Author's note: I'm ba-a-a-a-ack!!! Sorry, I was really busy lately. (Stupid homework... mumble, mumble...) I kind of got a writer's block as well... but to make up for the long gap... an extra long chapter! (Or at least extra long in my terms.) The fluffy chapter... IS HERE!!! Yay! The fluff will come in the chapter, so be patient. This chapter has a little bit of LOTR: Two Towers in it, but it's WAY cool! Plus the beginning was inspired from the Legend of Zelda: (tentative title) video. (It can be found on ) Well, hope you enjoy!
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Chapter 13: Parted as Acquaintance, Reunited as Love
The sun was setting as if it was a ball of fire the color of blood sinking to the fading sky, descending into shadow. The sky was the color of a deep fire, a dark red burning with a fire of passion. In front of the sun, which seemed to be swirling in the air, silhouettes rose from the horizon and traveled forward. It was a small army, armed with the weapons of war, spears, swords, iron fists, and shields tainted with the evil from Ganondorf. However, off in the distance, they could quietly hear the trotting of a horse.
Closer they listened, still marching forward, and found that the horse was not trotting, but running, running forward in their direction. A cloud of dust flew behind the horse, with a warrior of another sort mounted upon it. The fire sun glared in his face, but he still traveled forward to the army. This was none other than Link, now the Hero. Now when the army knew who was coming, they grew anxious for his despair, as they were commanded to raise their spears and other weapons of war against him.
However, their foundations were shaken when they saw Link draw the Master Sword from its sheath, glimmering like a spike of silver from the moon. The sword illuminated a light brighter than any other, and it blinded the eyes of the foul army of evil as Link drew closer and closer. Sooner or later, he had collided in battle with them. Each time Link had passed one of the soldiers, he had swung his sword downward, cutting them in two. These soldiers were not the Hyrulian soldiers Link had encountered the year before, they were now mutated into monsters it seemed, with teeth brown and crooked, with black saliva coming from their mouths, and rough brown skin.
It was unbelievable how Link handled his foes. At that moment, he had truly displayed his true strength, and showed he deserved to be the Hero, long awaited in the ancient prophecies. Unfortunately, however, Link had felt a strike of pain in his ribs and he had fallen off Epona. She neighed and turned around to return to Link, but he violently shook his head and waved his hand for her to go away from him.
"No, Epona! Go!" He said as Epona reluctantly turned around in another direction.
Link lifted his other hand from his midriff, and saw blood slowly oozing out of him. He bent down and picked up his sword, and when he had risen from the ground once again, he attempted to find who had struck him. There was one, mounted upon a boar and the rider, who was one of the soldiers, had licked the blood off his sword and growled as he gave Link a sneer.
Link leapt from breath to breath heavily, sharply inhaling and exhaling. Then, he had held his sword in front of him and closed his mouth as if he had no harm done to him. He closed his eyes, listening for the rider to come to him. Once he heard the beginning of the trot, Link's eyes shot open and he attempted to swing at the fell beast, but it had blocked him with its own weapon. It was then when Link held on to the saddle of the giant boar and mounted himself on as well, behind the rider.
There was a manner of violent physical contact before Link was thrown off, but his hand was caught on the saddle and he could not withdraw his hand, he had no choice but to end the fight there so he had quickly impaled the rider. The fowl creature had fallen backward and stumbled dead on the ground as the boar continued to blindly run forward. Link had quickly sheathed his sword and attempted to free his hand, but it was too late when he realized he was heading for a cliff. It was then when Link had fallen off the cliff with the wild boar down toward the raging river.
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Zelda and Ralph had been traveling in the mountains for some time now. The rocks were black as coal, and cold as ice. To their relief, they knew there was a grove of trees at the end of the rocky path, but they would not reach it until tomorrow. Zelda had slipped on a wet and slippery rock, but thankfully, she caught a more firm stone with a tight grip after letting out a short scream, then placed her feet on a solid surface once again.
"Careful." Ralph could only say as he struggled climbing up the mountain path.
Heavy breaths of exhaustion fled from Zelda's mouth and she groaned eventually here and there. Her dirt, covered hands were numb from clinging on so tightly and her crème face was spotted with dirt and bruises while her golden hair was tangled and it remained un-brushed. When she looked up toward the sky, it grew darker and darker it seemed as each passing minute died into the other, her gaze then turned toward the top of the ledge where she saw Ralph holding his hand out toward her for her to grab. She had barely caught hold of it before Ralph had pulled her up to his side.
"It's getting late, we'll set camp here and make our way out toward the grove tomorrow." Ralph said reaching for several blankets in his bag.
It seemed Zelda was ignoring him as she stared out into the thundering sky. Deep worry was in her eyes as the wind blew her tangled hair back behind her. After setting out the blankets, Ralph looked to her and found she had not replied or moved.
"What troubles you?"
Zelda paused before lowering her head from the sky and turning toward Ralph, "I fear for Link... I feel he is in danger."
"Zelda... there's nothing we can do as of this moment... for now regain your strength and rest. We need it for tomorrow's climb."
The pale-skinned maid reluctantly laid her head on the blanket and stared at the black sky, clouds swirling like fire in the color of blood. Her eyelids grew heavy and eventually concealed her azure blue eyes and eventually fell into an uneasy sleep, with the cold wind pressing against Zelda's face, chilling her skin to an uncomfortable state.
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Link had been blank, and breathless all the night long, and the sun rose once again with the blood red color as he gently drifted down the river, his blood leaking into the water, but his wounds had long dried after he had fallen. Link's heartbeat was slow and weak as he at last reached the shallow part of the river, and halted as the water continued to flow around him.
His head fell to the side as he let out a slow exhale as his heart beat even slower. However, he felt soft and tender lips, smooth as leather brush against his. The feeling lasted for a while until it had at last dispersed from him and vanished into the air. Link's spirits were lifted once he heard the gentle voice echo through the air also filled by the voice of the running water.
"Link..."
Link knew that voice, it was Zelda's. He opened his eyes as his heart sped up as if he were brought to life with what seemed to be a kiss from the wind. However, Link knew that was a part of his dream, and Zelda was the one who had kissed him, pressing her lips on his, and it was a feeling Link cherished, even though it was nothing more than remains of a dream.
Link's body ached head to toe as he still remained on the shallow riverbed, as if he were too weak to do anything. The air was pierced with a sound other than the flowing water and voices of the wind. He heard the familiar snorting of a horse behind him and hoofs gradually stepping closer to him. Link knew it was Epona, but could not get to his feet to see her. When the hoofs were as loud as they could be, the sound ceased and Epona began nudging Link over so he would roll on his back.
She had nuzzled some of Link's wounds, as if to try to heal them and she nudged his face to the side. Link lifted his hand slightly, reaching out toward the fair mare. He clenched onto her mane and when Link had opened his eyes once again, he found that she was crouching for him, allowing it to be easier for him to mount her. Link managed to go onto her back before Epona rose to her feet and waited for his next command.
Link leaned against the back of her head, looking out toward the sky, and saw something worse than the everyday overcast, it was an approaching storm, seeming to look like a wall of red dust or fire descending from the sky. Link then lifted his head to Epona's ear and whispered to her,
"Take me to Zelda... if you know."
Epona then turned to the other direction and began walking with a bounce as Link sat up as strait as he could. Zelda was close to him... so close now, he could almost feel her presence already in his arms. He had to go to her to know if she was safe. Soon Link would be face to face with her, and that filled him greatly with hope.
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"The clouds are descending as a waterfall, Ralph..." Zelda said as she looked back to the sky.
They were now almost to their destination, but were hurried by the storm. Now it was heading toward them, slowly it seemed, but in reality it was as fast as a thousand gusts put together in one. Zelda looked to Ralph who also was looking back at the storm.
"I know... it grows more frightening each time I look at it." He started, "We must hurry, we'll be safe once we reach the grove and take cover."
Zelda was still gazing back at the storm, as worry struck a cord in her heart. Link could not leave her mind, and she felt he was close to her, so close that they would meet soon even though she denied it only a little. She continued to climb up the rough and unpleasant black rocks after Ralph, heading upward. Her arms were now numb and her breath almost out, it seemed to last an eternity, climbing up the mountain. It was a long time before they had reached the grove of trees, thus bringing the storm even closer to them.
It was so close now, so close to the point where Ralph was hurrying Zelda to take cover with him under a strong root to a tree that would at least put a roof over them, however, Zelda still remained standing outside of the best possible sanctuary from the storm. It was reaching them fast, and a deep rumbling could be heard in the midst as the sound of dust swirled in the air. However, Zelda stood still, staring at the approaching storm as if trying to challenge it.
"Zelda!!! What are you doing?!" Ralph shouted. The rumbling had become so loud Ralph had to yell at the top of his lungs.
"Link is out there..." Zelda said softly to herself, she reached out her hand in front of her.
"No, Zelda!!!" Ralph screamed, figuring who she was waiting for, "Link's not out there! Come inside or you'll suffocate from the dust!!!"
The storm was too close for comfort now, but Zelda remained standing still holding her hand out. She closed her eyes now, breathing heavily, as the wind blew her hair violently and as it seemed the sky would be raining blood it was so red, even though it was approximately mid day. Her heart began to stir with emotions and she could feel tears forming on her eyes. However, despite all the danger around her, she still had faith Link would come to her.
Zelda then felt a sudden clasp on her hand before she felt someone's grasp tightening around her hand. The tears flew from her eyes when she had opened them, to find Link pulling her away from the spot which she was standing and pulling her to safety. At that moment, all that seemed to exist in Zelda's world was she and Link, and for a moment, she did not know who had grasped her hand. No words were spoken as they remained under the root with Ralph. It was there when Zelda truly realized who had brought her from her standing place as she looked at Link who had the back of his head facing her, but her arm tucked under his, and grasping onto her hand tightly.
A rolling thunder was heard as the dust had violently covered them, and after the red dust had faded, blackness shrouded the skies as lightning flashed constantly, and the deep rumbles shook the ground. However, all this was blank to Zelda when she turned her head from looking outside to face Link's hand. His thumb was now gently stroking the tips of her fingers. A tear rolled down her cheek once more as she leaned her head on his back and felt the warmth of his body.
The storm was indeed violent, and it had torn some of the trees from their roots, but by a miracle it seemed, their shelter stayed intact, and it held strong from the storm that brought so much blood and death with it. It had lasted all day, and it traveled deep into the night, but had eventually faded. The reunited company had all fallen asleep after being tired from avoiding the storm.
Zelda, however, awoke late into the night to notice Link was not there. Hastily, she threw off the blanket and went out of the sanctuary under the root, leaving snoring Ralph who slept so soundly even at that time just as he did when he was a year younger. Zelda observed the torn trees and the scattered pieces of wood. The sky was now nearly back to its "original" state with the moon, nearly dead and clouded, and with the sky so dark it engulfed the light of the stars and thunder sounded here and there as usual.
The young maid stopped when she noticed Link sitting with his back leaning against a tree, his eyes gently closed. Slowly she stepped up to him, not intending to wake him, but he had lifted his head to see her. They stared for a while, exchanging gazes that had not been received in what only been a year, but seemed an eternity.
"Zelda..." Link could only say as she continued to stare at him.
"You rescued me..." she started, "just as before..."
Link stood to his feet, and spoke as if she had not spoken. His voice was soft and gentle to her as he continued speaking to her, "It's been a year... but it seems as if many have passed."
It seemed his words were being choked, as if something was holding the true words he wanted to say, back from her, keeping them hidden from her. They still kept a somewhat fair distance away from each other still, as they exchanged their words between each other. The fair distance was broken when Zelda slowly stepped closer to him, making it only a few feet away from Link.
"How could you care for me... when I've caused you so much burdens..." Zelda started, "I have been only but a thorn in your side, I've caused you most of your pain... how could you..."
"Zelda, I never stopped thinking about you, not even for an instant!" Link said suddenly.
Zelda lifted her head to his level, her eyes wide for a moment. Her eyes swelled up in tears and she turned away for fear of her ruin. Link still spoke to her as if she was still facing him, but she could not see his eyes becoming misty as well.
"There's no doubt that before I burned with resentment over what you did to me in the past... but..." Link said before placing his hand on her shoulder and turning her toward him, "...but then I realized... your true self... and it is your kindness and safety I care for... Haven't you realized that not only you need me, but I need you...?"
Zelda was so close to him now she lowered her head so it was leaning on his chest and she cried, weeping and letting out quiet sobs. Link placed his hand on the back of her head and began stroking her golden hair, despite how dirty and tangled it was. Zelda's words were muffled when she replied.
"Oh, Link... you would forgive what these cold hands have done to you...?"
She lifted her head to look into his piercing azure gaze once more as she lifted her hand to stroke his cheek, coated in dust and bruises. Link's hand still remained on the back of her head, holding her close to him as she drew even closer to him even then.
"Even now... you wouldn't curse them... for what they've done to you...?"
The gentle kiss that was slowly coming was rushed when Link suddenly lowered his lips to hers and kissed her. For the first time he caressed Zelda's lips with his own, and brought her in as close as possible. They slowly parted, still gazing into one another's eyes.
"Link..." Zelda said in the whisper that Link had heard in his half dreams.
"Over the past year, Zelda... I have noticed a change in your eyes... They are brighter and much more radiant... I have been longing for this gaze to come from you... ever since when I first saw you in that cold and dark cave."
The air between them was now diminishing once again until it went into nothing. Link once again felt her leathery smooth lips, as he brushed against her. Zelda had slowly closed her eyes and allowed him to continue to embrace her. At that moment, it seemed only them two had existed in the world, and the Age of Darkness had disappeared only for a moment, and during their kiss. Feelings Link had grown to know for the first time had unfolded within him, as well as in Zelda. Her hand then fell to his shoulder as they broke apart once again and looked into each other's eyes no longer as acquaintances.
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Author's note: Was it a good kiss? Did you enjoy the fluff? I know I enjoyed writing it! YAY! Okay, I really hope you liked this chapter, so far I think it's the BEST one in this story so far! Age of Darkness is almost over by the way, just to warn you... I don't know how many chapters are left, but I know it's almost over. Okay, that's all. PLEASE REVIEW!!! (By the way, Epona's not gone just so you know.)
Special thanks:
Brownblade: Hey, hey, it's Speedy Brownblade!!! (um... sorry about that. I guess I'm a tad bit hyper as of this moment.) Yeah... school IS annoying... stupid homework... the only class that I don't find annoying and that I absolutely love is marching band!!! I never get tired of it! Anyway, thanks for the review, I really appreciate it!
pen-gurl: I have three little westies to keep my attention too, but they're all so kawaii! One of them, Angus, barks with a ball in his mouth... it just cracks me up! Then there's Jenny who's the most "humble" of them all, and Bonnie, who we call Baby, who is the dog that eats EVERYTHING. (She even eats unions and lettuce for goodness sake!) Well, anyway, thanks for the review and continued support! I look forward to reading your next review!
Crescent-Wish-Forever: ...Wow... you don't have any homework...? I envy you there! (hee hee! (or lol) Did you like the fluff?!? I worked my best on it! I've been looking forward to writing it for a long time now! (sob) The story's almost over... but on the other hand... who knows? Anyway, thanks for the review!
Sakurelle: I hope this long chapter made up for the long gap between updates. I've been bombarded with homework as well... and I'm usually dead tired on Fridays because I have to go to the high school football games to play in the marching band. I love fluff too! Fluff is so good!!! I keep picturing pink cotton balls or Sesshomaru (aka Fluffy) when I think of the word "fluff."
kat-SageOfWisdom-princessZel: I missed writing about Link too... BUT HE'S BACK!!! YAAAAY!!! ...sorry... (that's odd... I don't remember eating sugar... maybe it's the pretzels...) No, I don't have msn messenger, unfortunately, (ummmm... it's instant messaging right...? Sorry, I don't know that much about the internet, other than where some of my favorite websites are located.) Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for the review!
LadyAkki45:...The name Paul Revere sounds familiar... who is he? (anime sweat drop) Yay! FLUFF. Did you like the fluff? I liked the fluff, despite the fact that I wrote the fluff. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for the review!
Sapphira603: Hey, a new reviewer! :D HERE'S THE FLUFF! I'm glad you think this story is good, thanks for the review! I look forward to reading your next one!