Chapter Nine

-*-*- Summer Scenery -*-*-

"So then what happened?" Rusl protested his eyes wide.

"Well, I had to follow him, of course," Link replied.

Fado, Sera, Hanch, Rusl, Uli, Jaggle, Pergie, and Bo were all sitting at the table on the ledge that connected to Bo's roof. At the front of the table was Link, whom all eyes were on.

"But he just killed a man!" Bo protested, his jaw dropping. "Why would you follow him?"

"I had to get into the castle somehow," Link chuckled. "What better way than to follow a guard? I turned invisible, so no one could see me."

"Then…are you really a…wizard, now?" Sera stuttered, her piggy eyes widening.

"You want an example?" Link chuckled, smiling.

He took a deep breath, folding his hands against each other, and in hardly a second, he vanished. Everyone gasped, their eyebrows in the clouds. Link returned back to visibility quickly, a smirk nestled over his lips.

"Anyways," he muttered. "So I followed the guard into the castle. It was amazing, guys, but not near amazing at Hyrule Castle. I mean, it was just so…I don't know how to describe it. The outer part of the castle was pure black granite, so smooth it felt like silk.

"I eavesdropped on the king's conversation with a servant – he's probably the most power-hungry man I've ever met, besides Ganondorf. He was discussing a battle plan for more defensive structures; I was assuming he was talking about well-built catapults. None the less…he was speaking of attacking Hyrule…"

"What?! After you just rid the land of the King of Evil?!" Rusl protested.

"It seems ridiculous, I know," Link muttered. "But it is true – I heard it with my own ears."

"So…then the main point is that we are going to be attacked by this…kingdom," Bo gaped, massaging his temples.

"Yes," Link replied. "Sivri, to be more precise. And quite an impenetrable kingdom it is."

"When should the war be expected?" Rusl sighed.

"A few months…I'd say around the beginning of next spring. They are nowhere near ready – simply starting their planning."

"Have you notified the queen of this?" Uli whispered, her soft voice quivering with worry.

Link nodded, sighing slightly.

"Quite so…she's been notified. But she had the same reaction," he grumbled. "I fear that it won't be taken very well with the Council."

"The…Council?" Sera muttered, arching one eyebrow.

"It's a group of Hylian advisors that make the rules of the kingdom and determine the fate of criminals," Link explained. "The group is like several prime ministers for the queen's use, though the way their council works and the things it establishes has no effect on her. In other words, she is powerless to stop their standards – her words mean nothing to them; they are simply there as a guide for her."

"But, that seems almost like democracy…" Pergie whispered.

"Not likely," Link muttered. "They really just advise the queen and do the work that she doesn't. Trust me – she has plenty on her plate. The Council simply makes the laws and has the power of imprisoning, beheading, or banishing someone who appears to be committing either crime or treason."

"I see…" Rusl sighed.

"Anyways, back to your journey," Bo's deep voice mumbled.

"Well, there's not much to say after that," Link replied. "I learned the ways of magic as an apprentice under one of the most skilled wizards the world has ever known…but he wished me to only tell the full tale to the queen, so I cannot give you any more information concerning the subject.

"Now, eventually I stumbled upon the same portal that had led me to Sivri, and when I returned to Hyrule, the cave it had once been had vanished, leaving only a wall of rock. I understood this as a one-time-only experience; I can never go back that way. I would have to find another portal, but I see no reason it in. I have already discovered the information I believe the goddesses wished me to learn – why should I go back? I would only do so to see my tutor…the guy reminded me so much as my father…a much older one, that is…"

Everyone nodded, and more chatting was given forth, allowing them to catch up with one another. Soon, the moon was rising, the dark blue sky dotted with stars. Uli was the first to leave, then Sera and Hanch, Pergie and Jaggle, and Bo. The only ones left were Rusl, Fado, and Link.

As Link stood up from the wooden bench, Rusl took in his height.

"My, you've grown," he chuckled.

"Yes, he has," Fado agreed, smiling. The rancher gave Link a pat on the shoulder, muttered, "Good night," and disappeared down the ladder.

Rusl gazed at Link solemnly.

"I knew you'd leave," he whispered. "It's just your nature. You're the Chosen Hero…not a goat herder."

"To be honest, I knew that all along…" Link sighed. "I knew these walls couldn't hold me in. I have such a connection with my destiny. It's almost as if I was thankful it happened."

"I see…" Rusl mumbled. He shook Link's hand, then smiled. "Well, good night, Link."

"Yes, good night," Link replied, and the two friends talked until they parted ways, turning in for the night.

-*-*-

The sun poured into Link's house, shining into his closed eyes. Link groaned, pulling his blanket further over his eyes. He slowly sat up, squinting in the bright sunlight.

"Ugh…morning already?" he grumbled behind clenched teeth.

Link got up, stretching slightly, and hopped out of his bed. He quickly got changed into a cotton, quarter-sleeved black undershirt, a long blood-red tunic, and black pants that went past his ankles. Then, he pulled on some black boots.

Sliding on the Master Sword nestled in its sheath over his shoulder, he placed a dagger in the belt it connected to. Then, Link brushed his hair out his face and exited his house.

Back-flipping off the ledge his door was on, not bothering to take the stairs, he landed squarely on his feet. He only noticed the constant gasping when he turned around.

There was Beth, Talo, Malo, and Colin.

"There you are," Malo's deep voice muttered. "Hmph…different style, now? You look like a ninja."

Talo burst out laughing.

"Malo – that's rude!" Beth snapped. "I like your clothes, Link!" she cheered, now focusing on the tall figure before her. "You look cute!"

Link smirked.

"Cute, huh?" he muttered, smiling slightly. "I'll remember that. Thanks – I think you made my day."

Beth smiled widely, knowing he wasn't being sarcastic.

Colin stepped forth, showing Link the sword he had in his hand.

"So…you finally earned your own blade?" Link teased, ruffling the blonde's locks. "I'm glad. You deserve it. But, how good are you with it?"

Colin's eyes grew wide.

"O-Okay, I guess…" he mumbled, looking from side to side.

Link chuckled.

"Don't be embarrassed – I was bad when I started out too," he assured, and Colin relaxed a little.

"Hey, Link! Could you show me some moves?" Talo moaned. "I still have the wooden sword you gave me!"

"Hmmm…not now, Talo," Link replied. "Maybe later?"

"Uhm…sure," Talo grumbled, disappointed.

Link looked to the sky; his expression turned blank.

"Still gray," he sighed. "Poor Zelda…"

"What?"

"Oh, nothing, Beth. C'mon, guys."

Beth smiled, signaling for him to come lower. Link crouched down, and the twelve year-old hopped on to his back, holding her arms loosely around his neck. Link slipped his arms under her knees, supporting her.

As he gave her a piggy-back ride through the town, Talo trailing behind, Malo and Colin began to talk.

"Is it just me, or is there something different about Link, now that he's back?" Colin whispered, furrowing his blonde eyebrows.

"No…I've noticed it too," Malo replied, his deep voice having a slight grumble. "He's…he's…I don't know what. But, there's definitely something different about him."

Colin sighed, and the two progressed forward.

-*-*-

"Really, Uli – you didn't have to fix me breakfast," Link sighed as he put another forkful of eggs into his mouth. "I can cook!"

"I know," the middle-aged woman chuckled. "Do you like it?"

Link nodded, his mouth full of food. "Yes," he managed, swallowing. "Delicious."

"Oh, I'm sure it's nothing compared to the royal banquet meals," Uli muttered, smiling.

"Well…home-cooking is always better," Link replied. "A kitchen full of chefs always causes the food to be…rushed…and that affects the flavor, too."

"Quite a wise one, aren't you?" Uli teased. Link laughed.

"Me? Wise?" he stated, acting sympathetic. "You have no idea how many times I was called an idiot or a moron during my journey."

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Rusl appeared in the doorway.

"Morning, Rusl!" Link said cheerily, eating three more forkfuls of eggs. "You're wife insisted on fixing me breakfast."

"Have some bacon, then!" Rusl replied happily.

Link's eyes grew wide.

"Ya…no. No, no, no, no, no! I'm a vegetarian," he spluttered.

"Since when?" Rusl chuckled.

Link's eyes grew wide as the taste of blood rushed through his thoughts. Being in wolf form had completely switched his eating diet.

"It's a long story…" he muttered, finishing his eggs and draining his cup of orange juice. "Well, I think I'll head out. See ya later, Rusl! Thanks, Uli!"

-*-*-

"You're highness, it's morning."

The skies of red were blurred against the dark clouds billowing in the sky. The two lone figures stood there, hidden in the depths of the maroon glow. A war was raging around them; blades struck against each other, shields shattered, battle cries were heard.

"Your majesty? It's dawn – you should wake, now."

The young queen looked to those reassuring sea-blue eyes as Link grasped her hand and led her away from the battle, fighting off six humans in the process. Suddenly, a boulder covered in oil and set aflame was thrashing through mid air. Link lunged to the side, moaning slightly as the catapult's weapon missed its target by inches.

Fredric leaned forward, arching one eyebrow as he placed his hands on his hips. Zelda slightly moaned, turning over in her bed.

"Zelda – we need to hurry!" Link yelled over the roar of battle. His grip on her wrist tightened, and he raced through the mob. Eventually, they stumbled upon the path to Zora's Domain, where the battle was more spread out. All the other humans were on the bridge over Zora's River, trying to fend off the Hylians without success.

"Queen Zelda? Your grace? Hmmm…maybe I should get a maid for your breakfast…"

Link jumped over the pile of rubble, pulling Zelda with him. Unintentionally, she tripped. With a chorused gasp and a loud thump, the two collapsed to the ground. Zelda slowly opened her eyes, only to realize Link was on his hands and knees over her. His eyes were wide at first, but, slowly, his eyelids lowered. A light blush creeping on to his face, Link leaned over, closing his eyes. Zelda didn't know what she was doing, but her arms trailed his chest, locking around his neck. She just wanted to feel those lips…one more time.

Fredric leaned over stupidly, comically about to knock Zelda's forehead with his hand when she wrapped her arms around his neck and mumbled, "Linky…"

Link's lips brushed against hers, then he pressed them to hers, breaking away from her and rejoining. It was a sweet oblivion, like nothing Zelda had ever tasted or experienced. She didn't want it to end. Her hands pulled Link's hat off his head, tossing it carelessly to the ground, and her fingers ran through his silky, dirty-blonde locks…

"Y-Your highness?!" Fredric spluttered, his face growing red. Zelda slowly opened her eyes, squinting in the sunlight. Crouched over her, his arms limply hanging against his sides, was Fredric. Zelda gasped, throwing her arms off of him.

"Fredric!" she screeched, pulling her silk comforter to her shoulders. "What on earth are you doing in my room?!"

"It's morning, your majesty," Fredric stated, straightening himself and gazing at the large, stained glass windows above either nightstand. "Azul told me to wake you…would you like me to have a maid bring you breakfast?"

"Yes, please," Zelda blurted, staring at the floor.

Fredric gave a short bow and exited the room, but Zelda knew his face was red. She sat up in her bed and sighed.

Then, the dream quickly rushed back to her mind.

"Ah!" she protested, her hands racing to her mouth. "What's my problem? Why am I thinking about…that?!"

It was almost as if it were playing, over and over, in her mind: The look on his face, the feel of his lips, her hands running through his hair and bringing him closer…

"Oh!" she moaned, ramming her fists repetitively against the feather-down mattress. "No! No, no, no! It can't be…I've only just met in him reality; I can't be falling in love with him so soon…I'm not. Like he said, it's just instinct. I'm attracted to him because he's the Chosen Hero…and because he's gorgeous…"

She chuckled faintly, but then her eyes grew wide.

"No – bad, Zelda, bad! He is not gorgeous, and you do not have feelings towards him!" she snapped, trying to convince herself. "Oh, screw it…yes he is. He's drop dead gorgeous…but I do not like him! He's…he's a friend, and only that."

Zelda moaned again as it became more and more obvious that her heart felt the complete opposite. Would things ever return to normal?

-*-*-

The months slowly went by. It was mid June when Link was strolling through Faron Woods. His eyes darted this way and that, scanning the area. He was dripping wet and shirtless; he had just returned from going swimming at Lake Hylia, after convincing Ilia, Talo, Beth, and Colin to come with him. They had already returned to Ordon – he had told them he wanted to stay behind to talk with someone.

That someone was Lanayru.

The light spirit wouldn't appear to just anyone, but it didn't surprise Link when the serpent-like spirit had emerged from the depths of the deep spring. They had conversed of Ganondorf, and Link had explained his idea. Lanayru's words were still ringing in his mind:

"If this is the solution you chose, then come to the Sacred Grove five days from now, and all four of us shall confront you. If you manage to convince Ganondorf to join you, then the information we shall bare will bring Hyrule great fortune."

As the spirit's words rang through his mind, Link entered the Ordon Providence. He noticed the time of day and realized he still hadn't had lunch.

That explains why the kitten in my stomach won't shut up, Link thought, groaning. He raced to his house and got changed into a sleeveless royal-blue shirt and tan knee-length shorts. Then he whipped up a salad; many people claimed he was a marvelous cook, and his dishes proved their statements true. After wolfing down the food, he drained a glass of water and went back outside.

To his surprise, Ilia was there. She was wearing her normal outfit – a sleeveless cream-colored shirt that went past her waist and some brown pants. She was barefooted and her hair was damp, showing she must've just gotten changed and hurried over to Link's house.

Link threw her a confused look.

"What…?" he mumbled, noticing she was gazing at him strangely.

Ilia shook her head, her green eyes locking with his blue ones.

"Nothing…just lost in thought," she stated, smiling. Even though she had just appeared, Link was starting to abide her company.

"So…uhm…I was thinking…" Ilia began, about to rave on about something.

Link lowered his eyelids drowsily. Everything she said seemed to go in one pointed ear and out the other.

"…And then go fishing…"

Link sighed, his thoughts grumbling over her appearance – she always tried to charm him.

"…Fado knows work won't do for you, now…"

Link's thoughts began to drift to Zelda, and the only thing that brought him back to reality was when Ilia screamed, "Are you listening to me?"

"No," Link chuckled, ruffling her blonde hair. Ilia stuck out her tongue immaturely at him. Link copied her act, then smirked and vanished down the path towards Ordona's Spring.

As his form blurred with the distant scenery, Ilia talked gibberish to herself in agony.

He never listens to me anymore! she thought, chewing on her lower lip angrily. I have a feeling that becoming a wizard wasn't the only thing he learned during his adventure…I wonder… Ah! That's it! I bet he has a girlfriend from Sivri!

Ilia's mouth hung open in a devious grin as she clapped her hands profusely and gave small hops while chanting, "Yes! Yes!"

But first, I have to lure the info out of him, she planned. Hmmm…I wonder if he's ever kissed a girl before…if he hasn't, then he's such a noob! I bet he hasn't – what a dope!

As Ilia's slightly confusing and eccentric plan formed in her mind, more chaos raged on.

-*-*-

"What are you talking about?!" Zelda protested, her blue eyes filled with fury.

"Your majesty – it is September seventh – I will not hold the subject off any longer," Azul snapped, swinging his silver ponytail behind his shoulder. "What were you and Master Link doing on that one evening in mid May in front of your father's tomb?"

Zelda's eyes grew wide as her thoughts retraced to the day.

"I went there to lay flowers on his tomb and mourn like I usually do," she muttered, not a hint of uncertainty in her voice; she had been expecting the question for months, and had an excuse lined up perfectly like a row of guards. "I flung myself around and was about to run to somewhere…well…away from my father's grave – I was crying, you see – and Link was in front of me. I had never noticed he was behind me…I think he mean to comfort me had I not rammed into him. My force sent him to the ground and I accidentally collapsed on top of him."

Azul arched one thin eyebrow.

"Oh, really?" he snapped. "Then, if this was the case, why did Master Link…warp, should I say, you two away from the graveyard?"

"I asked him to warp me to my room – I didn't feel like running through the hallways, soaking my dress. He left almost immediately, looking as if he felt awkward, in which I don't blame him."

"Hmph…if what you say is true, then my level of suspicion is lowered. But I will have you know, my queen, that if anything so intimate occurs with you and a young man, I will be the first to confront you of the matter. And I swear – next time, I shall not be so patent with you."

With that, Azul grunted and spun around, briskly exiting the throne room.

Zelda sighed, rubbing a hand against her temples in exhaustion.

September already… she thought, groaning slightly. What am I to do about Halloween? Oh – yes! The annual Halloween Ball! Everyone dresses up and comes to the party, which goes on 'till about midnight, or later. What a perfect idea! And I know who to send out the first invitation to…

Author's Note:

Ooh, a Halloween ball? That sounds fun. I wish we had one of those where I live... Anyways, It's kind of obvious who Zelda is going to send the first invitation to.

=3