How Zelda Got Her Groove Back

by ZeldaRubix

Seven years after the events of Twilight Princess, Zelda is queen. However, she must right the wrongs of the past and help a broken hero heal. What lies ahead for the queen? She will be guided with the help of an unexpected friend. Reupload. Original upload May 2012.

32. Chapter 32

Inspiration: "Leaning Lovers," by Julia Watkins (it is a beautiful portrait that focuses on the energy from two people deeply in love, I couldn't help but think of Link and Zelda), post traumatic stress disorder; vulnerability, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and "Tree of Life," album by Audiomachine for the 2020 reedit.

Original Shout Outs: DEUCESSS, Mrdirtguy13, Danie-Dono, Blueheart100, Fan, WolfenAmpithere, Sparky, and Will.

Author's Note: Love isn't simply a noun, it's a verb. Love is more than the idea of being in love. Reedited 9/27/2020. On the advice of ImaFanaBigFan, I changed this chapter to better reflect Zelda's trauma 11/16/2020.

Word Count: 22,942

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Chapter 32

Link

The space around Zelda and me pulsed and flickered continuously. It looked like it was about to collide in on itself. Hylia was right in that this portal was too unreliable to be sustained. For whatever reason, this gateway was collapsing. That fact made me run faster. However, suddenly I felt an added thud of weight fall on my shoulders. Zelda abruptly passed out on my back. Her incapacitation wasn't expected. She sounded fine for most of the ride. The adrenaline protracting her must have worn thin. I had to catch her so she wouldn't be lost in time. I was careful that my fangs didn't pierce her flesh. The exit was several meters in front of us, and before it closed completely, I doubled my speed and jumped through, making sure no harm came to Zelda. Unfortunately, we landed disgracefully on some wild foliage near a stone edifice when we exited. Zelda's body rolled several yards from my grasp when released from my fangs. I hurried, ran up, and caught her again before she injured herself. After we were at a safe distance, I turned to see the portal implode in on itself and disappear. Large cells of energy bonded around each other, before inverting and demolishing into a singularity of concentrated space. Just as abstractly as it appeared, it was gone. The space was now closed over.

That was close.

I then turned my attention back to Zelda, but was taken aback momentarily by another fact. I saw and felt regular sunlight peeking through a tree lined canopy. I looked up stunned, immediately realizing we were no longer in the Twilight Realm. We were instead back in Hyrule somewhere, but where? Why? How was this possible? One point in the multiverse was supposed to lead to another equally opposing point in that same multiverse. There was supposed to be one roadway to and fro in the same dimension. How could one entry point suddenly lead to another dimension? Unless, that wormhole didn't abided by the same space time rules. Apparently that was the case. However, my questions were going to have to wait for now, especially when I saw Zelda finally coming to. She was breathing hard. She looked weak and was apparently dizzy, as she stumbled when she attempted to get up and walk. She grabbed onto a tree branch when she found herself nearly falling over her feet again. It was then I transformed back to my human form and hurried to catch her. She collapsed just in time to land in my arms.

I stared into her eyes worried.

"Are you alright?"

Zelda didn't answer me right away. She was staring at me with a kind of glassy look in her eyes.

"Everything's so hazy," she whispered more to herself than to me.

She sounded so fragile.

"Can you see?" I asked anyway.

She closed her eyes and tried to focus.

"Where are we?"

I raised a brow at her obvious diversion. Was she deliberately ignoring my question?

"Can you see Zelda?" I asked once more.

Even so, again, she didn't answer.

"There... there was something strange about that wormhole," she whispered, changing the subject. "Did you notice all the shifting instabilities?"

I stared at her in minor disbelief. It was so typical of this woman to think of something as inappropriate as portal irregularities when her life was in danger. Why the hell couldn't she see that she was the priority right now? Her condition looked grave.

"Zelda..." I hid a little of my frustration with her, "are you alright?"

The simple answer to the question was no. Her increased work of breathing didn't stop, which meant she was having lung problems. Her lips were pale, so her blood circulation was compromised somehow. Her overall disposition was lacking vitality, so she was obviously malnourished. In general terms, she was very unwell. Even so, she attempted to get up and try to walk again. This time, however, I didn't let her go.

"What are you doing?"

Zelda started sweating profusely. Her life force must have been dangerously low because her skin was cold too. The sweat seeded ubiquitously.

"We have to get the Master Sword. Don't you see that we're back in Hyrule Link?"

I stroked a hand through her damp hair.

"Baby you're not well, we can get the sword later." I tried to keep my voice steady, but her worsening condition was scaring me senseless. "You need to get better first."

I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

What the hell did he do to you?

Her work of breathing increased, as I picked her up to see if I could find a place to nurse her back to health. She needed food, potions, and uninterrupted rest.

"I'm... fine." She was panting now. "We... we... we have to get... moving. Ghirahim... Ghirahim is going to..." She closed her eyes and placed her hand on her forehead just then. "Oh dear goddesses," she moaned in pain without being able to finish.

I shook my head. She wasn't fighting me on this.

"We're not going anywhere until you-" However, I cut myself short when Zelda's head suddenly fell back and her eyes rolled to the back of her skull. "Dear Hylia!"

I froze when afterwards her lips parted and she started coughing up foam. The inside of her mouth was so dry, that her normal salivation was becoming frothy and inhibited. She was obviously extremely dehydrated. Whatever deprivation Ghirahim put her through was taking its toll on her body. The symptoms of her poor state only got worse when her physical being abruptly began to flicker in and out of consciousness from the tangible to the intangible –her Sheikah state to her normal state. What the hell was going on? Why was her body trying to disappear? Zelda's normal state eventually won out, but then her head limped forward towards her chest and slowed her breathing down. I was hoping the immediate danger was over, but I was about to be proven wrong. Her symptoms got worse when suddenly she started to convulse.

"Dear Farore!"

I wished there was something I could do to help her, but all I could do was watch for now. I needed to ensure her safety by lowering her body onto the plush green grass so she wouldn't harm herself. It was important not to hold a person down when they were having a seizure. It increased the risk of injury. I remembered that when I thought I was helping a poor widow when she had a seizure on my journeys. I tried to hold her down and she nearly broke her arm. In Zelda's case, all I could do was wait until the convulsing was over. It felt like the longest thirty seconds of my life. If I attempted to open her mouth while she was jerking, she could bite down on her tongue and choke on her own blood. It was that serious of a mistake. When the twitching and jerking subsided, I opened my satchel and pulled out a bottle of blue potion. I put the bottle to her lips and tried to get her to swallow as best she could. It wasn't helping that my hand was shaking a little bit.

"Come on Zelda, give me a sign."

It took her a moment, but slowly she started swallowing the contents. She understandably coughed when it started to work. Afterwards, she finally opened her eyes. I looked at her relieved when her tremors and breathing started normalizing. I could tell her vision was still hazy due to her continual blinking. But, the important thing was that she was awake now.

"Everything... everything is so blurry..."

I stroked my hand over her damp hair again.

"Don't worry about that. It may be some temporary blindness. It happens from time to time with these potions. It happened to me too."

She closed her eyes and placed her hand back on her forehead. She still looked exhausted. She didn't reply to my explanation right away. I saw that she was still despondent. I took her back in my arms and cradled her close to my chest in an attempt to comfort her.

"How are you feeling?"

She didn't reply and her eyes were closed. She was probably resting.

"You doing okay Zelda? Are you starting to feel better?"

Zelda still didn't answer. I was getting concerned at her lack of response. I had never seen her like this before. Never.

"I promise you Ghirahim won't get away with this," I reassured her, getting close to her hair. "Just please, please, please keep fighting Zelda, please."

However, she still didn't reply, and that was when I got alarmed again. I stroked her bangs off her forehead in the hopes of her opening her eyes again. She didn't move. They stayed closed.

"Zelda," I tried to stay calm, "say something... please."

I pulled back to get a better look at her. Her eyes were now opened again, but they were half opened. I adjusted her head so she could be better positioned on my arm, only to find dried blood caked at the back of her skull. Surprised at this, when I removed my hand to exam the obvious wound more expeditiously, I found that fresh blood was now bleeding from it. The dried blood had only encased it.

What in Hylia's dear name...?

The injury apparently happened in the last twenty-four hours, but lacerations could bleed occultly and vigorously if not controlled. Also, there was no guarantee that the damage wasn't effecting her brain either. This wound hadn't been properly controlled since she received it. It was no wonder why she was so pale and weak. It took everything in me to control my anger. What kind of creature did this to a woman? What kind of monster molested and tortured a helpless woman? That demon had no honor at all. There was no way he was going to get away with doing this to her. Ghirahim was definitely going to pay for his actions. In the meantime, Zelda looked like she was trying to say something to me, but when she opened her mouth very little came out.

"Link…"

I tried to keep her focused on me, but she was rapidly losing consciousness even with the effects of the blue potion. I had no idea why her constitution was being so heavily inhibited even with the efforts of a concoction so strong. It didn't make sense, and the only logical explanation as to why was that Ghirahim had somehow transmitted a disinhibiting toxin into her system.

"What do you need?" I was getting desperate. "Tell me and I'll get it for you."

Zelda's eyes drooped more and her stare became glassier.

"I…I love you... and... and I'm so sorry for what I put you through... in... in having you imprisoned."

My eyes widened with her telling me this.

Why is she bringing this up now?

There was only one reason a person started bringing up regrets like this, and it was because they believed they were very near death. I didn't want her talking this way.

"I love you too, and I don't care about any of that, that's the past Zelda."

Zelda just stared blankly at me now, but it was a stare that was unflinching. That was when I waved my hand over her face. She didn't react at all. It was clear she was completely blind now. She even verbalized so.

"I... I can't see anything."

She sounded terrified at the realization and I held her tighter.

"The blindness is just temporary," I reassured. "I promise you you'll get your sight back."

She didn't look too confident with my statement, but she reached up and attempted to touch my face anyway. Her hand wandered aimlessly for a moment before I guided it to my cheek. She even tried to smile.

"There you are."

I nodded.

"Yes, I'm right here."

She stroked my cheek gently.

"I'm so tired. I'm... just so tired Link."

I nodded again.

"I know you are, but you can't go to sleep just yet, not until you get a little better."

Her eyes drooped more and it was clear I was at the losing end of this conversation. Zelda was losing consciousness and she was losing it quickly. It was apparent that there was more than a flesh wound going on in her head. She may have had a vessel rupture in her brain. Hopefully, the potion would be able to circulate through and heal it.

"I'm so tired."

My throat tightened. I hated seeing her like this.

"Just stay with me. Just stay with me Zelda."

She blinked several times and nodded slightly.

"I'll try."

I didn't want her to give up.

"Keep trying. Work at it, you're strong."

Her blue eyes were completely opaque now as I stared at her, hoping in some way she understood her current state wasn't forever. Even so, she didn't reply to me. I rocked her gently in my arms.

"Zelda?"

She stared up at me and still didn't respond.

"Zelda?"

Again, she said nothing, and this time her mouth became slightly ajar. She let out what sounded like an agonal breath. I stopped rocking her when I saw that.

"Zelda?" I said her name louder this time.

Nothing.

She gave me no sign whatsoever.

My breathing increased at that point and that was when panic set in.

"Zelda!"

This time I took hold of her shoulders and shook her a little bit.

Nothing.

No response.

"Zelda!" I raised my voice.

Still nothing.

No reaction.

No sign of life from her at all... and that was when I thought the unthinkable was happening.

"No!" I stared down at her lifeless face. "No! No! No!"

Her glassy stare was even glassier now. It was like there was nothing there when she looked at me. My bottom lip quivered and my eyes watered at her deathlike state. It was a rare conjuring of emotion from me. I felt this kind of pain before when I was a child. When I was eight and I truly realized my parents were dead. I didn't want to feel that kind of hurt again. However, that feeling was coming back to haunt me –to consume me. I couldn't help it. This wasn't supposed to happen to Zelda... not the queen... not my Zelda. The tears just seared my eyes and fell onto her face when I held her close to my chest.

"Zelda," I whispered against her hair in a broken voice, "baby please... wake up."

She didn't react at all, and all I could do was hold her and pray her sight would return to her soon. I stroked her hair and held her tight. I cursed myself for not getting to her faster. All I could think about was revenge in that moment.

"Ghirahim, I swear if she dies, how to take over Hyrule is last thing you're going to have to worry about. If I have to go to the depths of hell to find you, I will, and I'll kill you. I swear to you Ghirahim, I will find you and kill you. Nothing will stop me. Nothing."

I hugged her tighter and stared down into her face. Zelda's eyes were closed now.

"You're going to be alright."

Her lips were now light blue and she didn't respond.

My throat tightened a little more.

"You're going to be alright Zelda. I promise you."

~SSS~

Two days later, Zelda

A tangible vision:

That appendage languished around my body. It tightened as that monster finally took my clothes off with nothing but his tongue. I had no strength to fight him. All I felt was fear. It crept into my bones. It coursed over my skin, like the ash sediments strewn about a graveyard. I was paralyzed. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. All I could do was watch as that monster hovered over me. I kept my breath still. This was unexpected.

Link where are you?

I thought he would be here with me. I saw him. I knew I saw him. He was a wolf… wasn't he? He came and swooped me up, didn't he? Why am I here? Why am I alone again? How did Ghirahim capture me again? I wasn't free from the clutches of this monster. Surprisingly, though the demon's voice was kind.

"You're going to be okay Zelda. I promise nothing is going to happen to you."

What was this? Why was Ghirahim's voice kind? Why did he sound like the hero? Why did he sound concerned? He was nothing but a monster. A demon. Even so, my body began to rock back and forth in a comforting motion. My eyes were half open. Everything appeared hazy. We were in a canopy of trees and twilight. Had this devil taken me to his paradise? I couldn't be sure. I soon felt something that was like a damp cloth wiping over my face. The bristling effect was familiar, but all I could make out was the tip of Ghirahim's tongue. There was no terror in the motion. There was no violence behind the gesture. Only kindness. A strange kindness. I blinked, and suddenly, part of Ghirahim's face disappeared. In its place appeared Link's visage. His blue eyes. His comforting gaze. His handsome disposition. He was here with me. But how was this possible? Why was this happening this way?

"You're the most stubborn woman I know," the hero was saying. "I know you will make it through this."

Those words were comforting. Those words had real meaning. I wanted to reply to him, but I couldn't speak. I was still too weak. My voice was lost. Rasped. Coarse. Link was stroking my hair. The motion felt nice, but it was with an appendage that appeared like a tongue. Why were Link's arms tongues? I couldn't make sense of this. The touch was wet. It felt like a towel, but it appeared like a mound of sinewy flesh. It was so strange.

I blinked again, and suddenly the tongue-like arms vanished and Link's real arms appeared. Strong. Covered in skin. His real hands. His real countenance. There was a towel in his hands and he was wiping my body. Cleaning me. Trying to take the shame away. He wiped me once at my nape, then over my shoulders, and beneath my breasts. I would have covered myself if I could move. I was weak. I was incredibly weak. Link would never want to touch me again once he found what Ghirahim did to me. I was tainted. I was stained. Imbued with Ghirahim's mark all over me. I didn't need to be penetrated by that monster's penis to feel like a disgusting piece of filth. He had made me feel disgusting without having to do so. That was what he wanted. That was his goal. Unfortunately… he succeeded.

Link continued to wash me, and I desperately wanted to tell him to stop and cover me up. I wanted to hide my nakedness. I wanted to hide my shame. I wanted to hide my guilt. I didn't understand why I had guilt, but I did. Every stroke of that monster's tongue was like a betrayal to my beloved hero. I could see Link's face clearly now, and I wanted to cry. I felt the urge, but I physically couldn't produce the tears. I was all dried up. Hung upon a chain and left to my thoughts. Hung upon a chain and left to wait. Hung upon a chain and left to die. But, Ghirahim was not victorious. I was not dead. I was alive. I... was... alive. However, I didn't think I would ever be 'free' again. Not after that experience. That monster left me with something. That monster left me with his mark. With his… kiss. Now I understood his riddle in its truest form: The putting together of the insidious attributes will result in the arbiter's kiss.

I blinked once more and the scenery suddenly changed. It became black and the room swirled. Link and I were then teleported back to a place of darkness. Back to that dungeon. Back to... Ghirahim's lair. But, the hero didn't flinch. He didn't even seem to notice he had gone. He just kept tending to me. The surroundings didn't disturb him not once.

I realized then my body was partly submerged in a pool, and the towel the hero was using was ringing water over my skin. However, something was strange about this bank. It appeared like ash and bone. There were skulls all over the ground. There were spiders crawling all over the walls. All over the floor. All over Link. All over me. But, Link stayed calm. Link stayed vigilant in cleaning me. How strange. Didn't Link see what was happening? Did he not understand what was taking place here? Did he not know where we were? We were in Ghirahim's lair. We were in danger. We had to retreat. If I could speak, I would tell him.

Even so, the ashy, boney water was cleaning my skin. But when Link went to clean between my legs I wanted to clench up. I wanted to seize up. I didn't want him to touch me there. I was afraid he would know. I was afraid he would somehow deduce Ghirahim's violation of me. Though the monster didn't rape me in my womb, he did soil me in my mind. He defiled me where I couldn't be washed. I thought Link was going to be able to sense it. I assumed Link would be able to feel it from my womb. I knew my rationale didn't make sense. The hero was never going to want to make love to me again. I didn't think I wanted him to make love to me again. I was no longer worthy of him. I was dirty now. I felt impossible to love now.

"I'm going to protect you Zelda," his voice was saying in this place of darkness. "Ghirahim will never hurt you again."

I would have teared up if I could produce tears. Link had no idea that nothing could protect me from that monster, not even him. I felt so guilty because I wanted to believe him. I wanted to warn him that we weren't safe. I wanted to tell him that we were still in Ghirahim's lair and that the monster would be back soon. But, I had no voice. I… had… no… voice… Even so, Link continued to wash me. He may have thought he was helping me, but being bathed in ash, bone, and spider guts was adding more to my shame. Oh, how I wanted to tell him.

I closed my eyes.

I hoped for closure.

Everything faded to darkness.

~SSS~

When I awakened, I knew there was something different when I felt a shiver run down my spine. It wasn't a shiver of fear like before. I opened my eyes and soon realized why. I was no longer in that monster's lair. I nearly gasped in surprise by the beauty and serenity of my current surroundings. I blinked a few times to make sure this wasn't a dream. To make sure what I was taking in was real. The greenery. The warmth from the sunlight. The smell of honeysuckle in the afternoon breeze. Everything. This was real. I was back in Hyrule. I couldn't believe it. I was really back in Hyrule. I sat up slowly, hoping to still not be dizzy, but even that didn't quell the headache now centered at the back of my head. Once I was completely upright, I grabbed my forehead, hoping for some relief, but got none. I moaned softly in pain, trying to recall exactly how I got here. Where was that pool of ash? Where were the bones about the ground? Why wasn't I in Ghirahim's lair? How did I get back here? I couldn't recollect a thing. Everything seemed like a hazy dream.

What happened?

I skimmed the beautiful grassy alcove, and was suddenly stunned to spot Link sitting casually nearby a pool across the lagoon. He made a fire and looked like he was preparing some food rotisserie style, which smelled incredible. My eyes widened and I sat up even more at the sight of him. I couldn't believe it. Was that really him? That wasn't just a dream?

"Link!" I shouted, but my voice was dry and raspy.

It was barely audible past me. He couldn't hear me, but I was so overwhelmed by the sight of him that I thought the heavens could hear me. He did come and find me. He was the one to come and rescue me. That wasn't a dream. Tears filled my eyes, and I obviously wasn't very subtle with my movements, because soon after, Link looked my way and saw me upright and staring at him. When he saw that I was awake, he looked just as surprised and happy as me.

"Zelda!" he called to me.

My tears spilled over when he said my name. Without thinking about anything else, I got up from the rock I was sitting on and hurried over to him. However, his eyes widened for some odd reason at my approach and he attempted to stop me before I got over to him.

"Zelda wait!" he cautioned.

However, I threw all caution to the wind and ran even faster to him. He seemed eager to get me in his arms, but before he could utter another word to me, I kissed him as hard as I could. I cupped his beautiful face between my hands making sure he was real. He was. He was real. He kissed me back, and soon he let his concerns regarding whatever he was going to tell me go to the wayside for now. His strong arms went around my waist and he kissed me fervently the way he always did. I held him tight and kissed him like I was never going to see him again. When I pulled away, I didn't want to let him go. I cried into his chest like a frightened little girl afterwards. Link held me tight when it was over, then made me aware of why he was trying to caution me.

"I'm glad you're awake too," he whispered in my ear, "but Zel... you're naked."

I pulled back and looked up at him stunned, then looked down to see that he was right. I didn't have a stitch on. I immediately crossed my arms over my breasts in an attempt to conceal my nudity, but it was useless.

"Where are my clothes?"

I was probably as flushed as a red lantern. Link immediately went to his satchel and pulled out an extra tunic for me before he went to explain.

"They were covered in blood so I removed them to wash them in the creek. They're hanging up to dry, but I had another tunic covering you while you slept. I'm sorry, I know you probably wouldn't have approved of that, but I had to check you for other injuries and make sure the ones that you had weren't still bleeding."

I hurried to put the tan tunic on and tried to make light of my embarrassment. I should have been more cognizant.

"It doesn't matter." I avoided his eyes for a moment. "You don't need to apologize. What's done is done."

He nodded, but he could still see I was slightly discomfited by my mistake, so he went to change the subject.

"I made you some food. You shouldn't be running the way you just were until you regain your strength."

Link did have a point and when I looked over and saw the roasted rabbit, I understood then what smelled so good.

"My word," I whispered at the wonderful sight.

Soon after, I heard a familiar groaning of hunger pains within my stomach. I hadn't eaten in days. I wasn't aware how long I was passed out. The meat looked like a perfect golden brown, and the smell of fresh herbs only amplified the feeling of my hunger. My eyes widened at the sight of it.

My goddess.

I was almost hypnotized. I couldn't help myself.

"That looks heavenly."

I went and sat down next to the campfire. No sooner than I sat down did I attempt to reach for the roasting rabbit. But, then Link scolded me.

"What are you doing? Do you want to burn your hand? You know you can't grab food from a fire like that."

I pulled my hand back and felt a little foolish for the chastisement. It was like a father disciplining a child.

"I'm sorry."

Link shook his head, then pulled out a long dagger from his second sheathe and cut some of the cooked meat from the animal. Afterwards, he handed me the dagger with the meat still on it to me.

"This is how you eat rotisserie."

I nodded while I stared at the rabbit in slight awe. I licked my dry lips. I salivated with what little moisture I had left at the sight of the food. I took the dagger from him.

"Right."

Link studied me for a moment and glanced back at the rabbit still hinged over the fire.

"Eat as much as you want. I've already had supper."

I nodded again to show I heard him, then immediately devoured the meat on the knife. It was absolutely delicious. I even ate the small bits before going in and cutting another portion from the meat. I made quick work of that too. Then cut another, and another, and another, until the rabbit was practically gone. I knew I was unrefined and without dignity, but in that moment, I didn't care. I just wanted some sustenance. I closed my eyes and never felt happier.

Bless you Farore for sending Link.

I swallowed the tender morsels.

"This is incredible." I wasn't really giving myself any time to chew. "Thank you."

Link was looking at me concerned, but he didn't say anything regarding it right now. He only nodded.

"You're welcome."

When I was finished, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and looked at the fire completely satisfied. I was trembling because I was so happy in that moment. However, I then realized I was extremely thirsty. I turned to look at Link, hoping he could help me with that too, but I avoided his eyes in the process.

"Do... do you have any water?"

My throat was parched. My voice was tremulous.

Link paused for a moment, still studying my mannerisms, but then nodded and pulled out his flask from his satchel. I took it eagerly when he handed it to me. I downed the contents of it in a matter of seconds. It could have been ancient fruit juice and I would have downed it in the same way. Afterwards, I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. The rehydration felt so good.

Thank the goddess.

I kept my gaze fixed on the fire for a few moments longer before I chose to acknowledge Link's worried expression. I knew I was acting out of character, but the desperation of the last couple days was almost too much to contain. I thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to be all alone with my last moments at the mercy of that monster. I knew I was a queen without dignity, but I didn't care.

I pursed my lips together and looked down at my hands just then.

"I'm sorry," I whispered finally.

Link took in a deep breath and shook his head.

"For what? You have nothing to apologize for."

My bottom lip started quivering.

"You must think I'm disgusting right now, don't you?"

He reached over and touched my hand.

"No, I don't, and I never would. You've obviously been through a great ordeal."

I didn't know why his words struck me the way they did, but for some reason I got emotional at hearing that. I placed my hand over my mouth to hold in a gasp. My eyes refilled with tears immediately. When Link saw that he came over and took me in his arms and held me tight. I finally faced him, but cried into his chest. I sobbed for what seemed like forever when I couldn't contain my feelings any longer. Link didn't say anything, but just held me and let me cry. I needed that and I thanked him silently for it. I wrapped my arms around his waist and finally rested my head on his shoulder when I was done for now. I couldn't say I was done for good. I didn't think I would ever be done for good. Link ran his hands down my back.

"Do you want to talk about what happened?" he whispered against my hair.

I trembled a little at the question and pulled back for a moment without looking him in the face again. I knew Link was concerned and wanted to know if anything monstrous happened to me. But, in all honesty, I just wanted to forget the whole ordeal if I could. I felt shame. I felt dirty. There was a silence that followed, and I think all it did was make the situation worse. It was tense and uncomfortable. I was finding it hard to speak. I was finding it hard to grasp at any words at all really. I finally looked at him, and when I stared into his blue eyes, all I could find in mine staring back were more tears. I just couldn't keep it together and before long the tears were flowing down my cheeks again. Link's concern only deepened when he took me back in his arms to hold me once more.

"Zelda..."

I sobbed and wrapped my arms around him again.

"Link, Link, Link, Link, Link."

He held me tighter, more securely.

"What did he do to you?"

I shook my head. I didn't want to recount those moments.

"I-I don't want to talk about it."

He groaned softly at my willing dismissal.

"Zelda-"

I pulled back to stare at him.

"Please Link," I interrupted in a broken voice, "please, I really don't want to talk about it."

He hesitated at my protest as his concern never went away, but he reluctantly nodded when he saw how stressed out I was.

"Okay, okay, we won't talk about it now."

I closed my eyes against his chest and took in a deep sigh.

"Thank you."

It was only natural for Link to be concerned. He loved me, of course he was concerned. But, I felt so overwhelmed right now. The thought of being in that dark room in that demon's capture, with Ghirahim's constant threats of violating me –and with some of his threats coming to fruition– was just too much for me to bear. The memories brought up raw feelings of terror I never experienced before. The sound of the grating chain. The congealed blood around my wrists. The weight of that monster's body tugging on me when he jumped on me. I was going to have night terrors for weeks. It had to be the trauma that was so accurately described in the books I read about when a person dissociates, or succumbs, to extreme stress. Even being possessed by Ganon didn't leave me feeling as terrified as I was when I was in the company of the demon lord Ghirahim. I was racked physically, mentally, and emotionally by that monster. Ghirahim had taken me to my limits and beyond. I finally understood why Hylia was so hell bent on keeping him sealed away. I hugged Link tighter when I started shaking involuntarily at my thoughts. I wanted so desperately to quell my frightened shivering.

I opened my eyes and stared closely at Link's tunic without really seeing it.

He was so close... he was so close to…

I quickly shook my head of my thoughts and started crying again. The hero could see I was an emotional mess, but he still wasn't so willing to just take me at my word and dismiss the discussion.

"Zelda... please, you have to get whatever's hurting you off your chest. You have to talk to me."

I sobbed quietly.

"I-I understand that." My voice was broken. "But, I can't... I-I... I-I want to forget it if I can..."

I couldn't finish and covered my mouth again like I was going to be sick. I pulled away from his tunic, but he wouldn't let me go. Link looked at me surprised by the sudden reaction. He swallowed hard, and pulled me back to him, probably thinking the worst. He cradled me gently.

"I've got you now," he said against my hair. "It's going to be okay."

I held onto him tighter when he said that. He had no idea how much that meant to me.

"I know."

He took in a deep breath against my hair.

"I'll kill him. I swear to you I'll kill him Zelda."

It was the first time I heard him talk this way. I wasn't used to this side of him. Though, I knew he was more than capable of such considering his past dealings with Ganondorf and the Rue Morgue siblings.

"Link-"

"Shhh, it's okay, I've got you, try to relax."

I trembled in relief at the thought of being secure. There was no feeling like it. I closed my eyes as a brief silence followed Link's utterance. I knew it would only be a matter of time before the hero asked the hard questions again. He was prepping me for it, but I knew they were coming, and a moment later he broke the silence again.

"Did Ghirahim… did Ghirahim rape you Zelda?"

I knew the question was coming. I just didn't know how to respond to it. Should I say no? Should I say yes? What defined rape? Was it just aggressive vaginal penetration, or was it something more? I didn't answer right away, because I didn't know what to say. I shuddered at the thought. Afterwards, I pulled back to look Link in his eyes. His beautiful eyes. I bit my lower lip and felt a wave of shame overtake me. I knew that was a feeling I needed to get comfortable with. I was going to be feeling a great deal of shame as the days went on. Instinctively, I shook my head no, as no forced coitus took place, but as I deduced before, I wasn't certain that was a true answer. I wiped the tears from my cheeks and tried to get my bearings together.

Link was not convinced with my display.

"Don't lie to me. I want the truth."

I nodded at his words.

"I know that," I reassured, "I'm not lying, I got away before he got the chance to."

Link was unsettled with the way I explained that.

"Before he got a chance to?"

I nodded again.

"He was attempting to at the time of my escape, but the Triforce of Wisdom overwhelmed him and I got away."

Link's throat tightened at my confession and his breathing quickened.

"He was attempting to..."

I didn't reply and he held me tighter.

"That twisted son of a bitch," he muttered more to himself than to me. "I'm so sorry, I was supposed to be protecting you Zelda."

I caught the undercurrent of guilt in his voice, but there was no way any of what happened was his fault. By all rights and purposes, it was my own fault. I couldn't even blame Elbourne, and I wouldn't, because he told me to go away too. Even so, I reached up and caressed Link's cheek, wanting to reassure him that he had no reason to feel ashamed.

"I got through that ordeal because I knew I had to get back to you and everyone else. I knew you would somehow find a way to get to Ghirahim's lair and get me. I know how resilient you are."

Link took in a frustrated sigh, not really comforted by my words, and held me tighter than before. It was as if he needed to feel that I was there with him, like I was a part of him somehow.

I'm here Link.

His lips were resting against my forehead now.

"It wasn't my resilience that got you through that ordeal with Ghirahim. It was your own. Your own will saved you Zelda. That's why you're alive right now."

At this point, I attempted something rare for the both of us right now, I attempted to smile.

"Why don't we agree that it was a mixture of both, shall we? That way we both win."

He grunted at first, but then finally returned my grin. However, it also quickly faded.

"Fair enough."

I caressed his cheek again and rested my head back on his shoulder. I stayed there for a moment when I finally realized something about Link's presence. I pulled back and looked around before I addressed him.

"Where are the others?"

Link looked towards the rock formation leading to the Temple of Time behind us for some reason. That must have been where the portal released us.

"They're probably still waiting for us in the Twilight Realm."

I looked at him puzzled just then.

"Then how did we end up in Hyrule?"

Link shrugged, just as perplexed as I.

"I have no idea. The portal I entered I thought was going to lead us back to the Twilight Realm. It seems for whatever reason to have circumvented us here."

I was concerned with that fact. This separation was going to cause us huge delays and there was no telling what that could mean for Ghirahim. What if he somehow captured Elbourne in that time? What if he got his strength back and were to somehow come back here and purge the Master Sword the way he threatened? What if he tried to take over the Twilight Realm now that Link and I weren't there to warn Midna? What if? What if? What if?

I billowed a breath with my newfound worries.

"Do you think the others are alright?"

Link nodded.

"I think so, but we're going to have to go back to the Arbiter's Grounds to get back there. The access point we came through closed when we arrived here."

I pulled myself away from his grasp just then and stood up after hearing that. I was weak in my efforts, but I was still able to stand.

"Then we best be on our way. We haven't a moment to lose."

I was about to head for what I thought was the exit, when Link took hold of my hand to stop me. He tugged me back towards him. He gave me an immediate disapproving look.

"Are you insane?"

I looked at him surprised.

"But Link we can't just stay here and wait. Ghirahim-"

"There's no way we're leaving now. You're barely able to walk, and the Arbiter's Grounds is a two week journey from here."

I looked at him at a loss.

"Then what are we going to do?"

He stood up just then and stood over me.

"What you should be doing, resting."

I shook my head.

"But Link I can't rest now, the country is in danger. Ghirahim is going to traverse the Twilight Realm first and-"

"And how are you going to stop him in your present state? Did you think about that?"

I looked at him helplessly.

"I-"

"His goal is Hyrule, not the Twilight Realm, Zelda. He wants the Master Sword to free Demise. There would be no point to make two stops, when he can side step the Twilight Realm and do it in one."

I looked at him completely shocked and taken aback at his inferences. Whether he realized it or not, he was spot on, but I didn't understand how he knew. All I could do was ask.

"How... how do you know all this?"

Link shook his head.

"I don't really know. I was just guessing, but being around you and Hylia have made me think about things in a much deeper way. I try tackling things the way you would by breaking ideas down to their most basic form. However, I have no other basis to go on than that."

I nodded, impressed at his insights.

"That's one heck of a guess because you happen to be right. Ghirahim told me his plans right before he tried to kill me."

I didn't realize I said that so nonchalantly. It shouldn't have been nonchalant. However, Link looked at me taken aback by my reply. It was only because of his reaction that I realized the gravity of my words. The constant threat of death by that demon was like the passing of the time. Chains. Blood. Threats. But, the hero stared at me somberly for a moment. He probably noticed the scars on my wrists I trying to conceal, and the subtle idiosyncrasies in my nature now. I felt terrified when there was no reason to feel terrified. I felt insecure when I should have felt relieved. I felt unsafe knowing that monster was still out there when I should have felt safe. Link then took me back in his arms and held me tight. It took moments like this to make me contemplate the fragility of my mortality. To make me think about the sanctity of life. The hero stroked his hand over my hair and rested his lips against my scalp again.

"He was going to kill you..." he whispered more to himself than to me.

I pulled back for a second to stare at him.

"It doesn't matter now. That's over."

He looked away and closed his eyes. I caressed his cheek and tried to comfort him.

"It's okay... it's over."

He nodded, but it still didn't seem to help.

"You were just so close to not being here, that..."

I cupped his face between my hands.

"I'm okay Link," I reassured. "I'm here. I'm right here."

Link avoided my gaze for a moment as his eyes stung with tears, but he quickly blinked them away. I knew it wasn't in his nature to show his vulnerability, but I was touched that he was so moved with concern for me. It showed he really loved me. Like most men, it was his tradition to appear strong and be the rock he thought he should be. However, I hoped he understood it was okay for him to be vulnerable once in awhile, especially with me.

"I'm just being honest, I don't know what I would have done if I lost you," he whispered. "I'm dead serious. I just got you back in my life. I don't want to lose you again."

I stared into his eyes. I hugged him tight and rested my head on his shoulder once again. Link took a deep breath against my hair.

"I love you so much Zelda. You have no idea."

It was so fluid, so natural for him to say.

This is real. This is what I've always wanted with him.

"I love you too Link."

We were silent again for a while. It had taken us so long to get to this point. I think we just wanted to enjoy it. However, I knew there were other things we needed to discuss. My health was Link's primary concern right now, but I knew part of the reason this even happened was due to my over impetuousness. My shortsightedness is what got me captured. I was aware there were still lingering thoughts in his head regarding my behavior with the dragon prince. In hindsight, I never should have allowed things to go so far, but now I understood completely why they did. I was just grateful Elbourne was able to stop himself before it got out of control.

He came so close...

I shook my head of my thoughts and pulled back to look at Link. I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt when I thought back to that moment at the oasis in the Twilight Realm. If Link had come any sooner he would have witnessed something much worse than what he had already seen. I could blame no one but myself. I was uneasy about bringing the subject up, but I knew if I wanted a clean slate with the hero, I had to be upfront and honest with all the issues.

"I want to discuss something with you," I started quietly.

Link stared at me patiently.

"Of course."

I paused, not really knowing how to begin with what I needed to say. So, I just said it.

"I... I'm sorry about what happened."

Link looked at me puzzled for a moment.

"What do you mean?"

I hesitated again, for a long time this time, and stared at his tunic to avoid his eyes. I wasn't sure I wanted to talk about this anymore.

"I'm talking about at the lagoon with Elbourne," I replied anyway.

The hero suddenly got quiet at the mentioning of the dragon prince. His disposition changed too. His features dimmed a little. I could only imagine what was going through his head right now.

"Oh... yeah right... that."

I looked down at my hands nervously at his reply.

"I was wrong for kissing him the way I did. I thought if I could just get him to trust me I could get him to come back to the palace. Those were my only intentions."

Link's hold on me abruptly lessened. He released me to step back after hearing my utterance. I finally looked up when I saw that he was no longer looking at me. He was looking past me towards a tree in the distance. His disapproving expression was apparent. My eyes filled with tears again.

"Link..." I whispered with a slightly broken voice, "I'm sorry."

He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He didn't have much to say regarding my apology.

"I have to be honest, you're always sorry when it comes to him."

My throat tightened. I had no proper rebuttal.

"I was only trying to help."

He scoffed with a measure of understandable frustration.

"Help? You thought what you did was helpful?"

His tone said it all.

"I'm not trying to justify my actions."

The hero wasn't going to let that slide.

"I think you are. I think you have been the entire time Elbourne has been with us."

I had no rebuttal for that either.

"Link…"

He took another step back, and that was when I realized how angry he was about this situation.

"Let me give you some perspective," he went on. "I kissed Midna in a moment of weakness in front of you, nothing of which I planned. Elbourne has come to you on several different occasions throughout or trek, and you had numerous intimate moments with him. The first was retaliation, the others were you were letting him get too close to you."

"I did not do the first in retaliation."

The hero shook his head.

"That's a lie and you know it. Be honest with yourself."

My eyes refilled.

"I am."

He shook his head.

"No you aren't," he said sternly. "You allowed him to come to your room that night because you were angry with me. Don't deny it."

I looked to the ground for a moment. I was quiet for a long time.

"Okay… okay," I admitted. "I was angry. I… I was jealous."

He just grunted when he heard me say that.

"Even though I've told you I loved you time and again. Even though I've proven myself over and over."

I pursed my lips together to keep them from quivering.

"I'm Hylian," was all I could say.

He paused for a moment and raised a brow.

"So am I."

There was a brief silence between us after that exchange. I couldn't look him in the eyes right now because much of what he was saying was true.

"How many times have you met alone with him?" he continued suddenly.

My eyes widened.

"Link…"

He was in no mood for deflection.

"Don't try to dodge this. I want to know."

I felt a little alarmed with the undercurrent in his voice.

"I'm not sure."

The hero stared at me taken aback.

"Has it been that often?" he demanded sarcastically.

That wasn't what I intended.

"No!"

"Then tell me damn it! I have a right to know!"

That was when I finally looked up at him. I could see it. I could see it in his eyes that my actions hurt him. I knew I needed to be honest with him if I wanted to make things right.

"I believe it was three or maybe four times," I tried to recall. "I'm not sure. He came to me the night we first got to the Twilight Realm. I went to check on him when we were traveling a few times, and then I followed him to the lagoon."

Link was quiet when I finished my admission.

"I want you to tell me the truth. Are you in love with him Zelda?"

My throat tightened and I shook my head no immediately.

"No, no I'm not."

He finally cut his gaze back to me.

"Are you sure?"

His rebuttal unintentionally surprised me.

"Yes I'm sure."

He gave me a quick once over.

"That's odd, because I heard you say you loved him when he had his arms wrapped around you. Don't try to change that now."

I stared at him helplessly.

"Because I do love him. I love him as a friend. That's how I meant it, but as for more, no. I'm in love with you."

Link looked away from me like he didn't believe me. That was when I took a step towards him.

"Please Link... don't do this now... please."

He shook his head and rolled his eyes in frustration.

"You didn't see what I saw Zelda. His hands and his mouth were..." He had to stop himself to collect himself. "He was all over you... you two were practically having sex."

I shook my head, not willing to accept that.

"That isn't fair."

He scoffed slightly.

"But it is true."

My tears spilled over and I looked away, knowing I didn't have a rebuttal that would make him feel comfortable with what transpired. Why should he?

"I thought I could help him."

Link's eyes widened slightly at my utterance.

"I told you what would happen with him if you were alone with him for too long! I told you Zelda!"

I pursed my lips together and didn't know what he wanted me to say.

"I'm sorry."

Link closed his eyes and took in a deep sigh.

"Please stop saying you're sorry. It's starting to ring hollow."

I understood his annoyance, but I didn't think it was fair for him to try and dictate my feelings because he was upset. However, I decided to follow his request for now anyway.

"Is that why you didn't answer my question on marriage? Is he a barrier?"

I stared at him surprised.

"Link I do want to marry you. Elbourne had nothing to do with my hesitation. I was just surprised that you asked me when you did, that's all."

Again, he looked like he didn't believe me. He didn't say anything else and I took another step forward.

"I do want to marry you. I love you Link."

He shook his head and still didn't reply. I then walked up to him and got in his face so he couldn't avoid me. I needed him to understand I was being honest with him.

"Look at me."

It took him a moment to do so, but eventually his eyes met mine. I took hold of one of his hands.

"I love you. You Link. I don't want to lose you. Please don't hold what I did with Elbourne against me, I'm so sorry."

Link closed his eyes. I wiped my cheeks and hoped what I was saying would be enough. I really did make a mess of things by not establishing proper boundaries. I shouldn't have been so jealous of Midna. I shouldn't have been so shortsighted when I made my mistakes with Elbourne. Every moment I wasn't faithful to Link was a betrayal to him. I couldn't just expect Link to forgive me at face value. Maybe he needed more, even though I was scared to be close to him right now. Maybe he needed me to show him, even though I felt dirty right now. I couldn't assume that just because I was sincere, that he believed I was being sincere. I had to make him see. He needed to know. I reached up tentatively and caressed his cheek.

"Forgive me."

I was begging him.

Link shook his head.

"Zelda…" his voice had a hint of vexation.

I could hear the anger still in his voice. So, before he could object, I reached up and kissed him on the lips. It was a surprising move, and it was also an awkward kiss. I didn't have the confidence behind it the way I normally did. I felt a little timid. I felt a little afraid. Not of him. But of myself. Even so, I kissed him deeply and forced him to react to me, which he was working very hard not to do.

He made an effort to pull away.

"What are you doing?"

I stared into his eyes.

"Something we both want."

My words were a lie. I didn't want this right now, but I was willing to do it if it meant saving our relationship. I kissed him again, but Link was being stubborn and resistant. Pride often dictated such. Finally, he started letting his guard down. I felt it when he eventually wrapped his arms around my waist. I opened my mouth to his like he showed me a few months ago at Snowpeak and kissed him deeper. I wrapped my arms around his neck and got on my tiptoes so I could be more face to face with him. His defenses were becoming less apparent with each kiss. I soon realized why when I brushed against his groin. He was as hard as a rock. He was trying to mask that erection by stepping back, but he couldn't step back far enough from me. He knew that. I pulled back and stared into his eyes after this furtive acknowledgement. This was probably the opportunity I was looking for.

"You can't hide what you truly feel for me Link."

He shook his head.

"I don't want to."

I reached up and caressed his cheek.

"Then will you make love to me again? Please?"

I was begging. He stared at me surprised, but couldn't protest as I kissed him again before he could do so. I paused for a moment and pulled the tunic he had me wearing over my head so that I was completely naked now. I tossed it to the ground near his feet. He looked at me stunned again, but even more so when I came back and wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him again. He tried to keep his face focused just on mine. However, I didn't know why he was trying to be a gentleman when he clearly wanted to be otherwise. I could tell. I kissed him deeper, but this time he was clearly trying to keep me at bay.

"Zelda," He was trying to control himself, "you're not yourself."

I kissed him harder and reassured him I was perfectly alright.

"I'm fine Link, now will you please take your clothes off?"

Link had no intention of obeying my request. So, I toggled with his utility belt in the hopes of taking it off myself. However, he took hold of my hands and brought them back up to his chest to immobilize them for a moment. I looked up at him with open frustration when he pulled away and stared me in the eyes. He looked at me concerned.

"You can't use sex as a weapon with me. Our relationship has never been about that."

I stared at him surprised.

"I had no intention of doing that," I swore.

"That's a lie and you know it."

If this didn't work, what would? I was starting to panic. What did this mean? Did he want it to be over between us?

"Link I-"

"I can't do this with you in your present condition. You know this would be inappropriate."

I was clearly frustrated.

"Why? Why are you doing this? Stop being a goddamn saint Link!"

He didn't renege.

"You're not ready for that kind of intimacy right now Zelda and you know it! You are trying to deflect from the real issue. You just got back from Ghirahim's lair!"

My throat tightened.

"But you need to know I love you."

My voice was broken.

Link picked the tunic I just took off up and placed it back over the front of my shoulders to cover me.

"Zelda, I know okay. I believe you, but I love you enough to know this isn't what you need right now. You need rest. You need to recover."

Tears filled my eyes again. This wasn't supposed to go like this. Why couldn't he be like any other man? Why did he have to have such high morals? Why couldn't he just fuck me like I knew he wanted to?

"But I'm trying to get you to understand that there is nothing between Elbourne and-"

"I don't care about that anymore alright. You apologized, it's over, I get it. I know why you did it. I'm no saint myself as I got caught up with Midna again when I had a private audience with her the other day too." He paused and ran a hand through his hair in open frustration at his confession. "I didn't bother to mention it because I was too angry and consumed with my own jealousy to think about anything else. I'm just as guilty as you are."

I stared at him surprised when he divulged his second affair with Midna. But, I didn't feel an ounce of jealousy or bitterness.

"You and Midna?"

He nodded and avoided my eyes.

"Yes, me and Midna... I kissed her and things got a little... got a little compromised."

I looked down at my hands and raised my brows.

How compromised?

"I understand. She's not an easy woman to forget."

Link took in a deep sigh and gave me a quick once over.

"That isn't an excuse. I should have controlled myself better."

He took me back in his arms. I closed my eyes when he kissed my forehead. Admittedly, I did feel dizzy when he pulled away. A sudden onset of nausea overtook me when I felt the urge to vomit. I covered my mouth so I wouldn't regurgitate on him. I had to be the epitome of sexiness right now, all sarcasm included of course.

Link shook his head at me.

"You're still not well. You need some rest."

I nodded, not fighting him any longer.

He was right.

"Come on." He then suddenly swooped me up in his strong arms and carried me back over to the rock bed I was once lying on. When he put me down, he covered me up again with his other tunic. "We'll stay here for another day before we head out. We'll get the Master Sword, and search the meadow for any goods we can use, alright?"

I understood what he was saying, but I was thinking another delay would have a negative effect.

"Do you honestly think we can spare that much time?"

He gave me a serious look and saw no other alternative.

"You need to be at full strength for whatever it is we're up against. As it stands now, you wouldn't be much help. We'd have to stop because you would succumb eventually anyway."

When he put it that way he did have a point. I nodded again and stared up at him with half opened eyes. Link stroked my hair and waited for me to close my eyes completely before he leaned over and kissed my forehead again.

"Clear your mind and rest." He caressed my cheek. "Sweet dreams."

I attempted a grin, but unfortunately when I closed my eyes to rest, there was going to be nothing sweet about my dreams.

"Sweet dreams Link."

~SSS~

A nightmare:

Everything was blue and hazy on the event horizon. I was standing on a bedrock. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. As if relaying some dark prophecy, thousands of Hylian soldiers were getting slaughtered... thousands, and all I could do was watch. I couldn't move. I couldn't participate to help my men. I couldn't turn away to collect myself. I couldn't do a thing. All I could do was watch. I couldn't even properly display my disgust. It was my nightmare of nightmares coming true.

The sight was so shocking, I didn't take note of the unsuspecting blade that suddenly pierced through my back. I fell to my knees and looked down stunned. Blood immediately saturated my pink royal attire. I wouldn't need to guess who pierced me through. The perpetrator of the attack soon faced me. He was holding a decapitated head in his hands. It was the monster Ghirahim. The demon lord threw the head at me, and I horrifyingly caught it, recognizing the dead visage immediately. It was Link, and I screamed a scream from the heavens before dropping it on the ground. The monster just smiled at me.

"Kiss your fallen lover," Ghirahim taunted, raising the same bloody sword he impaled me with. "Kiss Hyrule's last great king."

I was too terrified to reply. I was losing blood rapidly. All I could do was scream. Ghirahim raised his sword over his head, but then halted his attack in midair. Suddenly he froze. It was only a moment later that I understood why. His master, Demise, then walked up. The creature was a behemoth in size, dwarfing even Ghirahim.

"At ease Ghirahim," he ordered. "I will do the honor myself." The demon lord complied and stepped aside. The dragon scaled abomination walked up the battlement, smirking at me in confidence as his fiery red hair flickered and popped in the wind. "Zelda, Queen of Hyrule..." Demise said and looked around in triumph at the winds of change, "well my queen, so much for the reign of men. I will make your death swift." Demise then grabbed Ghirahim suddenly by the neck, transforming him into a six pronged, adamantine infused blade with an inverted symbol of the Triforce engraved on it. "Your reign ends here my lady."

Without giving a warning, Demise quickly swung his blade at my neck.

"No."

The blade came fast.

I froze, and a moment later, everything went black.

Hyrule had fallen.

~SSS~

I woke up screaming, unable to control myself.

"Ahhhhhhh! Link! Link!" I sat up immediately. "Link! Where are you?! Link!"

I was sweating, breathing hard, and felt overwhelmed by the sudden onset of fear. At the sound of my voice, Link woke up instantly and hurried over to me from his make shift bed nearby. He was obviously alarmed by my shouting. He came over to me and took me in his arms to hold me tight.

"Are you alright?" he asked in a slightly panicked voice.

I held onto him tight then pulled back and cupped his face between my palms to make sure he was real. He was. He wasn't a dream. He wasn't dead like I feared. After my confirmation, I hugged him close again and buried my head in his shoulder and cried.

"It's you," I whispered in relief. You're here."

He stroked my hair.

"Of course I'm here," he reassured, then asked again, "are you alright?"

I never answered his question and trembled as he held me. Link was unsurprisingly concerned by my outburst and wanted to make sure something else wasn't going on.

"What happened? Why were you screaming like that?"

I shook my head and sobbed on his tunic. I didn't answer him right away, I was too terrified. Link didn't take my silence readily. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep him in the dark like before. He was going to want to know what was going on.

"Zelda?"

After I calmed down, I tried to collect myself. I knew nothing good would come of me stalling.

"I dreamt that Hyrule was overthrown and Demise had you murdered."

Link looked at me surprised, but then held me tighter at my revelation. I think now he could understand why I was so frightened.

"I'm right here Zelda. You can feel that I'm right here with you. Demise will never hurt you as long as I'm around."

I wanted to believe that, but it felt so real. His decapitated head looked so real. I held onto him tighter as I began to hyperventilate suddenly from the stress. That was when Link let me go and took hold of my shoulders to look me in the eyes. He knew nothing good would come of me caving into my fears.

"Look at me," he said softly, but firmly.

I hesitated at first, but then followed his command.

"Just take a deep breath and focus on me," he directed. "Don't think about anything else right now. Just do those two things."

I was still trembling, but I nodded at his direction. Afterwards, I closed my eyes and did as he instructed. I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Then, I did it again, and again, and again, until I finally felt a little calmer. It was working. When I opened my eyes, I felt slightly better, but Link was still staring at me concerned.

"How do you feel?"

I nodded, keeping with the breathing technique.

"I'm okay, I'm getting there."

Link nodded, but my words didn't dispel his worry. He pursed his lips together and studied me, clearly concerned about my emotional well-being after the ordeal with Ghirahim.

"Zelda, are you sure you don't want to talk about what happened to you when that monster captured you? Clearly something terrible has affected you."

I bit my lower lip. He was right. I knew that. I just didn't want to face it. However, when I stared at Link in that moment, for some odd reason, Ghirahim's tongue suddenly flashed in my sights. I jumped and edged back involuntarily. I started breathing fast again and trembled uncontrollably. It was apparent it was an illusion, but whatever mind game this was, I was unfortunately succumbing to it. Link saw my actions and raised a brow.

"Zelda... what is it? What happened?

I shook my head and didn't answer right away. I was too unnerved. Even so, the hero didn't let up on me.

"Zelda please, you need to let me in. You need to tell me why you're so scared."

I closed my eyes as my lips started quivering, and when I opened them, Ghirahim's face flashed into view again. I didn't react like before. However, I did feel a fright that I wasn't feeling before. It crept into my bones like frigid ice.

"His... his tongue," I confessed finally. "When he-he ha-had me captured he-he would touch me all over using his tongue."

Link's eyes widened and he looked at me completely astonished by my confession.

"What?"

I covered my mouth, shook my head, and wrapped my arms around myself. I didn't want to repeat myself, but did so anyway.

"He-he touched me with-"

My voice broke immediately.

"It's okay you don't have to say it again," he interrupted gently. "It's okay, I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked you that."

He then hugged me again without hesitation. He had his lips against my forehead to try to keep himself calm. We were silent for a brief moment, before Link broke it for confirmation on something else.

"You told me he didn't rape you." He was trying hard to conceal the anger in his voice. "Now I want you to be honest with me, is that or is that not what happened to you?"

I shook my head. I knew it didn't make sense to him, but it was the truth.

"He didn't physically violate me."

Link groaned.

"Touching you all over with his tongue is a physical violation Zelda," he corrected.

I suppose he was right. I didn't argue that point.

"He... he just…"

I was not able to finish.

Link waited for me to continue.

"He just what Zelda?"

I pulled back from him and avoided his eyes. I felt uncomfortable even remembering it.

"He used his tongue to elicit some strange psychosomatic energy to read my mind. He tried to turn the memories of my family against me. He... he tried to make me feel unworthy of loving you. He called it his special brand of torture, mind rape."

I looked away as my eyes refilled with tears. Link's eyes widened in my periphery.

"Mind what?"

That I wasn't going to repeat. I ran my hands over my face and tried to get a hold of my emotions. The hero's breathing accelerated.

"That sick bastard."

I shook my head as more tears ran down my cheeks.

"But you know, the truth is it almost worked, especially when I thought about what I did to you Link. I had you imprisoned because you loved someone else. What kind of person does that to someone they love? Sometimes I feel like I have no right to love you the way I do. Who was I to tell you who you should or shouldn't love? I still feel guilty for what happened to you to this day. I still don't see how you were able to forgive me."

Link shook his head.

"That's what he wants Zelda. That's what that monster wants you to believe. He wants you to feel unworthy of being loved. I've told you before and I'll tell you again, there was a lot going on back then that you weren't aware of, and though you aren't a saint in the matter, you certainly aren't the only sinner. I've had my fair share of dirt concealed from you."

I felt that some of what he was trying to say was simply for me to feel better, so I went to circumvent him.

"I appreciate what you're trying to do Link, but-"

"No Zelda, I'm serious."

I looked at him surprised by his tone. It seemed I was in for a little more than I bargained for. He then took in a deep breath and avoided my eyes just then.

"I didn't want to tell you this, but now I think I have to."

My stomach churned a little at the thought of another revelation. I knew Link could keep secrets, I just had no idea he had a dispensary.

"What... what do you mean?"

Link hesitated for a minute, but then decided to go on anyway.

"Do you remember the incident brought against me by the Lady of the House of Rue Morgue several years ago?" he asked quietly.

It took me a minute to recall exactly what he was talking about, but then... then my eyes widened slightly at the sudden memory. How could I possibly forget?

"What about it?"

Link pursed his lips together and paused again before answering.

"Well... I lied to you about that. She and I..." He stopped himself and redirected. "What she told you happened to be true... the entire ordeal."

I looked at him taken aback, but then got slightly perplexed.

"But I don't understand, the men brought in to testify-"

"-Thought I was Elbourne of Dragon Roost," he finished for me, then he looked me straight in the eyes. "Can't you see how they could easily make that mistake?"

My eyes widened more and I looked away suddenly. I stared down at my hands and took in a deep sigh. Link sighed himself at my reaction.

"I'm sorry I lied to you. I just didn't want her getting between us at the time."

I didn't know what to think in that moment. So, I didn't say anything that would cause more harm. However, admittedly, I always hoped that incident wasn't true. It seemed that was only wishful thinking.

"I... I understand."

Link gave me a quick once over when a prolonged silence came over us. However, I felt since he was being honest in this way, I needed to be honest as well. I wasn't exactly a saint when it came to my past either.

"Since… since we're on this subject, I have something else I need to tell you too."

Link raised his brows surprised at my sudden disclosure.

"O…kay."

I felt a bit nervous, but my nerves couldn't keep me from being truthful.

"I-I know I told you I was a virgin the night we almost made love in Snowpeak. The truth is I technically was, but I-"

The hero suddenly stopped me.

"You don't have to tell me this."

I looked at him surprised.

"But I thought you wanted me to be honest."

He paused and gave me a once over.

"Does it have anything to do with Elbourne?"

I reluctantly nodded.

"Yes."

"Then I don't want to hear it," he said outright. "It's alright, I don't care."

I was confused.

"But you just told me about Lady Rue Morgue. I want to be honest with you too."

Link stared at me.

"Zelda… I don't want to hear about what Elbourne and you did in bed together. Because then you're going to want to hear about my past escapades and it would only make you uncomfortable. Some of the women I slept with may surprise you, especially one girl in particular. Can we just drop the subject?"

My eyes widened. I was actually stunned he wanted to get off this so readily.

"You don't have to tell me about your past Link. I didn't ask that of you."

"And I didn't ask this of you. So, let's not talk about it anymore."

It was apparent he did not want to hear what I had to say. So I decided not to argue and let the matter go. I was just surprised how forceful the hero was about it.

"Fair enough."

A silence overcame us just then. I couldn't lie, now I was curious about some of his previous partners, especially this girl that would surprise me. However, I didn't bother to bring it up again. It was obviously a sensitive subject. After about ten minutes or so -a long time to be frank- he attempted to lighten the mood.

"Now would be a good time for some Nayru's Love wouldn't it? Let's just wash all the dirt and grime away from our minds. My dirt, your worries, especially for you right now. Hylia knows you need it right now."

That was a favorable notion, and I appreciated what he was trying to do. However, he didn't need to worry, the past was the past. I wasn't going to hold anything against him. If he could forgive me and all that I had done, surely I could forgive a little pillow talk with other women. It was none of my concern anyway. But, regarding the Nayru's Love, there was very little I could do about that. My things were still in trust in the Twilight Realm.

"Perhaps, but regarding your confession of Lady Rue Morgue good sir... I'll be honest, I've always had a feeling you weren't being exactly forthright regarding her. I knew there was a reason there were all those whispers about you from the ladies of the court. Maybe she was the progenitor."

Link looked at me genuinely surprised by my disclosure.

"What are you talking about? What whispers by the ladies of the court?"

I gave him an obvious look.

"You mean to tell me you knew nothing of being every noblewoman's perfect fantasy back then? You were the subject of practically all the erotic gossip whispered about throughout all the ladies' bathhouses in Hyrule back then. They never said it to you in public, but they certainly desired you in private."

He raised his brows.

"Really?"

His inflection made a rare laugh come from me in that moment.

"Come come now, you had to know."

He shook his head.

"I had no idea."

I raised a brow.

"Am I really to take you seriously on that? Am I not stroking your ego enough?"

He returned my grin.

"Not nearly enough."

I laughed more and it felt so good. I shook my head while I gave him a quick once over.

"Oh Link Link Link, and hear I thought you had all the answers."

He grinned at me and gave me another quick once over.

"Well... if you want me to be honest, there was only one woman who I wanted to be the erotic fantasy of, and that was you of course."

I rolled my eyes playfully and looked away.

"I'm certain," I replied with open sarcasm.

He didn't put too much stock into my words.

"I'm serious. I really couldn't believe how much I was infatuated with you at one time, but you want to know when I really started falling for you?"

I looked at him curiously, realizing I never knew exactly when that point in time was.

"Sure, why not?"

I grinned at his attempt to cheer me up. He stroked his hand through my hair behind my ear and caressed my cheek.

"I was watching you one day in your garden, and you were speaking to the elderly gardener like he was the most important person in the world. You were smiling at him and asking him questions, and I don't know, there was just something about that that I found so beautiful. Here you are the sovereign of the country, and you're willing to make a person most nobles see as nothing feel like the most important person in the world."

I looked at him surprised, not thinking anything of it.

"But I've known Fiabli since I was a child. Why wouldn't I speak with him?"

Link just smiled at me.

"That's what I mean. And it wasn't just that, it was your dealings with me too. You never made me feel beneath you, even though you could have done so very easily. You were always so kind to me and to the members of my team. When we asked something of you, you worked tirelessly until we got it. I never forgot those things about you Zelda, even when I lost my way for a moment. I never lost sight of who you truly were."

I blushed at his compliments. I wasn't expecting any of that.

"That's very kind of you Link. Thank you."

He stroked my cheek tenderly.

"You don't have to thank me. In fact, it was because of that that you gave hope to a goat herder like me."

I looked at him taken aback.

"'A goat herder like you?' What does that mean?"

He paused for a moment.

"It just made me think that maybe... just maybe I had a chance at being someone you cared about," he confessed. "A lot of the things I did back then was only so I could impress you."

My eyes widened slightly.

"You didn't need to impress me. You don't think saving Hyrule was impressive enough?"

He shook his head.

"It's not the same thing. I have no dowry, money, or security to offer you Zelda. I'm a peasant, and rightfully I shouldn't have even-"

I wasn't going to let him do that to himself.

"Stop it. Stop this nonsensical talk right now. I don't care and have never cared about you being a peasant. My grandfather was a peasant and he was one of the greatest kings this country had ever known. He was brave and forthright like you. That's why I'm in love with you Link. It has nothing to do with your life standings. I don't ever want to hear you speak about us in such a manner again. Do you hear me?"

Link looked at me surprised by my stern tongue lashing.

"But Zelda-"

"I mean it."

He then raised his hands in mock surrender.

"I... I suppose."

"There's no supposition about it. It's the truth, now please promise me."

He saw that I was serious.

"Alright... I promise."

I looked away from him for a moment, feeling a bit uneasy with how I just spoke. Maybe I was a bit too forceful. I understood where he was coming from. He just wanted to reassure me that he was with me for the right reasons. I didn't need to bite his head off to make a point. However, before I could offer an apology, I was curtailed by something completely out of the blue. A golden snail suddenly plopped onto my lap from the tree tops above.

My eyes widened instantly.

"My word! What in the world...?"

Surprised at this, I naturally looked up to see if there were more. There were none. I then turned my attention back to the mollusk in question. The small creature was beautiful and unique, with a rainbow-like glow. I had never seen anything like it. Link chuckled at my reaction and scooped up the little snail in his hands.

"It's harmless Zelda," he teased.

I raised a brow and gave him an obvious stare.

"I'm aware of that Link. I just wanted to know what species it was."

The hero cupped it using both palms and brought it closer to me for examination.

"This is a golden snail. This particular one is indigenous to this area of the forest. It leaves a radiating sludge when it moves, so picking up its trail is pretty easy. I actually caught twenty-four different bugs several years ago for this very eccentric young lady in south Castle Town named Agitha."

I raised my eyebrows at the familiarity of the name. She was someone I was acquainted with in the past.

"Agitha? Agitha? Agitha? The freckle faced woman with the strawberry blonde hair?"

Link nodded.

"That's the one."

I nodded.

"I remember her. That young woman was strange to say the least. Every month for a year she requested an audience with me to discuss the plight of the bug population. She told me: 'bugs are people too.'"

Link chuckled at hearing that.

"That sounds like her. She even threatened me one time when I held on to one too many bugs."

I looked at him surprised.

"Really? She threatened you? She never crossed me as the violent type."

Link then reneged slightly on his statement.

"Well, maybe threatened is a bit of an overstatement. It was more of a creepy over observation on her end. She told me: 'I know you have more bugs,' when I didn't present them to her, which of course, I did."

I shook my head at her unusual antics. However, I did admire her resilience in trying to preserve a rare and endangered species. I was surprised no one exploited these bugs for their rare multicolored ink.

"She really is a unique one, isn't she?"

Link nodded.

"Hylia broke the mold with her."

"Indeed."

Link then took the snail and released it on the grass. It started moving at a speed typical of its kind, slowly. However, if I were it, I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry either to leave this place. The Sacred Forest Meadow was one of the most beautiful alcoves in all of Hyrule. The golden sunlight, the incredible greenery, and the flora and the fauna were only bits and pieces of what made this area so beautiful. What made it so gorgeous was the serenity. It radiated from the ecology. Perhaps that was because the Master Sword was nearby. Or, maybe my Triforce had more of a connection in sacred places like this. I wonder if Link felt that way to. I could only guess.

I watched as the hero got and went over to the creek to wash his hands. That was when I noticed my black dress hanging on a branch to dry nearby. I stared down at the tunic I was still wearing, then glanced over at Link. I felt so grateful that he was so willing to take care of me, to see me at my absolute worst. No one had ever seen me this way, not even Elbourne. When Link returned, he noticed me staring at him intently.

"What's the matter?"

I shook my head and rubbed the spot next to me.

"Nothing. Will you lie next to me until I fall back asleep?"

He grinned at my request and nodded.

"Of course."

Link waited for me to get comfortable before he laid down next to me. My back was to him as he wrapped his arms around my waist to hold me close to him. I loved being close to him. He made me feel so safe. We were quiet for awhile. We just listened to the beautiful sounds of nature. There was this latent percussion in the canopy above. It sounded like the hum of a drum. I listened carefully, hoping to figure out what it was. I couldn't decipher it on my own. I then inquired of the hero.

"What do you suppose that is?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Link squeezed my waist before he answered.

"Probably a tree sprite."

I turned my head slightly.

"I've never seen a tree sprite."

Link grinned.

"They look like little balls of light at night. During the day they're harder to see. They're similar to fairies, but you have to minus the intelligence. Ironically though, tree sprites aren't very visually bright."

I grinned at his explanation.

"How many times have you seen a tree sprite?"

He shrugged.

"I don't know, hundreds of times probably. I've been through this forest more times than I can count."

I knew that wasn't his intention, but I marveled at how well versed he was in nature and typography. He was a pioneer, scavenger, survivor, naturalist and so many other wonderful things. What couldn't this man do? I sat up for a moment and looked down at him admirably.

"You really have seen all of Hyrule, haven't you?"

Link nodded, then reached up and caressed my cheek.

"I love this country Zelda, and at the time it couldn't be helped, someone had to stop Zant and Ganondorf."

I simply nodded, while I stared into his eyes.

"You're amazing Link."

His grin faded a little.

"Only if you say so Zelda. Only if you say so."

I giggled a little at his humility. I gave him a quick once over before going on.

"I envy you."

Link gave me an offhanded look.

"Why?"

I shrugged and stroked a hand over my hair.

"You've traveled to all these amazing places and have seen the world many times over. You have no idea how privileged you are to have been so free."

Link grinned at my saying that and shook his head in rebuttal.

"What are you talking about? You're just as fortunate. You were able to see the world now too. Sure, we unleashed an ancient evil, put the entire country at risk, and now have to stop it. But, all that aside, I'd say it's not bad for your first outing."

I stared at him in minor disbelief. Was that supposed to be a compliment?

"Do you think you're funny?"

He chuckled at my tone.

"You've told me how horrible my jokes are. Just take it as one of those."

I nodded.

"You're right, and this is your worst one yet."

He snickered.

"Awwww," he moaned playfully, "a dagger right through my own heart."

He placed his palm over his chest in a stabbing motion. I grinned at him and shook my head.

"You're incorrigible."

Link reached up and caressed my cheek again.

"Yeah..." His tone lost a bit of its playfulness, "you always tell me that."

I closed my eyes at his touch. I wanted us both to be in a happy place. I decided it was time to be upfront about something important.

"Hyrule is... is going to be truly blessed with you as king, Link," I whispered suddenly.

He stared at me seriously just then, realizing the gravity of my words.

"What?"

I looked down at my hands nervously, but then pushed my nerves aside to be frank with him for a moment.

"What I mean is, I'm officially accepting your proposal of marriage. I want to be your queen if you'll be my king."

His serious expression never left. He sat up staring at me speechless, making sure he was hearing me right.

"You'll marry me?"

I nodded and smiled with how serious he was looking at me.

"Really?"

I nodded once more.

"Yes, really, did you think I was pretending when I said it to you earlier?"

Link's expression never changed, then without a warning, he picked me up off the rock and twirled me around in his arms happily. I laughed at his reaction and hugged him tight. When we stopped twirling, he came close and kissed me. I giggled more and kissed him back. He wrapped his arms around me tight and hugged me close. When he pulled away, he had the biggest smile on his face.

"You have no idea how happy you just made me. No idea at all! I can't believe it! You're going to be my wife!"

I laughed at his inflection and hugged him again. I was so pleased that he was excited. I wanted nothing more than happiness for the both of us after all we had been through. I couldn't wait for us to get married, have a family, and lead Hyrule back to prosperity.

"Indeed, and you're going to be my husband! Yay!"

Link laughed in response, then came close and cupped my face before kissing me again. He was so filled with joy.

"You've never looked more beautiful to me than you do right now."

I didn't want to get emotional, but that was very kind.

"Thank you."

Link kissed me again, deeper this time. Admittedly, I was a little timid now because with how we were reacting, but I didn't negate it. I didn't want to unnecessarily alert the hero. Even so, when Link pulled back a second time, that joy had turned to desire. The look in his eyes was evident. He caressed my cheek. However, the biggest indicator was when he pulled me to him and wrapped my legs around his waist. That manhood of his was solid. I tensed a little, but didn't stop him. I knew I needed to get over my fears. This was Link. This was the man I loved. This was the man who was going to be my husband. He was not going to hurt me. I needed to show him I wasn't afraid. I needed to show him I was still the same woman he fell in love with. Link started kissing my neck and running his hands over my thighs. This was the opportunity I needed to use and show him. I wasn't weak. I wasn't scared. I wasn't vulnerable now. I ran my fingers through his perfectly un-perfect blonde hair and pulled away so I could look into his eyes.

Show him Zelda. Show him how much you love him.

"I thought you said I wasn't ready for this kind of intimacy right now," I teased.

He smirked.

"Did I say that?" he pretended ignorance.

~SKIP~

I closed my eyes and kissed him again. This was good. This was harmless. I kissed him deeper and thought about what he would possibly expect from me next. Kissing wasn't going to be sufficient for long. The rock we were sitting on was not going to make for a comfortable bed. I opened my eyes and noticed large dragon leaves in the foliage nearby. Link actually used them to create a padding to sleep on. That would be more comfortable than the current stone awning we were sitting on. I pulled back, had him unleash me for a moment, then took hold of his hand to lead him to the other makeshift bed.

"Come on." I tugged on his arm for him to follow me.

Link didn't hesitate with my advance. There were butterflies in my stomach, but I didn't let that impede me. I laid down first and gestured for him to get down on top of me, which he did. But first, he needed to remove that damn tunic. It was getting in the way. I made sure to voice my displeasure with it.

"I want you to take that off." I rested my weight on my elbows for a minute.

He gave me an obvious stare.

"Why don't we just take this slow and see where it goes? I like your enthusiasm, really, but I still think you're being overzealous with this. We don't have to rush Zelda."

I just stared at him for a moment. Maybe he thought I was still too weak, which admittedly, I was a little nauseous right now. Maybe he thought I was dirty. Maybe he didn't want to touch me where he thought Ghirahim touched me. To show him I was serious, I pulled my own tunic over my head. I noticed he was trying to stop me, but I prevented him from doing so.

"Zelda-"

"It's fine Link."

The tunic was already off and I was completely naked now. Normally, I was very confident about my looks. I knew how beautiful I was, but I felt a twinge of nervousness presently that I didn't let him see. If Link knew what I was truly feeling, I knew he was going to try to dissuade me. He was going to tell me making love wasn't necessary, when in reality it probably was. However, I wanted to pretend that he didn't have to worry. I wasn't afraid of being close to him, even though right now I was afraid of everyone being close to me. It did not make any sense, but my thoughts weren't rational right now. I stared the hero straight in the eyes and reached up and caressed his cheek.

You have to do this Zelda.

"I'm not scared of you Link. Don't you see that? I love you."

Even with my words, his concerned expression never left. It softened a bit, but he still looked worried. However, when he started letting his guard down, he relaxed a little bit.

"I know that."

I then reached up and kissed him, and guided one of his hands down between my legs. I tensed up as I did this, but I wanted to show him how much I wanted him. Ghirahim did not take what belonged to him.

"That's all yours hero," I whispered. "All yours."

The hero naturally responded. His breathing got a little faster.

"Zelda..."

I reached up and pecked his mouth softly.

"You make me so aroused," I whispered when I pulled away from my kiss. "You're the only man that's ever made me feel this way."

I kissed him again, nibbling on his bottom lip in the process. And when I stared into his eyes again, he seemed surprised to see me like this. He still looked concerned.

"What's gotten into you?" he tried to play it off.

It was an appropriate question, but I avoided it by laying back on the leaves. I spread out my hair.

"Apparently not you... yet."

Link stared down at me and gave my naked body a quick once over. I was hoping he wouldn't look at my wrists, or notice that I was breathing faster. He still wasn't engaging me, and my insecurities heightened. I was starting to lose my patience.

"What are you waiting for?"

My inquiry almost sounded like a demand rather than a question.

He paused when he took note of my inflection.

"Nothing."

He still hesitated.

I raised a brow.

Fine, if he isn't going to initiate anything, I will.

Afterwards, I reached up around his waist and attempted to pull off his tunic. He was a little surprised at my forwardness, but he finally caved.

"Alright, alright." He then pulled his tunic over his head himself. "I was just making sure."

When his top half was unclothed, I wrapped my legs around his lean muscular waist and squeezed him gently once it was off. I couldn't get over how physically perfect Link was.

He is so beautiful.

"Are you sure now?" I asked

He grinned when he finally let the full weight of his body down on top of mine. I couldn't lie, his closeness nearly took my breath away. I'd forgotten for a moment how powerful he could be when we were so close. I was trying not to be, but I felt a little afraid. My chest could barely rise and fall underneath him.

"I think so," he whispered back.

I stared into his eyes.

"Good..."

I had to remember my sex appeal. I had to remember I was safe now. Link kissed me again and closed his eyes. I kept mine open. I was glad he was letting his guard down, because I couldn't. I was trying not to let my lips tremble while Link kissed me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hoped he would think there was nothing wrong with me. Yes, I had been in Ghirahim's capture, but part of the reason I was able to endure it as long as I did was because of my thoughts of him. Link told me repeatedly not to live in fear, and that was exactly what I was trying to do: not live in fear. He, on the other hand, was reneging on his own advice to me. I could tell by how gentle he was being in comparison to the other times we were alone like this. He was holding back because he was assuming I was too fragile to receive all of him. An assumption I appreciated, but was too cowardly to speak on. I appreciated his restraint. I appreciated his respect. This was what I needed, but I had to show him I was beyond my pain. That I wanted him. Even so, that impulsive hero I fell in love with was starting to return. I could feel it now when he started losing a little of his self awareness. His mouth slid from my mouth to my neck in one swift motion. His tongue lingered against my skin.

He inadvertently made me gasp.

"That tickles."

He stopped for a moment to look me in the eyes.

"You think that tickles," he teased, then slid his hand down over my stomach between my legs, "what about this?"

I effectually winced from nervousness, but pretended to just brace myself. My heart started beating faster when he actually slid his fingers into my cleft and gently parted my labia. My head arched back when he slid a couple fingers inside. There was nothing ticklish about this. I writhed in confusion as tears filled my eyes. I quickly blinked them away. I didn't want Link to see them.

"Link!" I yelped.

I closed my eyes. I was so frustrated with myself because I should have been enjoying this. But, all I felt was filthy. I felt so tainted and I didn't even understand why. Even so, Link didn't stop. In fact, he went a little deeper due to his assumption of my reaction. He started kissing me again when my moaning intensified. He stuck his tongue inside my mouth and I accepted it, hoping to keep up my ruse. We kissed for a long time. I cradled his handsome face between my hands and felt myself getting more and more terrified from his touch. I knew it didn't make any sense, but I wanted to make myself make sense of what was happening. When I finally pulled away, I stared into his eyes and wanted to make the ruse complete.

"When are you going to stop teasing me and let me have a go with you? You know how much I want you Link. You know what I always want."

Link didn't reply. Instead, he slid his mouth down to one of my breasts and latched onto my plump pink nipple.

"You need to be patient."

This teasing was getting frustrating. I was almost ready to lose my dignity and beg him for it. I wanted to be done with this.

"I'm done being patient. You have to understand that-"

"Shhh." His tongue circled my areola. "You're talking way too much for my liking right now."

I pretended to be more frustrated than I was.

"Come on Link please."

He shook his head no.

"I told you... not yet."

And, just because I was getting persnickety, he penetrated my orifice a little deeper, which made me jump inadvertently.

"Link!" I protested.

He started laughing and stopped licking my nipple.

"Serves you right, you need to relax," he reprimanded.

I narrowed my eyes at him slightly and reached for him to come up and kiss me again.

"I got your 'relaxed' big hero. Come here."

He followed suit with my request. His broad chest flattened my large bosom and I felt that anxiety again. I hated myself for feeling this way, but it even seemed more heightened now. Link kissing me didn't negate it. I pulled away first and stared into his eyes. I should have been truthful. I should have put a stop to this, but I wanted to show him how much I loved him.

~DONE~

"I love you so much."

Link stroked my bangs off my forehead.

"I love you too."

I reached up again and kissed him once more. However, this time something strange happened. For whatever reason, a bright white light flashed before my eyes. It flashed, but then quickly disappeared as if it never happened. Surprised at this, I opened my eyes while Link was kissing me to find that he was completely unscathed.

Was I the only one to see that?

I then pulled back from Link and looked at him mildly confused. He stared right back, not understanding what my expression was telling him.

"What's the matter?"

I wasn't certain how to respond.

"Did you... did you see that?"

He raised a brow as he stared down at me.

"Did I see what?"

I looked around for a moment.

"There was a light, wasn't there?"

Link paused for a moment, but then smirked and glanced down at the rest of my naked body.

"I didn't see a light, but I did see all of this."

I unintentionally blushed, but I was being serious.

"Link..."

He grinned at my expression and caressed my cheek.

"I was joking, but putting that to the side, I promise you I didn't see a light. There's nothing here."

I then shook my head. Maybe I was overreacting.

"It's okay. It's probably just my imagination."

Link stared into my eyes. He didn't seem too interested in lights right now.

"Probably."

Link reached down and kissed me again. I closed my eyes and kissed him back, but soon that feeling of unease crept back inside me. It began to overwhelm me. Envelop me. When I opened my eyes again, I saw Link's handsome face close to mine, but now his visage was flickering in and out of existence. It was as if he were disappearing. I didn't know what to think with what was happening. Unfortunately, I started gasping uncontrollably with this occurrence. This time Link knew my reaction wasn't simply because of what he was doing to me. He could tell something was actually bothering me. He pulled away and stared at me concerned.

"What's wrong?"

I was trying to understand it myself. Why in the world did it look like Link was disappearing? Was this only in my head? It had to be. I could feel him. He was here. He was tangible. Even so, suddenly a sharp pain at the back of my skull forced me to place both my hands on it to quell it.

"Ah!"

Link drew back as his concern deepened.

"Zelda?"

However, I couldn't answer him. Link then shook his head.

"I knew you were in no condition to do this. You're still not completely well yet."

I was trying to stave the pain off.

"No, no. I'm fine."

Link gave me an obvious stare.

"Stop being ridiculous. You are not fine. You need rest."

I opened my eyes to stare at him, but suddenly they widened and I drew back terrified. Link stared down at me taken aback.

"What? What's the matter?"

I blinked several times, hoping the image floating in front of me would go away. Instead of disappearing, it hovered and flashed sporadically like a kaleidoscope, making the appearance of Link's face go in and out of twilight and regular light. I didn't know how any of this was possible. However, nothing could prepare me for what flashed up next. As Link's face continued to flicker, a sudden image of Ghirahim's face conjured forth. My eyes widened more in horror, but then the face got closer... and closer... and closer, until it was hovering on top of mine.

"You'll never be rid of me Zelda..." it whispered, "never..."

I couldn't hold it together then. I lost it and started to scream.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Link stared down at me stunned. He had no idea what was going on.

"Zelda! Zelda! What is it? What's wrong?"

However, I didn't answer. I couldn't answer. I was too terrified now. I broke out in a sweat all of a sudden, and my body began to tremble. I shook my head, trying desperately to escape to image, but Ghirahim's face flashed before my eyes again. I screamed once more.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Zelda!" Link said over my screaming voice. "Please tell me what is going on?"

Even with him practically begging me, I couldn't bring myself to verbalize it. I kept seeing Ghirahim's face instead of Link's , I attempted to fight him off.

"No! Please!" I started pushing on his chest. "Don't! DON'T!"

Link was staring down at me mortified.

"Don't what? Zelda talk to me!" He had to dodge my hands when I attempted to hit him.

I started throwing my arms wildly to defend myself, but Link had the good sense to take hold of them and pin them above my head. I desperately tried to break free, but he was so much stronger than me that it was to no avail.

"Get off me you sick bastard!"

Link drew back and finally understood what was going on. He realized then I wasn't seeing him.

"Zelda! I need you to listen to me! I'm not whatever you think I am! It's me! It's Link!"

I shook my head from side to side, still not registering the message. All I could see was Ghirahim's face looming over me, his tongue swirling around me, his countenance trying to dominate and threaten me, his everything trying to overtake me.

"No! No! No! NOOOO!"

"Zelda! Please! You have to listen to me! I'm not going to hurt you! I'm not Ghirahim!"

I was still frantic, but slowly Link's message started to mill through. As I calmed down, I began to see things for what they really were: trees, greenery, water, sprites, a canopy, a man's face... Link's face. Link's face, not Ghirahim's, Link's face, not Ghirahim's, Link's face, not Ghirahim's. The visage of the demon lord soon dissipated completely. Then, and only then, was Link and his concern the only person left behind looking at me. I trembled with relief, but my focus soon became clouded with tears. I was almost too scared to be relieved.

"Link?"

Link took in a deep breath of relief himself at my recognition of him. However, he didn't release me right away.

"You're alright," he said in a soft calm voice. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not Ghirahim."

I pursed my lips together so they'd stop trembling. I had a huge array of emotions going through me right now: relief, embarrassment, confusion, resentment, and fear. I didn't know what to feel in that moment. Even so, Link slowly released me. Afterwards, he rested his head briefly on my shoulder while he closed his eyes.

"I knew something like this would happen if we did this," he whispered more to himself than to me. "I knew it."

I was even more embarrassed at his words and teared up more. He saw that I was still upset, then sat back, sat up and pulled me up in his arms to hold me. I cried into his chest and couldn't feel more foolish.

"It's alright Zelda, I've got you, no one's going to hurt you now."

I pulled back, wiped my eyes, and looked up at him.

"I'm sorry."

He shook his head.

"Don't be, it's okay. This shouldn't have happened."

"But I-"

"Please Zelda, seriously, it's okay."

He placed my head back on his chest and held me tight. He cradled me and rocked me back and forth for the next several minutes. I simply held onto him and closed my eyes.

"It's okay," Link soothed against my hair.

When I got a hold of my emotions, I pulled back to look at him again.

"I'm such a fool."

Link's concern never abated.

"Stop doing that, you don't have to denigrate yourself for going through what you went through with that monster. If anything, we're the ones who made the mistake. This was too much too soon."

I looked down, feeling grateful that he was so understanding, but also disappointed in my own weaknesses at the same time.

"I can't stand it that I'm like this, especially when I'm with you."

Link held me tighter.

"We have to get you that Nayru's Love baby. If you don't get it, you won't be the same."

I knew he was right and I hated it. However, I currently had no choice. Nayru's Love was unfortunately still in the Twilight Realm with everyone else. How was I going to retrieve it when the world was in the peril it was in? We would have to go back to the Arbiter's Grounds, go back through the mirror, and head directly to the Twilight Palace. That would take weeks, and we didn't have weeks. Ghirahim was planning his attack on Hyrule, my mental state would have to wait. I was stronger than this. I just had to will myself through it.

"I know, but that isn't possible right now."

Link was determined.

"We're going to have to make it possible."

"Ghirahim is planning his attack. We don't have the time to spare."

The hero digressed and didn't speak on the subject anymore.

"We'll convene on this at another time. You need to get dressed, and whether you want to or not, you need to get some sleep."

Afterwards, he got up and went to retrieve my dress hanging in the tree nearby. He ran it through his fingers several times before tossing to me. He wanted to make sure it was dry.

"Put that on, and this time no taking your clothes off, you understand me?"

I gave him an obvious look, but I understood his extra scolding, so I didn't argue.

I nodded.

"I understand you," was all I said in reply.

He then went to retrieve his own tunic. After putting it back on, he came back over to me to help me fasten my dress. He was so thoughtful. I really was a mess. My hands were trembling at the clasp. He took my hands in his and helped me buckle the dress. Once I was was clothed, he carried me back to my original resting place. He used his other tan tunic to cover me and caressed my cheek.

"Please don't fight me on this. Go to sleep. I want you to tell me everything that happened when you get up, alright?"

I simply nodded, but then smiled at his concern.

"Alright."

With that, I closed my eyes and tried to get some sleep. Link assumed his role as watchmen, and finally I was able to get some rest.

~SSS~

The next morning

I opened my eyes, feeling much better than I had been since I arrived. My headache was gone. My body felt stronger. I felt more rested. And, my overall disposition was sound. However, I wasn't entirely in peak physical condition. I still needed to be careful. I stretched, sat up slowly, and saw Link standing watch near the temple. When he saw that I was awake, he came over to greet me. I marveled at how much energy this man had.

Do you ever sleep Link?

When he was a few feet away, he gave me a quick once over.

"Hello."

I grinned at him.

"Hello."

He then came and sat down next to me.

"Are you feeling better?"

I nodded.

"Much better."

He returned my nod.

"Good, you look rested now, which is excellent."

I rotated my shoulders.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, and my behavior... I should have just listened to what you were telling me yesterday."

Link took in a deep sigh.

"What did I tell you about apologizing so much? I understand why you were so scared yesterday, and I would have worried about you whether you reacted the way you did or not."

I appreciated his summation.

"True," was all I said in reply.

Link then reached over and took my hand in his.

"Besides, that isn't the important thing right now. The important objective is stopping Ghirahim. Everything else can wait."

I nodded.

"I agree."

The hero then paused for a moment.

"So... do you think you're ready now to tell me everything he disclosed to you when he had you captured? I know this may be difficult, but we can't afford anymore distractions. I understand why you were holding back before, but we don't have that luxury. Time isn't on our side."

I knew he was right, but I still didn't answer right away. I didn't know how he was going to take everything I needed to tell him, especially the truth about Elbourne. I still had a hard time believing it myself. Link draped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him at my silence. He was mistaking my quietness for something else.

"Please Zelda... you have to tell me everything. I can't be in the dark any longer."

I shook my head of my thoughts and gave him my undivided attention.

"I know that, I just don't know where to start."

He wanted to make this easy for me.

"Start wherever you want to. Whatever makes you the most comfortable."

He was being more than accommodating.

"Alright, I suppose I should get the most shocking thing out of the way first."

Link raised a brow.

"Which is?"

I hesitated for a moment.

"I know why Ghirahim is after Elbourne. He wants to utilize his essence because... because he's his real father."

The hero's eyes widened.

"What?"

I nodded, avoiding his eyes.

"His father?" he repeated.

I nodded again.

"Yes, Ghirahim told me himself." I shook my head, wishing I knew what else to say. "I don't know how I'm going to tell Elbourne."

Link then stared at me taken aback.

"You don't know how you're going to tell Elbourne? You're concerned about that? Zelda, I want you to stay away from him!"

I pursed my lips together.

"I can't just avoid him Link. It's not that simple."

He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"He's dangerous!"

I shook my head.

"No he isn't."

Link's frustration was apparent.

"Zelda-"

"How could you possibly know what that's like Link? How could you know what it's like to wrestle with a wicked inclination day in and day out for years? I've seen his struggle. I know how hard he tries to stave that evil inside him off. He doesn't want to be a cruel person."

The hero was not going to let me make light of this.

"All the more reason for you to stay away from him Zelda. If he is innately evil, then that wickedness will eventually rear its ugly head."

I stood up from the stone just then.

"I don't believe that," I challenged. "If that were true about him, he would have done so already. He's struggling Link! Struggling!"

He then stood up with me.

"How can you be so sure? Why are you defending him this way?"

I looked him in the eyes and hesitated. I realized now I was going to have to be more forthcoming. I was going to have to reveal more than I wanted to regarding the incident at the lagoon. It was the only way I could help him understand.

"Because... because he stopped himself from violating me when we were alone in the lagoon." My voice broke a little. "He had so much anger and pain... so much, but he didn't allow himself to give into it Link. He stopped himself because he loves me, and that love comes from his Hylian side... his mother's side."

Link stared at me stunned, then took hold of my shoulders.

"He was going to violate you?"

I paused before nodding. His expression was getting more and more repulsed by the second.

"Why didn't you say anything before? Why didn't you mention this at the lagoon?!"

I swallowed hard.

"Because I don't want you to hate him Link. He isn't a horrible person. He's wrestling with some inner demons."

The hero looked away and shook his head.

"Inner demons or not, if he had of raped you Zelda he wou-"

"But he didn't. He didn't Link. Please, you must never tell anyone I told you this."

The hero stared at me in minor disbelief.

"Why do you want to keep it a secret?"

"Because the only person who needed to know was you. You're the man I love, so I couldn't keep it from you. But you have to know that one failed incident after years and years of loyalty to me does not make Elbourne my enemy. I still need to help him if I can. Even after you found us, he was trying to protect me from Ghirahim. That proves there's good in him worth saving Link. He's not our enemy."

Link scoffed and looked away. I turned his face back to mine and caressed his cheek tenderly. I didn't want this to be a divide between us. I really wanted him to understand.

"Please Link... please, don't be angry."

The hero stared down at me and struggled to see things the way I hoped he'd see them.

"There's something that still makes no sense to me Zelda. If he was trying to violate you, why then did you let him kiss you the way he did? Why the hell would you allow a man to touch you and hold you the way he was when he just tried to rape you?!"

I knew he wouldn't completely understand my actions and I didn't expect him to. Any person in his position would feel the same way.

"I only allowed that to happen because he... he needed a friend Link. He needed someone to understand his pain, and I've hurt him so badly over the years. I used him because he reminded me of you when we weren't speaking to each other. He would come to me at my beck and call for years. I felt like I owed him at least that moment of solace."

Link wasn't satisfied with my answers. I stared at him helplessly.

"Haven't you ever felt that obligation to somebody? What about Ilia? Are you going to tell me you've never had a moment like that with Ilia... your best friend? You've never comforted her when she needed you?"

When I put it that way, he didn't say anything for a long time.

"I..."

I raised my brows.

"Haven't you?"

He paused again.

"Of course I have. You know that to be the case."

I took a small step towards him just then.

"Well then, that was what I was trying to do for him. I'm not suggesting what I did was right, and yes you do have a right to be upset, but all I ask is that you try to understand."

Link avoided my eyes again. Then, after a few seconds, reluctantly nodded.

"I'll... I'll try."

Afterwards, I quickly came up to him and hugged him.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you... thank you for being so understanding."

Link did not have much to say. Our exchange was promptly followed with silence. I didn't want us to go back when we had come so far. So, I attempted to change the subject to the mission at hand.

"Going back to what we were discussing before at Ghirahim's lair. He's planning everything you already guessed: from the purging of the Master Sword, to the overthrowing of Hyrule. He was arrogant in telling me everything so freely, thinking he would kill me soon after, but it was to his own indiscretion."

Link nodded absently at my utterance, obviously still thinking about our last conversation. I needed him here with me now.

"Link please..."

He simply raised his brows.

"I heard everything you said. A big part of what we need to do next involves the protection of the dragon prince. That right now has to be our number one priority. Ghirahim can't do a thing without him."

I stared at him gratefully and hugged him again.

"Thank you."

He held me tight.

"Of course," he whispered against my hair, "anything for you Zelda. Given how I was able to retrieve you, it now makes sense why Elbourne was able to traverse the Twilight Realm and find Ghirahim's lair the way he was. It was probably innately known to him."

That was a revelation to me.

"Elbourne was the one that led you to me?"

The hero nodded.

"He mentioned a place of extreme distortion called the Sacrosanct Paddock," he explained. "It turned out that that was the exact location of the portal."

"That does make sense. We're going to have to hurry back there."

Our conversation soon became prophetic. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bend in space substantiated in midair. The area resembled a circular rotunda that appeared like and inverted kaleidoscope. Another portal. Link immediately got in front of me to shield me.

"Stay back!"

After the portal actuated, out of it jumped two persons: the Goddess of Hyrule and the Queen of Twilight. We were both surprised to see them here. How did they warp to this exact location? We stayed quiet, hoping the dragon prince would appear soon too, but it was just the two of them. Even so, I was hoping they had good news.

"Sheik!" I said, carefully. "Midna!"

We were still mindful of the goddess's disguise. With everything going on, it was risky having Midna travel. Her departure must have been of her own volition.

"Midna, what are you doing here?"

The beautiful Twili monarch looked between the both of us.

"You didn't think you could keep me away from all the fun did you?" she asked in her naturally teasing voice. "Besides, I have a bone to pick with Ghirahim too."

Her reasons were understandable, I just didn't think it was wise. Her realm was more vulnerable than ever.

"What about your people? Who's protecting the Twilight Realm?"

Midna looked to expect my questions.

"I wouldn't worry about that. I don't think Ghirahim is a threat to my realm any longer."

I found that odd. Ghirahim was a threat to us all.

"What do you mean?"

The goddess then interjected.

"She means what she says your majesty," Hylia said in her disguised voice. She then turned her attention to Link. "The reason for that is that Prince Elbourne went into the portal after you Master Link in the hopes of helping you save her majesty. As such, I've lost sight of him and had to reconvene with Queen Midna at the palace. As it stands, he is no longer in the Twilight Realm, thus being no immediate threat to the Twilight Realm."

I wouldn't have surmised it quite like that, but I understood the gist. The biggest issue now was finding Elbourne. Where was he? Why didn't he warp here or to the Demon's Lair if he went in after Link? The only explanation I could suggest was that Elbourne's presence created a disturbance in the portal we were traveling through. That disturbance must have caused a phase shift and created a new end point. Link and I were notably frustrated by this news.

"This is grave," I whispered more to myself than anyone.

The hero was more direct with his displeasure.

"Why would he think to do something so foolish?"

Hylia sought to temper him.

"He said he wanted to help you find Zelda. He said he couldn't stand around and do nothing."

That certainly sounded like Elbourne. Link paused for a moment, then look over at me and took my hand in his. We had our own silent understanding.

"We'll find him Zelda, I promise."

I nodded, knowing he was true to his word. The goddess then noted our interlock and grinned underneath her bandages. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"It looks like a concession has been made my lady?" she asked me.

Link answered for me.

"Yes, there has been a concession made. A definite concession."

Midna merely raised a brow.

"It's too bad Sheik and I didn't come sooner. It looks like we missed all the action... we may have even joined you."

Link and I just stared at the monarch. It wouldn't have been a show she would have enjoyed.

"You're not serious... are you?"

Midna placed her hands on her hips.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Hylia even ran a hand over her face.

"It can't be helped. She's been flirting with me the entire time we traveled through the wormhole."

Midna shrugged shamelessly.

"What can I say? I like impulsive men."

She then winked at Link.

Link just shook his head.

"Unmasking day is going to be very interesting."

I giggled, while Hylia threw him a venomous glance.

Well, this is what happens when you cross dress ancestral mother. If you look like a man people are going to mistake you as such.

She narrowed her eyes at me, which confirmed she read my mind.

"Anyway," the goddess said, changing the subject, "we need to retrieve the Master Sword and reconvene at Hyrule Castle immediately. We have to create a search party to find his highness. That has to be our number one priority."

I had no argument with her. If the dragon prince's disappearance became public news, the public at large would start to create their own reasons as to why. This could actually lead to war between Hyrule and Dragon Roost if we weren't careful. It was no secret there was tension between both countries already. And, with the actions of King Xavier and Elbourne as of late, this could escalate to another national security emergency. It was insane to think that a war with another nation was a secondary issue instead of a primary one. Ghirahim had taken care of that.

We needed to act quickly.

"I couldn't agree more."

Link nodded as well.

"We'll make haste. The sword isn't far from here."

The goddess then stared at the aperture ahead.

"Then we need to be off. We haven't a moment to lose."

---

The next chapter will be up soon. To the "Guest" let me know if that was to your satisfaction lol. If not, let me know.