Hammerschlag presents: A Very Merry Christmas Special 2017 Episode 12: Rivals

Another dialogue-only ficlet, this time with Cain, Abel, Marth, Kris and Shiida. I had fun writing the last one, so I'm fairly certain I'll derive some enjoyment from this.

"Hey Cain, we never really finished our last sparring session."

"Yes, we did, Abel. I won 25-24."

"We were supposed to do 50. It could have been a draw, then I could have won the tie-breaker. We only stopped because Marth ordered us to."

"Hah, as if. I don't need to fight you anymore; we both know I'm superior."

"In your dreams! You only had that initial lead this morning because I was off to a slow start. I won the last 10 in a row!"

"By a smaller margin each time. I'd've beaten you had we fought one more time."

"Are you sure about that? I recall growing frustration and increased sloppiness as time went on."

"From yourself, possibly."

"Why can't you accept that I was getting better and you were getting tired? Endurance is a key factor in battle, as Jagen taught us many times."

"Because I'm fairly confident you found a way to cheat."

"I did not cheat you and you know it!"

"You absolutely did."

"I did not! … Oh hi Marth."

"Huh?"

"Gentlemen."

"Eh, what's up, Marth?"

"I was about to ask you the same."

"We were having a disagreement over who is better with a lance."

"Care to settle it for us?"

"Your sparring matches tend to be fairly close, but you, Abel, seem to win the majority of them."

"The voice of reason!"

"That's not true at all! Marth, with all due respect, you don't see all of our fights. I swear I have a better record than he does!"

"You wish!"

"Do you guys actually keep a written record? That would be a fairly good way to settle this."

"That's… not a bad idea. I only wish I'd thought of it."

"Well, if you remember, I did, but then you said our memory was more than adequate and writing the records down would be a waste of time."

"Well it's your fault for listening!"

"So you admit wrongdoing?"

"I didn't say that."

"To be fair, you kind of did."

"What ever you three are doing, stop it right now. There are more important matters that need to be discussed."

"Shiida? Kris? What are you doing here?"

"Marth, settle an argument for us."

"Yeah?"

"Which one of us is more attractive?"

"I beg your pardon?!"

"Seriously, ladies?"

"It has to be me. We've known each other since childhood. Kris only showed up recently."

"That's why he'd fine me more attractive! I'm new and fresh, you're just an old friend!"

"Is this really happening right now?"

"Looks aren't everything! The fact that we know so much about each other increases mutual attractiveness."

"That's it! I've had enough! Marth, marry one of us! Now!

"Oh Naga, please help me…"

"My Prince, there are some matters in the castle that require your immediate atten–"

"WHY ARE YOU ALL HERE! I'M GETTING COMPLETELY LOST! Cain, how 'bout we get out of here and settle all of this with one last spar."

"I'm up for that! Let's go!"

"No, wait, take me with you! Oh Gods…"

Short but fun. Whether it's good or not is up to you guys.

Writing tunes: Erik Satié's Gnossienes