Sweat beaded on Ike's forehead as he swung his fist heavily into the bag hanging about a foot in front of him. A loud thud echoed through the room as he connected with his target. The bag was given no reprieve as Ike's other fist slammed into it with just as much force as the previous one. One after another blows were landed on the bag as the chain jingled mockingly; it dared Ike to punch it that much harder, to try and detach it from the bag. It had been several days since Ike had arrived at the mansion and after several victories over Intermediate level fighters and one loss against Samus; Ike decided that the Advanced tier was where he would be situated if he didn't improve. It was now three in the morning, but Ike couldn't sleep. He had suffered from insomnia ever since he was little and he knew that it was better to use the time for something productive rather than just sitting on his butt wishing he could sleep. He was also awake for another reason. Tomorrow, or rather, later that day, he would be sent on his first mission. It was going to be a large group, the maximum five members going. The mission wasn't dangerous, Master Hand just wanted as much information without sending people out on too many missions. The people going were himself, Zelda, Link, Samus, and Pikachu; although he wasn't supposed to even know about this stuff. Fortunately he had gotten along with everyone, even Link. Samus was as crude as ever, but she at least seemed to be friendly towards Ike, even offering him advice on watching his blind side after their match.

"What are you doing up?" asked a male voice incredulously.

Ike, who had been trapped in a mire of thoughts, was stunned for a moment as he slowly regained focus. He turned to who had spoken. Link was standing in the doorway. He was wearing his nightclothes, a plain white t-shirt, heavy sweat pants, and a green sleeping cap. Ike, who was wearing a solid black wife-beater style shirt and blue flannel pants grinned sheepishly and responded, "Sorry, can't sleep." Ike took off the wraps on his hand and dabbed his brow with a towel, sitting down on a bench in the process. He let out a heavy breath.

Link smiled and rolled his eyes. "You muscle heads, always gotta act all tough and dramatic." Link sat down on the bench across from Ike.

"You twigs, always so brittle," Ike countered with a chuckle. He took a swig from a water bottle he had placed next to his stuff. There was silence for a while until Ike asked, "By the way, what are you still doing up?"

"My room's right above here. I can hear you slamming that thing pretty well." Ike nodded in satisfaction and there was silence once more. "You nervous?" Link asked with a sly smile.

"Not really, it's just scouting. If we have to do any fighting, Aether and I got it covered." Ike replied confidently. He wasn't nervous. He had killed many people and animals before, it was nothing new and he didn't care if anyone saw. He would be gone before they could utter the word "help."

Link pulled out a cigarette and twirled it in his hand. Ike looked at him with disgust. "Don't worry, I don't smoke; Zel would kill me if I did. Samus asked me to hide it for her while Master Hand searches her room."

"Is she really that desperate for it that she can't go a week, she only has two more days, I believe." Ike responded, shrugging a duffel bag up on to his shoulder.

"It's more just because Master Hand says she's not supposed to, I think. Anyway, you ever seen who we're fighting?"

Ike shook his head slowly. "I assumed they'd just be humans with guns"

Link stood and stretched before yawning. "They're human alright, but they've changed. You can see it in their eyes. They're stark white, like there was nothing ever there." Ike's memory instantly flashed to Shade's eyes. His were an eerie, milky white. Seeming to pick up on Ike's thoughts, Link said, "No, Shade is different. He has an iris and pupils. Their eyes are literally just white, nothing in them. If you see that and they're not performing with a sign next to them, strike."

"Thanks for the tip."

"It's nothing. Now, I'm going back to bed and you should too. Or at least get a shower, you stink." Link laughed as he jogged away, his arms hanging by his sides sleepily.

Ike shook his head and headed upstairs to his room.

(=)(=)(=)(=)

Back in his room, he let down his bag with a soft thud. He went over to the small kitchen and pulled out a glass from the sink. He switched on the faucet and filled his cup. He had learned how to use most of the things in the mansion thanks to the others, but he still wasn't going to be watching TV without someone else for fear of somehow locking it or having it explode. After he'd finished his glass, he set it to the side, glancing at it occasionally. Finally, he grabbed it and reached on top of his fridge for a bottle of whiskey, courtesy of Samus. Ike wasn't a heavy drinker, but he did like some every once in a while. He uncorked the top and poured a small bit of the alcohol into his cup. He placed the top back in and returned the bottle to its place.

Ike picked up the glass and walked over to a full wall window. He was lucky enough to get a corner room so he peered out over the grassy and hilly landscape. The moon was bright that night but clouds drifted lazily over it every now and again, changing the area ever so slightly. When the clouds covered the moon everything seemed so dark and scary, like everything was just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting presence. When the moon came out, it banished the mystery back into its recesses. Ike swirled the amber liquid in his glass then took a small sip. He enjoyed these peaceful times. The times when everything was still and there was room for imagination and a false manipulation of reality, it was truly relaxing. Basically, it was fun to fuck things up in his mind.

As Ike watched the night go by, he noticed movement across the field. It was cloudy, so he couldn't see exactly who or what it was, but he instinctively crouched lower and took another sip of his drink. The moon was revealed and as such revealed the identity of the movement. It was Shade. He was wearing a red sweatshirt with blue jeans on. Ike could see that his feet were bare. He didn't have his swords on him and his hair was tied back.

Ike shook his head. What's he doing down there? Ike thought to himself. Master Hand had explained that in this dimension there were numerous dangerous creatures specific to this place, some of which only came out at night. Ike took another drink and realized he was finished. He pouted for a moment then placed it on the table beside his bed. Looking back at Shade, Ike saw more movement, something very clearly not humanoid. It slithered on the ground and creepily moved closer and closer to Shade. More clouds parted so that the being was in full view. The skin was and diminished red color, closer to cold skin than anything else. Cuts lined its body and blisters popped every now and again. Two beady orange eyes were like miniature sonar devices, locking onto their target with pinpoint accuracy. The monster opened its mouth and revealed a row of jagged, pointed teeth. A tongue snaked its way out of the mouth and glided over the snake's entire body, making it glisten. It was called an Abmam, a dangerous, snake-like creature. They had a tendency to grow up to twelve or thirteen feet in length. It continued its way over to shade as Ike resisted the urge to scream for Shade to turn around.

However, right as the Abmam lifted its head up, not a foot away from Shade, he turned and spotted it. However, rather than running or trying to kill it, Ike watched in disbelief as Shade smiled and held out his hand. The Abmam opened its mouth and clamped down as Ike winced. Shade, however, remained perfectly still and smiling. Finally, the snake opened its mouth from Shade's hand and he lifted it up in the light as if to show the world that he was unharmed. He then put his hand down and the Abmam began to slither up his arm, into his sleeve and onto his chest. Shade stood up and then removed his sweatshirt, revealing his bare top. The Abmam squirmed unnervingly all over his chest and arms. He began walking back towards the mansion entrance and was lost to Ike's view.

Ike moved away from the window and shook his head once more. That was one of the creepiest things that he'd ever seen. Not only had Shade just let one of the more infamous creatures of the night bite him, but he'd just let it crawl all over him. Ike lay down in his bed and began staring at the ceiling. He had a few hours to kill until the early morning breakfast goers came down, so he decided to start drawing lines in the ceiling with his mind.

(=)(=)(=)(=)

Ike opened his eyes with a start as his clock began to beep at him. He wasn't even aware that he'd fallen asleep for a few hours. The time read 6:30 in the morning. Ike enjoyed getting up early, it let him eat breakfast in peace and leave before everyone started to question him about his latest contracts. He sat up erect and then stood. He twisted a few times and looked back at his bed. He never bothered to actually get under his sheets for the night so he straightened everything out and then grabbed his key and headed out the door. The hallways were quiet as Ike silently walked past several doors, down two sets of stairs and into the café. The interior was mostly empty and since the café faced west, the sun didn't glare directly into it and gave it a comfortable atmosphere. Only three others were in there, Zelda, who was reading a book as she sipped coffee out of a mug, Lucas, who nervously picked at his eggs and bacon on his plate, and Wolf, who was smoking a cigarette next to an open window. Ike pulled up a chair across from Zelda and said, "Morning."

Zelda glanced up and smiled lightly. "Good morning," she responded and went back to reading her book. Ike sat back in his chair and waited as Sheila arrived over to him. Ike ordered a plate of biscuits and an apple. He then placed his hands, folded together, on the table and began to wait. He knew not to bother Zelda while she was reading in the morning, but he took the time to look at her. Her hair was braided low and she was wearing a thin sweatshirt over her nightgown. Her eyes remained glued to her book as they scanned line after line, word after word, letter after letter. Her foot tapping echoed faintly in the empty room.

Sheila arrived back with a plate of biscuits topped with gravy and placed a shiny green apple next to it. "Anything to drink, hun?" she asked.

"Coffee."

"Black?"

"You know me too well," Ike responded friendly. Sheila smiled and headed back behind a counter. She grabbed a pitcher of coffee and a mug. When she returned to the table, she placed the mug on the table and poured the coffee. She then reached over to where Zelda's mug was half full and filled it completely, then dropped a creamer and packet of sugar next to it. She left with a wink.

Zelda looked up and blinked as Ike began to devour his breakfast. "Was Sheila just here?"

"Yea," Ike mumbled through a mouthful of hot biscuit and gravy.

Zelda blinked again and placed her book down, putting an elegant bookmark to keep her place. "I'll thank her later." Zelda smiled at Ike who was now taking a huge bite out of his apple. "Hungry much?"

After swallowing Ike said, "Yea, couldn't sleep last night so I started training, I am starving!" Ike took another large bite of biscuit and sipped some of his coffee.

Zelda rolled her eyes and said sweetly, "You're a piggy." She took her own steaming cup and prepared to take a sip, but stopped and her eyes grew wide.

Ike turned and saw two people entering the café. One was Eon Angelos. He was wearing a sleeveless white t-shirt with camo shorts held by a silver belt. He had a cross necklace and a halo above his head, similar to Pit's. He took a seat at the same table as Lucas and ordered something from Sheila. The second person was Samus. She was a complete mess. Her blonde hair was tangled and in her face. She wore a plain white t-shirt, which made it very clear that she wasn't wearing a bra and gray shorts. She stumbled over to the table that Ike and Zelda were at. She sat down heavily and with a grunt. After blowing hair out of her face, she slammed her head down on her arms and moaned loudly.

Zelda gently patted Samus' head but had her hand swatted away. "Ugh, you know not to do that in the mornings, princess." Samus spat the words like venom.

Zelda smirked and stated, "You never get up before ten unless you have a mission and ours doesn't start until 11, what's up?"

"I fell out of my damn bed and now my head hurts like shit!" Samus complained, lifting her head up in the process and waving one of the other servers, Mike, over. She quickly ordered a ham sandwich, a beer, and two aspirin. Silence permeated the café once more. Lucas had finished and left without being noticed by anyone. Eon had received his food and now had his hands clasped together and head bowed in what many would assume to be prayer. Ike was continuing to eat and Zelda began to read her book once more before Samus shouted, "Hey, why the hell does the talking wolf with the unoriginal name get to smoke, but I can't!"

Wolf's eyes grew wide as he desperately tried to get rid of the cigarette. He only managed to throw it out the window, still lit. Sheila rushed over and poured a pitcher of water on it, making sure the grass didn't catch fire outside. Samus glared at Wolf as he hastily exited the café.

Samus' food arrived and she shook her head. After taking the cap off her beer with her teeth, she drank some and then popped two aspirin in her mouth, swallowing quickly. "Okay, give me a second." She shook her head furiously and her hair somehow managed to straighten itself. She pulled it into her high ponytail and then began to pick at her sandwich.

Ike smirked at Zelda and thought to himself, I can't wait to be stuck with her for the next few days. Zelda smiled back, drained the last of her coffee and stood up.

"I'll be getting ready if you need me. When Link can't find his hookshot, it's under his bed."

Ike laughed, Eon broke prayer to chuckle, and even Samus managed to smile.

(=)(=)(=)(=)

Ike was now waiting in the foyer. His armor was on and Aether was next to him in its sheath, leaned up against a pillar. A small bag filled with clothes, toiletries, and the picture he had taken with him was by his feet. He drummed his fingers on his arm. Samus was in her full suit besides her helmet and the gun on her arm. She was carefully polishing it and checking it for any imperfections or damage. She also had a bag next to her, which Pikachu was dozing on top of. Ike thought it funny what Pikachu's human form could possibly look like.

"Link, your shoes are on the wrong feet!" chastised Zelda as she walked down ahead of Link. She was wearing her dress and had two bags. One was a smaller backpack and the other was a heavy duffel, presumably with Link's belongings. Link followed behind her in his classic green attire, without shoes as he tried to walk down stairs and put on shoes. Zelda walked to the middle of the foyer as Link put on his shoes, on the correct feet this time. He got up, blushing and Zelda shoved his bag into his arms, rolling her eyes in the process. "What would you do without me?"

"Have uncomfortable feet?" Ike suggested. A round of laughter, especially from Zelda, came from the group.

Link shouldered his bag and said, "Believe me; my hat would probably be on my butt right now without Zel." Zelda lightly punched Link in the shoulder as another laugh made its way from person to person to Pokemon.

After everything quieted down, a rush of wind announced the presence of Master Hand. He seemed to be smiling, but Ike couldn't tell for sure. "Hello, you all, how are you today?

"Someone is in a chipper mood today," Samus commented, placing her gun on her arm and locking it into place. She put her helmet under one arm, lightly pushed Pikachu off her bag and hefted it over her head and onto her opposite shoulder. Ike did the same with Aether and pulled the strings on his burlap sack of a bag and picked it up. He did prefer to have some of his old things with him.

"I'm just a tad excited for the first mission of the season. For two of you it is your first mission so I will go over a few things for you. First, all of your armor or suits or any other anomaly that wouldn't allow you to fit in with the rest of this universe's society will be changed into regular clothing. Link, Zelda, you know what happens to your ears. Pikachu, you get to experience being a human for a little while." Master Hand explained.

"Pika!"

"Second, if you need any of your armor or weapons, merely think about it and it will appear to you. However, you won't be able to get it if you don't truly need it. Also, the humans will not be able to see anything like that. Ike, they would see you with a rusty pipe beating on a man or beast, for example. Finally, I will try to tailor your outfits to your individual tastes." Master Hand stopped and floated over to the teleporters that usually took contestants to the waiting rooms. "These have been calibrated," Master Hand said methodically, "To take you to your destination, which is Chicago, Illinois. It's a big city in this universe where there have been reports of activity. However, watch out for any local gangs or other criminals, we don't want to shed more blood than necessary."

"And if one does attack us?" Ike questioned.

"Kill them," Master Hand stated, although it was more of an order. "The reports are in a better part of the city, so I hope that you won't run into too much trouble, just be careful at night, especially you girls."

Zelda looked at Samus who just shrugged as if she was bored. "Let's just go then!" Samus exclaimed impatiently. She walked over to one of the teleporters and stepped inside, allowing the glass door to close behind her. She motioned for the others to step into theirs and then put on her helmet, obscuring her face.

Everyone began filing in, with much hesitation from Ike. Finally everyone was in and Master Hand pulled a large button from who-knows-where. "One last thing," he said. "Do have fun, explore a bit while you work!" With that, he pressed the button and the teleporters whirred to life, creating five bright flashes before revealing five empty containers.

(=)(=)(=)(=)

Ike pressed his eyes close as tightly as he could. Wind rushed past his face and slapped skin against skin. Aether's sheath strap dug into a crook in his shoulder armor and he felt as if his boots were coming off. Suddenly, his back felt very light and he frantically put a hand there. Aether and his armor were gone, replaced by a somewhat tough fabric. However, before Ike could process what had just happened, everything stopped. He felt his feet touch solid, carpeted ground, and the wind died down.

He opened his eyes and he looked around the room in a slight panic. He was obviously in another hotel. Cheap art hung from the white-washed walls. Two beds were evenly spaced apart and a brown bed stand was in between them. The carpet was blood red and there was a dresser next to him. A mirror rested on the wall above the dresser. Ike looked in it and was shocked at what he saw. His hair was still its natural dark blue color and he still had his red headband, but it had been turned into more of a folded bandana. He was wearing a white t-shirt with a navy blue button-up shirt on top of it. The buttons were wide open. He had heavy cargo shorts on and tennis shoes. He looked himself over and noticed that there were no physical changes to him, of which he was quite relieved.

Two flashes of light brought Ike's attention to where Zelda and Link were now standing. It was very clear that their ears were now round and they seemed a little less elfish. Link had a very tight, but long, green shirt on with tight khaki pants, showing how skinny he truly was. There were also sunglasses on his face with a black fedora resting on top of his mop of blonde hair. He looked at himself in the mirror and adjusted his hat so it was further towards the back. He smiled and touched his ears a few times. Zelda still had a sort of elegant beauty to her. She was wearing pink tank-top and white pants. She was wearing sandals with no back to them and had long earrings on her rounded off ears. She smiled at Ike and said, "You look good."

Ike nodded at her and said, "You do, as well."

Link jumped in the middle and laughed, "Well I think I'm lookin' pretty sexy myself." Ike softly slugged him in the shoulder while Zelda giggled and rolled her eyes.

One more flash and Samus appeared. She had on a loose black shirt that hung off one shoulder and a leather jacket that also hung off of her shoulders. Heavy military pants adorned her legs and she wore thick, black leather boots. Her hair was down, but combed out. She had aviator-style sunglasses that reflected Ike's face back at him and an unlit cigarette hung loosely out of her mouth. She strode to the mirror confidently and pulled her jacket up over her shoulders. "Damn, Hand, I'm not that much of a slut." She brushed her bangs out of her eyes and pulled a lighter out of her jacket pocket. She smirked gleefully, saying, "At least he gave me this." She flipped the top and the small flame jumped out. After lighting her cigarette she walked over to a screen door and opened it, leaning in the doorframe and blowing the smoke out onto the tiny balcony.

One final flash revealed a rather petite girl, much to Ike, Zelda, and Link's surprise. She had long and wavy, light blonde hair with big brown eyes. Her face had a heavy natural blush to it and her lips were small. She was not very curvy or well-endowed, but still had a certain cuteness to her. She was wearing a tight yellow shirt and a red skirt that was just down to her thighs. She quickly pushed people out of the way and looked at herself, touching her face and then looking at each of her five fingers. She felt her smooth skin which was such an eerie feeling to one used to being covered in fur. She turned and opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Finally, she said, "Hi, guys."

"Pikachu?" Zelda asked incredulously. "Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me!" she squealed ecstatically. "So this is what it's like to walk on long legs!" She walked up to where Ike, Link, and Zelda were standing, but she only came up to Zelda's chin. She frowned slightly in disappointment and complained, "And I'm still shorter than all of you!" She sat down on the bed and crossed her legs when she remembered that she was wearing a skirt.

"Umm, Pikachu…" Link stammered out.

"Yes?" she answered perkily

Link put a hand to his mouth and then said, "I didn't know that you were a girl."

Zelda and Ike nodded their heads whilst Samus broke into a hearty laughter. Pikachu blushed heavier than what was already on her face and crossed her arms, but seemed surprise to find her breasts there. "Yes, I am a girl!" she practically yelled. "Did you all not bother to check on my profile?"

The two warriors and Zelda looked at each other bashfully. Samus dropped the last few ashes of her cigarette off the side of the balcony and then threw the butt into an empty flower pot. She sat down next to Pikachu and gave her a hug. "I'm going to have so much fun explaining all the wondrous things you get to experience as a human!"

Pikachu looked at Samus curiously and asked, "Like what?" Her voice was like that of an innocent child.

Samus chortled and whispered something in her ear. Pikachu began to blush so heavily that her face could have been mistaken for a cherry. "Boys," Samus stated, turning to Link and Ike. "I'd suggest leaving and going to the bar or something."

"Yes, I'd have to agree," Ike said hurriedly and quickly dashed out of the room, letting Link out before he called to Zelda, "Are you coming, or staying?"

Zelda looked at Pikachu's still blushing face and said, "I think I should stay here to make sure Samus doesn't scar the poor girl for life." Samus smiled proudly.

(=)(=)(=)(=)

When Pikachu exited the one of three hotel rooms that were mysteriously rented out to the five of them, she was holding herself and shuddered a few times. Zelda smirked quietly whilst Samus was still enjoying herself to no end. "So, how do like being a human female so far?" she asked jokingly.

Pikachu glared at Samus and her hands sparked a little bit. "Can we please stop talking about all of the necessary things I need to do?"

"Oh come on, I'm sure some Pikachu things are just as bad!" Samus wrapped an arm around her and laughed once more.

"No, other than heat and keeping clean, we don't really have to worry about certain…aspects of our lives as much." Pikachu shrugged Samus' arm off and said, "Besides, it's not like I'm going to be stuck in this form for more than a few days at a time, right?"

Zelda put her hand one her chin and replied, "Actually, some missions can last longer than a month…so…" Zelda trailed off as Pikachu sighed heavily.

"Fun shit, eh?" Samus asked. She was getting an unusual amount of pleasure from all of the teasing. "Can't wait to take you to the section on convenience stores where men never dare to tread!" Pikachu looked at Samus, her eyes becoming a little bit misty. She didn't particularly mind if people teased her, but with issues like that thrust upon her, she was getting rather hurt and uncomfortable. She began to walk faster down the hallway and disappeared down a set of stairs, albeit a little bit clumsily.

Zelda glared at Samus and admonished, "You seriously are pushing it. She's new to the whole mission thing and she doesn't need you making a big deal out of her newer anatomy!"

Samus, who was usually quick to come up with a rebuttal, looked at the staircase as she watched Pikachu holding onto the railing as she slowly made her way down to the bottom floor. She felt guilty for making her cry and desperately wanted to apologize. "Let's go find the guys," she suggested quietly. "There's a bar right next door, so they'll probably be there." She then hurried down the stairs and quickly steadied Pikachu as she nearly fell down.

(=)(=)(=)(=)

"Look, all I'm saying is that a one-handed blade is far superior to a two-handed one," Link stated confidently. He and Ike were sitting in a dive bar directly next to the hotel. They were in a booth and speaking quietly. There was a beer in front of each of them and they both kept an eye out, somewhat lazily, for any signs of specific activity. However, they had long grown bored and were now debating whether the Master Sword or Aether was better, quietly, of course.

"I know you can hold a shield with it, but I can block just fine with Aether," Ike countered, taking a small sip of his bottled beer.

Link sighed and said, "It has all sorts of uses. You can bash with it."

"The pommel."

"You can disarm with it."

"I have a technique for that."

Link's face was getting a bit red with anger and he threw up his hands in exasperation. "Fine, you win, two-handed is better than one! Happy?"

Ike half-smiled and rolled the nearly empty bottle between his hands. "How about we call it even, you stick with yours, and I stick with mine."

"Fine, whatever." Link grabbed his cup and took a long gulp, downing the rest of his drink. He set it on the edge of the table and watched as the door opened and the girls walked in. They made their way over to where Link and Ike were sitting, but both men noticed the looks they were getting from many of the males in the place. Zelda took a seat next to Link, moving somewhat close to him. Samus sat next to Ike and he could have sworn he saw her wink at some burly guy at the counter. There were no more spaces on the booth so Pikachu grabbed a chair from an unused table and placed it at the end of theirs. She crossed her arms and smiled lightly at Ike and Link.

"Did you guys actually get anything done, or did you just sit here and drink the funds Master Hand gave us away?" Samus asked, making a very strong attempt not to look at Pikachu.

"We looked around for a bit, but we didn't mind anything relevant," Ike responded professionally. He pulled out a map with several locations circled. "I think that we should be in groups of two," he stated. "It can be Link and Zelda, me and Pikachu, and Samus; I think you can handle yourself."

Zelda twisted her fingers together and said, "Why do you have Pikachu and me as the helpless damsels?" She sounded very indignant.

"I don't, it's just you two don't exactly look the part for wandering around a city alone. As powerful as I know you both are, I don't want to take any chances. Samus will be fine, she at least look like she knows what she's doing," Ike nodded at Samus and she nodded back.

"Believe me; I've had to deal with worse creeps than these." She took a long look around, but her eyes seemed to constantly come back to one man who kept glancing over his shoulder at the group. Samus turned back to the table where Ike was pointing out different places that Master Hand suggested.

Link looked impressed. "You sure do know a lot about this type of stuff."

"Thanks, as a mercenary, you kind of have to know a lot. You get more work that way," he explained.

Suddenly, Pikachu squeaked shrilly. The man Samus had been observing was behind her and had his hands on her hips. He was rather large and looked like he could have eaten her if he wanted to. He wore a skull-covered bandana and a heavily stained white shirt. His jeans were ripped and he wore dirty shoes. He had the same mirrored sunglasses that Samus wore, only he had them on inside, Samus did not. "Hello, sweetie, want to come in the back with me?" He spoke the words like he was attempting to be suave, but came across more as creepy. The heavy scent of alcohol penetrating everyone's nostrils did not help his case either.

"Umm…no…n-no…no thank you…" Pikachu stammered softly, attempting to gently remove the man's hands off from her waist. All she succeeded in doing was moving them higher up, closer to her breasts.

"It's okay, my lovely, I know how to handle virgins," he whispered.

Pikachu desperately looked at the others at the table. Samus was the first to speak. "Look, if you really want to fuck someone that badly, let's just go, honey." Her speech was direct and had a bit of a sultry edge to it. She stood and let her jacket fall off of her, moving her body elegantly towards the large man. She grasped his hands with hers and delicately removed them from Pikachu's body.

"Okay, let's go then!" the man said eagerly.

Samus gave him a small smile, like a black widow enticing her prey. She turned on her heels and the man turned with her, placing a hand on her butt in the process. She looked back at her friends and gave a sly wink.

Pikachu quivered slightly as the door in the back shut behind the two. She looked at Zelda and asked worriedly, "She's not really going to do…it…with that man…is she?"

Zelda smiled. "No, she has something up her sleeve."

"Or she knows something that we don't," Ike speculated. "She was already watching that man when she came in."

The rest of the group nodded in agreement and went back to planning.

(=)(=)(=)(=)

The area in the back was more of a storage closet that had a ratty old bed, stained so many times that it could have been white at one point and one would never know. Samus had already removed her boots, rather slowly and sensually and her feet were cold against the hard stone. The man had taken off his bandana, revealing a mess of tangled brown hairs. He took off his shirt to show off his somewhat flabby body to Samus.

He had tattoos of various things that could be described as a teenage boy's version of what is "badass." Samus slowly walked over to him and pushed him down on the bed, leaning over him with a heavy breath. Her cleavage was directly in his line of sight and she spoke in a wraith-like voice. "Now, isn't someone ready for this…" she trailed off as she felt an unexpected slap on her ass. "My my, you are eager aren't you."

"Heh, you're just as eager, especially once you see it." He sounded so immature and juvenile that Samus wondered if her intuition was correct in the first place.

However, she continued the façade and gradually ran her hands up his chest, sending shivers up his spine. She fingered the rims of his glasses and whispered, "Come now, take these off, I want to see those sexy little eyes of yours." If he wanted to be a juvenile, Samus could play one just as well.

The man smiled and gave Samus a lovely view of his yellow teeth. "I'm not supposed to, but because you asked so nicely."

The man was so cheesy Samus could practically feel herself becoming less and less aroused, despite his constant probing around her private areas. She took one of her hands off him and moved it down into her pocket as she pulled off his glasses. His eyes had nothing in them; they were just empty white shells that seemed to be unable to focus. Samus' hunch had been right on the money.

She pressed her lips shut to suppress the joy she felt. She couldn't be sure what Pikachu would've done if he'd revealed his eyes to her, if she would have even known what to make of the situation Samus now found herself in. The hand in her pocket closed around a plastic handle and she drew out a small knife, like one you would find in a hunting kit. The man's blank eyes grew wide as he tried to push Samus off of him, but she was far stronger than she looked and the man was more flab than muscle. She placed the cold steel against the man's neck and grinned maniacally. She pressed ever so slightly as to draw blood and let it flow down his chest, almost reaching her shirt.

"Master Hand sends his regards," Samus' words slithered into the man's ears like poison.

"Damn you," he murmured. "What do you want to know, in exchange for my life?" The man obviously had been trained what to say in this situation.

Samus giggled sadistically. "Oh no…you don't leave here alive." The man's eyes widened and he started attempting to thrash, but the pressure of the knife on his neck increased and he settled down. Samus placed her mouth next to his ear and whispered, "That would have been the case, but then you decided to mess with my friend…no one touches anybody like that and lives, you sorry excuse for human existence." With that, she plunged the knife into his neck, dodged a spurt of blood and picked herself and her boots up. She watched as the man clung to the last strings of life and slowly heard each one's sharp twang as it snapped and sent the man to his grave. She wiped the blood off her knife on the man's shirt and put her boots on methodically.

She pushed open the door and made her way over to the table, put on her jacket and said hurriedly, "We need to leave, now, I'll explain on the way."

The group quickly folded the map and followed Samus onto the windy streets of Chicago.

A/N: I actually got this chapter done surprisingly fast. I don't know why, but I really like it. I know it's more of a characterization chapter over plot and action, but it's necessary. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed.