Smash Bros. Return of Tabuu: Part 1

SUPER SMASH BROS. Return of Tabuu [2022 REMAKE] © 2022 by:
Imperator-Xolo on FanFiction
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SUPER SMASH BROTHERS: Return of Tabuu (2022)

{ONE YEAR SINCE THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR}
THE SMASH ARENA
NEW SMASH CITY

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! BOYS AND GIRLS!! PLEASE!!! GATHER AROUND!!! THE FINALS ARE GOING TO KICK OFF!!! RIGHT NOW!!!” the announcer’s voice boomed across the stadium. Hundreds upon hundreds of fans cheered as the two finalists stepped up to the stage.

“WHO WILL TAKE THE TITLE AS THE MOST POWERFUL SMASH FIGHTER?! WILL IT BE THE INFAMOUS, THE LEGENDARY, THE ONE, THE ONLY, M-M-M-MEW-TWO!!!” the announcer stated as Mewtwo emerged.

“MEWTWO! MEWTWO! MEWTWO! MEWTWO!”

Many cheered and chanted his name. Mewtwo had armor pads on his joints and an iron chest plate. All this topped with a helmet covering his face Mewtwo ignored their presence.

“OR WILL IT BE THE UNDERDOG WITH A BRAVE HEART!! IT’S L-L-L-LUCAS!!!” the announcer shouted for Lucas as everyone cried out his name.

“Lucas!.. Lucas!.. Lucas!.. Lucas!..”

Lucas showed the look of confidence as the appearance of a teenage kid changed him. He paced forward to confront Mewtwo.

He was no longer that scared little kid. Lucas was already fourteen and had gained numerous amounts of courage since then. He wore a strange style of clothing that looked like gym attire: a black, long sleeve tracksuit with thick white lines and thin orange and electric blue lines over his upper body, black track pants, and red sneakers. The other Smashers were amongst the crowd as they cheered them on. Palutena, especially, cheered for both of them, but preferred to choose Lucas over Mewtwo.

“Let’s go, Lucas!!! [lowers voice to hushed volume] Go easy on him, Mewtwo! [heightens voice] OH, HE IS SUCH A DELICATE ANGEL!!~” Palutena shouted.

“We’re right here you know, Lady Palutena,” Pit stated, feeling a little salty.

“Oh, don’t be like that, Pit. Jealousy is an evil friend. Lucas is still that cute bundle of joy from long ago,” Palutena responded.

“For Zeus’s sake, the kid is fourteen. You sound like his mother,” said Dark Pit.

“Hmph,” Palutena chose to ignore the two angels. The green haired goddess turned her attention to the Aura Pokémon Lucario, who coincidentally sat a row above her. “Oh hey, Lucario. Why didn’t you choose to fight in the tournament? Too cool to duel?” she asked with a tilt.

Lucario half-heartedly tried to ignore her, but trying to block out a goddess like her wasn’t going to be enough. He opened up his ruby eyes and spoke softly. “...I chose not to participate.”

“Mewtwo participated, and I really wanted to see you and him go for a rematch. Doesn’t that bring back memories?” said Palutena.

“I suppose it does. But memories are memories,” said Lucario. Palutena nodded and looked on as the action was about to commence. Lucario tried to watch the match, but his thoughts were elsewhere. “Although… perhaps I should have entered. However, I’ve abstained from any physical training. Was it right for me to do that?” he thought deeply.

In the arena, Mewtwo and Teen Lucas glanced at each other as they shook hands.

“I’m impressed. You’re a lot stronger than before. I have been looking forward to this match,” said Mewtwo, giving an off the cuff smirk.

“Same here. I’ve always wanted to fight you too!” Lucas gave a smirk in return.

“Let us see who is the most powerful psychic then,” Mewtwo took a fighting stance. Lucas did the same.

“You got this, bro!” Lucas’s friend Ness shouted.

“Good luck, Lucas!” Paula, Ness’s girlfriend, cheered too.

“ARE YOU READY FOLKS?! BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT TO GET FIRED UP!!! COUNTDOWN!!!” the announcer screamed.

OH, OH, OH, OH…, OH, OH, OH, OH…, OH, OH, OH, OOOOH!!!

“THREE…” everyone and the announcer yelled, signaling for the fight to begin.

“TWO…”

“ONE…”

“GO!!!!!”

Mewtwo and Lucas charged at each other and clashed with their respective psychic attacks. Their first clash resulted in a tremendous shockwave of energy, releasing strong winds to the audience. Lucas backed away from Mewtwo to shoot first.

“PK FIRE!!!” Lucas used PK Fire Sigma.

“Hmph… EERAHH!!!” Mewtwo deflected the PK Fire, astonishing the crowd. “Psycho Sphere!!!” Mewtwo retorted with an energy ball.

“PK FREEZE!!!” Lucas used PK Freeze Alpha to cancel out the Psycho Sphere.

ONE DAY I SET MY EYES UP TO THE SKY

AND LIKE A PLANE MY DREAMS WERE PASSING BY

AND I AWOKE TO TEARS THAT HAD FILLED MY EYES

I NEED TO SPREAD MY WINGS OUT AND FLY

Lucas and Mewtwo clashed once more. Lucas was also physically a lot stronger, so he can pull punches harder. In only a short amount of time, one year alone, Lucas built up his strength to ascend to a new level that fifteen-year-olds could never fathom. Mewtwo dodged and countered every one of Lucas’s hits.

On the other hand, Mewtwo was in a whole different dimension. He could simply swiftly outmaneuver physical attacks with his new speed. Lucas had difficulty catching up to Mewtwo’s speed, so he had to take the defensive. Lucas flew upwards and readied his powerful move.

“PK… STARSTORM!!!” Lucas used the PK Starstorm and it rained down on Mewtwo. The Psychic Pokémon took some of the damage.

“ATOMIC PSYCHIC BOMB!!” Mewtwo used one of his more dangerous moves, a dark blue psychic energy bomb. Lucas barely dodged it. Mewtwo managed to knee strike Lucas in the chest. Lucas fell back, but recovered in time.

“PK FIRE!!!” Lucas used PK Fire Omega, but Mewtwo countered with another Atomic Psychic Bomb just in time. Both canceling out.

I LIE AWAKE AT NIGHT WITH THESE MEMORIES

OF FEELING POWERLESS AND THEY’RE HAUNTING ME

I’M ALWAYS REACHING OUT FOR THIS DESTINY

TO MAKE IT HAPPEN THAT’S ALL ON ME

“UNBELIEVABLE!! NONE OF THEM SEEM TO BE WEARING DOWN!!! TRULY THE FIGHT WORTH SEEING!!!” the announcer stated.

“You managed to keep up with me. Maybe I should start fighting seriously,” said Mewtwo.

“Fine by me. Then I’m not holding back either,” Lucas nodded.

“I’ll end this right now!! PSYSTRIKE!!!” Mewtwo shot a disastrous dark energy wave.

“PK… FIRE!!!” Lucas used PK Fire Omega to the extreme level. The Psystrike simply pierced through the PK Fire and Lucas was engulfed. “AHHH!!!” Lucas fell back.

CRUEL FATE SETS, IN MOTION

AND NO ONE ELSE KNOWS WHY

WAITING FOR THE DAY TO COME WHEN WILL IT SHOW UP

CLAIMING WHAT’S BEFORE MY EYES

Everyone in the crowd screamed in concern for his safety. Nevertheless, Lucas got back up. He attempted to do something else when Mewtwo popped right in front of him and continuously struck him with a series of punches and kicks. He couldn’t stop them. More bruises began to show.

“PK FREEZE!!!” Lucas did a close-quarters PK Freeze Sigma, instantly freezing Mewtwo in ice.

“ERRRAHHHH!!!” Mewtwo easily broke out. “ATOMIC PSYCHIC INTENSE BOMB!!!” Mewtwo, without warning, hurled a larger version of the Atomic Psychic Bomb.

WITH EVERY ISSUE, I GOTTA BREATHE THROUGH

OR THE MOMENT MIGHT JUST PASS

THEY ALL TOLD ME I CAN’T, THEY WERE LAUGHING

WELL LOOK WHO’S LAUGHING NOW

“...” Lucas made no retort; his eyes were wide open as he was engulfed in the blast. The explosion shook the whole stadium apart.

He used the PK Magnet Omega technique to absorb some of the impact, but that wasn’t enough to save him from the impact of damage. The dust settled, and everyone looked on to inspect the results of the many attacks the boy had endured. Lucas’s clothes were torn to shreds and he had marks on his arms and legs. His right arm was exposed and covered in bruised marks. His face was leaking in sweat and blood. Mewtwo sustained dirt and scrapes on his armor; he was fine, nevertheless.

“Are you ready to surrender?” Mewtwo asked nonchalantly.

NOW I CAN FEEL THE FIRE BURNING DEEP WITHIN ME

I’LL BE THE HERO AND NO ONE CAN STOP ME…

LOUDLY I WILL SCREAM IT FROM THE TOP OF MY LUNGS

YOU’VE GOT THOSE TIRED EYES FROM CRYING EVERY MOMENT

YOU CANNOT HIDE IT, SOMEONE’S GONNA NOTICE

I’LL BE YOUR HERO, NO ONE’S GONNA HURT YOU AGAIN

“[panting] I may not be able to win… BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN I’M GONNA STOP NOW!!!” Lucas shouted, earning cheers from the crowd.

“THAT’S THE SPIRIT!!!” said Palutena with encouragement.

“DON’T GIVE UP LUCAS!” Ness and Paula said at the same time.

“YOU HEAR ME?! I WON’T QUIT!!!” Lucas said to Mewtwo.

**CHEERS AND SHOUTS**

The audience erupted into cheers, chanting the boy’s name.

“LUCAS!! LUCAS!! LUCAS!! LUCAS!! LUCAS!!”

“ I’m going to finish this right now,” Mewtwo was amazed by Lucas’s ability as a young psychic.

“It’s time to put an end to this! HAAH!!! ATOMIC PSYCHIC METEOR SHOWER!!!!!” Mewtwo rained off a series of meteors filled with psychic energy.

GONNA RAISE MY HAND WITH A PEACE SIGN

OUR STORY WILL LAST FOREVER!!!!

“PK… STAR-STORM!!!!!” Lucas manipulated his Starstorm technique and sent every single light meteor straight at Mewtwo.

“HHHHRRRR!!!!!” Mewtwo pushed his attack further.

“HAHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Lucas pushed as well.

Both attacks collided. Both Lucas and Mewtwo charged towards one another for the finale in the midst of both attacks. The same time they made contact was the same time the PK Starstorm Omega and the Atomic Psychic Meteor Shower resulted in a devastating explosion. The whole stadium almost ended up engulfed in psychic energy. The audience was safe and sound, but it felt as though a meteor crashed. The dust settled again. Rocks crumpled up. The stadium was nearly damaged.

“...Oh no,” Palutena whispered in fear for the outcome.

In the end, Lucas crashed and landed on the side of the stadium, still conscious. The young psychic had the upper half of the clothes ripped out and his entire right arm was badly injured. Mewtwo was in the center of the arena, standing. His hands were completely burned and bruised. The helmet covering his head and face fell off. Effectively, Lucas was defeated.

**CHEERS AND CLAPS**

“AND JUST LIKE THAT, FOLKS!! IT’S ALL OVER!!! IT’S ALL OVER!!! THE WINNER IS MEWTWO!!!!! RING OUT FINISH!!!!!” the announcer concluded.

Then, Mewtwo slowly levitated towards Lucas and helped him up. Mewtwo grabbed Lucas’s injured right arm and held it in the air. Lucas showcased a smile, as well as Mewtwo.

“You held back, didn’t you?” Lucas assumed. “You could’ve finished it off with something worse.”

“That is correct. But I saw the clear and righteous heart inside you. Pouring everything you had to offer. It impressed me,” said Mewtwo.

“THERE YOU HAVE IT, FOLKS!!! A WILD CONCLUSION TO THE GREATEST SMASH TOURNAMENT YET!!!” the announcer finished off.

Mewtwo and Lucas hugged each other, earning an awe from the crowds, followed by cheering for the two finalists.

After the audience left, the rest of the Smashers ran towards the two in congratulating them both.

“You did so well out there, Lucas! I wish you could’ve won though. Then again, Mewtwo is pretty strong,” Palutena squeezed Lucas, which hurt his right arm.

“Ow!” he winced in pain.

“Oh, sorry! I’ll heal that for you,” she quickly apologized and healed Lucas’s right arm.

“…Thanks! That feels much better,” said Lucas.

“Lucas!” Ness hollered while running towards his friend.

“That was amazing!” Paula smiled.

“Sucks that you didn’t win. But you’ll get him next time haha,” Ness patted him on the back.

“Haha yeah,” the blonde kid nodded.

“Did you go easy on him?” Palutena asked Mewtwo.

“I put enough effort,” Mewtwo’s four words. Bowser, Samus, and Mario all walked towards Mewtwo soon after.

“Congratulations on your victory, Mewtwo,” said Bowser. Mewtwo nodded in response.

“Now here’s a treat: we’re hosting a party at the Tower later tonight celebrating your victory. How does that sound?” said Samus.

“It doesn’t sound like something I would particularly enjoy… but I will be there nevertheless,” Mewtwo replied.

“Great! We will see you there,” said Mario. Mewtwo took off flying out of the stadium as the rest of the Smashers left on foot.

From atop of the stadium roof, there he was; the carefree, blue-quilled hedgehog: Sonic.

He laid there; relaxed while listening to music on his headphones.

“You’re probably wondering why I’m sunbathing on top of a stadium. But that’s not really important. If you don’t have a clue on who I am, the name’s Sonic. Sonic The Hedgehog,” the hedgehog narrated.

“When I’m not here relaxing, I’m running around and exploring the world. Yep, an easy and carefree life for yours truly,” Sonic stood up, ready to dash off the stadium roof, free to roam across the city.

“SONIKKUUU!!!” a pink hedgehog from below screamed Sonic’s name.

“Whoa-oh, I gotta go!” Sonic leaped off the stadium. “Sorry Amy, but I’m in a rush! See ya!” he said as he sped off.

“SONIC!! COME BACK!! You forgot about our date!!” Amy hollered, but alas, she was too late. “That Sonic! He won’t get away from me!” Amy pulled out her Piko hammer, setting after her self-proclaimed boyfriend.

***

{LATER THIS AFTERNOON}
STARSHINE MALL COMPLEX

Peach and Rosalina went out shopping and they dragged along their boyfriends to wait for them while they picked out dresses in the mall for the party tonight.

“Argh, this bites. Why does it take hours for them to pick out dresses and call it a day?” Wolf complained.

“I know, right? The party’s not supposed to be that formal,” said Fox.

“I heard the new mayor will be there. So I guess we might as well dress appropriately for the occasion. Tch,” Wolf scoffed.

“Fair enough,” agreed Fox.

Finally, after about two to three hours, Peach and Rosalina arrived with lots of shopping bags in their hands. Fox took care of the bags and held them with both hands. Wolf pouted as Rosalina glared at him.

“You took too long, babe. You know I can’t be waitin’ around for my woman,” Wolf complained.

“I’m sorry that you feel that way. But can you please help me carry my bags?” Rosalina said sternly and a bit sarcastically. With that, Wolf carried all the shopping bags without trouble.

“Ooh, I remember when we were all just four friends hanging out and doing missions together. Now we’re going on double dates,” Peach reminisced.

“Who said we were chummy, princess?” stated Wolf.

“What?! Of course we’re friends, Fluffy! Maybe you can’t take our friendship seriously because we don’t have a name. Our group should be called the Avengers. Something from Disn—” Peach idly smirked.

“What a stupid name. Can’t you think of anything original?” Wolf responded.

“Why are you being so rude today?” Peach pushed back.

“Felt like telling ya,” Wolf replied.

“Well, can you say it in a nicer way?” Peach politely asked.

“No,” the anthro replied again.

“Wow, you really are rude!” Peach responded

“Thank you,” Wolf smirked wittingly.

“And you always want to have the last say,” Peach pointed out, having zero comebacks.

“Bingo,” Wolf had the last say.

Unable to respond to that, Peach just smiled and ignored him for the rest of the day. They walked out of the mall and decided to walk the rest of the way to the Smash Tower.

***

{LATER IN THE EVENING}
SMASH TOWER LOBBY
THE SMASH TOWER

The Smash Tower, towering about 64 stories high and painted bronze gold and the Smash logo in the front. The Smashers hosted their party in Mewtwo’s victory in the Smash Bros. Tournament. The party was also hosting the new mayor of New Smash City. Many other important people were expected to come. Italian choir jazz music played in the background. Mario arrived in a white suit topped with a white top hat. Samus came in a sleek blue pin dress. Bowser wore a white suit and a white top hat for the occasion. And for the first time, Mewtwo actually wore a full sleeved tuxedo for this occasion.

“Nice to see you finally wearing something decent,” Samus poked fun at Mewtwo. Mewtwo brushed off the remark.

“Alright-a, everyone. The mayor’s arrived,” said Mario. “I think you’ll like her.”

“Her?” Samus raised a brow.

A slender woman with brown hair and crystal blue eyes emerged from the entrance along with her entourage. She wore a sparkling red sleeveless dress with black heels and a red sun hat; Mayor Pauline, Mario’s old girlfriend.

“Mario, it was so nice of you to invite me!” Pauline shook hands with Mario.

“Why, of course. You’re our new mayor after all,” said Mario.

“Hey, you’re the one who suggested I’d be mayor in the first place and I was like ‘Sure, sounds like fun’. Haha,” Pauline laughed a little.

“Wow, this is kinda strange. I was expecting an old fart. But hey, at least social justice is finally being enacted. Samus Aran: professional bounty hunter and leader of the Smashers,” Samus shook Pauline’s hand.

“Say, if this mayor thing doesn’t work out, do you want to join us as a member of the team?” Samus asked.

“I’ll pass. I’m more of the damsel-in-distress type,” Pauline declined the offer. Samus and Pauline laughed.

“It’s a pleasure to have you as our mayor,” Bowser became more of a refined person.

“I look forward to working with you,” Pauline carefully shook Bowser’s claw.

“Congrats on your victory! I was really astonished by how you performed,” Pauline complimented Mewtwo.

“...” Mewtwo simply nodded in return.

As for Pauline, she mingled around and enjoyed herself by conversing with the other Smashers and dancing among the crowd. It was until she caught her eye on four people on the balcony. She waltzed towards them. Wolf and Fox were sporting dark brown suits. Peach had a beige formal dress. And, Rosalina chose to have a purple velvet dress on.

“So why didn’t you compete in the tournament again?” asked Fox.

“I’ve done many things in my time. Shooting fire and lightning out of my hands is not one of them,” Wolf explained so monotonously while they laughed.

Pauline came in unexpectedly and joined in the laughter.

“Well, this is unexpected. Peach, you have a new team of friends now do you?” Pauline’s voice changed when she spoke to Peach.

“Miss Pauline. I didn’t expect you to be here,” Peach’s voice was both soft and tense.

“[whistles] Well, hello lady. Wow! Who let you in?” Wolf began to flirt with Pauline, which earned him a slap in the face by Rosalina. “Ow!... What? I was joking around.”

“Mhm… of course you were!” now it was Rosalina’s turn to pout.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I have eyes set elsewhere,” Pauline showed her non-interest towards Wolf.

“So, Peach. I heard from Mario that you two were no longer together. Is that true?” Pauline’s expression changed to something off putting.

“Y-yes, and I’m with someone else now. What’s it to you?” Peach held Fox close as he quietly waved.

“I just wanted to clarify. I hope the best for him,” said Pauline.

“I agree,” Peach had a hint of anger in her tone.

“You know, Mario got me elected as mayor after he asked me if I was interested. Course, I said yes and there was something else I wanted to ask him,” Pauline acted smug to Peach.

“Go on then! Go tell him what else you want!” Peach was boiling with anger as she raised her voice.

“As you wish, princess. I think they want me to sing for them; my specialty,” Pauline shrugged her shoulders and left. “It’s ‘Jump Up, Super Star’; that’s the song. I’m sure you heard it already. Mm. Bye for now,” Pauline merely grinned and walked away.

“Peach, what was that for? You didn’t have to react like that,” said Fox.

“Shut up, Fox!” Peach stormed off in tears to go after Pauline when Wolf stopped her.

“Let it go. It’s not worth it,” said Wolf to her with a concerned look. Peach looked away in tears and went into the restroom instead. Wolf moved his attention to Rosalina. “Make sure she’s okay,” he stated.

“Right,” Rosalina nodded and went after Peach.

“Poor choice of words?” Fox asked Wolf as soon as the girls left.

“You have to be on your woman’s side and support her, not scold her. She already knows what she did was wrong,” said Wolf.

“Still, she never mentioned Pauline. Right now, I’m thinking if Peach still likes Mario,” Fox felt uneasy.

“Don’t be too harsh on yourself, kid. She wants to get back at Pauline because of their past history. That’s just woman behavior,” Wolf explained.

“True. Still, it’s best we keep an eye on that mayor,” said Fox. Wolf nodded in agreement.

Peach and Rosalina emerged from the restroom, as Peach finally stopped crying. “Look, Fox. I’m really sorry for yelling at you like that,” Peach apologized.

“No, it’s my fault. I should have supported you then and there,” said Fox.

“Oh Fox,” Peach cuddled Fox as they embraced. “How about we leave early?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Fox nodded.

“Bye Rosie! Bye Fluffy!” Peach waved them goodbye as she and Fox headed to their own apartment.

“Sooo, should we dance?” asked Rosalina.

“I ain’t much of a dancer,” Wolf scratched his furred head.

“I don’t believe that. Follow me!” Rosalina giggled as she tugged his hand as she led him into the dance hall. Smooth jazz and electro pop played as they danced the night away.

***

{LATER THAT NIGHT}
OUTSIDE THE SMASH TOWER

Lucario concentrated into his innermost mind. He channeled in the aura of his body and allowed it to flow throughout. Meditation was the only thing he could ever do—

“What is the point of meditation? What purpose is there to continue? I’ve given it deep thought for the whole day. The recent fight today has given me insight on why I have felt so… felt so out of touch,” Lucario’s mind was all in confusion. Palutena’s voice came through.

“Hi, Lucario! Why are you up here? Come back downstairs and put your suit back on. I’m sure you can dance, can you?” Palutena appeared.

“I have no interest in dancing. Just leave me to my meditation,” Lucario looked away from her.

“Why are you acting so cold? I know you act cold most of the time, but you’re not usually this way, especially around me,” Palutena stated until she began to catch on that he was hiding something. “Spill it! What are you trying to hide?”

“Nothing of your concern. Leave me be,” he half-harshly warned me.

Palutena grabbed Lucario’s shoulders and gave him a glaring stare into his ruby eyes. “Spill!! It!!” the stare was uncomfortable, even for someone who was as calm and level-headed as Lucario.

“…[sigh] So be it. There is something I would like to talk to you about. It has been on my mind for quite a while,” the Pokémon, hesitant, submitted.

“Quite a while?… Oh no! What if he tells me he has feelings for me?! Dah, I’m not ready for a relationship! But I don’t want to upset him!” the goddess thought, as she was nervous about what he was going to ask.

“Do you think I’m strong?” asked Lucario.

“NOOOOOO I’M NOT READY FOR A RELATIONSHIP!!! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!” Palutena got down on her knees in shame.

“Huh?” Lucario was poker faced. “That’s not what I asked,” he said plainly.

“Oh… uh, sorry about that. Can you repeat your question?” Palutena stumbled to get up out of awkwardness.

“Am I strong?” Lucario reiterated.

“Can I put it on a scale of 1 to 10?” the goddess said back.

“Fine,” he nodded.

“I would say a 7, but only because I haven’t seen you fight in a while. Have you been training?” Palutena brought up.

“Not for a year,” Lucario admitted.

“A year? I see… you’re telling me this because you don’t feel confident about yourself. Is that it?” Palutena smirked.

Lucario simply nodded.

“Hehe, well don’t feel bad. You just have to get stronger then. I know you won’t be as strong as Mewtwo, but hey, you have to start somewhere,” the green haired woman tried to cheer him up.

Lucario did not speak.

“Lucario?” Palutena was visibly worried for Lucario. “Hey! Are you okay? Lucario!”

“No. No. I understand. I have to go now,” he finally responded. Lucario performed a leap of faith off the Tower before Palutena could say anything else.

“LUCARIO!! WAIT!!” Palutena could not see him as he vanished into thin air. “Poor choice of words?” her last words.

***

{MIDNIGHT}
SMASH TOWER LOBBY

The party ended and everyone began to leave for home.

“I am leaving now,” Mewtwo instantly removed his suit and went storming off into the night sky. The others laughed at his unexpected method of departure.

“Wow, I’d say that’s almost as fast as me,” Sonic commented.

“There you are, Sonic!!!” Amy rushed towards him.

“Amy, what are you doing here?!” Sonic, baffled.

“Did you forget about our date?” Amy brought out the hammer.

“Date? Uh, heh, what date?” he shrugged his shoulders. His careless attitude, of course, angered the pink hedgehog.

“Come here, heartbreaker!!” she chased after him.

“Wahhhh!!!” Sonic dashed off.

Everyone roared into laughter.

“Well, we’re gonna turn in for the night,” Wolf said as he and Rosalina left for their apartment together.

“Let’s get going,” Samus’s boyfriend Solid Snake said.

“I’ll be out in a sec. Wait up for me, okay?” Samus replied back. “So, Pauline. What else are you planning to do?”

“I thought of going into the music industry. I really did well out there,” stated Pauline.

“Can’t argue there. Alright, I better take off too,” Samus gave Pauline a quick hug and left.

Soon, everyone except Mario and Pauline remained.

“Mario, I would like to ask you something,” said Pauline.

“Sure. Go for it,” Mario replied. Pauline lightly blushed.

“How does dinner sound? Later this week? Like old times sake,” Pauline was about to receive the most unexpected reply.

“That sounds nice,” Mario made Pauline scream internally in joy.

“Great! See you then,” Pauline kissed him goodbye and left.

“I finally have Mario again. Perfect!” she cheerfully thought.

Mario packed his things and left the Smash Tower to go back to his apartment building. He had a remote smile on his face as he left.


________________________________


{THE NEXT DAY}
ST. IWATA CATHEDRAL
NEW SMASH CITY

**church bells ringing and chants from the choir**

Tens gathered at Sunday’s Mass for prayer and words from the priest. Particularly, Mario and several other religious Smashers attended the Mass. The cathedral was a giant ornate building with windows colorfully painted with biblical drawings. The church was dim but well lit for prayer to be done. There was a towering fort with the church bell on top. At the very top, Lucario observed the whole thing.

“And through salvation in our lives and peace in our hearts, may the Lord guide us to the path of paradise. Amen,” the priest finished this week’s prayer.

“Amen,” everyone responded before leaving the church for the day. Lucario merely sighed as everyone left.

“Why do they congregate like this? I see nothing but the workings of mad men that warp the minds of ordinary people. Humans are so easy to confuse,” Lucario acted rather bitter, letting out his disdain for religion. He opened one of the church windows and snuck in.

What was he looking for?

“You seek wisdom, no doubt,” the priest caught him.

“Hm,” Lucario was spotted, but he did not care.

“The front entrance is a better choice for an introduction,” the priest suggested.

“I don’t believe in your afterlife nonsense. I came here to calm my frustrations,” Lucario came off as shallow and rude. Usually, he was humble.

“Well, look no further. Tell me, what is troubling you?” the priest was kind enough to be polite.

“I have been acting differently and it’s changed me. I used to be a powerful fighter, but it’s as though I’ve lost it all,” explained Lucario.

“It seems that you are in conflict with your own mind on your capabilities and, in the process, you are losing sight of both,” said the priest.

“What do you mean by that?” Lucario nodded at the floor.

“You lost the will to fight. And therefore, you stopped training,” the priest explained.

“So that’s what’s been on my mind?! It feels so true! There’s no doubt about it. So why didn’t I realize it sooner?” Lucario realized.

“Thank you, sir!” Lucario nodded sharply.

“You best be on your way,” the priest said.

“Right. Before I go, I want to ask about this cathedral… I wish to know of its origins,” said Lucario. “This place has a strange aura to it. Unlike normal places of worship.” he thought.

“Right this way then,” the priest agreed to present a tour.

“St. Iwata Cathedral was built in honor of a great man who contributed to many advances across this world and beyond. The church itself has a shrine in his name,” explained the priest.

Lucario viciously stared at one of the painted windows: a silhouette of a glowing human spreading its wings and reigning down on others. Lucario began to have bad thoughts.

A nightmarish vision came to him.

The vision where he survived the likes of the god-like despot of the dreadful death zone Subspace.

In the middle of the picture was an ancient text, a language that he was all too familiar with. The text glistened as he spoke the ancient language. He carefully read the text:

~Atque alius mortalium adhuc adipisci vellent Deum robore historiae. Quia divina iustitia aeterna patiatur.~

“More and after another, these mortals have yet to attain the might of a god as they so desired in history. For that they must suffer for all eternity under divine justice,” Lucario translated.

“You can read the ancient dead language? What more does it say?” the priest was astonished.

Lucario was about to respond when he felt a throbbing pain in his head. “Urgh! I…” he struggled to get his thoughts together. “…I don’t know…”

“Maybe you should go,” suggested the priest.

“Right,” Lucario nodded and headed off.

***

{AROUND NOON}
OUTSIDE THE SMASH TOWER

Lucario felt more tense. He simply meditated, but he was more frustrated than last time. He didn’t notice Palutena walking towards him.

“Lucario…” Palutena appeared.

Lucario’s mind was racing in circles. He did not hear her.

“Lucario! You didn’t hear me?” Palutena started to raise her voice. “LUCARIO!!” she snapped him out of thought. Lucario turned around and showed a bored face.

“Urgh!!… Oh, it’s you. Why did you come here?” he said, visibly angry. The green-haired goddess noticed the change of tone in Lucario.

“I wanted to make sure you’re okay,” she spoke.

“I’m not,” Lucario confessed.

“Is that… is that sarcasm?” she was dumbfounded.

“It isn’t,” his sharp tongue slipped.

“Look if you’re upset that you’re not strong anymore, just start training again. I don’t like seeing you sad,” Palutena politely told him.

“There are… other things going around my mind,” he said.

“Like what?” the goddess curiously waited for an answer.

“I had a vision of… a vision of…”

“...vision of God...”

“God?” Palutena was baffled.

“I was fighting God. In this dark realm. I remember it so clearly,” Lucario described.

Palutena’s eyes flashed wide open. “Tabuu…”

“Those visions are nightmares. They’re trying to tell you something,” the goddess relayed.

“What are they trying to tell me? Of all monsters, it had to be Tabuu?!” Lucario pondered.

“This is worse than you realize. It means that you have to start getting really strong. Like super mega ultimate evolution strong!” Palutena exaggerated.

“I’ll… keep everything in mind. Thank you for checking up on me,” he said, giving a short bow.

“See you later then,” the goddess nodded and flew off.

Lucario stayed on top of the Tower. His thoughts continued to move about. Mewtwo appeared right in front of him unexpectedly. “Back in your favorite spot, I see,” the psychic Pokémon with half-sarcasm.

“Mewtwo,” Lucario did not like Mewtwo’s presence.

“Something crossed my mind: you were not at yesterday’s event,” Mewtwo stated.

“I was at the party. You happened to not see me,” Lucario replied.

“I’m referring to the tournament,” Mewtwo specified.

“I was there as well,” Lucario refuted.

“Just to spectate,” the psychic replied back.

Lucario closed his eyes ever so tightly, which meant he was not going to respond back.

“Hmph. Super mega ultimate evolution strong? Is this why you chose not to participate yesterday?” Mewtwo caught on.

“Unless you want to go for a rematch, I suggest you leave,” Lucario blurted out.

“Making such idle threats like that is below your standards. However, I will take you up on that offer,” said Mewtwo.

As frustrated as he was, Lucario knew Mewtwo was telling the truth.

“Fight me,” Mewtwo was willing to help Lucario, a rare occasion. Disgruntled and still upset, Lucario made his choice.

“...I’ll pass,” Lucario leaped off the building without a trace.

“Hmph. What a fool! Show him compassion and yet he chooses misery,” Mewtwo thought in his own psyche.

“Hey! Mewtwo!” Lucas the psychic boy called out.

Mewtwo turned around. “...” he did not speak.

“Is something wrong?” Lucas kindly asked.

“Nothing. Do you need something?” the psychic Pokémon shifted the subject.

“Can we train? I want to learn more from you! I promise to listen,” he begged.

“...Alright, but you better take this seriously. Got it?” Mewtwo agreed.

“YES, SIR!” Lucas bowed with force and smiled with determination.

***

{LATER THE FOLLOWING NIGHT}

The Smashers spent a regular night off by relaxing in the spacious living room for a movie. As always, Lucario stationed himself up on top of the Smash Tower. He didn’t meditate or vent or anything. He was just so angry and confused at himself. He seemed more cold and distant from his peers.

This time, it was his ally Greninja who came to meet him. “What do you want?” Lucario was in no mood to talk.

“You’re not well, Lucario,” Greninja stated. “Don’t let hate or doubt consume you. You feel like something’s missing. And you want something back. Find it. Your drive. That’s all I have to say.”

Greninja silently vanished.

“It’s all true. I did enjoy fighting and testing my powers. But that feeling is gone now. I do feel weak. I lost sight of everything. Because I—” Lucario suddenly felt a headache.

“Argh!” he rubbed his forehead.

“Yo! Lucario!” Sonic sped up next to him. “You alright? I heard you were feelin’ down in the dumps.”

“I have no interest in talking to anyone right now,” Lucario told him off.

“Hey, I get it. You couldn’t compete in that tournament because you lost your way in the world. Maybe it’s time you take matters into your hands and start training again,” Sonic suggested.

“Why?” Lucario was oblivious to the situation. “I’ve received that advice one too many times. Nothing’s going to make me move.”

“I mean, I enjoy being who I am: the fastest hedgehog in the universe. If you enjoy being the strongest fighter, then continue to do that. Work hard. Play hard. Become better. Stronger. Faster. Do whatever it takes to work toward your goal,” Sonic answered.

“Sure, Sonic,” Lucario spoke.

“Chin up, okay! It’s gonna get better!” Sonic jumped off the building and sped along the side.