The massive behind-water city was nothing like that of Link had predicted. There was one particular word that could explain such a sight. Busy. Very, very busy.
The streets were literally overflowing with citizens, ranging from small children to the elders. Many of which, Usagi mused with a faint smile, were there for purchasing purposes. Her eyes scanned her surroundings with inward satisfaction as Link and Keiko wandered slowly ahead.
Most of the bystanders regarded the curious Usagi with a look of awe, or even a polite nod of greeting. She was taken aback for a split second, and then reddened. 'They remember me, even after all these years of war… I am not unknown…'
The song elf had been correct. She was very much recognized as the beautiful young elf, who had unleashed the wonders of her voice into Sparati so many years ago. Word was sent out rapidly of the arrival, and soon enough, every Sparatian had heard of Usagi.
Usagi, unaware of the sudden wildfire chatter spreading through the city, was now straining to keep up with the chicken girl and the hero of Hyrule.
Just as she was beginning to doubt her ability to keep mere sight of the duo, a firm grip on her arm briskly jolted the elf out of her thoughts. Through her confusion, she glanced sidelong to meet the eyes of a familiar, rather reddened guard; Shinta. Her expression sent a brief, quizzical look in his direction.
He seemed uneasy, embarrassed at that. "I… I apologize, Miss, but you are requested to be presented before the Leader… It was an order…"
Usagi blinked bluntly, and then frowned. "But… What of my two companions? I surely cannot leave them! And I won't be able to find them again…"
The young guard clucked his tongue, his amused expression never failing to fall. "Well now, as I recall, those two were the ones who abandoned you…" He studied her disheartened expression cautiously, and then quickly returned his attention to the sea of people. "Ah… Do not fret, for you are not the type to be forgotten in the eyes of a male… The hero of Hyrule isn't that arrogant, now, is he?"
Usagi smiled blissfully in return and allowed him to pull her through the crowds. She had discovered his soft side. 'The soft side of Shinta.' She giggled inwardly.
The Leader, in the prospective of Usagi, was a middle-aged, arrogant, stubborn man. Every time she was in his presence, she always felt an overwhelming unease. And as Shinta led her to the throne room, and was briskly dismissed, she felt as if any contentment she had felt had then been taken away.
The Leader, known formally as Seer, observed her with his dull gray eyes. After an uncomfortable silence on Usagi's outlook, he broke the silence. "I have been told of the beauty of your voice, little woman, but now I see it is not only that…"
She bent her head nervously. "Ah…"
He chuckled with obvious amusement, and Usagi had to bite back a shudder. "No need to be shy, Usagi of Hyrule. You are most welcome in Sparati."
Usagi grimaced at the sound of her name on his mouth. She could tell it was a simple game to him, and for that she hated him. 'Get to the point…'
He eyed her wearily, a hand rested under his cheek. Usagi quickly realized he was waiting for a response. "I feel very welcome here, Leader…"
He nodded with a grin and inspected her face. "But of course. I summoned you here for a simple request…" He paused for her nod of approval. "If it is not to much trouble, would you, perhaps, sing for Sparati once again?"
She didn't respond at first, but twisted her fingers together in deep thought. "Of… Of course, Seer… I would be honored to sing for you."
His smirk broadened instantly. "That is excellent to hear. My people adore you… Ah, you are to sing at the break of dawn, to welcome the morning's sun. I will have an escort retrieve you."
Usagi smiled a weak smile and bowed her head, avoiding any eye contact. "If it pleases you. I will do what you ask of me, Leader."
Seer nodded in agreement. "Shinta!" He shouted so loudly, Usagi had to refrain form holding her ears. "Take this young lady back." He smiled towards her. "I look forward to tomorrow."
"I know where that chicken kid lives, so I'll just take you there," Shinta announced quietly. "The two should be located there. I have a feeling."
Usagi nodded tiredly, not bothering to reply properly.
He smirked suddenly. "I heard you are going to sing for Seer tomorrow. Every Sparatian has already heard about it." He chuckled. "I see you do not have a liking for him?"
She bobbed her head serenely, any drowsiness now gone. "I can't stand the way he stares directly at me! It's so frightening I can scarcely react…"
He laughed aloud and embraced her shoulder. "He's pretty perverted, then. I already figured…"
Usagi's eyes widened. 'Seer is a pervert?'
Keiko's house, to Usagi's surprise, was a shop. It was located on the far edge of the city, and had a small sign on the door reading 'Keiko's chicken house.'
"She raises a whole bunch of them," Shinta explained as she inspected the door. "And sells them, too… I guess she's pretty good at it." He shrugged.
"Interesting…" Usagi murmured, rapping her fist against it. "A chicken house…"
Keiko answered the door drowsily, rubbing her eyes with a yawn. "What do you want?" She squinted towards Usagi. "If you're looking for Link, he went out to find you." She eyed Shinta with a glare. "What are you doing here? Go away before I send my chickens after you!"
With one swift move, she had pulled Usagi inside the small house, and slammed the door in a very surprised Shinta's face. She scowled at the closed door. "And don't you come back, stalking idiot!"
Usagi couldn't help but smile at the younger girl's familiar rage. "You must be tired, no? Perhaps it would be best if we both got some rest."
Keiko flapped a hand at her. "Just because I'm grumpy at him doesn't mean I'm sleepy. He's bothered me enough as it is… So infuriating!"
Usagi laughed softly. "Would you really send your hens after him? Isn't that a little cruel?"
Keiko flopped onto a nearby chair with an exasperated sigh. "Shinta's a stupid idiot… And he's annoying, too." She shrugged. "But he's impressive at the same time."
"Aren't you too young for him?"
Keiko grinned, eyes now closed peacefully. "I'm fourteen at the moment, he's sixteen." She stretched. "Not that it really matters."
Usagi smiled warmly and took a seat nearby. "Do truthfully find him blunt? I think he's rather kind…"
"… I hate him."
"Oh, I doubt that," she replied with a laugh. "You're simply doubting your feelings for him, that's all. You shouldn't reject any emotions."
"Oh, shut up…" came the curt, muffled reply. "It's bad enough having him around all the time."
"Well, I think it's cute," Usagi said in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone. "You should confess, soon. You'll regret not ever saying anything to him."
There was an abrupt pause. Gradually, Keiko broke the silence. "Oh, please…" she scoffed, confirming her disbelief. "Such nonsense…"
Usagi smiled amusedly as the girl squirmed in her position. "Consider it, please… I can tell how you are feeling. Just think about it…"
Keiko shifted once more; her back facing Usagi. "If you will, I… I'll think about trying…"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb," she retorted, almost with frustration. "You obviously feel for the hero of Hyrule. Surely somebody has mentioned this?"
Usagi stared at her blankly, mouth slightly agape. "I… I…" She blushed sheepishly, not bothering to reply. Her head bowed, trying to conceal her sudden embarrassment.
"You don't have to say anything, Usagi, but don't discourage these facts… For now, it is late. I need to get some sleep now. Goodnight.
Usagi smiled to herself and glanced out the window. Tomorrow would be along day, a longer day than she had ever expected. And tomorrow, she would finally reveal herself.
Author's Notes: I know it was short, but I'm still thinking really hard. I hope this chapter was satisfactory, because I wasn't too happy with it at all. Until the next chapter, ja!
