A/N) thank you all for kind comments and messages. I'm very happy to see this story so positively received even for having an OC.
I don't own the Legend of Zelda.
"Farore. You look nice." Link said after Kai had gently woken him up.
Normally, Kai wore battle suits in dark colors. Today, he wore stealth armor that was all black, even his wraps and cowl were black. He wasn't wearing his holsters on his thighs.
Kai noticed his eyes "We are going to the castle. I doubt they will allow me to see the King if I'm armed. You can protect me if something goes wrong, right?"
Link nodded. When he put the Master Sword back into the pedestal to seal Ganon into the sacred realm, Zelda had the Sheikah and the Gorons combine to forge him a sword much like the Master Sword, bearing the sign of the Royal Family. Everyone knew of the sword. He was to carry it with him always, to prove his connection to the Royal Family. Everyone knew the Hero wore a green tunic and hat, bearing the sword, and Hylian Shield.
Link stretched out before getting up, and getting dressed in his tunic and pants as Kai looked away. Link wondered if they should talk about last night. About what almost happened. His heart pounded at the thought. He shook his head, they had a job to do. It would be better to leave that talk for later.
"There's some fruit on the table, if you'd like a snack before we go." Kai said while tying on pieces of armor to his suit.
Link didn't want anything to eat. He just wanted to get this over with. They decided to leave their packs and gear in their room. It felt weird to travel so light as they walked down the street.
"I believe this is the main road. If we keep to it, we should be able to reach the Castle." Kai said as they walked.
Link nodded. He could feel fear creeping up on him. He always got nervous when he had to go visit a new ruler. Always afraid he would do, or say something stupid. It wouldn't be so bad if it only reflected poorly on himself, but this would affect himself, Kai, Zelda, and the entirety of Hyrule. When they got to the gates of the castle, they were stopped. For some reason, it seemed that all the gates to the castle were guarded quite heavily. Kai looked around, noticing extra soldiers, and even archers with their bows trained on them.
"What business do you have with the Royal Family?" A man asked, who was wearing a heavy suit of armor. It was a bit overkill, there were no battles near here. And it was the middle of summer. The poor man was sweating profusely in his armor.
"I am Link, Hero of Time, and a Diplomat sent by the Royal Family of Hyrule to speak to your King."
"Show me your sword, Hero. Slowly."
Link reached back very slowly, unsheathing his sword. He showed the guard the mark of the Royal family of Hyrule.
The guard laughed "He's the real deal. Archers, relax and raise the gate." He walked over, and shook Link's hand "It's truly a pleasure to meet you. I can't believe I'm shaking the Hero of Time's hand. Is this your Sheikah guide from the tales?"
"No. I am Kai-Shi, Princess Zelda's personal bodyguard. I've been tasked to keep the Hero safe." Kai said with a bow.
"Smart to bring the extra help. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've never met a Sheikah before." The guard responded, shaking his hand as well. "Just keep following the path here. You'll come across more guards. Show them that sword, and they should let you through."
They gave him thanks, and went through. At each gate to the castle, the same thing happened. Show the sword, and then basically get handshakes and slaps on the back. Everyone knew the Hero of Time. His tales carried on the wind far and wide.
They finally got to the last pair of guards who protected the door before the castle. Link showed them the sword.
"You may have fooled the guards before with such a cheaply made fake, but not us." One of the guards said.
"Fake? What? No, I'm Link, the Hero of Time. I'm here at the behest of Princess Zelda of Hyrule to speak with your king."
"Hero, do you even know what behest means?" Kai asked.
"You want to start right now Kai?"
"Get out of here with your practiced lies." The guard said, stopping them before they started.
Link looked over at Kai with a pleading look. Kai merely shrugged. Obviously, the two standing here were idiots or being overly cautious. Still idiots though.
"How can I prove to you that I am the Hero? Your king is expecting me."
One of the guards knocked on the door, a woman opened it. Her hair was a bright green, with eyes to match "Can I help you Sarge?" She asked, and looked to the pair of boys standing there "Oh my! The Hylian and Sheikah Diplomats. What are you fools doing leaving them standing here? Come in, please. Sarge, Kaine, you are both going to be reprimanded harshly for this." She drug the boys inside. When she closed the door she bowed to them "Hello, I'm sorry for the fools outside. Things here have been...well I'll let the King tell you of the troubles. Oh, I know you are Link, but I'm afraid I don't know you." She said looking at Kai.
He bowed to her "My name is Kai-Shi. I was tasked with protecting the Hero on his trip."
"Yes, the plains and hills are dangerous. Only a fool would travel alone. My name is Lena. I am the King's attendant. But lately I do, well, a little of everything I guess. I am a bodyguard, a mercenary, a guide, and I even answer doors, obviously." She said with a laugh. "I will take you to the King's study, and inform him of your arrival. Please, follow me."
They followed behind her as she pointed out all the beautiful art and architecture here in Okoku Caste. "You two don't talk much do you?" She asked as they walked.
"I am merely observing. I have no intention of being rude." Kai said
"Are all Sheikah this proper? I've never met one so, are they all so uptight?"
Link lost it, and started laughing. Kai merely scoffed.
"Hey. Finally one of you smiles! I was starting to wonder if you guys were dead inside. Here we go, the study. Make yourselves comfortable. Annie may come in with tea. So don't mind her. I'll be back!" She smiled, and closed the door.
"She seems nice." Link said with a smile, as he sat down in a plush chair.
"Quite." Kai replied, and then shook his head "She's definitely something else. Not what I was expecting, for sure." He had noticed she was also armed. What was going on around here? Hopefully, they could get their answers soon. He decided to stand behind the Hero, much like he did for the Princess.
The door opened, and a small girl pushing a trolley came in. She had blonde hair and big brown eyes "H-hello. I'm A-Annie. Would you l-like some t-tea?" She had a pronounced stutter, and looked very embarrassed.
Link gave her a kind smile, which only increased her blushing "I'd love some. May I have milk and sugar?"
"Y-yes. Of c-course." She looked at Kai.
"No thank you."
She nodded and made Link his tea, as soon as she handed it to him, the door opened. She squeaked and bowed, as a boy not much older than Kai walked in, followed by Lena. He was taller than them both, with broad shoulders and a lean body. His hair was a dirty blonde with surprisingly, violet colored eyes.
"Ha! The Hero of Time! So nice to meet you." He reached over, and shook Link's hand. And then looked to the boy standing behind him "Ah, and a Sheikah. I believe Zelda's letter said your name was Kai. I'm pleased to meet you." He shook Kai's hand as well, before standing behind the large desk. "I am Nathaniel. The King of Okoku."
Lena went to stand behind him, and Annie set down a cup of tea in front of him. Link was shocked. This boy was the King?
"The pleasure is ours King Nathaniel." Kai said, taking the lead and bowing to the King.
"Please no need to be so formal. Nathan will be just fine. I'm sure you both must be confused. I'm 20 years old and running the whole place." He smiled taking a sip of tea "Perfect as always, Annie. Please go see that a splendid dinner is being prepared for our guests."
"Y-yes sir." She gave a quick curtsy and walked out, leaving the tea cart.
His eyes trailed back to the two boys "Allow me to clear things up here." He took another drink of tea "After the earthquake had done terrible damage to some of the surrounding areas, many people were forced to come to the main town. They quickly began setting up residences here, which I'm sure you noticed. Our little town is so large now. It's many of the towns affected by the earthquakes, merged into one for now. People began calling for the king to do something. When my father tried to go out and speak to the people, he was murdered. There's a large underground group of people, that we believe, are attempting to hold a coup and overthrow me. I know my father told Zelda we needed help from the earthquake, but all of this happened recently, before you showed up. I sent a letter to her about what has transpired, and await her response. I must ask you both, will you help us? I know it's a lot to ask, but I promise to you both I will ally myself with Hyrule, and also reward you for your efforts. I know you both must await the answer from your Princess, and I respect that, so please take advantage of our hospitality. You can both take a room here at the castle, and want for nothing."
Link looked back at Kai, and they each had the same look in their eyes. Link looked back at the King, and smiled "Yes. If Zelda says we must, then we will. But I feel she will offer her full support, and we will as well. We will help, however we can."
"Oh, thank the Gods. Thank you both so much." The tension in his shoulders decreased, and he looked much more relaxed.
"Do you two communicate by like, eye signals or something?" Lena asked from behind the King.
Link laughed "Yeah, something like that."
Kai was staring at the King. Violet eyes...that was a rare sight. But not unheard of. But that would mean…
"You noticed." Nathan said, reading Kai's face, even though it was covered.
Kai pulled his cowl down "So, how?"
Nathan sighed "I am the bastard son of the previous King. My mother was a Sheikahn deserter, trying to make ends meet by being a whore. I'm actually a half Sheikah. But because my mother had deserted the clan, she couldn't turn to them for help. So, before she died, she came to the castle and told my father of me. I look just like my father, but my eyes give me away. A lot of people here have never even met a Sheikah. When I heard you were coming, I wondered how long until you could tell. I don't know much of the Sheikah, but I know they are extremely observant."
"Some of the mixed children in the clan have violet eyes."
"I didn't even know mixed children were a thing." Link said.
"We wouldn't have survived this long if we didn't, Hero. Mixed children turn out 1 of 3 ways. Normal red eyes, violet eyes, or heterochromia iridium, meaning one red eye and one blue."
"Ok, enough of this," Lena said, taking a step forward "regardless of your Princesses orders, you 2 will be here awhile. I believe you should blend in and take to the streets. This coup is being put together by the people out there. We should try to get information straight from the source."
"I believe she is right." Nathan said with a nod "you 3 will be my eyes and my ears."
"Let's get you boys in Okoku type outfits." Lena said with a smile.
Something about how she looked right then, made Link feel very nervous.