As I promised… chapter 9 is here. Things won't be updated as fast from now on though cuz this is the last of the prewritten chapters. I'll try as hard as I can to update quickly, but since I'm working on two chapters at a time, things might go even slower… so SRY!!

Anyway, in the mean time PLZ review!! AND I ask nicely if you don't leave reviews that are of no importance. HINT HINT…. But thank you to the peeps who did leave a review that had something to do with the story .

ENJOY!!!


CHAPTER 9

Recruits

Zelda and Saria sat against the tree crying their eyes out. The story had been too sad for a girls emotion to take. Link just sat there in full concentration. He was thinking hard.

Zelda, who had streaks down her face, sat next to him and buried her head on his shoulder, and sobbed. He went out of his thinking state and comforted her. He didn't seem upset at all. It almost looked like he was happy.

He helped Zelda up and lifted her up onto Epona. He turned to the owl, Kepra. "Thanks, I appreciate you taking time out for telling me about my parents. Bye, Kepra.", he said. Link mounted the horse, sitting in front of Zelda. She held onto him tight and they were off, heading back towards the castle.

She got up the courage to ask a rude question. "Why aren't you sad about that story. I cried my heart out.", tears were still falling from her face.

He looked back at her. "Well, I think it ended out good. I mean, my mother and father are together now. I'm happy for them."

"Well what about you? Where does that leave you?", she asked.
"Zel, I'm happy they are together. To tell you the truth, if that was us, I'd love to see you again after death. Anyway, I'm satisfied with knowing what happened to them. It's like a space has been filled, ya know?"

"Yea, I know." Her thoughts lingered on what he had just said. He would love to see me. Does that mean he loves me?

By the time they got home, it was about 9:30. Even though it wasn't that late, Zelda was exhausted. Once she had entered the castle, she immediately went to her room to sleep. Of course before she did, gave a good night kiss to Link. She thought about him as her face was buried in the dark, velvet pillows. Just yesterday, they had arrived here. Remembering how funny Link looked with a tunic on, made her smile. The look on his face when he saw what he had been wearing was priceless. She laughed to herself, then fell slowly to sleep.

When Zelda woke up, she and Saria walked downstairs to get some breakfast. Link and Malon were already downstairs, almost done with their breakfast. The King was also sitting down with them. Link was in a conversation with him.

He noticed that she had entered the room and waved. "Good morning, Zelda and Saria. Link and I were just discussing the story of his parents. I never knew this was our Link. This is my godchild.", he said happily.

Zelda smiled and sat down. There was a bunch of food laid out among the table. She picked some soup.

"Anyway, as we were saying before, we need recruits for fighting Gannondorf. Him and his army are very powerful. We need as much support as we can get. That means every race.", said the king.

Link looked at him quizzically. "Are you referring to the Gerudo also. Those people are uncivil, they've caused war.", he argued.

"Yeah, plus Gannondorf is a Gerudo. Don't you think that they'd take his side?", asked Zelda.

"Well, that was a long time ago. Now they are neutral. They are totally against Gannondorf. They'd do anything to destroy him.", the king answered.

"Still, they'll kill any trespassers. If they find us, Hyrule will find its end. That's why we're here. Are we gonna be taken down that easily?", Saria spoke up.

"That's what they did to Link's grandfather and parents.", Malon pointed out.

"Many things have happened here that you have no knowledge of. All you know is your life and your past lives. You have no idea how it is here. Things are very different from what you think and what is.", he said.

"Yes, your majesty", they replied in unison. Zelda thought it sort of funny. Never would she call someone majesty or any other important name back home, but Impa had pointed out that this was considered acceptable no matter what she thought.

"Well, now that you agree with that, I think its time you should be leaving to settle allies with the other races. I suggest you leave the Gerudo for last…", he looked at them for nods then continued, " Very well, you are excused. Be careful. And Link, look out for my little Zelda." He smiled and waved them off.

When they exited the castle Zelda opened her mouth to speak. "Honestly, I think I would have been better off not knowing my father. 'take care of my little Zelda!'", she mocked. "Please, he knows nothing about me and he's acting like I've been his daughter all my life." She was annoyed, very much so, but Link put an end to her stressing.

He put a finger over her mouth to shush her. "You know you wouldn't have been better off not knowing him. He is a good father, he's just watching out for you. Yeah, maybe he's a little bossy, but that's how some people are. Your lucky you know your father. He just doesn't want to lose his daughter again.", he said to her.

Her face slightly reddened when she realized what a brat she was being. She was so selfish. Link couldn't even meet his parents and there she was, complaining about her father.

"I'm sorry, Link. I'm being a huge brat.", she said. He got on Epona and offered his hand.

"Don't be sorry. Your nowhere near being a brat, I mean look at Malon. She's been complaining her room isn't as big as ours.", he laughed.

"Your just saying that because you have to. I'm your girlfriend, you can't say anything mean to me.", she said, taking his hand and mounting the horse.

"Nah, if you were really being a brat I'd tell ya.", he teased. "So where are we going first, anyway?"

"Hmm, let's go to… the Zoras Domain first", she suggested. Malon and Saria, who were on other horse of their own nodded in agreement.

"Okay, Hiya!", Link kicked Epona to start going in the direction of Zora Domain. Zelda, once again, sat behind him holding on tight. He was so warm, wonderful to hug too. His muscles were nice also. 'Man he's built' ,she thought. 'I wonder how much he works out.' She imagined him shirtless and blushed at the thought.

When they got near the area, they had to abandon the horses, which could not climb the steep river's ledges. They traveled up the river until they got to a dead end. They were standing in front of a waterfall. Behind the waterfall, was a large opening.

Malon looked at them. "Well, what are you waiting for? Jump in.", she said. Zelda glanced at Link with a mischievous smile.

"You go first Malon. We'll go after you.", she replied. Malon shrugged. She jumped into the waterfall toward the entrance and stopped short to hit an invisible wall. Once hitting that wall she fell smack down into the water.

Zelda, Saria, and Link burst out with laughter. They all knew you had to play Zelda's Lullaby to enter the City, except for Malon of course.

She looked up at them with evil eyes. She was soaked and standing up in the semi-shallow pool of water. "What is your guys problem!", she almost screamed. She sounded like a child about to have a temper tantrum, and this just made it even funnier.

She got out of the pool and made her way back to the landing she once was at. She had an evil look in her and wouldn't stop glaring at Zelda.

When Link played the song on the ocarina they jumped into the entrance, this time Malon being a little wary.

They made their way up to the Zora king's chamber. Malon and Saria's eyes grew wide when they saw him. He was HUGE, very huge. Next to him sat his daughter, Princess Ruto. She blushed when she saw Link. Zelda gave her a look of warning. She caught it and pretended she wasn't watching him.

Zelda walked up to the platform in front of the King. She bowed and stood up again. "Hello, err, King Zora. May I discuss the matters of Gannondorf and Hyrule army?", she asked.

'What the heck am I saying? Discuss? What the heck kind of way to start the conversation was that?', she thought. Zelda had tried hard to find a way to speak right around these people. It was so hard, being a teenager, to find the right words. They always spoke so… proper or something. Like English people.

The King didn't notice her misuse of words, instead he nodded and waited for her to speak again.

She had hoped he would speak. Now she didn't know how to start. She thought for a second to pick her words wisely. "Um… Well, it seems that Gannondorf has gained much power since our absence…", she said.

He nodded again. 'Why won't this guy TALK! What's wrong with him!', she thought angrily. 'Com'n someone help me! Link! Get you butt up here and start talking!'

As if she was sending a mental message to him, Link stepped up beside her. "We would like to make allegiance with you, and hope you would lend your help by distributing some of your men into the Hylian army. King Harkinan would greatly appreciate your aid.", he said.

Zelda gaped at him. Never had she heard anything so smart sounding come from his mouth, or anyone else her age for that matter. She was impressed.

Now and finally the Zora king opened his big mouth. "Of course. I'd be extremely glad to help Hyrule take down Gannon and his army. I will give my best men to the army. The rein of terror will finally end!", he announced. He waved them off allowing them to leave.

"Many thanks from the king to you Majesty.", thanked Link. They left the room and walked out of Zoras Domain.

Zelda was walking next to him. "Where did you learn to speak that way. I could never do that. I always have to say 'oh my god' or 'whatever' in every sentence.", she said.

He laughed. "Raru always talked that way when I was growing up. I guess it rubbed off on me.", he stated. They were now at the place where they had left the horses. "Well, that was easy. Do you want to go to Goron City now?", he asked all of them.

"Sure, whatever.", Malon said in a bored tone. All her and Saria were doing was following them. There was no reason they should be there. Then she thought for a second and a smile formed on her face. "Actually yes! Can we eat in Kakariko Village. I'm, um, really hungry.", she said. Saria looked at her weird.

"But we just a ate like two hours ago..", said Saria.

"Well, I have a big appetite!", she snapped. Saria jumped at her loud voice. She didn't expect her to get so defensive.

"What is the real reason you want to be at Kakariko?", Zelda asked suspiciously.

"No other reason whatsoever.", a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Zelda narrowed her eyes. "As princess, I command you to tell me the truth.", she said. 'Hey, I am, why not use it to my advantage', she thought.

Malon gaped at her. "That's stupid! You were so not a princess in this life! I shouldn't have to listen to you, what happened to 'home of the free'," she protested.

"Well it wouldn't hurt to get back at you for being such a bitch all of high school! Plus this isn't America now is it? Now tell me what the real reason is.", she said.

The two were staring each other down in front of the entrance of the river. Link and Saria were watching near the horses. They seemed to be enjoying the show. She heard Saria remark to Link, "I love cat fights."

Malon crossed her arms. "Fine! I want to go there to see my boyfriend, Kevin! You happy, you little nosy snob. Going into my business like that."

Zelda blinked. "You have a boyfriend? When the heck did this happen?", she asked confused.

"We hooked up at the ball the other day and he asked me out when he came to visit me at the ranch. You guys weren't there to see him.", she stated.

"Okay.. fine. Since your not doing anything anyway, after we eat lunch, you two can hang out.", she said.

"Thank you", she said, although it was not at all sincere. She stuck up her nose high in the air and mounted her horse.

On the way there, Malon and Saria rode along side each other and talked girl talk. This somewhat bothered Zelda. Malon used to be the one person her whole group hated, and now Saria was turning into her friend. Plus Saria was her best friend and it seemed Malon was more likely to be talking to her than Zelda.

They neared the entrance and once again dismounted their horses. When they walked into the town, many people were outside either doing work or just enjoying the outdoors. Two people, a boy and a girl that looked their age, were sitting under a tree in front of them. She recognized the guy, he was the one who asked Malon for a dance that night.

Once seeing him, Malon ran over and gave him a hug. He was very cute, she had to admit. He had brown hair, but with a hint of red, green eyes, and he was fairly tall about 6ft. She realized about thinking he was cute then scorned herself, mentally not out loud, for thinking it.

"Hey babe,", he looked up at us. "who's your friends?" The girl who was sitting next to him before stood up beside him. Then a glint of reorganization came to his eyes when he looked at Zelda.

He hurriedly bowed down to her. So did the girl. 'I love it when a cute guy bows down to me', she thought and smiled to herself.

"No need to bow to me, I'm like a normal person.", she said to them. The guy named Kevin looked at her awkwardly. Probably because she used 'like' improperly, or maybe it was just because she told him not to bow to "royalty". Either way, they both got up from there spot.

"This, of course, is Zelda. This is Link and Saria.", she said pointing to each one. "Guys, this is Kevin and his sister Kate."

"Hello, nice to meet you", they said to each other.

"Wow, you can talk to the princess informally?', he whispered to Malon.

"Well, let's just say, she's not much of a princess from where I come from.", said Malon. Zelda caught that and gave her a glare.

"Oh, do come and have lunch with us", Kate spoke. "It would be a great honor to have a member of the royal family dine with us." Zelda smiled. She looked at Link for an answer. He nodded a sure.

"That would be wonderful", said Zelda.

During lunch they had talked very much so. Zelda found that Kate and Kevin were fraternal twins. That was so cool to Zelda. Since she was little she always wanted a twin. She always pretended that her and Chris were twins to have the closest thing to it.

Kate used to live in Romani Ranch in Termina, the country Zelda's mother came from, until she gave it up to her two cousins to live with Kevin. She did, though, bring her prize possession back with her. It was Snoe, her all white mare.

Kevin was a knight of the Hylian army. He had been it for less than a year because of his young age. He and Link talked "guy talk" most of the time so she couldn't really learn much about him.

When they heard about them gathering recruits, they wanted to help instead of staying behind. Malon wasn't so pleased since she was expecting that her and Kevin would have a nice day alone.

They climbed up the trail to Death Mountain and entered Goron City. Before Zelda had a chance to even look around, they were greeted by yet another huge creature. It was, indeed, a Goron. 'What is with these huge people… or whatever you call them. I haven't seen any small creatures anywhere in Hyrule besides the Kokiri.", thought Zelda.

A Large Goron came up to Link and embraced him. Link gasping for breath said, "You remember me, Darunia?"

The Goron, who's name was Darunia, let Link go. "Once a sage, you can never forget.", he said.

"Well how come I forgot? I'm the seventh sage aren't I?", Zelda asked. Darunia grinned.

"That is because you had a spell put on you, remember?"

"Oh", said Zelda, remembering now. Darunia turned back to Link.

"How are you brother?"

"Just fine… Actually, we've come to ask for you assistance."

"Anything for our savior.", he answered.

"We want to discus matters of war.", Zelda stated. This time she wanted to be the one to impress.

"If you need Gorons to fight, then I will lend you all you need.", he said.

"Thank you sir." said Zelda. "Well, we better be on our way. We have to make allegiance to one more group."

"Won't you stay for a bit?", he asked. Zelda looked at Link for an answer.

"Sorry Darunia, maybe another time.", answered Link.

"Alright. Nice seeing you again Brother!", called Darunia. They were leaving to their last stop.

Zelda, Link, Saria, Malon, Kate, and Kevin were all standing in a group in front of the entrance to Gerudo's Fortress.

"Well, this is our last stop.", gulped Zelda. She was definitely not ready to do this. They stood in silence for a moment. "Now or never…"

They entered the fortress cautiously. Unfortunately they weren't cautious enough. Before they knew it they were surrounded by guards. Spears were pointing at there necks. The group was closely standing in a circle facing outward.

'Again with the knives to the neck', thought Zelda…


OHHH!!! A cliffy!

Sorry, everything went really fast, but I wanted to get past the boring parts quickly.

(A/N: did you notice that Kate has a white horse, and Kevin rides it all the time, AND he's a knight!! Yeah it's the perfect description of Malon's dream guy. )

REVIEW!!!!