Hey guys, it's me again. I know, I know that it has been a while since I last uploaded and I'm really sorry for that. I went through a really hard past couple of months and personal problems that made writing really difficult and even painful for me to do, which really sucked because writing is one of my favoritest things ever to do. Everything in life happened kind of at once and I won't go into the gory details, but just know that I was going through a rough personal time and issues that would make even Zelda's life seem simple, and that's why I didn't upload as soon as I had promised. I'm not exactly fully recovered persay, but I am doing a lot better and thought that I owed you guys this chapter, even though not going to lie, it isn't the best in a longshot. It's rather long, but it explains a lot about Zelda's history and lays down a LOT for how the rest of this story plays out. I'm sorry that I let the ball down for everyone, but I think I'm back now and able to do better, so I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and as alwasy please read, review, comment, message, do the hokey-pokey, all that jazz!

Cultural Allusions: American Idol, characteristics of Greek women, Nicki Minaj, Colin Firth's attractiveness, Harry Potter glasses, Hamlet (the quote "something is rotten in the state of Denmark"), Reality TV, communism, Astral Observatory, "Save Ferris," the term 'ratchet'

Playlist: "One Headlight"-The Wallflowers (the beginning scene), "Here with Me"-Dido (the conversation with Peter), "Moon's Tear"-Theophany (the observatory scene, and just a writer plug in, if you haven't checked out the Majora's Mask remix album "Time's End" by Theopany, then you need to reavaluate your life choices and go listen to the whole thing right now), "The Violet Hour"-Sea Wolf (the ending scene after they leave the observatory)

A/N: A lot of you asked at the end of the last chapter why Zelda fell into Link's arms and not Clarke's, and whether that meant anything. The answer is no-she fell into his arms because she was overwhelmed with emotions and he was the closest one to her at the time. Most likely she would have preferred to cry in Link's studly arms, but he was on the ground and unable to comfort her as easily as Clarke could at the time. I didn't mean for it to seem like it was supposed to be romantic or anything, though a lot of you seemed to take it that way so I thought I would clear up the confusion once and for all for everyone.

Thanks again for your continued support in this story and I hope you enjoy!


"Has she really gone to school with us this whole year?"

"Dude, I think she's been going here for a while."

"Do you think she actually saw him?"

"Isn't that Clarke Stone's jacket?"

"Come on Zelda, you don't have to listen to all this."

A strong arm wrapped around my shoulders as I was suddenly in a standing position, numbly trudging forward, staring straight at the ground to try and ignore the recent whispers and accusations of my classmates. Many of them were staring at me as if I was trapped in a zoo pen, wondering aloud my part in the events that had unfolded during the party's pinnacle. The news that the captain of the Royal Guard was found outside Dark Ombra's house had spread quickly and not long after I had found his body everyone had already gathered outside in large clusters staring at us, staring at me. I knew they didn't know the exactness of my role in the events, but that didn't stop them all from looking at me as if I was crazy, as if it was my fault that a body was found which cut into their party time. In my normal state of mind, I knew I would have had many quipping comebacks to retort with, to defend myself against them with ease, but all I could do in my current mind frame was merely sit on the back of an ambulance where the EM's had put me, looking at the ground as I tried to shut my mind down and not think of anything that had happened. I had been sat there as everyone began to try and press me for information right as they wheeled in Chief Rusl Gayton. I tried not to look at him, to acknowledge that I knew him and see the pain inflicted on him by that... man. I shuddered as the whispers all around me started to buzz in my ears until my personal savior grabbed me to go somewhere. His strong arm had a firm grip on me and I looked up into Link's stoic face as he walked me away from the tree and over to the arrangement of medical cars present, ignoring the stares of everyone as we walked past them. My arms hung loosely as I was led to the other side of a random truck where Link pulled the tail down and helped me sit on the edge of it, my feet dangling as I stared at my hands in my lap.

"These parties aren't usually like this," he said lightly, the first words he had spoken to me since the Chief had been found, as I continued to stare at my hands and gave a small nod of indifference. A breeze passed through us that rustled the leaves on the nearby trees as I shivered, grasping my hands tighter and hunching my shoulders as I immediately appreciated that I was somehow still in Clarke's jacket. I could feel Link looking at me, as if to say something else, right as a small girl came over to us that made me look up at her to try and decipher who she was. She had a long ponytail despite her short stature, and had a gold beak-like nose that revealed her to be of Rito descent. She was smiling kindly at me as she reached the back of the truck and handed me the front apron of her dress, a red cloth with Nayru's symbol on it which I took with confusion.

"Hiya, we had all wondered where you had gotten off to!" she said as she took my hands with over brimming excitement and my eyes widened, terrified by her intensity. She let go of my hands as I glanced at the cloth, still wondering what she wanted me to do with it.

"Were there any people who specifically wanted her?" Link asked, a certain level of protection present in his voice that for some reason made me feel very safe, and I was instantly even more grateful that he was here with me. The girl looked at him with a grin and gave a little squealing noise that made my eyes widen even more in shock that a voice could go that high.

"I was just wondering where our new famous girl had escaped to!" She giggled as I continued to stare at her blankly and she looked at Link then back to me. "Now, is this your beau?"

My eyes widened as I swallowed and looked down, trying to keep the blush from coming to my face. "Beau? Oh um, no, we're… we're just friends," I mumbled and shook my head, surprised I was able to actually form coherent words as I glanced at Link and back down, wondering not only what she wanted me to do with the cloth (as it was still just sitting in my hands), but whether the question she had asked was of an overly personal nature and if it was even appropriate for her to ask such a bold thing. Before I could think of a valid answer she had smiled again and had taken the cloth from me and wrapped it around me like a blanket, instantly adding ten degrees of warmth to me.

"I was warned you might go into shock, so I brought you this to keep you warm!"she squealed again and closed her eyes in over-smile as I glanced at Link, who shrugged with as much confusion as I was feeling about this girl.

"Well, thank you…"

"Medli! My name is Medli!"

"Right. Medli. Thank you." I glanced at Link who shrugged as I looked back to Medli and continued. "I think that the phase of shock may already be long past, but this was quite considerate of you anyways," I said truthfully as I slid off Clarke's jacket and wrapped her own apron closer around me to keep in the heat. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Link look as if he was going to say something else as her eyes suddenly shot open and she gave me a worried look.

"Oh I now remember! I was supposed to find you, which I suppose I now have already done so, and get you to come with me." She looked concerned as I stared at her in puzzlement, wondering why this suddenly had become such an important thing to her.

"Well, why were you supposed to get me?" I pressed as I noticed Link turn to look at something. He straightened up and started to pace around the truck as I observed him in concern. Medli was watching him also and as soon as he was a little ways away, was grinning at me.

"So then, are you two a thing?!" she squealed, grabbing my hands with excitement as I gaped at her in surprise. I managed to compose myself though as I cleared my throat and looked at her with a shake of my head.

"Oh, no. Definitely not. We're just very good friends," I said firmly as she looked unconvinced and I wondered how her brain could jump from topic to topic so easily. Link came back over to us and looked at her with slight impatience and another emotion in his eyes.

"Aren't we supposed to be somewhere then?" he asked as she gasped again.

"Oh shoot, you're totally right, really sorry! Golly I'm such a bird-brain sometime!" she laughed as she started to walk forward. I sat on the truck still, mentally deciding that I kind of liked her eccentric behavior and attitude, as it was somewhat amusing to observe, though rather hectic. Link started to go a little forward as he paused and turned back to look at me.

"Come on," he motioned forward, his face uncharacteristically stoic as I frowned, but hopped off anyways and grabbed Clarke's jacket as I began to follow him and Medli back to wherever we were going. She was several paces away from us and was talking at an abnormally fast speed, even though neither of us seemed to be listening to any of what she was saying. We were led back to where we had first been at, at the back of one of the other ambulances (one of them that was bearing the Chief had already rushed back to town) where Clarke and Dark were waiting. Both of them had their arms crossed and were irritably glaring at the ground and looked up when Link and I came into view. My heart stopped, then started beating again quickly at the sight of Dark as aberrant feelings of being in his arms, of the almost kiss, took over me, and I numbly realized that the most significant parts of the night with him had barely happened in the mere past hour. Clarke's expression was harder to decipher as we stared each other down, then he turned and looked at some of the party people walking around us as close to the crime scene as they could get, many of them no doubt trying to get an edge into what was happening. I saw everyone spying in, from the typical class stoners to some jocks and I even thought I saw Ruto and her gang slinking around, no doubt trying to get the latest tidbit of gossip to tell the school tomorrow morning. Medli was still talking as she paused and looked back at Link and I.

"Oh, I guess we're all here then!" she said brightly as Clarke snorted and turned away from the crowd and back to us as he glared down to her.

"Yeah, and would anyone like to explain what exactly we're doing here?"

"Huh?" she asked in confusion, not used to Clarke's harsh way of addressing people the same way I was as I glared at him in annoyance. He looked back at me with a shrug as I threw his jacket angrily to him (he caught it with shock), and took off Medli's warm apron and begrudgingly handed it back to her, already feeling the temperature difference.

"It's fine Medli, and here you are, thank you. I'm assuming that we're all here to be viable witnesses, am I right?" I pressed, trying to be as patient as I could manage as her eyes suddenly widened a little, looking past me. I looked at her with confusion, noticing a change in the other guys also as I finally turned around and found myself facing a somewhat familiar looking man. He looked to be in his late 40's and was wearing a crisp tweed suit and boots. His dark and slightly graying hair was parted to the side, not a hair out of his pencil moustache out of place. Before I could think of his name though and where I knew him from, he was already talking, addressing us all in a brisk identifiable manner.

"Good evening gentleman and milady," he began, pulling a notepad out of his coat pocket as I stared, his name still infuriatingly eluding me. I frowned as he continued; trying to ignore how much it bothered me I couldn't remember it. "My name is inspector Williams, Chudley Williams to be ever so precise, and I've been responsible for investigating these particular case study murders we've been having in the kingdom recently."

"So you're the one that's been doing such a great job with that so far," Clarke muttered, glaring at the Inspector, of who when he had identified himself I instantly recognized him. He looked irritated, as he usually did, and was about to say something as I accidently spoke, my will bending with my brimming curiosity

"You work with the royal family," I exclaimed as my eyes widened, realizing the severity of what I had said as all the guys looked at me curiously. Don't think they realized exactly what that would insinuate I thought as I gave an internal sigh of relief they didn't catch what I had so carelessly revealed. Chudley Williams moved his arm down as he peered down at me, no doubt trying to undermine me with his classiness.

"And just why would you believe that modest presumption little miss?" he asked as I fought the urge to roll my eyes. The Williams family had been particularly close with my family, and Chudley had always been one of my father's closest advisers. He was a large part of the original plan to have me hidden, though I knew very few of my father's advisers actually knew my exact whereabouts and I doubted that he was one of them. However, if Chudley was indeed here then, that must mean…

"Hey Dad, I got that blood sample you wanted," a young man called as he walked into our view and we all turned to scrutinize him. He was tall-much taller than the last time I had seen him-and had seemed to finally have grown into his mature stature that had made him appear so dorky when we were little. His dark wavy hair was as untamed as ever, his dark eyes still holding the same wild and adventurous look they had always possessed over five years ago when I last saw him. He was carrying a large manila envelope that he handed his father as he turned to look at me and my eyes finally met the eyes of Peter Williams for the first time since I had left my whole life as royalty and had come to the academy as a commoner. I instantly blushed and looked away, not able to comprehend quite what I should do as I noticed in the corner of my eye a confused look Link gave me.

"Thank you Peter," Chudley told him as I hesitantly glanced up to the two of them. He took the envelopes from Peter as I raised my head and eyed them, my mind wandering in reminiscence.

Peter and I had used to spend quite a few years together in the castle, my dad of course being the King and his dad being the head of the kingdom's top investigative branch. I still remembered the first time I had met him as if it was just yesterday, that seemingly insignificant day that changed my whole childhood. I was six and was playing on the grounds by myself (as normal), and he came up to me and simply offered to play hide and go seek. It was the first and one of the only times I was ever addressed by anyone so informally, like I was actually normal. We instantly became childhood friends as it's so easy to do at that age, taking life-long friendship vows and even (my face heated a little at the memory) promises to each other that we would marry when older. In a sense, one could almost say we were childhood sweethearts, but first and foremost, I would also deem Peter Williams to be the first person to not treat me like I was a freak for being royalty and to be my first true friend. I doubt he even remembers me though I thought as I stared at him, trying to ignore the happiness in my heart I got just by seeing him and how well he looked. He really did grow up very nicely I mused, looking down again to collect some thoughts and mainly not over think on how well Peter had grown into his attractive looks.

"Now who the hell are you?" Clarke demanded, glaring at Peter as I gave a little jump, realizing that the three of them were still there. I looked over at them, surprised a little at how drastic of a difference in expressions there was for each one of them; the anger in Clarke's face, Link's once again uncharacteristic stoic face, and finally the blank expression on Dark's face as he purposefully didn't look my way, Medli having disappeared somewhere else. My eyes lingered on Dark for a few seconds too long as I took in his face, and I instantly felt bad and realized he was being very quiet. I immediately wished we were alone so I could talk to him about the situation, or that I was clairvoyant so I could see what was happening in his head. He must really hate me at this point I thought with shame as I looked away, not wanting to feel his guilt. However as soon as I looked away I was caught in the bewildered stare of Peter, who of course looked as if he had been staring at me the entire time. His eyes widened as he locked his into mine and I could suddenly see the recognition clicking in his eyes.

"Can it be, can you be…. Zelda, is that you?" he asked as he walked in front of me, his eyes wide with doubt as my own eyes widened, completely shocked he could identify me. I blushed and looked down, mulling what to do next, and whether or not I should act like I knew him despite the extreme risk that brought. I looked up though, to the expectant face of Peter as I was hit with a wave of familiarity and companionship from a life I no longer called my own. I grinned in spite of myself and started to laugh as I vigorously started to nod. He looked shocked as he also began to laugh and I instantly remembered that he did not know about the plan or my new identity, and the heavy precautions that had been set in motion much after his time. I therefore threw myself in his arms in a giant hug (which he widely received) with a slightly girly squeal as I leaned in closely to his ear.

"Just follow my lead, trust me," I whispered as I felt him nod slightly and he set me back down, still grinning at me as my mind began to whir and think at the quick panicked speed it did ever so well.

"Gosh, how have you been?! I haven't seen you since you left after that investigation you were working on in my humble neighborhood of South Castle Town," I lied smoothly, still grinning at Peter as he laughed with a shrug, my eyes trying frantically to convene hidden messages and implications to him to keep everything right.

"Well you know, just have been here and there with Dad, getting the ropes of good ole' Hyrule."

"Which you seem to be doing very well," I smiled as he grinned, running a hand through his hair.

"Obviously not as well as you. You now do…?"

"Well, Dad was able to get me a scholarship and he pulled a few strings a couple of years ago, so now I go to Castle Academy," I laughed as his eyes widened a little with a flash of surprise but he merely laughed, hiding the shock well.

"Really? Wow, that's amazing, but you always were incredibly brilliant. Bet you're top of your class there," he grinned as I rolled my eyes and shook my head as I smacked him on the arm.

"Totally not! You know I'm not nearly as smart as you always thought me to be, and besides I'm pretty sure my friend Link is way ahead of me anyways," I laughed and immediately froze, realization hitting me as I suddenly remembered the other people with us. I turned, noting all three guys and the Inspector were looking at Peter and me with expressions ranging from irritation to daze as I cleared my throat and smoothed the bottom of my sweater in embarrassment, making care to not look any of them in the eye. "You know, my friend Link. Right there."

I looked up as Clarke made an irritated sound as he crossed his arms in front of his chest and rolled his eyes at us. "Sorry for the interruption to this heartwarming reunion, but can someone tell me what the hell is going on?" Clarke asked angrily, looking between Peter and me in suspicion as I scrunched my eyes in confusion.

"I think that I'm going to second that," Dark said, speaking for the first time as I looked over at him in surprise he had spoken, taking painful note of his hurt face. He locked eyes with me and turned away, causing me to quickly look down with shame and to try and ignore the sudden pounding in my heart. I glanced up to Link, who I noted had taken a step closer to me as I looked up with an encouraging swallow to the somewhat bewildered Peter.

"I'm so sorry, I should explain," I finally said as Clarke scoffed.

"That could be helpful."

"Stop being a pompous douche bag Stone," Link said as he rolled his eyes, Clarke's own eyes instantly narrowing at him as he took a step forward and popped his knuckles.

"Please Avalon, don't embarrass yourself here," Clarke retorted as I glared at him, angry in Link's defense.

"Likewise," I snapped as I crossed my arms over the front of me, somewhat overly enjoying the look on Clarke's face in response to my outburst of anger. He looked a little lost for words as he stared at me as I heard a faint chuckling from behind us. I turned, only to see Peter eyeing us all with amusement. He caught my eye and grinned, shaking his head.

"Oh please, don't stop on my account. It's been a larger than desired time span since I had the unique pleasure of witnessing an overheated male get his balls handed back to him by a woman, that' all," Peter said with a smirk and a shrug, Clarke immediately backing down a little. My eyes widened a little, but it was mainly so I could bite my lip and keep in the laugh that was threatening to come out. I noticed Link glance at me with a disapproving look as I immediately sobered, not used to my disappointing Link. I cast a reproachful shake of my head to Peter, who shrugged again and held out a hand to a seemingly speechless Clarke. "Sorry man, that was a little below the belt on my part, no pun intended."

Clarke looked at Peter's outstretched hand and looked as if he was about to spit in it as the Inspector made a sound and we all jumped, most of us forgetting he had been there through this whole encounter. I was expecting him to say something to Peter, but instead he was looking right at me as he stepped forward, his eyes very wide.

"Zelda, truly, it cannot be?" he asked, the incredulity as evident as the decline of quality American Idol contestants over the years. My eyes grew wide as I looked at him, unable to look away, and fought the urge to gasp and take a step back away from the sudden newfound glint strong in his eyes that had appeared almost out of nowhere. However, before I could respond he blinked and it was instantly gone, making me wonder if I had made up the whole thing in my head. Before I could think of what to say to him I felt someone's reassuring hand on my back. I turned and was surprised to see it was Peter, who had gotten even closer to me in the past minute and who was now having a strong stare down with his father, the intent and implications heavily prominent in his eyes.

"Yeah Dad, you remember Zelda from that one case we had worked on in South Castle town for a couple months six years ago. You know, the one involving the crown and using her dad and his research as viable help?" Peter lied smoothly, briefly looking at me to make sure he got everything right and that his impromptu improvisation was acceptable. I gave a curt nod as I turned to the Inspector, hoping with all my heart he'd catch on easily to where we were heading with this.

"Yes, to all of that. I still don't know if there was any a time other than this monumental case when the Harkinians and Williams were so close, but we really were… close. Surely you must remember my father the historian who helped you with the translation of those runes you found?" I asked, my voice almost taking a tone of pleading for him to catch on to what exactly was happening.

For a brief second, the Inspector's eyes were locked, pondering what I said, then his mustached twisted and I heaved an internal sigh of relief. "Oh yes, of course I remember now. My my Ms. Harkinian, you have mightly grown up since then," he said, offering his spotless hand to shake, which I politely took.

"Indeed she has," Peter said as I took a step back. I frowned up to him as he gave a cheeky grin and shrugged, making me roll my eyes as I tried to keep in a laugh. There was a sound as someone loudly cleared their throat and I looked up to the rather irritated looking Link not staring at me as I had expected but instead straight at Peter, his arms crossed menacingly in front of him.

"Pardon the interruption to this joyous Disney reunion, but I extremely doubt I am the only one here wondering if there's really any importance for the rest of us still being here," he said, an indescribable tone weaving through his normal voice that sounded like a combination of defiance, snark, and annoyance-all attributes I never would have associated with Link. Frowning, I noticed Peter cock his head to the side with purposeful interest towards Link's direction, no doubt just noticing him for the first time throughout this whole encounter. I suddenly got a very bad gut feeling, one that insinuated that Link and Peter should not mingle and I started to get very anxious to whatever Peter was going to do next. I turned to him and shook my head as subtly as I could as he merely grinned at me and took a step forward to Link, extending a hand like the proper gentleman he had been raised to be.

"Well well, I would confidently say that we have not ever met before, but there is something oddly familiar about you. Pray, what is your name?"

"Link, Avalon," Link said in afterthought, eyeing the outstretched hand like he would a distasteful orange turtleneck. He eventually took the hand in a firm grip, looking straight into Peter's gleaming eyes with more force than necessary, making me wonder what had suddenly gotten into him. Peter grinned again, his impish face amused with the trouble I knew that he knew he was causing.

"Link eh? I could swear I know that name from somewhere, but your surname isn't familiar to me so must be my mistake," Peter said with a shrug and less than friendly smile, letting go of Link's hand as Link merely continued to stare at him in anger.

"Either situation is entirely possible. I have heard that I tend just to have one of those faces," Link said, complete monotone as I looked at him with confused worry, wondering not for the first time tonight what was wrong with him.

"He does have one of those faces," Clarke said casually as I frowned and looked at him, wondering if he was seriously trying to be funny in this situation. Before I could reply though, Dark made a 'tsk'ing noise, instantly stopping my words in their tracks as I turned to pathetically look at him.

"Whether or not Avalon has a recognizable face isn't that important. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming some of us can go, and not everyone here needs to actually be here," he said angrily, once again purposefully not looking at me even though I was desperately staring right at him. I looked down again, feeling the dejection as the Inspector cleared his throat and stepped forward with a curt nod as I composed myself a little and looked up expectantly.

"Yes, indeed I am sorry, let me explain." I crossed my arms in front of me to try and keep in warmth as the Inspector motioned to me. "Ms. Harkinian, I must ask that you accompany us to Castle Town for further interrogation and questioning. However, the rest of you aren't necessary and can go; only Ms. Harkinian is needed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some other business to finish up." He nodded again and left to go attend his business as I stared wide-eyed at his back, knowing full well that me entering Castle Town on the night the Chief of the royal guard was almost murdered was a very bad idea.

"Um, I don't think me going into town is the greatest of plans," I called out to him desperately in protest as I sighed, knowing that he didn't hear me. I sighed and looked down in worry, wondering how I was going to fix this mess when I was instantly taken out of my thoughts by a jumble of noises. Confused at what was going on, I looked up only to see the three guys arguing amongst themselves with loud protests, each pointing in my direction.

"Clearly I should be the one going. This is my house after all," Dark began as he glared at Link with hostile contempt, surprising me with the urgency of his tone as he stepped forward and earnestly glanced my way, only to be pushed back by Clarke as he stepped forward. I swallowed and quickly tore my glance from him to try and calm the sudden erratic heartbeats I was now suffering from as I glanced up to the menacing stare Clarke was giving both Dark and Link.

"Yeah, but I was the one with her when she discovered the body. I should be going," he said as he popped his knuckles at Dark and Link rolled his eyes, taking a step towards me.

"If anyone is going, it should be me. Not only was I with Zelda when she discovered the body but I am also her best friend, which means that I should be there," Link said smoothly as I looked at him quizzically, surprised a little at him calling us 'best friends.' I suppose we are though, if you think about it I thought with faint amusement as he glanced down to me with a half smile, seemingly over his random bad mood he had been suffering from a few minutes ago. I smiled back as Link nodded, my approval causing him to be a little more forward as he took another step towards me so that we were standing right next to one other, so close that I could feel the heat radiating off of him. "We are best friends so if anyone is going with Zelda, it's going to be me."

"Well, isn't someone whipped?" Peter remarked lightly, looking at Link with a mischievous gleam in his eyes as I turned back to him in exasperation. He winked at me and I opened my mouth to heavily protest, only to be stopped by a strong comforting hand on my shoulder. I looked up into Link's face as he put an obviously forced smile on his face as he looked at me, then to Peter's direction and I internally hoped that he would end the childish fighting they were both instigating to one another.

"It's fine Zelda. It's not your fault that your old companion is such a pompous prat," he stated simply as I sighed, letting my high hopes for them die as I tried to figure out just exactly why they were being so difficult. Really, you would think that they were both children I thought as I sighed and looked at Peter, not being reassured by the smirk he was giving Link.

"Ooo, battling me with alliteration; aren't you quite the superior man?" Peter replied in the same tone Link had used as I looked back at him with more frustration. I decided to intervene and opened my mouth right as Link stepped forward and looked Peter straight in the eye-as they were both the same height-, their faces inches from another.

"You know, you are really lucky Zelda is here, otherwise I may not have so easily refrained from saying the remarks that I really wanted to say back to you," he said, his voice dripping with empty menace. I rolled my eyes.

"A threat and everything. You really are something, aren't you Link Avalon," Peter grinned as Link glared at him, his fist clenched as he raised it into hitting position. My eyes widened as I instantly grew panicked and stepped in between the both of them, worrying something was going to happen if I didn't intervene fast as I moved my head to look at the both of them simultaneously as I talked to them.

"Hey both of you, stop it!" I reprimanded both of them, my anger in my eyes as they both caught my eyes and immediately looked down, the shame evident on both of their faces. "Honestly, I don't know what's wrong with either of you, but it needs to stop right now and you two need to stop with this melodramatic fight!"

"And once again, the award for the most self righteous of the night goes to Zelda Harkinian," someone else remarked loud and dry as I irritably looked around, having forgotten Clarke and Dark were still there. Clarke (who I immediately knew it was him that had said something) rolled his eyes as Dark once again looked as if he was purposefully not looking at me. I scrunched my eyebrows and was about to say something hostile in reply to Clarke as I suddenly felt my phone started to ring a familiar and embarrassing tune in my pocket. Confused, I took it out to see Malon's name and picture flashing on the screen and my eyes widened.

"Oh my gosh, who told Malon about this?" I said to them all as one by one they all looked sheepishly to the ground, except for Peter, who merely looked confused. Link timidly looked up to me with a nod as I sighed deeply and opened my phone, somewhat prepared to deal with my overbearing but good intentioned, no doubt overwhelmingly worried best friend. As soon as I answered my phone she started talking with incredible speed, her volume causing all of the guys to look at me with confusion or in Peter's case, amusement. I tried to ignore them as well as cut into her consistent stream questions of concern about my safety as I clutched my phone like a lifesaver and went around the truck to a more private and less manly talking area where I wouldn't have to deal with any of the four guys. She continued on full speed in talking, saying at least three times how much she had a feeling before I left that I shouldn't have even come to the party, at least five times that she knew Dark was a sketchy individual after all that couldn't be trusted, and a record blowing eleven times about how much she was going to kill Link for letting me out of his sight.

"Really Malon, I'm fine now. No harm at all," I insisted for the ninth time after a normal ten minute long schpeil of hers that mirrored a Greek woman's guilt trip. I heard silence on her end for the first time in a good while as she gave a quiet sigh and I clutched my phone harder, furrowing my brow in concern as I looked down.

"I know I just… I just don't see why you weren't with Link the entire time. None of this would have happened if it wasn't for that Clarke guy, who, in case anyone was wondering my opinion on the matter I just have to say once again, I don't like," she spat bitterly, the disdain dripping heavily from her voice. I sighed and was about to reply when I looked up and saw a person leaning on the car that was nearest to me. My heart started pounding instinctively as I gulped and I moved forward a little so the person's face was caught by the moon (which had only now decided to take a trip from out behind the clouds, just to spite me no doubt), only to reveal a very casual looking Peter. Malon was still going on as I gave a big sigh of relief and looked at Peter, locking eyes with him then motioning to my phone. He shrugged as I rolled my eyes and interjected in the most convenient pause.

"You know that is an excellent point, but really Malon I'm fine. I, I have to um, go okay? I'll make sure Link is around me 24-7 from now on if it really makes you feel that much better about life," I assured, immediately irritated by the smirk in Peter's face when I said that. Malon made an impatient 'tsking' noise, but conceded and hung up without further complaint. I sighed as I put the phone in my pocket and looked up to see Peter still leaning on the side of the truck playing with something in his hands absently. I immediately grew annoyed with him and all the trouble he had purposefully caused, so I firmly marched up to him and put my hands on my hips, waiting for him to look up at me so I could properly chew him out. After a moment or so he lazily glanced up with a cocky smirk, setting down the random pinecone he had been examining.

"You know, I never would have taken you for a Nicki Minaj sort of girl," he said casually, gesturing to my pocket and the ringtone that had blasted when Malon had called me. I blushed (a little ashamed by my guilty music pleasure), but played it off by shrugging indifferently, trying to hide the embarrassment.

"Well, I'm a woman of much mystery, what can I say? I've heard it's all the rage these days," I said with slight irritation, crossing my arms over my chest. Peter shrugged again and motioned to next to him as I sighed and leaned on the hood next to him, exhausted with him and the rest of the night.

"You've changed a lot Nohansen," he said simply as I gave a little laugh and shrug, looking down as my heart began to pound with the heavy weight of my secret.

"You don't know how good it is to actually hear that name," I half-laughed as the exterior of my main pretense slowly started to slide off. Peter frowned and turned a little in my direction with wonder and confusion.

"Zelda, forgive me if I'm being bold, but what's going on? Why were we lying about you to those people you now associate with? Do they… do they not know who you truly are?" Peter asked, the puzzlement clear on his face. I looked into his eyes with worry, several thoughts and possible scenarios racing through my head as I opened my mouth to take the next move. I could lie to him I thought as I shut my mouth again, it would be the same as what I tell everyone else and I don't need him mixed into this anymore than he needs to be. As soon as I thought that though I was met with a sick feeling in my stomach, as if the very thought of lying to Peter was repulsing like trying and lie to my father or Malon. I don't want to lie to him, Peter of all people deserve the truth I thought as I took a deep breath and turned to his expectant face, bracing myself for what I was about to do.

"Can you keep a secret?" I asked simply, knowing full well that what I was about to do would have repercussions on the events that were barely beginning to unfold that even I couldn't begin to fathom. He looked at me with a half grin, the same signature smile he had as we were children that eased my pounding heart just a little bit.

"Only if they come from extremely beautiful women."

"So what you're saying is that if I want to tell you anything then I'm screwed?"

Peter rolled his eyes, hitting my shoulder with his. "Don't be ridiculous Nohansen, we both know you're gorgeous. Not that gangly little straw-haired child thing you used to look like."

"You know, if I recall right you weren't exactly Colin Firth yourself, and had pale skin, freckles, and giant Harry Potter glasses that were much too big for your face," I replied instantly with a smirk as I then tried to compose myself to be serious for what I was going to say to him.

Peter shrugged, obviously not fazed. "What I looked like six years ago is not important. What is important, however, is who exactly that cute little ginger on your phone was a few minutes ago?"

I looked at him in exasperation, and with a combination of all the seriousness I was trying to have and the random and earnestness of his inquiries, I began to laugh very hard, unable to contain myself, despite the annoyed expression he was giving me. I continued to laugh as he sighed and started to nudge me again.

"I don't understand what is so funny," he said simply as I paused in my laughter to try and get some soothing breaths in. I calmed myself down a little as I looked at his somewhat stoic face with a couple more light bouts of laughter, eventually calming myself down so that I was sobered up once again. I took out my phone and found one of my favorite pictures of Malon that showed her on her beloved horse laughing and looking as extremely beautiful as she was. I showed it to him with a grin as he looked at it and paused, blinking a little as he stared at the picture and I could tell he was impressed. He cleared his throat and looked back to me with a confused nod as I laughed a little again, overly amused with him being so awe-struck by Malon.

"You know, here I am just about to tell you a completely royal secret that has been my life and focus for the past five years, and all you can do is inquire about the relationship status of my best friend. You really are exactly how I remember you Peter," I laughed again as I shook my head with faint amusement. He looked at me as his dark eyebrow immediately rose, giving me a dubious and almost sarcastic look.

"Does a certain attractive blonde Hylian know that this girl is your best friend as opposed to himself?" he said simply, a familiar gleam in his twinkling eyes as I rolled my eyes and put my phone away.

"Link knows perfectly well Malon and I have been friends ever since I started at the academy. However, if you really think he's that cute I can definitely throw in a good word for you. I do have those connections."

I expected him to say something in return-some overly witty remark that had seemingly always followed my words growing up-but Peter merely stared at me, intently examining me to the point of a little bit of discomfort. Frowning, I prepared myself to ask him why he was staring so earnestly when he surprised me and spoke first, cutting off my train of thought. "You know, six years ago, the old Zelda wouldn't have dared reply with such a cheeky answer."

I looked at him and gave a harsh laugh, surprised at the cynicism in my thoughts. "Six years ago, the old Zelda was waited upon hand and foot; was given privileges and lacked necessary social skills needed to function in society today. She grieved over her mother's death and was always submitted into perfection, even if that wasn't what she wanted. Six years ago, that Zelda was a princess," I reminded him, surprised by the prevalent tone of grief in my voice as I swallowed and looked down, trying to ignore the slight stinging that had suddenly happened in the corner of my eye. There were a few moments of silence, then Peter took my hands in his and gave them a gentle squeeze as I looked up, surprised by the kind stare he was giving me.

"You still are a princess Zellie. You may not necessarily be living that same lifestyle anymore, but nothing can take away your royal birthright. However, I do believe I am now entitled to an explanation as to why you may think otherwise." He let go of my hands and looked at me sympathetically but expectantly as I sighed and stood, beginning to slowly pace around our little area. I glanced over to a very calm sitting Peter as I paced and grew extremely grateful none of the guys had followed us, as I knew this was something that none of them could ever even think to handle. I paused and turned to him, taking a deep breath as I focused on anything in the vicinity besides him, knowing if I was staring at him I could never get through any of what exactly I wanted to say to him.

"Peter," I began, "since the first time I ever met you, you've always treated me no different from anyone else, even in spite me being royal." I looked at him and swallowed, the words forming in my mind as they all of sudden rushed out at once. "You were my first friend. Ever. You were also my best friend, my person I needed when my mother died, the first one to ever treat me like I was an actual human being, and I've always known I could count on you for anything I needed, and right now, I just really need you to understand this concept." I took a deep breath and looked at him once again, already anticipating his reaction to my next comment. "Peter, I am the crown princess of Hyrule, but no one knows this. I've been in hiding for five years, living in the dorms at a school where the majority of the student body doesn't even know I exist. I am anonymous, and with that the name of Zelda Nohansen-the name you so freely called me earlier-has been lost to both me and, for the most part, my people."

I finished and looked down, expecting him to be angry with my secrecy, but instead I was merely surprised by his silence. Confused, I allowed myself to glance up to him and was met with his thoughtful eyes as he looked me over once with a sort of protective frown. I furrowed my eyebrows as he patted the spot next to him for me to go sit next to him again. Begrudgingly, I sighed and went to sit down as he continued to stare at me with that same knowing frown as he opened his mouth to speak. "You're wrong you know."

"Am I?" I asked skeptically, crossing my arms in front of me for lack of knowing what else to do with them. Peter frowned and then before I really knew what he was doing stood slightly to look around us intently and once again sat back down with a quick look and curt nod to me as I furrowed my eyebrows at him. There was a pause as I looked at him expectantly and he shrugged, speaking nonchalantly to me as if what we were discussing was trivial and unimportant.

"The kingdom is still looking for you Zel," he said, looking around everywhere with new suspicions in his eyes as I froze in my seat, dread and fear pouring quickly into my heart.

"What?" I managed to ask, caught unaware by his words as they slowly started to repeat in my mind. He turned to me and simply nodded as my eyes grew wider and panic began to fully overtake me.

"The kingdom, or at least certain parts of it, is still looking for you. In all honesty, I don't think that they ever stopped looking for you, now more than ever. I, I've been out there recently and let me tell you, it isn't pretty. You're father has made some very bad enemies over the years and I'm afraid… At least, there's been talk…" he paused, looking at me with uncharacteristic wide eyes and I realized suddenly I had been shaking the entire time he had been talking. I tried to stop and breathe normally as he suddenly looked at me with heavy concern, placing a warm hand on my trembling shoulder. "Are you all right Zelda?"

I breathed and looked down, intertwining my fingers together to try and provide more stability for myself. This news, though very shocking, somehow made a lot of sense and fit exactly into what I had been trying to avoid thinking about the past month. Hesitantly I turned to him and swallowed, locking into his eyes as I opened my mouth to talk and ask him personally the prominent question in my heart that in some ways I already knew the answer to.

"Peter, is there a rebellion happening?" I asked, the words slipping out of my mouth with more ease than I would have thought possible as I stared at him, pathetically hopeful for an optimistic answer. He looked surprised at my words but looked down, then back up again, his face crushing my hope in a heartbeat.

"I don't know for sure if it's what you would call a rebellion, but I cannot deny that there is something amiss going on in the kingdom," he admitted as I sighed and looked up at the night sky.

"'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,'" I muttered, my mind filled with many possibilities and different theories brought up by his words.

"It certainly is. But, it's sure to end soon. I'm hopeful that this madman will be caught soon and the kingdom will be peaceful once again."

I turned to him, surprised a little by his naivety and his stubborn face as he looked at me hopefully. I gave him a sad sort of smile, having already accepted the current situation in hand as I shook my head. "No, whoever it is won't be. You're hopeful because you come from a political family where everything works out and the good guy always saves the day in the end. I come from an entirely different background now, and I know that this is much bigger than anything either of us could ever imagine. This whole thing with the country on pins and needles and the murdered royal guard no doubt goes way back to something only few could really have any idea about, and I am extremely confident that none of this will be resolved 'right' away."

"What are you suggesting?" he asked as I looked down, not in the habit of thinking in terms of an entire kingdom anymore.

"I, I don't know what I'm suggesting. But I have a horrible feeling that whatever it is happening, tonight is truly only the beginning." Suddenly, a thought popped into my head as I shot my head up to look at him, fighting the urge to gasp out loud. "Peter you, you have to keep this quiet; you have to keep me quiet."

"What exactly do you mean? Of course I wouldn't reveal your location to anyone," he frowned as I shook my head wildly, my hair bouncing a little as I did so. I leaned my elbow on my leg, putting my forehead in my palm as I tried not to stress too much about my sudden epiphany.

"Not that, I mean now about tonight." I lifted my head and looked at him, square in the face. "No one can know that I was here, that I was the one responsible for finding the body. I, I cannot be mentioned in a newspaper or have a picture leaked or anything; I cannot have existed here. That is truly the last thing we need right now."

He looked at me and pondered what I said, taking my words into careful consideration. "Of course Princess, of course I will do everything to make sure your security and anonymity is kept safe," he said finally as I let out the breath I had been instinctively holding in and shakily began to laugh gratefully. I threw my arms around him as he did the same.

"Oh thank you so much Peter, really. I thank you and the kingdom of Hyrule thanks you personally," I said, squeezing him like I had always done when we were children. I felt him laugh, a low throaty sound that made me giggle a little bit in return. I was about to say something else when I instead heard a loud and annoyed cough near where we were. Confused, I let go of Peter only to see Link, standing a few feet away from us with a somewhat judgmental look on his face. Blushing, I looked down, somewhat embarrassed to look at him as Peter stood, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Yes, may I help you?" he asked sarcastically as I looked up with a small sigh, wishing Peter wasn't so cheeky to Link in particular. If it were anyone else but Peter, that attitude would bother me a lot more I thought as Link's eyes narrowed and he crossed his own arms.

"The Inspector wanted Zelda, and asked me to retrieve her," Link said, an edge of defiance in his voice as I fought the urge to roll my eyes. As if that attitude weren't enough just coming from Peter. I stood, eager to get the two of them away from each other as quick as possible as Peter sidestepped a little, conveniently blocking me from advancing forward.

"Okay, you've done your duty Farmboy, you can go tell him she'll be right there," Peter said audaciously as I stepped forward and looked at him, irritated at his obvious intent to offend and undermine Link.

"Hey Peter, that was a bit below-"

"Excuse me prat, but I was ordered to have Zelda come with me immediately," Link said, ignoring my comment as he continued to glare at Peter. I sighed and was about to speak again when Peter started laughing, a deep sarcastic laugh.

"Do you ever think for yourself, honestly? Because I'm getting the vibe that you're not really there all the time up there," Peter said as I finally couldn't take it anymore and stepped forward so I could properly smack him as hard as I could on the arm. He yelped in surprise as he and Link both turned to look at me, no doubt having forgotten I was there as I looked at the both of them, irate with their behavior.

"Honestly, do you guys have to act like total idiots all the time? I don't know why neither of you like the other, but it needs to stop right now for my sake because I really don't need to deal with either of your man sassing!" I cried angrily, surprised a little at the ferocity of my anger. They both also appeared a little in shock too, looking at me as if I was going completely insane. Huh, maybe I was. Link was the first to speak as he looked down, appearing like he had forgotten I was there.

"I'm sorry Zelda I'll just wait back there whenever you're ready to come back," he said as he gave a scathing look to Peter and walked back, his fist clenched tightly. I watched him walk away with a sigh as I then turned back to Peter, my high brimming irritation still very active.

"Good riddance," he muttered as I balled my fist and hit him again as hard as I could on the same arm, just to spite him. He cried in protest as I heaved a breath, trying to restrain myself from punching him once more.

"Say that again, I dare you," I threatened as he mumbled something inaudible, still rubbing his arm. "Oh please, we both know that didn't hurt that much, any stranger could see that I punch like a girl," I said with exasperation as he looked at me with a wry grin, though his hand was still rubbing the injured arm.

"I was just punched by the princess of Hyrule. I wonder how many people could say that every day," he grinned cheekily as I rolled my eyes, my anger slowly flowing out as I snorted attractively.

"A lot more people than I think even you would believe," I admitted as he laughed again, dropping his 'ailing' arm.

"What's this, has our lovely Zelda gone violent in the recent years? I really am shocked."

"You better believe it kid," I said matter-of-factly as I motioned to return with my head as he nodded and we slowly began to walk back to the others in the direction Link had gone.

"I would definitely believe it; you always did have a violent streak."

"Hardy har har," I said with an eye roll as I paused and looked at Peter, who had paused with me. "Hey, when we get there, can you please not fight with Link again? For my sake if anything else?"

He looked at me with a thoughtful expression as I scrunched my eyes at him with confusion. "Yeah, so while we're on the subject, what exactly is going on there?" he asked as my eyes widened, not expecting that question.

"What?" I asked with a half laugh, self-conscious that the others would turn to look at us and get crazy ideas.

"There's obviously something there. He wouldn't have been so possessive or jealous otherwise."

"Peter! In all honesty, there is nothing happening between Link and I, that's ridiculous to even think about," I frowned as he shrugged nonchalantly.

"Just asking a friendly question, trying to figure out some more about some of the peasants you associate with now."

I sighed, trying to ignore the snobbery as I caught sight of Link in the distance, who was helping out one of the nurses. Before I could catch myself I smiled a little at the sight of his infinite kindness and the great person he was as I then remembered Peter was probably scrutinizing everything I was doing. I cleared my throat and looked back to Peter's raised eyebrows and shook my head, already preparing myself for the amount of show I was going to have to act tonight as I tried not to think of the many watchful eyes and government surveillance I had to worry about. Peter was still staring at me dubiously and I knew he was didn't believe me as I took my eyes from Link and looked at him with a resigned smile, ignoring the slight pang in my heart as I spoke the hurtful truth.

"Believe me Peter, nothing is happening between Link Avalon and me, and I can assure you there never will be."


The light rainfall drizzled on the top of the observatory, causing a 'pattering' sound to echo throughout the spacious and otherwise empty building. It was the middle of Sunday afternoon and I was sitting on the ground at the top of one of my favorite hideouts, hiding from everyone that I knew probably wanted to see me. As I sat enjoying the silence I sighed, having almost forgotten what it was like to be alone given all that had happened the previous night and the constant running around of everyone there had been. I had needed to escape everyone, and once I woke up after the long night in town (and my extremely late time I had returned back to my room), I had put some frumpy clothes on and went to escape in a place that had always been a source of comfort to me.

The school's observatory- nicknamed 'Astral' by the overzealous science geeks who were always very nice to me-had been one of the first places I had visited when I first came to the academy, and it still felt and held that special part in my heart of it being a place I could always feel relief in. Ever since I had first been here, the interior's colorful scheme had been soothing, the vibrant pulsing lights somewhat peaceful to my lonely and troubled heart. Most days, the Professor was also up here ready to offer wisdom to anyone who asked for it, but for some reason he was not today and I was grateful for that. Today, I just needed to be alone.

I sighed and leaned back unto the building's wall, thinking of the events which had happened in the past 24 hours. The whole night really just become a blur as soon as I went into town I thought, closing my eyes as various mental images came into my view. Ruto's leering face as she harassed me. The Clarke encounter on the outside porch. The unexpected reuniting with Peter, who I of course had not seen in years. Going into town in the dead of the night. The intended murderer. The almost kiss with both Dark and Link…

I immediately blushed at the thought, instinctively touching my right cheek where Dark had kissed me when I turned my head away from him. I still didn't know why I hadn't been able to kiss him, or how mad he was after the whole Peter incident later that night, but I had left right after we all gathered together again and from the way he acted and looked, I knew there was most likely something up with him. He didn't look very happy with anything that was happening, so I doubt he's very pleased with me right now I thought grimly as I continued to stare up at the ceiling, watching the rays of sun that came through a few cracks which caught the dust in the air. There was something eerie about this particular observatory that wholly fascinated me in a strange way, the same type of strange fascination that came with following reality TV shows or trying to understand communism. I sat in my brooding thoughts when all of a sudden I heard the door at the bottom of the stairs open and my heart instantly begun to pound.

My eyes shot open wide in panic as I quickly and quietly got up, my horror mode fully on. With everything that happened last night, I feel I'm quite justified to be a little jumpy I thought as I slowly walked behind the main telescope, carefully trying to not make any sound as the intruder pounded up the steps. I crouched down to hide better and put Link's whistle in my mouth, ready to blow it if needed. The person continued up the stairs until he finally reached the top, revealing none other than Link himself.

"Zelda?" he called as I breathed out in relief, not even realizing I had been holding my breath. He looked around with confusion as I stood and dropped the whistle, somewhat enjoying the jump he gave when he noticed me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him as I awkwardly crossed my arms, cursing myself for wearing the most unattractive clothes in my wardrobe, aside from the accursed school uniform of course. I amended my thoughts with the fact it was only Link, noting the shoulders of the light grey t-shirt he was wearing had little damp spots where water droplets had fallen unto.

"I think the better question is what you are doing in here," he said, looking at me with faint amusement in his eyes that instantly confused me of its origin as I looked at him dubiously and frowned.

"So it's raining then?" I asked casually after a pause, hoping to segue way the conversation away from where I knew it would end up eventually at anyways. He gave a small laugh as I warily watched him lean on the stair rail post behind him.

"Lightly sprinkling. You didn't answer my question."

"Someone is highly astute today," I noted dryly as I gave a noncommittal shrug, crossing my arms in front of me with a disgruntled sigh. He nodded as we stood, each in our own silent thoughts.

"I just, I needed to get away," I finally said, not looking at him as I uncrossed my arms and started to slowly pace, my mind trying hard not to focus on a specific thing.

"I know," he said simply as I stopped and spun around, surprised at his words. He smiled at me kindly and stood so that we were facing each other like the overly civilized people we usually were, which seemed to irritate me more than amuse me.

"You don't know my life," I scowled with a scrunched face as he laughed again. I glared and spun around, walking over and sitting on the ground at the exact same spot I had been at, a little irritated with his overly cheerful mannerisms. I purposefully stared at the ground as I saw his feet walk over to me and saw out of my peripheral him sit down right next to me.

"I figured you'd need some time alone, but I worried if you were alone for too long you'd do something rash, so I asked Malon where I could most likely find you and she pointed me here," he explained as I looked up at him in shock, surprised to see the heavy concern in his face and actions. I opened my mouth a little in awe and was suddenly hit with a feeling of over-happiness, of pleasure that Link cared about me enough to go looking for me and before I knew it I began to feel the same pull in my chest I had felt the previous night when Link had promised me he'd always be there for me. I shut my eyes to will the confusing emotion away and opened them to give him the façade of a puzzled look as I cocked my head to the side and looked at him.

"When have I ever done anything rash, honestly?" I asked him doubtfully as he shrugged, setting his arms on his raised knees in what looked to be a more comfortable position.

"I don't know, you did some pretty hasty running off yesterday in more than one case," he said casually, the heavy implications in his words as he looked to me and I sighed, running a hand through my wavy hair that was fully down, a rarity for me as I usually had some part of it up.

"You know, each one of those was justified in one way or another," I mumbled, not really wanting to talk more about it specifically or even think about anything from the previous night. Despite myself though, more flashes began to go through my head as I stared ahead and begun to shake a little. Laughing with Link over pool. Staring into the unknown through the window. The mass of bodies swaying in conjoined rhythm to the music. The intended murderer standing over the injured by the tree…

I shuddered, trying to erase that memory away from my current thought as I noticed Link casually watching me, no doubt thinking how weird it was that I was having spasm problems. I turned to him to find him looking at me with that same concern in those wild blue eyes of his and I was caught off guard just by how incredible they were. Just like sapphires I thought as I looked down again, trying to hold in the blush and the strange and unexpected breathlessness I was feeling.

"Are you okay?" he asked with concern as I continued to try and breathe normally. My eyes widened, embarrassed that he could tell I had been somewhat checking him out as I then realized he more than likely meant from my spasms and twitching from the bad memories. Obviously.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine really. Just, thinking and you know we should really just talk about something else right now," I said hurriedly, purposefully not looking at him so he couldn't see how red my face was. How awkward I thought as I hoped he would be the one to start talking about something else.

"Well, you're other friend seemed, condescending," Link noted after a pause as I looked up at him (my cheeks at least 5 shades back to their normal color), noticing how tight his lips had seemed to have gotten as he purposefully stared straight forward. I was somehow able to let go of my previous thoughts as I grew amused with Link's antics and pleased at the pleasant change of conversation.

"You know, I really don't see why you and Peter didn't get along, you guys are actually pretty similar, and you both acted pretty immaturely," I frowned as he shrugged, obviously not phased.

"I didn't think we were acting out in any way that wasn't normal," he said with strong justification as I scoffed and looked at him with incredulity.

"Right, because that was normal, civilized behavior for sure," I replied sarcastically as he shrugged again.

"You said 'immature,' nothing about being civilized. There is a considerable distinction between the two," he pointed out as I sighed and looked up in annoyance.

"I don't need your man sass, I just want to know why you and Peter didn't get along that well," I sighed, looking at him again, noting the frown he had on now that hadn't been there behavior.

"We got along fine," he mumbled as I snorted, showcasing my disbelief.

"No, you really didn't." I gave a harsh laugh as he frowned and sighed, looking down as he spoke.

"I was going to try, truly. But then he opened his mouth and started talking and…"

"That's a lame excuse," I rolled my eyes as Link shrugged and looked up.

"I never said it wasn't. I don't know what it was about him, but I just, could not deal with how much of a prick he was," he said simply as I sighed and pulled my legs up to my chest.

"I can't really say you're lying there. Peter isn't exactly one who in the past has been particularly kind to those he finds beneath him. But he is one of my oldest friends, and he'll probably end up showing up now and then in the future and I'd really like for when he does you two could actually have a civilized conversation where I don't need to intervene into," I said, looking at him as he gave me an exasperated look.

"Exchanged numbers?" he asked with a somewhat snort as I blushed and looked down.

"Maybe," I admitted after a pause as I looked up at him, expecting more irritation from him but he was instead looking at me somewhat cautiously.

"Is there a specific reason I should be getting more used to him?" he asked as I scrunched my face with confusion at his concerned one.

"No, what made you-" I paused, realization dawning on me as I looked at him in horror. "Oh my goddesses no. No, no, definitely not! Oh gosh, no, it's not like that at all, that's probably the last thing to ever happen on the face of this Earth," I explained with growing hysteria as his face eased a little bit and he looked down, an unfathomable expression on his face.

"Good, that's good," he said as I continued to stare at him with surprise and new confusion. He was looking at his lap in a simple pose that normally wouldn't have concerned me very much, but for some reason I couldn't take my eyes off, and I began to feel strange as I observed Link and everything about him. It was that same weird feeling that had existed the previous night, when we had been down in the basement and had almost… kissed. I continued to stare at him, unable to look away as I was not used to the weird contraction of my heart, as if it was lead itself and was being weighed down by just the mere sight of Link. My eyes all of a sudden widened as I realized what I was thinking and I fought the urge to gasp as I quickly spun and looked the other way, too afraid to look at him anymore. What am I doing, what am I even thinking? I thought desperately as breathed deeply a couple of times, trying to figure out what was wrong with my new trains of thought and emotion. I ran a hand through my hair as I glanced back to Link, realizing he was staring at me with confusion.

"Are you okay?" he asked again as I jumped a little, freaking myself out as I locked eyes with him and awkwardly nodded, smiling to try and not make it obvious about the conflicting thoughts I was now having.

"Yeah, I'm totally good," I giggled nervously, instantly wondering why I had the inability to sound anything but super awkward. He looked at me with confusion, which was instantly replaced by realization, as if he remembered suddenly the real reason he had come. Grinning, he stood, offering a hand to me.

"Want to get out of here?" he asked as I looked at him skeptically, unsure of his plans and unsure how save it would be for me to be alone with him much longer without doing something completely stupid.

"Um," I simply said, unsure of what to answer with as he rolled his eyes, a fresh gleam in them.

"Oh come on, it's not like I'm taking you to an orgy in Kakariko or anything." I raised my eyes at him as he laughed and shrugged.

"I didn't quite know you had those types of connections," I stated with a raised eyebrow as I gave a half smile and grabbed his hand, rising to his height. Or, at least, as close to his height as I was going to get. Drat him and his tallness I thought as he motioned over to the staircase. I shrugged and he casually put his hand on my back, carefully leading me down the stairs one at a time.

"Don't want you to trip over your own feet," he grinned to me as we descended to the bottom of the staircase together. Once we reached the bottom I stopped and turned around to properly murderously glare at him.

"Excuse me, I resent that comment very much thank you," I said as he laughed, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"You can't talk; I've seen you fall while standing still Zelda, honestly," he said as looked knowledgably to me and continued to grin. I scrunched my face in preparation to retaliate, and then dejectedly realized my lack of a good and witty comeback.

"…. So?" I managed to ask pathetically as he laughed again and opened the front observatory door, motioning to me to go forward first. I resigned myself as I begrudgingly walked forward into the inviting bright afternoon sun that greeted me. I instinctively cringed at its intensity, noting that the time must be around five or so, when the sun shone the brightest. Guess I was a hermit for a little bit longer than even I thought I reflected with surprise as I turned back to Link expectantly, waiting for him to lead me to this ever exciting new place of his.

"Here, it's this way," he said, motioning back towards the school as I nodded and we started walking. The observatory was on the side of campus opposite of the stables and forest, and faced the direction of Kakariko and the whole Sheikah Province. It wasn't incredibly far from the academy, but just enough that I knew it would take at least a few minutes to get back to it, which meant that we could either talk or walk in uncomfortable silence.

"No orgy in Kakariko then?" I finally said as casual I could manage without laughing, bored with the silence as he turned to me with faint surprise.

"No, not today I don't think," he grinned as I laughed, convinced I had at least thrown the ball in his court and it was his turn to make the next move. True enough, I noticed him out of the corner of my eye looking at me as I looked up, only to see Link's face look like it was having some sort of conflicted emotions as he stared at me.

"Is something wrong?" I asked with confusion as he opened his mouth as if to say something. However, he sighed and shook his head, looking down.

"No, nothing's wrong," he said, plastering a smile so fake I expected it to fall off his face. I frowned and was going to question it more as I then noticed us approaching a part of the campus building I had never been to before. Surprised, I took in the intricate door in front of us as Link opened it for me like the gentleman he was. I walked forward into the building, taking in the marble halls and floor that was much different than my own living quarters which only piqued my curiosity further.

"Where are we?" I asked as he followed me in and we continued down the hallway under Link's direction. I knew that there was a part of every dorm area that was connected to the main building where all the classrooms were, and that we had entered from this dorm's door that led outside. Each living quarter was distinguished by the discrepancies in the interior design, and I had a strange overwhelming feeling we were in the boy's dormitories building, which were on the other side of campus from the girl's. Is he taking me to his room? I wondered, the idea both thrilling and terrifying me at the same time. I knew that boys weren't allowed in girl's dorm rooms (as of course that would be overly scandalous), but girls could go into the guys, which once again had me confused about the priority levels of the academy. These thoughts occupied my mind as we reached a door, which had a lot of laughter behind it. I looked at the door with confusion, wondering what was going on as Link knocked on it casually.

"Isn't this kind of a déjà vu moment?" he asked me with a grin as I was reminded of how similar this scene was to just last night, knocking on a door and waiting for it to open. I gave a little laugh, with a shrug.

"Yeah, I suppose it kind of is," I said, looking up to his grinning face. He's certainly been overly cheerful today this whole time I suddenly thought as I looked to him, once again surprised at my realizing just how attractive Link was. He would certainly be a catch for any lucky girl I thought, the idea striking me hard. Almost instantly, I was hit with a feeling of being sick, as if I would puke and my heart would stop just by the mere thought of Link being with other girls. I blinked, gaining focus again as I looked at Link, surprised at what had just happened. I looked down, trying not to be awkward about my thoughts as the door suddenly opened, revealing a familiar face.

"No move the chips over… Hey!" Pipit said as he turned around and saw Link and I on the doorstep. His hair was styled as it had been the night at the football game, and he wore a casual "Save Ferris" shirt that somehow made a lot of things make so much more sense about his personality. He grinned at us as I smiled, remembering how much I had instantly liked Pipit the one time we hung out together.

"You gonna move Pip?" Link asked with complacent eyes as I laughed, amused by the expression Pipit gave back to Link. However, he moved, revealing a large room full of eight to ten people. It was similar to Malon's and my dormitory, just bigger, and I realized it was probably a suite dormitory instead of the standard small two bed one we had. I recognized a few familiar faces, such as Karane and Midna, but most of them were foreign to me, and gave me an appraisal as I was led into the lion's den by Link. We paused over a table where most everyone was sitting at playing what appeared to be a game of cards.

"Hey Pip who was at… Oh. I didn't know you were coming Zelda," Karane said as she set some of her cards on the table and looked up to me with a friendly smile. I instinctively blushed and looked down, realizing that everyone had suddenly turned to me.

"Yeah, just you know, needed some fresh air and was up and about. Out of the dorm. The usual," I said uncomfortably as I glanced back at Link with panicked eyes for some sort of help. He seemed to get the message as he laughed cheerfully and grabbed two chairs from the side of the large room. Gratefully, I sat down in one of them near the table, Link sitting right next to me, as I gave a little sigh of relief and everyone forgot about my awkward existence and resumed what they were doing.

"We have some food if you want some Zelda. Chips, salsa, mimosa," Pipit said casually from behind me. I turned to see him in the dorm's kitchen area, holding a giant bottle of what looked to be wine but upon closer inspection was actually sparkling lemonade. Classy.

"Uh, maybe we'll hold off from the strong liquor until later, but water actually would be much appreciated," I said as he laughed and nodded, grabbing a cup. I turned back to the main table, wishing I knew more people as Link turned to me, motioning me to get closer to him. Bemused, I did as he started whispering and pointing to people.

"That's Kafie and Anju, both seniors and steadily dating since infancy," he said, motioning to a couple who seemed to be oblivious that anything else was happening around them. I smiled a little at how in love they were as he continued, pointing to more people. "You of course already know Midna and Sheik; kind of surprised they showed up because he was wailed on pretty hard last night by Groose. And Saria and Mido, they're kind of an on and off thing but still always show up together every time in spite of they're rocky relationship. Oh, and of course Karane, Pipit, and myself," he grinned as I turned to him, a sudden thought in my head.

"Are there ever any other just single people here?" I asked with confusion, trying to keep my suspicions at bay, as he looked at me with surprise, his eyes scrunching in confusion.

"What are you getting at?" he asked as I blushed and looked down, biting my lip to try and hide the embarrassed blush. This is why you don't over analysis everything I thought with irritation to my imaginative mind as I shook my head.

"Nothing, forget I talked," I said, looking up at him as he gave me a confused look. He scrunched his eyebrows and looked as if he wanted to press the matter, so I firmly turned to the main table, overlooking the game with as much interest as I could manage.

"What are you playing?" I asked Karane across the table as Pipit came and handed me my water and sat down, taking the empty spot next to Link and I. She was passing out cards to everyone as she looked up at me, a mischievous gleam in her eye. I gave a gracious look to Pipit and took a drink from the cup right as Karane answered me.

"Strip poker, want to join?" she asked as my eyes widened and I choked a little, not expecting her to say that. I set my cup down and coughed a few times to try and breath and respond as she laughed and shook her head, her pigtails swishing around her head perfectly. "I'm kidding, totally kidding. It's just a game of regular cards."

"I wouldn't mind playing some strip poker though," Pipit said casually as I looked at him, trying not to laugh at the expression he was receiving from Karane.

"No one wants to see that Pip, can you imagine how white you are under there?" she asked as Link laughed, scooting his chair closer so he could join in the game. He used his long arms to grab his and my cards from Karane as I gave him a gracious smile, earning a small grin back in return.

"I don't appreciate the ratchet behavior you're giving me Karane," Pipit said as he set some cards down and everyone groaned and looked at him with annoyance.

"We told you to stop using that word Pip, you're just embarrassing yourself," Link said as he took his turn and gave Pipit a bemused look. I fought the urge to laugh at Pipit's expression as I took my own turn and looked up to see him try and justify himself.

"I'm not embarrassing myself, I don't see why you guys don't like that word," he said as Midna leaned into the table, taking a sip of water as she shook her head at him.

"Oh, I don't know why we get mad at you. Perhaps it's just the reason that you sound like an uneducated idiot-"

"-you use it too much," Saria pointed out.

"It makes you sound like a wannabe-"

"And we're all pretty sure you don't even know what it means," Link said as he looked back to me with an amused grin that I returned. The rest of the table laughed as Pipit looked down with a dejected face.

"Well, I'm still not that white," Pipit protested as everyone started to laugh again and the guy (who I think was named Kafei) looked at Pipit skeptically.

"Yeah, and I'm not in love with this gorgeous ginger right here," he grinned to his girlfriend who blushed and elbowed him lightly in the side.

"And I'm not the handsomest man at this campus," Sheik grinned as Midna rolled her eyes at him, but resumed her expression of admiration to him.

"And I'm not snarky or one of the most sarcastic geeks you'll ever meet," Karane said with a grin, causing a cheer from a couple of the other girls. I was distracted by laughing so much as she looked at me expectantly and I realized a couple of the others were eying me in the same way as I looked down, my mind quickly racing.

"And I'm the princess of Hyrule," I said instinctively, my mouth instantly regretting me saying the words as everyone laughed, not catching the sincerity of my words. I laughed as I turned to Link, expecting him to be laughing with everyone but was instead giving me an incredulous look as I suddenly got a weird wave of emotion and courage. Before I knew it I had winked at him in a highly flirtatious manner that seemed to catch him by surprise as I grinned at him, amused by his shock. He lost the seriousness though and grinned back, making me laugh as I looked around, noticing how happy everyone was with what they were doing with one another, and for one of the rare times in my life I felt comfortable and at ease, as if despite all the craziness in my life, something was at least going all right for me. I caught the eyes of Karane and smiled at her as she grinned back, making eye gestures to Link that normally would have made me blush, but currently just made me laugh again as I turned to Link, knowing that no one else was paying attention to us at this point.

"I'm really glad you brought me here to get me out of my funk," I said with a sincere smile as he shrugged, smiling at me.

"Of course, anytime. What else do you think I would do as your best friend?" he asked as I smiled, enjoying what that sounded like as I prepared myself to speak again, somewhat eager to talk to Link more. However, I was cut short by a harsh knocking on the door that made Link look at Pipit curiously. Pipit shook his head with a shrug as Link stood, going to open the door, which revealed a frantic looking Malon and Peter (of all people).

"Malon? I, do you two even know each other?" I asked as I stood, noting something in Peter's hands and the strange look on both of their faces as the noise behind me stopped also.

"Not formally, but he came over looking for you and we decided we had to find you, to warn you all of what's just happened," she said, looking up at Peter who was looking at me grimly. He looked at Link, then back to me and motioned to the living room area.

"I don't know whose apartment this is, but can you turn to the news? Any channel will suffice, I don't doubt it will be all over all networks by now," he said as I looked to Link expectantly. He nodded as everyone turned their chairs to the front of the room where the nice sized TV was at. Pipit was already there flipping through channels as Link came next to me, standing close enough so I could feel his protective energy that somewhat soothed the panicked mood that began to settle in the room and in my heart. Before I knew it, he had my hand in his as I looked up to him, giving him a grateful hand squeeze as I turned to the news, already concerned about what I was going to see.

"Local eye witnesses from around the crime scene don't recall what exactly happened, just that the threat and vandalism seemed to appear out of nowhere. Authorities are trying to determine whether or not this attack is related to the recent attack last night of Royal Guard Chief Rusl Gayton and is reference to this mysterious unreleased girl who found his body on the edge of Lake Hylia, and what precautions to take in regards to this latest attack. If you…" Lulu Star continued to talk but I tuned her out, frozen by the picture on screen.

It was a simple picture of a large area of Hyrule Field no doubt near Kakariko or some other populated place. However, any cheerful thoughts of the picture was cut short by the large letters burned into the field, spelling out clearly, "She will be mine." I turned to Peter with wide eyes, knowing fully well I was the one who was being threatened as he looked at me, unable to say anything comforting. I turned back to the main TV and closed my eyes, the letters permanently engraving themselves into my eyelids as I realized there was a much bigger problem on hand than anything I could have ever imagined before.

This truly meant treason, and I was the princess caught up in the middle of it all.


Here was this rather long masterpiece in all it's glory and I hope that this causes lots of questions for everyone to now be thinking about because this chapter is kind of the beginning to the real subplot in this story. First and foremost, I would like to just say that despite what some of you may be thinking, Peter will not be a love interst for Zelda. At all. So don't get any wild ideas or fantasies about that. He will be in the story more as a very pliable OC that will be used to explain a lot of things in the future, so don't get too tired of him yet. Secondly, I would like to apologize to everyone whose reviewd and PM'd me. I've seen them and will get back to everyone, I'm just trying to take everything one day/step at a time so don't worry I'm just getting to everything slowly but surely.

Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, expect (hopefully) faster and more quality uploads soon!