A Smash of Kings

Chapter 11: The King's Justice

Outside of Castle Town's gates, Luigi fiddled with his Pin of the Hand, trying to adjust it to be visible under his fur scarf. The High King and Dedede stood by Lord Kirby and Sonic, who all watched the wooden drawbridge of the capital city close. He heard somebody approaching him, and he soon heard Peach's voice at his side. "I'm surprised you didn't join them earlier, Luigi. For all your brother knows, we were each in Mushroom City, and we only arrived just before the Accords were signed. You haven't actually spent time with him in weeks."

"I'm sure we'll catch up on lost time on our way to the Iron Gate," Luigi chuckled, "Princess Zelda's shame ought to buy her silence about our venture to Castle Town."

"Also, I talked with Lady Samus this morning," Peach began, though Luigi simply shrugged, "I assumed you'd take last night to get to know your Lady Love, especially since she is going back to Dreamland today. Instead, after we had dinner, you went to bed alone?"

"We have a long journey today," Luigi assured before speeding up his pace. Peach giggled sweetly as Luigi joined his brother's side. Even though it was a long journey to the Iron Gate, where they had set up their camp once the Gerudo-Koopa forces retreated, High King Mario still wore his crown on his head and his lavish scarfs. "We're waiting for you, bro," Luigi said, "Princess Zelda is anxious about getting to the Iron Gate to see her Silent Knight."

"I heard about Lord Mewtwo's Pokemon Brigade... Nasty stuff," Dedede shook his head. He stood with his large hammer in the ground, resting his hands on the top of it.

"Luckily, we broke through, and they've scattered into the Gerudo Valley," High King Mario replied, "Hopefully, pressuring the Smash Territory from the North and the West will make them fold fast. I'm told that the Black Shell Knights, too, have completely pulled out of the Gerudo-Koopa forces after the Border."

"Is that so?" Luigi asked, surprised. Before the High King could reply, Kirby spoke up.

"It is, My Lord-Hand; after Sir Larry fell on the battlefield, Sir Morton abandoned his own father," he confirmed, "I saw it with my own eyes. During that stalemate, he must have officially taken the Black Shell Knights back to the Badlands."

"Morton Koopa is a fierce battle commander... Bowser's own hubris must have pushed his Spare away," Peach added, "Well, My Lords, I wish you good luck. Hopefully, we see each other again soon."

"I'll send Kirby to the Gerudo Valley once we return to my Keep," Dedede promised. Confused, Kirby turned to him, "You've got to get your ducks in a row, so to speak, before you join the Gerudo Valley Campaign. It's just me and Sonic in the East."

"Because a majority of the Gerudo-Koopa army is in the Gerudo Valley right now?" Kirby said, confused.

"Your Majesty, if it would make things easier," Luigi spoke up as he raised his hand. Dedede gave him his attention, "If it's okay with High King Mario, we can also send Captain Toad with a sizable force to join you lot. Lord Kirby can still join you to Dreamland in the meantime."

"That would be great, My Lord-Hand. Thank you," Dedede nodded. He cleared his throat and called, "Bandana Dee!"

After a few seconds, Bandana Dee waddled over, her spear acting as a cane as she strolled over to him. Unlike before, she was wearing a green cloak embroiled with a star that had a grapevine across it like a sashay. When she reached them, Dedede said, "Change of plans; take the Knights of Grape Garden to the Gerudo Valley. Lord Kirby will meet the rest of the Red Council at the Iron Gate in the coming days."

"Of course, Your Majesty" Bandana Dee nodded.

****

Two days passed in the Land of Sarasa, yet Lucina and Ike failed to return to the village. Anticipating this outcome, King Marth had made arrangements; most of their camp was gone at this point, with a few tents remaining near the coliseum's edge, but a majority of the Ylissi Army was ready to march. With an anxious sigh, Marth began approaching his army, where he saw Robin, and Lucario at the front, chatting to Ness.