Hey guys, I would've updated earlier, but there was a problem n I couldn't got on the site. :P

This is NOT the last chapter!!!!

Chapter 26

Keep Holding on

Zelda could hardly get a word in edgewise when she showed up in front of Impa and her father. First came the shock, then came the embrace, the crying, the questions, the talk of constant worry, and lastly, the demand for an explanation.

And so she did explain. Every little detail of her many months absence. It was not until she started to explain her memory gain that she revealed that the young man who had brought her on the journey was, in fact, Link himself. The boy she once knew as a child.

It wasn't a surprise to her to see the shocked faces of Impa and her father. Just knowing that the boy was still very much a resident of Hyrule was a surprise. The king had suspected he had ran away to another land to escape his execution, never to turn up again.

Then of course, Zelda had to explain that Link had also taken the potion Jesamay had given her.

She explained her friendship between the farm girl, Cremia, and her sister, Romani. She explained her investigations, the mysterious "Toby", and her night terror with the shadow man.

To the king's astonishment, she explained how Link and her gradually fell in love and were to be wed. And how the wedding was and the night of the reception where she was captured.

Everything seemed like a blur as Zelda spilled out all her secrets, moments, and events that happened. How could she not? In order for everything to make sense she needed to tell the whole truth. The painful truth.

She even had to explain the incident that happened just a few minutes ago, and what would have happened if Jesamay and Cremia hadn't snuck in.

Zelda, blubbering out her words now, was hardly able to speak.

"Marth has been deceiving you all along.", she explained. "He even told me that Mother did not die because of birth problems, but really was murdered just to set us up."

"He has lied about my kidnapping, he has ruined my life, taken advantage of me, and much more.", she cried hysterically. "He has been a rotten soul since the beginning. He must be condemned to execution."

There was a long, uneasy silence as the king took all what his daughter had said in. It was definitely overwhelming to hear this.

"So he shall.", murmured her father. "I just can't believe all this has happened."

But as this slowly came to a realization to him he soon became livid, rising to his feet.

"Where is this sorry excuse for a man?", he demanded to know. "He shall die at my hand."

Zelda was overjoyed to hear this, which was not something to be happy about often.

But in this situation, it was.

"You shouldn't worry about him.", said Zelda. "He will be out for a while in the dungeon's. You must meet my husband. I trust you'll give him your blessings."

The king had grimaced at the mention of 'husband'. "Zelda,", her father started. "You must understand that this is not easy for me to take. You have been gone for so long, and to hear you have married? You are the princess of Hyrule."

Zelda could not believe her ears. After all this, did he not trust her good judgment? She looked to Impa for help.

Impa downcast her eyes away from Zelda's pleading gaze.

She gathered herself up, standing her ground. "Yes Father. I have been wed. And I am the princess of Hyrule, but after what has happened, could you say things would be different of it were you?", she asked, trying to justify her actions.

"I know this, Zelda, but you have to take in consideration that one day, you will rule this country. Your husband can't possibly be qualified to lead with you."

Had she just heard this? Was she hearing right?

Just before she showed herself, he had admitted that when she was with Link was the only happy time of her life. How could this be what he was saying?

"Link is the strongest person I know. He is strong enough to lead any country.", she exclaimed defensively. Her voice was shaky with every word.

"Is he?", her father said with skepticism.

I guess he had a right to be though, He was going to hand over the land to his runaway daughter and her husband in a few years. Course he had reason to doubt.

But Zelda didn't see things that way.

"Father,", she said in a serious manner, looking deeply into the king's gray eyes for some possible hope. "He is the one who stood by my when others did not. You have taken him away from me before. Don't to it again."

And with those words, her father's expression seemed to soften. She was right. Yes, Zelda had come back alive and well, but without her happiness there would be no point.

Hearing Zelda's story and everything she had to go through, hurt the king dearly. All the rough times that she underwent. But he noticed something that Zelda's always managed to make clear. That she was not alone. Link was always at her side to give her support and was the reason why she was alive in the first place.

And to hear this request from his daughter, the only thing she had ever asked him to do, made him see that this boy, no, man, was so very important to her, that he couldn't possibly take that away. Not this time.

The king took in a deep breath and said, "Let's see him then."

Zelda jumped up with a wide smile, hugging her father. "Thank you, thank you!", she exclaimed happily. "You won't regret this."

Zelda led them out to the side of the castle, where she told the group to wait for her. Briskly, the three made there way down the hall.

Zelda stopped before a large wooden door, leading outside. She placed her hand on the handle and looked up at her two guardian figures.

"Before we go, I just want to thank you, due to you understanding in this whole situation. I'm sorry I did what I did. It was foolish of me. You are too forgiving.", she said, trying to conceal the joy from her voice. "I love you both very much."

"We love you too princess.', said Impa, smiling for the first time in a while. "Let's see what you brought home now."

Zelda grinned, pushing the door open to reveal her three friends standing on a frost covered ground just yards in front of her. She expected them to cheer upon her arrival, but that didn't happen at the least.

The problem was, they didn't look too happy. More like nervous.

Zelda peered at them, still standing in the doorway, wondering why her friends held such fearful expressions.

"Zelda.", Link spoke up. "Stay where you are." His eyes gazed to the side of her. Something she did not see.

But Zelda didn't take the warning seriously. "What are you-"

Without taking more than one step outside, she was swept to the side by an unseen visitor.

Well, he was unseen, that is, until she was pulled from her step and dragged in front of him with a blade to her neck.

The group froze in horror, while Impa and Zelda's father ran out to see that Marth, accompanied with a fairly large bump to his head, was holding Zelda against him, threatening to kill.

"Don't move any step closer.", he spat, backing away to the side. "We have some matters to discus."

"Put her down!", ordered the king. "Put her down this instant!"

The King, along with Link and Impa, looked ready to attack at any moment. They watched carefully as Marth made his way around the group. His back was now towards the path to Hyrule fields. A perfect run for it.

"I don't think you understand the situation here, you highness.", said Marth, grinning widely. "I have all the power in my hands at the moment. Why do you think I would give that up?"

"Have you know, your facing death.", growled the king.

Marth chuckled at the king's measly threat. "I am not afraid of death. I know what my consequences are, thank you very much."

"What is it that you want?", he wanted to know. "We can make a trade."

Marth tightened his grip around Zelda, making her heart race faster with every breath. She could feel the large blade along her neck. Cold to the touch due to the winter temperatures, but still sharp as ever. It was enough to make anyone nervous.

"I want what I traveled here for, your highness. I want your daughter.", he said, followed by a kiss to her neck. He could see Link's anger grow as he taunted him a little more. "And I want him."

Marth pointed his sword at Link. "This fellow was a dead man before he even knew what he got himself into.", said Marth. "I believe we don't let escaped convicts of f the hook."

"The only escaped convict here is you.", Zelda retorted through gritted teeth.

Marth smiled, raising the blade back to her neck. "Tsk, tsk, tsk.", said Marth, looking up towards Impa. "Didn't you ever teach this tramp some manners you old hag?"

Impa's fists tightened, threatening to let go at any time now.

"And didn't your father teach you the right way to fight a girl?", Cremia spoke out, defending her friend. "Look's to me that you gave up pretty easily in that dungeon."

Marth frowned, turning his gaze on Cremia. "What do you know, country trash?", Marth spat. "After I'm done here, I will make sure you'll pay for interfering."

"Do you actually think your getting out of this alive?", Jesamay screeched. "Your never going to get away with this!"

"Actually I will.", said Marth, sure of himself. "The Hylian guards know nothing about this incident, all of Hyrule already thinks that Zelda is dead, the king will say nothing because I have his daughter, and the rest of you witnesses will be killed off. My plan is perfect."

"That,", Jesamay said with a smirk. "is where your wrong."

Marth rolled his eyes, bored with this conversation. "How do you figure?", he asked.

"Because.", Jesamay said, taking a bottle from her dress pocket. A bottle with a certain fairy in it.

She held it up in her hand, quite proud of her discovery. "It's mighty hard to kill an immortal. And since you pretty much destroyed your trust with her, I don't think it will be much of a hassle for her to tell the authorities."

"You fool." Marth laughed. "Nobody will listen to a stupid fairy. They will think she lies."

"Maybe in Termina.", Link dove in. "But in Hyrule, fairies are the most respected creatures here. And we know fairies can't tell lies."

"Well, well, well, aren't we the one to be a hypocrite.", said Marth. "Last time I checked, you'd be the last to trust this vile globe of bull. Are we defending her now?"

"Never.", growled Link. "She will never be trusted with me, but if you do kill us, she will certainly go to someone. You have no escape. Now let Zelda go."

"What makes you think any of this will change my mind?", he said, laughing. "If you let Navi out, I will slit her throat for sure."

"Hey!"

"What now!", Marth groaned, turning to see who was behind him.

This was her chance. With one swift move, Zelda slammed her foot against Marth's, making him cry out, setting her free.

Zelda ran to Link, who took hold of her, saying, "It's a good thing you have so many friends."

Zelda looked to see who had called out behind her and found it was Romani, who was now tackling a distracted Marth down to the snowy, cold ground. But it didn't last long, since Marth, being the strong guy he was, turned over, pinning Romani to the ground.

"That's it!", he yelled. "It's time to stop fooling around." He took out a horn from within his pockets and blew hard into it.

The sound echoed through the quiet land. And then it was silent. All too silent to be normal.

Marth lifted himself off of Romani, and looked as if he were waiting for something.

Then they heard it. Marth ran off toward the fields, where the sound of marching feet were heard.

Zelda glanced nervously towards Link for some answers. He stood there for a moment, thinking.

Link turned to the king. "Get as many guards as you can and bring them to the fields. Were following him.", he said.

With that, the king and Impa went back into the castle to gather up some fighters. Cremia went to go help up Romani and Jesamay looked questionably to Link.

"What is that about?", she asked.

Link looked over towards the fields. "I have a feeling something big is going to happen."

"What?", Zelda wanted to know.

"I think our buddy Marth has some old friends in Hyrule.", Link said dryly. "Come on."

The group ran down the direction where Marth fled, being greeted by a not so welcoming crowd, and Math was standing in front of it.

"You've got to be kidding me.", gaped Romani.

"Uh, Zelda.", Link asked.

"Yeah?", she replied, staring at a few dozen of dog-like creatures.

"Remember when you saw me all beat up in the dungeon?", he said. His voice far off.

"Uh huh.", she nodded.

"Yeah, well, that's the reason why I was all beat up when you saw me.", he said pointing at the monsters.

"oh…"

Now how in the world Marth managed to control these creatures was a mystery, but their biggest priority now, was that they get rid of them, and take care of Marth.

Zelda heard the Hylian army coming up behind them. She turned around to see her father ready to bring on the fight.

"Last chance, your highness.", Marth called. "Give Zelda and lover boy to me and I'll be on my way."

"Never.", yelled the king, then he ordered his men to attack. "I always needed an excuse to get rid of those ugly monsters anyway."

Zelda stood still, looking up at Link as dozens of men flew passed them.

"What do you think of me becoming princess again?", she asked, staring into his eyes.

Link was surprised by this question. "I thought you never wanted to see this place again.", he said with a grin.

"Well, if it involves you, I think I'll be able to manage.", she said, taking his hand, swinging it by her side.

Link smiled. The smile that always made her melt. It was nice to see that after being stuck in a dungeon for two days. "Whatever makes you happy."

"It does.", she said with a smirk. "Because this time, your not going anywhere." She kissed him on the cheek, and turned to where Marth was standing. "Okay, now let's give that man was he deserves."

With that, the two made there way through the crowd, careful not to be attacked, which wasn't a problem since they were all busy with someone else, and right up to where Marth was.

Marth, surprisingly, dropped his blade and began to run. He didn't get very far though, because Link caught him by his collar, dragging him to a less active spot.

It just goes to show, Marth is a big coward when people aren't tied up, unconscious, or under his control.

"What's wrong Marth?", Link taunted. "I swear you were just ready to fight me a few minutes ago."

Link was finally ready to blow some steam off this guy. For months he wanted to bash "Toby" for some unknown reason, and this time, Zelda was there to cheer him on.

He gladly shoved Marth down to the ground, putting his foot down on his chest, just to make sure he wasn't going anywhere. Link frowned down at the pitiful prince.

"Marth, Marth, Marth…", Link said. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for this."

Zelda had to admit, she never saw Link mad. I guess there was never a reason though, since it was only them together most of the time. So you could imagine how weird it was to see him about to beat Marth up.

Link took out his sword, aiming it to the prince. "Now. Let's start off at your first mistake. When you ruined our childhood. Her childhood."

How sweet. He was going to beat a man to a pulp to defend her. Link was such a charmer.

Link gabbed Marth, making him stand up. Marth didn't dare move.

Link took his first hit, bashing Marth's already broken nose with his fist.

Marth staggered back for a moment, then looked up at Link with anger. "You.", he said gravely, getting up from his placed and charging at Link.

Link blocked his attack, grabbing his shirt, and pushing him down. He swooped down and began to make a punching bag out of Marth. With every hit, Marth grunted in pain.

But Link stopped, when he took a blow to the stomach, courtesy of Marth's foot, making Link recoil.

Marth quickly got to his feet, taking out a dagger from his belt. "You will pay.", he said angrily.

Link stood his ground, unfazed by the weapon in his hand. Without another thought, he lifted his sword, ready for anything. "I wouldn't try anything stupid.", he warned.

But, being a stupid prince, Marth did. He charged at Link thrashing out at him, giving Link a few cuts on the arm. Link came back at him with much more power, giving Marth deep gashes to the legs.

The two fought back and forth, showing Link that Marth was a worthy fighter. Marth finally managed to cut Link enough so that he, himself, had some time to recover.

But Link came just before Marth was able to strike again, putting them back into battle.

There was a point where Link dropped some of his weapons, and Marth got a hold of a sword. Without time to spare Marth plunged the sword into Link's shoulder.

Zelda screamed out, going to Link to help him.

She kneeled down next to him, giving him support.

"Link.", she exclaimed. "Let me help."

"No, Zel.", he groaned. "Go."

"No.", Zelda shook her head. "I won't."

Link's eyes widened as he yelled for her to move.

At the last second, Zelda did as told, making Marth run into Link's blade, not being able to stop.

Marth gasped in pain, feeling the blade through his middle. Slowly he fell to the floor, holding his stomach, trying to keep himself from bleeding to death. His breath was labored and slow.

Link dropped his sword, quite satisfied. "Damn you to hell, Marth.", he said, spitting at his dying opponent. "Goddesses know that's where you belong after your life of wrongness."

Marth just looked up at the two, smiling to himself. "You will regret this."

Zelda took Link close to her, kissing him sweetly on the lips. "We did it.", she said smiling. She looked around the fields. Almost all of the creatures were dead, and the one's that weren't were being taken care "Now nothing can go wrong."

Link backed up in pain, lifting a hand to his wound. "Yeah.", he said, gritting his teeth together from the pain. "Now I just need to get this healed."

"We'll do that.", said Zelda. "Now how do you feel about being king?"

"Hmmm…", Link said, pretending to be in deep thought. "Do I get to have the beautiful Queen that stands before me?"

"I think you do.", said Zelda with a smirk. "now-"

Zelda stopped in mid sentence, sucking in all her breath. She suddenly felt immense pain in her ribs.

"Zelda?', Link asked, trying to see what was wrong.

Zelda lifted a shaky hand to her side, finding something pointy sticking out from it. Something that certainly wasn't supposed to be there.

She felt warm blood trickle into her hands, sticky and thick. Slowly, she lowered her head down to see that an arrow had impaled her just below her chest.

"Goddesses", Link cried, taking hold of her to keep her standing. She lifter her hand onto his untouched shoulder and gripped it tightly, begging to feel the arrow.

Link lowered her carefully, letting her sit on the ground. He looked up to see the supposed dead Marth, taking his last breath with a grin. With a wave of his hand, he became lifeless.

He had used Link's bow and arrow, that had dropped when they were fighting, and shot Zelda when they weren't looking.

"Zelda.", Link said. "Zelda, don't worry, we can get this fixed."

Zelda smiled weakly and said, "No, I don't think we can Link."

"Don't say that.", he begged. His voice was nervous, ready to crack. "We're going to get you all better. Don't worry."

"I'm not worried.", she whispered. "Link, it's okay. Really. Calm down."

"What's okay Zel?", he asked hysterically. "Don't think your going to give up now. Your stronger than that."

"Link, I love you.", she said. "Remember that always."

She had one arm dangled around his shoulder. There faces were so close that they could feel each other's breath, which were coming out in large, visible puffs. Zelda shivered from the cold.

"It's freezing out here.", she pointed out, beginning to look pale.

Link's eyes began to well up. He smiled weakly for her. "Yeah, it is. We should get you inside."

Snow began to fall over them, making everyone on the field stop.

Cremia, who was far off, standing with her sister, turned to see Zelda lying down with Link to hold her. She gasped at the sight, grabbing her sister, telling her to look. Tears fell down the young redhead's cheeks.

"No Link.", she said softly. "It's too beautiful out here."

"Zelda. We need to get help. I'm sure we can get that out.", he said, his voice cracking with every word, as tears began to fall down his face.

"Shhh.", Zelda hushed, shaking her head. "It is alright. I finally got what I was living for… I finally found you. That was all I needed."

"No.", Link said shaking his head. "No, it's not."

"I'm happy now that I know that someone does love me.", she said, lifting her head up just to meet his lips. "I can go a happy, married woman."

At that, Link broke down. "No Zelda.", he managed to say between sobs. "Your going to make it. I love you. Just keep holding on."

Zelda smiled again, a sort of dazed smile, and then she began to sing.

"Where did I go right. How did I get you? How come all this blue sky is around me, and you found me…", she sang. By now, she too was crying. Crying for him.

Link buried his head to her neck as she sang with her angelic voice, trying to make the best of what was happening.

"Where did I go right? How did I get you?… I don't know how I did, but somehow now I do-" Zelda's voice became softer until she was barely able to hear.

"I love you."

....honestly...if there are any mispellings in here i couldn't care less. it took WAY too long to write this. (falls asleep)

Omg….what happens???? Stay tuned…

Youwouldkillforthis : yes.. I am J

anime/videogame freak: okay here it is

ArizonaGoddess89: haha…yeah, either that or Cremia is one tough cookie.

Fury : ok…he's finally dead…

Snowyflakes: so very sry. Hopefully your ego will be spared in the future. :D

zelda-chic04: y thank you. I am very proud of my story :D

Forlorn Rain: eeepp … well, I am a hopeless romantic too….but as you can see I am also a dramatic one at that

Hyrule Master: well…I think they might be the same, honestly, Marth is just the character everyone rips from Melee to be the bad guy…thank you…villains are my specialty :P

LadyAkki45: uhg,…well…now I feel dumb…lol :D…I never recheck that thing because I always spell it wrong and it just so annoys me.

warriorlink89: thanx

Bvv : haha… (runs away, afraid you'll kill me next)

Eva-Freak015: yup… :d here's another for good luck :P

kimahrigirl: than you

jade2824: (hands update to jade) here take it…. :P

Hikashi Suzuki: he's in LOZ cuz…umm… well, I guess cuz he's in SSB and he can fit in cuz he's a prince….lol…best I can tell ya

Black Emerald Dawn: thanx

The Gemini Sage: If there was one reason to write this story, it would be that. Thankyou! I'm glad that your so attached to the characters that it can alter emotion

Linkygurl88 : thanx

dan heron: yeah..I love her character. She's so mysterious

Nessa-Cuthalian: omg I'm soooo sry! I didn't mean it honestly…actually, I missed a lot. Lol…but thanx…(takes cookie and eats it….gives a whole new batch to Nessa) forgive me??? :D

I'm very curious to see your reactions…