Part Eight: Euphoria- The Second Symphony
Chapter Twelve: Forbidden Memories
Romano (Link's body) sat against the wine barrel. His breath was staggering as his body felt like it was a million degrees higher than usual. Drinking was a favorite pastime of Romano's; having the after effects wasn't. His tolerance was so high that he could have won any drink-off he entered, had it not been taken as such a crude sport. Link was wrong about the unconscious bit, but the way he was feeling, he'd rather that be the case. He prefers his drinking as a way of elegance. Wine back then was also more focused on taste, rather than proofs. Then again, he did use the family secret to stay sober many times.
Link's stomach was acting up so bad that he was forced to stay next to the drainage due to amount of up chucking he has done thus far. Romano sighed as he waited for her to come. It took a lot of his strength, but he managed to send a psychic message without disturbing Link's side. Besides, he needed some time by himself; the problem with possessing people is that their thoughts, dreams and emotions tended to shift over to his side, and he's forced to bear whatever.
Link's dreams tended to be very queer indeed! One involved eating a mountain made of ice cream. Ice cream of all things!?! Where the bloody would you get that much ice cream at in Hyrule? Where the bloody would you get that much ice for ice cream at in Hyrule! Its nonsense for such a man his age to be thinking of such things!
Then again, tis' better to dream than to never dream at all. What exactly does he dream about? He's dead. He doesn't have the capacity to dream anymore. But what did he dream when he was alive? Maybe he didn't dream at all? Nah, that can't be it. Everyone dreams whether they like to or not.
Maybe he was bored? Maybe he was curious, or maybe trying to find a good dent at which he could use to exploit Zelda; but earlier, he found himself poking through the young lad's mind. It felt a lot like when he was much younger and was stealing peaks at his sister's diary just to see what dirty little things she wrote. Did he do this? He thinks but he can't quite remember. Everything has eroded from five hundred years ago.
Romano continued to poke around. It was the only thing he could do. Every time he attempted to get up, the floor looked like it was waving up and down like the top of the ocean. No point in going after Zelda in this condition although he should be utilizing a strategy right now. If he can? Why not just rip her apart? It was fun! It was also already attempted though.
He knew daylight was almost here. His vision was brightening up and his ability move his side of the body was fading fast until Link takes full control for the next twelve hours. He didn't have much time left judging by the amount of activity he could sense in the servant's area above them. Hyrule castle had always adhered to the same schedule for centuries. One major point was that the servants and maids were ready an hour before sunrise each morning. Judging by how long they've been stirring in their quarters, he probably had about five more minutes before he shuts down completely until nightfall.
"So what does one do to keep thy-self occupied in a wink of time?" Romano scratched his side of Link's face. Of all the people he has possessed over the years, this man has proven to be the weirdest. He says one thing but his thoughts are the exact opposite. He thinks of something, and his words are differentiated. His timeline seemed to be voided in the middle and his really early childhood looks blurred out. His mind is always lonely, disgruntled, and surprisingly moody. But his memories are almost as cheerful as a used coloring book. Usually it's the exact opposite. What an interesting find! Not only that but there memories in his head of things that hadn't occurred. Ganondorf as King? The castle destroyed? It made no sense! Nothing like this ever occurred; it should belong in imagination because of their false nature!
"Curiouser and curiouser," Romano mumbled on his side of the lips. He's never met such an enigma of a host before. Romano's hand twisted around the end of Link's stained cap while a smile burned on his side. Quite a strange sight when Link's side shows that of one in deep sleep with a trickle of drool on the side with his hand laying motionless on the ground.
Link's mind was a very perplexing network but he wanted something else to do. What can he do in such little time? Perhaps revise over lessons? Yes! "The average adult Goron eats approximately 634 pounds of rock. Article Five of the Hylian/Zora Water treaty states that all illegal dumping will be cleaned up by that race. How that is gone about is decided upon the current Lord or Lady. Hylians can live up to one hundred and thirty two years. However, Some have been known to live past one millennium if consuming a healthy daily diet of ambrosia. Pfft, I tried ambrosia once. I felt like I was swallowing a brick. The standard ratio of an army would be five foot, eight archers, two ravens, one phoenix, and one commander. There are only seventeen known dragons left in Hyrule."
He bit his pinky as he pondered a bit. Than harder.
Harder.
Harder.
Oh yes. Link's teeth were starting to sink into his flesh. Mmmmm, fresh blood. Good blood. His tongue flickered at the small drops that pumped slightly from the small piece of meat.
For some odd reason, he had the strangest craving for blood. Not this icky sticky cold gunk left over from hours ago. But fresh beautiful crimson life... he could play vampire! What a splendid idea! Yes! His arms groping Zelda's body, circling every bit that drives her crazy. Than, after filing down Link's teeth into fangs, he could bite into her neck; she wouldn't be able to scream... it's almost romantic... most certainly tragic. What a wonderful idea! But sadly, it's overdone. He could try ripping her up again but that seemed so yesterday. He will think of something. These were one of those times in which he wished Lauretta was by his side. He doesn't know why either. Why does he love her so? Why? His spirit yearns to be with her. His soul cries for her. "Lauretta... Lauretta... Lauretta... I love you... Where are you Lauretta... Why won't you come back to me... we promised... YES... he and she promised to be together always... GOOD... he still remembers... barely though. If he keeps repeating it; it will continue to survive.
Romano's side felt so heavy right now but he could detect her presence nearby. He could barely keep his side of Link's eye open. He had to hold on! Perhaps more random knowledge? "The temperature required for a page to burn is 415 degrees Fahrenheit. Hyrule Castle has thirteen hidden passageways or shelters. An average of five Hylians dies of disease each week.
Damn...
Romano gritted his teeth but it was too late. Now his hopes will have to remain on her to remedy the current situation. With the rising sun outside, the last of his control slips into a deep slumber. Romano's side slowly relaxes and conjoins with Link's side once more. Before, one half of Link would respond one way and the other the opposite. Link was whole again, at least for now.
The door flew open; Link's eyes shot open as a figure slowly descended down the stair case. He gazed at the Hylian soldier as he made his way through the door and quickly locked it tightly. Link turned down for a moment as moved his right arm. He shook it up and down and then did the same on the other.
"Where's Romano?" mumbled Link. Suddenly there was a deep throbbing in his head and a churning in his stomach. Link's hand clenched the wall while the other grabbed his stomach. His face turned a deep red as he sank to his knees and began to hurl into the drainage.
He groaned as he clenched his tummy. The scent of mildewed blood didn't help the situation either. Link turned to the soldier, wondering what he was going to do. After all, he never was arrested before. However, the soldier wasn't standing there anymore. Instead it was a woman. Her body was cloaked in a dragging silver garment that was bright as moonlight with a set of lips and hair as crimson as blood. Her long fingers daintily picked up a corner of her dress and proceeded to move down the stairs with the grace of royalty itself. She never drooped her head once, while her posture was so perfect that only people who had wooden boards strapped to their backs could duplicate. But her eyes and most of her face remained shaded. Her appearance strangely reminded him of a living Poe.
Link's face twisted in disbelief. "Where did the soldier go!?!" He knew there was one standing there. He knew it! But what happened to him?
The woman briefly replied: "What soldier? There never was a soldier, silly boy."
The woman reached in a small pouch that matched her dress so well that he didn't even know it was there until when she flipped the top opening revealing the blue velvet lining. Her hands produced a jar and two sets of cups. She walked towards Link and sat right in front. Link couldn't help noticing the pool of blood that was in front of him part like the Red Sea allowing a clean surface for the woman to sit.
Link picked up the two cups and studied their designs. They weren't smooth on the outside like a normal cup but rather if you turn them on the bottom...
"It's a white rose... the handle is a green leaf while the rest is shaped like a white rose..." Link mumbled as his eyes were examining the sheer novelty of the china. "Well isn't that cute," Link spoke as his thumb felt the small indentures.
The woman took his hand and pulled the cup back on the ground. She then uncorked the top of the jar and began to pour a warm liquid into each one of the cups. A small green smoke floated above the surface.
Although it did look odd, he didn't sense any danger from it. Link pulled the cup up to his nose and took a good whiff. "Why does it smell funny?"
"Its Prickly Cactus tea. Its good for you," she spoke as she sipped some.
Good for him? Sounds more like an excuse Malon would use to say that it's healthy but tastes like shit. "How is it good for me?" Link questioned as his ears and eyes drooped in suspicion. There will never be another liver and onions incident again!
"Because it cures hangovers... would like you some or do you prefer to poison that drain with your upchuck."
"Fill'er up!" Link's body felt as if slugs were crawling in his stomach. He didn't care if it was really cyanide; as long as he could hold his lunch, that's all the mattered. To his surprise, it wasn't half bad. Maybe a little on the acquired taste side; it had sort of a watery pear flavor to it. After three cups, he slowly began to ease his grip over his abdomen and sat up a bit straighter.
Link was about to stand up but felt a strange numbness in his legs. He turned down towards the cup and attempted to stand but it was like his lower body stopped responding. He pointed towards it but the woman shook her head.
"No, its normal house brewed prickle cactus tea. If you are wondering, no, I didn't add anything else. I just, don't want you to leave. After all, it is rude to leave in the middle of tea time, don't you agree?"
"Isn't tea time supposed to be in the afternoon?" spoke Link as scratched his head. He may not be the most well-mannered person around, but even he, Malon, Talon and Ingo have tea time.
"It's a midday activity, yes... but usually when Romano has a body to control, I come in the middle of the night, however; I was delayed... it took forever just to corner and slay a soldier just to steal his papers and looks. You must have been quite magnificent last night; I've never seen so many guards at every turn of the corner; except when "he" passed away. But enough about me... lets talk about you... you've surprised me... both in a good and a bad way. When I was first on the lookout for the perfect body for Romano, you seemed to stand out in your relationship with Zelda, not as old as her father, you seemed a competent fighter despite hardly any history of thievery or murders, and you possess no ability to repel mental attacks. But the question is... how exactly did you stop Romano from killing the fifth?" The woman tilted her head and began to rub slightly below her lips. "You know, you're just wasting energy..."
Link had already dragged himself almost three feet in the duration of the woman's speech. A large broken shard of glass from one of the wine bottles was almost within his grasp when suddenly it floated from the ground into the woman's hand. She held the smooth surfaces with two fingers as she tossed it in the drainage hole.
The woman waved her fingers. The strength that held Link's arms suddenly left as he felt himself falling against the floor like an anvil. The odd sensation of numbness began to settle in them as well. Link could only turn his head up towards her.
"What is she... is she a ghost; a Poe? What is she doing to me?" It was odd to see his arms so limp. It was like they were nothing but two sandbags strapped to his back. In a way it frightened him. He was paralyzed! He can think, he could move his eyes but his body is just lying here. "Move PLEASE MOVE!" he thought as he jerked his head back and forth causing his body to raise a little and fall back down over and over like a fish flopping out of water.
"You'll move when I tell you to move. By the way, you might as well speak your thoughts; I can hear them as if you were shouting at the top of your lungs. Without any psychic barriers you can't hide anything from me. Now relax... the daylight has come, and we will not work until night arrives and Romano awakens again in twelve hours. Sit up, behave, and drink your tea."
Link laid there pondering his situation. He can't perform any strategy if she knows what he will do and the only offense he could perform is to bite her... yeah, that would be real effective. He'd probably just leave teeth marks on that dress.
Link sighed as he laid and allowed the woman to position him into a sitting position. His arms tingled as feeling returned into them. Link looked down at the cup as she filled it up with more tea. Link somberly lifted the cup and slowly sipped it in his mouth. Link's head faced the ground. He doesn't like this. He was being watched from every angle. Not only that but it felt like invisible chains were tightening around his arms and legs. Then there was Romano who covered any ground that the woman covered, if there was any leftover ground. He doesn't know what this person's limitations are. Link turned towards her. Sadly, he still couldn't make out the rest of her face. The voice, it sounds like its being altered just so he couldn't figure who she was; does she do it so that he wouldn't recognize her?
"Recognize me? Why should I worry about you recognizing me when you're my prisoner? Beside, if you are wondering, I made a potion that allows my voice to become as high as I want or as low, otherwise there would be no point to sneaking here as a soldier if I couldn't speak."
Link gruffed. This is a lot more frustrating than he thought it would be. Frustrating as hell! And he didn't care if she did hear that. Hell, if she can hear his thoughts as if he was shouting than he hopes she goes deaf from it.
"You seem anxious. I told you, this is tea time, enjoy the tea my little butterfly."
"WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING TO ME! And why can I move ALL of my body but yet I still feel like Romano's still inside!"
The woman pulled out a lock of red hair and began to use the tip to tickle her nose. "You're possessed, or have you forgotten! The reason you have full control now is the same reason why Romano will take over later on. The Poe is a creature of the night. Its strength is so weak in the day that it is better for it to hide into darkness until the sun goes down. Possession is surprisingly a very complex task."
"Complex? I thought it just jumps into my body and that's it! And why did you call me a butterfly earlier?"
She leaned over to him and caressed his cheek. "In a way, you are a butterfly. Contrary to your beliefs, possession is not as simple as snapping one's fingers. In some cases, it is; but for a trinity Poe, it must go through a long process called megalosypnos (a/n that's Greek for big sleep for anyone who wants a 1 on intelligence). Now first, it must enter your body by converting its solid form into a liquid spiritual essence; after entering the body it must immediately go into the chrysalis stage where your mind shuts down except for any vital processes like breathing or blood pumping. While in this stage, it quickly spreads itself as thin as it can throughout the body until its dark color mixes in with your red blood. This adaptation was developed over time in trinity Poes to prevent detection from priests and nuns. That way they wouldn't be "purified" out of the body before it's too late. Believe me, they are a lot smarter than one thinks! I also thank the fact that most research on Poes was conducted on normal stupid Poes who spend their afterlife parading grave yards and getting caught in bottles. Any trinity Poe that is caught is always sold to a King because of the higher prices they give than poor researchers. What a joke! People would rather use Trinity Poes as parrots than as a way to benefit all of the people! But that's the way Kings and Queens work; instead of thinking of those who are normal humble beings, they must insure that what they do benefits them in triplicate."
Link stared at her; he couldn't see her eyes but the way her body slumped for the first time, it was obvious something struck inside that head of her. A memory? Tragedy? Rejection? He slowly backed away from the area. First an inch to test her, and then slowly he began to pull off his boot. If he could knock her unconscious long enough...
The woman shot up. Her eyes were glowing green as Link felt his body freeze up again. He felt himself being pulled back to his spot. Her face was barely illuminated under the hood. Her cheekbones were shaded in shadow while her face was twisted in a frown.
"We, my dear guest, ARE STILL HAVING TEA TIME! Don't be rude..."
He turned back down to his spot and held the cup of tea. "Could you go on?"
"Alright, after your body has absorbed the Poe's essence, then it immerses itself in your brain starting with the weaker half. Since you are obviously a left hander, and the left side is controlled with the right, than it would immerse itself with your left side of the brain. "
"But why half?"
"Again, to avoid detection, as long as your spirit remains as the dominate half, no one can tell the difference without slicing your body in half to compare and contrast. Now, when the time is right and the merging of half your mind is complete, the Poe enters a new stage, megalosxypno (big awakening). Here is when things become truly fascinating. The time when we'll see after all those weeks of waiting, what emerges from the cocoon: a butterfly, or a moth?"
"So, I turned out to be a butterfly?" mumbled Link as he scratched sat there motionless.
"Indeed! A beautiful, beautiful butterfly; I was very pleased with the results. Now, when a butterfly first emerges from its cocoon, it must be given time to allow its wings to dry and harden. You however, somehow emerged from first breath to the target within a matter of seconds. I thought we were going to have the fifth one before today. I never expected a farm boy to carry such a strong will though. The castle guard around here is five times the normal amount. Even if you do have skills with a sword, you will not be able to go through everyone. At least, not yet; although I have a trump card out there, we still have to deal with you first. We can't have you rebelling like that again; it's making things more 'difficult'."
"You're damn right I'll rebel. There's no way you'll make me lay a finger on her again. "
Her hand rose in front of her face. She snapped her fingers once as a long silver blade flew into the air and floated right in between the two. "Even in the face of your enemy you are willing to save her. Humph, you're wrong Link. Not only will you take the life of the fifth, but you will take great pleasure in it too. I could try to psy-control you like my two other pawns but, it's already a great strain on me as we speak. If I attempt you too, I'll lose one of them, and I can't afford for their covers to be blown yet. So instead, I think I'll just do it the old fashion way and persuade you into it."
Link had enough. He took his hand and slapped his cup over to the side causing it to roll over towards a wine rack. He stood straight up and grabbed a five thousand rupee bottle with his hand. "You're a fucking lunatic! I told you, I will NEVER help you. I will Die... you hear me... DIE before you make me repeat last night...." Link shouted as he smashed the bottom of the bottle and held the broken top in his grasp. Time felt like it was moving at a slower pace while the bottle was approaching the mysterious woman.
She took her red hair and began to tickle her nose. A strange reaction began to emerge from her. At first it sounded like crying but twisted into a form of psychotic laughter. "You honestly believe that death is the final solution? If that were the case, why is Romano running around?" The woman raised her hand. The bottle mysteriously was pulled out of Link's hand and his body froze into the stabbing position. The woman got up and began to circle him. "What an interesting pose you have there, Indeed!" Don't try to struggle. Right now, you've forfeited the right to freedom of movement. Romano mentioned how troublesome you are. I can see why he wanted me to take care of it. You have an unnaturally high amount of willpower. How this came to be is beyond me... but perhaps we can use this to our advantage."
Link struggled to move but it was useless. She somehow stopped not just his arms and legs from moving but his torso as well. The only thing he could do was to stare into her shaded face. Watching as she examined his face.
"So much blood on ye, but not one drop of it is yours. We must change that, my butterfly. You have the wings, but you have no flight. Perhaps we need to put you in your chrysalis a little bit longer." The woman pulled out a sack and placed it over his head. She than pulled out a silver dagger and a bottle of yellow ooze. She carefully spread it across the wide one foot blade's edge and allowed the liquid to bubble over the metal. Her lips twisted in a smile. With as much grace as a ballerina, she spun right behind his back. She lifted the blade into the air and made two deep gashes on his back. She had already prevented his jaw from any movement. She didn't want to hear his screams. Instead, she will dance to sweet piano in her mind!
The wounds sizzled as she twirled under his arm and slashed him again. She curtsied to his legs and produced two more cuts in the inner thigh. She than dipped into his stabbing arm, turned towards the front and concludes her rendezvous with a long deep gash across his chest taking some care to ensure a good flesh wound without hitting any major organs. The blood from the blade dripped from the tip. However each droplet repelled from her dress onto the ground. "Can you not scream, my lovely? Do not worry; you'll have plenty of time to do that after I take care of something." She reached over and placed her hand upon his covered head. "Now, relax your body... and sleep." With that command, Link's body once more falls flat on the ground. His wounds continued to sizzle as she ponders what form to take within his head. "Perfect..." she smirked as she found a good memory to take advantage of.
"Link! Wake up! Come on, Link!" shouted a figure at the front of Link's tree house. Link slowly sat up as he rubbed his eyes and emits a loud yawn. His young child eyes gazed over toward the door and immediately brightened up.
"Oh hey, Saria! What's up!" spoke Link as he threw his legs over to the side of the miniature bed. He immediately reached over as the young girl walked over. Link made room next to his bed and allowed her to sit by him.
Her green hair twinkled as she giggled quite cheerfully while crossing one leg over the other. Link took a moment to straighten his hair a little better before the child began to speak. "I'm doing quite lovely today. It's just so gorgeous! I can't think of the last time the sun shined in these parts. Now that we cut down all those branches, it will be a good deal for the upcoming saplings."
Link nodded as he slipped on his green cap. "I agree, although it was a pain trying to saw most of them from fifty feet in the air. Plus the fact that Mido kept leaving the safety rope to go to the bathroom."
Saria giggled. "He does have a short attention span doesn't he?"
"I've seen goldfish forget less."
Saria touched her cheek. "Oh my, that reminds me!"
Link looked over to her side. "What is it Saria?"
Saria turned to her other side and blushed. "Well, I figured since it was so nice out, that you could help me clear out my library so I can add new books in it! Since I don't have to worry about rain ruining them, it will make it much easier to do it now."
Link blinked. "Well of course I'll help you! But I don't know how to read so I don't know what good it will do for me to know which ones you want and don't want."
Saria smirked. "Don't worry, these are special books. These are books that even YOU can read!"
Link's eyes bogged out. "Whoa! Are they like picture books?"
"Well, not all of them. The best books however have lots of pictures. Although so do the worse."
"Well, I shouldn't be worrying if I can read or not. Alright, cool... we better head to your home right away that way we can finish before lunch! I heard we're having Totter Tats!"
"Oooooo, sounds delicious!"
Link frowned. "Saria, I thought you hated Totter Tats? Heck they even give you nasty hives all over your face and arms!"
Saria laughed as she slapped the back of Link's back. "Silly, I was... only kidding! Of course I hate Totter Tats!"
Link smiled as he nodded his head. "It's okay. I guess you sounded really convincing. Plus I didn't know if you got over your Totter Tats allergy."
"Nope! Now come on, let's hurry up! Chop Chop!" spoke Saria as she reached over and pulled Link from the bed.
"Hey Saria? Where your fairy, Deedledee?"
"Oh you mean my little puff of light thing... well it's... doing stuff," replied Saria as she tugged on his hand through the doorway and into a large white room. Link did a double take as he looked back at the door.
"How did we..." Link walked around as he pondered how he got from point A to point B.
"Link what are you talking about?" asked Saria as she approached a large vault.
Link spun around to her. "How did we get from my house to this place? And where exactly is this place?"
Saria giggled. "You didn't notice? Well you did look really out of it. It looked like you blanked out right after we left."
Link felt something wasn't right. For one thing, he always thought Saria was as illiterate as he was. But she did say these were special books. And it's SARIA! Why shouldn't he trust her? Although she was known to surprise him from time to time; like when she managed to make a coconut tree growing outside her house one time.
But that was the way things work. While Zelda had a great deal of psychic barriers, Link did not. People are innately born to trust their mind. After all, their mind is them and they are their mind. In this place where things are off and the norm seem distant; despite how queer, the mind accepts all memory as truth and as a reality.
Saria walked up and touched the lock.
"Link, could you come here for a second?" Link obeyed as he walked over towards it. The device had various gears and handles running across its surface. Saria reached down and grabbed his hand. "Link, could you open the vault for me?"
Link was taken aback. The thing looked five times more complicated than tying his boot laces! Not only that but the door was huge; he could probably sit on the handle or perform a cartwheel on it. Plus it looked heavy. Even the Deku tree would probably weigh less. "..."
"Yes, it does look a little overwhelming, but don't worry. Only you can open it if you desire. Just touch this panel, right here." She spoke as she guided his hand to a blue circle. Link cocked his eye as he felt the warm energy through his palm.
"Umm, Open... please..." he mumbled embarrassingly. However, all of a sudden, each gear began to twist and turn. The teeth of each one intertwined with each other while various golden levers began to shift. A pendulum swung back and forth within the door. The power of each thrust caused the door to inch wider and wider. Link and Saria ran to the side, out of the way of the gigantic object. Link was amazed at the thickness of the door as it pulled open. It was almost five feet deep of solid metal. "I didn't think your books were this important."
"These books are special books, Link. Even without a barrier, the mind still heavily guards against the thing that makes up its being. That's why only the extremely high levelers can reach this ..."
"Um Saria, what are you babbling about!?!"
"Nothing. Just nothing. But look Link, the door is opening; we are here in the great library." Saria held her hands at shoulder height as she gazed upon the vast amount of books that towered into the heavens. Dozens, maybe hundreds, of dark oak cases were around them in the circular room. Every single book was the same color except for one shelf that held dark red books. It was certainly a classy place. Link took a moment to pull off his boots and place them at the door. His toes clenched the warm cozy fibers of the green carpet below his feet.
Link began to search around to see if he could find any comic books while Saria ran over to a large round crystal located in the center of the room. Her hands began to circle over it. The bright white glow grew until a white smoke emitted and began to float over to a high bookshelf that looked like it was five stories high. Forty-eight books suddenly began to float down to ground level and stacked themselves neatly in groups of six. Saria picked up one of the books and began to browse through the index. "Yes, these are the right ones... Link could you... Link?"
Link was laying on his stomach as he was giggling over one of the picture books on the floor. "I know this; this was when I was short on money and served as a forest guide! That was a lot of fun, except for the fact that people kept mistaking mange for rabies on the squirrels. They would ask what mange was, and I would tell them it's like a really bad rash for animals. Then they would ask if their kids could get it. I told them only if they licked the squirrels would they get it."
Saria walked over and pulled him up from the floor. "Oh Link, you're so silly. But we'll have plenty of time to shift through books once we edit those," she spoke as she gestured toward the eight piles of books. Link walked over towards them and picked up one of the books. Despite the fact that it was almost as big as half of his body, there was no weight to it at all. He examined the dark green cover and rubbed his finger on the gold bindings. Despite its semi rough looking exterior, he was amazed that the pages were still clean and white without any yellowing on the outer edge.
Link flipped through to page 2034. The lettering within began to glow. "The rain was pouring hard as I stuttered through Kakoriko Village. I knew something was wrong from a distance as I smelled the faint odor of smoke and a rain of soot came blowing even from Lon Lon Ranch. When I got to the well, I noticed Sheik looking down the well muttering some sort of ancient anti-curse chant..."
Saria stood in front of him and plucked the book from his hands and began to rip the pages out. Link stared at her blankly. "Saria, why are you tearing out the pages? I thought it looked like an interesting story?"
Saria threw the pages in a small pile while still holding the binding in her right hand. "It maybe interesting to you Link, but I have something much more interesting. She walked over towards another set of purple books (in which Link had no idea where they came from), and began to flip through the index of each one. "Here it is, 'The Fire of Kakoriko'." With that, Saria took the green binding, opened it up and slipped the purple book inside. The gold binding of the green book fused with the purple until it looked no different than the original.
Saria grinned as she examined the new creation. "It's perfect... Alright Link... can you help me rip the rest of the pages out of the other books? Link?" Link was on the floor as he picked up the ripped pages. No longer did the lettering glow, allowing him to read. Instead, they were all scattered out of order with no direction what's so ever. Saria rolled her eyes as she grabbed Link by the shoulder and pulled him up. "Link, forget about those pages. This book is the exact replica of the old one, except it has been... tweaked up... now it's MUCH better to read than that old one. Now hurry up and help me rip the pages out of the rest of the books, okay?"
Link didn't like Saria's new tone of voice but, he does what she says. Poor Link; does he realize that without any psychic barriers, that he must by default accept all truth here? Unlike Zelda who was free to question the invader of her intellect, Link must do whatever is asked of him.
Still Saria noticed his puzzled face as he slowly pulled the pages out. He's doing his job, but he's far too slow; perhaps a little spice to jazz him up? She quickly wiped her stern face off and began to smile. She took out one of the green books, tore a page, wadded it up and smacked Link right in the middle of the forehead.
Link giggled as he grabbed one of the books from the pile and retaliated back by wadding TWO balls of paper and chucking them against her bangs. The two ran around the room dodging, flinging, and basically making a mess out of the area. Link would hide behind the crystal with a few dozen sheets of paper waiting for Saria to come up so he could toss them in her face like square-shaped snowflakes. Saria would make a little paper airplane and sent it through the air. Link, would just gawk at the thing before being attacked from behind by Saria's attempt to shove as many paper wads down his shirt.
It didn't take too long before the last of the green books in the pile was cleaned out. After flapping her head back and forth like a wet golden retriever in an effort to get the bits of paper out of her hair; Saria walked over and began to insert the purple book with the matching green binder.
"Hey Link, could you like pick up our mess and pile it somewhere away from the other books?"
Link, feeling more relaxed and in a happier mood than earlier, gave her a quick salute. "Sure thing, Saria; is there any place in particular that you want them at? We can make like ungodly amounts of paper mache... or... or we can use it to have a paper airplane contest with the rest of the Kokiri... or..."
"No Link, just pile it up. I have some plans for it," spoke Saria as she slipped another book within the green binder. Link nodded as he grabbed a large pile. He whistled as he walked out the vault door while Saria carefully watched him from the corner of her eye. "I should get this over with before I forget."
Saria ran over towards a set of red books. The book collection was much smaller with only twelve books on its shelf. She didn't want Link to see her going through this set in fear he would attempt to read it while she was not looking. Saria took the most recent book and began to flip the pages. "I woke up in the middle of the wine cellar to see a soldier up at the doorway...ah this is it..." Saria flipped ahead until she reached the blank pages. Saria ripped out the pages and pulled out a special pen. She quickly scribbled away while keeping an ear for Link's return. "...the soldier turned towards me with a wicked look in his eyes. He pulled out a long knife. I knew he was sent by Zelda to come and finish me off. That witch! Why is she doing this to me? First the courtyard and now she is having everyone in her army hunt me down like a dog. Is this the thanks I get? All of a sudden some woman with silver garments jumped right behind him and twisted his neck; breaking it in seconds. I couldn't hold consciousness after the amount of blood I lost from the courtyard."
Saria grinned wickedly at her work. Suddenly she could hear a small set of footsteps in the background. Saria slammed book, returned it to its place and ripped up the old papers. She ran back, taking a small shortcut by phasing through an oak table and back to the little area where she inserted the purple books in the green binders.
Link walked right in again to grab another armful of papers; whistling a small ditty as he exited back through the open vault. Saria finished the last book a few minutes later. She placed her hands on her work.
"There's an old saying from the Book... 'The past can never be altered by mere mortals. You can only look back and interpret it. However, if I can't alter the past, than the interpretation shall be changed to benefit my sweet revenge that I so desire! Oh Romano dear, you will be so proud of me... I hope you will forgive me! Say you will forgive me! Damn you Lauretta!" Saria's chest huffed up and down as her wide green eyes pulsed like they were about to bulge out. Her fingers dug deep into the green cover. Had they been real hands, her nails would've pushed back inside her skin from all the pressure she exerted on them.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. Link walked in front of her, taking the book and gave her a small hug. He took his hand and patted her back. "Saria, is everything okay? Is something wrong? You look really upset?" he asked as he could feel the rugged chest movements of hyperventilation. Link gazed down at Saria as he held her hands. "Saria, please tell me what's wrong! I don't like to see you upset."
Saria looked up as she faked a smile. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
"Oh okay. That's cool," replied Link with a thumb up. Saria gritted her teeth. Maybe she wanted him to say: No no, something's wrong! Please Saria, TELL ME! And she would be like: Oh Link, if only I could. And he would be like: Saria! I'm your friend, you can tell me anything. Sadly, that's the cruel reality of having someone who can't disagree with you.
But for someone to be concerned over her... oh how she craved it! Very few cared about her. Why should they? Devil Child they retorted! But he is right now! She liked feeling special. It sent a shiver down her back just knowing someone out there...
Alas she speaks not, and without a breath of conversation between them. She took his hand and guided him outside to where the large pile of paper was. It was almost two feet high; although it maybe because a lot of them were crumbled up in paper wads causing a slight exaggeration in height. Saria reached into her pocket and pulled out the pages she ripped out of the red book and dumped them into the pile. She turned towards him smiling from one cheek to the other. She then pulled out a tiny wooden box and handed it to Link.
Link took it and began to twiddle with its polygon-shape perfection. He then took his finger and pushed the inside, causing the rectangular box to open. He reached inside and pulled out one single match. He flipped the wooden box over to notice that one side was brown, with a rough striking surface on it. Link turned down towards the pile for a moment. Link tapped the end of match against the striking edge, watching as the small flame ignites at the small end. He took the burning twig and raised it to eye level. Why does he feel like this is a big mistake?
Saria examined the lad. Perhaps the mind is making a last ditch effort to prevent the destruction of its kin? It's not a common thing, but on the other hand, it's not much of a problem either. Saria reached up and surrounded her hands over the one Link was using to hold the match. "Link, come on... it'll be fun! After we get this done, we can go out and play together! You like to play don't you? Don't you?"
"Of course! Especially with you, Saria!" smiled Link.
"Trust me Link... after this... we'll have LOTS of fun. Just you, me..." she spoke as she released Link's hand and watched as the match fall to the pile below. "...and Romano." Saria grinned wildly as she watched the fire. First the paper would flutterer a little bit before twisting and scrunching into little black balls, almost like little black roses, the sign of the lady of death, the promise that soon ye will know something you did not know before. A bad omen.
"Wake up!"
Link's eyes shot open. He looked around the warm candle lit room examining his surroundings. Where is he? How did he get here? Link turned down to notice bandages over his wounds. A sharp pain emitted from each as she struggled not scream. They felt like someone was jabbing wooden splinters into each one. First his fingers dug at them, and then he tried a bullied effort to scratch at each gash but the pain felt like it was just getting worse. His body twisted back and forth, while shaking violently. His eyes were dilated as feelings like something was clamping his wounds tighter and tighter.
Suddenly a woman started running towards him and began to pull off his tunic. She jerked him back on his back and began to cut the bandages. She yanked them to the side while Link stared down at the yellowish pus that bubbled out of the gash and mixing with the blood like a sick erupting chain of volcanoes along his chest. Link's eye cornered the same yellow/reddish mixture on the ground and began to scratch wildly at his chest. Now after being exposed to the air, he felt like he was burning in certain areas. His skin was enflamed and turning redder by the second. The woman reached into her dress and pulled out a few bottles. She poured some sort of white gel on top of his chest and began to massage it, causing the wound's swelling to mellow down and the pain to on that area to halt. She turned towards the other gashes and did same. Link's breathing eased up as she pulled out some fresh bandages and began to dress the cuts once more.
"Dragon Eggshell mucus," she muttered as she pulled Link to a sitting position.
"What?" mumbled Link in a confused tone of voice while she tied the bandage on his back.
"Dragon Eggshell mucus; whenever a dragon lays its eggs, because it never returns back to the nest until they hatch, the dragon eggs are covered in a special mucus to prevent predators from attacking them. It is a type of acid that when it comes in contact with the flesh, it causes excruciating pain but never death. It's used a lot in Hyrule for torturing enemies into revealing what they know. Now lay down, your wounds will heal faster with proper rest. But where did you earn such injuries? Are you wanted by the castle guards? I did notice that there were many knights running around."
Link bit his lip as he struggled to think of how he got so badly beaten up. He searched his memories until suddenly his head felt very hot and his brain felt like it was throbbing. He clutched his head as a migraine erupted. "I... hold on..." he mumbled as he clutched his head.
The woman stared on. "His mind is still getting use to the new transfer of memories. Its taking on too much at it at a time," she thought as she reached over at his hands and pulled them away. "Easy now, young man. You can tell me later, just rest now."
Link lied back down. He sucked in some air through his nose as he gazed around the room. The place had an orange glow to it. Various dresses were hanging on one side while books, china, and toys in the other. Four manikins with white sheets over their bodies were placed on the side while in another corner was a mountain of stuffed animals and dolls. He didn't know if he was in some prop closet or a daycare. "What is this place? How did we get here?"
The woman walked over and grabbed an old cotton blanket. She laid it on top of him while snatching the old bloody tunic. "You're in my home. At least it's what I call it. We are still in the castle, but I snuck you from the wine room to here in a traveling gin keg. By the way, if you can't dislocate your right shoulder; you can now."
Link looked down for a moment, "Wait! We're you the one..." Link clutched his temples as a migraine the size of boulder throbbed. "...you were the one who killed... that soldier... weren't..."
"Shhhh!" ordered the woman as she began to massage his temples. She had NEVER seen someone's mind revolt against memory changes? Nevertheless, with time, his mind will adjust to the changes. As long as he can speak out the new ones, he'll be fine. Persistent headaches were a common aftereffect. But she best be on the look out for any other signs.
"...thank you..." Link mumbled as he looked up.
Even if he did look beat up, he still had a cute face. The woman knelt down and hugged him while Link took one arm and patted her back. Her face soured though. Not too long ago, he was threatening her with a bottle. Now look at him, he's being just as kind as he was back when she invaded his memory bank. But this was false kindness. The woman that he believed that rescued him from the dark pits of a wine cellar to a secret room where she tended his wounds and treated him hand and foot was no more than one of a thousand characters she created. But why should she worry about herself? This is all for Romano. She has tamed the unruly servant and now he is free to do as Romano pleases at night!
"...by the way... what's your name... you never told me what it was." The woman blushed slightly as she brought her lips to his pointed ear and began to whisper it. Link raised an eyebrow. "Really? I never knew you were a Princess, that's pretty cool!" spoke Link as he smiled a bit.
"Yes, I also practice sorcery as well, but Princess has a more... pleasant tone to it," she spoke as she took the end of her hair and tickled her nose with it. He was handsome, unlike Romano's past hosts. Perhaps things will work out much better than planned. He was as sweet and caring as Romano in his former life. Also if his memories prove correct, he also has a good relationship with the Gerudo. Maybe not Ganondorf but that only sweetens package. But it could work out. After all, unlike Romano, Link wasn't related to her, plus she was getting lonely with Romano continually losing more and more of his humanity with each passing night. Sometimes Romano could be utterly terrifying and extremely demonic. His only humanity he has left is his constant infatuation with Lauretta, Lauretta! Oh how she hated that woman so! May she rot in the Pit of Heads for all eternity, forever strapped to that giant tree with the worms nibbling at her meat and sucking the liquid from her powdered eyes!
But she still felt lonely at times. She has tried for five centuries to make Romano truly hers only to fail to a desert rat. Why not add another man in her life? "Link, what did Zelda...?"
His face grimaced a bit as he felt his chest wound, "Please don't mention that name around me."
To Be Continued
Chapter Twelve: Forbidden Memories
Romano (Link's body) sat against the wine barrel. His breath was staggering as his body felt like it was a million degrees higher than usual. Drinking was a favorite pastime of Romano's; having the after effects wasn't. His tolerance was so high that he could have won any drink-off he entered, had it not been taken as such a crude sport. Link was wrong about the unconscious bit, but the way he was feeling, he'd rather that be the case. He prefers his drinking as a way of elegance. Wine back then was also more focused on taste, rather than proofs. Then again, he did use the family secret to stay sober many times.
Link's stomach was acting up so bad that he was forced to stay next to the drainage due to amount of up chucking he has done thus far. Romano sighed as he waited for her to come. It took a lot of his strength, but he managed to send a psychic message without disturbing Link's side. Besides, he needed some time by himself; the problem with possessing people is that their thoughts, dreams and emotions tended to shift over to his side, and he's forced to bear whatever.
Link's dreams tended to be very queer indeed! One involved eating a mountain made of ice cream. Ice cream of all things!?! Where the bloody would you get that much ice cream at in Hyrule? Where the bloody would you get that much ice for ice cream at in Hyrule! Its nonsense for such a man his age to be thinking of such things!
Then again, tis' better to dream than to never dream at all. What exactly does he dream about? He's dead. He doesn't have the capacity to dream anymore. But what did he dream when he was alive? Maybe he didn't dream at all? Nah, that can't be it. Everyone dreams whether they like to or not.
Maybe he was bored? Maybe he was curious, or maybe trying to find a good dent at which he could use to exploit Zelda; but earlier, he found himself poking through the young lad's mind. It felt a lot like when he was much younger and was stealing peaks at his sister's diary just to see what dirty little things she wrote. Did he do this? He thinks but he can't quite remember. Everything has eroded from five hundred years ago.
Romano continued to poke around. It was the only thing he could do. Every time he attempted to get up, the floor looked like it was waving up and down like the top of the ocean. No point in going after Zelda in this condition although he should be utilizing a strategy right now. If he can? Why not just rip her apart? It was fun! It was also already attempted though.
He knew daylight was almost here. His vision was brightening up and his ability move his side of the body was fading fast until Link takes full control for the next twelve hours. He didn't have much time left judging by the amount of activity he could sense in the servant's area above them. Hyrule castle had always adhered to the same schedule for centuries. One major point was that the servants and maids were ready an hour before sunrise each morning. Judging by how long they've been stirring in their quarters, he probably had about five more minutes before he shuts down completely until nightfall.
"So what does one do to keep thy-self occupied in a wink of time?" Romano scratched his side of Link's face. Of all the people he has possessed over the years, this man has proven to be the weirdest. He says one thing but his thoughts are the exact opposite. He thinks of something, and his words are differentiated. His timeline seemed to be voided in the middle and his really early childhood looks blurred out. His mind is always lonely, disgruntled, and surprisingly moody. But his memories are almost as cheerful as a used coloring book. Usually it's the exact opposite. What an interesting find! Not only that but there memories in his head of things that hadn't occurred. Ganondorf as King? The castle destroyed? It made no sense! Nothing like this ever occurred; it should belong in imagination because of their false nature!
"Curiouser and curiouser," Romano mumbled on his side of the lips. He's never met such an enigma of a host before. Romano's hand twisted around the end of Link's stained cap while a smile burned on his side. Quite a strange sight when Link's side shows that of one in deep sleep with a trickle of drool on the side with his hand laying motionless on the ground.
Link's mind was a very perplexing network but he wanted something else to do. What can he do in such little time? Perhaps revise over lessons? Yes! "The average adult Goron eats approximately 634 pounds of rock. Article Five of the Hylian/Zora Water treaty states that all illegal dumping will be cleaned up by that race. How that is gone about is decided upon the current Lord or Lady. Hylians can live up to one hundred and thirty two years. However, Some have been known to live past one millennium if consuming a healthy daily diet of ambrosia. Pfft, I tried ambrosia once. I felt like I was swallowing a brick. The standard ratio of an army would be five foot, eight archers, two ravens, one phoenix, and one commander. There are only seventeen known dragons left in Hyrule."
He bit his pinky as he pondered a bit. Than harder.
Harder.
Harder.
Oh yes. Link's teeth were starting to sink into his flesh. Mmmmm, fresh blood. Good blood. His tongue flickered at the small drops that pumped slightly from the small piece of meat.
For some odd reason, he had the strangest craving for blood. Not this icky sticky cold gunk left over from hours ago. But fresh beautiful crimson life... he could play vampire! What a splendid idea! Yes! His arms groping Zelda's body, circling every bit that drives her crazy. Than, after filing down Link's teeth into fangs, he could bite into her neck; she wouldn't be able to scream... it's almost romantic... most certainly tragic. What a wonderful idea! But sadly, it's overdone. He could try ripping her up again but that seemed so yesterday. He will think of something. These were one of those times in which he wished Lauretta was by his side. He doesn't know why either. Why does he love her so? Why? His spirit yearns to be with her. His soul cries for her. "Lauretta... Lauretta... Lauretta... I love you... Where are you Lauretta... Why won't you come back to me... we promised... YES... he and she promised to be together always... GOOD... he still remembers... barely though. If he keeps repeating it; it will continue to survive.
Romano's side felt so heavy right now but he could detect her presence nearby. He could barely keep his side of Link's eye open. He had to hold on! Perhaps more random knowledge? "The temperature required for a page to burn is 415 degrees Fahrenheit. Hyrule Castle has thirteen hidden passageways or shelters. An average of five Hylians dies of disease each week.
Damn...
Romano gritted his teeth but it was too late. Now his hopes will have to remain on her to remedy the current situation. With the rising sun outside, the last of his control slips into a deep slumber. Romano's side slowly relaxes and conjoins with Link's side once more. Before, one half of Link would respond one way and the other the opposite. Link was whole again, at least for now.
The door flew open; Link's eyes shot open as a figure slowly descended down the stair case. He gazed at the Hylian soldier as he made his way through the door and quickly locked it tightly. Link turned down for a moment as moved his right arm. He shook it up and down and then did the same on the other.
"Where's Romano?" mumbled Link. Suddenly there was a deep throbbing in his head and a churning in his stomach. Link's hand clenched the wall while the other grabbed his stomach. His face turned a deep red as he sank to his knees and began to hurl into the drainage.
He groaned as he clenched his tummy. The scent of mildewed blood didn't help the situation either. Link turned to the soldier, wondering what he was going to do. After all, he never was arrested before. However, the soldier wasn't standing there anymore. Instead it was a woman. Her body was cloaked in a dragging silver garment that was bright as moonlight with a set of lips and hair as crimson as blood. Her long fingers daintily picked up a corner of her dress and proceeded to move down the stairs with the grace of royalty itself. She never drooped her head once, while her posture was so perfect that only people who had wooden boards strapped to their backs could duplicate. But her eyes and most of her face remained shaded. Her appearance strangely reminded him of a living Poe.
Link's face twisted in disbelief. "Where did the soldier go!?!" He knew there was one standing there. He knew it! But what happened to him?
The woman briefly replied: "What soldier? There never was a soldier, silly boy."
The woman reached in a small pouch that matched her dress so well that he didn't even know it was there until when she flipped the top opening revealing the blue velvet lining. Her hands produced a jar and two sets of cups. She walked towards Link and sat right in front. Link couldn't help noticing the pool of blood that was in front of him part like the Red Sea allowing a clean surface for the woman to sit.
Link picked up the two cups and studied their designs. They weren't smooth on the outside like a normal cup but rather if you turn them on the bottom...
"It's a white rose... the handle is a green leaf while the rest is shaped like a white rose..." Link mumbled as his eyes were examining the sheer novelty of the china. "Well isn't that cute," Link spoke as his thumb felt the small indentures.
The woman took his hand and pulled the cup back on the ground. She then uncorked the top of the jar and began to pour a warm liquid into each one of the cups. A small green smoke floated above the surface.
Although it did look odd, he didn't sense any danger from it. Link pulled the cup up to his nose and took a good whiff. "Why does it smell funny?"
"Its Prickly Cactus tea. Its good for you," she spoke as she sipped some.
Good for him? Sounds more like an excuse Malon would use to say that it's healthy but tastes like shit. "How is it good for me?" Link questioned as his ears and eyes drooped in suspicion. There will never be another liver and onions incident again!
"Because it cures hangovers... would like you some or do you prefer to poison that drain with your upchuck."
"Fill'er up!" Link's body felt as if slugs were crawling in his stomach. He didn't care if it was really cyanide; as long as he could hold his lunch, that's all the mattered. To his surprise, it wasn't half bad. Maybe a little on the acquired taste side; it had sort of a watery pear flavor to it. After three cups, he slowly began to ease his grip over his abdomen and sat up a bit straighter.
Link was about to stand up but felt a strange numbness in his legs. He turned down towards the cup and attempted to stand but it was like his lower body stopped responding. He pointed towards it but the woman shook her head.
"No, its normal house brewed prickle cactus tea. If you are wondering, no, I didn't add anything else. I just, don't want you to leave. After all, it is rude to leave in the middle of tea time, don't you agree?"
"Isn't tea time supposed to be in the afternoon?" spoke Link as scratched his head. He may not be the most well-mannered person around, but even he, Malon, Talon and Ingo have tea time.
"It's a midday activity, yes... but usually when Romano has a body to control, I come in the middle of the night, however; I was delayed... it took forever just to corner and slay a soldier just to steal his papers and looks. You must have been quite magnificent last night; I've never seen so many guards at every turn of the corner; except when "he" passed away. But enough about me... lets talk about you... you've surprised me... both in a good and a bad way. When I was first on the lookout for the perfect body for Romano, you seemed to stand out in your relationship with Zelda, not as old as her father, you seemed a competent fighter despite hardly any history of thievery or murders, and you possess no ability to repel mental attacks. But the question is... how exactly did you stop Romano from killing the fifth?" The woman tilted her head and began to rub slightly below her lips. "You know, you're just wasting energy..."
Link had already dragged himself almost three feet in the duration of the woman's speech. A large broken shard of glass from one of the wine bottles was almost within his grasp when suddenly it floated from the ground into the woman's hand. She held the smooth surfaces with two fingers as she tossed it in the drainage hole.
The woman waved her fingers. The strength that held Link's arms suddenly left as he felt himself falling against the floor like an anvil. The odd sensation of numbness began to settle in them as well. Link could only turn his head up towards her.
"What is she... is she a ghost; a Poe? What is she doing to me?" It was odd to see his arms so limp. It was like they were nothing but two sandbags strapped to his back. In a way it frightened him. He was paralyzed! He can think, he could move his eyes but his body is just lying here. "Move PLEASE MOVE!" he thought as he jerked his head back and forth causing his body to raise a little and fall back down over and over like a fish flopping out of water.
"You'll move when I tell you to move. By the way, you might as well speak your thoughts; I can hear them as if you were shouting at the top of your lungs. Without any psychic barriers you can't hide anything from me. Now relax... the daylight has come, and we will not work until night arrives and Romano awakens again in twelve hours. Sit up, behave, and drink your tea."
Link laid there pondering his situation. He can't perform any strategy if she knows what he will do and the only offense he could perform is to bite her... yeah, that would be real effective. He'd probably just leave teeth marks on that dress.
Link sighed as he laid and allowed the woman to position him into a sitting position. His arms tingled as feeling returned into them. Link looked down at the cup as she filled it up with more tea. Link somberly lifted the cup and slowly sipped it in his mouth. Link's head faced the ground. He doesn't like this. He was being watched from every angle. Not only that but it felt like invisible chains were tightening around his arms and legs. Then there was Romano who covered any ground that the woman covered, if there was any leftover ground. He doesn't know what this person's limitations are. Link turned towards her. Sadly, he still couldn't make out the rest of her face. The voice, it sounds like its being altered just so he couldn't figure who she was; does she do it so that he wouldn't recognize her?
"Recognize me? Why should I worry about you recognizing me when you're my prisoner? Beside, if you are wondering, I made a potion that allows my voice to become as high as I want or as low, otherwise there would be no point to sneaking here as a soldier if I couldn't speak."
Link gruffed. This is a lot more frustrating than he thought it would be. Frustrating as hell! And he didn't care if she did hear that. Hell, if she can hear his thoughts as if he was shouting than he hopes she goes deaf from it.
"You seem anxious. I told you, this is tea time, enjoy the tea my little butterfly."
"WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING TO ME! And why can I move ALL of my body but yet I still feel like Romano's still inside!"
The woman pulled out a lock of red hair and began to use the tip to tickle her nose. "You're possessed, or have you forgotten! The reason you have full control now is the same reason why Romano will take over later on. The Poe is a creature of the night. Its strength is so weak in the day that it is better for it to hide into darkness until the sun goes down. Possession is surprisingly a very complex task."
"Complex? I thought it just jumps into my body and that's it! And why did you call me a butterfly earlier?"
She leaned over to him and caressed his cheek. "In a way, you are a butterfly. Contrary to your beliefs, possession is not as simple as snapping one's fingers. In some cases, it is; but for a trinity Poe, it must go through a long process called megalosypnos (a/n that's Greek for big sleep for anyone who wants a 1 on intelligence). Now first, it must enter your body by converting its solid form into a liquid spiritual essence; after entering the body it must immediately go into the chrysalis stage where your mind shuts down except for any vital processes like breathing or blood pumping. While in this stage, it quickly spreads itself as thin as it can throughout the body until its dark color mixes in with your red blood. This adaptation was developed over time in trinity Poes to prevent detection from priests and nuns. That way they wouldn't be "purified" out of the body before it's too late. Believe me, they are a lot smarter than one thinks! I also thank the fact that most research on Poes was conducted on normal stupid Poes who spend their afterlife parading grave yards and getting caught in bottles. Any trinity Poe that is caught is always sold to a King because of the higher prices they give than poor researchers. What a joke! People would rather use Trinity Poes as parrots than as a way to benefit all of the people! But that's the way Kings and Queens work; instead of thinking of those who are normal humble beings, they must insure that what they do benefits them in triplicate."
Link stared at her; he couldn't see her eyes but the way her body slumped for the first time, it was obvious something struck inside that head of her. A memory? Tragedy? Rejection? He slowly backed away from the area. First an inch to test her, and then slowly he began to pull off his boot. If he could knock her unconscious long enough...
The woman shot up. Her eyes were glowing green as Link felt his body freeze up again. He felt himself being pulled back to his spot. Her face was barely illuminated under the hood. Her cheekbones were shaded in shadow while her face was twisted in a frown.
"We, my dear guest, ARE STILL HAVING TEA TIME! Don't be rude..."
He turned back down to his spot and held the cup of tea. "Could you go on?"
"Alright, after your body has absorbed the Poe's essence, then it immerses itself in your brain starting with the weaker half. Since you are obviously a left hander, and the left side is controlled with the right, than it would immerse itself with your left side of the brain. "
"But why half?"
"Again, to avoid detection, as long as your spirit remains as the dominate half, no one can tell the difference without slicing your body in half to compare and contrast. Now, when the time is right and the merging of half your mind is complete, the Poe enters a new stage, megalosxypno (big awakening). Here is when things become truly fascinating. The time when we'll see after all those weeks of waiting, what emerges from the cocoon: a butterfly, or a moth?"
"So, I turned out to be a butterfly?" mumbled Link as he scratched sat there motionless.
"Indeed! A beautiful, beautiful butterfly; I was very pleased with the results. Now, when a butterfly first emerges from its cocoon, it must be given time to allow its wings to dry and harden. You however, somehow emerged from first breath to the target within a matter of seconds. I thought we were going to have the fifth one before today. I never expected a farm boy to carry such a strong will though. The castle guard around here is five times the normal amount. Even if you do have skills with a sword, you will not be able to go through everyone. At least, not yet; although I have a trump card out there, we still have to deal with you first. We can't have you rebelling like that again; it's making things more 'difficult'."
"You're damn right I'll rebel. There's no way you'll make me lay a finger on her again. "
Her hand rose in front of her face. She snapped her fingers once as a long silver blade flew into the air and floated right in between the two. "Even in the face of your enemy you are willing to save her. Humph, you're wrong Link. Not only will you take the life of the fifth, but you will take great pleasure in it too. I could try to psy-control you like my two other pawns but, it's already a great strain on me as we speak. If I attempt you too, I'll lose one of them, and I can't afford for their covers to be blown yet. So instead, I think I'll just do it the old fashion way and persuade you into it."
Link had enough. He took his hand and slapped his cup over to the side causing it to roll over towards a wine rack. He stood straight up and grabbed a five thousand rupee bottle with his hand. "You're a fucking lunatic! I told you, I will NEVER help you. I will Die... you hear me... DIE before you make me repeat last night...." Link shouted as he smashed the bottom of the bottle and held the broken top in his grasp. Time felt like it was moving at a slower pace while the bottle was approaching the mysterious woman.
She took her red hair and began to tickle her nose. A strange reaction began to emerge from her. At first it sounded like crying but twisted into a form of psychotic laughter. "You honestly believe that death is the final solution? If that were the case, why is Romano running around?" The woman raised her hand. The bottle mysteriously was pulled out of Link's hand and his body froze into the stabbing position. The woman got up and began to circle him. "What an interesting pose you have there, Indeed!" Don't try to struggle. Right now, you've forfeited the right to freedom of movement. Romano mentioned how troublesome you are. I can see why he wanted me to take care of it. You have an unnaturally high amount of willpower. How this came to be is beyond me... but perhaps we can use this to our advantage."
Link struggled to move but it was useless. She somehow stopped not just his arms and legs from moving but his torso as well. The only thing he could do was to stare into her shaded face. Watching as she examined his face.
"So much blood on ye, but not one drop of it is yours. We must change that, my butterfly. You have the wings, but you have no flight. Perhaps we need to put you in your chrysalis a little bit longer." The woman pulled out a sack and placed it over his head. She than pulled out a silver dagger and a bottle of yellow ooze. She carefully spread it across the wide one foot blade's edge and allowed the liquid to bubble over the metal. Her lips twisted in a smile. With as much grace as a ballerina, she spun right behind his back. She lifted the blade into the air and made two deep gashes on his back. She had already prevented his jaw from any movement. She didn't want to hear his screams. Instead, she will dance to sweet piano in her mind!
The wounds sizzled as she twirled under his arm and slashed him again. She curtsied to his legs and produced two more cuts in the inner thigh. She than dipped into his stabbing arm, turned towards the front and concludes her rendezvous with a long deep gash across his chest taking some care to ensure a good flesh wound without hitting any major organs. The blood from the blade dripped from the tip. However each droplet repelled from her dress onto the ground. "Can you not scream, my lovely? Do not worry; you'll have plenty of time to do that after I take care of something." She reached over and placed her hand upon his covered head. "Now, relax your body... and sleep." With that command, Link's body once more falls flat on the ground. His wounds continued to sizzle as she ponders what form to take within his head. "Perfect..." she smirked as she found a good memory to take advantage of.
"Link! Wake up! Come on, Link!" shouted a figure at the front of Link's tree house. Link slowly sat up as he rubbed his eyes and emits a loud yawn. His young child eyes gazed over toward the door and immediately brightened up.
"Oh hey, Saria! What's up!" spoke Link as he threw his legs over to the side of the miniature bed. He immediately reached over as the young girl walked over. Link made room next to his bed and allowed her to sit by him.
Her green hair twinkled as she giggled quite cheerfully while crossing one leg over the other. Link took a moment to straighten his hair a little better before the child began to speak. "I'm doing quite lovely today. It's just so gorgeous! I can't think of the last time the sun shined in these parts. Now that we cut down all those branches, it will be a good deal for the upcoming saplings."
Link nodded as he slipped on his green cap. "I agree, although it was a pain trying to saw most of them from fifty feet in the air. Plus the fact that Mido kept leaving the safety rope to go to the bathroom."
Saria giggled. "He does have a short attention span doesn't he?"
"I've seen goldfish forget less."
Saria touched her cheek. "Oh my, that reminds me!"
Link looked over to her side. "What is it Saria?"
Saria turned to her other side and blushed. "Well, I figured since it was so nice out, that you could help me clear out my library so I can add new books in it! Since I don't have to worry about rain ruining them, it will make it much easier to do it now."
Link blinked. "Well of course I'll help you! But I don't know how to read so I don't know what good it will do for me to know which ones you want and don't want."
Saria smirked. "Don't worry, these are special books. These are books that even YOU can read!"
Link's eyes bogged out. "Whoa! Are they like picture books?"
"Well, not all of them. The best books however have lots of pictures. Although so do the worse."
"Well, I shouldn't be worrying if I can read or not. Alright, cool... we better head to your home right away that way we can finish before lunch! I heard we're having Totter Tats!"
"Oooooo, sounds delicious!"
Link frowned. "Saria, I thought you hated Totter Tats? Heck they even give you nasty hives all over your face and arms!"
Saria laughed as she slapped the back of Link's back. "Silly, I was... only kidding! Of course I hate Totter Tats!"
Link smiled as he nodded his head. "It's okay. I guess you sounded really convincing. Plus I didn't know if you got over your Totter Tats allergy."
"Nope! Now come on, let's hurry up! Chop Chop!" spoke Saria as she reached over and pulled Link from the bed.
"Hey Saria? Where your fairy, Deedledee?"
"Oh you mean my little puff of light thing... well it's... doing stuff," replied Saria as she tugged on his hand through the doorway and into a large white room. Link did a double take as he looked back at the door.
"How did we..." Link walked around as he pondered how he got from point A to point B.
"Link what are you talking about?" asked Saria as she approached a large vault.
Link spun around to her. "How did we get from my house to this place? And where exactly is this place?"
Saria giggled. "You didn't notice? Well you did look really out of it. It looked like you blanked out right after we left."
Link felt something wasn't right. For one thing, he always thought Saria was as illiterate as he was. But she did say these were special books. And it's SARIA! Why shouldn't he trust her? Although she was known to surprise him from time to time; like when she managed to make a coconut tree growing outside her house one time.
But that was the way things work. While Zelda had a great deal of psychic barriers, Link did not. People are innately born to trust their mind. After all, their mind is them and they are their mind. In this place where things are off and the norm seem distant; despite how queer, the mind accepts all memory as truth and as a reality.
Saria walked up and touched the lock.
"Link, could you come here for a second?" Link obeyed as he walked over towards it. The device had various gears and handles running across its surface. Saria reached down and grabbed his hand. "Link, could you open the vault for me?"
Link was taken aback. The thing looked five times more complicated than tying his boot laces! Not only that but the door was huge; he could probably sit on the handle or perform a cartwheel on it. Plus it looked heavy. Even the Deku tree would probably weigh less. "..."
"Yes, it does look a little overwhelming, but don't worry. Only you can open it if you desire. Just touch this panel, right here." She spoke as she guided his hand to a blue circle. Link cocked his eye as he felt the warm energy through his palm.
"Umm, Open... please..." he mumbled embarrassingly. However, all of a sudden, each gear began to twist and turn. The teeth of each one intertwined with each other while various golden levers began to shift. A pendulum swung back and forth within the door. The power of each thrust caused the door to inch wider and wider. Link and Saria ran to the side, out of the way of the gigantic object. Link was amazed at the thickness of the door as it pulled open. It was almost five feet deep of solid metal. "I didn't think your books were this important."
"These books are special books, Link. Even without a barrier, the mind still heavily guards against the thing that makes up its being. That's why only the extremely high levelers can reach this ..."
"Um Saria, what are you babbling about!?!"
"Nothing. Just nothing. But look Link, the door is opening; we are here in the great library." Saria held her hands at shoulder height as she gazed upon the vast amount of books that towered into the heavens. Dozens, maybe hundreds, of dark oak cases were around them in the circular room. Every single book was the same color except for one shelf that held dark red books. It was certainly a classy place. Link took a moment to pull off his boots and place them at the door. His toes clenched the warm cozy fibers of the green carpet below his feet.
Link began to search around to see if he could find any comic books while Saria ran over to a large round crystal located in the center of the room. Her hands began to circle over it. The bright white glow grew until a white smoke emitted and began to float over to a high bookshelf that looked like it was five stories high. Forty-eight books suddenly began to float down to ground level and stacked themselves neatly in groups of six. Saria picked up one of the books and began to browse through the index. "Yes, these are the right ones... Link could you... Link?"
Link was laying on his stomach as he was giggling over one of the picture books on the floor. "I know this; this was when I was short on money and served as a forest guide! That was a lot of fun, except for the fact that people kept mistaking mange for rabies on the squirrels. They would ask what mange was, and I would tell them it's like a really bad rash for animals. Then they would ask if their kids could get it. I told them only if they licked the squirrels would they get it."
Saria walked over and pulled him up from the floor. "Oh Link, you're so silly. But we'll have plenty of time to shift through books once we edit those," she spoke as she gestured toward the eight piles of books. Link walked over towards them and picked up one of the books. Despite the fact that it was almost as big as half of his body, there was no weight to it at all. He examined the dark green cover and rubbed his finger on the gold bindings. Despite its semi rough looking exterior, he was amazed that the pages were still clean and white without any yellowing on the outer edge.
Link flipped through to page 2034. The lettering within began to glow. "The rain was pouring hard as I stuttered through Kakoriko Village. I knew something was wrong from a distance as I smelled the faint odor of smoke and a rain of soot came blowing even from Lon Lon Ranch. When I got to the well, I noticed Sheik looking down the well muttering some sort of ancient anti-curse chant..."
Saria stood in front of him and plucked the book from his hands and began to rip the pages out. Link stared at her blankly. "Saria, why are you tearing out the pages? I thought it looked like an interesting story?"
Saria threw the pages in a small pile while still holding the binding in her right hand. "It maybe interesting to you Link, but I have something much more interesting. She walked over towards another set of purple books (in which Link had no idea where they came from), and began to flip through the index of each one. "Here it is, 'The Fire of Kakoriko'." With that, Saria took the green binding, opened it up and slipped the purple book inside. The gold binding of the green book fused with the purple until it looked no different than the original.
Saria grinned as she examined the new creation. "It's perfect... Alright Link... can you help me rip the rest of the pages out of the other books? Link?" Link was on the floor as he picked up the ripped pages. No longer did the lettering glow, allowing him to read. Instead, they were all scattered out of order with no direction what's so ever. Saria rolled her eyes as she grabbed Link by the shoulder and pulled him up. "Link, forget about those pages. This book is the exact replica of the old one, except it has been... tweaked up... now it's MUCH better to read than that old one. Now hurry up and help me rip the pages out of the rest of the books, okay?"
Link didn't like Saria's new tone of voice but, he does what she says. Poor Link; does he realize that without any psychic barriers, that he must by default accept all truth here? Unlike Zelda who was free to question the invader of her intellect, Link must do whatever is asked of him.
Still Saria noticed his puzzled face as he slowly pulled the pages out. He's doing his job, but he's far too slow; perhaps a little spice to jazz him up? She quickly wiped her stern face off and began to smile. She took out one of the green books, tore a page, wadded it up and smacked Link right in the middle of the forehead.
Link giggled as he grabbed one of the books from the pile and retaliated back by wadding TWO balls of paper and chucking them against her bangs. The two ran around the room dodging, flinging, and basically making a mess out of the area. Link would hide behind the crystal with a few dozen sheets of paper waiting for Saria to come up so he could toss them in her face like square-shaped snowflakes. Saria would make a little paper airplane and sent it through the air. Link, would just gawk at the thing before being attacked from behind by Saria's attempt to shove as many paper wads down his shirt.
It didn't take too long before the last of the green books in the pile was cleaned out. After flapping her head back and forth like a wet golden retriever in an effort to get the bits of paper out of her hair; Saria walked over and began to insert the purple book with the matching green binder.
"Hey Link, could you like pick up our mess and pile it somewhere away from the other books?"
Link, feeling more relaxed and in a happier mood than earlier, gave her a quick salute. "Sure thing, Saria; is there any place in particular that you want them at? We can make like ungodly amounts of paper mache... or... or we can use it to have a paper airplane contest with the rest of the Kokiri... or..."
"No Link, just pile it up. I have some plans for it," spoke Saria as she slipped another book within the green binder. Link nodded as he grabbed a large pile. He whistled as he walked out the vault door while Saria carefully watched him from the corner of her eye. "I should get this over with before I forget."
Saria ran over towards a set of red books. The book collection was much smaller with only twelve books on its shelf. She didn't want Link to see her going through this set in fear he would attempt to read it while she was not looking. Saria took the most recent book and began to flip the pages. "I woke up in the middle of the wine cellar to see a soldier up at the doorway...ah this is it..." Saria flipped ahead until she reached the blank pages. Saria ripped out the pages and pulled out a special pen. She quickly scribbled away while keeping an ear for Link's return. "...the soldier turned towards me with a wicked look in his eyes. He pulled out a long knife. I knew he was sent by Zelda to come and finish me off. That witch! Why is she doing this to me? First the courtyard and now she is having everyone in her army hunt me down like a dog. Is this the thanks I get? All of a sudden some woman with silver garments jumped right behind him and twisted his neck; breaking it in seconds. I couldn't hold consciousness after the amount of blood I lost from the courtyard."
Saria grinned wickedly at her work. Suddenly she could hear a small set of footsteps in the background. Saria slammed book, returned it to its place and ripped up the old papers. She ran back, taking a small shortcut by phasing through an oak table and back to the little area where she inserted the purple books in the green binders.
Link walked right in again to grab another armful of papers; whistling a small ditty as he exited back through the open vault. Saria finished the last book a few minutes later. She placed her hands on her work.
"There's an old saying from the Book... 'The past can never be altered by mere mortals. You can only look back and interpret it. However, if I can't alter the past, than the interpretation shall be changed to benefit my sweet revenge that I so desire! Oh Romano dear, you will be so proud of me... I hope you will forgive me! Say you will forgive me! Damn you Lauretta!" Saria's chest huffed up and down as her wide green eyes pulsed like they were about to bulge out. Her fingers dug deep into the green cover. Had they been real hands, her nails would've pushed back inside her skin from all the pressure she exerted on them.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. Link walked in front of her, taking the book and gave her a small hug. He took his hand and patted her back. "Saria, is everything okay? Is something wrong? You look really upset?" he asked as he could feel the rugged chest movements of hyperventilation. Link gazed down at Saria as he held her hands. "Saria, please tell me what's wrong! I don't like to see you upset."
Saria looked up as she faked a smile. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
"Oh okay. That's cool," replied Link with a thumb up. Saria gritted her teeth. Maybe she wanted him to say: No no, something's wrong! Please Saria, TELL ME! And she would be like: Oh Link, if only I could. And he would be like: Saria! I'm your friend, you can tell me anything. Sadly, that's the cruel reality of having someone who can't disagree with you.
But for someone to be concerned over her... oh how she craved it! Very few cared about her. Why should they? Devil Child they retorted! But he is right now! She liked feeling special. It sent a shiver down her back just knowing someone out there...
Alas she speaks not, and without a breath of conversation between them. She took his hand and guided him outside to where the large pile of paper was. It was almost two feet high; although it maybe because a lot of them were crumbled up in paper wads causing a slight exaggeration in height. Saria reached into her pocket and pulled out the pages she ripped out of the red book and dumped them into the pile. She turned towards him smiling from one cheek to the other. She then pulled out a tiny wooden box and handed it to Link.
Link took it and began to twiddle with its polygon-shape perfection. He then took his finger and pushed the inside, causing the rectangular box to open. He reached inside and pulled out one single match. He flipped the wooden box over to notice that one side was brown, with a rough striking surface on it. Link turned down towards the pile for a moment. Link tapped the end of match against the striking edge, watching as the small flame ignites at the small end. He took the burning twig and raised it to eye level. Why does he feel like this is a big mistake?
Saria examined the lad. Perhaps the mind is making a last ditch effort to prevent the destruction of its kin? It's not a common thing, but on the other hand, it's not much of a problem either. Saria reached up and surrounded her hands over the one Link was using to hold the match. "Link, come on... it'll be fun! After we get this done, we can go out and play together! You like to play don't you? Don't you?"
"Of course! Especially with you, Saria!" smiled Link.
"Trust me Link... after this... we'll have LOTS of fun. Just you, me..." she spoke as she released Link's hand and watched as the match fall to the pile below. "...and Romano." Saria grinned wildly as she watched the fire. First the paper would flutterer a little bit before twisting and scrunching into little black balls, almost like little black roses, the sign of the lady of death, the promise that soon ye will know something you did not know before. A bad omen.
"Wake up!"
Link's eyes shot open. He looked around the warm candle lit room examining his surroundings. Where is he? How did he get here? Link turned down to notice bandages over his wounds. A sharp pain emitted from each as she struggled not scream. They felt like someone was jabbing wooden splinters into each one. First his fingers dug at them, and then he tried a bullied effort to scratch at each gash but the pain felt like it was just getting worse. His body twisted back and forth, while shaking violently. His eyes were dilated as feelings like something was clamping his wounds tighter and tighter.
Suddenly a woman started running towards him and began to pull off his tunic. She jerked him back on his back and began to cut the bandages. She yanked them to the side while Link stared down at the yellowish pus that bubbled out of the gash and mixing with the blood like a sick erupting chain of volcanoes along his chest. Link's eye cornered the same yellow/reddish mixture on the ground and began to scratch wildly at his chest. Now after being exposed to the air, he felt like he was burning in certain areas. His skin was enflamed and turning redder by the second. The woman reached into her dress and pulled out a few bottles. She poured some sort of white gel on top of his chest and began to massage it, causing the wound's swelling to mellow down and the pain to on that area to halt. She turned towards the other gashes and did same. Link's breathing eased up as she pulled out some fresh bandages and began to dress the cuts once more.
"Dragon Eggshell mucus," she muttered as she pulled Link to a sitting position.
"What?" mumbled Link in a confused tone of voice while she tied the bandage on his back.
"Dragon Eggshell mucus; whenever a dragon lays its eggs, because it never returns back to the nest until they hatch, the dragon eggs are covered in a special mucus to prevent predators from attacking them. It is a type of acid that when it comes in contact with the flesh, it causes excruciating pain but never death. It's used a lot in Hyrule for torturing enemies into revealing what they know. Now lay down, your wounds will heal faster with proper rest. But where did you earn such injuries? Are you wanted by the castle guards? I did notice that there were many knights running around."
Link bit his lip as he struggled to think of how he got so badly beaten up. He searched his memories until suddenly his head felt very hot and his brain felt like it was throbbing. He clutched his head as a migraine erupted. "I... hold on..." he mumbled as he clutched his head.
The woman stared on. "His mind is still getting use to the new transfer of memories. Its taking on too much at it at a time," she thought as she reached over at his hands and pulled them away. "Easy now, young man. You can tell me later, just rest now."
Link lied back down. He sucked in some air through his nose as he gazed around the room. The place had an orange glow to it. Various dresses were hanging on one side while books, china, and toys in the other. Four manikins with white sheets over their bodies were placed on the side while in another corner was a mountain of stuffed animals and dolls. He didn't know if he was in some prop closet or a daycare. "What is this place? How did we get here?"
The woman walked over and grabbed an old cotton blanket. She laid it on top of him while snatching the old bloody tunic. "You're in my home. At least it's what I call it. We are still in the castle, but I snuck you from the wine room to here in a traveling gin keg. By the way, if you can't dislocate your right shoulder; you can now."
Link looked down for a moment, "Wait! We're you the one..." Link clutched his temples as a migraine the size of boulder throbbed. "...you were the one who killed... that soldier... weren't..."
"Shhhh!" ordered the woman as she began to massage his temples. She had NEVER seen someone's mind revolt against memory changes? Nevertheless, with time, his mind will adjust to the changes. As long as he can speak out the new ones, he'll be fine. Persistent headaches were a common aftereffect. But she best be on the look out for any other signs.
"...thank you..." Link mumbled as he looked up.
Even if he did look beat up, he still had a cute face. The woman knelt down and hugged him while Link took one arm and patted her back. Her face soured though. Not too long ago, he was threatening her with a bottle. Now look at him, he's being just as kind as he was back when she invaded his memory bank. But this was false kindness. The woman that he believed that rescued him from the dark pits of a wine cellar to a secret room where she tended his wounds and treated him hand and foot was no more than one of a thousand characters she created. But why should she worry about herself? This is all for Romano. She has tamed the unruly servant and now he is free to do as Romano pleases at night!
"...by the way... what's your name... you never told me what it was." The woman blushed slightly as she brought her lips to his pointed ear and began to whisper it. Link raised an eyebrow. "Really? I never knew you were a Princess, that's pretty cool!" spoke Link as he smiled a bit.
"Yes, I also practice sorcery as well, but Princess has a more... pleasant tone to it," she spoke as she took the end of her hair and tickled her nose with it. He was handsome, unlike Romano's past hosts. Perhaps things will work out much better than planned. He was as sweet and caring as Romano in his former life. Also if his memories prove correct, he also has a good relationship with the Gerudo. Maybe not Ganondorf but that only sweetens package. But it could work out. After all, unlike Romano, Link wasn't related to her, plus she was getting lonely with Romano continually losing more and more of his humanity with each passing night. Sometimes Romano could be utterly terrifying and extremely demonic. His only humanity he has left is his constant infatuation with Lauretta, Lauretta! Oh how she hated that woman so! May she rot in the Pit of Heads for all eternity, forever strapped to that giant tree with the worms nibbling at her meat and sucking the liquid from her powdered eyes!
But she still felt lonely at times. She has tried for five centuries to make Romano truly hers only to fail to a desert rat. Why not add another man in her life? "Link, what did Zelda...?"
His face grimaced a bit as he felt his chest wound, "Please don't mention that name around me."
To Be Continued