I deeply apologize for not updating yesterday. I was very busy and didn't have the time. Days like this will happen, please don't hold it against me.
Anyway, here's another (short) chapter. A few surprises that I'm sure only a few of you were expecting happen here. You'll see when you read.
Enjoy!
Chapter Seven: Revelations
Link stood in the dimly lit dungeon, gazing into cell that held the captive he had been dreaming about ever since he arrived in Hyrule a month prior.
The raven-haired woman moved toward Link. Her hands rested on the bars that held her captive. She was gazing at Link with a happy expression.
Link couldn't help but marvel at the woman. Even though she was slightly bruised and her dress was torn in places, she still maintained a beauty that Link saw in few other women. Her smile sparkled like jewels, accentuating her beauty even further. Link felt himself blush by just looking at her.
"You came," she said, still smiling.
"Yeah," Link said, still entranced by her. He shook his head, bringing his mind back to earth. "Um…who are you? And why have you been messing with my dreams?"
"My name is Athena," said the woman, no longer smiling. "And I need your help, Hero of Time."
Though part of Link's mind was still in "lala land", the other half was still capable of rational thought. Luckily, the rational part won over. Link scowled at the woman.
"Why should I help?" he said. "You killed Zelda's brother."
Athena sighed and shook her head. "No, I didn't," she said.
"But Ross said…"
"Alistair Ross is a liar," Athena cut in, her silver eyes now ablaze with anger.
Link gave her a confused look, causing her to sigh again.
"Perhaps I should start from the beginning, Hero of Time," said Athena. She cleared her throat. "You see, Hero, I was born into a magical family. A magical family with a strength in fortune telling. So, like my family, I get visions of the future. One day, while relaxing in my hut just outside of Hyrule, I received one of these visions."
She paused. Link held his breath, waiting with much anticipation for her to continue.
"The vision," Athena said. "Was of Alistair Ross murdering the king."
Link gaped in shock at her. Ross killed Zelda's brother? Link thought to himself. Impossible… Link had heard of Lord Ross from Zelda. She had always described him as a strict, but passionate man who cared deeply for the kingdom of Hyrule. He would be the last person to kill the king.
Athena seemed to sense Link's doubt, for she said, "Before you question me, please let me continue."
Reluctantly, Link bit back the twenty or so questions he had in his head and nodded for her to continue her story.
"After I saw the vision," Athena continued. "I tried confronting Ross, but it proved difficult. You see, this castle is very well protected. I managed to get in eventually however. When I did, I dressed as a maid and blended in perfectly. But by the time I had found Ross, I was too late. The king's body was lying on the floor of his study. Ross was standing over him, laughing. He saw me and immediately attacked. It was a difficult battle. His powers are very strong. I couldn't defeat him, so I fled.
"Ever since then, I had been on the run from Ross and his men. I hid in the mountains, a place where only the most skilled mountaineers could reach. Of course, I was able to reach it with magic. Then, after a few days of hiding, it happened.
"I received another vision. This time of me here, in this very cell. I knew then and there that I was destined to be captured. You see, Hero, my visions have never been wrong. I have been seeing them ever since I was a young girl, and they have always come to pass.
"I spent another few days in the mountains, contemplating a way to keep myself safe from Ross. Then, I received yet another vision. This vision was of Ross' guards, whipping me. They were torturing me, preparing for an execution. The vision frightened me to no end. I knew I needed help."
Athena smiled at Link again. "And so I called out to you, Hero of Time. I knew with your courage and nobility, you would come. And you did."
Link however, didn't smile back. There were still a few questions he wanted answered before he actually did anything. "What about the charm?" he asked. "If you didn't commit the murder, then why did you have it?"
Athena shook her head. "I didn't," she said. "Ross framed me. He finally located my position in the mountains and captured me. He took the charm with him to make it look like I had it."
Finally, the word that had been burning in his mind spouted from his mouth.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did Ross frame you? Why did Ross kill the king? Why would he?" Link asked.
Athena's face fell. "I'm afraid," she said. "I only have the answer to one of those questions."
"Good enough for me," Link said.
Athena giggled and spoke. "Ross framed me for two reasons. One, and this is obvious, he wanted to pin the blame on someone else. And two, he chose me because I am the only person who knew he was the actual murderer. Once I am killed, there will be no evidence that it was actually him who killed his highness."
"But why did Ross do it in the first place?"
Athena sighed. "I'm afraid, Hero, I do not know."
The two stood in silence, thinking. Link's mind was in overdrive. Why would Ross kill the king? What would he have to gain? Why did Athena choose me of all people to help her? And can I actually believe her story?
"Why me?" Link asked her.
This time, Athena didn't need a clarification to understand. "I chose you, Hero of Time, because I know of your reputation. You are a great warrior. You are also brave, and kind, and strong. I hoped you would save me and put a stop to whatever Ross has planned."
"I see…"
So I guess it's "Save Hyrule" all over again, Link thought to himself. That is, if she's telling the truth…
"How do I know I can believe you?" Link questioned her.
Athena gave him a pleading look. "You must," she said. "Heaven knows what Ross will do next! And if you don't help me…they will kill me…I'm scared…"
Link saw her eyes fill with tears. Instantly, he felt a rush of emotions toward her. He felt pity for her, of course. But he also felt something else. Something he just couldn't put his finger on. All he knew was that it was a familiar sensation. A sensation he had felt before, years ago, whenever he was around Princess Zelda…
"Alright," he said. "I believe you."
Athena's face lit up. "Oh, thank you Hero," she said happily.
"Link," he replied. "Call me Link."
Athena giggled. "Alright, Link," she said.
The two stared at each other from between the bars. Sapphire stared into silver and silver into sapphire. Time seemed to stand still for the two. Athena placed a slender hand on Link's cheek. Link felt himself blush at her touch.
Link saw a shuffling on the ground. He tore his gaze from hers and saw, to his horror, the guard he had knocked unconscious earlier stirring.
"He's waking up," Athena said alarmingly. "You'd better go."
Link hesitated. "I…I'll come back for you," he said. "I promise."
"I will be waiting, Link," Athena responded.
With one last look at the raven-haired beauty, Link turned and ran. He turned the corner and tore down the stone hallway and out of the secret, wooden door.
Link managed to get back to his room without being seen. When he arrived, he quickly undressed and climbed into bed. He was nowhere near tired however. So he merely stared at the top of his four-poster, thinking about what Athena had said.
So Ross had been the one who killed the king. But why? Link thought. And what the hell am I going to tell Zelda? Should I tell her at all? Would she believe me if I did? Argh, I don't know what to do!
Link sighed and turned over, now gazing at the moonlit night. Athena's face swam before his mind again. He felt a sudden warmth when he thought of her. I remember this feeling, Link thought. I used to feel it when I was around Zelda. What is it though?
With the many questions floating around his head, Link closed his eyes and, to his surprise, fell instantly asleep.
Princess Zelda sat at the breakfast table, not eating anything. She was much too nauseous to eat. But she still sat there, next to Peach, who kept giving her worried glances.
Ike was on Zelda's other side, chatting merrily to Red and Marth, who looked a lot better despite the fact that Peach and Collin were still together. And speaking of Collin, neither he nor his father were at the table. Link was absent as well. Normally, Zelda would have been highly concerned about them. But with what she had just found out the day before, she had much more pressing things on her mind.
"Zelda?" Peach said tentatively.
"Yes, Peach," Zelda said, repressing the urge to throw up on her fellow princess.
"Have you…told Ike yet?" she whispered, so nobody else could hear. Across from her, Zelda saw Sheik tense. Of course she hears, Zelda thought.
"No," Zelda whispered back. "I haven't."
Peach sighed. "Zelda, you have to tell him. You're not going to be able to keep this a secret for much longer. Sooner or later it will become quite obvious…"
"I know," Zelda whispered to her. "I'm just afraid…I don't know how he's going to react."
"He'll be fine," Peach said. "It was bound to happen eventually anyway. So it happened earlier than he expected. He'll get over it."
"Who will get over what?"
Both princesses turned in surprise at Ike, who had obviously heard Peach's words. Zelda's heart jumped to her throat. Peach however didn't seem scared at all.
"Go on, Zelda," she said. "Tell him."
Zelda gave Peach a murderous glare. Peach did not flinch. She merely picked up her cup and sipped her beverage. She had a "you'll-thank-me-later" face on. Zelda sighed and spoke to Ike.
"Ike," she said. "We need to talk about something. Will you take a walk with me?"
"Sure," said a now confused Ike.
The two stood up from the table and departed the dining hall. They walked across the of the entrance hall and out of the oak front doors. Zelda heard Ike breathe in the crisp, morning air. The sunlight overhead illuminated the grassy field around them. Zelda stopped walking and stood there, facing Ike. Ike looked back at her, curiosity burning in his eyes.
"Is something wrong, love?" Ike asked her.
Zelda sighed. "Ike," she said. "Do you remember what happened between us a month ago?"
Ike chuckled. "A lot of things happened last month," he said. "Care to be more specific?"
Zelda grunted in frustration. Leaning in, she whispered something in Ike's ear.
"Oh," Ike said, blushing hard. "Y-yes I remember. Why do you ask?"
Zelda placed a hand to her stomach and gave Ike a tentative smile.
"Ike," she said. "You're going to be a father."
Zelda watched as Ike stared at her, stunned. "You mean…you're…"
"Yes, Ike. I'm pregnant."
She saw the words sink in slowly. His eyes slowly became filled with understanding. Then, he did something Zelda was completely unprepared for…
He smiled.
The next thing Zelda knew, she was ensnared in a bone-crushing hug. Zelda tried to pull him off, but Ike was just way too strong.
"This is so wonderful," Ike said into her ear. "Me! A father!" He then began to speak incoherent words that Zelda couldn't understand.
Now losing the ability to breathe, Zelda gathered magic into her hands and placed them on his chest. Her magic accomplished what her muscles could not. She successfully pried Ike off of her. Zelda staggered slightly, wincing.
"Oh, sorry Zelda," Ike said, catching her in his arms, much more gently this time. The two then looked into each other's eyes. Zelda was slightly shocked by how much love and affection she saw in those blue orbs. Smiling, she leaned in and placed her lips on his. Ike returned the kiss with fervent passion.
The two remained that way, lost in each other. They didn't even notice the blonde-haired ninja watching them, smirking under her cowl.
And there you have it. How many of you knew Zelda was pregnant? Shocking, eh? I'm getting really into this myself. I'm going to continue immediately. I may even update with another chapter tonight (to make up for the one I didn't get to upload yesterday).
Review if you liked! Peace!