Author's Disclaimer: I do not own Super Smash Bros or any of the characters involved in it. I am earning no profit from this story, other than the enjoyment of writing it and sharing it with others! I hope you all enjoy reading it!

The next morning, Link went down to breakfast as usual, last night's teasing completely forgotten. Young Link and Cloud sheepishly apologized, and Link insisted it was alright. Zelda, of course, asked what the problem had been, and no one gave her a real answer. She dropped the subject, instead choosing to ask, "Link, are you ready to play Ganondorf today?"

"I do not feel quite ready," Link answered. "I was thinking Cloud and I could play after breakfast, and I would challenge him after lunch."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Cloud agreed.

"Don't rush," Shulk said. "We've only got one shot at this. If you're not ready, keep practicing. I know we all want to get out of here, but compared to how long we've been waiting, a few more days won't be a big deal."

"I understand," Link replied. "But I am confident that I can complete this task today."

The rest of breakfast was as it usually was. Living and hanging out with the same people every day for months on end got to be quite boring. By this point, everyone had shared every story they had. Someone could begin a tale, and the others could finish it for them. Mostly small talk was made about their escape plan. Another common subject was what they'd do once they got out.

Once Link and Cloud had finished eating, Cloud led Link back to his room. He dealt out the cards again, gave himself and Link some chips, and they began to play. Link improved a little, and he beat Cloud in two hands. That wasn't much, but it was something. Link was glad their plan hinged on the Sheikah Slate's magnesis, and not his actual competence. Otherwise, they'd be doomed.

By lunchtime, Link was feeling much more confident. Not that he could really beat Ganondorf, even if he wasn't cheating, but that he'd be able to play out a few hands without losing all his chips. All the others offered him encouragement, which Link always accepted with a simple nod.

After lunch, Link went down to the bar, accompanied only by Shulk. It had been agreed that not everyone should go, both because Young Link and Toon Link couldn't go into the bar, and because having a crowd would draw unnecessary attention. It was also agreed that Shulk should come in case he had a vision and the plan needed to change.

Link opened the door to the bar. Ganondorf was seated at a high table, arm wrestling against Samus. Surprisingly, the bounty hunter was putting up a good resistance. Both contestants had fierce snarls carved into their faces as they pushed against each other. Sweat was dripping down Samus's face, and Ganondorf was breathing hard. Link and Shulk joined the ring of fighters who were watching. It seemed divided. On Samus's side were Fox, Falco, Captain Falcon, and even Sheik. On Ganondorf's side were Bowser, Wolf, and Bayonetta. It seemed the angel hunter had left her usual companions outside, for they weren't with her.

After several minutes of the two strenuously pushing, Samus couldn't hold up anymore. Her arm collapsed against the table with a loud slam. Ganondorf released his hold on her, a smirk on his face. "Next time, think more carefully when insulting the King of Evil!"

"I think the King of Evil's a cheater!" Samus spat. "You used magic! I could feel it burning my hand!"

"Bet you can't prove it," Ganondorf sneered.

Samus clenched her jaw. She couldn't.

Ganondorf laughed, turning away from her. His side of the table congratulated him on his victory. Link walked over to him, followed by Shulk. The pair earned themselves several disgusted looks from Samus's side.

"Ganondorf," Link said.

The Gerudo turned around. He began laughing. "The Hero of Hyrule. What're you doing down here?"

"I am here to challenge you to a game of poker," Link answered. "If I win, then you will tell Shulk and me how you got into Master Hand's office."

Ganondorf nodded. "And if you lose? What do I get?"

"Name your prize," Link stated.

"Bad plan," Shulk hissed. "You should've picked something!"

Ganondorf smiled smugly. "Very well. If I win, you're doing me a favor. See, I need something from Master Hand's office. You'll get it for me if I win."

"And you will tell me how?" Link questioned.

"I will not," Ganondorf sneered. "You'll figure it out yourself."

"You'll end up in the torture room for sure!" Shulk exclaimed.

"And what is it you need?" Link asked, ignoring Shulk's comment. He did not intend to lose.

"That's not part of our bargain," Ganondorf stated. "I'll tell you after I win."

"I'm adding it to my winning prize," Link decided.

"Then I'm adding something to mine," Ganondorf replied. "You will get two things from Master Hand's office."

"Fine," Link concluded. "Shall we begin?"

"We shall," Ganondorf agreed. "Barkeeper! Give us a deck of cards!" A robot rushed over to where they were and handed Ganondorf a deck of cards. Ganondorf shuffled it, cut it, then dealt it out. He then distributed the chips.

By now, quite a crowd had gathered to watch. Of course, all of Ganondorf's companions had settled down to watch; Bayonetta, Bowser, and Wolf. But it seemed Sheik had become interested in the match as well, then had explained the high stakes to Samus, who had told everyone in the bar, so now Link and Ganondorf had a ring of fighters gathered around their table.

Shulk seemed rather nervous. It seemed he didn't like not being in control of what was happening. Link played several hands. He lost every one, though he did note that Ganondorf always had slightly superior cards. Even if Link wasn't terrible, he doubted he would've won. After only a short while, Link was running low on chips. He knew if he didn't make his move soon, he'd lose the game. And it also seemed that Ganondorf had gotten settled. He had a smirk carved onto his face. "Not going your way, is it, hero?" he laughed.

Link allowed his mouth to twitch slightly, giving Ganondorf the idea he was winning.

The Gerudo sneered.

Link silently slid the Sheikah Slate from his belt. He intently stared at his cards, pretending to decide his next move. He allowed his eyes to flick down to the screen for just a moment, and selected Magnesis. No one was paying attention to his lap. They were too focused on the very few chips remaining in his pile. Shulk did his best to not stare at the Slate, to avoid attracting attention. Link pointed the device at Ganondorf's gauntlet that he kept under the table. He held his cards with his other hand. Link activated Magnesis, and pulled the gauntlet cleanly off of the King of Evil's hand. Link released the gauntlet, and it fell to the floor with a loud clang. Everyone jumped and looked under the table. Link returned the Sheikah Slate to his belt before he joined the rest of the fighters in staring at the cards that were now splayed across the floor.

Ganondorf swore loudly and swiped his gauntlet from up off the ground.

"Care to explain?" Link demanded, keeping his expression neutral.