Evil's Bane
V 3.2
By (o'.')o ( Da Kirby Kid.)
Disclaimer:
I had a good disclaimer all written up... but it actually doesn't matter. I found out that in about 72 hours, the moon is going to fall on the Earth and wipe us all out. It's all over people. Little things like Disclaimers and Copyrights are all moot... what? You say Link already fixed that problem up. Hot damn that boy is good. Well, never mind then... The Legend of Zelda and all subsequent characters are property of the good people at Nintendo
Note from the Author.
I'm very sorry I haven't written for the past few months! Heck, school and a lot of other stuff got in the way. Huff. Well, anyhoo.... if you guys still wish to read...this is for you!
On another, more angry note, I had completed this story, when my !*#$!)*##ed useless software had a *#@&(ing error, and promptly shut itself down! RAAAAAAGE!!!! I lost everything. I guess it's my not for not saving regularly….oh screw that! It's the (*&#@ing software's fault! I am SO PISSED right now I cannot believe it. I feel like crying. Maybe I'll cry myself to sleep. (v-_-)
*******
In the Last Chapter
Well, Link had the final Key in which to unlock the Master Sword and destroy Knataghanim and his master...but there was just one problem, no one knew where the Master Sword was. Ruto, however, gave Link the suggestion to look underground in the War Memorial, which is where they found the Holy Blade. There, they also found out Link's secret, that he had been plagued since childhood by spirits of the Links of the Past. Link had to fight hard against Evil's Bane for it to accept him, but accept him it did. Now Link has the Master Sword, and the only thing left is to find the bad guys....but where to look?
And now, on with 3.2
********
It had been 2 weeks since the Master Sword was awakened from it's eternal ( sometimes interrupted by times of Trouble ). Link, Malon, Zelda, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru searched the countryside for some sign of Knata and his kin. Despite their efforts, they found not a trace of the evil young warrior, or those he called Ghanims.
It was evening when they gathered around a campsite, only miles away from Castle Hyrule. Link had suggested many times that they return to the Castle and consult the King about the situation.
"That's why you were given the task of wielding the Master Sword, Link, because counting on you for good ideas would be fatal to Goddess and Country." was her response.
Link took it rather well, remembering who it was coming from. Besides, he knew what her reasoning was, she simply didn't want to go back to the castle. For some reason.
He had suggested to the girls to head back to their respective homes many times during the last 2 weeks. The responses ranged from a polite disagreement from Saria to a threat of violence from Nabooru. Link shook his head, dirty blonde strands of hair swaying gently. What was with them? Exactly what kind of death wish did they have? He was in position of Evil's Bane, a sword so powerful it draws evil to it, so it can be destroyed.
Evil that may destroy the girls before the Master Sword could even get its chance.
He felt the weight of the blade resting against his hip, and for the first time since he held a sword, he felt uncomfortable. Everything about Evil's Bane seemed wrong. Even though it was the same shape of his old sword, the blade was a few inches longer, and it was a bit heavier. Link had had to practice his forms again, and it was almost like starting over. Nabooru had helped of course. It was nice having a live partner for once.
And of course, the Links of the Past worked him in his dreams.
This was a shock... but not too much of one. He had not seen the Wraiths for several years, not until he first laid eyes on the Master Sword. He guessed they thought he needed to learn a few new tricks. Link did... especially from the gray eyed Link.
Saria glanced at Link, noticing his deepening scowl. "Maybe...." she started. Esea, her fairy, jumped to life after having resting on her shoulder.
"Maybe what?" The fairy said, her voice tingling like a small bell.
"It's nothing really."
"Speak up girl!" Esea pushed. "These guys are boring me. If you have a good idea, speak out!"
"Yeah Saria" Link said smiling. "Share with us. No need to be shy."
Saria reddened. "I'm not shy!" she said strongly. "It's just, I wanted to be sure we were finished here before I suggested ..."
"Of for the sake of the Goddess ..." Zelda whispered. "What is it?"
"I thought maybe we should leave Hyrule!" Saria blurted. " I mean, at least Central Hyrule."
Link stared silently for a moment. That idea had never occurred to him. " Well ... where would we go?"
Saria nodded, as if sensing the question was coming. "We could go to Hirocco ," she started. " that's where I stayed when I left the Woods. It's a nice town, but they're not really into the Monarchy." Saria said, glancing at Zelda nervously.
Zelda huffed. "What's the point of going there then?"
"Couldn't hurt." Link said.
"Who asked you?"
Link was about to retort when Saria stepped in. "I made a few friends while I was there! One of them's a scientist. He might now something about how to find these Ghanims."
Malon looked at her strangely, then at Link. "Scientist? Link shrugged.
"Search me." He said with a little smirk. "Maybe it's some sort of magician."
"Kind of, but they use chemicals and earthy materials instead of magic." Zelda explained.
"Isn't that what a Mechanic or Blacksmith is?"
"It's different than that."
"In any case..." Nabooru camly broke in, " we should follow Saria's suggestion. How will we acquire a boat to get across Lake Hylia?"
Saria smiled. "We don't have to go across the river to get to Hirocco." She then looked over at Nabooru. "We could cross the desert. I didn't want to do it because I was alone, but the 6 of us should make it no problem."
Zelda smiled and clapped her hands. "Great! We can even stay in Gerudo country for a while! It'd be great to see the clan Mother again!"
At that, Nabooru suddenly became very nervous. She stared at Saria with shock, then leveled her gaze at the ground, blushing nervously. Link was amazed.
Ruto, who had been sitting quietly, listening to the others yammer on, got up to her feet. "Well, if you guys are going through the desert, then I'm outta here." she smiled at all of them and gave Link a little wink. "My delicate skin won't survive the journey. I'll meet you all in Hirocco."
Everyone waved at her as she left the group to the nearest body of deep water. Everyone except Nabooru that is. She still sat cross legged and cross armed, staring at the ground, her face a dark shade of red.
Link noticed this and leaned forward. "What's wrong there, Naboo-"
"Do we need to stop in Gerudo country?" Nabooru said meekly, not looking up. Link was smiling widely. She was afraid to go home too. This was getting funny.
Before he could even twitch, Nabooru latched out with to fingers and captured Link's nose. He yelped, which just prompted her to pull harder. Tears formed in his eyes before Nabooru found enough mercy in her cold heart to release him. Link flew back and landed hard on his back, clutching his nose and holding back tears.
It'd be a while before he decided to mock Nabooru again.
Zelda laughed vindictively at the violent assault, then turned her pretty face to the other girl. "What's wrong? I think the den Mother would be happy to see us! I say we go." With that, Zelda took to her feet and towards her horse, Destiny, who had been chatting happily with Epona about things horses talk about. The others got up and followed suit.
Reluctantly, Nabooru followed. She knew she wouldn't enjoy this.
*********
Upon entering the valley, they were accosted by a big Gerudo woman. She was at least 7 feet tall, and a large nose featured prominently on her exotic Gerudo features. She wore an elaborate headdress, more much more elaborate than Nabooru's or most of the other Gerudo. She came up to Zelda got her in a crushing hug.
"Little Zelda!!" she boomed. "It's been so long! How is your father!?"
Zelda was crushed against the woman's ample bosom, and was having a tough time breathing. "Ugh….Mother*….it's good to….eek…see you too." Zelda smiled, maintaining her composure.
*no, she's not Zelda's mother. That's just the title the Den leader of this Gerudo clan is given.
Link found the picture of the demure and near-saintly princess of Hyrule being held like a swaddled baby to be extremely funny. It would have been funny if Mother was a large woman, but she was cut like a stone ( That's not to say she was a Goron…oh never mind. ) That is to say, she was extremely fit.
Link glanced over at Nabooru, who refused to make eye contact. She was very fit too, but her muscles didn't seem as hard as the older Gerudo, or like most of the other Gerudo women. Link remembered that she was young. Still, it seemed to him…and most other elves…that Nabooru was more…feminine than the other Gerudo.
Esea leapt out of Saria's orbit and looked at the group of Gerudo women that were greeting them. Saria smiled and greeted all of them. She noticed something, and turned to Link. "Where are the men? I don't see any?"
"There are no men." Link whispered.
Saria small mouth opened slightly. "How's that possible!? Even Kokiri have different gender."
Link smiled. He had the same reaction when he found out about the Gerudo. Ingo and Talon had taught Link and Malon about the Gerudo when they were young.
"Well, actually, men are born every 1000 years." Link leaned close to the girl. " In the meantime, some Gerudo leave the clan to find a partner, mostly for the purpose of getting pregnant."
He greeted another warrior and continued. "If they have a girl, she's all Gerudo, and the mother takes her back to the clan, to raise her with the other Gerudo. If it's a boy, well, he stays with the father."
Saria frowned. "That's seems a bit sad."
The boy shrugged. "That's how it is. Some Gerudo women leave the clan for truly romantic reasons. It's rare though."
Link grinned widely. "And then some Gerudo women fulfill their romantic needs with other-"
"Don't say it."
"-Gerudo women."
"I asked you not to say it!" Saria said, blushing furiously. Link laughed and hugged the girl closely.
"Oh grow up!" he said, smiling. Esea flew to Link and kicked him square in the nose. Link's hand flew to his nose again. "OW! What the-"
"You leave it to me to teach her about stuff like that!" Esea flared. "Know your place!"
Link grumbled, but the other Gerudo had already taken Saria and the others into the camp. There was to be a meeting later that night. Link thought that'd be ample time to get his nose fixed.
********
It was a briskly cold night, but the large campfire in the center of camp warmed anyone that happened to even stray near it. There was a circle of log seats around the camp fire. Nabooru, Zelda, Malon and Saria sat around it, and Mother sat on a seat to the relative North of the circle.
Link came out of a nearby tent. Seeing as to how his clothes had been ripped up in the previous few weeks, the Gerudo helped him out with a new sampling of clothing. He still had his green tunic that went down to below his waist. He now had a black belt buckled around his waist, and underneath the bottom part of his tunic, were a pair of leather shorts that cut below his knees. He still had his fingerless gloves and his boots. The Master Sword was now buckled against his back, parallel to the ground, handle facing to his right.
Link had decided that because of the new weight of the sword, this new position would be more practical in battle. Of course, he had to completely re-learn the complex sheath-strike technique. Link new that meant many future dreamless nights. The Link's of the past now had a bit more to teach him.
He sat down next to Malon and Saria, opposite of Nabooru and Zelda. Mother nodded now that Link had joined the group. She looked the boy up and down.
"Mmm, Mmm. My you're a handsome one." She smiled, causing Link to grin widely, scratching the back of his head. Mother nodded. "It's no wonder, knowing your lineage."
Link's smile faded quickly. This woman didn't bother to pussy around, and went right for the meat of the conversation. "My…lineage?"
Zelda turned to the Mother. "Are you saying you knew Link's parents?"
"Well…." She started "… at least one of them."
Link gaped. "W-what the hell-" He stopped and composed himself. "I'm sorry. What do you mean?"
Mother looked at Nabooru, who still refused to make eye contact. Mother then at the boy. "You have Gerudo blood in you boy. Your mother was from this clan. It's as plain as the nose on your face."
The others gasped audibly… all except Nabooru, who remained strangely silent. Link stared at the elder, mouth agape. "My…mother…" he thought.
"Are you saying you knew Link's mother!?" Zelda exclaimed. "That she was Gerudo."
Mother nodded. "Yes. She left the clan when she was around Nabooru's age. I thought she would be gone for a year or so, but she never came back." The woman looked over to Link. "Her name was Nissa"
"Nissa." Link thought intensely. "My mother…."
Mother looked around the circle. "You never knew her, did you Link?"
Link shook his head, bringing his hands up to his head. He squeezed his eyes shut, his head pounding. Saria patted his knee, and Malon gave him a light embrace.
Zelda looked over at him, then at Mother. "He told us, she left him when he was just a child. We have reason to believe she's dead."
Mother nodded knowingly. "Perhaps I should have been a bit more sensitive. I assumed a Gerudo Warrior like Nissa would still be alive. I apologize, Link."
Link looked up, smiling widely. "Sorry for what? You told me my mothers name!" he said, grinning. "T…Thank you."
Mother returned his smile, and then turned and slapped Nabooru on the back. "Finally, we've found a suitable man for you, right child?"
Nabooru blushed again. "No!"
Link smirked at her. "Gee, nice to know you care." He thought sarcastically.
"Oh yeah?" She looked over to Nabooru's friends. "Do you know why she left the clan? Her 14th birthday, her Passing into Womanhood, is coming soon. As a part of our custom, she went to get a gift, a parting gift of her childhood to give to the rest of the clan." She looked over to Nabooru, he was staring at the ground, gripping her pants until her knuckles were white.
"What did you get, Nabooru?"
Nabooru struggled visibly. "The…..the Fire Key"
"And where is it now?"
The young Gerudo struggled again. Suddenly Link was concerned this was more than just the run-of-the-mill family embarrassment. "I…I gave it to him." She squeezed through clenched teeth.
"See!" Mother smiled. "Gerudo girls only give their Passing gifts to others they intend to ma-"
"NO!" Nabooru cried. "It's not like that!! Why do you have to do this! Why are you so…." She stopped once she saw the look the Elder was giving her. She suddenly felt 10 inches tall.
"I….I'm sorry." Nabooru whispered. She got to her feet and quickly left the clearing.
Zelda stared after her, wanting to say something. She looked morosely at Mother, who shook her head.
"She's always like that. Too serious. She should learn to have a little fun once in a while." She looked over at the others. "Well, in any case, you young ones should go and rest up before you leave tomorrow. Try to enjoy yourselves."
She reached over and laid an arm on Link's shoulder. "And welcome Link. You've got family now." She smiled. "Well, kind of."
"Kind of…" Link thought. Even now, knowing of his Gerudo heritage, he still didn't have a complete or real family.
He conceded that he probably never will.
**********
It was deep into the night. Zelda and the others had long gone to bed . Nabooru was still up however, turmoil raging through her heart and her mind.
She was balancing herself on a log, about 6 feet tall and only 5 inches in diameter. It wasn't a problem for her though. She had always had the best balance of poise of the other Gerudo. She was always the best when it came to anything among the Gerudo…and therefore, among all the people of Hyrule.
All except that boy.
Just thinking about him caused Nabooru to lose a bit of her balance. She regained it quickly. Nabooru had been emberassed beyond belief, and she was incensed….not because of Mother, but at herself for losing it…and at Link for causing her such strange pain.
She simply didn't know what to do. No matter how she meditated, how she fought with herself, she couldn't dismiss these feelings she was having. It was unraveling her. Nabooru looked up at the bright moon, shining against the clear sky fighting to hold back tears. For the first time in her life, she felt helpless.
It was a frightening feeling.
Link stepped into the moonlight, hands behind his back. He paused, looking at the girl who was balancing on the log. Nabooru turned her back to him, briefly loosing her balance in the process.
"Nabooru….what's wrong?" Link inquired. He stepped closer to her. "You've been acting weirdly ever since Zelda suggested we come here. Was it Mother?" He chuckled slightly. "You know how old folks are. Did I ever tell you the time Ingo had a girlfriend over, and how he decided to regale her with tales of my first milking? That's how you spell embarrassment."
"It's not Mother." Nabooru said quietly. "Please go."
"Then what is it?" Link stepped closer. Nabooru felt herself coming apart. "I don't understand. Just tell us…"
"It's you!" Nabooru said sharply. Her resolve fell, and she tumbled off the log…
..and straight into Link's arms.
He had slid quickly and caught the falling girl, slamming into the ground hard on his back.
Nabooru looked at him in the eye. "It's you." She breathed, gravitating towards him.
"You really annoy me." With that, she kissed him on the lips.
Link kissed her back, pressing his lips against hers, opening his mouth slightly to take hers in. While this was his first real true kiss, for some reason it felt strangely natural.
He brought his fingers up to her face, caressing it gently. Nabooru fell deeper into his embrace.
Thoughts were rushing through her head. Thoughts of Link and herself, thoughts of the strange need and longing she now had.
Then another thought screamed in her head, and made it's way to the foreground.
Loyalty
Nabooru placed her hands on Link's face and pushed away from him, breaking the embrace. She rolled off him and got to her feet. "Link…" she breathed.
Link watched her from his seat on the ground. "Wha…"
"Forget about that." She said. "It was a mistake."
Link stared at her. Nabooru rushed on, all the while avoiding his eye-contact. "We're both tired. It's very late. A..and we're both warriors…it's natural for ….that to have happened." She wiped her mouth carefully. "We'll just forget about it…ok?"
"Forget!?" Link voiced. "How can we forget!?" Granted, Nabooru was probably right. It probably was an accident. They were young after-all, and tired. Things happen. Still, forget? "Nabooru…"
The girl started to leave, and Link grabbed her by the arm. "What's the problem? Tell me, what's wrong?"
"I can't….I won't betray her."
"Betray…" Link started. "Who?"
"Zelda, you idiot!" Nabooru cried. She turned on him, looking him in the eye. "She cares for you, deeply, and I wont betray her!"
Link had 1000 things to say, but couldn't find the words. He released Nabooru's arm, and she left quickly into the night, leaving him alone.
The boy fell to the ground, sitting down, and stared at the bright moon in the sky. He found himself wishing that Knataghanim was here so that they could fight.
He was positive that that potential bloody battle would be much easier to bear than the that was raging in his heart.
NEXT: Well wasn't that peaceful. Poor Link. It seems he's having girl trouble. Well, in the next installment, he'll find a solution. You probably wont like it though…but who knows? After that installment, the hunt for those pesky Ghanims will take place. Don't worry, it wont be that long, and there'll be more action. This one and the next one won't have too much action. Hey, we can't have action all the time! I'm building setting and mood here! Ahh! Oh well, I hope you'll stick around. Until then….I bid you a good day/night, please review still J ….and I hope your writing software is better to you than it has been to me. :/ --(o'.')o