NOTE: Blah blah blah, legal crap. You know. (Pst... Listen to Sleeping
Awake by POD or How Soon Is Now By Tatu while reading this... it sets a
really great mood for the story, don't ask why.)
**********
Link walked drowsily down the hall with Kinage and Kanfo. It seemed like he hadn't had sleep for several days and had only been allowed a five-minute nap.
Kanfo didn't seem to want to look at him after what had happened earlier. She took in a breath of air to speak, but Kinage was the first to speak. "Link... do you remember these hallways?"
Link looked around at them, not really recognizing them, but still feeling safe within them. "I can't really say. But somehow I feel comfortable inside them..." Then he realized why she was asking. "I used to live here, didn't I?"
Kinage smiled. "You're as sharp as your father ever was." With that, she opened the doors to the mess hall. There were many people already sitting at the tables, who stared at him as he came in. Suddenly they all cheered. "Welcome home, Prince." Kinage smiled at him, putting a hand on his shoulder and the other hand up to quiet the gathered people. "You all remember how to treat a Prince, I hope."
*
Nagarishi had spent the night in the outskirts of the forest. She could feel Link, and yet there was no way inside the palace. The guards were too alert to try and sneak past them, and she lacked the skills to take them down, much less break down large thick wooden doors. She sighed as she surveyed the patrols on duty once again. Asking around town was useless. No wanted anything to do with an outsider.
Still, she didn't feel that bad about it. Something told her to lie low for awhile, anyways. Today seemed different as well. It seemed more peaceful as she walked around town. She soon found herself in the square again, staring up at the strange structure.
Link was asked to tell all about being the Hero of Time after a hearty meal back in the palace. It had been prepared by one of the women from his chamber earlier, he noticed. She smiled brightly at him, finishing her kitchen duties just in time to hear his tale. Kinage had even stayed to listen, staring off into space at the mentioning of Impa, however.
"What happened after you defeated Ganondorf?" One of the people who stayed for his story asked.
Link looked down at the table a moment. "Everyone had a big feast. They drank and danced and stayed up all night watching the smoke float into the heavens."
"They? You weren't there, Link?" Kinage inquired.
"I went back to the Temple of Time and returned the Master Sword and Ocarina of Time. I had no more use for them after Ganon was sealed away. But... the sword had grown as part of me on our adventures. I wanted it back very badly. I decided that I needed to find some way to get it out without being frozen there for seven years. So, I began my journey through the Lost Woods to the land of Termina. But that's a story for another time." Link stood up, much to the dismay of his avid listeners.
They begged him to stay, but he told them spending an entire afternoon telling stories wasn't something he was used to doing. Kinage followed him out the large wood doors and asked if something was the matter. "No, I've just been sitting too long." He chuckled. "Is there somewhere I can get some exercise?"
"Actually, I like to practice my archery at about this time. Would you like to join me on the field?" Kinage suggested. Link nodded and followed. When they exited through the large archway into the beautiful palace field, he realized he didn't have his Master Sword. Kinage smirked, producing the sword out of thin air like a Sheikah. Link stood there in shock for a moment, stumbling for words. "That was... How did..."
"Where do you think the Sheikah came from, Link?" She smiled at his stunned silence, handing him his prized sword. "The Impa you spoke about in your tales is in fact one of my younger sisters." Kinage walked out towards the archery range, though she didn't have a bow or quiver with her. Link followed, listening to her explanation.
"She had traveled over seas many, many years ago. She was only 56 when she left... I was 103. Although it was my duty to stay in Kinaya and guard the royal household, I had always wanted to go with her. She felt it was her calling. Many other Sheikah went with her at that time." Kinage paused a moment, remembering that was the reason they couldn't defend against the young Prince's connection with the Foriyar - what they called the Real Master Sword. "Perhaps you have heard of their tales with the Royal family? Impa, as I have heard, is doing quite well serving in Hyrule. I'm glad she seems happy."
At this time they were standing the correct distance away for target practice. Kinage, using her Sheikah skills, produced a bow and quiver. She handed these over to Link, however. "Here, you might want these. They're yours, anyway."
Link slung the quiver and the Master Sword on his back, readying his bow to fire. He pulled out an arrow and placed it on the string, but noticed she had nothing in her hands. "Aren't you going to use a bow and arrows?" He asked after a moment.
She stood there staring at the target, glancing over at Link's question. With a quick, almost undetectable motion, she had thrown something at the target, hitting the dead center. Link looked over and noticed a needle, much like Sheik had used, protruding from the center of the wooden circle. Kinage watched him to see what he would do, almost boasting her skills at him.
Link readied his bow, aiming at his target. He released, the needle shattering on impact as the arrow pierced through both it and the target. She raised an eyebrow at him. "You truly are your father's son." Then she smirked, an action that made Link more aware of her scar. He wondered in the back of his mind just how she had gotten it, and when.
The Sheikah stepped away towards an open spot in the field that was marked with a large circle. Link asked what she was doing, but she only unsheathed a short sword that was hidden in cloth on her back. "Fight me." She said softly.
Link looked down at the arrow waiting to be used and turned around. He fired it quickly at the previous target, splitting his other arrow in two. He then put away his bow and unsheathed the Master Sword, stepping into the circle with Kinage.
Kinage's blade, although it was shorter than an average sword, was curved and one-sided, like that of a katana. She held it out parallel to the ground; her left hand suspended, fingers spread apart, just behind the blade. Link prepared himself, his stance unwavering. For a moment they stood staring at each other, blue into red eyes. A butterfly landed on a blade of grass nearby at the exact moment Kinage's weapon clashed with Link's. Another slash and another block, this time Link's sword on hers. She smirked, stepped back, and brushed silver locks from her eyes. He smirked back, charging at her with a horizontal slash. She had jumped to evade, her left hand connecting with the top of Link's head as she began her descent. She landed soundlessly behind as he turned around. Startled at her speed, her didn't notice his missing hat and a long blonde braid that danced on his shoulder.
This time, Kinage held the blade upside down in her hand and took a pose where she held it out to her side. Link readied himself for another attack, which came quickly after she had taken her stance. He was nearly unprepared, but stepped back for proper footing just in time to counter her shorter sword. It was strange she was using a sword for offense when it is normally used for defense, Link pondered during their spar.
After blocking several other rapid attacks, Link began to go on the offensive himself, just when Kinage leaped upwards to perform another aerial attack. Still holding the sword down, she presented the blade parallel to Link's face. He blocked it, holding her nearly on top of him for a moment with perfectly balanced swords. She then placed her feet on the blunt side of the sword and kicked off, flipping backwards and sending Link to the ground on his back. As soon as she landed, she charged forward and pointed the sword down at his throat. "I think you lost." Kinage stated, finishing in a series of slices to the air before putting her sword back where it came from. She then helped Link up and gave him his cap.
Link smiled and put his hand behind his head. "Well... I expected you to be good, but not that good." He put his cap back on and put his arm out to her. They clasped each other's forearms as a sign of a good match.
"I'll have to ask for your sword, quiver, and bow back." Kinage stated coldly, wiping Link's smile from his face.
"Why... do you want my weapons?" He asked of her.
"You can't understand, but it is for your own safety." She reached for his things.
Link backed away. "I think I'd be safer with them."
Kinage's lip twitched. "You're too attached to that sword, aren't you?"
Link glared at her. "What do you mean? The Master Sword has always been with me. It's practically my companion... I don't think it's right for you to take it."
"Very well." Kinage drew something from her garb and threw it to the ground, blinding Link. Clutching his sword, he felt it being ripped from his fingers. As soon as he could see again, his weapons were gone and so was Kinage. Link frowned. "And here I was beginning to think she was nice..."
*
Nagarishi's eyes went black, another vision blinding her mind to the outside world. It was Link in a storm again, standing on high ground, like a cliff or balcony, with a sword drawn. Link's eyes were closed, the sword's edge pointing at his chest. Her vision went red, and she closed her eyes, gasping for air as she backed away from an imaginary enemy. She opened her eyes to a square full of people staring at her, all silent. She heard something dripping...
She looked down and saw blood on her hands, dripping from her face. She was crying blood. Screaming, she mindlessly ran towards the palace.
*
Link's head snapped up, his elven ears listening to a sound of horror. He stood up from the field where Kinage and he had been fighting and looked around for where it was coming from. He couldn't see anyone, but ran back to the palace, pushing past some guards to the top of the wall. He saw a girl running towards the palace. Instantly he recognized who it was and that she was the one who was screaming. He barked at some guards to bring the girl to him, but they looked at him in confusion. He repeated himself, pointing down at the Nagarishi. "Nyes toin?" One of the guards asked in Kinayan, pointing down at the girl who was now pressed against a wall, curled up, but no longer screaming. The guard had understood very little of what Link had said, but got the picture nonetheless. Link nodded, and the guard told the others in Kinayan what to do.
Watching from this vantage point, he saw the guards pick the girl up and lead her inside the palace. Link waited where he was, worried and angry. He didn't know what was going on with her, how to help, and was angry she wasn't with him sooner. It seemed like ages to Link before they brought Naga. She was crying blood, and it was all over her clothes and hands. She was like a scared animal, struggling against the guards' grip. When she saw Link, she fell to her knees in slight relief. "Link... Link!! Help me... I can't stop it!!"
Cradling her in his arms, he wiped the blood away from her cheeks with his sleeve and told her to stay calm, that she was going to be alright. He took her up and ran past the guards again, towards his room, calling for help from the maidservants.
Kanfo, who had been sweeping floors rushed to his side to help him as they entered his room. "What's wrong with her, Link? Who is she?"
Among Nagarishi's cries of pain and whimpering, Link told Kanfo who she was and that he wasn't sure what was wrong. Kanfo nodded. "I'll fetch someone who can help."
Link laid Naga gently on his bed and held her hand, telling her it was ok. She grabbed onto his shirt with an iron grip, desperately trying to tell him something. "Storm. you were going to. your sword. you were killing yourself!" She screamed the last words so that the whole palace could hear. Breathing so heavily she was hyperventilating, she finally passed out, her grip on Link's shirt loosened. Her head flopped to one side, her hair covering her face from him.
"Naga! Naga!" He pulled her close, her limp body like a doll in his arm.
Kinage rushed in, pushing Link aside with an unseen glare, and checked Naga over. "What happened?" She questioned.
"I don't know. She was running toward the palace screaming... When the guards brought her to me, she was crying blood." Link responded hastily. Kinage nodded.
"She's just unconscious at the moment from the shock. As for the blood... I don't know what could have caused it. Her vitals are ok... and her eyes look fine. I think she'll be alright, Link." Link sat down heavily on the bed by her feet. Kinage looked blankly up at him from her crouched position on the floor. "You were with this girl before, weren't you?"
Link nodded. "How did you know..."
"I'm the one that kidnapped you and took you here. My job was supposed to be to keep you two apart. Actually, you three. That's why I wanted the Master Sword back... with that and Nagarishi around so close to..." Kinage closed her mouth trying not to say too much, but Link realized her meaning.
"So close to the Real Master Sword... right? Somehow I'm a Prince and you knew my parents, and for some reason you want to keep us all apart. Tell me why! I want to know if I'm supposed to be involved!" Link stood up and stared angrily at Kinage.
She stood up as well, staring back at Link's eye level. He'd never noticed they were the same height. "Do you know how..." She pointed to the scar on her cheek. "I got this?" Although Link didn't respond, she continued. "You were a year old when your parents gave you the Foriyar - what you call the Real Master Sword - as a gift to train with when you were older. It was forged from a metal ore found only in this area, in the Temple you see in the square. However, the Temple is not easy to get into, and few are sure of what's inside besides the metal used to forge the Foriyar. It needs a key - The Master Sword - to open it. But the gods cursed this metal, because it was never meant for mortal use. The blacksmith that forged the Foriyar for you became so obsessed with his forge and its flame that he burned himself alive in it. And when you were only an infant... you became infatuated with the Foriyar. You cried unceasingly if you didn't have it. One day, we decided it wasn't right for you to always have it with you... so we took it from you while you slept. We thought you would forget about it and stop crying, but when you didn't... I came to check on you. Something surged through your small body, and the sword on its own will came out of its sheath and straight at my face. I tried to dodge, but it wasn't good enough. Oh, it wasn't enough to just go after me... you destroyed half the city with the powers it gave you. When you finally had released all your energy, you fell unconscious. After making sure you were alright, and that you had no memory of the sword, we sent someone to seal the Foriyar back inside the Temple. Then we sent the key, and you, far from here. Some of us hoped you'd never come back. Then when your mother never returned, we figured you'd found a home there and would live a normal life. But somehow, you and these swords twisted fate and you became a Hero. with your precious Master Sword. For all I know, you killed your mother!" At this point, Kinage was grabbing onto Link's shirt and threatening to do something.
Link, shocked and angered at what she had to say, ripped her hand from his shirt with surprising force. He started out quietly, progressively getting louder. "Ganondorf was the one who killed my mother, not me. I never wanted to be a Hero, or watch things die and be destroyed! I never wanted to see Nagarishi like this, and I no longer want to see you!" At this apex of rage, Link punched Kinage with his right, knocking her to the ground. He grabbed Nagarishi and watched Kinage stagger to her feet. "We're leaving!"
"The hell you are." Kinage, using her Sheikah talents, appeared in front of them and grabbed Nagarishi from his arms with lightning speed, placing her back on the bed in an instant. Link felt a rush of air and saw a blur, feeling the weight in his arms lessen. He then noticed she is gone from his arms, and turned back around to see Kinage between them.
"You brought her here, you're keeping her here. But... I will not allow you to have your sword back at all. You two will also be confined to this room for however long I see fit!" With that, Kinage disappears in a Sheikah mist.
Link rushed to the door, but found it locked. He kicked the door angrily. "Damn you, Kinage! I'm the Prince, you can't keep me in here!"
"The hell I can't!" He heard from the other side. "You forget I am the Supreme Sheikah, and the current ruling power in this country. What I say goes. Got that, you little brat?"
Link stood with his back against the door, his arms crossed, scowling. His mind ran through the previous event and his actions, thinking about what he could have done and what he shouldn't have done, when it dawned on him. **Supreme Sheikah? That means that there are more of them if they have a ruler... And what about Sheik? Did he know about who I was? Was he sent to protect and help me? But I thought Zelda was really. Ugh... I don't even want to think about her right now...**
Link looked at Naga still unconscious on the bed. He sat beside her, idling playing with her hair. "What do we do now..."
*
Link soon awoke beside Naga, who was lying on his chest and staring at him. They smiled at each other. Link noticed Naga had changed outfits, her normal Gerudo clothes covered in blood. "Are you feeling better?" Link asked as Naga sat up.
She looked down at her lap and softly replied, "Yes." She paused for a moment, then looked over at him. "Link... I wasn't dreaming, was I? I was really crying blood. I had a vision you were dying. It all seemed so real..."
"Dying?" Link sat up. "What happened in the vision?"
Naga looked down again and quietly answered. "You were on a cliff or a balcony of some sort... it was storming, and the rain was coming down pretty hard. The next thing I saw, you were holding a sword, pointing at your chest, and you... you..." She hunched over, her face in her hands, crying. Link wrapped his arms around her, not sure what to say at what she had envisioned. She leaned against him, wiping the tears from her face. She looked at her hands and was relieved to find it was clear and not red. She had stopped crying in Link's embrace and sighed. Link was surprised she hadn't been asking where they were and why. And somehow, she knew what he was thinking. "I know where we are. We're in your chamber in the palace. Don't worry, I'm not that delusional." She gave a slight smile and looked into Link's blue eyes. "I'm sorry I worried you. I couldn't help myself... no need to worry now, I'm alright." She brushed away the hair from his eyes and kissed him. He happily kissed her in return.
"I was wondering if I'd ever be able to do that again." She smiled at Link, staring into his eyes. Link held her in an embrace. "I missed you so much."
Nagarishi held him in return. "I missed you too. I was worried they might want to kill you when that woman kidnapped you, but when I sensed you were being taken care of... I was only worried about how to get inside the palace. I suppose what happened turned out to be a good thing... I mean... I did get inside. But now we're stuck in here. Why is the door locked?"
Link frowned. "Kinage got mad at me... she didn't want you here, and I don't know why. She was saying something about how I was obsessed with the Foriyar, the Real Master Sword, when I was a baby. I don't believe her and I don't know why she wants to split the three of us up. Me, you, and the Master Sword, I mean."
"I see... But... you were obsessed when you were a baby? How can you even do that? An infant's mind isn't developed enough..."
"That's what I thought. But... she told me that's how she got that scar..." Link paused thinking about what else she'd said. Did the swords really give him that much power?
Again, Naga knew what he was thinking. "You destroyed half this city? Link..." The vision came back to her. "No matter what, promise me never to go near those swords again."
Link scowled. "Now you're sounding like Kinage. Don't take her side... I'm not obsessed!"
"Link, please don't be mad at me. I..." Naga stopped when the door opened and Kinage passed through it.
They both turned to look at her, Link still scowling. She walked over to them with a blank look on her face. "I'm glad to see you're awake and well." She said to Nagarishi.
Naga could only nod, wondering what it was this woman wanted with them. "And Link... I apologize for earlier. I promised your parents I would do everything in my power to protect and help you, and for a long time, I have. But it has come to a point now where I don't think I can anymore. What happens from this point on, I am powerless to control. Forgive me." She bowed before them, and Link actually smiled back.
"It's alright Kinage. You just wanted to keep me safe. I'm sorry I hit you... I hope I didn't hurt you..."
Kinage chuckled. "I've taken worse blows, Link. It's quite alright. I'm the one who provoked you." She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked Naga over. "Yes... so you've made it inside the palace... How does it feel to be back with the one you love?" She smirked.
Naga smiled back. "You want to know about my vision, don't you?"
Kinage's smile dropped, and she looked back at her confused. "You read my thoughts... Your powers have progressed a long way since you've come here... You will know why in time." Kinage and Naga stared at each other for awhile. Finally, Kinage nodded and looked over at Link. "I see... your vision... it may just turn into reality. Be warned."
Link was confused at the actions that had just taken place. He half-heeded her warning, nodding in acknowledgement. "You always wanted to know why Zelda never wanted to commit to you." She began after a moment. Link was stunned at the mentioning of the Princess. "She saw the same visions Nagarishi has, and probably has even had the same symptoms. The triforce of wisdom she carries in her body told her if she were to commit to you, she would have to suffer through more of the visions and bodily agonies we've seen in Nagarishi. She might even have to watch you kill yourself. How could she hold herself together if you did that? This is what Zelda faces. But she can't tell you because you wouldn't believe her. Not without coming here first. But the Princess has no idea you are a Prince and where your kingdom really is. Not like Nagarishi can sense."
Nagarishi looked at Link sadly. He looked back at her; he was angry at why everyone thought he was going to do something stupid with the sword and what he was doing to Nagarishi. "I'm sorry..." He whispered.
Naga put a hand on his cheek and looked him in the eyes. "I love you. I always will. Whatever happens, happens. It won't stop me from loving you."
Link put his hand over hers on his cheek, completely oblivious of Kinage. "You're my strength, Naga. If you weren't here..."
Kinage chuckled. "Sorry to break your moment here... this is all very sweet, but... I'm supposed to tell the Prince here that the citizens are wanting you to take your place at the throne."
Link, holding Naga's hand on her knee, looked at Kinage like she was insane. "What? I don't know the first thing about ruling or being a Prince! What am I supposed to do?"
Kinage laughed and patted his shoulder. "It's alright, you just sit there and look handsome, go to special events and be a spokesperson, while I do all the rest of the work. I always have, anyways..."
Link smiled. "You'd do that for me? Thank you Kinage... You're a very kind person."
Kinage raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Sheikah are everything and everywhere." With that, she disappeared in a mist again.
Naga stared at the spot where she was. "Does she always do that?"
Link laughed. "Yes, she does." He stood up and put a hand out for Nagarishi to take.
"Let's get out of this room. I'm hungry."
She took it, hopping off the bed, and still holding it, walked with Link down to mess. "I don't know if I'll like being a Princess." She smirked slyly.
"Not a Princess. You'll be my Queen."
*
Kinage stared up at the stars that night out on the guard tower. The wind blowing through her silver hair, she unconsciously ran her finger along her scar. She thought about how angry she was after the incident, and how she couldn't blame the child. He was under a curse, and he was only an infant. He was not to blame. It was that damn sword. "If only I could destroy that Temple and the sword inside with it..."
A set of red eyes began to glow for just a moment, then faded, glittering jewels in the moonlight.
**********
Welp, that sure was interesting... Next chapter, more action and adventure and romance and all that crap people like! Don't forget... "mmBEAVERS AND DUCKS!!!"
-Misora
**********
Link walked drowsily down the hall with Kinage and Kanfo. It seemed like he hadn't had sleep for several days and had only been allowed a five-minute nap.
Kanfo didn't seem to want to look at him after what had happened earlier. She took in a breath of air to speak, but Kinage was the first to speak. "Link... do you remember these hallways?"
Link looked around at them, not really recognizing them, but still feeling safe within them. "I can't really say. But somehow I feel comfortable inside them..." Then he realized why she was asking. "I used to live here, didn't I?"
Kinage smiled. "You're as sharp as your father ever was." With that, she opened the doors to the mess hall. There were many people already sitting at the tables, who stared at him as he came in. Suddenly they all cheered. "Welcome home, Prince." Kinage smiled at him, putting a hand on his shoulder and the other hand up to quiet the gathered people. "You all remember how to treat a Prince, I hope."
*
Nagarishi had spent the night in the outskirts of the forest. She could feel Link, and yet there was no way inside the palace. The guards were too alert to try and sneak past them, and she lacked the skills to take them down, much less break down large thick wooden doors. She sighed as she surveyed the patrols on duty once again. Asking around town was useless. No wanted anything to do with an outsider.
Still, she didn't feel that bad about it. Something told her to lie low for awhile, anyways. Today seemed different as well. It seemed more peaceful as she walked around town. She soon found herself in the square again, staring up at the strange structure.
Link was asked to tell all about being the Hero of Time after a hearty meal back in the palace. It had been prepared by one of the women from his chamber earlier, he noticed. She smiled brightly at him, finishing her kitchen duties just in time to hear his tale. Kinage had even stayed to listen, staring off into space at the mentioning of Impa, however.
"What happened after you defeated Ganondorf?" One of the people who stayed for his story asked.
Link looked down at the table a moment. "Everyone had a big feast. They drank and danced and stayed up all night watching the smoke float into the heavens."
"They? You weren't there, Link?" Kinage inquired.
"I went back to the Temple of Time and returned the Master Sword and Ocarina of Time. I had no more use for them after Ganon was sealed away. But... the sword had grown as part of me on our adventures. I wanted it back very badly. I decided that I needed to find some way to get it out without being frozen there for seven years. So, I began my journey through the Lost Woods to the land of Termina. But that's a story for another time." Link stood up, much to the dismay of his avid listeners.
They begged him to stay, but he told them spending an entire afternoon telling stories wasn't something he was used to doing. Kinage followed him out the large wood doors and asked if something was the matter. "No, I've just been sitting too long." He chuckled. "Is there somewhere I can get some exercise?"
"Actually, I like to practice my archery at about this time. Would you like to join me on the field?" Kinage suggested. Link nodded and followed. When they exited through the large archway into the beautiful palace field, he realized he didn't have his Master Sword. Kinage smirked, producing the sword out of thin air like a Sheikah. Link stood there in shock for a moment, stumbling for words. "That was... How did..."
"Where do you think the Sheikah came from, Link?" She smiled at his stunned silence, handing him his prized sword. "The Impa you spoke about in your tales is in fact one of my younger sisters." Kinage walked out towards the archery range, though she didn't have a bow or quiver with her. Link followed, listening to her explanation.
"She had traveled over seas many, many years ago. She was only 56 when she left... I was 103. Although it was my duty to stay in Kinaya and guard the royal household, I had always wanted to go with her. She felt it was her calling. Many other Sheikah went with her at that time." Kinage paused a moment, remembering that was the reason they couldn't defend against the young Prince's connection with the Foriyar - what they called the Real Master Sword. "Perhaps you have heard of their tales with the Royal family? Impa, as I have heard, is doing quite well serving in Hyrule. I'm glad she seems happy."
At this time they were standing the correct distance away for target practice. Kinage, using her Sheikah skills, produced a bow and quiver. She handed these over to Link, however. "Here, you might want these. They're yours, anyway."
Link slung the quiver and the Master Sword on his back, readying his bow to fire. He pulled out an arrow and placed it on the string, but noticed she had nothing in her hands. "Aren't you going to use a bow and arrows?" He asked after a moment.
She stood there staring at the target, glancing over at Link's question. With a quick, almost undetectable motion, she had thrown something at the target, hitting the dead center. Link looked over and noticed a needle, much like Sheik had used, protruding from the center of the wooden circle. Kinage watched him to see what he would do, almost boasting her skills at him.
Link readied his bow, aiming at his target. He released, the needle shattering on impact as the arrow pierced through both it and the target. She raised an eyebrow at him. "You truly are your father's son." Then she smirked, an action that made Link more aware of her scar. He wondered in the back of his mind just how she had gotten it, and when.
The Sheikah stepped away towards an open spot in the field that was marked with a large circle. Link asked what she was doing, but she only unsheathed a short sword that was hidden in cloth on her back. "Fight me." She said softly.
Link looked down at the arrow waiting to be used and turned around. He fired it quickly at the previous target, splitting his other arrow in two. He then put away his bow and unsheathed the Master Sword, stepping into the circle with Kinage.
Kinage's blade, although it was shorter than an average sword, was curved and one-sided, like that of a katana. She held it out parallel to the ground; her left hand suspended, fingers spread apart, just behind the blade. Link prepared himself, his stance unwavering. For a moment they stood staring at each other, blue into red eyes. A butterfly landed on a blade of grass nearby at the exact moment Kinage's weapon clashed with Link's. Another slash and another block, this time Link's sword on hers. She smirked, stepped back, and brushed silver locks from her eyes. He smirked back, charging at her with a horizontal slash. She had jumped to evade, her left hand connecting with the top of Link's head as she began her descent. She landed soundlessly behind as he turned around. Startled at her speed, her didn't notice his missing hat and a long blonde braid that danced on his shoulder.
This time, Kinage held the blade upside down in her hand and took a pose where she held it out to her side. Link readied himself for another attack, which came quickly after she had taken her stance. He was nearly unprepared, but stepped back for proper footing just in time to counter her shorter sword. It was strange she was using a sword for offense when it is normally used for defense, Link pondered during their spar.
After blocking several other rapid attacks, Link began to go on the offensive himself, just when Kinage leaped upwards to perform another aerial attack. Still holding the sword down, she presented the blade parallel to Link's face. He blocked it, holding her nearly on top of him for a moment with perfectly balanced swords. She then placed her feet on the blunt side of the sword and kicked off, flipping backwards and sending Link to the ground on his back. As soon as she landed, she charged forward and pointed the sword down at his throat. "I think you lost." Kinage stated, finishing in a series of slices to the air before putting her sword back where it came from. She then helped Link up and gave him his cap.
Link smiled and put his hand behind his head. "Well... I expected you to be good, but not that good." He put his cap back on and put his arm out to her. They clasped each other's forearms as a sign of a good match.
"I'll have to ask for your sword, quiver, and bow back." Kinage stated coldly, wiping Link's smile from his face.
"Why... do you want my weapons?" He asked of her.
"You can't understand, but it is for your own safety." She reached for his things.
Link backed away. "I think I'd be safer with them."
Kinage's lip twitched. "You're too attached to that sword, aren't you?"
Link glared at her. "What do you mean? The Master Sword has always been with me. It's practically my companion... I don't think it's right for you to take it."
"Very well." Kinage drew something from her garb and threw it to the ground, blinding Link. Clutching his sword, he felt it being ripped from his fingers. As soon as he could see again, his weapons were gone and so was Kinage. Link frowned. "And here I was beginning to think she was nice..."
*
Nagarishi's eyes went black, another vision blinding her mind to the outside world. It was Link in a storm again, standing on high ground, like a cliff or balcony, with a sword drawn. Link's eyes were closed, the sword's edge pointing at his chest. Her vision went red, and she closed her eyes, gasping for air as she backed away from an imaginary enemy. She opened her eyes to a square full of people staring at her, all silent. She heard something dripping...
She looked down and saw blood on her hands, dripping from her face. She was crying blood. Screaming, she mindlessly ran towards the palace.
*
Link's head snapped up, his elven ears listening to a sound of horror. He stood up from the field where Kinage and he had been fighting and looked around for where it was coming from. He couldn't see anyone, but ran back to the palace, pushing past some guards to the top of the wall. He saw a girl running towards the palace. Instantly he recognized who it was and that she was the one who was screaming. He barked at some guards to bring the girl to him, but they looked at him in confusion. He repeated himself, pointing down at the Nagarishi. "Nyes toin?" One of the guards asked in Kinayan, pointing down at the girl who was now pressed against a wall, curled up, but no longer screaming. The guard had understood very little of what Link had said, but got the picture nonetheless. Link nodded, and the guard told the others in Kinayan what to do.
Watching from this vantage point, he saw the guards pick the girl up and lead her inside the palace. Link waited where he was, worried and angry. He didn't know what was going on with her, how to help, and was angry she wasn't with him sooner. It seemed like ages to Link before they brought Naga. She was crying blood, and it was all over her clothes and hands. She was like a scared animal, struggling against the guards' grip. When she saw Link, she fell to her knees in slight relief. "Link... Link!! Help me... I can't stop it!!"
Cradling her in his arms, he wiped the blood away from her cheeks with his sleeve and told her to stay calm, that she was going to be alright. He took her up and ran past the guards again, towards his room, calling for help from the maidservants.
Kanfo, who had been sweeping floors rushed to his side to help him as they entered his room. "What's wrong with her, Link? Who is she?"
Among Nagarishi's cries of pain and whimpering, Link told Kanfo who she was and that he wasn't sure what was wrong. Kanfo nodded. "I'll fetch someone who can help."
Link laid Naga gently on his bed and held her hand, telling her it was ok. She grabbed onto his shirt with an iron grip, desperately trying to tell him something. "Storm. you were going to. your sword. you were killing yourself!" She screamed the last words so that the whole palace could hear. Breathing so heavily she was hyperventilating, she finally passed out, her grip on Link's shirt loosened. Her head flopped to one side, her hair covering her face from him.
"Naga! Naga!" He pulled her close, her limp body like a doll in his arm.
Kinage rushed in, pushing Link aside with an unseen glare, and checked Naga over. "What happened?" She questioned.
"I don't know. She was running toward the palace screaming... When the guards brought her to me, she was crying blood." Link responded hastily. Kinage nodded.
"She's just unconscious at the moment from the shock. As for the blood... I don't know what could have caused it. Her vitals are ok... and her eyes look fine. I think she'll be alright, Link." Link sat down heavily on the bed by her feet. Kinage looked blankly up at him from her crouched position on the floor. "You were with this girl before, weren't you?"
Link nodded. "How did you know..."
"I'm the one that kidnapped you and took you here. My job was supposed to be to keep you two apart. Actually, you three. That's why I wanted the Master Sword back... with that and Nagarishi around so close to..." Kinage closed her mouth trying not to say too much, but Link realized her meaning.
"So close to the Real Master Sword... right? Somehow I'm a Prince and you knew my parents, and for some reason you want to keep us all apart. Tell me why! I want to know if I'm supposed to be involved!" Link stood up and stared angrily at Kinage.
She stood up as well, staring back at Link's eye level. He'd never noticed they were the same height. "Do you know how..." She pointed to the scar on her cheek. "I got this?" Although Link didn't respond, she continued. "You were a year old when your parents gave you the Foriyar - what you call the Real Master Sword - as a gift to train with when you were older. It was forged from a metal ore found only in this area, in the Temple you see in the square. However, the Temple is not easy to get into, and few are sure of what's inside besides the metal used to forge the Foriyar. It needs a key - The Master Sword - to open it. But the gods cursed this metal, because it was never meant for mortal use. The blacksmith that forged the Foriyar for you became so obsessed with his forge and its flame that he burned himself alive in it. And when you were only an infant... you became infatuated with the Foriyar. You cried unceasingly if you didn't have it. One day, we decided it wasn't right for you to always have it with you... so we took it from you while you slept. We thought you would forget about it and stop crying, but when you didn't... I came to check on you. Something surged through your small body, and the sword on its own will came out of its sheath and straight at my face. I tried to dodge, but it wasn't good enough. Oh, it wasn't enough to just go after me... you destroyed half the city with the powers it gave you. When you finally had released all your energy, you fell unconscious. After making sure you were alright, and that you had no memory of the sword, we sent someone to seal the Foriyar back inside the Temple. Then we sent the key, and you, far from here. Some of us hoped you'd never come back. Then when your mother never returned, we figured you'd found a home there and would live a normal life. But somehow, you and these swords twisted fate and you became a Hero. with your precious Master Sword. For all I know, you killed your mother!" At this point, Kinage was grabbing onto Link's shirt and threatening to do something.
Link, shocked and angered at what she had to say, ripped her hand from his shirt with surprising force. He started out quietly, progressively getting louder. "Ganondorf was the one who killed my mother, not me. I never wanted to be a Hero, or watch things die and be destroyed! I never wanted to see Nagarishi like this, and I no longer want to see you!" At this apex of rage, Link punched Kinage with his right, knocking her to the ground. He grabbed Nagarishi and watched Kinage stagger to her feet. "We're leaving!"
"The hell you are." Kinage, using her Sheikah talents, appeared in front of them and grabbed Nagarishi from his arms with lightning speed, placing her back on the bed in an instant. Link felt a rush of air and saw a blur, feeling the weight in his arms lessen. He then noticed she is gone from his arms, and turned back around to see Kinage between them.
"You brought her here, you're keeping her here. But... I will not allow you to have your sword back at all. You two will also be confined to this room for however long I see fit!" With that, Kinage disappears in a Sheikah mist.
Link rushed to the door, but found it locked. He kicked the door angrily. "Damn you, Kinage! I'm the Prince, you can't keep me in here!"
"The hell I can't!" He heard from the other side. "You forget I am the Supreme Sheikah, and the current ruling power in this country. What I say goes. Got that, you little brat?"
Link stood with his back against the door, his arms crossed, scowling. His mind ran through the previous event and his actions, thinking about what he could have done and what he shouldn't have done, when it dawned on him. **Supreme Sheikah? That means that there are more of them if they have a ruler... And what about Sheik? Did he know about who I was? Was he sent to protect and help me? But I thought Zelda was really. Ugh... I don't even want to think about her right now...**
Link looked at Naga still unconscious on the bed. He sat beside her, idling playing with her hair. "What do we do now..."
*
Link soon awoke beside Naga, who was lying on his chest and staring at him. They smiled at each other. Link noticed Naga had changed outfits, her normal Gerudo clothes covered in blood. "Are you feeling better?" Link asked as Naga sat up.
She looked down at her lap and softly replied, "Yes." She paused for a moment, then looked over at him. "Link... I wasn't dreaming, was I? I was really crying blood. I had a vision you were dying. It all seemed so real..."
"Dying?" Link sat up. "What happened in the vision?"
Naga looked down again and quietly answered. "You were on a cliff or a balcony of some sort... it was storming, and the rain was coming down pretty hard. The next thing I saw, you were holding a sword, pointing at your chest, and you... you..." She hunched over, her face in her hands, crying. Link wrapped his arms around her, not sure what to say at what she had envisioned. She leaned against him, wiping the tears from her face. She looked at her hands and was relieved to find it was clear and not red. She had stopped crying in Link's embrace and sighed. Link was surprised she hadn't been asking where they were and why. And somehow, she knew what he was thinking. "I know where we are. We're in your chamber in the palace. Don't worry, I'm not that delusional." She gave a slight smile and looked into Link's blue eyes. "I'm sorry I worried you. I couldn't help myself... no need to worry now, I'm alright." She brushed away the hair from his eyes and kissed him. He happily kissed her in return.
"I was wondering if I'd ever be able to do that again." She smiled at Link, staring into his eyes. Link held her in an embrace. "I missed you so much."
Nagarishi held him in return. "I missed you too. I was worried they might want to kill you when that woman kidnapped you, but when I sensed you were being taken care of... I was only worried about how to get inside the palace. I suppose what happened turned out to be a good thing... I mean... I did get inside. But now we're stuck in here. Why is the door locked?"
Link frowned. "Kinage got mad at me... she didn't want you here, and I don't know why. She was saying something about how I was obsessed with the Foriyar, the Real Master Sword, when I was a baby. I don't believe her and I don't know why she wants to split the three of us up. Me, you, and the Master Sword, I mean."
"I see... But... you were obsessed when you were a baby? How can you even do that? An infant's mind isn't developed enough..."
"That's what I thought. But... she told me that's how she got that scar..." Link paused thinking about what else she'd said. Did the swords really give him that much power?
Again, Naga knew what he was thinking. "You destroyed half this city? Link..." The vision came back to her. "No matter what, promise me never to go near those swords again."
Link scowled. "Now you're sounding like Kinage. Don't take her side... I'm not obsessed!"
"Link, please don't be mad at me. I..." Naga stopped when the door opened and Kinage passed through it.
They both turned to look at her, Link still scowling. She walked over to them with a blank look on her face. "I'm glad to see you're awake and well." She said to Nagarishi.
Naga could only nod, wondering what it was this woman wanted with them. "And Link... I apologize for earlier. I promised your parents I would do everything in my power to protect and help you, and for a long time, I have. But it has come to a point now where I don't think I can anymore. What happens from this point on, I am powerless to control. Forgive me." She bowed before them, and Link actually smiled back.
"It's alright Kinage. You just wanted to keep me safe. I'm sorry I hit you... I hope I didn't hurt you..."
Kinage chuckled. "I've taken worse blows, Link. It's quite alright. I'm the one who provoked you." She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked Naga over. "Yes... so you've made it inside the palace... How does it feel to be back with the one you love?" She smirked.
Naga smiled back. "You want to know about my vision, don't you?"
Kinage's smile dropped, and she looked back at her confused. "You read my thoughts... Your powers have progressed a long way since you've come here... You will know why in time." Kinage and Naga stared at each other for awhile. Finally, Kinage nodded and looked over at Link. "I see... your vision... it may just turn into reality. Be warned."
Link was confused at the actions that had just taken place. He half-heeded her warning, nodding in acknowledgement. "You always wanted to know why Zelda never wanted to commit to you." She began after a moment. Link was stunned at the mentioning of the Princess. "She saw the same visions Nagarishi has, and probably has even had the same symptoms. The triforce of wisdom she carries in her body told her if she were to commit to you, she would have to suffer through more of the visions and bodily agonies we've seen in Nagarishi. She might even have to watch you kill yourself. How could she hold herself together if you did that? This is what Zelda faces. But she can't tell you because you wouldn't believe her. Not without coming here first. But the Princess has no idea you are a Prince and where your kingdom really is. Not like Nagarishi can sense."
Nagarishi looked at Link sadly. He looked back at her; he was angry at why everyone thought he was going to do something stupid with the sword and what he was doing to Nagarishi. "I'm sorry..." He whispered.
Naga put a hand on his cheek and looked him in the eyes. "I love you. I always will. Whatever happens, happens. It won't stop me from loving you."
Link put his hand over hers on his cheek, completely oblivious of Kinage. "You're my strength, Naga. If you weren't here..."
Kinage chuckled. "Sorry to break your moment here... this is all very sweet, but... I'm supposed to tell the Prince here that the citizens are wanting you to take your place at the throne."
Link, holding Naga's hand on her knee, looked at Kinage like she was insane. "What? I don't know the first thing about ruling or being a Prince! What am I supposed to do?"
Kinage laughed and patted his shoulder. "It's alright, you just sit there and look handsome, go to special events and be a spokesperson, while I do all the rest of the work. I always have, anyways..."
Link smiled. "You'd do that for me? Thank you Kinage... You're a very kind person."
Kinage raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Sheikah are everything and everywhere." With that, she disappeared in a mist again.
Naga stared at the spot where she was. "Does she always do that?"
Link laughed. "Yes, she does." He stood up and put a hand out for Nagarishi to take.
"Let's get out of this room. I'm hungry."
She took it, hopping off the bed, and still holding it, walked with Link down to mess. "I don't know if I'll like being a Princess." She smirked slyly.
"Not a Princess. You'll be my Queen."
*
Kinage stared up at the stars that night out on the guard tower. The wind blowing through her silver hair, she unconsciously ran her finger along her scar. She thought about how angry she was after the incident, and how she couldn't blame the child. He was under a curse, and he was only an infant. He was not to blame. It was that damn sword. "If only I could destroy that Temple and the sword inside with it..."
A set of red eyes began to glow for just a moment, then faded, glittering jewels in the moonlight.
**********
Welp, that sure was interesting... Next chapter, more action and adventure and romance and all that crap people like! Don't forget... "mmBEAVERS AND DUCKS!!!"
-Misora