The Legend of Zelda: The Lost Princess

Chapter 3- Larger than Life

Hey, I have a new reviewer! Thank you so much! And as always, faithful Marinawings over there- you're the best! Ok guys, enjoy this one…hehe I sure did.

It was a good thing Link was already sitting down or his legs would have failed him completely. A KISS?! HIM? KISS a PRINCESS?! And let's not forget- up until 5 minutes ago he'd been unaware that she even existed! He opened and closed his mouth a few times, trying to find words. Impa waited patiently-this was a lot for the Hero to take in. Finally Link spoke, his voice deceptively calm and steady.

"I'm sure the princess has waited long enough. And I know her father, her sister, and her people miss her greatly. I wouldn't think of denying them her presence longer than necessary."

Impa closed her eyes and clasped her hands in silent prayer, thanking the Goddesses for Link's chivalry. When she opened her eyes again, she was surprised to find Link smiling as brightly as a child fascinated by a new toy.

"Besides," he said quietly, "I'm anxious to meet her myself. And…she'll need a Champion."

Impa's smile widened. "I'm sure she would consider that an honor. Come, hero, another journey begins."

A few hours later, Link sat astride Epona, his faithful horse, who had carried him through-and out of- many tight spots through all his questing. He led a party of considerable size- an honor guard composed of Hylian soldiers and Gerudo guards, handpicked by Nabooru herself; six handmaids mounted on horseback, as well as Impa and Nabooru herself, who had joined them at the Gerudo Fortress. Presently they were riding through the Haunted Wasteland under Link's guidance. Fortunately there were no sandstorms, they having subsided after the defeat of Twinrova. There was another member of the party Link had cast several admiring glances at. Nabooru had ridden out of the stable on the most magnificent stallion Link had ever seen, her own mount tied behind. On seeing Link's thunderstruck expression, she laughed loudly.

"Ariana's own mount. Bottle-fed him from a colt after his mother died. Ari's the only one next to me who's even brave enough to TRY to ride him. He's wild as hell- acts like he's gonna take somebody's head off if they get too close to him- unless it's Ari or me. He HATES men as well…so you're in trouble I'm afraid." Nabooru grinned as Link's face fell. "And he's the fastest thing I've seen on 4 legs, for all his being a monster. Gorgeous, isn't he?"

You can say that again, Link thought, mentally assessing him. He was a dark golden color, with a mane and tail so white it almost glowed in the desert sun. And Nabooru was right- he was HUGE and he was WILD- at least 17 hands, billowing and snorting, neighing like thunder. Now Link really couldn't wait to meet Ariana- if she was brave enough to take on THAT whirlwind on hooves….she MUST really be something, Link thought. While Link had been musing, lost in thought about the living legend he was about to meet, they had arrived at the Desert Colossus, home of the Spirit Temple.

Impa, Nabooru, and Link dismounted. "Wait here for us," Nabooru commanded the guards. Impa beckoned to the handmaids, who dismounted and relieved the horses of their saddlebags. The Sages flanked Link as they strode into the Temple, followed closely by the handmaidens.

Inside, once Link's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting he could see the other sages already waiting. He staggered under the weight of Darunia's greeting, pried Saria off his leg, tried to ignore Ruto's simpering, and bowed respectfully to Rauru. "Gang's all here," he quipped, jumping out of the way before Nabooru could playfully swat at him.

"All right, all right, enough already! Everyone's happy to see everyone, and we ALL want to see my niece, so let's get on with it!"

Nabooru walked to the back wall of the antechamber to the Spirit Temple and raised her hands. A beam of orange light shot from her palms, joined by the yellow, green, red, blue, and purple lights of the other five Sages, who had also raised their hands. Link shielded his eyes as the beams shattered the wall, revealing a long hall into which torches had been set. Nabooru stepped aside, beckoning to Link. "All yours kid!"

Link smiled at the old form of endearment from the beautiful spirit sage. "You six might want to stand back a bit," he cautioned, sweeping his palm horizontally, then over his head, slamming his fist into the ground, casting Din's Fire, lighting each of the wall torches all the way down the hall.

"Impressive," Rauru murmured, marveling at the young man the Goddesses had so blessed with their power. The party formed up behind Link and proceeded down the hall.

Ok, that's it! PLEASE don't get mad that this is just a filler chapter. You'll get the kiss we've all been waiting for in the next chapter I PROMISE!! Just keep reviewing and I'll keep updating! :- to all