Hey everyone! This update sure came fast! I couldn't help it; I just had to get it going! It's getting so interesting! Oh, and the next chapter is almost completed…just on a side note, the little secret I was talking about, in case no one noticed, which I see someone did, is that "Eluryh" is "Hyrule" backwards. Cool, huh? Anywho, hope you enjoy this chapter, especially those of you who feel sad today…hope you feel better TheHylian…
Chapter 12
(Memories Relived)
Link's eyelids slowly opened, his mind began to piece together the events that had happened the day before. He forced himself up, and opened the door to his cabin, stepping out on deck drowsily.
"Good morning to you, sir!" Link jumped about a foot in the air, and whipped around. A soldier was on his ship, standing in front of him. "We'll be arriving shortly. " Link fumbled for a reply.
"Yes, good morning to you too." he mumbled. "When did you come aboard?" Link struggled to find the perfect words to say.
"After you retired, sir. May I ask your name?" the soldier waited in curiosity.
Link hesitated for a moment. He couldn't say his real name because if they found him out as a pirate…he rubbed his neck tenderly in thought of the punishment. He blurted out the first name he thought of. "Sheik." he stated, without realizing what he had said.
The soldier nodded, thrusting out a friendly hand. "Welcome Sheik! I'm Luce." Link accepted the hand after a moment, watching the other soldiers warily.
The soldier wrinkled his nose. "I must say you're lucky we stumbled upon you. You look in terrible shape. I know a place where you can get cleaned up." He proceeded to tell Link about a shop close to where they would dock.
Link watched the town come into view. It was painful to see for him. He called his crew together, huddling them into a group. Garian was the only one ignoring every word. "Alright, here are the rules. We need to go ashore to renew our supplies and get materials to fix our ship. There will be no plundering, no women, and no drinking. We want to keep a low profile. We will meet at dawn." He turned to Zelda. "You are to stay here."
For a moment, she felt like arguing, but stopped herself. This way she could maybe sneak into town. "Fine." she stated.
It was already dark when Link decided they could go. The soldiers decided to help Link along his way by fixing his mast. The pirates scattered like cockroaches under light. In a few moments, they were gone. Link shuffled his feet, hiding in the shadows. He had wrapped a cloak about him and was constantly on alert.
Suddenly, as he walked by an open door, he stopped. It was an old run-down general store, barely keeping open by the skin of its teeth. Inside was a young girl. She swept the floor with her broom, keeping busy. She was short, perky, and cute. She had emerald green eyes and hair to match.
Link's heart ached at the sight of her. She glanced up; he swiftly ducked. She sighed, and resumed her work. As Link left, he noticed something down the street he had not seen before. There was a sign swinging in the wind. It was a bar. Link frowned, his expression became dark. He walked towards the door and was nearly overpowered by the smell of alcohol. He swallowed, and snuck inside. The air was dank with smoke; the stench of wine and beer hung in the air. He found a table in the corner and propped his feet on top of it, leaning back in the wooden chair. There were a few men with him inside, but they were much too drunk to notice him. Link watched as the men talked and laughed.
Meanwhile, Zelda was getting bored of staying in the ship. She wanted to go, to run. She would be safe and free. She looked out over the town. "And yet…" she thought out loud. "I don't want to leave…" She was amazed at her thoughts and feelings. After a bit of arguing with herself, she decided she would leave. He didn't care about her anyway. She packed what few things she had, and began to walk off the ship. As she neared the captain's cabin, she stopped and hid. Something was moving within. She had to clap a hand over her mouth to suppress a scream. She peeked through the window, and began to listen.
Garian threw things aside, rummaging and gritting his teeth in anger. "Where is it? Where is it?" he questioned out loud. "Why can't I find it!" he growled in frustration.
"Because it's not here, you mindless fool." Garian whirled about to see Tetra. He drew his sword, and laughed.
"I must say, it's a bad time for you to show up." he spat, glaring at her.
"Cut the act, you imbecile. Why are you searching here!" she asked. "And where is the captain?"
"He's in town…I'm starting to doubt your abilities Tetra, that's a large spot of makeup you are wearing." He pointed to the back of her head, where Zelda had hit her and a large blue bruise had formed. "Beaten by a merchant's daughter."
Tetra slammed him against the wall, fiercely whispering. "If I ever hear you say anything like that again, I'll remove your implement for speech!" She thrust her dagger into the wood near his head. "Am I understood?"
"Yes." Garian whimpered. "But if it isn't here…where is it?" He gave Zelda the impression that he was a cowering puppy.
"It must be with him. It is the key." she answered softly. "Although…I admit, that girl, the merchant's daughter is a key as well…" she trailed off for a moment. "When Link returns, we will enact our plan."
"The mutiny?" asked Garian.
"The mutiny." Tetra smiled an evil smile.
Zelda gasped, and forgot all about running away. She had to warn Link! She sprinted into the lonely town and thought out loud. "If I was a pirate captain, where would I be?" She started panting. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a bar. That seemed like a valid place to look. She darted inside, and noticed Link. Wondering what he was doing without a drink, she crouched and began to spy on him.
Link watched in a bored way as the customers became more and more drunk. It wasn't the first time he was seen this. He sighed as the three began to head for the counter for another round. They pounded on the wood. "Oy there! Let's have another! Another glass for my friends and I!" Link recognized one of them as a soldier from earlier.
Suddenly, the door to the back opened, and Link's heart literally skipped a beat. A young woman stepped out, carrying some dishes. She set the dirty goblets in the sink, and turned to the men. "Not tonight boys, please." She had gentle blue eyes, and fiery red hair that hung to her lower back in tangled wisps.
"Aw come on Mal, can't you give a guy a good time?" the man's tone became a bit louder.
The woman ignored him and began heading for the back. "Didn't I say not tonight?" she exclaimed softly. "I'm waiting for someone." she breathed.
"Mal, don't leave. You will please me tonight!" He grabbed her arm roughly, yanking her to his side. "Thrill me." He ripped her dress a bit in a stupor.
The woman screamed, and Zelda held her breath in suspense. There was a loud crash; the red-head scurried behind the counter. She stared at the shadow-like figure that saved her. The soldier, who was now holding his head where a bottle had smashed into it, shrank before the hooded figure until he caught a glimpse of his face. He motioned for his friends to leave, and glared at Link with his eyes slit together. "Sheik, I warn you, you won't leave here alive." He hiccupped once, and stormed out.
For a moment all seemed still. Then the laughs and sounds of the men stopped, fading into nothing. The silence of the moment was ended with a loud squeal, and Link found himself pushed to the floor by the red-head. He grunted as his body hit the ground. The woman squeezed his chest, her arms tightly clinging to his body. "Sheik! Oh, Sheik! You're back! I knew you would come back, oh I just knew! I wished on our star every night! I knew you'd return, oh I missed you! Where have you been? What's happened? Why did you…" She was cut off by Link putting two fingers on her mouth.
"Malon…it's me." He gently pushed her off him, pulling his hood back.
The girl blinked a few times, blushed a deep crimson, and crawled off him. She knelt in front of him. "Link?" she questioned in surprise.
"Yes Malon, it's me." He nodded, a smile forming on his lips.
She bent in, examining him. "Link, it is you!" In a fit of excitement, she threw herself on him, knocking him to the ground again.
"Malon, it's great to see you…but, could you do me a favor?" he asked in a muffled tone from under her body.
"Yes, Link? Anything." She was beaming from ear to ear.
"Could you get off me?" He chuckled lightly.
"Oh! Sorry…" She sat down across from him. "It's just been so long! Tell me! Where have you been?"
"It's a long story." Link sighed deeply.
"You look so tired. Come on, I'll give you a place to stay! Of course you can stay here, and you will!" She winked, and hugged him tightly. "I've missed you, Link." she whispered.
Zelda heard more talking, but turned away, her eyes brimming with tears. She could hardly stand, but managed to ease herself into a shaky pose, and sneak outside. She bit her lip, trying to convince herself she was acting childish and she wasn't meant for him. She realized it was no use, finally admitting to herself that she loved him. It was as if time stood still; Zelda remained glued to the spot.
Before long, the silence was ended. Incredibly loud sobs and wails came from inside. Zelda caught Link's voice. "I'm sorry, Malon! I really am! If there was any way!" The woman's voice replied in anger.
"Get out! Go! I never want to see you again!" Zelda barely had time to look up when Link came careening through the door, bottles flying after him like projectiles. With an audible thump, Zelda found herself staring into the captain's eyes. It took a split second for her mind to realize that the captain's lips had pressed against hers and were still lingering. She wriggled frantically against the ground, reliving herself from his weight. She stood up as he did, shaking in anger.
"What are you doing here?" Link didn't seem angry, just confused.
Zelda shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. Without realizing what she was doing, she raised a hand and smartly slapped his cheek. "You…you excuse for a man! How dare you! You didn't want me to come because of your fling in there!" She waved towards the bar. "I know now! You despicable, conniving, rat! You're married!" She lifted his hand, exposing the ring. "You're married and you just told her you had to leave! I hope you're satisfied, you weasel!" She crossed her arms in a huff, staring him down. Surprisingly, Link was quiet.
"You know nothing about me." he whispered, his eyes brimming. He cleared his throat, holding his cheek to ease the sting.
"Oh, really? Alright, captain, or should I say cheater?" She heaved in frustration. "Enlighten me…I can't believe you." She was cut off by Link interrupting.
"Zelda, two things. Number one…shut up." Zelda was surprised and insulted. Link had never used her name before. "Number two, Malon is not my wife." He frowned at her.
"Then…the ring, and who is she? What did you say?" she asked.
"Zelda, remember number one? Come with me." He motioned for her to follow him. She looked at him doubtfully, but followed anyway, keeping quiet as she was told. Link led her to the edge of town. She found herself in front of a shack. One could hardly call it a living residence. It was filthy, rotted, and absolutely covered in cobwebs. She finally turned to Link.
"What are we doing?" she asked, annoyed.
"Now, my dear merchant's daughter, you may ask your questions." Link sat down with is back against the wall of the house.
"Very well." Zelda considered for a moment. "Who is the red-head?" she asked.
Link sighed softly. "That would be Malon."
"Yes? And who is she? Your wife? Why was she in tears?" Zelda began firing questions more rapidly.
"No, she is a friend of mine. She is Sheik's girlfriend. That's why she was crying. I told her Sheik wasn't coming back." He played with the gold ring on his finger thoughtfully.
Zelda felt a bit guilty. "Why are we in front of this house? Why were you so uncomfortable about coming here?"
"Eluryh…come to think of it, that's none of your business." Link closed his eyes.
"Oh yes it is. Like it or not, I know something and if you want to find out what it is, you have to tell me everything I ask." Her eyes glinted, she knew she had won.
Link looked at her lazily. "Alright, you tell me first."
"Oh, I don't think so. You will tell me my answer first. My information is crucial." Like Zelda knew he would, Link took the bait.
"Fine. Eluryh is my town. This house is my house…was my house. Happy?" He stared at her, piercing her heart.
"You…you grew up here?" Zelda felt her heart aching for him, although she knew he had avoided the question.
"Yes." Link's simple answer shattered Zelda's angry attitude.
"Two more questions. What is the ring? And…why did you leave?" Zelda calmed herself, and sat beside him, watching his every move. The night was still young, so his face was a bit shadowed, as was his response.
"Those are difficult questions. No one on earth knows the answer to the second question but me." He settled himself against the wood. He looked into her eyes; his expression became dreamy and far-off. "To tell you the answer, we will have to go back."
"Go back?" Zelda repeated. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you have to listen, because this story takes place a year ago…today." Link began to shake a little. "First, you must swear never to tell another soul as long as you live."
Zelda stifled a laugh. "I swear."
"This is not a joke. You must swear as a pirate." Link's eyes were flickering like a candle in the moonlight.
"Very well." Zelda spoke without thinking. "I will swear as a pirate."
Link nodded solemnly. "Here we are." To Zelda's surprise, he took a dagger from his clothing and a small book. He opened the book to its first blank page and handed her the dagger. Zelda shrank away, looking scared. "It's a blood oath." Link explained. "Alright…here." Link took her hand, feeling shivers run down his back as he did, and slightly pierced her skin with the tip. Zelda suppressed a squeak of injury, looking away. With a quick press, Link had her oath on paper in blood. He nodded, satisfied. Zelda began to suck her finger casually.
" Well…here's my story. Listen carefully, and remember, you gave your oath." Link leaned back, closed his eyes, and seemed to go into a sort of trance. Zelda relaxed, letting her mind picture the events as they unfolded like a book. Link let the rush of memories pour into his mind…
Well, that's it. I have the next chapter written, but I still have to put it up. But I have to say, this is definitely one of my longer chapters…my wrists hurt. Oh well, happy reading, and I'll try to update fast!