"Breathe Princess" a gentle voice came.

Zelda was on her hands and knees panting, she felt what seemed like grass beneath her but was unable to see due to being surrounded by darkness "what do you mean?" Zelda asked.

"As you are now if the darkness comes you won't be able to see" the voice repeated, its voice came sweet and gentle.

"I can't see right now" Zelda said slowly standing up. "Who are you, where are you?" she looked around but it was as if the sun had disappeared she couldn't see anything, "and what do you mean by 'if the darkness comes'?"

"You must be able to reach out to the others, you must stand firm even in the darkest of times. Princess Zelda you must not waver, you must continue to be strong," the voice said.

Zelda stared hopelessly into the darkness waiting to hear more from the voice but nothing came and Zelda felt a sudden push in her stomach and she fell backward hearing the small bits of laughter in what seemed to be the distance.

Zelda opened her eyes and quickly sat up, she turned her head left and right realizing she was in her bedroom at the Smashers mansion "strange" she muttered, she had the strangest feeling she'd had an important dream but she couldn't seem to remember. She held her hand up to her head trying to recall before hearing a knock on the door. "One moment Link" she called out with a knowing smile that it was indeed the Hylain hero knocking outside waiting for her to open the door.

Since Zelda hadn't bothered to change last night, she was still wearing yesterdays dress, she thought for a moment on how best to handle the situation. Eventually Zelda grabbed a pink robe from the closet and placed it in her bathroom, then grabbed another dress and placed the hanger on the bathroom hanger. Zelda ran a hand through her blond hair and hated the dirty smell she had due to yesterday's events.

"You alright Princess?" Link called through the door wondering what was taking so long.

"One more second please Link" Zelda called back. She ruled out the options and rushed to the bathroom and turned on the water. Removing her dress she placed it in the laundry basket along with her under garments (which were placed beneath her dress.) Grabbing the pink bathrobe she quickly put it on and then held out her hand, the door unlocked and slid open allowing Link access into her room. "Good morning Link" she greeted.

Link walked in when Zelda stepped aside blushing a bit "morning Zelda, so how did you sleep last night? Feeling any better?" he asked as he took a chair and swirled it around and sat down.

"Yes I slept fine, I believe rest was what I needed the most. I feel much better" Zelda said with a reassuring smile, "and you Link?"

"I slept like a log," Link said simply receiving a small laugh from Zelda.

"Well I'm glad, I need to take a shower now Link, will I meet you in the cafeteria?" she asked politely.

"Hmmm, well do you mind if I wait here Zelda?" he looked at her standing tall and voice more determined than questioned, "I just mean, to make sure you'll be okay, in case something happens and you need help I'll be right here. If you want I mean, I'll stand out in the hall if you leave the door unlocked."

Zelda shook her head "it's alright Link, you can stay here in my room," she said, she would be changing and getting ready in the bathroom and she knew Link would never do anything that would harm or insult her "I'll try to be quick," she added before disappearing behind the bathroom door.

Link smiled at the Princess's words, he walked over and looked out the window. Zelda had lucked out with her room, it had a great view of the area you could see a field and the lake in the distance that the smashers went to every so often. He decided to open the window and a cool breeze swept into the room. "The day will only get better" he said to himself with a grin, after all today was the smasher preliminaries. The prelims were going to be held later that night.

It was atleast 10 minutes before the shower was turned off and Link knew that Zeldas shower was over. Zelda used her pink towel and dried off before taking a brush and combing her hair and grabbed her tooth brush to brush her teeth. When she was finished she removed the dress that was hanging and her towel fell to the floor. The dress was pink that went all the way down to her feet a slit of white slowly growing wider as it went down to the bottom with ruffles in the middle of the white. She had pink sleeves that draped and a silver ring with the royal families crest of the triforce on her right ring finger. She finally added the finishing touches of her tiara and stepped back into her room she stepped into a pair of heels "alright Link, I'm ready" she said and Link closed the window and laughed, Zelda was now playfully holding out her arm waiting for him to take her arm in his.

Link interlocked his arm with hers and they both smiled at the game only known to them before they separated and left Zeldas room. The door sliding tightly shut behind them as they walked slowly together to the cafeteria. "Hey Princess" a voice came and the two stopped and turned to look at the sight of Roy running towards them "you feeling better today?" he asked her receiving a nod "great! See Link, now you have nothing to worry about in the matches so you better not lose" Roy said with a smile but they both knew already that even with thoughts on his mind Link could easily destroy his enemy.

"Have you already eaten Roy?" Zelda asked.

"Not yet, I was heading to the cafeteria now" Roy said with a nod.

"Looks like we'll eat together then" Link said stretching a bit.

They walked into the cafeteria "I'll go grab us a table, you two go get some food" Roy said and ran to find a table he could hold.

"Thanks" Link nodded and he and Zelda stepped in line for food grabbing trays. "Looks like they aren't planning on serving any of that grey muck for breakfast today" Link said cheerfully.

"From your description I don't regret missing the sight" Zelda responded.

They walked along the line and grabbed their usual breakfast foods and some milk. Once they were done they stepped out and walked around spotting Roy, "alright get moving" Link said as they walked towards him. They placed down their trays and Roy took off to one of the lines for the food. They waited for Roy to join them before they began to eat. Zelda calm and well mannered, Link and Roy feasting like no tomorrow "looks like everyone is pumped up for today" Link said as he stuffed some eggs into his mouth.

"What do you expect? The prelims are tonight, everyone's going to be practicing or resting up for their matches all day," Roy said taking a gulp of milk. "We're going to be practicing until the sun goes down right" he looked at Link and the two pumped their arms together. "So what about you Princess? You're up against Pikachu right?"

Zelda nodded "yes I'll probably ask Samus and Peach if they.." Zelda's voice became quieter as she reached the last few words before she stopped mid-sentence. She then added before the two could say anything "I may practice for a bit in the courtyard this morning but after yesterday I won't strain myself to much."

"You should never strain yourself," Roy said, looking at her with a bit of suspiscion obviously noticing her change of volume for that quick moment.

"Yes, that's true" Zelda said with a smile, "so don't you two go completely crazy and make sure to rest a bit" she lectured.

Roy grinned before using a napkin and wiping his mouth a bit. "We'll make sure to rest up too so don't worry," Link said, "besides we don't have anything to worry about."

Zelda couldn't help but let out a giggle, sure most of the smashers were confident but if some of the more nervous ones had heard Link she couldn't help but wonder what they might think. The three talked more about their opponents and even some strategies; if one knew about another they could stay in the tournament. "I have no doubt in my mind that Ness will be defeated," Zelda said to Link after putting in a strategy for Roy against Fox.

Roy nodded agreeing with most of what she said, they all paused for a moment and Link stood up reaching over and grabbing Zelda's empty tray and his own "I'll throw this stuff away, I'm going to grab some more milk, you two want any?" he asked.

Zelda and Roy both declined but Roy held out his tray "aren't you going to take mine too?" he teased.

"Nah, you can throw your own stuff away," Link laughed as he headed to the trash.

Zelda smiled as Roy stood up "be right back" he said and followed Link leaving Zelda alone.

When they were both gone Zelda lightly slapped her cheeks when she felt a frown wanting to form, there was no way she was going to frown or worry Roy or Link today, she may not care that much of the tournament but she wasn't about to make Link worry about her. When they returned Zelda stood up and the three left the cafeteria, as they walked out Samus passed by them, she did not bother to acknowledge any of them. Zelda frowned at her, half in pain and half in her rudeness, if she didn't want to recognize Zelda it was fine but there was no point in ignoring Link and Roy as well. She shook her head sending the thoughts away, nothing she could do now as they walked along the hallways and out into the sun. "Well I'll see you two later then" Zelda waved as she turned into a separate way that led to a small courtyard, she felt most at peace here for some reason, most likely because it reminded her of home.

Zelda closed her eyes and taking in a deep breath began to practice twirls, sending out magic, trying to get precise spots before the time limit made the energy explode. She did a quick block attack of Naru's Love and then Dins Fire, which she and Roy had come up with. She shot some magic up around her; she then changed into Sheik and began to practice on weapon precision.

After about almost two hours or so Zelda stopped practicing and sat down on a cement bench in the shade. She smiled as a cool breeze swept by and closed her eyes, she still couldn't seem to recall the dream she had last night and it was bothering her. She placed her face in her hands, her chest was aching a bit. Deciding to rest for the remainder of the day she stood up to get a drink but out of the corner of her eye she caught the site of something gleaming, unable to help herself Zelda rushed to the edge and looked around. That gleam, and the bit of pink puff she'd seen, she knew Peach had been there. But she was gone now and Zelda couldn't help but wonder if maybe she'd imaged it, she couldn't help it though and the hopefulness that had filled her was now gone.

Princess Peach walked on the rubble path away from the courtyard where she had been watching Zelda practice. Peach still felt it was wrong to just denounce a friendship and even worse just plain hurting Zelda like they had done. If there was a way to bring out some hidden power in Zelda than why did it have to be like this? Zelda didn't care that much about the tournament anyway. She had been thinking of a way to confront Zelda in a harsh manner but she couldn't think of anything other then wanting to apologize and ask to be friends again, she just didn't seem to be able to understand how Samus was able to keep up this act. Peach continued to walk along the path in thought until she reached the end that led into a field, she frowned "Samus should we really be doing this?" she asked.

Suddenly Samus appeared "how'd you know I was there?" she asked.

"Does it matter?" Peach responded, "I don't like this Samus, I really don't like this I want to stop, I want to go back to being friends with Zelda!" she cried. "How can you keep this up?"

Samus walked forward so she was in front of Peach but didn't turn around, "we've started and now we can't stop."

"But what if" Peach began.

Samus interrupted with a sudden turn of her head and sharp gaze, "no 'what if's' Peach, we've decided something and even if it hurts us then we need to see this through."

"Why Samus? Why are you so determined to do this to Zelda?" Peach asked.

Samus remained quiet for a few moments before turning her head forward once more "because Peach…in fact challenge her to a practice match, Zelda won't turn it down obviously. Maybe then you'll see what I'm talking about" with that said Samus walked away leaving Peach to think.

Peach stood for a moment debating her mind lost in thought she almost jumped at the sound of footsteps bringing her back to reality. She turned around to greet whoever was behind her but froze when she saw Zelda. Zelda nodded her head and began to pass by Peach, neither speaking when suddenly before Peach realized what she was doing called out "wait Zelda." Zelda stopped like Peach had asked but didn't say a word nor turned to look, Peach closed her eyes and sharpened her voice "the prelims are tonight so I guess I can give you a few moments of my time why don't we have a practice match?"

Zelda remained quiet for a few moments "where would you like to practice?"

Peach smiled glad that Zelda hadn't turned her down but quickly returned to her distant gaze and pointed towards the lake. "Out there, it's a nice day so lets fight outside, in fact I'm feeling rather nice so I'll let you decide the judge. I'll meet you over there Princess Zelda" Peach said and then pulling out her parasol walked past the Hylain under the shade towards the lake smiling the entire way, finally she would have some time to spend with Zelda.

Zelda watched Peach walk away, however while Peach was grinning, Zelda's face was calm and neutral. Zelda took in a deep breath and then exhaled she turned around to head to the area where a few smashers were resting. She scanned the group and eventually spotted Marth practicing "afternoon Princess" he greeted after a small thrust before placing his sword in its sheath.

"Good afternoon Marth," Zelda returned his greeting, "did I interrupt you?"

"No, I was about to go and get water, would you like to come with me?" he asked kindly.

Zelda turned her head a bit to look back towards the lake and nodded her head, she'd best get some water before she fought, maybe she'd bring Peach something as well. She nodded at the idea and walked with Marth into the smasher mansion and towards the kitchen. "Link told me that you were the one that had found me yesterday, thank-you for helping me. I apologize for any trouble I may have caused you" Zelda said as they walked into the kitchen.

Marth opened the cabinet and grabbed a pair of glasses "no trouble at all Princess Zelda, are you feeling better?" he filled the two cups with water and handed one to Zelda.

"Yes, I am," Zelda smiled, "by the way Marth, I was wondering if you would be a judge. Peach asked me to do a practice match and I was hoping you would judge the two of us" she took a sip of the water, the cold liquid felt good, it wasn't really until now that she noticed how thirsty she was. She gulped down the rest before filling up the glass once more.

Marth watched Zelda, he waited for her to finish the water and refill the glass once more. He re-filled his own before finally he nodded "alright, I'll judge. Where are you going to fight?"

"Peach says she'd like to practice by the lake" Zelda explained.

"Alright, let's go" he said before gulping down the rest of his water and turning to head out. He stopped at the doorway when he heard the sound of rushing water, he looked back and saw Zelda holding a new glass and filling it up, "are you still thirsty?" he asked.

Zelda shook her head before turning off the fosset and carefully carrying the glass over to Marth, "this is for Peach" she explained, "she should have some water before or after our match" Zelda walked on ahead while Marth remained at the doorway with a confused expression, this time it was Zelda's turn to turn around "well let's go shall we" she said with a smile and continued on.

Peach stared at the lake, remaining under her parasol 'where is she?' she thought in a mix of irritation and wonder. She heard the sound of feet against grass and turned around "took you long enough, I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind" she said in a high and mighty voice.

Zelda simply smiled and held out the glass of water "here, it's hot so you should atleast have a drink of water before we start," Peach looked at the glass then at Zelda with slight suspicion. Zelda mentally sighed at Peach's reaction "you may not like me but I don't want you getting dehydrated."

"Just take the water Peach," Marth said annoyed.

Peach finally grabbed the glass of water and drank it "thank-you Zelda" she said, she may pretend to not like Zelda but that wasn't a reason to ignore her manners. She finished the glass and placed it down. "Well then Zelda, are you ready?" Peach kept her sharp gaze but inside she was smiling, happy to be spending time with Zelda even if it were just for a battle.

Zelda stood calm "Marth if you will please begin the match" she requested.

Marth raised his hand "round one" he said and shot it down.

The two began their battle, Zelda shot out balls of magic, while Peach countered with Toad and slap attacks. She shot Zelda up into the air with a high kick but Zelda spun around and shot down a magic ball which hit Peach. Zelda did a quick air recovery ad landed on her feet quickly using Naru's Love to avoid an attack by Peach's frying pan. After a few moments Marth raised his hand and called Zelda winner when she was in obvious range to win.

Peach and Zelda both stood once more and Peach flipped her hair a bit standing ready for the next round, she charged at Zelda and took in the first shot she could catching the Princess off guard Peach went into a full attack, of slaps, smashing frying pans, she was able to shoot Zelda up into the air and Zelda landed hard on the ground. She was struck with a frying pan, Marth quickly called Peach's win when Zelda didn't get up.

"What's the matter Zelda? Are you so weak you can't even fight back after one win, don't tell me that was all you really have? This is practice, do you think you'll win the tournament like this?" Peach glared down at Zelda, "don't fool around it's a tie and time for the final call, now stand up or if this is all I'm going to get we may as well just call this match over now."

Zelda didn't move for a few more minutes before gripping the grass and pulling some of the blades out she stood up and stumbled a bit. "Alright Peach, let's go" Zelda said, her voice slightly steely at Peach's words Zelda could sense Marth's reluctance but soon enough she heard the shout and in that instance she was moving in.

Peach brought up a kick but missed and Zelda shot a magic ball right into her sending Peach back a bit. Peach moved in and jumped quickly above Zelda but before the Hylain princess had the chance to shoot above her Peach did a double jump higher into the air and forward landing gracefully away from Zelda. Peach began to charge but slowed down a bit as she made eye contact with Zelda and she shuddered. She didn't understand what it was but in that instant Peach realized what Samus had been talking about. Peach felt cold, soon enough she saw the masked figure of Sheik rushing towards her shooting out knives. Peach quickly regained herself and jumped avoiding the sharp objects but Sheik's swift movement mixed with Peach's slow double air reaction, the Princess received a strong kick in the back.

Peach's eyes opened wide in surprise as she was sent flying back landing in the lake with a splash. Marth called the match, and Peach remained in the lake shocked. She bobbed up and down in the water for a few moments before she began to swim back to shore, "are you alright Peach?" Marth asked approaching her. Zelda had returned to normal.

"I'm sorry Peach I didn't mean to put that much force in" Zelda apologized walking over to the soaking girl.

Peach looked at Zelda and took a step back. Was that what Samus had been talking about or had she experienced something different? "Stay away from me" she said fighting to keep her voice from shaking. She had no idea why she was so scared but she felt she had to get away from Zelda. There was something there that scared her, almost like a mysterious power that gave her the feeling of sucking her in.

"She won fair and square Peach," Marth said.

"I'm fine thank-you Marth, I'm going to go dry off" Peach said walking away ignoring his comment, she stopped and turned her head speaking in a cold tone and sharp gaze looked at Zelda straight in the eyes "that's the end Princess Zelda" she then turned back and continued on.

"Geez she could atleast say 'good match' or something," Marth noted as Zelda watched Peach walk away from her once again.

Zelda couldn't help but let out a sigh, she had been so excited and had thought in the back of her mind Peach had really wanted to be friends again but she really had known all along and Peach's recent words finalized everything, her hope of regaining their friendship had finally been crushed. "Thank-you for judging the match Marth" Zelda said putting on a grateful smile.

"No problem, show that much power in the Prelims and you're a shoe-in for the tournament Zelda, I'm going back to practicing now see 'ya" he walked off and left Zelda alone by the water.

Zelda looked at her hands they were shaking slightly and she took in another deep breath and exhaled once more. She felt her heart beating fast she quickly shook her head and gripped her fists tightly she wouldn't let Peach get to her, she wouldn't let Samus get to her, she would win a spot tomorrow. She would be in the tournament with the others.

Note:

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and/or added this story to their alerts, my inspiration has returned thanks to you ^-^.

Alright so this is where I need some help. I'm not very good with battle scenes, in fact I'm terrible at writing them as you could tell from the fight between Peach and Zelda. So I have a request. I'll be needing help with writing some smasher battles, mainly the semi-finals and the final so if you're good with writing fight scenes let me know because the help would be appreciated.

*This will also get some of the chapters out faster

If you're interested in any way let me know via PM or review and we can discuss it more…thanks to all once again.

(This note will be removed once/if someone offers to help)