Hey y'all!

So here's the next chapter! This one picks up the action that I told I would be putting into this story (finally!) And some other things will happen as well, of course since it is a story after all. But I won't hold you all too long, after all this is a long chapter. So, remember to review guys, 3-4 before I start writing the next chapter. So far, people have been responsive and critiqued this work quite well, let's continue doing this! I know we can, so let's go! Enjoy the story, folks!

I do not own, nor ever will own, the rights to the Legend of Zelda or any of the characters, objects, creatures, etc. Nintendo owns all rights to this franchise.

Preliminary Edits: 03/20/2018

Chapter 5: An Unexpected Guest

The dirge of the horn continued to echo throughout Castle Town. Fear permeated every nook and cranny. By then, most, if not all, of the citizens and merchants had found shelter inside their homes or other buildings. Save a handful of soldiers who followed behind five other individuals.

Zelda led the small group, which was composed of a unit, Ghislain included, along with Ilia, Link, and Rusl. The collection of soldiers, Zelda, and Rusl joined the two young Ordonians as they exited the garden. The Ordonian swordsman, already armed, recognized the danger, indicated by the sword and shield he handed Link.

Fearing what may happen, Link urged Ilia to wait for them at Hyrule Castle. For whatever reason, the young woman urged to join them. Her stubbornness – along with limited time – forced Link to adhere to Ilia's wishes.

Besides, he tried to reassure himself I know where she is and can protect her if she's with me. So, the young hero reluctantly allowed Ilia to accompany them in their race towards the West Gate of Castle Town. The location from where the horn's sound emanated.

Although the horn sounded familiar to everyone in the group, none of them knew exactly why King Bulblin had decided to come to Castle Town. Whatever the case, they all believed it to be in ill tidings. Even though Link had beaten the king, it wasn't unlikely that they would ignore the young man's threats. Any speculation would be answered soon, as the group rushed through the gateway leading to the deep ravine separating Castle Town from Eldin Province.

As the stone bridge came into view, so did the small gathering of Bulblins atop their Bullbos. From their thin ranks rose a massive Bullbo, armored and much larger than his smaller brethren. Sitting on his personal huge, boar-like animal was none other than King Bulblin himself.

The monstrous Bulblin carried a banner in one hand and his war horn in the other. He held nothing that could be considered a weapon save for the spear-tipped banner. However, his minions had clubs and bows, ready at their sides should anything take a turn for the worse. Surprisingly, the King wore no armor, just pants, boots, and a red hood that exposed his face. From the Hylians' and Ordonians' perspective, it appeared the king was not prepared for battle, which prompted the question: what did he want?

King Bulblin rode his steed to the middle of the bridge, leaving his escort behind. The group from Hyrule Castle met him in the middle, every man's hands on their swords, ready to draw them at a moment's notice. Zelda headed the group.

"Ah, Princess Zelda," the green behemoth began "I don't believe this is a proper royal greeting for a peaceful talk, now is it?" A toothy grin followed the end of his rhetorical question.

"Excuse my escort, but I believe we are well within our rights," the young princess retorted. "After all, you have your own guard and our peoples have not had the most pleasant relationship in the past."

King Bulblin gave a hearty, deep laugh. "Why of course, I wouldn't expect anything less. Have one hand reach out for peace, the other armed with a dagger behind your back. I like it."

It was then that the King noticed who she had brought with her. An all too familiar man clad in green, and his hand reaching for the sword strapped to his back. "And you brought the green-hatted bastard along," the Bulblin chuckled grimly. "Good, he should hear this as well."

Link's eyes narrowed at his rival, though his mouth stayed shut. He did not have anything to say to the king.

"Yes, I have brought the Hero of Twilight with me. He is my guest after all. I also believed that you would not attack us if he stood by my side, knowing the relationship you two have." The Princess made a small hand gesture between the pair, connecting them with an invisible tie; a tie neither of them wished to have.

"Of course. Our relationship," the King growled as his smile disappeared and his gaze met Link's cold blue eyes. They stared at each other for a few moments, before his attention shifted to the young woman next to him.

Once again, a toothy grin appeared on King Bulblin's face. "And I see you have a brought a bargaining chip, as well. Just in case things resulted in violence. I must say, it is tempting to try and take her. Again." He spoke as he pointed one of his meaty fingers at Ilia.

Her eyes widened in horror. Link stepped forward, his hand motioning to unsheathe the sword from his back. Zelda's arm stopped him in his tracks. "Peace, Link. I don't think he wants war." The princess's eyes still focused on the king as she spoke. The young hero let his hand rest as he stepped back and Zelda lowered her arm.

As he relaxed, Ilia gripped Link's hand with her own. Fear coursed through her body, that much was certain. Memories came forth. Painful nights in a cage, the Bulblins taunting her, their prodding and touching…

Ilia felt a warm pressure on her hand, as Link squeezed it reassuringly. She turned to look up at him and met his slowly calming gaze. It told her everything would be okay, he would protect her. They wouldn't lay a finger on her. Her eyes and demeanor relaxed. She held on desperately to Link as her anchor, to keep her from relapsing.

"King Bulblin, I believe there was something you wished to tell us," Zelda spoke, bringing his attention back to her.

His grin continued, pleased with the reaction his taunting had received from Link. "Yes. Down to business, I see." He took something out of the pack on his Bullbo's saddle. "It's unpleasant news, to say the least. So, I'll come out and just say it: my ingrate of a cousin, King Grask, wishes to invade Ordona and Faron Provinces to claim them as his own lands."

The three Ordonians' eyes widened in shock.

"Your cousin wants to attack Ordon Village?" Link spoke as he remembered the last time a group of Bulblins invaded his home. His grip on Ilia's hand grew tighter, as did hers on his.

The King rode to Zelda on his Bullbo, handed her a crumpled-up piece of paper, and sauntered back to his original spot. "Yes, and the egotistical son of a bitch had the nerve to ask my men to join him. Bah, arrogant, thinking he could come into these lands and just take control of my clan. He poses no threat to Hyrule proper, I can promise you that. He always was the runt of the litter." A deep, growling chuckle emitted from King Bulblin's throat. "However, I know Ordon Village and it has no soldiers to defend itself with. For that reason, I bring this to your attention instead of theirs."

Zelda's eyes hastily skimmed through the messy handwriting of King Grask's letter. Once finished, her gaze attention returned to King Bulblin. "Why would you warn us of such an attack? Knowing he's your cousin, I pause to consider why you would turn on your family," the Princess spoke suspiciously.

"Hmph. Again, he's my cousin. And if you knew anything about my family, you'd know blood feuds are common. More so within the family than with others." His growling chuckle, something that was becoming very familiar, passed his lips once again. "And if he took those lands, then I would be seen as weak for having what was once my task fall onto a lesser family member. If he were to succeed, which is very likely without intervention, then he would also hunt me down like a dog and claim my clan. I'm sure you understand why I come to you now, however bothersome it is."

Zelda nodded her head once. "I believe so, King Bulblin."

"Then you should see how this poses as a threat to the south. He will destroy your land, enslave anyone he finds, and kill all he sees as a challenge to him." His face contorted into one of contempt. "I do not want to see my cousin doing something I could not!" King Bulblin yelled, rage poisoning his words.

Everyone, save Link and Zelda, recoiled at the sudden outburst. Zelda held her hand up placatingly. "Peace, King Bulblin. We will do everything in our power so they do not succeed. Ghislain," her orders were directed towards the man to her right "return to the castle with the guard and have the soldiers ready to march south as soon as able. We must protect the people of Ordona and Faron."

Her captain of the guard clapped his heels together and gave a stern salute. "Yes, your majesty." Then, he turned to his men. "Let's go, soldiers! You heard her, we have a village to save!" Ghislain and his guard turned to rush back towards the castle, their armor and weapons clanking loudly along the way.

"And King Bulblin," Zelda turned back towards the hulking creature "will you aid us in this fight? I'm sure having your help would make this battle that much easier."

King Bulblin beat his fist against his chest. "Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss a fight like this for the world. Bulblins, we ride for battle!" The smaller creatures behind him cheered and rode back towards the plains of Eldin, whooping and hollering. "I will meet your men in Hyrule Field in three days. No more, no less. Knowing my cousin, he has already begun his march and will be there in that time. Until then."

His gaze flickered to Link, and their eyes met for a few moments before the king smiled. "Seems like we'll be working together, bastard-hero. Make sure your bargaining chip is well protected." He laughed deeply, tauntingly, before riding away to join his fellows.

Once the brute had left the bridge, Link spoke under his breath, "Damn, bastard." He turned to Ilia, the hatred leaving his eyes as his gaze transformed from cold steel to a gentle lake. "Ilia, are you okay?"

Link could see her shaking, he could feel her shaking through her hand. She stared at the cobblestoned bridge, eyes still wide. Tears tugged at her eyes, begging to be released. Her legs bent, like they were about to give out but somehow still held strong. Link detested seeing Ilia in this state, and cursed King Bulblin in the back of his mind. He released Ilia's hand, placing it on her left shoulder instead.

"Ilia…?"

She snapped out of her trance at Link's touch and calm voice. Her head turned towards the young hero, and she could not hold it in any longer.

"Oh, Link…"

Tears freely flowed from her eyes and down her cheeks. She buried her face in his tunic and wrapped her arms around him.

Her friend, her anchor, slowly enveloped her in his embrace, protecting her from the harms of the world as best he could. "Shh, Ilia. Shh… it's okay, he's gone," he cooed softly, trying to calm her down.

"Link," Rusl, speaking for the first time since the meeting began, came up to the hero. "We need to begin preparing for this invasion. Come on, son."

Link nodded slowly, knowing that they needed to protect Ordon Village. He turned back to Ilia and could still feel her shaking, fear running the course of her body. Gently, he picked up the young woman in his arms while she shifted hers around his neck. Her head fell onto his shoulder as she tried to sniff away her tears.

The group walked back to Hyrule Castle. Everyone's thoughts were focused on the protection of Ordon Village. Link's focus, of course, was shared with Ilia's safety. He walked without looking ahead, watching Ilia in his arms: in pain, in fear, memories of what had happened when she was kidnapped by the Bulblins making their way into her head.

What did they do to you? Link asked himself internally as he realized she still hadn't told him about her abduction.

As soon as the group made it back to the castle, they immediately went to preparing ready for the coming battle. Link took Ilia to her room, seeing that she needed rest. She had calmed down, but if only a little. Her eyes had returned to their normal size, but her body still had a slight tremor to it. Terror was releasing its grip on her, but did not want to let go so hastily.

Once the pair entered Ilia's room, Link sat her up on her bed. For a few moments, he sat next to her and held her gently. She made no move to escape, in fact she welcomed it, putting her arms around the hero's waist and laying her head on his shoulder. With his hands, Link rubbed Ilia's back and her arm, trying to ease her troubles.

About half an hour passed before her shaking had completely stopped. Ten minutes after, Ilia's eyes closed and she fell asleep. Once Link noticed this, he slowly removed his arms from her and her arms from his, careful not to wake her in the process. He laid her down on the bed and placed the covers over her, hoping that this rest would help her. He looked down at her for a moment, worry etched in his eyes. Then, he leaned down and kissed Ilia softly on her forehead.

"It'll be okay, Ilia. I promise, nothing will hurt you," Link whispered, hoping she would be okay when she awoke.

The young hero left to join the others in the war room, leaving Ilia to sleep and recover from her panic attack. Her fear didn't cease, but instead brought forth memories and visions. A subsequent nightmare that seemed to have no ending.

Ilia's eyes opened up with a start. Expecting to see the ceiling of her room in Hyrule Castle, she gasped when she noticed it wasn't there. Instead, she now saw the wooden roof of an iron bar cage, trapping her inside a small rectangular space. Even though a cage such as this could be seen in any dungeon, she knew where it had her.

She sat up slowly, body already shaking in fright. She hesitantly examined her surroundings. Outside of the cage, she saw rocky walls surrounding her on all three sides. Above, she managed to see the sky, indicating she was not in a cave. Then, she noticed the figures in front of her.

A group of Bulblins surrounded a fire, warming themselves up in the brisk fall weather. They laid back on their Bullbos as the animals slept. Above the fire, a piece of meat rolled on a skewer and one of the green humanoids moved the wooden handle of the cooking utensil in a circular motion to cook all sides of the meat. They all spoke in a gargled language, forgoing the few words of Hylian Ilia knew they knew. Bellowing laughs echoed from them at points and they drank greedily from a wineskin that they all shared.

Ilia cringed at the sight and every single fiber in her being told her to escape by whatever means necessary. She knew what was to come the next, this nightmare having once haunted her waking days and sleeping nights often.

The captive woman banged on the cage and tried to tear it apart. Her hands turned red and bloodied as she desperately tried to escape. It was no use. One of the Bulblins noticed their prison attacking the iron bars of her cage. A smile played under his blue mask, as it did with his companions. All of them stood up at once and stumbled over towards the cage.

One of the green monsters took a key out of his small pack and placed it in the lock that separated Ilia from freedom. She quickly scurried to the back of the cage, hoping to avoid the pain and humiliation for as long as possible. Her nerves were on end, her eyes still wide open with tears forming in the corners of them, and her body shook near uncontrollably, as if she were caught naked in a snowy winter's night.

"No," Ilia panicked. "No, no, no! Not again, please! Please, I beg you, not again!" She continued yelling these words as the Bulblins spoke to each other in a language Ilia did not understand. A sinful, longing look could be seen in every one of the monsters' eyes and their devilish, evil smiles continued as they finally stood in front of her.

Immediately, all of the Bulblins began to prod and poke Ilia with their hands, touching her in places that she wished not to be touched. Clothing was roughly removed, revealing her pale breasts and her other private areas. Tears fell freely from her eyes now as she violently tried to wriggle away from the monsters unwelcomed touches. In the process, she kicked one of them in the face, earning her a small victory that turned into a painful defeat all too quickly.

The Bulblins' smiles disappeared and anger now came to their faces. Ilia could only watch in horror, knowing what was to come. One of the Bulblins picked up a small club and raised it high in the air, aiming it at Ilia. She closed her eyes, hoping this would block out some of the excruciating pain that was to befall her, even though she knew it wouldn't.

When the pain did not come, she opened her eyes a crack. Then fully, as she realized the Bulblins and constraining bars of her iron cage had disappeared. Now, she faced darkness that consumed every part of her vision. It made her feel alone, like no one else lived, but her. Like all the emotion in the world, the wonder and the nature, the discoveries and the experience vanished. And this darkness? The only thing left to take its place and remove the world's ever changing, ever descriptive color and features. Ilia did not like it one bit.

Hesitantly, she started to feel a heat against the back of her neck that seemed to embrace her. The darkness' chill left her body and she felt an enveloping warmth. She calmed and let out a deep breath, smiling as the feeling of loneliness and foreboding left her body. Everything felt right again, the world had turned back into what it once was. Accompanying the heat was a light that silhouetted Ilia's body, creating a shadow that matched the darkness in color. Shadows evaporated and Ilia welcomed the change. She turned around to greet, what she assumed was, the rising sun.

Turning towards the light, her expression became fearful. The light behind her was not the sun, nor any other welcoming force. No, in front of her stood Ordon Village, which she could easily recognize. Yet the burning buildings and foliage caused it to appear foreign.

Fire burned everywhere. From Ilia and her father's house to Ordon Ranch, to the lone shop in the village, and back again. Ordonian goats ran from the ranch into town, many falling down in panic or dying from the scorch marks that marred their skin and the flames that licked their hides.

On the main pathway that led through Ordon Village laid her friends. The men, the women, even the children. Her father and Rusl, Uli and their baby girl, Juna. Everyone lay dead or dying in the street. Many could be seen having died from the fire that now surrounded the doomed village. Others had deep cuts or wounds that signaled the role only a weapon could play in their deaths. Those still squirming in their last moments of painful agony screamed and cried in horror. Their rasping screams could be heard all around, causing Ilia to cover her ears as she wished the deathly knell of her friends and family to disappear.

She closed her eyes and fell to her knees, tears cascading down her face.

"Help us!" she heard.

"Save us!" they pleaded.

It was no use, even with her hands trying to block out the medium of sound, she still heard the villagers' desperate and hopeless pleas.

"This isn't real," Ilia tried to reassure herself. "They're alive, this is just a nightmare… They're alive, this is just a nightmare…." She repeated her mantra over and over again as she shook her head to rid her of the images. But nothing she did woke her up, and the screams continued, echoing into the deathly cold night and evaporating across the inky black sky that was now filled with the fire's thick smoke.

All of sudden, the voices stopped. The last of the screaming reverberated silently into the darkness. Ilia looked up and saw none of the villagers moving. They had all died, their suffering had ended. Her head fell again in defeat. Everyone she knew, everyone she loved: gone. She had nothing now. Nothing to guide her or save her, nothing to aid her or tell her what she needed to do.

No one.

She heard footsteps alongside the crackling sounds of burning wood. Her head shot up to see what was coming towards her.

Maybe one of them is alive, she hoped.

Her hopes were swiftly dashed away as an enormous, threatening figure emerged from the fog-like smoke covering the village.

Along Ordon Village's main path walked a great, grey wolf. Armor of red and black spikes protected it. Razor sharp teeth protruded from its mouth and glistened with fresh blood. Its eyes glowed with a hungering blue that wished to sate its appetite. Riding the monster was a Bulblin.

This one, though skinny and lanky like many of the Bulblins, held a staff in its hand and stood almost as tall as King Bulblin. Like his counterparts, he had horns extending from the top of his head, but they curved to the bottom of his jawline. His left eye shone with a fierce, blood red and his right had a scar etched over it, permanently closing it shut. Dark robes flowed down his figure. Feathered pads were placed atop his shoulders and leather belts stretched across his chest, filled with liquids of many vile colors. The thin line of his mouth was etched across his face and under his flat nose, showing no emotion at all.

King Grask. The name popped into Ilia's mind suddenly. It could only be him.

He rode silently towards the frozen girl in front of him. Then, he ushered his dog to move faster, then even faster until it ran at a fast pace. Finally, Ilia regained control of her body and she urged it to run as fast she could.

She ran and ran, looking behind her to only see darkness envelope her surroundings and King Grask rushing towards her. She couldn't feel herself moving anywhere and concluded she was only running in place, the goddesses dooming her to a grim fate.

The monstrous wolf came closer to the frightened young woman, until it was only mere feet from her. It jumped, jaw open and claws ready to pounce on its helpless prey. Ilia covered her head with her arms to helplessly protect herself from the death she knew was coming. She let loose a fearful death knell into the continuously encapsulating darkness.

Ilia awoke violently, sitting up quickly from her bed. Her head ached slightly and she felt a moistness around her eyes, signaling the beginning of tears. Sweat covered most of her body, allowing the thin, white material of her dress to cling to her skin.

She rose her shaking hands to her eyes and stared at them absentmindedly as she thought back to the nightmare she had just experienced. The first part, with the three Bulblins, had been a terror that haunted her for weeks, even months, after she recovered her memory. Only recently had she been able to fully quell such memories and let them retreat to back of her mind. Seeing King Bulblin brought them rushing back to her.

The following scene, however, she had never seen before as part of the familiar dream: the wolf, the thin, yet dangerous Bulblin riding the beast, and Ordon Village burning to the ground. Her memories contained no such images, so she wondered where they had come from. She wrapped her arms around her legs. She stared numbly between her legs as she leaned her head against her knees.

What could it have possibly been?

Her thoughts echoed from wall to wall in her mind as she scrambled to find any scarp of information that could explain what she saw. Of course, the first thing that came to mind was the warning of the threat on Ordon Village by King Bulblin. This was what most likely brought the vision to her head, but she did not understand how it had been so clear, like she had been peering into the future.

Her head shot up, as she remembered something Renado had told her about the realm of dreams. It had occurred after she had asked the shaman about seeing Link and her together in Ordon Village in her dreams, when she had no real memory of him after she awoke one morning. She asked him how she could see it so clearly.

'You see, child, dreams are like links to our deeper subconscious that can only be accessed during times when sleep has claimed us,' his voice rang with a gentle, yet informative, tone. His hair and robe swayed in the wind as his deep, brown eyes examined Ilia. 'You merely saw something that you have experienced or will experience. Dreams such as these can bring back long forgotten memories of the past or foretell a dark event that will occur in the near future. I believe this dream was trying to break the wall that separates your past from your present. Remember such dreams as these, Ilia, the ones you have now and the ones you may see later. For they are trying to tell you something, and it is up to you whether you heed their advice, or let it fall on deaf ears.'

Is something trying to tell me what I should do? the distressed woman thought to herself for a moment, recollecting the already fading pieces of the nightmare she experienced. Everything felt so real. The fire. The pain. The ever-encroaching darkness. Everything felt real.

"This was a warning of what the future may hold," she said assuredly to herself. "But why would I see that? Unless…" Almost instantly an idea came to the forefront of her mind as to the vision's meaning. She jumped off of her bed and bolted through the doorway out of her quarters and towards the war room where she knew Link, Rusl, and Zelda would be.

Link won't like this, but I don't want to just sit on the sidelines and let everyone do the work this time. I need to help, in whatever way possible.

"I still don't think this is a good idea," Link chided as Ilia finished packing the rest of her belongings on Epona's saddle. They stood in the cool, morning grass of the field outside of the South Gate of Castle Town.

Ilia had come to him night before while the others were devising a strategy for the coming battle. She explained to all of them the vision she had just received while she was asleep. Link, while supporting, still worried about what had happened to her earlier that day; Rusl and Ghislain held their hands to their chins in thought as Ilia spoke every word; and Zelda watched on without a hint of emotion on her face, but nodding in understanding. All in all, they didn't seem to take the vision as some sort of crazy scheme Ilia created for some stupid reason. The next thing she proposed, however, was not as well received. Especially by Link.

She told them she wanted to return to Ordon Village to warn the villagers about the impeding attack. Alone.

Link, as she expected he would, almost immediately went against the idea. She knew he only did it because he was looking out for her safety. After all, he had already lost her once and he didn't want to lose her again. Rusl also joined in, telling her that such an idea could put her at risk. While Zelda tried to parlay between the two and offer a joint resolution with a messenger being sent to Ordon Village instead of Ilia.

The stubborn farm girl battled back with her words, explaining how she had to do this. She told them she wanted to help in any way possible, and if this was how she could, then she would. Everyone had been fighting her battles for her, and she felt useless. At the mention of that, Link and Rusl backed off from arguing and eyed their feet.

Eventually, an uncertain smile came to Zelda's face and she agreed with the farm girl. Link and Rusl both turned to the Princess in shock, but they realized they were right. If Ilia rode Epona she would be faster than any messenger, and she would be helping in the battle to come. After all, someone needed to warn the villagers. Ilia would know just what to say and how to evacuate the village in time. So, reluctantly, they agreed with her. Both men knew she was headstrong at times like these and would do what she wished. One way or another.

Even after Link agreed to Ilia's plan, he still tried to persuade her to stay behind the safe walls of Castle Town.

"It's just that you are putting yourself into danger. You'll be safer here, Ilia," Link pleaded unsuccessfully.

Though scared and tempted to stay with Link, Ilia held strong to her beliefs. The young woman turned from tending to Epona, a small smile on her face. "I'll be okay, I promise. Someone needs to evacuate the village just in case they come earlier than expected," she voiced courageously, yet hesitantly.

Of course, she wished Link and her could just stay in Castle Town and enjoy his banquet, but that had changed when King Bulblin came. This time, she did not want to be just a damsel in distress that needed saving. She wanted to help, and even if fear of being captured by Bulblins again did cross her mind, she held her ground.

"I promise, Link. I'll be okay," she reassured him for the umpteenth time as she saw the worry on his face.

"I know, I just…" he let out a heavy sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck and stared at the ground. "I don't trust King Bulblin, what if he is working with King Grask? You could be walking into a trap and I can't lose you again." He spoke quietly as his eyes still held Ilia's.

She inched closer towards the young hero. "You won't. I'll make sure of it," she spoke softly.

"I know you will, but what if what you do just isn't enough? What if they arrive and you can't escape? What if…" Link's head shifted away from his childhood friend, shame coursing through his body as he realized what he had just said. He knew Ilia was strong, but exactly how strong was she? Sometimes he was scared to test those limits.

Ilia's soft face scolded him slightly. Though Link couldn't see it, he knew it was. She turned around with a huff and said playfully, "Well, Mr. Hero, I can assure you I know how to take care of myself just fine."

Link glanced up. The frown on his face slowly turned into a small smile. He came up behind her and rested his hands reassuringly on her shoulders. His hands caused shivers to course through Ilia's body, warming her against the pleasant chill of autumn. With their bodies so close, any remnants of cold seemed chased away. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck and enjoyed the staggered, constant air that tickled her. She made no motion to move, content how they stood.

The young hero took this as his chance to speak. "Still the same old Ilia I know and…" his words were caught in his throat as he stopped himself from finishing his sentence. His features softened again as he continued, "… and you will be safe. I just worry, because I care deeply about you."

A faint smile flittered across Ilia's face. She reached her left hand to his, clutching his fingers gently while his returned the reassuring gesture. She gave a contented sigh and closed her eyes for a moment, leaning into her hero for a moment before turning. Link was even closer than she thought, as she almost immediately fell into his arms when she faced him.

Stunned for but a moment, Link's arms hesitantly moved to Ilia's waist and her hands had come to rest on his chest.

The blush in both of their faces reddened. Again, they found themselves lost in each other's eyes. A moment of comfortable silence fell between them as they just studied each other.

Link's expression was soft and content. Only a worried furrow in his brow marred his tranquil face, showing he was scared of letting Ilia go. All he wanted to do was protect her, and she knew that, but even she had to help those around her when she could. Understanding that, it was hard for the young hero to quell his protective instincts. Even with the worriedness harried the hero, Ilia still thought he was as handsome as ever.

Ilia appeared as she always had to her friend: a simple entrancement. Her small dimples to her beauty, as did the shy spots of red around her cheeks. Despite the situation, she seemed at peace, like she had found everything she had needed within Link's arms. And who's to say she hadn't? Every one of her problems seemed to have melted away at his touch. The nightmares were but faint whispers now, not even garnering the slightest bit of her attention. Everything evil seemed to disappear and everything good came to the forefront of her mind.

Link made to speak, but his words were unheard as Ilia cut him off with her lips. The kiss had caught both by surprise – each taken aback by Ilia's sudden action. Slowly they closed their eyes, easing into and savoring the moment. Hands gestured the other further into their arms, wrapping around a lithe waist, placed against a heavily beating chest. By all means would an on-looker consider the action chaste, but by no means did it feel that way to the two lovers. What felt like minutes (but was only a couple seconds) pleasantly dragged on while the pair enjoyed their first kiss, relishing in their unspoken feelings for each other. Then as quickly as it began, it ended.

They broke apart from each other, their hearts racing rapidly as they released fast, shallow breaths. They smiled at each other, their foreheads touching in a caring motion. Reopening their eyes, Ilia hesitantly broke apart from Link's embrace, until only their hands remained intertwined. Fingers unlocked reluctantly as Ilia made her way to Epona and saddled the horse.

As she ushered her steed forward she turned back to wave at Link. "I'll be back in a couple days," she reassured sweetly.

"And I'll be waiting," Link returned. He stayed until Ilia had ridden away from his view. The sun shone warmly now as the hero turned to walk back to Hyrule Castle.

She's still the same old Ilia that I know and love, he finished his earlier sentence internally while smiling sadly. I should have told her how I felt, he reprimanded himself, turning his mood sour. Touching his lips changed it around. A ghost of Ilia's kiss warmly pulsated under his fingers.

But I'll see her again. Then, I'll tell her everything. Though he tried to reassure himself, some part of him believed he wouldn't be able to tell her his feelings anytime soon.

A perpetual darkness surrounded the plain on which these two spirits met. It blacked everything out and almost completely shrouded the constituents from each other's sights.

The first, a shrouded figure that seemingly blended in and out of the darkness, could only be truly located by the red of its eyes. He waited calmly for his opposite, who had green skin and stood tall in his dark robes, to speak.

A Bulblin, the dark spirit thought a pity we have to rely on such disgusting, sniveling creatures to do the work we cannot do. A smile flitted across his face. No matter, when my master returns they will die all the same.

"Report, King Grask," the dark figure ordered the Bulblin with a snake-like voice.

The creature huffed. "You do not command me, spirit," he spoke with a resilient and deep tone. "You are only such after all."

For now… thought the red-eyed spirit. His smile grew as he thought of the pain he would inflict upon the monster before him when he returned to the realm of the living. He struggled to keep the chuckle that rose inside of his throat as well.

King Grask eyed him skeptically. "Yes, well, the message has reached King Bulblin and as planned he has warned the Hylians. That traitor," he spat venomously. "And the vision I sent the girl has gone through. From what I can see, she is heading straight towards the village, blind to how close my army really is." He gave a short, dry cackle as he finished speaking.

"Good, then we will have her and Link will come at you headstrong. Furious, angry, all of these emotions and more. From there, you will capture him and release me from my prison." His smile disappeared. "Understood, Grask?" the question coming across bitterly.

The king growled, but nodded his head in understanding. "Of course, spirit. Just remember that you are not my master, for we serve the same one."

The dark figured scoffed at his comment. "Be gone, fool. Your presence angers me. Do as he commands or you will die a miserable and bloody death."

Again, the Bulblin growled, but understood. He waved his hands around himself, then vanished. Wisps of darkness that flowed like smoke were all that remained of him. The now-lone figure smiled again and cackled loudly as he did the same. No trace of their meeting, save for the faint dark wisps and the echoing laughter, remained in this realm of perpetual darkness. Once the cackling passed, it returned to its never-ending silence, awaiting the return of the conspirators that used its unholy ground as a meeting place for their equally unholy deeds.

Finally! I know you guys have been waiting for some Ilia and Link fluff, as well as some plot movement, so I hope you guys like this. As well, King Bulblin and King Grask's violent and rough natures were inspired by the krogan from Mass Effect (I'm a huge fan of the series). I figured the Bulblins would have a somewhat similar culture, so I mirrored King Bulblin after Wrex and King Grask after those who'd oppose. Hope I did well by you Mass Effect fans! Friendly reminder: 3-4 reviews please! Thank you! So, what's this last scene about you ask? Well, review, continue reading, and find out! Peace!