The Mushroom Kingdom Wars

Chapter 51

The tension in Zelda’s war room was palpable. Around the large, central table, the gathered leaders of the combined allies—Peach, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Samus, Roll, Fox, Sonic, with Dr. Light on a monitor from Peach’s Castle—faced the harsh reality displayed on the holographic screen before them. Slippy’s surveillance reports showed the ominous assembly of Andross's fleet was close, too close. The sheer scale of the threat was staggering.

Zelda stood tall, the Master Sword at her side, her expression somber as she studied the figures. "They're moving faster than we thought," she said quietly. "We don’t have much time."

Peach’s face was pale but determined. She had faced Bowser many times before, but this felt different—this felt like the final battle. "We need a plan," she said, her voice steady despite the uncertainty hanging in the air. "We need a way to hold them back until the Galactic Federation fleet arrives."

Donkey Kong stared at the scene, thinking about the devastation at the Kong Kingdom and not wanting anyone else to experience his pain. His voice was deep and resigned, but his resolve was unshakable. "There’s no time left to wait. We have to move forward with the plan to hide the Power Star," he rumbled. "Even if it means… we won’t survive."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Donkey Kong’s words echoed the truth they all knew deep down. They were up against impossible odds, and they might not live to see the outcome.

Dr. Light broke the silence as he brought Tails to the screen. Tails looked at the looming fleet, his eyes growing big as the reality hit him. “Is…. is this real?"

Dr. Light's tone was grim as he explained the situation. "Andross’s forces and Bowser’s armies are combining. We’re running out of time. How soon can you finish the portal?"

Tails sighed heavily, staring at the portal as doubt crept into his mind. The task before him felt impossibly large, and the pressure weighed down on him. "I don’t know how I can finish it if they attack now," he admitted, his voice strained.

For a brief moment, the overwhelming responsibility gnawed at him, but then he took a deep breath, steeling his resolve. "But I won’t stop trying. I’ll get it done, no matter what."

Dr. Light sighed. “I’ll help however I can.”

Donkey Kong spoke up, his voice with determination. “We will try to get you time. Keep the ring safe with you. If you finish the portal…” Donkey Kong looked at Peach, and they nodded in agreement, “Don’t hesitate to use it to send the Power Star away”

There was a pause from the communicator before Tails responded. “I, I understand.”

Peach clenched her fists, her gaze determined. "Then we can’t wait. We’ll have to regroup all of our forces at my castle. We’ll make our final stand there."

Samus crossed her arms, her voice calm and resolute. "Agreed. Consolidating our strength is the only way. If we’re divided, we’ll be overrun."

Fox, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. His tone was serious but filled with purpose. "We can’t let Andross and Bowser merge their forces. I’ll take the Star Fox team and launch an attack on Andross’s flagship. If we can slow them down, we might buy Tails the time he needs."

Falco’s voice crackled over Fox’s communicator, a hint of his usual sarcasm in his words. "You’re insane, Fox. But if it’s to buy us time, We’re all in."

Peach looked at Fox, her eyes filled with both gratitude and concern. "Thank you, Fox. Just… make sure you all come back to us."

As the leaders began to filter out of the room to prepare for the upcoming battle, Dr. Light contacted Samus directly, his expression on the screen was thoughtful. "Samus, can I speak with you for a moment?"

Samus stopped in a quiet corner. "What is it, Dr. Light?"

He hesitated for just a second before speaking, his voice filled with admiration for the bounty hunter. "I’ve been studying the adaptive abilities of your suit, I believe I can provide some updates. Not just in terms of weaponry, but I can install a system similar to what Mega Man used—the ability to use the abilities of fallen robot masters."

Samus raised an eyebrow, skeptical yet intrigued. "You think you can combine your technology with Chozo engineering?"

Dr. Light's eyes brightened with enthusiasm. "Yes! I’m certain it can handle the modifications. With the upgrade, you can use the same weapon data that Mega Man collected and use them like your own."

Samus considered his offer, the possibilities running through her mind. She could see the potential in what Dr. Light was proposing. After a moment, she gave him a small nod. "Alright, Doc. I trust you. Let’s get it done."

Dr. Light smiled warmly, relieved that Samus had accepted. "Thank you. Teleport your suit to me immediately. I promise I’ll make every second count. It’ll be ready by the time the battle begins."