Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait, I've been battling a bad case of writers' block, and I've only just powered through it. I feel that this chapter is my worst yet (it is my shortest) and I hope you can bear with me to the next chapter. It will be better, I promise you guys that. Oh. And I was going to get this chapter out yesterday, but my internet went wonky. So, I apologize. Also, I don't own Smash bros. On with the story!

The room was dark, only lit dimly by two flickering candles that stood on either side of a figure in a black cloak and hood which completely obscured their face. The figure seemed to be a statue, the only clue that it was a living being was the slow rise and fall of their chest. The figure seemed to be contemplating the wall directly in front of it when a door opened behind them, another person in similar garb striding forth. The newcomer stopped short of the contemplative figure, kneeling in respect.

"My Lord," he said in a raspy voice, almost whispering. "The new tournament has begun, as you are already aware, and I have much information to give you as to the strengths and weaknesses of the Smashers. Psychological and physical,"

The other figure was silent for a moment.

"I see," he said in a voice that, while deep, was soft, serpent-like. "Tell me about the Hylian,"

The kneeling figure nodded rapidly, even though he knew his master couldn't see him.

"He is strong in many ways, My Lord. He has no apparent weaknesses," the kneeling figure halted for a moment, as if savoring what he was about to say. "But, I have found one of his only weaknesses. He has been on many adventures, triumphed over great evil, but he is still naïve. He believes the best of everyone, and is way too trusting. And I know just how to exploit this, if you wish so, Master,"

"What is your plan?"

After hearing the plan, the figure had a few misgivings about it, and wasn't afraid of letting his servant know it.

"Do you really think that will work? That could blow everything! The chances of that actually succeeding are slim to none!" though he raised his voice, it never once grew to a shout.

His servant cowered back, shielding his face with his arms.

"Master, Master! Wait! There is something I haven't told you yet! I have gotten in contact with that operative you told me about, and she agreed to help with the plan,"

The figure stood in silence for a moment, and when he spoke next, there was an underlying current of warning in his voice.

"Good, that increases your chances of success by a long shot. But if you should fail, if you return to me without what I want, you will pay!"

"Understood, Master!"

"Good, now go!"

The cowering figure hastily stood and made his way out, shutting the door behind him as he ran from his master.

"Soon… soon, I shall have my vengeance," the figure muttered, opening his eyes as they shone with a dark purple flame.

Meanwhile, at Smash Mansion

A few days after the snow at Smash Mansion, Link awoke feeling refreshed. The "warm-up" matches had all finished the day before, and Link was glad for a reason to sleep in. Judging by the clock on his bedside table, it was almost noon, so he quickly did his morning routine before heading down towards the kitchens, intent on getting something to fill the emptiness that was his stomach. As he turned a corner, he bumped into a short person dressed for a heavy winter.

"Oh, sorry Popo," he apologized. "I wasn't watching where I was going,"

"Oh, it's alright," the Ice Climber responded cheerily. "Hey, have you seen Toon around? We were supposed to go pranking earlier,"

"I don't know, but if you can't find him, he's probably in his room,"

"Thanks Link!" Popo said as he ran off.

Link just shook his head, smiling. Without those kids, this place just wouldn't feel right. They were part of the reason the mansion was so… magical. Shaking his head, he resumed his walk to the kitchens, occasionally glancing out of nearby windows.

After breakfast, he decided to take a stroll around the grounds. The snow from earlier hadn't melted at all, and blanketed the surrounding landscape in its wintry embrace. As he walked, he took out his ocarina, and began playing. Distantly he could hear Ness arguing with Captain Falcon about who was better with women, to which Link grinned. Those two could be so childish.

He was so occupied with his thoughts that he almost ran into someone else.

"Sorry," he said to who he recognized as Megaman.

The robot merely smiled at him.

"No problem, Link. Hey, I was wondering, will you walk with me?"

Link smiled politely.

"Sure," he responded, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Oh, I just wanted to talk about the mansion with you," Megaman said as he began walking across the grounds.

"Alright, what about the mansion?"

"How're the other Smashers? I haven't really interacted with them much, most seem content to stay within their pre-established group of friends. Only Mario, Pikachu, Fox, the kids, and Samus ever say more than a few words to me at a time,"

"I'm sure they'll come around. They'll warm up to you soon enough," Link tried to sound encouraging as he patted Megaman's arm.

"Thanks Link, I wasn't sure I was welcome here,"

"Of course you are. Trust me, it happens to all of the newcomers. Don't worry, you'll be best friends with everyone by the time the tournament's over,"

"You're a good friend, Link," Megaman said, smiling at Link before he walked off.

"Strange," Link commented to himself as he resumed his walk.

"But I guess he just needed someone to help him feel wanted. I can relate. Boy, I sure had that problem with the whole Hero of Time thing, destined to slay an unspeakable evil at a young age. Glad I got my confidence back," he took a breath, smiling as his breath misted in front of him.

"I wonder where Toon is?" he wondered as he saw Samus waving at him as she made her way over.

Man, did she make him feel wonderful. If only she knew.

Toon Link's Room

"Ugh, man this sucks," Toon Link groaned from his bed, nursing a black eye and sporting multiple bruises.

"Well, you did bring it on yourself," Lucas said from a chair next to his bed, where he was reading a book.

"Shut up, Lucas. I'm never trying to get Samus and Link together again. It isn't worth it!"

"Come on, you know you don't mean that,"

Toon Link sighed. Lucas was probably right. The things he'd do for his older incarnation.

"Yea, I don't mean it, but it doesn't mean I can't be mad about it," Toon Link groaned, turning over in bed and covering his face with his arm.

"It isn't that bad,"

"Yes it is! If you even mention Samus being romantically involved with anyone, well, you're dead. Or you end up like me, I don't know which is worse,"

"She'll come around, you know she's just… shy around the male population," Lucas said, not looking up from his book.

"Pffft!" Toon said, obviously disagreeing. "Yea, and I also heard Bowser can fly with magical wings of love,"

"You heard that too?" Lucas asked, actually looking up from his book.

Toon deadpanned.

"What?"

"Nevermind…"

Just Outside Smash Mansion

"Well, that was fun," Link commented, brushing snow off his shoulder as he and Samus approached the doors to the mansion.

"Yea, those guys had it coming," Samus replied steadily.

Just a few minutes earlier, they had unwittingly walked into the middle of a snowball fight between the Fire Emblem Smashers and the Star Fox Smashers. After Link and Samus had tried to get out of the battle, they were heckled from afar by the Star Fox team, with Wolf insulting their warrior's honor. The ensuing chaos had been fun and light-hearted, and nobody was spared the wrath of the Hylian and the Bounty Hunter.

Link opened the door for Samus, but before she walked through, he stopped her.

"Hang on, you've got something…" he trailed off as he gently brushed a snowflake out of her hair, causing her to tint pink.

'Did Samus just blush? No, there's no way.' Link thought as he stared into her eyes.

"Thanks. I think I'm going to just go to my room, headache and all," Samus said quickly, not making eye contact with Link as she dashed up the stairs to her room, leaving a confused Link behind.

"What? Did I do something wrong?" he asked the empty room.

"Women, trust me, they're almost like a different species," a voice said as a think hand rested on his shoulder.

Link turned around to see King Dedede staring after Samus with a knowing expression.

"What do you know about women?" he asked, skeptical.

"I know a lot about the curious creatures known as women," Dedede said, taking Link by the shoulder and gesturing with his giant arm. "They're crazy all right, but you can't live without 'em,"

Link sweat dropped.

"Have you honestly ever had a conversation with one that has lasted for more than half a minute?"

Dedede looked scandalized that Link could ever think such a thing.

"Well, of course! No, actually, not even once in my life," Dedede said, suddenly teary.

"Hey, don't be sad, I'm sorry," Link tried to apologize, but he was interrupted by Dedede bursting into laughter.

"Don't feel sorry for me, lad! Feel sorry for yourself! The life of a bachelor is wonderful, and filled with surprises. I fear you won't be one for long," he ruffled Link's hair before walking away, laughing jovially.

Link stood in the empty room awhile longer, wondering why an immature penguin… thing was acting like an elder who found Link's inexperience with women amusing in a way only those who have ascended through to the tops of society could understand. Eventually, he just face palmed, sighing deeply.

"Am I the only sane one in this mad house?"

Well guys, that's a wrap. The story is only just starting, so we should some more action next chapter. Sorry once more for the delays, see you next time!