Usagi tapped her chin reflectively, allowing her intent eyes to peer around Mount Shuron one final time. 'Goodbye, Taro… Thank you for everything.'
'Usagi?' Link followed her gaze towards the massive mountain before them, and rested a hand on her shoulder. 'I'm sorry I couldn't help him…'
She blinked, breaking the trance, and faced him abruptly. 'What? Link, I'm just happy you survived. When I saw that new gleam in your eyes, I knew it was critical. Taro is at peace…' She set her palm lightly across his and smiled with reassurance. 'I will miss him, yes, but he died fearlessly in battle, and it was what he would have wanted.'
'I agree,' Link replied, nodding his head. 'You do know we'll have to face Hisako, in order to pass through the gates once more?'
Usagi's face immediately fell. 'Don't remind me…' She sighed loudly. 'As long as we confront her together, perhaps I'll be able to handle her…'
'Right.'
'The mercenary has been killed?' Hisako sat atop her throne, pale hands folded neatly in her lap, and legs crossed elegantly. She watched expressionlessly as the young Song Sage before her nodded her slowly nodded her head in response. 'And what of Storm?'
Usagi looked up with haste. 'All is well. Everything is as it should be…'
Hisako cocked an inquisitive eyebrow. 'If everything was as it should have been, then pray tell me, how did the mercenary of Sparati end up in this fate?'
'Excuse me.' Link rose to his feet. 'Taro died in a harsh battle, but he did it with courage.'
Her vision shifted to him, her lips pursed into a grim line. 'I knew you'd make it back,' she said with a dry smile. 'Did the little girl get in your way? She is most likely the reason the poor man is dead.'
Usagi's eyes expanded instantly as she tilted her head back, dazedly staring back at Hisako. 'It was… For my sake… He was slain… for my sake…'
'No.' Link bowed his head. 'Usagi did nothing of the sort, Miss Hisako. She has a great deal of strength, although sometimes she may hide it with kindness. She has faith and trust in those close to her. I don't think… You don't seem to understand her importance.'
Hisako's dull eyes flashed in return, her mouth just slightly agape with shock. She quickly blinked back any shown emotion, and wrinkled her nose. 'I see. You must be more devoted to the woman than I had thought… And remember, kindness can be a weakness, especially when it comes to battle. She may contain…' She paused to glare at Usagi, who didn't really seem to notice. 'Some strength, but not enough.'
Link ignored her and turned towards Usagi. Her face was pale, and her eyes were still widened with unmistakable alarm. He doubted if she had actually heard the discussion. "Everything is fine. We should go."
Gradually, Usagi looked up at him. Her expression was impassive; her eyes were now clouded over and drained of happiness. "I shouldn't have come out alive."
Link couldn't take it. He seized her shoulders almost with violence, and shook the elf with urgency. "Listen to me Usagi. Taro died bravely, you said so yourself. He died protecting you, because that was all that mattered to him. He wanted to protect you, and there was absolutely nothing that could have stopped him. He was killed with a purpose. You."
Tears welled her blue eyes, and he couldn't tell if she simply hurt. He released her with reluctance. "It's up to you. You can let that woman put you down, or you can fight back."
She nodded solemnly, and turned to face the impassive Hisako with a new look of determination. "Hisako! I'm not about to fall into your lies again! Taro's death has brought me much pain… I don't need any more of it! Hisako, I never want to hear your lies again!"
She brushed past Link hurriedly, and retreated through the doors quickly. He looked back at the alarmed Hisako one final time.
Link began to feel slightly uncomfortable with the awkward silence between himself and Usagi. She seemed completely impassive, solemnly striding along side him as if she were a ghost. He stole a few concerned glances towards her.
She didn't seem to be responding, noticing or not, so, uneasily, he broke the silence. "Where are we headed next?"
He didn't receive a response for what seemed ages, but gradually her soft, tranquil voice responded, "Sparati Falls…"
Link kicked himself mentally as he realized the obvious pain tinting her expression as she mentioned the destiny. Why was he so horrible around women?! "Aa…"
But why did she seem so… distant to him? She appeared hurt, in a way. The Sage had stoop up to the lies of Hisako with great confidence, why wasn't she satisfied? She should have been blissful!
But no… There she was, close at his side, an impassive mask on her face... At least, on the outside. Perhaps she was simply in deep thought?
Odd. Very odd. Women perplexed Link in ways he knew would never be understandable! Women! Women! He wished he could just cry out how much the creatures frustrated him!
And yet… He couldn't help but to steal another glance at her. Yes, women were incredibly difficult in the matters of toleration, but in fact, she was so much more than the others. She was different. Very, very different.
He scowled inwardly. Why, even Ruto herself had accused him of preferring men to females! Not likely… Men were difficult as well, he knew all too well.
Usagi inhaled faintly, and then sighed. He smiled and watched her curiously. Usagi. She was like a bird to him. A frail little bird. She even sang like one at that, with the gentleness of her voice, which tended to bring warmth to him no matter what the situation. A soothing sound, in which only she could produce.
With all that in mind, he found himself blurting out "sing."
Usagi blinked in confusion and cocked her head to the side in am inquisitive manner. "What did you say?" Her eyes reflected the sunlight as she turned to face him.
Link felt himself blush uncontrollably as he hesitated to find the rightful words. "Ah… I think it would be very nice if you sing… sang. For me. I mean, for you. I mean… Please?" he bit back the urge to slap himself for being such a fool.
Usagi's ears twitched, and the grim line that had been her lips had now altered into a warm smile. "Of course, Sir Link. For you."
A hooded figure amongst the trees let out a dry giggle, which seemed to echo throughout the forest. It could make out the nearing voices on the air.
Two figures were slowly approaching, and in silence, the lingering shadow was prepared.
Usagi, on the other hand, was feeling herself nearly burst with content as she sang; fully, clearly, and with all of her emotions overpowering the tune.
She had, undeniably, been startled and surprised with Link's sudden request, but now it felt as if she were to soar into the heavens.
Any darkness she had felt was completely overwhelmed with her rising hope and confidence. She could always express herself by song.
Link watched with amusement as the elf began to twirl forwards, laughing like a little girl. Yes, she was different.
The cloaked form toiled even closer to the nearing duo, mouth twisted into an icy smirk. It was ready for them.
Usagi stopped her song short, and instead, gave a small yelp of shock. She staggered backwards, eyes focused with disbelief.
Link had reacted immediately, dashing up in front of the horror-stricken Usagi and taking a protective stance, his sword at ready. He blinked with puzzlement almost instantly.
There the source of Usagi's yelp was, it barely came up to his shoulder! In fact, it wasn't terrifying at all, for it was a mere child with a Keaton mask!
"Ohoho…" The shrill voice imitated, and as Link had to admit, quite badly. "I am the sly Keaton who has snuck up on you ever so sneakily! Ha! Now you must pay me."
Usagi took the opportunity to push Link lightly aside. She bent over to stare the child right in the eye with a look of amusement plastered to her face. "As I recall, a proper Keaton stumbles across travelers and challenges them with various riddles. You are to pay us."
The imitating Keaton appeared dumbfounded as she looked up at Usagi through the plastic mask. "Um… I don't have any money… Hoho…"
"Just as I expected," the smug song elf replied. She extended a single finger and tapped the tip of the mask's nose. "You are certainly not a Keaton."
The child merely stood, frozen on the spot. "Well, I suppose you're cleverer than I predicted… I'm not really a Keaton, but a twelve year old Sparatian girl in a mask."
Usagi laughed softly. "I never would have guessed…"
"I guess you really are stupid," the child snorted. "Wasn't it obvious enough? You two must be real idiots to be outsmarted be a kid."
Usagi was taken back momentarily. "I'll have you know this is the Hero of Hyrule you are referring to. He's not an idiot."
The masked child seemed shocked. "Really? That's Link?"
Usagi nodded knowingly. "We have been travelling. Our destination is currently Sparati Falls… So, we must be going."
"Nonsense! I bet you'll get him lost or something." The child giggled blissfully. "You may call me Keiko, but around Sparati I am known as the chicken girl."
"I wouldn't get him lost, Keiko," Usagi replied curtly. "I know my way around these parts."
The girl responded by pulling down her eyelid. "Nyah, nyah, I bet you would. Poor Link, I guess I'll have to take him myself!" She giggled blissfully and latched herself to his arm. "It will be fun!"
Usagi cocked an eyebrow as Keiko began to pull him forwards. "Just how old are you? Isn't it a little dangerous to be wandering around here…"
"I can take care of myself, if you haven't noticed," she replied cattily. "I'm old enough, so don't worry about me."
Usagi twitched here ears, and was silenced.
"Wow! I can't believe you defeated the Ganon! Did you get a good look at him? Aya… He was so ugly! I'm so proud of you!"
Usagi rolled her eyes absently at the child's non-stop flattering of Link. The entire trip through the forest consisted of her ramblings, squeals, and even more compliments. Even thinking about it made her heart clench uncontrollably.
Usagi kicked herself mentally. Who was she to have such sudden feelings towards the girl? Was it jealously, an emotion she had never felt?
The trio ended up in front of a massive waterfall, something very familiar to Usagi. It was none other then Sparati Falls.
"Hey! Hey!" Keiko released Link reluctantly and began to wave her arms around. "Requesting permission to access Sparati, if you don't mind!"
Link gave her a sceptical look, wondering just why the girl was shouting at a waterfall. 'Odd, odd child…' He cocked an eyebrow and remained silent.
To his awe, the rock behind the waterfall began to part, revealing a large gateway into the shadows of what seemed to be the city of Sparati.
Two figures emerged almost immediately, swords drawn with caution. "Who goes there?"
Usagi inhaled sharply at the sight of the two men. Their uniforms were identical to those of Taro, even with the matching white headband.
Keiko marched forwards with a smug expression, either hands rested against her hips. "Look, swords aren't going to frighten me anymore."
One of the boys blinked in confusion, and then nudged his companion. "Don't fret, it's just the chicken kid…"
"I'm not a kid," Keiko snorted angrily. "By the way, Shinta, this man is the Hero of Hyrule so show him some respect." She acknowledged Link with a wave of her hand.
Shinta glimpsed at Link with surprise. "Really? I've heard a bit about you. Everyone says you're popular around the women, especially the Princess." He grinned and leaned against his sword. "Lucky dog."
"Well, as you can see, unfortunately, he already brought one along," Keiko responded, eyeing Usagi with narrowed eyes.
Shinta glanced at her as if only realizing her presence only then. "Aha, then he is favoured by the ladies… Well then, Princess Zelda doesn't even compare with this little creature."
Usagi blushed ferociously, desperately trying to hide her embarrassment. "Ah…"
He chuckled with amusement, tapping his sword against the ground. "What is your name, little woman?"
Keiko lowered her eyes. "Shut up, Shinta. You're a guard, not a lovesick puppy. This woman is the song elf of Hyrule. She has been here before… Idiot."
Shinta gave a sheepish smirk. "Ah, yes, I remember you. You're Usagi… I've only seen you from a distance, and your voice is angelic…"
"Drool over her elsewhere, I want to get in, damnit!" Keiko stamped her foot with urgent demand. "Let me in!"
"You have the aggression and impatience of a chicken, Keiko," Shinta retorted with a laugh. "Very well, I suppose I'll let you pass."
With that, the two guards cleared the entrance to Sparati, and the three finally walked into the massive city.
Author's Notes: I enjoyed writing that chapter, because I was looking forward to Sparati. I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Arigatou!
