Disclaimer: Characters and song not mine. Only story is.
A/N: Whoa, updated in just three days. See what reviews can do? I'd like to take some time to thank all those wonderful people who've reviewed my story and put to rest my fears.
Ahem.
First of all, I'd like to thank Li Kayun for being the first ever to review this story with such flattering comments that had me smiling all day and gave me back some of my old confidence in continuing with this little muse of mine. Also to thank you for reviewing twice. Means a lot to me!
I'd like to thank beckboo for also reviewing twice and for adding me your favourite's list. I feel honoured!
Finally a big, heartfelt thanks to everyone else who reviewed Three Swords. Thanks to, Mr. Me, Noodles, Shea(Kit), and Azure Blood/ Ginger!
Keep reviewing if you keep liking.
Ø Yeah, still no Roy in this chapter but he'll definitely be here either in the next chapter or the next, next one. But no later than chapter 5 (this is chapter 3). And yes. Roy happens to be my favourite also.
Ø I know, most shounen-ai is so OOC and I guess I got sick of seeing that and so I tried my hand at my own shounen-ai story. I extremely dislike OOC. It's one of the few things that gets on my nerves. I don't like seeing big, strong warriors break down and cry at the drop of a hat and I also got bored of everyone claiming their undying love for each other. And since I own the game SSB:M and I like the three swordsmen so much… As well as I've played virtually every character's game (except for the Ice Climbers and Fire Emblem) I thought I could try writing about everyone's personalities as accurately as possible. Link is usually portrayed as this gruff, 'popular' (in some cases), rebellious, loud, outspoken teenager. But I've played enough Zelda games to know he's not really like that. At least, I don't see him like that. He never speaks in any of his games or makes any choices or decisions but he is brave and valiant and never questions his heroic role or anything. He doesn't seem conceited in my opinion but he's almost always written as a smug, arrogant person. I'm not playing him (or will play him) how I wish him to be but how I see him as originally. And that goes for all the characters as well. I might slip here and there but I've got a straight line in my view.
Ø Ah, ha…well…It's Link/Marth for now- but it is called Three Swords (three swordsmen- hint hint) for a reason. But I won't say anymore for fear of ruining the plot. Although there are a lot of Marth/Roy fics out there, you're right. I'll keep that in mind. I might even have to change the plot around a bit. But there you go. Uniqueness is something I'm aiming for. I don't want to write another mindless yaoi fic but one that hasn't been tried before. Something new and original. I've always liked individuality. Hopefully I may be able to scrape a bit of that into this story.
*~*~*~*~*
"Nobody knows it but you've got a
secret smile
And you use it only for me
…
I know there's something sacred and
free reserved
And received by me only"
*~*~*~*~*
The last couple of weeks crawled by slowly and no new fighter had signed up recently. Mario guessed because it was nearing Christmas. But there was still one empty space waiting to be filled.
A week before the 24th, Peach had called everyone's attention during one breakfast and proposed a sort of gift-giving game that everyone had to participate in. Ganondorf had scoffed at her and Mario had leapt to her defence immediately, bristling with challenge. Not wanting to be thrown out of SSBM, the Gerudo king had reluctantly accepted Peach's idea. Some received it with more enthusiasm than others; mainly the younger players squealing with delight.
"We each write our names on a piece of paper," Peach had said, "and fold it up and then place it in Mario's hat. That's okay, right, Mario?" The plumber had readily agreed and Peach continued, "then we all pick out a paper and to whoever's name we got on the paper, we give them a gift on Christmas eve! How's that?" The children were ecstatic about the idea. Some just seemed interested and others hadn't put much input at all, like Samus who had showed nothing underneath her helmet. Ganondorf had scowled darkly but didn't say anything.
"But," Zelda had asked, "what about Sheik and I? Do we both share a present or do we both get a separate gift…?" Peach had said it would be better if they both shared the gift since the person who'd give them something would have had to give two presents. But then someone commented that it'd be just as hard to find a gift that they both liked. But Peach had just shrugged and proceeded with the game.
When everyone had scribbled down their name (the pokémon had to be helped) Mario took off his hat and all the pieces of paper were deposited in it. Pichu, being the smallest, was allowed to pick a paper out first. Mario had to lower the hat to the pokémon's eye level as it placed a tentative paw inside the hat and picked out a neat, folded piece of paper.
"Now don't show anyone that paper, Pichu. It's supposed to be a surprise for everyone," Peach said, clasping her hands together in obvious glee. Young Link made quite a show of choosing the scrap of paper. He closed his eyes, bit his lip and dug around for almost a minute- until everyone started getting impatient and yelled at him. Smiling sheepishly he produced a paper and eyed the name scrawled on it in which he made a face but quickly hid it when he realised everyone was still looking at him. And so all the Smasher's picked out a name from Mario's hat. Some had grinned deviously at the name's they had gotten while other's had disappointed looks on their faces. Mario picked out his own name and cried out in disdain to Peach who smiled sweetly and told him to just put it back in and pick another one. Which he did but when Bowser's turn arose he looked at the piece of paper, roared furiously and spent the rest of the day stomping about the SSB grounds. Marth had frowned mysteriously at his piece of paper while Ganondorf had just picked out the first paper that poked out of the hat and left the room to look at the name by himself and probably throw the paper away afterwards. Kirby and Ness had horrified looks on their faces when they unfolded their scrunched up pieces of paper – especially Kirby who turned white and lost his appetite for all that day.
When they had all gotten a name Mario put his hat back on and Peach asked all those present a question.
"Now what would everyone prefer? The presents will be given at night on Christmas Eve under the tree but…there are two choices. Either we all give out our gifts personally or we put all the presents under the tree anonymously. So what will it be?"
Ness and Kirby had nodded enthusiastically about the anonymous idea (as well for a few others) but the majority voted for giving the presents personally. And so it was decided and they all filed out of the room to spend the rest of the day to their liking.
* * *
Link had thrown his piece of paper away but he couldn't believe who he had gotten. And just exactly what was he going to give him? He liked last year's idea where everyone gave a small gift to everyone… but then again there were loads more Smasher's this time 'round and he wasn't prepared to give away 23 gifts individually. And yet… somehow…he would rather give 23 presents away than give one to Marth but he didn't know why…
"You're such a pensive person, you know?" it was Zelda and she sat down next to him. They were in the library and whether it was because it wasn't such a big room or the books gave warmth (that would definitely be weird) it wasn't such a cold place. There was a soft, fur carpet in the middle of the room where Link had been resting on, a random book lying open in his lap. Link looked to Zelda who was sitting with her knees drawn up and staring at the book he was 'supposedly' reading.
"What do you mean?"
"You're always…thinking about something or other. You should really stop thinking once in a while. It's not healthy, you know?"
Link sighed. Maybe Zelda was right. Maybe that was what kept him from opening up to anyone so easily. If he'd stop retreating into his mind for everything then maybe someone would…
"See what I mean!" cried Zelda, a touch of amusement in her voice. Link blinked.
"Zelda…I can't help it."
"Oh, I'm sure there's someone that can change your mind." This time Link caught on quickly and he scowled darkly.
"Zelda! What is it with you and Sheik telling me all this?? Marth and I are not-"
"I know, I know! I'm just teasing you!" said Zelda but Link thought that maybe she was lying, "as for Sheik…well he and I just needed to know something."
Link would not get any rest until Zelda got what she wanted. He didn't grudge her for that but she had always been a sweet, demanding person. "What do you need to know, Zelda?" She edged closer to him and Link immediately stiffened.
"Link! You've known me all your life yet…" the distress in her words were apparent and Link flinched at the sound, "yet you treat me so indifferently!" He wanted to hold her and tell her it wasn't true. Zelda meant so much to him and she knew, she knew. But Zelda- she wanted…something else?
"That's not true, I just… I'm not-," Link struggled to explain what exactly he felt but he just didn't know himself. Of all the things he thought about, love wasn't one of them. He shuddered at the word. It was just not Link. Was it?
"I'm sorry I have to tell you this, Link, but I know Marth feels something for you. Young Link agrees with me too and we know it's not just friendship, whatever you may think," she said. Link swallowed and said nothing else, thinking wildly where they had both gotten such an idea. "So what I need to know," she hid the quaver in her voice well, "is if you…feel the same way."
Be truthful now. What did he feel for his friend? Sure he was surprised at himself for being so much at ease whenever Marth was near him. But he had never thought Marth meant anything more whenever he put an arm around Link playfully or whenever he flicked Link's bangs to annoy him. And Link felt so comfortable just sitting there, silently, next to his friend. But when Link did talk, Marth would listen to him with rapt attention and look at him with such warmth in his eyes… oh hell.
"I really don't know," he said truthfully, "I mean ever since Sheik mentioned it, I've thought about it but…I don't know." He looked to Zelda pleadingly. He didn't want to think about it. He was happy with Marth's friendship and he intended to keep it that way. She seemed satisfied with his answer and sighed heavily.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bother you…but thanks for telling me, I believe you," she mumbled and leant on Link. He looked startled for a moment, not used to much physical touch but let her lean on him.
"So," said Zelda, "who'd you get on the paper?"
"…Marth."
She rose an eyebrow at him, "really? That's actually kind of funny."
He snorted, annoyed, "yeah…and you?"
"Oh, I got Falco! Do you have any idea what kind of gift I can give to a bird?"
"…no?" And they were both chuckling softly, the tension slightly relieved.
* * *
He felt bad. He was avoiding Marth. Two days after his conversation with Zelda, Link still wasn't prepared to face Marth yet. And in his worry and confusion he still hadn't thought up of anything to give to the prince. And he was suspiciously sure that the more enthusiastic people already had their presents ready. Link hadn't really had a destination as he had been wandering the building randomly but when the Trophy room door appeared before him he decided to look inside. He closed the door behind himself, the room dark and empty but he hadn't expected someone else to be there.
Fox had his back turned to Link and was looking up at the large picture depicting the original twelve Smasher's grinning at the camera. Samus had even taken her helmet off and had a rare smirk on her face and Link was standing beside her, wearing a small grin. Mario was in the centre of the picture flashing his trademark peace sign and the rest were huddled around him with eager, smiling faces on. The photo had been taken just days after the original Smash Brother's tournament had officially begun. They looked happy.
Link was about to leave Fox to his thoughts when the Starfox leader sensed him and turned around.
"Ah, Link! What are you doing in here?"
Link shrugged, "just passing by."
"Do you remember this moment, Link?" said Fox turning back to look at the picture again. It seemed the vulpine was in the mood to talk to somebody. It would be rude to leave now so Link went to stand next to him and looked up at the enlarged photo.
"Of course." They were silent for a while until Fox spoke up again.
"Do you know what it feels like to lose someone you love, Link?" he looked carefully at Link as the elf seemed to consider his question seriously.
"I…haven't really ever loved anyone. I wouldn't know. Sorry."
"No need to be," said Fox, "but really. Haven't you ever known love at all? Paternal or maternal love even?"
Link shook his head slowly, "no…I never even knew if I had parents."
"I'm sorry. I guess it must be hard."
"Not really. I think I'm used to it."
"To what? Not feeling love?"
Silence.
"I lost my father when I was younger," said Fox, breaking the awkward silence, "he was killed in the war." Link nodded solemnly. He didn't know what else to say. Fox continued.
"But even though love hurts like nothing you've ever felt before, it's all damn worth it. I hate Andross for what he did. But such immense feelings like love and hate overwhelm you. I think it would be empty indeed if one didn't feel such powerful things. I haven't stopped loving my father. In fact I feel him ever present at my side whenever I'm in need. Even through death- he loves me and I him. How can you not acknowledge such a powerful thing as love? Surely you have felt it some time or other."
"I don't know," said Link listlessly. He suddenly felt very empty. He wanted to leave.
"I'm sorry, Link," said Fox apologetically, realising he had upset the elf. But Link smiled unconvincingly, "for what? You're probably right, don't worry about it." He waved his hand towards the picture, "great days, huh?"
"Yes and I'm sure it'll be even better next year," said Fox quietly. This seemed to cheer Link up.
"Of course! I can't wait! Battling is what I do best!" said Link, "well, I think I better be going. See you around, Fox." Link left the room and a very perplexed fox.
* * *
"Marth!" called Young Link spotting the prince swishing his sword about in the training room. He seemed quite concentrated, slashing the air with such fierceness that Young Link was sure Marth was trying to cut a hole in it. The blue-haired swordsman lowered his sword and turned to look at the small elf.
"Yes?"
"Um," Young Link jutted the toe of his boot on the floor and started drawing imaginary circles with it, "have you seen Link? He said he would train with me today…I figured I'd find him here but no-one has seen him all day." Something dark flickered in the prince's eyes.
"I wouldn't know."
"Uh…thanks, I suppose," Young Link studied Marth with narrowed eyes.
"What?" asked Marth feeling uncomfortable under the scrutinising stare.
"What happened between you and Link?" the little elf was blunt, no doubt about that. Marth raised his arms up in exasperation.
"What? Doesn't anyone have something else of more interest to talk about than what goes on between Link and I?"
"I'm sure about that!" growled Young Link, "but Zelda, Sheik and I are worried about Link! He's really important to us!"
Marth grew quiet, the anger banishing from his face replaced by a subdued confusion.
"What do you mean- worried?"
"You'd never understand," sighed little Link and whirled around, storming away.
Marth watched him go with heavy frustration. Wonderful, now he had both Links angry at him and he didn't even know why. He turned back to slashing the air furiously. What did happen? Had Sheik said something inappropriate to Link? Most probably. But what? Oh, he missed being around Link. They had grown incredibly close in just a few weeks and then, all of a sudden, the elf was avoiding him. Without any given explanation. Had their quick closeness scared Link? Ah, what did it matter? If Link wanted to be alone and think things through then that was his choice.
An image of an elf swathed in morning light in that very same room penetrated Marth's mind. With a restrained cry, Marth threw his sword across the room as he remembered the first smile Link had ever given him.
* * *