Disclaimer: i do not own legend of zelda or fire emblem. only the story itself and the original characters are mine. which should be obvious given the fact that they are original

Chapter Seven

The last two rounds of the tournament were to be held the next day, the four remaining fighters being Mia, Aria, Ike and Link; Mist having gotten knocked out in her battle with Mia. Although she fought valiantly, her luck had simply run out and it became a battle of basic skill. Being the senior swordswoman of the two, Mia had Mist at a major disadvantage.

That night promised to be a very festive evening. Zelda held a massive feast at the castle, and all the nobles as well as the Greil Mercenaries had been invited. Link, of course, was there as well. He had tried to get Thuron to attend, but the massive man refused. "That's okay, Link, fancy parties ain't my thing. I'll stick to the festivities in town. Besides, I've gotta find someone to repair my hammer after you did that number on the handle."

Zelda was sitting at the head table, with Elincia and Ike on her left and Link on her right. She had officially appointed Link her guardian. This did not make a whole lot of sense to Link, seeing as how the castle was filled with guards, but he didn't ask any questions. He enjoyed any excuse that allowed him to be next to her.

However, despite his pleasure at getting to be next to Zelda all night, Link was still bored out of his mind. He began zoning out when Zelda and Elincia's conversation turned to building a strong alliance between their two countries. He gazed around the dining hall, observing all of the nobles. Ike's mercenaries had their own table, and it was clear that they weren't nobles. Titania and Boyd were sitting next to each other, which proved to be a bad idea. Boyd was wolfing down everything he could get his hands on, completely disregarding proper etiquette. This obviously bothered Titania, and Link saw her give the young man a solid smack across the back of his head. This prompted a chuckle from Link.

He continued gazing over the crowd, when his eyes caught someone he didn't expect to see there. Sitting at one of the many tables, conversing with a group of Zoras, was Aria. Link politely got Zelda's attention. "Excuse me, Princess, but do you know who the blonde girl is talking to the group of Zoras?"

Zelda followed Link's gaze and nodded. "I do. Her name is Aria Cerasin, she's the adopted daughter of an Ikanan noble."

Link looked confused. "I thought that the Ikanan royal line was dead. In fact, I thought that I destroyed their remains" he said with a grimace.

"You probably did. What I speak of is one of the native elf tribes in the area. They served and protected the King in much the same way the Shiekah do the royal line of Hyrule, while having their own royal line, a very mysterious race to be sure. They were Ikana's answer to the Garo ninja's. She's not actually here on any diplomatic mission, seeing as how there are really no relations at all between Hyrule and her people, she's just here to participate. However, I thought it couldn't hurt to have her here for the feast."

Link nodded, absentmindedly. I can't shake the feeling that there is something extremely familiar about her… like I should already know her. He voiced his thoughts to Zelda.

Zelda smiled, "Well, Link, I can understand that. Anytime you look in a mirror, you would probably see her." Link gave Zelda a curious look, causing Zelda to laugh. "It doesn't surprise me that you haven't seen it, but she looks eerily like you. I think she's your female doppelganger, I've never seen two people who aren't related look so much alike. That's probably why she looks so familiar: she's the female you."

Link thought about it. She's right, Aria and I do look a lot alike I suppose. That must be the reason; at least it makes sense. Even after arriving to this decision, Link still couldn't get rid of the feeling that there was something else about her. He decided to give up for the moment and enjoy the night.

The two massive figures made their way out of the forest and gazed across the wide open plains. Gannondorf smirked, "I'm finally back. Let's see how these wretched people stand up to my power this time". He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, smelling the cool night air. He then continued, "So, Black Knight, shall we make our way to the Desert? I believe the Spirit Temple will be the most easily toppled. I have little faith in the 'Sage' abilities of Naburoo."

The Black Knight nodded. "Gannondorf, there is one slight problem. Although you may not be remembered by your appearance alone, I am a little conspicuous."

"Then take off your armor, fool." Gannondorf replied simply.

"It is not so simple. I refuse to remove my armor in potentially hostile territory. I suggest we find a different means of getting to the desert than walking."

"Hmhm, very well," Gannondorf chuckled, "we'll fly". With that, Gannondorf closed his eyes and chanted what sounded like a spell under his breath. The Black Knight simple waited and watched. After he had finished his incantation, Gannondorf opened his eyes and waited. Soon, there was a terrifying screech coming from over the forest and the two turned.

Flying overhead were two gigantic winged horses. Unlike a normal Pegasus, though, both were black steeds, with flames burning where their mane and tails should be. The Black Knight looked at Gannondorf, "Pegasus horses are nothing new to me, and I have fought many Pegasus Knights in my time. However, never have I seen one with flames sprouting from its body."

Gannondorf nodded, "Nor would you have. These are two special cases. I did not breed these two; rather, they were born of the molten rock that exists in the heart of Death Mountain. They are the only two of their kind, as far as I know."

"Impressive."

Gannondorf mounted his steed and waited for the Black Knight to do the same. Much to Gannondorf's surprise, and slight disappointment, the Knight had no problems what-so-ever and leapt right up onto the back of his Pegasus. Gannon grabbed the reigns and gave the winged horse a kick to the ribs. Both Pegasus darted off at the same time in the direction of the Desert Temple.

As the festivities started dieing down and the guests began to retire, Link made his way out to the balcony to catch some fresh air. Leaning on the concrete rail, he looked out over Hyrule field. In the distance, he thought he saw something flying across the sky, but when he blinked to get a better look he could not find it again. Shrugging, he turned his gazed towards the town and the fun that was being had there.

"There you are; I thought you had left."

Link turned around to see Zelda staring at him from the doorway. "Sorry, Princess, I needed to catch some fresh air."

Zelda walked up to him and smiled. "That's okay, I understand. These things can get a little boring sometimes. At least you get the luxury to leave, if you want," she said with a wink.

Link smiled, "Well, I did have that luxury, until you appointed me your personal bodyguard. Now I've got to make sure you're not too far away from me at all times."

"You know, the only time you actually have to watch over me like a hawk is when there aren't a million and one guards watching every possible entrance. You could have left tonight, you should have asked me."

Link laughed, "Oh well, I'll know that for next time now, I guess. Anyway, why are you out here? Has the party already cleared out?"

Zelda leaned on the balcony facing back into the dining hall and nodded. "I thought I'd come out and see you before I retired. We haven't gotten to spend as much time alone as I would have liked."

Link looked at her, a little confused. "Alone? We were alone just the other day."

In her head, Zelda was rolling her eyes. Doesn't pick up on hints well, does he? she thought to herself. The Queen sighed, "Yes, I suppose it slipped my mind. Sorry. Hey, you should be getting some sleep. Lord Ike has already retired, and you fight him first thing tomorrow. You'll want to be at the top of your game, he's pretty good I hear."

Link offered the princess his arm, "You're right, I should get to bed. Would you mind if I escorted you back to your room?"

Zelda stood and took Link's arm, "I would love that, Hero". She smiled as the two walked off towards Zelda's room. Maybe he's not as oblivious as he seems. We'll have to see how things go.

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