CHAPTER FOUR

As they approached the final station, Link could only see flashes of light, silhouetting the throngs of paparazzi that were waiting to snatch up the new Smashers as they exited the shuttle.

Link looked around. Almost everyone was looking outside the window, worried expressions frozen. Well, everyone except for Mario and Peach. They were used to it, of course.

Mario and Samus were comforting Peach as silent tears fell down her cheeks. Link was impressed. Had he found out his best friend's father had been assassinated and then his best friend was now the king (or queen) and the next target on the list of killers, he would have lost control of his sword.

"Its not fair."

Link looked at Zelda. "What isn't?"

The elf queen nodded her head toward Peach. "That she has to get that news and then almost immediately face the press. They are going to eat that up and mark her out to be cruel and non-caring." Zelda settled back in the chair. "Which, of course, she isn't."

"Okay, everyone." They all looked up. Chiarina was standing at the front of the cabin, looking as calm and collected as when they first got on.

"April is going to go first through the press, to distract them. Then you all will go, I will follow. They will start to ask- no, not ask. More like scream questions at you. And they will take every movement you make as an answer. Do not change your expression, or look at anyone, or twitch. These people are paparazzi, and they can take any of us down with a bad picture or a sentence."

"You speak of them as though they were wild animals."

Chiarina looked at the person who spoke. She smiled a little. "Yes, well, they are very close, Snake. When they smell blood, they swarm." She turned and started to walked away. Chiarina paused, then said over her shoulder, "Before I forget, leave your luggage her. Someone will come and collect them after we leave. If anyone does not want to face the press, you may use this rear exit right here." She tapped the door before leaving the cabin.

Ganondorf smiled at her, and then said to Snake, "Ha, I believe she might like you."

"No, she doesn't. She just thinks I am extremely annoying."

"Or that."

Wolf looked at the sleeping Ice Climbers. He had no idea how to wake them up without them starting a tantrum. He started to shake them awake when Peach swooped down and gently moved Nana into her arms, so that Nana was covering most of Peach's face. She was still crying. Wolf and Peach looked at each other and then he did the same thing to Popo.

April stood at the front, making sure everyone was awake and ready to go. "Everyone ready?" Most of them nodded. She looked around again. "If you want to leave through the back way, please exit now." Snake, Ganondorf, and Meta Knight silently filed through the door. April sighed, freezing her face into a polite smile before her finger pressed the button to open the door.

And it was indeed like a swarm of wild animals.

"OVER HERE, Mario!!"

"Peach! How do you feel about Daisy becoming queen before you?"

"April, where are Snake and Ganondorf?"

"Marth! Smile!"

"Luigi, do you feel you should be with your girlfriend in her time of need?"

"Wolf, this is a side we have never seen before!"

"Red, do you have any more Pokémon with you?"

"Falco, what happened to your wing?"

"Zelda! Link! How long have you two been together?"

"SAMUS! First time ever seen out of your Power Suit, how do you feel?"

"EVERYONE! How do you all feel about the movie-"

On and on and on it went. Microphones were shoved into their faces, cameras were filming them live, and overly tanned reporters trying to get the next 'big thing' before the night was over. Fox's ears were getting flatter and flatter, and Link was holding Zelda closer and closer. Red pulled his cap over his eyes, and Nana was clutching Peach as if she were the only thing holding her to the Earth, staring with wide eyes. Lucas and Ness were following April so closely, they would have tripped her if they walked any faster. Chiarina started to push the Smashers forward gently to get them moving from there frozen states.

The car was there, mercifully, on time and ready to go as soon as they were in. Ganondorf, Snake, and Meta Knight were already on board, waiting. April and Chiarina made sure everyone was on, gave the press one last tight smile, and then they hopped on board and closed the door. As soon as the door clicked shut, the chauffeur was off, speeding down the otherwise quiet country lane.

They were all stunned. Shocked might be a better word for it. None of them, not even the veteran fighters expected that. April and Chiarina and now Ganondorf and Snake knew, of course, but had not yet told the group about the movie. Peach switched Nana from her arm to her hip before wiping her eyes. Popo clutched at Wolf with shaking arms, but those were the only movements the rest of the ride to the Smash Mansion.

After about twenty minutes driving in silence, April finally announced their arrival to the house. The car stopped and they all silently filed off, gazing with tired eyes at their house for the next year.

Castle would be a better word for it then mansion. It looked like an ancient king's old court, carved from marble and overlooking a valley and lake. It had several turrets, more than five floors, and a wide open garden in front and back. It looked formidable and yet, at the same time, more welcoming than the press had been.

Chiarina punched in the code to the front door. It swung silently open, allowing them entry into the grand hall. On the top staircase, a young teen was waiting for them. She bowed.

"Hello, Smashers. Good evening, April, Chiarina."

They both absentmindedly nodded towards the chef's apprentice, filling out forms and locking up for the night.

The girl sighed, and then turned toward the rest of them. "I was told to wait here, on the chance if anyone was hungry or thirsty." She looked around at them. They all looked at each other, and then everyone except for Ganondorf and Snake nodded. They were all going, because they felt closer because of what they have been through in the amount of time that they had all known each other. "Very well. We only have a soup available to eat, but we have drinks aplenty. Follow me, please." She bowed again, and turned down the hall.

Everyone followed, except for the two dressed in black. Ganondorf looked at Snake, and then went to April.

"Ah, excuse me, if we just want to go to our rooms, they would be which way?"

"Up the stairs, down the hall on your right. They are all numbered. Look at your sheet for your room number. It should just open automatically to your touch."

Ganondorf smiled, and then bowed, "Thank you. And good night." He started to walk away, Snake close behind.

Snake was unaware of Chiarina watching him leave, a curious expression on her face until she saw April smiling at her, at which point it disappeared. April chuckled and Chiarina sighed, going to the kitchen for a quick snack.

Soon, all would be still, and silent. But not for long. Why? Breakfast.