QBH: I want to admit a disclaimer now regarding a certain character ...

Luigi: Admit it is about Marth.

QBH: Okay, in terms of a character, I don't personally hate the guy since I never played a Fire Emblem game. His moveset is the reason I dislike playing against him.

Luigi: Care to explain?

QBH: He is one of the weapon users meaning he has better range than most of the cast, it doesn't help that he has fast attacks with a good sweetspot which is at the tip of the sword, meaning he is a good combo game and range but his weakness are he has no projectile and little recovery options.

Mario: Are you saying he should be tweaked?

QBH: Since he is the latest add-on to the cast in the upcoming game, I wouldn't mind keeping him since he is in the first fire emblem game and it is a fitting tribute to him but his attacks could be tone down a bit, I am not saying his are bad though.

QBH: Okay aside from that little rant, I present you guys this chapter! Enjoy!


Chapter 29: Matches Round 2

Back at Pokemon Stadium, after the first match ended and the clean-up is underway most of the cast are now lively and under discussion of Marth's showing of early dominance in his matches.

In one section, Mario and Peach are sitting in one bench while Zelda and Luigi are seated behind them.

"I wouldn't be his next opponent if it was me." Luigi

"Neither do I but we if manage to continue being in the tournament, we have to face him sooner or later." Mario

Mario somehow felt worried but ask Peach about it.

"Peach, I know I may be pushing it…" Mario nervously

Peach and Luigi are surprised by Mario's insecurities as they listened patiently.

"Peach, if given the chance would you pick a guy like Marth?" Mario

Peach and inconspicuously Zelda are surprised and now become self-conscious about a liking a guy.

Peach smiled sweetly and responds to Mario with reassurance.

"Mario, I understand your concern about liking a handsome guy or even a prince but I haven't got along with him yet. Still, Mario you have been saving, helping and taking care of me for the longest time. I can't neglect your time and effort doing so much for me. I love you for that and nothing could break that not even someone who is a handsome prince. I am committed to you, Mario. I love you no matter what." Peach assuring her long-time lover

Mario felt embarrassed but relieved about his concerns and moved on looking forward to his match.

Zelda however still quietly feel self-conscious about Mario's question. She does admit that Marth is indeed very handsome but what Peach said is true. She still doesn't know Marth that well neither she doesn't seemed likely to want to since she is shy around people but unlike Peach she doesn't have Link as a good reason.


All Link has ever done in the past maybe the same as Mario but Link never sit still and always went off in journeys or adventures that give Zelda very little time to even try to get along well. Even though she has gained friends with Link and made new ones here, it does made her concern who is the person she 'likes' at this point. This thought inconspicuously made her look toward Luigi.

At first Luigi didn't notice but after a few seconds, it caught his attention.

"Is there something wrong, Zelda?" Luigi

This snapped her out of her worry and tries to assure Luigi.

"No, I am okay. I just got a little distracted somehow." Zelda

It didn't take Luigi long to piece up what Mario said; Peach's answer and make a lucky guess.

Luigi whispered to make sure that neither Mario nor Peach can hear:

"Did Mario's question affect you?" Luigi

Zelda isn't surprised by Luigi's concern and embarrassingly nodded.

"I don't think you should worry about that since Marth may be interested in you though." Luigi resigned sadly

This comment made Zelda sad because it seemed Luigi gave up even though what happened the previous night between them should at least let Luigi know that Zelda still cares for Luigi as a special friend and possibly even a crush.

Zelda wanted to at least let Luigi know that what he said is wrong and that she wanted to tell him about her shyness.

Zelda just responded by putting her hand to Luigi's and softly whispered:

"Luigi, I haven't met Marth personally yet nor I would be attracted to anyone who is just good looking. I really haven't yet made close relationships with everyone I met so far with you as an exception. So you don't have to feel bad about that besides we still have our promise, remember?" Zelda

Luigi blushed almost completely forgetting about that.


The next match is between the Ice Climbers and Young Link at the Final Destination Stage. As the two combatants prepare for their duel, Young Link remembering the plan with Ness, ask the duo a basic question.

"Hey, are you two free to talk after the tournament?" Young Link

Both Ice Climbers are surprised by Young Link's question.

"Uh, yeah…" Popo

"What do you want to talk about?" Nana

"I mean why don't we kids have a get-together once we are done fighting in this tournament?" Young Link

It didn't take the Ice Climbers long to nod to each other and agree.

"Sure, why not." Popo

"It may be fun to hang out with fellow kids for once." Nana

With the friendly chat over, both combatants proceeded to take their match seriously.


Despite that Young Link's advantage of using his bombs over the ice projectiles, he sadly couldn't counterattack the Ice Climbers' ground attacks. It was an even match and it proved to be all down to the last stock.

Young Link certainly now knew that the Ice Climbers have slow aerial attacks but faster attacks on the ground and if one of the Ice Climbers mainly Nana is KOed the other left by himself wouldn't be effective anymore.

The Ice Climbers on the other hand, know Young Link's weakness is his recovery, besides that there is no weaknesses to exploit other than none of his can KO quickly unless his projectiles count.

The match ended with the Ice Climbers knocking Young Link out and couldn't recover enough. The Ice Climbers are declared the winner of the match and proceed to the next round. Even after the match, both combatants are still in friendly terms and still having plans for the kids' get-together.


After a cool down break, the next match in the tournament is between Captain Falcon and Mario at the Battlefield stage. For the veterans, this match is equally balance fight. Mario and Captain Falcon have each share of wins and losses against each other.

As the two combatants get ready for their match, there is a slight conversation between the two.

"So another round with you? Let us just do our best and no hard feelings if I win." Captain Falcon

"Yeah, the same goes to you." Mario

This particular match is a slightly became one sided, Mario and Captain Falcon both have good combos but Captain Falcon has good KO moves despite recovery problems while Mario has good edge guard options but his recovery isn't worse than Captain Falcon.

The match ended with Captain Falcon sending Mario off with a knee finisher which gave Captain Falcon the win but they were down to their last stock respectively. Despite losing the match, Mario still retains his calm and serious nature and both combatants eagerly share a handshake as a sign of a good match.


After Mario and Captain Falcon return to their respective seats, Mario's friends greeted him and offer support.

"Too bad you lost, Mario. Still that was an impressive match just now." Peach

"Yeah, I know but it is no biggie. I mean I have battled many matches and I have my share of wins and losses. This is just another day at the tournament." Mario

"Uh, speaking of the tournament, I am next so I may as well head to the awaiting stage to get ready." Peach


Peach politely left the group already so Luigi 'asks' Zelda to 'fetch' Sheik. Understanding the situation, Zelda did as told and secretly transform Sheik in the empty ladies room.

After the cool down break, the next match is between Peach and Sheik at the Fountain of Dreams stage. As both combatants prepare the stage, Peach tries to take the match seriously.

"It is nice to actually meet you after being so elusive from the rest of the citizens. Don't worry though I wouldn't go easy on you just because I am a princess." Peach

"Likewise, I understand you being confident in your abilities. Also I won't hold back either, so don't get upset that I beat you." Sheik

The match turns out to be one sided as despite Peach's good recovery, aerial moves, grabs and throws; Sheik beats her severely as Sheik manages has better moves than her. Despite Peach's good efforts she still lost by a 1 extra stock. Sheik wins the match and will proceed to the next round.

After the match, Peach is upset by the loss but since it is the first time she fought against her. She is now more determined to do better since she found herself a good rival to compare and compete against. Peach still wants to try and associate with Sheik as they exited their assigned stage.

"Excuse me, Sheik! Is it okay to at least have chat with you?" Peach

Sheik is surprised that someone is willing to chat with her. A quick check in her shared subconscious, Zelda just nodded politely encouraging Sheik not to be very secluded or anti-social.

"Well … sure. I admit that was a good match." Sheik

"I am curious, you do look feminine. It may be nice to acknowledge a good female rival." Peach

Sheik isn't actually against the idea and openly agrees in an appropriate gesture.

"Yes. I do appreciate the idea. I may look forward to more battles with you." Sheik

Sheik offered a hand in a friendly way. Peach happily accepted it in return. They both ended up having a pleasant chat while returning to the stadium.


As soon Peach went ahead to be with the rest of her friends, Sheik knowing her time outside is done, quickly goes into her shared subconscious and asked to switch back when the coast is clear but in a surprised move, Zelda actually declines. When asked why, Zelda eagerly allow to at least spend some time with the others too at least get acquainted with the rest of the citizens.

Sheik is surprised by Zelda's answer but it doesn't seem a bad idea since it also a good idea to watch the remaining matches while trying to get along with the rest.

Sheik then proceeded to join with Peach, Mario and Luigi. She politely greets each one and seated beside Luigi. Luigi is surprised upon meeting Sheik here when normally Zelda would be back after her transform is complete. So Luigi tried whispering to Sheik about this predicament.

"Shouldn't Zelda be here instead of you? I don't see anything wrong you being here but I am just worried that something is up." Luigi

"There is no problem but thank you for your concern about both for me and Zelda. I am grateful for being nice for the two of us." Sheik

Luigi felt embarrassed by her compliment.

Peach took a while to notice that Sheik sat in Zelda's place and curiously ask the duo about her.

"Excuse me you two, but where is Zelda?" Peach

The duo was surprised by Peach's question and Luigi quickly answered.

"Uh…. She said she would head home because she to attend something." Luigi

Sheik just nodded in return. Peach didn't see anything wrong with that and promptly chat with Mario over strategies and moves from their matches.

The duo now tried to talk more discreetly at least.

"Thank you again for that." Sheik

"Not really, it is no big deal. On the other hand, you were impressive in that match just now." Luigi

Sheik is embarrassed that she is complemented for the first time.

"Really? I didn't do anything special besides I am really a swift and agile fighter to begin with so it is natural to that I would do well in battle." Sheik

"Still, though it is still pretty impressive of you during the match. You could practically win this tournament." Luigi

"Speaking of the tournament, aren't you supposed to be next?" Sheik

It finally hit Luigi that it is his turn, as he took his turn to go to his match.

Mario, Peach and also Sheik give support to him. Luigi promptly thank them as the cool down break is almost over.


QBH: Okay, I am now heading to my 30th chapter but there is nothing special for me to say or show you guys for the moment at least.

Luigi: Oh! Did you mention something special before you sign off for the holiday break?

QBH: Yes! I did but i wouldn't spoil anything yet at this moment although I am planning of making a holiday special but I am still stuck in a beta phase.

Luigi: Always planning ahead, so anything new in your gaming library?

QBH: Aside from browsing the latest expansion packs for the Sims franchise, Mario Party 3DS, A Link Between Two Worlds and glancing Persona 4 arena, I am currently playing Fortune Street after watching the Runaway Guys play it.

Mario: So how is the game? I bet you it was a lot of fun.

QBH: I admit the game is indeed playable but not engaging like Mario Party (I have 8 and 9), since this game resolves around property or in general 'Monopoly' like. I wouldn't recommend it to any casual player unless you have a thing for money, financing or playing 'monopoly' in less a mathematical fashion, then by all means.

QBH: This wraps up this chapter. See you guys soon for the next one.