Chapter 10 - Preparing for a Ball
Hey, so chapter 10 is more of a set up chapter for the future especially next chapter. Since it's pretty much advent the next few chapters will be leading up to Yuletide (christmas in Earthland, i thought it should have a more interesting name). I do however have a huge amount of stuff to do this month at college so my writing has started to slow down. I may take a break one week this month to catch up/write a really good Christmas special. Please review, it's really inspiring to hear what you think and incorporate it into my work. Enjoy!
(One and a half months after the events at the ruins of Hyrule castle.)
Snow covered Magnolia, the whole guild was preparing for Yuletide which was fast approaching. Link was sitting at the bar idly chatting with Mira and Cana. Over the time he'd been at Fairy Tail he had become rather good friends with them, even going on a mission or two with Cana. He also seemed to be better friends with most of the women in the guild, his only two real male friends were Natsu and Gray. They could currently be seen sulking in a corner together watching him jealously. Of course they had yet to hear what the trio were talking about.
"You know Link, you really have gotten the attention of the women here haven't you? Why don't you let loose once in a while?" Cana slurred holding probably the twentieth mug of beer that day.
"Cana, I think you've drunk enough for one day." Link said reaching for her beer which she clung to like a child with candy and pouted.
"Hey now Link, don't change the topic. Who have you been checking out?" Mira teased.
"No one." Link said far too quickly his face going red.
"Wow, Link you know you've gone rather red there. Spill." Cana ordered.
"ugh, why do I talk to you guys?" Link complained.
"It's because you like the attention, you enjoy our torment you little masochist. Still we have our suspicions." Mira answered in a scarily sweet tone.
"That we do. We can tell just from looking at you who you like. You can't hide it," Cana leaned in close to his ear, Link could feel envious glares on his back. "Erza." Link blushed heavily and squirmed on the bar stool. "Ha we totally got you." Cana yelled high fiving Mira.
"I do not, keep it down." Link protested
"Don't worry Link, your secret is safe with us." Mira beamed
"Seriously? You guys are just cruel."
"Well, do you like her?" Cana inquired more seriously.
"I…I don't know, I mean I do like her, almost all my missions are with her and I trust her absolutely, but I can't tell if it's anything more than that. I'm not even sure if I want it to be more than that." Link thought about the last girl he liked, Zelda, she was worlds away and Link hadn't left her on the best of terms but he would always feel like he was betraying her if he so much as looked at another woman in that way. He still hadn't worked out if he would be able to get back and see her again. But he couldn't give up yet but after what had happened he doubted she was waiting for him.
Mira nodded as if she had heard it all before. Which she had, in fact everyone in the guild had a similar issues, it was really frustrating for her. However Link was one of the first to actually come out and say it, now she could actually help him.
"It sounds like you have a case of cold feet and I have the perfect remedy." Mira held up a job request. It was headlined 'Yuletide Gala', it was a guarding mission and not uncommonly seen on the request board. A couple of mages had to work undercover in a ball to stop anything out of the ordinary happening. Mira was obviously insinuating that he should take Erza to a ball. In all honesty the job was appetising but Link, as Mira had said, had cold feet. "I'll consider it, kay," He reluctantly said.
"Well, it's here if you want it." Mira smiled.
"Oh, crap! I'm gonna be late!" Link yelled as he saw the time. It was time for his training session with Erza. He began downing his drink as Cana leaned in close to his ear and whispered "Go get her tiger." Link spluttered spitting out his drink, as Cana laughed, Mira giggled and the rest of the guild glared. Link wiped his face and ran out the door.
Outside of the warm, cosy guildhall, the city of Magnolia was blanketed in snow, Winter had finally hit the city. It was in fact only a few days until Yuletide so the streets were lined with all kinds of decorations and lights. There was a brisk chill to the air but the festive feel was slowly climaxing. Link now wore more wintery gear over his tunic in the form of a long hooded fur cloak it had kept him incredibly warm over his first snow.
Erza was waiting at the training field also wearing armour more suited to the colder weather "your late Link," she stated as he ran over "that's the third time this week, so far your punctuality hasn't been your strong point, it could be the death of you." she cautioned sternly.
"Sorry Erz, I got … Distracted." He blushed and scratched the back of his head.
"Whatever let's get started."
And so Link went through his daily two hours of gruelling training. The training regime Erza had come up with was nothing if not brutal, a mix of sword play, strength and agility tests, mental challenges and magic training; the harsh winter wind didn't help. Over the month his control of magic had greatly improved he had mastered Din's Flame and Farore's Wind and could use them in combat or on jobs with ease. Erza would always spend time sparring with him if she wasn't working through her own training regime.
Every training session ended the same, Link had decided it would be incredibly useful to learn requipping magic in case he was ever disarmed or couldn't have his sword close by. He had the theory down but every practice ended in failure. Erza would place his blade three metres in front of him and Link would try to summon it towards him. This was the first stage in the training of Erza's magic. Once he could do this he would easily be able to pick up the rest of it. Link would spend huge amounts of time just willing the sword to move but it always just sat there, as still as a rock.
"Link, you've done enough for today. If you stay out here you'll catch a cold, Let's go in and get some food."
"In a minute, I've almost got this." Link replied confidently. Erza sighed, she admired his enthusiasm but if he didn't have the skills, the sword would never move. Making her mind up she took Link's sword handed it to him and dragged him away by his collar, stirring up a large amount of protest from Link.
That evening Link was with the rest of team Natsu (bar Erza who was at the bar getting a drink), idly chatting over their pints of beer… If you could call what Gray and Natsu were doing idly chatting. It was more like a full on swearing contest. Lucy had to put her hands over Wendy's ears to hide the profanity escaping their lips, It didn't help. Erza returned and death stared Natsu and Gray into submission. Lucy noticed a piece of paper behind her back.
"What's that Erza, we got a job?" Lucy asked. Before she could speak Natsu snatched the page. "Naw, were not doing this again." He groaned.
"Not you, you idiot, I thought it would be a good idea for me a Link to do the job, it doesn't need all of us, and i think Link needs a bit more experience in these areas." Erza stated. Link suddenly realised what the job was likely to be and looked over to the bar. Mira and Cana smiled and waved mischievously, of course they knew Erza would take any job they gave her, so they gave her this one and suggested that just the two of them go and gullible Erza just went along with it none the wiser. Link couldn't exactly say no so he accepted and was told they would set off early tomorrow.
(...)
Early next morning, Erza stood in front of Links house like she did most mornings. By now she knew Link was not a morning person and like most mornings she headed into the house. She knew there was only one way to wake a slob like Link up. Bacon. She went over to the stove and began to cook.
Link could smell something, it smelt good, it was a comforting, homely smell. Bacon. Link nostrils woke him up immediately as he jumped out of bed into the room below realising what was about to happen. As usual Erza was there cooking the bacon in a frilly pink apron which she wore over her armour.
"ERZA, STOP," he yelled sprinting towards the stove. It was too late, black fumes erupted from the pan filling the room with a vile smell. The bacon had charcoaled Link groaned "every morning."
"Morning Link, I made breakfast" Erza greeted as she scraped the smouldering lump onto a plate and put it on the table with equally burnt toast. Erza beamed, Link always wakes up for my cooking. I should do it more often, I obviously have some natural talent. He could get dressed before coming down though. Erza thought blushing slightly and looking away. Link didn't really have time to get dressed before saving his bacon so just abandoned his clothes. Even so was Erza really complaining?
Link reluctantly ate his charcoaled breakfast and prepared to set off. Putting on his green tunic, chain-mail and hat he was all set. He left his house and Erza was there waiting with her mountain of luggage. Link gave a loud whistle and Airya swooped down to land. Link patted her beak as they greeted each other fondly.
"Long trip today girl." Link said, the bird squawked and stared at Erza, who leaned smugly against her luggage. Link sighed and told Airya she would get a whole crate of fish on the way back if she helped. He knew bribery wasn't the best idea with her but there was no way that the two would ever get along. Airya grudgingly agreed and allowed Link and Erza on board, Erza more reluctantly. "I don't like riding you either, bird." She said so only the bird could hear. In one great flap Airya was airborne, she picked up the luggage and soared away over Magnolia. If there was one thing the two could agree on is that flying above the snow covered Magnolia was one of the best feelings in the world.
It was mid-afternoon when the trio arrived at the large gothic castle estate. Erza and Link jumped off Airya, who went to look for a perch after literally dropping Erza's stuff, and landed in the courtyard where they were greeted by Lord Francis Wentle the host of the party. He was a small thin balding man in his late 50's wearing a deep purple velvet suit.
"Ahh, the wizards, it's so good to meet you." He exclaimed, his voice rather high. He took both Erza's then Link's hands with both of his shaking them vigorously.
"It is good to meet you too lord Wentle. I am Erza and this is Link, we're at your service." Erza announced gesturing at Link both bowed slightly.
"Right, let's get down to business. Your job is reasonably simple, keep everyone in the ball safe, watch out for suspicious characters and keep security tight. You will have to look your best so erm." He looked Link up and down. Link was rather offended this was the wardrobe chosen by the gods!
"Don't worry, this is just his travel gear, he has something smarter to wear, right." Erza elbowed Link.
"What… Oh yeh totally fine." He said reluctantly
"Right, I'll have my son give you the grand tour and escort you to your rooms for the night. Titania, you should know he is quite the fan and is quite eager to meet you in person." The lord spoke, as a tall man dressed in dark blue leather armour with a longsword at his hip stepped into the courtyard. He walked over to them and bowed onto one knee in front of Erza and said. "Titania, it is a pleasure to meet you on such a fine day. My name is Sir Walter Wentle." Link stifled a laugh and got a venomous look from the man. Walter took her gauntleted hand and kissed it. Link immediately didn't like this guy. Walter stood up and sized up Link, Walter was a fair bit taller than Link and a tad more muscular, he was also rather handsome with his dark, well finished hair and black goatee, Link doubted he had any issues with the ladies. Irritation creeped onto Link's face, the man just made him feel incredibly inferior by just standing there.
Walter held his hand out, directing Erza towards a door, his back facing Link. As they entered the castle, Walter began to give Erza the grand tour whilst Link followed behind sulking. They saw the halls, balconies, bedrooms, music rooms; this castle was more like a palace than a fortification. Eventually they finished at the rooms Link and Erza would be staying in. Fortunately they were next to each other. Walter left in order to get ready for the party kissing Erza on the hand again.
"I don't trust him," Link whispered to Erza as Walter walked away.
"You're just being paranoid Link relax." Erza saw the time and gasped "I'd better get ready!" She rushed into her room, she had to look perfect tonight. Link didn't know but Mira had suggested the mission to Erza for the same reason she suggested it to Link. Erza decided she would look fantastic so Link wouldn't be able to resist her charm.
Link was surprised at her swift departure but shrugged and entered his own room. He flopped on the four-poster bed enjoying it's deep mattress. Still he couldn't quite get comfy it wasn't quite like his bed at home. He frowned, in all honesty he was a bit bored. He got up and left to explore. There wasn't very much more to see but he decided it would be best to sweep the place, locate entrances and exits; this was a job after all. He had managed to find a rather nifty secret tunnel near the main hall hidden behind a statue of a lion. It lead out the back of the castle down a steep cliff face. He decided to note that down for later and to look for more secrets later on. He soon realised hour and a half had passed and preparations were near completion, he quickly headed back to where Erza was. On the way up some stairs he bumped right into Sir Walter.
"Ah, it's you. I don't believe we've met." Walter said it as if it were a challenge.
"Link." Link replied cautiously holding out his hand for a shake. Walter grabbed his hand roughly and pulled him in whispering in his ear.
"Don't get in my way tonight, kay big guy." He let go and walked on by. Link was slightly shocked and ran up the rest of the stairs towards Erza's room. What was this guy planning?
He burst in on Erza who was looking at herself in a long mirror, she turned around as he entered. Link was instantly entranced, Erza was wearing a daring black ball gown that looked fantastic with her hair, it showed off her figure perfectly accenting her bust and hips. She wore elbow high gloves and black flats, she went minimalist with the make up and jewellery, only wearing a pair of onyx earrings. Link was totally stunned and stood in the door way with his mouth gaping. Erza smiled.
"That bad, huh?"
Link immediately shook his head. "You look… Incredible." He stuttered still speechless. Then Link saw it, the ever rare blush on Erza's cheeks as she avoided eye contact.
"Link your still dressed in those." She stated, in fairness she thought there was nothing wrong with it, his armour was a part of who he was, she didn't want him to change out of it but in all honestly she doubted it had been washed in three thousand years. "Here I have one of Gray's suits you can wear, I figured this would happen," she went and began searching in her mountain of suitcases. Pulling out a whole plethora of stuff from clothes to books to a small cute dog plushie. Eventually she pulled out a suit thrust it at Link and cast him out of the room. Link went to his own room and sat on his bed. Erza had looked stunning, Link put his head in his hands. Could I have feelings for Erza? Link felt his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. I obviously do. Then Links mind wandered to the real question: Was he allowed to act on them? He sighed and decided to get ready, he didn't have very long.
After a quick shower and an attempt at brushing his unruly hair he tried on the suit. He hid his adventure pouch on his belt under the suit, therefore if anything were to happen he would at least have his shield and equipment with him, he wouldn't be able to bring his sword though which made him feel slightly vulnerable, it felt like the silent realm all over again except much less silent. He also chose to wear gloves over his hands to hide the triforce and fairy tail mark. Unfortunately as always the triforce burned through the left glove leaving it's mark vividly on the back of the glove. Link sighed he guessed it didn't want to be hidden.
Erza knocked and entered the room, now it was her turn to be speechless. It was a simple black suit and white shirt deal, but he looked incredibly handsome.
"What do you think?" Link asked.
"Great," Erza said quickly. She worried that if she blushed anymore tonight her face would permanently remain the same colour as her hair.
"Good, I've never worn a suit before, there are a lot of things I haven't done before recently. I guess I have you to thank for that." Link said honestly stumbling on his words. Erza walked up to Link and fixed his bow-tie.
"Don't worry about it, make sure you enjoy yourself tonight, I imagine it's your first ball as well."
Link laughed. As he stopped he looked deep into Erza's chestnut eyes, the world around them went silent. "Erza just be careful, I really don't trust Walter. I don't know why but please be safe."
"You worry too much Link, I promise I'll be fine." Erza replied trying to comfort Link slightly.
Link walked over and opened the door, gesturing for Erza to go through. "The party awaits." Erza linked her arm with Link's who suddenly felt very self conscious as they headed towards the ballroom. "Relax, I can feel how tense you are." Erza comforted. They looked at each other and laughed as they entered what was to be a rather interesting night.