NOTES: Finally, vacation's here! And even though it meant that I had to go back to work (ugh…), I've also had more time to work on other projects, such as my fan fics for one thing. Thanks to all who took the poll, I've decided to keep going with the story and stick basically with what I had written out in my senior year of high school. There are a few chapters I'm going to omit since they're more or less fillers (they might turn into short stories or one-shots down the road), but if all goes well it should get easier. My ultimate goal is to finish this fic this year so I can finally move on to bigger and better things, not that I haven't enjoyed working on this story. Also as a quick reminder for newcomers: this is a Melee fic, not a Brawl fic. So don't expect to see any Brawl characters in here. I started writing this way back in 2005 before Brawl was released, so it will continue to stay that way. Now that that's out of the way, let's get started!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Super Smash Bros, nor do I own the Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, Metroid, or any other franchise described in this story. They all belong to Nintendo, and SSBM also belongs to HAL Laboratories. All I own is this story and its ideas, please don't plagiarize or copy it. (Else I will find you…or my secret legion of minions will!)

Chapter 26: Ambush in Ikana Canyon

Dark Link wasn't pleased; not that he has ever been pleased in his life. A few innocent Dinofols and Moblins found out the hard way as he passed through the hallways of Ganondorf's hidden stronghold. The lime-green liquid from their mangled bodies smeared the stone walls as he walked toward his destination, filling the halls with death's foul stench.

Who was he kidding? He practically was death. Death twisted into a hero's ethereal persona.

He glared furiously at the double wooden doors that separated him from his master's throne room, his sword still dripping fresh blood onto the impeccable red carpeting that decorated the makeshift castle. Without a second thought, he kicked them open and stormed his way toward the large golden chair where his master sat.

"How many times must I tell you to keep blood off the carpets? They're relics made by the finest Gerudo weavers," he sighed.

"Screw your fancy rugs!" Dark Link yelled as he brought his sword to bear in front of him, his face contorted in pure rage. "You always told me that killing the Hero of Time and his little princess was my duty! Why are you letting these disgusting strangers do it for me?"

Ganondorf raised an amused eyebrow. Out of all of his subordinates, Dark Link had always been the hardest to control. But, for some reason, he enjoyed the challenge. It was a nice break from the timid glances and exaggerated bows that came from his other followers.

"Answer me!" Dark Link demanded, extending the tip of his sword at Ganondorf. "Ever since I failed to bring you that Fierce Deity's Mask I've had nothing at all to do. And then I hear you sent one of your associates after my brother? This I can't—"

A hand gripped around his throat cut his voice up as he was hoisted up into the air by his master, his sword dropping with a loud pang. Dark Link screamed as electricity rushed through his body. It was as if a thousand needles were continuously puncturing his body.

Ganondorf stopped the spell, bringing his creation down to face him at eye level.

"Know your place, you inferior creation," he said dangerously. "You know I could snap my fingers in an instant and you would end up in the dimensional void again. And this time, I can assure you that you'll be there for all eternity."

He tossed his creation's limp body aside, walking calmly back to his throne. Dark Link slowly stood up, picking up his discarded sword before sheathing it and kneeling calmly at his master's feet.

"You know as well as I do that we need these other leaders," Ganondorf explained. "Our forces aren't strong enough on their own yet to proceed with the next phase of the plan. Besides, many of them are proving to be quite useful, even if we are down to only five members now. But if it makes you feel any better, I did not order Oikonny to kill Link. He made that decision entirely on his own and he paid the price for it. I only instructed him to retrieve the Fierce Deity's Mask, a task you failed to complete!"

"I already told you, master," Dark Link hissed, "that there was no guarantee the mask would be left behind with his other masks."

"And I trust you destroyed the rest of his masks?"

"Of course I did," he said with a smirk. "I burned them all."

"Good. At least he won't have as many toys to use against us in the future," Ganondorf said. Although he had failed, Dark Link had at least weakened the Hylian.

Suddenly the heart-shaped mask that was mounted on a nearby mantle spoke, its entrancing yellow eyes alight with fury.

"What about my mask? You promised me you would retrieve it for me, Ganondorf. We had a deal!"

"Silence," Ganondorf said. "While it's true that Link may still have the Fierce Deity's Mask, that doesn't mean we can't still retrieve it."

"You'd better! Or else I may just take this entire world for myself…"

"And how would you be able to do that, Majora?" asked Dark Link sarcastically. "Look at yourself! You're not even at half strength yet and my master has you trapped on that pathetic mount. Raise your voice to my master again and I'll gladly reduce you to cinders too!"

"What did you say to me!" roared the mask as tentacles appeared from it and shot out toward the older shadow of its mortal enemy. Dark Link drew his sword and shield with another smirk.

"Enough!" roared Ganondorf, plumes of magic steaming from his fists. He took a deep breath to compose himself again. Dark Link sheathed his weapons as Majora drew back its tentacles. However, it still kept them out.

"I assure you Majora, we will retrieve the Fierce Deity's Mask for you. Have patience. In the meantime, continue rebuilding your strength. I'll need you at full strength when the time is right."

The eyes of the ancient mask lit briefly before it fully retracted its tentacles.

"And this, my faithful servant of shadow," Ganondorf sneered at Dark Link, "is where you come in. Since you are so distraught over your failure, I thought you'd be excited to hear that I'm giving you another chance."

Dark Link's eyes lit up in an even brighter shade of red.

"Our spies have discovered that Link is travelling to Termina for his next match. I'm planning to stage an ambush before he reaches the capital. I was hoping that you would lead our forces. That is, if you are up for the challenge…"

"Of course I will!" Dark Link gleefully exclaimed as he stood up, excitement coursing through his being. The thrill of battle was all he lived for in this cursed world of light.

"Remember, your mission is to obtain the Fierce Deity's Mask from Link. I don't care how," Ganondorf explained. "Any Smashers you encounter are expendable."

"And the Hero? I mean, if I get the chance…"

Ganondorf thought about this for a moment before flashing a brief smile.

"If he can't win against you, then he certainly won't be a match for me. I'll leave it up to you to decide."

For one of the few times in his cursed existence, Dark Link gave the widest of smiles.

The heat wasn't quite as bad as the Gerudo Desert, but the thought wasn't too comforting as Link wiped the sweat from his brow, guiding Epona at a calm walking pace as he led his companions though the flat, barren regions of the Ikana Badlands. The Badlands, just outside Termina's dreaded Ikana Canyon, was their last obstacle before they reached Termina Field and ultimately, Clock Town.

Zelda fanned herself with her right hand as she kept the other snaked around Link's waist. She sighed, loathing the never-ending heat. Unlike Link, she wasn't used to the desert climate. She had joined the front lines of the war against Ganondorf long after Gerudo Valley had fallen to his forces, so she didn't have the same kind of experience Link did. But somehow, she was still coping. It was their other two companions behind them that she was more worried about.

"Ugh, it's too hot out here! Are we there yet? Sitting on this stupid horse isn't helping things, you know," Samus complained as she continued clinging onto Marth for dear life while he followed behind Epona. The prince rolled his eyes, sighing as silently as he could and wishing more than anything that he had brought earplugs. Since he had been brave enough to fly with Samus in her ship, he had proposed that she try out riding with him on horseback. The thought was pleasant, but the reality was terrible. She certainly was no damsel, that's for sure.

"I knew it was a bad idea leaving my Fusion Suit behind, at least it has air conditioning!"

"Samus, we're all hot. Bitching about it isn't going to make it any better," Marth said in a sour tone. Samus burned holes through the back of his head with her eyes.

After someone broke into Marth and Link's dorm and the incident near Venom, no one thought that Link going on his own to Termina would be a good idea. The Hylian was bitter that his masks were gone and that half of his equipment had been destroyed, but he was glad that Marth was unharmed. He could only speculate as to what they were after, though.

Ganondorf's televised victory over Captain Falcon had been followed by even more wins by the Gerudo in the following weeks. Each opponent that he faced was struck down with little effort, making the small group of friends even more uneasy, Link and Zelda most of all. Roy and Peach had matches back at the Holo-Stadium so at least they would stay safe in Smash Mansion.

Stories of Smashers being attacked while en route to matches were becoming more frequent, and no matter how much he protested, no one would let Link venture to Termina by himself. Besides, Zelda had always wanted to visit Termina, ever since Link had first told her stories about the strange parallel world. Samus and Marth elected to tag along for extra backup since both had finished their matches for the weekend.

"Link, how much farther do you think it is to Termina?" Marth called out. Link turned his head around to look at his friend and roommate.

"Well, we left the western part of the Lost Woods about four hours ago. I'd say about another two hours before we reach Ikana Canyon, then one more to reach Termina Field. It's smooth riding after that," Link yelled back.

The group of four continued riding in silence after that, the heat becoming less oppressive the closer they came to Ikana Canyon. After a quick water break and another hour of travel, they finally reached the canyon. All talking ceased as they passed through Ikana Graveyard. A sense of despair and sadness loomed over the group as they passed the many graves of fallen Ikana soldiers, all killed in a massive and bloody war long ago. Link had told them all of his race with Captain Keeta and his time exploring the graveyard shortly before the group reached it. He had warned them that Ikana was a place of death; that lost spirits such as the ninja-like Garo still roamed the lands, fighting a bloody civil war that had ended long ago.

None of them were particularly afraid of graveyards or the paranormal. All four had seen unexplainable phenomena in their travels, and all had dealt with souls of the dead. Even Samus, the most skeptical member of the group, could relate. Her experiences on Tallon IV with the poisoned souls of Chozo driven mad by the planet's Phazon content made a believer out of her.

Dampé the Gravekeeper gave a brief wave to Link as he made his rounds around the graves, caring for those that needed work as the four travelers passed by his hut and through the main entrance to the graveyard.

Finally, he spotted them. Two horses with a pair of individuals mounted on each came into view, heading away from the graveyard on the other side of the canyon. However, Dark Link was focused on the lead horse. A cold smile crossed his lips as he laid eyes on his target. It had been far too long since the Water Temple…

"Sir?" A Stalfos Knight in golden armor came up to his superior as he continued watching the four Smashers.

"Yes captain?"

"Our forces are prepared and waiting for your command, but the Gibdos are restless. The owners of that music box are missing and the Gibdos were desperately looking forward to slaughtering them as payback for their fallen brethren."

"They'll have to live then, won't they?" said Dark Link bitterly as he turned to face the captain, who ignored his leader's terrible pun. "I don't care about their issues so long as they follow my orders. But never mind them; I've finally sighted our target."

"Your orders then, commander?"

Dark Link turned back to the unaware Smashers, his eyes becoming an even brighter hue of red as thoughts of bloodshed filled his mind. The cold smile that adorned his lips widened even more as he formulated a plan. Oh how he was going to enjoy this.

"Kill them. Kill them all. All, except the Hero of Time. He's mine…"

"Link!"

Her words snapped him out of his daze. The Hylian looked back at his girlfriend, acting like nothing had happened.

"Yeah, Zel? What's up?" he asked with a slight smile.

"You zoned out there for a moment," she said with concern. "Is everything okay?"

Link wanted to tell her everything was fine; that they would be seeing the green fields of Termina Field in a matter of moments, that that sudden feeling in the back of his mind that something was wrong had never happened. But he couldn't bring himself to keep anything from her. He didn't want to worry her, nor did he want to worry Marth or Samus. But she at least deserved to know.

"I just have the nagging feeling something's wrong."

"What do you mean?" she asked. Link pointed up across the canyon.

"Look up there," Link said. "Do you see that rounded golden thing at the top of the ridge?"

"Barely," Zelda said.

"What you see up there is actually part of a music box house. A scientist and his daughter live there."

"What about them?"

"Well, usually they have music playing from the house that wards off Gibdos."

Zelda raised an eyebrow, astonished at imagining such a power to exist. "Oh wow! But how?"

Link couldn't help but smirk at this opportunity to impress her. "You see, the music acts as an exorcist of sorts. I don't know how, but somehow the melody separates the soul from their immortal bodies and sends them to the other world..."

"Amazing!"

"It is when the music's playing. But it's silent..."

He dozed off into questions of incertitude, pondering the many possibilities as to why in the world the music had ceased until something flashed in his peripheral vision. Quickly reacting on sheer reflex, he swung his arms around him to knock her off the horse.

"Link! What's the big i..." Suddenly her voice was cut off by the flash of an arrow zipping right over her head. "...dea..."

"MOVE!" the hero yelled as more arrows started shooting around them, scaring Epona into a fright. Link dismounted and pulled Zelda up with one hand, using his Hylian Shield the other for cover. He dragged her to the nearest boulder he could find while arrows struck the rocky earth around them.

"SHIT!" Samus shouted as Marth's horse reared up and knocked the pair of them off before taking off after Epona. Samus rolled out of the way of an oncoming arrow before drawing her emergency pistol and started firing back, squinting to see their attackers from above. Although the pistol was relatively weak and could only stun, it gave her something to fight with at least.

'That's it, I'm never leaving without my Fusion Suit again,' she grumbled as she grabbed a dazed Marth by the arm and pulled him behind another rock. Marth drew his Falchion even though he could do little at the moment. He saw Link firing back with his bow, struggling to see where the shots were coming from. It wasn't until he saw a Stalfos plummet from the cliff's edge did he recognize their attackers.

"Link, they have the higher ground! I don't think we'll be able to do too much," Marth called out. Samus made a break for it and ran over to them and shot another Stalfos.

"That's not saying much!" she shouted as she blindly shot in the air, praying to hit at least one of them. Luckily for her, another twitching Stalfos confirmed another direct hit

"We might have to make a run for it," said Link. "It'll be risky and we'll be vulnerable, but it might be our only chance. I don't think they're gonna run out of arrows anytime soon."

As if on cue, the arrows suddenly stopped.

"What's going on?" whispered Zelda.

"I'm not sure…" said Link as he peeked around the boulder. Slowly he sidestepped out from their cover, scanning the cliff edge for movement. He didn't see the shadow that slithered along the canyon floor and materialized behind him.

Link turned and found himself face-to-face with a creature he thought had never come to exist in this timeline; a creature that he thought he would never see again.

"Hello, brother…" Dark Link said with a sadistic grin before he grabbed the shocked Hylian by the shoulders. Before he knew what was happening, Link felt his entire body become enveloped in something chilling and liquid-like before the world turned dark around him.

"Link!" yelled Zelda as she rushed to where he had been moments before. She tried reaching out to him telepathically. No answer.

"We have to find him!"

"Sorry Zel, but we've got bigger problems right now!" Samus shouted as she and Marth joined her.

Zelda turned around to find hundreds of Stalfos and moblins facing them, weapons drawn. A group of Gibdos burst forth from the ground, their red eyes hungry for flesh and their moans chilling her to the bone.

"How in the name of Nayru did they—"

"I'm not sure," said Marth, "but it looks like we'll have to deal with them first." The Altean prince ran at the group, unleashing his Falchion on the nearest Stalfos and cleaving it neatly in two before it could raise its shield. Samus and Zelda nodded and joined the fray, Samus firing more plasma shots at the Stalfos while Zelda attacked the Gibdos with balls of Din's Fire.

'Screw this…' Samus thought as she watched her shots only slow down the oncoming Stalfos. She pressed a button on the side of the handle and flipped the top part of the chamber so that it pointed upward. With a press of the trigger, an orange energy whip materialized out of the gun. Without hesitation she swung the whip in a wide arc, cutting through four Stalfos directly in her way. Their severed bodies dropped to the ground in a mess of bones before the bodies disappeared in wisps of black smoke.

'Much better,' she smirked.

Zelda felt more Gibdos surrounding her from behind until she was separated from the other Smashers. With a brief charge of magic, she slammed her fist into the ground as Link had done many times before, enveloping herself in a fiery dome that incinerated every Gibdos around her. She slowly stood up and glanced briefly at her handiwork before turning back to look at the spot where her protector and lover had disappeared.

'We'll find you Link, I promise. Just hold on until we do,' she thought, determination etched onto her face as she activated Nayru's Love to protect against a Stalfos' lunge with its jagged, rusted sword.

And that's where I'll end things for now. Don't worry, I promise I won't take as long as last time to update (although I've done so before, so that's not saying much). In all honesty, I really want to complete this fic soon. This month will mark about six years now since I published the first chapter, and I feel like this fic should have been done a long time ago. That's why, in order to help me stay on task, I've called upon the expertise of The Stupendous Jimbo to help me out as my beta reader. He's been one of my best friends for several years now and even though he's more into writing humor, he knows what I want to do with this story and has a good eye for grammar errors and awkward sentences. So I'd like to give a special shout out to him for his help in the making of this chapter! Anyway expect more updates in the future, please review, thanks for sticking with me for so long and as always, thanks for reading. I'm still open to story ideas, so send me a PM (or a review?) if you have any. Keep an eye glued to my profile for progress updates!

-Chief