PART FOUR - A BLADE OF HONOR

The air felt heavy with all the humidity as Katie took to the garden. She enjoyed the fresh serenity breeze and the morning sun. Everything about this palace reminded her so painfully of Hyrule castle garden that she turned a bit blue. Lilacs hung down from their stems, a perennial flower with white petals with a splash of blue at the center also known as the Silent Princess waved at the gusty winds. The garden was spacious with the path engraved in stony patterns and several flower beds all organized neatly.

Zelda would have loved it here. She loved flowers and grew her own garden. Katie and the servants had always told the princess she doesn't need to worry herself over a tedious task but Zelda put her foot down and told that no one was allowed to water her plants but her.

The little fairy saw someone sitting at the edge of a splashing fountain and was stunned to see it was Ruto. The guards had told Katie that the princess was still sleeping so how did the person in question escaped a dozen guards was beyond her.

Zelda had always used to do that. She was a master of escape, managing to vanish from her room even when the best of Sheikahs were guarding her.

Ruto noticed her by the bright color. "Good morning, Kaite," she said respectfully and squinted at the light. "Is something the matter? Was it Link?"

"Huh? Oh no, don't mind me," Katie said dismissively and laughed softly. "Just a little worried is all."

"About the sword? Yes, it is concerning but I strongly prefer we keep that to ourselves." Ruto took one glance around the garden, which was empty but her expression said otherwise. "My father wouldn't be happy about that."

Katie nodded, returning back to her color. "Of course. We'll figure it out. I'm sure we can."

"Right." Ruto stayed quiet, stretching her hand to the edge of the fountain. She seemed more comfortable in her amour rather than that ghastly dress. She glanced at the flowers, which had begun to bloom brightly.

Katie didn't know that she would come to obsess over this domain with it's waters dancing in the air, traditional structures and impressive buildings. If she could, she would explore every bit of detail, read all the books available.

The only downfall was the prejudice the people held against a different race. Katie would never say this out loud but the king and the princess should show an example and learn to overcome their difference with humans rather than justify their obdurate views.

"It's hard for me to like them," Ruto said suddenly and sighed. "Humans I mean. I know by your color that I have irritated you when Link was in my company."

"Am I that transparent?"

The princess managed a little smile. "Your color shows everything."

Katie glowed yellow and went near her face. "Not all humans are terrible," Katie told her softly. "I know, believe me, I know how you feel about them. Sometimes I do too." As if admitting an embarrassing secret, she turned pink. "I've always wondered why do the Goddesses favored humans out of all the other races. Gorons were creative and friendly, the Ritos were proud warriors and the Zoras were spiritual. Humans are filled with lust and greed so why are they getting special treatments?" Katie felt herself feeling blue. "Then I met Zelda."

It was a sad thought and one that Ruto agreed with. The princess sighed. "On the day…on that night where that solider…Zelda meant well." Ruto leaned back in the fountain, looking up at the heavens. "I remembered when she was but a child. So small and fragile but kind and sweet. I know she meant well but that day I…didn't want to be bothered."

"I miss her," Katie confessed, now the sob shook her voice. "I miss her so much it hurts."

Ruto might be the only one she could confide in. Link would never allow her to mourn. He would always think of it as a waste of time.

"Hey, now." Ruto cupped her hands and held Katie. "She's strong," Ruto assured her gently. "She spent every year to seal Ganondorf away. Anyone lesser, especially a child, would never have accomplished that. I know that she escaped."

Katie was touched by the concern. Ruto may dislike humans but they both agreed that there was one human that truly represented the good of everything in this world. If only she could hear her voice, her cheerful, hyper voice giddying with excitement and adventure.

"If I may," Ruto started and she seemed hesitant. "I still don't understand this situation or 'complication' as you called it with Link. He has the sacred sword and yet he still claims he is no hero. I mean that much is quite obvious but how could he have been chosen? Especially when the situation calls for a hero?"

This unsettled Katie. "His heart is tainted," she repeated the words of Desmond. There was an inkling feeling of guilt, almost as if she's betraying Link by confiding his destiny into someone else. But they might end up staying in this domain for some time. It would be best to warn Ruto ahead so she won't say something that would get under his skin. "The guardian of the forest temple told me that Link was without a doubt the hero promised. Link may say otherwise but all I could do is wait."

Ruto frowned. "Is that it?" She sounded indignant. "I mean no offense but what if he still insists on not being a hero? Our situation is dire and we may need his help in the future."

"He will be the hero," Katie insisted. "I trust the guardian and the Goddesses. I know they make no mistakes. Whatever reason they chose Link must be because they believed in him. As his adviser I have to accept this."

"But what—"

"Ruto, please," Katie said softly. There was enough worry in her mind about Zelda and the sword. There's no need to enervate herself with more problems.

The princess seemed to have understood this and said no more on the matter. She glanced around the garden. "Where is the imbecile anyways?"

As embarrassing as it was, Katie had no clue. He was gone when she woke up and took the sword with him. "I didn't see him."

"Wonderful." Ruto stood up. "My father will be furious."

"Indeed he will," a smooth voice entered into their conversation.

It was Beckward, imperturbable as ever with a smile on his face. His hands were placed behind his back, making him look sharper, thinner. Slightly, he bowed his head down towards Ruto. "Your Grace," he greeted with deference and turned to the fairy. "How was your first night in the palace?"

Katie remembered how Link couldn't sleep and instead continued to bug her all night by sharing scary stories. "It was…lovely."

At least she did get some sleep in the end. Link found it rather challenging with the iron of a bed they gave him. He would have gone out to get his own room in an inn but Sheeva had made it clear that he was to stay in the palace at all time. Katie and Link have been given only one warning after they had returned from their lesson yesterday and that was to stay at the princess' side at all times.

He smiled. "I'm glad to hear it. As for your human friend, I've seen him leave in quite a grumpy mood."

"He didn't cause any trouble, did he?"

"Oh, I don't believe so. Anyways, I'm sure he hasn't gone far. The last thing he told me and I quote 'leave me the damn alone." The adviser chuckled a bit. "He's a little rough around the edges, that one."

Katie burned red. Link will have them kicked before they could even find the gem.

"You must hurry though," the adviser continued. "If the king were to find out that Link left without you, princess, he might disagree with this whole arrangement."

"And arrange a group of guards to be my escort," Ruto grumbled. "You won't tell him, will you? I know this is for my safety and the culprit is still out there…"

Beckward gave her a confident smile. "No need to worry yourself, my lady. I don't think anyone would wake up so early for a taste of blood. As I said, I don't think he's far from here."

Ruto thanked him and hurried along with Katie. Where could that moron be? It wasn't like he knew his way around, given that they just had a tour yesterday. He wanted to be left alone but for what reason?

"I think I know where he is," Katie said when she remembered where they took their lesson.

Ruto stood up and stretched. "Good. I need to discuss a plan with him."

"How will we find the assassinator?"

"I think it would be best to go where the ambush happened." There was no confidence in her voice as her eyes averted away. "Perhaps we might find a clue."

"But didn't Beckward said that there's no evidence?"

"There is but I haven't told them the exact location of the ambush. It's not far from here."

Why did the princess withheld such important information? Katie didn't think it was an appropriate question.

Hopefully Link would comply with it. He may not like getting dragged into business so soon especially when he slept so poorly, tossing and turning in his bed, cursing out loud. He must be in a foul mood this morning and Katie was mentally preparing for that. Little did the girls know that they're about to be in for quite a sight.

Link was in the most foulest mood.

That annoying adviser wouldn't stop tailing after him, repeating over and over with calm patience that Link shouldn't leave without the princess. Link exchanged a few simple words with the man and went off on his way.

He had enough of this palace. Aside from the food which was a luxury and he ate like a damn king, the night was a disaster.

The room was less than he expected with a bed as hard as a rock and it creaks so loud at the smallest movement and with it came along a leaking ceiling. He wanted to mess with Katie for a bit but when he tried to sleep it wouldn't come to him.

That little sprit, slept like a little angel while he spent the countless hours rolling around, desperate for a comfortable position. There was another matter that bothered him and it was the sword.

Calling the holy sword a bitch wasn't the only thing he did. After trying again and again, he resorted to throwing it on the ground. He was near Mipha's pond, surrounded by a cluster of trees that hid him from any public eye.

"What was it I did? Give me some answers dammit!" When the unanimated object didn't reply, Link growled. "Should I throw you off a cliff instead?"

Maybe that was a better idea. Get wolf boy here and explain himself. Giving to account that the whole encounter wasn't a dream and Link hasn't lost his mind just yet. But if it wasn't a dream and wolf boy meant what he said then perhaps getting ripped apart by wolves wasn't the brightest idea.

The only thing he could do was glare at the sword. His hands were red raw as he slid on the gauntlets. He tried everything he could think off. First, smooth talking it with a kind voice until that kind voice hardened and he started yelling.

He didn't know why he was this mad. He already bugged Ruto to get him another sword. This sword wasn't as balanced like the Master Sword but it was silver and doubled edge. It wasn't very cheap either. Better than a bitchy one at least. He had the option to sell the Master Sword but the holy gave off another of its moody auras, advising him to choose wisely.

"I know you're mad at me." Not only was that stupidly obvious but he also felt like a complete moron for speaking to it as if it was real. This was an advice from Katie, saying that there was a voice inside the sword.

You're taking to a piece of metal, buddy, his inside voice told him exasperatedly.

Link moved to kick it again but something blue caught his eyes. He paused and irritation flashed in his eyes. "I see you there. Why don't you come out?"

He didn't realize that he was speaking to a child and the Zora kid slowly stepped into view looking spooked. She was such a small little thing with bright amber eyes.

Link felt a smile on his lips and his anger petered. "Hey there, kiddo."

She staggered a bit back. "I…umm…"

"Get away from her!"

Link blinked and watched several children different heights and age come into his space. He didn't know how the age of Zoras worked and figured that these kids may be old enough to be teenagers by Hylian standard.

The one that spoke was a tall thin girl with round blue bracelets tinkering in the sun. She stood in front of the little girl and glared at him. "We aren't allowed to talk to humans," she spoke in a loud clear voice that marked her as a leader. The other children stood behind her, clearing uncomfortable.

"Oh, I'm guessing I'm the human," Link said, standing up and rubbing the back of his neck.

The girl huffed. "Stop pretending. You're just a human and nothing more."

"Well, see, I had a girl call me a dumb Goron one time. Don't know if that counts." He lifted a finger. "Another time my cousin called me a lazy pig."

Some of the kids giggled but quieted when the girl shot them a look. She turned to Link and rolled her eyes. "You're all the above. Now leave us be."

They were turning to leave but one of the boys pointed at Link. "Is that a scar?"

"Shush! Don't talk to him," the girl hissed, pulling him away as if meaning to protect him should Link be a threat. He already liked this girl. She's got some guts.

Link peeled back his sleeve so the kids could get a better look. "Yup, from the love of my life. Can you believe it?" It was actually from the climb he did to get to this domain but they didn't need to know that.

"What? Why?"

Link faked a hum. "Look, I gave her lots of flowers to show my undying love to her but I swear I didn't see the beehive."

Some began to giggle and laugh. The girl just rolled her eyes with a disgusted scoff. Link figured his jocose humor would get her around.

"This one—" Link showed them another small scar just below his elbow "—came from a girl with beautiful eyes but she wasn't exactly happy when I gave her some monster guts for her birthday."

The giggles were raised into laughter.

"There's this one girl that I was so in love." He placed his hand on his chest and staggered a bit on his feet as if this love was too much for his heart to handle. "And do you know what she told me?"

"What?" The little girl from earlier said as she covered her mouth to hide her giggles.

"She told me she would date me but she's not interested in idiots."

"Maybe because you are?" The older girl offered sassily with a smug smile that invited no kindness.

Link leaned against the tree as if he was meaning to faint. "Oh I'm an idiot all right but I'm a hopelessly romantic idiot." He looked at them, bemused and spread his arms exaggeratingly. "I don't know why women hate me so much." The kids were laughing hard. "Was it because I told her that I liked her smell because it reminded me of pork? There was this one time where I set up a picnic but how was I suppose to know it was going to rain?"

They were all holding their stomachs and trembled in laughter even the older girl was snorting.

The little girl came up to him and the earlier discomfort was replaced with glee. "You should tell a girl that she looks pretty," she suggested. "My dad always uses it on my mom to make her happy."

Link gave it a thought. "Well, I could tell her she looks like my dog. Dogs are pretty, right?"

She covered her mouth to hide her giggles. "No, you can't say that!"

He even won the older girl over. She let out a disbelief laugh with her hands on her hips. "Wow, you really are hopeless."

"That's what my uncle tells me. 'Link, why don't you see that the only thing girls like about you is that your face is easy to slap?' Can you believe that? My own uncle!" He gave a winsome smile when they all began to laugh. "You kids have any advice for a hopeless man like me?"

A boy raised his hand up. "Play with us! That usually makes me happy when I'm feeling upset."

The other children were agog by the idea and began to pull his arm and drag him to Mipha's Pond. He had no idea what he was in for but at that moment he didn't care. Not even the weight of the Master Sword could bring him down. At the edge of the pond, Link glanced down at his reflection before a kid's head bobbed up. Link faked a surprise and the other kids laughed.

"Can you jump and make big waves?"

Link blinked at the little boy grasping his hand. "Make waves?"

The older girl explained that the adults have more fun than them with the waves in Hylia's Lake. Since none of the kids could experience that since they weren't allowed to swim there, they wanted Link to jump into the lake and create waves for them.

Link was unsure by this. He managed to stay dry so far. "Well, I don't know about that. My heart is still pretty broken, kids."

The kids were jumping in their place, making the situation ineluctable. Unfettered and excited, they repeated his name, trying to cajole him. Already, they had jumped into the water themselves and Link cringed when icy water splashed on his skin. Heads bobbed up and eagerly waited for him.

"Please!"

"Pretty please!"

"Just one jump!"

Link glanced up and saw no one was around. Where's their parents? Who dumps their kid around here?

"I bet he's scared," the older girl taunted. "I bet he's a big cocco."

Link couldn't back out of that challenge and grinned as he started to take off his boots and gears. "At least I'm a good looking one right? Don't forget that part."

They shrieked as he leaped into the water, holding himself in a ball position. A huge wave rippled on his landing, pushing the kids away from each other. He was wide awake now, his body growing a bit numb from the coldness but other than that he was okay. He gasped when he got out and heard winsome shouting. "Not bad, eh?"

"Again! Again!" A boy cheered.

Link chuckled as he got out. "Not today, kiddo." His hair was flat and his bangs were stuck to his forehead. It's a good thing the sun was out to dry him. He put on his hat. "How about I watch your jumps instead?"

"I have the biggest jump ever!" A boy claimed and demonstrated by leaping into the water.

"Not bad!" Link said and soon all the other kids lined up to preform.

He didn't know how long he spent outside in the sun, his tunic was nearly dry and his smile had never left him. He had forgotten his mission, the reason he was here, the heavy weight on his back. Everything was fine.

The little girl was on his shoulders, watching the show from above. She was hooting and cheering for her friends and asked Link if he could throw her. "I want to be the biggest wave ever!" She proclaimed.

Link smiled and held her. "Alright everyone, clear away. This is going to be the big bomb." The other kids moved away from the center and prepared themselves. Link was just about to throw her when someone behind cut him off.

"Oh my goodness."

The voice from behind him belonged to no child. The child slipped from his fingers. "Link!" The little girl complained. "That wasn't big enough!"

The children turned and were amazed to see their princess and a little fairy by her side. They all forgot about Link save for the kid on his head and rushed by her side.

Ruto spoke to the children gently, "I'm afraid I don't have the time, darlings."

They complained and she promised them a day would come that she will play with them. They soon remembered Link and begged him to stay.

"Please stay," the little girl asked.

"Yeah, I didn't get a chance for a piggyback ride!" Another whined.

Link laughed uneasy. "I can't disobey the princess now. Be good kids and play nicely."

When they said their goodbyes, Link went with the princess and Katie who both still stared at him like he sprouted another head.

"Do I have something from my face or are you going to keep looking at me?" He joked but his face was flushed. He must've looked like a fool, drenched to his socks and a sun roasted face. Rather than training her or finding out who wanted her head, he acted like an idiot by frolicking with children.

Ruto cleared her throat and averted her eyes. "I didn't know you fond well with children."

Discomfort twisted his guts but he shrugged it off with a grin. "What can I say? Kids love me." Quickly changing the topic, he turned to see Katie in an annoyed color. "Where are we headed?"

"Why did you just leave this morning?!" Katie demanded in that pesky little voice, reminding Link of why he did so in the first place. "You have to be with Ruto at all time. You need to protect her!"

Link groaned. "Can't I have some time to myself? She's fine, look at her."

"She's fine but she might not be if you laze around," Ruto snapped. "Father would have lost any favor you earned from him and then you won't get your gem."

This morning just proved to be tiresome. "Alright already. My mistake for wanting peace," he muttered.

Katie wasn't done yet. "I wouldn't call bothering kids peaceful. What were doing with them? You're not exactly a good influence," she snapped, hovering above his head.

Link smirked at her. "Aw come on, who doesn't want to be me?"

"Everyone."

Again, he tried to change the subject and came up with an impromptu question. "So what are we going to do now?"

"We're going to the place where I was ambushed," explained the princess and the atmosphere dulled. It wasn't something that she was looking forward to. "Since we're on our own maybe the culprit might show herself."

"Okay." He didn't sound very sure of that. "Don't know who's stupid enough to try in the same place twice but whatever. Can we get a bite along the way?"

"Perhaps if you haven't left so early we might have stayed for breakfast." Ruto sent him a glare.

Link smiled. "Someone wants me around that bad, huh?"

She wanted to argue with him but decided it wasn't the place nor the time. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. "I will buy you food once we've finished our business."

"Hey, I can't fight on an empty stomach!"

"Well, too bad then! If you could beat a Zora underwater you can suffer a few hours without food!"

In the end, Link got what he wanted since he was rather pugnacious when he's hungry. Ruto grudgingly purchased the same street food fried fish that he enjoyed so much.

With a satisfied belly, they all headed towards the place where the princess almost lost her life.

Ruto wasn't looking forward to going back. She remembered the fear that she had felt and her life flashing before her eyes. The laugh, she definitely remembered the laugh. A sweet, feminine laugh that rang in her mind as the currents swept her away from harm. Did she ever meet anyone that took such delight into killing someone?

The memory still fogged whenever she closed her eyes but she remembered that there was pain in the form of sparks that traveled up her body. It left her dazed and confused, vulnerable and defeated. If she hadn't slipped, if the river weren't there she wouldn't have came home.

Who had wanted her dead? She didn't like thinking about it. Was there someone out for her? Has she done something to deserve this? She couldn't even fight back. She was so weak, pathetic.

As if that didn't make her reputation worse, there was also her identity lost. Just thinking about it made her face flush with shame. And she was doing so well in hiding it. What would people think of her now? A princess who lost to a human, a human of all things! She made it clear that she was weak and helpless.

What would her ancestor think? The first Princess Ruto? A princess who was as fierce as she was kind. She must be infuriated and insulted that such a weak descendant carried her name. Losing to a human…that will forever haunt her. Already, she felt less.

Ruto, as dejected as ever, led the way to the Giant's fist, which was just a hill separated from the city. On top of the hill were clusters of boulders and if you looked at them from afar they gave the impression of an iron fist. She could have just swum there using the Zoras' River, which would take her there directly, but then there's Katie and Link who needed air. By land, they would need to go straight through the city, go on a bridge and travel for a few miles.

Behind her she could hear Katie's ostensible vent on how Link should tell her where he was heading next time and he responded, "Hey, I'm a big boy. I can bloody well take care of myself."

Ruto didn't know how to take him seriously after watching his little winsome satire with children. At first she was horrified that such a brute was tainting those innocent minds when upon a closer inspection, he was just as childish as they were. She was so used to seeing nothing but cruelty in those eyes.

She was even prepared to defend the children should Link act like the impolite imbecile he proved to be. But he did no such thing. There was something kindled in that moment, as if he was more comfortable with them than with adults. Could it be that he's grown sick of all the prejudice held against him so he seeks acceptance from children?

But yet here he was, giving smirk at any Zoras who glared his way or threw insults at him. Does he really know how much the people would give to see him kicked out of the domain? It was as if Link couldn't care any less if the whole world hated him. He was quite the enigmatic fellow.

Ruto couldn't understand how Katie tolerated him. It has been only a day and Ruto despised him. This oaf that beat her and used any means to win, she needed to redeem herself or she won't be able to sleep properly.

She still couldn't believe that he confused her for the spirit gem. Link really thought high of himself if he thought he could barge into her home and demand it from the king. For him to show such dissidence when he was told to leave, she was amazed that father gave him another chance. Even though it was mostly Link's mistake for confusing her with the gem, she still felt embarrassed, just thinking of how he kept demanding it and for his attitude and vulgar language.

Gah! How long has it been since someone bothered her like this?

They were far from the city and any sign of civilization, following a path that meandered through a wide area. The ground took a dry and sandy approach, slightly burning her webbed bare feet. Link, after witnessing her hissing in pain, commented that shoes existed to which she ignored. It was better to turn the other cheek as her mother always told her.

Thinking of her mother now, Ruto gently touched her blue earrings. Mother would know what to do. She always has. What would she say to her now?

Katie seemed to be delighted in everything. From the waters of the lake to the sky as if it was all new to her. Ruto felt commiserated for the little fairy. It was a rumor that the royal family locked up a small creature of the Goddesses and would only release her when the hero's calling approached. Naturally, rumors are the twisted truth and Katie had stayed there out of free will, refusing to leave for anything that wasn't important.

Now she was free and stuck with someone who didn't wish to be a hero. What an unfortunate situation.

Ruto relished the idea of jumping into Zoras' River, which rushed right next to them. But if she jumped in it might take some time for her to get out and she already knew Link was not the patient type.

Beads of sweat dripped off his face. "Are we there yet?" He asked for the fifth time.

His question made her pique. At least his feet weren't roasting and he was fully dressed, protecting him against sunburn. Yes, the fault was with her for not choosing the appropriate attire but she didn't know it was going to be this hot.

It had been windy on that day, windy with a promise of rain and freedom. She would run there feeling restless for durians. What was a promising day would have been her last day. The first raindrop splashed on her already wet stained, bloodied cheek.

She stomped down the memory and replied, "Almost."

A few more minutes of walking and soon her blistering feet touched the warmth of grass. It was a small area with large boulders forming a circle and the entrance inside faced the river. That was how she made her escape. Twigs and roots spiraled up from the earth in the narrow entrance between the boulders and one had tripped her, making her tumble back and fall into the river.

"This is it?" Link asked. At the center were three durian trees.

She didn't revisit it until today after what happened. If she looked a little closer she might even spot dried up blood. A shiver crawled up her spine and her breath hitches. "Yes."

"Are you okay, Ruto? You look a little pale," Katie said with a gentle glow of yellow.

Ruto managed a little smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Of course she's fine. Who wouldn't be when they're standing on the same place where they could have been murdered?

Link wasn't impressed, frowning as he glanced over at rocks and the spiky fruit. Then his chin went up and he looked up at the sky with the boulders poking up. "Okay, so where's our good friend then?"

His little joke made Ruto's stomach twist. How could he be goofing off? Maybe he was so used to being chased around by bloodthirsty humans and monsters that this sort of thing seems normal to him.

"Maybe they'll come back later?" Katie offered at his side. "Check around. The culprit may have left a clue."

"Didn't that adviser said that there's no evidence?"

"I didn't tell anyone about this place," Ruto said quietly.

Link seemed astonished. "Seriously, what the hell?"

"I know, I know, but this place is the only place where I'm left alone."

"It would have also been your grave." Link rubbed his head as if afflicted by a headache. "Okay, how about you tell us exactly what happened?"

Ruto felt herself embarrassed and cleared her throat. She shouldn't be intimidated by him. "Well, I had a fight in the arena—"

"As Raza?" He couldn't help but ask with that mischievous glint in his eyes.

A muscle leaped in her jaw. He really enjoyed reminding her. "Yes, as Raza, may I continue?" He gestured dramatically that she may. "Normally after battles I would come here to relax. On that day, I had a rough fight and so—"

"Did you win or get your ass handed to you?"

"Will you please shut up for five seconds?" She snapped, out of patience.

"Link, have some respect already!" Katie growled.

He blinked at her outburst and chuckled. "My bad, shouldn't interrupt the princess. Please go on."

Ruto didn't bother answering his question since the answer was yes, she did lose but at least she fought hard not that it mattered to him anyways. As annoying as it was, having him openly disrespect her like that given to her status, she didn't let it bother her too much. Formalities don't matter on the battlefield and she already knew that Link was a recalcitrant individual so he wouldn't bother showing any deference.

"I was so tired from the fight and thought I'd come here to relax before returning to the palace and that's when…you know, she was here. I don't remember it very clearly but she knew who I was even with my disguise."

"How awful." Katie turned a bit white. "It must've been so scary."

Link crossed his arms and meticulously scrutinized the surroundings. "This is a pretty good place for an assassination. A small exit, far away from people, boulders everywhere," he analyzed. "How did you escape anyways? Even if you did get out of this circle here, it's in the middle of a wide area. Ah! I get it. The river."

She nodded. "I was lucky."

"I'll say."

"Link, let's look around for clues," Katie told him.

Link checked around the tall grasses and near the trees. Meanwhile, Ruto still felt sick to her pit. To think she could have died here, alone in this miserable spot that had always comforted her. This was a place that hid her from anyone and it had also drowned out her screams.

"Nothing." Link sighed but his eyes fixed on something from the dirt. Ruto saw it as well and peered closer. It was a piece of something that looked like transparent silk buried in and when he pulled it out, it took the shape of a six meters long reptile. "Dry snake skin." He turned to Ruto. "You have these in your domain?"

Ruto shook her head and tried to pound on her memory. "I remember something but it's not every clear." She could only remember that cheerful laugh. "It must be related to her. I'm sure of it."

"You know that really doesn't help us," Link pointed out. "But I bet our little fairy friend should know what this is."

They gave Katie a moment to flutter around the dry skin. "It's a Revoltan Snake." She sounded troubled. "A dangerous specimen that could only be found in the deepest part of Gerudo desert."

"Sounds like a sidekick to me." He raised an eyebrow at Ruto. "You really don't remember anything? I could be drunk till next week and still remember a snake this size."

"Oh please. You wouldn't remember your own name if your drunk," Katie snapped.

Rut was just as frustrated as he was. She just couldn't provide any form of exegesis no matter how hard she hammered her head. "I just can't remember anything." Her eyes averted from his cold stare and she only felt restless.

Link studied her until he pointed with his chin. "How about we train?"

She looked at him flabbergasted. "What?" He can't be serious.

He shrugged. "Why not? Better now than in the grave, right? Besides, the culprit sounds like they're out sightseeing."

The idea horrified her. "Well, that makes it all the more reason to apprehend them!"

He waved her off. "Look, they found you here all by yourself and away from people. This wasn't a random attack, fish bait. They knew that you were a princess and attacked when you were tired. Someone seriously wants you dead and I don't think they'll blow their cover for anyone else."

"Don't call me fish bait," she snapped. "Has anyone taught you modesty?"

Link thumbed at Katie. "She has but for five minutes."

"Try five years," Ruto shot. "Then five more years to learn to behave yourself around royalty and add another twenty years and hopefully by that time you're too old to be bothering anyone." Once she finished her rant, she inhaled deeply. This whole thing was playing it was toll on her and if Link doesn't shut up he'll find himself in a deathbed.

Link was grinning at her widely. "Or I could just turn into a Zora and never have to worry about wrinkles."

"Please don't ever say that, not even as a joke. I don't even want to think about it."

Just the thought of that this man having any kind of association with her kind made her sick.

Link raised his hands up and kept his smile.

"Going back to the topic, what would you do?" Her tone changed serious. "If someone wanted you dead, how would you react?"

He brought out his silver sword and gave her a lopsided smile. "First and most important thing, I'd get myself a drink."

"How does that solve anything?!" Katie complained.

Link continued like he wasn't interrupted, "If they beat my ass the first time, I'll make sure as hell that they won't do it the second time." He tiled his head to the side and stretched his smile. "That is, unless, you want to give up fighting for good."

"That is not—"

"I bet you're too afraid to lift your spear."

She responded to this by holding the tip of it to his neck. "Don't mock me," she warned him, then without warning, his foot sliced under hers and it was now his blade at her neck. His head blocked the light of the sun, forming a halo around his face that made his blond hair glow.

"I can teach you a few tricks," he offered, gently patting the tip of his sword on her cheek. "Make sure you toughen up a little."

She stood up and found herself eager to fight. Katie just whispered into her ear that Link won't play fair to which Link waved her off.

"Okay, you ready?" Link asked her.

Ruto opened her mouth to reply but instead he clashed blades with her and she staggered back in surprise. "What—"

"Darling, your enemy will never ask you if you're ready." He grinned when she glared. He seemed to enjoy tantalizing her whenever he had the chance.

Ruto landed an attack to which he rolled off. She managed to block his attack but it sent her back against a tree. His strength was alarming. Should humans be this strong? A tingly sensation traveled up her arm as she shook off the shock that she absorbed.

It's been so long since someone had forced her to fight with full potential. It wasn't like anyone in the arena could give her fighting tips and Sheeva had always held back and wasted more time concerning the princess rather than teaching her anything.

"One thing to note," Link said. "Change your fighting routine. You keep doing the same thing and I'm getting bored. It's always just jab, defense and jab."

She frowned. "But I always—"

"You need to change it," he insisted, getting seriously annoyed. "Monsters are easy to handle but what about the ones that don't go down easy? They'll memorize your fighting movement and wait for an opening."

She blocked another attack and managed to shove him back. There was a moment where she thought there was an opening but pulled back when she realized it was a trap. Link fought as if he's been fighting his whole life. He had this perspicacious skill that allowed him to sense her every moves, all her weak spots. He moved with such grace and strength, it was hard to believe he was only eighteen.

This was the skill of a true warrior. The strength, the swordsmanship, speed. Even she had to admit that the guards don't come close to his skills.

Even with a new sword, he still looked irritated, often glaring down at it. He sighed as he looked at her. "Another thing that ticks me off," he said, jumping aside when her spear came down. "Is that you're not fast enough." He proved this point by coming at her so abruptly that she didn't have time to defend herself. Link shoved her back by the shoulder and that knocked her to the ground.

Air was forced out of her as she groaned.

"Link, take is easy!" Katie snapped.

"Can you just get lost?" Link didn't look at her only waving as if to shoo her away. "Go chase a butterfly or something, I don't care."

"This is such a waste of time!" She complained. "Fine! While you two stab each other I'll go on a lovely walk or float around."

"Wait, Katie!" Ruto called out but it was too late. Her eyes snapped at Link who seemed to be grateful. "Why don't you try being nice to her for a change?"

He rolled his eyes. "Don't have time for that."

She was about to complain but was cut off once more by his blade. Link circled around her with his silver sword on his side. He seemed to be enjoying this greatly. "There's something else and it's extra armor. You're not going to protect yourself in that."

"I've been wearing this for the past three decades and I'm fine." Ruto moved again at Link's sword but a burst of pain erupted from her stomach when his knee shot out.

"Don't need armor?" He seemed irritated. "What are you going to do right now if I'm the culprit, huh? Goddamn it, to see such talent go to waste." He glared. "You've been fighting for a long time, I get that but you're starting to sound old right now."

"What—"

"You don't want to change things but let me tell you something, everything is changing. People are getting tougher and tougher. You can whine all you want about age but to be stronger you need to be smarter." He shoved her back. "Someone wants you dead, you realize that, right?"

The question was outrageous. "Of course."

"Or maybe it didn't register into your thick skull?" He chuckled darkly. "Or you really think you're actually stronger than that person? Or better yet, than me? Come on and be—"

His words stopped when she kicked him in the stomach. Link tripped back and fell and she kept him in place by pressing her foot on his chest. "Don't you ever," she growled, her spear touching his chest, "mock me like that, understand?"

Link smirked but that lost its charm when the spear poked him harder. "I get it."

"Don't joke about it." The nightmares were more than enough for her.

"Okay, relax."

Satisfied, Ruto stepped back and watch him get up and roll his eyes.

"I think you're making it a big deal. I mean, I'd be pretty excited."

"You might be looking forward to dying but I'm not."

"So are you saying this is the first time someone tried to kill you?"

She didn't say anything and only averted her eyes. It sounded so easy for him. It must feel good to be confident in his skills and never have to worry about something like this.

Something pink dashed in between them and it was Katie blabbering with panic. "Link, Link! You need to come quick!"

He groaned. "What now?"

She fluttered up and down leaving heavy flakes of sparkles behind. "Someone's hurt and monsters are everywhere!"

Ruto clenched her spear. "Lead the way."

It was in the middle of the road infested with Moblins and Bokoblins. Link was agog to see the number of monsters just waiting to be killed. He licked his sword hungrily and led the way. There was a poor man, bleeding from his forehead, who lay there pale and unconscious. An arrow embedded deep into his leg and the monsters were coming for him.

"We were just talking," Katie was saying when they saw the man from twenty meters away. "Then the monsters spotted us and fired an arrow at him!"

The parlous Moblins were moving alarmingly fast and when they spotted Link and Ruto they shrieked, blue tongue lolling back into their mouths. An arrow shot from a Bokoblin and Link caught it with his bare hands and used it on his bow.

Link decimated anything that came near him, moving at incredible speed, using his shield to defend himself from time to time. He was expediency as he was skillful. This just wasn't a fight for him but a sport as she caught a large smile on his face. Ruto was about to run and kill a monster to her left until someone stopped her.

"Oh no you don't." Link grabbed Ruto and shoved her back. "You are not getting in my way."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Listen here, princess, you're shit at fighting. Let me deal with this while you grab the guy."

She couldn't even believe him. Does he really have that much confidence in his skills? And telling her to stay in the sidelines?

"You don't order me around!" She snapped as she brought out her spear.

"Woman, why can't you just listen to me?" He glared at her. "That guy will die if you don't get to him. Just let me deal with this and stay out of my way!"

The number of monsters were beaucoup. The Moblins were the most worrisome. They were taller than the rest with large clubs and iron shield. Killing them was no easy feat and there were four of them. More Bokoblins arrived to the battle and they were mostly red. There was one white Bokoblin and Ruto knew from experience that they were the most annoying ones.

She didn't know Link long enough to trust him and she most certainly didn't like how he was ordering her around but now wasn't the time to think about that. Her first priority was to reach the man before the monsters do. Before she could do that though, a mass of wood came down at her.

The Moblin snorted at her angrily at its missed. Then it tried again to fustigate her with a club. An opening was made for her just as the monster lifted the club over his shoulder and she thrust her spear in. It wasn't enough but it did send the beast back. She turned only to meet the fist of the white Bokoblin and went down.

To her horror, a red Bokoblin already took the man by his arm and grinned maliciously.

"No!" Ruto screamed, trying to run to him but was stopped by a group of monsters.

Link came through without a moment of hesitation. He fired an arrow at the Moblin who carried the man and it growled at him. Link rushed in through the hordes of monsters, swiftly dodging each and every one of them. His shield protected him to its full extend as he went on the defense and broke into a run.

A Moblin loomed over the unconscious man and it would have ended his life if Link hadn't arrived in time. He was panting, clenching his sword with two hands. There was boldness in his eyes as he locked blades with the grinning Moblin. He wasn't smiling anymore. Something changed in his eyes when the man's life was nearly taken.

Ruto was a bit perplexed by the sight of him and it stunned her. For a moment, he didn't look like Link at all. She snapped out of it when she saw it. "Behind you, Link!" She yelled, too far away to aid him.

Link broke off with the Moblin and moved just in time before a Lizafro stabbed his heart. The Moblin grabbed Link by the shirt and threw him. He looked like he was going to land on his face but he flipped back and landed impeccably on his feet.

Link was the center of attention, leaving Ruto to deal with only a few handful of monsters on her end. Even with that though she struggled. Her years away from combat led her to nearly be killed had it not been for Katie who used her own body to whack the enemies whenever possible.

"I'm starting to get a headache," Katie moaned, as she fluttered a bit drunkenly.

Ruto risked a glance and found that Link was on his feet still fighting energetically. All the Moblins have been killed and there only remained three Red Bokoblins. "You better give that back, you little shit!" He shouted with fury.

His hat was missing and it was a red Bokoblin that took it. It danced tauntingly as it held up the hat. Link's hair was a little longer than she thought. It snorted in glee and it's other comrades laughed at Link. Even Ruto couldn't help but twitch her lips a little at the sight of it.

"You don't want to give it back? Alright then." Link giggled sinisterly and pulled out a yellow tube. "You lost your chance, buddy. I'm about to make you so sorry."

"Oh no, he's doing it again," Katie muttered. "Link, don't you start!"

"Doing what?"

"I swear he does this all the time and I have no idea why!"

Link dashed towards the Bokoblin, zigzagging around in order to avoid incoming arrows. The red Bokoblin must have sensed the murder intent that danced in Link's eyes since it simply dropped the hat and tried to make a run for it. With a smooth movement of his silver sword, Link sliced off the head of one Bokoblin and used his dagger to slash the throat of another Bokoblin.

He grew more frustrated by the second as he looked at the silver sword. "This shit is so horrible," he muttered. "Bad balance. Damn it."

The last one, the one that took his hat and dropped it, was running like the devil was on its tail. With his hookshot, Link dragged the creature to his feet and smiled at it. Ruto then witnessed Link's victim as she watched in utter horror the yellow tube dig deep into the monster's eye.

Link squeezed something yellow out of the tube and the monster's cries of agony rang throughout the field.

"What…what is he doing?" Ruto turned to Katie who was just as appalled as she was.

"This…he does this all the time. We're working on it," Katie said uneasy. "I don't know why he does this. Really I don't but at least we defeated all the other monsters."

There was a groan behind them and they quickly turned to find the young man rolling off his stomach. "Oh, what happened?" He mumbled, rubbing his head. "Golly, I had the weirdest dream." When he saw them, his shoulders slumped, "It wasn't a dream."

Behind them were more cries of pain and Ruto turned to see the monster was missing an ear and an arm. "Katie, we need to stop him."

"There's nothing that could stop him at this point. Just let him get it out of his system."

The young man was in too much pain to even notice Link. He held his head and groaned.

"We should get you back to the city," Ruto told him.

He blinked up at her. "Were you the one who saved me? Thanks a bunch!"

Ruto felt flattered momentarily. "No, it wasn't me."

"Yes, it was," Link said so suddenly, startling her. He seemed exceptionally happy and grinned as he placed his hat firmly on his head. "She's the one that saved your ass."

Ruto frowned. "But I didn't—"

The young man grabbed her hand and gave it energetic pumps. "Oh thank you! Thank you so much, miss! Jeez, and here I thought that all Zoras hated humans."

She took her hand quickly and tried not to feel disgusted that a human touched her so familiarly.

Link noticed this and chuckled. "Oh, she does."

She shot him a look. "For some, yes."

There were some exceptions when it came to humans. So long as they don't bother her so much then she could tolerate them, to some extend. It wasn't like she wanted something terrible to happen to them but she wouldn't want to invite them to dinner either. The umbrage she carried with her was so strong, preventing her from befriending any humans.

Beedle didn't notice her behavior at all and only thanked her again. This led her to glance over at Link and she frowned when he didn't correct the man. Why was he giving her credit? Shouldn't someone as arrogant as him start taunting off on how he did all the work?

And the mess that he made. There was a pile of black flakes with something yellow and sticky. Just when she couldn't find more reasons to hate him. Just how could he be the hero? Someone tell her that this is a joke.

Ruto didn't question on why he decided to let her take all the glory. When she tried to help the man, he winced at the sharp pain on his leg and sat back down. "Nope. I can't move with that on me." The arrow was still there, drawing out blood.

Link rolled his eyes. "Stop being such a baby! The city is twenty minutes away and I'm hungry."

Ruto gawked. "Again?!" The capacity of a human stomach would always be a mystery to her.

"We have to pull it out," Katie said urgently. "He might get infected."

"Wait, no! It really hurts!" He whined.

Link was starting to get impatient but Ruto ignored him for now. She went down on her knees and broke one end of the feathery end of the arrow to make it easier to pull it out. "Okay, on the count of three."

The young man nodded hesitantly.

"Okay, one…" Ruto started. The rest of the numbers seemed to have been lost on Link since he ruthlessly pulled out the arrow. A surprised cry gurgled out from the man as fresh blood squirted out from the laceration.

"Link!" Katie bashed his head. "What happened to two and three?!"

"Yeah, what happened to two and three?!" The man cried.

Link clearly didn't look sorry since he was grinning sadistically. "Oh come on," he teased, waving the bloodied arrow. "It wasn't that bad."

"Well, it wasn't very good!" The man shouted.

"Buddy, I've been shot twice by a bullet, had my back nearly broken and if I get a rupee for every scar that I got then I can buy a country with it. I think you're over exaggerating just a bit little." Link threw the arrow over his shoulder. "Can we get something to eat please?"

"I need a drink," the man whimpered as Ruto tied the wound up.

"Hey, I think we can be good friends you and I," Link said cheerfully.

"Shut up. Don't talk to me."

They took the man to the city and learned that his name was Beedle, a traveling merchant in the search for customers. Beedle discovered that she was a princess when Link addressed her as one.

"Hey, you didn't say it was a secret," Link said defensibly when she glared at him. He says that yet still wore a deceptively large smirk on his face.

Ruto didn't know what she wanted to do to him but she knew she wanted to do something violent.

Aside from that, she felt rather uncomfortable when Beedle praised her for her bravery, saying the city couldn't be any luckier to have such a princess. She didn't do much and only kept herself alive while Link did the rest.

"I didn't think it would get so dangerous!"

"It's dangerous at every corner," Link said but his attention wasn't with them but rather at a fried fish a seller waved around. "Man, I can't get enough of these."

Ruto held her tongue for whenever Beedle thanked her. She hadn't saved him when a Moblin nearly crushed him. Link has. Without hesitation or a thought for his own wellbeing, he rushed out there, risked his life and saved the man.

Katie must be thinking the same thing since her color glowed brightly of yellow and orange. If anyone had told Ruto that Link was born a hero she would have laughed at the joke, but there was a moment in that fight when she thought Link had been someone else. He stopped laughing the second Beedle's life was nearly taken by a club. He just ran past several monsters without even considering the consequences.

Perhaps that maybe deep down, like, very, very, deep down there could be a hero in there. Underneath all that tough and ruthless skin maybe Link was a destined hero. Despite everything he has said, she saw that look in his eyes. That wasn't the Link that was taunting her a minute ago.

Katie may be on to something here and Ruto hoped that her institution was right.

Poor poor Ruto. Link's going to drive her nuts. Hehehe. He's got a bit of a soft side for kids, doesn't he?

Please don't forget to leave a review on what you think would happen next. It's always nice to hear your thoughts.