(Ike's PoV)

Pit's jaw hit the floor while Peach and Junior looked around in delight. The Steep Jungle, what Pit claimed to be a dangerous place, turned out to be an amusement park. The road was paved clean before us, with two ticket booths at each side before the entrance that read in big red letters: DK's Jungle Tour! There was a gate made of bamboo just past it, displaying the name "Steep Jungle" above us. Peach and Junior were about head to one of the ticket booths when Pit held them back.

"I have money," Peach said, thinking that was the problem.

Pit shook his head, "It's not that, although now that we're on the subject, can you pay for me?"

Peach rolled her eyes, "Fine. What is it?"

"You see that sign?"

Pit pointed, and Junior read aloud, "'DK's Jungle Tour!' What about it?" He asked.

"DK stands for Donkey Kong. He's an Original."

I knew there had to be something. Still, first sewers, now an amusement park? These keys are located in the most random places. Neither sound remotely perilous, yet with one Original added to the equation, suddenly it's a matter of life and death. For Allys Town it was Ness; it took me and Pit to take him down. Ness was a cunning boy, putting the both of us against one another. He was the first Original Mario sent. Something told me that meant the other members were far stronger than that young psychic. Donkey Kong is the one we might face off next. It made me wonder what he was like.

"Who's Donkey Kong?" I asked Pit.

"He's an ape—literally. He's not all that intelligent, but he makes up for it with his strength. One hit by that behemoth, and it's lights out."

"That's not fair," Junior said, and Pit chuckled.

"I never once said any of this would be fair. Don't worry, though. As long as we have these disguises, we might not have to fight him at all."

Peach looked worried, "Say, Ike, can I borrow your headband?"

"…Why?"

Peach pulled her hair back, "I look more different with my hair in a ponytail. Please? You'll look slightly different, too. Your hair would be messier, wouldn't it?"

I was already starting to untie the knot, but I paused at what Peach said, "You think my hair is messy?"

"Well…"

Pit threw his hands up in the air, "Come on, does all this even matter? Let's just get our tickets already. The faster we can get the key, the faster we can leave this forsaken place."

"This is an amusement park," Junior said.

"You weren't here five years ago," Pit countered.

Junior ignored Pit and took off the bandanna he wore on his neck. He placed it over his head, tying the corners in the back, "I look like a pirate now, don't I?"

"What happened to your hat?" Pit asked.

"I put it away," Junior tugged his mother's apron, "Do I look cool?"

Peach complimented her son before turning back to me, "Come on, Ike!"

I couldn't refuse Peach. I also couldn't deny that she looked better with her hair pulled back. I gave her my headband, and she took it.

"Thanks!" Peach created a bow, and I just stared. I would never be able to look at my headband the same way again.

"Are we all done?"

"Not quite," Peach said, taking Pit's wreath without warning.

"Hey!" the angel protested.

"Pit," Peach reasoned with him, "We can't risk Donkey Kong seeing past our disguises. Don't worry—I'll keep your wreath safe within my apron's pocket."

"Fine," Pit said, "Can we move on?"

We all nodded, and Pit led the way. One ticket booth was empty, so our only choice was to go over to the other one across it. Inside, there was a lady with blond hair in a tight bun, looking bored out of her mind. When she took note of us, she sighed as if we were some kind of burden.

"Welcome to Steep Jungle, home of everything wild and the King of the Jungle." The whole thing sounded recited, "Names?" She asked.

Peach stepped up just as Pit was about to utter his first word, "Fidelity—Fidelity Grace. And this is my son, Thorton Grace." Pit looked annoyed, while Junior had an expression of disgust.

"Anyway, I'm Sky, and this is…crap."

Peach smacked Pit, "Pit—I-I mean, Sky!"

The woman raised her eyebrow, and I cleared my throat, "Kayden. Kayden Pit. Not so long ago, I found out this guy was my brother. We're still getting used to one another."

"Your last name is Pit?" the lady asked.

Pit nodded, "Yes."

She shrugged, "Sounds legit. All right, two adults, a teen, and a child…" The woman leaned back to reach for a case, "That would be 25 gold pieces."

"Fidelity?" Pit looked at Peach and smirked.

"Right," she said cheerfully, although it sounded forced. Peach gave the ticket booth lady the money, and in return Peach received four tickets.

"You may pass."

The gates opened, and we entered the Steep Jungle.

(Junior's PoV)

The place was awesome! There were rides everywhere: slides, canoe rides, a merry-go-round, a ferris wheel, and multiple roller coasters. Their tracks snaked around the entire park, overhead and through the jungle, which was blocked off for people on the ground by barbed wire. There were many stands that offered games and snacks. Many people walked around to check out each attraction, and some waited in line to get on a ride. I wanted to get on the Barrel Blast, some roller coaster, but Pit grabbed my collar as I was about to run off.

"We're not here to fool around," he said.

"Seriously?" I faced Pit, "Come on, this is my first time in an amusement park. I want to have fun!"

Pit was about to say something when Mom put her hand on his shoulder, "Let Thorton get on a few rides, at least," she said.

"Fidelity…"

"We're not going to have much breaks on this quest—this is a golden opportunity to forget about our burdens for a while."

Pit shook his head, "I can't stand this place…Junior can go do whatever he wants, but someone must come with me to figure out a way we can get to the top."

I could see Ike was about to volunteer when Mom said, "I'll go with you, Sky. Say, Kayden, can you supervise Thorton for me? Here's some money," Mom gave Ike a few gold pieces without giving him a chance to respond.

Pit looked relieved, and I kind of understood why. Ike would have probably asked Pit about the time before the Memory Loss, a subject he was pretty touchy with, "We'll meet up with you guys once we can figure out a way to the summit."

We nodded, and watched them disappear behind the groups of strangers. Ike was staring at the money in his hand, and I pulled his cape, "Which ride do you want to go to first?"

"I'll let you decide," he said.

"Okay!" I pointed and Ike followed, "Barrel Blast!"

He was silent for a moment, "You said this was your first time in an amusement park, and presumably, that would be your first roller coaster ride," Ike looked at the tracks of the ride, noting all the multiple loops and spirals, "I'm not sure you're prepared for such an extreme attraction, at least, not yet."

"Aw, Ike!" I whined.

"Kayden," he corrected.

"Kayden," I said, "Please! I read the sign, and if you're underage, you must be accompanied by your parent."

"I'm not…" he started, but I stopped him.

"They don't know that."

"What would your Mom say?"

I opened my mouth, but paused. What would she say? If it was her, there was no way I would get on the ride, because she would be afraid to get on it herself. With Ike, I'm sure he'd be willing, but I wouldn't know if Mom would approve of it. I know she trusts Ike, I mean, she did speak so highly of him back in Pokemon Paradise. He's really strong, too, fighting that Snake guy all by himself. With that in mind, there's no reason to worry for my self-being with him around. If Mom didn't think the same thing, she would have never let Ike supervise me in the first place. "She trusts you. If you were to tell her it was your decision, she wouldn't get mad over me getting on that ride."

"She trusts me?" Ike looked shocked.

I frowned, "Of course. So… can we get on the ride!?"

"Very well."

(Peach's PoV)

"Thanks," Pit said.

"I saw your face," I said, "You make it pretty obvious."

Pit didn't say anything. He looked miserable, and he walked with his head down. I've never seen Pit like this, and in all honesty, it made me uncomfortable. Pit was a tough nut to crack. Back in X, I made friends with anybody that would come into my bakery. I'm social by heart, and I'd hate the days when the bakery had to close for the holidays. Junior would disappear to who-knows-where, and I would be left sitting behind the counter, the smell of bread becoming nauseous. I had no life outside the bakery. It was my own little world, and the few regulars I had were the only moments of happiness I could make of my own without the aid of Junior. I would have conversations with them, and they would usually reply with short answers. They had places to be, and I knew that, yet I would stall them for more words to be exchanged. When Link was still with me, all my days were spent with him. I had no idea what was his profession, but I knew it must have been something respectable considering the amount of gold he would spend for me. We traveled to places—me, Junior, and Link—one big happy family. To this day, I cannot believe how easy it was for him to take it all away. I started my bakery in order to support Junior, as well as myself. I haven't been happy since, that is, until I met Pit and Ike. The idea of taking the quest scared me at first. I thought of Junior. What if we were to bump into his father? Pit confirmed it to be likely when he told me Link was an Original. I didn't know how to take it at first. When I met Daisy and saw her confront Luigi, something in me lifted. I want to do the same. I want to get back at Link for everything he has done. Still, if it weren't for him, I would have never taken this quest. Despite almost dying more times than I wish to admit, I would never take back the offer. I was happy. I made friends. Pit has given me so much, and he doesn't even know it. I don't know how I would ever make it up to him. For starters, I would be sure to always bring a smile to his face.

"Something's been bothering you since we left the Forgotten Forest."

"Gardevoir…" he started, but shook his head.

"What about her?"

Pit looked into my eyes, and I stared back. It surprised me how dull they were, reflecting no light whatsoever. He's been through so much. "I'm sorry. I'm starting to become like Ike, asking all these questions…"

"She told me my future."

"What?"

Pit turned away, "Avoid the town on the cliff, and Tabuu shall be slain…"

I did not understand, "What happens on the cliff?"

"She didn't specify," Pit said.

"Well, I don't think you should worry about it. Not now, at least. This is an amusement park—I doubt there's a town. Besides, Mountains and cliffs are two very different things."

"I guess you're right."

I decided to change the subject, "The key is at the summit?"

Pit nodded, "That's right, the Diamond Key."

"I'm pretty sure it would be impossible to pass through the jungle. Not only because of its dangers, but because DK has blocked them off."

"It makes sense—no one would want to be attacked by a monster while their children are riding the merry-go-round."

"We can ask for permission," I suggested.

"Or we can just ask them how to get there. We'll just tell the attendant we want to explore the place."

"Let's ask the cotton candy guy," I said.

Pit and I approached the attendant, a young adult with a lot of acne on his face. He wore a pink and light blue outfit, probably to match with the cotton candy he was selling. His hair was a curly mess, forming an afro that wouldn't let his pink hat be worn on top of his head, instead, it laid on his bush-like scalp, "Hey…"

He took note of us, and smiled so wide I thought his face would rip in two, "Hey! Want some cotton candy!?" He was already beginning to pick out a pink and blue cotton candy stick for me and Pit, respectively. He gave us the cotton candy, and smiled even wider which made me wince, "On the house!"

"Thanks…" I said.

"No problem!"

"We were wondering," Pit said, after we shared a glance, "If there was a way to the summit of Entrei Mountain?"

The cotton candy guy nodded, "Of course! You would have to take DK's Jungle Tour, hosted by the King of the Jungle himself! It starts in about a half an hour, right by the Barrel Blast ride. DK should be there, as well as a long line of people eagerly waiting for the tour of the Steep Jungle! I'd say it's our most popular attraction! You take cable cars that start at the amusement park, and make a turn back from the summit. If you ask DK you want to see the waterfall, he'd be more than willing to show you himself!"

Pit nodded, "Thanks."

The man nodded, and we turned back the way we came. I gave my cotton candy to a passing child, who took it eagerly. Pit ate the sweet himself, ripping a piece off with his hand and throwing it into his mouth. I watched him for a while before he caught me staring, "What?"

"I didn't know you were a sweet tooth."

"I'm not. I'd eat anything," he said.

I remembered when we were in the Fields, just outside of Allys, "That's right, I remember your moldy sandwich."

Pit's face turned red in embarrassment, and I laughed, "I owe it to you and Ike. Whenever there's the opportunity, I will make a feast for you two."

"I would like that."

We made it to Barrel Blast, and I realized that it was the place where we left Ike with Junior. I looked around to see if I could find them, when Pit called me, "Uh, Fidelity?"

I followed Pit's gaze to the Barrel Blast ride, just as it finished. Inside one of the barrel-shaped carts were Ike and Junior. Because of the bandanna, Junior looked the same, except for the terrified look on his face. Ike, on the other hand, looked wild, as if he escaped from a mental ward. There was a smile frozen on his face, and when the two of them got off the ride, they teetered a bit, off-balance. It didn't take them long to see us, and Junior pulled his sleeves over his hands just as he always does when he knows he's in trouble. Ike fixed his hair, "Fidelity…"

"Did you have fun?" I asked.

Ike didn't say anything, and Junior gaped at me.

"You're not mad!?"

I frowned, "Why would I be mad?"

Junior looked down, "Minors aren't allowed on the ride unless they have a guardian with them. I kind of made Ike pretend to be my father..."

"What—" I stopped, and looked at Junior, then Ike. My eyes fell on the sign, which said that children under the age of thirteen must be accompanied by their parent. My heart started beating rapidly, and the others began to look at me strangely. It couldn't be. Not again. How could I have been so stupid? I should have never let Ike look over Junior. Something similar happened back in X, when a kind man tutored Junior in Daycare. They spent a lot of time together, and Junior became really close to him. The same was happening with Ike, and I knew the result would be the same. I didn't mind Junior's tutor at first, because he helped Junior in his academics. That all changed when he came to consult me on Junior's progress in his school work. He told me he was improving, and I thought that was all he had to say. I was about to leave when Junior's tutor stopped me.

"Is there anything else?" I asked.

He shook his head, "It's probably nothing, but…"

"What is it?"

"He didn't realize what he said until he blurted it out."

"What?" I thought the Tutor was implying Junior had cursed. He looked troubled, and I said, "You must have misheard him. Junior does not use vulgar language, I make sure of that."

"He called me Dad."

(Ike's PoV)

There was indeed a line beside the Barrel Blast ride for DK's Jungle Tour. Pit, Peach, Junior and I waited at the end. Pit and Junior began talking, and that was when Peach pulled me back.

Why does Peach affect me this way? I was beginning to feel nervous, and from the close distance I was able to take in her scent—the smell of freshly baked bread. Peach was fidgeting, and I knew something was bothering her. She was dead silent after Junior and I got off the Barrel Blast, and I had a feeling it had something to do with that, "So you are mad," I told her.

She looked up, "What? No, I'm not."

"Then what's bothering you?" I asked.

Peach sighed, "Look Ike, you're a good guy…"

Where was she going with this?

"…and it's because of that I want you to stay away from Junior."

I did not expect that. I was left speechless, and Peach was about to get back on line when I got her by the wrist, "I don't get it, did I do something wrong?"

She started shaking her head, and I stared at her in disbelief. So much for her trusting me, I guess Junior lied about that to convince me to get on the ride with him, "Peach…"

Her eyes were beginning to get moist, and she looked the other way so that I wouldn't see them, "Nothing, Ike. To answer your question, you did nothing wrong."

"Then why…?"

There was a sudden outburst of cheers, and Peach and I looked at the front of the line to see a large gorilla making his entrance. This must be Donkey Kong, the Original Pit had told us about. He was burly; his muscles were visible despite the thick brown fur that covered them. Oddly enough, he wore a red tie around his neck that bore his initials in big yellow letters: DK. Beside him there was a monkey of the same color scheme as the Original. Unlike Donkey Kong, though, his frame was much smaller, and he had a long thin tail. The monkey also had clothes on, a shirt that displayed stars along with a red hat that he wore on his head. The two introduced themselves; DK with his deep voice stating to be the King of the Jungle, better known as Donkey Kong. The monkey revealed his name to be Diddy Kong, as well as his position as Donkey Kong's right-hand monkey.

With the introductions out of the way, the people in line began entering a large cable car that was stationed just behind DK and Diddy. It was spacious, with enough chairs for the amount of people that had come in. Pit told us he'd prefer to sit in the back, and we followed him to the end of the cable car, all the way to the last row of green seats that were against the wall. Peach sat next to me, and I wanted to ask her why she no longer wanted me to be around Junior. One look at her face, and I knew it was best not to bother her.

Why is it that the more people tell me about something, the more questions I am left with?

(Pit's PoV)

The cable car's track was set up in a way that would make the tour entertaining. Birds will fly near the window at times, and at one point the trees reached above us so that we were inside the Steep Jungle. The inside was cool because of an air circulation system, but Donkey Kong mentioned numerous times how the temperature would rise above 120 degrees in the afternoon. He also stated the abundance of monsters that make the Steep Jungle their home. Many people were asking him questions, when suddenly Diddy called us out.

"You four in the back haven't said a thing since the beginning of the ride. You're not even looking out the window, taking in the scenery. Is something going on?"

Just my luck. Everyone looked our way, and I did the honors of coming up with a fib, "If you guys really must know, this is a family reunion. Mom, here," I glared at Peach, "Left me and Thor when we were young. She finally decided to come back, as if the last ten years of her absence is nothing to acknowledge. So, yeah, excuse me for not enjoying a ride in this hell-hole I was forced to come to."

"Sky!" Peach cried, both palms above her chest, "How inappropriate! Apologize to these passengers right now!"

Did Peach really have to join in? Might as well keep going, or DK will suspect something, "You can't tell me what to do. Really, you've only been a mother for, like, two days. Stop acting as if you had never left us!"

"Listen to your mother, young man," Ike ordered, and I looked at him. I had to congratulate him on his acting skills, because it really seemed as if he wanted to tear my face off. I glanced at Junior, who had his head down like this wasn't the first time an argument of this kind had occurred between our fake family.

"Sorry," I said forcefully, crossing my arms to show that I did not approve of the apology.

The tour went on, and I would have been relaxed if it wasn't for Diddy Kong staring at us the whole time. He whispered things to DK when he wasn't talking, and the ape would shake his head each time the monkey did so. After a couple more times, Diddy started jumping up and down in frustration, "I'm telling you," he shrieked, "Those four are the Defyers in disguise!"

At this I stiffened, and once again all attention was focused on the four of us. I was really starting to hate this Jungle Tour…

Donkey Kong sighed and approached us, Diddy right behind him. He looked at each one of us before he turned back to his monkey assistant, "Diddy, the only thing these four have in common with the Defyers is their age, and gender. Everything else is different."

"It's them!" Diddy assured DK, "Look, that's Pit!" The monkey pointed an accusing finger at me, and I blinked.

DK told Diddy, "Pit has wings."

"Yeah, you got the wrong people," I said.

"My boy's right," Ike added, "We have no idea what the two of you are talking about. Defyers? I never knew that to be a name."

DK looked at Diddy, who was getting more riled up, "Look at their faces! The only thing different is the color of their hair and clothes!"

"I'm really sorry," DK said, "But may I ask for your names to further convince my assistant?"

"Sure," Ike said, "I'm Kayden. Kayden Grace."

"I'm his wife—" I scoffed when Peach said that, and she threw me a glare, "Fidelity Grace."

"Sky Grace."

"Thorton Grace," Junior said softly.

Diddy's face was red in anger, "Those names are SO made up!"

I was really starting to get mad, "Oh yeah? Well at least they're actual names. I mean, what kind of name is Diddy? It sounds like 'Did he'. It makes every sentence sound like a question. 'Did he' played today? 'Did he' did his homework!?"

"Those aren't even grammatically correct sentences!"

"I failed English, so sue me."

"M-Mr. DK?"

The Original turned to Peach, "What is it, Ma'am?"

"It's true that I haven't been a good mother…" There were tears in Peach's eyes, and DK took note of them immediately, "All I want is for my family to enjoy this trip, and hopefully bring us all closer together. For that reason, can I ask of you to show us the summit? The view is sure to make us forget about our troubles, if only for a moment."

DK nodded, "Of course."

"Donkey Kong, no! They are after the Diamond Key!"

DK ignored Diddy and went back to the front of the Cable Car. Diddy shot us a piercing glare before following DK.

My heart started to beat at a normal rate again, and I sighed, "That was a close one," I said.

The others nodded, and thankfully, the rest of the tour went on without interruptions. Diddy had his eyes on us the whole time.

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The cable car stopped, and DK announced that we were at the summit of Entrei Mountain. The moment we got out, I was able to feel a strong breeze balanced out by the heat of the sun directly above us. It was a clearing, and the emptiness brought out even more the altar at the center of a rushing stream that fell off the edge of the mountain to create Rumble Falls. On the altar, there was a key floating in the air, the top of it which was made of crystal. The Diamond Key.

"There it is," I said, "Isn't she a beauty?"

"That's creepy," Junior said.

"Shut up," I responded, receiving a scolding from Peach, "Anyway, do any of you guys have an idea how we should nab it?"

"There are too many people to simply approach the altar and take the key," Peach said.

"Yeah, I can see that, Peach," I told her.

"Must you be so sarcastic?" Ike asked me.

His inclusion in the matter caught me off guard, "Defending Peach? How gallant of you, Ike."

Ike blushed, which I frowned at. Seriously, was there anything happening between the two? I saw Peach pull Ike back earlier before we got on the Jungle Tour. Junior was talking to me, so I was unable to hear what the two were saying. Peach looked like she was about to cry, and the fact got me worried. In a quest, there's no room for love. You can't get too attached to someone or else it would just hurt more if they were to depart. Ike might be a lone wolf, but even from the very beginning, he was searching for a soul mate that he would be able to cherish. Zelda was his first crush, and it made sense considering she was the trophy that took care of him when he was first created. She didn't love him back, which offered Ike even more mixed signals when a blond approached him, stating she loved him. The truth is, I don't know her. She did not know me. We only fought one battle together, one I will never forget. I hate it when Ike would ask me all these questions, because in reality, I don't know the answer to all of them. Sheik was a mystery to me. The same went for her relationship with Ike.

And Ike… He may be easy to read, but that's a compensation for the lack of communication skills he has. He, literally, doesn't say anything about himself. Sure, I was with him for the entire quest, which was all the time I got to know him for, but he never told me anything about Sheik. The only reason I know her name is because Zelda told me about her, the memory of which was disturbing…

They haven't realized I had walked in on them. The moment I caught sight of what they were doing, I was at a loss of words and actions. It wasn't anything bad—Zelda and Link were making out in their bedroom. As an angel, I was a stranger when it came to relationships, especially when it came to the intimate stuff. Despite that, though, I knew something was off. Way off.

Zelda was on top of Link, who was trying to get her off. She was hugging him and kissing him in the neck repeatedly, tears in her eyes. Her hair wasn't in the usual braid, and the length of it surprised me, thrown all over her and the covers of the bed. She was a mess. She wore none of her accessories, which made her look like a common girl. All her beauty was gone. It wasn't because of her physical appearance, because it was still there; it was the way she acted. Link received more tears and saliva than actual kisses. Zelda was unable to pronounce any intelligent words. It was mostly moans, sobs, and choked breathing.

"Zelda, stop!"

Zelda ignored Link, and she continued what she was doing, "I love you, Link, I love you, and you only…" She kept repeating the same phrase until Link decided to use all his strength to flip their positions.

"Zelda, what's going on?"

More tears fell from the sides of her eyes, and Zelda started to cry like a child. I could tell Link did not know what to do with Zelda, and he simply held her until she calmed down. During that time, he noticed me, but he hadn't said anything. Zelda had fallen asleep within moments, and Link gently laid her head on a pillow. He covered her with a blanket before leaving the room, patting me on the shoulder before doing so, "I won't tell Him you're here… Just make sure she's all right," He took a final glance at Zelda, "I've never seen her this way."

"Me neither," I admitted, and I looked into his eyes, to see a hidden fear inside them.

"I must go, or Mario would suspect something. Make sure she's all right."

I nodded, and sat at the edge of the bed where Zelda was cut off from the outside world. Her eyes finally opened, which were red from crying. They searched around until they fell on me.

"Link…" Her voice was a whisper, as if she had strained it.

"He had to leave," I explained.

Zelda nodded, and more tears fell off her eyes. I stared at her in disbelief, "Zelda, what's going on with you?"

Her eyes were closed, and she shook her head.

"Zelda…"

"I love Link…"

"You don't need to tell me that," I told her.

"On the contrary. I must say it out loud. Maybe, that way, it wouldn't be a lie…"

I was confused at this, "What?"

I was sure Zelda was unable to see me with her blurred vision, "I've been unfaithful, and to such a wonderful man."

"Impossible. You would never cheat on Link."

Zelda smiled wryly, "Her name is Sheik."

"Huh?"

"My alter ego. She comes out sometimes—she takes over."

I frowned, "How come I never met her?"

She shrugged, "Who knows? Although it's very likely she's not interested in you."

"Who is she interested in?"

Zelda pulled the covers up, and I had to stand so that she would be able to wrap it around her, "Ike…"

"Ike!?"

Zelda anticipated my reaction, but she still winced when I cried out. I took note of it and apologized, but she waved me off, "No," she said, "You're right. It's unthinkable."

"Is it?"

"Sheik and I are two trophies that share the same stand. That makes us the same trophy."

"No," I said, and Zelda looked up, "No," I repeated, "You're your own person."

"I wish that were the case, but the truth is, I am Sheik. She started as a disguise, but then…"

"What?"

"She took a life of her own," she stated simply.

I didn't know what to say, and Zelda locked her eyes on me, "Do you want to know the reason why I wanted you to beg Master Hand for a pardon?"

"B-because Mario said?" Zelda's eyes were dead, dull like marble. Her tears made them shine, but it gave them no life whatsoever. She looked away, and gave a small chuckle.

"I wanted to do the same."

"What are you talking about?"

"It's the reason why it's a sin for you to become an Unwanted. Yeah, it goes against what Master Hand intended for you, but it goes beyond that. The gods don't want us to know our hidden potential, our ability to create life." Zelda sounded ludicrous, and she was able to catch that thought with one look at my expression, "Preposterous, right? How can a trophy create another of his kind, excluding the process of sexual intercourse? Maybe it's my magic. Maybe I'm special. In all honesty, I'm not a hundred percent sure. Master Hand has one rule, and one rule only. Never change who you are. I did just that. I wanted trophies to take me more seriously, and thus, Sheik was born. Everyone loved her. Everyone wanted to fight her. Soon, I was starting to become forgotten. It was Link that pulled me back, and I swore to myself that I would never dress up as Sheik again."

"If that's the case, how is she a problem now?"

"She gained a life of her own. She takes over my body."

"Zelda…"

"And I fear it has gotten worse. I think… she's gotten stronger. Strong enough to become my equal. I believe we now share this body, rather than it being my own."

"Sheik loves Ike, not you, so it's okay—"

"Can't you see!?" Zelda shrieked. I froze, and she went on, "I AM Sheik! She used to be me in disguise! Now she is the manifestation of what I wanted to be..."

"B-but you're Zelda. You're different than Sheik." At that moment I wished Palutena was with me. She would know what to say to Zelda to make it all better. She would make it seem as if it was no big deal, and that you were worrying over nothing. Suddenly, I knew what to say, "Let me ask you a simple question. Who are you?"

I expected her to say "Zelda" and that would be the end of all this Sheik drama. I didn't expect her whole body to stiffen. I didn't expect her to tremble. I didn't expect more tears to fall down her flushed face. I stared at her in shock, and Zelda proceeded to answer the question that made everything worse. Her voice trembled, and I had to strain my ears to hear her whisper the following words:

"I don't know."

I shook my head, "We'll, uh, lag behind," I told the others, "When everyone is going back to the cable car, we take the key."

They nodded, and we joined the crowd that was surrounding the altar. There were two small bridges on either side, connecting the two banks of the river together. One would just have to reach out to swipe the key. For the moment, DK was on one of the bridges, explaining the Diamond Key to the viewers, "This is the Diamond Key, one of the four keys needed in order to reach the top floor of the Imperial Tower."

A person raised their hand, "Shouldn't it have better security?"

Donkey Kong smiled smugly, "That's why I'm here. The only way anybody can get to the Summit of Entrei Mountain is by the Jungle Tour, hosted by yours truly. Believe me, while I'm on watch, no one will get their hands on the key!"

I looked around out of precaution and noticed Diddy Kong with his eyes trained on me. To make sure it wasn't my imagination, I took a couple of steps back, gritting my teeth when his head followed my movement. With him watching us like a hawk, there was no way we would be able to take the key discreetly.

"Plan B." I told the others to huddle around, "All right, Junior, take out Dave and yell out, 'Monsters!' at the top of your lungs."

Peach stared at me as if I had suddenly grown horns, "Are you nuts!? That would cause panic!"

"Exactly," I said, "I'll take the opportunity to take the key."

Ike looked unsure, "What was wrong with our previous plan?" he asked.

I groaned, "Diddy's watching us like a freakin' warden. Anyway, Ike, you back me up. Peach…" I paused and said, "Make sure your son does not get trampled over."

She gaped at me, and I told Junior, "Ten seconds, starting now."

Peach and Junior went the other way, and I told Ike to stay where he was. I inched closer to the bridge opposite to the one DK was on, and I was halfway there when Junior shouted, "MONSTERS!"

Everyone looked the other way, and I ran, pushing some of the people out of the way to reach the key. I heard some of them whisper between each other that there was a shadow bug on the boy. One woman shrieked (Which I later found out was Peach), "There are monsters approaching us!"

With that, there was utter chaos. I was being thrown around like a pinball, and when I finally made my way out of the group, I was pushed to the ground from behind. I quickly scrambled up and got on the bridge. I leaned out and got the key, smiling momentarily before putting it inside my bag. I was about to look for the others when a shadow loomed over me. My eyes slowly went up to see DK standing on the rail. He had a glare, the kind that gets you paralyzed on the spot.

"A thief, are you?"

I couldn't respond, and I made a run for it. Donkey Kong blocked my way, and in haste I sprinted the other direction. Two large hands grabbed my waist forcefully, and lifted me up in the air. I struggled before materializing Palutena's Bow and striking the arms from both sides below me. DK roared and threw me—into the raging stream. I was flipped multiple times, and protruding rocks gashed my body. I opened my mouth, and cold water swept down my throat. I flapped my wings with all the strength they can muster, bursting out of the river. I coughed and sputtered before I realized I had blown my cover.

Sure enough, I was in the air, my wings entirely visible, and the remaining dye dripping off my body. I remembered Snake mentioned that the colors would fade in water, and I cursed.

Donkey Kong was heaving, and he gave a powerful roar. I landed softly on the grass, light hands resting on both my shoulders. I swerved around, and saw Peach with tears in her eyes. I ignored them, and demanded, "Where the hell is Ike!? He was supposed to back me up!"

It was hard to understand her, "Diddy pushed Junior into the jungle! Ike went after the two, and he told me to stay where I was…" Peach sobbed, "Oh, god, Pit, I'm so worried for Junior!"

Donkey Kong pounded his chest and cried out, "Diddy was right!? Pit and the Defyers! You all played me out like a fool!" DK was enraged, and he came for us at full speed.

I quickly glanced at Peach, who had just taken note of DK's presence. Her eyes widened and silent tears ran down both sides of her face like two open faucets, "Oh no…"

"I think you should be worried for yourself," I said, converting my bow into blades.