A/N: I'm BAAAAACK!!!
Skywise: Great...
By the way, the reason I was out for so long before was that my internet was having technical problems, so I couldn't go on for a while.
Link: You need to get a better connection.
And you need to quit giving me your two-sense.
Link: (grumble)...
Redlance: With that said, chappie time!!!
YES!!! CHAPPIE TIME!!! Oh, and by the way, this chapter is a little unpleasant. The events in the chappie are why the rating went up. Just to warn you, this ain't gonna be pretty. NOW chappie time!
Before it All Began: Chapter 7: The Dreadful Assault
The sun set as Link, Zelda, and Impa stepped out of the castle. Impa decided to come with, quite interested in the festival herself. They strolled along silently, and as they stepped into the market, Zelda gasped lightly in delight.
It was just like before, but even better. There was a larger crowd, and more stalls selling exotic trinkets and gifts. Paper lanterns in vibrant colors were hung in the air, casting a beautiful glow over the small town. A few musicians and performers were here and there, entertaining the crowds who watched. The market looked even more beautiful at night.
A big smile spread across Zelda's face. "Oh, this is wonderful! I can't wait to see what they sell here!"
Link smiled. "Then go on and have fun. I'm gonna go run a few errands with Impa, so meet us at the center fountain in about half an hour, okay?"
"Okay!" And with that, Zelda darted out into the crowd giddily.
Impa sighed and smiled. "Look at her go. She's so happy to escape the hustle and bustle at the castle. And she owes it all to you, Link."
Link's handsome face beamed as he nodded.
"Now, what's this errand you have to run, hmm?"
"You'll see." He simply replied, and the two stepped into the crowd.
Zelda went around the festival, spending a little here and there on things she couldn't resist buying and watching a few performers. Soon, she took a break, slowly strolling out of the crowds to take a breather. She wasn't a huge fan of crowds anyway.
She sat on a small stone bench near the Temple of Time to rest, looking up at the star-filled sky. That's when she heard a noise that startled her, and saw a large silhouette approach her.
"W-who are you!?" she stuttered nervously.
"Why, hello, fair young lady." The voice was very familiar, and Zelda gasped.
"Ian...!?"
"Ah, so you know me? That's quite interesting..." he drawled deeply, and began to approach her quicker now.
Zelda didn't know what was happening, but stood and began to back away. She had never seen this side of Ian before, and it frightened her so. "Ian, what're you doing!? Stop!"
But he continued as if he hadn't heard. Then Zelda noticed how dark it was in these parts. She couldn't make out Ian's features, and she doubted he could see her. He didn't know it was her!
"Ian, stop, it's me! Please don't--AHH!!"
Ian leaped like a pouncing cat and attacked the helpless princess.
"Here it is, Link, just as you requested: star-flame cut, and diamonds only found in Zora's Domain." An elderly jeweler handed Link a small box that contained the object of his errand.
"Thank you, kind jeweler," Link thanked, reaching into his belt pouch a placing a large pouch on the counter. "And here's your payment."
The jeweler took the pouch, counted up the rupees, and smiled up at Link. "I still don't know how you can afford something that's worth 400 rupees. Only the rich family in Kakariko could afford that much!"
Link smiled. "I have my ways..."
"Let me see it, Link," Impa opened the tiny box and gasped. "Why, it's beautiful!"
"Yep. It's custom-made. There's not another one like it!"
"I can see why it's worth so much."
"So, young fellow, who's the lucky girl, hmm?" the jeweler asked ever so curiously.
Link turned to the jeweler and beamed. "The princess of Hyrule herself!"
"Ha hah, I knew it!" the jeweler laughed. "Well, good luck to you, Link!"
Link nodded and pocketed the box, and the two walked back into the crowds.
"Well, it's getting to be time to meet Zelda. Let's head back to the fountain." Impa suggested.
Before Link could reply, a sharp scream filled the air. Everyone in town heard it, looking around in confusion. Link quickly recognized the scream before anyone else could.
"ZELDA!!" he cried, rushing in the direction of the scream with Impa close behind.
Zelda was thrown into the dirt hard, and she coughed, having her breath caught in her throat. Her clothes were torn, her golden hair a tangled mess, and scrapes and bruises covered her skin. She looked up at her attacker, eyes wide with terror. Why was Ian doing this to her!? He didn't even know it was her! She continued to plead, asking why desperately, but he never answered as he continued the beat her like a crazed monster. Had he lost his mind!?
He threw her to the ground once more, then leaned over her like a beast. Quickly realizing what he was about to do, Zelda let out another scream, drastically begging for a soul to hear. But he gripped her jaw tightly, and she instantly went silent.
"Don't waste your breath, fair one," he growled. "No one can hear you."
Zelda could hear her heart pound in fright, and she braced herself for the pain...
But then Ian was tackled aside by another being, and they rolled around in the dirt until the new one held a knife to Ian's neck. Though Zelda could not see his features, she immediately recognized the gleaming familiar knife he held.
"LINK!!" she cried.
Ian looked up at his attacker in shock. Link glared with a fierce intensity, his eyes narrowed into silts, full of bitter hatred and anger, his white teeth bared, his lips curled in a near-snarl. For once, Ian was frightened by his rival.
"Ian, you wicked, sinful, son-of-a-sick-Ganon!!" he growled viciously. "You thought you could just take your anger out on an innocent woman, didn't you!? Well, take a closer look at her, you snake! You just attacked Princess Zelda!!"
Ian looked up at Zelda in pure shock, then cringed as the cold blade pressed tighter against his exposed neck.
"You've gone too far this time, rat," Link snarled. "And you're going to pay!"
"Sir Ian!" someone called. A group of royal soldiers suddenly approached the scene as requested by the public. Ian smirked up at Link, then barked, "Well, don't just stand there, you fools! Get him off me and seize him!!"
A wild struggle began as the guards pulled Link off, and he fought to escape their clutches. The struggle was short-lived, however, as Link was subdued by the many armed guards, and they held him back by the arms. He viciously scowled at Ian as the knight stood, coolly dusting himself off.
"What are you orders, Sir Ian?" one of the soldiers asked tensely.
"Throw him in the dungeon!" Ian immediately ordered. "Not only did he attack the princess, he attacked me when I came across them!"
Link's eyes widened with initial shock, then narrowed. "That is a lie and you know it!!!"
"Take him away, NOW!!"
"LIAR!! DECIEVER!!" Link bellowed, violently struggling as they tried to drag him away. "BLACK-HEARTED, FROZEN SACK OF HORSE DUNG!!! POISON FOR BLOOD--!!!"
Ian stood there, impervious to the vicious insults being hurled at him. Zelda looked at the scene in shock, then, gathering her ripped clothes to conceal herself, she sat up and cried out, "No, stop! Please let him go! It was HIM who attacked me!" She pointed an accusing, yet shaking finger at Ian.
The soldiers stopped and stared at Ian uncertainly. Ian paused only briefly to think of a comeback.
"D-don't listen to her," he slightly stammered. "She is left dazed and confused from the vicious attack."
"I think not."
Everyone turned to se Impa standing above Zelda, locking her mysterious ember eyes with Ian's.
"It couldn't have been Link," Impa explained in a heavy voice. "I was with him running errands ever since we first came here this evening. He was no where near Zelda when she screamed. All of us know that." She gestured to the angry villagers behind her.
Ian twitched, the guards became confused, and Link couldn't help but smile at the Sheikah.
Impa kneeled down next to Zelda, covering her with a wool blanket. "Now Zelda, tell us all: who attacked you?"
Zelda immediately pointed at Ian. Though she was still left shaken, she could tell who had assaulted her.
"Very well," Impa stood and scowled at Ian. "Guards, release Link and seize Ian! He shall be dealt with soon enough!"
The second the soldiers released him, Link rushed over to Zelda, knelt beside her, and allowed her to fly into his arms as he held her in comfort. As Ian was dragged away, Impa sent off the villagers, as she claimed there wasn't anymore to see.
Link held Zelda close. "Zelda, I'm so sorry..." he whispered. "If I were there, maybe..." But Zelda shook her head, silently telling him that it was okay and that it wasn't his fault. All that came out of her mouth were short gasps of breath from shock and relief.
Impa helped the two stand. "Come, Zelda, we need to get you cleaned up immediately!"
Link heaved Zelda into his arms, holding her close and wrapping her in the blanket for warmth. He looked at Impa, and they both made their way back to the castle.
Back in Zelda's bedroom, Link sat with Zelda on her bed, gently cleaning the many scrapes she had gotten. Zelda sat in her nightgown, clutching her new shawl tightly with one hand. She still shivered slightly in fear and nervousness from the assault, but she was glad she was safe in her home, with Link right beside her.
"I can't believe Ian would stoop so low..." Link muttered.
"Me neither," Zelda sighed, looking up at Link. "Link... I want to thank you for saving me."
Link gave Zelda a small smile. "Well, of course I saved you. I'm here to protect you, remember?"
Zelda smiled and nodded. The door opened slowly, and Impa entered the room, looking quite relieved.
"Well?" Zelda asked somewhat fearfully.
Impa smiled in relief. "I just spoke to the doctor. Link had gotten to Ian before he could... taint her."
Link straightened up. "So she's still...?"
Impa nodded, and an air of relief cycled through the room. Link sat quiet in thought for quite a while, then looked up at Zelda, who looked back questioningly. He took her hands in his tenderly, then mustered up every bit of courage he had.
"Zelda..." He spoke barely above a whisper. "Do you think it's time we should be... more than just friends?"
Zelda did not expect such a question, and it left her silent. She lowered her gaze in almost a guilty fashion, then hesitantly brought it back up again. "Oh, Link, I... I-I don't know..."
"Aw, come on, Zelda," Link pleaded softly. "Ian won't be in the way anymore. We can finally be together without all the secrecy." In a final attempt, he whispered, "Please?"
Zelda suddenly felt overwhelmed as she brought a hand to her forehead, trying to keep calm. "I-I don't know, I just don't know..." Her voice began to crack.
Link sighed sadly, but brought his gaze back up. "Well, then... I-I'll give you time to think about it."
Zelda smiled slightly in appreciation.
"Alright, Zelda," Impa pushed Zelda gently down on the bed. "You've had a hard night. Get your rest." She stood and looked at Link. "Come, Link, let's leave her be."
Link nodded slowly, and the two left Zelda alone to rest. As they walked down the halls slowly, Impa noticed the somber look on Link's face as he brought out the tiny box and stared at it silently in his palm.
"Give her time, Link. She was just attacked."
"I-I know..." Link replied, his voice cracking a bit. He sighed. "I don't want to pressure her... and I don't want her to feel like I'm Ian all over again, but... I really want this to work out... Because I don't think I could live without her..."
"There, there..." Impa placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure it'll all work out. It's not like Zelda despises you or anything..."
"That's just it, Impa," Link looked up at Impa, his bright blue eyes showing his most discomfort. "What if she really doesn't love me...?"
"Oh, Link, I wouldn't worry. I'm sure she loves you with all her heart. It's just difficult for her because number one, you're not a royal, and number two, all the pressure that's been on her for so long has taken an effect on her, and she gets confused about what she wants sometimes."
Link sighed heavily, most depressed. Impa smiled sympathetically.
"Just give her time to recover and come to her senses, and I'm sure you two will be together soon." She gently closed his fingers around the box in his palm. "Keep that ring safe until it is needed."
Link couldn't help but smile up at the Sheikah. "Thank you, Impa." He said tiredly.
"That's what I'm here for. Now let's get you into one of the guest rooms. You're pretty tired yourself."
Link yawned and smiled in appreciation, following Impa throughout the castle. "What about Ian?" he yawned.
"He shall be executed as soon as possible for his horrid crime."
"Good," He stretched his arms over his head and yawned again. "It's about time there justice around here."
"Indeed." Impa smiled to herself.
So Link followed Impa to what he hoped would be a good night's sleep. He needed it after the whole Trial of the Goddesses AND the whole ordeal that night. He was still mildly concerned about Zelda, wanting so badly to be with her, but knew that he had to give her time.
Time heals all wounds, after all...
A/N: Well, aren't you guys all glad Ian shall be PUNISHED?!!? MWAHAHAHA!!!!
Link: FINALLY!!! :D
Skywise: My, my, such a naughty knight...
Redlance: (playing GBA) GASP!! I DID IT!! I BEAT THE GAME!! YES!!!!
XD Good for you, Redlance. I beat it too! :) Yayness! Well, one more chapter and we're done!! YAY!! Review!!