"Desperation's Dark Path"

The grand dining hall of the Super Smash Brothers hotel was filled with the warm glow of candlelight and the murmur of conversation as the guests enjoyed their evening meal. Mario, seated at the head table, glanced around the room, his brow furrowed with concern. "Has anyone seen Zelda and Link?" he asked, his voice low. The room fell silent, with Peach shaking her head. "I haven't seen them since their argument earlier," she replied. Mario's expression turned serious. "Luigi, would you mind checking on them? I think they might be on the balcony." Luigi nodded and excused himself from the table, making his way to the balcony. As he stepped outside, he was greeted by a cool evening breeze and the sound of distant music. He scanned the balcony, his eyes adjusting to the dim light, and spotted Zelda standing at the railing. Link was nowhere to be seen, but Luigi's gaze followed Zelda's intense gaze to a spot nearby. Link was lying on the ground, his body secured by five different methods. First, Zelda had used a length of sturdy rope to tie his wrists and ankles to the balcony's stone pillars. Second, she had employed a series of intricate locks, each one enchanted with magical properties that would prevent Link from breaking free. Third, a binding spell had been cast around his body, its threads weaving in and out of the stone railing to keep him immobilized. Fourth, a small, glowing crystal had been placed on his chest, emitting a gentle hum that seemed to be draining his energy. Fifth, and most disturbingly, Zelda had drawn a complex symbol on the ground beside him, pulsing with a soft, blue light that seemed to be anchoring Link to the spot. Link's eyes were wide with alarm as he struggled against his restraints, trying to free himself. "Zelda, please... I'm going to be fine," he said, his voice strained. But Zelda was unmoved, her eyes fixed on the ritual she was about to perform. She held a small, ornate box in her hand, adorned with symbols of the ancient Trial by Fire. "You've been badly hurt in the arena, Link," she said, her voice firm. "You need to go to the afterlife. It's the only way you'll find peace." Luigi's eyes widened in horror as he took in the scene before him. He turned and sprinted back to the dining hall, bursting through the doors. "Everyone, it's Zelda! She's going to... she's going to send Link to the afterlife!" The room erupted into chaos, with guests shouting and scrambling to their feet. Mario and Peach rushed towards the balcony, with Luigi close behind. "Zelda, stop!" Mario cried, but Zelda didn't flinch. As the group rushed onto the balcony, they found Link struggling against his restraints, his face set in a determined expression. Zelda's eyes flashed with a fierce intensity as she opened the box, revealing a small, glowing flame within. "It's too late," she said, her voice cold. "The Trial by Fire has begun."