Hey, I got some angry reviews in for the next chapter… glares at comanderlink so I have this one out for you now… Sorry for the wait, but at least I got it out eh? Oh! I've drawn some Link and Zelda fanart! Only problem is  I need an art program… I might just scan it for you anyway… depends on how the reviews go…

Crescent-Wish-Forever: Thanks! I'm so glad

Cmdr. Defiance Nighthawk: Awesome, I hope this one isn't too bad either

Babydoll72489: Don't worry! I love Link a little too much to kill him, but you never know…

Comanderlink: Thank you, I'll forgive the angry review because your first one was really nice.

Zaios: I hope you do, if you thought the first one was 'god' wait till you read the rest.

LainieG304: I'm sorry, it has been too long but this one was out a bit faster I think. Thanks!

Lost Soul 01: Thank you, that means a lot to me

Cesia Illuser: Alright, here it is.

Atchika: Well, I hope you get your fill of drama in this one, ;

Hylian Heroine: Thank you! I knew you would finally review. I hope you think this one is wonderful too!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything really except for my original characters Taira and the evil guy, Tef'la Argyros. (Ooh! I finally thought of a name!! Thanks to my good friend Kureejii Lea!)

Chapter 7: The Bitter Truth

"Is there a cure?" Zelda and Link had made their way back to the Kakariko Village and were staying in Impa's cottage once again. Time was running out and Zelda was intent on removing the poison before it was too late. Taira was beginning to walk and say a few words. Her safety still being the first priority but Zelda found herself more worried for Link.

Impa had been studying the dart and had come to a solution. "Yes, I have seen this type of poison only once before. A serum was developed during that time but I do not have the ingredients to once again create it."

"Where have you seen this before?" Link asked, being uninterested in curing himself and more concerned about Impa's memories.

"Before you were born Zelda, I was part of a warring community; Sheikah against Gerudo, our village was in danger of a hostile takeover. Many of our villagers were becoming sick from a poison similar to yours Link. We managed to steal some of it and develop an effective antidote. You must travel to the Gerudo kingdom to obtain it or else, you'll die in 24 hours…"

"—Who was the man who poisoned your people?" Link interrupted feeling he was onto something.

Impa thought for a moment. "I believe he was called Tef'la Argryos. He was a hated and feared enemy but he was defeated and we haven't heard from him since."

"I'm afraid that's about to change… I believe he has returned…"

Zelda had been barely listening except for the part that allowed he to save Link's life. "We must go to the castle, Link.  We must—"

"No." was Link's flat reply. "24 hours is all I need to find this Argyros and eradicate him from Hyrule…"

"Fine, I'll get it myself…" Zelda said bravely.

Link shook his head. "If we're separated then we have no chance of beating him."

"But you'll die, Link! I could never forgive myself if you died!"

"Killing this man could save many lives for my own." Link argued.

Zelda could not believe was she was hearing. Her anger rose as her mind spun with a million thoughts. "How can you say that?! Do you have any respect for my feelings at all?!"

Seeing him struggle for an answer made her not wish to hear his response. She ran out of the cottage with tears stinging her eyes.

"Zelda… wait!" Link was about to go after her when Impa gently held him back.

"She needs time to collect her thoughts Link…"

It was nightfall when Zelda had left the cottage. The full moon hung in the sky casting everything in a silvery glow. A soft breeze ruffled her hair as she retreated to the cemetery, at first she wanted to forget what had happened. As time went on however, her mind began to wander; trying to find an explanation.

Question after question ran through her mind. Didn't he know how she felt? Did he even understand how much in love with him she was? What if he didn't feel the same way? She tried to remove the horrible thought until something worse reached her mind. What if he died without even knowing how she felt?! She could not bear to think any longer and succumbed to the tears.

A white ball of light had entered the graveyard and landed on her lap, Zelda barely noticed until she heard a tiny cry of dismay.

"Don't cry on me!" It said.

Zelda jumped in surprise and looked down to what was illuminating her dress. "Navi?" She said in a choked voice.

"What's wrong?" the little fairy asked.

She wiped away the tears. "Nothing… I just don't know what to do anymore."

"That's not good… did Link make you cry? I know he cares about you; he cares about everyone."

"I feel like he only cares about me as a friend… nothing more."

"Don't say that, when we were on adventures he could never stop talking about you. He'd talk about the first time he met you and when he was going to meet you again…"

"Why would he be willing to die then?" asked Zelda, still feeling a bit stubborn.

"He cares about the well-being of every person in Hyrule, including you. If you died he would never forgive himself."

Hearing this made her realize something. "Oh… all this time… then?"

The fairy, quite satisfied flew out of the cemetery as another had entered. Zelda looked up and felt her heart ache; she looked at his face and could see it in his eyes. She couldn't believe she hadn't noticed this before; there was unconditional love in those sharp green eyes of his.

"Link…"

He reached out and slightly caressed her face. "Forgive me Zelda…"

She blushed under his touch and reached up to cover his hand with hers. Nothing mattered right now; she felt the roughness of his hand and looked straight into his eyes.

"You need not ask for my forgiveness Link. All you have every done is care for me and be my hero. You should forgive me for reacting the way I did."

"You had the right, I wasn't being aware of your feelings Zelda." He reached out to clasp both of her hands. "I could never leave you so easily… I hope you know that."

Zelda couldn't take it anymore, she had to tell him. She felt like she wouldn't get this chance again. "I love you Link." She suddenly blurted out.

Link was about to say. "I love you too"but was cut off by Zelda pulling him into a fiery passionate kiss.

She quickly pulled away and apologized again, blushing violently. Link just smiled and leaned in for a more gentle kiss which made Zelda feel like she was going to melt.

Afterwards they lay against a tree together with Zelda's head resting on his chest.

"I want you to live, Link."

"I will, I'll live for you, I'll live for every person in Hyrule. You and I, we'll both live and continue to take care of Taira."

"Promise me…"

He looked deep into her azure eyes. "I promise."

That night the two slept in a loving embrace and for once their dreams were filled with happiness and without worry.

Sometime during the night however, their sleep was interrupted but a very flustered Impa who shook them awake.

"Zelda! Link! I have urgent news!" She said in a hushed voice.

Both woke up in a hurry, Link rubbed his eyes. "What is it?"

"The guards are back! I think somebody told them you were here! You must go, take the child and leave!"

Link nodded and began to put his equipment back on. Zelda gently woke Taira and gave her a bottle to drink. She approached Link when she had finished. "The guards aren't the reason we have to leave…"

"I know, he's here…" Link glared. "Argryos…"

After saying a quick goodbye the three snuck past the guards and onto the Hylian field where Link pulled out the Ocarina to call that red-chestnut coloured horse, Epona.

It wasn't long before they heard hoofbeats and a faint whinny. Epona came into view, her ice-white main and tail flowing in the wind.

Link stroked her main and her soft velvety nose. He helped Zelda and Taira on before himself. He hoped the horse would be able to handle all of this weight as he started her off into a trot which became a swift gallop.

After some time they were beginning to approach the Gerudo Kingdom. Zelda thought they were safe until she saw Link clutch his stomach in pain and almost fall off of Epona. He sharply tugged on the reins causing her to veer off of the road with a frightened neigh. Zelda quickly steadied the horse and helped Link off and leaned him against a wall.

"The poison must be taking effect… hold on Link. I'll go get the antidote wait here for me ok?" she said lightly caressing his cheek.

"Zelda…"

She placed a finger to his lips. "Shh… save your energy. I'll be right back, take care of Taira for me." She gave him a light kiss on the lips and Taira a kiss on the forehead. "Be good for Link ok?"

Zelda approached the castle with uncertainty, she had no idea if she was going to retrieve the antidote or not. She focused on the promise he had made to her and her determination to see that he doesn't break it…

Nabooru was guarding the door when she sensed someone was coming, her mouth curled into a smile when she realized who it was. "Why is the famous Princess Zelda gracing our lowly kingdom with her presence?" She said in a silky voice.

Zelda cringed, wondering if this was going to go smoothly or not. "I know our two kingdoms have had differences in the past… but I really need you help."

Nabooru suddenly looked very surprised and slightly laughed. "The great Princess needs OUR help?! That's a new one, why are you really here? Come to brag about how much better yours is?"

Zelda was becoming quite cross with this stereotypical attitude she was receiving, she decided to come right out with it. Either that or her temper was going to get the best of her.

"Listen, can you do that? I'm not trying to create a war here, Link is on the verge of death and YOU have the antidote that just might allow him to live another day. Now if you have anything redeeming about yourself you'll allow me to have some so I can cure him. Is that all right?"

Shocked was the expression Nabooru now held. She stuttered for a moment, not knowing what to say. "I'm… sorry… Link is in trouble? I had no idea…"

"Tef'la did this to him… the poison will kill him unless I can cure him…"

"I had no idea he had returned… he must be killed, Zelda. Hyrule may already be doomed…" She disappeared into the castle for a second, returning with a glass vial containing some blue liquid. "Make sure he drinks the whole of the antidote…"

"Thank you." Zelda bowed and prepared to leave when her arm was grabbed.

"Be careful… he's dangerous…"

Zelda hurried back to Link feeling happy and relieved. "Link! I got the antidote! You must take it quickly before…" She suddenly stopped short at the horrifying scene that stood before her.

Tef'la Argryos stood before her, holding an unconscious Taira to his shoulder and pointing the tip of his sword to Link's neck. Link was still unable to raise himself from the ground and looked helpless to do anything.

Nearly dropping the vial in surprise Zelda suddenly realized what was going on and tried to decide what to do.

"Ah… the fair maiden has returned… hoping the cure the young hero I'm guessing."

Zelda felt a lot of rage for this man; her concern lay mainly for Taira. "What have you done to her?!"

"The young one will be fine, it's Link you should be worried about…"

"You coward… you would take the life of a man while he is unable to defend himself…"

"Zelda… stay back." Link said. "Too dangerous."

"I'd listen to him, Princess. I can be very dangerous…" He suddenly grabbed Zelda and knocked her unconscious with the blunt end of his sword.

Link felt tortured as he lay there. "Let her go…"

"Oh Link, don't worry, you can try and save them later. You're not going to die today.  You've barely began to realize what this young one is capable of; but I'll let Zelda think you're dead. However else will I get her to rule with me?" He laughed evilly as he walked towards his horse to leave.

Link was feeling he had enough strength to scream in rage before falling unconscious himself.

A/N There! FINALLY! I'm really sorry this took so long, I'm REALLY sorry… please review anyway and tell me how I did.