Hello hello. hope i havent been keeping u ppl wating too long. i havent been able to get on my comp for a while cuz we just moved. no tto mention i have my finals to study for. anyways, to new chapters up and ready. chapter 19 up soon too. enjoy

XVII. The Tournament PART TWO: What is Marth up to?

"Next up are Young Link and Dr. Mario. Please make your way to the arena. Ready. GO!"

"Go Link!" Zelda cheered.

"That's right! You tell him who's boss!" And indeed Young Link did. He was small, fast, agile, everything Dr. Mario wasn't. He didn't do much running at all, as well as jumping; and the rare times he did jump, his conspicuous potbelly jiggled like jelly. From the battle's start, it was clear Young Link would win. By the time Gerald called the match to an end, Young Link beat Dr. Mario with an impressive seven to nothing victory.

"Good job, Link," Zelda said, "Very impressive."

"All right Link!" Adult Link said. "You even beat me! And I was up against Jigglypuff! You are one crazy kid." Young Link smiled.

"Aw, shucks."

"And so concludes the first round." Ronald said. "The second round will take place in two days time. Congratulations to all the smashers who won today! Dinner will be served at seven o'clock in the dining room. This will be celebratory banquet, so dress accordingly"

"Oh shoot," said Zelda "I forgot my good dress."

"You mean this isn't your good dress?" Link asked, pointing at Zelda's elegant, pink dress.

"Heavens no! I wear much fancier ones for special occasions."

"And how come I've never seen any? Hmm? Not special enough?"

"Link! You've seen tons of my good dresses! Don't you pay any attention?"

Uh oh… It's the doghouse for me now. "Well… I-it's just… I forget because you always look so beautiful."

"Oh… How sweet." Zelda gave Link a small peck on the cheek.

Phew, that was close! "Hey, is that Marth?" Link said.

"Why, I think it is! And he's with that Samus Aran." Samus? When did he start talking to her?

"Well, they look busy. I'm going back to the hotel. You coming?"

"Uhh, go ahead. I'll catch up."

"Suit yourself. I love you." And Link gently kissed Zelda before walking away.

I MUST find out what they're talking about Zelda thought. But how am I going to be able to listen in? Then an idea popped into Zelda's head. "Nana! Could you come here for a moment?"

"Uhh, sure." The Eskimo walked over to Zelda. "What can I do for you?"

"Help me eavesdrop on Marth and Samus." Zelda whispered.

"How?" Suddenly, Marth turned around to look at Zelda.

"Oh yes Nana, I think that dress will VERY nice on you."

"What?" Nana said, puzzled, "What are you talking about."

"I'm trying to act casual." Zelda hissed through her gritted teeth. She tried to elbow Nana in the ribs, but being so tall, she accidentally got her in the head.

"OW! Oh, yeah thanks Zelda." Marth soon turned around again.

"Phew. That was close. Now, what are they talking about?"

"Zelda, I don't think—"

"HUSH!" Zelda strained her long, pointy ears trying to hear just a snippet of their conversation. Unfortunately, the two had moved away. Zelda turned around. "Where'd they go? Urgh, I NEED to know what they're talking about."

"Zelda! I'm ashamed of you! You know it's wrong to eavesdrop!" Nana said, "You ought to be ashamed too. I thought you had higher standards than that!" Nana walked away, shaking her head in disbelief.

Nana is right. I shouldn't eavesdrop. Whatever Marth and Samus are talking about is none of my business. I should go tell Peach about the banquet. Maybe she'll even lend me a dress. Zelda went off to catch up to Link.