A/N: Enjoy this chapter! :3

Chapter 16: Plans and Surprises

During the planning of the festival in the dining room, everyone came with their ideal stalls for the festival in their groups:

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Test

Metroid: Alien Food Test

Kid Icarus: Angel Merchandise for Sell

Ice Climbers: Winter Wear and Snacks for Sell

R.O.B: Make the Robot Dance

Kirby Super Star: Kirby Cafe and Guess behind the Mask

Olimar: Buy a Pet Pimkin

Star Fox: Action figures for Sell

Pokemon: Buy a Random Pokemon

Fire Emblem: Buy Warrior, Mage, and Archer Gear

Earthbound: A Porky Horror Test

Mr. Game and Watch: Buy 2D items

Solid Snake: Buy water guns and grenades

(oOoOoOo)

Next was voting for the top events for the Mario and Sonic "Olympics". The Mario and Sonic crew separated themselves to the living room, calling their friends to take part in the festival. If they were to hear the events, then it wouldn't be a fair game.

"Ok, guys." Zelda swirled her pen and tapped it on her written paper. "We got the six top events that were a majority amongst the rest. First, was a fighting tournament. Second, was an eating contest. Third, is an obstacle race. Fourth, a treasure hunt; the fifth is a quiz, and the sixth is a singing contest. Everything I've listed must be built and created, like the obstacle race and a platform for the fighting tournament. We'll need some valuables for the treasure hunt and food for the eating contest. I'm not really worried about the quiz."

"We can borrow Sonic's Chaos Emeralds for the treasure hunt," Kirby suggested.

"If he allows it, but it's not like he got a choice," Zelda said, writing it down.

"How are we gonna build a freaking obstacle race?" Ike groaned, rubbing his hair.

"I can be Paint Kirby and paint the obstacle race, but someone needs to design it first," Kirby offered.

"Aren't you a kind little fairy?" Ness commented.

"That's a good idea," Pikachu said.

Zelda smiled, writing Kirby's idea down. "That will save us a lot of time."

"For real. . ." Link sighed. "I can't build for shit."

"Same," Roy said.

"A one-on-one for the fighting tournament," Lucario said.

"For the eating contest, we should have ramen," Falco suggested.

"R-ramen?! Poyo!" Kirby cheered.

"Cool, ramen. How many?" Zelda said.

"I think we should have a thousand instant ramens for each person," Miru said.

"Seems reasonable," Ramen or vomit, Zelda wrote down.

"As the only singer in Smash, the Mario and Sonic crew should choose a song from the following selection. The voting will come from judges." Jigglypuff suggested.

"Ok," Zelda said. Go with singing talent based on judges.

"For the quiz, there should be many categories with some complexity," Marth suggested.

"Kay kay." Zelda wrote it down. Quizzes are for smarties.

"Okay, guys it looks like we are done," Zelda said. "We should get what we need and put it in the Halberd."

(oOoOoOo)

The long meeting came to an end and it was now time to pack the necessary stuff for the festival. As the Smashers packed what they needed, Mario was able to get a hold of Daisy after seven missed calls.

"Please, Daisy! We-a need you in the Mario and Sonic War thing-a." Mario cried, sweating bullets.

"Oh my God, Mario!" Daisy let out a dramatic sigh. "Give me thirteen reasons why I should join your fucking Olympics? I have more important things to do." On the side of the phone, she grabbed a handful of spicy squid chips, laying comfortably on her couch.

"SSBB is hosting it! I've heard you've always wanted to meet Marth in person-"

Daisy froze as her chip slipped away from her fingertips.

'A huge chance I might meet Marth?! The Prince?! That sexy. . . beautiful man?! On God, I'm going!'

The phone he held grew warm and then hot, then fire spewed, causing Mario to drop it. "Mama Mia! Is that a yes, Daisy?!"

'I'M FIRED UP!'

That was the last thing he heard before the phone shriveled up in ashes.

As for Sonic, he sat with Amy as they both tried to get a hold of Eggman. Enemies? Yes. But he was in the Olympics. Every one of his friends was up for it, now it was Eggman's turn. It didn't take long for Eggman to answer the call.

"Hey, Egghead," Sonic greeted.

"Well, well, well! I wasn't expecting a call from my archnemesis!" Dr. Eggman snickered over the speakerphone. "What do you want?"

"Ugh. . ." Amy rolled her eyes.

Sonic smirked. "Do us all a favor and get your butt over to the Mario and Sonic War thing. It's like the Olympics, but with finesse. At the SSBB park, May 11th. We're hosting our own festival since the Spring Festival decided to take an L."

"Hmmm. . . What's in it for me?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know?! Utterly useless!" Dr. Eggman leaned back in his lab chair and stroked his mustache. He began to think about the "War" they so talked about. The Smash Mansion. . . The Chaos Emeralds at Sonic's possession.

Perfect.

"Regardless of whatever the prize, I would gladly go to this Mario and Sonic War. After all, go team Sonic!"

"He's planning something, Sonic!" Amy said, worried.

"Well, duh. I'd be surprised if he didn't!" Sonic whispered to Amy. "Well then, Egg's n Bacon, see ya later."

After Dr. Eggman hung up, he had to laugh. Laugh out that everything was going according to plan.

"What's wrong, Doctor?" Decoe asked, handing him iced tea with sliced lemon on top.

"I have the perfect idea!"

(oOoOoOo)

Master Hand was able to convince three out-of-this-world guests to join the SSBB Festival, hopefully boosting up more people to partake in the event. When the Smashers heard the three guests, excitement sprung their bodies like jumping jelly beans. Of course, with this much of a surprise, it had to be kept a secret.

Everything was prepared for tomorrow and free time was given to the Smashers for the rest of the night. Out of the bunny costume and into her white blouse and brown skirt, Makato used the time to sort out ingredients she kept on the shelves.

Startled by the knock, Makato set down a bag of dried mushrooms and glance over to the door. "Come in!"

The door creaked open, revealing Zelda with a bright smile. "Hi, Makato. You got mail."

"Thank you." Makato walked over to her and took the letter from Zelda.

"So, earlier, about the bunny costume. We're sorry." Zelda handed her a bag that was white bunny ears popping out. "This is the other costume you didn't mind wearing, but we won't force you-"

"Ah, it's okay, don't worry about it." Makato took the bag as well. "I want to help in any way, so I'll do it."

Zelda smiled. "Thank you so much. Peach was sobbing so badly I didn't want her to come with me."

Makato also smiled, but her eyes weren't. Zelda never mentioned Samus. . .

"I'm curious, who's the letter from?" Zelda asked.

"Oh, I'm not sure." After Makato set the bag down, she removed the orange packaging and read her full name on the white envelope: Makato Tachibana.

Her heart sank when she noticed her last name written on the envelope. Only her family and Miru's family and. . . maybe a few other relatives know about the Tachibanas. And there's also. . .

Of course.

It had to be him.

Makato took a light sigh and opened the letter. Cursive danced throughout the paper like waves in the ocean.

Makato Dear,

As I write this letter, I lay in the hospital bed in Niho. It's cold. . . very cold. Seeing you again was my top priority, even if it meant Tralgrallath taking whole of my body, I had to see you. Tralgrallath made me unstable and not myself. Some of the things I've done to you were unforgivable.

I apologize for having our long. . . reunion being traumatic and bitter. You've honored the promise we made, but. . . we were just kids. Can't we be back together and start over? I know you want this more than I do.

Well, Makato Dear, eat something sweet and enjoy your stay at the Mansion. We'll see each other very soon.

Mikoru

Makato's face burned up as she set the letter on her desk. Her memories brought her home to when she was with Mikoru. Touching Mikoru's hand. Ice. The way he acted was more unusual than before. This letter gave proof. "Mikoru. . . you. . ."

He was confident. Daring. Twisted.

"Your ex?" Zelda asked.

Makato frowned. "He never gives up."

"That's kinda hot."

". . ."

"I mean. . . no. He's creepy. A whole stalker in the making." Zelda shook her head. "I'll let you sleep on it. . ."

(oOoOoOo)

The night was still out for Smashers that take their free time to brawl in the night sky. Maybe eat some dinner and sleep. Or stay up all night playing video games. Ike did many but he was interested in Makato. . . as a humble friend.

Arriving at the door, gave a few knocks and waited. After a minute of waiting, he gave up the waiting game and let himself in. "Yo, Makato-" Ike paused, seeing Makato on her desk, sleeping next to an opened letter.

He glided his steps towards her desk as his hand reached for the fancy written letter. Cursive wasn't his thing, but there were words he was able to recognize that caused him to crumble the paper.

'This narcissistic son of a bitch. As if he thought a measly letter could win her over.'

Ike glanced at the letter, knowing she wouldn't accept others reading something so private.

'Fuck.'

Realizing what he'd done, Ike dropped the letter back on the desk. Makato adjusted her arms to where the letter was dropped. A close call. If she woke up. . .

'Best to leave. . .' Before he left, Ike looked at her hair and picked up a few strands. Just her hair alone, he could see the bunny ears and the skin-tight suit spiriting around her.

'Now.'

Slipping his fingers out from Makato's hair, Ike finally left her room. Just when he did, his eyes matched in lock with Marth's, right outside her room.

"Give me a P, E, R, V, E, R, T. What does that spell? Ike!" Marth smiled, clasping his hands together.

"One of these days, you'll live to- -anyway, there's nothing wrong with visiting a friend is there?"

Marth crossed his arms and walked up to Ike. "You're so bad at lying. Friends don't breathe upon a friend's neck as they watch them sleep now, do they?"

"She had a letter." Ike then said. Marth watched the mercenary's expression as his eyebrows formed more into a V shape.

"A letter?"

"Yeah. Mikoru. Just thinking about what he wrote pisses me off."

"Wait, you read her letter? Isn't that private?"

"He's the enemy. An enemy of hers is an enemy of ours."

Curiosity grew upon Marth as he glanced towards the door. "What did the letter say?"

"Read it for yourself."

"I will." Marth then entered her room and spotted the crumpled-up letter. Picking it up, he scanned the letter. At the end of the signing, Marth's hand fisted up, squeezing the life out of the letter.

He flinched from his actions and dropped the letter. Marth left immediately and closed the door behind him.

"The audacity." Marth clicked his tongue, crossing his arms.

"Tell me about it," Ike said.

"If it isn't the two blue testicles. What are you two doing here?" Roy popped out of nowhere with a DS in his hands.

Marth and Ike turned to Roy and rolled their eyes at the same time.

Roy grinned and showed them his orange DS. "Wanna show my future girlfriend my awesome Street Fighter skills."

Marth gave a weird look. "Your what now?"

"Did I stutter? We're practically like this-" Roy grinned, crossing his fingers.

"Don't forget her crazy ex," Ike said.

"Whatchu mean?"

"There's a letter on her desk. Take a look."

"Aight, bet. Hold my DS." Roy handed his DS over to Ike and entered the potion princess' room. Minutes later he came back with the letter only in smaller pieces of the letter in his palm.

Marth's face turned white as snow when he saw the crumbs of paper on Roy's hand. "What did you do?!"

"Isn't it normal to get rid of garbage?" Roy said, throwing the pieces up in the air like confetti.

"Very normal." Ike agreed.

"Let's pray Makato doesn't wake up and-" Marth stopped talking when his eyes caught Makato's door opening a second at a time. It was probably the talking. Maybe constantly entering and leaving in and out woke up her brain. The three of them turned to the door like deers caught in the headlights. Makato's face was pale and her eyes showed fear. She glanced at the strips of paper surrounding them. Even some of the lingering pieces that attached to some of their hair strands.

Makato teared up. "How could you guys? It wasn't meant for other eyes."

"We're sorry. . ." Marth, Ike, and Roy apologized.

"What's done is done. Please, keep this to yourself. . . no. Forget what was on the letter. I. . . I was about to do the same anyway."

"I'm very sorry, but we can take a memory loss potion," Marth said.

"Memory loss potion isn't the safest option," Makato cracked a smile, rubbing her eyes. "Good night."

"Sorry, Makato." Roy took his DS from Ike, walking away. Marth also said his goodnight before leaving. And then there were two. Ike took a step back but stopped halfway when he saw Makato entering her room.

"Wait, Makato," Ike called out.

"Is there something you need?" Makato asked, turning to him.

"I need to talk to you. . . as a friend."

(oOoOoOo)

Makato's room

Ike made his way to the bed and sat on it. He ran his hand through the feathers of her thick blanket. Memories from days back when he was sleeping in her bed made him smirk.

Makato also went to the bed and placed herself next to him. Their legs barely came into contact with each other.

"I'm sorry, again, for reading your letter." Ike started.

". . ."

Ike then folded his hands together. "When you said you were about to do the same with the letter, I had a feeling. . . you weren't being so truthful."

Makato fiddled her thumbs on her lap. "I. . . I was. . . maybe. Maybe so. . . but, Mikoru was also a childhood friend and my first love. According to what he wrote, Mikoru wasn't himself at that time. If I could just talk to him, then maybe. . ."

"Don't, Makato." Ike furrowed his eyebrows at her response. "Judging by the letter, Mikoru is manipulating you. He's luring you for his pity. He even admitted to possessing himself with a fucking ice demon. Tell me those aren't the visible red flags waving across that ego of his. His love is different-"

"No, you don't know, Ike. It's not like that. . ." Makato went on the defense, standing up from her bed. "Yes, he talks proudly, but his love for me was genuine."

"You're right, I don't know your past relationship, but you guys aren't together for a reason." Ike stood up as well and grabbed her hand. "I know what's better for you."

"Ike, please-" Makato turned to him, slipping her hand out from his grasp. "You're only a friend, nothing more."

"Friends support each other, don't they?" Ike reached for her hand once more, this time with no intention of letting go. She glanced at his hand and noticed his grip on her palm a lot heavier and tougher than earlier.

The second touch she couldn't pull herself away from his grasp. The warmth reminded her of the night of her nightmares while he comforted her. Warm.

Mikoru on the other hand. Ice. As mentioned in the letter. Cold.

"I want what's best for you. Even if it means staying a friend. . ." Ike pulled her hand and wrapped his arms into a hug. "Use me as you please."

"Ike. . ." Makato's eyelids drooped halfway. She was hesitant to put her arms around Ike's waist but decided to keep them to herself. "You know I can never use you."

"I wish you. . ." Ike grinned at the thought of it, as he petted her hair. ". . .had your bunny ears."

". . ." Makato shot her eyes open and pulled him out of the hug, scowling at Ike. "Good night, Ike."

"I'm kidding!"