And I will honestly say I do not know why I am doing this, because I barely have any time to write. But I have this idea and it won't let me be. If you're an avid author, you know how that is. Say yes.
I hope this proves to be extremely interesting. I hope you love it.
He stared at the far corner of the truck, blinking every time the vehicle bounced over some uneven pavement. But the blue eyes never strayed from the blackest corner of the back of the transport. He wanted to think, but he also didn't want to. Thinking hurt. It hurt his foggy brain and head that ached from lack of water, and it hurt his broken heart.
There was an exceptionally large bounce and he didn't have the strength to stop himself from slamming backwards against one of the metal sides with a dull crash. The sudden movement brought him out of the semi-daze he had been in as he stared at the corner. His eyes sought the comforting darkness again, but his mind was not as foggy now. His head had struck the side of the truck and it seemed to have knocked loose all the thoughts he'd been trying to keep back.
They came like a flood, rushing over his head and he squeezed his eyes shut, his thick eyebrows knitting and chiseling two frown lines into the center of his forehead. The small, barred window at the top of the prison car was imprinted in his vision, the five strips of light illuminating the pitch black everywhere else. But slowly everything faded to a deep red and two tears leaked from the corners of his eye.
Everything had gone wrong. He was still trying to find someone to blame. He couldn't blame himself. He couldn't blame his father. He couldn't blame his brother. In fact, deep down, he realized he couldn't even blame the League of Heroes. After all, they were doing what they thought was right. And they had destroyed his life. The thought brought another wave of tears to his eyes.
"Get your tail over here and help load up this truck!" Ike snapped at his brother. "I'm telling you, Pit, if you don't get it together, someday Father will lay into you and I won't even be able to laugh."
"Ha, ha," griped Pit, plodding over and squatting to lift one of the smaller, wooden crates. "What number's this one?"
"Two seventy one," answered Marth, absently flipping a marker over to his younger brother as he wrote something else on his clipboard with his pen.
Pit caught the marker, bit off the cap with his teeth, spit it onto the asphalt, and squinted as he clutched the writing utensil in his fist.
Ike heaved up the largest remaining crate and glanced at Pit, watching as he carefully wrote the three numbers on the wood, his brown hair obscuring half his vision.
"Your tongue, Pit," he chuckled. "It's poking out again."
"Shut it," Pit returned evenly. He tossed the marker over to Ike, who brought up his hand quickly and then slammed it down, grabbing the marker as it fell and turning in the same instant to jot down his own three numbers on the crate.
"Ike, two seventy four, not seventy three. That one's seventy three," Marth remonstrated, tapping his pen on the clipboard.
"Well even if you can write faster, I listen to instructions," taunted Pit, grinning.
Ike rolled his eyes, crossed out the wrong number, and wrote the correct one. "Marth, who's goin' with me?"
"I am. That's what Father said anyway. Pit, why don't you go make sure."
"Why?" the younger boy asked, cocking his head and brushing his wild, brown hair from his eyes. "What don't you want me to hear?"
Both of his older brothers slowly turned to give him two, hard, deadly glares. He skedaddled towards the stairs. When the garage no longer echoed with his footsteps, Marth walked over and leapt up onto the back of the truck, sitting down on a crate and crossing his legs. "Father's upset about Bowser."
"Who isn't?" growled Ike, frustrated. "And I know that, anyway."
"But he's gotten bolder about spying on us," insisted Marth. "I mean, he's not even hiding it anymore. You know it. If we let him get cocky, we'll have a ton of complaining people on our hands, as well as less and less land."
"It's not that simple to move the boundaries of the four yards," returned Ike.
"It's been done before," answered Marth. "Four yards is only twelve feet, and that's not difficult to change around. Especially when the other, non-border roads are even bigger."
"The four yards isn't just asphalt. It's rainbow road and it costs a lot more money. I don't know what you know about Bowser, but from what I know, he's not raking in the cash."
"He is, too," snapped Marth.
"I mean he's not saving his cash," Ike corrected himself. "He's always buying the newest in weapons and vehicles and I can guarantee you he isn't thinking about saving up enough to buy 6 blocks or more of rainbow road. He'd have to import it and everything."
"He just wants to expand to get the market," Marth said. "You know it. He doesn't know what Father sells, but he knows it's making us…"
"Wealthy," Ike finished for him as his brother hesitated. "Yeah, sure. We'll look around a little. But Bowser is too caught up in his own affairs to try and keep up conquest without official boundaries like the rainbow. He'd have to leave cronies in our land and evict all those citizens if he expected to keep us from just taking it back."
"I know. Dad basically told me that if Bowser's doing something, everyone would know about it, part of a gang or not. But he still said he was worried."
Ike dragged his fingers through his hair, ending at the headband's knot at the back of his head. "Well, we all know Dad's smarter than I ever was, so I certainly won't brush it off. Either way, you don't think it's a dangerous threat to our people, do you?"
"Father did. And honesty is most important."
Ike snorted. "That's baloney. How honest you think anyone is, Father included? Don't tell him I said that. Either way, it's fine. After business today at the train station we can go scout around. What do you say?"
"Yeah, sure. Let's check with Dad and then ask Falcon if we can take his—"
"You can't take my car!" Falcon called.
Ike glanced over at his older brother's workshop, which had been built in the corner of the garage. The shop's smaller, white garage door slid up with a rattle and Falcon pulled himself out from under his prized vehicle.
"Don't even think about it or say it, Marth. You're in enough trouble as it is."
Marth colored and retorted, "I still say it was a malfunction of the engine!"
"It was a malfunction of your brain!" Falcon retorted.
Ike chuckled as Marth huffed and rolled his eyes.
"Yep, Ike!" came Pit's voice, echoing and reechoing through the large, underground garage. He appeared at the bottom of the stairway. "Dad said you're going with Marth."
"I'm going to talk to him real quick," Ike informed his bluenette brother. "I'll be back in a jiffy and I'll bring a snack."
He passed Pit. "Hey, ask Koro to make Marth and I a small dinner to take," Ike ordered him before jogging up the stairs to the ground floor. He pushed open the metal door with a grunt and walked swiftly down the hall, turning sharply right and barely missing the corner. He did not barely miss Roy. He crashed right into him.
"Watch it!" exclaimed the redhead. "Dad said he didn't want to be disturbed by the way."
"It's just a quick question," returned Ike shortly, sidestepping and briskly passing him.
He hesitated in front of the door and then pulled it open and stepped inside. The tall-backed chair turned and his father's thick, orange eyebrows knit. "What's wrong, son?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to let you know that Marth and I are gonna come back different ways from the market. We decided we wanted to scout a little and see…if Bowser's up to anything."
"He is up to something," said Ganondorf angrily. He sighed suddenly and his forehead wrinkled as he rubbed his scalp with one hand. "Okay. But get more armor on. I don't want any wounds."
"You doubt my strength?" asked Ike playfully. He sobered when he saw Ganondorf wasn't in a teasing mood.
"I doubt your brains," his father returned. It was harsh teasing. Ike didn't mind.
"So do I. I'll get more armor."
"Has Peach's gang bought any more?" asked Ganondorf abruptly as Ike started to leave.
He turned back. "Not that I know of. Marth keeps the records. Why? Are you suspicious?"
"I just don't want her getting out of hand with them. They're powerful if used right. She doesn't know how to use them just right, but…it can be figured out. You have to be smart to figure it out, but you can."
"I'll talk to Marth about it."
"There's a boy."
"Love you, Dad."
"Love you." Ganondorf sighed and his chair turned away.
Ike smiled quietly and exited the room. Then he was running, full speed, for the armory.
"Koro! Where's the food!" he shouted.
"What is your big problem?" growled the surly teen. "Pit told me to make some five minutes ago. And I already gave it to Marth anyway."
"What's up, Ike?" Marth appeared by the entrance to the garage as Ike dashed past him and down the stairs. Marth followed.
"We're late. Some people will be there by the time we arrive and we don't need people getting suspicious at a gathering in front of the station. Get armor on. Dad said."
Marth mumbled something under his breath about overprotection, but followed Ike into the dimly lit armory.
Link flung the papers onto the ground. They landed with a smack on the thinly carpeted ground and a few fluttered back up in the air to float slowly down again.
"These stupid, stupid…!" He went off on a rant, spewing language Zelda did not understand at all. She glanced at Sheik and then back at their captain, watching as his face grew red with fury.
"If one of you could just go in and kill all four of those gang leaders I'd be the happiest lark of the bunch!" Link finished, kicking the trashcan underneath his desk onto its side.
"Allow me," began Sheik in her low, husky voice.
"No," snapped Link. "You know that's too dangerous. I can't risk it. We'll have to wait until we have better odds."
"If you keep saying that whenever we come up against things that seem too dangerous, we'll never have better odds."
Link glared at her and Zelda tried not to smile. The two were best friends and so exactly the opposite of one another it amused her to no end. Of course if Sheik found out it amused her…her friendship with the blonde would end in that moment. So might my life, she mused.
"Palutena," said Link, turning his head to look up at his secretary. "I want you to write up a graph with the revenue each gang receives. Find out who's the richest. We've got enough data, I think, from what the people give and which gangs operate black markets that we can know that, right?" He didn't wait for her to answer. "Now," he continued, turning back to stare at Sheik, "if you think we should start doing dangerous things, you have to help me think them up. And they better be ingenious. Because without ingenious plans we're going to get creamed by those four!" He slammed his fist down on his desk.
"Sir, that's a glass top," Zelda reminded him. "You'll break it if you're not careful."
Link's eyes smoldered. "All right, heroes. Dismissed. Don't forget the meeting tonight."
Sheik gave a curt nod and turned on her heel in one fluid motion. Zelda gave Link a gentle smile and then followed her friend out.
"I hate it when he calls us heroes," Sheik muttered as the door closed behind them. "We haven't done anything since we started this job."
"And you started before me," Zelda added, pursing her lips. "I get it, though. Link's afraid to lose people. He doesn't trust our fighting abilities," she giggled.
"I haven't seen you fight," returned Sheik coldly. "I don't know how you wouldn't trip in that dress before a battle even started."
"You've seen me train," Zelda retorted hotly. "I'm just as good as you."
"No, you're not. And that's just a fact. It's fine. I'm not in charge of who joins the League of Heroes. I'm just telling you. If Link makes good on his word to start affirmative action against these gangs, which he will, then we'll be in for some deep fighting and you'll need to hone your skills a bit better."
"I've got a secret weapon," Zelda said pompously.
Sheik rolled her eyes. "They always say that."
Zelda grimaced and Sheik pulled her mask up over her nose. "I'm going for a walk."
She turned down a hallway and Zelda continued on, stopping in front of the door to her room.
"Hey, Zel."
Zelda turned. "Hi, Lucina. I thought you were off today."
"I was. But Corrin was saying Link would probably start something against the gangs and I figured it wouldn't be wise to miss out on important information and have to be briefed later. You know Link doesn't like doing things twice."
"Sure doesn't. Nice of you to be so considerate." Zelda winked and Lucina frowned at her.
"Thank you. I like thinking about others' interests above my own, especially in a serious setting like this." Her tone was clipped now. "Where's Falco?"
"Probably the garage," replied Zelda, entering her room. She turned back. "I'm sorry, anyway, Luci. But Link's a nice guy. You shouldn't feel…embarrassed." She closed the door as she saw Lucina's cheeks turn scarlet.
With a sigh of relief she dashed to her closet and yanked out the form-fitting outfit she needed. She began tearing off her dress and then pulled on the dark-blue suit. If she didn't hurry she'd be late, and if she was late she didn't get what she needed: her 'secret weapon'.
She wrapped the strips of cloth around her hands and threw on the white, infinity scarf. The thick cloth rested neatly on her shoulders as she gripped the tight, breathable mask and pulled it up over her nose. She glanced at herself in the mirror and her blue eyes twinkled back at her. She look rather like Sheik now. Almost exactly like her, except her form was more feminine and her eyes were certainly not red.
Without a sound she snatched up her chain, opened the window, and was climbing down the building. She dropped to the pavement and turned her gaze towards the gray, smoky city of Smash.
"What's the rush?" Fox growled, as the two dashed down one alley and turned up a side street.
"I know he's always there at this time and I need to talk to him," she snapped, gasping for breath and wishing she didn't have a stitch in her side.
"We should've stopped by the hovel first to drop off your armor," he answered, catching up with her as they rounded another corner.
The large duffel bag bumped against her legs with dull thumps as she chose not to answer.
The rainbow shine up ahead made her relax slightly and she sped up, her blonde bangs whipping into her face and across her eyes as she reached the four yards of rainbow road. "Finally," she panted, slowing her pace.
Fox slowed as well, jogging beside her, his gun out in case anyone decided to open fire. That was always a possibility on this road. Up ahead she spotted the cheerful, colored lights that shone out of Koopa's Rainbow Saloon.
"Can you watch my armor?" she asked, slinging off the dark bag and shoving it towards Fox.
He deftly took it, hoisting the strap over his shoulder and putting a paw on her hand. "Samus, be careful. Just 'cuz Koopa's the only neutral building in Smash City doesn't mean people don't get into brawls in there. Alcohol and anger go hand in hand and they both flow like lava in saloons. Just watch it."
"Will do, you big worry wart," she said teasingly as she brushed the bangs from her face. She placed a firm hand on her plasma whip. "I've got it in hand."
Fox gave her a funny look and walked off the road with the bag. Samus bit her lip as he left, turning to face the saloon again. She walked towards it stiffly, her knuckles white around her weapon and her heart pounding. She hadn't been in Koopa's Rainbow Saloon for quite a few months and it made her nervous every time. It was mostly the bad boys who hung out there. Well, that was why Snake was there, wasn't it?
The interior was cheerful and bright compared to the smoky dusk outside and Samus tried to relax a little. Her beady eyes scanned the room for Snake and she spotted him sitting by the bar. He looked relaxed, one hand loosely draped on the counter, the other holding a cigarette to his mouth. But behind the thin screen of white smoke that floated in front of him, Samus saw his cool, green eyes were glittering as they calculated every move. And they had spotted her.
Acknowledging him with a brief nod, she wove her way through the people and tables until she was across from him.
"So I heard from––" she started.
"Sit down, Sam," he responded in his gravelly voice, cutting her off.
She snapped her mouth shut in a tight line and sat with a small thud on the barstool in front of her.
Snake looked at her as he smoothly took the cigarette from between his lips and breathed out a stream of smoke. "Keep your tone low and let's just talk. Yeah, you heard I was wanted."
"By Bowser."
"That's right."
Samus was frustrated by his easy speaking. He should be freaking out right now. Like she was. "So what are you gonna do, stay in Koopa's forever? You can't. And you know Bowser. He won't respect that."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm not afraid of that oversized turtle."
"You have a price on your head. That means he's not the only one you gotta worry about, genius. You'll have everyone in the city lookin' for you soon, the other gang's cronies included. You're dead meat, Snake."
"Listen, Babe. You worry about yourself and I'll worry about me."
"Do you even know how much trouble you're in?"
"You think I'm stupid?" It was the first hint of annoyance in his tone, glazed with bitterness. "I knew exactly what I was getting into as a mercenary. That's why most of 'em don't stick around one place for long. I know what Bowser's capable of and I know I probably won't last another year." He put the cigarette back in his mouth and Samus glanced over her shoulder before turning back to him.
The glinting green eyes looked uncomfortable and worried and her own clouded nervously. "Any way I can help you? If we mercenaries don't stick together, we'll all die."
"Nothin' you can do and nothing I want you to do," he returned. "You stay outta this and away from me." His gazed wandered around the room and then refocused on her. "I'm bein' followed, Sam."
A child ran up her spine and her face grew hot. She didn't take her eyes from his face.
"Look, Babe," he added, his voice abruptly growing gruffer, but a mite tenderer. "Get outta this game before it's too late. You're a smart kid and I wouldn't wanna see you dead. Join a gang. Everyone'll want you. Get that pal of yours, Fox or whatever, to go with you. But as soon as Bowser catches up to me…I don't want you around. And I know that dragon. He'll look for all my mercenary buddies to hire and use as well."
"Why don't you just go and make yourself one of his cronies?" asked Samus desperately.
Snake tossed her a look of pure disdain. "Now you really think I'm a lunatic, don't you? I couldn't even imagine what it's like to be under him. Naw. You can't join Ganon. He's only got his boys. Little Mac's iffy. Get in line with Peach."
Samus glared at him. "Why don't you do that?"
"I couldn't handle it. And no one would take me anyway. I'm a confirmed mercenary and I've been around too much. Not trusted anymore. But you've got an identity guard with that suit of orange…"
"Have you tried?" Samus interrupted. "We could go to Peach together. I'll vouch for you. Or maybe Ganon would adopt you. I'm sure he's always looking for another boy who's as strong as you."
Snake snorted. "He adopts young ones, Sam. So he can train them. So he can use them. I'm too smart and he's definitely smart enough to see that with one glance."
Samus tucked her blonde bangs behind her ears. "Snake," she began again, "You can't just give up."
"I'll run 'til I die. You'll see me around. Don't get your head caught up in this. I've taken care of myself since I was eight and I ain't stoppin' now that I've got a gang lord on my tail."
Samus stood. "I'm not joining a gang. If they wouldn't accept you, they wouldn't accept me. It's dangerous to go offer my services and I've got a good partner in Fox. We've been together for ten years now and we make a good team. I'm safe."
Snake's eyes glittered, but they weren't annoyed or upset that she wasn't taking his advice. He looked a little haggard, tired, and perhaps a bit sad.
"Do what you will, Babe. Don't say I didn't warn you. Now scat. You don't need Bowser on your tail yet anyway."
Samus walked out stiffly. As soon as the door was shut she was booking it down the road and back to Fox, tears flowing from her eyes.
I hope you like it so far. Many more characters to be introduced. In fact...most of them. Please review. TTFN.