The characters and all their elements of video game references are properties of Nintendo.
Chapter 10.
"Well, I'll pick you up tonight," Link said as he stepped out of Samus' room.
"I'll be waiting, Link," Samus replied, her gaze lingering on him as he left.
As Link made his way back to his room, he noticed Ganondorf approaching from the opposite direction. Instinctively, Link tensed, expecting another confrontation or some taunt. But to his surprise, the dark king simply strode past him without a glance, his expression unreadable.
Link's thoughts raced, wondering why Ganondorf hadn't bothered him this time. Perhaps not all evil triumphs after all, Link mused to himself, until a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
"It seems evil doesn't always win," said Palutena, the goddess of light, appearing gracefully beside him.
Ganondorf, having overheard her comment, stopped and turned slightly. "Excellence isn't always achieved," he said, his deep voice carrying a solemn weight, "but neither is it a victory for the light."
Palutena chuckled softly. "Perhaps not, especially when your opponent is a cute little dinosaur."
Ganondorf frowned, clearly unimpressed by her playful jab. "It matters little to me. These battles are trivial, without real consequence. Now, if you'll excuse me," he said curtly before walking away.
Link watched him go, slightly surprised by the evil king's demeanor. Despite being a villain, Ganondorf exhibited a certain level of respect—acknowledging ranks and authority with an odd sense of decorum. Link found himself wondering if Ganondorf's disdain wasn't directed at the light itself, but more at the heroes who embodied it. Perhaps it reminded him of his failures in his endless quest for ultimate power.
Yoshi beat him, Link thought with a grin, the image of the cheerful dinosaur defeating Ganondorf bringing a chuckle to his lips. He continued on his way, lighter in spirit.
The night had finally arrived. All the fighters were in their rooms, preparing for the gala. Though the children had been invited as well, they weren't particularly thrilled by the idea of attending a formal event. Instead, they preferred to roam the mansion, taking advantage of the absence of adults to get into their usual mischief.
Samus sat on the edge of her bed, her hair still damp from the shower, a towel draped around her shoulders. She glanced at her closet, searching for something appropriate to wear, realizing quickly that she hadn't brought anything resembling formal attire. Of course, she thought with a smirk. Who would pack a dress for a place full of battles?
Her eyes scanned the clothes until she spotted a long-sleeved white shirt, the closest thing to formal wear she had. With a shrug, she pulled it from the hanger. Paired with some slim, slightly tight pants, and her usual high black boots, it was as dressed up as she could manage. She left her hair down for a moment before opting for her signature ponytail, tying it neatly in place.
Samus stood in front of the mirror, inspecting herself. The clothes fit well, and while she didn't look too different from her usual self, there was something subtly elegant about the way the shirt and pants hugged her frame. She wondered briefly if Link would approve, and a small blush crept onto her cheeks as she thought back to earlier in the day.
Would he like it? she mused, her mind drifting to the almost intimate moment they had shared just a few hours ago. She had been so close to making her intentions clear, so close to taking their relationship to the next level. For a fleeting second, she had felt their dynamic shift, the space between them crackling with tension.
Samus chuckled softly, a blush lingering on her face. Not much longer, she thought, her heart racing as she recalled the look in Link's eyes. There was no denying the chemistry between them, and she was no longer afraid of what that might mean. The feelings had been there for a while, both subtle and unspoken, but undeniable. Friends? Perhaps for now, but Samus was sure that wouldn't last for long.
With a mischievous smile on her lips, she straightened her shirt one last time, ready for the evening—and whatever came after.
Link was stepping out of the bathtub, his foot slipping slightly on the wet floor, but he caught himself just in time. Grabbing a towel, he hastily dried his hair, feeling the fatigue from the day's events creeping in. I should have taken a short nap earlier, he thought, regretting the long, busy day. But there was no time to rest now. He had to pick up Samus for the gala.
As he rummaged through his wardrobe, the reality hit him—he didn't have anything close to "elegant" attire. In truth, he had never attended a formal event in his life. He wasn't sure what was considered elegant, especially in a place filled with people from different worlds and times. What do people wear to these things? he mused, glancing at the mismatched outfits he had available.
In the end, he settled on a simple white shirt and a pair of pants. It wasn't overly formal, but it wasn't too casual either. As he stood in front of the mirror, he sighed. His hair was still a mess, untamed from the rough towel drying. With a bit of effort, he tied it back in a different style than usual, giving it a more polished, elegant look. He studied himself again in the mirror, unsure if the result was truly "gala-worthy."
Maybe Samus will think it's in good taste, he hoped, though a wave of nervousness suddenly hit him. His mind flashed back to earlier, recalling the moment Samus had caught him watching her with a little too much attention. She had teased him about it, but instead of feeling awkward or embarrassed, Samus had seemed amused—almost as if she enjoyed it.
If it had been anyone else, Samus might have slapped them for being so bold, but with Link, things were different. He knew Samus had a playful side, but this felt different—there was a clear spark of mutual attraction between them. For the first time, Link felt confident that their relationship had the potential to move beyond mere friendship.
Despite his nerves, Link was excited. That moment had been a confirmation, a sign that Samus shared his feelings. The tension had been growing between them for some time, and now it seemed like they were on the verge of something more. He couldn't help but smile at the thought.
But there wasn't much time to dwell on it. He was already running late. Without a second thought, Link grabbed his belongings and rushed out the door, eager to meet Samus, his heart beating a little faster with each step.
Samus heard the knock at the door, and her heart skipped a beat. Despite how much trust had grown between her and Link, the thought that tonight she might finally confess her feelings filled her with a unique kind of anticipation. Every little moment leading up to this felt charged, special.
On the other side, Link carried the same tension. The few seconds he spent knocking on her door seemed to stretch endlessly. He wasn't just nervous about the event; he was nervous about her—about them.
Suddenly, the door opened.
Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Link took in the sight of Samus—elegant, composed, and beautiful, as always, but now with a slightly more formal touch. Her simple yet graceful outfit enhanced her natural strength and confidence, and it left him momentarily breathless.
Samus studied Link in return. His outfit wasn't overly formal, but the simplicity of his white shirt combined with the new hairstyle gave him a fresh, more polished look. It suited him—made him look more grown-up, almost dashing.
"Hey, are you ready?" Link asked, trying to sound casual despite the nervous energy that buzzed between them.
"Hello, Link. I'm ready," Samus responded, her smile warm but knowing. She could sense his nervousness, but that only endeared him to her more.
Link chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Heh… you look amazing. Not like me, though," he said, his compliment laced with his usual self-deprecating humor.
Samus raised an eyebrow, amused by his shyness. "I think I can fix that," she said, turning toward her closet. After a brief search, she pulled out a sleek black jacket and handed it to him. "This should suit you. It'll go well with what you're wearing."
Link blinked in surprise but didn't protest. He slid the jacket on, feeling a bit more confident with the added layer of formality. "Okay, how does it look?" he asked, standing a little taller.
Samus took a step back, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "It looks great on you. You kind of look like a bad boy now," she teased, her voice playful but clearly approving.
Link flushed slightly but couldn't help grinning. "A bad boy, huh?" he replied, shaking his head at the idea.
Samus simply laughed, the tension easing as they shared a lighthearted moment. Without wasting any more time, the two of them set off toward the event, walking side by side, the weight of unspoken feelings between them but also a sense of anticipation for what the night might hold.
After a few minutes, Samus and Link arrived at the venue. It was a beautiful, spacious room, adorned with elegant decorations that contrasted with the usual chaotic atmosphere of the mansion. Almost all the tables were occupied, and the low hum of conversations filled the air.
As Samus scanned the room, she spotted Zelda waving from across the crowd. "Look, it's Zelda! I think she's saving us a spot. Let's go," Samus said, taking Link by the arm without thinking, guiding him through the room.
"They look great," Zelda greeted them with a warm smile as they approached.
"Thank you," Link replied, trying to hide a slight blush.
"Thank you very much. Your dress is beautiful, by the way," Samus complimented. Zelda's outfit was nothing short of royal—a flowing blue gown adorned with the Triforce symbol at the center, elegant and fitting for a princess.
Zelda chuckled softly. "You're too kind, Samus. It's just something from the royal wardrobe."
As they settled in, Link heard a familiar voice. "Hey, Link!" It was Pit, standing next to Sora. Both were smiling, though Pit looked slightly uncomfortable.
"Hey, Pit! Sora! You both look sharp," Link said, noticing Pit's formal suit and tie, though he could tell Pit was itching to loosen the collar.
"Thanks… Lady Palutena insisted I wear this. I didn't want to, but her word is law," Pit grumbled, tugging at his tie. "This suit is so stiff, I can barely move."
Sora grinned, unable to resist teasing. "It suits you, though. Look at me—I had no clue what to wear, so I came in my usual stuff. And Link? He looks like he's about to ride off on a motorcycle." Sora gestured to Link's new leather jacket, which contrasted with the formal attire of others.
Pit sighed. "Well, this suit weighs a ton. How am I supposed to fight in this thing?"
"Relax, Pit. We're here to impress, not fight," Sora teased. "Maybe you're trying to catch the eye of that 'witch' that bothers you?" he added with a wink, referring to a certain tall, mysterious figure.
Pit scowled playfully. "I'm outta here before you cause more trouble," he said, heading off.
Sora waved. "I'd better go too. See you later, Link!"
The room continued to fill as more fighters arrived, each one in their own unique take on formal wear. At one table, the villains had gathered—seeing Bowser in a tailored suit and hat made both Samus and Link chuckle. Bayonetta, as usual, made a grand entrance with her extravagant outfit, turning heads as she strutted through the room. Some fighters had chosen not to attend, but the party was still lively.
As Samus and Link mingled, they were approached by Lucina. "Hey, Samus," she said, smiling brightly.
"Hey, Lucina," Samus replied, glancing at her. Lucina wore a stunning blue dress that perfectly matched her hair.
"That dress looks beautiful on you. The color matches your hair," Samus complimented, returning the smile.
"Thank you so much, Samy!" Lucina said playfully.
Samus frowned, her cheeks turning pink. "Don't call me that," she muttered, embarrassed by the nickname.
Lucina laughed, clearly enjoying teasing her friend. "Why not? It sounds cute. Besides, you look so elegant tonight—I'm sure Link agrees," she said with a sly glance in his direction.
Link, caught off guard, stammered. "Y-Yeah, of course. You look… very elegant."
Samus shot a brief look at Link, suppressing a small smile. "Let's just hope this party stays calm," she said, quickly changing the subject.
Lucina smirked, crossing her arms. "I doubt it. The atmosphere may be calm now, but knowing this crowd, it won't stay that way for long."
They spent the next hour chatting with Zelda and Lucina, talking about everything from their latest adventures to the strange mix of fighters at the mansion. They ate, laughed, and relaxed, enjoying the more formal occasion. However, as the night progressed, the atmosphere shifted. The once calm and composed gathering began to morph into something far more chaotic, the energy in the room growing wilder with every passing moment.
The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically as the music transitioned from soft and elegant tunes to something far louder and bolder, setting the stage for a more raucous party. What had started as a formal gathering was now becoming something entirely different.
In one corner, Ganondorf and Bayonetta had sparked an impromptu duel. It wasn't with fists or swords but a summoning contest, each trying to outdo the other by calling forth their most powerful entities. Ganondorf summoned his ghostly specters, while Bayonetta brought forth her infernal demons. The spectacle resembled a Pokémon battle, with the summoned beings facing off like creatures in a duel. The crowd found it hilarious, particularly those who understood the absurdity of these two powerful beings competing in such a trivial way.
Meanwhile, Wario and Kirby were in their own battle—against food. Both were stuffing themselves at the buffet, each determined to out-eat the other, oblivious to anything else around them. Plates were piling up, and it seemed like a miracle neither had choked yet.
Palutena, the goddess of light, sat nearby, her eyes on a bottle of liquor she had summoned. Pit, ever the concerned servant, stood by her side, fidgeting nervously.
"Lady Palutena… you're not really going to drink that, are you?" Pit asked, uncertain.
Palutena smirked, brushing off his concern. "It's just a small drink, Pit. Besides, no other gods are watching me right now. I deserve to have fun, at least for one night." She uncorked the bottle, taking a delicate sip. "You're free tonight too, so stop worrying. Have some fun," she said, playfully winking at him before taking another small drink.
Pit's face flushed red, unsure how to respond. He was certainly not used to seeing his goddess in such a carefree, mischievous mood.
At another table, Mario and Bowser were locked in what seemed like their eternal dispute over Princess Peach. Though there were no fireballs or turtle shells involved this time, their argument was just as heated, with Peach sitting nearby, clearly enjoying the attention while pretending to be indifferent.
As the evening went on, different groups of fighters started to embrace the new party atmosphere in their own ways. Some had taken to the dance floor, swaying to the louder, faster beats of the music, while others sat in clusters, deep in conversation or laughing with friends. The room had transformed into a place where everyone was in their own little world, from dueling witches and bickering rivals to overeating puffballs and gods who had decided that tonight, rules didn't matter.
Samus and Link stood near the edge of the room, watching the chaos unfold. Samus smirked, nudging Link with her elbow. "This changed drastically.."
Link chuckled, looking around at the unfolding madness. "
You're right." He smiled, feeling more relaxed now as the formalities faded into a night of fun.
"You want to go outside," Samus said.
"Okay, let's go," Link said without protesting.
As they lay on the grass, the cool night air enveloping them, the distant hum of the party mixed with the soft chirping of crickets, creating a peaceful backdrop. The stars above twinkled in a way that made the sky feel infinite, and for a moment, the chaos of the world seemed far away.
Link was the first to break the silence. "It's nice to see the sky at night, isn't it?" he said, gazing upward.
Samus nodded, following his gaze. "Yes, it is."
"You've traveled up there, haven't you? I mean, through space… countless times. That must be incredible," Link added, a bit of awe in his voice.
"It is," Samus said softly, "It's a beautiful experience, but... there were many times I felt so small, like I was just drifting through an endless sea of stars." Her voice carried a hint of melancholy, the weight of years of solitary travel hanging in the air.
Link nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I understand that feeling. You can be surrounded by so many things—so many worlds, people—and still feel alone."
Samus turned her head to look at him. "Have you ever felt that way?" she asked, her voice quiet yet sincere.
Link met her gaze, and for a moment, he hesitated. "Yes," he said, his voice taking on a nostalgic tone. "Many times. My sword was my only companion on most of my journeys. I made friends, helped people, but in the end... I always ended up alone. It was like the world around me was full of life, but I was... separate from it."
Samus shifted slightly, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "I know that feeling well," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been a bounty hunter for so long, traveling to places light-years away, meeting people, fighting alongside them... but no matter how many battles I fought or victories I won, I always felt alone. Sometimes, it seemed like my only friend was my armor. The galaxy is so vast, but it can still feel empty."
Their eyes met, and in that moment, neither felt the need to look away. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with an unspoken understanding, a shared sense of isolation that neither had to explain. In each other's presence, the loneliness they spoke of seemed to dissipate, if only for a little while.
"Although I haven't felt very alone lately," Link admitted, his gaze still locked with Samus's.
Samus smiled softly. "I haven't felt very alone either," she echoed.
For a moment, the quiet of the garden felt heavy with unspoken thoughts. Then, Samus broke the silence. "What will you do when this is all over?"
Link pondered her question. "I still don't know," he confessed. "Even though I have friends in my world, something keeps pulling me back here. There's something... or rather, someone... that makes me want to stay."
Samus's heart skipped a beat. "May I know who this person is?" she asked, though she had a feeling she already knew the answer.
Link stood up, feeling his nerves rise. He extended his hand to help her up, his voice trembling as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Samus, there's something I need to tell you..." His words faltered as his nervousness grew. "Well, you see... you... to me..."
He couldn't finish, his face reddening, and he lowered his head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, hoping Samus hadn't noticed just how flustered he had become.
Samus couldn't help but find Link's awkwardness endearing. She chuckled softly, stepping closer to him from behind. "You're not very good with words," she said gently, "but neither am I."
Link turned around, confused but intrigued by her calm tone. Before he could say anything, Samus closed the distance between them, cupping his face and kissing him softly on the lips.
Link's eyes widened in surprise, but soon, the shock melted away as he closed his eyes and surrendered to the moment. The kiss was sweet and tender, filled with all the unspoken feelings they had kept hidden for so long. When they finally pulled away, breathless, Samus smiled, her eyes twinkling.
"You like me, don't you?" Samus teased, her smile playful yet warm.
Link, still processing everything, couldn't find the words. Instead, he smiled sheepishly, his heart racing.
Before he could even attempt a reply, Samus kissed him again. This time, Link responded more confidently, his hands shyly resting on her waist, pulling her closer. The world around them—the noise of the party, the distant laughter—faded into nothingness. In that moment, it was just the two of them, lost in each other.
Both Samus and Link realized just how natural and wonderful it felt to be close like this. The kiss deepened, and they embraced the magic of the moment, feeling like they had stepped out of their chaotic world and into something far more peaceful and intimate.