A/N: Enjoy next chapter. I don't own SSBB. O.O

Chapter 46: Sadness in a Cage

Living Room

Roy was doodling on a piece of paper, drawing a cute tiger kitty. Marth gave an awkward stare at his drawings, wondering what he was up to. Ike, right next to Marth, was eating a giant turkey leg, watching Naruto Shippuden along with a few Smashers in the living room, sitting on the couch.

Roy sighed and turned to the blue prince. "Hey, Marth, you know what? It's about time I go to the animal shelter and get myself a pet!"

"A pet?" Marth and Ike spoke at the same time, if they were both hearing right.

"Yea. I want a cute kitty and I want to name him Whiskers De Pablo! You see, just like this!" Roy showed his drawing of a bad hand-drawn kitty with brown stripes. Sadly, the proportions were all fucked up, having a giant leg on the right and a skinny small leg on the left. The kitty wore a yellow sombrero and it was smiling.

"Idiot, you can't just design your pet." Ike commented.

"Oh shut up." Roy rolled his lazy eyes.

"This is coming all back to me now. . ." Marth sighed. "I don't think Master Hand or Crazy Hand would allow pets."

"Of course he will!"

"I hate anything small, like Kirby, Pikachu, and Jigglypuff, so don't you think about getting a pet. I just might step on it." Ike said.

"I don't care what you like or hate! I'm going to the animal shelter in Smashville!" Roy got up from the couch, grabbing his drawing with him "I'm so filled with determination, I can sense my dream cat there! Who wants to come with me to fulfill my destiny?"

Marth and Ike took glances at each other. "Well, I'm not going." Ike said, finishing the last bites of his turkey leg.

Marth shook his head. "No thanks. I rather do something more productive and more time consuming than to go to a smelly animal shelter."

"You guys are no fun." Roy pouted. "Then I'll just ask Pit or Miru. . . or Link! Or maybe. . ." The redhead grinned, "I'll just ask Makato."

"Nope." Marth and Ike grabbed Roy's cape and pushed him down back to the couch. Makato was walking pass by them, carrying books in her arms and the three of them stared back at her.

"Makato! Go to the animal shelter-!" Roy blurted out. Marth covered his mouth till he heard muffling.

Makato stopped her footsteps and turn to them. "That sounds . . ." Makato thought of a nice comment to say, "interesting." She glanced at Marth who was smiling at her, then at Ike, who was staring directly at her. Their eyes met each other. She quickly looked away, hiding her red painted face. Makato couldn't even look at Ike's face after what happened between them. Just the thought of it made her blush with embarrassment.

"What's wrong Makato-chan?" Marth asked with worriness in his eyes.

"O-oh, it's nothing. I'm busy at the moment. Goodbye." Makato sped walk away from the three till she was unnoticeable in sight.

Roy stared at Ike, after Makato left. "You did something to her, didn't you?"

"I did absolutely nothing." Ike lied, biting his lip. He got up and stretched, slowly walking away from them.

"Hey! I'm not done making a useless argument with you!" Roy yelled.

Marth put his hand on his shoulder, shaking his head. "Roy, it's useless."

"I wonder if Makato gave him his answer. . . Just thinking about it. . . makes me pissed." Roy relaxed on the couch and stared at the rolling credits of Naruto Shippuden.

"What answer?" Marth said.

"Ike asked Makato to be his. . ." Roy trailed off sawing the Diddy Kong and Donkey Kong, putting another Naruto disk in.

"To be what? Tell me."

"Nah. Let's go to the animal shelter!" Roy got up and ran towards the door. Marth behind, followed him in a fast pace.

"Hey! Wait up!"

'Good luck, Ike.'

8_8

Makato closed her door and leaned against it, panting. She gently placed the books on her small table and laid her body on the soft bed.

She ran into Ike many times throughout the day. . . why was she avoiding him? When he would said hi, Makato would just nod her head and turn the opposite direction. Every time, when they made eye contact, she would just flee. Makato hated herself for doing that but she can't help it. Makato stuffed her face with a pillow. She felt very uneasy and shy around him. What made her become like this? She never been so flustered around a guy before.

She thought about yesterday. Ike told her something, but what was it?

"He told me to give him an answer. . . But I don't remember the question." Makato groaned, trying to relax her mind. She knew that the Wizard's Disease caused some memory lost.

Samus' Room

"She just wouldn't talk to me. . . She even wouldn't look at me in the eyes. It's so annoying. . ." Ike explained, crossing his arms.

Samus gave him her bored expression then a small smile. "Maybe her feelings towards you are different than before. She's realizing that she likes you."

Ike wasn't that much convinced. "But she hasn't given me her answer yet. But. . ."

"She's probably thinking about it."

"I guess so. But. . ."

"Maybe she has something on her mind."

"Perhaps, but. . ."

". . . "

"But. . ."

"You can stop with the buts."

"But. . ."

Flashback

Ike talked to Miru later about the Wizard's Disease.

"The Wizard Disease can make a person lose some memory as well. I forgot to mentioned that. But eventually, it will come back. . . soon."

End of Flashback

"Memory lost huh?" Samus murmured.

"I'm sure that's why. I'll go ask her." Ike was about to walk out of her room but then Samus blocked him. "No, let me do it."

Ike shook his head. "Huh?! No!"

"She still might be bothered by your presence!" Samus said. Struggling as they tried to go through one door, they ended up both falling over each other, hurting themselves. Ike shook his head.

"Well. . . This is awkward." Ike said, on top of the bounty hunter.

"You ask me."

"So what do you think I should do? If I can't ask her. . ."

"Show her that you want to be near her. . ."

"Like how?" Ike asked.

"Like a kiss."

"A kiss huh? What kind of kiss?"

Samus blushed and shook her head. "I don't know."

"You're the one who started the kiss question."

"So it may seem. How about I give you an example." Samus placed her arms around his neck, pulling his head toward her face as she gave him a small peck. He was surprised that she would kiss him like that. But, it's only an example, right? So it doesn't matter.

"Nah, Makato wouldn't like that." Ike sighed.

Samus rolled her eyes. "Well, excuse me. What do you think she would like?"

Ike smirked. "A prolonged kiss perhaps?"

"Would you mind giving me an example?" Samus asked, making a small smirk.

". . .Yea right." Ike said. But he stilled leaned in anyway.

Makato's POV

Hallway

I remembered the question now. He asked me to be his girlfriend. No wonder I was so nervous around him. I thought about when he saved my life, and the date we had together. I clenched onto my dress where my heart was located. It would skip beats every time I think of Ike.

Do I. . . . love him?

I felt the blood flushing up to my face every second. I quickly covered my face just in case if someone were to see.

That could be a yes.

Maybe I should see him, and give him my answer. I know it was wrong for me to avoid him. It looked like I didn't want to see his face anymore, but I couldn't help myself. I should also apologize in the meantime. Being together, with Ike, doesn't sound that bad. When I came here, I didn't wanted to be with anybody. I just wanted to be friends with everyone. I was cautious of myself, I never wanted a boyfriend like Mikoru. . .

I shook my head from those thoughts. My goal now, was to look for Ike and to give him my answer. Where was he? I hope he's not mad at me. Well, I can't blame him though. . . I wonder how my family's doing. I'm sure they are fine. Aunt Michelle really does love playing games that involved with money. Now she would be playing poker with Bowser, Ganondorf, Wolf, King Dedede, and Wario. The thought of that made me laugh a little.

"Ike. . ." A moan from someone's voice called out.

I slowed down my pace and stopped and saw an opened door that said Samus. I think I heard his name in Samus' room. Strange. I think he must be in there. I smiled happily and jogged over to her door.

Not saying anything, I took a peep to her room. Excuse me for looking. With my head only showing, I stared directly at the ground. My mouth trembled, legs shook. I couldn't move. I couldn't believe what I just saw. Like a deer caught in the headlights. Was this real? My eyes widened in shock and terror. Just when I was about to give him my answer.

"Ike. . . stop it." She moaned.

"It's just practice. . ."

"I guess so. . "

That was Samus' voice I heard. And Ike's!

I looked away, not wanting to see this painful sight anymore. I sprinted back to my room, not caring who I passed. I shut the door and laid my back against the door, slowly going down to the floor. How dare he! Why?! Why were they kissing?! It didn't make any sense! I thought he loved. . .

. . . . me?

And Samus, why was she kissing him? I thought she liked Ike as a friend, so why? Samus told me herself. Unless they still liked each other.

What am I thinking?

I got up and stared at a familiar headband. The green headband that Ike gave to me as a present. It was tied around my black pot. Strange how it went all around. I felt my face burn up and my vision getting blurry. Was the date we had, and his feelings towards me, were all just a lie? An act? I couldn't stop these tears that kept on coming like a waterfall. I covered my mouth and shut my eyes tightly. Drenching the door with shock potion, I locked the door and pushed the giant pot right in front of the door so no one would come in.

Just when I was at the beginning to love Ike . . I must reconsider my feelings. We can just be friends. That last minute love hurt so much. I kept on bawling till I figured out what my next plan was.

Normal POV

Animal Shop

Located in Smashville

7:00 P.M.

"Sir, do you have a cat that looks like my dream cat?" Roy asked the owner, showing his art skills to him. Marth just face palmed.

The man furrowed his eyebrows. "Pfft, the proportions are all fucked up. There's no cat like that in the Smash Animal Shop. Would you like to look at a different kind of cat? How about a Ocicat? It's close to what you are looking for. The man pointed at the little Ocicat eating a bowl of tuna. Roy shook his head in rejection.

"Hell no. I want my tiger kitty!"

"Roy, listen to the owner!" Marth yelled.

Roy puffed out some air. "Whateves. I'll take that then."

The man grabbed the Ocicat and was about to hand it to Roy. But, suddenly the little Ocicat jumped to Marth's soft head.

The prince gritted its teeth and forced out a smile, staring at Roy. "Rwoy, gert this cat orff mai head before I freak out!"

"Here Whiskers De Pablo!" Roy called out. The Ocicat turned to Roy and jumped onto his head. Marth quickly grabbed his comb and his man mirror, adjusting his hair lines.

The owner cleared his throat. "Um, that would be 15000 Smash Coins."

"Got it!" Roy pulled out the money and gave it to the owner. Just when Marth finished the combing, he looked outside the animal shop window and saw a depressed brown dog with a duck on his shoulder. "Sir, why is there a sad dog with a duck on his shoulder?"

"Oh that dog?" The man rolled his eyes. "That little mutt, is annoying as fuck! He would just throw frisbees all the time! Sometimes plates! That damn duck on his back would make him fly all over the animal shop. I don't want him to hurt the animals! So I kicked them out. What to expect from freeloading, homeless dogs." The man handed change to Roy and smiled. "You guys have a nice day now, don't let that dog follow you, ya hear?"

"Uh, sure, thanks." Marth said. As they left the animal shop, they headed for their home.

"Who cares about a stupid dog! I got my kawaii Whiskers De Pablo!"

"Meow!"

"I think it understood me!"

Marth turned behind to see the same dog following him with a happy expression on his face. Roy was too distracted, tickling Whiskers De Pablo's little paws.

"Roy, that dog is following us!" Marth whispered. He then saw the duck on his back who had a weird grin as well. "I'd say with ditch the dog and make stuffed duck for dinner."

"That does sound good, but you never know Marth. I think Whiskers De Pablo might get sick if he eats duck." Roy then spoke to his little kitty with a baby like voice. "Isn't that right wittle Whiskers De Pablo?"

"Meow meow!" The cat nodded his head.

"Fool, I wasn't talking about the cat, I was talking about my hunger!"

"Well, either way it could have rabies."

"Ducks don't have rabies."

"Or dooooo they?"

". . .Let's just make a run for it. Once we reach that cross walk, we'll ditch the dog. . . and my dinner."

"Oh! I need to get a sombrero! Let's go to a store!" Roy turned the other way, heading straight for a clothing shop.

"Hey! Wait! That store said no pets allowed!" Marth cried out. He stared at the dog who had a sad look now. Marth kinda felt guilty, running away from stray dog that was chasing after him unexpectedly.

SSBB Mansion

"Hey, Miru, don't try to touch Makato's door, it's all electrocuting and stuff!" Pit warned, walking on the second floor. Miru titled his head and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Electrocuting? Lemme see."

"Ok," Pit walked away from Miru but stopped his footsteps and turned to Miru once more, "And also, have you seen Ike? Just curious."

"Nope." Miru answered. As he head for her door, he heard a faint cry from the distance. It could be no other than Makato's voice. The gunslinger boy knocked on the door and made a little yelp. So it was a shocking door.

"Makato! Makato! It's me Miru! Are you okay? Please talk to me!"

The crying suddenly stopped, only hearing sniffling. A long period of silence went between them. Later, Makato answered. "Please, leave me alone. I want, I want. . . some time to myself."

"But, there's dinner coming up soon!" Pit popped out of nowhere. "It's going to be delicious! A buffet like always!"

". . .I'm. . . not hungry. . ." Her voice was very soft and weak through the door. Miru didn't know why she was crying in the first place. But he told himself not to ask why.

"Hey, want to hear a pun? Kirby told me this one. It's really funny."

"Um, I don't think it's a good time for jokes." Miru said, elbowing him.

"Nonsense! Okay, you better listen. Why couldn't the skeleton share the bad news?"

". . .Why?" She asked.

"Because he didn't have a heart! Hahaha!" Pit bursted out in laughter.

"That's a stupid pun." Miru commented.

"Yea, but she's laughing a little. See? You could hear her."

"Excuse my language Pit, but, dumbass! You can't see sound." Miru leaned closer to the door and he heard small giggles coming from the princess. I guess, when you're feeling down, a bad joke is the way to go.

"I know someone who doesn't have a heart. . ." Makato quietly said, "I'm sorry, to make you guys worried. I'll be fine. . . I'll be sleeping early." Her voice didn't sound convincing at all.

"Miru? Pit?" Michelle walked up to the two, holding a basket of money.

"Where'd you get that?" Miru asked turning to Makato's aunt.

"Oh, just a fun game of poker. Hehe." Michelle smiled. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Makato, we heard her crying so we thought something was up!" Pit explained.

"Makato dear? Open up please-" Michelle touched the doorknob and got the shock of her life. She laughed in amusement. "Ah! Oh no! She put something on the door!"

"Let's go, we shouldn't bother her." Miru turned around and walked away, heading toward the stairs, Pit followed behind.

"Well, I'll meet you guys. Just need to put my precious money away."

"Money, huh?" Miru muttered. "Well, you go do that mom."

"Mom?"

"I mean, Michelle!" Miru blushed, jogging away.

It left Michelle making an 'o' with her mouth in the end. "Mom. . .huh? How cute."

(0_0)

"Well, good luck. . . I hope she says yes." Samus said to Ike as they both parted ways.

"That's what I'm hoping for." Ike said. He decided to go to her and make Makato confirm her answer to Ike. He took a walk to her room, showing up at her front door. He held onto the doorknob but made a quick release from it's deadly shock.

"Son of a gun. . ." Ike murmured under his breath. "Hey, Makato are you in there? Makato?"

Ike stood there with his arms crossed for minutes. He then heard some noises. A yawn came through the door and some sniffles. Was Makato sick? Maybe she's making a potion or something?

"Who is it?" Makato asked, as if she never recognized the voice before. She sounded tired and frail. What happened?

"It's Ike." He answered.

No response came after that. But he waited for her to come out. Maybe she was still avoiding him.

Suddenly, he heard something that sounded like construction. Finally, she opened her door. Only a tiny crack however. Ike stared at her only eye that was showing through the door. Swollen and red. Something was up. Was she crying? Or was she cutting up onions? That seemed unrealistic to ask.

Ike expanded the door so he could see her face. Her face left some dry trails of tears on her cheeks and her chin. Makato didn't look so happy to see him. Only giving him a twisted stomach look.

Makato interrupted the dead silence, "What. . .do you want?" She held something tightly in her hands.

Ike was pretty much speechless, if he should ask her to be his girlfriend or to ask why was she crying.

"Makato, are you okay?" He decided to go for the crying question. "Tell me." Ike reached out a hand for her but she slapped it away at the instance he gave his hand.

"I'm. . . fine." Makato stared at the ground, she felt more tears coming down from her eyes. Wiping her face, she looked up at Ike. "You want an answer if I should be your girlfriend, right?"

"I'm asking you to be my girlfriend." Ike corrected her.

Ignoring what he had said, Makato gently grabbed his hand and put something long and green into his palm and closed it for him. "We should just be friends. It's better that way. I don't want this anymore, give this to someone who you truly love, ok?"

"What are you-talking about?" Ike opened up his hand, revealing a long green headband that was a gift for Makato, during the date they had in the Delfino Plaza. It showed some hard times they had together in the restaurant. But, the headband also showed pleasurable times they had together. He almost choked, just seeing the sight of it. Ike thought she enjoyed the date. She even said so herself!

"Wait, why are you doing this?! I need an explanation!" Ike yelled, confused, somewhat. . . broken-hearted. "You're hiding something from me Makato." Ike, felt like he was causing a scene outside the hallway, so he pushed Makato inside, till he was inside of her room. Makato fought back, trying to push him out of her room, but she was too weak, not only physically, but mentally as well. And Ike was stronger than her.

"Leave! I don't want you here!" She angrily exclaimed. Ike grabbed her arms and pinned her against a wall. Makato fought back her tears and she attempt to fight back the mercenary.

"Makato. . . What did I do to make you. . . so angry?!" Ike questioned. He wanted answers.

"You jerk! How dare you!" With all of the power she had in her, Makato shoved him to the ground, releasing a blow to the back of Ike's head. She grabbed his cape, unlocked the door, and kicked him out with her foot all in a fast motion. Makato stared down at him as he recovered. Tears broke the dam inside of her eyes. Her face was even more red than before. It never happened before, how she would drag someone out of a room like that!

Her breathing became abnormal. Her legs shook, her eyes were moist. Every bit of her body resembled sadness. Makato gave an anguished cry. ". . .I thought you loved me!"

Ike was surprised from what she had said, "Makato, I do love you!" Ike replied, getting back up on his feet.

Makato's face turned into a wolf, glaring down at its prey. "I want to be your girlfriend Ike! I really do! But, you broke my heart into many pieces! You made out with Samus like she was your. . . Juliet! You called out her name, like you want her back. . . That made me so. . . heartbroken and furious! I thought you guys were friends! But I was wrong about that. Why can't you take her out on dates instead of me?! You used me, just for your pleasure and satisfaction!" Makato caught her breath and relaxed a little. She made a heavy sigh. "Even I don't think I could be friends with you."

The last thing he saw from her was a very glum smile.

"Goodbye."

With the end of her sorrowful speech, she slammed the door.

Minutes to himself, Ike gripped tightly to the headband that was supposed to be a gift. For Ike, it felt like all the times they had together, were burned up in flames. From strangers to friends. From friends to relying on each other. Then at the top point of becoming lovers, the mountain turned into a volcano. Only if he didn't practiced the kisses on Samus. He clenched his fist in frustration and struck the ground. "Damnit, what have I done?! I messed up everything. Big time. . ."

8:04 P.M.

Ike's Room

Miru dried his neck with a towel, coming out from the personal shower in Ike's room.

"Dinner should be starting soon. . . Aren't you going to eat?" Miru asked the mercenary.

Ike turned to Miru. He does love his food. Maybe it would clear his mind a little bit. "Of course I'm going to eat."

Miru released his towel and left it on his bed. "Makato was pretty sad, I don't know why. Do you know Ike?"

". . ."

"Ike?"

"I don't know." Ike got up from his bed and left his room.

"Wait, it's okay?" Marth asked again, just to make sure. "This stray dog followed us with a duck on its back and it's okay?!"

Master Hand did his finger shrug. "Sure, why not. More the merrier. We just need to give it a home. It can live outside in the backyard. Makato can make a doghouse for him."

"Whatever you say." Marth said, staring at the mischievous dog right next to him. The dog barked with joy, including the duck. Marth sweat dropped. Did the duck just barked? The prince turned to Roy, who was still playing with Whiskers De Pablo.

"I'm going to show all of my friends that you are the cutest in the world!"

"Meow!"

Most of the Smashers ate the dinners and headed straight to their rooms right after. It was a quiet night.