Author's Note:

Goodbye Roy! D:


Marth sighed. Roy had already packed his things. The next trials were tomorrow and Roy was intent on not trying. He was going to watch.

Marth had to be honest with himself. The news…upset him. He really did like Roy's company and the thought that some other swordsmen was going to come in and replace Roy was revolting. He liked Roy's jokes. He liked how Roy understood Marth's past and could relate on quite an outstanding level. He liked how Roy was helping him with Link and that meant the most. What would happen between him and Link after Roy was gone?

Marth sighed again. He decided he was just being paranoid. It's not like Link would stop talking to him once Roy left or that the new guy would take Link away from him. Ha ha. That wouldn't happen…would it?

And Marth wasn't extremely excited about trials tomorrow. He wasn't in the right state of mind. He would've talked to Link about it, but that would have added to Link's anxiety as well.

"Something wrong Lord Marth?" said someone in the corner of the library. Marth looked up.

"Why is it that you want to help me? I barely know you Samus." he said. Samus chuckled.

"I'm not as stuck up as the others. And you're not as bad as we all came to think. Maybe in the beginning you were but…" Marth scowled.

"Um…thanks."

"Welcome."

"…" They sat for a while in silence. Marth sighed and reached for the book on the coffee table. He turned it over in his hands. It was 'War and Reality'…the one Roy had called a sham. "He's really knowledgeable."

Samus looked up. "Who?"

"Roy. He knows a lot about war. He…surprised me. I wasn't aware he was so experienced with such things." Samus nodded.

"He's a Lord from the land of Pherae, so he's seen his share of battles." said Samus quietly. Marth smiled to himself.

"No wonder it's so easy for him to come up with wild ideas." he said softly.


Trial day came and Marth sighed. He was ready for his enemies and for battle. Roy had cheerfully made his way to the losing side of the arena and waved at Marth and Link. They gingerly waved back. As the rest of the smashers filed into the room, Master hand set up the stage.

"You know how this works. Remember the rules. Today I will change it up just a bit. With the victorious smashers I will have groups of two against groups of two. This means you will have an ally. The ones who lost during the last trials will still have one on one battles. I will now call the first group up."

Marth leaned back in his chair while the first group, Fox and Mario vs. Bowser and Falco, went up. Apparently they were safe from elimination. Only one could advance to next term from the losing group…so the pressure was on. But Marth knew Roy wasn't worried about it. After all, he wanted to lose.

"Do you think Roy's trying to lose on purpose?" said Link. At first Marth was going to retort in a rude way but then he realized…

What if I'm the only one Roy told?

"Um, well, there's no telling with Roy." he lied. Marth figured Roy wanted it that way.

Marth was surprised when he was called up on the same team as Link. He wasn't worried about losing because they had the same battle style. Swords. Of course they'd fight nearly alike.

The battle began and Marth waited beside Link as their enemies, Ganondorf and Falco, began their first attack. It was obvious that today, Ganondorf's eyes were set on Marth. Link noticed and frowned.

He threw up his sword just as Ganondorf tried to take a pass at Marth. Furious, Ganondorf knocked Link out of the way. Marth retaliated by leaping forward and slashing Ganondorf's shoulder. Marth knew better than to sabotage one's self for a teammate, but he couldn't even hesitate a moment before his body forced him over to Link's side. Link nodded at him and Marth quickly pulled him up onto his feet.

They ran across the stage and Link turned on his heel, catching Falco trailing him, and whacked him across the face. Falco flew across the stage whilst Ganondorf came running back up. He punched Marth in the stomach only to be slashed open by Link. He grabbed Link by the throat and Link dropped the master sword. Marth was quick to respond. He gathered all the strength in him and lifted his sword toward the ceiling and Ganondorf, performing the Dolphin Slash attack.

The battle ended and Link collapsed to the ground.

No… Marth went to Link and pulled him up. Link smiled at him.

"Thanks Marth."

The battles had ended. It was so that Jigglypuff was the last one to make it to next term. Marth felt angry and annoyed at Roy but knew he couldn't fully blame him. Roy's heart was somewhere else. Marth nodded to himself. He had to say something.

"Roy" Marth said as he approached the redhead. Roy whirled around and grinned.

"Hey Mars Bar!" Marth rolled his eyes and took Roy's hand into his.

"I…want to thank you Roy. For helping me I mean. And I…wish you luck and a safe return to your homeland." said Marth. Roy smiled genuinely this time. He seemed touched. Then, Roy bowed.

"That's the nicest thing I've heard the whole time I've been here. Thank you Marth." he said. Marth nodded.

"I just…wonder if I can get Link to trust me with you gone. Not that I'm counting on you or anything but…I'm just…" Roy nodded.

"Nervous. It's understandable. I know one thing Marth…you and Link will see eye to eye. I just know it." he smiled again. Marth frowned.

"How do you figure? I mean…how do you know that for sure?" said Marth. Roy placed a hand on Marth's shoulder.

"Because you'd look really freakin weird with someone else. I'm serious! You and Link make a great pair. There's no way in hell that you and Link shouldn't be together. Take care for me Marth. I'll be seeing you now!" Roy winked and walked off. Marth sighed.

Right…I've got to be strong.

And with that, Marth headed to bed…knowing Roy wouldn't be there tomorrow.


Morning hit and Marth groaned, rolling over to see Link lying on his stomach and staring out the window.

"Today marks the first day of the new term." said Link softly. Marth nodded.

"I wonder what Roy is doing right now…" said Marth. Link smiled weakly.

"Probably bothering his father about all the things he's seen." said Link. Marth shook his head.

"Poor man."

They got up and dressed quickly, knowing that the new smashers would be arriving today. Marth was anxious…and curious. Curious as to just who would replace Roy.

They set out down the stairway and paused a moment as the stairway was suddenly blocked off.

"What the…?" Marth blinked in confusion. Link continued walking.

"C'mon. It's just Master hand preparing the upstairs for new arrivals."

"O-oh…" Marth reluctantly turned, following Link down the hallway. They settled down into seats and Marth stared ahead. The newcomers were sitting across the room staring uncomfortably at the veterans. Master hand rose.

"Now my good soldiers! The new term has come and we have decided to change the way things are run around here. Why is that you ask? We now have over 30 smashers here. So without further ado, I will welcome the new smashers. They will then go into each of their new battle style groups. Newcomers, listen for your name followed by your group."

Marth sat bored as Master hand read out various names. No one spoke aside from Master hand and Marth felt his eyes slowly closing. Link noticed and elbowed him.

"Ouch!" Marth whispered fiercely. Link nodded in the direction of the newcomers.

"Pay attention or I'll do it harder next time." he said. Marth smiled at Link making Link smile back.

"Forgive me?" Link chuckled.

"Of course Marth."

After a long 10 minutes, Master hand finished and the newcomers began to mingle with the veterans. Marth leaned against the wall while Link picked at his tunic. The prince was about to leave the room when another blue haired man walked casually up. Link stood next to Marth and bowed politely. He then elbowed Marth again who reluctantly bowed as well.

Then, to Link's surprise, the man kneeled upon one knee and took Link's hand. Marth raised an eyebrow and felt a bit jealous. He stole a glance at Link and was annoyed to see that Link was actually amused by this.

"Well…I've never met a more handsome person in my travels than you sir." he said, kissing Link's hand. Link covered his smile, trying to hold it back.

"I'm Link." he said. The man stood and nodded.

"I know. I've heard so much. You're more beautiful in person." Link's cheeks turned blood red and the new swordsmen looked over at Marth just as he spoke.

"Pleased to meet you all…I'm Ike."


Author's Note:

Dun dun DUNNNNNNNNNNN~

I know this one is unusually short huh?

And FINALLY our second blue-haired swordsmen has now entered the story. How will Marth match up against this smitten character? Will he even try?

REVIEW PLEASE!! :D