Luigi led Zelda, Ike, Lucina, and Simon through the halls of Marth's now abandoned castle. It felt so strange seeing the castle so empty.
"This is eerie," Zelda spoke grimly.
"Well, hopefully, this place is okay, that way we can get everyone in here, maybe light up the joint," Luigi said.
"What do you think happened to that Robin fellow?" Simon asked.
"I don't know, honestly. I don't ever recall seeing him with Waluigi's forces," Ike replied.
"I'm hoping he at least got out okay," Lucina sighed.
"We'll worry about Robin later. Right now, we need to keep our priorities on clearing this place if need be," Luigi spoke up. Simon, Ike, and Lucina nodded, as they continued to search through the abandoned castle.
The five would eventually enter the throne room. Luigi had a bad memory of this place. He could still see himself standing over Waluigi, just before his rival weakly raised up his Power Gloved hand, then snapped, wiping out almost half of the heroes who battled Waluigi.
"I think the coast is...," Luigi started. Just before he continued, he stopped the group, then back flipped over them, just as a cross came flying in like a boomerang.
"That cross... that came from...," Simon didn't need to finish. The cross then turned around and fell in the hands of the one who threw it; Richter. He now also wore all black, with the grey zombified skin. Richter motioned, and soon, Revenant Marth, Cloud, and other Zelda appeared.
"It appeared Waluigi was right. Luigi wouldn't let this castle go unguarded," Marth said. Ike pulled out Ragnell. Lucina unsheathed Falchion. Simon reached for his Vampire Slayer.
"I'll take Marth," Luigi said.
"I'll get myself," Zelda replied.
"I'll take care of Richter," Simon spoke.
"We'll take on Cloud," Ike said.
"Watch yourselves. We don't know what powers Waluigi has given them," Luigi warned. The group nodded. They charged at the revenants. The battle would split. Zelda would approach the other Zelda.
"I've heard a lot about you and your skill. I hope to see it," Zelda said, charging magic.
"I've heard of you too. And how you were pathetic and weak without your Link," Other Zelda spat, also charging magic.
"You're wrong. Losing Link taught me that I need to be able to care for myself. But despite you and your abilities, and thrust yourself and your problems on another man!" Zelda spoke. Other Zelda yelled in anger. She sent a phantom soldier towards Zelda. Zelda sent her own, and the two cancelled each other out.
"I lost my Link months ago. I proved I'm strong enough to defend my people on my own. But you? You're just playing Princess!" Other Zelda hissed. The two would clash. Other Zelda's magic was impressive, but Zelda was able to finish her with a light arrow. She stood over her revenant counterpart.
"Looks to me that you're the one playing princess."
Meanwhile, the Belmonts continued to battle. The two were locked pretty even.
"Richter! What has Waluigi done to you!?"
"I gave our family a second chance."
"What? You've become worse than Dracula!"
"I only accepted the darkness, Grandfather. You can join us. Give your family a better future. One they deserve."
"Are you mad? I vanquish the darkness, I won't join it!" Simon shouted boldly. Richter smiled evilly.
"You don't have the choice, Grandfather...," Richter responded. The two simultaneously pulled out their whips, swinging them at one another. It was an impressive scene, seeing the two generations of Belmonts almost dance around. However, in the end, Simon stood victorious. He stood over his grandson.
"You bring shame to this family," Simon said coldly. Meanwhile, Ike and Lucina were battling Revenant Cloud. Even as a revenant, Cloud was still just as dangerous as ever. He had no problem pushing Ike and Lucina back.
"It's a shame you left us so soon, Ike. We could've been a great team together, under Waluigi's tutelage," Cloud scoffed.
"You're wrong, Cloud. I couldn't be any more excited that I'm no longer a revenant. I'm on a team with someone more important," Ike said, glancing toward Lucina with a smile.
"In that case, you and Lucina can join me," Cloud said. Lucina stepped in front of Ike.
"You're not at full strength yet. Let me take this," Lucina told Ike. The Radiant Hero nodded, stepping back. Lucina kept her stance walking towards the former SOLDIER 1st class.
"I respected you when we fought on the same side, Cloud. Now, you've fully embraced Waluigi's corruption."
"Waluigi's blessing, you mean. I was already the greatest swordsman around. Waluigi has made me stronger!" Cloud shouted. Lucina had heard enough. She charged at Cloud, the two exchanging blows. But Cloud was too strong for Lucina, forcing her back into Ike.
"It won't be any good if we try one on one," Ike commented.
"Well, Cloud can't hold forever it's two on one," Lucina replied. The two nodded, charging at Cloud together. Cloud held his own as the two attacked. But he began to let his defenses slip.
"Now!" Ike shouted. The two combined a strike at the same time. Cloud stuck up his sword to block. The force of the blow was so strong, it broke Cloud's sword in two. Cloud stumbles back from the force. Lucina quickly went up and finished Cloud off, causing him to crumple to the ground. Ike and Lucina looked at each other and smiled.
"We make a good team," Ike said. Lucina nodded, blushing a little bit.
Meanwhile, Luigi was trying keep from getting killed by Marth. The Hero King's sharp sword had grazed him once, and he was hoping to stay away from it.
"Stop, Your Majesty! You want your people to respect you, not fear you!" Luigi protested in vain.
"Fear is the only thing these swine understand," Marth spat harshfully. Luigi knew whatever magic Waluigi had used on the revenants, it made them a completely different person.
"You and I both know the real Marth wouldn't speak so low of his people," Luigi said.
"The 'real' Marth is dead. He trusted you and your pathetic friends, and it resulted in him being turned to dust. I am the improved version of the original," Marth replied. He took his eyes off Luigi for a split second, which would be a critical mistake. Luigi charged up, before launching himself headfirst at Marth. Luckily, it was a misfire. Marth was sent towards Simon. Simon grabbed his whip and used it at a rope, keeping Marth unable to attack. Simon then yanked the whip back, causing Marth to spin uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry Marth, but we're trying to help!" Zelda said, jumping up and using a lightning kick, sending Marth spiraling to the floor. Right in front of Ike and Lucina. Marth was weakened, but still managed to get to his feet.
"Time to bring the real Marth back," Ike whispered. The two used a double team ability similar to what they did to Cloud(they didn't break Marth's sword, thankfully), finishing him off for good. Once it was over, Luigi and the four stood over then fallen revenants.
"It's tough to see them in a state like this," Ike said. It occurred to Luigi that Ike hadn't seen the revenants for himself. He, along with Mario and Sonic, were the first revenants they freed.
"Well, let's bring them back," Luigi said, pulling the dragon device out. He held the small device over the four revenants, hitting the small trigger button. After a few seconds, the changes starting kicking in. Eventually, the four revenants were now back to normal.
"Well, that looked like the only thing here," Zelda said. Luigi nodded.
"If any more come back, stand your ground. I'm letting Mario and the others in," Luigi replied, walking out of the the throne room.
Back outside, Mario, and the rest of the group were getting restless.
"I'm guessing they ran into some trouble," Shadow said. At that moment, Luigi then appeared at the entrance.
"Okay, the cost is clear," Luigi told the group. Everyone started walking in. Luigi then noticed Snake standing next to Mario.
"Who's he?" Luigi asked his brother.
"He's on our side," Mario only said as they walked past him. Luigi nodded. He knew that if someone earned Mario's trust, he was definitely trustworthy. He followed the crew into the throne room, where Marth, Richter, Cloud, and other Zelda were starting to stir. As Cloud got to his feet, he dropped to his knees and pounded the ground.
"Cloud, it's okay, you're not a revenant anymore!" Ike said, rushing to Cloud, trying to help him to his feet.
"I let myself become one of his pawns... He made me embrace his corruption...," Cloud said angrily. Mario and Sonic went up to Cloud.
"The good news is you're back. Don't worry. Sonic, Ike, and I know what you're feeling," Mario replied. Cloud sat there for a second.
"Thanks. Now that I'm back, I'm ready to put Waluigi in a world of pain," Cloud said, grabbing his sword. Other Zelda, who had started to get to her feet, looked in surprise at his weapon.
"Cloud...," Other Zelda started. Cloud looked to see that his sword, which was his actual Buster Sword, broken clean in half. Ike and Lucina looked at each other, then at Cloud.
"Cloud, I'm so sorry...," Ike began.
"Don't be. It's better now, given what I was doing with it," Cloud responded, tossing the broken Buster Sword away. "I have another sword back home in Midgar. Mario, can you take me there and get it?"
"Yeah," Mario replied. Luigi gave the device to Mario. The two departed to Midgar, while Simon, Zelda, and Lucina, helped Richter, Other Zelda, and Marth to their feet. Other Zelda looked astonished at Zelda. She looked at Zelda's brunette hair and her comforting smile. She looked so wise and so beautiful.
"Wow...," was all Other Zelda could say. Zelda smiled.
"Here, you should get some rest," Zelda said.
"Well, we have some time. We have things to discuss once Mario and Cloud get back," Luigi spoke up.
"Well, looks like we're back online," Fox said, high-fiving Falcon. Shadow sat in thought. There were some positive points in the middle of this crisis. They were getting their friends back, including Sonic. But he knew that there was so much more to be done.