Everyone was treating him differently now. Suddenly people started being very friendly, ruffling his hair, even giving him an affectionate nickname. The competitive air had died down some, it seemed. Tucking his legs in, Toon Link let out a sigh and slumped back onto the sofa.

A woman with silky, navy blue hair stood in the middle of the room, swiveling her head in a wide arc to look at each of the fighters gathered around her. The loud hum of their voices drowned out her pleas for them to slow down. The blonde boy smiled, remembering when he'd first come in. Too embarrassed to admit he hadn't heard anyone's instructions, he fumbled around the house all day trying to locate his room without success, until he caved and settled on the couch. He was told later that it happened quite often, but apparently his housemates still hadn't made an effort to switch greeting tactics. Meta Knight settled in beside him, watching with amusement as the woman finally sought help and grabbed the nearest body (a startled Luigi) and hid partially behind him. Toon Link realized that he didn't feel awkward around Meta Knight anymore; a little unsettled at times, but not uncomfortable. Sensing his thoughts, Meta Knight spoke over the commotion.

"So, how does it feel to be a veteran?"

"Veteran?" he echoed. He hadn't even considered it. It still felt weird to call himself that.

"I don't know. Good, I guess."

"It feels a lot more relaxed to me. From what I've heard, you get treated better. You know all the drills, the people, and best of all you don't have to fight for a title anymore."

Toon Link perked up at that, turning to stare at him with big eyes.

"The title? Really? That's the only reason everyone was so cruel?"

Meta Knight shrugged.

"Sure, why not? Everyone that's been called here was chosen, not because they know how to fight, but because they want to. It's always bound to turn competitive. It weeds out the weaker links."

Link mulled this over.

"But why give anyone the boot?"

Again, the knight shrugged.

"We're not just roommates, you know. We're a team, a family. The universe may need us to save it once more, and when that day comes we have to be sure we have nothing but the finest." He poked the boy in the chest.

"You made it. You have what it takes. Progressing past your newcomer status means you've proven yourself worthy of being on the team," he rumbled, the faintest hint of mirth in his voice.

"Congratulations."

Toon Link stared at him a good moment. He'd never thought of it like that before. A smile crept onto his face, and before he knew it he was grinning ear to ear. He nodded, puffing up with pride.

"Thank you!"