Chapter 18 is now replaced with Mini-Chapter 1! Go back if you want to read about Italian food and Little Mac talking about music and family.

Dark Tide Rising

Robin looked over the card.

Nope, it was the same as it was earlier. The matte black surface seemed to suck in light, but there was nothing supernatural about it. The gold lettering shimmered under the fluorescent lamps; still, there was no otherworldly feelings or shades of magic. Robin frowned, slightly disappointed.

It was just a plain card. A corner of it had already lost it's edge in his pocket, even. He wasn't even sure what he was expecting, honestly. Dedede promised answers at the meeting, not riddles in the invitation. Still, it would have made for something interesting …

"Lost in thought, hmm?" Shades of burgundy shifted into Robin's field of vision. "How does Cordelia stand it?"

"Who knows," He replied, "You could ask her." Anna sat on the desk, near Robin's seat.

"I'm liable to get a spear in the face if I say bad things about you to her." Anna chuckled to herself. Robin grinned as well. As he turned to focus on the card, the shopkeeper swiped it out of his hand. "Keeping secrets?" She scolded, "What on earth is this?" Before Robin could explain, Anna was already reading intently. "This sounds..." She gave Robin a look of amusement, " … kinda lame. I'm coming along."

Robin turned his head towards Anna. " … what?" He finally managed to ask. Anna shrugged, pocketing the card.

"Look, if it's some weird twisted trap, someone's gotta be there to bail you out," She said, "And besides, I feel like I fit the description of 'rogue' a little better than you, wouldn't you agree?"

Robin thought about arguing, but stopped himself. Anna did have a point. And Robin didn't have a good history with secret meetings. He sighed heavily before facing the trickster. Anna was grinning broadly. "Alright," He said, "You can tag along."

The redhead walked towards the door. "Glad I could make you see reason, Robby!" She exclaimed, "I'll make sure to be dressed to the nines!" Robin could almost hear her saunter down the hall. He grimaced. Anna could stifle a room with her smugness, sometimes. He looked at the clock. Twenty minutes and counting.

Usually, the Sheikah suit was tight, muggy, and uncomfortable. Tonight, however, it felt like a shadow lying upon Zelda's body. She felt electricity in the air, an aura of discontent on the rooftops of the Smash Mansion. She was positioned so she could listen in on Dedede's little 'club' without being detected. Part of her felt a slight bit of shame. It was doubtful that Dedede was planning anything sinister; or even had the ability. However, there was a twist in her stomach. The idea that something was bound to happen.

"Spying again, Princess."

Zelda whipped her head around. Metaknight stood next to her, the icy wind moving his cape. Zelda feebly motioned for Metaknight to keep quiet. He shrugged.

"I honestly don't understand what you're hoping to find. Dedede just serves tea and cookies for us. It's a good way to decompress," He sat down next to her, "I could introduce you ..."

Zelda pulled down her mask, hissing. "No!" She whispered, "I can't be seen here!" Metaknight looked at her quizzically.

"Because you're a princess?"

"Because I have a bad feeling about tonight." Zelda shivered. The air had cooled significantly. "I need to put myself at ease in my own way."

"Suit yourself," Metaknight replied, "But I think I'll risk the cookies and tea." As Metaknight flew away, Zelda could hear other voices. She could make out Dedede's unique laugh, along with Bowser and Wario, who seemed desperate to talk over one another. There were other, muddled voices in the background, but it became more and more difficult to discern them as more people arrived. For a small group of smashers, quite a few of them are part of this club, She thought. Zelda decided to peek over the top of the roof. She looked over into a small courtyard. Dedede was busy talking to Samus's manager. Yulie or something like that. Pit's dark clone and Peach's other princess friend were eating cookies while occasionally chatting. Mewtwo was also talking to Lucario and a … very poorly disguised Pikachu. Though, Zelda did admit, the small white mask and top hat did make the Pokemon cuter somehow. And there, in the edge of her view, sat Ike, Game and Watch, and Cloud. Zelda nearly yelled out in surprise. Cloud?! She was incredulous, but even worse, Zelda felt something akin to … jealousy. She had never been invited to events like this. As a child, she was 'too young'. As an adult, she had a kingdom to run. Everyone seemed so … carefree, while she worked on trade disputes and diplomacy. She paused; she felt herself shaking.

"It's not too late to join the party, you know."

Zelda grunted. Metaknight had appeared next to her perch. He held a small cup of tea, along with several cookies in his gloved hand. He held them out like a peace offering. She snatched a cookie from his hand. It was good. Really good. Zelda hated that. Samus and Peach had forced her to learn how to cook, but most of her childhood was 'stay away from hot surfaces and knives and anything that could conceivably harm you'.

"Not going to acknowledge your friend?" Zelda blinked as Metaknight broke her train of thought. She shook her head.

"Forgive me," she said, "I was thinking of home." She shifted awkwardly, taking a sip of the tea brought to her. She recognized the brew as Peach's favorite tea. "And I'd rather not. I don't feel like I'd ..."

"... Fit in?"

" … Yes, I suppose that is the correct term," She reluctantly said, "And I just have this feeling deep inside. Dread."

"Dread?" He was hidden behind that mask, but Zelda could feel the curiousity pouring from him.

"I just have this feeling. I can see a great canyon in my dreams, the bottom hidden in shadow and mist."

"Enigmatic, but I'm unswayed," Metaknight responded, "I won't force you, though." He floated from the rooftop, attempting to make himself as conspicuous as possible. Zelda groaned. Of course. Time to relocate.

Robin walked into the small courtyard. It looked like one of Maribelle's tea parties. He felt a shiver down his spine. Never too early for a flashback, I suppose. He felt a hand on his shoulder, tearing him away from his thoughts. Anna was looking at him, clearly amused.

"Looks like a tea party!" She exclaimed, giving Robin a knowing glance. "If it's anything like Maribelle's, I'll be sure to leave you after 15 minutes." She patted his back before moving into the courtyard. Robin scowled. If he didn't know better, he would've assumed that Anna was accidentally pushing his buttons. She was already chatting up that other manager. At least there was punch at the table.

Robin felt a large hand slap him on the back, sending him into a set of carefully set chairs. As he shook his head clear, he saw the shadow of a very large penguin. He was unceremoniously lifted up. Robin closed his eyes, preparing for the end, and felt the small squeeze of a … hug?

"Robin! I'm so glad you could make it!" Dedede's voice echoed through the courtyard. "Welcome!"

Robin was less than thrilled. Being thrilled required air, which he was running short of. He struggled to get out the words, squirming in Dedede's grip.

"I think you're squeezing him too tight." Anna intervened, the other manager and Metaknight standing beside her. Dedede immediately let go of the tactician. Robin spluttered and gasped, clawing desperately for air. The penguin looked very embarrassed.

"I'm so sorry, my friend!" He apologized profusely, "So, so, so, sorry! I didn't mean to injure you! Are you alright? If you're not …" Robin started phasing out, putting his hand out as he got up slowly.

"It's alright. It's alright." He kept repeating, until Dedede finally quieted down. "I'm … glad to be here as well." Dedede brightened up almost instantaneously. He grabbed Robin's hand and started pulling him towards the rest of the party. He could hear Anna and her friend laughing at his misfortune. He even heard a small chuckle from Metaknight. Robin groaned. Stay positive, Robin. Always positive...

Being positive was easier after he saw Pikachu. Well, technically, he had been hit by a negative charge after he laughed at the Pokemon's outfit, but the word play didn't have the same effect. Oh well, at least he got Ike to laugh at his joke. Cloud was dour as usual, but seemed to be relatively pleased to see Robin, and Game & Watch had just arrived to the mansion, taking the extra week of no single battles off. Robin would have to study the flat creature more, his … situation was unique and interesting. As Dedede led him to the next group, Robin grabbed a couple of small cookies from the table. He tasted one. Darn, a perfect Gingersnap cookie, Robin thought to himself.

"Do you bake everything yourself?" Robin asked.

"Nah, we rotate baking, brewing, and cooking for each week," Dedede explained, "I brewed tea and lemonade, Game-n-Watch cooked the hors d'oeuvres, and Metaknight baked." Robin gave Dedede an incredulous look. "I know, I know! People don't expect me to be a tea brewing master, but there you go!"

Robin sighed, but he found himself grinning. As they reached a set of neatly laid out chairs and umbrellas, Robin froze. He had seen this woman before. In the film room.

She wore an elegant electric blue dress, which matched her eye color. Her blonde hair covered one eye, adding an air of mystique to her. She was busy talking to Pit's clone, but Robin could still feel her attention shift to the duo approaching her. He didn't have any extrasensory perception or the like, but his mind was screaming warnings when she turned to face them.

"Robin, this is Dark Pit and Rosalina," Dedede said, "I know you have to face Rosalina in two days, but I like to think that we're all friends here, right?"

"Y-yeah, that makes sense." Robin stuttered out. Rosalina held out her hand. Robin took it. As they shook, Robin noticed that her grip was almost intentionally loose. Not out of impoliteness, but out of necessity. "How do you do?" He finally asked. Rosalina smiled. It was disarming, to say the least.

"I'm doing very well, Sir Robin," She said softly, "Thank you for asking." Her voice was quiet, but it seemed like everything grew quiet just to hear her speak. As Dedede continued conversing with the two, Robin became more and more unnerved. It wasn't just Rosalina, he realized. There was something else, hidden from view. As he looked around, he noticed that Mewtwo and Lucario, though busy talking to Pikachu, were also perturbed by something. Rosalina had also stopped talking. Robin turned to where he had last seen Anna and Metaknight. They were gone. He felt a spinning sensation, as if he was on unsteady ground.

"Dedede, I think I'm gonn- gonna take a seat." Robin stumbled with his words, but managed to wave lightly as he sat on a nearby lawn chair. He began to see streaks of light in the sky. Were the cookies drugged or something? He felt himself grow weary, his eyelids slowly closing.

"A nap wouldn't hurt, would it?" He asked himself, before finally falling asleep.

Robin was watching himself die.

The courtyard was different. There were no people, no excitable penguins, or any of the like. All Robin could see were birds, empty chairs …

And another Robin, gasping for air. A glowing sword was sticking through his stomach, pinning him into the ground. He walked towards his doppelganger.

"What led us to this moment, friend?" Was all he could manage to ask. The other Robin didn't respond. A raven landed near Robin.

"What're you doing, staring at yourself?" The raven asked, in a familiar voice, "Sounds like fun, but it's unlike you."

Robin blinked. The bird sounded a lot like … "Henry?"

"Kya ha ha! In the flesh, buddy!" The raven took a step closer, "I know this is weird, but it's no caws for alarm!" The raven … Henry Raven? Gave off a series of calls that were similar to laughter.

"This is a dream, right? I'm not just crazy?" Robin asked, the answer a little more important than he wanted to admit.

"Robin, I'm a raven," Henry answered, "I'm pretty sure Cordelia is a cardinal and Lon'qu keeps pecking at a tree stump. I think this might be a tiny little bit like a dream." Robin groaned. Even his dreams were becoming enigmatic and annoying recently.

"Robin, is that you?" A small cardinal perched itself onto Robin's shoulder. Henry was right, it was definitely Cordy. "My love, are you okay?"

"I … no. I don't think so," Robin answered, "I'm not sure if I've been drugged or possessed or something, but I keep seeing more and more visions and premonitions." He motioned to the other Robin, who was starting to grow still. "And this, I don't even know what this is."

"If this is a premonition, buddy, it doesn't look too good." Henry observed. Robin could hear Cordelia scoff on his shoulder.

"Well, I reject this. I'm not letting this happen." She said with conviction.

"But he looks so cool, like art," Henry said, "But with blood." He amended. Robin shot him a withering glare. Cordelia gave a sharp chirp of derision.

"Alright, let's say this is a premonition," He began, "What does it mean?" He noticed a woodpecker and roadrunner join the group. The woodpecker spoke first.

"We either all turn into birds, or you die," Lon'qu. Great. "It's rather obvious."

"Contextually speaking, that would be the correct assumption." The roadrunner was wearing square glasses, and spoke much like Miriel. Robin closed his eyes. Maybe if he fell asleep in the dream, he'd wake up. Miriel continued. "I believe, however, that us in bird form are just manifestations from Robin's mind, with the sole purpose of easing his discomfort and perhaps provide the necessary assistance to facilitate a solution to this conundrum." There was silence, as Robin let her statement sink in.

"So is the conundrum who kills me, or why?" Robin asked aloud.

Henry shrugged. "Who knows? It's your funeral."

Zelda sat up with a jolt. She must've fallen asleep. Looking around, she sighed with relief. Still on the rooftops, overlooking the party. The princess stretched, trying to keep herself as low to the ground as possible. She had seen Robin and his assistant enter the party. But now they were separated. Robin was by himself, breathing heavily as he sat up in his chair. They had woken up at the same time, but Robin was clearly the worse off from whatever knocked them both out. Zelda saw Dedede approach the tactician, as others went about their business. It was then that Zelda noticed that not only was Robin's assistant missing, but so was Metaknight and Samus's …

"I know you're royalty, but spying on my friends is kinda my thing."

Zelda turned around. The redhead was glaring daggers into the princess. Metaknight and the other manager were standing on the rooftop as well. Zelda scowled. At this point, she might as well have just dressed in her gown. The star warrior sat down next to her, handing her a cup. She could smell the alluring aroma of the chamomile tea.

"I thought you might like some visitors and some tea," Metaknight finally said, "I know that always helps me." Zelda took a sip of the tea. It was pretty much flawless. Goddesses, did she hate that Penguin.

"It's appreciated, but unnecessary." Zelda said flatly. She could feel the disapproving stares of both Robin's friend and Samus's manager behind her, but she didn't really care. There was something much more interesting occurring below her. Robin was speaking with Dedede, who seemed to be hiding something behind his back. It looked like … a book?

"Are you alright, friend?"

Dedede approached Robin cautiously. The tactician found himself breathing very heavily. He clutched his chest, checking for any wounds on his person. Alright, definitely a dream. He thought. He looked at the concerned penguin and smiled.

"Just a small nightmare," He replied, "Nothing to really worry about." He tried smiling again. It seemed to placate Dedede, who moved closer.

"Well, I just wanted to thank you for coming," He began, "I promised you some information about Hylian culture, and so..." Dedede pulled out a book. It had a dark red binding, and on the cover was a small image of the Triforce. "... I borrowed this."

Robin looked over the book. It felt heavier than a normal book, as if the words inside held a great weight all their own. He studied Dedede's face. A strange mixture of nerves and excitement read on his expression. "I love it," Robin responded, "It's incredible that you've come across such a thing."

"Well … how I got it isn't that important. I just got it from a friend." Dedede shifted around, obviously uncomfortable. Robin patted his shoulder.

"No matter how you got it, I appreciate it." Robin looked around. Anna and her friends were still conspicuously missing. "This will definitely help with my research."

"What on earth did that penguin give him?" Anna hissed into Zelda's ear. Zelda sneered at the shopkeeper.

"Obviously a book, if you would take the time to stop leering at me." She retorted, before looking back onto the more interesting scene. Robin seemed to be pleased, and Dedede was even more celebratory. Zelda squinted. The book was old. And red. Not always a good combination. She'd have to investigate at some other point. As she attempted to turn around, she felt a strong stare coming from Anna. She rolled her eyes. "What, did I do something to upset you?"

Anna crossed her arms. "I don't like people spying on my clients," She responded, "And I have the means to make sure nobody does that again." The ninja girl nodded in agreement.

"It's a bad bad bad breach of etiquette." She scolded.

Zelda shrugged. "Look, I don't have time for this," She motioned to the two managers, "The Triforce of Wisdom has never been wrong, and your friend is giving me more than just restless nights." She turned around. Robin and Dedede were now looking around for someone. "Looks like your boyfriend is looking for you."

" … Excuse me? Girlfriend?"

Robin gave Dedede a quizzical look. The penguin shrugged. "I thought I saw you two making out on opening day," He said, "I mean, there's only so many red-headed women out there."

Robin was having a hard time between being annoyed and amused. "My wife would be another one of those 'red-headed women', Dedede." He finally said. The penguin's whole face looked like a tomato.

"Oh my. Now I feel ashamed." He muttered. Robin laughed.

"No, no. It's absolutely forgivable," He assured Dedede, "I just want to make sure I don't give the wrong impression. Anna's a … resourceful person, and it pains me to admit, but she's a good friend, and …"

"... That's all we are, got it?" Anna snapped.

"Sure, sure," Zelda retorted, "You just talk to him and seek him out because you're friends, is that it?" It was a shot in the dark, but Anna seemed to be more than she admitted. She could be hiding something. "In my experience, that's what Hylians would call a red flag."

"Yes!" Anna exclaimed, "That's what friends do!" She paused a bit, and her furious breaths were heard over the whispers of the wind. "Not like you understand what friendship is, right, princess? You and your weirdo culture!"

Zelda whipped around. "You take that back." She whispered harshly. Damn, she got me. Zelda thought. Metaknight and Yuffie looked at each other, concerned. Zelda agreed. It's almost as if I'm compelled to … "Take it back now." … Great.

Anna sneered. "Welcome to real life, I don't have to answer to you. But you're gonna answer to me now."

Correction: something was very wrong. Zelda felt herself snarling. Metaknight began to move forward, hoping to intercept, but Zelda was too fast. She tackled Anna, bringing her hard onto the rooftops. Anna's eyes grew to the size of platters.

"Give it a try, hussie." Zelda growled out. Almost twenty years of frustration, of people telling her what she could and couldn't do, filled her in one moment. She lifted her arm, only to feel a hand holding her back. She could hear the ninja's voice.

"What's wrong with you?!" She could faintly hear her shout. There was a fog around her head. The Triforce of Wisdom was never wrong, but why was she suddenly making such rash and violent choices. What kind of future was she subconsciously feeling? Tears were now rolling down her face.

"I-I'm so sorr-sorr-sorry!" Zelda was now wailing. She rolled off of the redhead, who was still staring at the princess. Metaknight put his hand on Anna's shoulder.

"Give her some space, I'm sure she'll apologize in time." Yuffie nodded, and Anna slowly got up. Anna was tearing up.

"I'll have to apologize as well," She said, "I … don't know what came over me." And with that, she left.

Zelda was now on one knee, choking back sobs. That wasn't normal. She wasn't overwhelmed or angry anymore. But she felt something new. A dark pit in her stomach. Foreboding.

Fear.

"There you are, Anna!" Robin finally saw her, sitting by Yuffie. He started walking over, when he paused. Anna was crying. Anna never cried. "Hey, are you alright?"

Anna nodded, before getting up. "Don't worry about me," She said, attempting to be reassuring. "Let's just get back." Robin understood, and bid Dedede farewell.

Despite Anna's protests, Robin decided to make his bed for her. It was more than just a bad fight with Zelda. Something had actively affected her, and Robin had made the decision that Anna would be safer with someone. Needless to say, she wasn't happy with the decision.

"I'm trying to prove that I'm not trying to seduce you, and you tell me to stay with you in your bedroom?!" She was nearly shouting. Whatever Zelda had said had really messed with Anna. Robin shrugged.

"Alright, I have no clue where this came from, but we're friends." Robin touched Anna's shoulder. She ripped herself away, crawling in between the sheets. "I trust you, and I hope you trust me." Anna huffed into the pillow, but was quiet after that. "Did Zelda say something to you?" He finally asked.

Anna was quiet for a minute, before finally responding. " … She called me a hussy." Her voice was meek, almost coming out like a small squeak. Robin put down the book, looking back at the bed. Anna was now under the covers, with just her eyes peering from the blankets.

"But you're not one," Robin reasoned, "I mean, you've never tried to do anything to me, so it's not a big deal."

Anna glared at him, before turning away. "You don't get it," She said, "It's not just something you can wave away."

"I don't follow."

"People keep thinking we're something we're not," She explained, "And eventually, that'll bite us where the sun don't shine." Anna curled up even tighter. "You're one of my best friends, but I don't want people to keep mistaking us as a couple! I won't be able to face Stahl..."

"It was just tonight," Robin reassured Anna, "Something happened, but it's okay. Stahl will probably find this funny, and it's not like we're having an affair or anything." He smiled at Anna. Right, she was facing away. "I'm not gonna let some entitled idiots dictate who my friends are. You're one of my best friends as well, and neither Cordy or I want you to stop," Robin paused, " … Being our friend, I mean." He heard some mumbling.

"Thanks. You're usually terrible at reassuring me, but that was passable."

"Glad I could help," Robin responded, smiling, "You should rest. Psychic backlash will feel like an abysmal hangover tomorrow."

"Yeah, you think?" Anna drawled out, drowsiness taking over quickly. "I already … have … one …" There was silence for a few minutes, before the small sounds of snoring filled the room. So Anna snores. Good to know. Robin flipped open the book. It was neatly written, small compact cursive in neat little rows. Everything was categorized, even the journals in the back. Robin paused. There was an earmarked page, just behind the journals. Etched in gold at the top was the Triforce. There were three categories below the image. A lot of it looked to be marked out and edited heavily, unlike the rest of the book. Robin read what was legible.

Two parts of the Triforce seems to give the user the ability to see into past lives. The triforces of Wisdom and Courage have picked out bloodlines that they will follow for an indeterminate amount of time. Potentially until the end of all things. This is what I've gathered about each piece of the Triforce.

Power: Abnormal strength, as well as the ability to shapeshift. Despite several fatal wounds, nothing seems to be able to kill me. Eternal life and strong magical powers seem to also be a benefit of this piece of the Triforce. … Test failed, I cannot dominate other pieces of the Triforce by themselves.

Courage: There seems to be nothing spectacular about the Triforce of Courage. At first. The owner of this piece seems to have a supernatural ability to turn the tide of any situation. It's not just pure luck, but also a gift of willpower. The ability to change into a wolf seems to be a side effect of the Triforce. Courage seems to counter Power's abilities.

Wisdom: Clairvoyance of a certain degree. The Triforce of Wisdom seems to be the best triforce to communicate messages and warnings. It also gives the user psychic abilities, which become more pronounced if the wielder is proficient at magic. Suggestion and mind control (?) potential abilities that someone could gain.

Robin stopped reading. It was clear to him now. Intentional or not, there was only one explaination for what occurred tonight, why Anna was distraught over what amounted to a case of mistaken identity, and why she and Zelda almost killed each other.

Zelda was either faking, or she was losing control of her Triforce.

The plot thickens! Will Robin find anything else in his newly acquired book? Will Zelda ever make as good a cup of tea as King Dedede? And what of Pikachu? Will he finally become dark and mysterious, like in his wildest dreams?

None of those questions will be answered in the next chapter: Crevasses at the Edge of the Mind

As always, thank you all for your support and patience! The next chapter will be out shortly, I didn't like sections of it after a second edit, so this is only a double update.