CHAPTER NINE

The Weapons Master was a large, burly man, covered in tattoos that depicted different scenes from pro wrestling, Greek and Roman mythology, and Spartan battles. His hair was black, long, and shaggy, tied back with a red strip of cloth. A strong jaw and black eyes completed the look. Ike thought that this man was someone you wanted to keep on your good side. He had arrived back to the Mansion a few minutes after dinner. He still hadn't introduced himself.

"Good evening, Smashers," the man said in a deep, throaty voice that was surprisingly calm. "My name is Cadmon, and, as I am sure the caretakers have told you, I am the Weapons Master. I am in charge of keeping your weapons safe and locked up, tight, in this room." He spoke quickly and with confidence, as if he were about to lead troops into battle. Cadmon tapped the metallic door with his hand, and turned to face the Smashers. "Any who does not use weapons in battle can leave their vaults empty. Magic, Pokemon, use of body, all that." He put his hands behind his back and gave them a quick bow.

Almost half the Smashers sat back down in their seats, enjoying conversation with each other and giving the remainders curious looks.

"Also. For you all sitting down, and indeed everyone, use of your abilities is forbidden and strictly reinforced." Cadmon said quietly, giving those Smashers a long, hard look.

He turned to face the door, his hands still clasped behind his back. He opened the various locks and keypads in several seconds, and Ike shuddered when he heard the technology hiss and sputter, like a dangerous, feral animal.

Ike's double-handed Ragnell was resting on his shoulder. He toted it easily with one hand, despite it being a double-handed. He didn't know when or where he had gotten his strength. It had just always been there.

The line started to move, slowly. He heard small gasps and huffs of surprise. When he entered the long corridor, he could understand why. It was wide, long, and silver, with thirty six room leading off from it. These must be the vaults.

He saw Cadmon standing on a ledge. "Vaults are ordering according to your tier rankings. Anyone who would like to know their rankings, please see this chart behind me. Doors open like your bedrooms. Most powerful weapons in back, least in front, if you have more than one."

He stepped off the landing and walked out of the Vaults, and stood outside it. "Princess Zelda, a word, please," he said in a clipping tone, bowing. The princess looked surprised, and after a moment's hesitation, she stood gracefully and walked over to Cadmon, who stood away from everyone.

Ike watched curiously as he instructed her quietly about something. She nodded and pulled a small oilcloth out from somewhere. She placed it in the Weapon Master's hands and thanked him, and then sat back down, ignoring the curious looks of Peach.

"You're not going to get far in the tournament if you don't pay attention," Ike heard a simpering voice laugh.

"Thank you, Marth. That means it'll be such a pleasure when I defeat you in the Brawling."

The spoiled prince laughed. "As if. You couldn't beat me if you tried. I won against all my father's men!"

"That's because he didn't want a royal tantrum ruining his good mood. No one ever tried against you, because you would have had them killed!"

Marth's face darkened. "I'll show you my abilities have far surpassed yours."

"I highly doubt that."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. I have lived in your barracks since I was an infant, and I saw the horrors of war like you never have!"

Marth smiled an impish grin and leaned close to Ike, "You saw that girl who served us? The pretty one with the weird eyes? Yes, she was destined to be my betrothed, but her father betrayed us. He was trash, and his whole family, as well. Such a shame… He had her father executed, and now she is only above you, and your father- umph."

Ike's fist had acted without his brain's permission. His clenched hand made contact with Marth's nose as if by magic. The punch slammed Marth to the hard, metallic ground and made a satisfying crunch. The next thing he knew, Marth was on the ground with a broken nose, blood dripping into his open, surprised mouth.

Strong hands gripped Ike's shoulders and tore Ragnall from his hand. He saw Cadmon's furious face inches from his, and Ike gulped in a deep breath. Ragnell clattered to the floor, echoing in the silence.

"What did I just tell you?" Cadmon said in a dangerously calm voice.

"Uhh-"

"No. I told the whole group use of abilities is forbidden. That includes punches, and now because you disobeyed me, a young man is on the group, injured." He spun Ike around so he could see Marth being helped up by April, blood still falling and a bruise already forming where Ike's fist had made contact with it. Marth smiled, a horrible look of triumph on his battered face. He made a small, rude gesture when no one was looking besides Ike. Ike felt his face contract into a deep frown of disgust.

"Sir."

Both Cadmon and Ike turned, facing, of all people, Lyssa.

"Sir," she repeated, eyes steady and face composed. "Sir, it was an accident that Master Ike hit Master Marth."

Ike's jaw dropped open in surprise, and he didn't seem to be able to close it again. He looked at Cadmon, whose eyes where narrowed suspiciously.

"How do you know, girl?"

"I saw it. Marth took Ike by surprise, and Master Ike has been jumpy. So when Master Marth tapped him on the shoulder, it was his first reaction." She bowed her head.

Cadmon slowly turned to face Ike. "Is this true?" he asked.

Ike nodded quickly. He risked a look at Marth. The brat had froze, looking at Lyssa, then Cadmon, then Ike. "No!" Marth burst, ripping himself from April's grip. "She lies!"

Cadmon said quietly, "Lyssa has never lied, in anyone's presence." He faced Ike and smiled. "I am sorry, boy. Just don't let it happen again." But his eyes were still suspicious, and Ike knew that he would have to try to control his anger more.

Ike tried to keep from grinning hugely, but he couldn't. So he bowed and murmured thanks. As he came back up, he saw the other Smashers. They had also frozen, and Peach's hands had flown to her mouth and Ganondorf was staring coldly at him, arms crossed, a small smile creeping into his features. Nana and Popo cowered next to Wolf and Fox, trying not the see the blood but at the same time looking.

Marth stormed off to the Infirmary, April following, blood spattering on the polished wood floors of the Great Hall.

Cadmon sighed, and said, "Lyssa. Please clean this up." She nodded and bowed, hurrying out of the room.

Those were the magic words. Everyone relaxed, and a few nervous laughs escaped Ike. He quickly retrieved Ragnell, found his vault (number 26) and stored the gold sword in the back.

As he was coming out of the Vaults, he ran into Lyssa. She gave him a small, thankful smile, and her eyes looked like they were shimmering in tears, for some reason. Ike sat down in a black chair by the fire, wondering if she had somehow heard his whole conversation with the spoiled prince…