World of connectedness

by nintendikt64

The Universe, on a vision of many others. Some were created by Gods or a high amount of energy. Many threats wanted to rule the world and yet so many heroes have appeared, many villains born. Light against Dark, Freedom against Control, Bonds against One, Angels against demons, Good against evil. Observe if the Cycle Continues or finally breaks...

11. 11: New bridges and hole-escaped Greed

Chapter 11: space/mushroom kingdom: 4-1: New bridges and hole-escaped Greed

Mario went one last time on the checklist. His eye followed his pen-holding finger as it wandered over each square.

Making crosses over each task.

All rooms cleaned, check.

The kitchen has been cleaned by Miis, check.

The hallway is squeaky washed, check.

No uneven paintings, so Luigi won't have a pedantic tantrum, check.

No villains who have overthrown the tournament, semi-check. ( side note the fourth incident was caused by other beings and surprisingly not done by our share of villains)

Necrozma has not destroyed the castle, check.

Every fighter is awake, has packed, and is ready to depart, check.

No Toilets damaged, semi-check. ( Side note, had to clean a huge mess in a bathroom. Because yesterday, Ryuji and Cloud's attempted to clean Pit's face from Soup. There was a huge trail of soup creeping across the tiles and from the dining hall)

Crazy Hand didn't go crazy, check.

Mario nodded with raising satisfaction, feeling a sense of peace running down his spine, as he continued to scratch the remaining checks. He started to hum a familiar tune he often sings when he is in high spirits. His tune, when he invented back in the wrecking crew in New Donk City under the eyes of Foreman Spike.

His mind for a moment, in a single spark, was annoyed at the memories of him. Such a loud and demanding man, he made up that tune to brighten the day for his, now former, co-workers there, and that tune spread throughout the crew itself, and later through the entire mushroom kingdom like a plague. Almost every Toad knew it in and out, and some even made a catchy tune by remixing it with various instruments.

They have named it 'super theme' or ' hero's hum'.

Mario quickly shook off those thoughts and focused on Checking the last square. Then he nodded satisfied with his head.

Master Hand, who floated nearby took the list of Mario's finger, and he offered it to him. The checklist dissolved into small spheres of light.

" well, then it is done." Master Hand's voice boomed clearly, and Mario heard a faint resignation in it, Almot like Master Hand didn't want the day to end, but he could not do anything against it.

His Finger directed Mario to the other fighters that were waiting outside.

Luigi waved to Mario, the other fighters stood there near the lake where yesterday, the Battle of Angels took place, and the Reunion of Necrozma and Eternatus. From that strife, there was no sign left, no molten marble, no craters, no destruction. It is so spotless as if the whole ordeal was nothing more than a shared dream. The only thing that disproves it to be so is the presence of Eternatus, who was floating near Necrozma, and her eyes were solely focused on him. Necrozma who levitated near her, talked about the times when he had attacked some of the fighters on Aloha, the weeks he was under the care of Mario, and the days spent here.

Eternatus not even once interrupted him, and when she did only asked questions, mostly of things she didn't know and how he was doing.

The fighters were standing around, some of them had sat near the water, hoping that the ship would show up and take them back home, others of them had chats with the others, and a few had sad looks on their faces, and Mario knew it is about of how the tournament was now over, and they wished it went longer than it did.

Mario looked at them with an empathetic look in his eyes, signaling to them that he understood their grief. He walked more and focused to go to Peach, who was sitting near the lake, a bit away from the others.

" Oh, hi there, Mario." face was fixated on the dancing lights on the water as she heard his shoes hitting the ground, " Did you finish your list?"

Mario looked at the water as well, as he sat down next to her. He knew he could do so without asking her, " Yes I did. Everything's done. Are you alright? You are sitting here a bit alone."

Peach for a moment was silent, then a sight broke it. " Yes I am fine, it is... I am a bit... I needed to think. So much had happened yesterday, Necrozma and Eternatus reuniting has made me feel things. It is an odd feeling."

" How odd? You did manage to sleep last night, right? Or did my decision to go to bed earlier make you feel alone...?"

Peach head looked to Mario, her eyes widening in shock at his suggestion, she used strong constrains to shout, " What? no! I had only thought of how cute both of them were...and then it kept me thinking... about the Future. What will happen if you...disappear?"

Mario raised his eyebrow. He processed the question she simply gave him right now. " Disappear? What do you mean by that?"

" I... I just..." She pauses as her gentle eyes stare at him, tainted with worry, " Bowser managed to kidnap you one time, do you remember?"

Mario simply nodded. Yes, he did remember, Bowser and his army had him and Luigi captured for one time, using what was called a vibe-scepter, a scepter to change the vibe or better terms, the emotions of targets, to challenge Peach, and hoping to get her. Without saying a word, Mario allowed her to continue, " While I have saved you, I had that illusion shattered that you were invincible and unbeatable. I have kept that fear since then in my Heart. The fear that you won't be able to save or disappear from the world. Even when we fought against the Cursa in the spring, like before we went to the Last Resort and after you renovated my Castle. Even when we were in space to save the lumas and sparks, when we learned about Hope. The fear has burned in my heart that one day; You may be gone when the world needs you the most." She finishes with a slight shiver in her tone, in the distance a wind breeze across the water, and the Voices of the Fighters were nothing than a murmur, and Necrozma was still explaining things toEternatus, that he had accumulated in those five weeks.

He was telling her about something with fridges, and the like, what exactly Mario couldn't hear it.

Mario took the cold air through his nose, and on his neck small goosebumps appeared. " I get it." He starts, his voice low and understanding and he takes one of her soft hands, under their white gloves, " I can see why you're worried—Necrozma and Eternatus's moment yesterday released that fear. I understand that after that event where Bowser captured me, it had sown those feelings of doubt into your heart. Yeah, I am neither invisible nor a hero that could never be damaged..." He pauses and squeezes her hand, watching or not doing too hard. " But if I were invincible, I wouldn't certainly be the brave, kind, humble, and selfless hero I am, but I would be instead a prick. and Egostical hero. The kind of who goes,"

His voice heightens, his lips curl playful arrogantly, and his chin is up in the air." Oh, look at me, ladies! I am the hot and charming Prince Mcundefeatable! Throw yourself at me! Every grand Dragon I have fought couldn't have even melted my perfect blonde hair, that I have spent ten hours straight under the shower, and used my, definitely not overpriced shampoo and hair wash, that cost billion upon billion coins, that I wouldn't have used it for the betterment of others and charity. Muhhah, kisses, kisses. I am so hot! ' "

Mario's face trembles and cracks from his attempts to burst into laughter, and Peach lets a small chuckle, her eyes closing a bit. Her laughter warms his heart. " Thanks, I needed that."

Mario went back to his humble expression again, " That was the idea."

" You should be more poking fun at things. You're great at that." She looked into his eyes and smiled.

Mario returned the gaze with laughter. " You're right, but there wasn't much time for me to funny. So that moment is already luxurious, but still cheaper than the shampoo. " He holds her hand again, his tone firm as like a soldier at his service " Even if I Lose, or even if I disappear. Remember that People still exist and are possibly inspired by my actions. Even if I am afraid and do not know if I will die, I wouldn't know if people will fall into despair or give up. Hope will still be there, do not forget what we and the rabbits have learned in our fight against Cursa, Hope grows from sadness. Whatever happens, do not lose it, but it doesn't mean you should be too hopeful. And even if I were truly gone from this world..."

Mario Pauses. There was a silence between him and Peach, he lifted his finger and pointed to a spot on her body, Her heart. " I will be there inside."

"...Mario." She then pulls him in a light hug, " Those were the right words... I will keep those in my heart like I would with you." Her arms were around him, and she didn't want it to end, Mario's heart was pounding from love.

After a while they heard a howling in the air, then something heavy landed with a splash. Both looked up and saw how the ship had arrived it was rocking back and forth as it was coming closer.

Mario stood up first and pulled Peach up with his offered hand. Her dress was waving gently in the wind as if trying to get her moving.

Both were now among the Fighters and Master Hand gave one last speech. " My dear fri-fighters." He 'coughed' through his lack of Mouth, " It had been such a pleasure to have held this year's tournament. It had been carefully crafted through my oderly fingers, and the Chaotic imagination of my Brother, who could not sadly attend to this farewell. He is deeply sorry, and it is possible in his mind and heart to be raging and sad to be absent. I will see him after the speech, and give him your greetings."

Mario heard some murmurs among the fighters, and he raised his eyebrow. His mind twists its hundred cogs of nerves behind his skull. Why is Crazy Hand absent? The last three times, that floating glove of Chaos had always been present, and Master Hand's strange tone of...sadness was there too, barely hearable but it was there. What was perhaps the oddest thing to Mario was how strange and familiar all of this felt. So distant and yet so closely wrapped and faint. Like some old dream, one has in their childhood, which has followed one through all ages to adulthood.

Master Hand continues, " There have been also some incidents that often have halted the tournament or have attacked us grievously. But!" He raises his finger in the air like a stern teacher or a proud adult, " You have fought against those incidents, like the subspace army, Giga Bowser, The Master Core, and just recently, The Angels of Paradiso. You are mighty of power if you all band together against a single threat. I have high trust that you can face every kind of threat, danger, and Evil. You will pass and plow through anyone if you stay united."

Mario raised his eyes in a mixture of awe and surprise, Master Hand never made such a speech, or at least not the one he is doing now. Nomrally he would say something about the tournament and how they should aim to train more for the next time. But this one is him, wearing his heart on his sleeve, despite being a floating glove.

" It has been a joy to have observed and watched you all fight and throw yourselves in those battles. So with that, I will let you go, and we will see each other again. The next time we see each other we may have changed and grown like we have thrown away old of ourselves, similar to that of a Snake. For that Goodybe, and off with you."

He waved farewell as they went on the ship, Mario looked back at Master Hand and felt some odd pain, like a fungus, it grew in his heart and rotted there. He didn't know why this goodbye...felt so final. The End, that was it. There won't be a second meeting like this. He also feels that he will See Master Hand again, but yet it will never feel the same.

Huh. It was indeed strange, maybe he was too worked up with it, Mario thought about it. He was so caught off in those feelings, that he almost did not pay attention wherever they walked onto the ship or if Master Hand wrapped on it through a finger snap. The last days were pretty hard on him, and perhaps one part of him wishes he didn't depart. It will be a long time before he meets his friends again in the battles, and they have to separate before reuniting again. Oh, of much he wishes there was some sort of bond, streets or bridges between their worlds. Mario was tired of himself only being able to see them inside the frames of the Tournament.

He shook his head widely and scolded himself. " Mario, get your mind together." He whispers under his breath, " You will see him again. Do not be so winy."

He couldn't let Peach seem like this, not right after reassuring her of her Fear. So much of being a symbol of hope. So ironically stupid, He who has the most confidence loses his composure for a gut feeling, an intuition. It will be like the years and past tournaments before, he will train, and they will all meet again. No eternal goodbye, no problems, he was sure...right?

Mario tabs his foot up and down, he folds like an immature child in his arms. He hisses, " Mamma Mia...what is wrong with me?" Inside his heart, one part of him was glad that many of the fighters were far away and caught up in their things, that they couldn't neither hear his ramblings nor see his reactions. That would have been awkward.

Mario looks at the other fighters, trying to get his emotions distracted. He notices Peach, seemingly fumbling a feeble thing on her throat, then she gently clutches it and seems to stuff it under her dress, making whatever it was vanish behind her clothed collar.

" What was that...?" Mario continued to whisper to himself, and he looked at Ridley.

His wings were oddly dangling in front of his bone-thin body, concealing it, and his arms as if they were holding on to something that Ridley didn't want him to see. Ridley's eyes glared daggers at him, and Mario already felt them digging into his flesh, and his head averted his gaze elsewhere.

Mario's eyes fixated on Necrozma, who was still talking to Eterntaus, his black hand in front of her face. Mario's eyes picked his voice up, " And so I have learned about Love, and felt guilt as I have confessed my flaws of abandoning you, to Akira. I am still sorry for that." He said in a consoling tone, while his feeling of guilt was a fine layer over in the air.

" It is alright." Eternatus answers quickly, and her tendril touches his hand, " It is in the past now, we do not have to look at it anymore. You don't have to, and neither do..." she pauses, almost hesitant," I..."

speech went smaller, and Mario's hearing picked up her mumbling: " At least I hope so." Necrozma seemingly too obvious or blinded from joy has not picked up the sentence, as he petted her head with prismatic claws, like a comb through hair. Her Spikes on her head extend themselves in affection and let out a small purr.

Mario let out a drawn-out sigh, his shoulders slumped as if a weight pulled them down, his head lowered, and his mustache wafted at the exhale. Nothing from his energy from earlier was left, only tiredness and a bit of annoyance.

Boy, the next weeks and months are going to be a mouthful. What a joy... a real joy.

He began to walk to the fence that was attached to the ship by diligent worker hands, where in the distance Master Hand was waving and had become a mere white dot against the Walls of the Castle. The Castle itself almost looked like a shed in the distance.

Mario heard small leather boots falling rhythmically behind him and cranked his head behind.

Toon-Link with an almost weary smile, that almost flickered or fluttered with a hint of exhaustion, and a sad tone, tramped toward his direction, his small arms Leaning on the lower part of the bulwarks. His eyes were full of freedom and a little drop of peace, as he took a huge inhale of the fresh air.

" How are you doing, Toon-Link?" Mario began the conversation, " The Wind is kinda nice today, isn't it?"

Toon-link breathes out, " Yes it is." His voice is shrill and yet mature-sounding. The cap tip and some of the blonde hair strands flowed gently. " I always liked the Wind."

" Oh yeah, like the other times. You often stand near windows or, even an air system, Even if it was a bit of an artificial wind." Mario pauses his sentences. He took a whiff of cool air to fill his tired lungs, he imagined them like ventilation shafts, his shoulder tightened, and his chest rose as he continued. " So any reasons why you like the wind so much, if I am allowed to ask?

"

Toon-Link, who, upon hearing this began to tip with his shoe on the wooden floor of the ship. The leather rustled against the wood, cranked, and moaned under the weight.

His nerves are pulling up Mario's eyebrows like a puppet as he is puzzled of why the wood sounded so old already, despite the otherwise high quality of the ship.

Toon-Link's answer brought Mario's attention back to him. " I- I simply like the feeling of it breezing against my... against my...uh...Pores? They are called pores, right?

Mario's eyebrow remained fixed on its spot, " Uhm...yeah? So you like it if it is blowing against your pores...You could've said 'My skin'. But yep they are called pores." He nods.

" Yes, I simply like it. But what do you exactly mean with Artfical Wind?" Toon-Link's eyes narrow at the thought, his dangling on his sides, " I always thought there was some old man in them, in blue clothes and a long white beard that touched his shoes, the kind who brushes his teeth, "He opens his mouth, his fingers seemingly grabbing an invisible toothbrush, and his arm mimics the action, while he waves the 'toothbrush' against his teeth. " So he can let his fresh breath into the vent itself."

The corners of Mario's mouth strained and already began to throb from the effort of restraint to not laughing, his nose almost dingles as he let out a strayed, " No."

His mouth began to form and twist to a larger grin, and Toon-Link's eyes dropped because of his idea of being shot down, he continued to make the motion, as he realized that it made Mario laugh.

"There's no man inside! Not at least time I have checked or he is too good at hiding. Those metallic blades make wind and draw in air, " he moves his finger, and it goes clockwise. His eyes grew bigger, almost as large as baking cups, and he flashed a grin, " But I haven't excluded the old man fully. He may be just sitting in front of those blades outside. He brushes his teeth with the most expensive toothpaste, he brushes those teeth so much they gleam with a white that makes shadowy beings scream in terror when he aims at them in their direction.

"

Toon-Link has stopped his motion, his mouth open as he listens to Mario.

" Then he breathes into the vents to fill them with his freshness. If we are unlucky, he might accidentally fart in them, when he turns to get the water for the toothpaste, and the smelly gas then wafts through all the blades, and all pass out due to a 'gas' leak. Very icky and smelly."

Toon-Link's face changes. His eyes went larger than soup plates, and his nose wrinkled so much it resembled a dried plum. His body rears back, his mouth twisted into a grimace of disgust and white teeth, at the sheer mental image, so much so, that Mario could swear that Toon-Link can feel and SMELL it.

" EWW!" Toon-Link almost spat out, Mario burst into laughter, and he could feel how the fungus on his heart, went smaller. Not away or destroyed, but nibbed enough, like some rodent, to make it weaker, more frail.

His heart jumped and beat in joy at Toon-Link's shoulder getting tense, his face unmaking his grimace as he spoke again. " I don't want to have someone's farts in my face! Toothpaste is way better than possibly smelling bad food in the nose." he pauses, his hair still swaying in the breeze, his posture relaxes, his eyes glowing with confusion. " But why should artificial wind and natural wind be different? After all, air still moves in their steps, and...ugh, you know what I mean. We breathe it in and out. So it doesn't matter if it is created by blades or from Nature, the air is still air, and the wind is wind. I even steered a Locomotive, and the wind was caused by the train moving. It is the same element I like plowing through my hair and tickling my pores."

Mario's laughter ceased, and yet a grin remained plastered on his face. His arms jolted forward as fast as a viper and he pointed to Toon-Link like he had committed some odd act in public, his finger as tense as the hardest wood or the wooden act of a bad actor, his voice being tainted by mischief, preparing for some merciless precise joke assault like some sniper having found the moment to shoot, " But be careful! If the wind blows too hard in through your pores you may become a windsack or an Airhead!"

Toon-Link was now whose air of his lungs formed into a cackle of laughter echoing through the near environment of the ship his head thrown back, infecting Mario's chuckle, his hand placed on his stomach, his lungs hurting already. Mario's eyes beam, his smile even wider than a checky cat in some strange wonderland, " Yeah, I get you. The difference does not matter at all! The wind is still wind, doesn't matter if is natural, or artificial. I could even sway my arms fast, and it would make wind. Woosh! WOOSH!" The lips made an O-shaped tunnel for the noise coming out clear as the light of the sun and pretending to blow air to Toon-link. His arms waving like he is luring the air to himself, only then to almost slap it in the direction of his laughing victim. The wind danced and jumped across the fabric on the sleeves of his wild flowing jerky arms.

Toon-Link slowly loses his balance, his arms and his legs desperately finding some footing, unsure if it was the wind or the joy, and he falls to his knees with a thump! like in the half-of manner of a heavy sack of vegetables and half of a drunk person followed by a loud crack of wood twirling in their ears. Toon-Link almost rolled around but his hands fell loosely on the ground as if they were gummi worms preventing from becoming some barrel on a swaying ship, his face looking at the ground in hopes of finding something that would stop his laughing fit, the skin on his red slowly to a faint color of red, maybe also a hint of pig pink. Mario's overwhelming joy has almost obscured any bad mood he just headed, distracting his heart from them, and his mind is free.

" Oh no!" Toon-Link gasped and coughed at his slowly sore-turning throat, " I can't breathe! " His laughter still rang through the air, and Mario's chest started to hurt like it was being punched. He let out a small shout and gasps, as the ribs pushed against his flesh and he started to hunch, his face contorted as his nerves and neurons nearly ripped as his mouth and nose wrinkled at the pains, tears almost started to gather at his eyeballs, sweaty pearls reflecting off his forehead, his face hot as a shrimp from the blood pumping into his head. His face was possibly looking like he was trying to sneeze and holding back a pee, whilst having been punched in his critical spot.

After what felt like an eternity, the laughing storm ceased to be.

Toon-Link was sitting on the ground, his hand planted on the floor at his sides, panting from exhaustion. Mario in while was holding his left hand on his chest, while his right swept off the sweat on his head.

" Mamma Mia. That was funny." He said, his breathing labored, " I feel so light as a feather. That was GOOD. I never laughed so much about wind, vents, and farts. Are you fine and okay?"

Toon-Link gave a simple thumbs up, " Yes, I am fine. Couldn't be more so than I am right now." He pushed down his arm and stood up, his back straight. " I can almost see the air from your mouth." His eyes gleamed causally, hoping it would get Mario talking. It did.

His eyebrow lifted in confusion, Mario's heart stopped momentarily, and a small question left his mouth, " What? see the wind? What do you mean by that?"

" Not seeing it, " Toon-Link assured, and he flited up his hand and gestured swirly winds with his finger, " How do I put this? I do not see the wind physically, but rather...my mind Imagines its flow. I see some lines that are the wind, how it blows, and loops. If I am on the ground and see colors in the background, the wind lines are white. But if I am looking in the sky, I see blue. I know this is a bit crazy to think. I wanted to share you with that until the man and vent thing burst right in." Toon-Link's lips were tempted to burst into a small chuckle, but he kept that laughter in.

Mario, now curious, asked again, " You also see lines? Meaning, you can see lines come out of my big mouth, if you focus?"

" Yes. If I squint my eyes a bit. But like I have said, I Imagine it of seeing. I don't think I can see it, you know? As everyone can't see the wind, I am just so good at imagining it, that the lines are there."

Mario went silent and looked a bit up to watch some clouds move about. They won't answer and possibly wouldn't say anything smart anyway. " Okay. You're sounding a bit in denial. What if you can see them, and not imagine it? How can you be sure you don't have an unnatural ability to see and, perhaps, feel the wind? You have been so...focused on the wind, you may have some natural connections to it."

" As if! It is just my mind playing tricks on me!" Toon-Link almost laughed mockingly, and Mario rolled his eyes.

His shoulder tenses up a bit, and he exhales. " Why are we even talking about this? You may not see it or not. You think you imagine seeing the wind as lines, which is odd. I don't know what they actually look like, but changing color based on the background they are 'in front' of it is a bit too specific, and...too constant. If it's your imagination, that based on your phrase it isn't your doing...then why does it represent the wind as lines? I mean you also said you could see lines of breath if you squint your eyes. This screams to me, you see the wind. But Hey!" Mario's shoulder relaxes, " I am just some dumb plumber hero, who I am else? A knight of the knowledge of wind?

"

" Okay... you're right. Let's move on. This is getting nowhere. " Toon-Link changed the topic, and his voice now calmer, " What will happen in the future or until we meet again? I don't know...but I think if the wind feels so nice today. Then I believe that the wind is carrying something..."

Mario's mouth curled to a curious smile, and his eyebrow hoisted up, " and that is?"

"Something wonderful." Toon-Link's voice was not unlike a fortune teller ", like, some wonder in the distance is inching closer, and it might be soon. But Hey, Wind is Wind, who truly knows what will happen? Maybe some new foe, an opportunity for unity, or a twist that changes the world for what knows, or Necrozma and Eternatus love each other more, or perhaps, more Angels to fight. Whatever it is, something wonderful is coming closer, and the wind carries it."

The wind blew around the hull of the ship making an almost musical tune, Mario's mouth moved to form words, " Wow. That isn't what I expected, but why not?" He laughs again, " Man today was really about futures and laughter. This will be a long time before we see each other again."

Toon-Link smiled, his eyes full of courage to challenge whatever the future would throw at him.

A small thundering sound was heard and ran through his spinal column. The time has come as in a blinding light the Portal has opened, from it a blue swirly light left its borders, and the ship slowly gets sucked in.

Mario smiled, filling with hope, determination in his heart, and anticipation in his mind. It will be a long, long time before they see each other, and he wonders what if, they will meet sooner. Playing around, throwing parties, Go-kart, and doing sports. Maybe he and the others could do trips or something else. If only they could, but one can dream, right?

The ship twisted and the fighters were inside the portal, and the Light of Around got lost in his irises' blackness.

The corners of his beak-shaped mouth curl up, cruelly, as The tubes let go of the orange power armor, which has been draining from Samus like she was a delicate drink. His wings tense up as the gates of Judgment open with a powerful stone-grinding sound.

His muscles heightened up, and from his mouth vapor from plasmid rose through his sharp teeth. Adrenalin was running through the veins underneath his body, and his lungs stretched out in excitement.

It was near, and so close to grab! He only needed to walk through it.

The words couldn't be held in anymore, they wanted out, scream his thoughts out! His joy, his reward! HIS DESTINY.

He laughs, " IT OPENED... SAMU'S LIFE FORCE HAS OPENED THE DOORWAY OF THE GODS!" he stomps his feet on the ground in sheer triumph, and cracks are formed on them.

Samus lay motionless on the ground, the down half of her body still encased in the stone, he had used to trap with and suck her dry.

His beak snapped open as he spoke," On the other side of This doorway is the power to rule the universe! With this power, I shall become lord of the cosmos!" He started to move, and his tail slapped across her armored face, the helmet clanked its sound echoing like a bell of victory and defeat, as he cackled like mad.

His mouth's tip was already touching the swirling mass of said portal, then he heard the quick steps of his minion named, 'creatively', bishop, the shoes clacking across the cracked floor, and his voice shrieks, trembling in panic. " M-Master Greed! We're under attack! The Galatic Federation!-" he stops, as Greed's body is already in, the portal felt mighty, pushing his purple scales in like nails being hit by a hammer.

Greed did not want to waste time listening to that old fool! He had to get the power that was ready to be plucked and taken right into his palm.

As he passed through, he was greeted by a long pathway that was like a needle or a bridge over the swirling environment of the power. He stood there momentarily and looked at the colors of green and black flowing around. He let out a small gruff, as he continued to walk, he could not hear what was on the other side of the portal, all sound outside was muted, and only his echoing heavy footfalls were heard.

In the distance, he saw a white sphere, its Lumination penetrating and dominating through the colors.

It must be the power itself!

Greed's wings unfolded an expanse of leather, veins and muscles. It would make any other small child in comparison seem like mold to them, and he could smother them if he liked it.

As he got closer, the sense of power Gravity encased him, almost waiting for him, beckoning him. Was it expecting him as a king or was it foolish to think so mighty already?

He shook his head and grinned even more. No matter what, he will take and use to his wishes.

Soon he halted from the sphere of white, and sparkles with small balls fleeing from its surface like water droplets.

" You have to choose." A booming feminine voice echoed in Greed's ears, and he looked around to see who it belonged to, and the sphere flared up to show it was the voice. " what power will you yield, The Past or The Future?"

Greed's eyes glitter at the question. He was taken aback that it even spoke, even more so that it offered him a choice.

He knew what he wanted, " The Future!" he shrieked almost, " There is no use in the past, only forward! Said Futre shall be me ruling of space itself!" He grasped after the white sphere, and a sudden power surge like electricity ran through him. A strong pull was outside, and in front of his eyes were images projected, or perhaps into his mind. He saw black holes opening up in several places in the star system, and they began to devour and pull in buildings, ships, and planets. Some of the ships have turned their thrusters one, the flaming tails dashing uselessly against the black, some of them sway around and crash into the other making fiery explosions in the storm.

Greed was laughing. It was amusing how he gained that power. His words screams again: " I AM GREED! I HAVE IT! THE ULTIMATE POWER!" His heart pumps and threatens to implode on itself, he loves to see how the universe is starting to be torn, molded, be cleaned. The furnace in his mind already started to think of how he molds the world to his image, to his kingdom.

His mouth echoed through the world, and continue to bubble out. " So the Power of the Gods were Black holes? Wahoo! I-Incredbile! If it can be used as a weapon, we can sell it! The dominion will make an incredible fortune!" He could see it already, him-Greed sitting on a throne of money, riches, perhaps, some war spoils too, and in front of him beings that are now under his rule! ALL WILL BE HIS. Creation will be his tool to mend and melt!

There were some panicked screams from his servants, but he did not pay any mind to them. They will be remade anew! All will be made new!

His mind only had a choice in the neurons, and it was almost like it had become one of the holes. "I WILL SWALLOW YOU UP! I WILL SWALLOW EVERYTHING! I SHALL REMAKE THE UNIVERSE HOWEVER I WISH!"

Greed's heart blood pumped faster than energy, no, it became energy. He doesn't know what is happening anymore, nor has he started to care. All will be gone, less than vapor...all will be remade.

He chuckled and laughed.

Minutes and seconds vanishes. He didn't know how much time had passed or if it was mere seconds. He crooked his head, in the direction of the portal, where an Orange suited boot steps forward.

Samus's foot. She has survived, his plan...she, the one who killed Ridley, and with it the reputation of the Space Dragons.

Before he could say her name or shout in confusion. He felt a sharp and piercing pain erupting from inside his body, like a volcano.

His screams were loud, painful, and...terrified, what was happening to him? Was she doing this?! Is she undoing what he was about to do? ERASE HIS FUTURE?! No. NO! He will not let go, he will never let go!

" The...Future..." His voice was almost unhearable, his vocal cords being pulled inside a place in his body, as the rest of his cells were being cut and ripped to pieces as if they were simple soft material, tissues torn. His voice cut in and out, and soon his wings were being targeted next, then his head, tail, torso, and feet. The F...true In...own I..ma..get" He clung to his ambition, his eyes being pulled and stretched, his vision weak, dizzy on Samus.

Then a loud crunch...

His mind persisted, 'felt' something. If 'feeling' was the right word. He didn't know what happened or was happening right now. Was he dead? Did he actually die? Was he in the afterlife? Or in the void before being born? Then how is his mind awake? if even was awake in the first place?

He wanted to scream but he didn't know if he had the mouth to open, nor if he was truly aware he had his eyes open or if they were closed forever. It was cold, colder than ice he felt when his blood froze, for underestimating temperatures on some foolish days. What has happened? why is he persisting so much? Is this hell?

If he had lungs, he would be hyperventilating. This void, it wasn't even doing anything to him, if it was even there, to begin with. He wanted everything, he was the last of his kind, and now? There was nothing to hold, to scratch through his bony fingers. Maybe a single and insignificant piece of breath was lesser than a hush of it, 'flowed' through his mind.

But his mind wonders itself. How was it still here? persisting like some annoying mold? How did this black void did not claim him?

Then something in Greed runs through like some spontaneous flame. If he could 'feel' something before, maybe, he could 'stretch' his 'limps'? What would happen if he was doing it?

He tries it. He imagined some phantom scaly limp, like in that case his arms, and pushed.

It 'worked'! somehow, he could 'feel' 'movement' or the lack of it. Maybe his mind was slowly descending to madness, but his Phantom limbs could 'feel' the void. It felt cold, but there was some firmness to it. He was certain if he put more thought into it he could sense it more.

His Mind was pushing more energy into his lack of limbs and he 'pushed', Greed could feel more than the firmness, it was light, and while it had some material feeling, it was strangely soft...like fabric, cloth, perhaps? No, it was less soft, it was still firm and heavier. Greed ignores anyway of how he even had the feeling sense, as his persisting mind was evidence enough that something is clearly odd here anyway.

the more his imaginary limp 'touches' the void, his black prison the more 'lesser' it appears and it becomes 'more' something if that train of thought even makes sense to begin with

.

The thing he was feeling was also too stiff to be a simple blanket and began to rustle. what in the hell was he even 'touching'? It was certainly not gold, it is way harder, and even if it was one of the softer metals out there. It yet felt somehow luxurious, what could feel like those things that are soft, firm, smooth, heavier than cloth? His 'fingers' detect some flexibility, it is easy enough to possibly move. Greed decided to 'push' his 'arm' in his mind, and will you look at that? The Void seems to dent a little...was he...' touching' paper? Is that Paper he is 'feeling' right now?

His Mind stopped his imaginary venture, and started to wonder, what was actually happening!

Greed began to recall the event. He gained the Power, and used that power for the Future, then Black holes appeared, and then he got more hungry. Wich at the short thought, he could swear that he felt a shiver after remembering that his mind suddenly changed to an insatiable hunger. Then Samus walked from the Portal, Greed felt pain, which returned as he members, as a numb feeling. The power must have ripped him inside out, perhaps with Gravity. Then his mind seemingly has survived its death, now he is in this void that may or may be not out of paper...

Where was he? and what does it mean that void has paper texture? what is this, what is reality?

His mind shivers more, and more at the cold. He shouldn't focus on it so much, at least he goes even more insane. maybe he could 'tear' said void.

Those questions were for later. He pushes against the 'paper', and it stretches. He has to penetrate the woven connections in that material. More force, more Gravity. Greed could 'feel' how it weakens. He was getting out, he would be free, and possibly roam the world again. It didn't matter if he lacked a body, if he got out he would find a solution and would be searching for power again!

He pushed more, and he could feel of it began to tear slowly, he couldn't see it but he knew it was about to rip open, perhaps in the 'right' shape for his mind to slip through!

Then a satisfying rip rang through his mind. He did it. HE DID IT. HE DID IT. There was a gap of light shining through the ripped void, small, but perhaps enough for his mind to fit through!

As his mind 'moves' he was already imagining plans to get back to his previous strength as before. The Light was blinding, and white, almost something so divine yet alien.

A Loud rumble he hears, his small void seeming to tremble slightly at the wound, and before he could react, he hears and feels through his being, a voice: " It appears that this one has managed to escape the end of his tale."

His heart stopped at the voice's tone, it was almost booming from a distance and yet felt like up close. What was going on now?

Curiosity took at his mind and pulled him out through the gab.

What he thought was freedom and what he saw wished he didn't try to escape, he desired to go back into the hole he was previously trapped in, what he was seeing now was tearing at the seams of his sanity. The view, the view.

It was...it was...it was...out of the world.

His mind was outside and what he saw were Pages, small millions of pages, perhaps even more that they made valleys, mountains. They were like walls, but based on his life so far, some of the said mountains, valleys, and walls were so far away and easy to see as they were the size of Galaxies. When he looked up as his phantom heart was beating and his lungs hurting, he saw a white star in the distance glowing, possibly where the Light was coming from.

Two lines were in the distance, one white, the other black against the sky and the light of the star, moving like waves, sinuous, almost impossibly graceful. Greed squinted his eyes at gliding lines and noticed something about the two...reptile and scaly. He'd seen a fair share of strange alien beings in the Raids of the space pirates and his voyages. Tentacles, many eyes, odd shapes where you wonder how that thing could even live, but all had one thing in common, compared to those two lines. The Lifeforms he had met and knows of always had some appendage or limps, but those? There was none of it, and he wasn't even sure if they had a tail or a head, those things were too far away to see it properly... He looked at them more. There might be some other glint of color on the right or back side, perhaps eyes? Both lines had some glint, but his sight was too weak to see the color, but his gaze was sharp enough to know how the light reflected the scales...

He had no idea of what kind of life forms they were. He had seen similarities to the reptilian species, or what the humans had named a certain group of cold-blooded, scaled animals, on their terminals.

" The Dragon that has been Named after a sin has now outside of being. A Place that few would see." The Voice had picked up, and Greed wondered if it was coming elsewhere or was one of the two lines. It echoed from the mountains and valleys and ran through his body, Greed felt the weight of paper on his hand-

He stopped his thought, his mind focused on his hand again...there was his hand or somehow? As he looked at his 'hand' it was there, but more like lines, he was seeing lines that were shaped like his hand, then his entire space dragon body, like it was a simple drawing.

That was it, he thinks, he is now gone full insane. The death of his has done damage to his body, none of it can't be real, perhaps his dying mind believing that he has survived or somehow ascended. He was dying out there in space and he is having a last dream...might as well enjoy it, then witness the end or perhaps, delay it if he plays with the act. It was all fake...right?

Greed began to move, the paper slightly rustled against his talons and feet. It could have their edges almost digging in the soles of them. He looked around and on the pages were words written, most in languages he didn't understand or bother to read. Just soaking the view in, some of the paper even had images of something, but he didn't care.

Since he heard that voice, he was already walking what felt like two, or three minutes, if time even existed in that dream. Was it thinking about something or a silent observer of him? Watching how such a scribble like himself wanders? if he was dreaming what is the voice for? His guilt? His last reaming and decaying sense of pride?

He hisses as a slight pang runs down from the ground, the paper has possibly managed to cut through his scales, he doesn't even need to lift his legs to see small droplets of red painting the path behind him. He was bleeding, and it was sharper than he thought.

Greed shook his mind even more, he was made out of lines! how is he even injured? This only proves he is descending or already has gone mad. He began to pace faster, the steps were shorter, and had the feeling that the paper rustled even more.

Then to his horror, he felt a sharp cut on his leg, his dragon head snapped downward to see of the paper was clinging and had crept to his legs.

His heart races, he swept it away with his hand like it was an annoying bug, it got away, and one of his talons had been cut too. before he could wonder how it got on his leg, the papers underneath him began to rustle. The world was drowned in a sea of fear, and the only thing that was on the surface was the instinct to flee, then the paper began to shift, turn, and bend on its own, and they crept in his direction. he could their intent even though they have no visible features on their material, they want to hunt him, cut him, KILL HIM.

His body shifts on his own, and he begins to move. His pride was hurt, and was telling to swallow that fear, to burn those things, but he couldn't. Even if he had a 'body', it was made out of lines, and perhaps by trying to escape the black void, he may have wasted too much energy even to defend himself properly. So, instead of swallowing his fear and fighting like a dragon, he decided to suppress his ego, run, perhaps some hole he could find, and hide.

Even as he runs, and even is aware of what his body can do. There was nothing at him that would help him against his chasers without him risking standing still and possibly being killed by the pages. His heart was beating, his feet were burning from all the blood they were losing, and he was afraid that he'd pass out while running.

A page from somewhere that he didn't see flew past his snout, the shape pain made him yelp and almost caused him to stumble over. He manages to catch himself before resuming his run.

He will not die! HE WILL NOT DIE! There must be a way out of this!

Five more papers cuts at his legs, arms, and across his head.

No, he wouldn't die! he wouldn't die! he doesn't want to die!

Then that blasted voice spoke again, this time more firm than before like it was weighing the options, " We have decided or the one outside, that You will be carried to another page...It appears that the paper wants to drag you back where you come from...The-one-who-remebers shall you use the wind to place you there. Be prepared for your new role in absurd chess of the conflict of the great cleave, Greed."

Greed stumbled as he heard the voice talk, " ROLE?!" He spat out in fear and rage, his wounded pride storming out of his mouth, " Don't you dare to command me! I am Greed! I AM THE FUTURE KING OF SPACE! " Then, like a punishment, more pages flew into him, and most of them sliced into his back and his line-shaped wings were ripped and gashed as the paper jumped on them.

He roars in the searing pain as the pages fall on him, the air is seeping in through the wounds caused by the edges of them, sharp, and jaded the leather in his wings begins to have holes in them, it feels like rocks are penetrating them. He screamed but the pain was so searing, and burning, that his vocal cords were numb. He tries to claw at them with his legs and arms to tear the papers off him, even using his barbed tail, like a blade to impale and cut some of them to pieces, and he even manages to get rid of some of them, only that they return with even more... he feels blood leaving his body and a gust of wind coming from somewhere, blowing some drops of his heavy liquid away. He was trapped in a maw of white, black, rustling material, with edges that were slowly being dotted by red.

His ego was screaming in sheer disbelief in his brain, how could that happen?! He was GREED, and now he is being sliced by those specks of weak white materials? what is this? A MOCKERY?! AN INSULT?!

His body kicked again, and only a gap of red was made into his purple scales, and his attacked ego was forced back into the one corner of his heart, and left its space for the only one that mattered.

His heart pumps from fear as he feels the cold wind pressed against him, it is chilly, and it must be the being, what was he called again, The-one-who-remembers? Is that him?

The gust turns into a strong blow, picking up in strength, some of the paper was being blown away, and it was invading his wounds. Greed starts to feel sick, his stomach turns like a defective energy machine. He doesn't know if his 'savior' was saving him and was there to put him into the new role he was being given.

He is Greed, who wants to be the King of all, and now, he doesn't understand what is even happening anymore. He was in such a stupor of confusion that he almost didn't realize the cutting paper had been swept away, and a current of air lifted him, as though he were nothing more than a discarded puppet, one of those relics almost extinct in the galaxy, its very memory fading.

His teeth ground together, a low growl rumbling in his has happened to him?His name is GREED! He was meant to ascend the throne! He was not some plaything, to be tossed aside at whim! Not a thing to be forgotten and fading away like vapor! NO! NO!

He thrashed, his claws scrabbling at the air, wings fluttering uselessly, a futile attempt to regain control. The wind roared past him, a chilling gale that whipped at his tattered wings. His lungs burned, his vision blurred, but he saw it: a gaping hole in the white expanse of paper, a maw of darkness beckoning him closer. The paper's texture was strangely smooth, almost silken near the edges of the abyss. He turned, his head snapping around, searching for an escape, a desperate lunge to defy his new, humiliating role. But there was nothing but the swirling blinding white, and then, as he tumbled toward the hole, he saw them: gigantic spheres, pulsating with an ethereal, violet light, looming over him like celestial judges. Their surfaces shimmered with an impossible depth, galaxies swirling within their translucent forms. They were close in like a buddle of predators, tied with small nets made out of oily black fluids, their violet light reflecting menacingly in the slick, dark strands.

Everything went dark as he flailed his arms and legs against the void again. A strange warmth spread through him, not unpleasant, but unsettling, like the prelude to an unknown transformation. Or the preparations for the new future of his role.

His eyes fluttered, and his consciousness danced between light and darkness like a drunkard, swaying around and bumping against the walls of oblivion. A searing cold shot through his mouth, numbing his tongue and teeth, the icy sensation spreading like a tingling numbness across his face. Words echoed in the near-delirium:Hot. Cold. Stars. Blackness. Hole.Fragments of a subconscious vision, glimpses he hadn't consciously seen.

Then, other words, sharper, clearer: Ship. Lights. Hope?

His vision shimmered, the ships swimming in the blackness, resolving and dissolving like heat haze on a desert road. Their shape was oval, the color, though indistinct in the shimmering haze, seemed to be a deep green. On their sides were what appeared to be small, unmoving wings, purely for steering or maneuvering. There was also a small metallic tail that moved like a stinger, and next to the base of the tail, two red thrusters pulsed with a faint, rhythmic hum that grew louder as the insectoid-shaped ships drew nearer.

He blacked out again.

Then, lights flared, burning his eyes like a searing brand. He saw darkened figures, their silhouettes stark against the intense light behind them.

Voices echoed, like whispers in an empty temple, fragments of words drifting to his ears from behind the purple scales of his back. "...Is...that Ridley...?" one of the figures asked, his voice a hissing rasp that scraped against stone or metal.

Ridley? Greed was sure he had died, killed by Samus. Was this still part of the dream—the same dream that contained that strange world of paper, the lines, and the spheres?

He felt something hard and smooth beneath him, not silk this time, but as he focused, he felt the small, numb points of leather digging into his back. He was lying on something more familiar... the sharp, antiseptic smell of disinfectant stung his nostrils, a potent, merciless assault on his senses.

"It can't be," said another voice, more artificial, more machine-like, yet flawed with the subtle speech patterns of a living being. Perhaps a cyborg or a drone.

One of the silhouettes turned its head, its body fixed above Greed's face. It almost spat the question, "And why is that, Weavel?"

The robotic voice continued, "Because..." A pause. Greed, momentarily disoriented, struggled to identify the voices. Then, Weavel, as if stating the obvious, said, "This one dwarfs Ridley. Look at him! Ridley already towers over most of us, and the one on the table is twice his size. Horns, head spikes...no chance it's Ridley. And besides, shouldn't Ridley be back soon?"

The other silhouette fell silent, then hissed, its arms thrashing wildly. "BAH! I'd forgotten that! The Phazon incident...it left me sleep-deprived, and we lost so many of our space pirate brethren. While youwere on that treasure hunt in the Almbic cluster of the Tetra Galaxy, we discovered the so-called Ultimate Power wasn't power at all! It's a monstrous entity—a thing that drains the life force from its victims like a Metroid!"

A cold dread gripped Greed; his breath hitched in his throat. The words "Ultimate Power" echoed the same name, the same force that had torn his body apart. Those pirates, his brethren, who'd been with him as he'd grasped the power of the gods... they'd been attacked by the black holehe'dsummoned. Was this a different version of his universe? The ultimate prize here was different—a potential trap, something far worse, or perhaps, as Weavel suggested, something that had been stopped, or destroyed.

"I didn't know!" Weavel's voice, shedding its cold, technical edge, took on a sharper, more forceful tone. "Neither I nor the other hunters knew the promise of supreme power was a lure, a trap to get us onto that cursed ship, to use us as pest control for that creature! I barely escaped with my life!"

The other silhouette relaxed its shoulders, its voice lower than before. A sigh escaped its mouth. "We must be cursed by some cruel fate. Everything we do seems to go wrong. It's a miracle that, despite the countless losses, a stubborn ember of hope and faith still flickers in the hearts of many of our brethren."

Weavel's silence hung heavy in the air. A slow, harsh breath escaped Greed's lips. The space pirates must have suffered many setbacks in a short time, likely due to Samus Aran, that parasite, and other factors. Yet, they remain headstrong and firm.

The other silhouette lurched suddenly. Before Greed could react, it said, "He's breathing. A pause. That specimen must still be alive. We might have to wait until Ridley arrives; perhaps he knows what to do...with such a powerful specimen."

A tremor ran through Greed's limbs, heavy as if weighted down with stones. His voice was a dry, rasping croak. "I... I am not... a mere specimen." His head slowly lifted from the leather of the table. The silhouette that had just spoken recoiled. Weavel extended his green mechanical arm, the smooth plates concealing what Greed suspected was a blade.

He lifted his tensed arms, pushing down on the table to leverage his upper body. Like a distant earthquake, the metal groaned and creaked under the strain, and a low rumble vibrated through the floor. Something was approaching.

"I... am special," he rasped, his voice thick with barely controlled fury. "I am not a mere test subject. I have a name!"

The other silhouette's shadows receded, revealing a large, crab-like crustacean in a battle stance. One foot was planted behind the other, its blue lobster claws spread wide. Weavel, a green cyborg with a small yellow visor resembling a robotic screen and a fiery tuft of red hair streaming behind him, stood beside the crustacean space pirate. To Greed's surprise, Weavel's hands were human-like.

Greed's voice booms as the vibrations become more violent, "I am more than you both will ever think! I. Am. Greed! And you better remember it well!" Greed's voice booms as the vibrations become more violent, "I am more than you both will ever think! I. Am. Greed! And you better remember it well!" Agonizing pain ripped through his muscles as he straightened his back, struggling to sit upright. His mouth twisted in a grimace at the sensation. His head lowered, revealing the two space pirates. The first one trembled uncontrollably, his stance wavering as if he might collapse at any moment. Weavel, however, remained rigidly still, his expression, hidden behind the cold, yellow glare of the visor, unreadable.

The earth-shaking tremors intensified, finally ceasing just outside the automatic door.

His purple scales tightened, bunching along his spine as he spread his wings wide, a searing pain shooting through them. His long, crimson tongue lolled from his snout, dry and cracked, it carved for some liquid running across its spores.

The door slid seamlessly into the wall, vanishing as if it had never been there. A nearly identical reflection of Greed materialized in the doorway—purple, but absurdly thin and weakly built. Ridley's mouth opened, the command catching in his throat as his eyes narrowed and a frown of utter confusion etched itself onto his face. "Whatever the issue is, I want you to stop paying attention to it, and focus...on...the... What?!" Ridley shouted, his saliva flung in Greed's direction.

His wings unfurled with a quick rustle, and then he walked through the doorway, his scaly hand clutching the hilt of a golden sword that Greed had only just noticed. The hilt was of intricately carved bone, the fish-like bones across the blade seeming to writhe in the dim light; the blade itself was composed of strange, interlocking hexagonal patterns.

Ridley's tail snapped across the ground with a sharp crack, causing the space pirate to jump, and Weavel turned his head toward Ridley.

A predatory grin stretched across Greed's snout, his eyes narrowing as he gauged Ridley, like a predator assessing its prey.

"W-who is this?! Who the hell are you?!" Ridley growled, pushing the space pirate away with a sharp shove, the latter letting out a small yelp.

Greed smiled wickedly, his teeth gleaming ominously in Ridley's eyes. "I am Greed, Ridley," he said, a searing pain lancing through his chest. His will managed to subjugate it, pushing the agony deeper. "One of your kind. One of the space dragons."

"What the...? How do you know my name?!" Ridley's grip on his sword tightened, his worry palpable, like a child fearing an adult might take away a prized toy. Weavel's face dims, his face flickers unrhythmically from confusion. The flung pirate, meanwhile, stared in terror at Greed and Ridley.

Greed cackled. "Let's just say..." He paused, the predatory grin vanishing for a fleeting moment. That odd paper world, the strange spheres… it must have been a dream. He'd survived the black hole, only to find himself in a different version of his world. Ridley's surprise was the final confirmation—proof positive he was no longer in the same universe. He needed to figure out how to reveal this without sounding insane, or, better yet, how to make them believe him.

...damn it to hell, he would just tell him what happened before, without mentioning the embarrassing dream. "It all started when I planned a device…"

Then Greed recounted how he'd constructed the device to steal Samus's powers, how he'd distributed it to other criminals he called 'the deadly six stars,' how he'd bought weapons from the Dominion and found the place where the power of the gods resided—only to be ripped apart by it and end up here. He also mentioned that, to his knowledge, Samus had killed Ridley.

Ridley's eyes glowed with a mixture of curiosity and—was that envy?—at the mention of stealing Samus's powers.

"And she somehow managed to reverse the black hole's effect on me, ripping my body apart. Then I woke up here." Greed paused, and Ridley's silence was deafening. Greed's teeth clenched, a small flame of outrage flickering within him. "You better believe—"

"I do," Ridley interrupted with cold confidence, deflating Greed's indignation faster than a crashing ship. "What?" Greed croaked.

Ridley's long, bony finger stroked his jaw. "I said I believe you! The existence of other worlds—we've theorized about that since we became aware of the Smash tournament, which I just returned from. If multiple universes exist, then parallel universes must as well, which you've just proven. And…" Ridley paused, flashing a grin of evil intent. "You seem to share my hatred for your Samus."

Ridley stepped back, his talons scraping against the floor. He lifted his arm, displaying the sword. "This is a souvenir from yesterday. We were attacked by 'angels,' and one of them wielded this. We could modify it, so I brought it here before meeting you. So… interested in joining me?"

Greed was stunned, his mouth agape at Ridley's swift acceptance. Did he just accept that he came from another world? Perhaps this Ridley was far superior to the one he remembered—or maybe he barely knew his Ridley at all. Maybe his Ridley was like this one, or maybe not.

There was only one way to find out. As Greed stood, the pain threatened to shatter his newfound confidence—NO. He opened his mouth, his words strained by the effort to overcome the pain. "Yes… I do."

Ridley's laugh was dry and croaking, like the desert wind. "I knew another space dragon would be like me. We will be undefeatable, and Samus, the galaxy's hope, will be crushed beneath our wings!" he declared, the victory seemingly within their grasp, though weeks, or perhaps months, away.

Greed's mouth curved into a smile, not of sadism, but of anticipation… and perhaps something more.

"This is going to be amusing," he said, his talons tapping a nervous rhythm. "I do wonder what your sword will do."

Ridley's wings unfurled, spreading wide like those of some unholy being. He paused, looking at Greed, his eyes gleaming with joy… and something else. "I should also mention, we've partnered with someone else. But I'll tell you about that after I've officially introduced our newest addition to the pirates: you."

With that Ridley walked out, The Pirate, who now got up, ran behind him. Weavel was the last one who walked out. His body ceases his movement at the door, and his head turns back to look at Greed. His featureless face's light flickers, in a kind of approval, threat, and loyalty, possible to Ridley. Then he vanished into the hallway, where Orange holograms were on and about.

Greed waited for a moment. The air was thick of the sudden silence, he couldn't even hear the thumbing Ridley anymore. His legs hurt from standing, in the icy cold. His mind made a click in its net of neurons and he decided to step out of the door, and into, what may be his new life.

He took a deep breath, the air passing through muscle and flesh, being disturbed by pangs of pain. With that, he exhales...and walks out of the door.

A New chess piece is now on the board.

The phone alarm rang, moved, and sent violent vibrations through the table itself. Its sounds wandered into the ears, through the tunnels, and into the brain, where they tickled a part of the brain like an annoying feather you wouldn't want

.

Mario moved in his bed, the blanket stroking against his cheek rough. It was warm like a small glowing ember underneath it all. He let a small growl, and he opened his eyes to see his weaker. With an arm that felt like it was made of old stone or wood, which made him a bit sympathetic to how old trees must feel when they sway in the wind, he picked it up and turned off the alarm.

The regular and stock sound ended, he was never a fan of using favorite songs as an alarm, because either it didn't wake him up or he ended up hatting.

He blinked his eyes, the eyelids felt like having slabs of metal, his focus regained, he moved the blanket away from his body, and his mouth released a hearty yawn.

Mario stretched his arms as he got out of bed. His toes felt the cold floor, and with a quick jerk, he opened the drawer and pulled out his socks. The green yarn felt soft on his fingers and fit on his naked feet like gloves. Even if on the first view, anyone is forgiven if they think that Mario didn't even bother to find his matching socks. They are indeed his socks, he and Luigi have decided long ago that they should have socks in their brother's colors, and Luigi's would be red, with white stripes.

As he put on the socks, with a movement that was slow being lifted by the weight of sleep, he strolled over the closet and picked up his famous clothing. Pants, his blue overalls, and his red shirt. The blue and Red were always easy on the eyes, and it made him easier to see from far away. He almost jumped into his polished brown shoes, then as he was in them, he lifted his legs and knocked on the ground. At last, the gloves were put on, white and soft fabric, keeps the dirt away and protects the hands whatever task awaits. Unless he is preparing food or is eating, lint is infamously not very tasty in the mouth.

He strides down the stairs with a walk that is now faster passing the empty bed. Underneath a large portrait of Peach, almost the size of the wall, it was nailed to. Mario to this day has never known why that blasted painting needed this to be this big. He liked Peach, he loved her voice and her tone, but he didn't like the fact that the Toad that brought and made, had it made it so big. Okay, it wasn't taking up the whole wall, but it is still bigger than needed.

The other smaller photos were of a blue comet, its magnificent tail was eternally captured under the glass. Mario had taken the photo, while Luigi was the one who had seen it, and was the one who told him the Timing of capturing, in one of their stargazing nights.

He went to Kitchette, to the fridge, to be exact. He opened it, and a wave of cold slapped his face like a wet rag. Shoot, he must have turned the temperature down again, freezing.

He looked inside the fridge with still tried eyes, each blinking slowly and demanding energy. There was a lid on Tupperware with letters on tape: Necrozma.

His hands were like spiders, grabbed at the box, and it was open before he realized it.

There were still some slices of Bulbberies, their yellow-light infused fruity flesh glew in weak white light. Good meals for Necrozma to partially fill him with light, and Eternatus could like them too. Even though, even she has said she doesn't eat much, he feels like she could at least have something, and why not the food her lover now eats...if she eats at all? Mario doesn't know how she eats, what she eats, or even if she needs to eat. It was already two days after the Tournament's end, and Eternatus strangely avoided any questions that had to do with her, her focus was always on Necrozma, and to give him love, he now returned to her.

He placed the container on the table, and Mario went to the fridge again to get some strawberry jam out. He went to the cupboard on his right and opened with a swing, to look for a package of coffee, only to discover with a sigh, that he had run out. Then without any second thoughts, he grabs the bread and brings it to the table. In an easy, and well-prepared manner, he spreads the jam on it, and eats.

The bread was cold and soft, and the jam was chilled. It was an overall bland breakfast, but hey, it kept him awake, and besides, he doesn't mind bland food from time to time.

After he had his fill, he went to the bathroom, relieved himself, brushed his teeth, and combed his hair. He looked in the mirror; besides the coal-like dark circles under his eyes, he looked good. Yeah, the stress from the Tournament will still haunt him. He went up the stairs so quickly that he almost did not recall walking past his working bench underneath the wooden stairs and the small golden trophy on the wall stand.

He took his cap, the soft and all too familiar fabric nestled against his hair. He tugged it to make it sit firmly and went down the stairs again.

He pulled out a plate from the cupboard and placed the slices on it. With the plate in his palm like a bulter serving food, he went out the door.

Warm sunlight stroked his cheek, birds sang their song from the trees, and a faint chill lay in the air, causing a small patch of goosebumps on Mario's neck like a growing plague.

He looks around, his neck tweaking, to see some reflection of light jumping or being sucked into a black prism in the trees or somewhere else. Nothing. He couldn't see Eternatus either. " Good Morning!" Mario said with a loud voice, that rang across his property.

The sky seemed to darken, and he knew where they were. He looked up, and Necrozma and Eternatus flew down softly like feathers.

Necrozma's voice reverberated like an energy-loaded metal plate, " Oh! Morning to you as well, Mario!" He sounded more energetic than the weeks prior, he was getting better and seemed to get used to talking informally, even though the occasionally elegant words slipped through. " I hope your sleep was pleasant this time, around. I was trying my best to be quiet as possible, with her assistac-er, help I was sleeping...good. It was the right, word? Right?"

" Yup," Mario said, using his free hand to give a thumbs-up. " The right word. Here is your daily breakfast."

Necrozma's black body shimmers in the light, and a blue tendril has wrapped around one of his spikes. Eternatus's eyes were lager from pride, and she rumbled a low loving purr, " See? I know you could do it." Her voice emits care and pride in that small accomplishment.

Necrozma lifted his hand, " Thank you, Mario." The small gap on his prismatic body appeared the mouth and threw three slices into it. He hums pleased, " Do you wish, uhm, want some to, Eternatus?"

Her spikes on her head extend, and she bubbles out in surprise, " Really? Certainly, yes!" One of her tendrils wrapped around a slice on the plate, and it landed into her maw. It dissolved into small purple sparks, and they went into the sphere under her ribcage. The ball of white light gleamed, and the small cloud around turned.

" So good," she chimed, her neck extended. She rubbed her face at Necrozma's body. He gasped in delight, and a small light flickered beneath the black.

Mario smiles, " Now that you both are well, I will be off. I need to buy some coffee, and I will walk around a bit." He then went inside to get his phone, in case someone calls him, as Necrozma and Eternatus wouldn't know how the answer the call. And picks up his red wristwatch.

As he walks out again, Eternatus is on the ground snuggling her head against Necrozma's body, using it as a pillow.

Mario gave them a nod, "See you later!" Necrozma lifted his hand to wave goodbye, and Eternatus a loving growl.

Mario walks to the pipe which protrudes from the ground like a needle and jumps straight in.

The air sucked around his face, blew around his ears, and even penetrates his nose making the nose hair dance. Before he could find any more details he jumped out of the Pipe and several houses that were shaped like mushrooms and had their caps with dots on them, greeted him.

He was now in Toad town, the city where Peach's subjects lived. Her castle was in the distance on a hill. The white stony walls, the warm red rooftop, and every gleaming stained glass of Peach's body gleam in the sun, watchfully over the town. It tells everyone that the princess and the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom had a kind heart and would be gentle as if they were the fluttering wings of a butterfly to all who came to visit.

Mario looked at her Castle, her face appeared as a movie that he shortly dreamed of, with her laughter and smile.

His heart warms up by the images and went on a stroll through the cobbled streets. Not all Toads were awake, but he knew that they were about to stand up and walk out soon. Some other Toads were already on the street. Some were greeting with waving hands and others were too tired to even bother to look at him.

He passed many buildings and stores that were ready to open, many figures were arranging their products, cleaning the tables, placing stools, turning on lights, and swiping the floor.

Mario was now moving to the coffee shop opening and would be serving the brown and dark beverage soon, and Mario thought to get a quick sip.

It tickles in his nose, and he closes his eyes to suck it through his nostrils. His lungs were sucking the aroma in and saviouring it.

He opens his eyes again, only to see a small young Toad with green dots in a pink apron staring at him as if he were an alien. " Uh...is the smell so good?"

" Yes! It is." Mario answers quickly, not wanting to making the first hour of this Toad's shift overcomplicate even further. " Can I please have one coffee? I also want to have a pack of coffee at home."

The Toad paused, adjusting the apron, and his fingers groped at its string. " Yes, coming right up. Any special wishes or what type of coffee? On the go?"

" Espresso on the go, and a package of cappuccino," Mario said his order, and the Toad vanished behind the counter.

The machine roared as it was making the brew, and the Toad Was rummaging through the shelves to find the mixture.

Mario hums, his throat pushing the wind through his closed lips, and his foot whips up and down in the rhythm, his fingers twirl under the glove. He looked outside and saw that the half-ajar windows were getting lesser and lesser, More Toads were walking out, and even the children were out, some were walking at an easy pace, and some were already speeding as if they were thinking they were missing school or just want to play outside after they have consumed their breakfast like a Black hole. Kirby, King Deddede, and perhaps even Ash, have possible competition in Toad town.

The Toad called that his Cofee was ready to be picked up, and he quickly trots over. There was not much of an exchange, he thanked the Toad for the service and paid with six coins. The Toad's small hands took it, and it vanished into the cash register.

The Package of Cofee was in a neat paper bag, and his Espresso in a brown Cup. The heat would have been like a searing pan, but Mario barely felt it as he was wearing his gloves anyway, so it didn't bother him that much.

He went out and continued his stroll. Drinking from his cup from time to time, which of course, almost turned his tongue into red lobster at the first sip like a hot bathtub was poured into his maw. But his body adapted to the steamy pain, and Mario could feel it hit and hammer against his muscles.

Not for so long did the cup get colder and emptier; by the time it was lukewarm, it already had only a void in it.

He threw the cup into a trash can as if it were a basketball, and it landed with the sound of rustling other trash. He hoped it was sorted out right. Mario looked up and realized that he had walked near Peach's castle. He decided to drop by for a short chat.

As he got closer, right on cue, as if her Heart had received a signal from unknown sources Peach walked out the large doors of her Castle. The sun hit her eyes, and her Arm covered her Face.

" Good Morning, Mario!" She calls out to him, her tone carrying warmth as she approaches him. " Have you slept well?"

Good Morning, Mario!" She calls out to him, her tone carrying warmth as she approaches him. " Have you slept well?"

Mario nodded his head in approval and gave her a thumbs-up. His paper bag rustled in the movement. " Good, and I have bought myself Coffee."

" That is nice. Are Necrozma and Eternatus doing good? Is she..." Peach pauses, her smile vanishing behind a sea of thought, her eyes shift to the earthly ground before the bridge behind her, and she looks up again, "feeling safe here?"

Mario also went silent and thought about the last days. It was...uh, 31 August, the last day of that month. He opened his mouth, " I think she is?" His finger moved to the chin and kneaded the tip. "Every Time I ask something about her, she avoids it. But she and Necrozma seem to be doing well. She is very glad he shows her love, too, so I guess she is fine?"

Peach sighed, sounding relieved: " At least it's something better than her being Anxious at all times. I hope their Love will carry on long, and they are happy. But enough about them for now. I have heard that was working on something new. Do you want to come with me?"

Mario ponders, and he looks at the sky. The sun has risen, and its rays are hitting his skin and warming his body like a blanket. " Yes, let's go."

They wander from the Castle and to the town.

" Mario?" She began to try to start a conversation as they entered the now-awakened Toad Town. Mario tuns to Peach, waiting her to contuine. "Can I show you something while we walk?"

" Sure, why not?" He said causal, as he shrugged.

Peach then fumbled around her neck, trying to grasp at something, and Mario wondered if he perhaps, out of politeness should look away. Before he could looked away her wrist bends and a necklace was pulled with her closed hand. It was held by a small pink chain made out of shimmering pearls that reminded Mario of stars in the distant night sky, she opened her fist gingerly, almost afraid what they held would break apart by too fast movement.

A butterfly with dark pink wings that glitters warmly in the light. His heart almost skipped a beat at the mere sight of it, and his eyes. subtly, widened in surprise at the necklace... A butterfly that had dark pink wings was revealed.

It was a simple butterfly...but he didn't know why he had expected something worse. For a moment as his heart had stood still, he could have sworn that had the urge to attack that thing, but that thought it went away so fast as if it was the flicker of a broken lamp.

It was a harmless necklace she had and Nothing more. He wonders why he even felt that as though it was an enemy he was coded to opened his mouth as he realized that his silence was slowly putting Peace off.

" Nice Necklace!" He said with a thumbs up, his eyes beaming strong with joy, almost too much, he thinks. Peach posture relaxed, and lucky for him she took at his word, her face lit up at his words. " Oh? Thanks! I made it myself. It took some time, but I think the Butterfly suits me. So innocent, pure, good-natured and..."

To her and his surprise the words tumbled out of his mouth." Heart-healing."

" Aww." Peach placed one hand on her cheek, her head tilted to the side and eyes full of endearment, " That's sweet. I never thought of myself as a heart healer...whatever that means. I appreciate it.." She dangles the butterfly between her fingers, pride beaming from her face, " It was a bit difficult to make it, and even more time to find an animal that fits me personally."

Mario smiled, and underneath he tried to understand why he almost assault that necklace. What's wrong with him? Lately, his emotions and thoughts were all over the place. Why in the world did that Butterfly cause that reaction? Why? She made an adorable little insect with her hands, and his body reacted almost like it was an wolf or an Eagle. Or some other wildlife in this world in the mushroom kingdom.

Ugh, he must get to the bottom of this.

"Come, we can't let wait, and Luigi may be there too."

Peach returned the necklace to its place, she nodded to signal, and both resumed their path through Toad Town. They walked past the coffee shop where he had bought his mixture, and there was a small queue now.

More Toads were now on the streets, mostly adults and some straying children who goof around by kicking pebbles, cans, and flicked marbles across the brick-plastered ground and were whistling the hero's hum, Mario joined them as he and Peach paced past them.

Mario could hear her giggling softly as she waved the passing Toads.

His heart warmed up, knowing how much she cared about her people and others who she had never met, she possessed a gentle, and delicate heart, he was sure of it. It was one of the reasons he had fallen in love with her, of how Peach treats others as their person, how she sympathizes with other people. But, the more he liked her the more he wanted to slap himself. Why did he pull off the stunt on the moon, why did he shove her flowers in her face and argue with Bowser over her like she was nothing but a trophy or a toy?! Even if he had apologized to Peach, and even if she smiled at him back then, it still haunts him. He has no idea why he did that in the first place. Was it out of envy? Possibly, as Bowser had barged in. Panic? Sure it was, as Peach smiled at Bowser's 'bouquet'. BAH! It was so beyond him what he usually is like, and then he almost attacked her Butterfly necklace in the present. what is off with him lately? is it getting old? stupid? senile?

His fingers tightened around the handle of his paper bag, and the whistling got out of tune out of the undercurrent of frustration that was only noticeable to him. His free hand wandered to his nose to scratch, his eyes tense up.

He was glad Peach was behind him and did not see him like this.

" I wonder who the Tournament would invite and add what next year," Peach said behind him, her voice carrying a slight song of joy, and Mario's lips relaxed a bit, not managing to push away the feelings of frustration but enough for him to answer.

" Yes, I am curious about it as well. I wonder what the hands will do to pick it up a notch.

I hope we meet the others again. . But..." He pauses to let the emotions pass, and he turns around to face Peach " What if something happens again? Like four times incidents occur and the danger from them seems to rise to always trying to topple down the last one. What comes next? An actual God coming to smite is? The world of Trophies is like a magnet attracting all sorts of things!"

Peach eyes soften as he rants, and the corners of her mouth lift, " Yeah, I get that. The whole place seems to lure the bad stuff like they are moths to a well-lit candle. But honestly, if we keep our bonds with each other, our trust, our wits, and sour strength, we will fight back. It will be okay."

Mario in return smiles back, " Yeah I think so too. Yes, yes. We can manage this." Mario's feeling of determination rises above the conflict inside him, he will think later about why he did what he did on the moon, but he knows it is time to look ahead to what is before him.

Peach chuckles again in her sweetness, and her hand touching her chin. " You are right. We did succeed against the subspace army, against the master core, and lately, against angels. We will win again. Trust yourself and it will work out like it did before. "

" Okay." Mario gave a simple node, and he hoped she was right that it would be easy peasy... his heart, a rope tightens at the thought. His lungs weighed heavy on his body, and his neck tensed like stone. He took a deep breath, and the feeling returned to a dark corner of his nerves.

One of the marbles from the playing children rolled against his shoes with a small chime. Its color was purple, accompanied by lines of white and gold. Mario stared at it momentarily, mesmerized, as if it were a gift that a child wanted or a dog waiting for a command, and the world almost tuned out for a fraction.

Then a sudden jolt of energy struck and snakes into his legs, he kicked the marble back to one the playing children.

He smiled, and the feeling from before was gone, washing away the mud.

The small marble rolled over the stones with small jumps and met a red one pushing into a green marble, which was near a pink one.

One of the children let out a disappointed sigh, while a girl had her arms up in victory. Mario's heart calmed down at the sight; at least someone else was in a good mood.

Peach greeted the Toad children, and they waved back at her " They won, and have fun," she noted as she motioned her head to keep Mario walking, he remembered that was waiting for them. He steps forward, and a spring is now in his legs, bag swaying around.

They pass more houses and more, and they walk and greeted Toads.

After some walking they reached the edge of the Town, where a Forest was there, and a brick pathway that snakes into the lush green. They passed trees that gently swayed in an almost unnoticeable wind through the leaves, letting the shadows feel slightly cooler than they would have been otherwise. It ghosted on Mario's skin like a breath similar to an opened freezer, making small goosebumps as he let out a quiet shiver. Some small critters were heard in the distance and birds carrying out the songs that were their language. On occasion, Peach pointing out movement in the trees, which range from a sparrow to squirrels collecting their nutty foods.

The Bag in hand was pressing against his fingers as they strolled down the path, they talked about the current state of things, nothing special or worth breaking heads over, simple strings of lines that merely were there to pass some time.

Soon they reached a small metallic dome in a glade , nestled on a dirt patch. There were two large windows near the top which resembled glasses, a large pole of antennas being the strains of hair. Yes, the lab is built after the face of .

Mario not in the life of his, can't understand nor decipher the use of having your face on such things, Bowser also falls into this. The only is some desire of vain and pride. Even Meta-knight's Halberd has a large version of his mask on it, but to be fair his ship was more like an anti-hero, which has the 'being cool' pass with that black material design and the large wings. But ? Mario has no idea what else it is for unless he wants to tell people who owns that lab.

The red door swings open, and a lanky figure steps out holding a plastic service tablet. Mario's lips formed into a grin as he realized who was holding the tablet. The person's green shirt reflected the light and his blue overalls were neatly tied, with some oil spots on the fabric.

The Person who absent-mindedly placed the tablet on a nearby crate right next to the door. A small tower of plastic cups and a jug of steaming liquid coffee was on it.

A white-glove scratched the green Cap sitting on the head. Mario's eyes beam with a glint, " Hey, Luigi, how are you?"

Luigi's body jetted up as if a strong force smacked in his neck, he twirls around, hands gripping the crate behind him.

His eyes were wide open and his iris shrinks down. After a moment of realization, the body slumps and Luigi breathes out a long sigh, his mustache drops down and his right hand is placed on his chest. " MAMA MIA. Don't scare the lights off me, bro!"

" I am sorry, couldn't resist." Mario's lips curl up, and his arms wrap around Luigi. " How are you?"

Luigi chuckled awkwardly, and Mario knew that Luigi gave Peach an apology look, and she waved her hand at him that it was fine.

The hug took some minutes, and then with a small push, it was over. " I am doing good so far," Luigi's gloved hand moved onto overalls, where Mario was seconded there ago and the dust flew off. " And you? How are you?"

" Good. Very good. Necrozma and Eternatus are fine and sound. And your bed is still ready in my house if you want to be over again. If you need to after moving into your own house."

Luigi opened his mouth to chuckle, " Mario I have been living in my house for more than a year. It is fine. But I will take the offer if it gets late in the night before I reach the door, but thanks."

Luigi then grabs three cups from the pile, in the other hand he has reached for the jug. " Cofee?"

Even if Mario already had a cup, he wouldn't refuse another as his eyebags betray his not-very-good sleeps lately due of the legendary lovers he is taking care off. Peach was walking closer to wanting some too.

Both he and the Princess nodded in acceptance. Luigi with a tense arm as if it was out of rock, moved the jug, and the hot black liquid splashed in each cup.

It was served and all three drank in silence their drinks. Mario as before drank it down the fastest, Peach did in the Manners that were taught to her as long as she was probably walking around in her small dress and toys as a child, her hand gripping her cup as if her hands were puppeteered by some invisible force, and yet feels so authentic one wonders if it is her true self happens to be masterful in manners. Then Luigi sips slowly on his portion, enjoying the flavor. Luigi always had been the coffee lover between him and Luigi. You wouldn't even think that the brother, who is sadly more known as the one who lives in the shadow of Mario who gleams so bright, is someone who knows what a good cup is or cleans everything so thoroughly that it sprinkles. In the later times, he has managed to step out of the shadows and be somewhat himself, and yet despite the attention Mario was given too, Luigi doesn't hate Mario or resent him for it, which Mario is glad it didn't pester as envy in his brother, soul, who he considers as his other half or halves. Luigi is his being and yet is his twin brother.

" So what is doing? I have heard from Peach that he is busy."

Luigi took another sip, and he raised an eyebrow, " I don't know, which is weird as I was with him minutes ago. But I know he is doing something with Power Stars and Moons. Testing something that F.L.U.D.D has picked up in the attack of the angels had." He paused and looked into his cup as though it would give him an answer if he started at it right. " He has sent me out, as he wants to surprise me, or us, as you both are now here. I wonder what he is cracking up for us."

They heard whirring sounds from inside, small rays of light emerging from the windows. Luigi and Mario raised their eyebrows, and Peach's head craned to the sphere. Then, an "Oh! It worked!" rang out. Quick steps were now being heard.

Mario, who craved more, grabbed the jug and poured himself another. He wondered what had happened. Luigi was staring intently at the door of the Lab, expecting what horrors could come out of it, and Peach was seemingly staring at it.

Mario took a long sip, and the door opened to reveal Link stepping out. The light of the sun hit his humble brown trousers and white shirt. His eyes were gentle and yet the wrinkle on his forehead announced his confusion under his stoic face.

Mario simply gave a simple glance as he has still the coffee flowing into his mouth...until his mind screeches at the realization of what his eyes were seeing and the drink was thrown out with a large spit, his eyes wide as eggs. The spot of ground was coated in layers of steaming blackness upon the brown.

"LINK?!" Mario shouted, his jaw wide opened, and as to be sure his eyes weren't dreaming he rubbed his eyelids with his gloves, and the paper bag that was still on his arm as if it was glued on it, touched against his chin.

Link waves his hand slowly, his fingers from his left hand pulling at the hem of his shirt, at the sheer awkwardness of the situation. " Uh...Hello, Mario, and Peach...er" He looked at Luigi whose mouth was agape, too busy getting annoyed at the scene rather than at that Link left him out.

"How are you even here?!" Luigi spat out, saliva flying, as the silence was too long and he wanted to break it finally. His eyes strain with confusion "What happened in the LAB!? I...I...What. Why are-Mamma mia, ho-" He struggled as any word was interrupted by the electricity of the nerves that coursed into his jaw causing them to tremble. lips twitching and wrinkles forming on his forehead. His arms were outstretched and rigid, almost like he was complaining about nothing with open palms. Nevertheless, his irises gleam in the light of the sun as the eyes widen, a slow smile curls upping the corners of the mouth, betraying the excitement that Link, one of their friends is here, above the annoyance. But it was overshadowed by the mystery of how said friend got here in the first place.

The lab door swung open yet again, Zelda was now out in the open, her black trousers clung to her legs, and the flash of a sapphire blue was against her white pullover. Her emerald green eyes sharp with curioisty were on who was asking about Zelda's well-being and Mario could swear he heard another voice from inside the lab.

" So you have brought us here because?" Zelda's tone was calm as a stone and more laced with curiosity.

's face beams with entuhaism as his one single bucket tooth was visble. " simple! I wanted to see if I could create some bridge to other worlds. I have been working for a long time on this and it seems to get somewhere. I knew that by using the data from that attack and using some stars, I knew I was close. Then as for Today it has happned a huge leap in sciene has been made, possible the biggest one and even across the worlds! I feel great honestly, and you have also brought a scientist, I like her. Very Energetic. I look forward to working with her."

Mario raised his eyebrows, and before he could answer another figure emerged from the Lab. A woman with silver hair in fact, which was tied in a bun and held with two red sticks in them, a golden-like mask was sitting admit the sliver, her eyes were red filled with a thirst for knowledge that was behind a pair of glasses with rims were red and on top of the bridges were eyelashes protrusions. Her shirt was puffed in the sleeves and was in slight brown scale. There was another golden piece in the shape of a diamond and two long pieces of fabric dangles in quick movements. Two dark blueish fragments of cloth were in front of her legs in red stockings.

Her face examines Mario, the still confused Luigi, and Peach, with a curious look that betrays her mind taking notes of each individual's appearance.

Zelda says with a gentle yet firm tone that is like a strong handshake, " That is Purah. A Sheikah, which is a group of people that are closely tied to the Royal family from Hyrule. She is a scientist like said. She is very e-"

"Excited!" she interrupts Zelda as she slaps her hands on her hips, Zelda sighed in great and hearable annoyance, her right hand hugging her face. She no longer caring about her royal upbringing. This causes Peach to chuckle, and place a hand on her mouth.

" Thank you for your enthusiasm." her words dry as Purah looked again at the other three. " has opened up a portal in the Plains of the Great Plateau, and the three of us happened to be there, and were looking through some of the ruins of the past. Link here was feeling sentimental, and was wearing some of his rags at the start of his adventure. Purrah was there for science, and myself were with them, to see if we could find anything. Then the Portal appeared and Link went in firstly and now we have arrvied here. " She pauses as she looks at Luigi.

Purah giggles as she strides toward Mario," So are you the guys that Zelda and Link always talked about? Nice to meet you!" She grabs Luigi's hand and shakes with a force that his mustache bounces, and his cap threatens to fall off.

From Mario a small chuckled as escaped his mouth as he was gazing at the scene.

The paper bag was weighing down on his arm. Why didn't he get back home first, leave the coffee there, and come here instead? Because he was far too excited about what had been doing and was irritated at best. He took a deep breath through his theet, and saw the good of Link being here, meaning they now have an actual way outside of tournaments and go-karting to meet together.

A flicker of memory jetted through Mario's mind as he recalled what Toon-Link told him. Something wonderful was coming, and it seemed to have happened... But a sense of doubt and question bit his joy, what if this isn't or it isn't the only thing that the wind carries? what if something bad is coming through that invention? what if Bowser finds that out, or may already have found out?

His head shook as his heart wanted to enjoy the fact Link was here, they could do this, he and it knew they would.

Link has walked near Mario, his presence comforting, friends. Yes, friends. " So have you any plans today?" Link asked, and even if he was known for his stoic face, Mario could tell that Link was so glad he was there, and Mario was still in awe that it happened. For a moment there is an awkward pause between them.

" No. Not really of course. Since I did not expect us to meet this so soon and in that way. I am fine by the way." Mario smiles at Link. He wasn't, and he hoped that Link wouldn't see through the lie now. One corner of his mouth slowly draped, and there was a slight tug of wanting to fidget something. His fingers tightened their grip on the bag.

Link's eyes were gentle, they were so full of life and care that it almost hurt him not to tell Link about his worry, yet some stupid gut feeling liked to twist the cork in, tugging that secret further into a den, formed out of the desire to maintain the mask that everything was alright. It was hideous, and yet Mario admitted that it was comfortable. He kept it in for a bit longer. It can wait; it feels right.

Right, just right.

" Oh, that's good to hear!" Link's smile, while small, was turned his body and back to the lab, Purah was talking to Peach, and from time to time both of them chuckled. They seem to get along, Mario can't wait to see what would happen if Daisy met was anticipating that all of his friends would show upand then they maybe can gaze at the stars together or do plenty of other stuff. He wanted to jump, no, even fly in the air, hoping it would be fun...and any doubts he had would vanish or at least be more bearable. Yet something feels so dreadful that it makes his heart turn to almost stone or ice like he is not suggested to enjoy this but rather must as it may be the last chance to be happy and be free from worry and fear. He hates that feeling and wants at the same time to acknowledge and ignore it at the same time. Praying it was just the stress born from caring for Necrozma for months now straight, and now with Eternatus, the fallen God's' loves in tow.

Mario was so busy with his thoughts again that he didn't notice how Link went to Luigi, commenting on how dirty he looked.

Mario sighed, if being happy beats the feeling of fear or whatever negative emotions that had been built since he almost attacked her necklace, then fine. He groaned at the fact he was annoyed to force himself to enjoy, but he was sure that it would fade out sooner or later. The bet was on the sooner spectrum.

E. Gadd giggled proudly as he returned to the lab, presumably to retrieve the other heroes from their places or homes.

Mario stared at the sky and began to wait. " I hope Necrozma and Eternatus are fine with them being alone for a bit longer."

Time passes, and light flashes from the eyes of the dome. Ash Ketchum was the first to come out, with Pikachu proudly on his shoulder, his mouth wide open as he saw Mario and waved to him.

He was as happy as ever, and Mario wondered where opened the portal at his location, I hoped his Mom didn't mind, and he couldn't wait to meet her after all that Ash told him about her.

Soon after came Sonic of course, who dashes out with his usally blinding speed, and he gave Sonic a firm hand shake as he causally stop his motion right of him, wind blowing off him, smilling " Hey, how are you?"

"Good." He grins back, and Sonic is chilling nearby, leaning against a tree his legs crossed over, the sun was close to the sky. It wasn't even midday and so much was already happening.

Then later Young Link appears, followed by Toon-Link,who was beaming with Joy. He waved with both arms to Mario who repricoate with a thumbs up.

Ness and Lucas came, the former running ahead and the latter close behind. Lucas managed a small nod with sparkling eyes, " Nice to see you guys so soon!" Ness waved, his back was free from the back bag he usually wore.

Lucas was sitting close to Ash who was now explaining Pikachu to her. Purrah's golden mask was over her eyes, and stalks were protruding out of them, some scanning device, Mario was sure of it.

" So?" Toon-Link spoke up to Mario, as Captain Falcon was leaving the lab. " This is good. I like what it points to, you too, right?"

Mario nodded, as the next person to walk out was Akira with his friends, their smiles beaming, although Ryuji's eyes betrayed exhaustion, eye bags were there, and he was some sort slumped over. " Yeah, I like it too. It is very Nice. I'm sorry for the lack of a better word. But it is so awesome that I have nothing good to say!"

Toon-Link laughs and walks away to chat with Orenji, the Inkling, who has Ao dragging along. Ao's eyes were relaxed while Orenji's were wide-opened, She was giggling as she hopped and took quick steps around. " Back here again!" she exclaims and throws her fists into the air as though she wants to give a friendly hit on it. Mario's brain let the neurons run and he knew that Orenji was a good go-kart driver last time she'd been here, and she was tough as nails.

The rest came in, most had the same mood more or less. Most of them were positive, giggly like Pac-man and King Dedede, while others were muted as Meta-knight and Robin, while the rest were tolerating it a bit.

Samus Aran was also a candidate and Mario could not tell if she was happy or not. Her face was stoic as ever, but her eyes lit up as she saw Lucas sitting on the ground, and Kirby running around on his two red feet, chasing some butterflies while Maximell was standing still, net ready in the hand.

Little Mac and Pit walked out and talked about food.

Peach's voice startled him as she spoke softly, " Oh my! It looks like everyone is getting here...almost." Mario looks at her, and her eyes are focused on the scene unfolding in front of her. Mario spotted several of the Fighters but some were absent.

" Olimar is more busy with his Family than meeting us, " He adds. He knew that Olimar was a family man and it was far better to stay with them than the fighters of the tournament. Though did feel a small pang of sadness.

Peach giggled again, but her face remained fixated, and her hand reached for her necklace. Almost for a second, he felt a small chill run over his back again, and yet he could not explain it. " Cloud isn't there too...Honestly...It feels strangely right?" She turned to him and on her face was a quizzical tilt on her eyebrow, and a wrinkle was beckoning at him for giving her possible answers. " Like all of this is what it SHOULD happen, I know I sound paranoid, but I can't shake off the feeling that it was too easy to reunite with our friends. But I may be overthinking it, right?"

Mario's heart stopped as he heard those words, No it can't be that this somehow artificial. It can't. " No. I think you are overthinking it. I can understand why it feels that way, something that easily rarely happens to us. But there is nothing wrong about this." He spoke in his usually soothing voice.

His brain mocks him, yeah Nothing is wrong here.

Her face relaxes as she looks forward, " Okay if you say so. So much happened lately, that it has become hard to maintain face. In moments like these, I understand why people fear what tomorrow could bring. No one is sure if a meteor comes crashing down, a win in the lottery, joy, or drama. But that's how life is...beating in its rhythm."

Mario's lungs tighten with vice, Maybe she can ease his heart, he should open his feelings to her, and hope she heals him...But he couldn't. She has so much to do as a Princess and he is her knight, not really, but close enough. He looked up at her again, and he ran a question through his head, does she sometimes think to make their connection more than a Monarch and her Plumber too? He wants to be with her, love her, and feel her heart. But would he treat her like an object again? Like on the moon? similar to Bowser? He wouldn't, he shouldn't. He can't. Mario knew how disgusting it was, how horrible it was. She doesn't owe her love to him, her savior, unlike some people who would throw a tantrum that Peach would possibly reject him. No, Love is not a prize to win or to be owned, but a thing out of trust well earned and built.

Mario then sighs, letting his worries out and letting the air in. It is near midday. Maybe they can all go to lunch together. He'd loved to, and it would be a great way to spend their first get-together. But first, he must finally hand his coffee mix home, or his arm will die and turn black.

No matter, it would be a great day, It is going to be amazing. Yes, it will.

Somewhere in an ocean of worlds, a man in the dark lab was typing something on his device. The blue light was hitting his eyes that were behind tinted glasses, which lucky for him prevented his eyes from being damaged. One of his larger gloved hands stroked on his long mustache that could rival the arm of a child in length. He chuckles as he looks at the display, " Look at that, someone has found a way to travel to different worlds. Exactly what that weird messenger said would happen." The man looked from the screen to a tube that had a shadowy figure inside it, and on their chest was a ruby that gleamed with a power that was slumbering. " wait for a surprise Sonic!" He looked back on his screen and the light his his pink nose.

Somewhere else an Alien in red was slumbering in his ship, waiting for a planet to raid or a command from his empire. In another place, an Angel draped in white marmor and tainted with black and scratches has now seen the truth.

Change is on its way, and it won't be gentle to all beings and the worlds.

Ugh...I made a huge mistake. So much so that I not using AI to write my story. God...sigh. I admit my mistake and you can do what you want with it. A Huge portion of Greed's section, a little bit of the wind scene, and Ridley was replaced by A.I., only the writing, my writing I had replaced with it. It did not write the plot, I did. It started with me asking suggestions or did it come from the brainstorming with it? I don't remember, but It came with suggestions for a better one. I asked and did what it wanted, and it became more and more. To the point, the doubt for not being good enough simply said to me, 'You know what? let it do it for you, no one would care about your writing anyway.' I did slip on that slope downward. But at some point, I stumbled on a video about A.I. and art, and that was the moment I realized my mistake. I was already done or the A.I. being done of replacing my 'inferior' writing with its soulless better one, is where I have realized the mistake I made. this is not me, the plot and the world greed was, hell even the character himself, was largely unknown to most people, the 'dream' he was in was done by my own mind. I will stress this out more, but the A.I. only replaced my writing style, I wrote the plot first, the dialogue, and the scenes firsthand. So after the Ridley and Greed scene, the entire section in Toad town and the reunion was done by me and only hand and soul. This is my writing, this is ME.

So Yeah, I did bad, and I don't expect you to forgive me, and I know what I did...But...This doesn't mean I will stop my story, hell no! I will continue one and will be better! I will erase the mistakes with the A.I? No. It may sound lazy and possibly is...but I can't do that, editing that out feels like to me to move on and pretend nothing happened, it is now part of me, a stepping stone in my journey as a writer, which felt to me is what you have earned to know. It will not hold me back, but I will keep it as a memory of what I did and I what want to improve, and also to inspire other writers in the fanfictions, that everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect. As you can see why my earlier chapters are still the same even if I know I could make them better. I leave them be as I want to remind myself and show others that we all start small.

At this time of writing this, I got a comment from Belle_Luccy on chapter 10 (AO3), who said that my writing was exceptional, so shout out to them. This means so much to me, and shows, that I have the right tools to make something beautiful, yet the biggest problem was never my skill but the sense of doubt and the lack of self-confidence, and I wish them all the luck in the future. So I announce to you, that I did badly, I will learn from it, and will continue to write, as it is such a huge joy for me to do! Yeah, the start of the new year was bad, but that won't stop me! I am so excited about what I can show you as well, and I thank you if you continue to write me on my journey, but I understand if you want to leave, hate me, or just spite me. I know it and deserve it.

I hope the story is enjoyable even with the mistake with Greed's section, and I will see you next time!

The chapter is finished as it is already very long.