This is, by far, the most ambitious story I've written thus far. Well, Daybreak, you wanted a story on Ike's Disappearance, you've got one! Which path did I take? Read and see! Enjoy!
-Part 1: The Swordsman's Mystery-
(-)
"Then, as I was going for the finisher – you guessed it – sour spot. Again! Blast it all", Marth ranted to Cloud and Link as they walked around in Olimar's garden.
"Man, that's the third time in two days' worth of matches too, isn't it?' Link asked, quite concerned, 'You think it's you, or your sword?"
"I believe I am mostly to blame for this, but I won't rule out your opinion yet, Link", Marth agreed, adjusting his finger-less gloves.
Cloud shoved his hands in his pockets and chirped, "You know, Marth, maybe you're just a little wound up. We should go cool down inside. Maybe we could hit Café LeBlanc tonight". "I don't suppose that would be a bad idea at all', Marth nodded, pleasantly surprised, 'Are you up for it, Link?"
"My last match should be at around four today, so I'm down if it's past that time", the Hylian replied, all for getting something in his black hole of a stomach.
"That's good', Cloud chuckled, opening the main doors inside, 'I really do need to talk to you more, Link". "Thanks', he giggled, 'That really means a lot".
The three of them walked around the mansion, determined to kill as much time as possible before Link's match at four.
"So, who're you fighting?" Cloud asked. "Oh, uh, Min-Min, Captain Falcon, and I believe Red", Link counted the fighters off on his fingers.
"Oh, that's bound to be fun", Marth replied sarcastically, receiving snickers from his comrades in return.
None of them were very large, so the hallway space they took up was minimal; so, it came as a surprise when Link suddenly stumbled over something and went careening into the carpeted ground with a soft thud.
"Sorry', a duo of high-pitched voices apologized, 'We didn't mean to get in your way". Whilst helping Link to his feet, Marth looked down at the source of the voice: Popo and Nana, known more commonly as the Ice Climbers.
"Apology accepted, you two', Link didn't hold anything against the smaller fighters, 'and I'm sorry for tripping over you". "It's okay, Mr. Link', Popo smiled again, 'we tend to go unnoticed in the hallways. We don't blame you, right Nana?"
Nana, much unlike her brother, seemed to be in a very sour mood, arms crossed over her chest, and her face contorted into a pout.
"Is everything alright, little miss?" Marth formally asked, kneeling to the Ice Climbers' level. "Oh, I know what this is about', Popo realized, turning to face his sister, 'Nana, you have to let that go. It wasn't that big of a deal".
"I was looking forward to that match, and then our opponent has the audacity to just not show up?!' Nana shouted, taking the three sword users aback, 'I think I have the right to be a little angry, Popo".
"I certainly know how that feels, given my status back in 4', Cloud muttered before turning to the young fighters and speaking up, 'Who bailed on your match anyway? Diddy? Falcon? Maybe Wario?"
"If it was any of those guys, I would've been fine. A little annoyed, but fine', Nana huffed, twiddling her mitten-clad thumbs, 'But Ike does not just bail like that! And I was looking forward to testing my skills on him!"
"Ike? He… just didn't show up?" Marth faltered, a hint of ominous fear in his voice. "Yeah!' Popo chimed in, his voice laced with concerned curiosity, 'Our match at 1:15 had to be cancelled because he just didn't arrive".
"Okay, thank you for letting us know', Link thanked them seriously, 'Have a nice day, you two". "Bye!" they shouted, wobbling away.
"Nana was right, Ike doesn't just not show up to something without a reason', Cloud included his two cents, hoping for an answer, 'Where do you think he is?"
"Not a clue', Marth reluctantly coughed, shrugging his shoulders, 'The last time I saw him was when I woke up this morning, and even then, he was out the door pretty early".
"Did you get a glimpse at his match schedule?' Link asked, pointing to a tablet on a nearby wall, 'Maybe he had to be somewhere else, or he lost track of time?" "That last one's pretty unlikely', Cloud countered quietly, 'Ike hates being late. That's fact".
The three men waltzed over to the nearby SmashPad on the wall and tapped on the screen, pulling up the Match Schedule, and selecting Ike.
"Well, there we go', Marth sighed, 'He had one at 9:12, and one at 11:40, and he attended both, which is good. We all know that his one at 2:15 got cancelled, and he should be having a match at 6:30 against Elliot, Peach, and Game and Watch".
"He would have a mark by his name if he was excused, like Mega Man does", Link pointed out, jabbing his finger at Mega Man's stock symbol. It had a blue X over it, indicating that he was excused due to the increase in in incidents Order of Rejection members rigging matches to ensnare Rock.
"Well, he clearly doesn't', Cloud puffed, crossing his fairly muscular arms, 'So, where do you think he went?"
"I think our only option at this point is to ask around', Marth sighed, tugging at his tunic slightly, 'We may not have seen Ike, but someone else might've". "Good thinking', Link nodded, 'Let's get looking".
(-)
The trio made their way through the halls, looking for someone, anyone, who might have seen Ike at some point that day. Their first glimmer of hope was when Samus approached them. "Hey, is something wrong?" she asked, seeing the forlorn looks on their faces.
"Ike didn't show up to his match with Nana and Popo, and we're looking for him', Link explained, nervousness present through his entire sentence, 'Have you, by any chance, seen him?"
"No. Haven't seen him since our team battle against Lucina and Shulk this morning', Samus told them, 'Sorry if that's inadequate". "No, thank you for your time', Marth brushed off his emotions, 'Have a nice day".
The three passed Samus and continued, trying to come up with ideas. Aside from a brief, unhelpful encounter with Roy, they had not picked up on any information that could even slightly allude to where their friend might be.
About 25 minutes of thinking for naught later, Marth thought of something.
"Wait, didn't Samus say Ike was in a match with her, alongside Lucina and Shulk?' he pointed out, 'They might know a thing or two about our predicament". "You're right!" Link cried happily.
"You and I should look for Shulk, Link', Cloud offered, 'Marth, you go find Lucina. She'll give you whatever you need". Marth chuckled, and he, Cloud, and Link split off to look for the respective participants of the match.
(-)
For Cloud and Link, finding Shulk was never very hard. After all, he could easily be considered one of the most chipper, most optimistic, most joyful characters on the roster.
You could easily pick his heavy Australian accent out of a crowd, too; the two easily heard him talking to Isabelle and Palutena in the hallway leading to the Super Mario characters' room.
"Shulk', Link waved their friend down, 'Could we talk for a moment?" Shulk finished his statement and answered, "Alright, coming". He told the ladies goodbye and sped on over to Cloud and Link.
"So, my guys', the Monado user asked, 'What's the matter?" "Ike didn't show up to his match with the Ice Climbers, and no one's seen him for a while', Cloud explained to Shulk, 'He had a match with you and Lucina earlier today, though. Did you by any chance catch where he was headed?"
"Not really', Shulk sulked, 'Once I wished Ike well, he talked to Lucina and then left to do his own thing. I have no idea. Sorry".
"No, it's alright, thank you for your time', Link faltered, turning to Cloud, 'Let's just hope Marth has better luck".
(-)
Meanwhile, in the mess hall, Marth had found Lucina playing a card game with Pit. "Darn! Beaten again…', Pit pouted, setting his cards down after an unlucky game of Go Fish, 'How are you so good, Lucina?"
"It helps when you can read, Pit', she replied fondly, 'Maybe you should ask Palutena to teach you, or maybe that cousin you talked about earlier this week".
"Maybe, but—Oh! Hey Marth", Pit pointed at the Hero King approaching them, and ran up to greet him. "Thank you Pit, but I have no time for physical affection right now', Marth stated seriously, 'Lucina, I must speak with you on some important matters".
Pit trundled off, a tad disappointed that Marth refused the hug, and the latter finally got to fully approach his descendant. "So, what's the matter, Marth?" Lucina asked, concern aflutter in her tone.
"Ike has, unfortunately, turned up missing', he grimaced, a grave look crossing his face, 'He never arrived for his match against Popo and Nana, and Cloud, Link, and I haven't a clue where he could be".
Then, Marth gestured to Lucina, "You and Shulk had a match with him earlier today, so I presumed, by some slim chance, you would know where he went".
"Unfortunately, I don't, Hero King', Lucina replied unhappily, 'While I did talk to him after our match, all he told me was how well I did. Then he raced off somewhere. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful to you".
"No, no, it's alright, Lucina', Marth comforted her, 'I appreciate your help, nonetheless. Now, I must go see if Cloud or Link found anything on the matter."
"Okay, I will let you know if I hear anything', Lucina promised hopefully, 'Good luck!" "You too", Marth bid his descendant farewell.
(-)
The group met back together at the door to the room Link, Zelda, and Sheik slept in to discuss details on what they had found.
"Anything?" Cloud asked, desperate for a clue that could lead them to Ike. "No, unfortunately', Marth replied solemnly, 'Lucina didn't see him past that match". "Neither did Shulk', Link sighed, his fingers on the bridge of his nose, 'It's like Ike just vanished into thin air after his match at 11:40. Do we have any other leads?"
As the three began to brainstorm some more possibilities to where Ike could have disappeared to, Zelda came out the door. She, being the empath that she was, immediately noticed their distress.
"What's the matter, you guys?' she asked, peering at the crestfallen face of the Hero of the Wild, 'Is there any way, any way at all, in which I can help?"
"Unless you've seen Ike at any point today, Princess, no, you cannot", Marth told her, his voice dripping in regret for having to tell her that. "Yeah', Cloud added on, just as forlorn, 'Ike's gone missing, and no one that's seen him today has a clue where he could be".
"Wait, Ike?' Zelda asked, a confused look on her face. After a moment, she gasped happily and told the trio, 'I have seen him!"
"Really?' Link cheered joyously, 'Where did you see him last?" "He was talking with Ganondorf, and they walked into the Villains' Room', she informed them delightfully, 'they were talking about something, but I didn't pick up on their conversation too well".
The three men jumped for joy, right before realizing that, 'oh wait, Ganondorf'. "The villains' room, you say?' Marth asked, intrigued by this new clue, 'We shall journey there at once. Thank you for all your assistance, Princess".
With that, the three raced off, ready to get some answers for all the stress they endured through the hour. 'I sure hope they find what they're looking for', Zelda hoped to herself, 'I do hope Ike's okay'.
(-)
At the doorway to the villains' room, Cloud took a deep breath and smirked, "This is it. It's either get Ike back, or die trying". "Right", Marth and Link nodded in unison. With all his strength, Link slowly, but surely, pushed the door open.
Inside, everything seemed to be askew. From the mysterious stains in the carpet, to the awful smell permeating from who knows where, to the sounds of Ridley screeching from his room, it was all a huge pigsty.
And it all made Marth writhe on the inside.
"We should just get Ike and go. I can't stand this for long", he muttered, plugging his nose from some unidentified scent.
The three traveled in an RPG-like line; Link at the front, Marth in the middle, and Cloud holding up the rear.
In record time, Link's boots brushed against Ganondorf's door. "I do hope Ike's okay in there', he gulped, preparing for the worst-case scenario, 'If not, I'm going to pull out remote bombs, and no one is stopping me".
With that last word, Link knocked gingerly.
To his pleasant surprise, Ike got the door.
"Oh, hello Link', he greeted the Hylian calmly, 'what brings you here?" "Ike!' Marth cried, both joy and relief present in his tone, 'We're glad you're okay!" "Okay? Course I am, what are you talking about?" he asked, clearly confused.
Before Cloud could respond, Ganondorf yelled from the back, "What is taking you so long, Ike? Who is at the door this time? It had better not be Samus's walking calculator".
"It's Link, Cloud, and Marth. They were worried about me for some reason", Ike answered loudly to the back of the room.
"You never arrived at your match with the Ice Climbers, and no one's seen you since noon. We were worried that you might've gotten yourself into some trouble", Cloud explained.
"Oh! I see what is going on here', Ike chuckled, gesturing towards the SmashPad at the back of the room, 'the match coordinator's been acting up since this morning. It must've not processed my request to cancel that match".
"Well, that answers one question', Link added on, 'but why in the world are you here?" "Ganondorf was giving me some tips on my two-handed slam with Ragnell. You know, my side smash', Ike explained, lifting said sword to show his friend, 'he's been helping me maximize damage all afternoon".
"And I must say, Ike, you're doing fairly well for a human', Ganondorf came up to the doorway and complimented the swordsman, 'I think we should end if off here anyway, so, I guess, good day".
Ganondorf lightly shoved Ike out the door, and slammed it shut behind him. "Well, I was expecting a battle, but all's well that ends well, I suppose", Marth nodded, starting out of the area. "So, any tips, Ike?" Cloud chuckled, gesturing to Ragnell. "I have plenty, just you wait. Coming, Link?"
Link had been staring at a strange part of the wall, trying to figure out why it annoyed him so much, when Ike called his name. "Oh, coming", he cried, following his friends. There was something about that wall. Something off-putting. Something… almost dangerous.
(-)
-Part 2: Darkening Dawn-
(-)
Café LeBlanc, one of the most popular spots when it came to attractions, and it had multiple reasons to be so. Whether it be the amiable atmosphere, the splendid service, or the delectable drinks, there was always something to like.
Thus, it was no surprise that Marth, Cloud, Link, and now Ike decided to meet there after Link's match at 4:00.
"That boomerang timing was absolutely ludicrous, Link', Cloud complemented his friend with a pat on the back, 'I don't think I've ever seen accuracy like that".
"Aw, thanks, Cloud', Link chuckled to himself, taking a sip from his cup of Udagawa Soda, 'That really means a lot".
"Indeed, Cloud is correct', Ike chimed in, taking a slow bite of Strawberry Curry, 'Your precision was positively phenomenal. You must teach me how your movements are so fluid".
"I think you may be a tad to heavy for movement like Link's, Ike', Marth reasoned, sipping his Earl Green like an unsure child, 'I mean no offense, it's just not your style". "None taken, Hero King', Ike assured him, 'None at all".
The four of them laughed joyfully throughout the afternoon, sharing stories of matches and the like. Nothing too interesting, I assure you. Then the clock hit 5:45.
"Oh, my match should begin in a few minutes', Ike pointed out, standing up, 'I suppose this is goodbye for now. See you all soon". "Bye Ike", the other three bid their friend farewell in intervals, sounding more off-key than Bella's failed chorus lessons.
The door shut quietly behind Ike, and the three turned back to each other to talk some more. "So, anyone have a plan for the rest of the day?" Cloud asked, boredom alight in his tone.
"I don't suppose anyone wants to go train, do they?" Marth suggested in vain. "Not really', Link answered, running his finger around the rim of his drink, 'There's nothing I can really think of that'd be fun until Ike gets back".
As the three of them were thinking, Joker, also known as Ren, came up to their table. "Can I get you gentlemen anything else this fine afternoon?" he asked suavely.
"Nothing at the moment, kiddo', Cloud cracked a smirk, ruffling Joker's curly black hair, 'But, I do have a question." "Okay, shoot", Ren replied, snapping his fingers classily.
"Any suggestions on something to do tonight?' Cloud questioned, leaning his head on his enclosed fist, 'You're more social than I'll ever be, you should know some of the town highlights, right?"
"Well, a lot of them are going under repairs, actually', Joker unfortunately told the three, 'The Order of Rejection's been really antsy recently, and Master Hand is doing squat to keep them in check. Building after building's going down, so that does not leave too many options".
"That's awful!' Marth jutted in, 'Why hasn't the rest of the roster been informed of this?!"
"You'd be surprised how many members of that cult there are', Joker grimaced, shuffling his shoes on the wooden floor, 'The Theives and I found that out the hard way. We've been called in every night for the past 3 weeks to deal with someone, or multiple people, breaking into the Archives, and while we always catch them relatively easily, there seems to be no end in sight".
"Is there anything we can do to lighten your load, Ren?' Link asked concernedly, 'I'm sure we could help in some way". "No, that's a matter for us alone', Joker reluctantly issued, 'Waluigi would probably go after your Zelda if you got involved, Link".
Link's ears perked up in surprise at the thought of someone stooping so low, and it made Marth see red.
"That heinous miscreant!' he half-shouted, trying his best to show his anger without making a scene, 'I must applaud your resolve, Joker. Dealing with the likes of him has to be draining".
"It is', Joker stated bluntly, taking off his glasses for a moment to rub his clearly tired eyes, 'His followers come to the thieves (more often me) every day, demanding that we break up our group so that they, and I quote, 'can appease their Lord and Savior Waluigi'. As always, whenever we refuse, it ends in an unfair fight that we never hope for".
"Ren', Cloud stood up and shot in a monotonous voice, 'Know this: if these attacks become too extreme, you are allowed to come and find me without any shame". Joker was taken aback at Cloud's fatherly claim, and asked, "Why would you feel the need to do that?"
"Because I care about you, Ren', Cloud stated, putting his large hand on Ren's shoulder, 'I've seen some of the things that Waluigi has done, and I hate that you have to put yourself in a position where he gets to berate you and your friends constantly".
"Cloud, I…", Joker faltered, astonished by Cloud's newly announced affection. "If you need me, call me. I promise I'll be there", Cloud finished calmly.
Joker, finally getting ahold of himself, nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll try to remember that if things get to be too much. Though, I doubt it will ever come to that', he snickered, 'I am Joker, after all".
Cloud nodded as Marth and Link stood up to go outside. "Ike's match should be starting soon', Marth pointed out, 'If we head out soon, we should get there as he finishes. Then, maybe we could ask Rock if we could stay for dinner. I'm sure he'd let us in".
"You're probably right, Marth', Link added on, 'So, Cloud, shall we?" After giving Joker one last pat on the shoulder, Cloud turned to his friends and agreed, "We shall".
(-)
The three left Café LeBlanc in a slight hurry, hoping to see their friend as his match ended. Nothing too exciting happened on the trip over there, just some small talk and the like.
Then, they arrived at the mansion, and things began to get a little bit strange.
It started as Marth pushed open the doors and let his two friends into the mansion. This door was very close to the waiting room by the teleporters, which was how fighters got into matches.
"Who was Ike's match against again?' Link asked as they entered the waiting room, 'I can't seem to remember".
"Gimme a moment', Marth pondered, tapping his pointer finger to his temple like Ness, 'Oh! I think I remember! It was Princess Peach, Mr. Game and Watch, and-"
"Elliot!"
Marth was interrupted by Rock, who was following a very nervous Elliot. Rock was also followed by Erdrick.
"Luminary', Link intervened, 'what's the matter? What has you so distressed?" "His match is getting postponed until further notice', Rock explained, 'One of the fighters hasn't shown-".
"Ike, please make your way to the waiting room at this time', Master Hand's voice came booming over the intercom, 'I repeat, Ike, please make your way to the waiting room at this time. Thank you".
"Ike's not here?' Marth asked, worry peppering his voice, 'But we were just with him at Café LeBlanc. What happened?" "Judging by how impatient Master Hand sounded, he has no idea', Erdrick shrugged, shuffling his feet, 'and, at this rate, if Ike doesn't show up soon, Elliot's going to collapse from worry, and it's going to be assumed that something bad happened to him".
Marth, Link, and Cloud stared in shock as, just like Erdrick had foretold, Elliot's knees gave out. "Elliot!' Rock cried, catching the Luminary, then lowering him to the ground slowly, 'Hey, I've got you. It's going to be okay".
"We're going to look for Ike', Cloud announced, 'and this time, we've to move quicker". Marth and Link nodded simultaneously, and they took off as Erdrick and Rock comforted Elliot.
"Where do we go first, though?' Link asked as the group rounded a few corners, 'maybe Ganondorf might have a clue?" "Yes! Brilliant idea, my friend', Marth cheered seriously, 'to the villains' room".
"Right", Cloud muttered, running behind the other two swordsmen.
(-)
Considering how close the villains' room was from the waiting bay, it took less than three minutes for them to arrive.
And it took even less time for Ganondorf to come barreling out the door. "I know you all are looking for Ike', he puffed, clearly out of breath, 'He was dragged in here by some people in robes, but I don't know where they are from there. They dropped a smoke bomb as soon as I saw them".
Marth's heart skipped a beat, and he cried, "Thank the goddess! At least we know he's here!" "Yeah, Marth's right', Cloud nodded, turning back to Ganondorf, 'Could you let us search again?"
"This time, I don't mind', the king crossed his arms and got out of the doorway, 'I'm not helping you, though". "I don't mind that either', Link muttered bluntly, 'Let's move".
The three swordsmen took off through the Villains' Common Room, calling Ike's name like a war cry. The other villains looked over at them, annoyed, but respectful of why they were here.
Wolf, who was brought into the chaos, was looking around for any source of a clue. Cloud took notice and asked, "Any luck?"
"Nope', Wolf replied grimly, 'I have been looking for the past few minutes, but nothing's turned up yet. And Ike's not very hard to miss, too".
Three more fighters walked into the room unannounced, hearing of the chaos and coming to help. "What the heck happened here?" the tallest one asked himself, scratching his head. "No clue', the shortest one pointed out, 'Ike was supposedly dragged in here".
Meanwhile, the third fighter, who was the clear medium between the height of his friends, walked up to a wall adjacent to Ganondorf's room. Pressing his gloved hands up onto the wall, he hoped quietly, "Please be a secret door, please be a secret door".
As Marth finished talking about the information he had gathered, the sound of a wall sliding erupted from Ganondorf's door, followed by an, "Erdrick, what was that?"
Standing in front of a man-made hole in the wall was none other than Erdrick, followed close behind by Rock and Elliot. The latter had seemed to recover from his anxiety from earlier.
"Yay", Erdrick cheered quietly to himself.
"How did you know that was there?' Cloud asked, completely perplexed, 'And, Ganondorf, did you know this was here?" "Honestly, no', Ganondorf replied, clearly as surprised as Cloud was, 'I thought I knew all the ins and outs of this accursed place, but here we are".
"As for me, I have a knack for these kinds of things, pointing out little details amidst a big picture', Erdrick explained, 'Rock can tell you that much". Said robot giggled to himself, nudging his friend on the shoulder.
It was at that moment that Link realized what was so off about that odd spot in the wall from earlier.
Everyone took the opportunity to stare down the long flight of steps that lead to who-knows-where (well, I know where, but that is for me to know, and you to find out). It was pitch black down there, save for a few spare light bulbs Rock could just barely see.
As Elliot was about to take the first step down the stairs, an unholy cry rang out from the hole. Everyone could tell without too much difficulty that the cry came from Ike.
Without a word, Marth bolted down the stairs, followed closely by Link, then Cloud. Rock was about to follow him, but Ganondorf held him back with his huge hand.
"Considering your track record, I'm willing to bet there's a villain at the bottom of this flight of stairs with your name in red and underlined. Going down there could very well be a death sentence for you, little man', he explained grimly, turning to the two heroes, 'Erdrick, Luminary, you two should stay here as well. If whatever is down there makes a move towards that friend of yours, you both should know what to do".
Erdrick nodded, Elliot did the same, and Ganondorf and Wolf raced after the swordsmen, a determined fire burning in their eyes.
The spiral staircase seemed to go on for miles and miles, progress only tracked by the light bulbs that were barely visible to Wolf, let alone Marth.
'Ike, my friend, we'll be there soon', Marth thought, picking up his already quick pace, 'You won't be in pain for much longer, I promise'.
(-)
After what felt like an hour of rapidly rushing down the seemingly never-ending stairs, everyone finally reached the bottom. That is, if you considered that the bottom was blocked off by a massive iron door.
Another shout of pain erupted from behind the door, making Marth's blood boil. "How do we get in there?!" he cried, out of breath, but not afraid to face whatever demon was past that doorway.
"I can break it down, but you all must be ready for whatever lies beyond it', Ganondorf announced, trying not to be too loud, even though the room beyond the door had gone completely silent, 'if you're not, it spells doom for us all".
Wolf nodded, turned to the others, and asked, "Who's ready to kick some Ike-kidnapping butt?" "I!" All three swordsmen cried quietly. "I as well', Ganondorf agreed, 'now, everyone, stand back".
Ganondorf proceeded to do as he said, ramming down the door with all his strength, and everyone charged into a very dark room.
In fact, the only light in the room was a powerful flood light in the very back. It was illuminating some of the surrounding area, including a man standing at a desk taking some notes…
…and Ike, who was unconscious, heavily battered, and chained to a chair.
As much as the sight made Marth want to explode, there was no time for emotions to get in the way:
Now was the time for action!
"One, two, three — GO!" Ganondorf whispered, then shouted.
Cloud and Link flung themselves into the light, racing toward the man that had captured their friend. The man in the robe had not expected any visitors, so he had no time to call his cronies before the swordsmen got the jump on him.
As Cloud and Link were wailing away at Ike's captor, Marth, Ganondorf, and Wolf ran around the back, looking for a clear shot at the chair Ike was strapped to.
"You run to him as fast as you can, Marth', Ganondorf ordered calmly, 'I'll cover you if any cowards decide to rush at you. Keep going, no matter what". "Yeah', Wolf added on, 'We'll make sure no one attacks you while you get your buddy. Leave that to us!" Wolf's muzzle curved into a determined smirk, and he unsheathed his claws.
Marth nodded with a grunt of approval, turned around, crouched, ready to run, and murmured, "I fight for my friends too".
Marth took off like a shot, his boots barely scraping the linoleum floor like a basilisk on water. Ganondorf and Wolf followed close behind, sword and claws in hand, ready to swing them at any incoming people.
But Ganondorf was right.
Joker was right.
People in purple clothes seemed to pour out of the walls like a flood of grape juice, travelling faster than one might expect. But if you think that scared the villains, think again.
They raised their weapons and began to plow through the purple-clothed people, giving Marth all the time in the world to make a bee line for Ike.
Ganondorf almost smiled at the man making his way towards his apprentice. Ike really did fight for his friends, and now Marth would do the same.
Marth finally reached his friend, out of breath, but incredibly grateful that Ike seemed okay. "Ike! Are you awake? Please! Say something!" Marth hoped, cutting the chains away as fast as he could.
Just as Marth was getting finished, a loud thud rang out from across the room. Marth looked over, and to his horror, Link, Cloud, and even Ganondorf and Wolf laid in defeated heaps on the ground, overwhelmed by everyone around them.
Ganondorf, in the position he was in, was able to see Marth break the last chain on Ike, and smirked. But the man in the purple cloak had other ideas.
"Ike is gone, Hero King", a booming voice came from the cloak, echoing through the chamber. Marth said nothing, focusing his attention on trying to move his large friend to safety.
"I see. You don't understand when you're defeated, do you, Hero King", the hooded man scowled, slowly walking toward the two Fire Emblem characters.
In all the pain he was in, Cloud managed to cough out, "Marth! Get Ike and, *hack* go!" Link mustered up the strength to add on, "D-don't worry about us, Mar- *cough* -th. Just go!"
"None of you will be going anywhere", the man finally stopped about 20 feet from Marth in the latter's struggle to move Ike to safety.
Suddenly, Ike began to wake, trying to get up in the process. "Oh, thank the Goddesses. Come on, Ike. Up and at them!" It took him a bit, but Ike fully stood up in around 30 seconds.
Ike rubbed his forehead with the thenar of his right palm, and it took every bit of willpower inside Marth to not hug him right then and there.
In other good news, Link, Wolf, and Cloud finally stood up, ready to continue the fight if need be.
"Ike! Come on, we must move', Marth ushered Ike toward the door while frantically talking him through it, 'Please! Work with me!"
The man under the hood seemed to smirk a little, lift his hand, and shouted, "Ike! Attack that wretched prince! For your master!"
Ike suddenly sprang into action, grabbing Ragnell and ramming it into the ground. "I-Ike?! What are you-?!" Marth started to ask. He was interrupted abruptly as Ike grabbed him by the front of his cape and threw the Hero King into the south-most wall.
"Ike! Stop!" Link cried, leaping onto Ike's back. Ike easily shook him off, crashing Ragnell into the Hylian's diaphragm.
As Link was wheezing like an old chew toy, Wolf scampered over to Marth, trying to get him up to continue the fight, while Ganondorf struggled to stand.
"Come on, Hero King. You've gotta get up!' Wolf egged him on, 'Ike's not gonna defeat himself when you're like this".
Cloud went for a Cross Slash, only for it to be parried and countered. Ragnell sliced through Cloud's jumpsuit, leaving his chest partly exposed.
"Ike! Listen to me! We're your comrades!' the SOLDIER tried to get through to him, 'Don't listen to him!" "He has no choice, Strife!' the hooded man cackled, 'Now, Ike! Get rid of the so-called King of Evil!"
Ike practically flew over to Ganondorf, who had finally managed to stand and fight, and began charging an Eruption. With no time to do anything else, Ganondorf bit his tongue, swallowed his pride, and let out a loud, prominent:
"DORIYAH!"
He swung his Gerudo sword with all his might, striking Ike like hot iron. The mercenary went flying into the east-most wall, hitting it with a deafening thud. Marth grimaced and winced as Wolf helped him to his feet, toting a clearly broken sword arm and a messed-up right ankle.
"That maniac has your buddy by the brains, Marth', Wolf warned him, 'I've gotta plan, though. Get up to the main floor and warn the Yggdrasil spawns and blue boy that Ike's gone bananas. Maybe they can help us".
Marth nodded and, just like when they had first arrived, ran as fast as he could for the door, praying to whatever Goddess would listen that he would make it in time.
Ganondorf raced over to Ike, trying to keep him down for as long as possible while Marth ran up the stairs. "Ugh! Get up, you little twink!' the hooded man screamed, 'Capture them!"
Ike went right to work, pulling out four purple balls, and tossing them into the air. Instantly, they went after most the people fighting the hooded man, transforming into luminescent purple nets.
The nets wrapped around everyone, apart from Marth, at lightning speeds, leaving everyone who was not in a purple outfit paralyzed and in immense pain.
"Good, good', the man slowly clapped, 'Now, for the main reason why you're here: Bring Mega Man, the Luminary, and blue boy's Goku-shaped bodyguard to me, and make it snappy. They're next for reconditioning".
Cloud's immediate thought was, 'Oh, son of a-'.
(-)
Marth stumbled up the stairs as fast as he could, unaware of W- the hooded man's latest order. He could barely keep his footing, but his determination held out over the pain. After a while, a bright light showed itself, and the top of the stairs were finally in his reach.
Or were they?
"Marth!' Rock shouted, seeing the Hero King through the darkness, 'Are you okay?!" As he was about to respond, a sharp tug on his cape sent him tumbling into Ike, who had come up after him.
"Boys! Run! He wants you all, Ike's being controlled by some criminal', Marth choked, trying to throw Ike off him, 'Please! Go!"
Elliot shuffled away from the door, holding his arm out to block his friends off. "Ike! Marth! What's going on down there?!" Rock yelled, trying to pass Elliot.
Erdrick caught a glimpse of the dull, glassy look in Ike's eyes, and grabbed his friend's shoulder, exclaiming, "Marth's right. Ike's gone nuts, we need to go".
"No, that's untrue" Ike shouted, surprisingly normally, 'Come here, all three of you. My master will treat you all very kindly".
Suddenly, Ike shot past Marth, leaping toward the three younger fighters. Erdrick tugged Rock behind him, getting ready to defend the boy who gave him self-confidence with his life.
Elliot backed up, drawing his sword as well. "Ike. You are not in your right state of mind', he quaked, trying not to shout in fear of angering Ike, 'Please, stay back. Stay away from us!"
The last part of Elliot's sentence came out a little louder than he would have liked, and Ike took notice.
"Marth was lying', Ike explained, 'I am not going to hurt you, Luminary. I did not mean to scare you. Come with me, and you shall never have to worry about your fate again".
Elliot did not buy anything that came out of Ike's puppeted mouth and backed away some more. If lies had tastes, Elliot would have surely lost his lunch.
"Ike, I'm warning you', Erdrick growled, griping his sword tighter, 'Make a move to harm us, and I will not hesitate to bring you down".
As Erdrick charged Kazap, Elliot readied Kasnooze, just in case his fellow hero needed more time. Rock put his helmet on and began to cipher through his weapon data base, ultimately deciding to go with Dive Missile.
Ike stood like a statue, eerie and silent, as the three teenage fighters waited for him to make a move.
(-)
Meanwhile, in the secret chamber underneath the Villains' Common Room, Link managed to chew through his ropes (he is the Hero of the Wild, after all). "Link?!' Cloud sputtered, struggling in his ropes while Link began to free him, 'How did you get free so fast?"
"I chewed the ropes', Link replied, finishing Cloud's ropes and moving onto Ganondorf, 'You learn a lot of survival skills when you're forced to run around Hyrule in nothing but your underwear".
Wolf finally managed to claw his way out of his binds, and he got the last of the ropes off Ganondorf, saving Link some time. With a smirk on his muzzle, Wolf turned toward the door and began to order, "Alright, let's geh-", before Marth came tumbling down the stairs with a series of thuds and yelps.
Link raced up to the door and caught Marth as he was about to crack his skull on the linoleum floor. "Marth, my friend, what happened to you?!" the Hylian asked frantically, pulling the Hero King to his feet.
Marth hobbled around, faced Link, took a deep breath, and choked out, "I have been falling, for thirty minutes!"
Ganondorf stifled a laugh, only to get nudged in the gut by Cloud, who was not having any of his horse-waste.
"We need to hurry and get back up there', Marth puffed, still out of breath from the fall he took, 'The Luminary and his two friends are fighting Ike up there. He could seriously hurt them outside of the battlefield; we have to hurry".
With his last word, Marth lifted his arm onto Link's shoulder as everyone began to file out of the room in a near-single-file line.
"Wait!' a young male voice called out from behind Wolf. Everyone turned to stare at the source of the voice: a young man with a dark green tunic and bright teal hair, 'You said something about the Luminary?"
(-)
Back on the main floor, no one was doing very well. Erdrick was down, Rock was tending to him, and Elliot was facing Ike alone, and losing.
'This isn't going well at all', the Luminary thought, rolling past a Quick Draw, 'A few more hits, and I'll end up like Erdrick'. "Erdrick, please, you have to get back up', Rock pleaded quietly, trying to get Erdrick to chew on a Medicinal Herb, 'Elliot needs your help".
As much as Erdrick wanted to get up and fight, he was nearly positive that he had snapped something in his leg. He tried to use his sword as a crutch to pull himself up for naught, but he could really tell that Rock was trying.
Then, Elliot hit the ground with a dull thud.
And he didn't get back up.
"Elliot!" Rock cried, trying to get Erdrick to his feet so he could try and help Elliot too. Ike put Ragnell on the ground and began to approach Rock slowly, and the latter was starting to scooch backward, making loud metal screeching noises on the floor.
"Purest, I need you to listen to me', Ike growled softly, kneeling to Rock's level, 'My master requires your soul to fulfill his ambitions. Give yourself to him; you will know peace".
Rock stood up and hoisted Erdrick into his arms bridal-style, moving ever so slightly toward Elliot. "No', he replied, a sense of dread rising in his artificial throat, 'I will not help further the actions of someone who hurt you like this!"
"You have no choice. It is your fate', Ike moved faster, trying to take hold of Rock's shoulder, 'One day, you will belong to my master. Not even your precious Arusu can save you from your destiny".
"Don't you dare. Don't you DARE threaten Erdrick", Rock's voice began to rise in volume, getting angrier by the moment. "Oh, I won't have to', Ike faltered,
'I'm sure Zoma would love a new plaything".
Rock, in that moment, felt more unbridled, unhindered rage than he had ever experienced in his life. He thought he had never been angrier after that stupidly difficult showdown with the Wily Capsule after he beat the 7th line. Nope. This was different. This was not anger at someone, it was for someone. It was for Erdrick.
And Rock was prepared to die if it meant protecting those he cared about.
He gingerly set Erdrick on the ground, raised his Buster to Ike's face, and hissed,
"Not today, not now! Not ever!"
With a quick command, Rock had switched to Flash Bomb, and two grenades were flying at Ike at top speed. They hit him in the face, leaving a couple small burns, but they were not enough to bring him down.
Ike charged at Rock, trying to land another hit, only for a Piko Hammer to clobber him in the jaw. Not Amy's, his own.
Erdrick weakly glanced over at his friend, and realized, 'Right, the jaw's the knockout button. Rock told me that at one point'. He tired to stand up once more, but all it ended with was more abdomen pain.
Ike staggered back, barely standing as Rock rushed at him with righteous rage. As much as the robot hated to attack humans, if he did not attack Ike, many more people would fall at his hand.
They each traded blows as Elliot dragged himself to one of the armchairs around the room, gasping in pain every few feet. As he tried to pull himself up, Ike dove for him.
"Elliot! Watch out!" Erdrick screamed, failing to sit up.
Elliot would have met a grim end, if not for a blur that crossed right before his eyes. It struck Ike square in the side of his head, leaving both bloody cuts and a nasty bruise near his ear.
With that, the giant fell.
Ike collapsed onto the floor as his assailant stood over him, the latter's blue eyes filled with determination.
The rest of the group from downstairs finally reached the top of said stairs, glad that their new friend had made it in time.
Rock picked Erdrick up again and looked at the young individual who had just saved Elliot's life, and he could not help but smile.
Elliot looked at his savior, and his eyes filled with stars. "Looks like I made it just in time', the teal-haired teenager chuckled, 'Good to see you again, El".
"Erik! You're here!" Elliot cheered, letting his boyfriend help him to his feet, if a little shakily. "Is Ike down, Erik?" Marth asked, surveying the scene. "I hope so', Erik replied, hoisting Elliot into his arms, 'that guy must've been tough. Beating the Luminary's not easy".
Cloud walked up to Ike's body, making sure he was down for the count. "I think he's unconscious', he reported, 'Erik struck him hard". "He was going to kill my future husband, what did you expect me to do?" Erik scoffed, starting toward the door.
"I'll call Master Hand', Ganondorf grumbled, 'I doubt we're the right people to clean this mess up". "Agreed. 100%", Wolf nodded, following his fellow villain.
Being careful, Link threw Ike over his shoulder, hoping the man that nearly just killed them did not wake up.
Erdrick finally found the strength to stand and stepped out of Rock's arms gingerly. "That could not have been closer', he mentioned, taking Rock's hand, 'Let's get Ike to Dr. Mario and see what he has to say about this". As if on cue, Master Hand teleported in, took Ike from Link, and left without a word.
(-)
Little else was said on the matter that night. From what I heard, Ike was put into a specialized cell behind Master Hand's office, where the latter could keep a close eye on him.
When the three swordsmen, Wolf, and Ganondorf went back to check on the room, everything had disappeared, nothing was spared. That room was promptly shut down, and Ganondorf cursed himself for not using it when he could.
On the walk back to their rooms, Link, Marth, and Cloud tried to muster up the courage to talk about what had just happened to their friend, but no one had anything to say. They just walked silently, said their goodbyes, and went off to try and get some sleep.
(-)
As for the other members of the battle, the roster heroes were treated, and their best friends stayed by their sides all night, Erik for Elliot, and Rock for Erdrick.
"How are you feeling, Erdrick?' Rock asked, brushing his friend's hair, 'Can I get you anything? A snack? A hug? Maybe a medicinal herb?" "Nothing at the moment, Rock', Erdrick chuckled, 'I think you being here is good enough". "Aw, Erdrick, that's sweet!" Rock blushed, patting his friend on the shoulder.
Overhearing their conversation, Erik decided to ask Elliot, "So, El, what about you?" "I'm alright, I suppose', the Luminary winced, stretching his left arm, 'I took a beating, but I think I'm healing".
"That was quite a fight you were putting up, from what I could hear at least', Erik leaned against the side of Elliot's bed, 'You haven't been slacking off. I like that in a man, you know". "Erik, we're dating', Elliot chortled, 'No need to flirt". "Says the guy who blushes whenever I so much as do this", Erik refuted, promptly kissing Elliot on the cheek.
Elliot made a high-pitched squeak in surprise, arousing chuckles from the surrounding area. "Erdrick, stop that", Rock clearly tried to stifle his laughs, making Elliot blush harder. "Alright, alright, I'll stop", Erik surrendered, taking a handkerchief off the bedside table, and waving it around like a flag.
The night from then on was peaceful and quiet.
For the roster and assist trophies.
(-)
The faint thump of metal boots made their way down the long dark halls of the second floor, a flowing red and white cape in their stead. An armored hand opened the door to Master Hand's office, and a teenage male voice piped up, "You wished to see me, Master Hand?"
"Ah, yes, Alef', Master Hand acknowledged the Dragon Warrior's presence, 'Come in, we have much to talk about".
Alef took a seat in front of Master Hand's desk, waiting in earnest for what tack laid ahead of him. "Seeing your diligence with protecting others, I am tasking you with watching Ike for this evening, and all other Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 pm until midnight', Master Hand explained, gesturing towards the door to where Ike was being held, 'once Ike recovers, you shall be relieved of this duty. Can you do that?"
"Of course, Master Hand', Alef agreed, doing a little mini bow out of habit, 'I shall guard Ike to the best of my ability". "Good', Master Hand finished, 'I'll be paying you, too. Though, knowing your history with the Princess of Tantegel, I doubt you needed an incentive to begin with. You may begin now".
Alef got up from the chair and made his way past the door behind Master Hand into a large blue and white room. Many cells lined the halls, and in the one on the farthest right, Ike lay still. Alef took his place in front of the door and waited patiently. Determinedly, if you will.
A few hours passed slowly, and Alef showed no signs of fatigue. He may have been 16, but his father taught him well. His biological father, that is. All was quiet, giving Alef time to siphon through his thoughts for a pleasant memory.
He didn't have too many of his childhood, but the ones he had while travelling with Her Highness Princess Gwaelin were nice. That was a good turning point in his life, where things finally started looking up.
When Yggdrasil finally heard his cries for help from a home where no love lived.
A home with a father that had been chased away when he was 8, a mother that didn't care that he was being treated poorly, a step father that Alef was disgusted with even being affiliated with, and four extra siblings, three of which thought of Alef as a waste of air. Good for toying with, but not much else.
Alef was about to try and relive a nice memory with the only kind member of his new "family", when the sound of rustling behind him drew the hero's attention.
"He. Will. Find. You." Ike growled. Alef turned around quickly. "What was that?" he asked, a confused glare adorning his face. "He. Dragonlord. He will use you. Erdrick will die at your hand. You shall leave the Purest unguarded", Ike slowly stood up, smirking slightly.
Drawing Erdrick's Sword, Alef pointed it at the cell, ready for an attack. "The Dragonlord is long since dead. What are you talking about?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"Master spoke of him, Alef', Ike turned to look at him with glassy eyes, 'He spoke of you. You are strong. You are determined. But you cannot change your fate. You will fall to His dark power. You will obey Master, Alef. You cannot stop Him".
Ike collapsed suddenly, falling back asleep. Master Hand, in human form, rushed over to the cell. "What did he say?" he asked, pointing to Ike. "The Dragonlord returning, and using me to kill Sir Erdrick, and my inability to stop it", Alef explained, trying to keep his calm while comprehending what happened.
"There's a storm coming, Alef. Please be prepared for it', Master Hand sighed, 'You are dismissed". "Thank you, sir", Alef bowed slightly, taking his leave.
Master Hand looked at Ike and grumbled under his breath, "There is something I can do, Ike. I will work to make sure the residents of this manor stay safe. And there is nothing he can do to stop me".
(-)
And that's it. Man, that took way longer than it should have. Anyway, thank you so much for reading, I really appreciate it. As always, follow for more by me, favorite the story for later, blah blah blah, and all that. PM me if you have questions, and stay safe, those are the big things. But also, please give me *clap clap* suggestions with the *clap clap* Heroes! I know a lot about Dragon Quest, so I think I'd do well with it. With that, have a nice day! Angel is out!