Story: Love in Battle

Chapter: Two

Game: SSBB

Pairing: Marth/Zelda

Rated: Teen

Author's Notes: Hello again! I forgot to warn everybody, but in this story there will be moments of Peach bashing. She just gets on my nerves sometimes. haha! Before you start reading, sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes.


Back at Hyrule, Zelda entered the king's grand bedroom. She saw his weak form lying peacefully in his bed. His long white hair spread across his many pillows. She saw that his face was much paler than normal, and it made her worry.

"Father?" Zelda called as she approached his bedside. The Hylian King turned to look at his only daughter.

"Zelda," He rasped, which sent him into a fit of coughing. Zelda place her small hand onto his forehead, but removed it quickly from the heat.

"You're burning up," She said with worrying. The king nodded.

"Yes, but don't worry about. I believe that I'll get better in a few days," He said weakly, "Now, how are things at Smash HQ?"

"Oh," Zelda breathed, "Everything is going well. I've made many friends, and Link is there to watch over me."

"That's good. Link has always been a good friend of yours," Her father nodded, "Did you find any men that you are possibly interested in marrying?"

"Marrying?" Zelda looked at him surprised, "Father, I am not there to look for suitors. I'm there to train for combat. You know that."

"I do, but it never hurts to keep a weather eye open. Besides, if you find someone there that is worth marrying and is an excellent fighter, that's just more benefits for you."

"Of course, father," Zelda mumbled.

"You didn't answer my question, daughter. Did you find any men that are suitable for marriage?" Her father repeated again.

"Uhh… I don't know. I mean, there are a lot of handsome men there, especially the new prince," Zelda whispered the last part, but her father caught her words.

"A new prince? Tell me about him," The father beckoned for her to continue. Zelda sighed.

"It is Prince Marth of Altea. He arrived yesterday. We met in battle, but he defeated me. The prince has a skill for the sword," She told her father reluctantly.

Her father nodded approvingly, "I see. That's wonderful news. I've heard of the Prince of Altea. Altea was a marvelous kingdom."

"Was?" Zelda repeated. The Hylian King nodded.

"Yes, Altea was invaded by King Hardin of Akaneia, and was destroyed. Though, earlier the prince and a small group of stalwarts fought to free it when it was invaded by the kingdom of Doluna and the dragon, Medeus. The brave prince fought and defeated the dragon, but that all happened before the invasion of Akaneia," Her father explained. Zelda's eyes widened from shock.

"You mean his kingdom… is gone?" She whispered. The king nodded sadly.

"No wonder he looks so depressed, but acts like he isn't," Zelda said heartbroken from the news, "Is there anything we can do to help?"

"It is not our place. If Prince Marth wants to rebuild his kingdom, that is his choice. All we can do is help him with rebuilding if he makes that decision," The king answered his child. Zelda nodded understanding.

"Okay," She said simply.

"Good. Now, I'm tired," Her father said as he closed his eyes.

"All right. Get some rest, father," She said as she patted his hand and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Zelda soon heard him snoring, and quietly left the room.

--

It has been three days since Zelda left for Hyrule, and Marth was in the training grounds of the HQ. He and Ike were busy getting ready for their team match later that day. They would be facing Falco and Wolf.

"Come on, Ike. You seem weak today," Marth commented as Ike missed him again.

"Sorry, I haven't had a match for over a week now," Ike said and went to strike Marth again. Unfortunately for him, Marth met it with his own sword.

"Tisk, Tisk, Tisk. No good," Marth said with a smirk, "And I thought you were one of the strongest here?"

"Argh!" Ike shouted as he rushed Marth. Marth simply sidestepped, and watched at he went straight into the wall. Marth laughed at the idiot.

"Smooth, Ike, real smooth," Marth continued to chuckle.

"Oh, hush up," Ike mumbled as he brushed himself off. Link approached the two warriors.

"Mind if I join?" The hero asked. Marth and Ike looked over at the Hylian.

"Nope, go right ahead," Marth answered. He was soon met with Link's sword, but easily blocked it. Soon, the boys were busying sparring.

--

Zelda touched down on the roof of the headquarters. She looked around at her surroundings. It was good to be home for a few days, but she missed her friends. It was nice to be back.

She was greeted by Mario and Luigi, "Welcome back, Zelda."

"Thanks, you two. It's good to be back," The Hylian princess smiled at the two short men.

"There is a brawl that will be taking place later this afternoon," Mario informed her of the latest news.

"Really?" Zelda asked, "Who is it?"

"it's teams; Falco and Wolf vs. Marth and Ike," Luigi finished for his brother. Zelda raised her blonde eyebrows.

"Oh, that sounds exciting. I'll be there," She smiled, nodding. The twin plumbers grinned, and walked away leaving Zelda alone.

"Zelda!" Lucas cried as he ran towards his teacher. Zelda's eyes lit up at the sight of her small friends.

"Hello, Lucas," She greeted, "I trust you've been a good boy."

Lucas nodded with excitement,"Yeah!"

Zelda laughed at his cheerfulness, "That's good to hear. Do you know where Link is?"

"Yeah, he's at the training grounds," Lucas said.

"All right," Zelda began to walk away, but turned back, "Aren't you coming, Lucas?"

"Okay!" Lucas cried, and ran towards her.

--

Zelda and Lucas entered the training grounds to see a bunch of the Smashers having a tough time with each other. She watched as Peach watched Mario and Luigi fight, Samus testing out her gun on Snake, and even Jigglypuff and Kirby having their own twisted fun.

Zelda then heard the clashing of swords, and looked towards the source. What she saw shocked her. Marth, Ike and Link were wrestling on the mats! It looked very awkward to Zelda. She looked the other direction and saw Ness playing with his own PK Thunder.

"Lucas, why don't you go over there and join Ness," Zelda suggested as she pointed out the boy. Lucas nodded happily, and bounced towards his friend. Once Lucas was gone, Zelda walked quietly over to the men. Obviously, they didn't notice her presence because they continued their wrestling match on the floor. After a few minutes passed, Marth and Ike seemed to pin Link to the ground. Link laid there defeated.

"Now, that isn't very fair, is it? Two against one?" Zelda noticed. The boys' heads looked up to see the princess standing there with her arms crossed.

"Zelda," Link said weakly from beneath Marth. Marth let go of the hero, and stood up.

"You're back, Zelda," Marth smiled, "When did you get here?"

"Just a little bit ago, actually. I came looking for Link, but I see you got him… busy," Zelda laughed, "I'll say it was quite a sight."

Link, finally, was able to stand up after he pushed Ike aside. He bowed slightly at his princess in formal greeting.

"I'm relieved that you made it back safety, princess," Link said. It surprised Zelda at how proper he was being.

"Thank you," She said nonetheless. She looked over at the Altean prince and was reminded of his homeland.

"Marth, would you like to go for a walk?" Zelda suggested. Marth smiled slightly.

"All right," He agreed. The prince walked next the beautiful princess, but didn't attempt to offer an arm. They walked out of the room.

--

Zelda took Marth to the outside garden. It was full of many different flowers, bushes, and had several fountains of the Smashers. It was a beautiful, relaxing place.

"What an amazing garden," Marth commented as he walked next to the Hylian Princess who barely spoke a word since they left the training grounds.

"It is. One of my most favorite places here," Zelda agreed, but then went back to watching her feet as they walked.

"Is something bothering you, princess?" Marth asked noticing her silence.

Zelda sighed, "Sorta, but it isn't my place to speak of such matters since they are personal."

The mention of personal matters made Marth stop, "Personal matters? What are these personal matters?"

Zelda didn't want to say anything, but it was hard not to when he looked at her like that. She had no choice, but to tell him. The princess only hoped it would not tarnish their friendship.

"I heard the dreadful news concerning your homeland, Prince Marth," Zelda let out in a sigh. Marth froze. She wasn't supposed to find out about that fate. He looked away in shame.

"I see," He said barely audible. Zelda looked up at him, but his face was still turned. Hesitantly, she turned his face towards her.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure I wasn't supposed to know, but I talked of you to my father. He told me," Zelda said. Marth closed his deep, blue eyes, and rested his cheek on her delicate hand.

"Altea… is just a touchy subject for me. I do not wish to speak about it openly to foreigners even if they are friend to me," Marth tried to explain.

"I ask for no explanation! Really, I just wanted you to know that I knew. I won't speak of it again, if that is what you wish," Zelda said in a rush. Marth nodded in her palm, and opened his eyes to look at the humane princess.

"Thank you," He said sincerely, "Can I ask something of you?"

"Anything," Zelda answered.

"May I hold you for a moment?" He whispered. Zelda smiled a heartbroken smile for this man.

"Of course," She answered in a short breath. Marth showed no expression on his face as he moved her into his arms. He held onto her for comfort for she was the only one who he could rely on here. Right now, her friendship was the most important thing to him, and he would do anything to hold onto it tightly.


I know this chapter wasn't as long as the other one, but I still hope you liked it! Tell me your thoughts! Even mention something you may want to see happen and I'll see what I can do. Thanks!

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MoonlightMaiden14