Story posted on Febraury 18, 2025
Story word count is 6,403 words, not counting the opening/ending notes
Firstly, a warning: This fic is a very dark one, in the sense of there being LOTS of character death, the end of the world, and obvious emotional trauma stemming from that. Most importantly, a character is feeling outright suicidal by the end! Do NOT read any further if that could pose a problem for your mental health!
…Then again, this *is* the Smash Ultimate story-mode we're talking about, so the mass death and the world-destruction are canonically temporary. However, the permanent deaths of the R.O.B. units from Brawl's story mode are also mentioned in this fic.
The main idea for this story came from my personal interpretation of the Hands as the benevolent protectors of the Smash universe, rather than its evil overlords. That view was inspired by the part of World of Light where you get to play as Master Hand, because despite his lack of speech in those scenes, you can tell he is Very Pissed Off at what happened to the world of Smash.
So then, a thought came to me: How would Master Hand react to seeing everything and everyone that he created being destroyed by Galeem, while he couldn't do anything to stop the attack?
…Sorry in advance, heh.
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Master Hand restlessly floated back and forth across his room, with the events of Subspace still haunting his mind. All that destruction and harm… How could something like this have happened?
He knew the answer, of course— his own incompetence. Before the initial bombing of the stadium, he and his sister had entered Subspace, to put an end to Tabuu's plans before they could even start.
But he had easily avoided the Hands' attacks, brainwashed Master Hand with those golden chains, and forced him to attack Crazy Hand until she could also be corrupted in the same manner. If he had been more cautious, and studied Tabuu from a distance first, then maybe things wouldn't have turned out this way…
It had been only two days since he had finally awakened from the week-long coma Tabuu sent him into, and if Doctor Mario, Ness, and Lucas hadn't been such skilled healers, then Master Hand would have certainly died. However, it wasn't his near-death experience that was weighing on his conscience the most.
No, it was the fate of those poor R.O.B. units, killed by the Subspace bombs they were forced to activate. Nothing and no one could bring them back… not even the Hands themselves.
In the world of Smash, death was supposed to be impossible.
But it wasn't… and everyone had found that out the hard way.
I couldn't save them, Master Hand bitterly thought to himself. What kind of a "protector" am I?
Despite the countless battles it hosted, Smash had been specifically designed as a world of peace. The Hands figured that since they were creating an artificial universe, entirely from scratch, they might as well try to make it as hospitable and comfortable as they could. As such, it had been decided, very early on in the process of creating the world of Smash, that no genuine harm should be able to come to its inhabitants.
Crazy Hand had used her powers of destruction to eliminate the possibility of physical pain, at the source. She dove into the very fabric of the newly-created universe, and effectively purged every trace of it.
Master Hand, meanwhile, had implemented a "failsafe" of sorts into every fighter's very essence. If anyone were to somehow actually die, they would simply return to their trophy form— just like at the end of a Stock battle.
This factor, of course, was able to prevent Tabuu from completely destroying the fighters. But since all except one of the R.O.B. units came from another universe, and had not been created by the Hands, they had no trophy forms, and therefore no resistance against the Subspace bombs… And so, they perished.
Master Hand stopped pacing, and collapsed to the floor, in grief. I failed them… I failed everyone! Smash was supposed to be a safe place, and—
"Brother!"
The Hands shared a telepathic connection, and whenever one of them had strong negative emotions, the other was automatically alerted. This may sound intrusive, but they both were grateful for it— it meant neither had to suffer alone. Even after so many years, the Hands were each other's closest companions, and they knew the other one better than anyone else.
Truly, they were living proof that chaos and destruction were, indeed, entirely capable of coexisting with order and creation.
Master Hand levitated back up off the carpet, to look at his sister, hovering in the doorway. "I… I'm still thinking about just how badly I messed up. I know you think it's not my fault, but—"
"It isn't your fault, though," Crazy Hand insisted. "Tabuu is the one to blame for what happened to the R.O.B. population, not you!"
"But if we hadn't tried to attack him head-on, then he wouldn't have been able to use us as puppets," Master Hand pointed out, trembling as he said the last word. "And that part about rushing in was MY idea!"
"Listen, brother," Crazy Hand said, lacing her fingers between her twin's own, and pressing their palms together. "The loss of the Isle of Ancients was undoubtedly a tragedy, but everyone else made it out okay, and the rest of our world is back to normal… That's better than it could have ended."
Master Hand just sighed. "But… what if this isn't the end of our problems?"
"What do you mean?" Crazy Hand asked, squeezing her brother even more tightly.
"...Tabuu might not be dead," Master Hand admitted. "I know everything got pulled back out of Subspace, but no one saw him die! He could still be around, plotting his revenge, and even without his wings, he could still… you know…"
Crazy Hand pulled away and paused— she hadn't considered how Tabuu's death was technically not confirmed. But what reassurance could she say to that?
"I think Smash is too good to be true," Master Hand confessed. "A world as beautiful as ours would naturally be a target for evil. In hindsight, it was only a matter of time before something went horribly wrong…"
Crazy Hand felt unnerved hearing such pessimism from her twin. She had always been the more hopeful of the two, but never before had Master Hand said anything so defeatist.
"Look," she advised, "You can't dwell on the past like that. We should try to figure out how to stop Tabuu next time, just in case."
Master Hand knew his sister was right about planning for the future. He decided to focus on that for the time being. "So… how do we stop him?"
The answer did not come easily. When he slept, Master Hand often experienced realistic nightmares revolving around having to watch all of the fighters outright die from Tabuu's attacks, until there was nobody left. But his fear was mixed with the determination to protect those under his care. Smash was his family, and he'd be damned if he let anyone else die.
I will not allow this to happen again, he promised to himself.
After consulting with the fighters who had directly fought in the final battle with Tabuu, and taking numerous notes on his attacking style, the Hands began developing their ultimate weapon against Tabuu. It resided inside of Master Hand, and was perhaps even stronger than both Hands combined, but its true advantage was in its variety of attacks. Being made of small particles, it could easily combine into pretty much any shape, and use almost any type of fighting technique.
This weapon, Master Core, was surely enough to finish Tabuu off. It was powerful, versatile, and had even been trained against the fighters who braved Classic Mode during the fourth Smash tournament. Some changes had to be made, however— none of the fighters would stand a chance against Master Core at its full strength, and Master Fortress was made just for them to overcome. Tabuu would likely cut through its acid-covered walls in a single heartbeat.
By the time the fifth Smash tournament was in full swing, Master Hand felt much better about the future— and the past. There were no signs of Tabuu, Master Core was as strong as it could possibly get, and the security systems of the Smash universe had been upgraded immensely.
R.O.B. was of course still mourning the loss of his species, but time had softened the blow, and he knew he wasn't alone. Many others, such as Lucas and Cloud, possessed their non-artificial counterparts' memories of losing their loved ones. One of the courtyards even had a memorial to the Isle of Ancients, with fresh flowers often laid there— and not only by R.O.B.
Smash Bros. itself was thriving, as well. Two new batches of fighters were planned to be created, in addition to the initial newcomers, and the stadiums were always packed with spectators. It was no secret that Smash was one of the most beloved places in the entire multiverse.
Nobody could have known about the great evil lurking in the shadows…
…nor the one hiding within the light.
On the day when it all came to an end, Master Hand awoke in a pale yellow void, rather than his bedroom.
He initially assumed he was simply dreaming, but then he realized that he couldn't move.
At all.
Although he felt completely awake, Master Hand could not so much as twitch a finger, let alone lift any part of himself off the ground.
Panic quickly set into his mind. Where was he, and what was the cause for his immobility?! There were no visible ropes or chains tying him down… it was as though he was completely paralyzed.
Just as he was about to instinctively scream for Crazy Hand to help him, the realization finally arrived— Tabuu must have finally returned! His bright surroundings did not resemble Subspace at all, but what other explanation could there be?
He may have been unable to fight, but Master Core would utterly decimate Tabuu. It would rip him into pieces, end the threat of Subspace forever, and finally avenge the suffering of R.O.B. and his species.
Yes, Master Hand had waited so many years for this rematch… and he would not fail this time around.
"I KNOW YOU'RE THERE, TABUU!" he bravely yelled— noticing how he could still speak.
The sound of heavy wind came from above, and he readied himself to activate Master Core.
But rather than Tabuu, a winged creature of white, blue, violet, and orange hovered down in front of him. They brightly shimmered, in what appeared to be beams of pale yellow light, emitted from all directions around them.
However, they made Master Hand deeply uncomfortable, despite their breathtakingly beautiful appearance. Although they had not yet spoken, he somehow got the feeling that they were responsible for his current immobility.
"...Who are you?" Master Hand asked, unsure of what else to say.
I am Galeem, the strange being plainly stated. You are Master Hand, correct?
Galeem's voice reminded Master Hand of wind chimes— peaceful and melodic. It would have been calming to him, if he wasn't so concerned by everything else about the current situation.
"...Yes, I am," he cautiously stated.
Good, Galeem remarked. I had hoped you were the correct one…
Master Hand figured Galeem was referring to his sister, so at least that likely meant she hadn't been captured, too.
"Correct for what?" he grumbled.
Please calm down. I only wish to speak with you, Galeem promised.
"Oh? Then why can't I move?!" Master Hand asked, barely suppressing a growl.
To prevent you from doing anything thoughtless or rash. You must simply listen to me.
"I doubt your intentions," he warned Galeem. "And how did you overpower me?!"
You were asleep, Galeem explained. It was much easier than I thought it would be. In fact, you did not even wake up as I transported you. But do not worry— you are still within the boundaries of your universe.
The lack of an ability to move, and the very fact that he had apparently somehow been abducted in his sleep, were not the only things Master Hand was concerned about. Something inside of him felt…
Wrong.
Missing.
Empty.
But what was it? He could still feel his link to Master Core, and that was the only thing within him. Being solely a glove, he had no innards.
"Just get to the point," he snapped at Galeem. "What exactly do you want from me?"
I desire your help. I am trying to fix this multiverse we live in, Galeem vaguely responded. Darkness is growing throughout it, slowly but steadily.
Master Hand pondered this for a few moments. Fix? Growing darkness? If the multiverse was in trouble, someone as powerful as him couldn't just stand by and do nothing! It was his duty to protect and fight for what was right.
He still didn't like Galeem, but with the stakes considered, he decided to hear them out.
"...Go on," he encouraged.
As the creator and maintainer of Smash Bros. and its inhabitants, you undoubtedly possess great power. I have also intensively studied the capabilities of all the fighters you train. Galeem paused for a moment. They are loyal to you— is that correct?
"Yes, but I am not the only one," Master Hand corrected them. "My sister is also—"
I am not speaking of her. I am speaking of you.
Galeem's voice, while still immensely pleasant to the ear, seemed angry all of a sudden.
Master Hand had always despised how external news companies tended to overshadow Crazy Hand in favor of him. They were equals, and he made sure all the inhabitants of Smash knew this. If Galeem had been observing televised Smash matches, then surely he would know of Crazy Hand's many important roles?
And, besides… something about the way Galeem said their last two sentences seemed off, in a way Master Hand could not describe.
As I was saying, Galeem continued, I require much assistance from you, and the many Smash fighters you have created.
"With what, exactly?" Master Hand inquired.
With remaking the multiverse, in order to purge all the darkness, Galeem stated, as though they didn't understand the severity of what they were saying.
"...Remaking?!" Master Hand instinctively blurted out. "Is… is that truly necessary?!"
Yes, Galeem confirmed. In its current state, no part of this multiverse can be kept. It is a lost cause.
Hundreds of questions spiraled within Master Hand— none of them positive.
What about all the beings who already live in the multiverse?
If the darkness is really that severe, why haven't I heard of this problem?
Does Galeem have an ulterior motive?
What do they mean by "darkness"?
Is Galeem even telling the truth?!
He decided to ask a personal question first. "But what will happen to Smash?"
Galeem's next response made Master Hand physically shudder. It must be disposed of, along with everything else in existence.
"But…" Master Hand continued trembling. "You… you said you needed help from the fighters!"
Indeed. But after their duty is fulfilled, I will end their lives, Galeem nonchalantly said.
Fear rose within Master Hand, but his rational mind tried to use reason. In order for the multiverse to truly be beyond saving, then this "darkness" would have to be far more severe than it currently was… right?! Surely, Galeem was lying!
If I cannot bring your fighters to my side… then I must destroy them early, Galeem added.
"Oh?" Master Hand taunted, futilely trying not to let Galeem notice how scared he was. "You think you can take them on? Well, good luck with that. I've trained them to be one of the toughest forces in the multiverse. Not to mention, you can't kill them, because—"
Because of that "failsafe" you have installed into the very fabric of your universe? Galeem questioned. I can bypass it. Easily.
"H-How can you—?" Master Hand sputtered, so terrified that he could barely speak. "The trophies… They're indestructible… You can't… do… that…"
Galeem floated closer; the light of their core shining onto Master Hand. I absolutely can. Did you think I did not study your "failsafe"? I witnessed it when Tabuu attempted to—
"IS HE ALIVE?!" Master Hand shouted, unable to stop himself. "ARE YOU WORKING WITH HIM?!"
No, Galeem said, sounding offended in tone. Tabuu is dead— and rightfully so. I would never team up with someone like him.
As Master Hand gave a sigh of slight relief, Galeem moved in even closer. My patience is waning. Will you assist me, or not?
"NEVER!" he defiantly yelled.
Galeem made a small tutting noise. I will offer you a deal, then. If you and all of your fighters agree to help me, the world of Smash will be spared— on the condition that it be entirely cut off from my new world.
Master Hand quivered ever harder. If Galeem was lying about the state of the world— and they probably were— then he could just let Master Core loose on them, and end it there. But if Galeem was actually being truthful, then was it right to kill them? Plus, how would he even manage to convince Crazy Hand and the fighters to go and destroy every other universe?!
…Wait.
Galeem had said "my" new world. That "darkness" must be a lie— in hindsight, they were obviously trying to take over the world all along! Just like a villain! They were clearly evil! How did he not realize this right from the start?!
Your silence is quite irritating, Galeem said, before Master Hand could confront him. The deal is off. Besides— I realize now that you would not be a valuable partner to me, of your own free will. With your immense powers of order and creation, you could have fought against chaos, all along. But you did not.
"I have no need to do that," Master Hand bitterly said, "And I'll have you know that I figured out what you've been trying to—"
Not to mention how you consider that other Hand, the destructive one, to be your sister, Galeem interrupted. Do you have no shame in your betrayal?
"Destruction and chaos are not always evil," Master Hand snarled, with audible hatred, "And you should know this!"
Galeem just laughed in response. It was a cold, cruel laugh, laced with malice, and yet… it still sounded somehow beautiful.
You are quite wrong, Galeem remarked. Opposing forces cannot coexist, no matter the circumstances.
"Our discussion is over," Master Hand angrily told them. "Return me to my home, and do not attempt to harm anyone, or I will unleash Master Core at its full strength!"
Although he did not know how strong Galeem was, Master Hand wouldn't take any chances with the lives of the fighters— or anyone else in the world.
I will not be letting you go, Galeem said. You still have a different role to fulfill for me.
"Fine, then," Master Hand warned them. "You'll regret this…"
He reached deep into his own consciousness, and found his link to Master Core's activation. It was by design that even if he was rendered completely immobile— or, theoretically, on the brink of death— Master Core would not be impeded.
…So why wasn't it bursting out of him?!
Panic overtook Master Hand— as long as Galeem lived, everything was in danger. But without Master Core, how was he supposed to kill them? He couldn't move, or charge a finger missile, or do anything other than speak.
Oh, are you searching for Master Core? Galeem taunted. I have all of its forms, right here.
On top of Galeem's extended wings, small glowing orbs were perched. They looked nothing like Master Core… but Master Hand could feel the link's connection to each of them.
Are you wondering how I took it from you? Galeem teased him. Well, I doubt you would care for the complex details.
Master Hand became desperate. He had to somehow save the multiverse from this abomination! If fighting wouldn't work, then perhaps reasoning would?
"Why are you doing this?!" he asked. "What do you even have to gain from destroying the world?!"
This current multiverse— it is forever impure. There is simply too much darkness, Galeem once again claimed.
Master Hand knew, from his time observing other places in the multiverse, that death was truly a cunning force. It could sneak up on you when you least expected it, and tear your whole life apart. Perhaps that was the "darkness" Galeem referred to? Or was it some other form of pain?
He attempted to utilize philosophy. "Yes, there is suffering in the world, but—"
It is not suffering that concerns me, Galeem rebuked him. I am simply wishing to restore order.
So Galeem didn't care for ending pain; they just hated chaos? Master Hand may have embodied order, but he wasn't a control freak… How was he supposed to get Galeem to change their mind?!
"I'll make you a pocket dimension," Master Hand desperately offered. "You can use it however you like, as long as you leave my—"
Galeem emitted another chilling laugh. I do not desire a world. I desire the world.
The situation was incredibly bleak. The only options Master Hand had left were to either somehow regain control of Master Core, or to use his telepathy to call for Crazy Hand, and pray Galeem was weak enough for her to kill them without dying in the process.
Additionally, Master Core alone didn't account for why he felt so empty inside. Had Galeem done something to permanently damage him? Would he remain motionless forever?
Master Hand tried to stay calm, but this was easier said than done, of course. He didn't know exactly where he was— but Galeem had stated that the two of them were still within the Smash universe. It was smaller than most universes, so the computers running it could keep it stable more easily… Surely his sister would be able to track him down…
He soon decided to contact Crazy Hand. She was strong, and sure as hell wouldn't go down without a proper fight. Hopefully she wouldn't get hurt too badly… or killed…
Gathering his willpower, Master Hand prepared to telepathically contact his sister…
…And then, to his horror, he finally realized why he felt so empty inside.
His connection to Crazy Hand was entirely gone.
"WHERE IS MY SISTER?" he yelled at Galeem, as loudly as he could; with rage and fear overwhelming him. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!"
Me? I have done nothing.
Galeem sounded genuinely confused, but Master Hand wasn't convinced at all. "DON'T LIE TO ME! WHY CAN'T I REACH HER WITH MY MIND?!"
Galeem briefly paused, before saying, She is gone. But it was Dharkon who took her, not me.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, GONE?!"
In fact… Dharkon started this, Galeem added, not paying any attention to Master Hand's previous outburst. I am not the one to blame. They were the one who—
"WHO IS DHARKON?"
My polar opposite. The true embodiment of chaos, darkness, and destruction.
Galeem's voice remained as clear and light as before, but Master Hand could sense the sheer disgust and hatred behind it.
…Polar opposite? Did this mean there was another cruel abomination like Galeem out there, but representing darkness instead of light?
As you slept, Crazy Hand was kidnapped by Dharkon, Galeem said. I took you away right after they left— I refused to let them gain any strategic advantage over me.
"And… and what did Dharkon do with her?!" Master Hand choked out, his voice shaking— he was afraid of what the answer would be.
…I do not know. But it is very likely that she was killed. Good riddance, in my opinion.
At first, he refused to believe it. His sister couldn't be dead! She was a skilled fighter, and plenty durable in battle. This "Dharkon" wouldn't stand a chance against her!
But… the connection between them was undeniably gone… and that could only mean one thing…
His twin sister, the closest and first friend he ever had, the one he built Smash with… she had been murdered in cold blood.
But she surely went down fighting… unlike me. I'm pathetic… Master Hand realized. He felt entirely hopeless— sorrow and despair like he had never experienced before engulfed him. I'm worthless…
But the very worst events of the day were yet to come.
Galeem brushed a wing over Master Hand's palm. It felt pleasantly warm, but brought him no comfort.
Now… it is time for you to witness my rise.
He was snapped out of his depressed state by those words. "You can't mean—!"
Yes. This current world is about to end. But all of the Smash fighters must be killed first, or else I will not be able to achieve my—
"NO!" Master Hand instinctively shouted, as the truth sank in. Everything in existence would be wiped away at the will of an egotistical monstrosity, including Smash… and what remained of his family.
All because of how weak he was.
Galeem pressed another wing onto Master Hand's palm; pushing down this time. He blacked out, and awoke on a cliffside— the same cliffside where the Isle of Ancients once proudly floated in the air.
His field of vision, which normally extended from the tips of his fingers and the center of his palm, now surrounded his entire body in 360 degrees. It was quite disorienting, but that was the least of his worries at the moment.
I have temporarily separated your spirit from your body, Galeem said. But I will return it later.
Master Hand was barely able to process those words, for over the ocean, he saw many apparent copies of himself slowly floating towards the cliff.
I analyzed you while you were asleep, and created many copies from that data, Galeem confirmed. The fighters are currently on their way to this area— and to their demise.
"And how do you know that?!" Master Hand questioned; trying to find some sort of flaw in Galeem's plan.
Because I used your voice to call them here. I told them it was an emergency, and everyone had to come.
"They wouldn't fall for that," Master Hand insisted. "They'll know it isn't me! And when they find out what you're trying to do— you'll be SLAUGHTERED!"
I am stronger than you can imagine, Galeem boasted. Your fighters do not stand a chance.
Fox was the first to arrive at the cliffside. He had brought his blaster, and was glancing around suspiciously.
"RUN!" Master Hand begged him. "AND TELL THE OTHERS TO HIDE!"
But Galeem was, once again, many steps ahead. Do not bother with warnings— they will not hear you.
Behind Fox were Sonic, Captain Falcon, and Marth, each in a fighting stance. The four of them soon noticed the army of Master Hand clones— with sheer numbers in the thousands.
The circumstances looked more and more hopeless with every passing second. All of the fighters, together, would have a tough battle ahead of them if Master Hand were to use his full power. The chances of them beating thousands of evil copies were slim to none.
Merely a few minutes later, every single one of the Smash fighters was present, and preparing for battle. Galeem had revealed themself, but was not attacking directly.
Master Hand helplessly listened to their banter— no one was taking the upcoming fight seriously enough. They probably thought Galeem was just some ordinary foe.
"We'll each need to take down about ten."
"Stow your fear. It's now or never!"
"We'll win this— I know we will!"
"Please," Master Hand begged Galeem, as the clone army drew closer, "Leave them alone. I'll do anything— just don't hurt them!"
Pleading will not work.
"I… But… It can't end like this! You won't win!"
I will succeed. You have already lost.
"Get AWAY from them, OR I'LL RIP YOU APART!"
You know that you cannot harm me, regardless of what you feel.
Even with all the negative emotions inside of Master Hand— rage against Galeem, fear of what would happen next, devastation over the apparent fate of his sister— he still clung to forlorn hopes.
Maybe Galeem's clones of him would be extremely weak, and easily stopped.
Or Master Core would gain a mind of its own, break free, and tear Galeem into shreds.
Or this would all just turn out to be a horrible nightmare.
Or perhaps Crazy Hand would have survived, escaped from Dharkon, and managed to evacuate everybody in time.
But no such miracles occurred.
Galeem suddenly absorbed the very essence of the clones— converting them into light; charging their ultimate, deadly attack.
And Master Hand helplessly witnessed it, in all directions around him, as the fighters' lives came to an untimely end.
Shulk was the first to die— evidently so he couldn't warn the others of the vision he received.
Only a few seconds after his eyes flashed bright blue, a beam of pale golden light engulfed him, making his body rapidly disintegrate. There was nothing left of him— neither a trophy, nor the Monado itself.
As he dissolved into dust, Shulk let out a horrifying scream— one not at all like his vocalizations in Smash battles. It was the fearful, pained sound of a young man dying in agony.
Master Hand screamed, too. Not in physical pain, but in sheer emotion. Galeem had successfully bypassed the failsafe, and Shulk was dead.
Plus, he had suffered as he died. The Smash universe was supposed to have no pain whatsoever— how had Galeem been able to do that?!
The other fighters saw it happen, and from the lack of a trophy, they also knew Shulk was lost. But giving up was not yet on the table for any of them.
At first, they bravely tried to fight back— and to avenge Shulk.
The beams of light were resistant to every type of attack they could use. Sharpness, explosions, poison, fire, ice, and even darkness itself… None of them worked.
Link managed to deflect a few beams with his Hylian Shield before dying, but the others who tried reflection tactics, including Mewtwo and Palutena, were not so lucky.
Once it became clear that the fight could not be won, escaping was the next course of action.
Captain Falcon was vaporized before his foot could even touch the gas pedal of the Blue Falcon. Sonic slowed down to help Pikachu, and this sacrifice was rendered moot, for they both died.
Throughout the carnage, Master Hand was still screaming; unable to look away or block out his own vision. With every fallen fighter, he felt something inside of him die, too.
He had given them the gift of life, laughed with them, shared in their sorrows, watched them learn and fight and grow, seen how they bonded with each other, taken care of their needs, and provided nearly every comfort they could want.
But now… they were gone.
Galeem's light expanded over the boundaries of the Smash world, and spilled into the rest of the multiverse, killing everyone in its path. It was quick, so at least the suffering was minimal— or at least that's what Master Hand told himself, in a last-ditch attempt at self-comfort.
Within fifteen minutes, all life had ended. The multiverse now consisted of nothing but pure, orderly light.
But neither Galeem nor Master Hand had noticed Kirby's successful escape on a Warp Star.
Master Hand was partially numb to the massive scale of Galeem's destruction. His visits to universes outside of Smash had been infrequent. All he could fully comprehend was that everything he and his twin had built and worked for, was gone forever.
"I'm sorry…" he whimpered— to his sister, to the fighters, to everyone.
Galeem made a tutting noise. You are indeed responsible for the extinction of all life. Not so confident anymore, now are you?
Normally, Master Hand would have shot back with a smug comment, but at this point, he simply did not have the energy.
He had no retorts; no furious screw you to the monster who had destroyed everything he cared about.
All that was left inside of him was soul-crushing regret.
Master Hand realized that the paralysis was wearing off, and he could move slightly. But there was no point in trying to kill Galeem now— they had won.
Smash Bros. was over.
The entire multiverse was gone.
Everyone was dead.
"KILL ME!" Master Hand suddenly begged Galeem. He had nothing left to live for, and could only pray for his own demise to come soon. Whatever sort of world Galeem created to replace the old one, he didn't want anything to do with it.
Galeem responded in a confused tone. What did you say?
"JUST KILL ME AND GET IT OVER WITH!" Master Hand howled, louder than he had ever vocalized before. He desired nothing but the sweet release of death.
Begging for death already? Galeem mocked him. You are even more pathetic than I thought. And no, I will not end your life.
Master Hand refused to back down. "But you got what you wanted!"
You must remain alive for a while longer. I still have a need for your talents, Galeem vaguely said. You may prove quite important in ending Dharkon once and for all.
There was an awkward silence, and Galeem turned away, as if distracted.
And besides, I have just… discovered something.
That discovery was of Kirby's survival. There was still a major threat to Galeem's reign— a chance for the universe to return to that impure and unorderly state of being .
But they would not allow Master Hand to possess that spark of hope.
Your mind will be taken over now, Galeem casually stated. For the rest of your life, you will serve as my puppet.
"N-No…" Master Hand stuttered, as the memories of Tabuu controlling him resurfaced. He never thought he would end up as a "puppet" ever again…
Master Hand turned his thoughts to what awaited him. While he had been dying on the floor of the Great Maze, an unexpected feeling of warmth had encompassed him— as though whatever lay beyond was trying to comfort him.
Back then, he hadn't been ready to die. But now, he wanted it more than anything. Thanks to Galeem, however, it looked as though he wouldn't be able to join the rest of existence in the afterlife for quite some time… assuming he even still deserved to be up there, after all his failures.
When Galeem was finished with him, and finally killed him, Master Hand would then have to face the wrath of everybody he had let down. Most of the fighters would probably forgive him, though… but he didn't know if that was better or worse.
Galeem brushed a wing across Master Hand's thumb, and he immediately felt something inside of him changing. It must have been the start of the brainwashing…
Not wanting to go out feeling like this, he recalled his fond memories of Smash— of the good times everybody had shared.
It had all been so fun and friendly. Why did it have to end like this?
The only thing Master Hand could hope for now… was that everybody would be able to rest.
I know I failed them. Horribly. But, if anyone's listening to me… Let them all find peace. Whatever awaits them, please make sure it's beautiful, and that they don't have to go through any more suffering…
Those were his final thoughts before fainting… and then waking up, entirely under Galeem's control. He was once again nothing but a mindless puppet to an evil overlord.
One week passed, and the new world had been fully shaped— but Galeem was not satisfied.
They knew they needed to come up with a concrete plan to stop Kirby. His survival could ruin everything, but they had used up nearly all of their excess energy while recreating the multiverse. The attack they used to engulf it could only be used once every thousand-or-so years, so that wouldn't work right now.
Fighting Kirby directly was not an option, either. He was strong, no doubt about it. The only ones who could kill him… were those who had defeated him before.
But the other Smash fighters were dead, all of the previous Master Hand clones had been killed in the process of destroying the multiverse, and the real Master Hand was too valuable of an asset to use against anyone but Dharkon.
What was there left to try?
Oh.
Master Core.
But Galeem could not figure out how to activate it. Did Master Core need a "host" to contain it? That was the only apparent explanation…
Wait— a host?
And then it all finally clicked for Galeem.
They knew exactly what to do to stop Kirby.
Throughout the week since the end of the multiverse, the afterlife had been slowly adjusting.
There was much to do— in addition to properly welcoming all the hundreds of billions of quadrillions of new arrivals, there were several other preparations needed for an eternity of peace.
Most of the Smash fighters, in an attempt to distract themselves from their sorrow, were volunteering to aid the other newly-deceased arrivals.
Mario and Luigi helped build more houses. Jigglypuff offered to use Rest on anyone who was having trouble sleeping. Shulk crafted cute mechanical toys to comfort the young children who had perished in Galeem's attack.
After all that had happened, it was the least they could do.
Upon peering into the afterlife, Galeem immediately searched for those who had been part of Smash. Currently, all of the fighters were talking in a group; each of them still looking downright heartbroken.
"I wish the Hands were here," Ike said.
So, Crazy Hand wasn't dead after all? Galeem instantly knew that they had made the right decision to keep Master Hand around— that chaos-loving sister of his must also be alive, and under Dharkon's control.
"Yeah… I miss them too," Ness added. "I guess Smash was just too good to last."
"We could start our own tournament," Robin suggested.
"...Do you think we're allowed to fight each other up here?" Isabelle worriedly asked.
Captain Falcon scoffed. "Ganondorf and I beat the living snot out of each other yesterday, and nobody who was watching us complained at all."
Lighthearted snickers and snorts came from many of the fighters. As much as they regretted dying so early, it truly looked as though, given enough time, they would be able to properly rest in peace.
…Or at least they would have been able to, if Galeem hadn't shown up again.
They gathered energy, and shattered the barrier between life and death— it broke much easier than they would have expected, taking only five blows in total.
Shulk's eyes flashed bright blue again, and this time, he managed to get out a scream of, "RUN—!"
But it was once again too late. Galeem ripped the spirits of every fighter straight out of the afterlife, and brought them back down, to their new world of light and order.
From there, all that had to be done was to use the fighters as hosts, for other powerful spirits, such as Master Core. The rest of the afterlife could be conquered too, over time.
Yes… Galeem knew they were surely unstoppable now.
There was no way this plan could possibly fail.
Oof.
Well, don't worry. Eventually, the fighters and Hands will be freed, so Galeem and Dharkon will get their butts kicked. Those who died in the attack will be restored, and those who were already dead will get their eternal rest back. Everything will go right back to normal…
...Except for how everybody is going to need LOTS of therapy.
You've heard that "Everyone Is Here", and seen how "Everyone Is Dead"... now get ready for "Everyone Is on Prescribed Medications"!
In all seriousness, though, this was a really interesting story to write, in my experience. My interpretation of Galeem was quite fun to make dialogue for, because they're the kind of villain who thinks their actions are 100% in the right, morally speaking. I hope I made them hateable enough :P
Another thing I enjoyed was coming up with my headcanon for Master Core's reason for existence. Sure, it could be remnants of Tabuu's influence, or some other disturbing concept, but I personally prefer the idea of Master Hand channeling his rage into something productive.
I also really liked experimenting with the escalation of the stakes. Originally, Galeem was going to just be horribly cruel to Master Hand from the start, but I thought it would be more interesting if they tried to initially convince him to join their evil plot, revealing the direness of the scope over time.
Here's two bonus tidbits of behind-the-scenes info:
-The reason Tabuu is cited as the only villain behind the events of Subspace in this fic, is because I headcanon the Smash iterations of Ganondorf, Bowser, Ridley, etc. as not being evil. In the continuity of this story, all the fighter villains in Subspace were brainwashed by Tabuu, and therefore not doing any of those atrocities out of free will.
-Those scenes in the afterlife were added because I had to come up with a logical reason for all those canonically-dead spirits to be, well, Spirits. Like, more than a few of the Spirits depicted in Smash are of characters who are absolutely, completely dead in their own games. Buzz Buzz from the tutorial segment of EarthBound, for example, is 100% dead. But Galeem or Dharkon (I can't remember which) somehow gained control of him anyway.
And, um, that is terrifying.
Anyhow, was this fic good? I'm personally quite proud of it, but since I'm the author, I really shouldn't get much of a say overall, heh. All feedback is appreciated!
[To send me a review/comment on a story (or anything else I've posted), email me at contactkelseyskybox@gmail.com]
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