Chapter Five: The Secret Behind The Waterfall
Sailor Venus watched Usagi gallop away. I think we should leave Usagi alone. She seems happy here. She suggested softly as she remembered the pain etched on her friend's face. She remembered the brief look of pure contentment she had seen in Usagi's face when they had found her kissing the odd-clothed boy.
Luna frowned. Minako, Usagi belongs with us. Even though you Senshi are strong you need Usagi to finish off your enemies. Besides being the princess she is the only one that can control the power of the Ginzuishou.
Sailor Jupiter frowned at the black cat. Usagi is our friend. I refuse to just drag her home when she has a chance for happiness. She objected.
Sailor Mars's eyes were closed as she concentrated. She knew what she was about to do was wrong but if she didn't she would lose her best friend. I never even got the chance to tell her I thought of her as a best friend.' She thought to herself. I was mean to her to help mold her into the princess she used to be and now I might lose her forever.' Sailor Mars opened her eyes and stared off into the distance. I think that Link character brainwashed Usagi. She stated softly.
Sailor Mercury frowned. Mars, I don't think they have the technology that would require here.
Sailor Mars turned towards Sailor Mercury. It's not technical its magic. She replied. I'm not leaving her without bringing that odandgo atama back with us. Besides without her Chibiusa will surely be captured. The other senshi frowned but nodded in agreement.
So it's unanimous? asked Luna.
We'll do it for Chibiusa. Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus echoed hollowly.
Sailor Mars looked out over the horizon. Alright, Odango Atama,' She thought. Time to go home.' She winced slightly as she remembered how radiant and happy Usagi was when she had been with Link. The group then headed off in the direction they had last saw Usagi and Link go.
**
Usagi was rocked to sleep by the galloping horse and was soon out of it before they got to their destination. Link smiled down fondly at the sleeping girl. I've never felt this way before.' He mused in deep thought. He whispered softly.
The tiny fairy appeared and hovered beside him. Yes, Link? she asked with her bell-like voice.
Link smiled down at Usagi. What would you think of Usagi joining us in our quest? he asked in a whisper.
What do you mean, she already accompanies us on our quest. Navi replied.
Link frowned slightly. I don't think its safe for her to be outside the temples. Nor is it fair to expect her to wait around while I save Hyrule.
A slight frown creased Navi's features. Link, are you suggesting this girl go with us into the temples? she asked. Link nodded. But, Link if she comes with us won't she be in more danger than waiting outside? the small fairy objected.
Link gently moved a piece of hair out of Usagi's eyes. I will protect her, Navi. Link replied steadily.
Navi examined the sleeping Usagi. What about Zelda? she asked in a tone Link was not familiar with.
What about Zelda? Link asked in confusion.
Navi frowned and decided to make one last effort. What about your engagement to Ruto?
Link turned to the fairy in confusion. You never did tell me what engagement meant.
Navi sighed. Alright, Link Usagi can join us.
Link smiled. Thank you, Navi. He said softly.
Epona came to a halt and Link smiled at the sleeping girl. He carefully climbed down and with a slight grunt picked Usagi up. Mamoru don't go. Please don't leave me. She mumbled in her sleep making it impossible for Link to understand what she was saying. She quieted down and curled against Link's chest. Link smiled and gently brushed a kiss on Usagi's forehead.
Usagi's eyelids flickered open and she smiled sleepily at Link. Time to get up already? she asked.
Link nodded. We have a jump or two to make and I don't want to drop you into the river.
Usagi flushed and scrambled out of Link's arms. Drop me in the river? she asked. What river?
Link smirked. To get to Zora's domain we have a few obstacles to surpass. Including crossing a river. Link grinned. Thanks to some gardening I did as a child it will be a lot easier on us now than it was then. Link smiled childishly and led her to what looked like a giant leaf.
Why do I feel I'm in Jack and the Beanstalk? Usagi joked.
Link stared at her in confusion. What is Jack in the Beanstalk?
Usagi frowned. It's a fairy tale. She said.
Links face grew more confused. Fairies don't have tails. He said in slight doubt glancing at Navi to see if she had a tail somewhere.
Usagi stared at Link in surprise. I'll have to explain it later. Link shrugged and hopped onto the weird leaf. He smiled as Usagi daintily stepped onto it and then tripped over her pigtails sending her lurching into his arms. Link grinned and savored holding Usagi tightly to his chest.
Usagi gasped as the leaf lifted them into the air. She pressed closer to Link in fear as they went higher and higher. Link smiled faintly at her. Get ready to jump. He instructed. Usagi stared at him in open horror. Link just smiled completely missing her fear and grabbed her hand. Usagi noticed they were quickly approaching a wooden bridge.
ordered Link as he jumped. Usagi screamed in fright as Link's momentum pulled her off the flying leaf. She was startled when she realized she had landed safely on some grass just in front of the bridge. Link smiled reassuringly at her before dragging her across the rickety bridge.
When they reached the other side of the bridge Usagi pulled herself out of Link's grasp. Your crazy! she accused as she panted heavily in fear and exhaustion.
Link sighed. We had to run across the bridge or the Octorock would have spit rocks out at us.
Usagi glanced back at the bridge and saw a creature that sort of resembled an octopus. A rock came flying out of its mouth and Usagi's eyes widened in fear. Link leapt in front of her and deflected the rock off his heavy Hyrulian shield. Usagi sighed in relief.
Link smiled at her. You didn't think I would let you get hurt, did you? he asked teasingly. Usagi blushed and gently kissed Link's cheek. Link blushed and a slight smile curved his lips. I hate to tell you this but we still have to do that jump I promised you earlier. Usagi pulled away her eyes puzzled as she studied her surroundings. She frowned slightly as she realized she was on a ledge. Do you think you can make that jump? Link asked softy indicating the distance between the ledge they were standing on and a ledge slightly ahead and above them. Usagi gulped as she realized if she missed the jump she would fall into the rushing stream below. She began to whimper in fear and backed away from the ledge until she felt her back meet Link's chest.
Link watched as Usagi shook and whimpered in fear as she leaned against him. Would you like to wait for me here? he asked softly as he turned her around so he could look into her eyes.
Usagi slowly shook her head. No, just give me a moment to gather my courage. She said in a near whisper. Link was startled yet pleased when he felt Usagi's arms curl around him as she snuggled against his chest. She took a deep breath and was pleased when she felt Link's arms enfold her.
Usagi sighed in contentment before looking at Link through her crystal blue eyes. I'm ready. She stated calmly as she stepped out of the safe circle of his arms. Link smiled warmly at her. Usagi turned and faced the ledge. She grit her teeth and ran toward it. As she got to the edge she jumped. She glanced downward in her leap and paled as she realized if she didn't make this jump she could end up in a lot of pain or worse. Just as she was planning her will she hit the opposite ledge and landed on her posterior. She got up blushed slightly then smiled and grinned in triumph. Link watched from above and smiled as he jumped over with ease and landed beside her.
Usagi heard a savage pounding sound and gasped she saw a magnificent waterfall. Link smirked as he led her to a small inscription engraved on a plaque on the ground. Ready to learn a new song? asked Link.
What's the song called? asked Usagi.
Link smiled wanly as he remembered the princess's personal guard Impa the Sheikah that had taught him the melody. This is an ancient melody passed down by the royal family. It is called Zelda's Lullaby. Usagi watched as Link pulled out the ocarina of time. He brought it to his lips and softly blew into the royal instrument.
Usagi listened in awe, as the tones of his music seemed to vibrate from the rocks and hills around her. When Link put away the ocarina Usagi gasped as the waterfall stopped and a secret passageway was revealed. Usagi's eyes sparkled with excitement and she grinned in happiness as she nimbly leapt into the passageway. Link smiled and followed her. Usagi raced ahead and her gasp echoed through the natural corridor. Link raced to her side and his eyes were filled with disbelief at what he saw.
**
The Sailor Senshi walked over the stone bridge while Sailor Mercury scanned and analyzed her surroundings. According to my calculations they went half a mile to the right. She indicated. Sailor Mars nodded. Sailor Jupiter smiled as in the distance she could make out the dim form of Epona waiting for Link and Usagi to return.
I suggest that Luna stays with the horse in case Usagi tried to get away that way. Offered Sailor Mercury.
Luna nodded. Excellent idea, Mercury. I will stay here and the rest of you girls go get Usagi and bring her back. The group agreed and left the small black cat with the magnificent horse.