Chapter Ten: Link's Secret
Minako yawned as she awoke and she forced her tired eyes to open. She began
to scream as she saw the carcass of one of the colorful spiders. She heard a
rumbling next to her and preparing to scream again she turned around. Her scream
died in her throat as she saw Link asleep his sword across lap. His body was
in an attack ready stance and a cool breeze ruffled his blonde hair.
Navi awoke and noticed Minako studying Link. "Good morning, Minako,"
She greeted with a smile.
Minako admired the fairy for a moment. "Morning, Navi..." Minako quit talking as she realized that there were four more motionless spider bodies around the place where she had slept so peacefully. She turned to her right and noticed an odd looking bird with a very sharp looking beak had also been halted in its tracks. "What happened, Navi?" She questioned.
Navi looked at the carnage and shivered slightly, "Link is a very light sleeper. So when these evil creatures tried to do away with you both last night he woke up and defeated them..."
Minako stared at the sleeping teenager her eyes filling with tears. "He could have taken care of Usagi. It was a mistake to bring her home..."
**
Usagi slowly opened her eyes as the first rays of sunlight warmed the room. She rolled out of bed and with a sigh of depression began to get dressed. Luna awoke to the sounds of movement and she stared at Usagi in disbelief as she realized the girl had gotten up before noon.
Usagi glanced over at the cat whose jaw hung open and without realizing it she smiled. She finished dressing and picked up the cat that was still in shock. She looked around her empty house and with the small smile still on her face began to fix her breakfast.
After she had eaten and still had not said a word to Luna, Usagi left the house and headed for Rei's temple. She ignored the sounds of the birds singing and instead forced her mind to replay the event of finding out that Link was engaged to the gorgeous fish woman. She closed her eyes as she realized she would have to face him again.
**
Mamoru quickly got dressed and transformed into his alter ego. He smiled smugly at his reflection for a moment before leaving his apartment and starting the journey to Rei's temple.
**
Usagi climbed up the temple stairs and when she got to the top she realized the other girls were already there and transformed. Then she noticed they were all sleeping. She coughed politely hoping to wake them up. The only reaction she received from her cough was Rei muttering something in her sleep before turning over and falling to her side on the ground.
Usagi knelt beside the fire maiden and gently began to shake her hoping that they could get the horrible task over with. "Rei, wake up," She pleaded softly.
The eyelids of the girl fluttered open and a pair of violet eyes scowled at Usagi. "Odango atama, what are you doing here so early?" She demanded. Rei blinked, "Usagi? If you're here what time is it?"
Usagi frowned at the barb, "The sun has just risen," She responded.
Rei yawned, "Then why are you here?" She questioned sleepily.
Usagi sighed. "I just want to get Mina-chan so we can get this over with," She responded.
Rei frowned at what Usagi was wearing, "Why are you wearing that green outfit still?"
Usagi lowered her head, "Something to remember," She whispered.
The other girls had woken up and yawned as they stared at Usagi. "Can we go now?" Usagi asked softly. The three girls looked at each other and nodded.
Tuxedo Kamen leapt from a nearby tree and landed beside a startled Usagi. "If you all are going to wherever this Hyrule place is then I'm going to," He told them.
Usagi frowned, "No," She replied sudden fury starting to flicker to life in her eyes. She held up her hand and prepared to transform, "Moon Crystal Power Make Up!" She called.
Sailor Moon waited patiently as Sailor Mercury and Sailor Jupiter grabbed her hands. She watched as Sailor Mars grabbed the free hands of the two champions of justice. Tuxedo Kamen leapt into their circle as the girls powered up.
Moon Crystal Power,
Mercury Star Power,
Mars Star Power,
Jupiter Star Power,
Sailor Teleport!
Pink, blue, red, and green energy surrounded the group and with a flash all four girls and Tuxedo Kamen vanished.
Sailor Moon concentrated on the image of the Water Temple as she assumed that's where Minako would be. She felt her team land on the ground and she slowly opened her eyes to see five dead spiders and one dead bird. Beside her second discovery Minako was talking animatedly to Navi.
Sailor Moon felt her breath catch in her throat as she saw Link and how he had her necklace balled up in his fist not letting a single link fall to the cold ground. She smiled as the wind gently ruffled his blonde hair and she was in awe at how peaceful he looked in his sleep. As she studied the sleeping Link she was aware of him slowly awakening.
Link wearily opened his eyes and he gasped as he saw Usagi. "Usagi?" He questioned in disbelief. She was about to speak when Minako leapt into action.
"Usagi, Link didn't know what engagement meant nor did he know what fiancée meant! Besides that fact the Ruto person he was forced to be engaged to broke it off when she realized she was a sage!"
Usagi's emotions ranged from disbelief to hope then to joy. She smiled at Link and powered down. What she didn't notice however was the way Tuxedo Kamen's body stiffened at the word Link.
Before Link could react Usagi had thrown herself at him hugging him tightly. "Link, when I heard that fish woman call you her fiancée I thought-"
She was interrupted as Link tightly hugged her back, "It's alright, Usagi. Don't worry about it. We're together now and that's the only thing that matters," He reassured her as she cried against his chest.
Tuxedo Kamen stood staring as the blonde-haired teenager comforted his Usagi. He turned to the Sailor Senshi his eyes hardening underneath his mask, "Who is he?" He demanded.
Sailor Mars was frowning at a happy Minako. "Minako, how could you get those two back together? Usagi belongs with us, remember? Her destiny is to be with Mamoru."
Link pulled away from Usagi slightly as he heard Sailor Mars' words. He glanced down at Usagi's happy and contented face. "Link, would you put my necklace back on me?" She questioned. Link smiled as Usagi turned around and lifted her head and waited for him. Link gently clasped the golden necklace and smiled as Usagi turned towards him her eyes sparkling. "Arigato, Link," She whispered softly.
Tuxedo Kamen frowned, "Usako, you're not staying here you're going home with us remember?" He demanded.
Usagi slowly shook her head, "I'm staying with Link," She informed her group.
All but Minako frowned at her, "Usako," Tuxedo Kamen growled in warning. Usagi ignored him and hugged Link tighter.
Link smiled at her, "Usagi, I have to go to Kakariko Village would you like to come along?"
Usagi nodded in enthusiasm and Link grinned at her as he pulled out his bow, "While you were gone I read the plaque by the tree over the wooden bridge. After following its directions I found these," He pulled out a handful of glowing red arrows.
Usagi giggled, "Wow, Link is it just me or are these arrows actually hot?"
Link smiled, "They're magical fire arrows," He explained.
Usagi smiled, "Is the village you were talking about the one where you got me this outfit?" She questioned. Link nodded. Usagi was about to say something when Tuxedo Kamen's hand covered her wrist in a vice like grip.
Link stared at the new person in confusion. Usagi frowned and struggled to free her arm, "Let go," She demanded.
Link heard the pleading in her tone and he frowned, "Let Usagi go," He requested softly.
Tuxedo Kamen scowled at the boy, "Usagi is going home with us, and then her and I will get back together as we are destined to do," He said anger lining his voice.
Link blinked, "Get back together?" He glanced at Usagi who was still struggling to free her wrist, "What's he talking about, Usagi?"
Usagi looked up at him, "Link, that guy is named Mamoru. He's the one that broke my heart before I came here, but I realize now that he didn't mean as much to me as I thought for when I left here my heart was really torn into shreds which tells me that you mean the world to me." Link smiled down at her and gently kissed her cheek.
Tuxedo Kamen began to tremble with equal parts anger and jealousy. "Usako, you're going home now," He ordered.
Usagi's eyes narrowed, "No, I'm staying here. Besides, Mamoru what ever was between us was destroyed when you broke up with me over a dream." She retorted one hand resting on Link's shoulder. "Mina-chan, do you have the ocarina?" She asked. Minako nodded and tossed the small instrument to her. Usagi smiled and stuck it in her pocket.
Usagi with her eyes twinkling smiled at Link. "Let's get going, I'll call Epona," She offered. Smiling she again brought out the ocarina and played the magical song.
"Nani?" Tuxedo Kamen questioned in disbelief as he heard the sweet notes coming from an instrument Usagi was playing.
Link smiled as Epona galloped over the terrain and came to a stop beside him and Usagi. He watched as the gorgeous horse reared and struck out at the air with her hooves. Her musical neigh rang across the valley.
Usagi giggled as Epona came crashing back to the earth. She watched as Link mounted Epona and leaned down to give her a hand up. Usagi reached upwards and her fingers brushed against Link's.
Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars, and Tuxedo Kamen frowned deeply. "Usagi, you're not going with him," They interrupted.
Usagi swung up in front of Link and leaned against his warmth, "I'm not going home. You came to get Minako and you've accomplished your goal. Why won't you let me enjoy my happiness?" She questioned softly. The girls noticed she was serious and they looked at each other unsure of what exactly to do.
Artemis who had been silent decided to speak up, "I think you should leave Usagi here. For the night that Minako and I stayed it's quite obvious that Link can take care of Usagi. I know that she's important to our world but should we really sacrifice her chance to be happy? Remember the moon kingdom was protected by you girls and not a Sailor Moon. I know who Usagi was in the past but Link truly cares for her," He explained.
Minako nodded in agreement, "Besides if our world ever desperately needed her we can always return here," She explained.
Link grabbed Epona's reigns and assured himself Usagi was comfortable. "To Kakariko village," He instructed. Epona nickered and backed away from the Sailor Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen.
"Usagi?" They questioned in disbelief as they saw the horse gallop off with it's ecstatic riders.
"She can't stay!" Sailor Mars objected.
Minako frowned, "Rei, she's staying. You remember what she looked like yesterday. She loves Link and even though he doesn't know it I know Link loves her. I will not break them up. I'll be the leader of the team if I have to but Usagi deserves a chance at happiness. Now let's go home. We can always come and visit one day..."
Tuxedo Kamen detransformed his eyes closed, "I'm not going to leave Usagi here. Her and I are destined to be together."
Mina frowned at him, "No, Mamoru. Usagi IS staying here. I love her like a sister and won't let you ruin her life. When you broke up with her you ruined all chances of you two getting together again."
Artemis nodded in agreement, "Let's go home," He ordered softly as he stood in the middle of the four girls. They joined hands with Mamoru in the center and Sailor Mars scowled as she concentrated.
Mercury Star Power,
Mars Star Power,
Jupiter Star Power,
Venus Star Power,
Sailor Teleport!
Usagi turned around as she heard the screams and she squinted her eyes as she saw the group vanish, "Goodbye my friends," She whispered.
Epona thundered through the fields and towards the stone bridge. Usagi looked up as they crossed the bridge and her eyes widened as she saw the sky above the village seemed to be red, "Link, something doesn't seem right," She warned him.
Link glanced up at the red sky and nodded, "I agree, Usagi. Perhaps I should go in first?"
Usagi shook her head, "No, Link I want to go with you. If there is danger I don't want you getting hurt," She said steely resolve appearing in her tone. Link smiled and agreed.
Epona came to the steps leading to the village and she shook her mane and waited for her riders to dismount. Link got off first and helped Usagi get off. He smiled at her and the two climbed the steps arms interlinked.
Link and Usagi froze as they finished their climb and realized the village was in flames. "Oh, no," Link whispered in horror.
Sheik looked towards the two and frowned, "Stay back, Link," He instructed as an earthquake began to shake the land. Usagi screamed in fright and Sheik frowned, "Link, get down!" He ordered.
Link threw himself at Usagi and knocked her to the ground as something burst out of the village well. Link watched the something get closer and he realized it was probably the monster/demon that Impa had trapped there over several years ago. "Are you okay?" He asked Usagi as he stared at the thing. Usagi nodded her eyes wide with disbelief.
Sheik noticed the monster/demon was about to attack him. Link noticed that Sheik was in trouble and he pushed Usagi down into the grass before he raced to Sheik's side to help the mysterious guy that was always saving him. Link got hit and he lost consciousness.
Usagi watched as Link fell and she was about to get to her feet when she realized Sheik was protecting Link. She breathed a sigh of relief and watched as the monster/demon vanished towards the back of the village. When everything looked safe again she got to her feet and knelt by Link's side, "Please be ok," She pleaded.
Navi heard Usagi's pleas and she too wished Link would wake up. Sheik turned to confront the girl and he realized she was crying as she looked at Link's still form. He closed his eyes for a moment, "He'll be ok. That thing just knocked him out," He looked at the burning village. "Stay here with Link and when he awakens tell him there are subterranean demons below the ground. He'll have to find out how the monster escaped. I'll work on putting out the fire. Good luck," He paused and brought out a harp. "Link will need to play the Nocturne of Shadow to get to the Shadow Temple after he finds out how that monster/demon escaped." Sheik strummed a slow song and waited for Usagi to play it back. Usagi put her ocarina to her lips and replayed the notes. Sheik nodded, "Farewell." Usagi watched as the mysterious person vanished but her attention was distracted as Link began to wake up.
Link groaned and opened his eyes. He was aware that Usagi was cradling his body and smiling into his eyes, "What happened?" He asked with one hand to his head he winced.
Usagi sighed, "That weird guy told me to tell you that there are demons below the ground and he wants you to know how that thing escaped. He'll work on saving the village while we do this."
Link sat up and looked for Navi. "Where should we go first?"
Navi paused to think, "That creature came from the well so perhaps we should start in the windmill?" Link nodded in agreement and with Usagi's help got to his feet.
Usagi took out her ocarina, "Link, that weird guy taught me a song called the Nocturne of Shadow. We're supposed to go to the Shadow Temple after we find out how that creature got free."
Link pulled out his own ocarina, "Teach me the song, Usagi," He requested softly.
Usagi nodded and pulled out the Fairy Ocarina. She closed her eyes and began to play the Nocturne of Shadow. When she was finished she opened her eyes and watched as Link played the song. Usagi smiled as he finished, "Let's take Navi's advice and go to the windmill... umm, Link where exactly is the windmill?"
Link chuckled. The windmill is on a hill north of here."
Usagi followed Link as he led the way towards the town's windmill. When the two got close to the well Usagi stepped away from Link and peered down into its depths. "That thing came out of here," She mused.
Link frowned in unease as Usagi leaned over the well's edge, "Usagi, we should get up to the windmill now it's up there, and I don't think you should be so close to that edge. There may be more monsters down there," He cautioned.
Usagi yelped and quickly raced to Link's side. "You really think more evil creatures could be down there?" She asked. Link nodded solemnly.
Usagi blinked and pressed closer to Link's side. Link looked up at the windmill and his brow furrowed, "It stopped..." He realized with a start.
Usagi looked up and saw the windmill had indeed stopped. She raced up the stairs to Link's disapproval and she opened the door. "It's so quiet," She whispered. She noticed an organ grinder and curious she walked over to the weird man. "Excuse me," She asked smiling brightly.
The man looked down at her, "The windmill hasn't been the same since that kid played that song seven years ago on his ocarina," He snorted. "When the kid played that song the windmill stopped and the well went dry. Which is why those demons were able to escape. It's all that kid's fault." Link heard the conversation and brought out his ocarina. "That's the same instrument that kid played! I'll never forget the song that little runt played!" Usagi blinked as the organ grinder began to play an unfamiliar song.
Link nodded and pulled out his Ocarina of Time. He listened to the notes that the organ grinder was playing and carefully duplicated them. Usagi listened to the melodic sounds and she smiled. "What is that song called, Link?" She asked.
Link stared at the ocarina, "I think it's called Song of Storms." He glanced at her, "Usagi there's something I haven't told you..."
Usagi felt her whole body freeze as she waited for Link to speak. "You see, Usagi the Master Sword is a magical item. Whenever I put it back in the stone sheath you saw back in the Temple of Time something happens," He stopped and glanced at Usagi. "When the Master Sword goes back into its sheath I'm sent back in time seven years. The reason I'm telling you this now is because I have to go back in time and play the Song of Storms inside the Windmill."
Usagi looked at Link in confusion, "Why can't I go with you to your past?"
Link looked at her uneasily, "Usagi, if you went back to the past I don't know what will happen to you. You may be lost in time or even erased from existence."
Usagi frowned, "But, Link, how do you know those things won't happen to me if you leave?"
Link looked at her confused, "Navi, what would happen if Usagi went with us to the past?"
Navi fluttered off Link's cap and to Usagi's eye level, "Usagi, I think if you went with us your age would be reduced by several years. I don't know if it's actually possible however."
Usagi nodded, "Then I'm going with you, Link," She said.
Link studied her for a moment before reluctantly agreeing. "Hey, Usagi do you know the Prelude of Time?" He asked.
Usagi blinked, "No, I don't think so," She watched as he held up his ocarina and realizing what he wanted she pulled out her own. Link began to play and Usagi carefully duplicated the notes. Golden light surrounded the duo and Usagi gasped as she realized it was the same song that had brought her to Hyrule in the first place.
The golden light washed over them and they vanished from the windmill. The golden light deposited the two into the Temple of Time and Usagi looked around her in renewed interest. "Link, the Prelude of Light is what I played to come to this world..."
Link's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "Usagi, that isn't possible. The player and the ocarina has to know the song before its magical qualities come in play."
"Are you sure? Because I'm positive that song is the one I played to get here."
Link nodded when Navi interrupted, "But, Link maybe the fairy ocarina acts differently. She did receive it when you got the ocarina of time remember?"
Link nodded, "Yes, you could be right. I'll have to ask Saria about it."
Navi nodded, "Are you ready, Usagi?" She asked.
Usagi nodded and walked towards the room containing the stone sheath and the room where she had first met Link. Usagi climbed the small flight of stairs and waited as Link joined her,
"Ready?" He questioned pulling his sword out. Usagi nodded slowly. Link linked one of his arms with Usagi's and closing his eyes he dropped the Master Sword into it's stone sheath. The metal sword fell into the sheath and bright blue light filled the room.