A fight between Gods.
One who works to maintain a rigid sense of Order, and the other free to bring about as much Chaos as possible. A struggle between the two is one that should bring about great destruction, viewed in shock and awe by those privileged enough to see it happen.
"NGRRRR! How long… are you going to keep… sulking…!"
"…"
"Move!
Now, blast it!
Urgh!"
What the Miis of the CCF had been viewing was more along the lines of a big brother trying to deal with his younger sibling's temper tantrum. Poorly.
Very poorly.
Sitting in a crater was Crazy Hand, balled up into a fist and refusing to speak or even move as Master Hand struggled to pull him away and out of the building. He had been doing so ever since Master Hand tried to get Crazy Hand to speak about what he was doing. Master Hand was aware of it, but he wanted to see if his Brother had any other plans or motivations for going so far behind his back.
Unfortunately, the attempts at moving to a private place to speak were rebuffed. Crazy Hand simply screamed, crying for a bit, before going into the corner to try and ignore the world. Master Hand's previous attempts had led to a bizarre tug-o-war between two giant white hands. It had cost the Miis a good wall, and a good corner, but since that was the worst of it, they decided to take their leave.
Despite this, they were confident that Master Hand could handle his sibling. That, and just really tired of putting up with Crazy Hand, as well as being in desperate need of some sleep, those present happily vacated the facility.
Having given up on trying to pull Crazy Hand away by force, and seeing the empty and damaged room that they were both in, Master Hand turned his back to Crazy Hand, taking a moment to think about what he was up to.
According to King Passer, an employee at the Cross Connection Facility had been speaking to some of his mercenaries about a job to persuade Crazy Hand to leave. It was apparently meant to be discrete, to avoid earning the God of Chaos' wrath.
That, fortunately, was not the case. Thanks to some gossip, and a slip of the tongue, Master Hand was informed and able to keep his Brother from pulling something right under his nonexistent nose.
Again.
Now, he needed to try and deal with his crazed sibling, acting like a child just because his little surprise was ruined. Master Hand knew what Crazy Hand was trying to do, and even if he did like surprises, he would never be happy about this happening.
Master Hand simply wanted things to remain in control, and his brother enjoyed acting spontaneously, doing his own thing, and being sporadic about whether he would be a help, a hindrance, or a non-factor to any work he was in.
Master Hand turned around to Crazy Hand, who quickly shifted back into his position facing the wall. They were both as curious about how the other was doing, despite how annoyed each of them was. Crazy Hand was mad about his surprise being ruined, and Master Hand was aggravated by the stress and sneaking about.
Master Hand understood his Brother, and could tell that this meant a lot to Crazy Hand who, for all of his inconsistent spontaneity, could understand people well-enough when he focused and wanted to.
"Hey." Master Hand turned towards his Brother fully, hovering over him as he spoke, "Crazy Hand, I would like to speak with you. Can we talk?"
Crazy Hand stayed in his position, not moving.
Master Hand suppressed a groan and went on, "Alright, fine. You don't have to talk, but at the very least, please listen. I know what you were trying to do-you wanted to bring in two more surprise entries for the Tournament like you did before, despite all of my reservations towards the idea. You did not talk to me, nor did you go to much effort to consult anyone else."
Crazy Hand shifted slightly, but did not move otherwise.
"You went through all of this trouble, disturbing hard-working people, disappeared for three days straight, and had me worried sick. I had no idea what happened, what you were doing, if you had hurt anyone, or if you were hurt, I…!"
Master Hand paused, trying to collect himself. His voice had started to shake, and he was beginning to ramble. The stress was getting to him.
He felt a bit better when Crazy Hand bothered to look at him, showing that he was listening and acknowledging what Master Hand was saying. It could be so difficult to get his Brother to focus on anything, and Master Hand didn't think he had the energy for the usual effort. He appreciated it greatly.
"Crazy Hand, I want to hear it from you-why exactly did you think going behind my back like this would be a good idea? You remember how upset I was, and how I told you about the dangers your choices could pose.
I need to see, look into, and approve new choices. Doing otherwise undermines my authority, and runs the risk of inviting beings that can bring permanent harm upon our home once more."
Crazy Hand appeared as lucid as he ever could be as he stared at his Brother, clinging to every word, going over each letter so that it all stuck. Finally, after making sure he understood his Brother perfectly, he spoke.
"I just… wanted to help." Crazy Hand started, "To make a bang, surprise the crowds, and make things easier on you. You're always acting like the universe would explode, so I figured if I gave you a few new faces to hit the scene, those are a few more you won't be burning your brain over. People were happy with it before, so…"
Master Hand nodded, "I understand that, and I appreciate the sentiment. But the fact remains you did everything I did not want you to do once more, disturbed these Mii Doctor's, and made me worry endlessly about what was going on with you."
"…I get it, I get it…! I'm sorry, I just,-I didn't-I-I wanted to make things better for you...!
...and make you happy."
"In that case, you should have spoken to me directly. Save the terrifying surprises for parties, and take something like this seriously from now on."
Crazy Hand looked up at his Brother, confused. "What...?"
"Crazy Hand, the fact remains that you did the opposite of what I told you, trying to repeat an incident that I was not happy with, despite the positive outcome. If you truly wish to help me, you will need to work for me, in the open, doing as I say, and keeping in contact with me regularly."
"You mean I have a job? A real job with actual work and orders!?"
"Yes, but!" Master Hand held up a finger, "You are on thin ice. Any other person doing the same would run the risk of being imprisoned, but because you are my Brother, with your own… unique thought patterns, you are an exception this time around. You work directly under me, and any Miis who see you as a hindrance in any way will report you, and I will have you fired and banned from further involvement in the Tournament."
Crazy Hand grew tense, "Even the announcements?!"
"Especially the announcements." Not the most appropriate answer, but to Crazy Hand, it should emphasize the gravity of the situation. Hopefully. He loved the fights in the Tournament, it being one of the few constantly predictable things about the God of Chaos.
Crazy Hand looked around, actually taking a few moments to seriously consider this. A record five minutes of deliberation passed before he made his decision.
"Alrighty-roony! You got it, Brother!" Crazy Hand held himself out, expecting something Master Hand dreaded,
"Ugh, must we? Haven't you moved past something this ridiculous."
"Silly is what makes up my DNA!" Master Hand would contend that statement a million ways, but time was short, and talks with his Brother could take very, very long.
"Very well." Master Hand and his Brother shook Hands the only way they could, and finally left the CCF employees in peace.
Yes, the two Hands understood each other very well indeed. Despite their many, many differences, they would still love one another.
Through all of the fighting, the two would stick together through it all as the Brothers that they are.
Marth, the Hero-King of Altea,
As a ruler of an entire continent of people, one is granted much power over these citizens, free use it however they wish. For better or worse, a nation's future is largely dependent on the person that leads them; who they are, and how they choose to rule.
A similar type of power is granted to those who choose to take up a blade, or any other type of weapon. These tools can bring harm unto others with ease, even allowing the owners to take another person's life into one's own hands.
Wielding this kind of sway over anyone's life, able to control how others live, is no easy task, which is why I believe that the way one utilizes this amount of power over others, speaks more about whom someone is than anything else.
It can be so easy to stray from good intentions, to harm others unintentionally or doing so without just cause.
You, Marth, are not one to take the easy way out of things in your life. You chose to fight against tyranny that tore your home apart, that exiled and betrayed your family, and tried to end you countless times. Despite all of the cruelty and harshness displayed, you never became what you fought.
Your blade Falchion was wise to choose you as worthy to hold it, Marth. You stayed the blade when met with the innocent, reaching out a hand in aid, and only raised your weapon up against those so cruel and unjust that they simply had to be struck down.
Not only that, but you have made great strides as a ruler, giving back to the home that was lost to you as a child. You chose to take up the task of laying down your weapon, to bring a war-torn continent back onto its feet. You decided to trade your battle with tangible forces to repair a broken nation, a fight that is even harder to face, and nearly impossible to finish completely.
Despite the scale of the damage done, you did so regardless. Not only have you fulfilled your responsibility as royalty, but in helping the citizens populating miles of land, you stayed true to who you were, who you are, helping the innocent and downtrodden when given the chance.
As one who wears his title well, I would like to invite you once more to the Super Smash Bros. Tournament. Your skills as a swordsman and kindness to those around you will be more than welcome among the many warriors, old and new, to come.
-Sincerely, Master Hand
P.S.-Apologies if I was overdramatic, it just felt... right for some reason. I'm not certain why. Hope you're doing well.
Marth was one who typically held a dignified air at all times. Whether it was with the public, or his close friends, doing so came naturally, making sure to show others the utmost respect so that he would get the same.
Falling down onto the floor did nothing to help maintain his nobility.
"Damn..." Reaching for his right knee once more, Marth winced at the pain that flared up once more, causing sweat to drip from his hair. He could barely see it, but what he felt confirmed that a nasty bruise would show up there soon.
He was more than a little embarrassed about collapsing in his own castle in the middle of the night, but Marth found solace in the fact that almost everyone normally there had either left or was asleep.
"Oh dear!"
Everyone except for himself, and his wife Caeda.
Marth turned to see his wife just as she had knelt down beside him, concern etched into her face.
"A-apologies Caeda, I'm... alright."
Caeda didn't look convinced, sliding her husband's arm over her shoulder. "No, you are not alright Marth. Just as I thought, your knee is injured, and you need my help." Marth gritted his teeth as he stood up, thanks to Caeda's support, and the two of them began shuffling further into the castle. "How bad is it? Should I call for a cleric?"
Marth shook his head, "Not... at this hour...
It hurts... a lot, but it's not that bad. I should be alright until morning when everyone is up."
"You're certain?"
Bending his bad knee a bit, Marth felt acute pain, and knew it wasn't anything fatal. He had suffered his fair share of injuries over his life, including a broken bone or two, and was positive that he hadn't damaged his leg or knee cap. He simply had to lay down, and keep it still. "I'm certain." Marth looked away sheepishly, "I... didn't notice it earlier during training. I was so excited that the pain was dulled, and by the time I felt it..."
"You were on the floor after I let you go." Caeda looked forward, "I'm glad that you didn't try to hide it. Now, let's get you to bed."
Marth looked forward, careful to make sure the floor was kept clean. With the moon as their only source of light, it would be very easy to miss something that could send both of them toppling down on the floor thanks to his knee.
As a breeze poured through the halls, he had finally taken notice of how cold the night air could be, especially when one was covered with sweat.
To think this was just supposed to be such a simple evening activity. A way to work off the food from their small celebration, and make sure that he was still in good form. Well over two hours of combat training, which his wife volunteered to take part in as a sparring partner, seemed to be going swimmingly. Unfortunately, the two of them had gotten fairly serious, and Caeda had broken her wooden staff on his knee. What could have been a peaceful end to a wonderful night would probably drag on because of the aching.
As the two of them climbed the steps upstairs, Marth asked if Caeda was doing well herself,
"As well as I can be after harming you like this..." Caeda's steps were heavy as she supported Marth's weight, their leather shoes tapping softly against the stone,
"Caeda, it was just an accident-"
"Yes, I know it is, but please don't act like this is nothing. I became overzealous, and not only did I harm the King of Altea, but at the same time I have harmed my husband." Caeda gave Marth a strong look, "I did not restrain myself, and you were injured because of it. Do not try to pass this off as just a minor bruise when you can barely walk."
Marth looked down, focusing on his own steps which he coordinated with his wife's. He knew what she was saying. Marth recalled the days during the war, when Caeda fiercely rebuked his request to avoid fighting at the front lines to ease his own conscience. He was trying to protect her, too afraid that she would get hurt, that her skills might be enough and that she would die. He had changed his mind, and she survived to the end, but he simply couldn't help feeling concerned about any of his allies-least of all the woman he loved.
In this case, Marth knew Caeda did not want to be absolved of her mistake. Accident or not, carelessness had led to his injury, and she didn't want to just brush it away. Marth respected that, but he could not let it stand. Not like this.
"No, it was my fault as well." Caeda looked at her husband, steadying him as they reached the top of the steps and moved forward, "Both of us got caught up in the training, and it was I who just happened to be injured."
"Hmm..." Caeda opened the doors to their chamber, went in with her husband, and shut them behind her, "Well, I doubt either of us are sure who started it, but both of us should have known better to stop," She moved her way to their bed lifting the covers and sitting her husband on it,
"Mmm...!" Marth winced as he sat down, grabbing Caeda's hand as it reached to help somehow, "I-I'll be okay...! Apologies." Marth gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as he looked into his wife's eyes,
"It is alright. We can share the blame as we tell everyone tomorrow, and then patch up my injury." Caeda gave Marth a small grin,
"You are not afraid of the public finding out? This could be embarrassing for you." Caeda placed her arms on Marth's shoulders, lowering herself to match his height as he sat,
"Hmph, hardly. If anything, the nation should be able to sleep even easier at night knowing the strength of their Queen." Marth wrapped her arms around her back, the space between them shrinking,
"Well, I do feel proud. To know that my opponent was such a strong, benevolent ruler, and that I married that person."
The two fully embraced each other as their faces drew closer,
"And I feel the same about you, Caeda..."
As their lips met, both King and Queen, husband and wife were away from the world for just the briefest of moments. The pain from Marth's leg, the guilt that Caeda felt, the exhaustion that they shared-it was all gone.
It was just them in each other's arms, taken a moment to fully appreciate one another.
It ended as soon as it began as Marth managed to shift himself to lie down, "You may still need to rest for a day or so before training again." Caeda said, pulling the covers up on her own bed out as she slid under them.
This didn't bother Marth in the slightest, as he slid his hand into hers, "Do not worry. With you supporting me, I know I won't have any issue standing up to the best any world has to offer." The two kissed each other goodnight, and went to bed, with the future meeting with their closest allies to look forward to.
This one came out a LOT different than I thought it would, and I think that's a good thing. Part of writing this was as a bit of a writing exercise for me with characterization, and other things. It's actually one of the few times that I've ever written a kiss-and I'm glad I'm realizing stuff like that, hope I keep learning and, or course, doing.
On the chapter itself, I'm working off of the Fire Emblem Wiki and only had a chance to look up Marth's support with Caeda. Criticism is welcome, since I probably won't be getting around to playing Shadow Dragon an time soon. Second, hope the Hand's discussion was alright. Lack of experience, and again, criticism is of course appreciated.
Anyway, hope this was a nice read, and that you look forward to Princess Peach next. Also, like with Young Link, I'll address characters that aren't in the roster, and won't be in this story... for now. I'll probably come up with something later, and if anyone new comes to a Switch port, I'll happily change things up.
Until next time!