The True Master of The Smash Brothers part 13
"Divine Intervention,"
"Way to go Lucas!" Toon Link exclaimed as he wrapped an arm around his friend's neck. The team returned back to the ship and were all settling and relishing their first victory. They realized that although they did not get the physical representation of the power source that powered the gunship, Lucas miraculously absorbed all of the energy into his body. So what Omni's agents got was only an over glorified rock, while they got the actual power source. It works out even better since Lucas isn't a rock he can actually defend himself. Lucas smiled at his friend's praise.
"It was a total accident though," Lucas admitted.
"Who cares, we won!"
"So far this is only our first victory after many loses," Snake reminded the young hylian.
"He is right though, this was almost a bust," Wolf agreed.
"Come on guys, Lucas has all the power, and with it we can probably beat this guy no sweat," Toon Link said patting Lucas on the shoulder.
"That's not a great idea Link," Lucas said to his friend using his real name instead of his nickname. Toon looked at Lucas confused.
"Why not?"
"Because boy you don't understand just how deep this well of power goes," Ganondorf said. He stared down at Lucas and if one looked close enough one might notice a single bead of sweat. "It is terrifyingly deep and I am having trouble discerning just how far it goes. With this power the boy could warp reality, change the very fabric of time and space, or maybe destroy worlds,"
"Also I have no idea how to use or control it. This is really weird…it's like every cell in my body is super charged with energy. I could probably sprint from one end of this ship to the other about fifty times," Lucas added.
"Its best you try and keep the power under control until we figure out a more permanent place," Lucario said to inform Lucas of the delicate situation he's in. Lucas nods in understanding. The team made it to the mess hall where the rest of the Smashers were gathered. When they entered they were greeted happily with congratulations and happy tidings. Thought a bit of a touch and go situation they managed to rope in a win. Peach, with some help from Nana and Pokemon Trainer also known as Red, they prepared a plentiful feast in celebration. Team Sonic Universe was grateful as everyone immediately rushed to a spot and began chowing down. There an assortment of meats, pastries, fried items, and even a seafood layout for those who were less into meat. It was a great occasion, but somewhat hollowed when everyone realized that the celebration was so incomplete. The party was missing 12 Smashers. Without them it felt odd and foreign since the twelve of them were so well acquainted with everyone. They are very roots of the entire Smash Brothers Organization. Though it was clear they were missed they tried to push pass that as best they could since no one wanted this evening spoiled. Sonic did his best to be that person to keep them in high spirits. Engaging in small eating contest, chugging contest, and telling those great jokes he's known for. However, there was only so much even he could do.
"You weren't gonna eat that were you?" Popo asked taking a small seasoned roll off Lucas's plate and stuffing it in his mouth.
"Popo, you pig, you could at least ask him first," Nana scolded.
"It's alright here you can have it Popo," Lucas said sliding the mostly full plate over. Popo blinked in wonder.
"Wow thanks Lucas!" However he quickly saw past his joy to realize a small problem. "But you should eat it. You need your strength especially since you're going to be on the fore front of this battle and all,"
Lucas smiled at Popo's thoughtfulness despite the climber's love of food. "It's okay really, and I'm not that hungry anyway,"
"Not hungry?" Popo questioned as if that was impossible.
"Yeah…I'm fine…"
"But Lucas you're already a weak eater you can't go around skipping meals too,"
"I'll be fine Popo don't worry just eat the food," Lucas said waving off the male climber's concerns. Though a little hesitant Popo began eat the food on Lucas's plate. Lucas sighed in relief then looked around at all his fellow Smashers and friends. They certainly were making the most of this moment in time to enjoy themselves. He looked toward Sonic who was in the middle of a story.
"So then I asked the guy a fifty foot geyser in the middle of the city and you wonder why I'm here," Sonic said which did earn a fit of chuckles from a few listening in. Lucas looked to see a few down casted faces scattered here and there. The first one was Falco. It was odd seeing such a somber look on his face. Being so used to having his pal Fox around it felt so foreign to him even though he was clearly trying to push past it. Then there's Zelda who felt somewhat lost and conflicted with enjoying herself. Not used to having to fit in on her own so used to Link being that buffer for her to relate to everyone. She didn't like admitting it, but she sometimes didn't understand what anyone was talking about a lot of times despite being a very sharp and astute person. Diddy Kong was feeling quite down to and was the worst at hiding it. The little monkey usually made a huge mess by now but was mostly sitting and keeping to himself. It all felt so forced, with the worst being Princess Peach. A good amount of her best friends in the tournament are Originals so it was hard on her as well. She kept herself busy the entire time not allowing herself a moment to relax.
Lucas sighed sadly as he himself misses his close red capped friend by his side.
"This is torture," Peach's voice suddenly went off in Lucas's head startling him. "I'm ready for this whole mess to be over with so things can go back to normal,"
Lucas blinked confused since he knew Peach hadn't actually said those words…did he read her mind?
"I wish we weren't sidelined for such a big conflict," Ike's thoughts peeked into his brain.
"This party is a great waste of time," Wolf's voice came also.
"I hope the twelve will be alright," Nana's thoughts came in too.
"We should be preparing for the next battle," Marth thoughts also poked in.
"I just-what-andg-akdfansdladfkjnasdkljgnasdkjlfasdkl bngfalskdnfalskdjngalskdjnfalsdngadslkngfalsdkjfna klsdnfkajsdhngjaksdkl," Words weren't even being made anymore. They were a jumbled mess of everyone all thinking at once. Lucas began to hyperventilate with so many thoughts all coming in at once. So many voices at one time were so overwhelming for him. "fansdladfkjnasdkljgnasdkjlfasdklbngfalskdnfalskdjn galskdjnfal,"
"Lucas?" questioned a concerned Popo after noticing Lucas suddenly grabbing his forehead. Lucas didn't seem to register his voice as he stood up from his chair grabbing his head. "Hey Lucas!"
Still Popo went unheard. Lucas began shaking his head as if trying to get something off of him. Lucas began staggering across the room garnering attention to him and bombarding a whole new wave of thoughts to come crashing down on his mind.
"What's he doing?"
"What's up?"
"That kid is weird,"
"Is he showing off or something?"
"He looks hurt,"
"Oh boy this kid's acting weird again,"
"What isd-knodkanlckhasldnflaskdjfaknsdlkfj,"
Lucas collapsed against a wall as he was struggling to discern his own thoughts from all the others in order to find a way to leave. Sonic noticed his friend's troubles and rushed over to him. "Lucas, are you okay?" However, like with Popo he went unheard. Lucas then began pounding his head against the wall. This alerted everyone of a serious problem. Sonic intervened before Lucas could draw blood and held the boy back as he thrashed.
"Everyone stop it! Stop it I can't hear my own thoughts!" Lucas yelled. Sonic had never in his entire time living as a Smasher heard Lucas yell before, and it kind of scared him.
"No one's talking…" Wario pointed out rather confused.
Lucario however figured out what's wrong. "His powers must already be evolving. He's never been a good telepath, and right now everyone of our thoughts are coming in loud without some way of muffling them,"
"What do we do?" Toon Link asked with worry as knelt down at Lucas' side with Sonic to help the boy calm down.
"Let me see him," Lucario said as he strides over. He bends down then places both paws on Lucas's forehead. Lucario's Aura began swirling around his body, and in response a white aura surrounded Lucas. Lucario mashed his teeth as Lucas wails began to lessen a bit little by little. Lucario gasped as he fell back. "Get him…to other side…of ship…"
Sonic nods and is off before anyone to let out a breath. Snake helped Lucario back to his feet. "What'd you do?"
"I…used my own telepathic abilities as a way of buffering out a few of those thoughts. I built a thick layer of protection around his mind with my aura to lessen the amount of thoughts entering. However, he needed some distance from all of us to get out of range. Since he is new at telepathy, and it can be a very dangerous thing first time around,"
"Will he be okay?" Popo asked. Sonic appeared a moment after the questioned was asked.
"I got him to lie down for a minute and sleep that off for now,"
"We must limit the amount of people around him until he can get a handle on it,"
"Get a handle on it?" Gannondorf questioned incredulously. "From what I understand the boy can barely read minds of other psychics. He had that power for a measly thirty minutes and now he's a full blown telepath. And you expect him to suddenly get a handle on it?"
"I'm afraid to say that Ganon is quite right," Zelda agreed.
"Is there no way we can siphon some of the energy out of him?" Olimer questioned.
"We barely understand how the energy was siphoned into him let alone getting it out," Meta Knight said.
"The way I see it, we may need that rock Omni took after all…" Sonic said with crossed arms.
"He wouldn't willingly hand it over to us, and plus we don't even know where it might be," Pit said.
"I thought the being was trapped in Subspace," Ike stated.
"He is, but that would be risky especially since that is his element," Snake explained.
"So…what I'm hearing is that Lucas has to bite the bullet for this?" Toon Link said concerned.
"We just don't have any alternatives…yet, but we will," Sonic said optimistically in such a way it sounded believable. However, Lucario and a few knew Sonic tended to say what everyone wanted to hear even if he couldn't deliver. "Thanks so much everyone for this little party, it was great to kick back for a little bit. But we should all head off to bed to get some rest,"
Everyone agreed with that statement. They all tidied up the mess hall, pardon the pun, and after the dishes and cookware was cleaned they went into their living quarters. The Halberd was a huge ship indeed, with enough rooms to accommodate each Smasher. However, for traditional reasons there were two people to a room. Bathrooms were placed all throughout the ship instead of in the rooms, so after the bathroom rush everything quieted down greatly on the Halberd. Everyone drifted off into their personal dreams, their own personal realities where anything can happen. Everyone except one person, a certain blonde that everyone thought was put to bed. Lucas stalked the halls of the Halberd with wide eyes that were alert and wide awake. Lucas didn't feel the least bit tired at all, and lying in bed would be boring so he decided to walk around. He noted the metallic insides of the Halberd could be a little bit intimidating with the darkness and dim lighting. Although usually this would scare him Lucas felt strangely at peace. He decided he'd go to the top of the ship where the control room is. He knew he could get the best view from there. He took a lift that went straight up to where he wanted to go. The door opened as he got close and he walked through. He looked around to see the dark room, but was illuminated the moment he walked in. He looked around all the controls panels, lights, and screens. He noticed the captain's wheel at the front and had the childish notion to touch it. However, he knew that if he did that he would take them off course and put them in peril, or every Smasher on this ship would try and kill him for waking them up. Lucas walked toward a window then looked out into the sky, staring out as the ship soared above the clouds. Meta Knight set the ship on auto-pilot and plotted a course. Lucas supposed they would get there in the morning, wherever there was.
"What are you doing up?" came a voice behind him dark and deep. Lucas wasn't too startled as he turned his head to see Meta Knight standing at the entrance.
"I couldn't sleep," Lucas said.
"You couldn't?"
"Well…it's more like I can't," Lucas admitted noting Meta Knight's studying gaze.
"Yes…your body doesn't seem the least bit exhausted and you look like you've got a lot of energy to burn," Lucas was impressed with the knight to deduce that so quickly. Only proving what a great warrior Meta Knight really is.
"Yeah…" Lucas turned back toward the night sky. "Would it be really stupid if I said…I'm scared…?"
Meta Knight thought this question was odd, "Everyone is scared of something, its only natural. The better question is what are you scared of?"
"Myself," Lucas said eyes never faltering.
"I can understand that, with Gannon's spouting of power and such it's almost difficult to not feel a little paranoid," Meta Knight gripped as he seemed annoyed with the warlock. "That's his way of telling you to be careful and to stay in control. A very poor way, but that is his way,"
"I never wanted to develop telepathy. It might be a great skill in a fight but…it makes a person so jaded. Knowing what everyone is thinking and how their feeling. It makes everyone so predictable. I kinda wonder why don't I just fly off somewhere and take down Omni myself," Meta Knight gave Lucas a look. "Yeah…I can levitate at fast speeds now,"
"Because that would be foolish," Meta Knight stated as he walked forward to stand at Lucas's side to stare out the window. "As great as a warrior you may be, and as powerful as you are right now, you'd still be crushed easily. It takes more than power and skill to win battles, especially ones like these. This is a game of chess to Omni, and we just took a very important piece. Understand you have a big responsibility now Lucas, not because you hold the power but because what you represent. We all doubted how we would come out on top of this. Our best fighters have become liabilities, our leaders are missing, our home destroyed, and our spirits breaking. We need hope right now, and in a way you represent that Lucas,"
Lucas gulped, "That's a lot of pressure…and fair warning…placing your hopes in me may not be the best idea. Especially considering what happened to my home,"
"Failure is a part of life. Sometimes we don't make the right choices when it really counts, or sometimes we make the wrong choices even when we know what's right. It's not the choices themselves that matter, it's the fact that you were willing to choose something, to believe in something. That belief can make a world of a difference," Meta Knight's eyes let out a low pink color as he glanced at Lucas then he turned to walk away. "Remember this if anything Lucas, it's not the power that makes you special, you can choose to be special all on your own," Lucas looked after the small knight as he left the control room.
Lucas sighed as he turned back to the window with a distant look in his eyes. Meta Knight's words sinking into his brain and replaying over and over. Lucas couldn't help but smile at the fact that how he couldn't read Meta Knight's mind during the conversation. Proving that this Knight is a lot cleverer then he would let on. Lucas knew one thing though he needed to understand exactly what he just inherited. After some time Lucas left the control room and ventured all the way to the holding cells. Once there he pressed a button on the cell door that removed the shielding of the room. Lucas walked inside to see the trophy of his best friend Ness still with that trademark smile. Lucas walked up to it then bent down to tap the base. After a blinding golden light Lucas looked to see Ness reanimated as he shook his head to get rid of the clouds in his mind.
"Geez, I've never been in trophy form for so long. It can give ya such a crick in the neck," Ness gripped stretching his stiff joints. After that he turned his attention forward to see who woke him and was surprised to feel arms wrap around him. "What the-," Ness was about to react, but stopped himself noting the gentle feeling as a hug not an attack. It took him only a moment to register who it was. "Lucas?"
"Sorry, it's just been a really long time," Lucas said as he pulled away. Ness gave his friend a small friendly smile but then it downed on him.
"Dude, what are you doing get back and put the shield up before he takes over?!" Ness said pushing Lucas back.
"It's fine Ness I-,"
"No it's not fine, I'm not gonna fight you again so put up the stupid shield! If not for your own well-being at least for my conscious," Ness pleaded. Lucas saw the strain in Ness's face. Lucas felt confident he could take Ness even without the power boost, but he appeased Ness's wish. He stepped back and put the field back up. At seeing the blue light appear Ness's anxiety dropped considerable. "Thank you," Ness said as he sat down.
"I've never seen you freak out like that before," Lucas said sitting down also.
"Well I've never been mind controlled and forced to fight my friends. When I saw you beat up like that back in the city…it freaked me out dude okay,"
"Sorry…I didn't know how badly this affected you,"
"Well yeah Lucas it's been rough and mentally exhausting," Ness said. Lucas looked at Ness with a questioning look. "I hate going back there in that crazed pocket dimension. I should probably ask Lucas to wake up the others too,"
"Going back where?" Lucas asked. Ness looked at Lucas startled.
"Did you just-since when could read minds?"
"Well…you could say I've got a lot stronger since the last you saw me," Lucas admitted with a small smile.
"So it is true…" Ness gasped.
"What is?" Lucas said trying very hard not to read Ness's thoughts.
"Could you wake up the others too?" Ness asked. Lucas nods to his friend's request. After a few moments Lucas had awoken all of the Original 12 to converse with them.
"How is everyone doing?" Lucas asked seeing as he hadn't seen these faces in so long.
"Pretty lousy actually, but thanks for asking," Samus said as she removed her helmet.
"I see that since we aren't waking up in some blaze of flames that everything is still okay for the most part?" Link asked.
"Funny way of showing concern Link," Ness griped.
"Sorry just…really stressed is all," he responded leaning on a wall.
"Well I'll assure you guys the rest of the team and I are doing our best right now to stop this guy," Lucas stated firmly. The 12 looked at Lucas all with down cast looks which was unclear to decipher. Lucas resisted the slight headache that came from the pounding of their thoughts at once. "Also…I don't mean to be rude, but could you guys just say whatever it is you want to say. Hearing all your thoughts at once is a little overbearing,"
Everyone except Ness's eyes widened in wonder. "Since when could you read minds?" Mario asked.
"A couple of hours ago,"
"It seems like Omni might have a point in what he's said," Samus stated.
"What do you mean, what's been going on with you guys?"
"Well…while were stuck in trophy form we're basically forced into this weird warped reality created by Omni. He uses this as a way to speak to us, and at least help us not go insane from being cooped up so long. He's been telling us everything that's been happening," Captain Falcon explained.
"We know you have the Archae Force," Fox said.
"Archae Force?" Lucas questioned.
"You don't even know what it is that's inside of you?" Link asked incredulously.
"Not exactly…"
"At the moment Lucas you have ascended to the level of godhood. What this means is you play by an entirely different set of rules. You no longer are limited by human shortcomings, possibly even effecting your mental capacity. Your regular abilities will evolve far beyond your set parameters. It's difficult to say just how powerful you'll become as well," Samus stated in an even tone. Lucas was surprised by this information. He looked the animal portion of the originals to seem them all look at him with total wonder, even the clueless Kirby was in awe.
"Godhood?"
"See, Omni by himself has godlike powers. Apparently, when Master and Crazy turned traitor they syphoned out a large portion of his power and sealed it in that stone. Omni gets that, he gets his full powers, but it's really delicate…" Fox told the boy looking at him with a very concerned gaze.
"What's delicate about it?"
"The power is great I'm sure…and as Smashers we can indirectly tap into this power ourselves which is what gives us our power which is peaked when we unleash our Final Smashes," Luigi said.
"However, you've seen the affects when we merely tap into it for a short time. You have constant access to it 24/7. Lucas, if you accidently delve too deep into it you might not only lose yourself by destroy everything within the universe or the next few over," Mario said.
"And if you hold it in, it might just kill you and a dead vessel would create a monstrous backlash that could kill…oh man my head hurts just thinking about how many people would die," Captain Falcon said.
"So knowing all this…what do I do?" Lucas asked clearly scared.
"Firstly stay in control. You can't afford to let your emotions get the better of you," Link said.
"And second you're going to need to dump that power somehow, tapper it off bit by bit," Ness added.
Lucas was quiet as he let the information sink in. The Originals felt somewhat guilty laying on such heavy information in such a tactless fashion, but they had no idea how long they had until Omni took over. The being loved to mess with the minds of mortal, or other creatures he deems below himself. "What about the first tournament do any of you remember that?"
"Well I actually-," Suddenly Ness cut himself as he looked like he got a sudden headache that cut him off. Lucas noticed the mental signature altered signaling Omni was present. "Now I can't have you spilling secrets since you filled out the confidentiality agreement,"
"Omni…" Lucas growled.
"Present, and you must be the lowly brat that stole my powers," Omni had Ness's body stood up and step closer to the barrier to observe Lucas. He scrunched his nose. "I give you a week until the power drives you mad, or kills you. I suggest surrendering since nothing else in this world can contain that power better than that orb. Which is now in my possession by the way,"
"Wow you are so full of yourself. Even if you aren't winning,"
"Oh am I losing, I've been paying this motley crew such little attention I had no idea. Now that you have something that belongs to me you have my undivided attention kid. So I want you to hold on to it, I wanna see just how far it'll push your mental stability. This will be the first night of many sleepless nights, trust me,"
"You don't scare me,"
"Kid, I haven't given you a reason to be scared of me yet," Ness's eyes glanced around to the other Originals who all seemed to still be in control of themselves. Lucas noticed his gaze and looked to the Originals to see their defeated and visibly saddened faces. "Yeah I don't think I have anything to worry about," Ness's eyes focused on Lucas and the blonde wanted so much to take that look out of his friend's eyes. It simply just didn't fit him. "I have an extremely large arsenal under my command while you have very limited resources. I have numerous fighters that can function just as well as any of you, powers far greater then you can comprehend, knowledge that spans eons, twelve of your greatest fighters under my command, and I am fully aware of every move you all make. I sincerely doubt I lack a disadvantage just because you can do a few cute tricks now," Ness placed a hand on the blue shield. His eyes began glowing and suddenly the shield began to open up around his hands making Lucas reel back in shock. Eventually the hole got big enough for Ness to step through looking down at Lucas with a smirk on his face. "Lastly…you feeble mortals have absolutely no idea what you're up against,"