It's time I address the final three DLCs. And a very important issue.

Link vs. Cloud.

The lines have been drawn before. Now they meet again at the same border.

Hype.

SUMMARY:More Smashers have come to Smashville. A rivalry is born when our favorite angel Pit meets angel-hunter Bayonetta. Another arrival, Corrin, is in an intense inner rivalry with himself. And finally, Cloud Strife enters the Smash Bros. roster. The time has come for him and Link to settle their heated rivalry. Tension builds high as three rivalries are born, tormented, and rekindled.

Chapter 34: Rivals Reunited

Stage: Battlefield. Time: Midnight

Pit lunged and expertly twirled his sabers in Bowser's face. Bowser grunted and almost landed on Samus, who was working herself up from the edge of the platform.

Seeing his opportunity, Pit charged and swung his weapon up, effectively KOing both combatants.

"Woo-hoo!" Pit cried victoriously as he crossed his sabers. "Two down!"

"Don't get careless, Pit." Palutena warned from inside his head. Pit readied himself. "A challenger approaches."

Inside his head, Pit was thinking, "Please be Link, please be Link, please be Link…" He really had a grudge with Hyrule's hero.

Suddenly a wind flew behind him. "Huh?" Pit turned. The full moon gazed back at him.

"Oh?" a female voice, probably British, sounded. "Another angel. Must have missed one."

Suddenly a group of bats collected in the moon's center. They merged and collected into the shape of a beautiful British woman. Butterflies fluttered around her feet as she silently landed on the platform in front of Pit. The angel caught his breath.

Bayonetta twirled, displayed her weapons, and stroked her long hair in her traditional taunt. "Let's dance, boy."

She jumped, exposing her butterfly wings gracefully. Pit stared up at her in awe. Palutena's warnings didn't heed his ears.

Then the angel-hunter launched herself at Pit, pistols ready.

Meanwhile, far away, two great armies were about to clash in a full-scale war. In the center of it all sat one man. Corrin had little memory of his past life. He knew his family consisted of a noble father, little sister, and two older siblings.

Unfortunately for poor Corrin, both families had the lineage he sought for. And both wanted him for their side.

The red-haired king offered Corrin his hand. "This way." He commanded. Next to him, the king's three children approached him. The youngest daughter stared at Corrin in disbelief. "Big brother?"

On the other side of the field rushed the king and his three children. The youngest daughter stared eagerly at him. "He's my brother!" she cried defiantly. Though her eyes were downcast.

The king offered Corrin his hand too. "We're your family."

Both war-deprived nobles stared at Corrin, expecting his answer.

Corrin cleared his throat, as much as it hurt him. "I'm…so sorry, everyone. I feel like I have no choice but to…"

Three options stood before him. He could defend Hoshido, or attack alongside Nohr. His last option was to refuse a side, and watch the blood spill before him.

What should he do?

While he was still debating his thoughts, a portal appeared behind Corrin and burped out a (lost) Crazy Hand. "BRO! WTF ARE YOU?!"

Casually, Corrin swiped at the menace and used his Dragon's blood abilities to quickly send Crazy Hand back to where he came from. The noble families stared at him in awe. "He's my brother…"

Corrin sheepishly turned back to the task at hand. "Sorry, got sidetracked. Anyway, I'm afraid I have to…"

Suddenly a strength he had never known coursed through his veins. He stared in awe at himself. Can this be from defeating the being?

Hey, you know what? Maybe he can join the famous Smash Bros. with this new strength.

Corrin grinned. "JOIN SMASH!"

The nobles stared at him blankly. Corrin waved goodbye and left.

"What are you doing?!" One of the siblings demanded. "Corrin!"

"Sorry, big brother," Corrin kept walking. "I've made my decision."

"How could you? You're giving up on us AND going into battle with completely unknown opponents!"

Corrin shrugged. One of the little sisters looked worried for him. "They might be tough…"

The other sister scoffed at her adversary. "Not a problem for MY big brother."

Corrin just grinned and displayed his sword. "I've decided. My path is to take on the legendary heroes of Smash!"

The noble families can only stare as Corrin turned into a dragon and flew away. Off to Smashville.

Pit backed away. "Who IS that Lady Palutena?"

Bayonetta casually made her way forward. Pit backed up nervously.

"It's an Umbra Witch…" Palutena replied in awe. "I thought they were all extinct…"

Bayonetta aimed her pistols at Pit and fired. Expecting that, Pit summoned his guardian orbiters and reflected the bullets back. Bayonetta limbo-ed the bullets Matrix-style and evaded them all. "Cheeky…" she grinned. "Especially coming from an ENDANGERED SPECIES."

Pit clenched his teeth and gripped his sabers. He charged Bayonetta, attempting to get in close.

The Umber Witch grinned coyly and started firing her guns at Pit in various poses. Pit squealed (manly, of course) and jumped high into the air, hoping to get away from the bullets below.

"Watch out for her Bullet Arts!" Palutena warned. "She uses four guns!"

Pit hadn't even touched the ground before Bayonetta was on him. With rapid kicks, Bayonetta crushed Pit into the platform.

Pit groaned and rolled away as Bayoneta crashed into the spot he had been before. The angel stood up. "A pursuing attack!?" Pit demanded.

Bayonetta smiled and fired her pistols yet again. "I like it when you play hard to get."

Suddenly her hair gave way to a portal, which summoned a massive hand to punch Pit square in the face. Pit stumbled. "Wow, they're huge!"

"Her Wicked Weaves attacks summon the limbs of demons." Palutena informed.

Bayonetta kicked Pit to the edge of the Battlefield's platform. Desperately, he clung onto the edge. She curled her fingers mockingly. "Gotcha…"

"Lady, I ain't going nowhere!" Pit spat.

Bayonetta pretended not to hear him and summoned two portals. The portal below Pit threatened to suck him in. The one above him summoned a giant boot. Pit's eyes widened as he was effectively smashed into the portal.

Pit yelled and fell into a deformed clock tower. Only the actual clock was endlessly falling in some sort of alternate reality…type, thing. Pit didn't know. He hardly got a chance to look at his surroundings anyway.

Bayonetta was a mere two feet in front of him. On impulse, Pit slashed at her.

But his limbs moved incredibly slowly. Bayonetta smirked. "So close…guess time isn't on your side." With a graceful kick, Pit was sent flying onto the clock face.

"The time?!" Pit demanded.

"It's Witch-Time," Palutena explained. "Witches can control time itself."

Pit frowned. "I thought only Lucina and Link could do that…"

Bayonetta smiled wickedly. "If you need to learn how to talk to a lady," she said in that British accent, "ask your mother."

"Uh, Lady Palutena is my patron goddess. Not my mom. That would be weird."

Bayonetta launched herself at him, but Pit slid and rolled to face her. A clever move, but somehow Bayonetta seized his chin and held him firm.

"Don't tell me you're done already?" she chastised as Pit struggled helplessly.

Bayonetta punched his face ruthlessly twice and axe-kicked him upside the head. Another portal opened and a giant foot smashed into Pit once again. The angel groaned on the floor. "She's so tough…"

Suddenly Dark Pit flew in front of him defensively. "Don't be such a baby!" he told him.

"How encouraging…" Pit mocked, but secretly he was glad his counterpart was here to help.

Dark Pit drew his bow and fired a purple arrow. Bayonetta rolled out of the way and narrowed her eyes.

Dark Pit lunged at her, but Bayonetta slowed time and walked past him. Pit rolled to her other side, but Bayonetta effectively smacked him out of the way. Dark Pit recovered from the time spell and once again lunged at the Umber Witch. Bayonetta hardly glanced at him as a huge fist opened itself from the ground and smacked Dark Pit far away.

Pit stared helplessly as his friend flew off into the distance. "Great…"

In his line of sight, a floating Smash Orb came into view. Pit registered it too late.

Bayonetta cocked her guns mockingly. "Time for the best part!" she promised.

Pit rushed forward, but Bayonetta broke the Smash Orb before he could get close enough. "SMASHING!" the Umber Witch agreed.

Suddenly her hair morphed into the most horrific monster Pit had ever seen. That's saying a lot. He battled tons of monsters in his line of work.

"That's Gamora." Palutena reported. "She can also summon huge demons."

Pit stared at the massive beast before him. "Mother of…"

Gamora roared and rushed Pit. The angel screamed as he was forced into the demon's mouth. Gamora chewed Pit relentlessly and screeched a bloody yell. The sheer force blew Pit away. He screamed as he followed Dark Pit into the sky.

But Bayonetta wasn't done yet. "Enough talk, Goddess."

Palutena's eyes widened in Smashville. "How does she…"

Bayonetta smirked. "Don't mess with a witch."

A portal opened, and Bayonetta crossed into Smashville.

Silence.

That was all the Smashers could register as a famous man stepped onto their public park. The man was well-muscled from a great journey. He had defeated gods and avenged deaths. He wore dark clothing, with a long sleeve covering his left arm. Under that arm was a red ribbon.

His blonde, almost white hair was a mess, but it had a certain pattern to it. Every strand met in a point somewhere. His hair was also short, almost cut for military purposes. His blue eyes held a personal storm in them.

His sword was a giant, sharp piece of metal at first glance. But people around the globe knew of how many were killed by it. What once belonged to his late friend Zack, was now his. The Buster Sword.

Cloud Strife had arrived.

The Smashers in the park stared at him in awe. Pikmin sat silently. Smashers stared. The water fountain made as little noise as possible. The wind stopped. Leaves stopped brushing against each other.

Silence.

Finally, Cloud spoke. "Never thought I'd see the day…" He spun his sword and met the silent Smasher's gazes.

But some were not yet impressed.

Cloud turned and readied the Buster Sword. In came Charizard, Samus, and Kirby, ready to fight and prove Cloud's worth.

"Bring it on." Was all Cloud said.

The three Smashers charged. Cloud jumped and brought his sword up in a menacing overhead arc. Kirby jumped to eet him and drew his hammer defiantly. Samus stood her ground and fired a missile. Charizard brought his claws back for a strong swipe at the mercenary.

The battle began.

Before Kirby can swing, Cloud brought down his powerful sword onto his head. Kirby cried out and crashed into the ground, right in front of Samus's missile. The small explosion caught a surprised Samus, which blew her and Kirby in opposite directions.

Before Cloud could bring his massive sword back in time, Charizard swiped at him. Cloud grunted from the force and fell back, landing on his feet.

Charizard, still in the air, somersaulted and brought down his fiery tail on Cloud's head. Fire erupted, but immediately extinguished due to the ribbon's magic.

Charizard snarled and used flamethrower, but aside from the intense heat, did not affect Cloud with burns. Charizard's eyes widened as Cloud swung his sword in a powerful stroke. The Pokémon roared and fell down on top of Samus.

Quickly, Cloud turned and launched a sword beam at Kirby, who was again getting up. The beam met Kirby's face and the puffball went sailing into the fountain.

Samus pushed the heavyweight dragon off of her and began charging up a blast. Cloud noticed her strategy. As Samus fired, Cloud slid under the missile and kicked Samus into the air. Jumping up, Cloud brought the Buster Sword up, hitting Samus, and then crashed it into the ground. The bounty hunter went with it.

Charizard roared and used Flare Blitz. Cloud slashed a Japanese symbol in the air, blocking the attack and dealing excess damage to Charizard. The Pokémon submitted and went flying. He crashed into a tree almost a hundred feet away.

Seeing his rivals defeated, Cloud swung his sword in his traditional manner and cocked it behind his back. The Final Fantasy Fanfare sounded in his mind.

At this point, a large crowd had gathered in the park to watch the match. Almost every Smasher was present. Cloud stared each of them down.

"Anyone want to join them?" Cloud motioned to the three defeated Smashers in the park. Charizard by the broken tree, Samus disfigured in her own personal crater, and Kirby unconscious in the water fountain.

The Smashers looked at each other warily.

Cloud nodded. "I thought as much. Now, where is the town hall? If I am to become a fully pledged Smasher, it is imperative that-"

"Wait."

Cloud stopped abruptly and stiffened. "I know that voice…" He turned to face the crowd.

Slowly, very slowly, the crowd of Smashers parted. A neat little line formed in the center. The next challenger stood where the crowd had parted.

Cloud kept his face impassive as he laid eyes upon the challenger. "It has been awhile…Link."

Link unsheathed the Master Sword and equipped the Hylian Shield. "Agreed."

Tension filled the atmosphere. The Smashers nervously darted their eyes from Cloud to Link, nervously awaiting what would happen next.

At great length, Cloud spoke. "You can speak."

"Yes."

Silence. The crowd stilled.

"Still carrying around that puny dagger I see?" Cloud narrowed his eyes.

Link didn't take the bait. "If you were wise, Cloud, you would know that I'm more than just a sword." A ghost of a triumphant smirk played across his lips. "After all, you met your defeat at my hand last we met."

Cloud remained still, but his eyes reflected the hatred he felt toward the Hylian. "Ah yes. So I take it you're still fighting with boomerangs and children's toys?"

Link glared at his adversary. "Why don't we find out? It's been awhile since I last served you straight."

Cloud gripped the Buster Sword in front of him. "Let's."

The crowd sensed a fight and naturally retreated to the out edges of the park, giving the combatants plenty of room.

They waited for a bit, staring each other down.

Then they both charged.

Marth, Lucina, and Roy were relaxing on Marth's porch.

"So I heard Cloud had arrived and was battling Link in the park," Marth droned.

"Yeah." Lucina and Roy agreed lazily.

"Should we come and watch?"

"…Nah." They disagreed. "I'm good here, bro…"

They continued lounging on their lawn chairs.

Marth frowned. "Wait, did you hear that?"

Roy and Lucina strained their ears to listen, but could hear nothing. "No."

Marth stood up quickly. "That sounds like a swordfight!"

Roy blinked. "It's Cloud and Link, bro."

Marth listened intently. The faintest sound of metal clashing against metal could be heard in the distance. "That's not Link and Ike. It's coming from the West Clearing, below Smash Mountain!"

Lucina stood up. "Isn't that where Robin and Ike were supposed to be having a duel?"

Roy relaxed. "Then it's probably them."

Just then, a flailing Ike and Robin soared high into the air, as if they've been launched. They regained their focus and dove back down, heads turned toward a certain mark. They vanished behind the houses once more.

Marth drew Falchion. "I don't think they're alone."

Lucina also drew her Falchion blade. "We should help them."

Roy groaned. "Do we HAVE to?"

Lucina kicked his chin. "Come on, Roy, let's see who this mystery person is! Stop being lazy!"

"But we only sat here for an HOUR!"

Marth sighed and dragged Roy off of his lawn chair. "Let's go! I haven't brawled in two days!"

The three swordsmen (and swordswoman) ran to the West Clearing in haste. When they found the base of Smash Mountain, they saw Ike and Robin teamed up against…

Against…

"Who is that again?"

Marth glared. "I'm not sure, but we need to help!"

Together, they jumped in front of Ike and Robin, swords at the ready. Roy went for the dramatic approach and made his sword catch fire.

The mystery man narrowed his eyes. "More warriors from the Outrealms?"

Marth's eyes widened. "Outrelams? You must be…"

Roy interrupted him. "Ready to brawl!" He lunged.

With lightning Speed, Corrin's head and hand morphed into a dragon. The claw struck Roy numerous times before pushing him away.

Ike growled. "See why we have a problem with this guy?"

Robin turned to Marth. "Hero-King, we ask of your assistance."

Marth nodded. "Assistance granted."

Lucina noticed Roy get up. "ROY! Hit him in his right flank! Marth and I will take his left!"

Roy nodded and charged Corrin's right side.

Lucina motioned Marth to follow her and charged his left.

Shrugging, Robin and Ike went straight up the middle.

Together, they leaped with readied their swords.

Corrin morphed into a dragon and stomped the earth with his front arms. The impact sent all swordsmen flying in opposite directions. Ike and Robin flew the farthest and landed painfully.

Corrin resumed human form.

Lucina gasped next to Marth. "Marth, who is this?"

Marth shook his head to clear his dizziness. "This is Corrin. He has dragon's blood in him, so he can morph different parts of his body. His reach is long compared to us, so stick with your shield."

Lucina nodded. "And his airials?"

"Being part dragon, Corrin can summon wings. His air superiority should be feared."

"Got it. HEY ROY! WE COULD USE SOME FIRE, HERE!"

Roy nodded and increased his sword's flame strength. Robin noticed his intentions and prepared to cast Arc Fire. Ike charged Corrin once again.

Corrin charged Ike, preparing to meet him in the middle.

At the last second, Ike brought his sword up. Blue flames enveloped the sword and gave it extra power. Ike stabbed the ground in front of Corrin.

Corrin screeched collapsed on the ground. Robin cast his fireball. "ARC FIRE!"

Corrin was caught in the blazing vortex. Roy charged and brought the flaming Sword of Seals on the dazed Corrin's head.

…But Corrin countered once again.

Ike and Roy both stumbled back. Fortunately, they both regained their footing easily. Ike glanced at Roy. "He counters a lot."

Roy grunted. "Spammer…."

Robin rushed Corrin and flipped to the energy-consuming spell. Corrin spread silver wings and took to the air, evading the attack.

"NOW, IKE!" Robin called.

Ike through his sword high into the air, spinning it in a vertical motion. Caught unprepared for such a foolish move, Corrin got sliced repeatedly. With immense strength, Ike jumped, grabbed his sword's handle, and brought his sword and Corrin down to the ground.

Once on the ground, Ike and Lucina expertly slashed at Corrin. The swordsman switched between a dragon's roar and a humans cry as he took blow after blow.

Finally, Robin noticed a floating Smash Orb flying near the mountain. "Let's finish this!" He lunged for it. Roy caught Robin in midair and threw him even farther to reach it.

Corrin realized their intention and countered as Lucina swiped at him. Free again, Corrin spread his wings and flew straight for the Orb. He smacked Robin aside with grace and stabbed his sword right through the Orb.

The opposing swordsman gathered together. "Uh oh…"

Marth's eyes widened even more. "Wait! The Smash Orb accepted him! That means…"

Corrin morphed into his true dragon form and summoned a powerful vortex of water. The swordsmen all succumbed to their watery fate.

Ike and Robin, who had suffered the most damage, were blown completely out of the clearing. Roy barely stopped himself in time, and Lucina and Marth just took great damage.

Corrin morphed back into human form. He gazed at himself in awe. "What? How?..."

Marth ran and stabbed Falchion straight in Corrin's midsection. Corrin fainted and collapsed on the ground.

And now, the fight you've all been waiting for…

Cloud and Link ran right for each other. Cloud was faster than Link, so he got to the Hylian first and slide neatly on the ground, kicking Link into the air. Link steeled himself and turned to face Cloud in midair, just as Cloud struck upward with his sword. The Buster Sword bounced off of the Hylian Shield, and but Cloud gripped the sword's handle and drove it into the ground, carrying Link with it. As Link landed on the ground, Cloud struck at him repeatedly, forming a Japanese symbol. His combo complete, Cloud smacked Link across the field of grass.

The Hylian Hero back-flipped in midair and landed on his feet. He spat into the earth next to him, blood in his saliva.

Cloud casually leaned on his sword. "I'm disappointed. You've lessened your skills last we met."

"I'm just getting started."

Once again, they charged at each other. Cloud slide as he did before, and Link jumped in midair like last time.

Only as Cloud brought his sword up in the manner he did before, Link air-dodged the slash instead of blocking it. Cloud gripped his sword handle and prepared to bring it down once again, but because Link air-dodged his first strike, he was ready to counter. Link side-kicked Cloud in the chest, forcing the mercenary away from him. As Cloud recovered on the ground, Link readied the Master Sword in a downward strike.

Cloud's eyes widened and he rolled to the side, barely evading the spike. The Master Sword lodged itself in the soft dirt.

Cloud saw his chance and swiped at Link's left, knowing he couldn't use the Master Sword to parry or his shield to block.

Quickly, Link grabbed a boomerang and threw it at Cloud, but the mercenary dodged it easily. The Buster Sword caught Link hard in the arm, throwing him back. As he was thrown, Link used his shield-hand to grab the Master Sword's hilt, freeing it from the ground. The Hylian landed on his back, wincing.

He would never admit it, but the Buster Sword hurt pretty bad.

Cloud was still facing Link, already charging at him.

Link gave the Master Sword to his left hand, preparing a spin attack. Cloud's relentless pursuit didn't faze him.

For the boomerang he threw came back and smacked Cloud in the back of his head.

Slightly dazed, Cloud grunted and charged again, but that split-second gave Link the chance he needed.

"HI-YAAAAAH!"

Cloud stumbled back, his sleeve and cape in shreds from the spin attack. Grunting, he threw them off, exposing the ribbon on his left bicep.

Cloud glared at Link. "You fight like a tactician."

Link readied his sword and shield. "You're always on the offense, Cloud. Always so predictable. My analytical fighting style bested you the numerous times we met, and will do so again."

Cloud scoffed. "If I remember correctly, the previous times we met involved you being revived by a fairy…twice!"

Link growled and equipped his bow, notching an arrow. He hated to admit it, but Cloud was right. This time, there was no fairy to save him.

"Hey! Listen!"

Or maybe there was.

Link had completely forgot about Navi hiding in his hat. Now the blue fairy was circling his head. "Listen! Cloud's summons are immensely powerful, but easily predictable! Avoid them at all costs!"

Without another word, Navi flew back into his hat. Link stared at Cloud accusingly.

"Summons, Cloud? Has it come to that?"

Cloud narrowed his eyes and reached for a red summon in his pocket. "Says the elf with a fairy guide."

"Touché."

Cloud released the suommon. Nearby, a fiery monster rose to life, roaring into the sky. The monster dived beneath the surface of the earth, hiding underground.

Under Link, a red circle of dirt formed. The temperature increased.

Zelda, who was watching the fight, telepathically warned Link. RUN!

But Link was one step ahead of her. As the torrent of fire enveloped the circle, Link cartwheeled away before he could burn to a crisp. More red circles appeared, most following Link's evading. The Hylian ran, pursued by the blasts of flame erupting from the ground.

Cloud watched, amused. "Getting hot over there?"

Link ignored him, yelling defiantly as a blast of flame erupted in front of him. More torrents of flame erupted around him, forming a neat circle. Link was trapped.

In the middle of the circle, below Link, the ground heated up.

Cloud chuckled. "Goodbye…Hero."

The ground erupted.

…

But no fire came.

Instead, a strong thunderstorm rained heavily upon the park, extinguishing the flames and drenching the spectators. But nobody cared.

In the circle of ash, Link finished the Song of Storms on his ocarina. His bow put neatly away.

Cloud glared at Link in hatred. "That should have defeated you!"

Link paid him no heed. Another song played on his ocarina, the Legend of Zelda Main Theme.

The crowd cheered. Young Link and Toon Link took up the chant, "LINK! LINK! LINK!" And the crowd followed suit. Ganondorf chuckled, "Good move, kid." Zelda clasped her hands together and stared at Link hopefully.

Cloud sneered. "That's just insulting."

Link grinned and put the ocarina away.

The thunderstorm died out. The weather returned to normal.

Cloud and Link faced each other yet again.

Cloud chuckled and leaned on his sword. "Here we are again."

A small slime escaped Link's lips. "I guess so. No more summons?"

Cloud's eyes hardened. "No more fairies or magic songs?"

"Deal."

Cloud charged yet again.

As fast as the lighting he summoned, Link drew his bow, notched an arrow, and fired. The arrow sped its way toward Cloud. Using his soldier instincts, Cloud was able to stop in time and summon a sword-beam to meet the arrow. Both projectiles disappeared upon contact.

Link glared and gripped his sword. "Sword beams. Of course you would copy me."

Cloud sneered and charged Link again. This time, Link pulled out a lit bomb and threw it at Cloud's feet. Cloud jumped, evading the explosion, and slammed his sword downward when he was above Link. Link back-flipped and stabbed the Master Sword where Cloud had landed. Grunting (as if impalement was nothing), Cloud swiped the Buster Sword horizontally toward Link's head, but the Hylian Shield protected him. Still, the brute force behind the swipe unbalanced Link, and Cloud used that opportunity to land a clean punch to his face.

Link retracted his sword and swiped at Cloud. Cloud parried and blocked Link's second attack, then used a counter move. Link used his shield to block and feigned an attack to Cloud's left, then swiped at his right. Cloud was no fool, however, and met the Master Sword cleanly. With both hands to his right, Link tried to push Cloud away, but the mercenary was far too strong. Cloud freed his sword arm and slashed at Link repeatedly, forcing Link back. The Hylian parried and blocked with sword and shield, but kept backing up in the process. Cloud pressed harder…and harder…and harder…until finally he hit Link with a clean combo and slashed him away. Link fell backward on the ground, exposing his chest.

Cloud stabbed downward. Link swiped the Master Sword across his nose, throwing the Buster Sword away from him and giving him time to roll away. Quickly he stood up, but wasn't fast enough to counter Cloud's follow-up move. Cloud carved a symbol in the air and kicked Link away.

Gasping at the pain he had endured, Link forced himself to stand up. "You've reached your limit, Cloud. I can feel it."

Suddenly Cloud's eyes glowed blue and he held the Buster Sword horizontally in front of him. "Limits were meant to be broken!"

His limit broken, Cloud launched a stronger sword beam at Link. Link used his Smash Shield to block the attack, only to find Cloud's sword beam much stronger than the pathetic Smash Shield. The sword beam bounced its way around the blue aura and completely destroyed it, leaving Link dazed.

I hate the Smash Shield… Link thought bitterly.

As Link was dazed, Cloud was able to break his limits yet again. This time, when he slashed at Link with his strikes, the Japanese symbol acted instead as a Smash Attack. Link went flying, nearly breaking the tree his back crashed against. The air escaped Link's lungs. The Hylian doubled over and gasped for air.

Cloud broke his limit again and used his ability to jump high into the air, much higher than he could have jumped before. With his new height, he gripped his sword tightly and brought it down with twice as much force as before.

Link took a big gulp of air and forced his remaining strength to the side, rolling out of Cloud's reach. The Buster Sword crashed into the earth just as the Master Sword did at the battle's beginning. Grunting, Cloud attempted to lift his sword out of the ground.

Link saw his opportunity and leaped, swinging the Master Sword over his head in an overhead arc. The blade sliced Cloud's protective shoulder guard, but nonetheless Cloud winced and retracted his sword. Again. The two engaged in fierce swipes, parries, and slashes. Only this time Link knew which strikes Cloud would attempt. After Link parried Cloud's second combo move, Link forced his body to twirl, yelling defiantly in the process. The spin attack caught Cloud clean in the chest, pushing the mercenary back.

When Link stopped spinning, Cloud slid and kicked Link into the air. He brought his sword up, just like the beginning of the match. Link air-dodged and side-kicked Cloud yet again, forcing the two combatants away from each other.

There they stood facing each other. Panting, breathing heavily, muscles weak, energy low.

"Limits were meant to be broken…"

Cloud's remaining strength revived him. With renewed purpose, Cloud rushed Link. The Hylian tried his best to parry and counter attack, but Cloud was unrelenting. Link hid himself behind his shield and expertly blocked blow after blow. Cloud's never-ending strength seemed only to increase.

Finally, Cloud feigned and Link fell for it. The sheer impact sent Link flying away, crashing and finally rolling on the soft ground. The Master Sword fell from his grasp, but remained close to his side.

A Smash Orb flew over the spectating crowd and soared into the air, floating aimlessly.

Cloud watched its progress. "It would appear that you have met your maker, Hylian." Cloud broke his limit and soared into the air, straight for the Smash Orb.

But a speedy arrow smashed into its side, bouncing the Orb away from Cloud. Cloud glowered at Link and sent a sword beam his way. Link wailed as his face met the attack.

Cloud once again leaped for the Smash Orb. The Buster Sword broke through it with one clean stroke.

White fire surrounded Cloud. His eyes were pure white. He chuckled. "So this is what real power feels like…"

He charged Link and threw him into the air.

…And Omnislash commenced.

With expertly precise movements, Cloud slashed at a helpless Link fourteen times. All the while Link tried to think of a way out his situation despite the pain. But his mind was too dazed to think clearly.

On the fifteenth strike, Cloud floated over Link and raised the Buster Sword menacingly over his head.

And brought it down in Link's exposed chest.

"HE-YAH!" Cloud cried.

"HY-YAAAAH!" Link wailed.

Cloud crashed Link into the ground. A dramatic, Michael Bay-style explosion erupted around them.

But Link had new strength upon the crash.

He activated the Triforce of Courage.

The crowd was deathly silent. The explosion Cloud caused hung in the air. Some feared for Link. Some for Cloud. Most watched anxiously. All held their breath.

"HYYYYYYYYY-YAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Link's final stab blew Cloud away, as well as himself. The mercenary and Hylian rolled on the ground, a great distance away from each other. Cloud suffered from various slashes and cuts from the Master Sword. Link was in no better shape, thanks to the Buster Sword.

Slowly, they both stood, facing each other.

Miraculously, both had used their final Smashes.

Both rivals stood, their expressions defiant.

The world stilled. The crowd silent.

…

…

…

…

Link gasped a weak yell of defiance, then collapsed on the ground.

Just as Cloud winced and fell backward.

Both rivals fainted…at the same time.

…

The crowd didn't make a sound. The world was still.

Slowly, it started to drizzle. Then it rained softly and silently.

Neither hero stood up.

It was a draw.

Corrin groaned and opened his eyes. White walls surrounded his field of view. Dr. Mario was checking his clipboard on his hospital bedside. Next to the dazed Smasher sat two occupied beds, with Link and Cloud laying unconscious on top of them. A concerned Zelda was fast asleep by Link's bedside. Her head rested comfortably on his shoulder.

"Hey, you're awake!"

Corrin turned his head to the other side of his hospital bed. Marth, Lucina, and Roy smiled down at him. Two more beds, each with an exhausted Ike and Robin resting on top. Ike grinned and flashed the peace sign. Robin closed his book of tomes.

"So the dragon-dude finally woke up," Roy acknowledged. "I'll admit, you gave us one heck of a fight."

Corrin frowned, confused. "What fight?"

Suddenly the memories hit. Corrin's eyes widened. "Please forgive my aggressiveness! I just felt...weak, standing in your presence. It's a flaw of mine..."

Roy laughed good-naturedly. Lucina clapped Corrin's shoulder. "Hey, you're not weak! You would have won if we hadn't interfered."

Ike nodded. "Your final smash is excellent."

Marth smiled kindly. "You fought well."

Corrin let out a sigh of relief. "I was scared that I had hurt you guys. It feels good to be a Smasher..."

Dr. Mario sighed. "Yes, yes, friends forever, what a fight, blah blah blah. You haven't seen these two go at it today." He pointed his pen at the unconscious Smashers. "You guys may have had an amusing swordfight, but THAT...that was something else. Two Smash Orbs..."

Marth's eyes widened. "Two?! In one match?"

Dr. Mario nodded, awestruck. "Yes. Cloud here used Omnislash, his final smash, on Link. But when he slammed him into the ground, Link's body actually crushed a Smash Orb between him and the earth, so he also got to use his final Smash."

Corrin stared, awestruck at the two beings resting before him. "Who won the fight, sir?"

Dr. Mario kept his gaze locked on the patients, letting Corrin's question hang in the air. "You're body has fully recovered, Corrin. Mind the exhaustion due to overuse of your muscles, and you'll be able to go home."

Corrin nodded and stood up, shaking the dizziness he felt away. He met his gaze to every Smasher he had fought today. "Thank you, everyone. And good match."

The swordsmen (and woman) nodded. Marth shook Corrin's hand kindly. "We'll be seeing you soon, I take it?"

Corrin grinned. "Sooner than you think."

EPILOUGE

On the roof of his new house, a heavily-bandaged Cloud watched the various stars dance across the night sky. His mind flashed back to the battle not three days ago.

Cloud and Link faced each other, swords in hand.

"I'm disappointed. You lessened your skills last we met."

"I'm just getting started."

"Summons, Cloud? Really?"

"Limits were meant to be broken…"

Cloud used Omnislash.

Link used the Triforce of Courage.

Cloud and Link faced each other, swords in hand.

A wince…then darkness.

Cloud closed his eyes. He remembered waking up in the hospital.

"Cloud, are you alright?" Dr. Mario asked, concerned.

"Where am I?"

"You're in the Smashville Hospital. You were in a coma for three days."

"…three days?"

"Yes. Link recovered not a moment ago, and has been released from the hospital." Dr. Mario's face was grim, but a bit awed. "Two Smash Orbs in one battle…incredible…"

Cloud remembered his fight with Link. "Who won?" he dared ask.

Dr. Mario's face remained on his clipboard.

"Doctor, I must know!"

Slowly, Dr. Mario let out a quiet sigh. "Draw."

Cloud blinked, returning his gaze to the stars. Dr. Mario's words echoed in his mind. "Draw…draw…draw."

"Hey."

Cloud turned. A heavily-bandaged Link stared at him, sitting on his roof near the attic entrance.

Silence passed between them.

Cloud returned his gaze to the stars, ignoring the fact that his rival was a mere two yards behind him.

The two rivals gazed at the night sky in silence.

"Why are you looking for?" Cloud heard Link question. "In the stars, I mean?"

Cloud continued to stare.

…

"Alright, I get it. You're bitter. I'll take my leave."

Cloud heard Link scuffle to the attic window, preparing to leave.

"The Lifestream."

Link stopped at Cloud's voice. "Lifestream?"

"Yes." Cloud's gaze never left the stars. "It's the force that binds us together. The river of life, as my friend called it. It gives life to the world, and everything in it."

Link stared up at the stars, silent.

Cloud continued. "Some say that I'm its official guardian. But I believe a force like the Lifestream should be kept free, left to its own devices."

Link nodded, and silence followed.

They two gazed at the stars for a few moments, wary of each other but welcoming the presence nonetheless.

Link sighed and stretched. "Well, I should return home. Zelda is probably worried about me."

Cloud said nothing. Link disappeared in the attic window.

Cloud's eyes never left the stars.

Suddenly Link's head reappeared in the window. "The Triforce is better!" He called, then quickly ducked his head again.

Cloud cound't help but grin. "We'll see about that!" He shouted after him.

"Yeah we will!"

And Link was gone.

Cloud returned his gaze to the night sky. A winged dragon/man hybrid flew gracefully over the Smashville treetops. A beautiful woman laughed in front of the moon.

And a mercenary sat on his roof, watching the stars.

Tonight, they seemed the shine extra bright.

I couldn't pick a winner. Yes, I'm with #TeamLink, but I couldn't PHYSICALLY have Cloud lose this. It just didn't feel right. But seriously, this will probably go down as one my favorite writes. It was so fun, I got in the drama myself re-reading this XD.

Anyway, the final DLCs are here, so Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS is finally complete.

These tears are from happiness, btw.

Well, that was fun. Have fun, guys!

(#TeamLink)