Chapter 47: In-Laws in the Afterlife
AN: Hey everyone! Happy 4th of July! I've got another chapter finished, so here it is. Have a safe and wonderful day!
***I don't own anything in this story, so please don't sue me.***
Samantha looked around and found that she was on a dock.
'Am I…am I back here?' Samantha thought to herself as she looked around.
"Ho!" One man called out. Samantha turned around and saw the pirate gentlemen she had met last time she was considered dead. "Princess Samantha! Where did you run off to?"
"Hey guys. Um…turns out, I wasn't actually dead…" She nervously laughed, but the two guys didn't join her.
"What do you mean you're not actually dead? Non-dead people don't-"
"Does it really matter? She's back with us and that's what matters most." Grace smirked and hugged her granddaughter. "I've missed you, child."
"Hi Grandma." Samantha felt her heart warm and a genuine smile on her face as she felt the embrace from her grandmother. "If I'm not mistaken, you were the one who told me to enter that door."
"You are correct. Lady Hylia allowed me to speak to your subconscious and help guide you. I knew your sister was on the other side." She smiled. "Still, as happy as I am to see you, I was kind of hoping I wouldn't see you for another…oh, I don't know…sixty? Eighty years?" She frowned.
"This time, I think I really am dead." Samantha said with sadness in her voice before smiling and laughing. "But that means I get to spend more time with you! And I want to know everything!" She grabbed Grace's hand and gently squeezed. "I don't want to leave. Please, Grandma?" Samantha felt like a child, but she really did want to stay with her grandmother.
"Alright, child." Grace smiled. "Let's start by talking about the crewmates. Let's start with Gonzo. Now, Gonzo here-"
"Sam?" The princess turned and gasped before almost fainting. "It is you."
"Mom?" She quietly stated. Standing in front of her wasn't the former princess of Hyrule, but the big bad bounty hunter that was Samus Aran. She looked almost the same age as Samantha; there wasn't a trace of old age on the woman and she was practically unrecognizable. But there was no doubt that this was the one and only. She let go of Grace's hand and before she could run to her mother, Grace put a hand in front of the princess.
"Asshole, you're making a big mistake." Samus warned the woman. Grace smirked as she had no idea who she really was.
"Wait, mom! This is-" Grace covered her mouth with her hand.
"Let me have this. I want to see what she can do." She whispered to the princess.
"Who are you?" Samus called out. "Fuck it, don't tell me. I'll beat it out of you."
"Are you certain? I'm not like most opponents you've come across." Grace warned. "Tell you what. I'll issue you a challenge…the same one I issued your child. If you can land a blow on me, I'll answer a question with each blow you connect. If you lose-"
"Put 'em up. I don't lose."
"So that was a different Samus Aran who lost in three seconds?" Grace smirked.
"What else do you know about me?" Samus questioned.
"Originally from the planet Zebes. Your parents tragically died when you were young…my deepest sympathies." Grace stated. "You're a five time champion, and the first woman to win a championship…favorite color is blue, you sign your autographs with your right hand, but you're actually a lefty."
"Wait, seriously? How come I didn't know that?" Samantha turned to her mother with surprise as Grace continued.
"You flew to a bar in deep space called 'The Cauldron…the same bar that Samantha would visit with Genny."
"Mom?!" Samantha exclaimed. "You went to that disgusting bar?"
"Me? Why did you take a child to that shitty bar?" Samus asked with a scolding expression on her face.
"I…I didn't have a choice! She had to use the bathroom and…you know, I did what you said! I didn't see a damn island anywhere."
"That's-" Samus paused and hesitated for a minute. "…because I sent you the wrong way."
"Sounds like poor parenting." Grace stated and Samus had fire burning in her eyes.
"I'm going to enjoy killing you."
"When you're ready." Grace took her stance and Samus' expression dropped for a moment. "Something wrong?"
"No…no." Samus shook her head and too her stance. She charged first and threw the first punch, but Grace side stepped and went to hit Samus in the back. Samus fell into the splits before trying to chop Grace's heel. She raised her foot and tried to stomp the bounty hunter, but missed with each time she stomped; Samus as incredibly quick and unlike any speed Samantha had ever seen her move. She got up and the two threw punches and blocked the other's attacks for two solid minutes. Finally, Grace grabbed Samus' arm and the bounty hunter roundhouse kicked the ninja in the face. Gasps escaped the other two pirates watching and Grace took a step back.
"That's one." Grace spat to the side and dropped her guard. "What's your question?"
"I don't suppose you'll outright tell me your name?"
"Nope." Grace replied. Samus sighed and took her stance.
"Ok."
"Wait, that wasn't a question." Samantha protested.
"Sure it was. I asked for her name and she refused." Samus explained. This time, Grace charged forward and Samus easily blocked and countered her attack with one of her own. She drilled the ninja under the chin and clocked her with a solid punch to the temple. Grace staggered, but recovered.
"Who taught you how to fight?" Samus questioned.
"A man named Sumeragi. He lives far away from you." Samus nodded her head and took her stance once more.
"Alright, I think it's time I ended this." Samus stated.
"You're quite confident for someone who-"
"You know what? Just stop." Samus charged the woman and Grace began to block the attacks and countered her attacks. However, Samus would counter her counters with her own counters before grabbing the former queen's neck. She yelled loudly and choke slammed her against some nearby boxes and catching her breath. "I know…who you are…and I…" Samus placed her hands against her knees to catch her breath. "Oh…fuck me…"
"You're a…nngh…married woman…"
"You would know." Samus offered the woman a hand and helped her to her feet. "Anyway…I have…one final question for you." Grace hesitated for a minute before dropping her guard. "Be honest…If you don't…don't think so…I'll walk away…and never…never speak to… to her again."
"Who are you talking about? Are you talking about mom?" Samantha asked.
"What?" Grace questioned the bounty hunter as she sat up.
"Am I…am I good enough…for your daughter?" Samus questioned before taking a few moments to collect herself and helped the ninja to her feet.
"So, you figured me out?"
"There were signs." Samus explained after catching her breath. "Fuck, I feel like I'm twenty years younger." Samus stretched and laughed. "Anyway, there are tales of you in Hyrule. Dad's told me about them. Your tattoos all up and down your body…I've tried my best to replicate that." Samus took her shirt off to reveal her own tattoos all over her body. From her neck down her torso; every inch of her upper body was covered in some kind of ink. "You said you learned how to fight from a man named Sumeragi? Well, it just so happens that we're quite close with the kingdom of Hoshido. And that fighting style is the same one used with the Hoshidan ninjas. A tactic that Lady Kagero, queen of Hoshido, uses and teaches to this day. So, to me, that means you had to have worked with them and based on how much you know about me, you had to have known someone who is dear to me. And the only person who knows that information wouldn't share it with anyone alive. So, by that logic, you must be my mother-in-law. You were listening when she spoke to your tombstone. That's how you were able to discern my name, my former occupation, and every little detail about me. Am I correct?" There was silence before Grace applauded the woman.
"I'm impressed, Samus. It takes an incredible mind to process all of that in such little time."
"You still didn't answer my question." Samus remarked.
"Samus, I am thrilled that my daughter has found love with you. You are strong enough to protect the kingdom, my daughter and your family." Grace smiled. "You would make a fine member of clan Shiekah."
"Thank you Lady Grace." Samus bowed to the former queen. "I'm totally telling Zelda I kicked your ass."
"I let you win." Grace remarked.
"Bullshit. I could've kicked your ass up and down this dock twice." Both women laughed.
"You know, if you're feeling it. We could enroll in an exhibition coliseum match."
"And that is?"
"Let's get on the boat and we'll discuss." Samus picked up her shirt and boarded the ship along with Samantha before the former queen followed them up with the two pirates in tow.
Virginia looked around nervously and she was in a world she did not recognize. There were people she didn't recognize and buildings she didn't know. She smelled something wonderful and let her nose guide her.
'I am a bit hungry.' Virginia thought as she entered the small restaurant. She looked around and it looked like a typical diner.
"Hey! Find a seat and get what you want." A man stated and she looked around for a seat. She took a few steps forward and accidently bumped into someone.
"S-sorry." She apologized, but a man put a hand in front of her. She looked up at the scary-looking man and she tried backing up, but she was cornered.
"Now, what's a pretty thing like you doing here?" The man sneered.
"P-please…I…don't hurt me." She shielded her face from fear.
"Leave her alone." A deep voice with a slightly southern drawl. Virginia looked up to see a buff looking man clean shaven, blonde hair, light skin, and solid blue eyes. He was pretty handsome if she was being honest with herself.
"Who the fuck are you?"
"Leave her alone. Or else." The stranger folded his arms and the first guy scoffed.
"Whatever, asshole." The man pushed Virginia to the ground and left. The man pushed the first guy to the ground and he proceeded to beat up his friends before turning his attention to the main guy. The antagonist threw a punch to Virginia's hero, but he blocked and pushed him hard against the wall. The man threw two more punches to the first guy who charged him and an elbow to the second guy. The last one stood up and he punched his throat where he fell to the ground; sputtering and coughing.
"Fuck that! Let's get out of here!" One of his friends said before the others scrambled out of the diner.
"I'm sorry about that. Some people are just assholes." He offered a hand and helped the princess up. "How about you sit with us? You waiting for someone?" The two walked over to a booth and took a seat.
"Um…I…I don't even know where I am. I just smelled wonderful food and…" She blushed red from embarrassment.
"Your fine. What's your name?"
"V-Virginia."
"Really?" The man's eyebrows raised. "You know, my wife's name is Virginia."
"Really?" Virginia asked. "I know I was named after my grandmother. I…I never met her. Mother never met her either."
"Virginia?" The princess turned to see her mother standing next to her.
"Mother!" She smiled and got out of the booth to hug her mother. "Mother, I…I don't know where we are. I disappeared and ended up here and…I'm really scared!"
"It's alright, dear. I'm here now." She reassured her daughter. "And who is he?"
"Nice to meet you." The man offered a hand. "My name is Rodney. Rodney Aran." Zelda blinked and lightly shook her head.
"I…ah…I must be hearing things. I believe I heard you say your last name was Aran."
"…yes. My name is Rodney Aran." He repeated. Zelda's jaw dropped and her eyes grew big.
"You…ah…oh my. This…this is such an honor." Zelda smiled and bowed to the man.
"…is she alright?" Rodney questioned. "Does she always act like this?"
"Rodney…you didn't tell me we were having guests." A woman chimed in. She was maybe five feet tall, with golden blonde hair and blue-green colored eyes.
"She was getting bullied by some jerks. I was going to have her sit with us so she doesn't-"
"Grandpa?" Virginia quietly squeaked. Rodney turned his head.
"Excuse me?" He asked. "You feeling alright? Is your family a bunch of…weirdos?" Virginia was too embarrassed to speak anymore.
"Excuse me, Mr. Aran…um…I…I have a quick question for you." Zelda nervously spoke up. "You…ah…do you…have a daughter…or a child…that you have never met or…haven't seen in…a long time?"
"Actually, yes. We have a daughter named-"
"Samus." Zelda cut off the woman and both of them looked at the queen with doubt.
"…who…are you, exactly?"
"My name is Zelda Grace Hyrule. I am the current queen of the Hyrule."
"But…you know our daughter? Is she well? Is she healthy?" Virginia questioned the queen. Zelda gulped hard and smiled.
"She is my wife."
"Wife?" Rodney questioned before grinning from ear to ear. "She got married?"
"I know in many cultures, it's not acceptable for two women to marry. But-"
"Oh fuck that! My little girl got married!" The woman squealed with excitement. "And she's your daughter? So that means she's my granddaughter!"
"Her name is Virginia." Rodney mentioned to his wife's delight.
"You named your child after me?!"
"Yes. We wanted to name her a-after…you." The woman smiled and grabbed Virginia's hand.
"She's gorgeous!" She laughed and gushed. "So, where is my little girl?"
"That's the thing…I…I don't know. The last thing I remember, we were battling some angelic thing named, Taboo."
"I was right!" the princess smiled and pumped her fist before looking up at everyone's confused expressions. "S-sorry."
"You were right?" Zelda questioned.
"Sam had this book. When Serena and I went to the Alola region, one of my friends, Sophocles, he had this book. We couldn't translate it, so while we were trying to find Genny's parents, we were trying to translate this book. We got a tip that said it was in Elfish, so we went to look for Raine. Uh-I mean Professor Sage."
"Virginia-"
"Anyway, Serena and I were together and she said something about there being five tribes and I was like: there's not five tribes in Tellius."
"Virginia." Zelda repeated, but the princess went on.
"And then I thought about it, because that's a simple fact that everyone should know and then I realized there were five tribes. The last one consists of only three members, but it still counts. So I corrected her and-"
"Virginia!" Zelda yelled before the table got silent. "Can you summarize, please?"
"Ah…y-yes, o-of course." Virginia looked down with embarrassment. "S-sorry, m-mother."
"Do not apologize. I know how you ramble on when explaining stories." Zelda cupped her daughter's cheek in her hand. "It's what makes you, you. And I do love everything about my favorite daughter. Don't tell Samantha." She whispered that last part and Virginia giggled before continuing.
"We discovered that the language was written in the ancient heron language and it spoke of some kind of guardian named Taboo. But then we disappeared and I guess we ended up here."
"Disappeared?" The blonde haired woman asked. "Oh…I get it. You don't realize you're dead yet."
"WHAT?!" Virginia practically screamed.
"Well…how else did you think you could speak with us?" Rodney asked. "We've been dead for…geez I don't even know how long." There was silence between the two women and Rodney cleared his throat. "You know what? How about some entertainment? There's this battle royal that's going to start soon and I think some good ol' fashioned brawling might make you feel better." Under normal circumstances, Zelda would reject the notion to witness people fighting other people, however seeing as how this was a prime opportunity to get to know her wife's parents; she wasn't going to deny the chance to know them better.
"You know what? I think that's a wonderful idea. I'd love to get to know my in-laws better." Zelda smiled. "I wish to know everything about you and I'm more than willing to share everything about myself and your daughter of course. And my children! You have four perfect grandchildren. Virginia is the second to the throne."
"How about we talk when we get there?" Virginia suggested to her daughter-in-law and the group exited and moved towards a vehicle.
"Hold on…there are vehicles in…um…where exactly are we?" Zelda questioned.
"The afterlife. It's…well, self-explanatory." Rodney chuckled. "We're living in a world where our spirits live forever."
"And this vehicle?" Zelda questioned as she climbed in.
"This was the jeep that Virginia and I had our first date in." He smiled as he started the jeep.
"I swear, he loves this hunk of junk more than he loves me." Virginia rolled her eyes and shared a laugh with the queen. The engine turned over, but before they took off Virginia noticed a familiar fire fox running towards them. "Wait, wait, wait! Stop!" Virginia hopped out and ran towards the fox.
"Virginia Lynn Hyrule! You come back here this instant!" Zelda carefully hopped out and waited for her daughter to return. Virginia stopped as the fox pokémon approached her and hugged her tightly the two returned to the jeep and Braixen took a seat while Virginia examined her ankle.
"No pain?" She asked and the fox shook her head. "This place is remarkable."
"Virginia." Zelda shook her head with disapproval.
"What? This is my fiancé's pokémon." Virginia gasped and covered her mouth while turning a bright red.
"Fiancé?" Zelda's eyes lit up. "My little girl is getting married?!" She squealed with excitement. "This is the most wonderful news! We must plan your wedding right away! I'll need to inform Lilly, and father…your grandfather will be thrilled to hear this. Your mother will be excited as well. Plus seating arrangements, and decorations, and-"
"No, mom…I…I died!" Virginia sniffled and rubbed her eyes. "I'm dead so, no…no wedding…no happiness…I don't have her…not anymore…"
"Brai…" Braixen hugged the woman and for a moment, she felt better, but without Serena, she felt empty. Zelda and her daughter got into the jeep along with her fiancé's pokémon and didn't say another word.
Samantha sailed across the blue skyline with her mother, her grandmother, a bunch of mean-looking pirates, their childish captain, and her thoughts.
'Maybe it wouldn't be so bad living here forever.' Samantha thought. 'I could try and find Marcus, figure out the answers to all of life's mysteries…there's so much to do.'
"Hey boss, we've got another stowaway!" Gonzo called out and tossed the woman to the ground. "She has some pets too!"
"Serena!" Samantha exclaimed and rushed to help her up.
"Ow…my head hurts…" She rubbed her head before looking up. "Hey, Sam." She weakly uttered before clearing her throat. Two other pokémon growled at the pirate who tossed Serena so carelessly; one was jagged marks like electricity and the other looked like they were a fire type.
"Zap! Torch! Come here." Serena called and the two rushed the woman; licking her cheeks to try and make her feel better.
"Wait…aren't you two Virginia's pokémon?" Samantha asked. "So, she's here?"
"I didn't see anyone else. She just appeared below deck and those dogs showed up after she did.
"Who is she?" Samus questioned her daughter.
"This is Ginny's girlf-"
"Fiancé." Serena interrupted the firstborn. "We…ah…we agreed to getting married before all this…weird stuff happened."
"Virginia's getting married?" Samus grinned. "Hell. Fucking. Yes."
"We'll need to run it by the family. You know, traditions and all." Samantha reminded her mother.
"Run it by the family?" Serena questioned the princess.
"So, we all get a say. My parents, my brothers, and me. If the vote is split or it ends up that the majority of us believe you aren't good together and if Virginia chooses to marry you anyway, she must forego her title as a princess. But if the majority believes you two should be together, then you claim the title of princess. Like Marcus. Technically his title and full name is Prince Marcus James McCloud the first.
"So, what do I have to do?"
"How much longer?" Samus asked.
"We have a bit of time to kill." Tetra stated from the other side of the ship.
"Great! Start talking. I want to know everything about you two. You need to convince us that you are worthy of joining the royal family of Hyrule." Samus stated. Samantha smiled and Torch followed the firstborn as she sat on the steps.
"You're really pretty." Samantha admired and began petting the fire pokémon. The other one whined and Torch stepped aside before laying down on her back so Samantha would rub her tummy.
"You like belly rubs?" Samantha smiled and rubbed her belly. "Aw…you're a cutie pie." Samantha smiled.
"Dogs are dumb." Tetra remarked while she rolled her eyes.
"Sounds like someone doesn't want to pet one." Samantha smirked. Tetra's expression quickly changed as she looked around.
"I mean, well…only idiots would pet a dog like that…but…you know, if I…were to do it…then, you know, it'd be cool."
"Do you want to pet my sister's pokémon? Just say it." Samantha smiled.
"I want to pet the…the dog." Tetra admitted.
"Pokémon." Samantha corrected her.
"Just…can I?" She asked and reached out. The two of them growled at the pirate girl.
"Hey, now…" Samantha stated and reached out for the pokémon. Torch and Zap walked up to the princess and nuzzled against her. "She won't hurt you. She's just an old fogey."
"Old?! I'm younger than you!" Tetra yelled.
"Come on, Grandma." Samantha teased. "She just wants to pet you." Zap looked back with doubt, but Torch walked towards her and sat down. Tetra carefully lowered her hand and gently placed it on her head. Torch smiled as she rubbed her head.
"She's…really warm."
"She's a fire type. And this one is an electrical type." Samantha smiled. "So, if you're here, does that mean Ginny's here too?" Samantha looked around and saw the big guy who found Serena below deck. "Um…Grandma Tetra? What's-"
"Just Tetra. Never Grandma Tetra. It makes me feel old." She frowned.
"Aye aye, captain!" The firstborn saluted the leader and the pirate girl winked at her granddaughter. "Anyway, what's that guy's name? I forgot." Samantha whispered and pointed to the guy steering the ship.
"That's Gonzo. He drives my ship. The guy down there?" She pointed towards the opposite side from where Samus and Serena were talking. "That's Nudge. He's supposed to advise me on stuff, but I don't listen to him…well, sometimes I do. But I'm the captain." She retorted. "Senza is guarding my room with Mako. No one goes into my bedroom, except me. Zuko is our trusty eyes in the sky. He likes the crow's nest and you've met Niko. Niko told me about you going through our stuff."
"First off, why do you have a whole bunch of pirate gear? And where's…um…Aryll and Will?"
"Because…I…I like to…" Tetra's voice faded and her cheeks turned rosy pink. "N-none of your damn business! And they're sleeping, so shut up!"
"But I'm not yelling." Samantha said quietly. "Were you going to say you like to play dress up?"
"No!" Tetra practically yelled while Torch licked her cheek. "I'm a dangerous, nasty, pirate. I don't have time to play dress up. That's for wimps." Her face still blushing red; Samantha had her answer, but didn't pursue it anymore. Samus and Serena then approached them and Serena sat next to Samantha.
"Is Sam treating you nicely, Zap?" Serena smiled. Zap yipped with joy and she turned to the fire pokémon. "How about you Torch? How are you feeling?" Torch rolled onto her back and received more belly rubs. "Torch loves belly rubs."
"That's really cool." Tetra smiled.
"She has a whole army of eeveeloutions back at the Aether Foundation."
"Does she?"
"Yeah! There's Torch, Sunny, Frosty, Cosmo, Zap, Psy, Pinky, Little E, and Aqua. In that order. Torch is the oldest and Aqua's the youngest."
"I…I never met them. I know that Ginny got me a gorgeous absol."
"You're talking about Abby? Yeah, I remember her. She was really mean at first. But Virginia refused to give up on her and she kept talking about how nice you were…how you were the best and she had hoped you and Abby would be best friends one day."
"Abby is so adorable." Samantha smiled. "Ginny always had the best taste in pokémon." Samantha began chuckling. "Then again, she wanted to adopt every pokémon, so I guess she just has a ginormous heart." Samus leaned against the railing next to where Samantha was sitting. "What do you think, mom? Is she Hyrule-worthy?"
"I'm not deciding until she talks to everyone. Go to the front of the ship with her and talk. No one's going to bother you." Samantha stood up and walked to the front of the ship with Serena following behind her.
"Your mom is serious about this." Serena stated while looking around nervously.
"We don't let anyone join the royal family." Samantha explained as she folded her arms and leaned against the railing of the ship. "So, let's start. What makes Virginia so special to you?"
"She's my everything. I've been with her for about three years, but I feel a really strong connection with her. She's everything to me! The way she smiles at me…it melts my heart. And yeah, I did screw up before. I yelled at her, but after going on that journey…from home to Sylvarant…I realized how much I needed her." Samantha thought for a minute and came up with her own answer.
'Mom said Marcus said something similar to that. Let's keep her in the yes column.' She thought and moved on. "How'd you meet?"
"She attended every single show I had done in the Kalos region. She always had the same seat. It wasn't until the eighth show that I noticed she was attending all my shows."
"The eighth?" Samantha asked.
"I perform for thousands of people. It's not like I can see every single one."
"But you saw her."
"She sits in the very front row. 1A. Every time." Serena explained. "That, and she always came up to get my autograph. It was actually kind of sweet."
'I had a bit of a crush on Marcus before we started dating. But I've known him all my life. I got lucky.' Samantha smiled.
"Last one. Why do you want to be part of the Hyrule royal family?"
"I don't really care about titles. I just want to be happy. I'm not going to force people to call me princess or anything. I just want to marry Virginia. And if that means I need to impress her family, then I'm going to do all that I can to wow you and your parents, and your brothers."
'She's almost exactly like Marcus.' Samantha smiled and closed her eyes.
"So…did I pass?"
"I can't tell you. You'll need to speak with mom and my brothers."
"I just spoke to your-"
"I have two moms, Serena." Samantha smirked and for a split second, she forgot about that. "We must not give a hint to our decision. That's the rule. And mom is a stickler for rules." Samantha pushed off the railing and walked towards her mother.
"You only asked three questions!" She called towards the firstborn.
"We just need to ask enough questions to determine our answer." Samantha smiled and walked to her mom.
"So, what do you think?" Samus quietly asked her daughter.
"She has to speak with all the members of our family. She's talked to you and me. Alex, Jackson, and mom still haven't. You know the rules." Samantha reminded her mother. Samus smirked and shook her head.
"Smart ass."
"Rules are rules. Mom would be cross if I were to discuss this with you." Samus frowned and sighed heavily.
"Yeah, you're right." She looked out and sighed. "Is this going to be our life now? How do we get back?"
"It may be impossible." Grace said. "There are a few outstanding circumstances, but when you are dead, you can't go-"
"WE'RE FUCKING DEAD?!" Samus yelled. "WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK?!"
"First off, Samus…calm down. Yes, you're dead. That's how we are communicating. That's how I am able to touch you." Grace placed a hand on her shoulder. "This is the afterlife. Where souls remain after their lives end."
"So…like, any…anyone who has died…is here? Anyone?"
"Yes." Grace repeated. "Is there someone you-"
"…like my parents?" Samus asked while gently biting her lip.
"Sam, did I hear that right?" Serena ran up to the firstborn. "Are we…is this…we're not…actually dead, right?" Samantha gulped hard and nodded her head. "But…But I wanted to marry Virginia…I can't marry her if I'm dead." Serena began crying while Torch and Zap whimpered before coddling the woman.
"I…I don't actually know how to get back. But…Virginia's here. So, maybe…maybe you can still get married or something." Samantha suggested, but her words fell onto deaf ears.
"Gonzo, how far are we?"
"Land ho!" Zuko called out from the crow's nest. The group looked and saw a giant coliseum in the distance.
"Samus, how else do you think we could meet? I know you're a heavy sleeper, but this feels too real to be a dream, right?"
"I…I guess…" Samus rubbed the back of her head and felt nervous all of the sudden.
"Samus, you're with me now. I swear to protect you and your family with my life." Grace reassured the former bounty hunter.
"But…we're dead."
"Yup. Not that you need me to protect you, but, I have sworn to protect the Hyrule royal family. That means I'll keep you safe." Grace laughed. "Anyway, the coliseum…it's a huge event that holds…actually, I think we might be getting close to the battle royal."
"The what?" Samus asked.
"It's a huge battle. Fifty combatants enter, one leaves the winner."
"Fifty? And what do you mean one leaves the winner? What, are we going to kill one another?"
"Yeah. Isn't that how your tournament works?" Samus stared with disbelief.
"Oh yeah, you told me about that. Except you said twenty fighters. You're telling me fifty can compete?"
"Regular coliseum exhibition matches usually hold up to twenty fighters. But the battle royal… it's the biggest bash around. Forty nine insane fighters try to dethrone our long-time reigning champion."
"Who's that? You?"
"No, his name is Greil. He's incredibly nice, but in there…he's a monster. I haven't come close to beating him. My mentor, Sumeragi hasn't even beaten him. He's really tough."
"He can't be that tough." Samus scoffed. "Let's sign up. I'll give him a real fight."
"Confidence will get you nowhere. He wields an axe like a demon…he has incredible power." Grace's expression turned to genuine worry. "Samus, I am speaking to you sincerely…do. Not. Take him lightly." Samus could see her expression and nodded.
"Alright." Samus nodded her head and they made landfall.
Virginia and Zelda sat in the back of the jeep along with a fully healthy Braixen.
"And you say she's tattooed her entire body?" The shorter woman asked about her daughter.
"Yes. Her body is a canvas of tattoos. Each and every one has a special meaning to her." Zelda explained.
"What's the most important one?" Rodney asked.
"She has a rose tattoo over heart. Our children's names are written on the leaves going down. She wanted to keep her children close to her heart and the rose is…well-"
"Your favorite flower?" Rodney questioned as he continued driving. The queen nodded and he chuckled.
"And, how tall is she?" Virginia questioned before squealing with excitement. "Aaah! I can't wait to see her. I don't care if she's four feet or four five."
"She is six feet three inches. Two inches taller than myself." Zelda declared with pride. Virginia's smile left her face while the second born looked at her grandmother.
"P-Please don't be mad…" Virginia quietly called out.
"I'm not mad…" She grumbled and turned back around. Rodney laughed and was hit in the arm. "It's not funny."
"It's a little funny." He admitted and even she started smiling before Rodney glanced at the queen with his rearview mirror. "Virginia hates being the shortest one around."
"Forgive me, Miss-er…Lady Virginia." She quickly turned to her daughter. "Not you." She and her daughter began snickering like children.
"Even my grandchildren are taller than me." Virginia grumbled.
"But…but grandma…I…I take pride in being named after the most incredible person that ever walked the planet." Zelda and the blonde haired woman turned to the princess. "Th-that's what m-mother says."
"My little girl thinks I'm the most incredible person that ever walked the planet?" Virginia smiled at her granddaughter. "Ok, that makes up for it." The jeep took a right and Virginia looked around. "Honey, where are you going?"
"We should introduce them to…you know…"
"…James?" She asked before looking back at the two of them and smiling. "Yes. He'd love to meet them. I can't wait to tell Vixy that my daughter-in-law is flawless, my granddaughter is perfect, and my own daughter is here!"
"Who is Vixy?" Zelda asked.
"You'll see." The jeep pulled up to a lake house of sorts and there were three people fishing on a small dock and two more sitting underneath a tree.
"Come on, let's go meet our friends." Rodney got out and helped his wife out of the jeep before offering assistance to the queen and the second born. Braixen hopped out and once again, Virginia checked her ankle.
"I still can't get over how quickly your ankle healed." Virginia remarked before the fox chirped happily. They walked towards the dock and it became clearer as they got closer; those underneath the tree were two women; one was a fox with beautiful red fur and a white t-shirt and a white full length skirt. The other was an incredibly gorgeous female with blue fur. The three by the dock were obviously males. One had brown fur, a sand-colored collared shirt, and khaki shorts along with sandals. The next had light brown fur, and was wearing a Star Fox uniform, and the last man had blue fur with blue jeans and a white dress shirt without it being tucked in and the sleeves rolled up.
"Vixy!" Virginia called out and the fox looked up at her. The other fox glanced up and practically screamed.
"Zelda!"
"Krystal?" The two women walked up to one another and screamed like fan girls before jumping up and down. "It is you!"
"I'm so glad you're here! We have much to discuss!" Krystal laughed and grabbed her hand.
"Is that Virginia Aran I see?" She stood up and hugged the woman. "First off, I want to introduce my newest family. This is Zelda…um…something-something. Queen of…uh…some fancy place."
"Zelda Grace Hyrule. Queen of-"
"Hyrule? Really? Tetra won't believe this."
"L-Lady Tetra? The scourge of the seven seas and former queen of Hyrule? That Lady Tetra?!" Zelda exclaimed with surprise. "Wh-where is she? Do I look appropriate? I'm not ready to meet her! I-"
"She's not here. But, you look fine, my dear." Vixy smiled. "Krystal was right about you. You certainly know your history." She turned to the men out at the dock who were now walking towards them. "Anyway, that-"
"Marcus?" The princess questioned with surprise. "Is it really you?"
"Hey! Virginia!" Marcus smiled and waved to the princess. "How long's it been? I can't remember the last time I saw you."
"Sam is going to love this!" Virginia joyfully smiled. "You…ah…haven't…seen her or anything, have you?"
"No, is she here? I'm pretty sure she'd be happier to see you."
"Zelda!" A male voice called out and Zelda ran to hug the male.
"Fox! I'm so glad to see you. I…I'm sorry…" Zelda looked down and apologized.
"For what?"
"The plan that Samus and I had…we…we failed."
"Well, I'm pretty sure that was the consensus. It was a good plan, we all stood by it."
"What…exactly happened?" The princess inquired. Fox and Zelda looked at each other and the two of them sighed.
"Your mother and I were about to go face-to-face with that…Taboo person. We came with the idea that we were going to kill that thing. We gave it our all…and we lost. We are the cause of all this."
"Zelda, don't blame yourself. We all tried and failed. It is the responsibility of all of us."
"But-"
"That's enough." Fox sternly told his friend. "Stop blaming yourself. I agreed to it, we all agreed to it. I won't let you hang your head for something we share. Now come on, don't get all emotional in front of my old man." The older man nudged Fox's side.
"I'm not that old." He smirked while his son laughed.
"Zelda, this is my father. James McCloud. And that's my mom, Vixy Reinard."
"Let me guess, you don't anything about me, do you?" Vixy laughed while Zelda blushed red. "It's alright. I was…in the wrong place at the wrong time. Let's leave it at that. I'd rather not dwell on that. I finally met my son…he's just as handsome as his father." She pinched Fox's cheeks and smiled.
"Mom…you're…ah…that hurts!" Fox whined and she let go.
"I have a lot of time to catch up. I didn't get to see you, so indulge me for a bit, won't you?" Vixy kissed his cheek. "And your wife…she's gorgeous!"
"Vixy, please…you're embarrassing me." Krystal waved her compliment away, but she quickly turned back. "But I wouldn't mind if you want to continue flattering me." The two women laughed.
"They wiped out everyone except Samus. I think she was the last and I was second to last. I really felt for you when you started…disappearing." Fox admitted. "She was pissed when you were gone. Like…" Fox cheeks ballooned out with an exhale. "I don't know how to say it, but man she was furious."
"Good." Zelda said. "I sense that that…thing…it's evil. I feel like it's really evil."
"Well, since we're dead. We could try to find your relatives. Maybe Hylia knows what's up." Fox suggested.
"Perhaps, but we're heading to the coliseum. I feel like I need a bit of entertainment before we decide what to do next."
"Grandma Vixy was telling me about that…" Marcus scratched the back of his head and laughed. "What do you think, dad?"
"It sounds like it'd be tough." Fox murmured.
"My dear husband? Backing away from a challenge? Well, I never!" Krystal sarcastically acted surprised and Fox laughed.
"I didn't say it was impossible, just tough. Alright, fine. I'm in. But you're coming with me." He pointed to his wife and she happily nodded before grabbing his arm.
"Of course, dear." Krystal smiled and, along with their son, they walked with Zelda and her family.
"Wait!" James called out and jogged towards them. "You idiots are going to get killed early on."
"James, dear…" Vixy called out with concern.
"Now dear…I plan on helping them succeed. I'll join them too."
"What?!" Fox exclaimed. "Dad, listen…I don't want you pulling a muscle or anything." A hard smack to the back of his head caused Fox to yelp and rub his head. "Ow! Geez, dad…what's-"
"I'm not that old!" James yelled. "Besides, you may be my son, but I can still kick your ass." He stated. "I'm a one time champion, you know."
"Only one?" Fox folded his arms; unimpressed by his father's championship record.
"There's this guy, Greil. Great guy…but he's got a mean streak. He usually teaches some of the younger kids on fighting and weaponry. But every year, for the past two decades or so…he's tougher than nails."
"Alright. I'll keep an eye out for him." Fox warned. "Mom? You coming?"
"I'll cheer you all on. I'm not much of a fighter." She laughed. "I wouldn't last five seconds in there."
"Alright, mom. Come on." Fox motioned and the group split into two; Zelda and Krystal joined Rodney and Virginia while Marcus and Virginia were going to tag along with Fox, James, and Vixy. They had a an old dusty white truck. "Three in the back, two up front." Braixen ran towards Virginia and whined.
"Who's that?"
"Um…m-my girlfriend…no, my fiancé's pokémon."
"Fiancé? Holy shit, you're getting married?" Marcus smirked. "Sam's gonna lose her shit."
"Marcus!" Fox sternly scolded his son. "You might be right, but come on…not here. Not in front of your grandparents." Fox hopped into the bed of the truck and Marcus followed suit. Virginia helped her fiancé's pokémon before getting in herself.
"Virginia, was it?" Vixy questioned before the princess nodded her head. "Your sister is my grandson's wife, right? What's she like? I've only heard what Marcus tells me and I'd like to know more about her." The truck turned over and they began following Rodney and Virginia.
"Well…I haven't really seen her in a while." Virginia admitted. "From what I remember…she's a heavy sleeper. She's much less formal than I am. But, she's twice the woman I could ever be."
"Come on, Virginia." Marcus insisted. "She might follow with her heart, but you follow with your head. Plus, as big as her heart might be, she always knew you have twice the heart of hers." Marcus smiled.
"But I'm not strong." Virginia pouted.
"Just because you're not a fighter, doesn't mean you're not strong. Your strength lies elsewhere. Your pets back home, I know how well you take care of them. Sam tells me that you would groom them and pamper them…" Virginia smiled at his words.
"Your parents are talk about how proud of you they are." Fox added. "They often talk about their four perfect children with pride." Fox smiled. Virginia's cheeks turned rosy pink before she remembered she was asked a question about her sister.
"Um…r-right…my sister…sorry…" She apologized. "Sam is a fierce warrior who hates to lose, but she abides by the rules and laws set in Hyrule and the tournament. She knows everyone in the small town at the foot of our castle. She acts like the future of Hyrule and I think she's going to be the next great ruler of Hyrule. And she loves Marcus a lot. She'd never do anything to hurt him."
"She sounds like an incredible daughter-in-law. Marcus, how'd you land such a great catch?" Vixy jokingly asked.
"She's been my best friend since we were kids. We've been inseparable as long as I can remember. Even when we were far away, she was always at the front of my mind. In the end, it had to be her. I've given her my heart and she's given me hers." Marcus smiled and his cheeks turned rosy pink.
"We're almost there." James said and they continued driving towards the coliseum.
Well, let's see…" Samus looked over the list of contenders. "Half of these people…this is an insane list." Samus went over the list again and again. "Greil, Ike, Sumeragi, Ryoma…who is this? Gar…Garon?"
"He was the former leader of Nohr. Personally, I've heard he was a shitty ruler. He killed my mentor. I'll never forgive him." Grace folded her arms and had a furious look on her face. Samus went back to the list. "Xander, Leo…wow…there's a really long list of people."
"How many names so far?" Tetra asked.
"Let's see… thirty six, I think. There's a lot of names I don't recognize."
"That's the beauty of the coliseum. It's a bunch of people from different backgrounds. Nobles, mercenaries, queens, kings, knights, peasants, thieves, criminals…they can all sign up. However, in the battle royal, most people know who's entering, so they stay away." Grace explained. "Still, I'd like to sign up myself…but only if Zelda signs up."
"Why? This doesn't seem like the kind of thing she'd-"
"Mom." Samantha walked up to the board and signed her name. "I want to try."
"Sam, are you nuts?! You might get hurt." Samus spoke with a worried tone.
"I want to represent Hyrule. I'll do you proud. As the firstborn of Hyrule, it is my privilege to represent the greatest kingdom in all the lands." Samus smiled and admired her daughter's dedication to her homeland. After signing her name, a different screen popped up. It looked like a holographic 3-D layout of the coliseum. "Um…what's this?"
"These are our seats!" The receptionist chimed in. "The red ones are taken and the blue ones are still available. Most seats were in the blue, so Samantha looked for the biggest open area.
"This one, she pointed to a seat, but her finger accidently pushed the seat and it glowed red. "Oops…um…sorry!" She blurted out, but the receptionist didn't seem upset.
"Happens all the time." They smiled and held up what looked like an average sized button pin. "Your seat is 25 D." He handed the pin to the firstborn. "Just push the button to your body and you'll be covered in a veil. If or when you die, instead of remaining on the battlefield, you'll return to your seat so you can enjoy the remainder of the battle." Samantha pushed it into her shoulder and a golden light covered her entire body. It took less than a second and she was now ready to enter the battle royal.
"For the good of Hyrule, I shall succeed!" She declared with pride as Samus and Grace began laughing and applauding the firstborn.
"Wow…whose ass are you kissing?" Tetra scoffed while Will and his younger sister yawned and walked up to the group.
"Tetra…where are we?" Aryll questioned as two seagulls flew towards the girl.
"Shoo! Go away seagulls!" Serena began walking towards her, but the girl held out her hand.
"No! Stop! They're my friends." She stated and the gulls looked happy to be around her.
"Sorry." She quickly apologized to the young girl.
"You didn't know. It might seem weird, but while my brother was off saving the world, I had my friends. And after he saved the world, he went off to find a new land for us. My best friends came to visit and we had so much fun…but…" She looked down and she began fidgeting. "…I really missed him."
"where are your friends?" Serena looked around.
"Oh, well…Makar and Medli are with the family." Aryll stated. "We'll see them later. When we meet the Lady H-mmph." Grace covered her mouth and shook her head.
"Let's not spoil the surprise for Samus." Grace stated. Aryll nodded her head and she noticed another group of people approaching them. "Wait…Will, isn't that the triforce?" Her older brother turned to the figure to see a brunette woman running towards them. Grace quickly turned around and he put two-and-two together.
"Don't say anything." He whispered to his sister.
"But-"
"Sshh…" He put a finger to his own lips and before Samus could assess what was happening, she felt someone run into her from behind.
"What the fu-"
"I knew it was you!" Zelda giggled and Samus quickly turned around and spun her wife around so her back was behind her. Unbeknownst to her, her own parents were merely a few feet away. Samus grinned, ready to see the emotions flow from her dear wife's heart.