Remember in the last a/n, when I said it wouldn't take me long for me to get the next chapter up? Well . . .
I lied. -_-;;
Yeah I know, but this chapter proved harder than I thought to write. Sorry to everyone who has been waiting for so long, and I'll do my best to update more timely (gee, that sounds oddly familiar . . . .)
Anyways, I am very pleased with the reviews I got and I am extremely grateful for all reviews. 26! Yay! Many thanks!
WHOCARES?: Aw you're so kind . . . . I'm glad you like it! ^____^
swordmaster-Orca: heh thanks, and it's neither of the games. Really it's AU but it coincides with a lot of what's happens in OoT but they aren't connected in any way. I'll add that to the summary, thanks a lot for your review and question! I feel so smart when I actually know the answer to one . . . . ^^ thanks again!
Devil's Little Sister: oh don't doubt yourself like that, I'm sure you can write fine. I would read your stories but I'm afraid I don't know anything about Card Captor Sakura. Thank you and I like Roy and Marth too. Not as much as Link, of course, him being the hottie he is ^_^ Thanks again!
Cailtin: That's great, I'm glad you're thinking of starting a fic. If you do, tell me your penname and I'll read and review your story ^_^ and in the words of Berlin'sBrownEyes happy writing!
SoulessCalibur: heh a person of few words I see ^^ all the same, it's very much appreciated, thank you!
Silent-Angel510: wow thanks a lot for your review and I'm really pleased you tried to look for advice. I understand completely if you couldn't find any suggestions to make because I've read quite a few stories where they just seem perfect. Thanks a lot!
Aka-chan: *sputters* leave my first ever fanfiction story?! Why, I would have to be some sort of demented sicko to do that . . . . ^_~ nope, no worries I wouldn't even dream of leaving this story, and if I do for some odd reason, I'll keep going for your sake ^^ thanks a lot!
Ferdinan The Paranoid Fox: lol you're a fun reviewer, very entertaining ("Holy cheez puffs" cracked me up) I'm sorry I didn't mean to stick you with Richard Simmons . . . . But at least you have Roy! ^^ thanks!!
Angel: Aw thanks, I'm always afraid that my supposed romance turns out corny or stupid and I'm glad you didn't think it did. Thanks!
JuzlovnSora: heh thanks a lot, nice quotes. I'm glad you like!
DTN: Haha I think everyone knows the feeling where they wished they were deaf. I know I do when I hear my mom sing ^^ and lordy, I'm just happy you said I actually even have a writing style! That's good enough for me! ^__^ Woah, I have a lot of Roy and Marth fans here and I'm glad you like the slight humor-ish side. Thanks a bunches for your review!
Blue Fire Blaire: Heh see you changed your penname again to include your 'name' ^_~ heh smacked any lollypops lately? LoL alright I now officially declare this fan club meeting started! Now where's the food . . . ? lol I'm glad too you didn't have to wait forever and I'm sorry I didn't come back in 45 minutes like I said I would, but math homework was painfully long T_T but hopefully I'll talk to you later. Thanks for your review and I hope you update your own story soon! Toodles!
?????: Ooh mysterious name you have there ^^ thanks!
Broadwaysopranoprincess: Heh my computer knows you now. I added your name to the dictionary so it stops having that long annoying red squiggle. Aren't you lucky? ^_~ and I'm totally happy with your review, and actually Roy and Marth are good friends, just a little bit on the teasing/annoying side ^^ I'm glad you like the kiss, and so you might like this chapter too *hint hint* and come on, who doesn't have a deep obsession with food? ^^ thanks for reviewing!
Gohan-Chan: Ooh, don't we all wish we could tease that cutie Link ^^ You liked the humor? Wow! Thanks!
Pinguicha: Yep 2 A.M, I'm such a dedicated writer . . . . ^_~ I loved your chapter 11 and I know this part is "response to reviews" but I want to rant on about your own beautiful story. It's so adorable and it's . . . . It's just so perfect *sigh* I hope you update soon because cliffies with such good stories kill me. I'll be waiting! Toodles!
Midnight*Starfire: Aw thanks for your encouragement and as same with Pinguicha I'll take this time to repeat that I love your story and I really want you to update soon. I read that last chapter so many times over especially the end because it was so cute ^^ Thanks a lot for your review M*S!
Anyone: Thanks, and you know I think you ought to get a penname. The choice is entirely up to you, of course, but I've noticed your name in reviews of a lot of good stories and you're a good reviewer ^^ And plus, you never know how good a writer you are till you try, right? Well that's just my opinion, and thanks for your review!
Sawyerzelda: *takes out broom* Stay back Captain Hook, I got a broom ^^ I'm pleased you like the kiss. Thanks a whole bushel for your kind, uplifting review!
Got-lotr: woah easy now, I need Prince Selth. But he's yours to kill anyway you please once this story's done ^_^ And bejeezes, your penguin army wouldn't stop! ^^ Your review made me laugh, thanks a lot!
Loneknight1012: heh I'll do my best to keep "the chapters rolling" ^^ thanks!
Black RoseL Me: Heh I'm a girl, and I'll do my best to update better! Thanks!
Hylian Heroine: Oh you're such a good reviewer! I'm really happy that you said that I've improved because that's one of the things I'm looking for when I write stories is to slowly get better. Thanks a lot for saying that, I feel all mushy and happy ^_^ And no, having friends like Roy and Marth aren't easy but they're lots of fun ^^ Thanks a lot for you review, I greatly appreciated it, and I'll talk to you later!
Berlin'sBrownEyes: Heh I'm going to guess now that you're nails aren't still blue but it's cool that they were. ^_^ I'm glad you like mush and all that stuff because this story will be full of that (eventually) thanks a lot for your review!
: lol I honestly wasn't sure how to "write" your name so I just spaced a whole lot and now it looks a little odd. But whatever I'm glad I rock your socks ^_^ my friend says that all the time. Thanks!
Evelaunce: You said you could write the fight scene better than I could (ignoring the jk part) and I totally agree. I'm not too good at that stuff but I'm trying. And yeah, Prince Selth is a jerk and I hate him too . . . . even though he's my own character =P well it's been awhile since your own stories have been updated (like I can talk) and so I hope your stories soon!
That's a bit more than 2 pages on Word . . . . Wow I'm so pleased XD. Now lower you're hazardous pointy objects, for here is the next chapter!
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Chapter 8: Fairy Fountain
"You insolent fool! How dare you return without the princess?"
Ganondorf's voice cracked like a whip, beating down upon a cowering Stanton. His voice echoed through the abandoned temple, shaking the startled spiders off their webs. Stanton's wounds had been healed but his eyes shined with pain and fear that outmatched any of the pain before.
"My Lord, please-please forgive me, there-there was a-a boy." Stanton stammered.
"You think that makes even a petty difference to me?" Ganondorf hissed angrily.
"But, My Lord he was well-trained with the sword. He-He fought better than his age, better-better than most!" Stanton said, desperate to prove himself.
Suddenly Ganondorf rounded sharply on Stanton, his bloodshot eyes focused intensely upon his victim. "What did he look like?" Ganondorf asked in a harsh voice that matched his eyes.
"Well, er-" Stanton started, taken aback by the abrupt question. "He had blonde hair and-and blue eyes." Stanton said, straining to remember.
"How old?" Ganondorf asked, in the same sharp voice.
"Maybe-maybe around 17 or 18,"
Ganondorf swore under his breath. Already the boy was giving him trouble. But it was not an excuse . . . Stanton would be given no mercy.
"Well Stanton . . . ." Ganondorf breathed finally. "The fact still remains that you failed to kidnap the princess, and that you ran away afraid of being caught. And you should know what I do with people who fail me, especially cowards that fail me."
Stanton's eyes widened in fear. He took one quivering step back, away from Ganondorf. "No, My Lord . . . please," Stanton's voice had reduced to a bare whisper, dry and raspy.
Ganondorf laughed mirthlessly, his voice as cold as ice. "Ah, Stanton," he said. "You should have realized that if the guards didn't kill you, then I most definitely would." He said, and he took a step closer towards him.
Stanton's whole body began to shake, and his knees gave away and he fell to the floor, trembling and pleading. "No please, My Lord . . ." he whimpered, but to no avail. Ganondorf only smiled cruelly, drew his weapon and took one final step towards Stanton . . . .
Outside the night air was silent and undisturbed. The quiet, still atmosphere was broken by a single scream, ear-splitting and blood-curdling, piercing into the night, coming from inside the abandoned temple.
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It was becoming late into the night as the wind howled, banging the wispy trees branches against the castle walls. It was becoming a rather dreary night, and one of the nights that would be very comforting to lie in bed, snuggled deep under the covers.
But the royals of the castle were not asleep in the castle. Most were awake, assembled in the main hall. The king was pacing up and down, and Zelda stood defiantly watching the king pace, but every now and then giving angry glares at Selth who was standing coolly, his arms crossed.
Finally the king stopped pacing and looked up at Zelda. "So a man you've never seen before wanted to kidnap you?" he said.
"Yes," Zelda said, answering this question for the hundredth time. Her father was still trying to get the facts straight from tonight's events at the ball.
"And this man-Link did you say?-he saved you?"
Before Zelda could answer, Selth intercepted
"He was a peasant, Your Majesty. A low, common-"
An angry, warning glare from Zelda silenced him.
"Did you get a good look at the man?" the king asked, ignoring the prince's comments.
"Not so much, it was dark. But it looked like he had red eyes-"
Prince Selth gave a snort of disbelief.
This time, even the king gave the prince a nasty look. "Well, whoever this man is," the king started again. "Or whoever hired him, will try again. I will increase the security around you Zelda, we can't risk another chance."
Zelda felt her stomach drop. More people watching her, less freedom; exactly what she needed. She gave a sigh, that neither king nor prince noticed.
"The boy was with you, correct?" The king asked, looking back at Zelda.
"Yes," she answered.
The king was silent, evidently thinking hard. At last, he said, "I want this boy here."
"Why?" Both Zelda and Prince Selth asked at the same time.
"To question him. Yes, I know he helped you," the king said quickly, seeing Zelda open her mouth. "I'm not suspecting him or anything, but I want to know what he saw. He may remember something you don't," he said wisely.
"He can't be that good." Prince Selth said at once, derisively. "I mean he is after all—"
Two angry glares quieted him once again. "I want to see him." The king said, in a final tone. "Besides he deserves recognition for his deed."
Zelda smiled superiorly at Prince Selth, happy with the decision and left the room leaving a still-thoughtful king behind.
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There was a harsh knock on the door around noon the next day. Link answered it quickly before the visitor hammered down the door.
Standing at the threshold, looking quite proud was one of the king's messengers. He cleared his throat expectantly.
"I am a messenger from the castle," the courier said proudly. "And I have a message for Link."
"That would be me," Link said, rather bewildered why had received a message from the castle.
"You, brave sir, are to come to the castle tomorrow. The much-rejoiced king of Hyrule would like to see you."
Link stared, wondering why he had just been called "brave sir" and moreover why the king wanted to see him. He hadn't done anything he could think of that deserved royal recognition—or blame for that matter.
"Er—do you know why?" Link asked.
The courier suddenly looked slightly abashed. "I'm afraid I wasn't told," he said in a much quieter voice.
Link sighed, running his fingers through his dandelion locks. "Alright, thank you for the message."
The messenger resumed his vanity, gave a jaunty little nod and stalked proudly off, as Link shut the wooden door. He had better get his mare ready then . . .
The next day, Link set out to the castle, the tensed knot in his stomach growing. When he arrived, the guards looked at him, quite surprised that he would be called to the castle. They gave each other eyebrow raises and one said uncertainly, "You sure you ought to be here?"
"Yes," Link said, trying hard not to get impatient.
Finally when the guards let him through he didn't have too much trouble finding the main hall. Link took a quick breath and entered the room. There, the king sat, high and mighty, atop his throne looking quite regal and fine.
The king's head immediately jerked up when he heard Link's footsteps.
"Your Highness I was sent to see you and—"
"Yes that's right," The king said nodding. "So Link is it?" he asked surveying him closely.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Link replied with a hint of nervousness. It wasn't everyday you had a one-on-one meeting with the king of Hyrule.
"Well, Link." He took a breath. "On the evening of the ball," the king began, but this time much more diplomatically. "My daughter told me that you were with her in the courtyard. And she also said, that a man tried to attack her, is this correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Link said. The king took another breath.
"My daughter does not recall entirely what this rogue looked like. Do you perhaps remember anything about his appearance?
Link sighed inwardly in relief. So that's what this was about. He took a moment before he answered and said, "It was dark by the time we were out, but it almost looked like he had red eyes and he was pretty tall."
The king was silent, mulling over his words. "Is that all?" he asked finally.
"Yes, sire."
"Have you perhaps any idea who he might be or who hired him?"
"None, Your Majesty."
"Was there anything that might help us distinguish him a bit more clearly?"
Link thought. "Not that I can remember," he answered honestly.
The king sighed. "Alright then, you may go. And Link?" the king called him back.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"May I thank you eternally for saving my daughter."
Link went red and mumbled something like "Not at all, your Highness" and left through the open door, but not before the king had given him a warm smile.
The king watched him go. After a moment silence, he said, "You heard everything then, Impa?"
Behind him were footsteps, and Impa emerged from the shadows. "How did you know?" she asked disgruntled.
The king laughed. "I've come to expect that sort of thing out of you. But anyways, did you hear everything the boy said?"
"Yes, I did sire."
"What do you think?"
Impa raised an eyebrow. "What do I think? Your Majesty, is that not your job?"
The king scowled at the Sheikah. "I simply want your opinion on the matter." He said.
"What is there to say? He seems like a good lad, telling the truth. And quite handsome too, don't you think?" Impa added, grinning.
King Harkinian rolled his eyes. "Is that what you noticed?"
"Certainly you did too, sire. And I am more than positive that the Princess took it into account as well." Impa hinted with a smile.
"What is that supposed to mean?" the king said sharply, turning round to face the nursemaid.
"Ah, sire did it ever cross your mind why your daughter was alone with the boy?" she asked with an air of great speculation.
The king gaped wordlessly at Impa. "Zelda would never-"
"Our dear Princess Zelda is growing up," Impa said dreamily. Then she walked away before she split her ribs from trying not to laugh.
Oh, Zelda was going to kill her when she heard.
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Zelda sighed and tipped her head skyward. She had spent nearly all day out in the courtyard, now that her punishment was over. Not that life had improved a great deal, considering her father's new "protective" order. She couldn't go anywhere without a guard following her and checking up on her.
She really wanted to get out, but seeing how all the guards were acting like there was a dagger around ever corner and the king agreed with their view she knew she couldn't. Unless, of course, she sneaked out . . . .
She heard footsteps behind her. A guard, no doubt. She gave an annoyed sigh.
"You don't constantly need to be checking up on me. I do believe I am entitled to have a little privacy, without guards breaking in every moment." She said, irritated, without turning around.
"Oh, I am deeply sorry Princess if I am "breaking in on your privacy" but I was wondering if you could help me find the exit." came humor-filled voice.
Zelda spun around, realizing that it was no guard.
Link smiled. "Hello," he said.
Zelda reddened and hastened to explain. "Sorry, I thought you were a guard and I was just a little frustrated at them."
His smile faded a little. "Why are you frustrated at them?" he asked.
Zelda shook her head and sighed. "My father has put them on it. He's been terribly worried about my safety since the incident at the ball." She said, putting sarcasm on the "terribly worried" and rolling her eyes.
"Well, his reasons are meant well." Link said fairly.
"You and Impa would be great friends," Zelda grumbled. "That's what she said too."
Link laughed. "Ask if you can go out for awhile." He suggested.
Zelda gave a very bitter laugh. "Not likely my father's going to have much mercy on that idea." She said.
But once that was said, gloom was settled deeper in her face. Link looked at her, thinking that he could at least attempt to cheer her up. Then he thought of an idea, but he let the silence pass for a moment before he said anything.
"Do you-do you want to come with me to some place?" He finally asked hesitantly.
She looked up at him. "Really?"
"Well you don't have to," Link said hastily, misreading her expression. ""I mean if you get caught it wouldn't be as bad, because at least you were with someone."
Zelda's face brightened immediately. "Alright," she said with a grateful smile.
Link smiled inwardly. "Should you ask permission or—"
"I think its better this way," Zelda intercepted quickly. She wouldn't be able to take Impa's face if Impa heard she wanted to go with Link somewhere. Or her father's. Goddesses, that would be horrid.
"Alright then, let's go."
"Where are we going?"
"Surprise." Link said with a surprise.
With Zelda leading the way, they snaked past the guards but none of them ever heard or saw them, even when Link couldn't hold in his sneeze.
"For one being put on extra-duty, they're not doing too well." Link whispered as they crossed yet another one unnoticed.
"They never do," she whispered back.
When they reached the castle wall, Link looked at Zelda.
"Usually I climb over it but—" she gestured toward her gown, which obviously was not in much of a condition for any climbing.
"I'll climb over first," Link volunteered. "And I'll help you over."
Link climbed over easily and landed on the
soft green grass. "Okay," he called over.
Apparently it wasn't too hard
to climb over with a dress on, but Zelda had to take care not to rip or stain
it in case someone noticed. Taking a breath she jumped down to the ground
below.
Link caught her in his arms, putting their faces uncomfortably close to the other. There was a pause in which he stared into her eyes and she stared back and the world seemed to stop. Their faces, their breath, their lips were so close, and his strong arms around her slender waist . . . Zelda leaned forward, completely unaware of what she was doing . . .
Link quickly let go, and blushing, he looked away to cover up for the awkward moment.
Zelda felt an odd tingling feeling crawling on her spine and the place Link had touched her. What in Nayru's name just got into her then? Her whole body felt overheated, but in that one moment when Link held her, everything seemed to slow down and it was just them, falling into the other's eyes.
"Um, it's this way." Link said finally, snapping Zelda out of her thoughts. They walked in an unusual awkward silence and Link thanked the goddesses when they finally neared the destination.
He stopped in front of a bush.
Zelda stopped as well and looked down at the scrubby little shrub. "A bush?' she asked, her eyebrows raised.
He smiled, drew his sword and cut the bush to reveal a hole. "Look again," he answered.
Zelda stared at the hole. "You don't expect me to drop down there, do you?"
"Don't worry, it's a safe landing." He promised.
"Right,"
"I'll go first if you like."
"Fine, but if it's not a soft landing you'll be caught for trying to injure a princess." Zelda warned.
"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied serenely. He jumped down into the black hole. Zelda gaped after him.
"What did I get myself into?" she muttered but followed him, closing her eyes tightly.
Link was right. It was a safe landing. If that's what it could be called. Instead of the rush of wind she learned to expect in her nearly 17 years of life, she felt herself almost slow down in mid-air and then suddenly-
"Told you it was a safe landing" Link said with a grin.
"What is this place?" Zelda asked with a gasp as she stared around the beautiful place. A multitude of pinkish fairies floated happily about, leaving a trail of sparkles above a small pond of clear smooth water.
"Fairy fountain," he answered, grinning at her astonishment.
She had never seen a fairy, but Impa told her that every child in the Kokiri forest had one. She had asked Impa, when she was younger, if she could have one too but Impa only smiled and shook her head no. And now, looking at the lighted fairies she felt the desire burning again to have one of her own.
"It's beautiful," Zelda whispered softly, her aqua colored eyes reflecting the light from the fairies.
"Yeah," Link said, his voice just as quiet as hers, but he was not looking at the fairies; he was looking at her. Quickly realizing what she was talking about and what he was looking at did not match, he focused his attention back at the fairies but not fast enough for Zelda to notice and blush.
"Do many people know about this place?" Zelda asked, taking a step forward.
"No . . . just me," Link said. "And you," he added quietly after a moment. He wasn't sure why or what had told him to show her this place. He liked having this private place to himself, but showing it to the princess didn't bother him at all. . . .
The fairies were happily hovering around above the small pond. Zelda reached out her palm into a small huddle of the fairies, and one of them swirled around it, giving Zelda the strangest feeling like lukewarm drops of water being sprinkled on her hand. And then the fairy vanished. Zelda gasped very slightly.
Link laughed a little at the look of surprise on Zelda's face. "They're healing fairies. And once they heal whatever's wrong they disappear. But don't worry, they don't die." Link assured her, seeing the stricken look on her face and laughing again.
Zelda blinked. She then smiled, and looked down at the ankle-deep water. Her smile suddenly turned into a mischievous grin. Link was looking away, past her and at the fairies and did not notice. Zelda swooped down and reached her hand into the small pool of water.
"Hey Link," she said, and just as his head turned to her, she splashed him with a handful of water.
At the sight of his dripping face, Zelda burst with laughter.
"You should have seen the look on your face!" she said.
Link scowled at her and quickly bent down and splashed her back. Zelda stopped in mid-laugh.
"What was that for?" she sputtered.
Link laughed. "You should have seen your face." He said. Zelda glared and tried splashing him again but this time Link was ready. He ducked the spew of water, and sprayed her back. Receiving a face full of water, she angrily brushed her wet hair away from her face, she took aim and this time managed a full on hit.
Pretty soon, they were both soaking wet and at the sight of the other the both fell over laughing.
"We should get home," Link said finally.
"Before you get splashed even more." She teased.
"Same to you, Princess."
She laughed and they left the fairy fountain, the pool somewhat less full then before.
They snuck back in the castle, Zelda managing to use the outer vines to climb back in. They stopped outside the gates.
"Thank you." She said, suddenly and strangely shy.
"For what?" he asked, with a soft smile
Zelda didn't answer for she had become lost in his eyes. Unconsciously, he leaned closer towards her. Zelda blinked and blushed, but suddenly noticed he was a whole lot closer than she thought. Her whole body began to feel warm.
Link smiled, and bent his head towards her. He pressed his soft lips against hers and then quickly pulled away, blushing.
"Bye Zelda."
Zelda stood, staring. "What just happened?" she thought, her heart fluttering. She blinked. She touched her lips. It did happen. She smiled, fireworks exploding inside her.
Barely noticing her movements and feeling slightly dazed, Zelda sneaked back into the castle. Still grinning broadly, she turned the corner she faced sharply with Impa, who was blinking and staring at the drenched princess.
"Princess, what happened?" Impa asked, aghast at the sight of her. Zelda amused herself for a moment thinking of all the possible things to say, and which ones would scare Impa the most.
"Where were you?" Impa asked still staring wide-eyed at the princess.
"Oh around." Zelda said with a casual wave of her hand.
"Around where?" Impa asked sharply, with her scrutinizing gaze.
"Oh just around the field . . . . with Link," Zelda said in an innocent tone. She waited, anticipating Impa's reaction.
Impa's eyes widened even larger, to teacup-proportionate size and her mouth hung open.
"What?"
And Zelda, laughing at Impa's expression, marched past her into her bedroom, to dry off.
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A/n: Ha I suck at kisses. But that one was a quick one, there will be more serious ones later (thus the rating PG-13) And it's a boulder I know, but Link pulling out a bomb and letting it explode . . . .eh it seems kind of crude, romance-wise and all. ^^
Just a little quick note, but if you guys haven't already I think you should read Hylian Heroine's "Lost and Found." It's a really good story and it's zelink. So go read it! ^_^
So anyways, please review, and I'm not making any promises to when I update next. We all remember last time that happened . . . _ Well that's it, toodles everyone!