Nabooru lay on her bed, her thoughts drifting to the book and Link. He was so childish it was unbelievable, and perhaps she was as well. She would never admit to herself that she actually thought his 'game' was somewhat amusing, more so when he proved her worth by swiping the book from him and running off down the hall. The look of surprise on his face was priceless, and even she could not help but laugh at the thought.
She leaned back on the wall, and was relieved to have the plush covers of her bed beneath her. The Gerudo's ravishing red hair fell to her legs as she gently pulled her ponytail out with her long fingers, while a soft sigh escaped her pale white lips. She had to admit she was exhausted, as well as frightened in regards to her situation. The brave front she used with Link would wear off sometime, and the closer she came to breaking his icy serious exterior the better they would get along. The secret to Kotake and Koume's defeat was somewhere inside the temple, and she would never give up her search for it. Link would help her, she knew full well, but how much of help he would be was another story altogether.
The moment Link drifted to her mind, she heard his steady footsteps echoing as he approached her chamber. Instantly she took her book and placed it beneath her pillow, not wanting him to try anything such as stealing it again so she would be back to square one on her plight to learn magic. A slow smile spread across her lips, while a mischievous glint reflected in her glittering eyes. Casually she placed her hands behind her head and leaned back against the pillow, before crossing her legs as she lay on the bed in wait for his arrival. It did not take long for Link to come stomping into the room.
Link's pace was hurried, and she saw him glance at her from the corner of his eyes before walking passed her stiffly. Nabooru nearly chuckled to find she had completely ticked him off, though she could not help but say to him smugly.
"Don't be a sore loser Link, I told you I'd get that book but you were too arrogant to believe me."
In response, she heard him mutter an agitated 'humph' until he folded his arms across his chest like a pouting child, though hiding his obviously upset expression by keeping his back to her. Eagerly the Gerudo took it all in, pleased at the fact she had given him his just rewards for making fun of her earlier, and she was not someone to be meddled with. Nabooru had a thieving reputation to keep up, and stealing the book away from the hero of time proved to be a story to be told if she ever made it back alive to the fortress.
She watched Link as he kept his back to her, searching through her room for something or another. Although she suspected it might have been the book, he probably knew she was not so stupid as to leave it beyond her guard for him to take. Still continuing to refuse to look at her, his voice filled the air in irritation and spiked with an icy aura as he addressed her bitterly.
"Where do you keep your blankets? If I have to sleep on the floor tonight, I'll need something to put over the stone. Don't worry though, tomorrow you'll get that luxury since we'll be alternating sleeping on the bed and the floor every night."
It was clear he was trying to agitate her like she had him, but Nabooru would not give him the satisfaction. In fact, it would give her the chance to prove she could take sleeping on the floor as well as he could, which only backfired his intention. Keeping the same smugness in her voice, she said indifferently.
"Look in the cabinets, you'll find a few blankest there. I don't care about sleeping on the floor; if I can handle living in the desert then I certainly can handle a little bit of discomfort as well. Unlike you, I'm suited for just about any place and I won't complain because my race is just as strong if not stronger then men."
"Quit with the superior gender terms, I just asked you where the blankets were, I didn't ask to get into an argument about which gender is better than the other."
He snapped sharply, while his hands reached to the cabinets and pulled open the doors, revealing a few colorful blankets neatly folded inside. Even though he wasn't looking, Nabooru shrugged and watched him pull out the blankets, until it became apparent he would have to face her when he laid them on the floor beside her bed. The chamber was not large enough for him to sleep farther away, and that only added to Nabooru's amusement in regards to their situation.
The highest member of the Gerudo, namely she, was sleeping in the same room as a man. Fortunately not in the same bed, but it was in the same room nevertheless and not even a foot away from him because he would be right beside her bed directly on the floor. Nabooru only hoped he didn't snore, because the last thing she wanted was to be kept awake listening to Link's snoring all night long, which would force her to go deep into her thoughts and remember there were two sorceresses just beyond the temple walls waiting for her to emerge like beasts stalking their prey...hundred year old beasts that is...
Trying not to make it seem she was staring at him, Nabooru watched Link lay a few blankets out over the stone floor, as well as a spare pillow that had also been stuffed away in the small wooden cabinet. When he finished smoothing out the blanket, he turned to her wearing the same serious and ever cold expression on his face, and said with reproach.
"I'm going to go and take off my tunic in a different room, since it seems you like to stare at me without my noticing. When I come back if I even see you looking at me-"
"Like I would want to look at you, hurry up and just do it so I can go to sleep!"
Nabooru said quickly, cutting off his last sentence. Although she would have liked to catch another glance at that wonderful chest of his, she knew she would only be giving him something else to bother her about because it would be more apparent of her liking of him. Link merely shook his head and sighed deeply, his golden bangs falling in front of his crystal blue eyes until he brushed them away with one hand and left the room swiftly, his footsteps echoing down a passageway until fading away.
Alone again, Nabooru realized just how interesting her situation as becoming. Perhaps it would not be as terrible as she once thought - although she and Link did constantly argue, insult and bicker with one another, she was trapped inside the temple with a very handsome young Hylian man who had saved her life and freed her from Ganondorf and the evil witch sister's slavery. As much as she desperately wanted to see his bare chest, she resigned herself to getting off the bed to put out the torches on the walls of her chamber so it would be dark when Link entered, which meant she would not see what he looked like as obeyed to his request.
Minutes passed, and the longer she waited for his return, the more she felt concerned over exactly how they would get out of trouble. Link was too weak to take on Kotake and Koume for a second time, and it would be a while before his strength returned to what it was before she found him unconscious in the desert. Nabooru only hoped such madness would end and her life would return to normal, and although Link had only been with her for not even a day she was becoming quite accustomed to his presence...almost relishing it.
To her surprise, her thoughts were disrupted when footsteps once more echoed down the hall, but it was not the sound of Link's thick brown boots. It was apparent he had taken them off, and she confirmed her suspicion when she looked behind her at the doorway and saw his silhouetted form until he entered into the darkened room. He looked noticeably lighter, and judging by the revealing shape of his body she knew he had indeed taken off his tunic and was probably carrying it in one arm and his boots in the other. However, one thought continued to disrupt her. She could not tell if he was wearing anything at all, because his white undershirt and tights were skin tight, which meant...
Nabooru shuddered, but at the same time felt a strange sense of intrigue. She had to contain herself from wondering if he actually did sleep with nothing on like she heard some men did from other Gerudo women, but she realized she was being a pervert at the same time. The darkness around her relieved her, especially since Link wouldn't be able to see her smirking face as she lay on her bed facing his direction wondering about him.
Within the darkness, Nabooru heard him shuffle around as he made himself comfortable on the floor, and before long an awkward silence ensued. Wondering if he had fallen asleep, she listened intently for any sign of it but only heard his steady breathing, and it wasn't until she heard him shift restlessly that she knew he was still awake – no one she knew could fall asleep that fast.
"Link?"
Nabooru whispered into the darkness, and all at once she wondered why in Hyrule's name she was whispering when they were the only people inside the temple, so it didn't make any difference. At first there was no response, almost making her think he was ignoring her, until his cool words filled the air in exasperation.
"What Nabooru."
It was evident in his tone he didn't feel like talking to her, but the Gerudo couldn't have cared less. All of a sudden she felt afraid, afraid for what could happen if Kotake and Koume actually succeeded in killing them. She tried to keep her fear at bay from his notice, though it was clear when she asked him hesitantly and in the same whisper.
"Do...you think Kotake and Koume will succeed in killing us?"
There was a long pause, and Nabooru was forced to wait for his answer without saying a word. She didn't want to anger him so much that he refused to talk to her altogether, but she did wonder why she was making such an attempt at conversation knowing what had happened between them previously. Another rustling sound filled the air, and she knew Link must have been shifting positions on the floor again, but shortly after he responded vaguely.
"I don't know."
Nabooru was annoyed he would not give her a more direct answer other than 'I don't know' which was something she did not want to hear from someone like him. He was the hero of time, he fought countless battles and saved all of Hyrule – surely he would have an opinion on their situation? It would have to be like all others, deal with the evil and save the sage like before. This time, Nabooru feared their situation was different from others, in more ways than one.
"Well if you can't answer that, how do you suppose we will make it out of here without those hags coming to kill us?"
"I have no idea, I'm still thinking about that, or at least trying to but it's hard to think when your constantly asking me questions!"
He said with the same bitter response, causing Nabooru to jump slightly in surprise. For a moment she wondered what his problem was, but it didn't take he long to understand the reason behind his bitterness. It all led back to the book incident.
"Oh Link, grow up it was a stupid book, I know that's what your mad about..."
Nabooru said tauntingly, knowing she was pushing her limits with him but she had no choice – she did not want the awkward silence to resume like it had before, though making fun of him didn't seem to make anything better, as when Link replied his voice was consumed with concealed anger.
"No its not, its because your starting to seriously get on my nerves."
"I bet you're mad also because a Gerudo rouge like me beat you at your own game and proved you're not so manly like you want people to think."
"That's not true."
"Yes it is, you know it is."
"No its not."
Nabooru was once more finding herself amused by words, and when a silence ensued in his attempt to cease the conversation, she could not help but add in with amusement.
"What's the matter Link? Ganondorf got your tongue?"
"Nabooru..."
She was angering him, and she knew it but she could not help it. Such animosity over a book? It was stupid on his part, though it was keeping her mind off their terrible circumstances. Since she was a child she did every means necessary to block out anything that appeared to be bothering her by using humor, and was satisfied to find Link was so defensive in preventing her from getting the best of him that he was actually continuing to speak to her.
"You probably know I could just take that book from you again and again, because I'm the better thief and you won't admit I'm intelligent and sophisticated..."
"Don't flatter yourself, I need not remind you that you already know I think you're merely a thief and that's all."
"A thief? I'm the sage of spirit! Though you are right, I am a thief and the best there is."
"I'm sure you are..."
"Poor Link, poor Link, he can't even keep a book from being taken...."
"Shut up Nabooru."
Instead of continuing, Nabooru did as he asked and said no more. She was not one to become annoying, but she didn't want to make their situation more strenuous. Although on the surface Link appeared mad in his tone, she had a strange feeling he actually enjoyed her smart remarks that she gave him all the time. It was strange yes, but perhaps no one had really argued with him like she had. Maybe beneath his cold hard exterior, he did like something about her that he refused to reveal. In a way she was the same, especially when knowing if the book stealing had been the other way around she would have been just as irritable and bitter as Link. It was amazing to realize how similar they were, as well as different from each other at the same time.
Slowly Nabooru closed her eyes, trying to drift into sleep. Link didn't want to talk to her anymore, so there was no reason for her to stay awake. Blackness surrounded her, as she fell into a light doze, before a dream entered her mind...or was it a dream?
She stood outside the spirit temple and before her was Link. The hero of time appeared was running with his back toward her. His muscled legs flew over the sand with the speed of an eagle, his green tunic moving in the breeze and hands gripping tightly the mirror shield and master sword. She could feel the tension in the air, the fear surround them both although she did not understand why. The sun beat down over her head, while heat waves swept across the dusty and dry terrain. It was not long until she heard a loud cackle, and Link's voice shout to her in the dry desert air.
"Nabooru!!!"
Then out of nowhere, Kotake and Koume flew toward her as though appearing from thin air. Their black robes flapped in the wind, and her eyes widened when they held in each hand a glowing ball of colored light, and within seconds they threw it at her – then blackness. Surrounding her was an eternal emptiness, and she wanted to scream but no words escaped her lips...she was falling!
Still the blackness remained until Nabooru's eyes snapped open after feeling a harsh thud against her body. A gasp escaped her lips, though relief overwhelmed her to find it had all been some sort of dream – or was it a vision of things to come? Although she wondered that as she lay in the darkness, it did not take her long to realize she had fallen on the floor...and right beside Link who lay sleeping next to her. Fortunately he must have turned in his sleep away from the edge of her bed, so instead of falling on top of him, which would have been embarrassing beyond measure, she fell next to him on the blanket.
In frenzy Nabooru attempted to silently sneak her way back into her bed, but before she could move Link turned on his stomach in his sleep and rested his arm over her, trapping her in place. She lay still, dare not moving or even to barely breathe, realizing if she pushed him away she would wake him up and would have to explain herself – and she would have a lot of explaining to do. As a result, she waited patiently for him to remove his arm from across her chest, especially since it was awkwardly placed over her bosom. However, much to her dismay, Link only moved closer to her in his sleep and didn't seem disturbed by her presence in the least. His head rested so close to hers that when he turned it sideways in her direction she could feel his hot breath lick at her cheeks.
Nabooru hoped he wasn't actually awake and knowing she was lying next to him, because if she found out he was and he purposely put his arm in the place it was currently in, she would make him painfully regret it. Her patience was wearing thin, but she was desperate not to have him find out she fell out of bed and almost on top of him, and knowing Link he would not believe her. Minutes passed, turning from ten into twenty, until Link shifted restlessly in his sleep once more. Suddenly he moved from lying on his stomach to lying on his side facing her, though his arm did not remove itself from her chest, instead it seemed to pull her toward him in his sleep.
Finally, Nabooru had enough. She would not lie there all night beside Link, because the imagination of it all was so wrong she didn't want to have to wake up the next morning and answer to his glaring face about why he found her sleeping there that night. Although she couldn't see it, she had a feeling Link was smiling at her in the darkness and that he was completely aware of her presence next to him. In anger, Nabooru sat up and shoved his arm off of her chest, and in response was Link's cry of surprise that sounded in the darkness while the Gerudo got to her feet and spat furiously.
"Link!!! You were awake the whole time weren't you, you pervert!"
In response, Link sat up as she climbed into her own bed and threw the covers over her, while his cold words filed the air with false conviction of his innocence. Secretly, Nabooru knew that if it hadn't been dark and she could see that irritating smirk on his face she would have done a lot more than merely shove his arm off of her. He did however; make a pretty good portrayal of pretending to be asleep...
"What are you talking about Nabooru, and why were you trying to sleep next to me? If you like me that much at least use some discretion instead of pouncing on me in my sleep!"
His eyes glared at her in the darkness, but Nabooru had turned her back to him, ignoring his defensive tactics. She simply didn't understand him – one moment he refused to talk to her, the next he won't leave her alone. She wouldn't tell him about the dream she had, because he wouldn't believe her anyway, he was just that type of person. Trying to distract the vision from returning, Nabooru snapped at him in the darkness the same way he snapped at her earlier.
"It was nothing, I simply had a bad dream and fell out of bed, that's all."
Still, she could feel from the tension in the room he wasn't satisfied with her answer. Continuing to pressure her, it was clear he was getting the upper hand once again in making fun of her. His voice turned to a resolute smugness when he spoke, hinted with a cold iciness that sent a rush of irritation through her.
"Well Nabooru, I'll bet your 'accidental' landing beside me was because you deeply love me and want to hold me and-"
"That's not true Link! It was seriously an accident, its not like I'd do that again."
"Denial is the first step to love I guess. You know if you really were that desperate to sleep beside me, you could have just asked instead of dropping in-"
"I DID NOT want to sleep beside you! Your disgusting!"
"Well I suppose you didn't want to actually go to sleep beside me, I'll bet it was something else that you had in mind. I know because you must think I'm dashing and handsome and-"
"Shut up Link."
At that moment he said nothing more, and feeling irritated, humiliated and speechless Nabooru closed her eyes and tried to imagine thoughts that did not associate him – however it proved to be quite difficult...
Author's Note: Interesting chapter eh? I had fun writing this one, it's about time some more humor was incorporated into it. If you examined it closely enough, you will see that there is more lying behind Link's normally serious character than he usually lets on to Nabooru. Maybe even that he secretly likes her? Well judging by what just happened, that doesn't seem too far off. More to come soon, more action and actual stuff to do with the unfolding plot as well, so keep reading and you'll see what happens next
Special Thanks:
Katherine: I hope this was enough hints for romance lol Interesting experiences between the two, but more will unfold I promise – fluffiness to come as well. A romance is simply not something that develops after like 3 chapters, I like mine to take its time as to better describe their feelings. Don't worry though; some serious major stuff is going to happen that will change everything. Thanks for reviewing!!!
Shadow reaper2: Thanks a lot for believing in my story! I think its time for a change from Zelinks, and although I personally think Zelda is the best one for Link, its fun to branch off and do a different character. Nabooru is cool, but for some reason no one pairs her with Link – I've read only 1 other story that has done that. Thanks for reviewing!!!!
Warior: Yeah childish is a lighter term for what happened in this...interesting...chapter. It reveals more in depth feelings for both of them in lets just say a lighter tone, because I get tired of writing angst. Thanks!
Lunatic Pandora1: Cool you did? I'm going to go and read it now, I've got a lot of stories to read and review. I'm glad your enjoying this tale about Link and Nabooru, they make such a cute couple
Evil Excalibur: Really? Didn't know that part about Majora's Mask. Still, does that mean that Link doesn't go and kill them all over again? I just didn't think the ending to LoZ OoT worked very well because I wasn't sure if that meant nothing Link did as an adult actually happened. Zelda sent him back to let him grow up, so it confused me on whether or not Link would become an adult and do all the temple stuff over again, or if characters he met in the future would know him or not because if he got sent back to alter it, then they wouldn't remember him. I dunno, confusing really. Yeah your right about the part concerning Link and Nabooru being like little kids, they have some maturing to do. You'll be surprised when this is over how much they will learn and grow up from their experiences, and I hope you found this chapter to be especially enjoyable! Maybe it did stray away from the plot a bit, but sometimes a break is needed just to have more fun!
Number42: Thanks a lot! You're a great reviewer; I hope you liked this chapter and my weird sense of Zelda humor lol. All I did was think off funny things that could happen to drive them both insane, and I decided this would be a great way to do it. It will become more serious a bit later through; because I don't want to mess up the seriousness of the plot so much it isn't enjoyable.
Jewel of the Wolves: Thanks a lot! I'm pleased to see my view of Nabooru's character has actually changed your opinion of her. That was what I was kind of aiming for her, because out of all the sages (minus Zelda and Darunia) she was like the only one who wanted to kick Ganondorf's butt and screw over his plans! That was awesome! She deserves more stories, plain and simple. She and Link also make a good couple, when you give them a chance! Thanks a lot for doing that with this story, and please review again!
Flaminchica: Thanks a lot! Little bit of romance doesn't hurt, especially in this latest chapter. Unexpected, but what can you expect from Nabooru? Lol I thought I'd add some lighter humor, but it will get serious so keep coming back and you'll see what happens!
Great-Divide: I hope this chapter was especially interesting for you. I don't like predictability, so maybe some things you saw here surprised you a bit. More will come, guaranteed, as well as serious plot development and in depth character portrayal. Thanks for reviewing!
Lauren Queen: Lol you're awesome! Thanks for liking this I worked hard. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, Nabooru is such an awesome character! If you felt sorry for Link in the last chapter, you certainly will in this one too!
Rainer Aquarias – Sage of Time: Well this is as mad as it gets for now! Yikes, poor Link I don't think I'd like it id Nabooru crashed down on me in my sleep lol. As you can see though, Link does give out the slightest of hints (an example being when he had his arm over Nabooru) so it is a romance story. No there won't be any suggestive stuff in here, it was merely humor and from now on its back to the serious plot. Yeah don't worry, Kotake and Koume will be taken care of once Nabooru and Link learn to take care of each other first! Thanks for reviewing, your so nice to review lots of my work. You mentioned Heroes of Hyrule in another review of yours, and yes I have taken an interest in it and I plan to read it soon. You deserve reviews for how great you've been about my work and ideas! Much appreciated!
Moggy201484271612345: Lol I hope this update is fast enough! Does that mean you like my story? Hehe, thanks for reviewing please come back again!
Anyone who reads and reviews my story will always be thanked!
She leaned back on the wall, and was relieved to have the plush covers of her bed beneath her. The Gerudo's ravishing red hair fell to her legs as she gently pulled her ponytail out with her long fingers, while a soft sigh escaped her pale white lips. She had to admit she was exhausted, as well as frightened in regards to her situation. The brave front she used with Link would wear off sometime, and the closer she came to breaking his icy serious exterior the better they would get along. The secret to Kotake and Koume's defeat was somewhere inside the temple, and she would never give up her search for it. Link would help her, she knew full well, but how much of help he would be was another story altogether.
The moment Link drifted to her mind, she heard his steady footsteps echoing as he approached her chamber. Instantly she took her book and placed it beneath her pillow, not wanting him to try anything such as stealing it again so she would be back to square one on her plight to learn magic. A slow smile spread across her lips, while a mischievous glint reflected in her glittering eyes. Casually she placed her hands behind her head and leaned back against the pillow, before crossing her legs as she lay on the bed in wait for his arrival. It did not take long for Link to come stomping into the room.
Link's pace was hurried, and she saw him glance at her from the corner of his eyes before walking passed her stiffly. Nabooru nearly chuckled to find she had completely ticked him off, though she could not help but say to him smugly.
"Don't be a sore loser Link, I told you I'd get that book but you were too arrogant to believe me."
In response, she heard him mutter an agitated 'humph' until he folded his arms across his chest like a pouting child, though hiding his obviously upset expression by keeping his back to her. Eagerly the Gerudo took it all in, pleased at the fact she had given him his just rewards for making fun of her earlier, and she was not someone to be meddled with. Nabooru had a thieving reputation to keep up, and stealing the book away from the hero of time proved to be a story to be told if she ever made it back alive to the fortress.
She watched Link as he kept his back to her, searching through her room for something or another. Although she suspected it might have been the book, he probably knew she was not so stupid as to leave it beyond her guard for him to take. Still continuing to refuse to look at her, his voice filled the air in irritation and spiked with an icy aura as he addressed her bitterly.
"Where do you keep your blankets? If I have to sleep on the floor tonight, I'll need something to put over the stone. Don't worry though, tomorrow you'll get that luxury since we'll be alternating sleeping on the bed and the floor every night."
It was clear he was trying to agitate her like she had him, but Nabooru would not give him the satisfaction. In fact, it would give her the chance to prove she could take sleeping on the floor as well as he could, which only backfired his intention. Keeping the same smugness in her voice, she said indifferently.
"Look in the cabinets, you'll find a few blankest there. I don't care about sleeping on the floor; if I can handle living in the desert then I certainly can handle a little bit of discomfort as well. Unlike you, I'm suited for just about any place and I won't complain because my race is just as strong if not stronger then men."
"Quit with the superior gender terms, I just asked you where the blankets were, I didn't ask to get into an argument about which gender is better than the other."
He snapped sharply, while his hands reached to the cabinets and pulled open the doors, revealing a few colorful blankets neatly folded inside. Even though he wasn't looking, Nabooru shrugged and watched him pull out the blankets, until it became apparent he would have to face her when he laid them on the floor beside her bed. The chamber was not large enough for him to sleep farther away, and that only added to Nabooru's amusement in regards to their situation.
The highest member of the Gerudo, namely she, was sleeping in the same room as a man. Fortunately not in the same bed, but it was in the same room nevertheless and not even a foot away from him because he would be right beside her bed directly on the floor. Nabooru only hoped he didn't snore, because the last thing she wanted was to be kept awake listening to Link's snoring all night long, which would force her to go deep into her thoughts and remember there were two sorceresses just beyond the temple walls waiting for her to emerge like beasts stalking their prey...hundred year old beasts that is...
Trying not to make it seem she was staring at him, Nabooru watched Link lay a few blankets out over the stone floor, as well as a spare pillow that had also been stuffed away in the small wooden cabinet. When he finished smoothing out the blanket, he turned to her wearing the same serious and ever cold expression on his face, and said with reproach.
"I'm going to go and take off my tunic in a different room, since it seems you like to stare at me without my noticing. When I come back if I even see you looking at me-"
"Like I would want to look at you, hurry up and just do it so I can go to sleep!"
Nabooru said quickly, cutting off his last sentence. Although she would have liked to catch another glance at that wonderful chest of his, she knew she would only be giving him something else to bother her about because it would be more apparent of her liking of him. Link merely shook his head and sighed deeply, his golden bangs falling in front of his crystal blue eyes until he brushed them away with one hand and left the room swiftly, his footsteps echoing down a passageway until fading away.
Alone again, Nabooru realized just how interesting her situation as becoming. Perhaps it would not be as terrible as she once thought - although she and Link did constantly argue, insult and bicker with one another, she was trapped inside the temple with a very handsome young Hylian man who had saved her life and freed her from Ganondorf and the evil witch sister's slavery. As much as she desperately wanted to see his bare chest, she resigned herself to getting off the bed to put out the torches on the walls of her chamber so it would be dark when Link entered, which meant she would not see what he looked like as obeyed to his request.
Minutes passed, and the longer she waited for his return, the more she felt concerned over exactly how they would get out of trouble. Link was too weak to take on Kotake and Koume for a second time, and it would be a while before his strength returned to what it was before she found him unconscious in the desert. Nabooru only hoped such madness would end and her life would return to normal, and although Link had only been with her for not even a day she was becoming quite accustomed to his presence...almost relishing it.
To her surprise, her thoughts were disrupted when footsteps once more echoed down the hall, but it was not the sound of Link's thick brown boots. It was apparent he had taken them off, and she confirmed her suspicion when she looked behind her at the doorway and saw his silhouetted form until he entered into the darkened room. He looked noticeably lighter, and judging by the revealing shape of his body she knew he had indeed taken off his tunic and was probably carrying it in one arm and his boots in the other. However, one thought continued to disrupt her. She could not tell if he was wearing anything at all, because his white undershirt and tights were skin tight, which meant...
Nabooru shuddered, but at the same time felt a strange sense of intrigue. She had to contain herself from wondering if he actually did sleep with nothing on like she heard some men did from other Gerudo women, but she realized she was being a pervert at the same time. The darkness around her relieved her, especially since Link wouldn't be able to see her smirking face as she lay on her bed facing his direction wondering about him.
Within the darkness, Nabooru heard him shuffle around as he made himself comfortable on the floor, and before long an awkward silence ensued. Wondering if he had fallen asleep, she listened intently for any sign of it but only heard his steady breathing, and it wasn't until she heard him shift restlessly that she knew he was still awake – no one she knew could fall asleep that fast.
"Link?"
Nabooru whispered into the darkness, and all at once she wondered why in Hyrule's name she was whispering when they were the only people inside the temple, so it didn't make any difference. At first there was no response, almost making her think he was ignoring her, until his cool words filled the air in exasperation.
"What Nabooru."
It was evident in his tone he didn't feel like talking to her, but the Gerudo couldn't have cared less. All of a sudden she felt afraid, afraid for what could happen if Kotake and Koume actually succeeded in killing them. She tried to keep her fear at bay from his notice, though it was clear when she asked him hesitantly and in the same whisper.
"Do...you think Kotake and Koume will succeed in killing us?"
There was a long pause, and Nabooru was forced to wait for his answer without saying a word. She didn't want to anger him so much that he refused to talk to her altogether, but she did wonder why she was making such an attempt at conversation knowing what had happened between them previously. Another rustling sound filled the air, and she knew Link must have been shifting positions on the floor again, but shortly after he responded vaguely.
"I don't know."
Nabooru was annoyed he would not give her a more direct answer other than 'I don't know' which was something she did not want to hear from someone like him. He was the hero of time, he fought countless battles and saved all of Hyrule – surely he would have an opinion on their situation? It would have to be like all others, deal with the evil and save the sage like before. This time, Nabooru feared their situation was different from others, in more ways than one.
"Well if you can't answer that, how do you suppose we will make it out of here without those hags coming to kill us?"
"I have no idea, I'm still thinking about that, or at least trying to but it's hard to think when your constantly asking me questions!"
He said with the same bitter response, causing Nabooru to jump slightly in surprise. For a moment she wondered what his problem was, but it didn't take he long to understand the reason behind his bitterness. It all led back to the book incident.
"Oh Link, grow up it was a stupid book, I know that's what your mad about..."
Nabooru said tauntingly, knowing she was pushing her limits with him but she had no choice – she did not want the awkward silence to resume like it had before, though making fun of him didn't seem to make anything better, as when Link replied his voice was consumed with concealed anger.
"No its not, its because your starting to seriously get on my nerves."
"I bet you're mad also because a Gerudo rouge like me beat you at your own game and proved you're not so manly like you want people to think."
"That's not true."
"Yes it is, you know it is."
"No its not."
Nabooru was once more finding herself amused by words, and when a silence ensued in his attempt to cease the conversation, she could not help but add in with amusement.
"What's the matter Link? Ganondorf got your tongue?"
"Nabooru..."
She was angering him, and she knew it but she could not help it. Such animosity over a book? It was stupid on his part, though it was keeping her mind off their terrible circumstances. Since she was a child she did every means necessary to block out anything that appeared to be bothering her by using humor, and was satisfied to find Link was so defensive in preventing her from getting the best of him that he was actually continuing to speak to her.
"You probably know I could just take that book from you again and again, because I'm the better thief and you won't admit I'm intelligent and sophisticated..."
"Don't flatter yourself, I need not remind you that you already know I think you're merely a thief and that's all."
"A thief? I'm the sage of spirit! Though you are right, I am a thief and the best there is."
"I'm sure you are..."
"Poor Link, poor Link, he can't even keep a book from being taken...."
"Shut up Nabooru."
Instead of continuing, Nabooru did as he asked and said no more. She was not one to become annoying, but she didn't want to make their situation more strenuous. Although on the surface Link appeared mad in his tone, she had a strange feeling he actually enjoyed her smart remarks that she gave him all the time. It was strange yes, but perhaps no one had really argued with him like she had. Maybe beneath his cold hard exterior, he did like something about her that he refused to reveal. In a way she was the same, especially when knowing if the book stealing had been the other way around she would have been just as irritable and bitter as Link. It was amazing to realize how similar they were, as well as different from each other at the same time.
Slowly Nabooru closed her eyes, trying to drift into sleep. Link didn't want to talk to her anymore, so there was no reason for her to stay awake. Blackness surrounded her, as she fell into a light doze, before a dream entered her mind...or was it a dream?
She stood outside the spirit temple and before her was Link. The hero of time appeared was running with his back toward her. His muscled legs flew over the sand with the speed of an eagle, his green tunic moving in the breeze and hands gripping tightly the mirror shield and master sword. She could feel the tension in the air, the fear surround them both although she did not understand why. The sun beat down over her head, while heat waves swept across the dusty and dry terrain. It was not long until she heard a loud cackle, and Link's voice shout to her in the dry desert air.
"Nabooru!!!"
Then out of nowhere, Kotake and Koume flew toward her as though appearing from thin air. Their black robes flapped in the wind, and her eyes widened when they held in each hand a glowing ball of colored light, and within seconds they threw it at her – then blackness. Surrounding her was an eternal emptiness, and she wanted to scream but no words escaped her lips...she was falling!
Still the blackness remained until Nabooru's eyes snapped open after feeling a harsh thud against her body. A gasp escaped her lips, though relief overwhelmed her to find it had all been some sort of dream – or was it a vision of things to come? Although she wondered that as she lay in the darkness, it did not take her long to realize she had fallen on the floor...and right beside Link who lay sleeping next to her. Fortunately he must have turned in his sleep away from the edge of her bed, so instead of falling on top of him, which would have been embarrassing beyond measure, she fell next to him on the blanket.
In frenzy Nabooru attempted to silently sneak her way back into her bed, but before she could move Link turned on his stomach in his sleep and rested his arm over her, trapping her in place. She lay still, dare not moving or even to barely breathe, realizing if she pushed him away she would wake him up and would have to explain herself – and she would have a lot of explaining to do. As a result, she waited patiently for him to remove his arm from across her chest, especially since it was awkwardly placed over her bosom. However, much to her dismay, Link only moved closer to her in his sleep and didn't seem disturbed by her presence in the least. His head rested so close to hers that when he turned it sideways in her direction she could feel his hot breath lick at her cheeks.
Nabooru hoped he wasn't actually awake and knowing she was lying next to him, because if she found out he was and he purposely put his arm in the place it was currently in, she would make him painfully regret it. Her patience was wearing thin, but she was desperate not to have him find out she fell out of bed and almost on top of him, and knowing Link he would not believe her. Minutes passed, turning from ten into twenty, until Link shifted restlessly in his sleep once more. Suddenly he moved from lying on his stomach to lying on his side facing her, though his arm did not remove itself from her chest, instead it seemed to pull her toward him in his sleep.
Finally, Nabooru had enough. She would not lie there all night beside Link, because the imagination of it all was so wrong she didn't want to have to wake up the next morning and answer to his glaring face about why he found her sleeping there that night. Although she couldn't see it, she had a feeling Link was smiling at her in the darkness and that he was completely aware of her presence next to him. In anger, Nabooru sat up and shoved his arm off of her chest, and in response was Link's cry of surprise that sounded in the darkness while the Gerudo got to her feet and spat furiously.
"Link!!! You were awake the whole time weren't you, you pervert!"
In response, Link sat up as she climbed into her own bed and threw the covers over her, while his cold words filed the air with false conviction of his innocence. Secretly, Nabooru knew that if it hadn't been dark and she could see that irritating smirk on his face she would have done a lot more than merely shove his arm off of her. He did however; make a pretty good portrayal of pretending to be asleep...
"What are you talking about Nabooru, and why were you trying to sleep next to me? If you like me that much at least use some discretion instead of pouncing on me in my sleep!"
His eyes glared at her in the darkness, but Nabooru had turned her back to him, ignoring his defensive tactics. She simply didn't understand him – one moment he refused to talk to her, the next he won't leave her alone. She wouldn't tell him about the dream she had, because he wouldn't believe her anyway, he was just that type of person. Trying to distract the vision from returning, Nabooru snapped at him in the darkness the same way he snapped at her earlier.
"It was nothing, I simply had a bad dream and fell out of bed, that's all."
Still, she could feel from the tension in the room he wasn't satisfied with her answer. Continuing to pressure her, it was clear he was getting the upper hand once again in making fun of her. His voice turned to a resolute smugness when he spoke, hinted with a cold iciness that sent a rush of irritation through her.
"Well Nabooru, I'll bet your 'accidental' landing beside me was because you deeply love me and want to hold me and-"
"That's not true Link! It was seriously an accident, its not like I'd do that again."
"Denial is the first step to love I guess. You know if you really were that desperate to sleep beside me, you could have just asked instead of dropping in-"
"I DID NOT want to sleep beside you! Your disgusting!"
"Well I suppose you didn't want to actually go to sleep beside me, I'll bet it was something else that you had in mind. I know because you must think I'm dashing and handsome and-"
"Shut up Link."
At that moment he said nothing more, and feeling irritated, humiliated and speechless Nabooru closed her eyes and tried to imagine thoughts that did not associate him – however it proved to be quite difficult...
Author's Note: Interesting chapter eh? I had fun writing this one, it's about time some more humor was incorporated into it. If you examined it closely enough, you will see that there is more lying behind Link's normally serious character than he usually lets on to Nabooru. Maybe even that he secretly likes her? Well judging by what just happened, that doesn't seem too far off. More to come soon, more action and actual stuff to do with the unfolding plot as well, so keep reading and you'll see what happens next
Special Thanks:
Katherine: I hope this was enough hints for romance lol Interesting experiences between the two, but more will unfold I promise – fluffiness to come as well. A romance is simply not something that develops after like 3 chapters, I like mine to take its time as to better describe their feelings. Don't worry though; some serious major stuff is going to happen that will change everything. Thanks for reviewing!!!
Shadow reaper2: Thanks a lot for believing in my story! I think its time for a change from Zelinks, and although I personally think Zelda is the best one for Link, its fun to branch off and do a different character. Nabooru is cool, but for some reason no one pairs her with Link – I've read only 1 other story that has done that. Thanks for reviewing!!!!
Warior: Yeah childish is a lighter term for what happened in this...interesting...chapter. It reveals more in depth feelings for both of them in lets just say a lighter tone, because I get tired of writing angst. Thanks!
Lunatic Pandora1: Cool you did? I'm going to go and read it now, I've got a lot of stories to read and review. I'm glad your enjoying this tale about Link and Nabooru, they make such a cute couple
Evil Excalibur: Really? Didn't know that part about Majora's Mask. Still, does that mean that Link doesn't go and kill them all over again? I just didn't think the ending to LoZ OoT worked very well because I wasn't sure if that meant nothing Link did as an adult actually happened. Zelda sent him back to let him grow up, so it confused me on whether or not Link would become an adult and do all the temple stuff over again, or if characters he met in the future would know him or not because if he got sent back to alter it, then they wouldn't remember him. I dunno, confusing really. Yeah your right about the part concerning Link and Nabooru being like little kids, they have some maturing to do. You'll be surprised when this is over how much they will learn and grow up from their experiences, and I hope you found this chapter to be especially enjoyable! Maybe it did stray away from the plot a bit, but sometimes a break is needed just to have more fun!
Number42: Thanks a lot! You're a great reviewer; I hope you liked this chapter and my weird sense of Zelda humor lol. All I did was think off funny things that could happen to drive them both insane, and I decided this would be a great way to do it. It will become more serious a bit later through; because I don't want to mess up the seriousness of the plot so much it isn't enjoyable.
Jewel of the Wolves: Thanks a lot! I'm pleased to see my view of Nabooru's character has actually changed your opinion of her. That was what I was kind of aiming for her, because out of all the sages (minus Zelda and Darunia) she was like the only one who wanted to kick Ganondorf's butt and screw over his plans! That was awesome! She deserves more stories, plain and simple. She and Link also make a good couple, when you give them a chance! Thanks a lot for doing that with this story, and please review again!
Flaminchica: Thanks a lot! Little bit of romance doesn't hurt, especially in this latest chapter. Unexpected, but what can you expect from Nabooru? Lol I thought I'd add some lighter humor, but it will get serious so keep coming back and you'll see what happens!
Great-Divide: I hope this chapter was especially interesting for you. I don't like predictability, so maybe some things you saw here surprised you a bit. More will come, guaranteed, as well as serious plot development and in depth character portrayal. Thanks for reviewing!
Lauren Queen: Lol you're awesome! Thanks for liking this I worked hard. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, Nabooru is such an awesome character! If you felt sorry for Link in the last chapter, you certainly will in this one too!
Rainer Aquarias – Sage of Time: Well this is as mad as it gets for now! Yikes, poor Link I don't think I'd like it id Nabooru crashed down on me in my sleep lol. As you can see though, Link does give out the slightest of hints (an example being when he had his arm over Nabooru) so it is a romance story. No there won't be any suggestive stuff in here, it was merely humor and from now on its back to the serious plot. Yeah don't worry, Kotake and Koume will be taken care of once Nabooru and Link learn to take care of each other first! Thanks for reviewing, your so nice to review lots of my work. You mentioned Heroes of Hyrule in another review of yours, and yes I have taken an interest in it and I plan to read it soon. You deserve reviews for how great you've been about my work and ideas! Much appreciated!
Moggy201484271612345: Lol I hope this update is fast enough! Does that mean you like my story? Hehe, thanks for reviewing please come back again!
Anyone who reads and reviews my story will always be thanked!