ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
Hello! It's the Fortunate Ones! Here's another fic from us, don't worry it's not a crossover although it starts in Hyrule. We'll get to the smashers soon enough. Enjoy!
This fic contains boy's love or yaoi. LINK x IKE. Don't read if you don't like it.
Link rode on Epona through the vast fields of Hyrule. The afternoon sun felt good on his skin, the gentle breeze refreshing on his face. A few wisps of clouds sailed through the cerulean sky. Epona was full of energy and galloped swiftly. He couldn't think of a better way to spend his day.
He was on his way to the tournament that was held annually at the Smash Mansion. He had set off as soon as he'd heard that princess Zelda was also attending. She was the reason he was in such a good mood, because during the tournament she wasn't busy with her duties as the ruler of Hyrule. She was all his, of course, still thinking that they were friends but Link was working on that. His friend Marth had already promised to help him with a romantic surprise to sweep her off her feet. Not literally of course. Or maybe, why not, Link thought. In short she was the ultimate prize for him, the most beautiful and graceful being he had ever laid his eyes on, even the thought of her made his heart flutter. His chosen one.
Despite engulfed in a daydream of princess Zelda he caught a glimpse of blue in the corner of his eye.
He brought Epona to a halt, squinting to see better what it had been. A smudge of blue. He rode closer, realizing that it was a man. He was lying in the long grass on his face perfectly still, the movement of his back going up and down as he breathed was his only sign of life. His red cape was crumpled next to him, his pockets were turned and he had a bump on his head. Link deduced that he'd been robbed or was indeed very drunk. Link dismounted Epona and walked closer to him, warily because he knew there were gangs of thieves that were rude enough to attack in broad daylight.
The man remained unmoved as the blonde got close to him. He had no weapon on him, no money, no armor, nothing. Link squatted next to him and scrutinized him for a while. He was strange-looking with dark blue hair and a black bandanna around his head, he had small round ears and strangely sown clothes that reminded him of those that Marth wore. A blue tunic, white trousers and the red cape. He seemed like a warrior, but without his armor he looked rather slender and vulnerable. Link whistled for Epona to come closer and picked him up, he was heavier than he'd expected. He lifted him on the horse's back, the man remained limp and unresponsive.
Link began for the Lon Lon Ranch that wasn't far away. It was a large farm in the middle of Hyrule field that supplied the whole kingdom with milk and served as a tourist spot for the townsfolk. Link knew that even though it was a busy season being summer and all he could always get a place to rest there. The ranch owner's daughter Malon was a childhood friend of his and she'd surely help anyone in trouble. He walked in front of Epona, playing his ocarina as they went.
Lon Lon Ranch was full of life as they got through the gates. Adults and children were coming and going, horses were being walked to the stables or from there, cats lay in the shade, dogs chased their tails and chicken pottered about, clucking as they went. Chatter and laughter filled the air, mixing with the sounds the animals made. The buildings were rather dull and ordinary, brown with wooden beams and roofs made of hay.
Link noticed his friend feeding the chicken by throwing seeds on the ground. He waved at her, she waved back at him as she noticed him. She had long red hair and bangs that framed her face and accentuated her blue eyes, the small freckles lining her nose made her look very cute. She had a purple dress and a white shirt with a yellow scarf around her neck. She smiled warmly as her friend walked closer.
"Hey, Link!" Malon greeted him. "Looking for a place to stay?"
"Yeah, and I found this guy lying in the long grass." Link pointed at the unconscious man on Epona's back. "I think he's been robbed."
"That's terrible." Malon said, covering her mouth with a hand. "I-I'm afraid our lodgings are full... it's summer after all, Link. But there's always room in the barn..."
Link looked at the old barn, it would suffice. "That's fine. Have you got anything to eat? I'm starving." He asked, listening to his stomach growl.
"Of course." The girl said, throwing the last of the seeds on the ground and began towards another big brown building. "Come to the tavern after you've taken care of him."
Link nodded and walked Epona to the barn. He helped the unconscious man off her, she threw her head around and galloped off, having been rather nice and tame all day. Link lifted the man on a haystack, studying him closely once more. He looked very serious, his features were different from those of a Hylian. He had a strong jaw and long black eyelashes. His lips were only a thin line as if he never smiled. And the ears, Link found himself wondering, he had to be from another country.
He exited the barn and made his way to the well. He returned with a bucketful of cold water that he emptied on the poor traveler.
"Sorry." He said bluntly.
The man groaned, opening one eye as he felt the cold water soaking his clothes. Then he seemed to remember what had happened and propped himself up on both hands, hay falling from his hair and clothes. He had dark blue, narrow eyes that swiftly scanned the barn. His right hand seemed to look for his blade on his hip but it was gone. He narrowed his eyes even further, focusing on Link. Those were clearly the eyes of a rebel, full of fire and brimstone. Link stood still, watching him take in his surroundings.
"Wh-where am I?" He asked in a low hoarse voice, looking at the Hylian intensely. It was clear he didn't know whether the elf was a friend or foe.
"Lon Lon Ranch." Link answered calmly.
"Did you bring me here?" He asked, growing less wary. He was scrutinizing the other as intensely as Link had studied him just a while earlier. He had never seen a blonde pointy-eared man in a green tunic before.
"Yeah." The elf took a bottle of milk from his pocket and took a sip to show it was safe before offering it to the other. "Here."
"Thanks." The man said, taking a long sip. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He hadn't even realized how thirsty he was before he'd actually gotten something to drink. He finished the bottle eagerly, panting after having drunk so much at once.
"I was... attacked from behind..." He said after catching his breath. He went through his pockets only to find that everything had been stolen from him, his sword, his money and rations, even his breast plate and his leather greaves. "I couldn't even see them. They took everything." He sighed, resting his head against his palm.
The blonde smiled encouragingly as he said: "Don't worry. Stolen goods usually end up at Hyrule Market. I can help you find them."
"Really?" He asked, rubbing the back of his head. It was clearly sore. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me." Link exhaled and shrugged as if to dismiss him.
"I don't care about the money or armor but the sword means a lot to me." The man said, sighing again.
"I get that." The elf pointed at the Master Sword resting at its holster. He didn't want to pull it out to aggravate the other. "I'll help you out."
"How can I ever repay you?" The man looked at him with eyes wide. He seemed unable to believe in such kindness. He looked much better already with a bottle of milk in his stomach, color had returned to his cheeks and lips, his dark blue almost black eyes had a demanding, intense gaze. He sat upright, very stoically, looking almost like a statue.
Link shrugged. Why was he paying attention to such things, he didn't know. He shrugged again.
"Are you sure?" The man asked, clearly unable to believe him. "First you brought me here, then gave me shelter and shared your milk with me and now you're offering to help me find my blade." He ran his fingers through his thick blue hair as he continued: "And you're saying you don't want anything in return? At all?"
"Dinner, I guess, would be the next thing that comes to mind." Link spoke as he rubbed his chin. His stomach was still growling.
The man looked at him in utter bafflement. Suddenly his hard features melted into a smile. He looked very kind when he showed his soft side. He had a restrained smile that only gave a glimpse of his white teeth but nevertheless it was something that made Link feel a little strange. Foreigners, he thought.
"I still feel indebted." The man said as he got up, offering his right hand. "I'm Ike, leader of the Crimean Liberation Army."
"I'm Link." The elf shook his hand warmly. "I guess you can call me the Hero of Time."
"Ah, I see." Ike said, his eyes narrowing into thin lines as he smiled briefly. "You're far better-looking than the stories let people know."
Link didn't know what to say to such a blunt comment so he only replied: "Let's go, Malon probably has food already."
The two walked out of the barn, Ike had to lean against the heavy door for a while as the sun smarted in his eyes. He was still weak an malnourished, he had no choice but to believe in the goodness of the stranger he had just met. It was something he didn't like to do, accept help from others, but the way Link had helped him felt different. And why didn't he want anything? Was he really that simple? He sighed, wiping his forehead before obediently following the elf who helped him towards the tavern by grabbing his elbow and pulling him behind him.
Link seated him at the bar and took a seat as well. The tavern was full of life, travelers had gathered there from all around Hyrule. During summer time Lon Lon Ranch was one of the most popular tourist spots, the townsfolk came there to relax and enjoy the fresh countryside. Link signaled a red-haired girl to come for them.
"Malon! Can we get two day's dishes?" He asked her. She smiled sweetly. "And lemonade?" He added.
"Of course", The redhead ascertained as she poured them the yellow liquid. "Are you fine with pork stew?"
"Yeah!" Link exclaimed. He had always liked her cooking. "Malon, this is Ike." He introduced his friends to one another.
Malon's eyes widened briefly as she recognized the name. After all, having worked in a tavern for years she always heard the rumors before everyone else. "So you're Ike." She said with a smile. Her smile disappeared as she apologized: "Sorry about what happened. Gangs of thieves are a pestilence around here."
"I can see that." The blue-haired swordsman said, rubbing the back of his head. It was still sore. "They got me from behind, otherwise I wouldn't have lost." He continued, feeling the urge to explain why a man his size had been bested by burglars.
"So you didn't see them at all?" Malon asked.
"No..." Ike looked at his hands as he answered. "But there was this laughter... a cackle..."
"We're going to Hyrule Market tomorrow." Link explained their plans. "So that he could get at least something back. Maybe we'll find the thief too!"
"I hope you do." Malon answered as she walked to the kitchen and disappeared. Ike looked around. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, the clamor in the tavern was deafening. The elven seemed like a happy bunch, he didn't see a sad face anywhere.
"What brings you to Hyrule?" Link asked, drawing his attention. "Summer vacation?"
"No..." Ike said, getting a small piece of paper from his pocket. He was rather surprised it hadn't been stolen. "I'm on my way to this tournament..." He handed the invite over to his friend.
"Smash Brothers Tournament?" Link asked, barely reading. He had seen the invitation, he'd received one as well.
Ike nodded. "Yes."
"That's where I was going too. We can travel together." The elf said cheerfully.
"I wouldn't want to burden you any more than I already have." Ike uttered, looking at his hands again. He felt so powerless, having been robbed so easily.
"Not a burden." Link ascertained quickly. "It's a long way and I get lonely, so consider it as repayment."
Ike's eyes widened briefly and he nodded. "As you wish." Link probably hadn't heard about him, otherwise he wouldn't have wanted to travel with him. He was grateful for the company and the helping hand, whatever LInk wanted in return he'd be fine with it.
Malon emerged from the kitchen with two steaming hot bowls of stew, placing them in front of the travelers.
"You can't leave today, you have to rest a little." She said, having heard the last few sentences of the conversation. "Who knows if something went bonkers in your head when they hit you?"
"Who knows." Ike said.
"I can check your head if you're free later." The redhead leaned closer to the blue-haired swordsman.
Ike paused with his spoon in mid-air. He knew what she was doing. "That's very kind of you." Ike answered. "This ranch must owe most of it's customers to you."
"Well, I try my best." She leaned closer with a smile, twirling a wisp of red hair in her finger. Another customer called for her but she dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
"I can see that." The rebel ascertained, tasting the stew and finding it fantastic. Not too much spice but enough. Link had almost eaten his already, his spoon was clinking against the porcelain. Someone behind them won a round in a card game and cheered.
"Listen, I'm sorry for the barn..." Malon said. "But it is how it is."
Ike finished his juice, after a bowl of stew and a jug of lemonade he felt rejuvenated. "I've slept in worse places. At least it's dry." He answered.
Link smiled. "We'll be fine. Thanks for the meal, Malon!"
"I'm sorry, but are you Ike, the rebel?" A girl had appeared next to the blue-haired swordsman. She had long black hair and blue eyes. She was a Hylian as well, but Link didn't know her. She smiled demurely, a little uncertainly and sweetly.
Ike nodded.
The girl seemed visibly excited as she handed him a piece of crumpled paper: "Here. If you ever feel lonely, that's where I live."
He took the paper and nodded. "Thanks." He said.
The girl walked away swiftly, glancing at him over her shoulder once or twice. She found her friends in one of the tables near the corner and giggled with them.
"Did she give you her address?" Link asked, profoundly surprised. He had never seen anyone do that before.
"I get it a lot." Ike answered nonchalantly. "I should probably have asked her name." He continued to himself.
Link shrugged. He was baffled that no one had given him their address. Not that he ever thought of anyone else than the beautiful Zelda but it would've been nice. That's all. He sighed.
Ike winced, held his head and stated: "My head hurts."
"Let's go outside. It's a bit stuffy in here." Link jumped off his chair as he exclaimed: "Thanks for the meal, Malon!"
The evening was warm, a gentle breeze greeted them as they walked outside. Ike sat down on a grass patch near the large pasture fenced for horses. A few were still grazing, others were lying on the ground. The evening sun colored clouds with shades of purple and grass with shades of orange. It brought a warm glow on their faces. It was a lovely evening to be with a full stomach and a hopeful mind. Both of them believed they could get at least the blade back. Only an idiot would not try to sell it.
Ike watched his new friend. He had golden blonde hair and blue, cerulean eyes. On his head he had a long green cap that matched with his tunic. Underneath he had some kind of armor. Link had a kind and caring composition that gave Ike a sense of serenity. It felt like the most natural thing to be quietly alone with him. The rebel usually felt restless and anxious, the urges to travel and accomplish and conquer were strong in him. That moment when he sat in the rays of the setting sun with a stranger in green he felt more at peace than he had in ages after or before battles.
Ike, filled with a sense of tranquillity, reached over to grab Link's chin and tried to pull him into a kiss. The elf gasped but was fast enough to get one finger between their lips just in time. They looked into each other's eyes, their noses were touching. Link's heart skipped a beat, Ike was too close.
"What are you doing?" He asked, feeling rather uncomfortable. It was a completely new situation to him.
"I thought... since you were so nice to me." Ike said from the corner of his mouth with the finger still on his lips. His dark blue eyes stared into Link's seductively as an agile hand slipped into the back of his head, trying to pull him closer.
"I was just being nice." The elf said bluntly, pushing him away. "That's all."
Ike retreated swiftly, frowning, narrowing his eyes, thinking but clearly confused. He looked at the vast field for a while in silence. No one had ever turned him down before. Link was preoccupied with his heart, for no reason it was beating irrationally. He tried to slow it down with a hand on his chest but it was out of control. Probably out of shock, Link thought to himself.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." The other said quietly, looking at him from the corner of his eye. The dark blue eyes he tried to hide behind his blue bangs seemed hurt yet hardened.
Link looked the other way, away from the pasture and towards the buildings. He saw Malon come out of the tavern, apparently she was done with her day's work. She walked quickly towards them, calling for Ike. Link couldn't understand why, the two hadn't even exchanged that many words.
"Ike, there you are!" She shouted from the other side of the yard as she began towards them. She was beautiful.
"I would've preferred you but she'll do fine." Ike said nonchalantly as he got up. He was still a little shaken that he'd been turned down.
"You can't have her." Link protested, grabbing his elbow.
"Why? Are you jealous?" The rebel asked genuinely, lifting an eyebrow. Of whom he didn't say.
"No, of course not." The elf said, letting go of him as quickly as he'd grabbed him.
"Then won't you let her decide?" The rebel asked with a smirk. "She's a big girl after all."
Link said nothing. He watched after him as he met with Malon, she smiled at him excitedly. Ike put an arm around her back as the two walked away, chatting quietly.
"Yeah, I guess so." Link sighed as he turned to look at the horses. It was true what Ike had said. He knew he was overprotective of his friends, being an orphan he valued his friends like family. Sometimes he went too far, but he didn't want to see them hurt. After all, Malon did seem to like Ike. He took his ocarina and played until it was dark and late. It gave him no solace.
At night he found it difficult to sleep. All he could think about was his friend Malon and Ike, together someplace. The tall stranger had come to his life and snatched her away from him. He felt a sharp pain in his heart. Was he at least being nice to her and treating her well? He sure hoped so. And what was it that had made her so interested in him? Maybe he had some foreign attraction that drew all the girls, like the one that had given him her address in the tavern. As Link thought of Ike his heart began to beat faster, but he found no connection between them. He simply explained it by being worried about Malon. He touched his lips, remembering the moment Ike had tried to kiss him. It had merely been surprising, not strange or disgusting. He had been so close with his intense dark eyes, their gaze penetrating into his mind, trying to claim him as his own. His heart stopped and started. It had been a strange moment, had he not been able to stop him what would've happened? He almost let himself succumb to a reverie of Ike when he remembered his source of inspiration, the love of his life, the beautiful Zelda. He sat up, hitting his chest with a fist to stop his heart from acting irrationally. The princess was the only one he needed. Her gentle smile and encouraging words always managed to cheer him up. Her beauty breathtaking. Link lay back on his side, looking at the triforce on the back of his left hand. It was meant to be, him and her. But no matter how much he thought of his unconditional love towards the princess the thoughts of Ike returned to pester him time after time.
At some point he had managed to fall asleep into restless slumber and the following morning woke up alone. Hay rustled as he sat up. Ike hadn't returned all night.
"I guess I had the whole barn to myself then." He said out loud as he got up and dusted himself off. A good, long yawn and he was ready for a new day. Not much sleep but it didn't matter. He'd just have one extra cup of coffee.
He exited the barn, following the scent of omelets and bacon to the tavern. Malon was back at the bar, serving customers breakfast. Tables were full yet again, but Ike was nowhere to be seen. The sweet scent of freshly brewed coffee lured him to the bar and he sat down, greeting his friend.
"Good morning!" Malon answered. "Breakfast?" She asked cheerfully.
"Sure! Smells so good", Link said as she poured him a cup of coffee while waiting for the breakfast. "Have you seen Ike? He didn't return all night." He wondered out loud.
Malon looked at him with a mischievous smile, she seemed keen on keeping her secret. Instead, she said: "He went to the stables with Ingo to pick a horse. I'm lending him one."
"Ah, then I should eat quickly." Link said as she placed the plate of bacon, eggs and toast in front of him. He inhaled the scent and picked up some toast to butter it.
Malon leaned on her elbows against the bar, looking into the distance with dreamy eyes. "He really is as wonderful as the rumors say..."
Link gobbled his toast. "Humouh?" He tried to articulate but found it rather difficult with a mouth full of bread.
The red-haired girl lifted an eyebrow. "Haven't you heard?"
Link shook his head. It was useless trying to speak.
"Well, the festival folk speak a lot." Malon said quietly, leaning closer. "He's the leader of a rebel group... they also say he's a bit of a ladies' man but I don't know about that..." She said, unable to stop herself from smiling.
Link frowned as he swallowed. "He tried to kiss me last night." He remarked.
Malon hadn't even heard him. She looked out the window with dreamy eyes. "They say, he's like a wild horse..." She said quietly. "A wild horse who needs someone like Malon to tame him." Her words faded away.
Link lifted an eyebrow. The redheaded girl had never spoken to him like that. About anyone. He ate his breakfast in silence, she immersed herself in a reverie, humming quietly.
"I should go find him." Link said as he finished his breakfast.
"Yeah... you can't understand." Malon said dreamily from her daydream, not even noticing him leave.
Link walked out looking for his new friend and also to find out what it was that he had done to her in order to make her act so strangely. It was a beautiful morning, a great day to travel. He whistled sharply to call Epona and as she galloped to him he thought of what Malon had said. Wild horse, if that was what they called Ike could it explain his strange behavior? First trying to kiss him and then going off with Malon? Link shrugged. Wouldn't be the first one I've tamed, he chuckled while caressing Epona's mane. It was a thought that upon closer examination would've risen a few further questions but Link was too preoccupied with finding his friend to focus on it.
He found Ike at the stables, saddling a large white horse. It had pitch black eyes with the same fire as his, they seemed like they fit one another. It pawed the ground restlessly with one hoof. The blue-haired swordsman spoke to the horse softly as Link walked closer to them. Epona followed him obediently.
"Morning." He said. "I see you got a horse."
"Malon's lending it to me." Ike answered. "You people are so kind."
"We should head to the market early." Link continued. The best stuff was usually sold fast, if the rebel's blade had any value they were in a hurry to find it.
"I'm ready." Ike said. They both mounted their horses. Just before they reached the gates Malon ran to the yard, she had obviously snapped out of her reverie when she had seen the two about to ride off and had hurried to see them off.
"Ike! Let me come with you!" She ran towards the two. Link saw Ike sigh but said nothing, instead he walked Epona a bit further.
Ike dismounted his horse and took her in his arms. She let herself fall limp as if he was the only one supporting her, saving her from drowning. Her blue eyes were filled with hopeful happiness.
"I'm sorry", The rebel said, holding her gently. "They must need you here more than I do." He said frankly.
The red-haired girl pressed closer, looking deeply into his eyes. "Please, Ike, I don't care about them."
Ike pushed her away without a word. He didn't know what to say despite having been in the same situation numerous times.
Malon broke into tears. "I know I shouldn't... I know your reputation... I... but I do... I can change you... I'll be everything you need..." She fell on her knees, sobbing. Link looked at Ike with a murderous gaze. He had always made sure she didn't cry and he had known her for a day and made her cry and babble uncontrollably.
"You know it's not like that." Ike said, pulling her on her feet. She collapsed again into his arms but he straightened her and forced her to stand on her own. "I'll come and see you, to return the horse." He said, looking deep into her eyes, nodding her goodbye.
"Call her Malon so you won't forget about me." She sobbed, wiping the tears in the corners of her eyes.
"I will." The rebel smiled at her encouragingly as they took off. The gates closed behind them, Malon removed her yellow scarf and used it to wave after them as they distanced into the vast green fields.
Link brought Epona to a halt after they had ridden a while. She neighed in protest but obeyed. Ike halted his horse as well, only to find the Master Sword drawn at his neck. Link glared at him with fierce, glowing eyes. His kindness and calm were gone, replaced by the wrath of a warrior of vengeance. The rebel looked at the elf in surprise, then at the blade, unable to even breathe without it pressing against his throat. The sword glistened in the rays of the sun, it was so sharp and deadly.
"You don't make my friends cry." Link said slowly through gritted teeth. His eyes were full of anger.
"I didn't make her cry." Ike protested, lifting his hands up as if he was being arrested. "I had nothing to do with that."
"It's clear it was for you." The elf continued in a despising tone.
"Women cry sometimes. She knew who I am." The rebel said frankly.
"And who are you?" Link asked. "Wild Horse?" He jeered. The sword was still on the other's throat and the two were very still. A gentle breeze rustled through their hair and clothes.
"They've given me that nickname." Ike answered, referring to the ones who spread the rumors.
"Then why?" The elf asked, his anger calming a little. The memory if Malon's crying face grew more and more distant as he gazed into the dark blue, mysterious eyes.
"I can't help it." Ike explained, looking directly at him. "I never intend to lead anyone on. They do it on their own."
Link sighed. He knew how easily his red-haired friend fell in love. But nevertheless she was his childhood friend, he was just someone he'd met the day before. Malon meant much more to him than Ike. He ignored his heart that skipped a few beats. It was acting strangely.
Link lowered his weapon. "Just. Don't. Make. My. Friends. Cry." He articulated while sheathing the Master Sword.
Ike didn't say anything. The blonde gave him one last warning gaze before spurring Epona to a gallop and lead the way. Ike followed suit, enjoying the fresh new day on his face. He allowed himself to smile just slightly. How lucky he had been to have been robbed right there right then. The elf was proving to be a challenge, something to conquer and win over. He thrived for things like that. Their journey together could prove to be rather fun.
Thanks for reading! Please review!