Mania

I no own Zelda. Again, YAOI based.

I'm not so great at opening chapters but I'm sure the end of this first chapter will twist you like a pretzel :P

Enjoy.

Chicanery

It was a quiet evening in the West Side of Clock Town. A little restaurant, Café Bombchu, was going about its daily business. The small establishment sat precariously, the door leading to this hidden place, in the middle of the stairway leading down back to Clock Tower. It was late afternoon and a man with ivory white hair sat at a booth while his leg jittered and his crimson eyes stared holes into his coffee. His long, pointed ears twitched with every clash of glass and metal. He held a ring in his left hand and repeatedly rolled it from finger to finger. A briefcase sat next to his feet. He was restless, waiting for the right moment. His eyes followed only one person every time they had passed. A man with flaxen hair, cerulean eyes and ears like his was carrying trays back and forth.

He saw his opportunity.

He gripped the waiter by the arm, "Link, I need you to answer a few questions for me."

"Okay, but let go of me."

He realized his knuckles had turned white and immediately retracted his hand, "Sorry."

"So, how do you know my name anyway?" the waiter rubbed his tenderized arm.

"Simple, you're wearing a name tag and, also, it's my job to know," he briefly flashed his badge. "I'm Detective Cagney."

"Oh," Link burned with embarrassment. "Okay, what do you want?"

"I wanted to know if you and I can see each other after your shift ends," Cagney put his badge away and adjusted his black trench coat.

"Okay, Mr. Cagney, but," the waiter rubbed the back of his neck. "… Why?"

"Well, you see, Link," he lightly coughed into his hand. "I have a few questions regarding the death of your wife."

"That has nothing to do with me…" he seemed remorseful.

Liar… He smiled sympathetically, "I'm not saying you had anything to do with her passing but I need to ask a few questions regarding what happened. Will you give me the chance to speak with you after work?"

"I thought the case was already closed." Link said with a steadily rising tone. "I left Hyrule because the media was driving me mad, I came to Termina to escape!"

Cagney noticed he was getting a little out of hand, he hushed him, as all eyes landed on them, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. The case reopened because we had found new evidence that is, pardon me, linked to you, Link. I came all the way from Hyrule just for this case."

"I don't care if you came down from a Giant's butt hole," he huffed, frustrated, drawing unwanted attention. "I didn't, I couldn't have; I loved her!"

"I understand, Link," Cagney placed his hand on the peeved man's shoulder, exuding compassion. "Please, calm down."

He had to show some sign of concern, for now at least. He needed Link to open up to him. After enough coercing, Link became putty in his palms and agreed to meet with the detective. The evening came as the sun went down and the darkness of the night crept in. Detective Cagney sat at the top of the stairs near Clock Town bank and waited patiently. He updated the case with the words exchanged between him and Link. Cagney looked at the time and then looked toward Café Bomchu's entrance. He noticed someone looking out the door; it was Link. Is he looking out to see me or is he trying to make a run for it? He placed his files into his briefcase and locked it. Cagney walked over to the man to resolve his thoughts. As he did, Link took notice of him and walked over sluggishly.

He approached Cagney, "Hey, you wanted to talk to me?"

"Hey, Link," he looked stern. "Yeah, actually, you can consider this meeting with me as an interview to stay out of prison."

"Excuse me?"

"Link, it has been brought to my attention that you and your wife were married for only four months," he rolled the titanium band between his fingers.

"Yeah, so?" the suspect was visibly upset. "What does that have to do with any of this?"

"Okay, easy, no need to get on the defensive now," he said. "I'm just doing my job."

"I'm not, I'm tired and everything is ridiculous and things just seem to be getting worse," he said groggily. "It's annoying to have someone actually come to my job, from another country, asking me ridiculous questions about my past after I've just finished an eleven hour shift."

"Overtime?"

"Yeah."

"I understand that, Link, but may I remind you that you agreed to this. Just as you have a job, so do I. My priority is to investigate you and question you with the new evidence," he slid the ring into his jacket pocket. "That's why I'm here, that's why I'm meeting you, that's why I'm asking questions. I need answers. If you cooperate and turn out to be innocent, you'll be free to go."

"Okay, you're right, I did…" Link sighed. "Fine then, go and ask your questions, I'm willing to get this over and done with…"

"You know, Link, how about we go somewhere not so isolated and lonely?" the detective offered. "I know a nice little tavern that's open on late nights..."

"Do you mean the Milk Bar in East Clock Town? I don't have the membership to get in there…" Link frowned a bit. "Although I do hear their milk is top notch. All I can get is milk from the Gorman Brothers and it always tasted like watered down crap, it's gross but that's what I can afford."

"I have a membership, I'm actually well acquainted with Mr. Barten," he smiled softly. "I'm sure he'd let you in if you're with me."

"… Okay, thanks," that smile pulled him in. "We should go then."

They walked side by side through the darkened torch lit path to West Clock Town. They passed through the unlit gateway into North Clock Town. It was late and one soldier stood guarding that lone entrance from the ever scheming children who used this small field as their playground. You couldn't see his eyes but his stiff posture implied he was on high alert. An old lady, whom Link instantly recognized, was walking their way while carrying a large sack of, presumably, goodies. Little did they know, a man was lurking in the shadows.

"Hey, Baba!" Link waved to her. "What're you doing out so late? It's dangerous for someone like you, carrying something so big."

"Hello, sonny," she smiled softly, showing off more wrinkles. "Oh hush, did you just get out of work? Who's this handsome young man with you?"

"I did, and uh…" he pointed to his companion. "This is Detective Cagney."

"Detective? What're you doing with a detective?" her whole body seemed to shake from old age but she still seemed strong enough to carry that big bag on her back.

"Oh, he… wanted to ask me some questions regarding Zelda's passing…" he looked down at the old woman, she was much shorter than him. "I told you everything, Baba, you remember."

"Oh my, are you okay with that?" she spoke with concern. "That wasn't so long ago, dear; it must still be a tender wound."

"Well, he said I'd end up in prison if I didn't cooperate," Link rubbed the back of his neck. "They said they have new evidence and the case was reopened."

"Remember, sonny, you have rights," she stared venom into the detective, catching both boys off guard; she was usually as sweet as a button. "Don't you dare threaten this boy, Mr. Detective, or I'm gonna have to spank you, darn whipper snapper. I know you have a job and all but don't you go picking on this boy here."

How charming,Cagney resisted rolling his eyes.

"I know, but I just want to put this to an end, plus, I don't want to put any more suspicion than there already might be on me by resisting," the blonde smiled, drawing the attention away from the detective. "Thanks anyway, Baba."

Baba stared at Cagney, "You look very familiar, detective, have I seen you before?"

"Huh?" he lightly scratched his cheek and turned his eyes away. "Maybe."

"Alright, well, I have to get going, sonny," the old lady trudged toward the West Clock Town entrance with the giant bag on her bag. "My son is waiting."

"See you, tomorrow, Baba!" Link waved goodbye. "Get home safe."

"Do you think we should help her?" the detective asked as they walked towards the South Clock Town exit. "Let's detour, I want to look at the Clock Tower."

"I think she'll be fine, there aren't really any dangers out here nowadays," they walked through the unlit path. "Let's go."

The old lady neared the entrance as Sakon ran out and snatched the big bag off her back. He ran towards the path leading to the bitter mountain of Snowhead. "OH, NO, YOU DON'T SONNY!" Sakon turned around just in time to be gut punched by the old lady. He kneeled down to the floor in pain; he dropped the bag and held onto his stomach. "You naughty boy!" She grabbed him by the ear and threw him face first into the ground. Dazed and confused, Sakon felt a sudden stinging feeling on his bum.

"OW! Lady, are spanking me?!" Sakon's face was burning red. "Are you crazy?!"

"You!"

"OW!"

"Don't!"

"AH!"

"Steal!"

"OWW!"

"From!"

"The heck are your hands made of?!"

"Me!"

"AIEEE!"

"Now, go crying home to your mommy and ask her to teach you better manners, sonny," she picked up her bag. "And to give you a lesson in common sense. Did you really think a weak old woman would just walk around with a big 'ol bag of highly explosive material? You must've never been the brightest of the bunch. Now skedaddle and play with the other kiddies. Buncha whipper snappers."

"You're not human!" Sakon ran away humiliated, lunging forward with every step as his upper body jumped back with arms flailing behind him.

The old lady walked towards West Clock Town, humming a sweet song as she trudged along the dirt road. The guard snored softly, still standing straight up and appearing alert.

They meandered into South Clock Town and walked down the steps to view the Clock Tower. They both stared at it with admiration. It ticked with every passing minute and its grandeur was simply mesmerizing. The town was undergoing preparation for the Carnival of Time but it was all pulled to a halt. Being night time, most residents were asleep.

"You know, I insist you keep what we speak about to yourself. It would be in your best interest to not have anything held against you," Cagney rolled his ring between his fingers after pulling it out of his pocket. "Just some advice."

His cerulean eyes followed the ring, "What? "Held against me"? Baba wouldn't ever hold anything against me. Besides, shouldn't I be more worried about what I tell you over what I tell others? I mean, you are the one that threatened me."

"Link, I'm just trying to do my job; trust is personal and I'm hoping you can establish some in me," he looked at him with a warming smile. "I'm here to help you; I'm not the enemy."

The blonde, captivated by that charming smile, thought quietly to himself for a moment, "Okay, alright, I'm sorry; let's just get to where we need to go so we can talk, okay?"

The detective nodded and they both headed toward East Clock Town. They walked through another unlit path. Link pushed his hands into his pockets; his eyes wandered toward the investigator. He was handsome, chiseled with milky white skin. He was tall, having a few inches on Link, and the trench coat didn't hide the fact that he was a very well built man. Something about the detective was alluring, dangerous even. He couldn't put his finger on it.

"So how was your day at work?" Cagney caught his suspect observing him.

"Ah… It went pretty fast actually," Link turned away and stared at the decorated pavement. "Just wish it wasn't such a busy night; it usually isn't."

They walked up to the Milk Bar and the detective knocked on the door. After a few moments, a single slot opened and a man with a gruff voice said, "Are you a member?" Cagney opened his brief case and pulled out the Romani Mask and put it on his head. "Ah, yes, you are a member. Come in." The door opened leading to a long set of stairs heading down into the bar. Link cautiously stepped behind Cagney and suddenly the man with a burly mustache and thick brows halted him.

"Hold it there, son," the manager held his arm out. "I didn't see your membership; no membership, no access."

"Hey, Mr. Barten," Cagney smiled. "He's with me."

"…" Barten scrunched his eyebrows and stared at the detective. "Who are you?"

Link just stared confused.

"It's me, Dark Cagney," he frowned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't you remember me?"

"… Oh, oh! Dark, little Dark, me boy!" Barten gave him a slap on the back. "You got so big! I couldn't get past that white hair of yours, it used to be black!"

"Yeah… I'm sure there are so many other people who look like me," he lightly scratched his cheek. "Anyway, this guy is with me."

"Sure, sure," Mr. Barten let them pass through. "Come right on in, boys."

The manager of the Milk Bar made his way behind the bar counter. He smiled and started using a rag to clean the glass bottles and tending to the other members of the bar. Dark and Link moved towards the back end of the bar. There were a few other customers and there was a band playing on the dim lit stage. Soft, jazzy music; it was loud enough to keep others from hearing their conversation but they were far away enough to hear each other.

"Hey, Barten," Dark called out. "Let me get two bottles of Chateau Romani!"

"Chateau Romani?!" Link looked uncomfortable. "I hear that's really expensive, I don't have the money for that..."

"Don't worry, it's on me," Cagney smiled. "You don't have to drink it all at once."

Link smiled back, still unsure. Two bottles of Chateau Romani were slid down the counter to them. "Drink up!" Dark popped open the cap and downed his drink. Link hesitantly did the same and took a big gulp of milk.

His cerulean eyes widened as he coughed, "Goddesses, this is strong!"

Dark grinned and kept swigging his drink, coercing the other to have more. After some time, Link's cheeks became rosy but he still managed to speak intelligibly, barely. His words were slowly turning into slurs. Cagney coolly sipped his beverage; he had a stronger resistance to the milk's effect.

"This is great!" Link smiled. "I forgot why I'm even here!"

"I know you've never been here before," the detective smirked. "That's why I suggested this place."

"Yeah…" the blonde rubbed the back of his neck. "I told you that though."

"What I meant to say was that I've known before you've told me," Dark pulled out a tape recorder from his briefcase and, unbeknownst to Link, set it near them.

"How would you have known?" the man turned his face to Dark, very unsure of him now.

"I know a lot about you," he stared blankly at the bottles of milk along the wall dipped in purple lighting. "Way more than you may even think to know."

"Okay…" the blonde seemed more than confused, slurring words that had more than 2 syllables. "Why do you know these little personal intricacies?"

"You're my assignment as of right now; I will study you real close to get my reward at the end of my mission…" Cagney took another swig of his drink.

Link looked mildly disturbed and decided to take another gulp of milk. After an awkward moment of silence, Dark pressed the record button on the little machine he pulled out. He forced the blonde to face him.

"Okay, did you do it?" Cagney poked Link's chest.

"Do what?" he pushed his hand away.

"Come on, Link, I wasn't born yesterday," he sounded stern. "You know exactly what I'm talking about!"

The blonde stood silent.

"Did you kill Zelda?"

"I did not kill her, I have nothing to do with her death," he stared at the ground. "There's more to her; she wasn't some innocent little thing."

Dark downed more of his milk and deliberately remained silent. Link stared at him, observing him. Unsure of what was going on, he lightly pushed his arm, "Was that it?" Cagney didn't say anything to him. "Are you ignoring me? Why?" Link was growing bitter. The detective sipped his beverage and waited patiently.

"Mr. Barten," Dark signaled the manager to pass another two bottles of Chateau Romani; the drinks were slid down the counter to them.

As Link popped open the new bottle and took another big gulp, Dark spoke with a voice like silk, "I know you did it, you don't have to admit to it but internally, I know you're suffering. I can sense your pain and the struggle within yourself. You're going to have to be the one to live with this regret for the remainder of your life, and eventually you'll-"

"Okay, okay, OKAY, just leave me the fuck alone!" Link threw an empty bottle of Chateau Romani to the floor, breaking it upon impact. "You want the truth…?"

Cagney stood silent, momentarily staring down at his tape recorder.

"She treated me like garbage! I couldn't put up with it anymore! I was soused to the eyeballs the lot of the time because of that whore… She thought because she had money she could do as she pleased," the blonde slammed his fist on the counter. "I did what I had to, to keep me from going insane and it was the best way! I had to kill her! You can't just leave the princess! I had to get rid of her. I was stuck in that shitty marriage, always being cheated on... do you know what that's like? We stopped having sex because she was so filthy. I couldn't let her get away with it. I made it seem like we were attacked. They all trusted me to protect her, I told them we were over run. I have my ways. I don't care if she's royal. The King and Queen can just have another baby. I did it, I killed her and, if I could do it over again, I would still end her life!"

"How do you feel?" he stopped recording. "Admitting to me that you killed Hyrule's only heir?"

"That's what your response is? How do I feel?" Link guzzled the milk. "What the fuck is wrong with you? Shouldn't you be taking me back to Hyrule, to prison like you said?"

"No, I've never heard a word from you."

"Where are you getting at?" Link hiccupped, wiping his mouth.

"I'm going to pretend this never happened but, in exchange, I need you to dedicate your life to me," Dark smiled and help up the tape. "You see, Link, I actually am the Chief of my department in Hyrule and I'm on vacation. I can very easily reopen this case with your confession."

"Wait, I don't understand…" Link stared at the man with abject horror. "You're black mailing me?!"

"Well, if you want to call it that, then maybe," Dark took another swig of his milk. "But I just want you to know that ever since I've over looked your case, I've wanted you," he pulled Link in by the collar, closer to him; mere inches from his face. "I know this may sound crazy but I need you, Link, you're meant for great things. A little bird like you locked up in jail will wither to dust."

"Are you mad?!" the blonde shoved him away. "Why are you doing this?!"

"I'm a man of wealth and hold great sway over any and all police force in Hyrule. What you say will not mean a damn thing. Not with this," he dangled the tape just out of his reach. "I don't think you fully understand the repercussions of your actions. Termina is Hyrule's sister country, there's no escaping. They'd hand you right over if we wanted you. You're looking at life in prison. This was treason against the mother country and, by the Goddesses, they will put you through the most extreme torture until you die."

"You're crazy," not even being drunk could stop him from understanding what was going on; he got up. "You're insane!"

"I could care less for the Royal Family; I just had to get you alone so that I could express how I felt; my desire for you," he stepped toward Link as the man stepped back. "Would you rather die in prison or put your life in my hands?"

Dark pressed Link up against the wall. He looked down at the immensely distraught man. His cheeks were pink from the Romani milk. His skin, always fawn, was paling from the shock. Cagney admired his body; he was shorter than him by a few inches but he was well built. The blonde seemed anxious and was on verge of having a nervous break down.

"I need your answer now, Link," he whispered into his ear. "Will you end your life in prison or give yourself to me?"

R&R if you like, reviews build the morale ya know! :I