Yay! An update! Finally. I'm so incredibly sorry this was so late. Between finals, and my computer breaking, I've had a lot of trouble, but I'm free now, and I hope to update Aether much more frequently than I have recently.

Anyway, about the chapter. This is the first chapter I've written in a while, so I'm still trying to reorient myself with the story. Basically, I jumped forward in time about a month to save myself the strain of resuming exactly where I left off, so there's a gap between chapters 6 and 7. I'm warning you in case it doesn't make sense, which, hopefully, it will. So, without further ado…

CHAPTER 7: BACK TO NORMAL

"AND SO ENDS ROUND 1 OF THE ANNUAL SMASH TOURNAMENT!" boomed the announcer. "MY CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE STAYING, AND MY CONDOLENCES TO THOSE LEAVING US."

After a series of long, grueling battles, the air of the Smash Castle was abuzz with excitement as the first round of competition drew to a close. On the winning bracket were 17 names: Ike, Samus, Ganondorf, Snake, Mario, Wario, Kirby, Link, Zelda, Peach, Ash, Pit, Meta Knight, DK, Bowser, Lucario, and Fox.

The last round had gone by fast, mostly consisting of short, decisive battles that quickly eliminated all but the strongest. But no one in the castle could feel safe. Round 2 was where the real game began.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Ike watched as Marth's chest rose and fell. It was the middle of the night in the dark infirmary, and Ike had scarcely left Marth's side since the accident. The Crimean sat slumped forward with a mixture of pain and concern that had been plastered on his face for days. Suddenly, for the first time in what seemed like ages, Ike stood up and walked away. As he left he took one final look at Marth and said to the empty air, "Ganondorf, you will pay for this."

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

The only word that could describe the cafeteria at lunchtime was loud. Link, Zelda, Ash, Peach and Samus were sitting together making conversation in the midst of the noise, most of which was caused by a drunken Wario dancing a tango with a less than willing Kirby on the tables, to the general amusement of the crowd.

"Wow," giggled Peach, "Kirby's not a bad dancer!"

"Yeah," replied Link, "but Wario really can't hold his liquor, can—"

Link was stunned silent as he noticed the doorway. Samus nearly fell out of her chair. Gradually the crowd grew silent as one by one they noticed as well, leaving a clueless Wario still swinging Kirby around the room. Ike stood in the doorway, looking a little awkward as the room continued to stare at him. By now even Wario stopped, allowing Kirby enough time to break free and run to the trash can to throw up. Finally Ike said, sheepishly, "What's up?" and went to sit with his friends. The noise struck up again as Wario looked for a new dance partner.

"Dude," Ash said in disbelief, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Ike. "I thought it over and I decided that there are better ways to worry. That, and…"

"And you were hungry."

"Well," grinned Ike, "yeah."

Samus beamed on the inside when she realized how much she missed his smile. "Finally,"she thought, "things are back to normal."

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

A pale blue light filled the room as Ganondorf and the Ancient Minister discussed their plans. All around them, machines hummed and whirled, generating a feeling of power that pulsed through the air. The Ancient Minster sneered.

"It seems as though we lack the staffing we need to run the Factory, Ganondorf."

"Fear not, my friend," answered Ganondorf in his low growl. "I have intercepted a shipment of R.O.B.'s to the Smash Fortress. They should be able to run the Factory suitably, once reprogrammed."

"Good, that is a step forward. However, if we are to enact our plan to the best possible outcome, we shall require the aid of some powerful allies. I believe that the best course of action in this case, would be to—"

"Incoming message, Minister, important," rang a female voice from nowhere.

"Thank you computer. Put it onscreen"

The opposing wall suddenly sprang to life as a large screen turned on. On the display was nothing but a mass of dark clouds.

"Minister, Ganondorf," rumbled a voice from deep within the clouds.

"Yes, my lord," the two said in unison, kneeling as they did so.

"I have some important news, Minister," rumbled the voice.

"Is it in regards to our current stage of the plan, because I think you will find everything to your satisfaction at the moment, master"

"No, Minister, though it is directly related to that."

"Than what is it regarding, master"

"It is regarding your current position. I feel that the plan is coming along much to slowly for my tastes. Therefore, I want Ganondorf to resume control of this operation."

"Thank you very much, my lord," replied Ganondorf. "I will not disappoint you."

"My lord," rasped the Ancient Minister, "Do not think that I question your judgement, but if Ganondorf is to take control, what am I to do?"

"You shall be in charge of Operations in the Factory, as well as recruiting for our army," said the voice. "You will start by attempting to obtain the help of several within the Smash Fortress in the way that you found Ganondorf here."

"Yes, my lord."

"And you, Ganondorf, shall help me with the manufacturing of our machine."

"Of course, my lord."

"I trust that both of you will perform your duties exceedingly well."

"Yes, my lord" they said in unison, nodding their heads fervently.

"Good, good. You will do what I have asked and await further orders. Good day."

"Thank you, my lord," said the two as the screen turned off.

END CHAPTER 7

Sweet, finished. I'm going to try and update for frequently from now on, so please expect some awesomeness in the future.

Please R&R, but flames are not accepted, only constructive criticism. Or if you just want to say how awesome it is, that is acceptable as well.