Hello to you again, internet! I have returned once again to give to you another chapter of this glorious story.

This time around, our favorite couple is going to celebrate a day every couple dreams of. How will it play out for them? Well, scroll down to find out.

3 Question Marks: I admit, at the present moment, I'm not sure. I have 3 ideas bouncing around in my head right now, but I'm not sure which one I'm going to go with. I do know how the choice will ultimately be made, though. More information on that front will be delivered when I reach the final chapter of this story. But that's all I'm going to say about it for now.

Half-beastdragonsoul2013: There is, but there's not a lot of it. Sad as it is, this isn't an overly popular ship. I'd make some myself if I were half as good an artist as I was a writer. That being said, if any of you reading this are artists, I encourage you to make some art of this ship and share it online. Let's spread the Shulcina love, people!

Meg: I'm afraid not, sorry. I may or may not be saving that concept for later. Only I know for sure. Just know that I have the outline for the rest of this story all planned out.

Laurtoons: Thank you. I'm glad you like this story and my efforts to capture their personalities. I sincerely hope you like where I go next with this story.

Althea Sirius: You're welcome. I'm so glad you liked that chapter. As for who I think the next DLC characters are, at this point, I have no idea who it could be. If someone like Joker can get in, I suppose anyone's fair game at this point. Also, thank you for the luck on my job hunt. And good luck to you on yours.

Well, now that that's out of the way let the reading commence!

Super Smash Bros. © Nintendo/Masahiro Sakurai

*Shulk and Lucina's bedroom*

*8:00 AM*

Sunlight peered through the window of a married couple's bedroom as they both rose from their slumber at the start of a new day. As they both opened their eyes, the couple looked upon each other and smiled.

"Morning, love." Shulk said.

"Good morning, Shulk. How are you today?" Lucina asked.

"I'm good. How about you?"

"I am quite well, especially considering what day it is."

"Oh? Is it a special day?" Shulk said teasingly.

"Come now, Shulk. Don't tell me you've forgotten." Lucina said sternly, having missed his teasing tone.

"Of course not, Lucy. I was only teasing. I know it's been a full year since we got married. And believe me, I have some big plans for today. With that said, I best get ready for the day."

Shulk then threw the covers off his body and moved to get out of bed. However, before he could leave the bed, Lucina stopped him.

"Wait, before you do that, do you think we could… stay in bed a little longer? It is rare that we get to spend time amongst only ourselves, and I was hoping that we could just spend some time alone together. I would like that very much." Lucina asked.

"Well, if that's what you want, who am I to say no?"

With that, Shulk got back into bed and Lucina got close to him. Shulk then put an arm around his wife and held her close. Lucina smiled as she felt comforted in the embrace of the one she loved.

"Y'know, it almost feels strange that it's already been a year since we've been married. Where does the time go?" Shulk asked.

"I do not know. But I do know that this has been one of the happiest years of my life. And I pray that the next year will be just as pleasant." Lucina answered.

"Well, I'll do what I can to make that happen." Shulk promised.

"I have faith that you will."

Shulk and Lucina leaned in for another kiss, but before their lips could meet, a knock came at their door.

"Lucina? Are you still in there?"

The voice belonged to Lucina's father, Chrom.

"Yes, father. I'm here."

"Why are you still in there? You're going to be late for breakfast. Hurry up and get ready." Chrom called from behind the door.

"Yes, father. I'll be out shortly." Lucina replied.

With that, both Shulk and Lucina got out of bed and started getting ready for the day. As they were getting their day clothes on, they both felt somewhat disappointed.

"So much for getting to spend a little time with just ourselves." Shulk said somewhat dejectedly.

"Worry not, Shulk. There is still much time remaining in the day." Lucina reminded.

"Yeah, you're right. And like I said, I have some big plans."

"I look forward to seeing what they are."

Lucina and Shulk smiled at each other for a second until they again heard knocking at their door.

"Lucina! Hurry up!" Chrom again shouted.

"Coming, father." Lucina said.

With that, Shulk and Lucina finished getting dressed before walking out of their room and heading toward the Mess Hall for breakfast.

Later on in the day, Shulk and Lucina were relaxing in the living room of the Smash Mansion. They were alone, as everyone else was otherwise occupied in some way. However, neither of them really minded, as they were grateful to have time to themselves.

"This is nice. I'm happy to just be here with you, my love." Lucina said.

"Yeah, I'm glad we finally get to spend some time together." Shulk replied.

"If I may ask, you said you had plans for the rest of today. May I ask what you meant?" Lucina asked.

"Oh, well, most of what I wanted to do was saved for tonight, but I suppose I can give you a little something now."

Shulk then pulled a necklace out of his pocket and presented it to Lucina. At it's center was a shining blue sapphire. Around the rest of the necklace rested smaller but still beautiful sapphires. The band itself seemed to be made of small but glittering beads.

"Oh my. It's beautiful! Where did you even get something like this, Shulk?" Lucina asked.

"Same place I got that ornament in your hair and that ring on your finger." Shulk answered.

"I see. I must wonder how many of your Smash Coins you have given to Zelda in exchange for her making all these extravagant things for me."

"Can't say I remember. But I'd give her so many more if it makes you look prettier. N-not that you need any help looking prettier. You look fine as is, I'm just saying…"

"Enough. I believe I know what you are trying to say, and I appreciate the compliment."

With that, Shulk attempted to place the necklace around Lucina's neck, but before he could, one of the doors to the living room burst open and King Dedede came in and took a seat on the nearest couch, which happened to be the one Shulk and Lucina were sitting on. He plopped himself down right between them, separating the married couple.

"Whew, I am beat. You guys ever have to deal with the kind of pain that comes with an 8 man Smash?" Dedede asked.

"Yes. We all have. Anyway, Lucy and I were trying to spend some time together, so if you don't mind…" Shulk started.

"Oh, good. So you know what it feels like to be pounded on by seven people at once. I gotta say, aside from major pain, it also works up an appetite. Say, what you got there, Shulk? Some kinda blueberry candy necklace? Gimme that!" Dedede said before yanking the necklace out of Shulk's hands.

"No!" Shulk yelled.

But it was too late. Dedede dropped the necklace in his mouth. He tried chewing it, but since sapphires aren't easily broken, it only hurt his teeth. The taste wasn't very good, either, so Dedede spit it out. It tumbled across the floor, covered in saliva.

"Yech! That was the hardest, most disgusting blueberry necklace I've ever tasted!" Dedede exclaimed.

"That's because it wasn't blueberry. They're sapphires. I had them made into a necklace as a present for my wife." Shulk said angrily.

As he spoke, Shulk walked over to the necklace and picked it up with two fingers before dropping it in his pocket. He then wiped his fingers on his shirt to rid them of Dedede's saliva.

"That's a stupid gift. Everyone knows if it ain't food, it ain't a good gift. What good is a bunch of colored rocks?" Dedede asked.

"I happen to like fine jewelry. There are a great deal of people who do, actually. Especially when it's given to you by someone you love." Lucina angrily said as she stood and made her way to Shulk's side.

"Whatever. Say, you two wanna watch some good TV? I hear that channel 13 is playing something really good." Dedede offered.

Without waiting for a response, Dedede grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. He turned it to channel 13, which was playing some sort of show about a violent war. Dedede laughed at all the images while turning up the volume as loud as he could.

"We'll pass. C'mon, Lucina. Let's get this necklace cleaned off." Shulk said bitterly as he and Lucina left the living room.

Later that day, after all their fights were done with, Shulk and Lucina decided to spend some time outside, namely, the hot tub. They were both in their swimsuits, letting the warm water relax them. The sun was just starting to set, letting some of the cooler air to roll in, but it felt good to the married couple. Lucina had her head rested against her husband's shoulder while Shulk had his arm around his wife's waist, holding her close.

"I must admit, even though today up to this point has been rather frustrating, the water does a splendid job of washing the feelings of those unpleasant experiences away." Lucina noted.

"I know, and I finally feel like this is one place we won't be bothered. Who has time for being out near the pool, especially around this time of day?" Shulk pointed out.

"Indeed. It should prove to be a relaxing time for us, at last."

"Yeah, I just hope this works."

"Hope what works?"

"Oh! N-nothing. Don't worry about it."

"Shulk, is there something you are not telling me?"

"N-no. No."

"Shulk."

"*sigh* Fine. After what happened with your dad and Dedede, I may have given Robin a few Smash Coins in exchange for making sure we're left alone."

"You did? Wait, does that mean he's watching us?!"

"No, he promised to give us our privacy. He also said 'As long as you two are out there, no one else will walk through the back doors.'. I just wanted us to have a nice time. If you're upset, I'm sorry."

"Well, I can understand why you did such a thing. And, it is nice that we finally get to spend some time alone. So I will forgive you."

"Thanks, love. Now then, let's enjoy the rest of our time here until tonight."

"Oh? What's happening tonight?"

"I've made some plans. You'll have to wait and see."

"Come now, Shulk. You know that I dislike surprises."

"Don't worry, it'll be worth it, I promise. Anyway, don't worry about that right now. Let's just let the water relax us for a bit, yeah?"

"I do feel as if all my troubles are washing away. It was a great idea, suggesting that we come out here. Thank you, Shulk. For all that you have done for me in the year since we have been married."

"Anything for you, love."

Shulk and Lucina then leaned in to kiss each other. But before their lips could touch, they heard the sound of breaking glass come from above them. They looked toward the source of the sound, and saw glass from a broken window falling to the ground. They also saw a teenager wearing a tail coat and a mask land next to them, obviously having jumped out the window. This was one of the newcomers, who, like some others from the previous tournament, came to the Smash Mansion some time after the tournament had started. No one was quite sure what his real name was, but he referred to himself as 'Joker'.

"Hey guys. How are you? Lookin' good." Joker said to them.

"Joker?! What are you doing here?! What was that?!" Lucina screamed.

"Oh, well, funny story about that…" Joker started.

Before he could continue, more shattering glass was heard, as well as a few breaking bricks. This was caused by an even larger and heavier Smasher than Joker jumping out the window, creating an even larger hole in the wall. Joker had to roll out of the way to avoid being crushed by this new arrival. It was King K. Rool, a crocodile and enemy of Donkey Kong. He hit the ground with a hard thud that shook the earth around him. He then glared angrily at Joker.

"YOU! I'll teach you to break into my room while I'm napping!" K. Rool angrily shouted.

"I'll steal your heart yet, you crazy croc. Man, it feels good to have these powers back." Joker replied with a grin.

"Try saying that after I steal your spinal cord!" K. Rool yelled before running after Joker.

"Uh-oh." Joker said before running off.

"GET BACK HERE, YOU LITTLE BRAT!" K. Rool screamed.

With that, King K. Rool began chasing Joker all around the pool area and even into the gardens, knocking over much of the fauna in the process. All the while, the two of them were repeatedly shouting back and forth at each other.

Knowing that there would be no more relaxing going on here, Shulk got out of the hot tub and put a towel around himself and held one out for Lucina, all the while trying to keep his frustrations from showing. Lucina also got out of the tub and took the towel Shulk offered her.

"Come on, there's no use sticking around here." Shulk said bitterly.

"Shouldn't we try and separate those two?" Lucina asked.

"Not when we're dressed like this. We best tell Master Hand about how Joker and K. Rool are going at it, and the hole in the wall, and the nearly destroyed gardens." Shulk answered.

The pair then walked inside the mansion to change into their normal clothes. Once they stepped inside, they were greeted by Robin, who was sitting on a nearby couch, reading a book from the library.

"You two are done already? I figured you would be enjoying the hot tub a little longer than that." Robin commented.

"Something has… come up, outside, which caused us to cut our time out there short." Lucina responded.

She and Shulk then went to change their clothes and seek out Master Hand. Robin moved to look outside, and he saw what it was that caused the married pair to cut their stay short, as K. Rool was still chasing Joker around the gardens.

Later on, Shulk and Lucina headed out into Smashville. Shulk managed to secure two seats for the nicest restaurant in town. Now more than ever, they were glad to be leaving the Smash Mansion for a while. They hoped that by leaving the mansion, all the craziness brought on by the other Smashers throughout the day would stay behind with it. Before leaving, they both changed into semi-formal clothes, a nice suit for Shulk and a floor length dress for Lucina. The blue haired princess also wore the necklace Shulk had presented to her earlier in the day, which had luckily been washed clean of Dedede's drool. Once they were ready, the couple walked out of the Smash Mansion and headed toward the city of Smashville. After a bit of a walk, they finally made it to the restaurant. After a Mii waiter came up and took their order, the pair began conversing.

"So, what do you think? This place is nice, yeah?" Shulk asked.

"I must admit, it is quite lovely here." Lucina responded.

"I tried to save my best surprise for last. I try to only give you the best, Lucina. You deserve it."

"You flatter me, Shulk."

"In any case, I'm glad we got out of the mansion for a little bit. Hopefully, everything goes right for once."

"Worry not. I'm certain it will."

"I hope so. I'm sorry today hasn't exactly been the best so far. I was hoping for so much better."

"It's quite alright, Shulk. I appreciate what you have been trying to do."

"Thanks, Lucina. Anyway, I must say, that necklace looks really good on you."

"Oh, thank you. I must say, it suits me well. You always seem to know what looks good on me. Shulk, even after all this time, I fear I am no good at expressing emotions such as this, but I truly wish for you to know how much I truly love and appreciate you. You have shown me true happiness and caring, and that is a debt I cannot even begin to repay. Often times, I find myself wondering why I have blessed with such happiness when it feels like for most of my life, all I have known, all I can ever know, is suffering and pain." Lucina admitted.

"Enough. You know I don't like it when you talk like that." Shulk stated.

"I know. I just want you to know how much you mean to me, and how grateful I am to you."

"I know, and I love you too, Lucina."

Just then, their waiter returned with their food. Shulk and Lucina ate their meal while they continued to converse. They talked about a multitude of thing, including their fondest memories of each other, their hopes for their future with each other, and many other things. By the time they were almost done with their food, they were discussing what to do after this date.

"What do you say, Lucy? Wanna go to see a movie when we're done here?" Shulk asked.

"While I would very much enjoy that, I fear we will not have time. I would rather avoid an incident similar to the one we found ourselves in with our first date." Lucina answered.

"Oh, OK. That makes sense. Well, at the very least, want to get some kind of dessert before we leave?"

"Do you think we should? I'm not sure it's wise to indulge in sweets too much."

"C'mon, Lucy. It's only this once. Plus, this is a special day, we deserve to treat ourselves."

"Well, when you put it like that… Very well. I could go for something satisfying like that."

When their waiter returned, they both placed an order in for some delicious desserts to finish off their meals.

"This has been quite an amazing evening, Shulk. Thank you for treating me." Lucina said.

"Not at all, love. This has been the best part of today, by far. Nothing has gone wrong, for once. And I doubt it will from here on."

But just then, the doors to the restaurant burst open, and in walked another Smasher called Bowser, enemy of Mario. With him was his son, Bowser Jr.. They both promptly stomped over to the nearest available table, which just so happened to be next to the one Shulk and Lucina were sitting at. The blonde swordsman was inwardly starting to panic. He feared another incident was about to happen and ruin his quality time with his wife, just as had already happened three times throughout the day. He tried to push his fears down, though. They were almost done, after all. All they had to do was eat their dessert, pay their bill, then leave. As long as they didn't interact with Bowser, maybe he wouldn't cause them a disturbance.

"Hey, papa, why are we eating here? What's wrong with the Mess Hall food?" Bowser Jr. asked.

"Because I feel like you and I deserve to see some culture every now and then. We are civilized koopas, after all. HEY WAITER! WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG ON THOSE BREADSTICKS I ORDERS 20 SECONDS AGO?!" Bowser screamed.

As he screamed, Bowser pounded his massive fists on his table. This created enough of a shockwave to rattle all the other tables in the restaurant. It quickly became clear to Shulk that the two Smashers next to them would be causing a disturbance no matter what. Shulk was quickly growing agitated.

"Shulk, are you quite alright?" Lucina asked.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Shulk stated as he tried to calm himself down.

Just then, Shulk saw the waiter approach with the desserts. He was relieved. It was almost over. That is, until Bowser Jr. stuck his foot out and tripped up the Mii waiter. The contents of his tray flew into the air and spilled all over Shulk's table, as well as Shulk himself, ruining his good suit.

"Oops, didn't see ya there. Walk much?" Bowser Jr. taunted.

Seeing his son's childish display caused Bowser to burst out laughing. In his laughing fit, he pounded his hands on the edge of his table. This caused the table to flip over, and all the food on the table was sent flying into the air. Much like the desserts Bowser Jr. had ruined, this food wound up on Shulk's table and on Shulk himself, creating an even bigger mess.

"Shulk, are you alright?" Lucina asked.

"Let's just go." Shulk deadpanned as he stood and left some Smash Coins on the table to pay for the meal.

The married couple made their way back to the Smash Mansion. Neither one said a word on the walk back. Upon arriving, Shulk quickly showered to get all the spilled food off of him and got ready for bed. Lucina did the same. But as she got into bed, she repeated a question she had asked Shulk earlier.

"Shulk, are you alright?"

"Lucina, I'm so sorry. All I wanted was to give you a perfect day to celebrate our anniversary. And yet, all my efforts ended in disaster. I just wanted to make today memorable for you. All I wanted was…"

Before Shulk could continue, he was interrupted by a soft giggling coming from Lucina.

"What could possibly be funny?" Shulk asked.

"Nothing, it's just… You were so desperate to make me happy. It's sweet." Lucina answered.

"Really?"

"Yes. I feel fortunate to have been blessed with such a kind and caring husband. While today certainly could have played out better, I still found it memorable and enjoyed every moment I spent with you, disastrous or otherwise. I do not need fancy gifts or nice, romantic gestures to make me happy. All I need is you. You make me happy simply by being with me." Lucina reassured.

"Oh. Well, now I feel much better."

"I am glad. Now come, let us rest. Tomorrow proves to be most exciting."

"That's right, tomorrow's Family Day, isn't it? Can't believe it's been a whole year since this new tournament started. Still, I can't wait to see all my mates again. That reminds me, I meant to ask earlier, now that your dad's here, who are you gonna invite now?"

"Well, father said that he will be inviting mother, as well as his versions of Lucina and Cynthia. However, I will still be inviting my Cynthia, as well as my aunt, Lissa, and my father's personal retainer, Frederick."

"Really now?"

"Yes. After our wedding, Lissa stated she was enthralled by the surroundings of the Smash Mansion and expressed a desire to return. As for Frederick, father insisted I invite him. He said something about Frederick going crazy without someone to take care of, though I'm not sure what he meant by that."

"Well, let's head to sleep so we don't miss their arrival."

"That sounds splendid. Have a good evening, Shulk."

"You too, love. Happy Anniversary."

With that, the loving couple gave each other a kiss before turning out their lights and drifting off to sleep.

Well, that's another chapter done. I'm one step closer to my end goal.

You know, I think this was my shortest chapter to date. Hopefully that doesn't mean it was also not very good. But that's for all of you to decide. Did you like this chapter? Not so much? Maybe it was so-so? Let me know by dropping a review my way. A follow and/or favorite would also be appreciated. However, if your feelings on this chapter are more on the negative side, I ask that you either offer me constructive criticism, or say nothing. Leaving flames and spewing outright hate does no one any good. It only hurts my feelings and makes you look like a jackass.

Anyway, next time on this story: One of the newcomers seems to be stirring up some trouble between our happy couple.

I'll get to work on that ASAP. So until I get that out, I'll be seeing you. Ciao!