Here we are, the final chapter. I really enjoyed writing this as it pushed me beyond my boundaries of writing. With that said I would like to give you the final chapter of Machine's Heart!

Well, a week went by. All the while, I helped Ike prepare for the gala. I was one of the monitors of the party, so I would be watching everyone to make sure that they were behaving themselves and what alcohol that was served was not given in excess to some. So I wouldn't be there to goad Ike on if he slipped back into his reclusive and bashful self. So the only thing that could really happen for me was to make sure that he was prepared for everything. Most importantly, he looked the part. "Try not to move so much, you might rip the cloth." I chide him as I help get his outfit for the evening.

"Sorry, the cloth is rubbing against my neck the wrong way." He apologized as I run a stitching needle over the loose parts and make the silk a tighter fit on the suit. The mid season gala was a strict black tie event, and those that came from fantastic realms like Ike and Link didn't have such things. Thankfully we had some to spare, but making one to accommodate Ike's body build was quite a challenge. "It feels unusual being dressed up. I feel like a plastic doll."

"Well, you have grown considerably since the last time you wore this. So just bear with it for a moment more." The Italian silk began to fit him like it should, and of all the programs I was made with, I always have though that the one with the skills of a tailor was the most unusual and unnecessary. However, like clockwork for me this past week, I have been proven wrong. I guess I really need to keep my eyes open to the world around me. It can teach me a thing or two. "You put cologne on?"

"Borrowed some from Marth, three squirts under the neck and on the chest." I analysis the air, noting the smell. It was a luxurious fragrance, not one some would call a strip mall smell, but also not one that bragged about how much coin it cost. Good, he is learned at least one thing from me. "Hey, R.O.B?"

"Hrm?" I respond as I finished the last stitch on his arm. Ike turns around and hold out his hand. I stare at it for a moment, and reach out with one of my clamps and took his hand. This was the first time someone actually did this to me not just to calculate my servos and the strength it had.

"Thanks. I wouldn't have been able to do this with out you." It is sincere, no detect of a malicious tone in them like one would experience before realizing they had been swindled. "I mean it."

I chuckled, using a voice akin to that of Gary Cooper. "Not a problem at all. I want you to be prepared when you go to meet her." Her… every circuit that was dedicated to the emotion of jealousy was pulsing through my body. Oh how I envy him! There is some sick joke that the universe was playing on me. I had the skills, the talents, and the dedication to please Zelda. All that was hindering me was my shell. And Ike would be there to take the prize for himself. She would never know what I have done for Ike. She would not know the lessons of dance I spent hours teaching him. Zelda would not that it was me who showed Ike how to talk to her. She would assume it was all HIM!

I bow my head for the slightest of moments in shame. I was above this. I willingly helped Ike accomplish this. He had to do the deed, but he was greatful for the help. Even though it meant that Zelda wouldn't know… well, if this costs me any chance of being with her, I can still have Ike as a good friend.

Ike bent over and gave me a smile. "When you find someone, someone you care about, talk to them in your real voice, no matter how you feel about it." He gave me one last pat on the head, as it was saying he would ruffle hair if he could before he departed to head to where the others would gather. I could feel something of a smile pass across my sensors. I grab a black derby and adjust my bow tie. My painted on tuxedo may not be made of fine cloth from the cocoons of worms, but it got the job done.

On my way out, I grab one piece of human costume wear that I thoroughly enjoy for such an occasion. Seeing as this is a black tie only event, it would be fitting to see a black cane there. I grab the cane from what should be an umbrella holder, twirl it for a moment, and then depart.

The mid season gala is suppose to be a show of class. However, in past years there has been more then a few incidents that have required the intervention of onlookers. Most of the time it is the unsavory characters that usually cause the trouble. Bowser and Wario picking on King Dedede because he looked like an obese smurf penguin was a notable incident last year. Mostly because the king snapped and weapons have since been banned after several priceless vases and other nicknacks were shattered into a dozen pieces.

But then again when the alcohol gets to some, they do some pretty stupid things, even for mentally incapacitated fighters. Pit was one a few years ago who some how got drinks and began to fly, or at least attempt to. It was both a painful and somewhat funny sight to see. But most of the time, poor words are thrown at others, and fist fights can occur. So it is my job to make sure that they are separated and the situation calms down.

I continued on this train of thought as I roll into the ball room. It was an exquisite room, covered in amber and a deep royal purple color of paint that almost looks like plush felt. The white marble dance floor was an upgrade from the creaking wooden planks that had made up for years previous. Various servants from a plethora of other realms, though primarily the Toads, assembled the grazing tables for the Smashers and some began to get the bar stocked. Master Hand spared no expense this year, given the fact that this was because of the recent additions to the roster.

I took my position at the far southern end of the room, directly opposite of the doors in which the Smashers would enter as well as right next to the music player. My internal clock told me it was just about time, just a minute more and then they would be funneling in. I took the moment to look around the room, admire it for a moment. Soon it would be full of people talking and laughing, as well as music and the sound of boots mixed with heels hitting the marble floor with a rhythm. The peace seem very surreal, and I enjoyed it very much.

I can't help but wonder if Zelda would actually speak to Ike. After all, while she may not be the social butterfly that Peach usually is when it comes to events such as this, she is often the center of attention. It is that rare time when she actually loves wearing a dress and conversing with just about anyone being in the center of the conversation circle. So while I have little doubt that Ike will talk with her, weather or not they will actually speak with one another is a different matter. Everyone engages in talking, it is simply idle chatter, not very meaningful. Speaking requires dedication and attention.

Ike better not get cold feet, or he will have me to deal with when I get done with this gala.

And just as my clock struck the 2100 mark, the doors opened and the parade of colors swept in.

It seemed that the dress code was open to interpretation by the Smashers and while none were under dressed for the occasion, it appeared that many of the male smashers did not understand what 'black tie' means. Bowser, for example, simply wore a black polyester tie with an 8-bit version of himself jumping up and down on a castle. Though his shell and spikes were waxed to a shine, so it looks like that was a pass on the dress code. After all, it would be very silly to see him in a suit and pants.

Ganondorf wore his usual black leather armor, polished and shined to a gleam, and Dedede looked very much like an emperor penguin in his suit. I bit back a chuckle at the thought.

Peach, who many would have put good coin down that she would have gone all out, was dressed moderately in hindsight of other galas. Hiding behind her puffy pink dress was Ness, who looked a little out of place as the only child Smasher coming to the event, but at least he wore his Sunday's best. Lucina wore a flowing aqua blue gown with the two Robins flanking her in a black suit and dress for the male and female version respectfully.

Mario and Luigi were dressed in similar suits with only specific cufflinks of their primary color being the difference. Pit and his darker doppelganger looked like huffy twins upset with each other that their mother figure of their Goddess forced them to dress up and combed their hair.

Then she came it. If such a cartoon emotion were possible for me, my eye pieces would have bulged out of their ports. In flowing runic silk that danced in a seemingly changing pattern of sapphire blue and steel gray, her hair was untied and it fell gracefully into a contrast with her clothes. And the tiara of gold that added to her beauty was simplistic in its elegance. If there were rumors that Zelda herself was an angel sent by the heavens, rumors would only be confirmed once they have gazed upon her.

Ike is not far behind her, and I look to him and notice his reaction. Just focus on the moment, you will approach her in your own sweet time. I mutter in my head. He seems to take the message and gives me a wink in my direction, as if to reassure me.

As if I was the one who needed that. I guess I could continue to watch and-

"R.O.B!" A voice, I identifyed as Captain Falcon, called out to me over by the bar. I audibly sighed. Not even ten minutes in and I am needed. Duty calls…

Ike took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he occupied himself with the grazing trays, picking a pickled hot pepper and popping it in his mouth. Who knew Zelda had such a dress in her wardrobe? R.O.B had told him she despised dressed, but she seems to be enjoying herself. She is surrounded by several other Smashers engaged in idle conversation as she holds a cooling strawberry dipped in chocolate in one hand and talks with her other.

There were too many people there, he couldn't approach her and get some private conversation. He would have to wait until later.

It looked as if he was the odd one out. Everyone seemed to be in their own cliques of varying size and make up. The Mario brothers were talking with the twin angels, while a much larger group surrounded the bar, where R.O.B was called to settle a dispute between the Cap' and Donkey Kong, apparently over something trivial. No way could either of them have gotten drunk that fast.

"Amazing, is it not?" An eloquent voice caused Ike to spin around to address the speaker. Marth, dressed in a dark blue suit with his own tiara crown polished brightly, gestured to the bar where Ike was looking at. "Not even a few minutes in to this event and trouble already brews." He held out a martini in a diamond cut goblet to Ike. "To your health."

"To your own as well." Ike returned the traditional toast and drank his dry martini. His roommate knew him the best. Marth emptied his own drink, which judging by the color was a margarita on the rocks, and looked back to Ike. "Thanks for letting borrow some of your cologne again."

"Ah, not a problem at all. Though I must ask as to why you were so intent on wearing it." He set his glass aside and put his hands together in the form of an arrow. "You never wore it before, so why now?"

"Well, Marth..." Damn, Ike was getting flustered again. "It is a bit..."

"Who is she?" Marth asked as he reached for a carrot stick seasoned with lavender and kosher salt. Ike gently pointed for a moment to Zelda. Marth snickered, though it was more of a surprised way than a demeaning one. "Zel? My you have set your sights high!"

"To be honest, I am more surprised she hasn't fallen for you yet." Ike stated off handed as he felt his nerves come back. Live in the moment, he whispered in his head.

"Uh-uh. Married, remember?" Marth gestured to the band on his left hand with the seasoned carrot stick. "Drives single ladies away from you like it is made of some green alien crystal that can kill a god-like creature… I'm sure that there is a proper name for that."

"I think there is." Ike replied as Marth devoured the carrot. "Trouble is… all those people around her. It looks like they are settled in and won't move anytime soon. I don't think I will be able to handle talking about private feelings when everyone is surrounding her."

"You want them to move now?" Marth asked, and Ike arched an eyebrow. "I seem to recall I owe you a favor for intervening at a particular embarrassing moment two weeks ago involving Duck Hunt, Lucina and a jar of peanut butter. I can make them go away if that will even us up."

Ike breathed a silent prayer to Yune thanking Marth. "Do it and we will be even. Though how will you manage to pry them away from her without seeming like an ass?"

"Watch and learn how the magical powers of being a metrosexual man can change a conversation." Marth chuckled. Marth strode over to them with a wind of confidence in the air. He moved himself into the crowd and began to talk. There were so many other conversations that what ever Marth was saying was drowned out of Ike's hearing. Though what ever he was doing, it was working. Slowly the crowd began to move away from Zelda, who seemed revealed that she was no longer the center of attention. Ike pulled his jacket down and walked towards her, as he did so he prayed again that he would not screw this up.

As I finished the matter of who would win in a fight between the two drinking mates, I move back to my original position, looking for Ike and Zelda. To my surprise they look as if they just met for the first time this evening. Ike looks like he is introducing himself, though through all of this excess noise it is hard to tell what exactly they are saying. Even if I could drown out all the noise, they are too far away to be accurately heard.

He bows and she curtsies in return. I guessed Ike used his full title as 'Lord Protector of Crimea' and she responds with her own. It did not appear to be forced, but in simple fun judging by the smiles on their lips. Judging Ike's body temperature, he seems to be somewhat nervous but still in control of himself and his words.

She places her hand to her bodice and laughs, a sweet and merry sound that makes me wonder what exactly Ike said to her. He holds his hand towards the bar, apparently offering to share a drink with her. She takes strawberry and bites into the sweet fruit before nodding with her mouthful. The bar is not that far away, perhap-

"Hey, robot thing!" Call me that one more time Little Mac and you won't be able to make a fist again when I am through with you. I turn towards him, actually down to him given his size, and see that the boxing champion is beckoning towards the table he is relaxing at with Sheik and Shulk. "We need you and your mecha-powers to make sure Shulk didn't do anything to my drink while I was away."

"He didn't do anything, Mac. I have told you already." Sheik protests. Shulk would defend himself but he is in the same area as his admired love, so he is quiet with very rosy cheeks.

"Alright, I'll take a look." I bring the glass up to my scanner and examine it.

"So listen, about the library incident last week..." Ike began after he had another sip of his desert dry martini.

"I am so sorry about that. I wasn't paying attention, I didn't know that you were there, and I should have been more careful when I was on that ladder. If it wasn't for you I might have had a minor concussion." Zelda said, drinking a glass of seven year old scotch. "But Link really wanted that book. I guess I was too focused on his well being than my own."

"I know that you read The Lord of the Rings, Zelda. Stop pretending you don't." Ike responded nonchalantly. Zelda looked around to make sure no one else heard that, embarrassment playing across every feature. "I'm the only one that knows, and I have to say… I am really impressed that you like it."

She turned a deep hue of scarlet. "Yes… it is a bit of a habit of mine. I know I live in a world where magic is real and monsters are everywhere, but I wanted something more. Something different. So… I have been reading the books to be sucked into a world other than my own."

Ike laughed, causing Zelda to become even more crimson. "I know, it is a great trilogy. Perfect for reading on a summer day when it is too hot to practice for hours but perfect to stay outside."

"Is the grill going with a variety of red meats and burgers?" Zelda asked in a slightly excited tone and Ike could swear that he saw her ears twitch when he said that.

"Yes, with spicy mustard on the buns and cold honey ale on ice. That is the definition of a perfect summer evening."

Zelda chuckled. "You seem to have many interests similar to my own Ike. I must be honest, you seem to treat me as if I was not of royalty or made of porcelain. I do have my wild side, even when Sheik was my alter-ego."

"I can only imagine, being expected to be placed on a golden pedestal all the time." Ike said with genuine sympathy in his voice.

Zelda threw back her head and downed the last of her drink in two gulps. She slammed it down into bar and slid it back over to the Toads to fill it back up. "Aye, though most of this other attitude I have developed can be traced back to a rebellious phase in my lie, when I did the exact opposite of what my appointed guardians wanted me to do. They wanted me to read history on end, I cut the book open and placed The Hobbit in there. They wanted me to eat 'elegant food' that couldn't fill a church mouse, I devoured pub food. After the phase went away, I learned that a lot of the things I did out of rebellion I enjoyed beyond that. You don't think anything less of me?" She asked with surprise in her voice.

Ike shook his head. "Why would I? I don't judge people by what they eat, what they read. If anything, I think I have gotten a lot closer to you, knowing that we share several common interests."

Zelda smiled warmly. "Wow, the cold heart mercenary and the Hylain princess share common interests?"

Ike chuckled. She really was a unique person. He finished his own drink and was considering moving on to a third when he heard the orchestra begin to play the first few notes to a dance song. If translated the title would have been A Dance in Golden Light. It looked like everyone else was making their way to the dance floor, so this looked like the best opportunity to ask. "Zelda, would you care to share a dance with me?"

Zelda looked to the ballroom floor and then to Ike, with a somewhat embarrassed look on her face. "Maybe later… It isn't you, I am sure you are a good dancer, but it is me…. I can't dance, not even to save my kingdom. I step on all my partners' feet… I just can't do it."

Ike pushed his empty glass aside, and grabbed Zelda by the hand and pulled her out on to the main dance floor, a merry laugh on her lips. "You will never know until you try." Ike wrapped his hand around her waist and brought her other hand enclosed with his up to head level. "Just do as I tell you."

If they were all concerned about having someone put some sort of drug in their drink, why did they leave them unattended!? I swear they cut these drinks with paranoia. I put down the last glass and rolled back to my over watch position. My internal clock now read 2350, and I have not seen Zelda or Ike for some time due to being preoccupied with the matters at hand. I look around, and see many Smashers are leaving the dance floor for good. A good hour of dancing began to wear down a few individuals and the party would soon be over so they might as well grab some of the last snack sized food or fill their glasses before the party would soon be over.

A few couples remained on the dance floor. Mario swung Peach around to the music, her blond hair flowing through an invisible breeze as she twirled. Rosalinda had a partner in Ness, surprising all who cared to notice. Shulk even managed to drag Sheik out on to the dance floor, though their dance looked more like a competition to see who could step on the toes of the other the most.

Then I saw them. And it was beautiful.

Ike taking the lead and following the exact rhythm of the music, his wild hair bobbing up and down as he twirled the brunette elfish angel around. She looked amazing, but then again when have I ever thought otherwise? Her dress changed patters but always remained the same blue and gray, complimenting her in graceful psture. Though it looked like she was doing double checks all the time to be sure that she was not stepping on Ike's feet. Could she not dance? It would be unusual, I swore she knew how to dance.

Several Smashers glanced over to them, but didn't pay much heed to them, I assume they brushed it off as a one time thing. Never to happen again as no princess would be caught dead in a relationship with a cold, seemingly 'all muscle no brains' mercenary. But they couldn't see beyond the skin. I saw the changes as were expected. Pulses quickened for both of the dancers, not just from the dance but because they knew the unspoken feeling for each other and were hotly wondering if the other shared the same feeling.

The music was dying down, and I leaned in for a listen as I knew words were to be said between the two. Zelda looked into Ike's eyes and ran a gloved hand under his chin. "Is this all a fairy tale?"

Ike chuckled. "If it is, kiss me before midnight my Princess." She responded eagerly, dragging him into the kiss.

If such a thing was possible for me, my heart would be swelling with pride. All I wanted to do, Ike executed with the utmost perfection and Zelda shared the exact same feelings for him. Though I could feel the pangs of envy come, I squashed them in a moment. As they leave side by side, arm locked in arm, I knew that both of them especially Zelda, were happy. And why would I interrupt on such a feeling for my own selfish reasons?

The party began to wind down as the few remaining Smashers had one last drink. I collapse my cane and reach for a broom. I still had work that needed to be done.

I throw the last dust pile into the garbage chute and place the broom away. The empty dance hall brought back a surreal peace that I had missed. I flick off the last few lights and roll my way back to my room. My nuclear fusion batteries still had roughly three hundred years left until they needed to be changed, but after an eventful night of work and accomplishment, all I wanted to do was to dream.

As I roll up to the door to my room, I see that there is a note awaiting me. Odd, I do not recall such a thing here when I left to watch the party. I take it and open it up.

Meet me in the ballroom. It is very important.

I half think this is a prank. There was no one in the ballroom, I made one last check before I threw away the garbage, and that was before I shut off the lights. Still, it wouldn't hurt to check it out.

I make my way back to the ball room, noticing the door is open and the lights are on. Interest piqued, I open the door to see who could be there for me.

There stands Zelda, still in her dress and looks as if she was not tired at all despite the fact that it was 0100. She spins around when she sees me enter, a smile lacing her face. "Princess, it is early in the morning? Why are you not in bed?" I ask in Humphrey Bogart's voice.

She walks over to me, her heels clicking on the floor as she kneels down before me. Her graceful hand massaging the top of my head piece. "I wanted to thank the man who was responsible for making a miracle happen tonight."

"I didn't do anything. Ike did everything." I lie, and she shakes her head, her smile growing wider.

"He told me everything. He told me how you helped him even when he gave up on himself. He also told me something else." I look up and her smile warms me. "He told me that others would have given up when he would have, but you persisted. Not out of friendship… but out of love for me."

I am taken aback. And I must have showed it, as Zelda chuckled. "He could tell that you had feelings for me, and I have seen you look at me R.O.B. I have seen emotion in your eyes and a desire to fulfill it, but you held yourself back."

"But I am a machine, and you are a creature of nature. We can never..." My voice trails off.

"I know, it is a cruel joke life plays on us. But R.O.B, answer me truthfully or deny it before the Golden Goddesses, do you love me?" She looks in my eyes, and they demand an answer.

"I-" I am about to answer but she places a finger on my audio piece.

"Not with someone else, but with you. Your own voice."

I take in a deep breath, and answer. My voice still sounds timid, but it is strong with conviction. "I do. I have loved you for a long time Zelda. And though we cannot be lovers, given the form and the taboo of such a relationship, I would be honored to call you a dear friend. Just as I do with Ike."

She smiles, and I see a tear forming at the end of her left eye. "Thank you, and I accept the proposition. Let us be friends, close friends because I know who was the kind soul with a machine's heart who gave me someone who I can care and love. Thank you very much R.O.B."

I nod. She then rises and walks over to a stereo and punches a few buttons. The harps strum and the violins sing. She spins around and takes both of my clamps and raises me up to her height. "Now then, can I have this next dance with a friend?"

"You may and you always have it with me." She smiles and I lead the way.

There are times when I truly feel alone, save my dreams. But at this moment in time, right now, she lays her tender lips on my metal head. I do not wake up, for this is no dream.

And I am not alone anymore.