Author's Notes: Thank you again for your reviews! I realize my chapters tend to be lengthy but hopefully the content and story is to your liking. I'm always open to feedback! :)

Song: The Golden Age by Woodkid

Cries rang out through the ballroom as startled guests frantically tried to escape from the direction of the explosion. Once the smoke gradually subsided, Zelda could see a gaping hole in the east wall of the ballroom, exposing the room to the moonlit world outside. A masked man stood amongst the rubble of the hole, with dozens of various armed intruders at his side.

"Where is the King and Princess?" the masked man bellowed throughout the hall.

His demands were met with silence. "No one? Kill them all," he hissed to his followers.

Zelda froze in terror. Chudley was already nowhere to be found, probably off trying to save his own skin. Coward. She didn't know what to do or where to go as the intruders made their way into the room, slicing down anyone in their path. Where is Impa?

No guards came to protect her. Zelda was on her own if she were to get out alive. She frantically weighed her options. Escape through the castle would prove futile as several intruders quickly blocked the way out. And there was no way in hell she would try leaving through the newly formed hole in the wall. Screaming guests continued to panic about the room as someone shoved Zelda from behind, causing her to fall to the floor.

Propping herself back up, Zelda noticed the balcony half the length of the room away. Perhaps I can scale down the balcony. It was a dangerous, last ditch resort but what choice did she have?

Before she could escape however, Zelda quickly found herself surrounded by four intruders. Upon closer view of her foes, her heart dropped at their appearance. Garo ninjas. These ninjas were well known throughout the kingdom as swift, deadly assailants. She could fight as Impa had taught her how to use a sword but her skills were useless without a blade. Zelda's chances of escape, much less survival, were dim.

As the Garo closed in, Zelda clasped her hands against her chest, praying a miracle would happen. If only Link would return to save me... The Garo were inches away now. She closed her eyes as a single tear trailed down her cheek. Suddenly a bright blue light pierced her eyelids. Zelda opened her eyes to find herself encased in a crystal as protective deep blue eyes stared back at her.

"Link!"

Link raced back through the castle, flying through the hallways as fast as his legs would carry him. There was no telling what was happening in the commotion of the ballroom but Link had to get there and fast. Why did I decide to leave so soon? If something happens to Zelda…

He pressed on and soon reached the ballroom entrance surrounded by a dozen Dinolfos. The armed lizards quickly descended on Link. He drew his sword and advanced, bringing down each foe with ease.

Once he cleared the entrance, Link stashed his sword and scanned the room for any signs of Zelda. Almost immediately, he spotted four Garo ninjas closing in on her towards the center of the ballroom. Shit. Link knew he had to act fast if he were to reach her in time. Noticing the chandeliers hanging down from the soaring ceiling, Link whipped out one of his clawshots from his back pouch. He aimed at the chandelier closest to Zelda's position and released.

I'm not going to make it in time. Thinking, Link reached back into his pouch and found a small magical blue crystal. He threw it at Zelda as the clawshot drew him to the chandelier. The crystal expanded into a protective barrier around the Princess just as the enemies were about to reach her. Link quickly released his clawshot and dropped on top of a Garo directly facing Zelda.

Rising, Link briefly connected eyes with Zelda to find a relieved princess looking back at him. The Garo began to circle around Link. He turned back out to the scene before him, drawing his sword and shield in an impressionable manner.

"If you want her, you'll have to kill me first!" Link yelled as he stabbed the unconscious Garo below him. The beast within him was thirsty for vengeance. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, further defining his muscular build. Link squeezed the grip of his sword while surveying the remaining three Garo. Realizing he was not wearing his usual protective chainmail, Link took a more defensive stance than normal. He knew the Garo were fierce fighters. One was hard enough to take down. Three at the same time could prove especially challenging.

The Garo drew their duel swords as guests scattered away from the developing battle. Link met their advances with the swing of his sword, using his shield to parry the additional onslaught of attacks. He skillfully moved his body through the dance of swords slashing all around him, eventually managing to stab a Garo on his right. However, that wasn't enough to finish him off as the Garo continued fighting.

"Pesky little shits," Link cursed.

Link deployed a spin attack to ward off the convergence of swords getting dangerously close. Two managed to avoid the swing of his sword while the other Garo received a direct blow. The remaining two Garo quickly recovered, proceeding to surround him once more.

As Link continued to fend off the Garo with such dexterity, Zelda helplessly watched from her impenetrable crystal. So this is the true extent of Link's abilities. Amazing… She couldn't keep her eyes off of his effortless movements. After Link finally took down one of the enemies with the spin of his sword, Zelda noticed another Garo stealthily approach him from behind.

"LINK LOOK OUT!"

Reacting to Zelda's voice, Link readily swung his sword above his head and behind his back to thwart the sneak attack while simultaneously bringing his shield up to defend himself from the other remaining Garo. Both enemies were caught off guard, giving Link the opening he needed to take them down for good.

As the last Garo fell, Link sheathed his sword and released Zelda from her barrier. Approaching the princess, Link sensed another attack from the fallen Garo. I almost forgot about the suicide bombs! He quickly grabbed Zelda into his arms, dashing from the battle scene just as the dying Garo drew out bombs in one final effort.

Away from the blasts, Link carefully put Zelda down and looked back at the Garo carcasses. Satisfied the fight was finally finished, Link returned his attention to Zelda. He gently grabbed her arms. "Are you okay?"

Zelda responded with a crying nod, placing her hands upon his strong chest, further closing the gap between them. "You… you came back."

"I promised I would protect you didn't I?" Link said with a smile, rubbing her back for additional comfort. They locked eyes once again, assuring both were safe for the time being. His eyes were filled with concern but also something else that Zelda couldn't quite discern.

"You were right… again," Zelda cried, placing her head onto Link's chest. "With the army gone, the castle was all but defenseless. Whoever is behind this could have my father or be attacking other towns in the kingdom and there is nothing I can do to stop it. What if more show up? What will we do?!" she sobbed.

"Zelda breathe. You're here with me now, remember? I won't let any harm come to you," Link reassured.

Unfortunately their moment of reprieve would not last, as Link looked over his shoulder to see a masked figure watching them from afar. By then, the rest of the guests had been able to escape from the path Link cleared, leaving the princess and hero alone with the remaining enemies. Link sized up the masked man. His heart shaped mask was a dark shade of purple, with two orange and yellow eyes surrounded by thick red patterns. Ten spikes protruded around the edges of the mask. Something about the mask felt familiar in a fearful way, yet Link could not recall from where. The masked man raised his arms, which slowly began to transform into whip-like tentacles. He snapped them down and took a step towards Link and Zelda.

By then Zelda had also noticed this new enemy, elevating her emotions to a new level of panic. "Who is that?!" she cried, body trembling against Link's.

Link frowned, "I don't know, probably the one in charge of the attack. Let's not stick around to find out."

Time to make some quick decisions if we want to make it out alive. Not wanting to take any chances, Link decided their best option was to flee. He scooped up Zelda in his arms once more and ran towards the balcony. Never looking back, Link pushed on to the balcony's edge.

"Zelda wrap your arms and legs around me and hold on!"

She quickly did what she was told then Link leapt over the balcony down towards the rest of the castle below. Zelda screamed as Link drew his clawshots to navigate between the towers. He latched onto one, swinging them safely down to a long, sloped roof. Zelda looked up to see the masked man stop on the balcony ledge. He made no attempts to follow. Instead, he only watched for a moment then slowly turned away.

Link continued to run across the roof, leaping down again to get away from the chaos. He used each clawshot to steer through the castle's architecture, swinging wildly towards the next tower before changing directions with the other clawshot. A few minutes later, Link had successfully brought the two safely onto the ground. Not wanting to stop, Link rushed to the castle's surrounding wall and used a clawshot one last time to the top of the wall before scaling down the other side.

He put Zelda down and returned the clawshots to his pouch. "Can you run?"

"I think so…" she replied while removing her heels and tossing aside.

Link took her hand as he spotted several Aeralfos circling the castle for prey. "Good because we need to go now!"

Zelda only managed to stumble few steps forward, failing to keep up with Link. The flowing fabric of her dress was proving difficult to move quickly in. "Link, it's my dress. I can't run in it!" Stopping, Link drew a knife from his pouch.

"What are you doing?!" gasped Zelda.

"It's your dress or your life."

He grabbed her dress and tore a hole where the tight fabric and corset flowed out from her thighs. Stashing the knife, Link forcefully ripped the fabric from Zelda's dress, spinning her around to remove it all. When he finished, Zelda was left exposing most of her legs in a considerably shorter dress.

"There, now you should be able to run," he said while tossing the extra fabric.

By then two Aeralfos had spotted them. Link produced one of his clawshots again and took aim. The claw latched around the first Aeralfos, bringing him down to Link's level. He drew his sword and killed the winged lizard with a quick back slice. The other Aeralfos proved more evasive, taking Link several tries before he could latch on with his clawshot and finish the job. When he finally downed the remaining enemy, Link took Zelda's hand once more to flee. They began to run through a maze of Castle Town streets as Link directed them towards the only place he could think of: Telma's Bar.

Noticing more enemies scouring the street ahead, Link shoved Zelda in an alley between two nearby buildings for cover. Unfortunately, the space they moved to wasn't an alley but merely a small gap between the buildings. There just wasn't enough room for the two to comfortably hide.

Three feet into the gap, Link and Zelda became stuck as their bodies wedged up against each other. Zelda felt the toned muscles of his abdomen touch her, sending shockwaves throughout her body. She could feel his rapid heartbeat keeping pace with her own as panic set in.

"Link, we're stuck!" Zelda spoke, keeping her voice low.

Link brought up his arms and rested them against the wall behind her head. He lowered his face close to hers and slowly whispered in her ear.

"Whatever you do, don't move and don't make a sound."

He looked out of the corner of his eyes to see one of the enemies patrol close by. Fortunately the darkness of the night and small gap kept them cloaked from the enemy's view. After several seconds of looking around, the enemy moved onto another street. Link waited a few more seconds before determining the all clear. He breathed a sigh of relief then realized they were still stuck.

"Link how do we get out of here?" asked Zelda. She didn't mind their extremely close proximity but knew they couldn't stay there long should the enemies come back.

Link tried to scoot his body out, only to stop when he heard Zelda wince. This isn't going to work. Thinking for a moment, Link decided to drop his arms and grab the underside of Zelda's exposed thighs. Zelda please don't hate me for this. He loved the touch of her soft skin but was afraid she would negatively react. Needing to defend his actions, Link spoke up.

"Zelda grab my neck and try to lift your body up. Maybe we can create just enough space for me to carry you out."

"Okay."

Zelda wrapped her arms around Link's neck and strained to lift her torso up. Still grabbing her thighs, Link also lifted, resulting in Zelda coming up much higher than he anticipated. Legs now dangling in the air, Zelda found her cleavage pressed up against Link's face.

Oh shit, he thought. He could not deny his attraction to her; with killer curves and ample breasts accentuating a slender body, Zelda was a goddess of her own. Such close proximity to the princess for so long had put a strain on his ability to hold it together. Having her breasts toy with his lips was too much. Their new position had opened the floodgates, causing Link's body to eagerly respond.

"I'm really sorry," he whispered, praying she wouldn't be repulsed.

Fortunately Zelda had managed to create just enough room for Link to squeeze them out of their hiding space. As soon as they were free, Link lowered Zelda back down to the ground, stepping back in embarrassment.

Zelda said nothing to the ordeal. She was glad they were safe, though she missed the feeling of Link's touch. His body was so fit and firm and she nearly collapsed when his helping hands and significant bulge stimulated her body. Never has she been so close to a man like that before and a part of her wanted more.

Not wanting to delay, Link beckoned for Zelda to follow him down the street. "Lets go," he said as rain began to fall on the town.

The rain soon turned to a downpour; drenching the two by the time Link brought Zelda to Telma's bar a half hour later. By then, the bar was closed. Link burst open the door and the weary couple entered the bar soaking wet. A clap of lightning illuminated the sky behind them.

Sitting at one of the tables counting the day's earnings, Telma looked up at the sound of the sudden intrusion. She immediately spotted Link and his exhausted companion.

Shocked, Telma cried out, "Link! What happened?!"

Telma rushed over to close the door, ushering Link and Zelda towards a table closest to the fireplace. She returned to the door and closed the curtains to conceal the bar from potential lurkers outside.

"Link, I'll ask again. What happened?" She drew a chair over to her guests.

Breathing heavily, Link looked up at Telma. "The castle was attacked."

Suddenly it registered to Telma who Link's blonde companion was, even in her soaked state."…Princess Zelda?"

On the verge of tears, Zelda made no response to the inquiry of her identity. She grabbed her arms and looked down. Normally Zelda would properly introduce herself but the night's trauma had stretched her strong spirit beyond its normal elasticity.

As the trio sat by the fire, the late night stir caused one of the sleeping houseguests to wake. Wondering what was going on, the sleepy redhead brought herself down to the bar's common area. She spotted Telma with Link and another woman soaked to the bone.

"Telma, Link, what happened?" she said, sitting down at their table.

"Aveil dear could you please fetch a blanket for our guest?" Telma could see Zelda clearly shivering due to her lack of adequate clothes. Aveil went back upstairs, returning shortly with a blanket. She draped it over Zelda, who graciously accepted.

"Thank you dear. Now Link, please continue." Telma looked back towards Link.

He waited for a moment then continued recounting the night's events. "I was on my way out when I heard an explosion back at the castle. I rushed back to find dozens of intruders swarming the ballroom and Zelda surrounded."

Telma interrupted, "I take it you then proceeded to rescue her?"

"Yes."

Telma flashed a smirk. "Why am I not surprised? Always playing the hero… Sorry please go on."

"I managed to clear the area of most of the enemies but then there was this masked intruder, possibly the one leading the attack. He began to transform at which that point I didn't want to risk an encounter with him so I quickly got Zelda out of there and brought her here."

Breaking her silence Zelda chipped in "We jumped off the balcony…"

Looking at Zelda, the bar owner raised her eyebrow, "So Link was showing off his acrobatic skills to you eh? Link, I hardly think that was the time and place for that."

"It was the only way. Besides I got her out of there safely, " scoffed Link.

"Were you followed?"

"For a while yes but we managed to lose them." Link stopped there; Telma didn't need to know the details. If she heard about their tight space touch then Link would certainly get the wrath of Telma raining down on him.

Aveil joined the conversation, "What about the king?"

Noticing the deteriorating state of Zelda's emotions, Telma decided to end the conversation. "Aveil would you please escort Zelda upstairs and find her some warm clothes to change in? The poor dear has been through a lot this evening and she could use some rest don't you agree?"

Aveil rose and gently put her hands on the shivering guest's shoulders, beckoning Zelda upstairs. Once the girls were gone, Telma resumed talking to Link.

"The King?" Link refused to answer. "Before we proceed, I really need a drink. The strongest drink you can make me."

"I suppose you do deserve one after everything that's happened." Telma walked to the bar and began pulling out various ingredients. She doubled the usual alcohol amount then brought the finished product back to Link.

Link took two large gulps. "Thanks." He placed the drink down then leaned in. "I don't know what happened to the King. He wasn't in the ballroom while I was there. Maybe his guards got him out. Maybe he was captured. I don't know. What I can tell you is that prior to the ball, I heard some troubling rumors. The King was misled into sending the Hylian army out west while someone on the council plotted a potential take over. With the army gone, it was only a matter of time for the castle to be attacked."

He looked Telma in the eyes. "Telma, whoever did this is very powerful. If something did happen to the King then Zelda is the only one left between the attacker and the throne." He hesitated, "…I think Zelda should stay here and lie low until we can determine what exactly is going on and how to stop it."

Telma sat back in her chair. If the castle did indeed fall, then the Princess would most certainly be the next target. They couldn't take any chances.

"You're right. Zelda will stay here. I think its time the Resistance got back together. We'll need the team more than ever if there really is a threat of this scale on Hyrule." Tired, Telma stood up. "It's late. I'll make the necessary arrangements tomorrow… Link?" There was something on her mind.

Link paused his drinking and answered, "Hmm?"

"Help me understand one thing. You said you had already left when the attack started. Now I know it's your nature to be the hero but even something like this is beyond your normal self. Something must have happened for you to change course so quickly. Something you're not telling me."

Link didn't respond. He couldn't tell her about the kiss, about his growing feelings towards the Princess. It hardly seemed appropriate to share. He busied himself with his drink.

"Fine if you won't tell me then know this. Your reckless tendency to rush into danger is going to get yourself killed one day if you aren't careful. Think about what all you have to lose."

"I have nothing to lose," he bluntly replied.

Telma began to walk away. She briefly turned back towards Link. "Are you sure about that?"

Link was left alone to finish his drink.

Aveil fumbled through her drawers to find a suitable nightgown for Zelda while the princess solemnly sat on Aveil's bed. A few seconds later, Aveil pulled out a simple white sleep shirt. It was a little on the skimpy side given Aveil's preferences but it would have to do.

"My apologies, this is all I really have to offer. We'll have to go into town tomorrow to get you some better clothes." Aveil handed her find over to Zelda. She felt the softness of the fabric and thanked Aveil.

"You're welcome, I'll leave you to it." Aveil started to leave but Zelda stopped her.

"Aveil... umm can you help me out of my dress? The corset is tied rather tight…"

"Oh certainly! Are you sure you don't mind me being here?"

Zelda shook her head. "No. I'm use to my handmaidens dressing and undressing me."

Aveil walked over to Zelda and began untying the corset. While undressing Zelda, she decided to strike up a conversation. "This is a lovely dress you're wearing. Though it seems... quite err short for a Princess to wear. I didn't realize you were so comfortable wearing such a revealing outfit. "

"Oh no my dress was originally much longer. Link… well… he ripped off the lower half to help me run faster." Zelda blushed.

Laughing, Aveil continued to undo the corset. "So that's what happened! I know it's probably not my place to say this but to be honest you have really nice legs. You should wear shorter dresses more often! Guys would fall head over heals for you. Hell, even a guy as reserved as Link would try to steal a look your way." Aveil finished. "There. You're free now!"

Zelda quickly dropped the soaking dress and placed the sleep shirt over her head. She looked in the mirror. This outfit was even shorter than her previous dress. The fabric just barely covered her behind. Zelda's cheeks turned an even brighter shade of red. Thank goodness I'm only sleeping in this!

She turned to Aveil. "Thank you for your help." Despite their short time together, Zelda was already growing rather fond of the tanned companion with rich ruby locks. It has never been easy for Zelda to make friends given her sheltered life and Aveil brought a different sort of friendship; a friend where Zelda felt she could freely confide in without fear. She sat back down on the bed crossing her legs as Aveil sat right beside her. Zelda tried to think of something else to say before deciding on a topic she never really had a chance to gossip about until now.

"So…you seem to know a lot about what guys like…" Wait why did I just say that?

Aveil responded with a laugh. "You bet I do! I guess you could say I'm a maneater. I've been with loads of guys so I know what it takes to reel them in."

"…Have you been with Link?"

Aveil laughed even harder. "I wish! Every girl fawns over Link but as far as I know, he has never made a move on anyone. That man has some sort of ironclad fortress protecting his heart. Something must have happened in his past that he isn't willing to talk about. No I gave up pursuing Link a long time ago when I realized he's probably waiting for the right girl to come along that clearly wasn't me…" She turned to Zelda. "Why do you ask? Do you like him?"

Panicking Zelda shook her head. "What, no! I was just curious that's all…"

"Don't deny it. You like him! If you didn't then there is something seriously wrong with you because all women fall for Link!" Aveil jested.

Someone knocked on the door. Telma entered the room. "Oh good you're ready for bed. Zelda we think it's best if you stayed with us for awhile, until things settle down."

"Thank you… so… where am I sleeping?"

"You can stay with Aveil. I hardly think it's appropriate for you to stay with Link don't you think? Besides her bed is spacious enough for the both of you."

Telma caught the look of surprise on Zelda's face. "Oh come dear, I couldn't have the Princess of Hyrule staying in that small cramped room of Link's! It's late. You two should get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning. Good night!" Telma left and closed the door, leaving Zelda and Aveil alone once again.

Aveil walked around the room, snuffing out all of the candles. She returned to the bed and got under the covers. "See? You'll be safe here. We'll take care of you."

Zelda also slid under the covers. "Will I be safe here though? I mean Hyrule castle was easily breached and it's the most secure place in the kingdom…"

Aveil rolled over to face the worried Princess. "Zelda trust me. This is the safest place to be."

"Why?"

"Because of Link," Aveil yawned as she closed her eyes to sleep.