Krystal scene at the cliffhanger of this chapter was based on the game Star Fox Command. I recently read on wikipedia that the game was hinted at being non-canon in the series, not to mention the endings. Sheesh, couldn't Nintendo at least make a second generation Star Fox game with Fox's son as the main character?
Okay, enough of my griping, and I apologize for the sudden spoilers for ending number 2 of Star Fox Command.
I guess I should edit the summary of this fic, since Ike wasn't in some parts of the story. I may not have gotten any votes for who I should pair Ike with on my poll, but oh well. I'm in no hurry, besides, I could always do a multiple-ending scenario with him if I get a tie vote.
Oh yeah, and I thought for the next chapter, Marth will be the main character. Of course that probably means I should edit the story properties. I also apologize for this cliffhanger.
Please feel free to review.