1.1.1 Chapter Twenty-Three
King Edward trudged slowly down the great halls of Castle Dythia. Cheyanna had been missing from her room since the afternoon the troops went out, and there was certainly no doubt as to where she might have gone. King Viru had called his little spy back, and to his arms she went.
'Oh, my daughter, what strife you have caused us, the lives we have lost, and the family you have hurt. Your mother weeps ceaselessly in our chambers, yet you undoubtedly feel no remorse.'
Cheyanna had always been a wild thing, a vain, defiant girl who would never put her toys away or act as a proper princess should. He had tried to raise her well, not to spoil her, and to make her care for the people, but all his efforts had driven her into the cold, cruel embrace of Selinta's mortal enemy. Where had he gone wrong? Had this fate been written in the stars? Why would the gods and goddesses choose his daughter to play the act of The Betrayer, as the Evil Lord Grineth had been?
'How could you have done this to us?' sighed the king inwardly, gazing out the enormous glass window, his eyes fixed on the smeared line of the horizon, when sky met sea. It was not yet dawn, but there was some light to the world, it seemed. Cold comfort it was, but King Edward fixed his entire hope on the prayer that Link would not hesitate in slaying King Viru, but if Edward had any say in it, he would do it himself. Tomorrow he would leave on the ship for Oun Tar. From there... they would get to Castle Hellis in Tophet, and then King Edward would see about exacting revenge.
The archers marched forward, softly, carefully, as not to attract attention, hunched over at the waist, their eyes on the dying flames in the distance. Whatever had caused them seemed to be going out, as they neared the gorge's entrance their bodies were bathed in pale orange.
If there were any sentries, they might have likely been called back to watch over the flames, or perhaps even to... No; Link would not allow himself to think that. It was... too much.
'...If what Lance said is true, then I might feel her... dying.' Small comfort, but it took a heavy weight off his shoulders; at least he had not failed completely. Not yet, anyway.
"Hist!" shouted an archer, and fired a large arrow into a Tophetian that had been waiting in ambush. Several more sprang up and were felled where they stood. Link scanned around quickly and noticed several more. Not hesitating to draw his sword, he leapt forward and decapitated two at once. The third, however, seem to fly backwards on his feet, his eyes locked on Link's. His hands held not a sword, but a long pike base with two slim blades attached to both ends.
The gaze burned between them, hot and tangible, and Link steadied himself for a fight. The light from the fire, though dying, gave the enemy's eyes a steady gleam, distracting him minutely.
"You are the one called Link?" The fighter's voice was thick with an unknowable accent, but he did not wait for a reply. "I have been waiting for you, Link."
"Who are you?" That was a simple question, but he hadn't actually expected an answer.
"I am Ceifeiro, I reap my enemies," responded Ceifeiro. "I have longed to fight you, Link. King Viru promised that I would encounter you." Without further warning he leapt forward and slashed deftly at the blonde teenager. Link skipped back nimbly and countered swiftly. The archers had continued on; this was a fight out of their league.
'He fights well. I mustn't waste time, though,' Link thought, beads of sweat already forming at his temples. Ceifeiro was quick and did not let up. Again and again he swung and thrust the strange weapon, occasionally catching Link off-guard but doing no damage.
"You are a good fighter," murmured the Tophetian, obviously pleased by this. "I did not expect you to be this good." Link did not know what would have been a clever reply, and cared even less; exchanging wit during battle was not his cup of tea.
Unexpectedly Ceifeiro slashed downward against the Master Sword, then kicked upwards with his right leg. Link dodged at the last minute but the maneuver cost him his balance and he rolled to the ground. Ceifeiro grunted as he lunged forward to spear his opponent, but the Hero of Time was as dexterous as he had been at ten. With a quick kick he knocked Ceifeiro to the dusty earth and then brought the Master Sword crashing down upon the pike-blade. The wood snapped and Ceifeiro was left with two pieces. Unfortunately, it did not faze him and he used both ends skillfully. With an apt leap the Tophetian was back on his feet and swinging like fury at Link.
The Hero of Time had no time to think, only react and act. He countered, blocked, and thrust in turn with Ceifeiro, the only sounds they heard was metal striking metal or wood thumping shield. Everything else had faded into the background. Link felt himself go into that cold, quiet place in his mind that he often went to when the fighting required killing. It was pleasant and terrifying at the same time, to enjoy the violence and embrace it as though it was mere breathing, a benefactor and necessity of life.
"You are almost too good, Link," Ceifeiro panted heavily, skipping back nimbly. "I must concede." With a quick bow, the Tophetian suddenly disappeared in a flash of light. The nineteen-year-old stood where he was for several moments, breathing deeply, trying to calm his agitated nerves. That had been an excellent fight. Adrenaline gushed through his veins and sweat gleam on his face, but Link had never felt more at rest in his whole life. Fighting gave him euphoria, but what did he expect? He was a born fighter, after all.
'Live by the sword, die by the sword,' he tried to tell himself, putting his shield away but keeping the Master Sword drawn. Still... he wondered if he would fight Ceifeiro again.
Lance did not hesitate when he reached the camp; he willed water (his aqua) from the ground, and it certainly obeyed him in great, gushing torrents. From every crack and hollow flowed the life fluid.
In his mind he felt his potentia begin to weaken; it had been so long since he had used it, there was no wonder he was out of practice. Real magic is like muscle; if you did not use it on regular basis, then it would atrophy.
Pandemonium ensued as the Tophetians scrambled to find the source of the attack; many of them were swept away by the flood, but among them were a few Selintan soldiers. Lance tried to regulate his aqua but the water was out of control. It rushed through the gorge, carrying Tophetians and Selintans alike with it.
"To me, soldiers!" General Torris shouted, on his feet waving a sword he had picked up. Immediately the Royal Selintan Army, those who were able to fight, rallied to their general, a beacon of light in darkness. In the terrible frenzy that followed, many Tophetians were slaughtered, but quite a few Selintans were killed as well. There was shouting, screaming; blood flowed as easily as the water, and gore ran through it all like streamers of kelp.
The archers had been able to pick off the few Tophetian survivors, and Link arrived after the last of them had been killed. Of the three hundred Selintan soldiers there had been, about a third of that number had been killed. Half of that were wounded badly, but none fatally. Medicos, who relied on magic for healing purposes, attended first to those who were in the most pain.
"So, did you finish whoever that was off?" A young archer asked Link as the Hero of Time picked his way carefully to the general; the ground was soft with water, blood, and bits of entrails.
"No, he disappeared before I could," the blonde replied heavily, his muscles heavy now. Even a short fight could take the wind out of one's sails. "Where's the general?"
"He's meeting with the platoon leaders over yonder," answered the Selintan archer, turning his attention to his sodden tent.
" 'Twas foolish of me to agree to let you come with the army; you would have been safer following behind a bit," General Torris said to Miyako, shaking his head. "You could have been killed, girl."
"Everyone owes the gods and goddesses a death; I put my trust in them," she replied impassively. "I've changed my mind; I don't want to go to the Massharte Ruins. I'll stay with the troop."
"Are you daft, girl?" The general seemed more surprised than angry. "You'll get yourself killed, and the king will have my head for it. Certainly he feels the need to make up for his daughter's actions, but this is ridiculous; I shan't allow it."
"I set those trees on fire," she murmured quietly. "I hoped it would warn the archers, and perhaps it did. I don't know how you would handle this, but I would think that having a person strong with magic, even if it is a girl, around your army would be a good idea. The Tophetians aren't known to be honorable, you understand." The elderly Selintan sighed and looked up at the brightening sky, as though searching for a clear answer.
"You are either very intrepid, Miyako, or very impertinent, and I cannot decide which, but if what you say is true, then I would be happy to have you join us. It will be tough at times, and these soldiers are not always gentlemen, but Tyulia is not far away, and you will disembark after we have cleared the Tophetians. Is that clear?"
"As crystal, sir," she replied politely, but the red-haired girl was smiling. Lance was off to one side, surveying the aftermath of his potentia.
"Aye, girl, you had me scared, so ye did," he said after the general left to talk with the lesser officers. "I a'feard for ye. 'Tisn't safe for ye to be traveling with an army. Sure, and if ye hadn't been wronged by Cheyanna, surely he would have kicked you away on yer arse."
"He would have," she agreed, crouching down and picking at the hem of her damp dress, "but he didn't, now did he?" Lance couldn't resist a smile.
"Nay, he didn't, but I won't be looking out fer ye." Miyako glanced up at him. "Methinks another's already a'goin' to take that job." This startled her beyond words for a moment.
"Oh?"
"Aye, he comes this way, too."
"Since when did you become so insightful, Lanceton Untille?"
"Since we parted ways years ago." Link approached them, looking somewhat beaten and tired. "Aye, matey, and yer lookin' fresh as a daisy."
"Hush, Lance. Did the general pass by here?"
"He did, he went yonder," Miyako answered, pointing towards a crowd of soldiers. "Did you fight Tophetians on the way?"
"Aye... I mean, yes." Lance grinned at Link's usage of Kreyan speech. "But he fled before we finished. The odd thing was, he said that King Viru had promised him he could fight me."
"Oh, aye... that would be Ceifeiro, then wouldn't it?" The dark-blue-haired sailor seemed a bit diffident on the subject, but Link pressed more information out of him.
"How did you know?" Miyako answered for him,
"Ceifeiro is Tophet's shining pinnacle, so he is, and there'd be no doubt that he would want to fight you. After all, he's been champion of the Kreyan Perils three years' running."
"Kreyan Perils?"
" 'Tis a race, if you please, from the Stone Forest to the top of Mount Hanatai. At the top, they hold a tournament between the first six there. The winner of three fights is declared champion," Lance explained, stifling a large yawn with one hand. " 'Tis foolishness; I'd be so scared out of my wits to be venturin' to the Stone Forest. Although I doubt this year he'll be participating; takes place in winter, so it does, but with the war and everything, Kreya would refuse him entry." Link shook his head wearily, as though trying to clear it.
"I thought you were going to the Massharte Ruins," the Hero of Time said to Miyako, changing the subject abruptly.
"I've decided not to go. I'll be accompanying the troops to Tyulia."
"That's... that's madness." Could he not think of anything else to say?
"So it is!" She cried cheerfully. Lance laughed heartily. "Would I could change my madness, I would, but alas, 'tis a far, far better state of mind to be in than sanity. After all, if sanity caused such hatred between Tophet and Selinta, then surely insanity would bring peace." Link shook his head again, as though exasperated. Why didn't she simply... act like a lady, as Princess Zelda would, and take her leave of the army? He was beginning to see a few more positives in wedding Zelda than searching for another girl, especially if she was as brassy and nonchalant as Miyako.
Still... something whispered in the back of his mind, and he cocked his head, trying to follow it.
"Hearing voices, are you?" There was no end to her merriment.
"...No..." Lance's grin had faded to a smile, but it came back full force.
"Ya shouldn't lie to a lady, aye, but then, I 'member Miyako was never a lady, no she weren't." The red-haired girl made a deep curtsey to Lance and replied loftily,
"And if I were, I would not hang about the likes of you."
"You came so close to death, yet you can still make jokes." Link was looking back and forth between the sailor and the girl.
"If ye can't make light of the situation, then 'twould be a great service to pay yer debt to the gods as soon as possible," Lance replied sagely, nodding his head. Link sighed and walked off to find the general.
"He doesn't have a very good sense of humor, does he?" Miyako mused out loud.
"No, not a'tall, but I'm workin' on that. From what he's told me, he ain't had time to grow up. Was made into a man all at once, y'see. Seven years asleep, lost all that time. Never had a chance to build up a good sense of humor."
"Doesn't make sense, still. I thought all men enjoyed a good laugh."
"He must be tired, then," shrugged the sailor.
"Now what were you saying? From what I hear in his voice, he thinks I'm crazy, and I don't blame him. I almost can't believe it myself, and I'm the one who convinced the general to let me come along."
"Aye, I think you like him as well." Miyako stood up and clenched her fists tightly.
"Aye, I think a blow to the head will fix thine brains." Lance grinned and ducked as she swung at him.
"I meant no offense, ger fada, but sometimes them's the breaks. 'Tis nothing to be 'shamed of, nay. After all, yer a girl, and he's a guy."
"With all that going for us, we should run away and be married at once," she replied dryly, rolling her eyes to the heavens and throwing her hands up in exasperation.
"You said it, not I," the sailor chuckled. "But I don't think he realizes what he wants." She lowered her head and lifted an eyebrow at him.
"And what makes you think you know what he wants?"
"If I were in Link's shoes, I would think ye mighty fine to be my girl, aye, for you would not whine about me leavin' all the time, as ye'd be goin' with me, and ye'd not complain about fighting, as ye'd be fighting by my side."
"But you aren't him."
"No, 'course not. If I were, no doubt we'd be married by now." He batted his eyes demurely at her and laughed as she tried to hit him again.
-----------------------------
Yay! My Game Informer for February arrived, and they gave SSB: Melee a 9.25! Too bad they didn't review it sooner; I could've used the codes and secrets then. -_-;; Ah well, I've still got a few more bonuses to get, and about eight more trophies to go.
By the by, I finished the ending for this fanfic. It stops at thirty-five chapters, so you're almost there, faithful reader. ^_^ I've begun working on Part Two so I can have some chapters ready for when Part One is finished.
King Edward trudged slowly down the great halls of Castle Dythia. Cheyanna had been missing from her room since the afternoon the troops went out, and there was certainly no doubt as to where she might have gone. King Viru had called his little spy back, and to his arms she went.
'Oh, my daughter, what strife you have caused us, the lives we have lost, and the family you have hurt. Your mother weeps ceaselessly in our chambers, yet you undoubtedly feel no remorse.'
Cheyanna had always been a wild thing, a vain, defiant girl who would never put her toys away or act as a proper princess should. He had tried to raise her well, not to spoil her, and to make her care for the people, but all his efforts had driven her into the cold, cruel embrace of Selinta's mortal enemy. Where had he gone wrong? Had this fate been written in the stars? Why would the gods and goddesses choose his daughter to play the act of The Betrayer, as the Evil Lord Grineth had been?
'How could you have done this to us?' sighed the king inwardly, gazing out the enormous glass window, his eyes fixed on the smeared line of the horizon, when sky met sea. It was not yet dawn, but there was some light to the world, it seemed. Cold comfort it was, but King Edward fixed his entire hope on the prayer that Link would not hesitate in slaying King Viru, but if Edward had any say in it, he would do it himself. Tomorrow he would leave on the ship for Oun Tar. From there... they would get to Castle Hellis in Tophet, and then King Edward would see about exacting revenge.
The archers marched forward, softly, carefully, as not to attract attention, hunched over at the waist, their eyes on the dying flames in the distance. Whatever had caused them seemed to be going out, as they neared the gorge's entrance their bodies were bathed in pale orange.
If there were any sentries, they might have likely been called back to watch over the flames, or perhaps even to... No; Link would not allow himself to think that. It was... too much.
'...If what Lance said is true, then I might feel her... dying.' Small comfort, but it took a heavy weight off his shoulders; at least he had not failed completely. Not yet, anyway.
"Hist!" shouted an archer, and fired a large arrow into a Tophetian that had been waiting in ambush. Several more sprang up and were felled where they stood. Link scanned around quickly and noticed several more. Not hesitating to draw his sword, he leapt forward and decapitated two at once. The third, however, seem to fly backwards on his feet, his eyes locked on Link's. His hands held not a sword, but a long pike base with two slim blades attached to both ends.
The gaze burned between them, hot and tangible, and Link steadied himself for a fight. The light from the fire, though dying, gave the enemy's eyes a steady gleam, distracting him minutely.
"You are the one called Link?" The fighter's voice was thick with an unknowable accent, but he did not wait for a reply. "I have been waiting for you, Link."
"Who are you?" That was a simple question, but he hadn't actually expected an answer.
"I am Ceifeiro, I reap my enemies," responded Ceifeiro. "I have longed to fight you, Link. King Viru promised that I would encounter you." Without further warning he leapt forward and slashed deftly at the blonde teenager. Link skipped back nimbly and countered swiftly. The archers had continued on; this was a fight out of their league.
'He fights well. I mustn't waste time, though,' Link thought, beads of sweat already forming at his temples. Ceifeiro was quick and did not let up. Again and again he swung and thrust the strange weapon, occasionally catching Link off-guard but doing no damage.
"You are a good fighter," murmured the Tophetian, obviously pleased by this. "I did not expect you to be this good." Link did not know what would have been a clever reply, and cared even less; exchanging wit during battle was not his cup of tea.
Unexpectedly Ceifeiro slashed downward against the Master Sword, then kicked upwards with his right leg. Link dodged at the last minute but the maneuver cost him his balance and he rolled to the ground. Ceifeiro grunted as he lunged forward to spear his opponent, but the Hero of Time was as dexterous as he had been at ten. With a quick kick he knocked Ceifeiro to the dusty earth and then brought the Master Sword crashing down upon the pike-blade. The wood snapped and Ceifeiro was left with two pieces. Unfortunately, it did not faze him and he used both ends skillfully. With an apt leap the Tophetian was back on his feet and swinging like fury at Link.
The Hero of Time had no time to think, only react and act. He countered, blocked, and thrust in turn with Ceifeiro, the only sounds they heard was metal striking metal or wood thumping shield. Everything else had faded into the background. Link felt himself go into that cold, quiet place in his mind that he often went to when the fighting required killing. It was pleasant and terrifying at the same time, to enjoy the violence and embrace it as though it was mere breathing, a benefactor and necessity of life.
"You are almost too good, Link," Ceifeiro panted heavily, skipping back nimbly. "I must concede." With a quick bow, the Tophetian suddenly disappeared in a flash of light. The nineteen-year-old stood where he was for several moments, breathing deeply, trying to calm his agitated nerves. That had been an excellent fight. Adrenaline gushed through his veins and sweat gleam on his face, but Link had never felt more at rest in his whole life. Fighting gave him euphoria, but what did he expect? He was a born fighter, after all.
'Live by the sword, die by the sword,' he tried to tell himself, putting his shield away but keeping the Master Sword drawn. Still... he wondered if he would fight Ceifeiro again.
Lance did not hesitate when he reached the camp; he willed water (his aqua) from the ground, and it certainly obeyed him in great, gushing torrents. From every crack and hollow flowed the life fluid.
In his mind he felt his potentia begin to weaken; it had been so long since he had used it, there was no wonder he was out of practice. Real magic is like muscle; if you did not use it on regular basis, then it would atrophy.
Pandemonium ensued as the Tophetians scrambled to find the source of the attack; many of them were swept away by the flood, but among them were a few Selintan soldiers. Lance tried to regulate his aqua but the water was out of control. It rushed through the gorge, carrying Tophetians and Selintans alike with it.
"To me, soldiers!" General Torris shouted, on his feet waving a sword he had picked up. Immediately the Royal Selintan Army, those who were able to fight, rallied to their general, a beacon of light in darkness. In the terrible frenzy that followed, many Tophetians were slaughtered, but quite a few Selintans were killed as well. There was shouting, screaming; blood flowed as easily as the water, and gore ran through it all like streamers of kelp.
The archers had been able to pick off the few Tophetian survivors, and Link arrived after the last of them had been killed. Of the three hundred Selintan soldiers there had been, about a third of that number had been killed. Half of that were wounded badly, but none fatally. Medicos, who relied on magic for healing purposes, attended first to those who were in the most pain.
"So, did you finish whoever that was off?" A young archer asked Link as the Hero of Time picked his way carefully to the general; the ground was soft with water, blood, and bits of entrails.
"No, he disappeared before I could," the blonde replied heavily, his muscles heavy now. Even a short fight could take the wind out of one's sails. "Where's the general?"
"He's meeting with the platoon leaders over yonder," answered the Selintan archer, turning his attention to his sodden tent.
" 'Twas foolish of me to agree to let you come with the army; you would have been safer following behind a bit," General Torris said to Miyako, shaking his head. "You could have been killed, girl."
"Everyone owes the gods and goddesses a death; I put my trust in them," she replied impassively. "I've changed my mind; I don't want to go to the Massharte Ruins. I'll stay with the troop."
"Are you daft, girl?" The general seemed more surprised than angry. "You'll get yourself killed, and the king will have my head for it. Certainly he feels the need to make up for his daughter's actions, but this is ridiculous; I shan't allow it."
"I set those trees on fire," she murmured quietly. "I hoped it would warn the archers, and perhaps it did. I don't know how you would handle this, but I would think that having a person strong with magic, even if it is a girl, around your army would be a good idea. The Tophetians aren't known to be honorable, you understand." The elderly Selintan sighed and looked up at the brightening sky, as though searching for a clear answer.
"You are either very intrepid, Miyako, or very impertinent, and I cannot decide which, but if what you say is true, then I would be happy to have you join us. It will be tough at times, and these soldiers are not always gentlemen, but Tyulia is not far away, and you will disembark after we have cleared the Tophetians. Is that clear?"
"As crystal, sir," she replied politely, but the red-haired girl was smiling. Lance was off to one side, surveying the aftermath of his potentia.
"Aye, girl, you had me scared, so ye did," he said after the general left to talk with the lesser officers. "I a'feard for ye. 'Tisn't safe for ye to be traveling with an army. Sure, and if ye hadn't been wronged by Cheyanna, surely he would have kicked you away on yer arse."
"He would have," she agreed, crouching down and picking at the hem of her damp dress, "but he didn't, now did he?" Lance couldn't resist a smile.
"Nay, he didn't, but I won't be looking out fer ye." Miyako glanced up at him. "Methinks another's already a'goin' to take that job." This startled her beyond words for a moment.
"Oh?"
"Aye, he comes this way, too."
"Since when did you become so insightful, Lanceton Untille?"
"Since we parted ways years ago." Link approached them, looking somewhat beaten and tired. "Aye, matey, and yer lookin' fresh as a daisy."
"Hush, Lance. Did the general pass by here?"
"He did, he went yonder," Miyako answered, pointing towards a crowd of soldiers. "Did you fight Tophetians on the way?"
"Aye... I mean, yes." Lance grinned at Link's usage of Kreyan speech. "But he fled before we finished. The odd thing was, he said that King Viru had promised him he could fight me."
"Oh, aye... that would be Ceifeiro, then wouldn't it?" The dark-blue-haired sailor seemed a bit diffident on the subject, but Link pressed more information out of him.
"How did you know?" Miyako answered for him,
"Ceifeiro is Tophet's shining pinnacle, so he is, and there'd be no doubt that he would want to fight you. After all, he's been champion of the Kreyan Perils three years' running."
"Kreyan Perils?"
" 'Tis a race, if you please, from the Stone Forest to the top of Mount Hanatai. At the top, they hold a tournament between the first six there. The winner of three fights is declared champion," Lance explained, stifling a large yawn with one hand. " 'Tis foolishness; I'd be so scared out of my wits to be venturin' to the Stone Forest. Although I doubt this year he'll be participating; takes place in winter, so it does, but with the war and everything, Kreya would refuse him entry." Link shook his head wearily, as though trying to clear it.
"I thought you were going to the Massharte Ruins," the Hero of Time said to Miyako, changing the subject abruptly.
"I've decided not to go. I'll be accompanying the troops to Tyulia."
"That's... that's madness." Could he not think of anything else to say?
"So it is!" She cried cheerfully. Lance laughed heartily. "Would I could change my madness, I would, but alas, 'tis a far, far better state of mind to be in than sanity. After all, if sanity caused such hatred between Tophet and Selinta, then surely insanity would bring peace." Link shook his head again, as though exasperated. Why didn't she simply... act like a lady, as Princess Zelda would, and take her leave of the army? He was beginning to see a few more positives in wedding Zelda than searching for another girl, especially if she was as brassy and nonchalant as Miyako.
Still... something whispered in the back of his mind, and he cocked his head, trying to follow it.
"Hearing voices, are you?" There was no end to her merriment.
"...No..." Lance's grin had faded to a smile, but it came back full force.
"Ya shouldn't lie to a lady, aye, but then, I 'member Miyako was never a lady, no she weren't." The red-haired girl made a deep curtsey to Lance and replied loftily,
"And if I were, I would not hang about the likes of you."
"You came so close to death, yet you can still make jokes." Link was looking back and forth between the sailor and the girl.
"If ye can't make light of the situation, then 'twould be a great service to pay yer debt to the gods as soon as possible," Lance replied sagely, nodding his head. Link sighed and walked off to find the general.
"He doesn't have a very good sense of humor, does he?" Miyako mused out loud.
"No, not a'tall, but I'm workin' on that. From what he's told me, he ain't had time to grow up. Was made into a man all at once, y'see. Seven years asleep, lost all that time. Never had a chance to build up a good sense of humor."
"Doesn't make sense, still. I thought all men enjoyed a good laugh."
"He must be tired, then," shrugged the sailor.
"Now what were you saying? From what I hear in his voice, he thinks I'm crazy, and I don't blame him. I almost can't believe it myself, and I'm the one who convinced the general to let me come along."
"Aye, I think you like him as well." Miyako stood up and clenched her fists tightly.
"Aye, I think a blow to the head will fix thine brains." Lance grinned and ducked as she swung at him.
"I meant no offense, ger fada, but sometimes them's the breaks. 'Tis nothing to be 'shamed of, nay. After all, yer a girl, and he's a guy."
"With all that going for us, we should run away and be married at once," she replied dryly, rolling her eyes to the heavens and throwing her hands up in exasperation.
"You said it, not I," the sailor chuckled. "But I don't think he realizes what he wants." She lowered her head and lifted an eyebrow at him.
"And what makes you think you know what he wants?"
"If I were in Link's shoes, I would think ye mighty fine to be my girl, aye, for you would not whine about me leavin' all the time, as ye'd be goin' with me, and ye'd not complain about fighting, as ye'd be fighting by my side."
"But you aren't him."
"No, 'course not. If I were, no doubt we'd be married by now." He batted his eyes demurely at her and laughed as she tried to hit him again.
-----------------------------
Yay! My Game Informer for February arrived, and they gave SSB: Melee a 9.25! Too bad they didn't review it sooner; I could've used the codes and secrets then. -_-;; Ah well, I've still got a few more bonuses to get, and about eight more trophies to go.
By the by, I finished the ending for this fanfic. It stops at thirty-five chapters, so you're almost there, faithful reader. ^_^ I've begun working on Part Two so I can have some chapters ready for when Part One is finished.