Chapter Twenty-Eight

I sat in the dimly lit fortress corridor with my back pressed against the wall beside a door Gerudo women continuously passed through. I ran my fingers through my bangs in frustration, knocking my hat back a bit. It'd been a while now since I'd heard anything about Ashia. I woke not long after arriving at the fortress to Nabooru; something had gone wrong.

The poison now coursing through Ashia's veins was too potent for her to handle. Nabooru forgot to take into consideration Ashia was still young, and a bit smaller than most other Gerudo. She was also weak, and more vulnerable to the scorpians poison.. I couldn't help but blame myself.

Gerdo women came and went through the door, trying to figure a way to at least wake her. Even so however, she would have to be restrained considering they still hadn't the slightest clue how to get rid of the corruption Ganondorf has caused. Nabooru announced that any Gerudo who found a cure, would be rewarded handsomely. So many Gerudo's gave it a try. I'd been told to stay out of the way, the room would start to get crowded after a while, and I was apparently of no use. They were right; I really wasn't.

A tray with some sort of vile-looking desert stew sat untouched beside me. A Gerudo in purple had brought it to me a while back, but I couldn't eat. Goddess, I couldn't even remove myself from this spot otherwise anxiety would kick in. How could I think of anyone else when Ashia was possibly dying due to my mistake.

A Gerudo in red opened the door to the room, and began striding down the hallway. I watched her walk for a moment, her long fiery hair flowing behind her as she moved. Turning to glance inside the room, I was too late. The moment my gaze was on it, the door creaked shut. I sighed and buried my head in my hands.

"Ahem?" Came a voice, causing me to look up. Nabooru stood over me. "Come." She said, and began walking away. I reluctantly stood and began to follow as a servant Gerudo came out of Goddess only knows where, and picked up the untouched tray that sat beside me.

Once I matched Nabooru's stride, I spoke. "Is Ashia going to be okay?" Her silence made my stomach lurch, and my gaze faltered to the floor as I continued to follow. Eventually, she lead me into a room. In fact, the very same room I'd sat not that long ago when I was hearing the truth about my past. She took a seat and gestured to the one beside her. I sat down and she looked at me, a pained look to her usually smirking face.

"At this rate, no. Her heart still beats, but only just. We haven't the faintest idea of what could help her, we've tried everything we could think of: Potions, herbs, fairies-"

"You're not trying hard enough! I don't-" She raised a hand to silence me.

"We have one last idea. But we're unsure how effective it may really be. I know it's a lot to ask of you Link but the longer you stay-"

"I'm not going on until I know Ashia's going to wake up!" I snapped. Nabrooru was unimpressed by my response, having expected it I'm guessing.

"I know you don't want to. Once Ganondorf realizes we've actually gotten Ashia back, he'll understand how close you are to coming straight for him. Besides Link, what about Zelda?" She paused for me to speak, but no words could form in my mind. Zelda was still in his grasp.. and I still needed to save her. "I know you're worried about Ashia.. I am too, Link. I never realized before, but I care more for her than I've ever cared for any of my women. I promise you I am doing all I can to keep her heart beating."

"Where is Ganondorf?" I asked hollow.

"Hyrule Castle." Nabooru informed. "Once the sages heard you were here, they all wanted to come see you. They're arriving tomorrow. However angry Impa may get at me for this.." She paused. "I think you should leave tonight. You've done so well, stopping is a waste. I know you believe that too. This is almost over with Link." Nabooru spoke looking me in the eyes. It's funny, of all the Sages, she was the one I trusted most. Ironically the one with the reputation of being a deceitful thief.

"Can you maybe get me some more of that soup to go then?" I asked, noticing a smirk form on her face. "I'm going to need all the strength I can get." She reached over and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"That's our Hero."

A Brief Interlude

A roar rang throughout the entire castle, causing the dingy bricks to shake ever so slightly. The blonde haired girl glanced over to the door of her room, expecting someone to join her any moment. Sure enough, there was a rustling of keys, and a shadowy figure burst through the door.

"'Ello Princess." He greeted, walking to her. She stood swiftly beside her bed and narrowed her eyes.

"He did it, didn't he." She spoke calmly as the figure stopped a few feet in front of her.

"Indeed he did." He hissed. "And Master said he's coming for you next. So it's time to set up for the finale." He chuckled darkly, then his grin faded when he noticed a smile remaining on her face. "What are you so giddy about?"

"You're so naïve." She said softly. "Link would come, what did I tell you? You're fools. Good will forever triumph evil.. it's a shame you haven't yet learned." He'd heard enough, because before Zelda could speak again, Dark Links hand collided with her face, knocking her back slightly.

"Well your hero's in for a surprise m'dear. A dear friend of Master's is waiting in another realm for you." He snapped his fingers, and a shady portal appeared. He grabbed handful of her golden hair and put his lips close to her ear, "So I guess this is goodbye love." He snickered, before forcing her forward toward the portal. Her feet however, did not budge.

Instead she grinned as she turned her gaze to the window. There was a tapping against the glass, and Dark Link looked in horror, tossing Zelda to the bed. "Looks like you're a little late!" She giggled. "He's here!" She cooed, as Dark Link reached for his blade.

He bounded over to the window, opening it quickly, then taken by surprise as a winged creature soared through opening. "Guess again!" Kaepora Gaebora hooted. Dark Link whirled around, and was knocked over the head with an iron candelabra. Just as consciousness faded from his eyes, Zelda pushed him, watching the disoriented shade stumble out the window.

Zelda quickly slammed the window shut, a gust of wind catching her hair and blowing it back as she did so. Her eyes glossed over turning to see Rauru standing before her. She threw her arms around him. "You have no idea how thrilling it is to see a familiar face."

Rauru nodded, and pulled away looking her over. She looked worn. A bruise was forming on her face, her eyes were red and puffy. A new pink silky dress she wore however looked rather clean. Being that she'd been prisoner in her own room, there was an upside. "Indeed, Princess, indeed."

"Link- he really saved Ashia? Already? And the temples-"

"Cleansed and even safer than before." Rauru said, almost able to see the hope returning to Zelda's eyes.

"He's coming for me now, isn't he?" She asked after a moment, her voice cracking slightly.

"If I know Link, and I believe I do, yes. However, I cannot be sure. The moment the Sages got word of Ashia's rescue, I knew word would get to Ganondorf soon as well. If he'd learned anything from his mistakes, I figured he'd move you as soon as possible."

"That portal." Zelda motioned to. "The Shade tried to push me in there."

"Then I suppose I arrived at a rather punctual time." He smiled. He then shook his head. "Everything will be explained later. You need to get out of here. Do your best to sneak out of the castle. Or at least to where Link can find you, and get you out easily."

"What about-"

"I have to stay here." Rauru said, eying the portal. "To make sure nothing comes through there. Hurry now!" The Princess nodded, and placed a hand on Rauru's shoulder. She mouthed the words 'Thank you,' then turned swiftly on her heel, rushing through the door that lead into the now haunting and unfamiliar hallways of her castle.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The Market was in shambles as I made my way along the cobblestone walk. The place was deserted, aside from a couple re-deads who turned their heads with a shriek as I passed calmly. They were no threat to me. Not now. A new belt around my waist was decorated with bottles of various potions Nabooru had provided me with. A dark green travelers cloak was draped over my shoulders, and a hood covered my blond hair that could easily be seen from a distance in the night sky.

I walked smoothly as loose pebbles shifted beneath my feet. In the distance I could spot the tip of the castles tallest tower. I sighed as I drew closer. My thoughts were beginning to overwhelm my mind. I began thinking about back at the Spirit Temple to pass my time, whether I wanted to or not.

I was trying to forget what happened. To forget the kiss.. I still hadn't known whether it meant something, to me or Ashia. I didn't know if I ever would know. Hell, within the next few hours, I may be dead and the answer may never even matter. I tried to drop the thought, but it lingered still in the back of my mind.

I loved Ashia, that was true. But I was not in love with her. We'd been through everything, she was charming, beautiful, kind, quite the smart-Alic like me.. There was no reason I shouldn't fall for her. I searched my mind for a reason why I wouldn't want to kiss her; there was one answer.

She was not Zelda.

She was not the girl I'd risk everything for. She was not that beautiful blond-haired Princess I fell in love with from the moment I saw her. She did not hold the triforce of wisdom, and she did not make me feel the way I did when I was around Zelda. Being away from her, for even this long, no wonder I was starting to lose my mind. That bloody Princess, whom that last time I saw decided to willingly stroll away with the enemy; she was the girl I was in love with.

The entire castle came into focus now. I paused and stared at the path ahead, and the large wooden doors. I took in a deep breath of the cool night air, that stung my lungs, and pushed the hood back, revealing my blond hair. I unbuttoned the collar of it, and let it fall to the ground beside me. There was no use hiding now, Ganondorf knew I was coming. In a matter of seconds, would know I was here. I reached into a pouch, and pulled out my green hat, pulling it on my head.

Stepping forward, I left the cloak behind, and approached the large doors. They creaked open rather loudly, probably seeming much more loud in the silence surrounding the castle. I took only a few steps on the marble floor when a snarl from the left part of the room caught my attention.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." I called, my voice echoing in the spotless, nearly bare, front room of the castle. "I had a couple of things I had to take care of beforehand. I'm sure you know of all that already though, so why not skip the small talk?"

Heavy boots stepped from the shadows, as a fiery haired man with flaring nostrils strolled towards me stopping only slightly more than a foot away from me. I held back the urge to draw my sword. "I must say, it's no surprize to see you here boy." His voice boomed.

"It's certainly not a pleasure." I responded, looking over his beast-like stature. "I've come to take what's mine, and defeat you. A fate, I'm sure you're familiar with."

"Funny.." He snickered. "I've come to take what's rightfully mine as well." He responded, his fingers curling around the dark hilt of his sword tightly. "The land of Hyrule, and all that lies beyond it."

A Brief Interlude

Quietly the Princess scurried through the halls, being sure to stay concealed by the shadows. She was hoping to come across some sort of weapon, but to no avail. Even the decorative swords hung upon the walls had been removed. Her best bet was to get out as quickly and quietly as possible.

She rounded a corner then paused dead in her tracks. A noise echoed through the halls, something that sounded like the main doors. Her eyes lit up. He was here. Without thought, she moved quicker now through the halls, hoping to run into him before anyone else.

Another noise made her heart lurch in her chest. The sound of clanking swords echoed, now louder than before. She started off on a run, turning a corner too fast, and running head on with an inferno haired girl, running in the opposite direction. The sword she carried slid across the stone as the collided, and without any further thought, Zelda lunged for it. A confused Nokomis looked up as Zelda held the sword, ready to swing.

Nokomis narrowed her eyes, and stood slowly, holding up her hands defensively. Not once removing her eyes from the blond girl, whose chest rose and fell heavily as she caught her breath, trying to even the pace of her racing heart. "Evening Princess." Nokomis grimaced.