TA-DAH! I'm back baby! I am totally disapointed in my week long hiatus (yes, I am aware that most other fanfiction authors normally take a week to update, but I'm speedy that way) But, I was away on a band trip this past weekend. It was so chill, I could've probably written a chapter each day with the amount of down time we had, but I didn't bring the laptop. I also forgot to update before I left- sorry guys! But now Link and Reena are back! YAY! AND I also, after much debating, finally figured out how to end this story. I will start hinting at it soon. I was gonna make this chapter have all the information needed, but I realized that you're missing basic story inputs, so it'll be at a later time. But, deffinatly not in the next chapter. It, however, might be in the chapter after that. But, most likely in the chapter AFTER that. If that makes any sense... Oh well, Link and Reena have to battle Ganondorf before any new plot twists happen.

Chapter Ten: The Triforce of Courage

"Well, I'm glad I started doing this a while ago," Reena said as they ran up the path to Hyrule Castle. "Or else I would be really annoyed."

Despite the situation at hand, Link couldn't help but smile. Both of them were on the verge of twenty and running around had become a habit. It seemed as though distress had elevated to a new level and Link was glad Reena had come to help him almost two years ago.

"What do you think happened this time?" Reena asked, looking up at the castle with a raised eyebrow.

"This is different," Link said after a moment. "Note the dark clouds over hanging the castle."

"Being observant now?" Reena demanded. Link cast a smirk at her. They slowed to a walk when they came to the gates. "Er… that's a problem…"

The two approached the gate, drawing their weapons form experience. A green vine curled around the gate and the road beyond it had been turned green by the same vine. Stone statues now stood on either side. Reena walked up to one, entranced. It looked so lifelike. Link came up to her and sighed.

"Turned to stone," he murmured.

"Er…well…he's a very nice garden ornament," Reena said. Link rolled his eyes. Reena however didn't see it. She was too busy looking at the black clouds beginning to circle faster above the castle. "I've got a bad feeling about this."

"So do I. Come on, we need to get to the castle," Link said, keeping his eyes on the castle.

"Well, that wouldn't be a problem except we can't get on the other side of the locked gate that can only be opened by the guards!" Reena said, eyeing him.

Link glared and crouched, looking at the bars. He had never seen this type of plant. Ganondorf…again.

"Hey, you can get seeds for your garden later," Reena said impatiently.

"I'm deciding if it'll kill us or not," Link answered. "Either way we have to get in. Are you scared?"

"I dare you to say that again," Reena threatened.

Link smirked. He looked at the gate, trying to find a way in. They were strong metal and wouldn't cut easily. He rolled his eyes as Reena walked up to the gate impatiently. She grasped one of the gate's posts and a light emitted from her hands. He was going to find out sooner or later. The post disappeared before their very eyes. She turned to Link.

"Don't ask. At least not now."

Link eyed her, but nodded, "That's one way to enter."

Reena pulled another post out, making a gap big enough for the both of them. She looked at the green carpet that lead to the castle and wondered if she'd lose her foot. Link stepped through the gate in front of her and headed towards the castle, his feet no longer visible.

"Sure you don't want to wait for me?" he called back.

"No!" Reena cried, catching up to him. "You say that every time and every time I've got to kill you!"

Link snickered. His laughter left him as soon as they reached the front court yard. It was overrun with an ugly purple and green vine, different from the carpet on the road. It clung to the castle and the broken drawbridge.

"Reena…run," Link breathed.

"What?" Reena asked, looking over at him.

She soon saw why. The plant was creeping up one of his legs, holding him fast. She looked at her own feet and saw it begin to do the same. She scowled and fire appeared on her hands. She touched the vine and it instantly retracted. She looked to her left and saw the host. She wanted to groan but kept her mouth shut. Its head was a mouth that held spikes. Two eyes loomed around on long appendages and razor sharp tentacles laid limp at its side. It seemed to be burrowed into the ground. The vines were apart of it.

She looked at Link who had his dagger out, eyeing the host. Reena felt as if she knew what he was thinking. She pulled her double swords out as Link took aim. He instantly threw the dagger and Reena jumped forward to free him. However, he was already free. As soon as the dagger hit the monster, its vines unwrapped themselves. She rolled to the side as one of its deadly tentacles headed for her head. She brought her swords down on it, severing it neatly from its body. She saw Link with his bow out, firing an arrow into the beast's mouth. Reena jumped next to him, slicing a vine that had attempted to choke him.

"Thanks," Link said as the two split apart.

"Any time," Reena answered. "I think we need to set a little fire."

Link eyed her. And she planned on doing this how? He back-flipped out of the way of the plants thrashing teeth and let another arrow sing through the air. He pulled another arrow out and it suddenly caught on fire. He looked over at Reena who was taking her swords out again. Without a question, Link took aim. He needed to hit it directly in the mouth.

"I've got you covered," Reena called over to him. "Just don't miss!"

"Is that all?" Link asked.

"Yeah, pretty much," Reena answered, slicing away another threatening eye.

Link frowned in concentration. Its jaws flashed angrily and he raised his bow. As he let the arrow fly, it lashed out at him. He rolled to the side protecting himself with his bow. Suddenly, the plant froze and began to twitch. Fire licked at it's head and slowly down it's tentacles. It let out shrills, withering and twisting in pain. Reena ran up next to Link, the two watching the scene. With a billow of black smoke, it disappeared from sight. All the green began to smoke and follow its host. It wasn't long before Reena and Link stood on grass again.

"Well, that's one way to make an exit," Reena decided.

"I've had more dramatic ones," Link said, shaking his head. His mind suddenly was thrown back to the present danger. "We need to make sure the Royal Family is alright."

Reena nodded and soon their footsteps echoed down the long corridors. Stone statues were everywhere. Reena stuck close to Link, not willing to admit that the stone figures made her uneasy. She could see them slowly becoming life like again and it was enough to unsettle her.

"I'm gonna make a wild guess here," Reena said. "The Royal Family's in the dungeons."

"I'd say that's a pretty accurate guess," Link said, peering into an empty room. He eyed her and Reena caught his gaze.

"…What?" she asked. She looked over her body. No, she wasn't hurt and her tunic wasn't ripped in any exposing areas.

"Just where did those powers suddenly come from?" he demanded, stopping and crossing his arms.

"Link, does this look like the time or place?" Reena asked impatiently.

"Alright, fine," Link answered. "But you aren't going to escape the question."

"That's fine," Reena answered, forcing a door open. She was rewarded with nothing. "You'd think he'd have demons and things like that in here."

"I'm quite content without them, thank you very much," Link said.

"Watch, a minion that control's one of his army's is going to appear. You just know it," Reena muttered.

"Shut up," Link said through gritted teeth. "It would nice if minions didn't over run a place at least once. So don't curse us."

Reena went to say something, but instead clamped her mouth shut. They came to the door leading to the dungeons and with a look at each other, pushed it open. A chill ran down their spines and Reena glanced over at Link. His eyes became lit and his features hardened. Reena felt her own heart begin to beat faster. They silently descended the stairwell, the hairs on the back of their necks rising. At the bottom of the stairs, cells lined the corridor. At the end of the corridor was Ganondorf.

"You," Link hissed. A laugh echoed through the castle.

"I wouldn't be laughing," Reena spat. "You're going to wish you never messed with either of us."

Ganondorf shut his mouth, a sneer forming. He flicked his wrist and Reena felt an invisible hand wrap itself around her. She took a step back, alarmed, but was suddenly thrown forward. The next thing she knew, Reena was plastered against Ganondorf, staring into his eyes with Link's cry ringing in her ears.

"This is more like it," Ganondorf snarled.

"This is way to close for comfort, bastard," Reena snapped, trying hard to break away.

"You'll learn to warm up to me Pri- Arugh!" Ganondorf was cut short as an arrow landed inches from Reena's face. She used the distraction as her golden opportunity. In an instant Reena was landing on one hand, as far away from Ganondorf as her back flip would take her. Her swords were in her hands seconds after her landing, ready to attack. However, Ganondorf seemed annoyed.

"You haven't seen the end of me," he hissed and with a flash of purple, was gone form sight. Reena stood there for a moment. She suddenly shuddered and made a gagging noise.

"Alright, if that ever happens again, someone just kill me!" she exclaimed, running her hands over her arms. That had been very disturbing and unsettling.

"Are you okay?" Link demanded, at her side so fast that Reena jumped.

"Nothing a little moral support won't fix," Reena muttered. She flashed him a grin. "Nice shot."

"I was aiming for his heart, but it was too small of a target and you were in the way," Link answered.

"Eh, just shoot me too next time," Reena answered. "Come on, let's get them out of there. I doubt anyone likes staying in a damp, dark, cold cell."

Link nodded and the two looked for the Royal Family. Many guards turned to stone were in the cells. They were slowly coming to life, some already on the floor, out cold. Reena stopped in front of one of the cells, finding the family. She gave them a quick smile and looked at the lock.

"Link, I found them," she called. "You all okay?"

"We're fine," Lera answered. She sounded greatly annoyed. "I pulled my best moves and it didn't matter."

"Well, when it comes to him, it doesn't matter what you do," Reena answered, pulling a thin wire from her belt pouch. She began to pick at the lock, Link joining her side. "If you noticed, Link and I didn't have too much success either."

"Are you okay? He grabbed you!" Lenaya said, coming to the prison bars. Reena winced.

"Like I said to Link, nothing a little moral support won't fix," she said grimly. "And I'm taking a long bath. A very long bath."

Reena smirked, seeing the look on Lera's face. The cell door creaked opened and Reena stood back, letting them out.

"Aside from the castle being taken over, how's everything else been?" Link asked.

"Talk later," Reena suddenly interrupted, jumping in front of everyone. "Right now, I'm worried about the Iron Knuckle coming towards us!"

"What?" Link cried, the Master Sword and his shield out in a moment. "Down here? We're dead in these close quarters!"

"…Are you two always so optimistic?" Lera asked incredulously.

"Uh…sorry, but you all need to go back inside," Link said. No one argued except Lera.

"Let me fight!" Lera said earnestly.

"Uh, no," Link said, closing the door.

"Link, move!" Reena shouted. Link didn't question. He jumped out of the way, the axe crashing into the cell bars. Right where his head would have been. "Nice. Real nice. Trying to get decapitated are we?"

"Shush, you!" Link snapped as he struck the straps of the Iron Knuckles armor. "Should I bring up the time you-"

"Stop right there!" Reena interrupted, ducking as the axe came swinging towards her. "I don't want to hear it! Not now!"

Metal ran against metal as Reena stopped the axe with her two swords. She felt the shock run up her arms, but the weight was released as Link attacked the Knuckle. She slashed at the Knuckle's straps again, a clinking echoing through the halls.

"Okay, time to pick up the pace," Reena said, jumping over the Knuckle and flanking Link. The shuffling of feet, singing of metal, and breathing of the warriors filled the air. No words passed between them for they had passed to an understanding where no words were needed. They knew what each other were thinking and what they would do. Their movements were as one, never ceasing and never failing.

It wasn't long before white flames engulfed the Iron Knuckle. Reena and Link stood side by side, watching it burn. Finally, all that was left was the burn from where it had left.

"There's more up there," Reena said. "I can hear them."

"Lizalfos too," Link added. "You can hear their distinct cry."

"And… ugh," Reena muttered.

"Stalfos," they said at the same time, looking at each other. Link turned to the Royal Family, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "I don't know how to exactly say this…"

"Just do what you have to do," Impa said, emerging from behind the family from the shadows.

"Er, right," Link answered. "It's just not safe for you yet."

"So now you're going to be the one locking us up?" Lera asked, crossing her arms. Link couldn't help but smirk at her comment. "I knew you were too much of a hero."

"You know me," Link answered as he and Reena began to walk down the hall again.

"He stabs everyone in the back," Reena finished. "We'll be back soon."

"…Impa," Lera said, looking at her. "How can they act as if this is a daily ordeal?"

Impa looked out the bars after them and sighed. "Because for them, it is a daily ordeal."

*astrix astrix astrix*

Reena felt as if she would fall asleep right there. The final Stalfos burned in front of her and Link, the fire consuming it. As soon as it disappeared, Reena let out a satisfied sighed and leaned on Link. She closed her eyes, letting her head fall on his shoulder.

"I'm going to sleep. No one wake me," she muttered, letting her swords clatter to the ground. She felt Link's shoulder shake as he laughed, laying his head on top of hers. The Master Sword and shield drooped to his sides, warm blood dripping from them.

"Well, I think I'm going to get hit again, because we need to get the Royal Family out of the dungeons," Link said, looking at her.

"Let 'em get themselves out," she answered, reluctantly standing on her own. She picked her swords up, sheathing them. She examined Link as he examined her.

"You look terrible," they said in unison. Smiles crept across their faces and the two trudged down the steps to the dungeons. They stopped in front of the cell still holding the family.

"Sorry it took so long," Link apologized, opening the door for them.

"Ganondorf did not want to give us a break," Reena explained, stepping aside for them.

"Are you two alright?" King Jerold asked. "I can't see anything in this light."

"We're fine," Link assured, hiding his arm from sight, Reena doing the same with her leg. They looked at their other injuries and cast guilty looks at each other.

"You weren't hurt?" Queen Lenaya asked.

"No," Reena answered, as they headed up the stairs. She consciously touched the cut on her forehead and looked at the cut on Link's cheek. The throng made it to the first floor and Link and Reena fell into stride next to each other, behind everyone else.

"I'll treat our cuts," Reena whispered. "I don't want to get mauled."

"You and me both," Link murmured back. "Good thing it's night."

Reena nodded in agreement. Link spoke up, "We'll be in our quarters. Call us if we missed anything. However, we did a through check over the castle."

"If you two made sure the castle was secure, then I'm sure nothing else is left," King Jerold. "Go and Rest."

Reena and Link nodded in thanks. They casually broke away from the group and the moment they were out of sight, hurried to their quarters. If anyone found out they had been lying, it would be their lives. Reena stopped at her room for a moment, grabbing the vials that she kept there. She next found herself walking into Link's room. She winced, seeing the slash on his back. Link turned around and from his expression, she didn't look much better.

"Sit down and let me treat that," Reena said, sitting on his bed. Link sat in front of her, bracing himself. He felt the serum ooze onto his cut and a burning sensation coursed through his body. She quickly covered the cut with a bandage.

"Why does it feel like you're trying to burn my skin off?" Link demanded.

"Because it's working," Reena answered, handing him another vial. "My turn."

She stood and turned around, her back towards Link. She pulled her tunic and white shirt off, holding them over her chest. She sat down again, her back in front of Link. She felt the burning liquid and gritted her teeth. A knock suddenly came on the door and Reena jumped. The door opened and the two froze as King Jerold walked in.

"Uh…," Reena trailed off, suddenly becoming aware of what they probably looked like. She felt blood drip into her eye and quickly wiped it away, making sure her clothes were covering everything. "Okay…so…"

"We… lied…somewhat," Link said. "But they're not bad!"

As if things couldn't get worse, Queen Lenaya joined her husband's side. Both now stared at them. Link could feel his cheeks becoming redder than the blood on them. He took the vial in his hand and poured the rest of it on Reena's wound. She hissed, glaring daggers at Link.

"You could have warned me," she said sharply.

"Not worrying about that right now," Link muttered, his eyes fluttering towards the King and Queen who seemed to have gone into shock. Did they think that he and Reena had gotten in bed together?

"Why didn't you tell us?" Lenaya asked, crossing her arms.

"Uh…can we talk about this later?" Reena asked, her eyes falling on the only thing that covered her.

"We didn't tell you because these are nothing," Link said, as he covered her wound with a bandage. Reena bowed her head, clenching her fists as Link applied pressure. "Done."

"About damn time," Reena muttered. However, she didn't abandon her position. She felt very subconscious with the King and Queen there. Especially the King.

"When you're done treating your wounds, come to the study, both of you," Lenaya said, and she pushed her husband out of the room. The door closed and both waited for a minute before breathing again.

"That….was the scariest thing I have ever experienced," Link said. "I think King Jerold got the wrong idea. The very wrong idea!"

"I don't know, Link," Reena said, standing and pulling her shirts on again. "You applying the medicine is pretty physical."

Link couldn't help but laugh. Reena turned around, also laughing. Her laughter died, her eyes focusing on the charm that was around Link's neck. He eyed her, wondering what she was looking at. His hand suddenly flew to his neck and he swallowed hard. He had forgotten to take it off before she came in.

"Is that…a Triforce piece?" Reena asked, sitting in front of him. Panic began to course through Link. He slowly nodded, gripping the golden Triforce. He barely noticed as Reena began to treat his arm. "You're one of the carriers?"

"…Yes," Link answered. Reena's eyes met his for a moment and then flickered away.

"Have you always had it?" Reena asked.

Link nodded again, "My whole life I've protected it."

"Which one do you carry?"

"Triforce of Courage," Link answered. "Ganondorf has the Triforce of Power."

"And Wisdom?"

Link was silent for a moment. "Princess Zelda. But she was killed when she was young. So now we don't know anymore."

Reena nodded, pulling away as she finished wrapping his arm. Link pulled his white shirt and green tunic back on. They treated Reena's leg in silence, meeting each other's eyes every now and then.

"Is that…why you started all of this?" Reena asked.

Link froze in the middle of wrapping the bandage around her leg. He shook his head and continued, not able to find the words. Reena decided not to press the matter and stood once he had finished. They left his room after they had cleaned the cuts on their face somewhat. In the study, the King and Queen sat waiting. Link too his usual chair, a silent curse over him. Reena sat next to him, flickering her eyes towards him. He seemed lost in the past.

"Tell us honestly," Lenaya said, eyeing them. "Do those need further inspection?"

"No," Link said, coming back to the present. "We've had worse. Much worse. Reena's got the most amazing cures. However, they can be painful!"

"Oh, be quiet," Reena said, rolling her eyes. "They work fast and that's all that matters."

"And you use the strangest ingredients," Link added.

"I said it before and I'll say it again," Reena said, "they work fast and that's all that matters."

"Are you two sure? Because they didn't look that small," Lenaya said.

"Yes," Link said, trying hard not to become irritated. However, he was tired from just ridding the castle from demons. He had a feeling Reena felt the same way. He also felt that the King and Queen didn't think they were healing each other. The King's silence almost confirmed Link's suspicions. They couldn't think they were lying with each other! They wouldn't think that! Would they…?

"Alright," Lenaya said finally. "Get some rest you two. No doubt it's been an interesting day."

Link smirked as Reena followed the command with enthusiasm. She waved to them and walked out of the room, limping somewhat. Link however stayed behind, eyeing the two of them.

"I am appalled," he said, surveying them both. "Reena and I were not doing anything except caring for our wounds."

Link smirked as relief came over the King. However, Lenaya seemed quite surprised by Link's comment.

"Link…why would we ever think anything else?" Lenaya asked, confused.

"Ask King Jerold," Link said, eyeing him. Queen Lenaya looked at Jerold horrified. Link quickly left the study, hearing the conversation as he did so.

"You didn't think that… did you? Did you?" Lenaya demanded. "Jerold! You didn't!"

Link couldn't help but laugh quietly. He nearly ran down the corridor his room was in, fearing what might happen if the King Jerold came looking for him. As he half ran, Link passed Reena's room and he couldn't help but stop. A laugh nearly escaped from him.

Reena was curled up on her bed, fast asleep. He entered, silently laying the blankets over her. She shifted slightly in her sleep, her face falling under the moonlight. Link stood there for a moment, transfixed by her beauty. Her chest slowly rose and fell with her quiet breathing. Her fingers twitched slightly as if she were gripping her swords. A smile came to Link and he gently brushed the hair from her eyes. He blew the candle out and then proceeded to his own room.

*astrix astrix astrix*

"So, are you going to tell me what happened or do I have to rely on the fight my parents had?" Lera asked, plopping down next to Reena. "Personally I am with my father."

"What?" Reena cried, sitting bolt right up. Lera's hysterical laughter told Reena the truth. Reena cast an ugly glare at Lera. "You are such a pain."

"Love you too, Reena," Lera said, her sides about to split. She took a deep breath, settling her laughter. "I'm just kidding, lighten up. However, I always did wonder why you two traveled together…"

"Oh, we're all over each other," Reena said, rolling her eyes.

"Right in the middle of Hyrule Field," Lera snickered. Reena couldn't help it. She burst out laughing. Her arms wrapped around her ribs as her laughter elevated. Lera joined in. "I knew it. You two only ever see each other and have to look forward to something after having a trying day."

"Ow! Can't breathe!" Reena gasped. "Okay, stop! You are a disturbed child!"

"I'm 16," Lera corrected. "And you shouldn't talk! You played along. Also, I wasn't the one who had no shirt on in Link's bedroom."

"Alright!" Reena said, becoming defensive. "The fact that I had a gash running along my back that was bleeding played a part in that! He was cleaning it and putting a bandage on it! Nothing else happened!"

"Reena, it's okay!" Lera said. "I'm just teasing you! You sure are getting worked up about this!"

Reena felt herself go a deep shade of red. "Yeah, well, I don't want something like that spreading! If one of the guards also gets the wrong idea, Link and I might as well kill each other!"

"Hmm… then I wouldn't have my brother and sister," Lera muttered thoughtfully. "I guess that would be bad."

Reena smirked. "I'm glad you are so concerned about us. What if we got killed by Ganondorf tomorrow?"

"Eh, things happen," Lera said, shrugging. She grinned as Reena rolled her eyes. "If Ganondorf kills you two tomorrow, this land would be doomed. And I wouldn't have you two to help me when it came to me ruling."

"Ugh, you ruling," Reena said, shuddering. "No, you'll be good. I've seen how you handle problems. Personally I'd just tell them to solve their own petty problems."

"And so you're helping places in trouble because…? I mean…isn't that contradictory to your attitude?" Lera asked.

"Well, that's different," Reena said, casting a glance over at Lera. "Besides, Link needs all the help he can get because he can barely watch his own back."

"And you can barely watch yours," Lera said. "So do two wrongs make a right?"

"Shut up," Reena said, hitting Lera upside the head.

"So, what have you two been up to?" Lera asked, laying down on the grass in the courtyard.

Reena smirked. "You never get tired of it, do you?"

"No," Lera answered.

"Tired of what?" Link asked, walking towards them.

"Oh, hearing of how you and Reena get it on in Hyrule Field," Lera answered.

"What?" Link cried, looking at Reena in horror.

"That is not true!" Reena shrieked.

"I'm joking, Link," Lera said, snickering at their horrified expressions. "I want to know what you two have gone against."

"I swear, we will get you for that," Link threatened, glaring at her.

"Love you too," Lera answered. "You two are way too uptight about the whole ordeal. It makes me wonder…"

"Lera, do I have to kill you?" Reena asked pleasantly.

"I'm shutting up, alright? You two need a holiday," Lera muttered. She saw their looks and rolled her eyes. "I'm not referring to that kind of holiday! By the goddesses!"

"I hate her," Link whispered to Reena. Reena nodded in agreement.

Lera sat up and folded her hands. "I'm sorry, please forgive me. Are you happy?"

"No, I want you to grovel," Rena muttered.

Lera rolled her eyes. "Are you going to tell me anything or not?"

"I don't think I am anymore," Reena admitted. Lera rolled her eyes. "However, you can tell us all about your boyfriend."

"I don't have a boyfriend!" Lera cried, sitting up.

"Denial," Link and Reena said in unison.

"Have you two gone daft?" Lera demanded. "I don't have a boyfriend! I…I… where did you get an idea like that?"

"We're even," Link said, narrowing his eyes at him. "Alright, we'll tell you now."

"Oh, that was mean," Lera muttered.

"I'm not even going to comment on that," Reena said. "Alright, what do you want to hear?"

"Everything," Lera answered.

"I don't know what you find so interesting about them," Link admitted. However, he and Reena told her all of their travels. Joking, teasing, laughter, and talking filled the hours. Only when it grew dark did the three finally retire with smiles on their faces.

I WANNA GET PYSICAL! PYSICAL! In my mind thats what was stuck in my head during the medicine scene. Curtosy of Band Camp last year. I just filled my quota of sexual innuendo jokes...all in one chapter, I will probably add various other ones throughout the rest of the story. And YES I am aware that that was THE WORST fight with Ganondorf ever. But, believe me, there WILL be another one at a later date.