A.N. I told you it'd be out soon! I'm very excited about this chapter and the few following! Time to dance!

CHAPTER 13

"Link! Hurry up!"

Link raced across the hallway in his towel. "Just go ahead without me!" He yelled down the hall to Malon. She and Beedle were both dressed and ready to go to the dance. After his shift had ended he had raced back to the dorms and had just jumped out of the shower.

Malon was impatiently tapping her foot into the blue carpeting. She glanced at her watch for the twentieth time.

Link rushed into his room and stuck his head back out. He waved them on. "Just go! I'm gonna need a few minutes. I'll meet you there!"

Malon huffed and grabbed Beedle's hand. "Alright, fine! But don't take too long," she warned. "Come on, Beedle."

Link rolled his eyes and ducked back into his room. After making sure the door was locked he grabbed the towel from around his waist and used it to rub his damp hair, trying to dry it quickly. He opened the closet door and peered inside, hoping that there would suddenly be more clothes in there.

With his small budget from Kakariko he had only managed to gather enough clothes to last him a couple weeks if he did no laundry in that time. A handful of t-shirts, long sleeves, and sweaters and only a few pairs of jeans. Link sighed and grabbed the only button up that he owned. It was a well-loved forest green button up with tan buttons and white stitching. He tossed the shirt and his towel onto his bed before digging out a plain white undershirt. He grabbed a pair of boxer briefs and pulled them on, settling the elastic around his waist.

Link dug into the bottom of the closet and pulled out his two pairs of clean jeans. Dress pants had cost the same as three pairs so he hadn't bothered to purchase a pair for school, figuring that he wouldn't need them anyways. Go figure…Link rolled his eyes. Blue or black? He sighed and chucked the blue denim back into the closet. He pulled on the pants and shirts.

Watching himself in the mirror, Link quickly buttoned the green shirt and attempted to soothe down his wild hair. Thinking he looked decent he dropped his hands and gave himself a shrug. Good enough.

Link turned to his desk and picked up the tie that Beedle had lent to him for the evening. It was plain black thin silk tie, which Malon had insisted would look great with his shirt. He opened his computer to the tab that he had saved earlier in the day, pulling up the YouTube video "How to Tie a Tie." He threw the tie around his neck and tried to follow the guy as he walked him through the process step by step. It took his four tries but after inspecting it in the mirror Link was pleased with the outcome. He adjusted his collar and patted his hair down one last time before he slipped on his black sneakers and stepped out into the hallway.

The dance was being held in the fitness center on the first floor. The student council had swarmed the place the moment their fencing class had ended, eagerly pushing all the equipment to the side and into closets. Link had seen multiple boxes and buckets full of streamer and balloons.

As he hurried across the fields he was surprised to find that he felt butterflies fluttering about in stomach. The idea of being nervous over a dance made him want to laugh.

Save me a dance on Friday, okay?

Link shook his head, trying to make the image of Zelda holding a plate of food disappear.

"Hey, Link!"

Great, now he was even hearing her voice. It's not like—

"Link! Hold up!

Link stopped and turned, finding Zelda hurrying down the walkway to him. Each click of her high heels ringing in the air around him. Her white cocktail dress flared out around her as she ran up. A small turquoise purse hung over one shoulder.

Link looked away to keep his eyes off the the skin of her heaving chest that peaked over the strapless neckline of her dress. Zelda let out a puff of air as she placed a hand over her chest.

"Making a girl chase you? How arrogant of you, Mr. Smith," she teased. "You clean up well though," she told him as she glanced at his shirt.

Link rolled his eyes. "Thanks, and sorry. I didn't hear you at first. Lost in thought."

Zelda laughed. "Trying to fashionably late?"

"Of course," he said. "And you?"

"Can't make an entrance if you arrive before everyone else," she grinned. "But honestly I just couldn't find the belt," she said, motioning to her waist. Her dress was cinched just under her bust by a thick gold belt that had an inlaid pattern of alternating triangular turquoise stones. In the center of the belt was a circular pendant with the Sheikah symbol of the Triforce.

"The Triforce? Really?"

Zelda laughed. "I hoped you'd notice! I ordered it a few years ago and it's one of my favorite things. It is modeled after one on a Sheikah priestess in an ancient painting." She leaned in and said in a stage whisper, "It's not real gold though. Don't tell anyone."

Link rolled his eyes. "Come on. Malon's going to be pissed that we are as late as we are." He held out his arm to her.

She instantly wrapped her arm around his. "Lead the way."

He purposefully kept his steps short to accommodate her heels. One glance down showed him that she was balancing on at least three inches of stiletto. But he had to admit that the shoes were quite interesting. They were a dark brown leather that traced back and forth across her foot and up her leg, in the...he raked his brain trying to remember the term. Saria had showed something similar to him once in a magazine. Trojan style? No. Gladiator! That was it. The gladiator heels traced all the way up her shin, stopping just before her knee.

"Are you going to be able to wear those all night?" He asked with a nod of his head to her shoes.

Zelda grinned. "No, but no one really expects girls to. We wear them long enough to make an impression and then we take them off before we want to saw our own feet off."

Link chuckled. "Seems a waste."

She shrugged in response.

As they neared the gym the thumping sound of the DJs bass slowly grew louder. Every now and then the sound of cheers rang out into the night air. Link led her up to the main door. He stepped away and opened the door for her, motioning her in.

With a shake of her head, she grabbed his arm again. Leaning in close so that he could hear her over the loud music she said, "Don't think you're getting away from me already. You promised me a dance!"

Link shook his head and led her through the doorway. His eyes widened in amazement at the sight before him. He could hardly believe it was the same gym. The student council had really outdone themselves. Long strips of streamers crisscrossed overhead tied to the railings of the second floor. Balloons littered the floor and lasers lit up the walls as they twirled around to the beat of the music.

The DJ was situated on a raised platform at the end of the room by the lockers. Four large speakers surrounded him and released a steady stream of overly loud music.

Students filled the floor, dancing and standing in groups as they laughed, drank, and ate the snacks.

"Wow," he muttered as drew to a stop, glad that the music covered his surprise a little. He glanced around, trying to take it all in.

"Cool, right?" Zelda said loudly in his ear.

He just nodded. He found Malon deep in the crowd, dancing with Beedle. Link grinned at the sight. He was happy for his friends.

Turning he found Groose standing at the snack table, watching him like a hawk eyeing prey. Cawlin and Strich flanked him, but they were too busy digging into the free food. Groose's eyes narrowed as he watched the pair closely. Link raised his head in challenge. He watched as Groose slammed his cup down on the table and stormed into the crowd, Strich and Cawlin frantically chasing after him.

"Good job," Zelda laughed.

Link glanced down at her and found her grinning at the snack table.

"You planned this," he accused in surprise.

She shrugged. "You're the one that told me not to come alone. But don't worry. I'm not holding you to any date obligations. Just one dance. I think there are plenty of other girls who would like a dance with you," she teased. "One short redhead specifically." She nodded to the left where Mipha stood, supposedly listening to her younger brother, but her attention definitely seemed focus on the two of them.

Link nodded. "Yeah, I've noticed that."

"Not interested?" She asked curiously.

He made a noncommittal sound. Zelda rolled her eyes in response.

"So what now?" He asked as he eyed the swaying crowd before them like an enemy, trying to assess his best plan of attack.

Zelda laughed. "Now we dance. Come on!" As she moved to lead him onto the floor and tall figure stepped in front of them.

"Mr. Smith...Zelda," he purred as he reached for her free hand. Zelda quickly pulled her hand away and placed in the crook of Link's arm.

"Mr. Ganon," Link acknowledged the other man tightly, his eyes narrowing as he all but glared at the man before them. He could feel Zelda's hands tighten on his arms, her nails digging through his shirt. She held onto him stiffly.

Ganon grinned down at her, completely oblivious or uncaring about her obvious discomfort under his gaze. "Zelda, my dear, you look absolutely lovely this evening."

She shifted anxiously next to him. "Thank you, sir," she said politely. "Are you chaperoning tonight?"

Ganon nodded. "Yes. It is nice to see all the students out having fun. I hear you have your group working hard on Impa's project this year."

Impa's project again? Link rolled his eyes. He was glad that Sheik had warned him about Ganon's intentions, but he was starting to think that he would have figured it out on his own soon. This man was not one for subtlety.

Link cut in before Zelda could say anything. "It has been a tough project but it's nothing we can't handle under our great leader's supervision."

Ganon's mouth grew into a tight line as turned his attention to Link. His sharp eyes met Link's narrowed eyes. The two men stared at each other for a long moment before Zelda tugged on his arm.

"Can we dance now?" She asked him sweetly, purposefully ignoring the tall man in front of them.

"Of course. Excuse me, Mr. Ganon." Link quickly stepped around the man and led her onto the dance floor. He weaved his way through the thick throng of students, pulling her deeper and deeper into the crowd. Finally feeling safe at the center of the dance floor, Link looked down and found that he had her hand firmly gripped in his. He quickly dropped it and turned to face her. Her eyes were a bit unfocused and she had her lips sucked in between her teeth. "Are you alright?"

She shook her head, as though trying to clear it. "Yes. Thanks for that. I hate that man."

Link laughed. "Me too."

Zelda looked around at the dancing students who twirled around their still forms. One of the year's top pop hits blared out of the DJ's speakers. Students swayed and raised their hands to the beat as the music took over them. Zelda smiled when she turned her attention back to him. "Ready for that dance?"

As he extended his hand to her, the song abruptly ended. Link's hand paused as students around him cheered. Over the roar of the crowd came a soft lilting voice that spun a gentle tune. Couples near him pulled each other close, swaying to the new slow beat.

Link swallowed a lump in his throat and watched as she took hold of his hand. He tried to wipe the panic off of his face but he knew he was failing.

Zelda moved their hands out to the side. "Other hand around my back just above my waist," she instructed as she stepped closer to him and placed her other hand on his shoulder.

Link carefully placed his hand in the low of her back, feeling the rough fabric of the dress' chiffon layer. She gave him a reassuring smile. Thankful for his height, Link stared over her head at the dancing couples closest to them. The boys confidently held the girls in their arms, leading them through the dance. Many just swayed or took small steps, keeping them in the same general place.

Figuring he could do that much at least, Link took a tiny step forward and was pleased that she followed his lead and took a step back. Slowly at first they moved in a small circle. Each time he moved, she followed. As the music filled his head he felt himself relaxing and their pace sped up to match the beat of the song.

Feeling braver, he glanced down and found her already watching him.

"What?" He asked curiously.

She smiled. "Nothing. Just having fun."

"Good." He saw a boy behind her twirl his partner under his raised hand. "Want to try something a bit harder?"

She chuckled. "Trick up your sleeve, Mr. Smith?"

He rolled his eyes and moved his hand from her back. He lifted his left hand, switching his grip on her palm and slowly spun her in a circle before him. As her back turned away from him again, he swept his hand back into position.

Zelda grinned up at him. "Impressive."

He scuffed and continued to sway them in small circles, but he couldn't stop the small smile that crept onto his face.

As the song drew to a close, Zelda stepped back and released his hand. His palm suddenly felt very cold. With a smirk she dropped into a small curtsy. "Thank you for the dance."

Link laughed. "Thanks for not running screaming when you realized I've never danced before."

"Well, you did wonderfully. That twirl. I mean, come on. That was spectacular."

"Tease all you want," he chided. "I won't let you ruin this night."

Zelda laughed merrily. "I wouldn't dare." She looked past his shoulder and saw Malon waving to her. "Come on. Everyone's over there." Link glanced down as she nonchalantly grabbed his hand and pulled him through the crowd.

"There you are!" Malon cried as she pulled Zelda into a hug, causing the blonde girl to drop his hand. Link flexed his fingers. "I thought you two weren't going to show up. I was worried you lied to us," she accused Link specifically.

He groaned. "I said I was going to come. So here I am."

"And you look dashing," Malon cheered. "Right, Zelda?" She waggled an eyebrow at the girl.

Zelda laughed and made a show of looking him up and down. "Absolutely stunning," she teased.

Link blushed and turned his back to the laughing girls, taking the time to say hello to Beedle and Sidon. They begrudgingly followed the girls back onto the dance floor moments later. As a hip hop number came on the girls swayed and rocked to the music. No one was really dancing with anyone in particular. Rather they danced as a whole group, each individually feeling the music.

Link rocked awkwardly to the song he had never heard before, unsure of what to do with his hands or where he should be looking. He glanced to the side and found Beedle looking just as uncomfortable. The boy met his gaze, his eyes all but begging for the misery to end.

"Drinks?"

"Oh god, yes!"

They practically bolted from the dance floor. They laughed as they stood by the snack bar, which was surrounded by boys.

For almost two hours the boys went back and forth from the dance floor to the snack table. Each time the girls would make them dance, they would eventually bolt for the safety of the snacks until they were dragged back. During the slow dances that the DJ scattered throughout the electronic and hip hop songs Link danced with Mipha, Ruto and even one with Malon, when Beedle was nowhere to be found. Each of the girls was gracious about his lack of skill on the dance floor.

Ruto led him through a spicy salsa song as Revali stood on the sidelines glaring. He was quite sure that she only danced with him to annoy the other boy. But Link was happy for her enthusiastic teaching and light-heartedness as he stumbled through the moves.

Malon and Mipha led the whole group through a choreographed number that most of the girls in the gym knew by heart. It was fairly simple as long as he made a point to listen to the song's instructions.

Overall, the dance wasn't half as bad as he had expected. He found himself actually having fun and enjoying the atmosphere, despite realizing he would probably be deaf the next day.

As a song ended, Link slipped out of Malon's grip. When the next song's bass started to thump through the room he mouthed the word 'bathroom' at her and forced his way through the crowd.

Link casually tossed the damp crumpled paper towel into the trash can and pushed the door to the bathroom open. He paused and blinked in surprise as a flash of white and yellow raced past him. He watched, confused, as she slammed into the door and disappeared into the night.

"Zelda?" He whispered in puzzlement. Had she been crying? He looked down the hallway and found Ganon stepping out of the shadows, a satisfied smirk on his tanned face.

Rage flowed through him as he glared at the man. Without hesitating he turned away from him and bolted after Zelda.

He did not have time to deal with Ganon. He needed to find her and make sure that she was alright, that he hadn't hurt her. A smaller voice in the back of his head asked him what he could even do to the assistant dean and head of the board of trustees. Link pushed that thought down and focused on darkness around him.

He ran down the path headed to Hylian Hall, figuring she would have headed back for her room. He called out her name a few times, but heard nothing in response. Link slowed his speed as he neared the building, surprised he hadn't seen her yet. Glancing around, he stopped dead at the sight of a flicker of white disappearing into the dark forest.

Link groaned and turned to follow her. He called out again, but she didn't stop. He raced after her, dodging trees and hidden roots in the darkness. Each time he thought he had finally lost her, a glimpse of white would catch in his peripheral.

Deeper and deeper into the woods they ran. By the time she finally stopped, his breath was coming ragged and hard. He found her kneeling in front of a large tree, her arms wrapped around her stomach as she bent over knees, her purse casually tossed to the side.

He approached slowly, afraid to startle her. "Zel?" He took another tentative step. "Zelda?"

He lurched back as her sharp gaze rose to meet his. He had not expected anger. Her eyes were deadly, but that didn't stop the tears that cascaded down her cheeks.

"What?" She snapped. "What do you want?"

"I…" He hesitated, unsure of what to say. "I was worried. I saw Ganon…"

Zelda unfolded herself and rose to her feet. She wrapped her arms back around herself, almost like giving the comfort of a hug to her own body. She trembled.

"I'm fine," she muttered.

"Zelda, please." He stepped forward and reached out for her.

"Don't," she whispered as she stepped away from him.

Link dropped his hand instantly. "What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Zel—"

"It's nothing, Link! Just drop it!"

Link watched her in concern. She was obviously hurting. Even in class when she had snapped at him and the others about the project, he had never seen this level of anger...or rather hatred from her.

"If...if he hurt you, we can…"

"We can, what?" She barked in bitter laughter. "What can I possibly do to the man that controls this school? Who would believe me if I told them the head of the board of trustees pushed me into a wall and felt me up? That he sexually harassed me, the daughter of the dean?" She scoffed and turned away from him. "No one would believe me."

"We have to tell someone," he insisted.

"Why? So they can look at me with pity just like you are? No thanks!"

Link's shoulders slumped. "It's not pity. It's worry that you are hurting. I just want to help."

"Then go away!" She snapped.

He shook his head. "I can't." He couldn't leave her in the middle of the forest in the middle of the night. Not after what just happened.

As she glared at the dark forest floor Link stepped up and pulled her into a hug. She was as stiff as a board and she was freezing. Her skin was like an icicle. It hurt to touch but he held on, pulling her closer.

"Thirty seconds," he whispered.

There was a pause before curiosity won out. "What?" She asked tightly into his chest.

"They say that after just twenty seconds of hugging someone your body starts to create oxytocin, helping you relax and feel better."

"That's stupid," she muttered, but she didn't pull away. She paused again before asking, "Why thirty seconds then?"

"Just in case," he said casually with a shrug. He counted slowly in his head. He couldn't help but smile as she finally sighed and leaned her head into his chest. Thirty seconds. He gently released her. "Better?"

"I still want to kill him," she mumbled but he could tell she looked more relaxed.

"Good. We can plot how on the way back."

Zelda gave him a small smile.

"Come on," he said as he offered his hand. "It's freezing out here."

This time she actually laughed. "Hey, I'm the one wearing a dress without sleeves and no pants. Aren't you as the gentleman supposed to offer me your jacket?"

He shrugged and gave her a wink. "Too bad I'm not wearing one."

She nodded slowly. "Yeah, poor planning on your part." She grabbed onto his hand, but when he turned to start walking he was surprised when he felt her tug back. He glanced over his shoulder and found her staring into the darkness.

"What is it?" He asked quietly.

"I...I don't know. Come here." She pulled him over to where she stood. She raised a hand and pointed ahead of her. "Look...over there. Do you see—"

"An orange light? Yeah," he said softly. "Weird. What do you think it is?"

"I don't know. Let's go look!" She said excitedly.

He was pleased that her mood seemed to have lifted but this seemed like a bad idea. "What? Look? Zel, I don't think—"

"Oh, come on. We'll never find this spot again in the daylight. We'll be quiet and careful," she assured him.

Link looked at her, feeling uneasy about this plan. He did not know why but everything was telling him to turn and leave, to go back to their dorms and forget the light. The light! The light he saw from the roof with Sheik! Was it the same source?

Before he could gather a good argument, Zelda, who already had his hand, pulled him along after her. She moved as quietly as she could, but in the darkness it was hard to avoid sticks and leaves. Link felt like they were moving as quietly as a herd of elephants. He whispered a silent prayer as they grew closer. The light disappeared but they continued to head in the same general direction. Link had gracefully moved in front of her, preferring that he was in the lead in case something did go wrong.

He stopped as they neared a large looming black shape.

"What is it?" She whispered next to him.

"It's stone." He reached out a hand and ran it over the rough surface. "It seems to continue in each direction," he said, looking left and right.

Zelda glanced up and sucked her breath in surprise. "Look up," she insisted.

A few feet over their heads they could see an outcropping of rock illuminated in a soft orange light. Link watched in shock as Zelda began to scale the side of the rock face. He scrambled up after her.

They both paused and cautiously peered over the edge. He heard her soft exclamation next to him. Inside the rock was a large cave, but what sat in the center was what really amazed him. It was large structure with odd markings and swirls that covered most of it, which glowed bright orange.

"What is it?" He muttered.

"It's a shrine…" she whispered in awe.