"Game!"
It couldn't be true. How could he, Ganondorf, king of evil and near immortal be defeated by this…Boy! He was foreboding, yes; he looked stronger than most, but Ganondorf was practically a god!
And yet there he was, the match called over. Ganon's teammate Lucario unconscious in a corner, and he himself sitting on the ground staring up at the sword of his victorious opponent. Ike looked down at him, unyielding and confident, his cape flared like flames. A portal opened a couple feet from them, and only then did Ike lower his weapon. He began walking away, however Ganondorf stumbled to his feet trying to stop him.
"Wait!" he exclaimed, fumbling and trying to keep up. "Don't you turn away from me!" Ike stopped and turned. His face was serious and unreadable, but his eyes held a fire that made even the great demon king falter. Those eyes enraged him, the very fact that anyone could look at him as if he weren't even a threat. "Who are you really, boy? How do you hold such talent?!"
Ike looked at him for a second, as if considering his question. Then said, "I am Ike; leader of the Greil Mercenaries."
"Ridiculous! No mere mercenary could hold the power you do! No measly sellsword could show such skill and control!" Ganondorf was livid at such an insulting answer. He had to be hiding something just to mock him.
Not wishing to entertain the evil man any longer, Ike turned and continued through the portal, despite the yells and protests of the demon king. This Gandondorf wasn't unwarranted with his reaction though, Ike thought as he continued to the victor's spot in the results area. Looking back at the fight, one would be foolish to call what Ike did anything less than masterful.
His partner, Bowser, a fearsome looking creature with claws, spikes, and teeth all sharp enough to tear through steel, was regrettably overpowered early from Ganondorf's onslaught. It was left to Ike to take out both Ganon, as well as the aura wielding thing known as Lucario on his own. And he did. Unmatched speed, mixed with fast reactions brought both of them to his feet. The lessons his late father taught him, as well as his large amounts of experience from being a general in several wars really paid off in these tournaments.
As the other three combatants entered the area (Bowser and Lucario both being roused from their blackouts), the victory display began. He once again stood proud next to his teammate, this not being the first time coming first in their matches.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Several of the smashers stood outside the doors where the recent fighters would soon come out of. They chatted about the fight they just witnessed, the main topic mostly revolving around one specific individual. Many of the fighters from the Emblem universe, as well as a couple others like Link and Shulk, stood in a group geeking about the swordplay they just witnessed. Samus was listening in from another side of the room, watching disinterestedly as they continued.
She too watched the match, and she too was quite impressed that a formidable veteran like Ganondorf could lose so easily. Especially in a two versus one scenario. Standing next to her were two other veterans, both being princesses. Peach and Zelda weren't the typical type of people Samus would spend much time around, however their shared time at this Smash Mansion warmed her up to them (though she would never truly admit this to them).
"Ohhhh Samus!" Peach's over expressive use of her name snapped her back to her current company. She looked down at the pink princess's wiggling and excitable face. "It's so unbelievable how far Ike and Bowser have been progressing. They work so well as a team it's terrifying! Though after watching that match I can see where most of the oomph comes from!"
It was quite true; match after match it was quite apparent that Ike was well adapted to his partner's abilities. Ike himself was an impressive fighter, yet his ability to work well with whomever he fights with, as well as his adaptability was what really boggled Samus. She, after all, always preferred fighting solo, and found it difficult to work with others sometimes.
Just then, the doors swung open and Bowser and Lucario both came stumbling out. They were approached by compliments and such by the various people surrounding the doors. Ganondorf in typical fashion shoved his way through the doors, his glare forming a gap in the crowd that he proceeded to walk through. He was obviously enraged, and no one dared stop him on his steaming exit.
The feelings of worry that were present were soon abandoned as awe and enthusiasm arose when Ike came through the doors. Smashers of all shapes and sizes approached him to give their congratulations to the great warrior.
"Makes you wonder doesn't it?" Samus mused. The two princesses looked at her curiously. "He looks rather simple with how he dresses and speaks, yet when he fights he strikes like a hurricane. It's like he's hiding something."
Zelda suppressed a giggle, trying to hide her amused face behind her golden hair before saying, "Well you seem abnormally curious Sam. What's gotten into you?"
Samus's nose and cheek turned pink as she glared at her giggling companion. Before she could make a rebuttal, One of the Robins walked up and joined their conversation (as if the mansion wasn't strange enough, some of its occupants had different forms of themselves, such as the male form of Robin, as well as the female one who stood before them now). "Your question is quite fair Samus. Even to me, Ike remains quite a mystery," she stated matter of factly.
Zelda calmed down, looking at their new groupie curiously. "What do you mean by that Robin? Surely you would know much about someone so talented from your universe, yes?"
"It isn't quite that simple," Robin admitted. "He comes from a different time than Chrom, Lucina, and me. I only know what I was able to gather from his legends in various books and songs, as well as a bit of information from what Chrom and Priam could tell me. One of the main things I can tell you though is he's referred to as the Radiant Hero. Ike won't tell me much more though; he always finds a way to avoid my questioning, and I was only able to dig a few things out of him here and there."
After saying this, Robin looked rather irritated. The three girls, knowing how much Robin enjoyed learning everything she could, were all sure Ike's avoidance was grinding her curiosity way too much.
In an attempt to get Robin's mind back in the present (as well as dig a little more information out of her), Samus asked, "Well what else were you able to learn about him?"
Robin folded her arms as she twisted her face in thought. "Hmm, well apparently despite being a mercenary, he was able to lead armies into victory through two great wars, he united many nations and people within his contenant, and legend apparently tells that he defeated a god in combat."
That last comment held their attention for a second. Defeated a god? That sounds exaggerated and insane! Surely the books hyperbolized his feats; yet the fact still stands that he is legendary enough to have writings about him, and if today's match proved anything, it was that it could be believable that he might possess such strength and talent.
This conversation began to annoy Samus however. Why stand here and speculate? She was a woman of action, and she'll get her answers. Why this man occupied her mind so much she did not know, but she wasn't going to wait around like a coward.
Samus began pushing her way through the crowd directly to him. Peach looked in horror at the unpredictable situation. She had no idea what Samus had planned as she chased after to hopefully prevent a bad situation.
"Uh, Samus dear, what are you planning to do?" Peach asked desperately.
"I'm going to challenge him to a sparring match, what else?" she said without stopping, as if that was so obvious.
"I, but- Samus wait!" It was too late however. Samus's mind was made, and most anyone would be foolish to prevent her from her goal.
She was a couple feet away, pushing through other smashers when she was able to overhear the conversation Ike was having with Bowser, who was now able to properly converse after his injuries in the previous fight.
"-and waking up, I'm sure I cost us the match getting knocked out like that! I can't even imagine how you took out that freak and the dog by yourself! Next time it won't happen like that again!" Bowser was heated, flames spewing from his gaping mouth every now and then as he talked. Everyone was quite aware he wasn't much of a humble loser.
"Please Bowser, you are quite the formidable ally. What matters now is we won, nothing else that happened should concern us right now," Ike said, serious looking as ever. Bowser did not argue further, only grumbling his irritation about how he wasn't able to smash anyone under the weight of his shell more than was able to. Just as Samus pushed past the last couple people, Ike looked up at her. His arms were folded, and his frown made it hard to determine what he was thinking. She looked into those burning sapphires, not faltering as he stared right back into her icy blues. She stood right in front of him, straight and tall.
"Your Samus, correct? I heard that you've been here since the first tournament. You must be quite the fighter, being here for so long." She did not respond, and he seemed to realize he was not going to get an answer. Most everyone was silent as they observed the interaction. He continued, "Alright, well you clearly want something; what is it?"
"Spar with me, no weapons. I want to test your strength with mine." That's all she revealed, and by his raised eyebrow she could tell that he knew there must be more hidden motives.
"...Fine then, I always accept such opportunities," Ike stated. In her mind, Samus sighed in relief that he did not push her with questions. "It may have to wait, but we can set up a time."
Bowser didn't like this. He knew Samus to be like fire, but it sounded like a threat to him. He would not challenge her unprovoked, and normally Bowser was pretty selfish. Yet Ike was like his brother in arms, and he began flaring in protest for his ally.
"Please, don't let her waste your time, I'll take care of this little one for you!" Bowser's eyes looked bloodshot with rage, and smoke rose from his nostrils. Samus was impressed at his bravery, but she stood her ground.
Then everyone froze, they couldn't believe what they were hearing. Ike, the stoic warrior, chuckled, then a hardy laugh. What about the scene was funny no one knew, but Bowser watched with a dumb face as Ike said, "Let us plan for tomorrow then! You have me quite interested! Maybe you can tell me your intentions afterwards!"
Samus scowled and nodded at his words, however the slight pink on her cheeks betrayed her. Damn, she thought, what is it about this man that flusters me like this. Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand being held out to her. She snapped back to reality to see the blue haired warrior looking for a handshake. She gladly accepted it, and as if on cue they both smirked at one another, silently agreeing of the excitement they both held.
"Tomorrow then; I'll find you after breakfast and we'll begin!" she no longer tried to hide the excitement.
"Got it." That was all he needed to say. They released each other's hands, and separated back to their groups. Ike continued to talk to Bowser, who could not stop questioning about the strange situation. Samus was sure that the drama queens (princesses?) were going to bombard her with just as many questions. Yet that didn't worry her, for the grin never left her face, and a strange feeling rippled in her core. It was quite exciting, and she wanted to see what it could lead to!
XXXXXXXXX
"Well then, shall we get started?" Samus looked up from her stretching at his question. The two were finishing up their warm ups and stretches currently. She found him a bit ago in the dining hall eating an impressive pallet that even Kirby would be proud of. Her apprehension was building since then, considering she sat and waited with him at the table when he ate, her obviously done eating way before him. In the training room now however, it was time to take action.
She stood herself up, more nimble than any cat. She wore her blue two piece today, wanting all the free movement she could get. Even without his blade, Samus had a feeling she was going to need all the speed she could get against the mercenary.
His outfit surprised her though; it consisted of his normal garb. From the large red cape and blue pauldron on his shoulder to the matching blue armor strapped to his leather boots. She was curious about this, considering how big of a hindrance she imagined it would be having such a massive cape on. Whatever advantage I can get, she thought.
They stood opposite from each other, and both got into a stance. After standing and staring for what felt like an eternity, Samus lunged. She went full speed at his front, and the moment she saw him prepare to defend, she jumped to the side to attempt to swing at his blindside. A feeling of panic arose, for when she was mid swing she saw him staring right at her. Jumping back, she narrowly avoided a large fist heading right for her shoulder.
He's fast, and his reaction time is incredible! Samus thought. Almost no one could keep up with her speed, and with his size one would think Ike would be more built for power then agility. Yet here she was, every swing, every kick, spin, twirl, or grab was countered or swiftly evaded. She couldn't even grab his cape to yank it and give her an advantage!
She just got done unleashing a series of blows when it happened. She was once again behind him, hopping up slightly to hit the back of his neck, and like a tornado Ike spun and kicked her straight in the gut. She couldn't breathe as the power behind his kick sent her straight for the wall. As much as her body told her to stop, the bounty huntress maneuvered herself, landed sideways, and jumped off the wall. She coughed and choked for air, and when she looked up she saw him charge.
On the defensive now, she bobbed and weaved, not daring to block a hit. They were fast and strong, each breaking the air around her. It was the perfect mix of offense and defense. The moment she thought she had an opening he would block, avoid, or flip right out of her reach. Then, it took everything she had not to get struck by the canons that were his punches and kicks.
"Enough." It was all she could hear when all of a sudden he threw his cape right in her face. She got caught off guard, and before she could do anything a large hand emerged from the sea of red and grabbed her face. She was suspended in the air, being held and at the mercy of the man.
She kicked and thrashed, yet couldn't free herself. He tossed her up slightly, grabbed her ankle, and he swung her to the ground like an ax to a log being chopped. All was black.
XXXXXXXXX
She felt her head pounding, and light cut its way into her vision as she began opening her eyes. She slowly tried to sit up to see where she was when her hand hit something. All her thoughts of what happened rushed back to her, and she shook her head to clear her vision.
What her hand hit turned out to be a bottle, one she recognized to hold the fairies with healing properties, and sitting on the ground just a little further was Ike, a worried look now turning relieved.
"I apologize," he began, "I figured it would be disrespectful to hold back, as well as be a disservice to you. I did not mean-"
"No, please. It's fine," she interrupted. She was glad he respected her as a warrior. Him not holding back was what she wanted. She began to try and stand when he walked to her and offered a hand. She took it, and he lifted her up with ease.
The blonde stared right into those eyes, those deep eyes, and felt that curious feeling again. Her face felt warm, and her stomach danced within. She had to avert her gaze, for she did not want to embarrass herself. She had an idea what this feeling was, she was no idiot. Yet she never thought she would come to feel this way, considering who she was. Hell, she also figured she would scare anyone at least half decent. However, she stood there knowing she now, somehow, was crushing on the man whom she now respected the most after just one sparring session. Talk about moving fast Samus, she thought, irritated at her confusing feelings.
"You fight well," Ike said, once again bringing her to reality with that warm voice. She looked up at him as he continued, as any praise from the bluenette was more than welcome. "Your speed and flexibility, it is impressive beyond words. Not many can keep up with me, and I cannot even imagine bending in the way you do! How does one get so flexible?"
She couldn't help but to laugh. "Let's just say nowhere on Earth." He raised an eyebrow, and she gestured towards the bench where they left some water. They sat and hydrated when she continued, "You speak of my talents, but you're the real champion here! Where did you learn such a style of combat? It's, well, overwhelming!"
He sat for a second, looking at his water bottle as he said, "My father taught me. His style I adopted as my own, and as I trained more I mastered it, and even added to it."
"Your father sounds like a great warrior and teacher! Perhaps he could teach me some techniques?" At this comment he stirred uncomfortably. Even she caught that she must have said something wrong.
"My father…died quite a while ago."
Her heart stopped and she felt ashamed for being so careless. "I'm sorry, I didn't-"
"It's fine. It happened a long time ago, I have accepted it and moved on for quite some time." She watched him drink his water as she thought about the similarity between them.
"I too lost my parents," she started. He looked over to her, with a face that was as unreadable as a foreign language. "They were taken from me when I was still a child by Ridley. Right in front of me, I watched as they were killed." At this he appeared shocked. He knew this creature, he wanders the halls of the mansion terrifying the children and always hosting a horrible temper. Some of the fighters here were certainly despicable. "If you don't mind me asking, how did it happen?"
He looked down at his water bottle again, staying silent. Right when she was about to apologize for being so forward (for that was who she was), he spoke, "He…was slain by a man who would become my greatest rival. I attempted to carry him back to our camp." He recalled the day, ironically it began raining as he carried his father, stabbed right through his core by the massive sword that was the sister blade to his own. There would be no recovery from such a brutal injury. "...He died. In my arms. I still remember it as clear as day. After that it was just my sister and I."
After his story finished, Samus did something she never thought she would ever do as she placed a comforting hand on his back. He sat up and looked at her, both exchanging looks of understanding of the pain that came from losing such important figures of their life.
After the gloom, a flicker of glee flicked on Samus's face as she smirked and looked at him. "You have a sister, eh?"
He chuckled, "I do. Her name is Mist, she is the kindest little lady you would ever meet." She smiled a real smile at this, and then she realized her hand was still on him. She silently cursed and removed her hand, face red.
What is wrong with me today? Samus inwardly chastised herself. She was acting like a little school girl fawning over her upperclassmen. Yet as she thought, she started to think. How could I not feel this way? She watched him as he stood and began to stretch again. He was handsome, real rough and tough. He was huge too, both in height and muscle. Samus herself was a few inches above 6 feet, yet somehow he still stood taller.
Then there is the fact of the similarities between them. They both could empathize over the loss of their parents, they both shared a straightforward nature, they were blunt and quiet, only saying what was needed, they loved to train and improve, and she wouldn't doubt that, like her, he would be willing to lay his life on the line for who he cared about.
She couldn't help it anymore, after her revelation she stared at him in admiration. Come on, say something to him. She needed to spend more time with him, she just had to.
"Hey," it was rather sharp but it got his attention. She racked her brain, searching for a good way to stay with him. "You, uh, want to go watch some matches together? Learn some techniques or advantages or whatever?" She celebrated in her head at her quick thinking.
Now came the answer though, and he looked at her which made her mind buzz. Then, he smiled. "Sure, sounds like a good idea. Should be fun to do together too!" At that response she smiled back and felt her chest flutter.
Whatever these feelings were, and as annoying as they were, she didn't quite mind. Especially since she had the benefit from learning from one of the strongest people she's ever seen!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ike was wandering back to his room after a long day with Samus. He had to admit, she was quite the impressive woman. Ike knew many strong women through his years, and he respected them as much as any other allies he had. This one made him feel strange though.
To start, despite the difference in advancement within their personal universes, they grew up with quite similar tramas, and despite those harsh upbringings they both held an honor and care for those they were close to. He found it quite easy to speak with her and exchange small talk despite his habit of speaking very little.
Then there are those looks she gives him. He was not naive, he could recognize the interest that burned in those deep eyes of hers. The few times he caught her stairs, or noticed when her touches would linger, she would falter for a minute and look away, or remove her hand from him.
He was aware of such advances, after all Aimee back in his world would do similar things, and she was much more forward. However, the space pilot seemed, in a way, unsure. A novice to what she was doing and feeling. If he was right, it almost seemed like this is the first time she has ever felt or acted in this way, especially with the hard reputation she's built here.
This is where Ike had to admit something to himself about another similarity he and Samus shared. He too has never felt romantic before, yet now he felt something strange stirring in him when she was near. He never showed interest in romance, always placing duty and friendship first, but this time he was feeling nervous and skittish.
Then, there was the way she looked. She was tall, really tall. She could almost look at him at eye level. She was tough, serious, honest, and blunt like he was. He liked her company, and for some reason, that alone accentuated her beauty. Then, when she touches him; it is like something he never felt before, and it scares him a bit with how quickly it has happened. He has held Queen Elincia's hand in formality, hugged his sister, and many ladies such as Aimee have grabbed on to his arms and such in an attempt to swoon him, yet he was never affected.
A strange one this woman is. Yet, she seems so…Familiar? He kept thinking about her. Despite how right she made him feel, he felt anxious. As he approached his door, he noticed some of his close friends he made here. Most of them came from his world, scattered in the history and future compared to him. A couple were warriors of the blade, always seeking to learn from him, and most of them just enjoyed talking normal, men-like banter. Then of course there was Bowser, the one who stood out the most and stuck around the least. In fact, after seeing he was alright, that satisfied him enough to approach him to discuss a practice time, and leave quite quickly with no other concerns.
Some of the other guys though couldn't hide their glee. He, Ike, being approached personally by one of the scariest, yet most beautiful ladies in the smash crew. This was not just any normal gossip!
"So," began Roy, a young lordly looking individual with the reddest hair that could rival Bowsers. He had a massive, mischievous grin splattered across his face. "You guys make out after your sparring session or-"
WHACK! Marth, not dealing with his antics, smacked him upside the head to the immense displeasure of the red head. "What he means to say is: how did it go? You two were gone much longer than expected. I've been a part of these tournaments for a while and I have never seen her be so…cordial?"
Marth was correct in what he said, this further exaggerated by the nods of confirmation from the elf-looking Link and the rough and gruff Snake. The rest of the others like Shulk, Cloud, and Lucina, arrived a little after Ike. However they have all experienced her intimidating aura just the same.
Ike was usually the one who talked the least in their group, usually commenting on small talk or telling stories very rarely. This must be one of those moments, otherwise he was never going to hear the end of it! He thought to himself.
So he told them. Told them about their training, told them of how they were watching the matches, walking around the mansion talking about experiences in their lives (both combat and otherwise), and then they sat in the afternoon in the dining hall to eat. Quite a full day.
When he was finished, he couldn't help looking at the strange faces staring back at him. Lucina had this strange expression as if she were listening to the cutest story in the world. Roy and Shulk were both smirking, exchanging glances of amusement. Snake was giving him a goofy looking thumbs up. Cloud hardly looked like he was interested, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed; but he did a small nod (which was very easy to miss) that told of his approval.
Then there was Marth, who Ike knew the longest here. He had his genuine smile going, ever being one of Ike's closest friends here at this mansion. "Well," the prince began, "I always felt a little sad for Samus, she always seemed like she was alone in her own little world sometimes. I for one am glad that she found another friend in you."
"Yeah, more than a friend if you ask-" WHACK! "Owwww! Marth, quit it!" Marth, irritated again, smashed Roy in the back of the head, but quickly smiled back at Ike. The mercenary just nodded back at him.
"Well, enough of this for now," Cloud stated, finally speaking up. "How about we go out tonight then. Do any of you want to get a drink?"
"Yes!" Snake threw his arms in the air dramatically as he yelled, "finally a good idea!"
"I'll take you up on that!" exclaimed Ike, laughed a quick and hardy laugh. With that, some of them said farewell, and the others went with Cloud and Ike to enjoy a little merriment before the late evening came.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Oh man Sam, what has gotten into you?" Peach was sitting on the edge of Samus's bed giggling and being way too excited for someone else's business. Zelda, sitting in the desk chair, was hugging a pillow, all her attention on Samus.
It was late, and both the girls were waiting for Samus at her room door in their pajamas. They obviously wanted to have one of those "girl nights" they liked to force her into so much, however this time it looked like she would be the main topic this time. Regrettably.
Sitting cross legged on her bed across from Peach, it was painfully true that she was the topic; and with how confusing today was to her, she was too tired to put up a wall and block out Peach's bombardment of questions. So, she simply answered, quite honestly, "I don't really know."
"Oh my goodness! Samus, you like him don't you?" Peach was really enjoying this.
Samus looked furious at her, but the red on her cheeks and nose (a habit her face has been doing a lot recently) betrayed her. "I DON'T- ugh, I don't know." She put her face into her hands. It was so embarrassing, for two reasons: For one, she is caught out of her element and doesn't know what any of this truly means. She knows she must have feelings for Ike, but why now? Why him? Was it a petty crush or were her feelings more than that? Then two, for whatever reason, having anyone know was just…well, embarrassing! It felt like she was being caught doing something stupid.
"Oh Samus," this time it was Zelda's turn to speak. Samus peeked at her through her fingers, too bashful to uncover her face. Zelda spoke softly though, more understanding almost. "You don't have to be so worried, you're a young woman! It was bound to happen eventually. Besides, I think you two would be positively adorable together!"
Samus felt sick. Whatever embarrassment she felt before was elevated by what the Hylian princess said. She risked exposing her face for but a second to swipe one of her pillows and cover her whole face in it. She groaned. Muffled through the pillow, Samus said, "But I don't know what to do or how to feel? What if…what if he rejects me?"
This thought now made her feel panicked. Samus NEVER felt panic. She hunted and destroyed some of the most despicable and dangerous creatures in the universe, how a man felt about her should not have such an effect on her. Yet, it did.
"Oh come now Sammy, you can't think like that!" Peach stated.
"Yeah! There's no sense in it! Just keep spending time with him, and tell him how you feel! You're both very straightforward, I can honestly say it's the best option! And he would greatly appreciate the forwardness," Zelda borderline cheered.
Samus looked up at them from her pillow. "You think…I would have a chance?"
"Are you kidding me?!" Peach was looking at her with a face that told her she was being ridiculous. "Samus, you are as tough and beautiful as a diamond! Ike is a man who judges based on action, and darling? You are the action! A space warrior! A shooting star that blasts the bad guys and sparkles for the rest! A beautiful girl like you has nothing to worry about, believe me!" Peach was pumping her arms enthusiastically. As formal as she was in public, she certainly was excitable when she wanted to be.
Samus, being praised for her success as a space huntress, sat up straight and stopped hiding. They're right, Ike would be foolish not to accept her! All joking aside, Samus did know that Ike and she were incredibly similar in many ways, and they got along incredibly well. That alone was rare, not many bothered approaching her. Looking at the two ladies gossiping in front of her, she smiled slightly thankful to them for including her in their trio for so long.
"Well," both the princesses looked at her as she finally spoke up. "What do you girls think of him? He's quite…handsome isn't he?" With that, the three started squealing and gushing over the mercenary. For once, Samus enjoyed partaking in the "girl time".
/
So ends part one. Welcome to my second fanfic! I do hopefully plan on finishing this because I was tired of the lack of these two. Also, it's fun to portray the canon strength of Ike! So many people don't realize how absolutely insane he is strength and speed wise. I look forward to seeing everyone in the next chapter!
Once again I own nothing!