Inspiration: "Prince," by Versailles, Jigoro Kano (the founder of judo), Ninpo Ninjitsu: judo, The Kinetic Molecular Theory, The 2 & 3 Law of Thermodynamics, Green's Theorem in Calculus, and Twilight Princess.
All Original Shout Outs: C . b l y 15, HylianprincessZ, She-king-Of-His-Castle, Manyanae, ArtemisandApollorock26, 7stones7steps, ShadowQueenMidna, and Hawk-eye Song.
Recommended Readings: "All About Chemistry," by Metal Choccobo; "The Sacred Weapon," by Manyanae; "Anonymous Truths," by C . b l y 15, "Reminiscence is Calling," by HylianprincessZ, "Being Torn Apart," by She-King-Of-His-Castle.
Author Notes: Reupload 3/4/2020. Reedited 4/7/2020.
Word Count: 13,695
Chapter 11
Link
This was an unexpected turn of events. Zelda and I were no longer the only visitors to Zora's Domain. That crazed psychopath the queen and I first encountered was now standing before us. And from his stance, he was here to continue where he and I left off. This was dangerous in that we indirectly put the Zoras at risk. How in the world did he find us here? How was he able to track us without my being able to detect him? Something about him clearly wasn't normal. He was probably a practitioner of the dark arts. Perhaps even a magi. I sensed it the first time we fought. There was more to him than what he appeared to be. Naturally, I would engage him, but I held back due to the presence of the others here. Zelda in particular was attempting to follow my lead. I couldn't have her doing that. This situation was a lot more delicate with the Zoras watching.
I held up my hand to halt her.
"Don't come any closer," I warned. "I'll take care of this."
At my caution, the queen hesitated. She probably assumed she would assist me like she assisted me with the bandits. However, she halted at my mandate and proceeded to take several steps back. She did not protest, which I was grateful for. She opted to stay away from the fight zone. Zelda getting involved would be more of a hindrance than a help. She also encouraged the rest of the Zoras to follow her lead. That was prudent. This could get ugly quickly. Considering we disclosed to King Ralis that we were only here to retrieve a signet ring, that lie could easily be exposed now. With this ninja's presence, this would bode for a whole host of other questions. This could turn into a complete disaster if I didn't put an end to this quickly. However, at seeing our engagement, Sheik, as he called himself now, wasted no time getting to the point.
"I want the shards."
I stood my ground.
"You know that's not happening."
Sheik took several steps forward at my reply and stopped within a few feet of me. He balled his fists at his sides, cracking all his knuckles in the process. It was apparent he wasn't here to mince words.
"I'll ask you just one more time." His impatience was apparent. "Hand… over… those… shards."
I didn't flinch.
"I'll say this to you only one more time... no."
Sheik glared at me, clearly done reasoning.
"Then you leave me no choice." He immediately initiated his ninjutsu taijutsu.
It was a fighting stance without the use of a weapon. It was obvious he was quite proficient in all aspects of that eastern form of combat. However, I had a minor advantage myself in that I was versed enough in it to hold my own. I set my footing in my own battle stance, preparing to defend.
"I guess not."
Zelda and the Zoras were far enough away not to get caught up in the zone of demarcation. However, they were still close enough to intervene if necessary. My only expectation was that if things got out of control, they would be swift enough to call the king for help. This was a situation I was clearly the most suited for. Even so, this deviant may adroitly decide on a whim to use one of the spectators as a hostage if things didn't go his way. I needed to be wary of that.
I have to watch his footing. He's going to use trickery of some kind if I best him too soon.
The standoff between Sheik and I continued, but apparently it was making the Zoras watching antsy. One of them was even quick to voice his displeasure.
"Shouldn't we help Master Link instead of just standing here?" the male Zora demanded abruptly. "There are way more of us than there are of him! We can't let the young hero fight alone!"
I understood and appreciated his conjecture, but he wasn't seeing the bigger picture. If he, or anybody, intervened now it could potentially become a massacre. This ninja was not an honorable warrior. He would kill the Zoras in order to procure the shards. I was not about to let innocent blood be shed for a situation Zelda and I brought to them. I turned slightly to address him directly.
"No, you all stay back and protect her majesty! That's the best thing you can do for me right now!"
The Zora who spoke up stared at me surprised and hesitated, but then nodded at my words. He didn't realize the danger of this menace. This ninja would kill him... kill him if he got in his way, which was mind boggling to me. That was not the true Sheikah way. I learned a little about their culture from my journeys, and this Sheik's representation was not who they were. Even so, Zelda quickly came and took hold of the fin of the eager young Zora.
"I appreciate your valor, but Master Link is right, we'll only be in the way. We have to let him do this alone." She looked over at me just then. "For now."
Her caution was evident, but necessary, and at her utterance I glanced over at her and mouthed to her as discreetly as possible, 'Alert the king!'
Ralis couldn't be in the dark about this. The sooner he was informed the better. This situation was fast spiraling out of my or Zelda's control. And, admittedly it was much bigger than she or I right now. Zelda looked at me taken aback for a moment, slightly perplexed by my silent expression. I couldn't mouth it again. I think however, she got the gist of what I was trying to tell her. I gave her a knowing look and stared at her hard for a moment. She said nothing in return as a look of recognition finally came across her face. She nodded ever so discreetly, then looked to Sheik beyond me. I gathered she was trying to gauge whether he caught on to what we were doing or not. Afterwards, she ushered for a guard still near the edge of the pool to come to her. When he approached, Zelda leaned in and whispered my apparent mandate to him. Afterwards, the young guard promptly ran to dive into the pool. His strong fins then carried him retrograde up the falls to where the throne room was.
That was a good sign.
I hope Ralis comes quickly.
I turned my attention back to my opponent. Sheik had now begun circling the general area. I moved in position with him to make sure he didn't try a surprise attack. I noticed him studying me, trying to find a weak point in my defenses. The most compulsory element with this fighting stance was his taunt in making the first move. In combat, a seasoned ninja never was the impulsive one. However, since we were both being extra cautious, Sheik decided to throw tradition to the wind, and initiate his stance of the judo.
Judo was a form of combat that focused more on throwing and grappling than standard offensive strikes. I noticed Sheik was trying to catch me off guard with that maneuver because he could alternate between the two disciplines seamlessly. It seemed his plan was to attack me when my guard was down, and throw me into the pool if he could manage it. However, I wasn't going to be tricked by false engagements. The key was to keep an eye on the opponents feet. Knowing which foot set first was the key to defense. As if at my mental beckoning, Sheik lunged at me with the kuzushi, an initial balance break throw. However, when he tried to grab my arm to throw me over his body, I countered, by grappling Sheik's forearm and body, slamming him into the ground. There was a significant thud when he hit the earth, with the impact making his breastplate crack.
Sheik groaned in anger, he wasn't anticipating my knowledge of his move sets. When he jumped back up, I knew he was going to try and approach this differently. He countered fast by getting low and kicking me in the chest. The force stumbled me back a bit, but I never lost my balance. I back flipped to disengage his fighting stance, and afterwards I tried to tackle the ninja to the ground. However, Sheik, even though he was momentarily startled, dodged my efforts. He then countered by elbowing my back and forcing me to the ground. Sheik then tried putting me down with a plexus stomp, but I rolled out of the way and jumped back onto my feet.
It was my turn to get a little flustered. I was done fighting the way he desired to fight. It was then I unsheathed my sword.
"I'm done playing by your rules. You're going to fight how a man of Hyrule fights!"
Sheik narrowed his eyes and didn't answer immediately.
"Very well." He pulled out a ten inch dagger from underneath his compromised breastplate. "If that is your wish."
I looked at him surprised.
How in the world did he carry that under his armor without injuring himself, especially after that impact? It didn't matter, and I certainly wasn't going to start pondering over it now. In any such case, I knew with the differences in weapons and weapon sizes that Sheik was primarily going to focus on defensive strategies as most dagger fighters often did. I readied my blade, clearly having the offensive advantage and went to strike. I ran towards Sheik. The ninja stayed stationary and was caught off guard when I rolled to the ground, jumped up, side stepped twice, all the while attacking his back. He was under the impression that I was going to do a frontal assault. He assumed wrong.
"Ah!" Sheik cried out when he felt a slight tear in his flesh. "You bastard! You'll pay for that!"
The ninja back flipped away from me, but then countered with a horizontal slice to my midsection. I, in turn, countered with a parry. However, the attack left both my sides defenseless. Sheik lowered his body from the parried strike and swipe kicked at my feet. I fell onto my back after losing my balance.
"Ah!" I hit the surface hard.
Sheik again tried to stomp my chest in. I quickly lifted my legs over my head and jumped up. I was breathing hard and was slightly thrown off by the minor disorientation.
"You really like that move, don't you? That's the third time you tried to use it on me!"
Sheik narrowed his eyes at him again.
"You'll do well to know I'm not someone to be trifled with."
I held my sword out in front of me.
"Do something a little more intimidating and you might have a case!"
My comment angered Sheik even more.
"You'd make this easier for yourself and the woman if you just handed over those goddamn shards!"
I once again initiated my battle stance.
"I already told you, that isn't going to happen."
Sheik didn't reply immediately. Instead, he looked past me to Zelda. The queen was still in the company of the Zoras.
"If you don't hand over the shards right now, I'll kill the queen," he threatened suddenly.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I'd like to see you try that." I called his bluff. "You won't even attempt something so brazen!"
That wasn't a very well thought out statement on my part, especially considering who I was speaking to.
Sheik glared at me.
"Oh… you shouldn't have said that. Never test someone who has nothing to lose... hero."
Sheik then stepped back and suddenly took out a five pronged star called a shuriken from his holster. Aiming immediately, without a second thought, he threw it right at the queen. His accuracy was terrifyingly precise. The projectile landed dead in the center of Zelda's belly. None of the Zoras could defend her in time. The queen looked down at the pronged blade stunned.
"Ah!" she shrieked in pain.
She then gripped at the star, probably as an involuntary natural response, and managed to pull it out, but not before it penetrated deeper into her flesh. Zelda slashed her hands in the process. I turned and looked at the queen shocked.
Oh shit!
"Your majesty!" I then turned back to look at Sheik with an anger I didn't know I could feel. "You twisted bastard!"
Sheik merely narrowed his eyes.
"I called your bluff. So who's really twisted here, me or you? You wanted to see it happen. I simply made sure it did."
I raised my sword to attack him, but soon forgot all about my abrupt revenge when I heard a sudden splash behind me. I turned once again to find that Zelda had fallen into the water. What the hell was going on? Why did she collapse? Were those blades poisoned?
"Oh no!"
~SSS~
A few moments earlier, Zelda
When the blade punctured my abdomen, I looked down at my new wound in complete disbelief. However, I quickly forgot about the pain when everything started getting blurry.
What's going on?
I felt an overwhelming sense of dread. Everything in the environment began to spin and sway. There was no doubt that there was some type of poisonous reagent at the end of the spokes. I was becoming dizzy and anxious suddenly. Everything seemed to be closing in all around me.
Dear goddesses, what was on those blades?
My eyes widened as I looked at my hands and saw the bleeding increase subtly. I was also starting to see flashes of black and white light with halos in the sky. I was becoming so disoriented that I couldn't catch my balance. The Zoras accompanying me were looking at me concerned, with one nearby taking hold of me.
"Your majesty, are you alright? Don't worry, we will get you medical help!"
I looked at the Zora trying to speak to me, but couldn't really see his face. In fact, it terrified me for a second as I startled myself from his grip.
"Ahh!" I cried out and took several steps away.
The Zora was looking at me concerned.
"My lady, if something else is going on please say something."
I didn't reply.
However, I just shook my head and stepped back again. This time I stumbled, tripped, and fell several times. On my last attempt at trying to regain my balance it resulted in me falling again, and this time I fell into the water. The Zora first speaking to me even tried to reach out to help, but I missed his fin and hit the surface of the water hard.
"Oh no!" the male Zora whispered.
"Ahhhh! Your majesty!" a couple of female Zoras screamed in the background.
Link at this point had stopped fighting.
"Your Majesty!" Link shouted at my plight and immediately jumped in after me.
The aquatic surroundings lessened the voices calling out to me. The aggressive poison was rapidly overcoming my natural defense mechanisms. However, the hypothermic effects of the water was slowing down its progression to some degree. I needed to calm down. The fact I was so terrified was making the reagent work faster. A terror unguent? The natural mechanism of fight or flight was expediting the poison to reach a positive feedback loop in my body, which was detrimental in this situation. I needed to regather my thoughts and not make my situation any more dire. I closed my eyes and slowed down my racing heart. I reached within and tapped into the power of my Triforce. Calm... I needed to be calm... I opened my eyes again and felt a little bit better.
Hylia... give me strength.
A moment later, the surface broke again and I saw Link swimming towards me. However, unfortunately he wasn't alone. The warrior Sheik dove into the pool after him as well. He was swimming towards me also, but intended on intercepting Link first. I tried to alert the hero by pointing frantically.
"Behind you!" I attempted to shout.
My scream was muffled by the natural nautical barrier. Link however, at seeing my gesture, tried to turn around, but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough. Sheik caught hold of Link's leg and grappled him from behind. When the ninja overwhelmed him, he found a weak spot in Link's armor, took out his dagger, and stabbed him in the side.
"Ahhhh!" Link screamed.
I watched in complete disbelief.
Sheik pushed the blade in as hard as he could and turned it so the wound wouldn't close. The immediate area began to bleed red with Link's blood.
Oh my goddess! I tried fighting my rapidly falling consciousness. I have to help him!
Sheik then turned his attention back to me. He came at me quickly. I immediately tried swimming away, not caring if my body didn't want to respond. I had to get out of here and find a way to help Link. Sheik swam at me, lowering his head so he could ram me at my side. I dodged his first pass and quickly dove deeper. I knew he wasn't wearing Zora gear like Link and I, so it was only a matter of time when he would need to resurface for air. Even still, he followed me, and he was persistent. I couldn't believe his sheer will power.
How in the world is he able to stay under for so long?
I was near the bottom of the pool, when suddenly Sheik grabbed hold of my leg. I felt a surge of panic and I wasn't certain if it was from the poison alone or the fear rising inside me. Perhaps it was both. Sheik pulled me to his chest and took out his dagger once more. His eyes stared into mine like red jewels of fire. He was able to enunciate clearly even through the waves.
"I will not allow you to destroy Hyrule for your indolent piggishness!"
My eyes widened in terror and confusion, as the two words he used contradicted each other and didn't make sense.
What is he talking about?
"I'm not trying to destroy Hyrule! I would never do that!"
Sheik's red eyes glared at me.
"No you won't do that!" He then raised the dagger in the water. "I'll make sure of that!"
My pulse danced when Sheik pressed his blade to my neck. I closed my eyes anticipating the cut, but felt nothing. Suddenly, Sheik's bandaged head whipped back and his body flung in the opposite direction. I was startled, but relieved to see Link have the ninja confined with his arm around his neck.
"Swim to the surface!" the hero ordered. "Now!"
I did not argue with the suggestion, and swam with all my might with what little strength I had left. When I broke water, I saw that Link was still undertow tussling with Sheik.
Dear Hylia, I crawled onto the grass, please be alright Link and get out of there!
I looked to the top of the waterfall and still saw no sign of Ralis.
"Come on," I whispered eagerly, "where are you?"
A few of the Zoras waiting in anticipation came to see about me once again.
"My lady are you alright?" several female Zoras asked.
I tried not to worry them, but I knew the worst was far from over.
"Any word from his majesty?"
The Zoras shook their heads.
"Not yet, but he will be here."
I took faith in that and looked back to the pool.
"You all should leave here. That ninja is dangerous."
They looked at me like I belonged in an asylum.
"We're not leaving you your majesty," the one nearest to me insisted. "You look seriously unwell and your belly and hands are bleeding."
I was about to rebuttal, when finally Link and Sheik resurfaced. The hero's arm was still around the ninja's neck preempting me. My eyes widened a little in relief seeing that he was alright and was right now besting Sheik. I then mustered what little strength I had left to push the Zoras away from me. I didn't want them getting hurt.
"Please leave here! Save yourselves, it's too dangerous!"
The Zoras looked at me shocked, but didn't budge. I turned my attention back to the pool to see Link still wrestling with Sheik.
"Let go of me!" Sheik said in a rare loud voice, struggling to get out of the hero's grip.
Link tightened the pull of his arm.
"You're insane, you just tried to murder the queen, if you survive this you're headed for a tribunal."
Link's words seemed to anger the ninja more and he abruptly found enough strength to elbow the hero's injured side. He effectively cracked one of his ribs and forced Link to release him.
"Ah!" the hero cried out in pain and gripped at his wound.
It was still bleeding profusely. Link's head went back under and I feared the worst for him. He could easily develop a punctured lung from a broken rib, if he didn't have one already.
"He's going to bleed to death!"
Sheik then swam for the shoreline and jumped out of the water. He landed perfectly on his feet. How in the world he did that was beyond me. It was almost otherworldly to be quite honest.
His skills are truly extraordinary. I knew this was an unseemly time for a moment of admiration.
Sheik immediately came stalking towards me. I quickly tried to stumble to my feet, but fell because my legs were becoming numb and weak from the poisoning. I turned back around as the ninja quickly approached, realizing I had more of a chance defending myself if I kept my sight on him. My eyes widened in horror as I looked past Sheik to Link, who was now keeping his head above water. However, he was struggling to stay afloat. One of his lungs had to have collapsed by now. That was the only logical explanation as to why he hadn't swam to shore yet. I needed to help him, but Sheik's sodden presence was my only barrier. My throat tightened at the terrible anticipation of what he was going to do to me heightened. I closed my eyes, praying for some release.
Dear Hylia, please let it be quick! I did not have the strength to be tortured.
The Zoras still watching nearby had seen enough and came to my aid whether I wanted them to or not. A male Zora approached first, trying to intercept Sheik by standing in front of me.
"You won't touch her you scum!" Afterwards he tried to throw a punch.
However, Sheik dodged the attack and backhanded the male Zora without even looking in his direction. Two more male Zoras went to go in after him when they saw their comrade bested, but Sheik made quick work of them as well. Seeing they were outmatched, none of the other Zoras then came forward, which was not too surprising. Most of them lounging by the pool weren't warrior Zoras anyway. It was no wonder the afront stopped as quickly as it began. As a result of that, the ninja continued stalking towards me. I looked beyond him at the fallen Zoras stunned.
Dear goddesses! I hope they're alright!
My gaze then darted quickly back to Sheik. The ninja stopped in front of me, as a pool of water settled beneath him. He was staring down at me with open disgust and breathing hard. He made his objective clear.
"I want those shards, now!"
I froze, trying to determine how to proceed. I glanced back to the pool, knowing Link had them and hoped he was alright. From the corner of my eye, I could finally see Ralis and a small band of Zora warriors coming swiftly to the rescue from the top of the falls. I felt a mild twinge of relief, but not much. I hoped the king attended to Link first. Even so, I couldn't let any of what I saw show on my face.
"Please," I begged suddenly, wanting to keep Sheik's attention diverted, "my friend is going to bleed-"
At my utterance, Sheik abruptly bent down and grabbed me by the neck. He picked me up from the ground where I was lying. His red eyes stared intensely into mine.
"I don't give a damn about your friend." He began squeezing my throat. "Don't play with me. I… want… those… shards."
I was terrified as I gasped for breath. I knew I was losing air faster because of the poison in my system, but I was struggling to stay conscious.
"I-I don't have them!" I struggled to say finally.
Sheik narrowed his eyes and squeezed harder.
"You lying bitch, you must want to die."
I desperately tried to pull at his wrist to somehow loosen his grip, but it wouldn't budge. Terror filled my body, as I honestly thought these were going to be my last moments alive... in the hands of a blood thirsty madman. I was honestly gasping for breath.
This is it Hylia! I was beginning to see white. This is where the journey ends.
Sheik narrowed his eyes at me all of a sudden.
"To think the safety of this country is left in the hands of such a weak indulgent woman," he said to me in a low angry tone. "your regency baffles me!"
I didn't have the strength to listen this psychopath's gripes about my rule. I was trying to stay alive.
"I am not weak!" I managed to croak out.
Sheik shook my body slightly at hearing that.
"It's ironic you say that as you die right in front of me."
He then strangely turned his attention to the bracelet on my wrist. The bracelet glowed red all of a sudden. Sheik's eyes widened at the sight.
"You think your little trinkets are going to save you?"
I had no idea what he was talking about, and with my lungs burning the way they were, I didn't care.
"You're insane! I don't even know what you mean!"
Sheik narrowed his eyes at me, as his grip tightened even more. I thought he was going to crush my wind pipe.
"You will Zelda, you will."
However before he could finish me, Sheik's body suddenly jolted forward from behind him. He turned his head in surprise as a pellet then met his forehead.
"Ah!" he groaned in pain.
Suddenly Sheik released me to defend himself. I quickly put my hands at my neck, struggling to take in air. I heaved for several seconds. Sheik turned to see several Zoras firing stones at him.
Ralis was leading the charge.
"Fire!" the king ordered.
Sheik raised his arm to defend his face once more, then turned to run. However, before leaving he stopped for a moment to look back at me.
"This isn't over," he warned. "You will see me again."
I was still gasping for breath.
"I look forward to it."
My sarcasm was apparent. With that, Sheik ran off and out the exit of Zora's Domain. I struggled with my breathing a little more, but then redirected my attention to Link's plight.
He's still in the water bleeding!
I tried to stand up and felt an immediate onset of dizziness from changing positions, but then fought through it to head back to the pool. I was about to dive in, when Ralis intercepted me by grabbing me around my waist.
"What are you doing?"
I shook my head, everything was blurry.
"I… have to g-get Link." My words were becoming slurred as I was beginning to lose consciousness, and this time nothing was going to stop it.
Ralis looked at me concerned.
"Your majesty!" he shook me slightly, trying to wake me.
My eyes were half open and I was beginning to see black.
"I have… to save…" I became limp.
I suddenly collapsed in Ralis's arms.
The Zora king looked at me in alarm.
"Link is in our care," Ralis reassured. "We just got him out of the water. What happened to you? Why are you acting like this?"
I was breathing hard, barely able to talk.
"I was… I was poisoned."
Ralis then lifted me in his arms and dove back into the pool without a hint of hesitation.
"Hang on!" He flapped his strong fins up the waterfall. "I have to get you medical attention quickly!"
Water was splashing over my face as we went up the waterfall, but even that wasn't enough to arouse me.
I have to save… Link. Everything got dark. Hylia… help me.
Afterwards, I effectively passed out.
Everything went black.
~SSS~
Several hours later
A restless sleep:
"I will not allow you to destroy Hyrule for your indolent piggishness!"
"To think the safety of this country is left in the hands of such a weak indulgent woman, your regency baffles me!"
"You think your trinkets will save you?"
"I don't give a damn about your friend. Where... are... those... shards?"
I seemed to be fighting an invisible foe.
~SSS~
"Sheik!" I whispered.
I let out a gasp when I awakened. I opened my eyes, blinked several times, and moaned softly in pain. That monster was haunting my dreams now? Was there nowhere for me to escape him? I sighed wearily and grabbed my forehead, rubbing it instantly when I felt a throbbing sensation at the front. After a few moments, the tension eased and the discomfort eventually went away, but then I noticed the bandages on my hands. Surprised at this, I slowly unwrapped the cloths and saw that my cuts were now healed. This was unexpected because my cuts were deep.
"They must have given me a healing unguent of some kind."
It was then I sat up cautiously and looked around the room. I immediately saw that I was back in the heart of Zora's Domain. From the looks of the room, I was in a resting chamber. I was dressed in a long white night gown and covered with a white sheet from the bedding underneath me. I wasn't sure what the Zora's needed with bedding since they were nautical folks, but I wasn't going to question the generous hospitality. Perhaps it was because they knew they would always receive visitors from the outside. I needed to remember that too for the Zoras when I got back to Hyrule. In any such case, The fight from earlier definitely left me off balance. I was actually having a hard time remembering anything after Ralis rescued me and Link.
What happened?
I was grateful I was still alive, but was very worried about the implications of all this. That monster tried to kill me. That ninja was so close to achieving his goal. And not just with me, but with Link also. I was never so terrified in my life. The realization made me alert to the hero's absence. I looked around the empty room, hoping to find his adventure bag or some other sign of his presence. There was none.
"Dear Hylia, I hope he's okay."
From last I remembered, Link was in pretty bad shape. That insufferable lunatic stabbed him in the side and may have caused him serious damage. All I could recall was the blood gushing from the hero's wound. But, even through all that, he worked his hardest to protect me. He still tried to keep me safe. I felt a surge of guilt at the consequence. Besides, the hero's injuries, there was something else to consider. How was Shiek tracking us? How was he able to find us so easily? Link kept watch every night. The hero missed nothing. Even at the sound of a bird's cry, he would awaken. So, how was it possible that he or I missed a ninja stalking us? Sheik must have been using some magic, or some other cloaking device. The Sheikah were known for being elusive anyway, but this was a whole different level. I couldn't lie, the insinuation scared me.
When we leave here we need to be extra cautious, but I don't know if that is going to be enough.
Even so, I was getting ahead of myself. Before I even considered departure, I needed to ascertain the whereabouts of the hero. Where was he? Was he alright? Was he in a coma like me? Had he succumbed to his injuries? I needed answers to these questions. I pulled the sheets back and stood up, but was immediately met with dizziness. The room was spinning incessantly and I was forced to sit back down. I placed a hand on my forehead and hoped the vertigo would subside soon. It didn't. It took me a few moments to gather my bearings. I started feeling nauseous the more I moved and realized I was in no condition to go gallivanting anywhere. That poison was pernicious. The after effects would take a few days to be completely gone. Now I wondered how long I had been out if my being awake constituted this. I glanced out the window and saw that it was nightfall. We arrived around mid-morning. The whole day was gone. I sighed and ran a hand along my cheek. My heart rate began to increase suddenly and I took note of the perspiration now seeding at my brow. I rubbed the back of my neck. It felt so stiff and rigid.
"That Sheik fellow really did a number on me, didn't he?"
I was about to lay back down, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. I paused before answering and looked across the room at the vanity mirror nearby. I checked my appearance and saw I was as white as a poe. My braided hair was slightly disheveled and my eyes looked tired. I was a mess. Mildly repulsed at what I saw, I groaned and ran my hands over my gaunt face. This was none too reassuring. I wasn't going to win any beauty pageants in my current state, but I was grateful to be alive, even if I looked terrible. I attempted to fix my braid with no luck. There was another knock due to my lack of response. It was then I decided to let the vain pursuit go and answer whoever was calling. Maybe it was a messenger with some news on Link.
"Come in," I called out finally.
A moment later, King Ralis, and surprisingly, Link both entered into the room. I was surprised at the sight of the hero, realizing my worry was for nothing. I put my hand over my heart relieved. They were both alright. Hylia be praised.
"Thank the goddess."
When Link met my gaze, he too looked relieved. He billowed a worried breath and grinned. There was a hint of concern in his stare, but it lessened the more he looked at me. I smiled back, hoping to give him more reassurance. Ralis too was concerned, but he seemed encouraged by my appearance.
"It's good to see you awake," the young monarch stated.
I nodded.
"It's good to be awake."
That garnered a smile out of both Link and Ralis.
"You look good," Ralis complimented.
I gave the king an obvious stare.
"I do not, but thank you for being kind."
They both chuckled.
"I would rather see you this way than the way you were earlier." Ralis looked me over. "I wasn't sure you were going to make it."
I hated that this had to happen in his kingdom.
"I'm so sorry to have worried you. I was a bit reckless."
This time Link interjected.
"There was nothing you could have done my lady. That ninja's intent was to kill you."
Hearing the confirmation was so sobering. I tried not to let my concern show.
"Indeed," I then looked away, "indeed."
At this point, I garnered another long stare from the hero. He looked so concerned. It prompted him to come over by my bed and sit down on the chair next to it. He even reached over and grabbed my hands, squeezing them affectionately. Ralis was slightly surprised by the hero's actions, since he didn't ask permission, but the monarch didn't seem offended either. Link needed to be careful. We had to stay above suspicion if we wanted to keep a low profile as we traveled. Ralis glanced at the hero and there was a slight look of distrust now. This was the last thing we needed.
Link please use more discretion...
The hero didn't seem to have an issue with his actions. He was too busy searching my face with his beautiful sky blue eyes to be distracted by anything I was trying to convey to him.
"Tell me the truth, are you alright?"
The inflection in his tone said it all.
I nodded.
"I'm alright. Much better than I was before."
Link was reassured at my response.
"Good, we were all worried."
Ralis then chimed in.
"The Zora royal physician gave you some golden chu jelly. It's a good thing we keep a bottle in reserve for emergencies."
I was grateful he took such measures for my health, but I also felt guilty that he had to use such a rare and expensive unguent to revitalize me. Golden chu jelly was almost impossible to find and manufacture these days.
"Golden chu jelly? I'm sorry you had to use your reserve potion for me. I promise I will repay you."
Ralis gave me an offhanded look and fanned off my offering.
"What's the point of having the potion if you never use it? Besides, I can't think of a bigger emergency than a queen in need of medical help. I'm just glad you're better."
I grinned at his point.
"I suppose you're right."
Link decided to scold me further.
"The king is right. The last thing you need to be concerned with is compensation. You're worth more than a bottle of golden chu jelly. You have to know that."
I guess I was being a little ostentatious, not seeing the forest among the trees. I giggled and raised my hands in the air in playful surrender.
"Alright, alright, you both win." They chuckled at me, but then I promptly changed the subject. "How's your wound Master Link?"
The hero shrugged at my question.
"It's healed," he then added with a grin, "I got the step down from golden chu jelly and was given blue chu jelly."
His inflection made me giggle again.
"I'm sorry."
Ralis grinned and shrugged himself.
"She's royalty Master Link."
Link smiled back at the king, then looked back at me as his grin faded a little bit.
"I know..." his eyes searched my face again, "I know, it was an attempt at a joke."
I appreciated Ralis's even handed approach, but I could tell he was concealing his concerns for the moment. I was going to need to do some damage control and quickly. I was certain he had serious questions regarding the appearance of that crazed ninja. My presence disturbed the sovereignty of his waters. Had one of his citizens been killed, it would have been a direct result of my presence here. This could have turned into an international incident. I decided to be upfront about the matter. I had some explaining to do, and I didn't want Ralis thinking I was intentionally trying to hide things from him. Though, truthfully I was.
"I'm terribly sorry with what happened here your majesty. I take full responsibility for the hostilities extended towards you today."
Ralis paused before answering.
"I... thank you for that."
I sensed his reluctance. I needed to feel him out more.
"Is there anything you would like to discuss with me your majesty? Please, speak freely."
Ralis looked between Link and I before finally keeping his gaze just on me. He looked to be a lot more forthcoming.
"I have to ask you my lady," Ralis shook his head, "who was that warrior and what was he after?"
I was expecting the questions, but I needed a quick tongue. I paused for a second and stroked my hair behind my ears. I had to be convincing.
"All I know is he's a ninja from the east, and he wanted my… my ring."
Ralis didn't reply right away regarding my explanation.
"Your ring?" he repeated.
I nodded.
"Yes."
Ralis gave me a wayward look.
"That's odd because some of my people said he was looking for some shards of some kind, and that you had them."
I froze with him catching me in my lie. What was worse was that I didn't reply, which made him question me more.
"Is... that true my lady?"
It was then Link chimed in.
"He did say that, but she doesn't have what he's looking for."
Ralis cut his gaze to the hero and narrowed his eyes slightly.
"She just said he was looking for her ring, but now that I mention the shard the ring is no longer viable?"
I had to try to rectify this. I was losing ground quickly.
"I misspoke, he was never looking for my ring. He was trying to attack me because he thought my ring was what he was looking for."
Ralis stared at me for a moment in open disbelief. I knew he was pondering over that little bump in my speech.
"So, you found it then?" he detracted the subject. "The ring?"
I was treading on thin ice, but I answered anyway.
"Yes, and I thank you for accommodating me and Master Link regarding it."
I could tell from the look in his eyes that Ralis didn't believe me completely. He didn't need to be perceptive, though he was. I came to visit him out of nowhere, and during this visitation a maniacal psychopath wreaked havoc in his waters. Only a fool would think such an occurrence was coincidental. Even so, I had to keep in line with what I was telling him. The less people knew about what I was truly doing, the better. Though, it seemed to be coming apart by the seams little by little.
Ralis was still staring at me with open suspicion.
"Of course," he decided to let the matter go, "how much longer will we have the honor of having you in our presence?"
That was telling. I grinned, finding this to be the perfect time to lighten the mood.
"Can't wait to get rid of me?" I joked.
Ralis looked at me surprised, but then he returned grinned.
"I could make a case for that after what happen today," he half-joked, "but why would I want that when you know I want to marry you?"
I chuckled, as did Link.
"Touche sire, but the hero and I will be making our departure tomorrow. You need not worry."
Ralis nodded.
"I see, would you like me to send a message to your councilman regarding today?"
I hadn't thought of that, but I still didn't want Shad to be aware of what went on here. It was bound to travel on its own since it was a witnessed event. The Zoras were a very social people. It would only make him worry more.
"That won't be necessary. I will correspond with my steward soon enough."
The young monarch only stared at me at my response. There was that doubt again.
"Very well, and because I know you're tired, we won't speak on it anymore tonight. I doubled the guard just in case our little visitor decides to come back."
I nodded gratefully.
"Thank you Ralis, you are a dear friend. And I'm truly sorry for what happened here today. I will make arrangements to have you compensated monetarily."
Unexpectedly, Ralis blushed at my words and looked down discomfited for some reason. It was a significant departure from his behavior only a moment ago.
"I'd... I'd do anything for you Zelda. You know that."
I looked at him surprised and smiled, as did Link. I was sure the hero was going to tease me more regarding my conquests when he got the chance. However, there was no denying all that Ralis had done for us. If it hadn't been for him, Link and I would have died. I certainly appreciated his efforts.
"I know that Ralis. Thank you."
Ralis then stood awkwardly for a moment before bowing and deciding to take his leave.
"Well, I will let you get your rest. I'll make sure you aren't disturbed." He then turned his attention to Link. "Master Link your sleeping quarters are across the way. That way, you'll be able to access her majesty with a quickness if needed."
Link paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Thank you."
Ralis nodded in return.
"It's of no consequence. I want your stay to be comfortable."
Afterwards, I bowed at the conclusion of his utterance, as did Link, and Ralis started for the door. However, a moment later the hero stopped Ralis as his fin touched the knob.
"Sire, if I may."
Ralis paused and turned at the slight alertness in Link's voice. I looked at Link surprised too.
"Yes?"
Link paused before going on.
"I know you're going to think this is untoward of me after all that you've done, but may I ask another favor?"
Ralis stared at Link taken aback.
"Another favor?" he repeated.
Link then looked back over at me, not hiding for a minute what he intended to say.
"If it isn't too much trouble, I would much rather stay with her majesty in her quarters tonight. I am her personal escort, and I don't want to leave her alone after what happened today."
Ralis looked at the hero surprised by the request and I was stunned. Link asked that without a hint of hesitation.
"Uh..."
Ralis crossed his fins over his chest.
"You mean you want to stay in her majesty's chambers with her tonight?"
The hero didn't flinch.
"Yes, I think it's for her own good."
I was at a loss for words and stared at Link taken aback. Ralis must have seen my expression and been encouraged by it. However, he wasn't going to preempt the decision for me.
"Uh well… if her majesty has no problem with it, then I don't have a problem with it." He then glanced my way.
I think Ralis expected me to object. I think he wanted me to object. The hero in turn was now staring at me too. Link obviously wanted me to tell him to stay. I was in the middle of a mini dilemma.
Link looked at me expectantly.
"Your majesty?"
I did not want to make more of this than it needed to be. And, though it may not have looked good socially, I did want Link to stay with me. If for anything just for me to feel safe. This would be considered the scandalous route, but I was not foreign to scandal.
"I'm... I'm okay with him staying with me sire. I commissioned him for that reason."
The Zora king looked surprised, obviously not in agreement with my decision, but he didn't make a show of it. He did however, look between the two of us with open suspicion again. Even still, being the diplomat Ralis was, he didn't say anything on it. Besides that, I think he respected the hero too much to doubt him.
"Very well." Ralis bowed once more. "If that is what you desire, then you have no arguments from me. Goodnight your majesty."
I bowed a second time.
"Goodnight."
Link bowed again as well
"Goodnight sire."
With that, Ralis took his leave and Link and I were now alone. When the door closed, I let my head fall back.
"That was close."
Link nodded.
"Indeed it was."
I pursed my lips together unsure of what Ralis was thinking.
"Do you think he believed us?"
Link gave a wayward shrug and shook his head.
"That I'm not sure. He certainly had his reasons to be doubtful."
I had no rebuttal.
"I know, do you think he's going to tell anyone about our coming here?"
Link shrugged.
"He might, and I can't say I blame him."
I looked at him surprised.
"Really?"
The hero had no qualms.
"You wanted me to be honest, I'm just telling you what I would do if I were him."
My troubles deepened at hearing that and I pulled the sheets back.
"Then we should probably leave tonight. There's no telling who could be here in the morning if he sends word to Hyrule Castle."
At my attempt, I immediately got dizzy again when I tried to stand up and placed my hand on my forehead. Link looked concerned right away.
"Easy there." He helped me back into the bed. "You already told the king we're departing tomorrow. There's no need for you to leave now. Besides, you're in no condition to travel. You can barely stand."
He did have a point and I was starting to feel nauseous again.
"But what if he sends word?"
Link was nonchalant.
"Then he sends word. You cannot discount your health for the sake of a quest. You'll end up dead."
I didn't know what to say at his sobering words. I hadn't thought of it that way.
"I suppose you're right."
Link gave me an obvious look.
"I am right."
I grinned, but the sudden increased metabolic rate from the movement made me perspire again. Link looked worried.
"Are you sure you're alright? You're starting to sweat and you look terrible."
I laughed slightly at his honesty.
"Thanks," I said with a hint of sarcasm, but then added, "could you get me another chu jelly from my bag, a red one. I'm feeling a little nauseous."
The hero nodded, then got up immediately and went to get what I asked for. When he returned, he sat on the bed next to me now and handed me the jelly.
"Here you go."
I took it gratefully.
"Thank you."
The concern in Link's expression never went away as he looked me over again.
"What's the matter?"
He shook his head.
"Nothing," he tried to play it off.
I gave him an obvious look.
"Come on, don't do that. Please, tell me what's on your mind."
The hero then looked me straight in the eyes and all the playfulness left his features. He looked very serious in that instant, and I didn't know what to make of it. Before I could say or do anything else, he reached over and took me in his arms for a hug. He hugged me tight. I was caught off guard by the display of affection, but not necessarily surprised at it. I hugged him back thankfully for it. It was nice that he was concerned. He looked so worried, but I wanted to reassure him I was fine.
"Link... I'm okay, really."
The hero didn't reply right away and hugged me tighter. He stroked his hand over my braided hair and I couldn't help but smile. It was nice that he cared so much. I rested my head on his shoulder when he finally spoke up.
"Let me tell you something about me," he whispered in my ear, which admittedly made me stiffen a little, "I don't get scared easily Zelda. A lot of things I can deal with: wounds, security, navigation. That sort of thing. But... I have to admit, waiting for you to regain consciousness scared the hell out of me."
My heart raced at his tone. I certainly wasn't expecting this. I closed my eyes.
"You don't have to be scared anymore. I'm awake now, I'm fine."
Link didn't reply and stroked my hair again. There was a brief silence between us. I didn't want to make more of this than it was. Link was my friend. He was concerned. That was all. I didn't want to confuse this with anything more. However, admittedly I hadn't seen the hero like this in a long time. It had been years since we had been this close under these kind of circumstances. Even so, I wanted him to know his concern wasn't one sided. I was worried about him too. I decided to speak on that.
"You know... I was scared for you as well. I didn't think you were going to make it with that wound the ninja gave you."
After my utterance, Link pulled back and stared in my eyes. He reached up to caress my cheek.
"Were you?"
I nodded.
"I was."
His eyes searched my face.
"Well, I appreciate that."
I grinned, but I knew I was probably blushing incessantly now, especially given that his face was only inches from mine. I couldn't help it. I drew back, hoping he'd see that he was too close, but he didn't seem to get the point. Or, he didn't care if that was my point. His gaze kept shifting between my eyes and mouth like it was the most normal action in the world. His breathing was steadily increasing too. He wasn't even trying to be subtle.
What's gotten into him?
My expression must have given away my thoughts because he chuckled with the way I was looking at him. Even so, he didn't seem bothered by it. To be honest, it acted like the inverse. He seemed rather emboldened by it. So much so, that he stroked his forefinger over my lips.
"Your mouth is so perfect."
He couldn't have wanted me to hear that. Honestly, he looked like he was in a trance.
"Excuse me?"
I wasn't going to lie, he was making me nervous. He paused for a moment, ignoring my inquiry.
"A little cut is not going to put me down Zelda."
I edged back more at his tone. He certainly deflected from that subject adroitly. I decided it was for the best.
"That wasn't just a little cut. You could've bled to death."
Link shrugged at my concern.
"Could've, should've, would've. It makes no difference, I'm not dead."
In spite of the tension, his words made me giggle. I appreciated his tenacious spirit and decided to match it with my own.
"Well... neither am I."
My smile widened, while his lessened a little. I hoped to deflect the same as he. However, I sensed he suspected what I was trying to do, but he wasn't falling for it. He reached up and caressed my cheek again. He even came close and pressed his forehead against mine to negate any separation.
"Ah Zelda, Zelda, Zelda... my sweet, stubborn queen. That is true, isn't it? Thank Hylia for that." I thought that was a kind thing to say, even if his words were laced with desire. The hero unabashedly lifted my chin and let his fingers linger on my neck. He went on. "I'm so glad you're awake. You can't scare me like that again."
I wasn't sure what to make of this.
"I-I'll try not to."
I was quite certain at this point Link didn't cared that I knew what his intentions were. He seemed determined to kiss me whether I was aware of it or not. Link leaned in a little more after half closing his eyes, but before he could land his lips on mine, I placed my forefinger on his to stop him. I couldn't let this happen, not when I knew how confusing everything was going to be afterward. He looked at me slightly taken aback and seemed surprised at my interjection.
"What's the matter?"
I didn't bother to answer that.
"Will-will you let me up please?"
Link looked at me mildly stunned.
"Aren't you still dizzy?"
I shook my head.
"I feel much better after the chu jelly. I appreciate you being concerned with me, but I still have work to do. There's still one more riddle for me to decipher."
The hero didn't answer me immediately. He was probably wondering, since he knew there was an obvious attraction between us, why I was denying that attraction to take place. The answer was simple, Midna. The entirety of this quest was to find and reunite him with his beloved Midna. Link's eyes searched my face for a moment, before he took in a deep sigh and released me from his hold. He seemed very disappointed, and I wasn't going to lie, I was a little disappointed too. However, this situation between us was starting to get convoluted. Were we friends, or were we more? And if so, what about the unresolved issues between us? Also, Link claimed to love Midna, so why was he brazenly trying to seduce me? I didn't want to act on something that was going to create more of a problem for us in the future. I finally scooted off the bed and headed over to the desk near the door.
That was a little close for comfort.
Realizing he was at the losing end, Link turned and watched as I walked by. In an effort to ease the tension, he spoke on it.
"Um... I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," he apologized. "I was just worried about you is all."
I just wanted to forget it.
"It's fine, don't worry about it." I grabbed my satchel. "As I said before I appreciate your concern."
He gave me a quick once over and his grin broadened. He was going to change the subject.
"They made you change, huh?" he joked, getting up from the bed himself and stretching. "That's too bad. I rather liked that bathing suit."
I pulled out the Book of Mudora from my bag. I turned around and smirked at him.
"I'll bet you did." I shook my head. "You were incorrigible. Your eyes nearly fell out of your head. Do you know that?"
Link merely shrugged.
"I'm a man Zelda."
The inflection in his tone did make me laugh.
"That you are good sir."
Link rested his hands in his pockets and looked at me mischievously all of a sudden.
"That... and you have an incredible body."
I stared at him surprised.
"I beg your pardon?"
He did not look apologetic at all.
"It's the truth."
I grunted thoughtfully and blushed.
"Uh... well, thank you."
Link stared at me for just a moment before continuing on.
"So... I'll bet you've heard all kinds of things about your birth mark."
I let my head fall back.
Here we go.
"Oh goddesses, spare me, please."
Link grinned and went on anyway.
"It's actually very sexy and very becoming on you. I could imagine any man would enjoy playing around with a birth mark like that."
I looked at him taken aback.
Playing around?
"Did you really just say that out loud? You couldn't have wanted me to hear that."
Link looked like he had done nothing wrong.
"What's wrong with what I said?"
I gave up.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing."
We were silent again for a few moments, until Link started making a series of offhanded silly comments.
"Zelda makes you want to toot toot for love."
I ignored him and blew out an irritated breath.
"Oh my goddess. Really?"
He continued in his foolhardy pursuit.
"Let's make music together."
I rolled my eyes at that.
Oh, that's original.
"If I squeeze you hard enough you might squeak," he continued.
I didn't understand that one.
Now that was just foolish.
"If I kiss it you might sing too."
That one... made me blush more. That was a truer sentiment than he realized. I then pursed my lips together and closed my eyes.
Dear Hylia help me.
I turned around to look at him.
"How old are you again?"
Link smirked.
"Twenty-seven."
I placed my hands on my hips.
"Then will you bloody act like it! Shut up!"
Link chuckled at my reaction, but then let his laughter cease when he looked at the book in my hands. There was another brief silence between us.
"I actually wanted to talk to you about that," he said in reference to the book.
I looked down at the bound volume.
"The Book of Mudora? What about it?"
The smile faded from his handsome face.
"I think we need to hold it on the last shard."
This was unexpected.
"What? Why?"
Link shook his head.
"Something about all this doesn't feel right. That Sheikah tried to kill both of us today and he almost did it."
I saw his point. That was a close call.
"He did say some off the wall things."
Link became thoughtful.
"That bastard was crazy," he said more to himself than to me.
It was a hard situation to be in. We were at an impasse.
"Do you still want to keep going? Don't you still want to keep going for Midna?"
Link looked away, obviously conflicted with the decision. I knew he still wanted to see Midna, but I wasn't sure how strong his will was anymore. To be quite honest, with the way he was acting around me lately, it seemed Midna had become a secondary thought. However, I may have been judging his behavior too prematurely. I still believed he loved her very much. However, a moment later, I noticed him turn slightly red from his continued thoughts of her. It was obvious that she still meant a great deal to him. I didn't want to be a deterrent. I wanted him to go on so he could see her.
Let me get this man back to this woman and not interfere.
I spoke up again.
"Let's keep going then shall we?"
This was the right thing to do.
Link didn't answer right away.
"You still want to go on with this?"
My whole point was to make amends.
"Of course I do. I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to help you. I want you to find Midna."
I didn't bother adding I had my own agenda now. I wanted to see what was at the end of this quest. What secrets were going to be revealed at the end of this puzzle? Whether Link continued or not, I planned on going forward. I had to. I wanted to know. There was too much intrigue not to. The hero was looking at me with a hint of distrust now. Perhaps he did not believe me. but I couldn't worry about that. However, he said nothing on it and ran a hand through his dark blonde hair. He look vexed at what to do.
"It's just with everything… I don't know. Is it really worth it? I just want some reassurances on that."
I understood where he was coming from. But, with every undertaking there was a risk and a reward. I sat down at the desk, wanting to give him some practical advice if I could.
"Look, this is important to you. Sometimes for the greater good, sacrifices need to be made."
From everyone, I didn't add.
Link just stared at me for a moment.
"Do you really believe what you're telling me? Or are you just saying that because you want to make me feel better about doing this?"
I turned in the chair to face him. I tried to be optimistic.
"A little bit of both."
Link seemed annoyed with my passiveness and shook his head.
"But what are we going to sacrifice Zelda? That's what we need to ask ourselves. We keep getting all these warnings about destruction and whatnot." He looked down after saying that. "I just don't want to be the cause of something terrible."
I saw his point. Neither one of us wanted to be a reason something terrible happened to Hyrule. But, what if there was nothing to worry about? What if all these warnings were hyperbole? I got up again and walked over to the hero. I stood in front of him, hoping to give him some confidence. Uncharacteristic of our circumstances, I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him close. I wanted to comfort him. I didn't want this to feel awkward or forced. I wanted him to know I was genuine.
If you're ill at ease, he'll be ill at ease.
Link was surprised, but didn't object to it. What would Hylia think of me now?
"Look, I want what's best for you. You've sacrificed so much for Hyrule. I should at least be able to return the favor. Your happiness is the biggest motivating factor behind this endeavor."
Link didn't reply right away. He was staring in my eyes.
"Really?"
I grinned and nodded.
"Really."
There was another brief silence between us. Link's eyes were still searching my face.
"What's best for me huh?" He reached up and stroked his fingers over my cheek."Now why would my happiness be a concern of yours?"
I edged back slightly. That was a silly question.
"Uh… I just told you… that's the whole point of this quest. It's because you sacrificed everything for your country."
Link just nodded. He didn't seem to be listening anymore.
"Right," was all he said in reply.
My throat tightened. I looked away from his gaze. He was becoming too intense for me. Link saw my change in disposition.
"What's wrong?"
I shook my head, still avoiding his eyes.
"Nothing,"
He grinned.
"You look nervous."
I rolled my eyes and his smile broadened.
"I-I'm not nervous."
I was clearly showing otherwise.
"Yes you are."
It was then I decided to forget my endeavors. Why was I even trying?
"If all you're going to do is tease me for trying to help you then-"
I let go of him. However, Link took hold of me and brought me back to him.
"No, no that wasn't my intention at all. I'm sorry, I was trying to be funny."
I still avoided his eyes.
"I suppose you think it's humorous to constantly tease me."
Link gave me a wayward look.
"It does bring me amusement."
I finally met his gaze again.
"That's cruel."
He stared right back.
"Is it?"
I didn't reply right away.
"You're incorrigible Link."
He chuckled.
"I am, but I can be serious too. Would you rather I be serious?"
It didn't matter to me.
"You can be whatever you want to Link. You are your own man."
His eyes searched my face again.
"My own man... and you're your own woman."
I was getting a little nervous with the way he was looking at me.
"Indeed I am."
He continued.
"A woman full of innocence. Alluring, drive a man crazy, kind of innocence."
I blushed at that.
"I beg your pardon?"
Link didn't answer right away.
"I know you said you weren't that innocent, but I have a hard time believing that."
I needed to diffuse this situation.
"Link-" I stopped myself. I didn't know what to say.
Suddenly, the hero reached behind my back and unwittingly started unbraiding my hair.
What in the world-?
He caught me totally off guard.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, getting more and more nervous with the way he was now looking at me.
He shook his head and didn't reply right away.
"What does it feel like I'm doing?" Link whispered back suggestively.
I thought my knees were about to give way. I pushed away a little from his chest, but he still didn't release me.
"Link-"
"Relax, it's nothing that you shouldn't have done already."
Dear goddesses.
"I... I happened to want to keep it tied back," I attempted to protest. "It just makes it harder for me to do in the morning."
Link didn't seem to care about that. Once my hair was completely undone, he stroked his fingers through my dark tresses, untangling my hair. I had to admit it felt nice. He let his fingers slide and started massaging my neck. He was right on one of my sensitive points and I think he knew that. I immediately felt that embarrassing wetness produce between my legs. It was inevitable. I was like jelly around him, and he wasn't helping with his tone either.
"There, that's better."
I swallowed hard.
"Please let me go."
I couldn't look at him. I think he knew what he just accomplished. So, he abided by my request. He released me like I asked. I stepped back.
"Thanks," I tried making light of the situation, "but I'm okay with the massage."
Link stared at me for a moment and just grinned.
"You look better like that. What did the Zoras call you? The water goddess?"
His tone made the crimson color stay at my cheeks.
Why is he talking to me like this? I'm not Midna.
"Um… yes, they did."
Link gave me a long once over.
"Now you look like the water goddess. You're absolutely beautiful Zelda."
I was at a loss for words.
I wish you were here ancestral mother. You would know exactly what to tell me.
"Thank you." I avoided his gaze.
Link tilted his head slightly.
"I don't understand, didn't you say you wanted me to take it further?" he asked me all of a sudden.
I finally looked up at him.
"I beg your pardon?"
Link just grinned.
"Be careful what you wish for. Next time I might go even further... with your permission of course."
I took another step back. I wasn't sure I would call his bluff again.
I didn't think you would actually do it.
I didn't reply.
"I guess I win this round," Link said confidently.
I closed my eyes. He won alright... more than he would ever know.
"Touche," I replied.
A long silence followed afterward.
What in the goddess's name was that? Pay back for earlier?
Link, seeing he made me uncomfortable, decided to change the subject.
"To go back to what you were saying before, thank you for thinking about me, but I think maybe it would be in the best interest of the kingdom if we stopped."
I calmed my racing heart and cleared my throat before I answered him. I couldn't shift in conversation quite as comfortably as he could. It was in this instance that I decided to be more forthcoming. I had to let him know what my intentions were now. Though, I initially planned to keep them to myself.
"Well… that's really up to you. As for me, I'm going to keep going with or without you."
Link was not amused at my reply.
"What?"
I took in a deep breath before I explained myself further.
"I have my own dealings to discuss with Midna. I merely asked you if you wanted to come along because I know you have feelings for her. If you don't want to go along any longer then I can't force you."
Link eyed me taken aback.
"You're still going to go, even if you don't have an escort?"
I nodded.
"I have to. I need to know what's at the end of all this."
Link still was not convinced.
"You're either being foolish or you're bluffing."
I was not at all intimidated by his statement.
"You could say I'm a little bit of both, but I'm going just the same."
Link groaned and stared at me hard. It was as if his eyes were trying to see through me.
"You would really go at this alone, wouldn't you?"
I nodded.
"I would, but it would be easier if you were with me."
Link looked away from me and was silent for a moment. I knew he was contemplating everything I said. Link was quiet for a moment before reluctantly nodding.
"Alright, I'll continue with you. I'm in all the way, I won't let you do this alone. I started this with you. I'll be there with you until the end."
I was grateful to hear that. I smiled again.
"I certainly appreciate your saying that Link." I then went and sat back down. "It's going to be much easier with you than without you."
Link grinned when I said that, but still looked troubled. I caught that and turned in the chair. I rested my chin on the back rest. I studied him for a moment.
"What's the matter now?"
He shook his head.
"Nothing."
He was clearly lying.
"Don't to that, be honest."
"I am."
I didn't believe him for a moment, but realized we were becoming circular. It was best to change the subject.
"You know what the best remedy is for a troubled mind?"
He looked at me expectantly.
"What's that?"
I grinned.
"Sleep."
Link paused, but then smiled.
"You're right, nothing comes from worrying. I'll be right back. I need to go to where I was going to sleep and get my things."
I looked at him concerned when he divulged that. There was a possibility Ralis could have had his belongings searched.
"You left your things unattended?"
Link took note of the alarm in my voice.
"Don't worry. The shards are on me. They haven't been out of my possession."
I was relieved to hear that.
"Thank Hylia, we have to be careful. Sorry for troubling you."
Link grinned.
"You aren't trouble. I'll be right back."
Afterwards, he left and returned within ten minutes. He did inform me that the Zoras were watching him when he gathered his things. I knew we would have to leave first thing in the morning to avoid more scrutiny. When Link changed into some pajamas he looked over at me still situated at the desk.
"Make sure you don't stay up too late. Queens need rest too."
I smiled and nodded.
"I'll try not to. Goodnight Link."
I thought that was going to be the end of it, but the hero stared at me for a long moment. Afterwards, Link came over to where I was and boldly leaned down to kiss me on the cheek... he barely missed my lips. I knew he did that on purpose.
"Goodnight Zelda," he whispered to me, staring into my eyes for a moment.
I blushed. I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything. Link then went to get ready for bed. Once he was out of sight, my smile faded a little bit.
I hope to Hylia you're wrong Link. I seriously hope you're wrong.
~SSS~
When Link was sound asleep, I sat down at the coral desk and opened the Book of Mudora. There was still one more riddle for me to tackle. I needed to do so with the same due diligence as I had done with the other two. However, before I did so, I said a quick prayer to Hylia, wanting to give my mind some clarity so I could get the right answers. Afterwards, I felt at peace and was ready to begin.
The last riddle was this: 'there is great 'potential' in the cooling of the womb that actuates to a birthplace of fire.' First, I had to determine what the 'great potential in the cooling of the womb' was. I turned to the index in the back of the book, and it referred me to the kinetic molecular theory, Falbi's theorem in mathematics, the second law of thermodynamics, and the third law of thermodynamics. I turned to the page it referenced to, and read a small insert on the kinetic molecular theory. It said:
'Potential energy is untapped energy waiting to be released.
It is the kinetics in its lattice, or strongest, structure before it is unconfined.
When energy is moving it then becomes kinetic.
For more information on equivocal quantities related to energy
refer to Falbi's theorem in mathematics. For more information
on energy exchange refer to the second and third laws of thermodynamics.'
Falbi's theorem measured the space inside and outside areas to prove whether the energy released was equal to its former state in an enclosed area. At the bottom of the page it mentioned the theorem was used a lot in liquefactions like ice bergs melting into water on lakes.
Hmm, that makes sense. An iceberg melting on a lake is released energy in a confined area.
The second law of thermodynamics stated that for every action there was a reaction.
That makes sense too, I thought, every time Elbourne tells a dirty joke the more I want to slap him. It's not exactly the same but it applies. I shook my head of that nonsense and thought more deeply on what I was going over. Link and I would need to find something to react to this potential energy, I thought, getting my mind back on track, but what?
The third law of thermodynamics stated that when kinetics were entropic, or released, it became free. How would this energy be freed? The clue talked about 'great potential,' so it was definitely referring to energy that hasn't been unconstrained. I went back to the clue to get a better understanding of where this energy may be found. 'There is great potential in the cooling on the womb…' What was this cooling? It obviously related back to the harnessed kinetics. Where in Hyrule was there an abundance of cool energy?
I looked up from the book as if having an epiphany suddenly.
"Snow and ice. That must be it!"
Snowpeak! The untouched energy is in Snowpeak!
I felt excited that I was making progress, but now what was the womb? I looked back in the Book of Mudora and turned to a section related to child birth. It mentioned a womb elongates and stretches in order for child bearing to take place. I stopped and thought about that for a second.
Elongates? I thought perplexed. Could that mean a tunnel in this instance? A bridge? Possibly.
I would keep that in mind, things were never what they seemed with these riddles. Now, how did the 'cooling of the womb actuate to a birthplace of fire?' Well, if the 'womb' were a tunnel, that tunnel could lead from the top of Snowpeak to either Death Mountain or… Dragon Roost. It would be 'actuating to a birthplace of fire' either way it went. I rubbed the back of my neck, concerned at the thought of the last shard being anywhere near Elbourne.
Let's hope that's not the case.
Lastly, why was I referred to use Falbi's theorem? What purpose did it serve? Why was it necessary? Unless… unless it was helping me to see that Link and I would have to use a heated source of liquefaction to release the energy… like hot spring water. But were we going to have to measure it in some way to make sure the melted ice was the same 'potential' as the frozen? That I wasn't sure of. There was a lot to consider, but at least I knew we had a destination.
Tomorrow we would leave the Zoras behind.
Tomorrow we were heading for Snowpeak.
Thank you for reading.