And here I am with the awaited Part 3! This one might actually be longer than Part 2. Here we finally introduce the rest of the Triforce Trio, as well as the Fire Emblem Duo. Also the dreaded horror of…PEACH! Just kidding, but Peach annoying at times. Anyway, thanks to all of the reviewers I have had thus far. Hopefully you all will enjoy the Melee installment.

Now, ON WITH THE FIC!

Swish. Whoosh. Thunk! Gasp! Gurgling death cry.

Silence…

The green-clad Hylian took in deep breaths of air as he finished the last of the Bokoblins. Apparently, the scattered remains of Ganondorf's 'would-be' army had decided to attack Hyrule Castle, hoping that such an ambush would catch the incompetent royal knights off guard long enough to lay siege.

Unfortunately, they chose the day that Princess Zelda had summoned Link to the castle.

When the monsters began their assault, there were roughly two hundred charging the font gates. Fifteen minutes later, the last monster alive was slain on the front steps of the castle; it was the closest they had gotten.

Link sighed, somewhat weary from his 'exercise', as he now called it. Over the past two years, swordplay had become ridiculously easy for the Hero. Of course, he practices five hours a day, along with inventing new techniques (a swordsman should never assume he is safe, after all), but ever since he traveled to that tournament, he had become a little too good for his own taste.

Perhaps she had a play in that…

Link smiled. Not a day went by that he did not think about his best friend. True, they have not seen each other since the closing ceremonies, but he remembers well: her golden hair, dark blue eyes that had begun to warm up to the world, the way her cheek nuzzled against his when they hugged for the first time…

Link decided to blame the noontime heat for his flushed face.

He went back inside the castle, as he was not able to make it into the throne room when the attack initiated. Thoughts of Samus were pushed (slightly) aside for whatever the Princess had for him. As he entered the throne room, he saw his kingdom's ruler not sitting on her elegant chair, but standing in the center of the chamber, a small parcel in her hands, a faceless guard on each of her sides. Link came forward, stopping just a few yards from the young woman and bowing on one knee, his left arm swooping gracefully to his chest.

"Leave us," he heard the blonde princess say, along with the clinking metal of the retreating guards soon after. Soft clicks were heard as Zelda strode towards the Hero, almost as if she was even gliding across the marble floor. He could feel her cerulean eyes upon him, yet he didn't dare look. Then, a soft giggle. "We're alone, Link. No need to act so formal."

Link quickly got up and smiled. "Thank you, Princess."

"Princess is for the suitors. You call me Zelda and nothing else."

"What about 'Zel'?"

Zelda shot him a glare that she saved for her most annoying assistants, then rolled her eyes and smiled. "If I am in a good mood, Hero."

Since he returned to the past after stopping Ganondorf, Link and Zelda quickly became true friends. They couldn't see each other all the time, due to Zelda's royal lessons and Link's love for adventure, but met up once in a while to chat and have a great time. There were times where Zelda would call upon him to investigate certain matters, such as the disturbance in the forest when Link had just gotten back from the future, which eventually led him to Termina and its crisis.

Then there was the wizard from not too long ago, who had come the closest to actually laying a finger on the blonde girl, but was put out of his misery quickly due to inability to follow up (and Link putting a Light Arrow through the fiend's head during his cliché monologue). After finding out that the wizard was controlled by a much darker force, Zelda sent Link to destroy the source. Eight months, several new friends, a whip-wielding dominatrix (whom the Hero never, ever wanted to be alone with…again), and one shattered demon sword later, the young Hylian returned home, knowing more about combat and the land around him. He had returned to his Kokiri tree-house for three days when he received a letter from his friend, requesting that he come to the castle immediately.

Which, in turn, lead to the current events. Link gave the princess a hug, ignoring the blonde's squeal of protest (he was pretty sweaty and covered in all kinds of viscous fluids). Nevertheless, Zelda returned the embrace. After they parted she wiped down her dress, just in case Link got any grime on it. "So, I take it that the mission was a success?"

"Indeed it was, though you would not believe what was the cause of-"

"Allow me to guess: a one-eyed behemoth of a sword that was practically evil incarnate?"

Link raised his eyebrows in surprise. "May I ask how you acquired that knowledge?"

Zelda's laugh once again tingled through the room, though it had a hint of a deviousness undertone. "As the bearer of Wisdom, I can transport a small amount of my aura into others without them knowing, allowing me access to their sight and thoughts."

"So basically you piggybacked in my brain throughout my journey."

"More or less," Zelda admitted, and then looked over the Hero's shoulder. "Oh, hi Ivy!"

Immediately, Link froze for a second, his pupils shrunken in terror, then whipped around to where Zelda was looking and launched a volley of bombs and a flurry of Light Arrows as fast as he could (and his boomerang for good measure), all the while screaming frantic cries of "STAY AWAY, STAY AWAY, STAY AWAY!". After a series of explosions and the wave of paranoia long gone, Link looked into the cloud of bomb residue and dust to see if the horror of his nightmares still stood until he finally heard the sounds of the princess at his side, on her knees and clutching her sides while rocking back and forth in fits of laughter. Realizing what had just occurred, he glared at the young woman. "You saw that as well, huh?"

"G-G-Goddesses, Link, hahahaha! You-you should have seen the look on you face!" Zelda could barely form words in between her laughter.

"It is not funny, Zel. She did…various…things that I am glad that I was unconscious for, and I have the bites on my torso to prove it." At this, Zelda collapsed to the floor, barely able to breathe. "Did you call me here just so you could exploit that…experience?" Link asked, now unsure of this meeting's true intentions.

Zelda, finally regaining her composure from her uncharacteristic outburst, resumed standing. "As much as it is now one of my fondest memories, that is not the case," she explained, holding up the parcel that she still held, "this came to my bedroom a few nights ago, by way of a portal. I have tried to open it, but there is no hinge, no button. Then I noticed this strange symbol upon the top. I was hoping that you would know what it was."

As she handed the strange object to him, the Hero took a look at the symbol; it was then that his eyes widened, and a smile quickly spread upon his face. He knew this symbol.

"Finally!" Link exhaled, his body on the verge of trembling with excitement. He placed his hand on top of the symbol and repeated the words that he had been told to say: "I am Link of Hyrule, a proud fighter of the last tournament. I accept this invitation!"

Suddenly, a bright light erupted from the parcel, quickly enveloping the Hero and, surprisingly, the Princess as well. Zelda was close to screaming with terror when suddenly, everything went black.

Zelda slowly opened her eyes, her mind still reeling with the strange dream she had just had. Deciding that it was best to get ready for Link's arrival, she began to push herself off her bed.

Except that she was not in her bed, her castle, or even in her own world at the moment.

As she shot up from the ground, memories quickly came back to her, and she found herself on a huge platform, apparently floating in the middle of blackness, and her longtime friend standing a few feet away. "Link!" she cried out, rushing out to the green-garbed boy and latched herself onto his arm.

Link merely chuckled. "Have a nice nap? Also, do not worry, for we are in no danger."

The princess glared at her friend. "No danger? Link, look at where we are! Speaking of which, where in the name of the Goddesses are we?" Zelda screamed.

"Where, you ask?" a booming voice drawled, emitting authority over whoever heard. "You, dear Princess, are in the Final Destination, the domain of I…" suddenly a gargantuan white glove appeared from the darkness, it's fingers slowly clenching and unclenching, "Master Hand!" a loud, almost maniacal laugh came out from the entity, enough to rattle lesser people to the core.

Zelda could only stare in awe. The power radiating from the appendage was immense! Her fears quickly began to escalate, despite the calmness of the Hero, whose arm she still held.

Speaking of Link, he began to speak. "Greetings, sir. I trust that you have been well?"

Master Hand chuckled. "I have been fine, thank you for asking. As you know, by accepting the invitation means that you automatically gain access to the Mansion. However, I have brought you two here for another reason," the Hand turned toward Zelda, who removed herself from Link and stood tall after realizing that it was not a threat, "my business is with you Princess Zelda. I would like to invite you to compete in this tournament."

Link whistled. He knew that Master Hand only invited those who he believed were special; Zelda, with all of her magic, along with transforming into Sheik, her agile alter-ego, would definitely count as special.

"If I accept," Zelda began, doubt evident in her voice, "what will become of my kingdom? Just before we were…'summoned' here, we were attacked by the possible forces of a previous foe. Who knows what could take advantage when the ruler of a realm is not even within said realm."

"I see your creators chose their champions appropriately," the colossal limb spoke, "but fear not. As you and Link are truly important to the fate and destinies of your world, I am able to freeze time and space in yours and other contestants dimensions, as if you never even left."

Zelda nodded her head in understanding. "I see. If that is the case, I shall accept." Link gave her a pat on the head, showing his appreciation playfully. As that occurred, Master Hand created a portal in front of the young adults with a snap of his fingers.

"Link, Zelda, be prepared for a brand new experience in fighting. You will encounter people and creatures from worlds you cannot even begin to imagine…well, Zelda, anyway.

"Ah, and 'lest I forget, there will be a person that I am sure the both of you are familiar with. Now, onward to the tournament- Super Smash Brothers: MELEE!" Master Hand cried out triumphantly. The two Hylians were consumed into whiteness…

Samus was late. She couldn't believe it.

You would think that someone as powerful as a gigantic white glove that was able to create, merge, and affect entire dimensions would recognize a malfunction in a transporter?

When she had received her invitation to the tournament, she noticed one thing that made her uncomfortable: the symbol that represented Master Hand. It looked exactly the same, except in lieu of a perfect circle and two perpendicular lines, this symbol looked like someone with jittery hands took a laser-pointed pen to it.

Then when she tried to actually teleport, a hologram message projected itself from the box that read, 'Error. Transporter is being stubborn. Please wait exactly thirty minutes for transportation to begin. In the meantime, go eat bacon and PHIR3 YA LAZAH!'

It took quite an amount of preservation for Samus not to yell out obsceneties at the inanimate object. Sure, she was alone in space aboard her spaceship, but surely what she wanted to do was probably a step toward insanity.

If only he were here…

She looked over to the table next to her bed chamber. Upon it was a marvelous emerald with golden bands. Link had given it to her before they left for their respective worlds. Since then, almost every other thought had been about the Hero. At first, the huntress regarded it as a distraction; it would be troublesome for her to lose focus on a mission. For a while, she put the gem out of site, and she began to forget about the tournament and resume her old ways. It was a week before Samus had gotten the invitation that she came across the Kokiri Emerald and remembered Link's last words to her-

"I will miss you, Samus."

That was the closest that Samus had come to tears in a long time. Now, she would look at the jewel with longing, wishing to see its true owner once again. Come to think of it, she wanted to do more than see…

'I wonder what my exact feelings are, anyway,' she thought. She had never experienced love before, so she could not directly assume that it was. She knew, however, that she saw him as more than a friend, and she damn well knew that he was attractive. His sunshine like hair, his sinewy arms and legs, taut, round butto-

'Stop. Now.' Samus'…'woman mind' (for she sure as hell was not feminine) began to draw elaborate scenes of her friend in nothing but his white, skin-tight leggings.

Though said leggings didn't have to leave much to her imagination, either.

Shaking her head viciously, she noticed that the invitation was starting to glow. Quickly rushing to the table, she had just enough time to grab the emerald and her unadorned helmet before being whisked away to Final Destinaiton.

After being greeted by Master Hand and finally getting to the Mansion (now officially known as Smash Manor), Samus realized that she was not the only one late. As soon as she exited her portal, another opened up right beside hers. Samus watched, wondering who would come out. Maybe it was a barbarian, or a robot, or a-

A ditzy looking blonde wearing the pinkest pink Samus had ever seen.

"Oh, darnit! I think I left my mirror at the castle," the blonde pouted, her voice laced with candy-like sweetness.

Samus paled. Is this one of the new fighters?

The blonde looked up and smiled. "Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there. Are you gonna fight, too?"

'No, I wear high tech armor and have missiles and bombs to roast marshmallows and tap-dance to show tunes.'

"Yes, I am," Samus did not want to judge some random girl she had just met (Link had actually rubbed off on her), but there was something about this one that gave her the slightest of goosebumps…

"-tty hair."

"Huh? What?" the pink girl giggled with a tone that the huntress was not sure that she liked.

"I said you have pretty hair. It goes with the paleness of your skin. I like it. It's kinda cute!"

Samus frowned. How could she see her hair if…? 'Oh, crap.' Her helmet was still in her hand; no one besides Link and Master Hand knew her gender yet! She was about to literally jam it onto her head when an incredibly strong grip stopped her. She looked and saw the other blonde grasping her wrist.

"What's wrong, cutie?" the pink girl stretched out the last word in a manner that Samus was positive that she didn't like. "Why hide such beauty away?" she looked up at the taller huntress, an unusual glitter in her eye. "I wonder if the rest of your skin is as smooth as your face," she said as her petite, silk-gloved hands roamed over the armor's chest plate and torso, softly cooing at the cold feel of the metal.

Samus was, for the lack of a better word, horrified. Yes, she had heard of same-sex relationships, but she had never seen one, and she was sure she had never thought of the other gender in that way. Link was confusing enough already to even consider some pink chick that suddenly had the hots for her!

Horror turned to anger; anger gave in to rage; rage gave Samus enough sense to rapidly strafe away from the freaky girl, jam on her helmet, and aim her arm cannon right between her pretty blue eyes so she could see the cause of her imminent death.

"Why, you sick bit-"

"Samus! Wait! You-a don't understand!" Samus kept her cannon on the girl as she turned her now helmed head to the direction of the new voice. Mario was sprinting as fast as his legs can go, waving his arms frantically in front of him. The huntress focused on the girl once again, who, at the moment, was simply donned a playful pout, as if to ask, 'What did I do?'

Mario, still slightly winded from his panicked run, spoke up. "S-Samus, this is-a Princess Peach, ruler of-a the Mushroom Kingdom." When seeing that the huntress had not lowered her weapon, he added, "she is-a my girlfriend, and she has a very bad-a habit of…how do you-a say…'making people a mess'."

"Yeah, Sammy," said Peach, her voice practically dripping with honey, "I'm just playing, you silly goose!" she playfully flicked at one of her shoulder pads. Samus, however, charged up the already shaking arm cannon even more.

"I'm pissed off, have a charge shot that your unborn children will feel, and you just called me 'Sammy'. Out. Of. My. Sight." Once again, Peach pouted, seemingly unfazed by Samus' very real death threat that even had Mario trembling a bit, but quickly setting trail to the Manor, giving the huntress an alluring wink, as if to say 'We'll continue later.'

"Samus, I'm-a sorry you had to-a-"

"Hold up one second," Samus fired her shot toward the sky, ignoring the mechanical roar it created and the sonic boom it had whipped up. She charged another shot (just in case) and turned to face a much disheveled Mario. "Okay, bud, not that I don't like talking to you, but I have to find someone right now. Excuse me." Samus began to head towards the Mansion when Mario spoke up again.

"That's what I'm-a trying to tell you. I have a message from-a Link." Mario saw the huntress immediately turn around at him with, if he was not mistaken, excitement, judging from her reaction. Putting that aside, Mario kept going. "Yes, he-a said to, quote, 'go down to our old-a spot and-a follow the music'. I suppose you know what that-a means."

Samus nodded. "Of course, thanks."

"No-a problem. I need to-a get going before Peach-a torments the other fighters. See you-a later," the red plumber went off to the Mansion while Samus made her way down the nature trail. As she walked down the dusty path, memories began to come back to her: when they argued for a bit, when Link first spoke in front of her, the Soul Exchange, them becoming friends, and other numerous moments that the two had.

Soon a sound could be heard. It was calm and soothing, as if the wind had learned how to whistle lullabies. The huntress instantly recognized it as Link's blue ocarina. She started to pass the benches where they used to sit when she noticed something. 'It sounds like there are two of them…and there's a strumming sound too' Samus wondered who else could be out here with Link when she came upon another clearing and received her answer.

There, amongst a collection of rocks protruding from the center of the clearing, was Link. He looked pretty much the same, save for the fact that he looked more mature, more like a young adult than a late teen. He sat down on the tallest rock, his eyes closed as he played a majestic melody. Seeing him look so peaceful made Samus forget about any burden that she had at that moment. She forgot about her emotions, about Peach; all she knew was Link.

Regaining herself shortly, Samus saw that there were two other people with the Hero. On his left was a small boy that looked as if Link had been shrunk down to a miniature size, green hat and all. He, too, was playing on a blue ocarina, providing harmony. To his right was someone that the huntress had seen but not met-the ninja-like Sheik, who Samus knew was Princess Zelda, was playing gracefully on a small lyre, going back and forth with her hand. Samus watched on with great interest. The music seemed to wrap itself around the clearing, moving with the wind, keeping time with the trees. Before she knew it, the song had ended, having been lost in wonder for a moment.

"Quite impressive. You should do a show for the fighters." the huntress spoke. The three musicians looked over at the newcomer, all with a small look of confusion on their face. Link then broke into a smile, the same one that he gave only to Samus, and walked over to the armor-clad woman.

"Miss Aran," Link began, a small grin already on his face, "It is great to see that you are well."

"Of course I'm well, boy. It's you that keeps getting into trouble." Samus knew that Link could tell she was playing. The Hero laughed and beckoned his companions over. Sheik came first, with the mini-Link following, his eyes on his feet and his hands behind his back.

"Samus Aran," Shiek stated, her deep voice slightly rasping, "I am Sheik, Last of the Shiekah. It is an honor to meet such an excellent warrior. Link has shared many a story about your travels among the stars."

Samus slowly turned her helmet to Link, who slightly turned red and scratched the back of his head. "It is also a pleasure to meet an excellent ruler of a prosperous kingdom, Princess Zelda."

Shiek only raised an eyebrow in response. "I see, Link has told you many a story about himself as well." There was a flash of light and Samus found herself looking at a beautiful, blue-eyed blonde that she could tell was highly intelligent. The princess's eyes looked as if they were made out of the wisdom of sages, or the Chozo even.

"Now that you know my true form," said Zelda, drawing the other blonde's attention, "May I request that I see yours?"

Samus complied, only because she saw Link with a hopeful look on his face out of the corner of her visor. She understood- these were two women who were important to him, and he didn't want any problems between them. As she took off her helmet, she heard a small gasp from behind Zelda. She looked over and small boy looking at her with his mouth wide open.

"Is there something wrong?" Samus asked. The boy shook his head, blushing furiously and quickly beckoning Link over to him. Link bent down as his look-alike whispered something in his ear. Link looked at the young kid, who only nodded and blushed darker.

""He says that you are very pretty and that he will get you flowers later on," Link said, making Samus gain a slight blush of her own.

"Who is the kid, anyway? A fan of yours?"

"Miss Samus, can you not see? He is me!…well, when I was ten, anyway."

Samus looked at the young boy again, finally noticing the similarities. Same blonde hair, his outfit was identical sans the leggings and undershirt. Even the little kid's eyes were the same as his older counterpart, just not as scary (though it looked like the little Link had, too, seen his fair share of combat). "So what, his name is Link as well?"

"Well, since he is a younger version of our favorite Hero," said Zelda, gaining a look of annoyance from said Hero, "He will be known as 'Young Link' in the fights."

"Ah. That would clear up a lot of stuff. Umm, I hope you don't mind, but I need to borrow him here for a second?" the huntress asked. Zelda and Young Link looked at each other, a look that Samus could not make out, before nodding to the taller blonde woman and leaving the clearing. As Samus watched them leave, Link got up from his perch on the rock and jumped down to the ground. He walked over the Samus, who had her back to him.

"So, Miss Samus, what do-" he never got to finish as a flash of orange and red wrapped itself around him and tackled him to the earth. Samus, having a bit too much excitement from seeing her best friend after so long, 'hugged' Link to the ground.

"It has been much too long, Mr. Courage."

"A-armor…h-heavy!"

Samus quickly rolled onto her side and off the Hero, who was able to gulp down much needed air. After he recovered, he turned to the huntress, who had a look of quilt. Link moved his gloved hand to the top of her head, giving it a quick rub. "I never would have guessed that you were one to glomp, Miss Aran."

"Don't call me that, bastard."

"I could see that it has grown on you." Ignoring the smirk that had emerged on his lips, Samus sat up and turned away with a huff.

"Asshole of a best friend," she muttered, thinking of ways to get him back. Tether his boots to a tree, hide a bomb in his hat, etc. She probably would have come up with less childish ideas if the green-clad teen had not rested his head on one of her shoulder pads, his mouth next to her exposed ear.

"I have missed you as well…Samus," he breathed. Link thought she had let out a groan, but decided not to tease her about it, since he didn't like his backside well done. "Am I forgiven?"

"…For now," Samus quickly got up, putting her helmet back on to hide her tomato of a face. 'Damn you, insolent hormones! Let me sort out my thoughts first!' She turned to her friend. "Want to find the other two? I'm sure that they want to get to know me."

Link smiled, making Samus glad that she put her helmet back on, and led the way to where his other friends had departed.

According to Master Hand, half of the contestants, old and new, were having problems with their invitations. Samus had been lucky, it seemed, as some fighters had to wait from a few hours to a week. Master Hand looked embarrassed-well, as embarrassed as a hand could look, anyway- and would often disappear to go yell at seemingly nothing, though Link had thought he had heard another voice that sounded like the Hand, only the second voice made his hairs stand on end .

Currently, the white entity asked Link, Samus, and Zelda to fetch three contestants that were coming at the moment. As the trio walked to the portal clearing, they shared stories, Link and Zelda filling Samus in on what the Hero called his 'Tale of Souls and Swords', and Samus explaining her technology to Zelda, as well as revealing the identity of the purple dragon that Link had seen from Samus' memories-Ridley, the leader of the Space Pirates and the source of her parent's death.

Link did not show it, but in his mind he killed the reptile slowly, revenge for causing his dear friend all kinds of pain. He did not know why or what compelled him to feel these weird sensations whenever he was around the huntress, but he knew that he liked it. She made him feel special, and the Hero hoped that the feeling was mutual.

They had finally reached the clearing when a lone portal opened up. They prepared to welcome the newcomer with open arms.

Except that the fighter was someone that the Hylians hoped to never see again.

Grayish-brown skin, blazing orange hair, looming over even Samus, and possessing the goddesses' Power, Ganondorf, King of Evil, was standing in front of them, flesh and blood. "Heh heh heh…" his deep, gravelly voice gave a low chuckle, "I am released to fight in this abysmal tournament and who do I lay my eyes on at first sight? Why, the two brats that banished me to purgatory! Oh, how the blade of irony strikes at will," he let out a hearty laugh, one that seemed to rock the very earth.

"You!" Link snarled as he swiped out the Master Sword. Now the Hero's eyes, once soft and firm at the same time, were now just diamond hard, looking as if they would drip tears of pure malice.

The Gerudo snorted. "There's no need to slay…at the moment. The accursed glove of this dimension has offered me a chance to leave the Sacred Realm to fight in this tournament; in exchange for my partial freedom, he has taken a vast amount of my Power," he held up his right hand in a fist, the Triforce glowing noticeably dimmer than when the other two activated their abilities.

"It matters not! You are planning some scheme!" Zelda accused. Samus slowly backed away. This 'Ganon' character said that his energy was drained, but her helmet's scouter still showed that his power was over ni- err, off the charts.

"Heh! The minds of the wise are always cloud with some kind of prejudice. I assure you, that while I will win this petty competition," Ganondorf sneered, "I am here for solely that purpose." He leered his sickly yellow eyes over to the armored blonde. "Speaking of purpose, what is yours here, knight?"

Samus glared back, wishing that looks could literally kill. "I am no knight, I am Samus Aran, a space bounty hunter. I am a comrade of the Hero of Time from the first tournament."

The dark man snorted again, the sound more boar-like than human. "A bounty hunter has no discipline. They fight for greed and with whatever they have. They are not true warriors, nor are they rogues, but the unwanted joining of both." His eyes glowed purple for a fraction of a second, then he smirked. "Impressive looking armor, little girl, but nothing more."

Samus, already ticked by this guy's very presence, snapped when he said those two words. She whipped up her cannoned arm and fired the orb of pure energy that she had stored earlier. As the Charge Shot was about to make contact, Ganondorf engulfed his right hand with violet flames and simply back-handed the projectile, causing it to volley back to Samus. Too shocked to even move, Samus closed her eyes and waited to endure the energy ball…except it never came. As she opened her eyes, she saw the back of Link, who had stepped in front of her and had actually cleaved the shot in two, causing the two halves to disintegrate. The Hero fell to one knee, static coming off from his body from when part of the energy had channeled into the blade and entered him.

"Heh, it looks like you have learned new tricks, boy," Ganondorf chuckled, moving his fist so no one could see the charred flesh upon it. "Despite my hatred for you, the princess, and now this…huntress," he glared at Samus, who was kneeling next to her best friend, "I still see that all of you are capable fighters, despite your imbalanced styles." he continued, as a remark of Zelda's shortage of physical combat, Link's inability of magic, and the lack of discipline from Samus (in his eyes).

"I look forward to the beating that is to come your way." With that said, the King of Evil was off, stalking past the other three and made his way to the Manor. As the trio watched, Samus was the only one that spoke.

"I pray that I can fight that asshole."

It was five minutes later that a portal opened up again. It was noted that this particular portal was larger than the ones that they had seen thus far. Two silhouettes appeared in the portal and began to materialize. The three that were waiting decided that Zelda would be the one to introduce them to the dimension, since she used to handle royal greetings back at the castle. As the Princess began to speak, the two forms took shape, and Zelda found herself, for the first time, at a loss of words.

From the two young men that were in front of them, the one with straight blue hair caught her attention. From his appearance, the small tiara on his head, and the aura that he gave off, Zelda could tell that he was of royal blood. From his physical features, the princess thought he was downright handsome. Link was attractive, too, but not like this person: smooth, streamlined skin and eyes to die for; some people would say that this person looked a bit feminine, but Zelda would just discard those as blatant lies or envious

"Greetings. Would you three be combatants as well?" asked the man. Before anyone else could speak, a small squeal was heard, and all eyes turned to the source, which happened to be Zelda.

'Oh my goddesses, his voice! Oh, his voice is that of an angel, playing songs of joy and happiness! Nayru smiles upon me today!'Zelda could not contain the rush of blood to her cheeks from her thoughts of the man in front of her. "I-I'm sorry. Something alarmed me. Anyway, I am Zelda, Princess of the realm of Hyrule. This young man next to me is my kingdom's hero, Link, also known as the Hero of Time. The armored warrior is Samus Aran, Huntress of the Stars." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Link and Samus look at each other and shrug, probably about the title that Zelda gave the other blonde.

"I am Marth, Swordsman Prince of Altea. My friend here is Roy, the Blazing Blade of Lycia." The red-head man next to Marth bowed slightly and began to speak. Unfortunately, he spoke in a language that none of the others understood. Roy looked up to find confused expressions on three faces and looked at the blue-haired prince in concern.

Marth playfully smacked the side of his head. "I am sorry my friend," he said as he turned towards their greeters. "Roy only knows his mother tongue. I am fluent in many languages, including this dimensions speak, which closely resembles the language known as 'English' in my world. He just said that he is honored to be here and he looks forward to the match-ups."

"Tell him that we are honored to finally meet people with decent manners," Zelda said, eyeing the other two blondes, ignoring a simultaneous "What?" from both of them as the Prince relayed the massage. "I hope you do well in the tournaments, and that you both will enjoy your stay here at Smash Manor."

Marth smile brightly at Zelda. "Rest assured, Princess," he spoke as he gently grasped her hand and placed his lips on her smooth knuckles, "within the presence of such golden beauty like yourself, my enjoyment here is guaranteed." He let go and walked towards the Mansion, motioning Roy to follow. As the new duo walked away, Link spoke up.

"Well, they seem nice. I think we will all get along. You agree, Zelda?" A pause. "…Zel?" Link looked at the face of the princess, and laughed hard at what he saw.

Zelda's eyes were half closed and glazed over, had a smile that was borderline goofy, and rubbing her kissed hand against her cheek. After a couple of shakes from Samus, the princess stuttered and sputtered, causing Link to break down in laughter. Zelda, too embarrassed and dazed to say anything, quickly turned and walked- if not jogged- back to the mansion.

"I don't see how something as simple as that can have such an effect on a human. His saliva doesn't have pheromones, and I doubt that he could have anything like a mind cont-" Samus halted when she felt and saw Link grab her armored hand, kneel on one knee, and, just like the other swordsman, lay a gentle kiss upon her orange-steeled knuckles.

Samus was shocked to find that a pleasant vibration radiating through her armored hand to her skin and course through her physical body. It wrapped itself around her heart and enveloped her in wonder that she had never felt before. In three seconds that seemed like three hours, Samus Aran, emotionless bounty hunter had been proven wrong and succumbed to unknown bliss.

"Miss Aran, never should one doubt the power of a kiss," Link said, snapping her out of her stupor. "Now come, we have a tournament to attend to." He calmly walked back to the Manor, leaving behind a happy yet pissed off Samus, who started walking after him.

'I decided: tether his boots to a tree…with him still wearing them.'

Something new this year was the fact that some contestants, now known as 'Smashers', had to room together. The big fighters, such as Donkey Kong and Bowser, along with the Pokémon, had to have their own rooms. There was not much trouble, since most other Smashers, such as the Mario Brothers, the two Links, the Star Fox Pilots, the Ice Climbers, and the Fire Emblem Duo, did not mind rooming up with each other. The rest were put with whoever they would get along with, such as Captain Falcon with Fox and Falco. Ganondorf roomed up with Bowser, who didn't mind at all (villains need to stick together, after all)

The female fighters (excluding Nana and Jigglypuff) were automatically put together. Samus instantly shuddered. That meant that she would be sleeping in the same room as…her. She looked through her visor at the pink Princess, who seemed to notice and quirked her eyebrows in a very suggestive fashion. Samus sighed.

'Why me?,' she thought.

The Melee tournament began, literally, with a bang. An loud explosion was heard from the girls' wing, along with an even louder scream of "MARIO!" from a seriously pissed off bounty hunter. The plumber quickly got up, donned his usual garb, and sprinted towards the room where the boom originated from. Inside, he saw chaos. A hole had blasted through an entire wall and revealed the environment outside. Pillows and other décor was charred and torn to pieces. Zelda, who was in a simple nightgown, was close to the door, a transparent blue crystal surrounding her as she looked on with an expression of amusement and slight fear. In the middle of it all was Peach, wearing nothing but a frilly pink bra that was not modest in any way with matching panties and garter belt, and Samus, fully armored and aiming her arm cannon, once again, at the nonchalant princess.

"What is-a going on-a here?" Mario cried out, hoping that his girlfriend, let alone the entire Mansion, could avoid the wrath of the huntress.

"Your princess," she said the word as if it disgusted her to even to form the word. "was trying to molest me, dammit!"

"No, I wasn't," exclaimed Peach, an appalled expression plastered crudely on her face. "I was, uh, just trying to feel the noticeable differences of her armor to the suits of armor I have in my bedroom back at the castle. You believe me, don't you, Shroomy Pie?" she turned to Mario with a pleading expression.

Mario sighed, pressing the palm of his right hand to his face. "Peach, you-a don't have suits of-a armor in your bedroom."

"How do you-" Zelda began before the plumber cut her off.

"Trust me. I-a know," said Mario in a tone of finality. ""Peach, apologize to-a Samus."

Peach pouted. "Okay." She turned towards the huntress. "Me vewry vewry sowry, Samus. Can you forgive me? Pwetty pwease with a cherry on top?" she pleaded in an infant-like fashion.

Samus rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just don't it again."

Mario sighed again as he left to get ready for the day. Samus was heading down for the breakfast when she felt that familiar iron grip on her wrist. She turned to see the pink troublemaker, who had a creepy glint in her blue eyes. She tip-toed to the side of the huntress' helmet, who was too stunned and angry to react.

"I won't give up that easily, cutie. Sooner or later, you'll be mine." She giggle girlishly and skipped off to find Mario.

Zelda, who had not dropped Nayru's Love, walked over to Samus. "You know that you can't hurt her outside of fights, right?" The mature princes almost burst into laughter as she saw the huntress shudder.

"There's no need to freaking remind me!"

The tournament featured something new this time around: special melees and team battles. While the actual fights to decide the Champion were scheduled on certain times, the other fights could and would happen at any time. The more confident Smashers, like Falco and Ganondorf, would challenge anyone to matches, and most of the time they won. However, when Link faced off against the blue avian, things were a different story as the swordsman won by a landslide.

"You need more training, Mr. Lombardi. You have potential, but you are too cocky. I will fight you again to see if you have improved." Link sheathed his sword and began to walk back to meet up with Samus, who was waiting for him at the threshold.

However, the bird was still pissed at his first loss. "Okay, how the hell did I lose to a guy in a green skirt?"

Suddenly, Falco sensed something that made his blood run cold. It was as if fear had manifested into a physical form and gripped his heart. He slowly turned to where he saw Link going to ask him if he felt the same sensation, only to find the Hero towering over him, a vicious glare in his eyes, which were slowly turning from blue to red, along with his garb dulling from emerald green to charcoal black.

"Falco Lombardi," he spoke, a tad too calm for the pilot's taste, "this is your first time here, so you may not know this about me, but I will tell you this." Link slowly advanced as the blue bird's feather's seemed to have a yellowish tinge. "What I wear is not a skirt, nor is it a dress or a gown. It. Is. A. Tunic." Link hissed the last words at Falco, who was sweating bullets as the Hero's form shifted from green to black rapidly.

Suddenly, Link was back to normal and walked away as if nothing had happened, leaving Falco to go and huddle in a corner. Samus, who had watched the whole thing, confronted her friend. "What the hell was that?"

Link shrugged. "Let's just say I have a…'dark side', and that he likes to show people that I'm not all that innocent." When he was done, he simply smiled at Samus and walked off. Samus, however, was just thinking.

'I wonder if I can see that not so innocent side of him later.'

The tournament never saw this coming.

It was the quarterfinals with Roy against Ganondorf in the Temple Stage. The red-headed swordsman was a great warrior, but nothing could ever prepare him against an evil like this.

The Gerudo was relentless, beating Roy's already damaged body into the ground with a well-placed Gerudo Dragon. As the swordsman struggled to get up on one knee, the dark man laughed heartily. "Ha! I expected more of a challenge. The Blazing Blade? Such exaggeration; you should be called the crackling stick, seeing as how I will break you like one!" Ganondorf charged energy into his right fist, which erupted with purple fire. As he threw his fist forward for a devastating Warlock Punch, Roy eyes seemed to spark as he got into a defensive stance at the last second.

"Soko da!" Using his blade to block the attack, Roy channeled the energy through the Sword of Seals and returned of the force of the attack back to its owner, though it hadn't been enough to deflect all of it. Ganondorf staggered back at the counter and this gave Roy a chance to use his Blade Dance on the Gerudo.

Even so, Ganondorf's bulky build alone was enough for him to take the damage as nothing as he proceeded to beat Roy, kicking, punching and using blows charged with his flames of darkness. Roy still tried to counter, but in the end Ganondorf grabbed him and threw the battered swordsman to the ground underneath one of the still standing temple pillars, leaving an impression of the swordsman's body on it.

In the stands, Link, Samus and Marth were appalled. They knew that Roy had accepted the fact that he might lose, and they knew that the red-haired swordsman was giving it his all, but the King of Evil was just too strong. What had made matters worse was that Ganondorf knew these circumstances as well, yet that did not stop him from exploiting Roy's weakness from the very beginning.

Smiling in anticipation for his victory Ganondorf decided that he should end this right here and now. He walked up to the pillar looming over and grinned sinisterly. "I believe, foolish boy, that this is where we part ways. I hope there will be no hard feelings afterwards," his hand shot towards the pillars and his fingers literally dug into the marble. "…who am I to fool you? You will not even be able to feel anything after this!" The Gerudo began to break the pillar off of its base to crush the swordsman when Roy began to speak.

"Ma-mamoru beki mono no t-tame ni, makerare-renai."

The dark man paused for a moment, and then sighed. "It would be better to destroy you if I just understood what you were saying." Ganondorf grunted as he broke the pillar completely off and brought it down onto Roy, causing an explosion of stone, dirt, and dust. "Oh well, maybe it is better that you keep quiet." Ganondorf began to walk away from the destruction that he caused as he waited for the announcer to yell his name in victory.

But it never came.

Ganondorf was irritated. 'I won the bout, so put the fool out of his misery already…unless…' his eyes widened upon realization, 'NO!'

The Dark King spun around just in time to see one-buried swordsman shoot out from under the debris and into the sky. Roy, his body battered, his armor broken into pieces, his eyes aflame for one more chance, brought his sword over his shoulder, and descended upon his foe as he shouted: "I SAID, 'FOR THOSE WHOM I MUST PROTECT, I. WILL. NOT. LOOOOOOOOOSE!'" With that, he swung his sword upon Ganondorf, mustering the strongest Flare Blade he could.

An immense explosion was all that could be seen. The entire crowd looked on with anticipation, while only three knew the outcome.

Roy put up a great fight, but victory was not on his side.

The King of Evil stood tall, having dodged at the last possible moment, and Roy was on one knee, panting heavily. That was it. The swordsman was done, but the enemy was not.

As he charged his right fist in a dark blaze, Ganondorf looked at his prey with disgust. "Foolish boy," he said one last time as he slammed his knuckles into the unprotected torso of Roy, sending the swordsman soaring to the boundary and his defeat.

("This game's winner is…Ganondorf")

Ganondorf basked in the victory and the applauses of a parcel of the crowd (after all, villains also have their fans).

Meanwhile, Samus had watched the entire match with a stony gaze. So, he's basically a walking powerhouse with an over-inflated ego. Typical. she thought.

She then looked to the side to see Marth and Captain Falcon carrying the injured Roy to the infirmary. He would be out of cold until the final match. Though she had not known the red haired swordsman for long, Samus felt a sense to take revenge.

"Hah! That was nothing. I'm starting to question what the exact requirements for one to be accepted into this… tournament are." Samus heard Ganondorf say. She turned and saw him talking with Bowser.

Link came to Samus' side after checking on Roy and stayed glaring at Ganondorf with her. The King of Evil noticed it and walked to them, his grin always evident. "Alas, we will face each other. Destiny can indeed have the sense of humor of a jester, don't you think?" Ganondorf spoke.

"Do you fancy yourself an actor, or did you take classes to become a certified asshole?" Samus asked. Link face made no changes. However, Ganondorf's grin didn't leave his face, either. He almost looked like he was going to laugh at the fact Samus was attempting to mock him.

"You sure talk big for someone who will face me in the next combat," Ganondorf spoke, approaching Samus and making the differences between their heights look more than evident.

Link looked and was ready to draw his sword and stop Ganondorf from even getting close to Samus, but she just spoke up to the King of Evil without lowering her tone a bit:

"I'll let my Arm Cannon do the talking, then."

With another smug look and smirk, Ganondorf left the two. Link and Samus looked at the leaving Gerudo until he disappeared in one of the corridors of the Mansion. Though the Hero of Time had much confidence in Samus' abilities, he was worried. Ganondorf was no pushover and he knew that.

"I just wish I could be there with you when you face him." Link said.

"You have your own match to worry about. Leave Mr. Oh-I'm-so-Evil to me. I've beaten guys thrice his size before. Besides, if you could do it, I sure as hell I can do it too." Samus replied, trying to put up a confident tone, though it didn't come out as she wanted.

To be honest, she was feeling anxious and nervous. It was just like back then, when she faced Ridley for the first time. She then felt Link's hand hold her left armored arm and immediately her blood started to run faster and her heart rate accelerated so much it was a wonder her suit's life-support system didn't go crazy. Samus then looked to Link, who had a reassuring smile on his face, as if he was trying to be confident for her. Did he just guessed what I was thinking? Samus asked herself mentally.

"Don't worry, I trust you will, Miss Aran," Link said.

"Then stop calling me that, already," Samus said, feeling her cheeks get flustered.

"Just if you promise me you will not lose. Ok? I… I don't want to see you getting hurt."

Was that fear she detected in his voice? No. It sounded more like worry. Worry for her sake. Samus never had anyone to worry for her well-being before. The idea that Link, of all people was worried for her made a new feeling rise in her heart. But what was that? Anyway, she couldn't stay thinking on that. She had to prepare herself for her match with Ganondorf.

"Don't worry, I won't,' Samus assured Link.

Samus did not like to admit it, but the Dark King was right about one thing: the blade of Irony strikes at will. And today, the day of her match with Ganondorf, the blade strikes, of all places, somewhere Samus did not want to be.

I swear, whoever had the brilliant idea of make this fight happen in Brinstar Depths will have a taste of their own ass as soon as I'm done here. Samus thought. On the special seats to watch the match, Crazy Hand started to turn around, like he had sensed some stalker was nearby.

Samus and Ganondorf appeared on the stage and she immediately started to feel apprehensive again. Brinstar Depths had a copy of one of her most powerful enemies, Kraid. Seeing the monster again brought back some memories. Memories she didn't need to remember right now.

"You seem worried. Is that fear you are feeling, little girl? Or maybe it is just a foreboding feeling of what is soon to come in your way," Ganondorf taunted, crackling his knuckles to get ready to the fight.

"Just shut up and let's get over with it!" Samus replied.

"With pleasure."

The announcer gave the signal and the match started. Samus then charged at Ganondorf, but soon discovered that was a very bad idea. Most of her punches and kicks did little to no good against the buffed Gerudo, who took all of her blows like they were nothing, smirking at her all the while. That just angered Samus all the more as Ganondorf smirked at her.

After having to change terrain when Kraid appeared and made the stage rotate, Samus tried to shoot missiles and plasma shots at Ganondorf, but he avoided them and jumped at her. What followed was a brutal demonstration of the Gerudo's power.

Ganondorf was literally tearing Samus' armor with his bare hands. She tried to counter, but he grabbed her and kneed her in the stomach. The crowd gasped when she took a nasty Wizard Foot at her side and a Gerudo Dragon which propelled her upward for Ganondorf to jump and grab her, electrocuting the bounty huntress and releasing her in an explosion.

Zelda and Peach were playing with their hairs of so nervous they were. Young Link was cringing each time Samus took a powerful blow. It was a wonder she was didn't lose a life yet. It was then the two Princesses saw Link appearing.

"Sorry. The match took longer than I expected," the swordsman said, appearing to be out of breath and a little injured from his own exhibition. "How's she doing so far?"

"Sammy took some nasty damage and that horrible man, Ganny, is practically torturing her," Peach said, appearing to be truly worried about Samus.

Link just eyed the pink Princess. Trying not to pay attention at the nicknames she just gave Samus and Ganondorf, he decided to watch the match and what he saw made his heart almost jump out by his mouth.

"End of game, huntress!" Ganondorf said, charging a Warlock Punch. Samus knew she wouldn't avoid that in time and all she could do was to put her 'Smash Shield' up and wait for the crushing impact that came.

When she was hit, Samus flew behind and hit one of the suspended platforms with surprising force, almost breaking the rock in two. Alarms started to sound in her suit, saying it had reached its critical point. Another strike like that and she would be finished for good. She tried to get up, but the impact of the magically charged punch seemed to have made more damage than she expected. She couldn't move at all and felt pain from the impact of Ganondorf's fist with her arms and chest.

The Gerudo walked over to the immobilized Samus, grinning like he had already won. He then decided that, once again, that the circumstances called for a special ending. After all, the girl and his nemesis, Link, seemed to be close, so why not give him a taste of what waited for him in the near future. The terms for him to join the tournament didn't say he couldn't have his vengeance in a match.

"You fight well, I'll give you that. But in such a case scenario, you are clearly underpowered," Ganondorf said, raising his right leg upward and charging magic on his ankle. "Prepare to meet darkness, girl!"

"SAMUS!" Link screamed from his place.

Samus suddenly felt like something inside her reacted to Link's calling. She remembered what she promised to Link before. She had to win this match. If not for her sake, then for him. She saw Ganondorf's foot coming down and activated the Morph Ball function in her suit, rolling away at the last instant.

"What?" exclaimed Ganondorf, when he saw his attack had missed. "How did you? …"

"I said… I wouldn't lose… I promised I wouldn't lose," Samus said, taking a deep breath. That little stunt had drained her some of her remaining energy and now she felt like her body was running solely on her adrenaline and her suit weighted more than before. "So… you don't stand a chance, Ganondork!"

Ganondorf's face seemed to have lost some of its color. Link and Zelda gasped. Taunt the King of Evil in such an adverse situation was never a good idea. Ganondorf's surprise then turned into blind anger as his appearance seemed to take on a sinister aura.

"MISERABLE WENCH!" He charged forward, ready to deliver another crushing blow. Samus avoided it and countered by turning into Morph Ball and leaving a bomb behind, which exploded on Ganondorf's foot.

She shot a plasma shot and missiles on him from a safe distance. The Gerudo batted away her shot, but couldn't stop the missiles. Even so, that wasn't enough to stop him as he came at her again. The fight started anew and now there was a tension in the air. Samus had her damage meter at a critical level, and her armor was in worse condition; even so she was fighting using just her long-ranged attacks. Link was ready to eat his cap out of nervousness, but Young Link beat him to that and started to gnaw on the tip. There was still a chance for Samus to win.

When the stage started to turn again thanks to a slash from Kraid's copy in the background, Samus and Ganondorf had to go to the upper levels. She left some bombs in the way, which exploded on Ganondorf once more, but that just seemed to make the Gerudo angrier.

'Ok, it's now or never.' Samus thought and started to charge her Arm Cannon once she reached the highest spot in the stage. She had just one chance to do it and she had to do it right, or else it was end of line for her. 'Done!' She thought once her Arm Cannon reached its limit on the damaged state her suit was.

It was then she felt a hand wrap itself on her leg and she looked below with eyes wide. Ganondorf had reached her and grabbed her foot, launching her over his head and on the floor. He then stomped the belly of her suit with his foot and the armor finally gave in, breaking and piercing some skin. Samus couldn't hold the cry of pain and let it out. Link screamed her name again. He knew the match didn't matter anymore. Ganondorf was just going to screw that and outright kill Samus for her latest taunt. The Hero of Time had known better not to mock the King of Evil like that.

"Did you really thought a pathetic, little girl like you could actually defeat me?" Ganondorf practically spat at her, still angry. "You're out of your caliber here, you fool! You are nothing more than a filthy rogue while I am…"

"Why do you bad guys always have to brag before getting your asses kicked?" Samus let out with a chuckle, quickly aiming at Ganondorf from her position and shooting.

The Gerudo never saw that coming. From such a close distance, he couldn't deflect her attack. Ganondorf just realized what happened when was already almost hitting the stage's border: Samus had slowly built his damage with her attacks to finish him off with a powerful blow in the end. She used his anger to blind him to her strategy so he wouldn't finish her first.

"GAME! THIS GAME'S WINNER IS… SAMUS!" the announcer's call came and the crowd roared in enthusiasm.

Samus was then teleported back to the mansion and saw Link, his younger self and Zelda coming. She didn't even care Peach (she cringed mentally at the name) was with them. She was just too happy to even bother herself with…

Link had to catch Samus before she hit the floor. He called her name several times. Master Hand and the other Smashers appeared and were to bring her to the infirmary. Samus then spoke to Link while she was still in his arms:

"See? …. I told you… I could… beat him," she lost conscience after that…

Samus spent two days in the infirmary unconscious. Link never leaving her side for one instant. Master Hand said that due to the damage to her suit and the injuries she had taken in the battle, she wouldn't be able to continue, but regardless would be given the third place for her victory in the semifinal, and that Link's match with Captain Falcon would become the Finals. Link just wanted for her to wake.

Meanwhile, Zelda had prepared her best dress with a little "help" from Peach, though she had to ask the pink wearing Princess to stop glomping her… numerous times. She even had on a perfume and was ready to go after her new knight in shining armor: namely, Marth. Just the thought of his name made her want to sing.

Oh my, I've never been this nervous. I really hope he will like me. Zelda thought, checking her looks in the mirror for the tenth time.

After check herself five more times, she finally decided she was ready and left the girl's room. As she went around the mansion, asking for Marth, the first thing she got was the shocked looks from the male fighters- some even dropped whatever they were holding and let their mouths hung open- right before they could just point her the direction. If their reactions didn't mean she was stunning then nothing else would.

Finally, she found Marth in the common area, sitting in a table and writing in a piece of paper. Seeing him made her sigh. His hair seemed to be especially shimmery today and the concentrated yet soft expression on his face, combined with his smile made Zelda feel like her world had been filled with cupids, hearts and a radiant, blue, clean sky. Mustering up all the courage she had, Zelda walked to Marth's table and called him:

"Good afternoon, Prince Marth."

"Oh, greetings Prin… Princess Zelda?" Marth did a double take once he saw that Zelda was wearing a blue dress that matched perfectly her eyes and her earrings and her tiara were polished, shining together with her golden hair. To say she looked beautiful would have been an understatement.

"What's the matter?" Zelda asked, feeling worried she might have exaggerated on the conditioner in her bath to get ready to see Marth.

"N-nothing. It's just… you look especially stunning today," Marth complimented. "Are you dressed for some special occasion?"

"Oh, nothing of the sort. Just in commemoration of Samus' victory."

"Oh yes. Indeed it was an excellent fight. I can hardly believe she was able to overcome such adverse odds," Marth said.

"Yes, indeed it was an exciting match," Zelda said, soon adding mentally. Stop talking about Samus! I came here to talk about us. Oh my. 'Us'. I have to stop thinking like that, or I'm going to lose my composure. Ok, Zelda, calm down.

Zelda gave a deep breath and sat, looking at what Marth was writing. Actually she was looking at the way his hand was moving. She hadn't missed a single match of the Prince. The way he moved in battle was so graceful it almost looked like he was dancing. His stance, his manners, it was all impeccable, showing he was a true Prince and-

"-tter," Zelda got out of her thoughts once she heard Marth was talking to her.

"Pardon, what was that again?"

"I said I'm writing a letter. You seemed to have a distant expression in your face, so I assumed you were thinking what I was writing about," Marth spoke.

"Oh, I wasn't thinking anything of the sort. Just out of curiosity, though, who are you writing to? Your family?" Zelda asked, recovering her pose and trying her best to look attractive.

"Oh, no. It is for my wife, Shiida. I can't wait to go back to Altea and tell her in person all I've seen here," Marth replied with a smile.

There was a minute of silence, but to Zelda it was link an eternity. She was frozen on her pose. The smile on her face had dropped, leaving her with an unreadable expression.

"Pardon again. I thought you just said you were writing for your wife," Zelda repeated. Surely she couldn't have heard that right…

"Yes, that was what I said, Princess."

Suddenly the hearts in Zelda's little world shattered themselves, the angels lost their wings and pummeled to their death and the skies were immediately covered by storm clouds, which released a torrent of melancholic rains in the lands below, with her on the center of all of that.

Married? He's MARRIED? Zelda exclaimed mentally and it took all of her willpower not to scream that. She looke at his hand, and there, with such brilliant clarity it made Zelda wonder why she had not noticed it before, a beautiful, diamond-encrusted gold ring adorned his ring finger.

"Princess, are you alright? You look terribly pale," Marth pointed out, seeing the shocked expression in Zelda's face and her increasingly desperate look. It looked like she just heard something that shattered her heart in a million pieces.

"I'm… fine… just… need… some time… alone…" Zelda said, slowly getting up and dragging her feet out of the common area. Marth tilted his head in confusion, wondering what had put the Princess in such a distressed state.

Nobody saw Zelda for the rest of that day, though some swore they had heard loud banging sounds coming from the girl's wing…

Samus woke right before the match for the championship. She had to practically threaten to beat Link into the same state she was in case he didn't go to the match.

"Don't worry about me. I've had worse before. If you want to do something for me, then go out there and trash him," Samus said, trying to convince Link yet again. The Hero of Time finally gave in and left, wishing for her to recover soon.

The match took place in the Final Destination. Like in the previous tournament, it was no items, three lives and no time limit, meaning it would be just skill and the will of the fighters. Link wanted to win not just for him, but for Samus too. However, Captain Falcon, his opponent, also wanted to win. In fact, the racer had been fighting with a burning passion during the entire competition that. Plus, Falcon wasn't just fast, but strong too. It was going to be one hell of a fight for Link.

"So, no hard feelings here, but I'm going to win this one," Captain Falcon said right before the match start.

"We shall see, adversary. Let us begin!" said Link as he unsheathed the Master Sword.

The signal was given and both contestants dived in. The fray immediately escalated to a level that easily rivaled the one for the last championship. Falcon didn't spare any moment without giving strong blows on Link, who by his turn fought back with his best sword techniques, rolling behind his opponent to slash at his back, bash at him with his shield followed by several sword strikes and, to end one of Falcon's lives, an especially powerful Spin Attack.

As soon as Captain Falcon came back to the stage, he paid Link back in the same coin, throwing flurries of punches and kicks and, after grabbing the Hylian warrior and throwing him into the ground, just for him to bounce back, his signature Falcon Punch, which sent Link flying out of the stage, taking him one life too.

As the battle progressed, it became clear both the warriors were at the same level of skill and their will to win was equal. Their strategy for that fight was what would make the difference. Captain Falcon used his Falcon Dive on Link when he was trying to get back to the stage after almost being sent flying by a flaming elbow from Falcon. Link countered by using his Spin Attack in midair, slashing at the racer several times. Both landed back on the platform and the fray restarted. The crowd was going wild, cheering for their favorite Smasher.

When Falcon prepared another Falcon Punch, Link charged a sword strike at the same time and both released the attacks together, causing a power struggle between the two combatants. The effect was an incredible buildup of near chaos as an explosion followed and both were sent flying out of the stage in opposing corners. Now they were down to their last life, with no advantage over each other. When the two got back at the stage they gave a short pause to take their breaths.

"Man, you're good. I have to give it to you," Captain Falcon said, smiling at Link.

"You as well. I can see how you make it to here," Link replied. "I would say that it will make no difference which one of us wins. This match is all we could wish of a fight."

"Huh, I couldn't have spoken better words. So, you ready to give it a great finale?"

"One for the records!" Link replied, readying his sword once more.

"Then show me ya moves!"

Link started by grabbing Falcon with his Hookshot and kicking the racer to the back, releasing a Spin Attack right after. Falcon recovered and used a Falcon Kick on Link, stopping and turning to give a leg swipe at the Hylian. Link went to the ground and Falcon was about to attack him with his feet when Link rolled aside and got up, pulling a bomb and throwing it on Falcon's face. The impact made the racer stager back, his damage still too low for him to left the ground.

Taking that chance, Link attacked with a rain of arrows. Falcon avoided some of them and got close enough to do a Raptor Boost on Link, sending the Hylian upward and giving Falcon a chance to kick him in the air. The racer then jumped and tried to knee Link, but the Hero of Time twisted his body in the air, dodging the attack and countering with a slash of his sword, sending Falcon to the ground.

As the fight continued, the other Smashers who were watching had to take a seat. The kids were jumping up and down as the adults were either holding the arms of their seats or, like in Kirby's case, eating some snack without taking their eyes off the match. Zelda was also cheering for her friend (she finally decided to come out of her room). Peach was at the side of the Princess, twisting Mario's cap in her hand of nervous she was. Mario was so distracted with the match that he didn't even notice the cap was missing.

Suddenly a floating device appeared in front of Luigi, who was sitting next to his brother. As the green plumber yelped in shock, the device shot out a projection towards Mario, who turned to see a hologram of Samus' head.

"Mama-freaking-mia! Sa-Samus, don't-a just show up like-a that!"

"My bad. Besides, do you really think I would miss this?" The device set itself on top of the plumber's head, while Mario had become, once again, too engrossed in the match to even notice.

As for the match, Link and Falcon were now panting, both almost out of energy, but they weren't going to let it end in a draw. That fight had to have a winner. Link threw his boomerang, hit Falcon and went to the attack. The racer saw it and avoided Link's sword swipe, punching the Hylian in the head and proceeding to throw a flurry of punches on Link. The Hylian defended with his shield and threw another bomb, which exploded on Falcon.

The two then got the match to near the edge of the platform, ready to end that fight. Link attacked at the same time as Falcon. Their attacks crossed and cancelled each other, but due to their fatigue both were thrown out of balance. Link tried to recover, but Falcon was faster, using his superior agility and used a Falcon Kick in the chest of the Hylian, who flew out of the platform.

Link took his Hookshot and launched it. The point hit the edge and Link was ready to pull himself back when he felt a shadow looming over him. Looking up, the Hylian saw Captain Falcon over him. Though that made his blood run cold for one moment, in the next Link was smiling.

"Thanks for the fight, pal," Captain Falcon said, smiling in return.

The world went silent as Captain Falcon readied his fist in flames.

"Falcon…P-"

Link's smile went to a smirk as he suddenly retracted the chain and rolled around Falcon onto the stage. As the Hero turned to launch the racer off the platform, he was met with a surprise: Captain Falcon has shifted and turned around to face Link, his flaming fist more powerful from built up energy.

"Falcon Backlash PUNCH!"

Link tried to block with his shield, but the attack was too strong. The fist pierced through the metal frame, splintered the petrified wooden interior, and planted itself square into Link's chest, sending him skidding towards the other side of the stage, his boot heels just over the edge.

The crowd and the Captain waited for a reaction, but the Hero just stood there, still in a defensive position, cling to his ruined shield and holy sword. Then, as casual as can be, Link straightened up, dropped his shield, and sheathed his sword.

Up in the stands, Samus watched with sadness. She had seen him do that once before.

The Hero looked at the racer, a small smile on his face. "Thanks…for the fight…pal."

Link let the fatigue guide him back over the edge. He felt brightness consume him once more.

"THIS GAME'S WINNER IS… CAPTAIN FALCON!"

The crowd dispersed after Captain Falcon's speech, going to chat with each other or, in Kirby's case, immediately going to the food table to fill themselves with whatever they could put in their mouths. Meanwhile, Link was looking for Samus, asking people if they saw her, but it seemed nobody really knew if she had left the hospital wing or not.

As the closing ceremony was coming to an end and Link had finished greeting the last of the Smashers who wanted to have a word with him and congratulate him for the excellent fight, the Hero of Time decided to his usual spot.

As he arrived, he saw a figure he did not recognize. He approached slowly, not knowing if this was friend or foe. Suddenly, as he within an arm's reach, the figure flipped over him and covered his eyes as it landed. As he was about to defend himself, he heard the voice of the one he was searching for.

"Looking for me?" Link smiled and was about to turn to Samus. His eyes widened and he felt like his heart had just stopped.

There was Samus, smiling at him, along with something he would never forget. She was without her entire suit, wearing something that Link could only describe as some kind of blue, tight jumpsuit. A skin-tight suit at that. Link felt the blood rushing back to his face, giving it a scarlet tone as his masculine mind produced the most different images of Samus and him alone in a room.

"What are you looking at?" Samus asked, acting like she hadn't noticed Link was checking her out. She knew she drew the men's eyes when she walked around in her Zero Suit, but strangely, she didn't feel compelled to rip Link's eyes out of his face.

All Link could make was produce incoherent, mumbling sounds. His mind, to say the least, was a mess. He couldn't even think straight. After what seemed an eternity, his brain finally seemed to have organized the mess inside his head and the first thought Link had been 'GODDESSES, SHE'S BEAUTIFUL!'

Samus was indeed taller than him. She had a slender psyche and Link could see some traces of muscles, but not too much, just enough for him to tell she kept her body in top shape. Other than that there were several other features he found interesting in her, since her suit didn't make the least of an effort in hiding any of her curves, but Link shook his head, trying not to think on that or else he would start to stutter like crazy. In short, Link thought just "beautiful" wouldn't come even close to describe her.

"So, I saw your and Captain Falcon's match. You did pretty well, though you lost," Samus started to conversation.

"Yeah. The two of us had the same will and skill, but in the end he got the better of me," Link said.

The two then spent some time in silence, just observing the stars and the atmosphere around. The sounds of the closing ceremony had already died and people were going back to the mansion to gather their things to leave. It was then Link realized that was the last night he and Samus would have together in that tournament. That is, until the next came, but who knew how much time it would take until then.

"-ack?" Link heard Samus say. He then shook his head and looked to her, asking what was that. "I asked what are you going to do when you go back? You know, to your world."

"Oh. I… honestly don't know yet. Maybe go on another journey or something. And you, Miss Aran?"

"Stop calling me… oh forget it," Samus said with a laugh. It was their last night together anyway. "I'm going back to my old life as a solo bounty hunter. That's what there is for me."

"I wish I could be there with you," Link suddenly said, without thinking.

Samus looked to Link with surprise. Did he really just say that? And why was she suddenly feeling warm just from hearing that? Surely she would miss him, just like the last time, but now it felt like she was leaving a part of herself behind with him. Samus was never very good at feelings and romance. Those were completely foreign notions to her, but here she was; her heart feeling like it would shrink away at the thought of having to leave Link.

Link himself was also having problems with his feelings. He felt really attached to Samus, but lately it felt like it had developed into something more. When he saw her fight against Ganondorf and how the Gerudo almost killed her, he felt an incredible urge to go there to save her that he never felt, not even when Zelda was in danger. Link wondered if maybe that meant he was in love with Samus and, if he was, if the feeling was mutual.

"You were kidding earlier, right?" Samus asked him, playing with her blond strand now.

"Why would I? I really would like to accompany you, Samus. I mean… I don't want for anything bad to happen with you," Link said, his face reddening considerably as the words left his mouth.

"Huh. You idiot, nothing's going to happen to me. I'd be more worried about you," Samus said, unable to look Link at his piercing eyes, a little afraid he would see what was going on inside of her. "You sure know how to make a fight, Mr. Courage, but you're not invincible," she spoke, using her pet name for Link

"Neither you are, Miss Aran," Link pointed out, smiling at her and making use of his pet name for her.

"Yeah, I know…"

The two stayed in silence again, the tension in the air growing again. Both wanted to say something, but both were worried about what the other would speak once they voice their thoughts. Link finally decided to muster all of the courage he could and spoke:

"Listen, Samus… there's something I want to tell you," Samus looked to him, a little worried on the inside. Link never used a tone as serious as that one. "Lately I've… been feeling that you… I mean, us…" Link started tripping on his words, his tougue rolling inside his mouth. Dammit! Just… say that already! He scolded himself. Taking a deep breath he spoke. "Samus, you're someone very important to me. More than anyone else. I… I think I'm starting to fall for you."

Samus froze at that. Link was what? She never thought she would ever hear it coming from his mouth. It took her some seconds to process that simple, yet very important, piece of information, seconds that looked like hours to Link, who could just look to the side, his face reddening as time went on.

His head was full of questions. Would she accept that? Did she felt the same? Did she have somebody else back in her world? The thought that she might have found a lover in the time between the final of the first tournament to the beginning of this one crushed Link's heart. "I…do not know if this is love, as I have never felt this way before. I just want to care for you. I know that you do not need any saving from enemies, but I want to hold you in my arms, to make you laugh, to see you smile… I want to be with you, Samus Aran." He looked at the huntress, who had her eyes to ground, blank as the color white.

I'm such an idiot! I should have thought this throu… any other thoughts Link had at the moment were lost as he felt Samus pin him down to the ground, grab his chin, making he turn his head to her so she could plant her lips on his, in a breathtaking kiss. Link was surprised and mildly shocked at first, unable to react. But after the reality of what was happening struck in, he returned the kiss.

The two just parted when the need for air called their attention back to the real world. Both were breathing deeply, like they had traveled Hyrule Field on foot from point to point, or, in Samus' case, run a marathon around the globe of Zebes. Link sat up and saw the bounty huntress smiling. He too smiled in return.

"I take it that you accept my feelings?" Link asked in a sly tone.

"Do you even need to ask? And I here I was, thinking you might take my hint. Seems like I overestimated your mental capacity," Samus threw back at him, in a mock answer, which made Link roll his eyes playfully.

"I don't really know how I exactly feel, either, but I think it's something very close to what you feel."

In all reality, Samus felt the same as him: she felt he was very important to her. That she cared about him more than anybody else. She just didn't have any idea of how to voice those feelings. She was never good at talking about them. She always thought that was for "drama queens with a knack for tragic romances".

"Oh…" Link spoke, lowering his head. Samus' heart broke from his expression. She wanted to let him know that he could have what he wanted, yet the words would not come. She was about to give up when Link lightly grasped her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. "Then would you mind if we find out together?"

'Don't look, don't look, don't…' she gave in and looked into his eyes. She could see herself in his reflection, the moonlight outlining her beauty perfectly in his eyes. She saw the warmth that she longed for, and broke down her barriers for him. "I…would love that," she said she climbed onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Link grinned widely, something Samus now cherished. "Ok then. Don't worry, I'll wait until you can tell me exactly what your feelings are," the Hylian spoke, sliding his arms around her waist. She snuggled in more.

The two smiled to each other and went back to gazing at the stars, thinking about their feelings for each other.

Heading back to the Manor, Link and Samus decide to leave things the way they were for the next tournament, as they will have much more time then. Waiting for them in the entrance lobby were Mario, Zelda, and Peach. As the three saw Samus' real figure, all of them gasped in surprised.

"Samus?" Mario asked, not believing his eyes.

"Yeah, it's me. Why the surprised faces?"

"But you're without your…" Zelda started.

"Well, my armor was pretty much a wreck, so I couldn't walk around with it anymore. When I go back, I will have to send it to repair right away. … huh, what's wrong with her?" Samus asked, pointing to Peach.

Mario and Zelda looking at the pink Princess. The plumber seemed to have mumbled an "oh-a no…". Peach practically had her eyes blued on Samus' form, taking in every little detail on her Zero Suit. At one point, it seemed the Princess was either going to have a mental overload or start drooling, or even both. Samus was beyond creeped out when she saw the ditzy, blond Princess' eyes darken, significantly when they began to wander to her lower areas.

"Oh my… Sammy. I never thought you were so…" Peach started, getting too near for Samus' taste.

"Don't get near me!" Samus warned.

"But…" Peach tried to insist.

"NO!" Samus yelled.

"But I was just…"

"I said NO!" Samus pulled her Paralyzer and pointed to the blond Princess' forehead. Peach pouted and looked down. Samus sighed and began to walk back to her room.

She turned her back on Peach, which was a big mistake.

As she realized it, she quickly turned around to aim her Paralyzer, but it was too late.

"I WANNA TOOOOOOUUUUUCH! ^^"

Peach launched herself onto Samus, knocking her weapon aside, and glomped the poor huntress to the floor.

"Peach! Get off!"

"Sammy is sooo cuddly and warm and oh so very scrumptious!"

The remaining three just stood there, not believing what had just occurred. After watching the other two for a little longer, they did the only thing they could think at the moment.

Facepalm.

Being back to her starship, away from Link and the Smash Mansion, made Samus realize how much she missed him. She sighed, leaning back on her seat, thinking in the last night and the confession that she and Link shared.

The huntress sighed and closed her eyes, opening them again. She then decided: she would spend this time to think about how she could tell Link exactly what she felt for him. Of course, she now knew she loved him, but admitting that even to herself took a lot of effort. She then took out the emerald jewel Link had given her and looked at it.

A smile came to the bounty huntress' lips as she thought on her swordsman. His golden hair, his smile, those piercing eyes, the way he looked so hot when he was… she had to stop there so her thoughts wouldn't develop into some kind of fantasy. That would just make her earning for him even worse. Samus then looked to the space at her front. It was going to be a long wait, but she would survive it and, when the time came, she would be able to tell Link her exact feelings.

'Link…please wait for me…I love you…'

DONE! *crumples to the floor* AHHHHHHH! 14,000 + WORDS! My hands! So…much…typing!

Anyway, I cannot take all the credit for this chapter. A special thanks goes to my co-author/savior for this chapter, UK-Underworld King for helping me with the action scenes and the ending. Could not have done it without you!

The next chapter will not be going into Brawl just yet, but will explain why 'Melee Link' can never return. Also, I will answer any questions/requests/ comments that people leave me…IF YOU LEAVE A REVIEW!

I thank you for staying with me and this story, because you, my fellow readers, are what keep me going.

Until next time…