'I didn't think things would come to this… I didn't think I'd be forced to choose… Why did I reject the feelings given to me by Seer? He cares for me… But I feel nothing in return…'
Even as Keiko cried out to her, even as she shook her, nothing could bring Usagi to respond. She kept her hands over her ears; her head hung low.
"Usagi, why are you acting like this? Tell me what's wrong! Were you hurt? Did something happen? Stop ignoring every word I say! I'm so sick of being avoided—"
The last thing she felt was the girl's violent grip her shoulders, shaking her without a single pause. And then, there was darkness.
Usagi's eyes reopened to the faint sounds of voices in the background. Ignoring the pains in her head, she strained to listen in on the conversation. There were two, no, three different voices that she could make out.
"What happened to her?"
"I don't know… All of a sudden she went limp in my arms. I was so scared… She looked so pale, and felt so cold… almost as if she was dead… I don't think she even had a pulse."
She brought her fingers to her wrist. Her heartbeats were slower then usual, but at least she wasn't dead. What had happened? Why had she blanked out to begin with?
There was silence, and then, Keiko's wavering voice. "Every time I called for her, she would whisper out 'Time.' I think… she might have been hallucinating."
The visions, the voice inside her head… She hadn't just fainted; she had been contacted... by the Time Sage herself. 'She can only last for so long… and if she falls… Time will vanish…' Usagi closed her eyes tightly. Yes, through the darkness that had engulfed her, she had heard the cries of pain as Time continued to suffer. And then, she had seen the prophecy; Hyrule, plunged into an eternal shadow. The evil would spread across the land, claiming everything as its own, consuming those who were purest at heart. This was the fate of everything around her, if she was to fail.
"Usagi."
Usagi turned her head. Link stood at her side, his eyebrows knitted together in unmistakable concern. "Are you feeling alright? What happen-"
"I am happy to see you once again, Sir Link," she said, her voice soft. "Forgive me… I was weak, wasn't I? My behavior must have worried you… I promise it will never happen again. It's a promise." Limply, she held out her smallest finger. "I promise."
Link grasped her extended hand with his, lips curved into a warm smile. With one fluid movement, she was pulled into a tight embrace. She could feel his fingers entangling themselves amongst her wisps of hair. "You are already strong, Usagi."
"He's what?!"
Usagi and Link parted rapidly, their attention now focused on the young Keiko. She turned from Shinta. Her eyes settled then on Usagi. "Seer has announced his plans… a wedding ceremony is to be held… he is going to marry… you?"
Link tore his eyes from Keiko only to look at her. "You're-"
But she didn't meet his gaze. "I didn't think things would come to this, but… yes, he has ordered me to. I have no other choice but to obey his wishes."
"I don't believe that for a second," said Keiko, shaking her head. "You can't just give up hope because of one tiny setback. Seer is weaker then he presents himself to be."
Usagi frowned. "Weak?"
"Yes, both mentally and physically weak. If you leave now, he can't really do anything about it. If he sent his armies out on a search, there would be nothing to guard Sparati. He'd probably cry about it for a few days."
"He whines too, I've heard him…" Shinta appeared behind Keiko, his hands tousling her hair. He sent a curt wink in Usagi's direction. "But Kei does have a point. You should leave, together, while the time is right. Would you be willing?"
"Willing to leave?" Usagi tapped a finger to her chin in silent consideration. "I do know another access way to Time's gates, in fact…"
"You do not have to leave against your own will, Usagi. Maybe… maybe a life with Seer wouldn't be terrible. You would be safe against harm, and supplied with the things you deserve to have."
"Link?" She faced him with an expression showing both surprise and question, and then studied him intently. "If it means being at your side and saving the destiny of these lands, I would not miss it for anything." Her lips curved into a dainty smile.
"But…" He turned his head to glance at her once again. "I don't ever want you to be put into danger again. You are strong when it comes to facing your fears… But to see pain inflicted upon you again… I don't think I could-"
"We are stronger when we are together, don't you think?" Her smile softened. "I feel confident when I'm around you, Link, and to be separated would bring me to darkness… I won't be hurt with the hero of Hyrule to protect me, no?"
Returning the smile without the slightest hint of hesitance, he bowed his head. "I have sworn to protect you at all costs."
"Impossible, aren't they?" Shinta draped his arm around Keiko's shoulder, a grin playing his lips as he watched her startled reaction. "Almost reminds me of you, in fact."
'His arm is so warm, it's-' She shook herself from her thoughts, shooting a glare up at him. "I don't see what you're so cocky about. Dolt."
The grin instantly broadened. With a glint in the depths of his eyes, he slid his arm further, and forced her securely against his side. He did not look at her as he spoke. "You're not alone, either, Kei, I want you to know that… I'm here, always."
This time she did not resist, but instead relaxed against his grip. She had to admit; the feeling of being held by him was nothing she had experienced. The warm sensation she felt deep within her when he touched her felt comforting and soothing at the same time. As he glimpsed at her nervously in question, she nodded. "I know, Shinta. You're here. Always. To protect me and to act like a moron."
He chuckled. "Once a chicken head, always a chicken head."
"Leave through that small opening, and you will be near Rune Lake. Make haste along the pathways, and you should arrive-"
"We will arrive at the main entrance of the Zora's domain." Usagi bobbed her head. "From there, we should pass through. I know the way."
Keiko waved a hand. "It is near dusk. You must go, now, before Seer realizes your disappearance… And please, be safe on your travels. Come back and visit me afterwards, I want to hear of Mister Link's adventures!"
"And I want to hear of how the lovely Song Elf of Hyrule managed to defeat the darkness with her refined grace and purity." Shinta smirked. "I would join you, but Kei can't be trusted on her own. I'm counting on the hero of Hyrule to keep her beautiful skin untouched in my place."
Keiko reached for his ear, and pulled down with one tug. "What was that about being unreliable? Let's see you survive on your own, making your food without my expertise!"
"I will visit you, for sure… When I return, there will be much to talk of! I shall bring you back a present from the Zoras! Farewell!" When she had finished waving towards them, Usagi followed willingly behind Link, her head bent.
He looked over his shoulder now and then. "Why are you walking behind me?"
She looked up. "I have been taught to do so, when I have acted with foolishness; to walk behind in respect until you have forgiven my sins."
Link stopped all at once, and she ran directly into him. She opened her mouth to apologize, but promptly closed it when he turned to face her. His face was unreadable.
"You have done nothing wrong," he said quietly. "There is no need for forgiveness. And I feel more comfortable when you are at my side, where I can see you."
She blinked rapidly, but quickly replaced the look of blankness with a smile. "That's very kind. I think the Zoras will like you a lot, especially the Princess Zora."
He coughed. "Usagi… me and..."
As he began to stutter out meaningless words, Usagi stared back at him,
question written on her face. "Link?" she asked, her voice soft.
"What's the matter?"
"It's… nothing," he replied, turning away from her eyes.
"Really, it's nothing. I don't have anything important to say right now."
"Oh..." The elf, somewhat disappointed with his behavior, turned her
attention back onto the pathway. "Well, we're really close to the domain
of the Zoras. I hope Ruto will be there to see me again."
He said nothing.
Again, she looked up at him. "That is where Lady Zelda will be, too.
You'll be able to see her once again. It will be nice to reunite after six
whole years, right?"
He shot her a baffled glance. "How did you know that? About us?"
"I know much more then just that, Sir Link." Her smile was ironic.
"The princess trusts me, so she tells me many things. Would you tell me
things, too?"
"Like what?" he managed, his cheeks slowly turning red. "I-I...
There is nothing to tell!"
"Oh? Is that so?" She raised an eyebrow. "Something got your
tongue? Well, where do we begin... How do you feel about her?"
"I-I… don't know..." He met her eyes. "Why do you want to know,
anyways? It's not important."
"But it does matter to me... I like hearing about your feelings. Do you
not trust me?"
He shook his head. "I'm being honest. I am unsure of the feelings I have
for her... I know it's selfish to feel that way when she has done so much,
but-"
"It's not," she cut in, frowning. "It's not selfish."
"Perhaps..."
Usagi smiled a small smile, and then faced forwards once again. "You'll
just have to find the right answer. Someday, you will know who it is."
"Who?"
"The one you like most," she said, almost as if to reassure herself.
"There is no need to hurry yourself. The right time will come soon
enough."
Link made a noise of agreement. And then there was silence.
"This, as you may already know, is the domain of the Zoras." Usagi's voice echoed throughout the caves. "Although it is slippery and somewhat damp, it is a wonderful place to stay. The Zoras are quite considerate towards their visitors."
Link nodded, eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. "I, too, have had the opportunity of staying here. Their hospitality is admirable indeed."
"No need for introductions and tours, then. Let's head straight for the King's chamber. I'm sure he'll be quite pleased to see you once again." Usagi took hold of his hand, and, with gentle persistence, began to pull him through the caverns.
"What of his daughter?" Link questioned. His voice was hesitant.
"The young Zora princess, Ruto? She is as she has always been; stubborn yet well thought of." Usagi laughed to herself. "She talks of you often."
"I see…"
He did not see her smile. "I'm sure she'll be very happy to see you once again, Link. And so will Princess Zelda. They have both awaited your arrival very patiently."
"Usagi, I-"
"You should act carefully, though. If you pay too much attention to one, the other won't be very pleased. It could turn into a fight."
"I-I hope not."
"Neither do I," she replied, laughing softly. "But in the end, I'm sure both will be content with seeing the one they like most."
Link said nothing.
She turned her head, sending a smile of reassurance. "And if that doesn't work, we can always run away. Does it sound like a plan?"
Link nodded his head, smirking. "It's my best tactic when dealing with women."
Authors Notes: Hello, hello again! I'm really sorry about the delay… I've been really busy these days! And I went blank with this chapter… I rushed it… I will make the next chapter longer, that's a promise! Please review, thank you! That rhymes ^_^
Feedback Corner
Fearful-Lady-Demon-Fox: Ah, please don't hate me! ^_^;;
Roninchica: Thank you for the long review!
Goddess-of-Light: ^_^;; You really want to kill Seer, don't you? Well, I can say they'll be coming across his path once again… And Link isn't going to be forgiving.
LeaD: Trust me, I wasn't about to let that old man marry her. That would be really, really bad.
Peachie: Sugar is the best medicine! ^_^;;
ChibiBear Check!: YO~! What are you talking about, rushed? This was an excellent chapter. I love the cuteness of it all! Ahhh, he can't deal with his emotions very well can he, *wink* There is absolutely nothing wrong with this chapter at all, but one word -More.- And keep up the fuzziness! I want to see what is in store for them. (Hint: Zelda and Ruto. Hehe.)
