Desperately Nabooru looked toward the exit of the temple, wishing more than
ever she could venture outside and feel the sun against her face. She had
spent only a few minutes alone with Link inside its great walls, and
already she felt as if he was driving her insane. The hero of time sat
casually on the ledge near the stone serpents, staring at her with his
piercing blue eyes while polishing his shield with a rag. Over and over he
rubbed the mirror shield's glassy surface, which reflected a pale beam of
light directly into her face. It was obvious he was getting silent revenge
for her actions outside, though Nabooru would never allow him to get to
her.
What was she to do? There were many questions she wanted answered, and she didn't care if Link was willing to explain them or not. It was hard to believe she met him as a child out of sheer coincidence, and at the time she thought he was quite a cute kid. How much he changed over the years, matured and grew stronger than ever after defeating Ganon and sending him packing to the Evil realm...it was difficult for her to believe.
The Gerudo leader folded her arms across her chest, turning her face away to avoid the shield's blinding light. From the corner of her watchful gaze, she saw Link smirk slightly as he put it away, and she could not help but feel a twinge of irritation flood though her. When the light no longer blinded her, Nabooru turned her head to look at him fully once more, until she said demandingly.
"Ok then, you've got some explaining to do, and I want to hear it right now!"
Link raised an eyebrow, apparently unimpressed by her blunt request. For a moment he said nothing, before shaking his head and emitting an exasperated sigh. Nabooru stood staring at him non-blinkingly, awaiting an answer from the man who saved her life. It was thanks to him and that annoying shiny shield she lived, so she owed him her patience and respect in return. It was difficult for her though, because not only was he terribly serious, but also a man as well. Nabooru had limited patience with men, though she would never admit she thought Link was different than most she knew...
"I'll tell you when I feel like it, and maybe if you address me in a more polite manner I will consider explaining what little I know of our situation."
He said casually, daring to look at her once more with his observant gaze. Link was toying with her, and he seemed to enjoy every moment of it. She knew it was because she didn't listen to him earlier, nor admit to him he was right about everything he tried to tell her. The Gerudo lowered her defensive attitude, her eyes softening just enough, until she said calmly.
"Fine. I will admit you were right, and I shouldn't have gone outside...it was my fault and I apologize. Please, tell me what is going on and what you and I have to do with Kotake and Koume reviving from the dead – it doesn't make sense!"
He appeared to be satisfied she had finally given in, though the typical serious expression resumed to cross his lips one more. She watched him jump off the ledge with amazing agility, before saying coolly.
"Those sorceresses were not really dead to begin with – I merely shortened their lifespan in our world. Their magic is strong in life, but apparently as we can see now its even stronger in death. I sensed their presence in the living realm and left to confront them, and not only did the desert nearly defeat me, but they nearly did as well. I saw them flying through the desert in search of you."
"In search of me? Why?"
Nabooru inquired, her thoughts drifting once more to picture the twins in her mind, though she wasn't sure if she truly wished to see their hideous faces once more. Link pursed his lips for a moment, taking in a deep haggard breath because of the heat, before replying to her surprise.
"They require your life force – as well as mine. I overheard them nattering to each other in the desert that their powers can allow them to be reincarnated into living beings, if they find those responsible for their deaths. Although you did not actually kill them, you are the sage of spirit and have powers within you to revive the dead. It is obvious they need my life force as well, which means we have to stay alive not only for our own sakes, but...for everyone's sake as well."
"Revive the dead? Me? Those witches have really fallen off their broomsticks this time, and I thought they were crazy to begin with, but this...its just stupid!"
The sage blurted out, not comprehending the words Link spoke of. How could beings that were technically dead be revived again? What was the point in killing them in the first place if they would still be around in death? Nabooru folded her arms across her chest, wondering why in Hyrule's name she bothered trying to understand such cryptic nonsense. Aggravated by her outburst, Link snapped coldly.
"Would you be quiet and let me finish? I don't really understand what they speak of either, I'm merely explaining what I overheard before they discovered my presence and attacked me! I think they are desperate to live again because if they kill us, they can use their black magic to break the seal to the evil realm and unleash Ganondorf! I don't know what else I can tell you, other than that's what they are trying to do."
He sighed, until the weight of the heat caused him to sit down on the temple floor, his breathing growing more ragged as the minutes passed. A twinge of sympathy ran though the Gerudo's heart to see him so frustrated and uncomfortable, though she was not sure what else she could do other than take his word for it. Everything he said so far occurred, and it was apparent he was a very honest man. So much deceit and deception had ruined her trust in men, but she had to trust Link – he was her best hope for survival after all.
That had to be what Kotake and Koume were up to. At one time Ganondorf was their disciple, until his powers surpassed theirs and he no longer had a use for them. Nabooru was younger than the Gerudo king, but in her she remembered that he would often venture to the Spirit Temple where the sorceress's practiced their magic to learn from them. He spent hours deep within the temple walls, before emerging mightier and more malicious than ever before. During those days Kotake and Koume were fairly decent practitioners, and did not turn for the worse until Ganondorf gained immense power and allowed them to rule over the Spirit Temple as they pleased, which enraged the Gerudo beyond measure.
Perhaps now the two were going to repay their fallen king by breaking the seal to the evil realm, something to prove as quite a feat since the magic barrier keeping Ganondorf inside had unbelievable power. She did not doubt they could do it if they tried hard enough, and that was which frightened her most. Only the living could break the seal to the evil realm, so it mattered not that their powers strengthened after death. If they killed her and Link, then the world would be in danger once again...and she would not allow that to happen!
"I believe you Link...but there is one thing I do not understand. Why can we not leave the Spirit Temple?"
He looked at her as if the answer should be obvious, though appeared to be forgiving her for it because she admitted to believing him. In exasperation he took in another shaken breath, until saying reluctantly.
"Judging by what just happened, those old hags are out their waiting for us. As strong as you think you are, neither of us is a match until we find a way to stop them and put them to rest. They cannot enter this place because it is a holy place, and the powers of the Spirit Temple are what's keeping us protected and alive. I think the powers to send them away are somewhere inside the temple, but where to find them will come in time."
Time. The word echoed in her mind, and the longer Link stared at her the worse she felt. How much time? Would they be stranded inside the Spirit Temple for the rest of their lives? They didn't even know what exactly could stop Kotake and Koume, and the sorceress's certainly had all the time they wanted to hover outside waiting in ambush...but she didn't. There were so many things she wanted to do, and if she couldn't leave...
"I'm not going to wait around in here forever! Instead of sitting on the floor, why not try to get your strength back instead? When you're stronger you can fight them and beat them, just like you did before. You are the hero of time, the ultimate defender of Hyrule!"
The hero of time glared at her angrily for a moment, until he turned his back to her and began to start off to one of the temple chambers. The mirror shield bounced light off of its surface and into Nabooru's eyes, and the spirit sage had to fight desperately to keep herself from lunging on him and ripping it off his back. With much exasperation and annoyance in his voice, Link said calmly.
"I know who I am, Nabooru and I don't need you to inform me of that. If you think its easy fighting all the time and risking your life, you should try it once in a while and find out how difficult it really is. Your still just a loner who's lost from her own society, and who doesn't understand the real trials of life-"
"Trials of life? You've got to be kidding me!"
Nabooru called to him angrily, her brow furrowing because of her rage. Link continued to walk as passively as ever, until she said bitterly in response.
"I doubt you'd understand what it was like to be ruled by someone like Ganondorf for the majority of you life, to have to listen to him or else be punished by death. Or if you still don't understand what I mean by that, to have Ganondorf actually...love you...but not really love you at the same time!"
Link stopped but didn't turn around to face her. His silence drove Nabooru mad, especially when it dragged on for a few minutes to create a vast amount of tension between them. When she thought she wouldn't be able to handle it for much longer, his cold words filled the air and sliced it like a sword.
"Nor would you understand what it is like to have to fight Ganondorf to protect the balance of the world. If only you knew..."
She said nothing, but watched him with her glittering golden eyes. The silence resumed, before Link shortened it by asking half-heartedly.
"This is going nowhere, but since you insist I get some rest, where can I go to find some place?"
Nabooru had to snap out of her intense moment of emotion, before she fully realized what he was asking her. Her thoughts drifted to the words they shot at one another so heatedly, before she managed to say.
"Well, if you are tired you may rest in my chamber, which is located beyond the door to your right and to your left. Though I must admit, there is only one bed inside this temple which means..."
Her voice trailed off as a picture entered her mind that she wished she never thought of. The Gerudo shook her head, trying to rid herself of such thoughts. However, they were alone inside the Spirit Temple, which would mean some sort of sleeping arrangement would have to be made. Before she could think further on what should be done, Link looked over his shoulder at her while a slight smirk played across his lips. In surprise Nabooru gasped quietly, until he said in a lighter tone. "Don't go there Nabooru. I will sleep on the floor tonight, and you can have the bed. For your comfort as well as mine, I think that would be the best solution."
Without saying anything further, he looked ahead and strode toward the door before disappearing on the other side. Nabooru stood alone in the entranceway, wondering in her mind just exactly how she would last so long being stuck with none other than him. For now their conversations were constantly on edge, each remarking something in criticism toward the other.
Nabooru felt a migraine coming, and sat down listlessly on the floor. Although Link was at least someone to keep her company, she continued to wonder about Kotake and Koume. They would kill her if they got the chance, and the only way to stop them was somewhere inside the temple she had known almost all her life. It was an irony to feel as if she didn't know anything about it at all now, since she had no idea where she would find the solution that would save her life. The Spirit Temple was vast, which meant it could be anywhere...
A soft sigh escaped her pale lips, feeling the pressure of what she must do overtake her. What if she failed? What if...Ganondorf escaped from the evil realm? All of Hyrule would be left in ruin from his wake, and she would be the one to blame for not stopping him. It felt so strange remember he once posed no threat to anyone, before his wicked thirst consumed him and caused him to lose all the innocence he once had. She used to wonder why he turned so evil and malicious, especially when she saw him kill for the first time. The look reflecting in his eyes when his blade drew blood spoke for itself – there was nothing in them except hatred, which at that time was all there was left anyway.
Nabooru got up off the floor, deciding she needed to take a walk and think further. Hastily she started toward the door on the right, and when she entered beyond it into another chamber inside the spirit temple, her eyes glanced carefully to her left where her chamber was.
Inside was none other than Link, lying on her soft bed facing the opposite direction. For a moment Nabooru considered simply continuing on her way, but her feet refused to move. Link's white-sleeved shirt and emerald tunic had been taken off, and underneath revealed his smooth muscled chest and arms. The Gerudo's mouth nearly gaped at the sight, especially when she noticed his golden wind tossed hair and smooth frame. He still wore his tights, hat and thick brown boots, though his hands were casually placed behind his head and his eyes were closed. The heat really had gotten to him, enough to try and cool off in the easiest way possible.
Link appeared to know of her presence without even seeing her, and when she was about to leave out of fear of being seen, he suddenly sat up in the bed and swung his legs over the side. His deep blue eyes looked into hers for a moment, until he modestly grabbed his shirt and hurriedly put it on while saying irritably.
"What are you doing? Can't I get away from you for just a little while to take a nap?" Nabooru felt her throat tighten in embarrassment, before she looked away in a pathetic attempt to hide the fact she had been watching him. The Gerudo stammered for words, though the only thing she could say to him was equally as unconvincing as her demeanor.
"I was...just passing by, that's all! Don't flatter yourself Link, I have other interests."
"Oh is that so."
He said, his eyes twinkling while the same smirk formed in his lips. Nabooru shifted restlessly in place, looking at the floor before his words filled the air once more, expressing a more amused tone to see her so embarrassed.
"Who then? I'm surprised, considering there are only women allowed into the Gerudo fortress, besides me..."
His question caused her mind to draw a blank. She didn't have feelings for anyone! He was right, there were only women in Gerudo Valley, and since she did not venture beyond their borders she did not see men very often if not at all. Still though, Link was the only man she really liked...but she would never admit that to him, it was a ridiculous notion as well as childish. If he was implying she liked women, then he was being a complete idiot since he knew full well the Gerudo were not like that.
"It's none of your business, and he's far more...umm...yeah well it just isn't your business! At least I'm not engaged to a fish woman!"
"Fish woman? If your talking about Ruto, I did not have a choice in that and its been called off for your information. You really don't have anyone do you? Seeing how you can't even think of a name, its easy to tell."
He remarked coolly, which caused Nabooru to loose whatever patience she had left for him. Fed up with his constant narcissistic attitude, the Gerudo turned and stormed out of the room, ignoring his satisfied smile at seeing her so flustered. That was the last insult she would receive from him. He knew he was good looking and that women were attracted to him, so it was of little difference if she told him after he defeated Kotake and Koume she thought he was handsome. Why should she care anyway? She would meet other men, and then she would show him who really had a life. Despite her thoughts over that, there were still more pressing matters to be dealt with, and Link's attitude wasn't helping – and neither was hers.
Author's Note: Well this is the chapter that explains a whole bunch more! I really hoped you liked this, as well as the 'interactions' between Nabooru and Link. Seeing how Nabooru doesn't take crap from anyone, you can bet she'll get even with him later somehow lol
Special thanks:
Number42: Glad your satisfied with what's happening! Yet again I have made another relatively fast update, as fast as my creative mind will allow anyway lol thanks for providing another review for me, and I hope you will continue to read this story!
Lunatic Pandora1: Really? Didn't know you already had it out, I thought you'd state somewhere that it was a LinkXNabooru fic but that's ok, I'll review it anyway. I hope you come out with a third chapter and are able to not struggle with it. I'm glad people realize that a LinkXNabooru fic DOES work, if you think about it carefully enough, so maybe some should give my story a chance instead of assuming its impossible – thanks a lot for doing that!
Katherine: Wow! Caps lock too! Awesome! Thanks for the review, hope to read more from you again!
Warior: Well if your wondering about the halo thing, I did too for a while and still do kind of but I head something interesting behind that, which I hinted in my story. Apparently (just skeptical stories) Kotake and Koume were actually good sorceresses at some point in time. Ganondorf was a friend of theirs and he learnt magic from them, but somehow his immense power and evil corrupted them especially since they helped to make him so strong and etc. Although it's merely something I've heard from various people and hinted in a few other fan fics, it's the best reason I can think of. They weren't really super duper evil in the game (after all they didn't kill Nabooru or anything when they could have), they were merely helping out Ganondorf because he was their friend somehow, or even related to them (but that might be going a bit far). Good in depth question, and hope to see more like that from you lol as well as reviews!
Hylian Heroine: Thanks a lot for reviewing this story too! I'm glad your open minded enough to give it a chance, since most people would just read the words 'LinkXNabooru' and be like: 'what the heck is this author thinking???' Its just that there are almost no pairings at all with those two and Nabooru (in my opinion) is a better candidate than lets say Saria (because she's a kid...disturbing...) and Ruto (don't even want to go there lol). Besides, she's so cool; she was one of my favorite Zelda characters! Thanks so much I hope you review again!!!
Rainer Aquarias – Sage of Time: Well since you're the sage of time, I'll say it's been a long time since I've seen a review from you! Lol nice to hear from you again I must admit its my fault since I haven't updated Ruto's Destiny in a while, and I should get around to it since I've been slaking by working on these other new releases of mine (i.e.: Footprints In the Sand and Forgotten Memories, my Zelink which has gotten some attention). I hope you like this fic, because it took me a while to think of how this pairing could work without it sounding disturbing, and its great to see your reviewing some of my other work. Actually I got a flame for this story because I said 'sacred realm' instead of 'evil realm' (reference below for details) but I hope other people will find this enjoyable too! Thanks for your continued support!!!
Great-Divide: Yeah your right, I'll try to make my chapters shorter...somehow...not a good example is this one though hehe. So much detail, so much in depth stuff to add! I guess I'll have to work on that. Thanks for reviewing!
Flaminchica: Since you've been so nice, another fast update for you, yay! Thanks a lot for giving my fic a chance, and even despite that miserable flame I received (which was removed due to the fact they had no reasonable cause to flame as well as inappropriate content) I will keep writing regardless! I really appreciate all your reviews, and I'm happy to see I'm writing about one of your favorite characters (as well as mine)! Nabooru rocks!!! Keep writing, I want to see more Zelda stories from you!!
ArissaMay: Thanks! Gee I'm logical oO wow! Lol awesome great you think so! With this kind of pairing you have to be, or else people will think your crazy since most assume a LinkXNabooru wouldn't work...but I made sure it did!
The anonymous reviewer labeled 'pooey' who flamed my story:
Copy of what you said, and my explanations for all of it:
From: Pooey()
Man i hate to be a bitch, but after reading the first couple of paragraphs i had to stop. There's so much that's wrong with it (strictly from the game point of view) first up, Ganon was banished to the Evil realm, not the Sacred realm secondly, the whole colour=rank thing isn't quite right. the gate guards wear white also do they not? plus, the "green" gerudo is only green because you were wearing the kokiri tunic at the time. she uses the same colour palette as link so if you stand next to her and change your tunics, her colours change too, so she could be green, blue or red. Although, i will say something good about this, its a great idea to have the Desert Colossus as a sort of time lock in which Nabs doesnt age. also the Nabs/Link romance is true to the game (nearly, i doubt thered be much romance behind it) what i'm talking about is Nabooru's promise she made to Link for getting the gautlets. we all know she was going to give him a good rogering, or at least a gobbie (for those not in the know, rogering=sex, gobbie=blow job)
First of all, you had no reasonable explanation for flaming this. Do you know how hard I worked writing this story and making it enjoyable for people? Out of the at least 17 people who reviewed thus far, you have been the only one to make such negative comments, although not all of the few good things you said was bad I will admit.
As for your first comment about how I said 'sacred realm' instead of evil realm I will defend myself as such: I made a typo. Wow, that's something new in writing (sarcasm). I hope you don't think people have to be perfect when they write something, and I simply made an honest mistake. Yes I know the difference between the sacred realm and the evil realm, but since they both ended in the word 'realm' I merely got the first part confused so excuse me for making you so unimpressed.
As for your next comment about how there was so much wrong with my story you had to stop reading: well that says something about you I guess, that you can't even complete reading a story because you let one minor thing ruin it all for you, and it was just a typo! If you asked nicely for me to fix it I would have been happy enough to do so, but you didn't. There are other ways to express something you don't like besides being mean and disrespectful about it, since it pisses me off incredibly when you won't even look beyond that and see the style I used to write this, the character portrayal or even care about the unfolding plot. Next time actually read the whole thing before you say anything!
As for your second comment about how I didn't get the Gerudo colors right: I can do whatever I want when it comes to that. You said that Gerudo person's color palette changes did you not? Well then she could be any color, so if I want to set a direct color for her in my story than it is up to my discretion. That wasn't even a huge thing; it has no significance in the plot for crying out loud! I may have forgotten (for just a brief moment, forgive me for not having the vast memory span you must have) that the Gerudo guard people wear white, but that's not the point. The colors can be given any way I choose, and I tried my best to remain as accurate as possible but you can't please everyone, as I have now found out. I am not being rude by saying this, especially not as you were when you reviewed, I am merely defending my story and my right to not be bashed by someone who doesn't know what they are saying and has no case.
Although it displeases me to see a review like that (hence its removal) I will say thank you for at least realizing my LinkXNabooru idea was workable and a good idea. As for your last line though, about the 'real' reason of how she was going to thank Link for giving her the Silver Gauntlets...that's just perverted! Link was a fricken kid and she's like 18, it can't get any more twisted and gross than how you portrayed it. I seriously doubt they would put that kind of adult content/hinting in a game for children...I think you've taken it far too deep...Nabooru in my opinion is not the type for that, since that would make her a pedophile...and she's way too cool for that kind of sick twisted stuff.
If you really don't think I know anything about Legend of Zelda/Nabooru, check out my other stories and e-mail the tons of people who would contradict that. I'm sure you'd get quite the response. No I do not have a bad attitude or anything, but I do when people flame since out of all the things on fanficion.net that is something I despise the most are people who bash writers trying their best to make something innovative and enjoyable. Some may think I take this too literally, but this is serious and I do not accept flames lightly.
What was she to do? There were many questions she wanted answered, and she didn't care if Link was willing to explain them or not. It was hard to believe she met him as a child out of sheer coincidence, and at the time she thought he was quite a cute kid. How much he changed over the years, matured and grew stronger than ever after defeating Ganon and sending him packing to the Evil realm...it was difficult for her to believe.
The Gerudo leader folded her arms across her chest, turning her face away to avoid the shield's blinding light. From the corner of her watchful gaze, she saw Link smirk slightly as he put it away, and she could not help but feel a twinge of irritation flood though her. When the light no longer blinded her, Nabooru turned her head to look at him fully once more, until she said demandingly.
"Ok then, you've got some explaining to do, and I want to hear it right now!"
Link raised an eyebrow, apparently unimpressed by her blunt request. For a moment he said nothing, before shaking his head and emitting an exasperated sigh. Nabooru stood staring at him non-blinkingly, awaiting an answer from the man who saved her life. It was thanks to him and that annoying shiny shield she lived, so she owed him her patience and respect in return. It was difficult for her though, because not only was he terribly serious, but also a man as well. Nabooru had limited patience with men, though she would never admit she thought Link was different than most she knew...
"I'll tell you when I feel like it, and maybe if you address me in a more polite manner I will consider explaining what little I know of our situation."
He said casually, daring to look at her once more with his observant gaze. Link was toying with her, and he seemed to enjoy every moment of it. She knew it was because she didn't listen to him earlier, nor admit to him he was right about everything he tried to tell her. The Gerudo lowered her defensive attitude, her eyes softening just enough, until she said calmly.
"Fine. I will admit you were right, and I shouldn't have gone outside...it was my fault and I apologize. Please, tell me what is going on and what you and I have to do with Kotake and Koume reviving from the dead – it doesn't make sense!"
He appeared to be satisfied she had finally given in, though the typical serious expression resumed to cross his lips one more. She watched him jump off the ledge with amazing agility, before saying coolly.
"Those sorceresses were not really dead to begin with – I merely shortened their lifespan in our world. Their magic is strong in life, but apparently as we can see now its even stronger in death. I sensed their presence in the living realm and left to confront them, and not only did the desert nearly defeat me, but they nearly did as well. I saw them flying through the desert in search of you."
"In search of me? Why?"
Nabooru inquired, her thoughts drifting once more to picture the twins in her mind, though she wasn't sure if she truly wished to see their hideous faces once more. Link pursed his lips for a moment, taking in a deep haggard breath because of the heat, before replying to her surprise.
"They require your life force – as well as mine. I overheard them nattering to each other in the desert that their powers can allow them to be reincarnated into living beings, if they find those responsible for their deaths. Although you did not actually kill them, you are the sage of spirit and have powers within you to revive the dead. It is obvious they need my life force as well, which means we have to stay alive not only for our own sakes, but...for everyone's sake as well."
"Revive the dead? Me? Those witches have really fallen off their broomsticks this time, and I thought they were crazy to begin with, but this...its just stupid!"
The sage blurted out, not comprehending the words Link spoke of. How could beings that were technically dead be revived again? What was the point in killing them in the first place if they would still be around in death? Nabooru folded her arms across her chest, wondering why in Hyrule's name she bothered trying to understand such cryptic nonsense. Aggravated by her outburst, Link snapped coldly.
"Would you be quiet and let me finish? I don't really understand what they speak of either, I'm merely explaining what I overheard before they discovered my presence and attacked me! I think they are desperate to live again because if they kill us, they can use their black magic to break the seal to the evil realm and unleash Ganondorf! I don't know what else I can tell you, other than that's what they are trying to do."
He sighed, until the weight of the heat caused him to sit down on the temple floor, his breathing growing more ragged as the minutes passed. A twinge of sympathy ran though the Gerudo's heart to see him so frustrated and uncomfortable, though she was not sure what else she could do other than take his word for it. Everything he said so far occurred, and it was apparent he was a very honest man. So much deceit and deception had ruined her trust in men, but she had to trust Link – he was her best hope for survival after all.
That had to be what Kotake and Koume were up to. At one time Ganondorf was their disciple, until his powers surpassed theirs and he no longer had a use for them. Nabooru was younger than the Gerudo king, but in her she remembered that he would often venture to the Spirit Temple where the sorceress's practiced their magic to learn from them. He spent hours deep within the temple walls, before emerging mightier and more malicious than ever before. During those days Kotake and Koume were fairly decent practitioners, and did not turn for the worse until Ganondorf gained immense power and allowed them to rule over the Spirit Temple as they pleased, which enraged the Gerudo beyond measure.
Perhaps now the two were going to repay their fallen king by breaking the seal to the evil realm, something to prove as quite a feat since the magic barrier keeping Ganondorf inside had unbelievable power. She did not doubt they could do it if they tried hard enough, and that was which frightened her most. Only the living could break the seal to the evil realm, so it mattered not that their powers strengthened after death. If they killed her and Link, then the world would be in danger once again...and she would not allow that to happen!
"I believe you Link...but there is one thing I do not understand. Why can we not leave the Spirit Temple?"
He looked at her as if the answer should be obvious, though appeared to be forgiving her for it because she admitted to believing him. In exasperation he took in another shaken breath, until saying reluctantly.
"Judging by what just happened, those old hags are out their waiting for us. As strong as you think you are, neither of us is a match until we find a way to stop them and put them to rest. They cannot enter this place because it is a holy place, and the powers of the Spirit Temple are what's keeping us protected and alive. I think the powers to send them away are somewhere inside the temple, but where to find them will come in time."
Time. The word echoed in her mind, and the longer Link stared at her the worse she felt. How much time? Would they be stranded inside the Spirit Temple for the rest of their lives? They didn't even know what exactly could stop Kotake and Koume, and the sorceress's certainly had all the time they wanted to hover outside waiting in ambush...but she didn't. There were so many things she wanted to do, and if she couldn't leave...
"I'm not going to wait around in here forever! Instead of sitting on the floor, why not try to get your strength back instead? When you're stronger you can fight them and beat them, just like you did before. You are the hero of time, the ultimate defender of Hyrule!"
The hero of time glared at her angrily for a moment, until he turned his back to her and began to start off to one of the temple chambers. The mirror shield bounced light off of its surface and into Nabooru's eyes, and the spirit sage had to fight desperately to keep herself from lunging on him and ripping it off his back. With much exasperation and annoyance in his voice, Link said calmly.
"I know who I am, Nabooru and I don't need you to inform me of that. If you think its easy fighting all the time and risking your life, you should try it once in a while and find out how difficult it really is. Your still just a loner who's lost from her own society, and who doesn't understand the real trials of life-"
"Trials of life? You've got to be kidding me!"
Nabooru called to him angrily, her brow furrowing because of her rage. Link continued to walk as passively as ever, until she said bitterly in response.
"I doubt you'd understand what it was like to be ruled by someone like Ganondorf for the majority of you life, to have to listen to him or else be punished by death. Or if you still don't understand what I mean by that, to have Ganondorf actually...love you...but not really love you at the same time!"
Link stopped but didn't turn around to face her. His silence drove Nabooru mad, especially when it dragged on for a few minutes to create a vast amount of tension between them. When she thought she wouldn't be able to handle it for much longer, his cold words filled the air and sliced it like a sword.
"Nor would you understand what it is like to have to fight Ganondorf to protect the balance of the world. If only you knew..."
She said nothing, but watched him with her glittering golden eyes. The silence resumed, before Link shortened it by asking half-heartedly.
"This is going nowhere, but since you insist I get some rest, where can I go to find some place?"
Nabooru had to snap out of her intense moment of emotion, before she fully realized what he was asking her. Her thoughts drifted to the words they shot at one another so heatedly, before she managed to say.
"Well, if you are tired you may rest in my chamber, which is located beyond the door to your right and to your left. Though I must admit, there is only one bed inside this temple which means..."
Her voice trailed off as a picture entered her mind that she wished she never thought of. The Gerudo shook her head, trying to rid herself of such thoughts. However, they were alone inside the Spirit Temple, which would mean some sort of sleeping arrangement would have to be made. Before she could think further on what should be done, Link looked over his shoulder at her while a slight smirk played across his lips. In surprise Nabooru gasped quietly, until he said in a lighter tone. "Don't go there Nabooru. I will sleep on the floor tonight, and you can have the bed. For your comfort as well as mine, I think that would be the best solution."
Without saying anything further, he looked ahead and strode toward the door before disappearing on the other side. Nabooru stood alone in the entranceway, wondering in her mind just exactly how she would last so long being stuck with none other than him. For now their conversations were constantly on edge, each remarking something in criticism toward the other.
Nabooru felt a migraine coming, and sat down listlessly on the floor. Although Link was at least someone to keep her company, she continued to wonder about Kotake and Koume. They would kill her if they got the chance, and the only way to stop them was somewhere inside the temple she had known almost all her life. It was an irony to feel as if she didn't know anything about it at all now, since she had no idea where she would find the solution that would save her life. The Spirit Temple was vast, which meant it could be anywhere...
A soft sigh escaped her pale lips, feeling the pressure of what she must do overtake her. What if she failed? What if...Ganondorf escaped from the evil realm? All of Hyrule would be left in ruin from his wake, and she would be the one to blame for not stopping him. It felt so strange remember he once posed no threat to anyone, before his wicked thirst consumed him and caused him to lose all the innocence he once had. She used to wonder why he turned so evil and malicious, especially when she saw him kill for the first time. The look reflecting in his eyes when his blade drew blood spoke for itself – there was nothing in them except hatred, which at that time was all there was left anyway.
Nabooru got up off the floor, deciding she needed to take a walk and think further. Hastily she started toward the door on the right, and when she entered beyond it into another chamber inside the spirit temple, her eyes glanced carefully to her left where her chamber was.
Inside was none other than Link, lying on her soft bed facing the opposite direction. For a moment Nabooru considered simply continuing on her way, but her feet refused to move. Link's white-sleeved shirt and emerald tunic had been taken off, and underneath revealed his smooth muscled chest and arms. The Gerudo's mouth nearly gaped at the sight, especially when she noticed his golden wind tossed hair and smooth frame. He still wore his tights, hat and thick brown boots, though his hands were casually placed behind his head and his eyes were closed. The heat really had gotten to him, enough to try and cool off in the easiest way possible.
Link appeared to know of her presence without even seeing her, and when she was about to leave out of fear of being seen, he suddenly sat up in the bed and swung his legs over the side. His deep blue eyes looked into hers for a moment, until he modestly grabbed his shirt and hurriedly put it on while saying irritably.
"What are you doing? Can't I get away from you for just a little while to take a nap?" Nabooru felt her throat tighten in embarrassment, before she looked away in a pathetic attempt to hide the fact she had been watching him. The Gerudo stammered for words, though the only thing she could say to him was equally as unconvincing as her demeanor.
"I was...just passing by, that's all! Don't flatter yourself Link, I have other interests."
"Oh is that so."
He said, his eyes twinkling while the same smirk formed in his lips. Nabooru shifted restlessly in place, looking at the floor before his words filled the air once more, expressing a more amused tone to see her so embarrassed.
"Who then? I'm surprised, considering there are only women allowed into the Gerudo fortress, besides me..."
His question caused her mind to draw a blank. She didn't have feelings for anyone! He was right, there were only women in Gerudo Valley, and since she did not venture beyond their borders she did not see men very often if not at all. Still though, Link was the only man she really liked...but she would never admit that to him, it was a ridiculous notion as well as childish. If he was implying she liked women, then he was being a complete idiot since he knew full well the Gerudo were not like that.
"It's none of your business, and he's far more...umm...yeah well it just isn't your business! At least I'm not engaged to a fish woman!"
"Fish woman? If your talking about Ruto, I did not have a choice in that and its been called off for your information. You really don't have anyone do you? Seeing how you can't even think of a name, its easy to tell."
He remarked coolly, which caused Nabooru to loose whatever patience she had left for him. Fed up with his constant narcissistic attitude, the Gerudo turned and stormed out of the room, ignoring his satisfied smile at seeing her so flustered. That was the last insult she would receive from him. He knew he was good looking and that women were attracted to him, so it was of little difference if she told him after he defeated Kotake and Koume she thought he was handsome. Why should she care anyway? She would meet other men, and then she would show him who really had a life. Despite her thoughts over that, there were still more pressing matters to be dealt with, and Link's attitude wasn't helping – and neither was hers.
Author's Note: Well this is the chapter that explains a whole bunch more! I really hoped you liked this, as well as the 'interactions' between Nabooru and Link. Seeing how Nabooru doesn't take crap from anyone, you can bet she'll get even with him later somehow lol
Special thanks:
Number42: Glad your satisfied with what's happening! Yet again I have made another relatively fast update, as fast as my creative mind will allow anyway lol thanks for providing another review for me, and I hope you will continue to read this story!
Lunatic Pandora1: Really? Didn't know you already had it out, I thought you'd state somewhere that it was a LinkXNabooru fic but that's ok, I'll review it anyway. I hope you come out with a third chapter and are able to not struggle with it. I'm glad people realize that a LinkXNabooru fic DOES work, if you think about it carefully enough, so maybe some should give my story a chance instead of assuming its impossible – thanks a lot for doing that!
Katherine: Wow! Caps lock too! Awesome! Thanks for the review, hope to read more from you again!
Warior: Well if your wondering about the halo thing, I did too for a while and still do kind of but I head something interesting behind that, which I hinted in my story. Apparently (just skeptical stories) Kotake and Koume were actually good sorceresses at some point in time. Ganondorf was a friend of theirs and he learnt magic from them, but somehow his immense power and evil corrupted them especially since they helped to make him so strong and etc. Although it's merely something I've heard from various people and hinted in a few other fan fics, it's the best reason I can think of. They weren't really super duper evil in the game (after all they didn't kill Nabooru or anything when they could have), they were merely helping out Ganondorf because he was their friend somehow, or even related to them (but that might be going a bit far). Good in depth question, and hope to see more like that from you lol as well as reviews!
Hylian Heroine: Thanks a lot for reviewing this story too! I'm glad your open minded enough to give it a chance, since most people would just read the words 'LinkXNabooru' and be like: 'what the heck is this author thinking???' Its just that there are almost no pairings at all with those two and Nabooru (in my opinion) is a better candidate than lets say Saria (because she's a kid...disturbing...) and Ruto (don't even want to go there lol). Besides, she's so cool; she was one of my favorite Zelda characters! Thanks so much I hope you review again!!!
Rainer Aquarias – Sage of Time: Well since you're the sage of time, I'll say it's been a long time since I've seen a review from you! Lol nice to hear from you again I must admit its my fault since I haven't updated Ruto's Destiny in a while, and I should get around to it since I've been slaking by working on these other new releases of mine (i.e.: Footprints In the Sand and Forgotten Memories, my Zelink which has gotten some attention). I hope you like this fic, because it took me a while to think of how this pairing could work without it sounding disturbing, and its great to see your reviewing some of my other work. Actually I got a flame for this story because I said 'sacred realm' instead of 'evil realm' (reference below for details) but I hope other people will find this enjoyable too! Thanks for your continued support!!!
Great-Divide: Yeah your right, I'll try to make my chapters shorter...somehow...not a good example is this one though hehe. So much detail, so much in depth stuff to add! I guess I'll have to work on that. Thanks for reviewing!
Flaminchica: Since you've been so nice, another fast update for you, yay! Thanks a lot for giving my fic a chance, and even despite that miserable flame I received (which was removed due to the fact they had no reasonable cause to flame as well as inappropriate content) I will keep writing regardless! I really appreciate all your reviews, and I'm happy to see I'm writing about one of your favorite characters (as well as mine)! Nabooru rocks!!! Keep writing, I want to see more Zelda stories from you!!
ArissaMay: Thanks! Gee I'm logical oO wow! Lol awesome great you think so! With this kind of pairing you have to be, or else people will think your crazy since most assume a LinkXNabooru wouldn't work...but I made sure it did!
The anonymous reviewer labeled 'pooey' who flamed my story:
Copy of what you said, and my explanations for all of it:
From: Pooey()
Man i hate to be a bitch, but after reading the first couple of paragraphs i had to stop. There's so much that's wrong with it (strictly from the game point of view) first up, Ganon was banished to the Evil realm, not the Sacred realm secondly, the whole colour=rank thing isn't quite right. the gate guards wear white also do they not? plus, the "green" gerudo is only green because you were wearing the kokiri tunic at the time. she uses the same colour palette as link so if you stand next to her and change your tunics, her colours change too, so she could be green, blue or red. Although, i will say something good about this, its a great idea to have the Desert Colossus as a sort of time lock in which Nabs doesnt age. also the Nabs/Link romance is true to the game (nearly, i doubt thered be much romance behind it) what i'm talking about is Nabooru's promise she made to Link for getting the gautlets. we all know she was going to give him a good rogering, or at least a gobbie (for those not in the know, rogering=sex, gobbie=blow job)
First of all, you had no reasonable explanation for flaming this. Do you know how hard I worked writing this story and making it enjoyable for people? Out of the at least 17 people who reviewed thus far, you have been the only one to make such negative comments, although not all of the few good things you said was bad I will admit.
As for your first comment about how I said 'sacred realm' instead of evil realm I will defend myself as such: I made a typo. Wow, that's something new in writing (sarcasm). I hope you don't think people have to be perfect when they write something, and I simply made an honest mistake. Yes I know the difference between the sacred realm and the evil realm, but since they both ended in the word 'realm' I merely got the first part confused so excuse me for making you so unimpressed.
As for your next comment about how there was so much wrong with my story you had to stop reading: well that says something about you I guess, that you can't even complete reading a story because you let one minor thing ruin it all for you, and it was just a typo! If you asked nicely for me to fix it I would have been happy enough to do so, but you didn't. There are other ways to express something you don't like besides being mean and disrespectful about it, since it pisses me off incredibly when you won't even look beyond that and see the style I used to write this, the character portrayal or even care about the unfolding plot. Next time actually read the whole thing before you say anything!
As for your second comment about how I didn't get the Gerudo colors right: I can do whatever I want when it comes to that. You said that Gerudo person's color palette changes did you not? Well then she could be any color, so if I want to set a direct color for her in my story than it is up to my discretion. That wasn't even a huge thing; it has no significance in the plot for crying out loud! I may have forgotten (for just a brief moment, forgive me for not having the vast memory span you must have) that the Gerudo guard people wear white, but that's not the point. The colors can be given any way I choose, and I tried my best to remain as accurate as possible but you can't please everyone, as I have now found out. I am not being rude by saying this, especially not as you were when you reviewed, I am merely defending my story and my right to not be bashed by someone who doesn't know what they are saying and has no case.
Although it displeases me to see a review like that (hence its removal) I will say thank you for at least realizing my LinkXNabooru idea was workable and a good idea. As for your last line though, about the 'real' reason of how she was going to thank Link for giving her the Silver Gauntlets...that's just perverted! Link was a fricken kid and she's like 18, it can't get any more twisted and gross than how you portrayed it. I seriously doubt they would put that kind of adult content/hinting in a game for children...I think you've taken it far too deep...Nabooru in my opinion is not the type for that, since that would make her a pedophile...and she's way too cool for that kind of sick twisted stuff.
If you really don't think I know anything about Legend of Zelda/Nabooru, check out my other stories and e-mail the tons of people who would contradict that. I'm sure you'd get quite the response. No I do not have a bad attitude or anything, but I do when people flame since out of all the things on fanficion.net that is something I despise the most are people who bash writers trying their best to make something innovative and enjoyable. Some may think I take this too literally, but this is serious and I do not accept flames lightly.