Disclaimer: I do not own Super Smash Brothers, the characters, or anything related.

Episode 3

Jigglypuff had spent the last moments gazing at the sunset, her most favourite time of the day. It gave her a feeling of ease and comforted her whenever she was stressed. This was one of those days. Depression was a mood known to Jigglypuff in rare occurrences. Whenever she did feel sad, like she was now, it mainly revolved around one reason she considered foolish.

Each and everyday, at least one Smasher would keep her informed that she was the weakest Smasher in history. Jigglypuff sighed. "I've been hearing those comments since I became a Smasher in the first tournament. I'm used to them so why do they still hurt? Maybe…the pain is always unavoidable behind those cruel words … Perhaps they won't hurt so badly if I just accepted them as truth."

Several comments were used to bring Jigglypuff down to the depths of despair, particularly the following.

"Why would the Master Hand invite such a weakling to the Smash Brothers Tournaments?"

"If the Master Hand is inviting something like you to Super Smash Brothers, he must be at his last resort."

"If you are not even going to try to improve, why don't you just leave and go back where you came from?"

"I never knew someone to be so weak. The Master Hand could invite anyone else to this tournament and each would be more than capable to show better talent than you."

Jigglypuff tried hard to fight back the tears. Even the comments were not spoken verbally, they remained entwined to her thoughts.

How long had it been since she arrived at the Smash Mansion for the first Super Smash Brothers Tournament? Jigglypuff lost count a long time ago. She didn't even know her age as matter of fact. Every day had been the same even before arriving as a Smasher…That's right … now she remembered. Before becoming a Smasher, she had been in the hands of one of the cruel Pokemon trainers imaginable.

Jigglypuff awoke from her short sleep she managed to get. She was in her room, the dark and cold basement, on the floor. She had no idea whether it was day or night due to the basement always being so dark, not a single thing could be seen … just like her … Jigglypuff knew she wasn't worthy of being noticed.

Her trainer had been utterly shamed at possessing her as a Pokemon. The trainer wanted to win every match and with her chosen as his Pokemon, he knew his dreams were crushed. He needed someone stronger - anyone!

The sound of the door being slammed open snapped Jigglypuff out of her thoughts. Another day of torture commences.

"Jigglypuff, wake up!" the trainer shouted in a voice so loud that it could hurt anyone's ears.

"I am awake Master," she said weakly still exhausted.

"Aw, that's a shame. I really wanted to use this to do the job," the trainer held up the whip in his hand. "But I guess that will be for another day. Hah, yeah right. I'll just try it out now." With a wave of his hand, the whip obediently found its way towards its target and made damaging contact.

Jigglypuff bit her lip, trying not to scream from the pain. How desperately she wanted a peaceful life.

"Here's the deal weakling. Lose today's match and another beating is in order. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes …"

"Say that again."

"Yes, I understand."

"Good."

Jigglypuff finally allowed herself to cry. The sooner she let out those sad feelings, the better. The tears streamed down her face as more sobs continued to escape her. Suddenly the sound of footsteps made her freeze in place. She quickly wiped the tears from her face so no one would know she had been crying. She didn't need to be insulted any more than she presently was. Jigglypuff hid behind a tree to see who was there.

To her relief, Jigglypuff saw that it was only Meta Knight and Kirby heading back to the Smash Mansion.

"Let's go Kirby. Supper will be ready shortly." Jigglypuff heard Meta Knight say to Kirby who contently walked by his side.

Suddenly, a new thought flashed through her mind. Jigglypuff realized that she wasn't the only one who was told hurtful things. She was called weak while Meta Knight was told a lot that he was cold and uncaring. The Jigglypuff remembered something Meta Knight said in the cafeteria when Ike provoked him.

"I am quite certain that everyone in this room do not realize I hurt deep down."

Jigglypuff was now sad for Meta Knight instead. She realized he detested being called cold and uncaring just as she disliked being called weak. That was something else they shared in common. She knew that Meta Knight was more than what most people perceived. She saw him care for Kirby earlier that day. Also, if he was true to their assumptions, he wouldn't have confessed to her in the first place. A voice brought her back from her thoughts.

"Kirby, you go on ahead. I will be there for supper in a while." That voice was unmistakeably Meta Knight's.

"Poyo?" Kirby said, tugging on his cape.

"I will be all right. Do not worry about me."

Reluctantly, Kirby continued to head towards the Smash Mansion. He took one last look behind himself before entering. As Kirby disappeared from sight, Meta Knight sighed and headed in the opposite direction. Jigglypuff, now intrigued, followed quietly behind careful not to make any sounds.

Eventually, she was lead to the beach. Jigglypuff remained hidden behind the tree and waited to see what would happen next. To her shock, Meta Knight removed his mask and set it down beside him. He sighed again.

Unfortunately for Jigglypuff, she fell over sideways having lost her balance. She quickly stood up, hoping Meta Knight didn't notice. To her dismay, that was not to be. He quickly turned around to see who was there, forgetting that he didn't have his mask on. "Who's there?"

Jigglypuff came out from behind the tree, feeling ashamed.

Meta Knight visibly relaxed. Then the realization that he wasn't wearing his mask dawned upon him. He turned away, face scarlet. He was surprised when Jigglypuff put a hand on his cheek.

"Meta Knight, I've already seen your face before. Don't you remember?"

Meta Knight's gaze lowered to the ground. "Yes."

Jigglypuff noticed that he seemed troubled by something. "Are you all right Meta Knight?"

"Yes, I am fine."

"You don't seem that sure." Jigglypuff said, concern showing in your eyes.

"I am." Meta Knight made eye contact with her, expression serious. "However, I am worried about you."

Jigglypuff was taken aback. "W-What? Why?"

"It is not like you to skip supper. That itself concerns me. What's bothering you?"

Jigglypuff sighed. "Well, I guess I have been feeling down. I was fine this morning, but when I lost a brawl, a few of the others were bullying me again like they usually do. I was then reminded of when I first came as a Smasher to the Smash Brothers Tournaments…and the horrible life I had endured before then."

Meta Knight seemed confused. "Horrible?"

Jigglypuff nodded. "Before I came here, I lived with my trainer who was the cruellest person I ever knew. He always insulted and beat me up whenever I lost a match and not once did he care about my feelings or well-being. As each day passed, I began to lose my will to live. And by miracle, exciting news spread about the Master Hand seeking for anyone interested in becoming a Smasher for the first tournament. I saw this as a chance to finally live in peace and escape my trainer. When he left immediately to hear more about the tournament, I was able to run away without being noticed."

"I sent a letter to the Master Hand explaining my predicament and situation, also informing him of what I had to go through. He replied back immediately and allowed me to move in the Smash Mansion early. I remember how excited I was when I first set foot in there. I felt as though my life could finally have some meaning. When the first Smashers arrived, I was eager to meet them. Some were nice and easy to get along with, but some always made fun of me. When I found out some of these people were heroes in their world, I felt intimidated and scared."

"Unfortunately, my first match was against one of the Smashers I didn't get along with. However, I was relieved that there would be no more beatings when I made mistakes. Even when each tournament passed, I stayed at the Smash Mansion not having a home to return to. The Master Hand instantly agreed to have me stay. Once in a while, he would allow me use the training equipment to improve my fighting skills. I feel sad when I am teased at the only home I have. The Smash Brothers Tournaments were the only place I felt like someone … and others find it amusing to torment me for being weak. None of them would understand what I had to go through. Even if I go back in there, losing today's brawl would be one of their main gossip topics. For that reason, I wanted to stay away from them." Jigglypuff sighed waiting for Meta Knight's response.

He was quiet at first, but hugged her close to him. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I never knew you suffered … so much."

Jigglypuff hugged him back, feeling much better she finally told someone the truth. "Thank you so much Meta Knight for understanding," she replied, crying with happiness. She was surprised when Meta Knight released her from his grip, he kissed her on the cheek. Jigglypuff instantly felt warm inside. "I love you …" she whispered.

"I love you too Jigglypuff."

As the two headed back for the Smash Mansion, Jigglypuff felt much happier inside. This tournament had to be the best one so far. She felt at ease, knowing she had someone who would be there for her. One of the best things that happened in her life was meeting Meta Knight.