Chapter 4: Blood
Zelda's head bobbed up and down. She felt so dizzy as Rauru took a blessed dagger and slit her arm. King Harnikan held her other hand as Impa dampened her face with moist cloth.
"Do not worry my King.... a good blood-letting should release the evil spirits from her body," he replied as he squeezed her arm a bit humming the Song of Time to himself.
She felt like she was going to throw up. Watching him do this to her gives her a stomach churn. Thank the goddesses that they are not like the Cypressians and drill a hole through the head to release the bad spirits. At least she would live after this.
"Daughter... how are you feeling?" he asked with a warm soothing voice, calmly stroking the top of her head.
"A little dizzy..." she mumbled.
"That's good. That means the evil is seeping out of your blood. Rauru, go and slit the other arm. That way, Zelda will not have to worry about demons reigning in her arteries."
Zelda groaned. Maybe if she closed her eyes she won't have to watch the red fluid seep from her veins, staining the white linen robe. Her dress hung loosely on a hamper. She hated the thought of cleansing.... but to experience it was worse. Being dragged out of her room, stripped and scrubbed in freezing cold holy water.
Zelda gritted her teeth as she felt the blade cut through her skin. The warm feeling began to flow down her forearms. She lightly opened one eye but to quickly shut it. The sight of the small pool was enough to make her hurl.
"Oh.... you're awake," spoke Impa. Zelda opened her eyes. The sky was dark. She looked down and saw Impa pouring a bit of red potion on her bandaged arms. Zelda looked around. She was back in her room. Back in her usual dress. She must've fainted. To think, she was tough as nails, back when she was surviving as Sheik and would be stuck in the Gerudo Desert without food or water, sucking the poison from a Cobra bite to survive.... and she can't stand the sight of blood? She 'HAS' gotten soft.
Impa stroked her hair. The small little tiara sat upon her coffee table gleaming with all its precious stones sparkling under the candle. Impa pursed her lip as she tucked the silk sheets. Everytime she stared down at her, she felt so old. She was with her from the start. A second mother. But that was all. Zelda seemed so peaceful lying there. *Now her mind is being plagued by hallucinations.Maybe it was something she inherited from birth? After all, her mother did speak of visions of a poe floating in this tower. *
"But she was so ill back then." Impa hated to relive that night. Forced to take her Sheikan blade and make an incision just to save her at the expense of Queen Harnikan. Impa never did tell Zelda it was her who had to make the sacrifice. It would break her little heart. Impa leaned over and kissed Zelda's forehead. Zelda lay there with her eyes lazily opened.
"I must go now. Get some rest, you've had a long day." Impa exited the room with a slow pace.
Zelda turned towards the ceiling. The three goddesses were painted over her domed roof. So beautiful. She then turned towards the window. A chill filled the air.
"Lauretta"
Zelda turned to see the same poe gazing out of the window. She sighed. No one would believe her except Link. Its creepy eyes stared at her mumbling Lauretta over and over.
Zelda closed her eyes and went to sleep.
Pray that it will go away.....
just pray
Back in the Lost Woods....
"B 12" spoke the Great Fairy as she lifted a ping pong ball out of a machine.
"BINGO!!!" shouted Tatl as she waved her hand in the air. Navi grumbled as she cleared her card.
"Stupid bitch," she mumbled to herself as she turned to Link. Link rolled his eyes as he tossed her another rupee. He was about ready to fall asleep. His palm was gonna leave a hand print on the side of his face from his slouching. Watching tiny fairies gamble their savings away was not his way of enjoying Friday night. Tatl grinned as she bit down on her miniature cigarette.
"Oh this will be interesting," he laughed to himself. He could tell that Navi wanted to knock her teeth out. He never saw a cat fight between two fairies. Make a little money off Jerry Springer.
"Heh heh," he laughed to himself watching all the little fairies glow a bright red as they face off once more. Next to the Great Fairy, he must be the only one who is at least a hand tall. Why is it that they try so hard to win when they will all end up losing all their money in the end?
Link felt his joints pop as he pulled himself up. He needed to take a walk.
"Hey Navi, I'm going outside.... just give a buzz if you ever need me."
"Uh huh," she replied as she stared upon her card.
Link crawled outside the tiny hole. Sometimes he wished he could go back to his child years. He already has a hard enough time of going through the Kokiri Forest for fear of breaking a miniature fence or knock over someone's house. The leaves on the ground had already begun to dew with exposure of the cool night air. Link placed his hands in his pockets as he leaned against a tree, whistling.
"..."
Link's face soured a bit. Was someone out here with him?
"Are you there?..."
"Ummm.... Hello?" he spoke as his body stiffened.
"Please help me...child of light..."
*Maybe its some traveler who lost their way*
"HEY!! Are you lost?"
"Where is the child of light..."
"HEY! I know these woods like the back of my hand. If you like, I'll be glad to help you out of here."
"..."
"No, my name is Link."
"Child of Light… You are Bringer of Destiny?"
*This is ridiculous.* he thought to himself. "Look, I can't help you if I don't know where you are. Just tell me where you are," he shouted, frustrated.
A small torch lit the air in front of him. All of a sudden it began to spin into the form of a poe. Its red flaming eyes were not what scared him.... it was the fact that its head was mounted on top of a staff.
"Child of light.. Help me..." it whispered. Link gasped as he fumbled behind his back to unsheathe his Master Sword.
"Bloody hell," he spat as he swung the mighty blade just seconds after it spun and disappeared. "Damn.... I missed it...." he coughed as he sheathes it back in its holder. "I should've pulled out the Biggoron Blade.... then I would've gotten it," he murmured to himself walking back to the cave at where they held Bingo. Link sighed as he sat back down on the same stand. Shock still invoked his system as he walked over and got a bottle of fairy water. Not quite as good milk, but it did have all of the daily essential minerals in it. Probably cause fairies do about anything in it. Walk, bathe, play Bingo in it. Link took a big chug out the bottle.
"LINK!!!!!!!!"
He sighed as he tossed another rupee for another game. After this, they were defiantly going home.
Chapter Five: Tonight is the Night
The Next Day...
Zelda groaned as she lay there in bed. Her arms felt like they've been run over by a horse and then smashed until they were like putty clinging on to her bones. Thank the goddess that it was Saturday now. The only thing that would be going on is a day of trading for her people and her father. No etiquette lessons.... no Piano lessons.... no worshipping.... just a relaxing day where she was free to do what she pleased. Best of all, Link was going come over and kill that poe once and for all.
She'd seen him do it countless times after all. Always running around on Epona. His eyes were like a tiger, who stalked out its pray. The bow seemed as if it had been attached to his hand all his life with each whisk and scream of the arrow, flinging into the dark heart of the undead.
No one dared to challenge him in a game of archery. They would make a perfect bull's-eye. He would merely shoot it in half. It is quite a show actually watching him do his daily poe hunting.
"Lauretta......"
Zelda looked up to see the poe sit next to the window once more. Her cheeks began flush a bright red as she reached down to pick up one of her high heeled shoes.
"WILL YOU SHUT UP AND GO BOTHER SOMEONE ELSE!!!" she cried as she slammed the footwear at its head. The poe quickly turned and disappeared. The shoe flew down outside and landed on a drawbridge guard.
"BLOODY HELL!!!" the guard cried as he picked the shoe off the ground. Zelda gasped as she peeped out of the window.
"Oh, pardon me. There was rat that crawled into my room." There, short, sweet but most of all believable.
"Tis all right my Princess. Oh, do forgive me for my inappropriate language earlier. You caught me by surprise and I thought it was some childish prank from one of the locals."
The man walked over to the edge of the wooden drawbridge. Using the tip of the spear, the guard quickly fished out her shoe. Zelda opened her window a little wider so that he could toss it back up to her room. She was far too weak right now to do much running up and down. A good rest will vigorate her blood once more.
Zelda sat the wet shoe near a candle. Hopefully it won't shrink. Her father would have a fit since they cost about 3000 rupees to make.
"Only the best, for this fairy tale princess."
She walked over towards a dummy. On it was her wedding gown. So beautiful. She turned down towards the emerald tiara that held the veil. Her mother wore it on her wedding day... and her mother before that.... and her mother's mother and so on.
Now her curiosity plagues her. What does her husband-to-be look like? She never actually met him or heard much about him what so ever. However, her father did want to improve the ties with the Republic of Magenta. "But Marriage?" she mumbled. She envied the common folk. They had freedom. Freedom to roam around with out a care in the world. Freedom to choose thy husband and ensure pure happiness.... well most of the time. Sad that Link and Malon decided not to pursue a 'relationship'. She still remembered the story that Navi told her.
|X|X|X|X|
The farm was brisk that day as Link, Malon and Talon sat at the table for a good breakfast of Wheatcakes topped with maple syrup and a glass of OJ. Link mouthed down on his food as Malon smiled gaily at him.
"Uhhh, Malon.... did I miss a spot on my shaving?" he asked as he felt around for any stubs. Malon giggled a bit.
"No silly, I was wondering something...." Link took a quick drink of orange juice.
"Wondering about what?" he asked as he rose a brow.
"Well.... I was thinking..... that.... we should get married!! Since this story is obviously a romance and you are always marring someone in them," she replied bluntly. Link shifted his eyes.
"But.... uhh, why?"
"Because if you like me, and I like you.... it only makes perfect sense."
Link thought to himself for a second.
*Well, she does know how to make good pancakes. I guess I do like her.*
"Is there any other reason?"
Talon banged his beer mug on the table.
"DAMN STRAIGHT!! WE GET A 10% TAX CUT IF YOU TWO GET HITCHED!!"
"SWEET!! I'M IN!!!" he shouted as he shook hands with Talon.
That night.......
Link lay there in the bed as he watched the lights die down and slow music began to take over the atmosphere. Soon a red headed fiery vixen slowly began to walk out of a curtained door. Her body was embraced with a silk slip with a laced top that revealed the delicious crack of her bosom. Her long silky legs seemed to flow through the air as she seductively approached her pray. She purred delightfully as she rubbed her chest below his midsection. She seemingly flew to the side of the bed. Just when she was about to remove the piece of silk clothing......
"ZZZZZZZZZZZ"
Her male prey ended up falling asleep.
Malon had an ackward look to her face.
"Dammit....." she pouted as shoved her sleeping partner till he plopped on the ground where he continued to snore and hog the covers.
|X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X|
Zelda about died laughing when she first heard of what happened. Funny thing about it was that it continued like that for a few months till she decided to end it. They're surprisingly good friends... practically brother and sister now.
"But that's life," she mumbled. You just have to keep finding for that special someone. Sometimes they are in places you wouldn't think of searching. Sometimes they sit next to you. Sometimes they are taken away from you. Just hold it in your heart, and they will find you too. That was her mother's advise on love. She was lucky and got to choose whom she got to marry. That was what Impa told her. She was a butch woman who got what she wanted, but only surrendered to at the time... Prince Harnikan. She still could not believe that her father was one of the best swordsmen in the country. Especially since he is about a hundred pounds overweight. Whatever the reason, she was happy they went through with it. Malon wanted sex. Talon wanted a tax break. Link? I don't know why he did it in the first place. Navi thinks he wanted to move on with his life, but ends falling flat on his face, and acts like a ten year old.
How was she to know that Link would take the term 'sleeping with her' so literally? He didn't even know it meant that he had to make love until afterwards when someone told him.
At least he's not a horny bastard. God, she's met plenty of those. Personally, Zelda thought, it's sick that women could wear such low cut dresses to where their things look like they are about to pop out. At least she as the decency to cover her body. And save that pleasure for a future husband. At least he respects women and doesn't treat them like some baby creating machine. She's heard stories from the local widows of how they were forced to make 'little workers' for the fields during harvest time. Creating a baby was risking your life. You either come with it, or it comes out on its own.
With all his chores, Link would probably come around five oclock. That's usually when he has enough time to travel to Hyrule Town. That should give her enough sleep until he would come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hold still Epona.... if you wanna go outside your stable, you need a good pair of shoes," mumbled Link as he held the iron nails bluntly in his mouth while hammering the thin piece of steel on her hind leg. Epona fussed as Link pulled out another U bent shoe and placed it under her hoof. Good thing he knew what he was doing now. Back when he first started with her, he must've broken several ribs every time he attempted it. Maybe the reason why he was having so much trouble was because he wore his Kokiri tunic today. He had gotten so use to pants that his tights had this feeling that nothing was there, and certainly gave his luggage a little discomfort. Always adjusting every few minutes.
Don't ask why he put the old thing on. Maybe cause liked to remember the good ol' times. Zelda was butch back then and damn it, it turned him on. But now, he's happier being friends with her. She was beautiful when he first saw her but now he enjoys her beauty within.
He's learned his lesson with Malon. You can lose a love, but a friendship is forever. If only he could figure out why she enjoyed dancing around in her underwear back then? It was practically midnight all the time and she seems so content on waking him up. He enjoyed sleeping with her but isn't she supposed to get some sleep too? Maybe he should think first before agreeing to a marriage next time. But at least she still served her yummy wheatcakes... or pancakes or whatever the hell you want to call them.
"Well, old girl. We better get to the castle. Long trip and I don't want to be stuck outside after dark," he said as he pulled a carrot out of a basket and placed it near her mouth. Epona's nose took a moment to sniff the tender, juicy vegetable before taking a big bite out of it till it was gone.
Malon walked towards him handing him his bow and quiver.
"You be careful now, ya here?" she said as she pulled out a skeleton key and opened the door. Link nodded his head once while once again mounting upon his horse. Link turned towards the opening, kicked his leather boots on Epona's side and shot out of the semi-fortress of Lon Lon Ranch.
Epona never ceased to amaze him. Her brilliant speeds that seem to tame time and ride it off like an arrow released from its bow. If only she was immortal. Then he could ride her forever.
The grass was a bit chilled due to the fast falling temperatures. Link leaned down and clutched her head as he felt the sharp wind blast his face. Navi said it was suppose to snow soon. It was a bit nippy, but not too bad. Probably cause he was so use to the roaring hot sun or a cool dark forest rather then a snowstorm.
*fling*
"OWW!!" screamed Link as he jerked the reins. Link turned towards his arm. A Diadran arrow was sticking right out.
"Oh sorry about that, I thought you were one of them!" Link turned to the left to see big Barba holding her bow to the side. Link about started to laugh when he noticed how small the poor pony was holding all 280 lb. of the big hefty woman. Probably the reason he didn't started laughing cause there was now a fairly large arrow jabbed in his arm.
"Don't worry about it," he mumbled as he pulled it out. Navi quickly flew towards his satchel and handed him a roll of white scraps that he collected for emergencies like this.
"Sorry Link, but we don't have anymore potion left."
"Its okay Navi, just let it go au' natural and let it scab. It won't bother me."
"HA!! BOUT' TIME YOU STARTED TO ACT LIKE A MAN! Why don't Barba go treat ya to a Red Devil. That'll kill the pain," she said as her little pony hopped a bit closer to Epona for Barba to give her a nice slap to the side. Epona reared and shot towards Hyrule Town with Barba following.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Link sat at the bar as Barba brought over a Red Devil. Link clutched his arm as he took a sip of the beverage.
"Damn this shit is strong," he cussed as his eyes widened a bit.
"Aww, come on, if you can take a wound like that, then shit, you should beable to take a Red Devil," she replied as she chugged her glass. Link turned towards a small bottle.
Inside it was a strange looking poe that was decked in green clothing.
"Is that one of the talking poes you told me about yesterday?"
"Damn straight!! This one was probably a gambler in its formal life," she pointed out as she pulled the poe jar from the corner. "See, its green clothing.... that symbolizes greed. Purple is for hate so it's the most common. White is for prejudice. Black is for pain...."
"What about yellow?" he asked as Navi changed the bandage on his arm.
"Yellow!?! HOT DAMMIT! Those are REALLY rare… that means it was royalty… you can make a fortune off one of those. However, they tend to be mighty feisty critters if you aren't careful since its unknown how it will react." Link turned towards the window. The sky was darkening to a pinkish red glow.
"Hey, listen, I appreciate the round but I gotta go now," said Link as Navi finished tying a nice pretty bow on his arm.
"You take care. SORRY 'BOUT THAT THERE ARM!!" she shouted as Link waved and ran towards the castle.
|X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X|
Zelda stood next the drawbridge with a small torch at hand. A wool shaw covered her shoulders as she waited for him to come. Zelda's eyes lit up as she saw the boyish hero riding through the castle gates. The guard took a moment to recognize his face before allowing him to pass. Zelda walked over and grabbed Epona's reins and guided her towards the royal stables. Link dismounted and followed her as she led him through the winding passageways. Epona lazily crashed on the pile of hay. Normally she would be standing up but she was still recovering from feeding on some spoiled grain. Link turned towards Zelda as she clutched her arms. Link reached over and grabbed her arm. A light pink streak was on there.
"Zelda.... this was healed... what happened?" he asked as she pulled it away from him.
"They thought I was mad and bleed me. They didn't believe me, Link. How could my father do this to me!" she pouted as she kicked a small rounded stone to the side. Link grabbed her arms.
"Chill, okay, look I believe you," he whispered comforting.
*In a pigs eye you do,* thought Navi as she slammed the telepathic remark while her arms crossed; sitting on his shoulder contempt. Link winced. He knew that she did that on purpose. Navi had this thing against lying.
*Look, that isn't helping. She needs confidence, not an insecurity that everyone thinks she is crazy,* he rasped back mentally.
*Well can you tell her that you aren't sure yourself?* she complained as she slammed her tiny hands on his wound.
"OWWW... some-of-a..." Link grimiced as he clutched the arrow wound.
"Oh sorry about that," spoke Navi as she patted it.
"Link what happened!" asked Zelda as she looked at the bloody bandage.
"Oh... just got mistaken for a poe.... that's all," he replied as the two walked through the corridor. King Harnikan sat at a large table as he watched the two ascend upstairs.
"Hmmm, I hope that she knows what she's doing," spoke the King as he swallowed another piece of chicken. Impa sat next to him.
"Give the child a break, if it will end her complaints of a poe in the tower then so be it."
Link's curious gaze whirled around him as he took in the sight of the grand hall. His body soon stopped.
"Wow..." he whispered. Zelda halted and stepped down to his level.
"These are the paintings of the Princesses and Princes who inhibited the tower... except for a few on over there. That was when Hyrule gained its independence from the Cypress Territory and when that had Lords and Ladies. Not a very good age I may add," she spoke as Link turned and touched the images.
"What about this one.... it doesn't have a name tag underneath."
It was true. The others had a gold bar that was indented with their name.
"I'm not sure. It was probably lost somewhere," she spoke as she grabbed his hand and led him to her room. Zelda turned back and pulled out her ocarina. There she played her lullaby and the white stone door appeared behind him.
"Now we won't have to worry about it escaping through the stairs," she spoke. Inside was her pink canopy bed and a wooden stool. The tower was of fairly large size maybe 20 by 20 feet. Hell lot bigger then Link's place at Lon Lon will ever be.
Link slumped right on the stool as Zelda calmly sat upon the bed.
"So.... all we do is wait?" he questioned.
Zelda nodded. She pulled her crown off and began to braid her silk golden strands.
"Until nightfall.... that is when it usually shows up," she spoke as she tied the end of her hair together.
Link slouched as he placed his bow on his lap. It was pretty much time to change the string now. He'd hate for it to break in battle. "That would suck," he giggled to himself as his steady hands strung it. He then pulled the string once to insure that it was securely fastened on. Zelda watched as the sun slowly began to descend to the sea from a distance. Her body shuddered clutching a small pillow into her chest. Her hands were shaking. Fear was erupting through her bones.
"I'm scared, Link," she whispered. Link walked over and sat by her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a good massage.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. Hey, if I can stop a demigod, then I could probably fair well against a stupid poe," his voice filled with a sense of confidence while he took his hand and beat his chest. Zelda smiled as she nuzzled her head under his chin.
A candle hushed.... the smoke rose from the air as Link turned towards the table.
The other candle.... hush... they were left in darkness. He could feel her nails dig into his shoulders. He cringed as she accidentally pushed against his arrow wound.
Link immediately got up and began pushing the bed aside. The more room, the better aim he would have. Zelda helped him by pushing the stool to the side. Link pulled out an arrow and his bow. He motioned for her to get behind him.
His eyes narrowed. Here was the hard part. Concentration. Surrounded by such delicate things.... especially the princess. There was a darkness in there.... something sinister.... something from the past?
"This is not right....." he spoke.
"What is it, Link?" He turned towards her.
"I've used this technique before.... to help me find the poes.... but this is weird.... it feels... ackward here.... you have far stronger telepathy.... use it...." he spoke. Zelda felt like a heel. Why didn't she thought of that earlier? She placed her hands on her temples as Link held his readied bow.
Zelda closed her eyes. Images.... of a beautiful dancer..... and a handsome man.... murdered..... bloodshed..... and beautiful betrayal...
"What does it mean?" she asked herself. Two flaming red eyes appeared. Link held his bow, ready to fire when it appears. The two flaming beads circled around them. Zelda's expression began to cringe. "Its never done 'THIS' before... it usually just sits by the window crying.... moaning.... unless... HOT... not in weather.... it meant.... Hero of...oh my god.... LINK LOOK OUT!!!" she screamed...
.... Seconds too late...
Link's eyes widened as the poe teleported behind and grasped him. Link screamed as he tried to pull it off. All of a sudden the poe stared down at his arrow wound. Soon it began to dissolve into a black ooze and crept inside. Link clutched his head as unfamiliar memories began to flash in his head.
"LINK!!!!" screamed Navi as she watched her partner screaming.
"ZELDA! NAVI!! HELP M…" Link ran around the room… his eyes… finally shot open while rolling back. His body became limp as he finally fell out of the window.
".... no...." she muttered. Zelda ran towards the broken glass. His body floated on the water... so still. Flocks of guards ran towards him.
"GET HIM OUT OF THE WATER!! IT'S BLOODY COLD IN THERE!!" shouted Captain Morris as a couple of solders stripped off their armor and dove in, pulling him towards the cold ground. A few maids ran outside with blankets, laying them on his blue, shivering body. One of them checked his breathing while Rauru, still in his nightwear ran towards Link. He carefully placed a hand on his forehead. A look of disbelief appeared on his face as he turned towards Zelda.
Link slowly motioned his head to the side… before he closes his eyes again and falling unconscious.
Zelda's head bobbed up and down. She felt so dizzy as Rauru took a blessed dagger and slit her arm. King Harnikan held her other hand as Impa dampened her face with moist cloth.
"Do not worry my King.... a good blood-letting should release the evil spirits from her body," he replied as he squeezed her arm a bit humming the Song of Time to himself.
She felt like she was going to throw up. Watching him do this to her gives her a stomach churn. Thank the goddesses that they are not like the Cypressians and drill a hole through the head to release the bad spirits. At least she would live after this.
"Daughter... how are you feeling?" he asked with a warm soothing voice, calmly stroking the top of her head.
"A little dizzy..." she mumbled.
"That's good. That means the evil is seeping out of your blood. Rauru, go and slit the other arm. That way, Zelda will not have to worry about demons reigning in her arteries."
Zelda groaned. Maybe if she closed her eyes she won't have to watch the red fluid seep from her veins, staining the white linen robe. Her dress hung loosely on a hamper. She hated the thought of cleansing.... but to experience it was worse. Being dragged out of her room, stripped and scrubbed in freezing cold holy water.
Zelda gritted her teeth as she felt the blade cut through her skin. The warm feeling began to flow down her forearms. She lightly opened one eye but to quickly shut it. The sight of the small pool was enough to make her hurl.
"Oh.... you're awake," spoke Impa. Zelda opened her eyes. The sky was dark. She looked down and saw Impa pouring a bit of red potion on her bandaged arms. Zelda looked around. She was back in her room. Back in her usual dress. She must've fainted. To think, she was tough as nails, back when she was surviving as Sheik and would be stuck in the Gerudo Desert without food or water, sucking the poison from a Cobra bite to survive.... and she can't stand the sight of blood? She 'HAS' gotten soft.
Impa stroked her hair. The small little tiara sat upon her coffee table gleaming with all its precious stones sparkling under the candle. Impa pursed her lip as she tucked the silk sheets. Everytime she stared down at her, she felt so old. She was with her from the start. A second mother. But that was all. Zelda seemed so peaceful lying there. *Now her mind is being plagued by hallucinations.Maybe it was something she inherited from birth? After all, her mother did speak of visions of a poe floating in this tower. *
"But she was so ill back then." Impa hated to relive that night. Forced to take her Sheikan blade and make an incision just to save her at the expense of Queen Harnikan. Impa never did tell Zelda it was her who had to make the sacrifice. It would break her little heart. Impa leaned over and kissed Zelda's forehead. Zelda lay there with her eyes lazily opened.
"I must go now. Get some rest, you've had a long day." Impa exited the room with a slow pace.
Zelda turned towards the ceiling. The three goddesses were painted over her domed roof. So beautiful. She then turned towards the window. A chill filled the air.
"Lauretta"
Zelda turned to see the same poe gazing out of the window. She sighed. No one would believe her except Link. Its creepy eyes stared at her mumbling Lauretta over and over.
Zelda closed her eyes and went to sleep.
Pray that it will go away.....
just pray
Back in the Lost Woods....
"B 12" spoke the Great Fairy as she lifted a ping pong ball out of a machine.
"BINGO!!!" shouted Tatl as she waved her hand in the air. Navi grumbled as she cleared her card.
"Stupid bitch," she mumbled to herself as she turned to Link. Link rolled his eyes as he tossed her another rupee. He was about ready to fall asleep. His palm was gonna leave a hand print on the side of his face from his slouching. Watching tiny fairies gamble their savings away was not his way of enjoying Friday night. Tatl grinned as she bit down on her miniature cigarette.
"Oh this will be interesting," he laughed to himself. He could tell that Navi wanted to knock her teeth out. He never saw a cat fight between two fairies. Make a little money off Jerry Springer.
"Heh heh," he laughed to himself watching all the little fairies glow a bright red as they face off once more. Next to the Great Fairy, he must be the only one who is at least a hand tall. Why is it that they try so hard to win when they will all end up losing all their money in the end?
Link felt his joints pop as he pulled himself up. He needed to take a walk.
"Hey Navi, I'm going outside.... just give a buzz if you ever need me."
"Uh huh," she replied as she stared upon her card.
Link crawled outside the tiny hole. Sometimes he wished he could go back to his child years. He already has a hard enough time of going through the Kokiri Forest for fear of breaking a miniature fence or knock over someone's house. The leaves on the ground had already begun to dew with exposure of the cool night air. Link placed his hands in his pockets as he leaned against a tree, whistling.
"..."
Link's face soured a bit. Was someone out here with him?
"Are you there?..."
"Ummm.... Hello?" he spoke as his body stiffened.
"Please help me...child of light..."
*Maybe its some traveler who lost their way*
"HEY!! Are you lost?"
"Where is the child of light..."
"HEY! I know these woods like the back of my hand. If you like, I'll be glad to help you out of here."
"..."
"No, my name is Link."
"Child of Light… You are Bringer of Destiny?"
*This is ridiculous.* he thought to himself. "Look, I can't help you if I don't know where you are. Just tell me where you are," he shouted, frustrated.
A small torch lit the air in front of him. All of a sudden it began to spin into the form of a poe. Its red flaming eyes were not what scared him.... it was the fact that its head was mounted on top of a staff.
"Child of light.. Help me..." it whispered. Link gasped as he fumbled behind his back to unsheathe his Master Sword.
"Bloody hell," he spat as he swung the mighty blade just seconds after it spun and disappeared. "Damn.... I missed it...." he coughed as he sheathes it back in its holder. "I should've pulled out the Biggoron Blade.... then I would've gotten it," he murmured to himself walking back to the cave at where they held Bingo. Link sighed as he sat back down on the same stand. Shock still invoked his system as he walked over and got a bottle of fairy water. Not quite as good milk, but it did have all of the daily essential minerals in it. Probably cause fairies do about anything in it. Walk, bathe, play Bingo in it. Link took a big chug out the bottle.
"LINK!!!!!!!!"
He sighed as he tossed another rupee for another game. After this, they were defiantly going home.
Chapter Five: Tonight is the Night
The Next Day...
Zelda groaned as she lay there in bed. Her arms felt like they've been run over by a horse and then smashed until they were like putty clinging on to her bones. Thank the goddess that it was Saturday now. The only thing that would be going on is a day of trading for her people and her father. No etiquette lessons.... no Piano lessons.... no worshipping.... just a relaxing day where she was free to do what she pleased. Best of all, Link was going come over and kill that poe once and for all.
She'd seen him do it countless times after all. Always running around on Epona. His eyes were like a tiger, who stalked out its pray. The bow seemed as if it had been attached to his hand all his life with each whisk and scream of the arrow, flinging into the dark heart of the undead.
No one dared to challenge him in a game of archery. They would make a perfect bull's-eye. He would merely shoot it in half. It is quite a show actually watching him do his daily poe hunting.
"Lauretta......"
Zelda looked up to see the poe sit next to the window once more. Her cheeks began flush a bright red as she reached down to pick up one of her high heeled shoes.
"WILL YOU SHUT UP AND GO BOTHER SOMEONE ELSE!!!" she cried as she slammed the footwear at its head. The poe quickly turned and disappeared. The shoe flew down outside and landed on a drawbridge guard.
"BLOODY HELL!!!" the guard cried as he picked the shoe off the ground. Zelda gasped as she peeped out of the window.
"Oh, pardon me. There was rat that crawled into my room." There, short, sweet but most of all believable.
"Tis all right my Princess. Oh, do forgive me for my inappropriate language earlier. You caught me by surprise and I thought it was some childish prank from one of the locals."
The man walked over to the edge of the wooden drawbridge. Using the tip of the spear, the guard quickly fished out her shoe. Zelda opened her window a little wider so that he could toss it back up to her room. She was far too weak right now to do much running up and down. A good rest will vigorate her blood once more.
Zelda sat the wet shoe near a candle. Hopefully it won't shrink. Her father would have a fit since they cost about 3000 rupees to make.
"Only the best, for this fairy tale princess."
She walked over towards a dummy. On it was her wedding gown. So beautiful. She turned down towards the emerald tiara that held the veil. Her mother wore it on her wedding day... and her mother before that.... and her mother's mother and so on.
Now her curiosity plagues her. What does her husband-to-be look like? She never actually met him or heard much about him what so ever. However, her father did want to improve the ties with the Republic of Magenta. "But Marriage?" she mumbled. She envied the common folk. They had freedom. Freedom to roam around with out a care in the world. Freedom to choose thy husband and ensure pure happiness.... well most of the time. Sad that Link and Malon decided not to pursue a 'relationship'. She still remembered the story that Navi told her.
|X|X|X|X|
The farm was brisk that day as Link, Malon and Talon sat at the table for a good breakfast of Wheatcakes topped with maple syrup and a glass of OJ. Link mouthed down on his food as Malon smiled gaily at him.
"Uhhh, Malon.... did I miss a spot on my shaving?" he asked as he felt around for any stubs. Malon giggled a bit.
"No silly, I was wondering something...." Link took a quick drink of orange juice.
"Wondering about what?" he asked as he rose a brow.
"Well.... I was thinking..... that.... we should get married!! Since this story is obviously a romance and you are always marring someone in them," she replied bluntly. Link shifted his eyes.
"But.... uhh, why?"
"Because if you like me, and I like you.... it only makes perfect sense."
Link thought to himself for a second.
*Well, she does know how to make good pancakes. I guess I do like her.*
"Is there any other reason?"
Talon banged his beer mug on the table.
"DAMN STRAIGHT!! WE GET A 10% TAX CUT IF YOU TWO GET HITCHED!!"
"SWEET!! I'M IN!!!" he shouted as he shook hands with Talon.
That night.......
Link lay there in the bed as he watched the lights die down and slow music began to take over the atmosphere. Soon a red headed fiery vixen slowly began to walk out of a curtained door. Her body was embraced with a silk slip with a laced top that revealed the delicious crack of her bosom. Her long silky legs seemed to flow through the air as she seductively approached her pray. She purred delightfully as she rubbed her chest below his midsection. She seemingly flew to the side of the bed. Just when she was about to remove the piece of silk clothing......
"ZZZZZZZZZZZ"
Her male prey ended up falling asleep.
Malon had an ackward look to her face.
"Dammit....." she pouted as shoved her sleeping partner till he plopped on the ground where he continued to snore and hog the covers.
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Zelda about died laughing when she first heard of what happened. Funny thing about it was that it continued like that for a few months till she decided to end it. They're surprisingly good friends... practically brother and sister now.
"But that's life," she mumbled. You just have to keep finding for that special someone. Sometimes they are in places you wouldn't think of searching. Sometimes they sit next to you. Sometimes they are taken away from you. Just hold it in your heart, and they will find you too. That was her mother's advise on love. She was lucky and got to choose whom she got to marry. That was what Impa told her. She was a butch woman who got what she wanted, but only surrendered to at the time... Prince Harnikan. She still could not believe that her father was one of the best swordsmen in the country. Especially since he is about a hundred pounds overweight. Whatever the reason, she was happy they went through with it. Malon wanted sex. Talon wanted a tax break. Link? I don't know why he did it in the first place. Navi thinks he wanted to move on with his life, but ends falling flat on his face, and acts like a ten year old.
How was she to know that Link would take the term 'sleeping with her' so literally? He didn't even know it meant that he had to make love until afterwards when someone told him.
At least he's not a horny bastard. God, she's met plenty of those. Personally, Zelda thought, it's sick that women could wear such low cut dresses to where their things look like they are about to pop out. At least she as the decency to cover her body. And save that pleasure for a future husband. At least he respects women and doesn't treat them like some baby creating machine. She's heard stories from the local widows of how they were forced to make 'little workers' for the fields during harvest time. Creating a baby was risking your life. You either come with it, or it comes out on its own.
With all his chores, Link would probably come around five oclock. That's usually when he has enough time to travel to Hyrule Town. That should give her enough sleep until he would come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hold still Epona.... if you wanna go outside your stable, you need a good pair of shoes," mumbled Link as he held the iron nails bluntly in his mouth while hammering the thin piece of steel on her hind leg. Epona fussed as Link pulled out another U bent shoe and placed it under her hoof. Good thing he knew what he was doing now. Back when he first started with her, he must've broken several ribs every time he attempted it. Maybe the reason why he was having so much trouble was because he wore his Kokiri tunic today. He had gotten so use to pants that his tights had this feeling that nothing was there, and certainly gave his luggage a little discomfort. Always adjusting every few minutes.
Don't ask why he put the old thing on. Maybe cause liked to remember the good ol' times. Zelda was butch back then and damn it, it turned him on. But now, he's happier being friends with her. She was beautiful when he first saw her but now he enjoys her beauty within.
He's learned his lesson with Malon. You can lose a love, but a friendship is forever. If only he could figure out why she enjoyed dancing around in her underwear back then? It was practically midnight all the time and she seems so content on waking him up. He enjoyed sleeping with her but isn't she supposed to get some sleep too? Maybe he should think first before agreeing to a marriage next time. But at least she still served her yummy wheatcakes... or pancakes or whatever the hell you want to call them.
"Well, old girl. We better get to the castle. Long trip and I don't want to be stuck outside after dark," he said as he pulled a carrot out of a basket and placed it near her mouth. Epona's nose took a moment to sniff the tender, juicy vegetable before taking a big bite out of it till it was gone.
Malon walked towards him handing him his bow and quiver.
"You be careful now, ya here?" she said as she pulled out a skeleton key and opened the door. Link nodded his head once while once again mounting upon his horse. Link turned towards the opening, kicked his leather boots on Epona's side and shot out of the semi-fortress of Lon Lon Ranch.
Epona never ceased to amaze him. Her brilliant speeds that seem to tame time and ride it off like an arrow released from its bow. If only she was immortal. Then he could ride her forever.
The grass was a bit chilled due to the fast falling temperatures. Link leaned down and clutched her head as he felt the sharp wind blast his face. Navi said it was suppose to snow soon. It was a bit nippy, but not too bad. Probably cause he was so use to the roaring hot sun or a cool dark forest rather then a snowstorm.
*fling*
"OWW!!" screamed Link as he jerked the reins. Link turned towards his arm. A Diadran arrow was sticking right out.
"Oh sorry about that, I thought you were one of them!" Link turned to the left to see big Barba holding her bow to the side. Link about started to laugh when he noticed how small the poor pony was holding all 280 lb. of the big hefty woman. Probably the reason he didn't started laughing cause there was now a fairly large arrow jabbed in his arm.
"Don't worry about it," he mumbled as he pulled it out. Navi quickly flew towards his satchel and handed him a roll of white scraps that he collected for emergencies like this.
"Sorry Link, but we don't have anymore potion left."
"Its okay Navi, just let it go au' natural and let it scab. It won't bother me."
"HA!! BOUT' TIME YOU STARTED TO ACT LIKE A MAN! Why don't Barba go treat ya to a Red Devil. That'll kill the pain," she said as her little pony hopped a bit closer to Epona for Barba to give her a nice slap to the side. Epona reared and shot towards Hyrule Town with Barba following.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Link sat at the bar as Barba brought over a Red Devil. Link clutched his arm as he took a sip of the beverage.
"Damn this shit is strong," he cussed as his eyes widened a bit.
"Aww, come on, if you can take a wound like that, then shit, you should beable to take a Red Devil," she replied as she chugged her glass. Link turned towards a small bottle.
Inside it was a strange looking poe that was decked in green clothing.
"Is that one of the talking poes you told me about yesterday?"
"Damn straight!! This one was probably a gambler in its formal life," she pointed out as she pulled the poe jar from the corner. "See, its green clothing.... that symbolizes greed. Purple is for hate so it's the most common. White is for prejudice. Black is for pain...."
"What about yellow?" he asked as Navi changed the bandage on his arm.
"Yellow!?! HOT DAMMIT! Those are REALLY rare… that means it was royalty… you can make a fortune off one of those. However, they tend to be mighty feisty critters if you aren't careful since its unknown how it will react." Link turned towards the window. The sky was darkening to a pinkish red glow.
"Hey, listen, I appreciate the round but I gotta go now," said Link as Navi finished tying a nice pretty bow on his arm.
"You take care. SORRY 'BOUT THAT THERE ARM!!" she shouted as Link waved and ran towards the castle.
|X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X||X|X|X|X|
Zelda stood next the drawbridge with a small torch at hand. A wool shaw covered her shoulders as she waited for him to come. Zelda's eyes lit up as she saw the boyish hero riding through the castle gates. The guard took a moment to recognize his face before allowing him to pass. Zelda walked over and grabbed Epona's reins and guided her towards the royal stables. Link dismounted and followed her as she led him through the winding passageways. Epona lazily crashed on the pile of hay. Normally she would be standing up but she was still recovering from feeding on some spoiled grain. Link turned towards Zelda as she clutched her arms. Link reached over and grabbed her arm. A light pink streak was on there.
"Zelda.... this was healed... what happened?" he asked as she pulled it away from him.
"They thought I was mad and bleed me. They didn't believe me, Link. How could my father do this to me!" she pouted as she kicked a small rounded stone to the side. Link grabbed her arms.
"Chill, okay, look I believe you," he whispered comforting.
*In a pigs eye you do,* thought Navi as she slammed the telepathic remark while her arms crossed; sitting on his shoulder contempt. Link winced. He knew that she did that on purpose. Navi had this thing against lying.
*Look, that isn't helping. She needs confidence, not an insecurity that everyone thinks she is crazy,* he rasped back mentally.
*Well can you tell her that you aren't sure yourself?* she complained as she slammed her tiny hands on his wound.
"OWWW... some-of-a..." Link grimiced as he clutched the arrow wound.
"Oh sorry about that," spoke Navi as she patted it.
"Link what happened!" asked Zelda as she looked at the bloody bandage.
"Oh... just got mistaken for a poe.... that's all," he replied as the two walked through the corridor. King Harnikan sat at a large table as he watched the two ascend upstairs.
"Hmmm, I hope that she knows what she's doing," spoke the King as he swallowed another piece of chicken. Impa sat next to him.
"Give the child a break, if it will end her complaints of a poe in the tower then so be it."
Link's curious gaze whirled around him as he took in the sight of the grand hall. His body soon stopped.
"Wow..." he whispered. Zelda halted and stepped down to his level.
"These are the paintings of the Princesses and Princes who inhibited the tower... except for a few on over there. That was when Hyrule gained its independence from the Cypress Territory and when that had Lords and Ladies. Not a very good age I may add," she spoke as Link turned and touched the images.
"What about this one.... it doesn't have a name tag underneath."
It was true. The others had a gold bar that was indented with their name.
"I'm not sure. It was probably lost somewhere," she spoke as she grabbed his hand and led him to her room. Zelda turned back and pulled out her ocarina. There she played her lullaby and the white stone door appeared behind him.
"Now we won't have to worry about it escaping through the stairs," she spoke. Inside was her pink canopy bed and a wooden stool. The tower was of fairly large size maybe 20 by 20 feet. Hell lot bigger then Link's place at Lon Lon will ever be.
Link slumped right on the stool as Zelda calmly sat upon the bed.
"So.... all we do is wait?" he questioned.
Zelda nodded. She pulled her crown off and began to braid her silk golden strands.
"Until nightfall.... that is when it usually shows up," she spoke as she tied the end of her hair together.
Link slouched as he placed his bow on his lap. It was pretty much time to change the string now. He'd hate for it to break in battle. "That would suck," he giggled to himself as his steady hands strung it. He then pulled the string once to insure that it was securely fastened on. Zelda watched as the sun slowly began to descend to the sea from a distance. Her body shuddered clutching a small pillow into her chest. Her hands were shaking. Fear was erupting through her bones.
"I'm scared, Link," she whispered. Link walked over and sat by her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a good massage.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. Hey, if I can stop a demigod, then I could probably fair well against a stupid poe," his voice filled with a sense of confidence while he took his hand and beat his chest. Zelda smiled as she nuzzled her head under his chin.
A candle hushed.... the smoke rose from the air as Link turned towards the table.
The other candle.... hush... they were left in darkness. He could feel her nails dig into his shoulders. He cringed as she accidentally pushed against his arrow wound.
Link immediately got up and began pushing the bed aside. The more room, the better aim he would have. Zelda helped him by pushing the stool to the side. Link pulled out an arrow and his bow. He motioned for her to get behind him.
His eyes narrowed. Here was the hard part. Concentration. Surrounded by such delicate things.... especially the princess. There was a darkness in there.... something sinister.... something from the past?
"This is not right....." he spoke.
"What is it, Link?" He turned towards her.
"I've used this technique before.... to help me find the poes.... but this is weird.... it feels... ackward here.... you have far stronger telepathy.... use it...." he spoke. Zelda felt like a heel. Why didn't she thought of that earlier? She placed her hands on her temples as Link held his readied bow.
Zelda closed her eyes. Images.... of a beautiful dancer..... and a handsome man.... murdered..... bloodshed..... and beautiful betrayal...
"What does it mean?" she asked herself. Two flaming red eyes appeared. Link held his bow, ready to fire when it appears. The two flaming beads circled around them. Zelda's expression began to cringe. "Its never done 'THIS' before... it usually just sits by the window crying.... moaning.... unless... HOT... not in weather.... it meant.... Hero of...oh my god.... LINK LOOK OUT!!!" she screamed...
.... Seconds too late...
Link's eyes widened as the poe teleported behind and grasped him. Link screamed as he tried to pull it off. All of a sudden the poe stared down at his arrow wound. Soon it began to dissolve into a black ooze and crept inside. Link clutched his head as unfamiliar memories began to flash in his head.
"LINK!!!!" screamed Navi as she watched her partner screaming.
"ZELDA! NAVI!! HELP M…" Link ran around the room… his eyes… finally shot open while rolling back. His body became limp as he finally fell out of the window.
".... no...." she muttered. Zelda ran towards the broken glass. His body floated on the water... so still. Flocks of guards ran towards him.
"GET HIM OUT OF THE WATER!! IT'S BLOODY COLD IN THERE!!" shouted Captain Morris as a couple of solders stripped off their armor and dove in, pulling him towards the cold ground. A few maids ran outside with blankets, laying them on his blue, shivering body. One of them checked his breathing while Rauru, still in his nightwear ran towards Link. He carefully placed a hand on his forehead. A look of disbelief appeared on his face as he turned towards Zelda.
Link slowly motioned his head to the side… before he closes his eyes again and falling unconscious.