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What Lies In the Dark

Chapter 4


Fox jolted awake.

His eyes were wide as he held his chest, glancing around the room. Everything was still and silent. He was alone in the dorm since his roommate Donkey Kong had already left. The young fox rubbed his throbbing eyes, briefly looking out the nearest window. The sun shined through the blinds, lighting up the room. The wind blew lightly outside, causing leaves to soar through the air. It was windy, but nowhere near last night.

Footsteps pounded in the hallway, causing Fox to pull the covers aside. He rested his feet on the floor, listening to the frightening sobs and footsteps. It sounded like a stampede running down the hallway. Something must have happened. He heard voices of the other smashers, most of them shouting. He couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but knew it wasn't good. If smashers were frantically running down the hallways and crying, it was probably something unimaginable.

Fox stood to his feet and glanced at the desk in between the two beds. His heart immediately picked up pace, once spotting the book Falco had written wide open. Fox stopped at the end of the table and carefully studied the pages the book had opened too. It was where he had left off yesterday, before Mario had rudely closed it on him. Fox raised an eyebrow perplexed. How did the book open by itself? Was Donkey Kong being nosey and reading the book? Fox was unsure. Then again, could Donkey Kong even read?

A sudden knock came to the door, and the door opened. Fox twirled around, greeting Young Link who entered the room. He was already dressed in his usual attire, but the expression held upon the elf's face proved to Fox that something had happened. He seemed depressed, not his usual cheery self. His eyes watered and his head hung low.

"Fox, there's something you should know."

Something terrible happened. Fox frowned shaking his head. What happened now? Was it another death? Did it have something to do with Falco?

" I...I think you might want to come to follow me, and see for yourself." The young Hylian turned and silently left the room.

Fox wasted no time, following Young Link. He stepped into the hallway, still dressed in his gray pajamas. He continued down the hallway after Young Link, noticing all of the dorm doors open. Most of the dorms were empty, except for a few that were filled with a couple of crying smashers. Fox felt sweat drip down his forehead, once turning the corner. At the end of the hallway, crowding around the stairs was a bunch of smashers, talking amongst themselves.

Fox felt his pace quicken as he ran passed Young Link up to the smashers. He pushed himself through the small crowd, and grabbed the railing, looking down at the first floor. His mouth hung open, as his eyes fell upon Mario's body on the ground. A small puddle of blood covered the floor, underneath Mario's body and a rope was tied around his neck. His hat fell off his head, revealing his messy brown soaked hair. His eyes remained open, looking straight up at the ceiling, causing Fox to cringe.

His grip on the railing tightened as he lifted his head. Tied around the ceiling fan was the other half of the rope, that most likely hung Mario to his death. Fox looked down at Mario once again, feeling tears build up in his eyes. The vision of Falco returned once more in his mind. First Falco, now Mario...smashers were being murdered...but by whom? That's the question needed answering.

Peach was hysterically crying on the first floor, being comforted by Link and Zelda. This must have been a terrible week for the Mushroom Princess. She was the first to see Falco murdered and now her boyfriend has been killed. What was happening at the mansion? Was a murderer running loose, or is it something else?

" It's a shame..." Captain Falcon shook his head. He and Ganondorf stood next to Fox.

" What is?" Ganondorf questioned, leaning up against the railing. " That Mario was killed?"

" Someone here is the murderer..." Captain Falcon explained. He glanced over at the Gerudo. " Someone..."

Ganondorf frowned, and stood crossing his arms. " Whatever..."

Fox watched as Ganondorf turned and left, walking back down the hallway. He frowned and turned back to Captain Falcon who was now watching Master Hand and Ness walking up to Mario.

" What happened?" Fox questioned softly.

" Ness woke up early this morning and noticed that Mario was gone." Captain Falcon explained. " He searched and found him like this...hung..."

Fox looked down at Master Hand, who continued to talk to Ness. Ness had his head lowered, crying and pleading softly. " What's wrong with Ness?"

" Smashers are accusing him, for killing Mario." Captain Falcon answered.

Fox stayed silent, as he turned and walked back to his dorm. Once he stepped back into his room, he closed the door and sat down on the ground crying. Why was this happening? Why was all of this happening around the mansion? First his best friend had been murdered, and now Mario ended up being killed. Is there a connection between the two death's? Fox didn't know. He felt anxious and terrified. No one was safe anymore. Pretty soon, the deaths were going to the continue, and the smashers were going fall.

It was obvious someone was out to kill them.

After Fox managed to control his emotions, he had gotten dressed. He tossed his pajamas in his suitcase and walked back over to the desk. Maybe if he continued to read the book, then he might get some answers. He had a feeling this book was the cause of everything, and after finishing the first chapter, Fox knew he was right.

At the end of the chapter, Mario gets killed. He didn't end up getting stabbed to death like Falco, but worst. He was hung.

" I can't believe it..." Fox murmured, sitting back in his chair.

His mouth hung open in disbelief. He didn't want to believe any of it, but it was all true. The book was coming to life. What ever happens in the book, happens in real life. Mario dies in the book, and the next day he's found dead. He was killed the same exact way. It doesn't really explain Falco's death, but Fox believed if he continued to read then he will figure out a little bit more.

Fox immediately grabbed the book, and stood leaving the room. He opened the door, abruptly stepping into the hallway, when he accidentally crashed into Marth. The two smashers fell to the ground, rubbing their heads from the sudden pain. Fox apologized, and stood noticing the book landing in front of Marth. Marth politely smiled and nodded, grabbing the book.

" It's okay, Fox." Marth explained. " What's with the rush anyway?"

" I need to find Roy." Fox answered, eying the book that Marth still held. " Have you seen him?"

Marth frowned and lowered his head thinking. He stared down at the book, silently reading the title, before handing it back to Fox. Fox sighed with relief, keeping the book tightly within his grasp. After learning a little more about the book, Fox felt that he must keep it safe. Not only was it written by Falco, but it was also the reason behind the killings.

" He was out back..." The Altean Prince answered. " With Young Link and Samus."

Fox smiled and nodded. " Thanks Marth."

" No problem." He replied.

Fox hurried down the hallway back toward the stairs. He grabbed the railing, as he steadily headed down to the first floor. Mario's body has been removed, and mansion staff were cleaning up the blood left behind. Fox stopped at the last step and frowned looking up at the ceiling. The image reappeared in his mind, from the story. Mario's scream echoed in his ears. If only Fox had read the last portion of the chapter, maybe he would have been able to prevent Mario's death from occurring.

Once outside, Fox felt relieved to be out of the death hell hold. He stood on the back porch, looking around the background for Roy. He had to tell Roy about the connection between the book and Mario's death. Maybe the two will be able to work together to uncover the truth, on who had killed Mario and Falco.

The wind blew lightly, caressing Fox's face as he spotted Roy, sitting with Young Link and Samus across the field. They were all sitting in the middle of the garden at the small metal pink and blue decorated table. Fox shifted the book to his other arm and stepped down to grass, about to head over in their direction. He didn't get far, until a familiar elf stood behind him, calling his name.

Fox turned around, and looked up at Link, who came out of the mansion. The elf, dressed in usual attire, crossed his arms and walked down the few steps over toward Fox.

" Someone had told me, that you might have something to do with Mario's death."

Fox's eyes widened. " Who said that?"

Link shrugged. " Well, Doctor Mario told me..."

Fox frowned. His grip on the book tightened. Why would Doctor Mario say something like that? " I didn't have anything to do with it."

" Nothing?"

Fox shook his head. " Link, why would I kill Mario?"

Link raised his hands in the air defensively. " Hey, I'm not saying it was you. I was just wondering, because everyone is beginning to freak out."

Fox glanced down at the book. He could tell Link about the book Falco had written, but he knew Link would go and tell Master Hand. Pretty soon everyone will know about it, and it might get taken away. It was probably safer to keep the book secret to only a few people. Roy knows about it, along with Mario who has been killed.

" If I figure something out, I'll let you know."

Link nodded, frowning disappointed. " Okay, thanks Fox."

Fox watched as the Hylian turned and headed back inside. The young smasher took a deep breath and turned running across the field. As he had gotten closer to the three at the table, he noticed the sadden expression on their faces. Young Link rested his elbows on the table, with his chin in his hands, miserably looking down at the table. Samus who sat next to the elf, looked up at the clear blue sky. She seemed lost in thought. Roy on the other hand, relaxed back in his chair, with his arms crossed. He nervously bit on his lip, until he noticed Fox heading in his direction.

" Hey Fox, you hear about Mario?" Roy lifted his hand in the air, waving.

Fox nodded taking a seat next to Roy and Samus. He placed the book down on the table. " Yes, I have. Roy, I have to tell you something."

" About that?" Roy questioned, lifting his head in the direction of the book.

Fox silently nodded in response. Young Link removed his hands from the table and leaned forward glancing at the cover. He raised an eyebrow perplexed, until he read the title. " Did you write this Fox?"

Fox shook his head. " No, Falco did."

Samus lowered her head, staring down at the book. " Is it a story?"

Fox nodded. " A horror story, Falco had written. I believe it has some connection to Mario's death."

Young Link's eyes widened. " Really? What?"

Fox opened the book to the page, the book was at this morning. He slid the book in Roy's direction, causing the prince to automatically read, while Fox explained to Samus and Young Link.

" Roy and I started to read the book yesterday. The first there was an introduction and then the first chapter. The chapter focused on Mario, talking about a night during the tournament. Before we had a chance to finish it, the book closed and we couldn't open it."

" Closed on it's own?" Samus questioned.

Fox shook his head. " Well, Mario had started to read with us and closed it because he didn't want to read anymore. This morning it was opened again, and I finished the chapter. It seems Mario gets killed in the book..."

Young Link grew anxious. " You mean Falco is killing us off in his book?"

Roy's mouth hung open as he abruptly lifted his head. He and Fox both exchanged glances. By the expression upon his face, Fox knew that Roy had finished the chapter. He knew about Mario's death in the book, and the exact way Mario was killed.

" Mario died the same way he died in the book!" Roy exclaimed. He swallowed looking at Samus and Young Link. " Don't you think that's...awkward?"

" What if the book is coming to life?" Young Link questioned, fear was heard in his voice.

Samus shook her head. " Maybe it's just a coincidence..."

Fox shook his head. " I don't believe so."

Coincidence or not...it was too strange and frightening.

" What's going on?"

Fox looked over his shoulder, surprised to see Link standing behind him. The Hero of Time raised an eyebrow snatching the book off the table. The table sat in silence, as Link briefly read the last page to the chapter, before closing it and reading the cover. Fox felt his heart pick up pace. Out of all of the smashers at the mansion, Link was one of the few who Fox didn't want for them to know about the book. He had a strange feeling, that Link would one of those who blurt to Master Hand. Although if Ganondorf and Bowser knew about it, they would probably take the book or destroy it.

" You all knew about this?" Link questioned.

Fox shook his head. " Roy and I did. Young Link and Samus just found out now."

" Why don't you tell Master Hand about this?" Link lifted the book in the air. " Mario's dies the same way he died in this book."

Roy nodded. " We know. Don't you think it's strange?"

Link agreed. " Yes, I do, but I don't believe that this is happening. We should get rid of this book."

Fox's eyes widened, as he abruptly stood and snatched the book out of Link's hand. " No, we're not getting rid of it."

" Why? Because it's written by your best friend?" Link questioned.

" Please Link, don't tell Master Hand."

Link shook his head. " I'm not. You're going to tell him, whenever your ready."

Samus leaned back and crossed her arms, looking up at the Hero of Time. " Do you have something to tell us, Link?"

Link nodded. " Master Hand is calling everyone to the auditorium. He has an announcement to make."


Master Hand paced back and fourth on the stage, as the smashers continued to fill up the front rows. The two deaths were causing a lot attention, and were beginning to frighten and scare the smashers. He had to talk to them, about the situation and let them know what is happening. First Falco was murdered, and now Mario had been hung. He wasn't quite sure if it was smasher killing everyone or not, but one thing was for sure. Whoever it was, needed to be stopped.

Master Hand floated over toward the podium and looked out at the remaining smashers. They had lost two, but you couldn't really tell that two of them were missing. Yes, Mario and Falco were popular smashers, but it seemed like they were all still present. Maybe their spirits are lurking within the auditorium, Master Hand didn't know. He had a strange feeling though...

" I know you all are terrified, after Mario was ended up murdered this morning." Master Hand began. " I don't know who is going around killing other smashers, but one thing is certain. I will find out who is doing this and stop them. Due to Mario's death, everyone is forced to stay longer at the mansion."

After this announcement, cries and complaints were heard from the smashers in the audience. Master Hand stayed silent, listening to the negative cries. Everyone wanted to head home already. If smashers were being killed at the mansion, keeping them here longer wasn't the safest plan, but Master Hand had no choice. All transportation was cancelled this morning, so they had no choice...except...

" I understand you are upset about this announcement. Only one van is allowed to leave the campus, so a few of you can leave. The rest have to wait until Monday."

" Monday!" Cried Ness from within the audience. " That's two days away!"

Master Hand nodded. " I know, and I'm terribly sorry. It seems the killer is striking at night, so after 8:30 all of you must report to your dorms. No one is allowed to roam the hallways passed 8:30, do I make myself clear?" Master Hand stayed silent, listening to the nods and agreement from the smashers. " Thank you all for your time. You may now be dismissed."


(Later that Night)

Fox sat in his dorm, sitting on his bed with his back up against the wall. He licked his lips, looking around the quiet room. Donkey Kong was lying on his bed on the other side of the room, fast asleep. Since the 8:30 curfew was in affect, Fox and DK both had to stay in their dorms. Fox had to admit, he was bored just sitting around in his room. He wanted to go asleep, but his mind wouldn't let him. He was afraid if he fell asleep, then another smasher was going to be murdered. He didn't want to wake up to find that another smasher was gone.

The light from the moon shined through the window, creating a strange design of light on the floor. The constant ticking from the wall clock, annoyed Fox. He glanced over at the clock from the corner of his eye. 8:45. It was too early to be stuck in their dorms. There is nothing to do, and Fox never goes to bed this early. Then again, he could sit and read Falco's book, but something prevented him. He wasn't quite ready to get back into the horror story.

Fox remembered the message that Master Hand had given during the announcement. Only one van was able to leave the campus and bring smashers home. Pikachu, Kirby, Bowser, Jigglypuff, and Yoshi were all chosen to leave. Those cowards couldn't stay at the mansion any longer. They were free to leave, content that they weren't going to be the next victim. Fox had wished that he was heading home, yet another part of him felt the opposite. He wanted to stay, to uncover the mysterious murderer.

Fox looked over at his suitcase at the edge of his bed and reached over grabbing Falco's laser gun. He carefully examined it, reminiscing back to the times when Falco was alive. They were such great friends, almost like brothers. Why did fate have to kill his best friend? Why did life have to be so cruel?

A silent, but quick knock came to the door. Fox frowned, staying on his bed. He looked across the room at DK, who still peacefully slept. Fox took a deep breath and stood walking over to the door. He grabbed the doorknob with shaky hands and pulled it opened, surprised to find Roy and Marth standing on the other side. Before Fox had a chance to speak, Roy pushed his way inside the room, with Marth silently following. Fox closed the door and turned back to the two princes.

" What's going on?" Fox questioned silently.

Roy took a seat the desk, immediately opening the book to the second chapter. " Come on Fox, our curfew is 8:30? No one is keeping me in a dorm with Luigi at 8:30."

Fox placed the laser gun back in his suitcase and turned to Marth. " Why are you here?"

Marth crossed his arms. " Roy told me about the book."

Fox glared over at Roy. Roy looked over his shoulder and shrugged. " Marth will keep it a secret. Besides, he believes us."

Fox turned his attention back to the Altean Prince. " You do?"

" Yes. Roy told me how Mario died the same way he died in the book. This isn't a coincidence, it's real. Nothing like this can happen." Marth explained.

Fox agreed. " I believe the same thing..."

" This book is coming to life...whatever happens in the book...happens in real life." Marth spoke up.

Fox smiled. Marth was understanding everything perfectly. If Fox could find more smashers who believe him like Roy and Marth, then things would be easier. More smashers could help track down this murderer, and put an end to this. They could possibly stop it, before it gets worse.

Roy shifted uncomfortably and rested his arm over the back of the chair. He nervously looked back at Fox, giving him a look that meant something was going to happen. Fox noticed this and walked up to Roy, looking over his shoulder, silently reading the page Roy was on.

Marth placed his hands on his knees, leaning forward. " What's wrong?"

" The next chapter is talking about Link..." Roy answered, nervously.

Marth frowned. " I'm roomed with Link..."

Roy nodded. " You leave Link alone in the room...and he..."

" Is he the next target?" Marth questions. His blue eyes widened, now understanding why Roy is anxious.

Roy frowns, and silently nods.


A/N:

There's a nice long chapter for you all! Hope you enjoyed it, I had a nice time writing it. Our next victim…is it Link? Who knows. I guess you all have to wait until the next chapter, and see. Haha. I'm bad like that.

I have noticed that Roy seems to be important to the story now. I wasn't really intending on doing that, but I've grown to love Roy after reading different SSBM stories. I guess you'll be seeing him a lot more in my stories. Yah!

Until Next Time!