Blizzaga Saga: I've decided to polish the first few chapters, write new ones in between them, and of course write a new one to add onto the end. Many little things are different, such as Saria's conversation with Zelda at the end of chapter 5, and I've made some big additions as well (chapters 6, 9, and 11 are entirely new). It took a good deal of work, but "Little Hero" is now much more cohesive and fleshed out. Please go back and read so you don't miss anything! I hope you like the changes and the new content. :)
Saria cheered when Link sealed Ganondorf in the Sacred Realm with help from her and the other Sages. She knew he could do it, because no matter how much he doubted himself, he cared too much about others to be anything other than a hero.
She was so happy for his safety and for what he accomplished that she thought her heart would burst if she didn't see him. His quest hadn't given him time to visit her since he brought Malon to the village, and as a Kokiri she hadn't been able to follow him outside the forest, but circumstances were different now.
When Princess Zelda spoke to her mind and asked for help, she got Saria to agree by promising that together they could keep Link safe. In order to do so, Saria needed to sacrifice a large amount of her energy so Zelda would have enough to seal Ganondorf. Since she was so small compared to the other Sages, she didn't have as much energy as they had, so she had to give up something else to match their efforts.
Kokiri hair stopped growing when it reached a certain length, yet Saria felt a strange sensation in her scalp. She also felt hungry, like she had years ago when her body was still growing.
Sadness flitted through her as she realized that she would eventually become an outcast among the Kokiri, but she didn't regret giving up her eternal youth. All that mattered was that Link was safe and no one had to fight anymore. Besides, she thought happily, she could see him now. She could hold him and kiss his cheek again and cherish him as she had vowed to do after he saved her.
Unfortunately, the other Sages would beat her to him: their adult bodies easily withstood the energy strain, but Saria's petite form wasn't as fortunate. Still, nothing could bring her down now, and she eagerly waited on the floor of the Forest Temple for her strength to return.
"Y-Yes, Impa, I am fine."
Her nanny continued to stare at her, but Zelda noticed that Malon's attention was on Link, whose eyes were closed.
"He'll be fine. Potions sometimes induce a heavy sleep when the user's injuries are severe," Impa said, ever calm and collected. Zelda willed the blood to leave her cheeks and told herself to be more like the Sheikah, but her meditative training wasn't enough to dispel the memory of being bent over in front of Link, sweat running down his abs...
The ranch woman lifted him and retreated to another room, presumably to tuck him in. As the boy left, the princess felt like part of her was going with him.
"The others are coming," Impa noted, jarring her.
She wanted to follow the pair and insist that Link sleep with her and not Malon, but unfortunately she had duties which came before her personal interests. "The Sages, you mean?"
The silver-haired woman shrugged. "If you wish to call them that. They've sensed your victory and are leaving their temples to meet us."
"Link's victory," she corrected.
"What?"
"It was Link's victory, not mine. He saved the Sages and then fought Ganondorf after I had been kidnapped. Hyrule needs to know what happened today."
"Yes. They need to see that their queen is still strong and in charge as well."
Zelda's emotional high fell. While she disagreed with some of the things her father had done—isolating Hyrule from the Gorons and Gerudo—she still loved him, and talk of her taking the throne only months after his murder upset her.
As always, her nanny knew exactly what she was thinking. "I apologize for my heartlessness, but we must act swiftly. The monarchy has been overthrown. If you don't step in to take the throne, I fear we'll see another war over it. No doubt the lords will be quick to contest your rule. They will say that your family's weakness is what led to the war, and that a queen has no right to rule without a king."
Zelda shook her head. "Not yet. None will dare blame my father or speak against me at his funeral."
"Which is exactly why you must show the public at his funeral that your bloodline is still in control."
She sighed, already shifting back to the monarch Hyrule needed. The sense of freedom Link gave her was nice while it lasted. "One problem at a time. We will have the funeral, celebrate the war's end, and announce return of the Harkinians' rule. A big open space like this, at the center of Hyrule, will be perfect if the lady of the ranch allows it. I will ask her in the morning. For now, I need you to ride to Kakariko and tell everyone we have won. Gather the knights and the ordinary townsfolk who took up arms and bring them here, along with the cooks and servants who fled the castle."
Impa bowed and left. The princess suddenly felt alone as she lay on the bed Link had occupied moments ago. She couldn't believe that just days ago she had distanced herself from others of her own accord. It hadn't been the right decision: Link showed her that. He was so brave when Ganondorf kidnapped her, so desperate to help her even after she had been so horrible to him.
She closed her eyes. She and her father had messed up, but now it was time to reclaim the land and heal the wounds left by Demise. For so long she had been forced to act like she didn't care about others, sacrificing people for the greater good, but now she could make helping her kingdom her priority, as well as getting to know a certain blonde boy.
The first thing Zelda saw when she woke was her royal dress.
"One of the seamstresses who escaped to Kakariko managed to save some of your wardrobe," Impa explained. "Malon agreed to let us use her ranch."
The princess couldn't remember the last time her smile was so carefree. She turned to the lovely redhead, who sat with Link beside her. "Thank you for your generosity, Miss Malon. I would hold the banquet at the castle..." Her lips quirked upward. "...but at present, there is no castle."
"It's no trouble. I'm just glad everyone has a reason to celebrate. Besides, Link deserves a party in his honor."
"We have much work ahead of us, both before and after the banquet," Impa said in her stoic baritone. "Darunia has made it here, and he's agreed to help rebuild the castle."
"I'd help too, but I only know how to build things with wood," Link replied. "I'll help over in Kakariko where Bongo Bongo burned those houses."
Malon narrowed her eyes at him. "You've done enough for Hyrule, and your muscles are still torn from using that bracelet. You're not lifting anything. You shouldn't even be out of bed. Every moment you're up, I worry about you making your injuries worse." Abruptly she hugged the younger boy. "I'm so glad you're okay."
He squeezed her back. "Sorry. I don't mean to worry you."
Zelda's eyebrow twitched. "You seem to know each other well."
"We met when he found my father sleeping on the job," she explained cheerfully. "We became fast friends, and he even saved the ranch from Ganondorf's magic."
At the word "friends", Link's expression drooped slightly. Noticing this, Malon squeezed his hand apologetically and added, "I like having him around, so I've offered him a home with me. I hope he takes it."
He felt a little better and nodded. "I'm going to see Darunia," he announced before shuffling out, and for not the first time since Ganon's defeat, guilt clawed at Zelda's heart.
She moved to follow him, but Malon's voice stopped her. "I'd like a word with you before any more plans are made, your highness."
"Of course." As much as she wanted to be with Link, refusing one's host was unthinkable.
"When he told me he was helping you, I had no idea he was doing something so dangerous."
The hug Link and the redhead shared irked at Zelda's mind again. "Forgive me, but have you taken the role of Link's guardian?"
Malon ignored the question. "Why did you choose Link to be the Hero of Time? There are many soldiers who would have been willing."
"It is not I who chose him, but destiny. The birthmark on his left hand, now filled with the Triforce of Courage, marks him as the hero of this era."
Malon nodded. "He said as much. He told me it was his job to stop Ganondorf. He took his duties so seriously that he blamed himself when Hyrule fell into chaos. I told him over and over again that he didn't have to fight, but he ignored his injuries and nightmares because he wanted to help you." A pause. "You don't seem to have the same respect for him, since you sent him into danger."
From a young age, Zelda had been prepared for courtly life and given exercises for how to handle nervousness and anger. Nonetheless, the glare the fiery-haired woman gave her caused her to flinch—not because Malon was particularly frightening, but because what she said forced Zelda to acknowledge all the mistakes she made.
"I was being a stupid girl instead of a woman. I had been told stories all my life of the love my ancestor and the Hero of Skyloft shared. For my whole life I entertained childish notions of sharing love with this era's Link, so I was angry when I discovered that he was only a boy."
"That boy saved you and your kingdom," Malon snapped.
"Yes, he did." Zelda's heart beat more quickly. She had learned the error of her ways, and now she was quite taken with him, even though his body wasn't as big as his heart.
"He would give anything for you, and you took too much."
"Perhaps you need a reminder of whom you're speaking with," Impa said, somehow threatening even when she wasn't trying to be.
"I know full well. She needed to hear it, and we all know Link is too nice to say it himself." She suddenly smiled. "But there's too much to celebrate for us to bicker. Just make sure we don't have to have this talk again, or I'll see you off of my property, princess or not."
Judging from the pristine condition of his armor and rapier, Lord Vance hadn't seen battle, but that didn't stop him from regaling Zelda on how valiantly he had searched for her when Ganondorf forced her to flee the castle. The princess kept her expression regally impassive as he kissed her hand.
"Thank you, my lord. It relieves me to know that there were so few casualties among the knights."
Without announcing her leave, Zelda continued her walk, catching Vance's flabbergasted expression for only a moment before he was behind her.
"That was rude," muttered Impa from beside her.
"Perhaps, but there are more important matters than my suitors to consider at the moment. The noblemen should focus on rebuilding Hyrule before wooing me." Impa said nothing. "What is it, nanny?"
"Ever since you came to the ranch, you haven't been hiding your emotions as well as you usually do."
"I'm sorry. I—"
"Don't be. It's good to see you smile genuinely. You don't have to be a princess until the ceremony begins. Enjoy the chance to be free until then."
Zelda smiled and nodded as she observed the masses. The day passed by like a dream, each moment bringing more life and happiness to Lon Lon Ranch as news of Ganon's defeat and the imminent celebration reached Hyrule's corners. For so long she had feared the devastation Demise would wreak, but fewer deaths had occurred in this war than in any in Hyrule's bloody history. Soldiers bragged and swapped war stories, many unaware of who really saved Hyrule, and civilians cared for Malon's animals while Malon prepared food with what remained of the royal servants.
All was not well, however. An infant cried nearby, precious and cold and scared with a mother who apologized over and over for not being able to feed it. Though the mother didn't dare glare at Hyrule's princess, her expression made it clear she held no fondness for her.
Zelda expected this; though she had suffered and fought much, she currently wore a clean cream-colored dress. For a ruler to be effective, she must be above others like a deity. Like a player hovering above a chess board. Just this once, however, while they were celebrating...
"You are right to blame me for what happened." The woman said nothing. "The war occurred because my family isolated the Hylians from the other races. It was the leaders of each race who finally defeated Ganondorf. I hope to rebuild Hyrule under a new alliance, the way things should have always been, so a tragedy of this magnitude will never happen again." Zelda bowed to the woman and examined the infant. "Your child is beautiful. I hope to have children of my own someday."
"I don't think you'll have to work hard to get there. You probably already have men fighting for you."
"I do, unfortunately."
They shared a laugh, and Zelda left. Nothing was more precious to her than life, and she had one special boy to thank for the low number of casualties.
"Link, let's start a new life here, on the surface. This world is so beautiful... I want to fill it with our children."
Her heart beat more quickly, and she set a course toward Malon's house.
"How is the hero?"
"He is still recovering," Impa answered.
"Miss Malon is surely tired from caring for him, so I will take over for a while."
"She seemed happy when I saw her last."
"Even so, she deserves a break."
Impa regarded her strangely, but said nothing.
Malon hummed, shaking her hips as she stirred a pot. Link watched her rear, hypnotized, before snapping out of it and asking,
"Can I help?"
She rolled her eyes. "You shouldn't even be out of bed. For the last time, Link, I'm cooking for you." She chuckled at what she had said; she felt like a wife! Telling herself the warmth in her cheeks was just heat coming from the stove, she nonetheless admitted that she didn't mind being submissive around Link; he appreciated her beauty but still respected her strength and independence.
The boy frowned. It was true that he couldn't move around well yet, but he was bored. When Zelda told him there would be a party to celebrate Hyrule's liberation, he hadn't expected the wait.
Malon felt bad for him as he shuffled away, but excited for the moment when the crowd outside found out who defeated Ganondorf. The door opening behind her put a damper on her mood, however.
She had once been an idealistic woman, waiting for her knight in shining armor, but life's hardships shaped her into a realist. Thus she was constantly on the lookout for people who wanted to take advantage of her or the ranch, and she knew without looking that one was approaching; he'd been watching her since he arrived.
"Hi, Mal."
"Hello, Makalov," she returned, not turning away from the stove. The feast had to be perfect. Link was adorably embarrassed by the idea of a ceremony to honor him and insisted he didn't want one, but she wanted everyone to know how special he was.
"Need help with anything?"
"Thanks, but I have it under control."
A few seconds passed. She knew from the lack of footsteps that he was still behind her.
"Malon, can you please turn around and talk to me?"
Seeing there was no avoiding him, she did so. Makalov wore plated armor, polished enough to reflect light. He was tall and handsome as ever, and he had the decency to look apologetic.
"We have nothing to talk about."
"Don't be like that. Listen...this war's really made me think about what's important. I want you back."
"Not going to happen," she replied without missing a beat.
"Can you at least think about it? You can't deny we have something special."
"Maybe we did. But you threw that away."
"What? How?" he asked defensively. She glared at him, but someone interrupted her retort.
"Malon? Is everything okay?"
The two adults turned to see Link limping in. Malon sighed to herself—moving around would only slow his recovery—while Makalov smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry, lad. The knights of Hyrule have it under control."
"He's my guest. Anything you say to me, you can also say to him."
The knight looked unhappy about it, but didn't object. "I know I was terrible to you before, but I've changed."
His caring tone was the same as it had been every other time he lied to her. "It doesn't matter. We're done."
"Come on, baby. You don't mean that."
"Yes, I do! You told everyone in Castle Town about how quickly I 'spread my legs' for you!"
The knight's calm, reasonable façade at last faded into the monster she had unfortunately gotten to know. "You certainly made it easy. You practically begged me to take your virginity after our first date."
"I was a stupid girl." He had played to her weakness, posing as a knight in shining armor and even lifting her bridal style and carrying her on his white horse. She was so swept up in her romantic dreams and his promises of happily ever after that she couldn't see he was only after her body. "But I'm a woman now, and I've moved on. You need to move on too."
More of the man's pleasantness fell. "Come on, Malon. Give me a second chance. You owe me at least that much."
"She told you to leave." Link didn't understand what was happening, but it was easy to tell that the knight had hurt her before and was trying to do so again.
Makalov glared down at him. "Hold your tongue. The knights are responsible for ending the war. You owe us your respect."
Malon's temper flared at how he took credit for Link's work until he surprised her by grabbing her wrist.
"Already moved on, huh? Who did you spread your legs for this time?"
Link raised his hand above his head to pry Makalov off, but the knight in shining armor was too strong.
"Don't worry, Link. I can handle this," she appeased, refusing to show fear. "Who I'm with is none of your business."
When he saw she wasn't going to do what he said like she always had before, he gritted his teeth. Directing his gaze toward someone he thought he could intimidate, he glared at Link, but even the boy didn't back down. Irritated further, Makalov shook free of the child's grip and slapped him aside.
The backhand to his face shouldn't have hurt, but Makalov wore steel gauntlets and Link was still injured. Malon's eyes widened in horror, and stunned by what he'd done, the man tried to justify himself by filling the silence.
"Stay out of our—"
Malon's fist cut him off. He was a trained knight, but she was strong from a life of manual labor, and he too fell.
"How dare you!" she seethed. "Link, are you okay?"
"Is he okay?!" repeated Makalov, sitting up and rubbing his jaw. "You knocked my damn tooth loose!"
Link stumbled to his feet, and she composed herself. "You can stay for the party. But after that, I never want to see you again."
The man growled threateningly, but retreated. Seeing how quick to flee the one who knocked him over was, Link looked embarrassed. "I could have handled him."
She laughed. "Sure you could have." Her smile quickly fell as she held her fingers gently to his eye. "Oh, it's already swelling..."
Kneeling to cup his face so hers was right next to his, she kissed his eye. Link seemed to be deep in thought.
"Malon...is he the reason you don't want to tell others we're together?"
She sighed. "Yes, Link. When I broke up with him, he grew angry and spread rumors all over Castle Town that I was a slut who spreads my legs for anyone. Since he's from an important family, many people believed him, and I still have a reputation. I know you deserve a girlfriend who isn't afraid to tell others she's with you, but if everyone knows, those rumors will resurface, and I'm not ready to deal with that. I'm sorry, baby."
Link had a strong urge to punch Makalov in the face like Malon had when he recovered, but he realized it would only make things worse for her. "Don't be sorry. I'm sorry I got mad at you the other day. I just...I'm still afraid I'm not man enough for you sometimes."
She pecked him on the lips. "Why don't you show me you are tonight?" she whispered seductively, making him shiver.
The moment was ruined when the door opened again, and Impa led Hyrule's princess inside.
"Greetings, Miss Malon," said Zelda, and for not the first time guilt twisted her stomach; because of her, Link's arm was broken. His body was scarred, his eye...bruised? "Link, what happened to your eye? Did someone hit you?"
Link was further embarrassed and laughed awkwardly. "Ha ha...yeah. But it's okay. Malon rescued me." He faced his girlfriend. "I don't know why you want a knight in shining armor. You're strong enough to take care of yourself, so...thanks for being my knight in shining armor."
"No problem. You're my knight too."
Without warning she hugged him. She knew he liked her big breasts, so she gently held his head against them. His face flushed, and he hugged her as well.
Something about the intimate embrace agitated Zelda. She wanted to be his knight as well and do something for him. "I can have the one who hit you imprisoned."
Impa looked at her oddly, and Zelda didn't blame her; where did that come from?
"Um, I don't want anyone to be locked up or anything."
Zelda sighed. He had always been far too forgiving. Luckily, she would be there to keep him in check if they ever married and ruled Hyrule together.
Her eyes widened. Where did that come from?
"The ceremony with the Sages isn't until tonight, but I think I should get ready now. Miss Malon, I hate to trouble you, but do you have any makeup I can use?
The redhead smiled. "I have some, and it's no trouble. I'm sorry it's not what you're used to at the castle."
Malon let the stew simmer, and soon she and Zelda helped each other apply their makeup.
"Why are you putting powder on your faces?" Link asked innocently. "Is it tradition for Hylians like it is for Gerudo?"
"We simply wish to look good for the celebration."
"Then you should leave it off. It hides how pretty you are."
Zelda had received countless compliments before, but this one caught her off guard. "You think I'm pretty?"
"Uh-huh."
"Prettier than me?" Malon asked with a pout, causing Link to panic.
"No! Er..."
The redhead laughed, her angelic voice putting him at ease. "I'm just teasing." She put the makeup down. "If you like it better this way, then I'll go without it."
She bent down and kissed his cheek, and he thought he might melt. Malon was doing something just for him... He felt like the luckiest guy in the world. Malon giggled at the blush which claimed his cute face. Link was so innocent. Most men looked at her with hungry stares, but his stare was full of wonder, like she was truly beautiful to behold. It made her feel special, and she couldn't wait to make him feel good as well.
The princess watched Link's stare linger on Malon as she walked back to the stove, a slight sway to her hips. The ranch woman was much too flirty, Zelda decided. Link seemed to have a crush on her, but he didn't yet know that the older woman wasn't interested. Zelda decided she would have to protect him from heartache, and from any women who might hurt him.
But what could she really do? She couldn't even wipe her makeup off for him as Malon had done: her obligations as a princess would always interfere with her happiness. They would always interfere with her relationship with Link.
"Link...would you..." She bit her lip. "...like to go on a picnic before the ceremony?"
"Okay. Who all's coming?"
"I thought it could be just us. I'd like to get to know my hero better."
His eyes widened. "Does that mean...we're friends now?" Her guilt increased. She had treated him so badly that he didn't think he was special to her. Still, the smile which lit his face when she nodded melted her heart. "Yeah, I'll go on a picnic. I'm supposed to eat a lot so I'll recover more quickly."
"Excellent. I-I'll set everything up if you want to join me in a few minutes."
Impa, who had been silent for much of the conversation, followed her outside. "You know, the first step of courting for royalty has traditionally been a picnic. What are you up to, your highness?"
"Nothing, nanny. I merely wish to get to know him better."
When it became clear that was the only answer she'd get, Impa helped her find a large blanket she and Link could sit on and left to find the Sages who'd arrived. Like all Sheikah, she possessed red eyes gifted with preternatural powers of perception. Though the great evil had been defeated, much still stood in the way of lasting peace, and she hoped the traces of resentment she sensed in one her fellow Sages was not an omen of hard times ahead.