"The Bet He Lost"
By animefan752
Caution: Well, I think I've pretty much covered most of the possible warnings in the previous chapters. Luckily, this chapter is much milder and probably more disheartening. But we are definitely building up to something!
Disclaimer: Super Smash Bros does not belong to me. As always, it belongs to Nintendo and company, respectively.
A/N: Oh, I've been lacking the time, my sweet readers! Lately I've been terribly busy with school affairs. I mean, my teachers have stacked assignments one on top of the other, and ever since, I have been juggling my subjects around — and let me just say I am a horrendous juggler. Quite frankly, I don't even know how to juggle. Well, that goes without saying, I don't handle stress well.
Fortunately, I somehow managed to climb out of the towering mountain of work and finished this chapter! Well, I most certainly hope you are all as eager as I am!
Dreary, blurry, and dazed, Link slowly fluttered his eyes open and found himself entwined in his chaotic bed sheets. Morning chills repeatedly kissed his numb skin. Of course, at the moment he hasn't exactly regained his thoughts and neither has reality completely checked in yet, so right now the melancholic Hylian could only drift in this void of perpetual stupor and lethargy. With another blink and some bleary swipes at his clouded eyes, Link briefly captured the sight of his disheveled tunic sitting on the dresser.
For a moment, the disoriented Hylian felt delirious and bizarre, scrutinizing that special green garb and contemplating over the unfastened strings. Oh, wait, didn't he just have an awfully similar dream, with an almost uncanny resemblance, about how disturbing and violating and inappropriate things were? He could even recall most of the occurrences in his upsetting dream, the several infiltrations, the shameless hands, the touching and — wait, that was real.
That actually happened.
Goodness gracious, this definitely knocked the wind out of Link, as his astounded expression snapped his eyes wide open and an instantaneous pressure squeezed at his chest. Suddenly this hollow feeling of emptiness engulfed him, recollecting the hopeless memories of the day before. One after the other, events of absolute humiliation swept down and pierced through his limp body. In fact, his each and every breath shuddered with desolation, lacking any enthusiasm. Fleeting images of the many cruel and deceitful grins flickered through his unnerved mind, hearing the countless jeers, taunts, and catcalls that were hurled at him yesterday.
Damn it, Link, why does it seem so hard to just suck it up? Throughout your life you've already encountered several other problems and defeated so many villains, — why is this bet any different? Overwhelmed by the current state of affairs, this hectic mess that couldn't be ignored and certainly could never be swept under a rug, the anxious Hylian struggled to swallow his hindering thoughts, feeling much too heavy to pick himself up. Perhaps even the necessary hunger wouldn't be enough to yank him out of bed. Oh, he was carved entirely out of rock, dead and unmoving and completely unmotivated. What a terrible feeling.
Well, hopefully today Link would have a better grasp on his wilting composure. After all, he could only blame himself for stupidly digging his own grave and acknowledging that horrific day for another nude catastrophe. He was the one who willingly chose this course of action, no matter how terrifying. Where did he ever get that imprudent bravado? Some bold audacity that must have been to convince the stunned Hylian into another painful day of embarrassment!
"There's no escaping it, I suppose." Sighing for perhaps the umpteenth time already, Link deliberately heaved himself out of bed with much difficulty. Grudging and reluctant, he lugged his heavy body towards the dresser, where his rumpled tunic was perched upon in grim silence.
Once the burdened Hylian approached the bureau, he hesitantly touched his trademark tunic, which was still as soft and comfortable as always, but had a lingering feeling about it. Seemingly tainted and soiled, Link felt exceptionally worse about it, ruining such renowned apparel. It was revered, forever a valued memoir of the past heroes of Hyrule time and time again, and now what has he done? It was a victim to such filthy pursuits, fouled and stained all because the foolish Hylian got involved in some ridiculous matters. Oh, how could he? Inhaling deep breaths and burying his forlorn guilt, he apologized to the Goddesses above for his stupidity, for tarnishing such esteemed attire, and for daring to repeat such a distasteful act.
Stripping off his present clothes and carelessly tossing them onto his mattress, Link unenthusiastically dressed into his olive-green tunic. Oh, how the fabric itself was unbearably unclean, due to the fact that his bare skin had already made contact with that precious cloth, even during those bewildering assaults. There were lewd hands everywhere last night, dirtying and defiling everything. Remorseful and swelling with melancholy, Link glanced hopelessly at the mirror.
Oh no.
Speechless, a reflection of the baffled Hylian's expression gazed back at him with wide eyes, appearing startled and alarmed. He never realized it until now, but there they were, those dangerous hickeys littering his crimson skin. Scattered around his collarbone, neck, and even his quivering shoulders, scarlet freckles were sprinkled upon Link's flesh. Instantly the distressed Hylian was thrown into a panic, remembering vividly each caress, each stroke, — each and every kiss. Feverish, he felt confined and stifled, recalling the bombardment of kisses that assailed his skin, without love or affection, but only an unquenchable lust.
This definitely presented yet another problem, yet another meddlesome hurdle to leap over. Oh, what the hell was Link supposed to do about these damn hickeys? Would it be considered twisting around the bet rules if he simply wore something over them? Marth did admit to being much more merciful and lenient about the stern bet, ever since yesterday's appalling charade spiraled horribly out of control. Last night they had the chance to exchange some enlightening words of reassurance, which certainly uplifted the downcast Hylian, comforted by that charming Altean Prince. For a brief moment Link felt this heartening warmth embrace him, his sun-kissed cheeks powdery pink with relief — but back to the matter at hand! Goodness!
"Oh, maybe I-I can throw on a scarf and call it a day. Wait, it's much too warm for that, and everyone will definitely ask questions. Ah, I know, perhaps I can try applying some bandages over them! If anyone inquires me about them, devising some lame excuse won't be too difficult, will it?" Blinking rapidly and blushing profusely and perhaps embarrassed about it all, Link timidly brushed the thought of that courteous Altean Prince away and scampered on over to the drawer containing the helpful first aid kit.
With trembling hands, the bashful Hylian awkwardly snatched whatever bandages he could find, tore off the neat paper and plastic, and hastily placed them on himself, shredding through the emergency supply of gauze and bands. How Link couldn't stand the slimmest glimpse of those inappropriate blotches, he didn't want to see them, not the slightest trace of them! And so, with only the ragged sound of tearing adhesives, the reckless Hylian eventually finished his absurd task and felt the many unnecessary bindings fastened onto his flesh, restricting much of his arm and shoulder movement.
Feeling accomplished, Link strode confidently back to the mirror and immediately found this frenzied mess of bandages gawking back at him, frustrated and unsatisfied. Fantastic, he was a walking mummy, and one who seemed to have awkwardly run out of wrapping material. Well, people were definitely going to express their perplexed confusion and give him strange looks. He should have just stuck with the scarf idea.
"I guess it's too late for that. I guess I might as well deal with this ridiculous look. I mean, if I look on the bright side, it's possible this might even take people's minds off of this…exposed skin. Alright then, breakfast, right, right. I need to eat. This isn't hard." Fighting to remain positive, Link focused on optimistic thoughts and happiness and joyful buoyancy. With some self-assurance, he persuaded himself into concentrating on a sunny outcome, where he would redeem himself, everyone would respect him, and all would be splendid and perfectly swell. Of course, memories of yesterday's chaotic morning would certainly beg to differ, but the blond Hylian disregarded his pestering doubts and qualms as he stepped towards the door.
When he casually grabbed the door handle, another excruciating memory shot through him like a needle penetrating through his entire body, causing a searing pain to pinch his nerves. At once there was a brief picture of a familiar face that triggered a pang of devastating regret to tug on his innermost heart strings. For that one second, Link couldn't even breathe, recognizing that friendly smile that could brighten up anyone's day, that considerate smile that kindled a pleasant flame within the surrounding people, that kindhearted smile that pulled the sun up from beneath the horizon. It belonged to no one else but that damn mercenary, Ike, who was responsible for a great fraction of his insecurities.
Oh, suddenly Link remembered endeavoring in some bizarre stunt yesterday morning, due to a little misunderstanding, but Ike was remarkably tolerant about it. He was no ill-mannered nuisance. After all, the patient mercenary didn't torment, boo, or mock him. Without fussing, they gladly fetched breakfast together — their daily routine.
Get a grip, Link. With a hefty sigh, the troubled Hylian opened the door, which peeped in excitement.
Just as he expected, Ike wasn't there to greet him today.
Swallowing his anxieties, Link drowned in his overflowing thoughts, these cluttered emotions of anger and sorrow. He was drenched in anguish, conflicted about how to join the severed thread between them, assuming their bittersweet relationship took a drastic turn for the worse. This unfathomable loneliness ached, and the wistful Hylian kind of hoped in some outlandish fantasy of his that Ike would still be willing to at least make an appearance or something, despite all odds.
Deliberate and lonesome, Link took his time fetching breakfast, taking slow steps. For the most part, it was pretty silent in the elegant halls, with the exception of his leather boots upon the decorative floor, echoing throughout the stately mansion. Then again, there was no one to strike a conversation with, no one to chat and have discussions with. Oh, how the despair burrowed within him, sprouting into misery.
Eventually he arrived at the bustling cafeteria, which was busy chattering away as always, with people nonchalantly parading in and out. Of course, it was never actually filled to the brim with every Brawler, since tournaments were constantly being scheduled and everyone had different routines, but it was busy blathering away nonetheless.
As the distraught Hylian strolled inside and ambled through the swaying double doors, he felt extremely detached and isolated. Not only did everyone gradually distance themselves further and further away at the mere sight of him, they grew quieter and quieter whenever he passed by. With critical eyes darting in his direction, everyone kept covertly to their groups and gossiped amongst themselves, which honestly only made Link feel even more abandoned, like the third wheel, the odd man out, the sore thumb. It was an exceedingly disheartening situation. Oh, how the flustered Hylian never wanted to shrink away into oblivion so badly in his life.
Judgmental and cold, everyone appeared to be avoiding Link, cutting him completely out of the picture. In fact, no one bothered to even attempt to communicate with him — it was beyond depressing, to say the least. Why, he could hear the countless whispered mentions of his name buzzing around, which probably only butchered his good reputation. Downcast, the hopeless Hylian really tried to pay no attention to their hideous rumors, nervously scurrying to the kitchen and desperately wishing this unease would simply vanish. Oh, perhaps this unsettling hollowness felt even worse than yesterday's unyielding taunts and jeers.
How lonely.
Oh, usually this incredibly lonesome feeling never fully embedded itself inside of Link, never taking root and poisoning his restless thoughts with the venomous misery of loneliness, because normally he wouldn't be all alone. Maybe his friends and acquaintances — including even the obnoxious ones, — were simply occupied, assigned to dutiful tournaments and fully engrossed in engaging one another in battle. That couldn't be helped, could it? Otherwise they would've definitely accompanied him, right?
Come on, Link, remember what you came here for! Breakfast! Silently entering the glorious kitchen, Link roughly prepared his morning grub and stubbornly ignored the surfacing memories of being together with friends. As the frustrated Hylian irately shoved a piece of bread in his mouth, he quickly snatched a chilled bottle of milk from the refrigerator and stormed out. Who cares what people think of you? You're independent, you're courageous. You don't need them or their approval. They don't prevail, and they certainly don't control your life. It's okay.
Exasperated and crestfallen, Link figured he would just gulp down his pathetically lonesome breakfast in the soothing privacy of his own room, heading towards the swinging double doors.
Of course, streaming and marching happily was this lively bundle of people swarming inside, most likely fresh from a recent brawl. It wasn't much of a commotion at all, but casual and talkative, neighborly and social, a very colorful blur of colleagues that for some reason caught Link's intrigued eye. Yes, the baffled Hylian actually found himself chasing and following this boisterous party with mild fascination, finding their amused faces, their tender presences, their kind smiles, — and Ike.
Link froze. That unruly mop of indigo hair, those unreasonably flamboyant garments, and that red cape that always cascaded frivolously behind him, it must have been that mercenary. There he was, conversing halfheartedly with Luigi and Falco, who both prattled and yammered on to him nonstop. With a nonchalant grin, Ike chuckled pleasantly at their stupid jokes and eagerly talked about the brawl they'd just fought, debating over the possible outcomes had they done things differently.
Ike—
For some peculiar reason profound to Link, he found this scene irresistibly frustrating. Oh, there the miserable Hylian was, practically drowning in the agonizing depths of his own mortification, and yet that social mercenary moved on living his luxurious and plush life, acting as if nothing had ever happened! How? Didn't he care? Was that supposedly benevolent mercenary even concerned in the slightest? What was that misleading flash of guilt in his eyes last night?
Did he ever care?
Blinded by this traitorous picture of betrayal, Link didn't know whether to be absolutely furious or just feel sorry for himself. Spotting this unfazed Ike going on about his relaxed life only made things worse. After all, every single day usually Ike would be there to help him, accompany him, and make him feel perfectly comfortable. Without the friendly mercenary and his sunny attitude, it seemed as though Link was totally helpless on his own. In fact, Ike's absence was such a dreadful loss, it enveloped the shriveling Hylian in immense grief, as if a gaping hole had torn through his body and only barren despair was willing to fill it.
Oh, but why did Link even feel this heavy emptiness in the first place? Before he had ever even met Ike, he embarked on journeys alone, roaming distant lands, solving various puzzles, and discovering unique dungeons by himself. Why did Ike's absence make any difference? Wasn't he a lone wolf?
Shuddering beneath this depressing shadow of unhappiness, the miserable Hylian felt as though he was covered with this particularly cold blanket soaked in anguish. Rattled, Link was lost and hurt. It was as if the wholesome connection between them never even existed! As the deceptive mercenary eventually blended into his surroundings, joining the boisterous chatter of the social dining hall, the forlorn Hylian waned and departed quietly out the doors.
Ha, expect nothing less from Ike! He was undeniably popular, after all, talented and welcoming and handsome. Of course he would never actually be largely affected by the lack of one measly friend, of one forsaken friend, of one sorrowful friend the guilty mercenary had boldly harassed. Besides, Ike had plenty of other delighted acquaintances to draw loyally to his side, right?
We're no longer friends, are we?
Gradually, breathing became difficult and walking became a troublesome task, when Link felt his unsteady legs waver beneath him, exposed and cold and especially bothersome. Not only that, but something uncomfortable and dull surfaced within his hollow body, rousing this painful series of aches that only further ruffled his windswept feathers. Well, the blond Hylian couldn't distinguish the excruciating complications apart, but regardless, he pigheadedly ignored the complexities of the situation, struggling to recover from the clawing twinges and intricacies of solitude.
Along the polished corridors of the refined mansion, Link felt that once radiant optimism quickly diminish. Nothing remained but this negative impression of Ike and this everlasting tautness that stubbornly kept stiffening inside him, as if his limp heart had finally decided to yield to this idea of seclusion, building this rigid stone wall around its own delicate fragility and succumbing to the sturdiness of isolation — like the famous Tin Man, who had no heart to begin with. Without the disadvantages of a sensitive heart, he could never possibly be hurt. It was logical, a protective form of defense.
As his leather boots pressed against the exquisite mansion floors, an immense yet utterly blank echo bounced and ricocheted against the decorative walls. Like before, the expanse of the colossal mansion appeared as any deserted castle would, without a single person loitering in the hallways but with fancy tapestries, embroidered flags, goose-feather paintings, and displays of silver armory aligned in defined arrangements. Hopeless, the depressed Hylian never felt so distraught and alone.
He sighed.
Suddenly his keen ears picked up on someone else's graceful footsteps. Tapping and clicking loudly with nimble poise, it definitely sounded like they were heading in Link's direction. And then, upon arrival, as if the grand mansion had exclusively personified itself in a representative form, what appeared before the bewildered Hylian was this charming woman who had a familiar presence of influential authority.
"Link, there you are." Pleasing to the eye but at the same time crushingly judgmental, it was the chivalrous Princess Zelda, with her mannerly composure and piercing eyes. Strolling towards him with stately confidence, she came to a dainty halt and promptly scrutinized the baffled Hylian who blinked timidly in reply. "I've been looking for you."
For a brief moment, Link felt a little intimidated and offended by her lengthy pauses, her sharp eyes determining some conclusion to draw from his disheveled appearance. Was the critical Zelda terribly disappointed by some reckless decision he made? Was it conceivable to suspect her for raising expectations? Did she actually want him to lose and disregard the frivolous bet? Did she spread some lethal rumor that she now had to clean up after? She must have done something.
Heaving with a hefty sigh, Link reluctantly raised his blond head, strands of his luminously golden hair brushing gently across his hesitant face. "What is it?"
"I've come to inform you about the upcoming tournament later this afternoon. You're appointed as one of the participating contestants." Ever radiantly beautiful and straightforward, the divine Princess of Hyrule returned a fearless gaze without the slightest glimmer of insecurity. Although, very faintly there was certain softness beneath Zelda's eyes that revealed at least some form of genuine concern. With graceful posture and strict eyes, she disguised her kindness with the mask of her stern elegance. "I figured you might not have known. If you didn't show up for the tournament, you are aware of how much trouble that would lead to, right? Absence is forbidden. You would be punished by the authorities, not to mention Master Hand."
Oh, how absolutely marvelous. Of course it was just too much to ask to avoid those public tourneys, which were openly broadcasted throughout the vast mansion and practically engraved the ultimate demise of one's reputation, which in this particular case was Link's tainted name.
Yes, the miserable Hylian knew very well the terrifying deposit of numbers that would haunt him during each brawl. After all, he could only anticipate and fear in anxiousness at what could happen in mere minutes. As the timer's valuable seconds ticked away in excruciating suspense, quickly vanishing into thin air, Link was definitely aware of how much could happen even in such a short allotment of time. And especially now, as the blond Hylian appeared ever hideously to the public, the possibilities of some unsightly catastrophe surfacing — the list of probable disasters became endless!
"It most definitely is your decision to make, Link, but it would lift some of the weight off of my chest if you attended the tournament and avoided the potential consequences." Rigid yet by some means gentle, the formidable Princess Zelda spoke with reassuring sympathy. Although her unyielding eyes could tell another story through their severely knife-like stare, there was still an attempt at compassion, an attempt to reach out in sincere comfort.
I suppose I might as well. I deserve such dishonorable penalties, driving my friends away, digging my own grave — oh, what a fool I am. Doubt was finally seeping through his apprehensive skin, slowly but surely poisoning the insecure Hylian with the toxic venom of uneasiness. With an aching pinch of regret jerking and wrenching at his tangled heartstrings, Link hesitantly sucked in a breath, shrugged reluctantly, and acknowledged his duty with a few quiet nods.
"Oh, it may not be plainly evident, but you've just carried a heavy burden off of my shoulders, Link." She smiled, this almost suspicious kindness throwing the alarmed Hylian off guard. It was difficult to truthfully accept such benevolence after feeling such vicious betrayal from his allegedly closest friend, who seemed to feign his welcoming attitude, appearing unconcerned, recovering so quickly from the past events, socializing normally. And yet, perhaps Zelda was merely skilled in performing arts, as she glowed with relief and beauty.
Was it feasibly possible — the noble Princess of Hyrule was actually worried about his wellbeing? Oh, such savory warmth swelled inside of the faint Hylian, erupting in sweet bursts of joy. For this one meager instant, Link felt infinitely less lonely and bashfully glimpsed up at Zelda's elegant face, his cherry-red cheeks flushed in grateful tenderness. "Um, thank you. I'll be sure to make an appearance."
"I certainly hope so. That would be the wisest choice." With a polite smile, the regal Princess Zelda responded courteously, her eloquent words gliding smoothly to the perplexed Hylian. But just as soon as she adorned that concerned smile, it perished into a thin line and instead her penetrating eyes narrowed in solemn gravity. Suddenly those brilliant pools of vibrant blue were blatantly perturbed, as if swimming fretfully in an ocean of unsettled waters. "You ought to properly prepare yourself before then, Link. This approaching competition is a stock tournament, as you may know, and there are several involved besides you. I advise you take absolute precaution, and keep your eyes peeled."
Huh?
Well, of course Link didn't exactly know every littlest detail about the dignified Princess Zelda, but he knew her well enough to recognize the apparent urgency in her sharp eyes and the perceptible grimness in the tone of her voice. But what was she trying to get across? Where did this abrupt distress even come from? Why was she carefully warning him, cautioning him, saying all of this all of a sudden?
"Your Highness, what do you mean?"
"I suppose it's safe to assume you're tired and exhausted after yesterday's ill-fated events. Beating around the bush simply won't cut it today, will it?" Her porcelain face was perhaps as remote as any refined doll, but there was a kindhearted tenderness that brought the delicate Princess Zelda to life, powdering her flawless complexion in tints and shades of pink — the perfection of rosiness. With a bitter smile, the pristine doll sighed in reluctance and straightened her gaze. "For you, I will make it short and sweet, Link. There are some people assigned to the same imminent tourney, and I know they might have a drastic impact on your performance during battle. I honestly hope they don't end up meeting you onstage by mere chance, but sometimes luck simply isn't on your side."
For some reason, his heart was racing with this ferocity beyond his control. Link could feel it lurch, violently propelling itself against his ribcage. At that moment, his eardrums throbbed rhythmically to the pace of his rampaging heart, which hurtled and pounded and struck dangerously at his tight chest. Feeling the constraints of his taut ribcage restrain the pulsing lump within, the tense Hylian was overwhelmed by a feverish impatience, watching intently at each movement of Zelda's graceful lips.
"Link, the tournament features Ike and Snake too."
Oh, goodness.
Of course, within mere seconds his intolerable curiosity was fed with an almost ridiculous truth, it was perhaps unbelievable! What were the odds of such a coincidence taking place? Obviously there weren't many residents of the bustling mansion to begin with, but honestly, Link truly felt that any logical escape route was beyond his reach. Every reasonably visible door was closing, and the walls were gradually caving in on him, imprisoning the morose Hylian to brood and sulk in his lonesome, to suffer in this emotional turmoil in which Link never even experienced before.
At once his heart frantically skipped a beat, leaping fiercely into the next century as it inflated into the size of a swollen blimp. While that bloated heart grew two sizes too large to even accommodate the confining ribcage that was two sizes too small, the frenzied Hylian could only recollect a blur of repulsive memories that figuratively slapped him in the face.
"I don't know every detail about the impending tournament since everything is tentative, so I'm definitely not guaranteeing anything or setting anything in stone, but I wanted to let you know. There is a possibility of encountering them, Link, and as you are, you might have some upcoming dilemmas to face. It certainly is quite the burden to carry, but I know you can make it." Once again the grandeur of the Princess of Hyrule gave the impression of a rehearsed marionette with glossy eyes, when she spoke smoothly in encouragement and touched his arm, appearing ever bright and pleasant and compassionate.
In response, there was a scattered look of bewilderment on Link's face, his furrowed eyebrows leaving puzzled creases on his forehead. Well, it was reasonable to be perplexed. How in the Great Goddess' names did Zelda know about his current state of affairs? How could she ever understand his undying discomfort in the possibility of battling Ike or Snake? Did she possibly investigate the roots of his misfortune? Or, even worse, was she a witness to the scene of the crime?
"By the look in your eyes, I can tell you're lost." The refined porcelain doll, this pristine Princess Zelda, glanced piercingly through him, her unyielding eyes calm and wise. She was impartial to Link's hysteria, her expressionless face ever flawlessly remote as she addressed his panic with the delightful curve of her two pink lips. "How could I ever possibly know about your insecurities and unease? How could I have known about your blatant discomfort towards Ike and Snake, is that what you're thinking?"
How?
Of course, despite her judgmental approach, the Princess of Hyrule was quite experienced in the field of diplomacy and discretion, granting her patience, tolerance, and influence. In fact, Link had never heard or seen her shed a single tear. After all, the prominent Princess Zelda exuded an almost natural confidence and maturity, her polished mask was a refinement of sophistication. It shouldn't surprise Link how conscious she was of his dishonorable issues. She was exceedingly intelligent, known for her capability to interpret effortlessly. Still, the troubled Hylian felt his privacy had been breached, exposing his ultimate disgrace and shame. His heart throbbed.
What if she'd already spread some honest details about it? Did she perhaps mention this to other people, bickering and gossiping at the succulent juiciness of his miserable situation? Did everyone know already? Was that why everyone awkwardly distanced themselves from him?
"Well, let's just say I have my ways. Besides, you know I am the wise one. Putting diverse pieces together, deciphering puzzles, and solving the most impossible riddles, those are my strengths. And if you haven't noticed already, they've both been acting strangely today, unlike their usual selves. That kind of puts them off as very suspicious, don't you think?" Delicate but cruelly blunt, Princess Zelda spoke with a thin smile, and as always her penetrating eyes intimidated Link, causing him to uncomfortably avoid direct eye contact. "I'm sure you have noticed the deliberate changes in their personalities, correct? Wasn't your close friend Ike acting differently towards you today, Link?"
Yes.
"Now I would never want to alarm you, Link, but I have done a little research — well, I've actually gathered information without too much scrutinizing. Of course I know I can never be absolutely certain what I hear is the actual truth, but it has been exceptionally bizarre. Sometimes I honestly cannot believe my ears, and I cannot tell whether or not to trust what some consider is the truth, but when I make sense out of everything, it's unbelievably displeasing."
At this point, Link wasn't necessarily directing his attention entirely on the studious Princess Zelda's reflective evaluation. Right now all the ruffled Hylian could actually contemplate over was the indifferent mercenary, who was probably joking carelessly in some brawl without the slightest care in this forsaken world, and how absolutely pathetic Link was in comparison. Was he this much a lonesome sap on his own? Did that damned mercenary leave such a dramatic impact as to carve a gaping hole in the dismayed Hylian? Oh, did he ever even surface as a second thought of Ike's, at least?
Blinking rapidly as his unnerved thoughts swarmed him with bitter imagination, Link felt gulped entirely in grave anguish. Dramatic temperatures overwhelmed him, stirring this dizziness to surge through and belittle the chagrined Hylian, who struggled to focus his attention on the regal Princess of Hyrule, his unsettled insides lurching and staggering within him. Once Link captured the solemn gaze of Zelda's lightning eyes, those blazing sapphire gems, he felt true reality grasp him firmly. In a matter of seconds his flighty surroundings ceased to spin, and he was instantly doubtful of reality's truthful cruelty.
"You must be wondering: how does it all piece together?" Whispering closely as if this were the world's most dire secret, Zelda courteously touched the anxious Hylian's narrow shoulder and smiled pleasantly. Beautiful and refined, she took on that porcelain doll charade easily, her persona perfect. When she politely glanced up with those glossy eyes, they emerged as any purely sapphire marbles would, remarkably gorgeous and meticulous, while her unblemished skin remained pink and retained that luscious rosiness, powdered upon her cheeks naturally. "It does not take a genius to make sense out of ludicrous rumors, apply the conditions of the relevant people, and concoct some logical explanation. I simply happened to hit the correct target. But I must say, Link, you are one unexpected person to say the least."
Silent and seemingly hopeless, Link said nothing and stared mindlessly below. At that unresponsive silence, the flawless Princess Zelda respectfully parted from the disheartened Hylian with a polite smile upon her gorgeous face. Preparing delicately for her formal departure, she delivered one last glance of sympathy before dressing in her emotionless façade, leisurely facing the other direction and beginning the independent stroll to her own business.
Although just before those classy shoes could tap repeatedly upon the remarkable mansion floors, she nimbly turned her brunette head around a small degree, this dignified expression adorning her appealing face. "Oh, and before I forget, those excessive bandages you have applied poorly to your wounds are peeling off."
Those red splotches are scattered along your collarbone, Link, including the back of your neck — and I can still see them.
"Don't worry, I would never expose such a scandalous truth and broadcast it across the Mansion — I'm not that evil." With an almost mischievous grin, that courteous Princess Zelda waved graciously at the baffled expression accommodating Link's face, which was timid and sheepish at her casual dismissal. Of course his confusion was perfectly justified; the befuddled Hylian would have never expected such a dramatic change in attitude from the formidable Princess of Hyrule, who was always rigid with her stern determination and resolve. Well, did she simply pity him in his current position? Could she possibly sympathize with him in such a hopeless situation?
Left to contemplate pensively at his next course of action, Link nonchalantly watched the charming Princess Zelda exit enchantingly. Just as she had done the previous day in the marvelous kitchen, she strode elegantly in the opposing direction. Gracefully permitting her grand dress to billow with each regal step, she departed with the uttermost poise. Little by little, she progressively shrank in size until eventually she was no longer visible, vanishing elegantly into the distance and virtually disappearing from sight. Once again the lonely feeling of absolute isolation and abandonment swept over Link with overpowering tides of agony, but that wasn't the only thing he felt.
There was warmth.
Look Forward to the Next Chapter!
Side Notes:
- Oh, congratulations me! I did it! I actually wrote a chapter with less than 7k words! That's a big accomplishment, don't you think?
- This was a mild chapter, I know, but we're definitely building up to something — something scandalous, dare I say! I needed a chapter to settle the nerves and everything, you know?
- I know, I know, Princess Zelda must have some pretty clever tricks up her sleeve to be able to crack the secrets, the hidden affairs, the promiscuous drama sweeping the mansion.
- Okay, I'm not pointing fingers or anything, but a little bird has informed me of some discontent among my darling readers! I heard some are unhappy about Snake's character, which is perfectly understandable, given that I've characterized him as some shady man with no respect for hygiene or manners whatsoever. Personally I see Snake as a "cool" character, and I would never want to give the impression that he's a disgusting creep because he's really not. The reason for his gross nature in this story was for the sake of another antagonist. Having Ike as the main "bad guy" was a little off and perhaps misleading. You'll understand a little later once I've clarified some repulsive plot holes in the next few chapters. Besides, I like variety in character.
- Alright, well, I've recently encountered some unfortunate mishap. You can call it "technical difficulties," but really, my laptop has just been very uncooperative. Oh, it's beyond frustrating, because it chose the absolutely best time to crash and go haywire — during my fleeting moment of motivation. To be honest, I would have finished this chapter weeks earlier if it hadn't wigged out on me before I could save my progress. As of now, I'm trying to fix it. Hopefully within the next couple weeks, it'll be up and running again and I won't have to resort to pathetically excruciating methods to post chapters.
- Any comments, criticisms, remarks, or whatever else you'd like to tell me? Please drop a quick review! I won't respond to you personally, but know that I read each and every one! I take everyone's opinions into dearest consideration! In fact, your support is what motivates me! I run on your thoughts, everyone, — your caring words are the water that quenches my thirsty motivation.