"For the last time Peach, it's none of your business," Samus stated, trying to hide her pink cheeks. They were in the training room, and it was early morning. Ike was behind her still practicing where she left him, moments ago where she was before Peach pulled her away to have an "important" discussion. Zelda was there too, yet she was mostly spectating while Peach continued her theatrics. Samus had her arms crossed and held an irritated frown. The bounty huntress was trying very hard not to get angry at the fact that Peach was taking away her personal training time with Ike.

"But you were gone all night! You never showed up, and Zelda and I had to go back to our rooms sad and worried…" At the mention of worry, for a moment, Samus was quite appreciative of her friends' concern. Just for a moment however, as Peach continued with a pout, "Now where were you?"

And there it is, ruining the moment, Samus thought. "If I tell you, you need to promise not to make a big deal about it. Especially here. Deal?"

"But-"

"Deal?!" Samus exclaimed. Peach agreed without further protest, and looking over at Zelda she nodded too, being ever the more reasonable. "Fine. Come close."

She beckoned them in, and when they both were leaning in, she said in a quiet whisper, "I stayed over at Ike's last night, and-"

"What?! You-" Peach interrupted with a yell, but as fast as lightning Samus covered her mouth before she could blurt anything out.

"Will you keep it down? Calm yourself damn it," Samus asserted quietly. She moved her hand slowly.

"Sorry… But Sam, that's so, so…scandalous," Peach accused.

"We didn't, you know, do anything," she tried to explain. "We only slept. And kinda, you know, cuddled." Her face went on fire at how hot it felt. Zelda gasped and smiled excitedly, and Peach's wild overreacting took a huge flip as she looked just as excited and happy all of a sudden.

"You did?! Oh Samus darling, you guys are growing and getting closer! I'm so proud of you," Peach praised. Samus just huffed and looked away in embarrassment.

"Yeah, whatever. Can I get back to what I was doing now please?"

This time it was Zelda who spoke up, "Of course Sammy, go have fun! We'll just leave you two be, right?" She directed her words at Peach.

"B-but I- oh, alright!" Peach relented, and the two said their goodbyes while the blonde walked back to Ike.

He stopped and looked at her, "Everything good?" he questioned.

"Yeah, everything's great," she confirmed as she gave a genuine smile at how her answer was more deep than just his simple question.

Seeing her happy, he smiled back, and continued what he was doing. She admired his skill before jumping back into her routine.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samus watched in the stands as Ike did everything he could to continue the winning streak Bowser and he were holding. Ike was in an intense duel with Cloud. Out of all the smashers, the spiky blonde was one of the few who was able to keep up with Ike. His speed and power were immense, and he had huge reserves of energy that he could release from time to time.

This time around, it was Ike and Bowser who were at an advantage, for while Ike clashed with Cloud, Bowser was able to slip through the young Lucas's psychic attacks and, without hesitation, knocked the poor boy out.

Despite this, Bowser hung back, not daring to interfere with the frightening duel before him. Ike instructed him to stay back and wait for the perfect moments, for if Cloud got the opportunity he would take Bowser out without a second thought if he wasn't careful.

His advice was definitely sound; as Samus sat there in the stands she could feel the waves of immense energy shimmering through the air every time the two swordsmen clashed. From what Ike told her, the two of them sparred the most together, each giving the perfect challenge for the other. He stated they were nearly equal, any lead in wins they had being negligible with how many times they ended up in a draw.

The stands shook, the ground before them broke where they clashed. At times they were near unseeable at how fast they moved. Samus followed the best she could, her trained eyes not dropping away for a second. Almost no sound came from the crowd watching, because they were seeing something that was beyond just a normal fight.

Then it happened, it was the smallest of slip ups that almost no one would notice. Yet Ike did. Cloud's foot lost traction for a fraction of a second due to a misplaced pebble. It was so minor, but with the perfection needed in a fight like this it was crucial enough for Ike to take advantage of the situation.

Without hesitation, Ike smashed his weapon into Cloud's, and as quickly as the blades clashed, he swept the large single edged blade away, completely exposing the blonde fighter with a parry. Using his freehand, he grabbed Cloud by the collar of his shirt, and with an immense show of strength pulled him into a spin and lined up for a kick.

From the immense force that came from Ike's boot, Cloud flew through the air. Before he could recover and catch his lost breath, he noticed in horror at his trajectory. It was too late to react, for at that moment he found himself above Bowser, and the large spiked armor of his shell smashed right into the freedom fighter's back when the Koopa King sprung up with immaculate timing.

Samus watched as Cloud flew straight into the air, about twenty feet from the ground, and on the way down he smashed into the floor right at Ike's feet. Cloud made no motion to try and get up, Samus only able to imagine the immense pain his back must have held.

A couple of seconds passed before a loud "Game!" was announced. She watched as Bowser roared in satisfaction and made his way to Ike holding out a fist. Ike extended a fist and clashed it with the koopa's, a fist bump to reward their rigorous training. As Bowser roared and boasted towards the crowd for cheers she watched Ike humbly lean down to the grounded Cloud and offer a hand.

Samus tried to hide her wide smile as she watched her blue haired warrior take Cloud's shaky hand and lifted him up, holding him over his shoulder. Cloud's face was grimaced in pain, but she could see their mouths moving. Whatever Ike said made Cloud grin ever so slightly through his pained face.

The bounty huntress couldn't help but admire the scene. Her whole body fluttered seeing how kind and respectful Ike was. She knew it already of course, but seeing it in action made her heart grow warm.

As the fighters moved through the portals to the victory room (Ike continuing to assist Cloud there while medical aid fetched the poor little Lucas), Samus turned to Peach, Zelda, and Marth (who joined them) and said, "Did you see that?! What sportsmanship!" She tried her best to contain herself, but she was sure her fan-girling probably broke through her ruse a tad.

Peach giggled at this, finding the space explorer's reaction quite cute, while Zelda smiled sweetly seeing Samus act in such a giddy way. It was a rare, yet delightfully strange change in Samus's mood these days.

Marth politely smiled at her and answered, "Yes, as intimidating of an enemy he may be, his kindness really shines through that rough exterior. I can understand where he gained all that respect when he was a general and leader."

As they walked out of the stands to watch the victory screen, Samus couldn't help but let Marth's praises of Ike swim in her head. For some reason, she felt a strange pride when people complimented the mercenary. She tried to hold her composure, but her heart simply would not allow it.

"I can see why you guys are such good friends," she directed to Marth.

He chuckled as he responded, "And I can see why you fell so deeply for him."

She stopped right in her tracks, face red with embarrassment and anger at such a bold statement. It was true, but bold none the less. Marth simply looked at her with a grin of knowing as he kept walking. Peach and Zelda looked at her concerned as they waited for her.

Samus huffed and cleared her mind as best she could and kept walking to the relief of the two princesses. They made it to the room where there was a large screen to show the results, as well as the large double doors where Samus first got the idea to challenge Ike so long ago. It was hard to believe this was where it all started.

The screen flashed, and the speakers boomed the fanfare as it showed Ike and Bowser standing proudly and victorious. As it froze their position and began showing the stats of the match, the doors began opening from the right side of the room.

The small boy known as Lucas came walking out first, head down a little disappointed in losing. The moment he got absorbed into his group of friends however, a smile formed and he was right as rain once more.

Bowser followed, and he was boasting immensely, getting lost in the cheers knowing fully well how important his role in the final moment was. Next to Samus, Peach groaned, Samus guessing that the princess would probably never hear the end of this boasting for a while when she was forced to listen to his ramblings.

Finally, Ike and Cloud walked out together. With the immense amounts of healing items, the blonde swordsman was upright and healthy again. He was having a conversation with the mercenary when the claps and cheers started upon their arrival. He became quiet as the two were surrounded by praise and congradulations.

Samus couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the two being bombarded by their friend group as she approached. Seeing her, Ike smiled in her direction. She returned the smile and pushed past Snake who was yapping at Ike about something.

She congratulated him in the middle of the chaos that was the conversation, then as subtle as she could, took his hand in hers. It always made her mood fly into a state of calm happiness whenever he was close, and the minor touch was enough to make her sigh in comfort. Cloud caught this, and uncharacteristically smirked with a brief chuckle.

"What?" Samus questioned, not sure how to take his odd reaction.

"Nothing, you just reminded me of something," he paused and looked off into an unseen distance. "I should send a letter to Tifa."

Both Ike and Samus raised an eyebrow as they watched Cloud quietly walk out of the room. Samus looked toward the Bluenette, who looked back to her and shrugged. Deciding it wasn't worth digging too deep into, she also shrugged and listened to the wild banter happening around them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A large pizza was placed in the center of the table while discussions continued. Ike and Samus were with the usual company at their hot spot sitting at a round booth. Snake was there like always, as well as Marth, Roy, and Lucina. Lady's Robin and Corrin were also here today, as well as Cloud who was feeling much better after his needed rest from the match.

As many of them went for a slice or two, Roy continued the conversation, "I just don't get it, how are you two so strong? How do you get to that point?"

Cloud remained quiet, and Ike reluctantly stated, "Nothing I haven't told you before. Simply hard work and the will to push yourself."

"Oh come on now Ike," Robin pushed, her endless curiosity wanting to learn his secrets. "There has to be something else. It can't be that easy."

"I said it was simple, not easy," Ike retorted. "In order to be strong, you must be resilient through the toughest situations."

"Oh come off it, tell us the secret!" Roy exclaimed.

"Drop it," Ike's voice, though calm, sounded dangerous. Samus felt a chill in her spine from it.

"But sir Ike," Corrin interjected, "I'm sure it goes without saying that we all wish to get stronger. To be able to combat any dangers my family may face, I know I personally want to get stronger."

Ike closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. When he opened them he looked right at Corrin, then Robin, then the rest of the group.

"There is more than just wanting to be strong," Ike began. The whole table was completely silent and focused. "I did not become strong just because I wanted to, but because I had to. When everyone looks for an answer, someone has to be that answer; and the truth is that someone is the one willing to receive any boon and do anything, and I mean it when I say too they will go through anything. You cannot stop when things hurt, you cannot stop when it gets difficult, and even when you are the only one, you must be ready to give everything.

"And listen well to what I say, because you will give. Real power doesn't go to those who take. Real strength will come from how much you give, how much you've sacrificed, how much you've lost," he paused for a second, Samus knowing what he was thinking, and when she looked at Cloud she saw him nodding, understanding exactly what Ike was saying.

"I sacrificed my innocent childhood to training, and when I lost my father I had to be ready to take up his responsibility. When Elincia came to me for aid, I couldn't fail under any circumstances. The war was my responsibility. When my friends and family were threatened, it was my responsibility; when a continental war began and we needed to unite every soldier under one banner, it became my responsibility. And yes, when it came to fighting a literal god, they asked me to do it, so I did."

No one dared speak, they all listened deeply. Most were saddened at his response knowing how difficult it must have been. Ike continued further, "To answer your question again: to get this strong you must go through immense challenges, immense pain. And through this pain you must endure, you must have the will to keep going, to believe in what you do is right. Cloud understands what I mean."

For the first time since they got here today, Cloud spoke, "I understand clearly."

Samus looked around the table. Roy was looking down poking at his pizza, Robin looked deep in thought, and many of the others either looked saddened or determined.

"So," Corrin began slowly and carefully, "you served everyone your whole life?"

"Aye," he answered. "I chose to do what no one else would. I did what I had to do. The only choices I ever made for myself was avenging my father, and leaving Tellius. Even so, I would never take anything I've done back; it is a fulfilling way to live. I would do anything for my friends."

Robin sighed with a sad smile on her face. "Oh Ike, you truly are quite a wonder."

"A true model leader," Snake said, smacking him on the shoulder. "I gotta admit, I'm glad you made one selfish decision though."

Ike raised his eyebrow, "I'm not sure what you mean."

"Your decision to leave of course! Finally getting to live your own life. Look what you finally made for yourself here," Snake motioned to Samus.

When Ike looked over at her, his unreadable face eased as he looked into her eyes. She could see his whole being in those eyes: His sorrows, his strength, his kindness, and his silent agreement of Snake's comment.

After hearing everything Ike's been through, Samus always felt happy that she could finally take care of him for a change. Seeing his reaction, it was easy to see he appreciated it immensely. For someone who gave their whole being to everyone else, it only seemed right that she gave everything she had to him in return.

Samus too finally spoke up, "Oh believe me, I'm glad to be the one to reverse the roll for him. If anyone deserves it, it's this one." She pinched his cheek and pulled playfully.

"Gee, thanksh Shamus," he hissed from her yanking of his cheek. Everyone laughed, and the air was easier. Samus moved her hand from his cheek to his hand under the table. She thought about him while everyone chatted and ate. She imagined the difficulties of his life as well as hers, and couldn't help but think about how much she'll be willing to do for him to make sure everything becomes right for him. Them she should say at this point.

I'll be sure to give him everything I have, and everything I am, she thought to herself once more, all while looking at him with much care and admiration.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samus couldn't help but wonder why she let herself be convinced into partaking in such a ridiculous activity. What did Peach and Zelda even call it again? The name escaped her from the annoyance. Sleep party? Pajama party? Oh forget it, it isn't important, she thought to herself.

Before she could finish her thoughts in peace, an immense amount of giggles snapped her back into the reality of the situation. Her two royal pains and so-called friends dragged her into this strange party claiming it would be fun. So, she put on her white tank top and blue shorts that she found to be the most comfortable when sleeping, and they went together. After all, they said it would be similar to their girl nights, just with a bit more attendees.

A bit more was an understatement she regretfully discovered. Almost every girl in the mansion was here, all decked out in their sleepwear of all only ones not showing were kids like Nana. Speaking of where, they were in one of the many comfortable living rooms found throughout the large building, since someone was able to convince the higher ups to allow them to turn the area into a "private event". Who was doing the convincing, she did not know.

With the noise they're causing, one could hardly call this party private, Samus complained to herself. It wasn't too shocking though, there were girls all over the room, sitting on the couches and chairs and even the floor around a fireplace; doing each others' hair, putting nail polish on, or some just straight up gossiping. They even had snacks and drinks of all types, courtesy of the strange people running the place, for they were thinking it was a good idea and an opportunity for the ladies to enjoy their stay here even further.

"What's wrong Sam?" She heard Zelda's concerned voice in front of her. The Hylian was wearing a purple night dress that had a beautiful shine. Behind the bounty huntress she felt her hair tug a little while Peach braided her long hair and was trying to look at Samus after Zelda's comment. She was wearing a pajama set that was pink (of course), and was made from some expensive material the space hunter didn't bother remembering.

"Nothing, it's just not my kind of environment," the space hunter said, not wanting to offend them since they invited her here. "I would have rather had tea with Ike tonight is all."

Zelda smiled at her apologetically, and Samus smiled back. Their moment was gone quickly though, because they were overheard by the green haired goddess Palutena, who was wearing quite the daring nightgown, short and revealing. "Do my ears deceive me? Is Samus Aran talking about a boy?"

Samus glared at her, but it was already too late. Most of the women were looking in their general direction. Robin, wearing a black robe, was the first to follow up: "I mean, this is old news, everyone knows Palutena."

"Yes, but this is our dear Samus we're talking about!" the goddess playfully retorted. "It's such a nice change to see her have an interest in someone."

That took Samus a little off guard. She didn't think other people would be so interested in her. It was further solidified by the girls' chatter and giggles of approval that followed Palutena's comment.

"I must agree darling," Bayonetta directed at Samus, the strange Umbral Witch wearing a fancy looking nightdress that had big fluff on the bottom and the end of the sleeves; it fit tightly on her curves. "I'm dreadfully curious to know how things are going? Tell me, is he a good kisser?"

"I…I hardly see how that's your business!" Samus yelled in embarrassment, the heat already consuming her face.

"Oh come now hun, this is just girl talk. I want to know how he makes you feel darling," Bayonetta said with an innocent look, her glasses glittering.

"Samus," it was Lucina, who was wearing a simple white nightgown that came right above her knees. She looked oddly giddy, which Samus never really saw much. Though she was still quite young, Samus supposed. "I'm also kinda curious how the Radiant Hero treats you. Does he hold you and say sweet things? Tell me please!"

Samus's brain was on overload. As more of the girls began to join in and ask more and more questions about her relationship with Ike, she froze with embarrassment.

Peach, despite being behind her, luckily caught on and tried to assist in the matters, saying, "Uh, ladies? This is all very new to Samus. Maybe instead of bombarding her with questions about her love life you should gossip about yours first? Show her how it's done?"

"Oh where do I begin," Bayonetta started, sprawling herself on the couch in exasperation. "My husband is just the most irritating thing imaginable! But, I will say he has his charms. I couldn't possibly see myself living without him. He does make me laugh."

"Well, um," Lucina looked a little embarrassed. "There is someone back home I've liked for quite a while. He's always acting super moody and serious around others. But with me, he always speaks so gently. I can see how caring he is, and that's all that matters to me."

"Oh Luci, that is adorable! You need to tell him how you feel as soon as you can!" Palutena excitedly exclaimed.

Daisy was sitting on the floor next to the fire. She was wearing a two piece pajama set of a yellow and orange shirt and shorts. Seeing some of the theatrics, she rolled her eyes with an amused smile. Peach caught this and said, "Oh don't even try, Daisy dear. I see the way you flirt and tease Luigi."

The flower princess looked awkward for only a moment before she grinned mischievously. With a pink tint on her tan face, she said, "He just gets so shy, I find it adorable. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't swoon when he tries his best to act brave." Daisy put her hands on her cheeks and hummed while she thought about her green hero.

More of the ladies who had either a love interest or crushes started sharing some of their likes and dislikes, details, etc. Byleth, who wore a black lace nightgown that reminded Samus of the professor's leggings, mentioned something about one of her fellow staff members at the academy she works at who she admired for how family oriented he was. Corrin, who was in a black night dress, as well as Robin both said they haven't found anyone yet. Both Palutena and Rosalina (who was wearing a beautiful blue robe) both haven't even considered anyone either.

"There aren't many realistic options when you're a goddess," Palutena sighed. However she didn't look too disappointed. Rosalina just smiled and shrugged.

"So come on then Samus," Corrin chimed, "tell us about Sir Ike! I'm sure Robin and Lucina agree that we're very curious on how such a legend in our history is romantically!" With how many eyes were focused on her, Samus could easily say more than just the Emblem folk were curious.

Peach finished braiding her hair and walked past her. While she did, she placed a comforting hand on Samus's shoulder and smiled comfortingly. When the princess sat next to Zelda, she saw the Hylian was looking at her with confidence. With those two there, she felt like she could say anything, no matter how embarrassing or girly.

"Well, uh…" she hesitated, not sure what to say. So taking a bit to consider how to answer, she explained her time with the mercenary. She told them what she liked about him, his most powerful and amazing traits. She explained some of his flaws which even he had. She explained the support they give each other, the kindness he shows, how he makes her laugh, the things he says to her. The whole while, many of the girls gave her "awws" and other noises of excitement and interest. When she explained to them the excitement and belonging of when they touched, many of them squealed and shrieked with excitement. The space huntress felt, for some reason, a little excited sharing.

"Wow Samus, you two are so influential!" Lucina marveled. " When did you two become official?"

"What?" Samus questioned.

"You know, become boyfriend and girlfriend?" explained Zelda.

"Well, we never really put a name on what we have "officially" I guess," she responded.

"What?!" Palutena yelled.

"Oh no, we can't have that," Bayonetta dictated. "You need to ask him to be officially yours my dear."

Samus considered this for a second. "I suppose you're right. I'll talk to him about it tomorrow."

"Oh no, you're asking him right now!" Bayonetta commanded.

Samus looked at her, frozen from confusion and shock of what the witch was saying. Everyone around her shared looks of mischievous knowing, while she sat there bewildered and at the mercy of whatever antics they were scheming. Nothing came from her mouth except a quiet, "Huh?"

Before she could protest or think about what was going on, the girls hauled Samus through the hallways, pulling and pushing her all the way to Ike's room. She was beet red and stiff as the crowd of girls attempted to stifle their giggles and place Samus right in front of the door.

Shushing each other to be quiet, one of them knocked on Ike's door for her, and they immediately bolted around the corner, leaving Samus there while they spied and watched.

Samus's mind was trying to catch up and understand what she was doing there, looking at the door. She looked in the direction where the rest of the girls fled to, seeing them peeking from the next hallway behind the wall. Peach and Zelda tried to give her some encouraging looks and a thumbs up, but she knew this was going to be difficult with such a large audience watching her.

She looked back at them, her eyes begging for some kind of assistance when the deadbolt on the door clicked. Her eyes now snapped back on the door. Her eyes were wide, body ridged with nerves, and her face redder than ever.

The knob turned, and the door opened. From behind it, Ike emerged with a simple black tank top and blue sweatpants. In his hand he was holding a rag that smelled of polishing oils, to where she could assume she interrupted his maintenance of his weapons.

His eyebrow was raised in confusion, but he was not unwelcoming when he said, "Samus? What's up, did you need me for something?"

"Huh? Oh no- I mean yes! I mean…" Her brain was running wild, and she couldn't think straight.

"Are you alright? Your face is all flush," he stated with a little concern in his voice. He put his freehand to her cheek. "Take a deep breath, what do you need?"

She did just that, breathing in deep and letting it out. Grabbing his hand from her cheek, she held it with hers. She was still feeling uncomfortable and blushing madly, but at least she could think. Looking into his eyes, she tried her best to relay what she wanted to ask: "Ike? Um, so we've been kinda doing this for a while and um…"

He looked at her, patiently and respectfully, waiting to see where this was possibly going. She tried to continue, "So, I was wanting to see if we could become official." She looked at his face with a nervous yet expecting look.

His cheeks turned a shade deeper. He gulped, "What do you, uh, mean by that Sam?" He looked a tad confused, which she should have seen coming since he was just as new to this as she was.

She tried to steel herself once more and form the sentence in her head. "What I mean is, um, I would like to…to put a name to our relationship. Be boyfriend and girlfriend. Official."

His eyes widened in realization. "Oh! That's what you meant! Sorry, I thought with how our circumstances have been carried thus far, we already were on such terms," he explained with a nervous chuckle. Looking back at her expecting face, he continued, "But sure; yes. I would be honored! I will gladly take the mantle of boyfriend, for you and you alone."

She could tell he was trying his best to comfort her, and she eased a bit knowing he attempted such things for her. She also realized what he said: they were official! She opened her mouth as if to speak but closed it. Now what?

Ike made a slight chuckle at her behavior, but his face turned inquisitive. As if in slow motion Samus watched him begin to turn his head towards the direction of where the girls were all hiding. She should have realized his keen senses would eventually start catching on, so she tried to think quickly to keep him from discovering their eavesdropping.

"Ike!" she exclaimed a little more loudly than she meant. It did the job however as he looked at her once more. "Um, h-how bout we go inside and celebrate with some tea! I'll make it while you keep cleaning your weapons. We can talk the whole while."

With that, she pushed him in and closed the door with little resistance. From around the corner, Zelda and Peach high fived each other. You go, Samus! I'm so proud, Zelda thought to herself. A lot of the other girls were quietly cheering or giving each other funny looks of amusement.

"Awe, that's it? I wanted to see more," the Umbral Witch pouted.

"Hmm, sounds like we could use a little…divine intervention," Palutena said mischievously.

Peach turned at her looking astounded. And with an angry, stern voice, she reprimanded the goddess, "Don't you dare! What an uncouth idea for a lady to ever have! Shame! We're all going back to the living room, now!"

They all looked bewildered for a second, and then began to disperse back to the living room they came from. Even Palutena didn't dare argue further. Zelda looked both impressed and proud towards Peach.

"Nice one Peachie," Zelda praised.

"Hmph, well it was a preposterous and rude idea to even contemplate. I won't have it! Ridiculous, those girls sometimes," Peach huffed. With her hands on her hips, she walked back with a haughty expression still on her face. Zelda could only smirk in amusement and follow her.

XXXXXXXXX

Hello and Happy New Year everyone! I think I finally reached the steps of finishing this story for the upcoming chapter! I have been having much fun with it, and I hope many of you have as well. Any creative critique is always welcome, let me know how you've enjoyed the story thus far as well! See you in the last chapter everyone! And thank you for the support!