Hey ppl! I would have posted much sooner, but the disc broke and I had all my files in 'em, including this chapter I had to rewrite. I'm so sad about it. Everything's going all wrong. I have to use this other stupid comp cause the other one I'm usually at changed from Windows 97 to somethin' else, so Word needs to be installed again, and the net z isn't up yet, so I'm really ticked off. I was so happy that I had finished the chapter for this one; yet, I can't remember what chapter I'm working on. Today's the 15th of April so hopefully, by tomorrow, word and the net all be up gain and I can post a week or two from today. I started on the next chapter for Siblings, too, but I have to start over. I'm soooo aggravated right now, but I'm going to finish this chapter. BTW, when I meant ALL the files, I meant ALL the files. Every single chapter that I have updated and you see was in that disc. Grrr… I'm sorry I've been blabbing on, I just had to say something to someone. Hope everybody understands. So, I'll try to make this longer then it was. Oh, - never mind, I don't want to bore. So on with the chapter, so review, ok? Second time to write? Grrrr……

Lost… I can barely remember… sigh

.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The day was warm and we had yet again, begun the trip to Hyrule Castle. It seemed like it was in the middle of the afternoon when we decided to rest near Zora's River. I sat down close to the river and tried to get feeling back into my legs. Link led Epona to the embankment.

"I don't understand how you can ride a horse for that long, then not walk like a duck." I said.

"What? It's not that hard, but maybe for you it could take a while."

"Hey, I can ride a horse like any one else."

"Really?" Link said with amusement in his voice, "Then ride Epona."

"Me? Ride Epona?" Link nodded and crossed his arms, "I'd loved to-but hey, what does that bridge lead to?"

Link turned the direction I was looking at. I sighed. I knew exactly where it led to, but he didn't know that.

"Kakariko Village. Why?"

"Umm… why don't we visit?"

"What for?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

"I dunno… I've never been there…"

Link raised an eyebrow, "Fine, but we can't stay for long."

"Fine, fine. Got it, but let's walk."

"Fine with me."

A few minutes past until we had finally entered the village. From my point of view, it was much bigger then anything from the game. The houses were everywhere, barely in any neat row. I could spot the well a little up ahead, which was something amazing that I could actually see so far since I had almost the worst eyesight possible…Ok, well that's not true, but it was still pretty bad. The town's windmill loomed over the well, and the graveyard entrance was just in sight. Over to my left, I noticed the gate that led to Death Mountain, but unfortunately, it was closed. Link finished tying Epona's reigns on a post and walked next to me.

"Where should we go first?" I asked, but Link only shrugged.

"Mmm… how about the Shooting Range?"

"Sure, I haven't been there in a while."

"Oh, I see it. Wow…"

"What?"

"I don't remember having such good eyesight."

"That's strange."

"Eh, might as well enjoy it while I can. Come on." I began running towards the building, thinking I could possibly out run Link, but to no avail. He was right next to me, running at the same speed as me. I quickened my pace, but Link was still there. Once we reached the Range, I stopped to rest.

"Dang, you run fast."

Link only grinned, and I shot him a double take. We entered the Range and I was surprised to find it way more different then usual. The place had turned into a hang out. Tables were scattered everywhere, people occupying every corner. I spotted the range way in back. I weaved myself through occupied tables towards the counter. It was the same burly guy with the vest, his hands supporting his upper body as he leaned against the counter.

"Link," I whispered over to him, "do you have any rupees?"

"Yeah…" he replied.

"Good, I'll pay you back, I promise." I said as we reached the bar.

"20 rupees each. Do you know the rules?" the bartender asked.

"Yeah." Link answered as he placed forty rupees on the counter.

The bartender handed us the bows and arrows, and we went to the shooting range.

"Link?" I whispered.

"Yeah?"

"I just remembered something…"

"What?"

"I don't know how to use a bow."

"Just follow what I do."

"Good idea…"

We both stood side by side, me facing Link's back. I stood a short distance away and followed Link's advice. I readied the bow like his, and shot the first arrow in front. There were twice as much arrows, and we shot our share. I missed a couple from being too slow to ready an arrow, but Link, fortunately, backed me up. We got our prize of fifty rupees each, and as promised, I handed Link twenty rupees once we were out of the joint.

"What's this for?"

"I told you I was going to pay you back, wasn't I? So here, take it…"

"No, I couldn't do that…" he replied as he pushed my hand away.

"Why? Cause you're the most humble, unselfish, perfect little hero, right?" I said sarcastically.

"What? No. Why would you think that?"

"Maybe cause it's true?" I cocked my head to one side and raised an eyebrow.

"I don't believe that." He said a bit irritated.

"You're right. No one's perfect, and that humble, AND sometimes, people do get a bit selfish once in a while, but you're still the nicest person I've ever met." I grinned.

"Well, thanks, but I still can't take it."

"Fine, but I still owe you."

"Sure you do…" he said with sarcasm as we began walking again.

"So, what time do you think it is? Cause I'm pretty hungry right now."

"Maybe about 1500 hours."

"Why do you use military time?"

"Military time?"

"Yeah, I mean, you could say it's… three o'clock right now."

"I don't know. I guess I've just been around the army for a while."

"Ahuh… Anyway, do you know a good place to eat?" I asked with a bit of hope.

"Well, there is this small restaurant not too far away."

"Well, Mr. Hero, lead the way…" I said; my hunger was beginning to get the best of me.

We walked for a few minutes in silence, when we finally reached a large house made of brick. There was a two-door entrance that led into the newly refurnished restaurant, "Anju's." The place looked like a log cabin, but instead of animal heads hanging from the wall, there were paintings of the goddesses, and royalty from the past and present. There were large skylights scattered above, allowing much needed light. There were also chandeliers and torches here and there, I suppose for the night. The place was scattered with tables, some allowed two seating, others, up to twelve. We chose a two-seated table in the middle of the room. As we walked through the occupied tables, we went past a table occupied by at least five soldiers. I tried to ignore them as I walked by, but their piercing stares penetrated right through me. I stuck my hands into my pockets, and tried to act normal, but it didn't help. We were only two tables down from them, and the one table between the soldier's and ours was not occupied.

I guess Link saw right through me, since he whispered over to me, "Don't worry about them. They're soldiers, they'll be suspicious of anyone. Just ignore them."

"Do you think that's going to help?" I snapped.

We sat down, and I "casually" picked up the menu and glanced through it.

"What are you gonna order?" I asked with the menu still up.

"I dunno… Maybe the cheese boreg with the red rice, sweet corn and salad."

"Hmm… that sounds pretty good. I'll have the same as you, but with some uhh…what is there to drink?"

I didn't hear Link say anything, so I lowered my menu to glimpse at what was going on. He was looking over to his left, which was my right. I glanced his direction to realize a soldier in armor walking over to us. Link stood up, so I followed. They shook hands and greeted each other, obviously knowing each other. Link introduced me, which is something I dreaded. The soldier's name was Eric, but I couldn't have cared less at the moment.

"Alright if I sit down?" he asked. Link nodded and the soldier took a chair from a nearby table.

He seemed to ask a lot of questions to Link like how he was doing, or how was everything in the forest. Yet, all the while, I glanced around the room until my eyes fell, yet again, on the soldier's table. I could tell they were pretending to be in a deep conversation, but I knew they had sent this GUY over here for some reason. I rolled my eyes in disgust, and forced myself to concentrate here. I glimpsed over to Eric, who seemed to be glimpsing at me. The soldier was at least a couple of years older then Link, and maybe a foot taller. His skin was tanned, a bit like Link's, but my skin was a bit lighter and less tanned, but that wouldn't be for long. His hair was shaggy and a dark brown color, and his eyes were a light-shaded green.

I quickly glanced the other way when his attention turned to me. He asked a lot of questions, and all the more, I wanted to just get up and walk out, until when I wanted to punch the guy.

"…So, where are you exactly from?" he asked.

"Me? Umm… well you can probably say from a different realm, or universe, or, well, who knows really. I just do know I came from-well, no where from here, and we don't follow any tradition or culture that you guys have."

"You mean, you don't even follow the same religion?"

"Your gods are fake in our world. We only have one God, but that depends on who you're talking to."

"I don't understand… First you blaspheme our gods, then say yours is more superior."

"What's not to understand? Besides, I wasn't 'blaspheming' your gods, but it is the truth that our God is more superior."

"For a girl your age, you certainly have a larger mouth then you can handle." He said calmly.

I grimaced. Link leaned over to me and whispered, "Jade, drop it. He's a soldier…"

"Back off, Link. This guy has already ticked me off." I retorted, still holding my glare on the too-confident soldier.

Link leaned against the back of his chair and folded his arms across his chest.

"You are seriously getting me ticked off, why don't you just get off my back."

"You are the one who started."

"Well, so what? I mean, if it weren't for the creators of this game, you wouldn't be here."

"If it weren't for the Royal Family, we wouldn't be here."

I mumbled under my breath.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"What did you say?"

"None of your business."

"It is. I am a soldier of the Royal Hylian army-"

"Oh, whoop-dee-doo." I said flatly.

"Do you know who you are speaking with?"

I glanced around the restaurant, wondering if our wonderful conversation had given interest to anyone, and apparently so. The people at nearby tables were staring at us; some held spoons or forks, still dripping with whatever food in place. Link was still in his former position, but I could tell he was thinking of what to do. I sighed, realizing that a waiter hadn't come to take our orders; I guess they didn't want to be near us, or, well, me. This was going to be interesting.

"Well, apparently someone not very important, right now."

He stood up, "I should have you arrested."

"For doing what?" I snapped as I, too, stood up. My hands were made into fists by my side, ready to punch the soldier.

"For blasphemy, talking out of turn…"

"Oh, shut up. You're only made of microchips." I snapped back without letting him continue. I was fumed, I didn't even remember being hungry.

The soldier was giving me a confused look as if I were talking gibberish. I was about to wipe that stupid smug grin off his face as he glanced toward the group of soldiers who had stood up, when I felt a gauntleted hand grab my forearm, and guide me over to the entrance/exit of the restaurant.

"Sorry about that," I heard Link say and lowered his voice as if away from me, "She's just been in the sun too long…"

Once we were outside, I yanked my arm free from Link's grip, "Why didn't you back me up?"

"What? Why?"

"Why? WHY?"

"Yeah, it's not like I have known you for that long…"

"What? I would've done the same for you…" I said.

"Well, thanks. That's nice to know, but what did you want me to do?"

"Uhh…hmm… maybe like… BACK ME UP!" I said irritably.

Link seemed to ignore me since he began walking back the way we came. I crossed my arms and sighed, turning the other direction. I glimpsed at him then ran in front of him.

"So, are you saying, you'll never back me up?" I said as I caught up to him and stood in front of him.

"No, I just didn't get your point of view."

"Well, I guess you never will, right?"

"No, I did not say that…" He said as brushed past me, and continued walking.

"But, it's pretty obvious you were." I said flatly as I walked in front of him again, and walking backwards.

"I never said that, either."

"And you never will…"

"I just don't understand you."

"You probably never will…" I mumbled to myself and sighed as I stood to the side, letting Link go by.

"We have to go back to Epona to get the food I packed." He said without turning his head.

"What? Bread and cheese?" I called sarcastically.

"Yeah…" Link said flatly.

"Oh, so now you're blaming me for you going hungry?" Link stopped, "We could've stayed, you know? But you rushed me out. So you have no one else to blame, but yourself. I could've punched that phony and no one would've bothered us."

"Except you forgot one thing…" he said, turning his head to one side and speaking in an obvious tone, "…the authorities."

"Oh, shut up, Elf Boy…" I retorted under my breath, turned around, and walked away.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I gazed up at the sky dreamily, glimpsing up at the clouds one by one, imagining shapes for them. I leaned against the stonewall of behind the windmill and put my hands behind my head. It had been at least an hour or so since I had reached here. It would still be a while until sunset, and I knew we had to head to Hyrule castle before dark. I sighed and stood up, wiping my hands on my jeans. I was about to go down the ladder when I heard a familiar voice. I stopped in my tracks, turned around and walked on the other side of the windmill. Below, on the stairs leading into the windmill, I noticed Link and the soldier I despised. Eric was leaning against the wall, and Link was leaning with his shoulder against the wall, but his head was turned towards the village.

I kneeled down on one knee and leaned over the edge. A few rocks came loose, and my footing slipped. I felt as if I was about to fall, but I grabbed some out grown grass and held on. I ducked in time so they wouldn't notice then breathed a sigh of relief. I decided on a different strategy and went down on my hands and knees and crawled to the edge once more.

"…I've been looking all over for her, but I can't find her anywhere…" I heard Link say as he pushed himself off the wall.

"Listen, Link. I would 'love' to help you find your bratty girlfriend, but I've got to get back to the castle…" sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Bratty? I'll show you bratty… I grabbed a loose piece of rock the size of my hand, but thought better of it. It would give me away, so I set it down next to me.

"Hey," I heard Link began, "she's not my girlfriend. She's just someone I'm helping."

Someone?

"Fine, fine. Whatever you say, but listen. I've got to go back and I need a ride. Is it alright if I could borrow Epona for the evening?"

"Yeah, sure, I suppose, but I'll need to find Jade soon."

Eric began talking but I ignored the rest of the conversation as I grabbed a small piece of rock at least half the size of my thumb and threw it at Link, square on the top of the head. I chuckled silently and ducked quickly away.

I went back at my usual spot and sat down. I guess that gave it away. I heard the clanking of metal, and as I guessed, Eric was walking away. I crossed my arms over my chest and sat cross-legged, gazing up at the sky. It seemed a few minutes past when I began to hear the distant crunch of boots, and soon the sound of the ladder bouncing against the rocky wall as someone climbed it. A figure in green soon appeared from the corner of my eye, but I ignored him and looked the other way as if I never noticed him. Link sat down next to me in the same position as myself. He sighed in confusion as if trying to strike up a conversation.

"Listen…Jade…I'm. Sorry. I didn't mean what I said back there…" I heard him say as he shuffled a bit.

"Well…It's…OK…" I began, turning my head slightly his direction, "I mean…you were right. You don't know me that much, I guess I couldn't expect you to back me up against your friend…"

The thought of Eric made me want to punch him in the face even more. I could not stand that soldier, but I suppose first impressions aren't the best. Although, I have actually made a friend everywhere I've gone the past few days. I shrugged it off.

"No, you are my friend…" Link seemed to stop for a second before continuing, so I finished for him. "Just not that close."

"Umm, yeah-I mean, no-I mean-well…"

"Calm down, Link. It's Ok. Let's just say that I'm sorry for throwing a tantrum and you're sorry because you felt bad for…not backing me up." I finished, wondering if that was right.

"Fine with me." Link shrugged, "Now. I really think we should get going to the castle."

"Really? Now? Do you think we'll make it since you let Eric borrow Epona." I said, emphasizing the soldier's name in an irritated way.

"Yes, I think so if you'd be kind enough to stop jumping on people and listen to what they have to say…" Link began but I cut in.

"Alright, alright. I get your point…" I brushed myself as I got up and walked over to the edge of the hill. I sat down, dangling my feet then jumped onto the area that led into the windmill. Landing safely down which was quite a surprise, since I had bent my knees at impact which was not something easily done for me. I brushed myself off then ran down the stairs with Link right behind me.

We walked out of the village in silence, only the sound of footsteps and maybe small sighs from one of us. I didn't talk much and couldn't help feel bad if I was making Link nervous from the nerve-wrecking silence. There wasn't too much to talk about to him since I'm sure he wouldn't understand a word I am saying, so I shrugged it off, stuck my hands in my pockets and kept walking.

Time seemed to pass quickly since I could spot the sun just above the horizon, ready to sink behind the mountains and trees. I sighed, taking a glance towards the direction we were headed. A quick chill ran up my spine and I shivered.

Link glanced at me, "Anything wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, no. I'm fine, it's just cold." I replied, crossing my arms over my chest in attempt to keep myself warm from the wind.

"Well, we'll reach the castle soon enough. The bridge isn't too far away." He said.

"Ah, good. How long then?"

"How long what?"

"How long until we reach the gate?"

"I dunno. Not that long."

"Oh, gee, that helps. You've been living here for since what? Your whole life."

"Yeah, well…"

"Yeah, well-what?"

"I'm sorry…"

I shook my head, catching myself before I said anything I would later regret, "No, Link. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

"No, that's OK. I get that a lot." He waved his hands dismissively.

"Really? By whom?" I asked curiously.

"I dunno. A lot of people who like to flirt with me." He said emphasizing the word 'flirt' as if it was a bizarre idea.

"What? You're saying I'm trying to flirt with you?" I retorted a bit disgusted, "Does it seem like we're flirting? We just had an argument. I don't understand that when you are talking to the opposite gender about something it's considered flirting. What? I can't make a decent conversation anymore?"

I took in a deep breath and spoke normally, "Sorry…So what do these people do that you consider flirting?" I emphasized the word with raising two fingers.

"Well, first of all. I'm not saying you were flirting, I just meant that's what a lot of people do." Link replied a bit apologetically and I nodded for him to go on, "Well, sometimes they make up stupid conversations or tell me how brave I was to fight those monsters, which I'm really sick of hearing-by the way. Sometimes they laugh at the stupidest comments I say which are never really funny…"

"That's a preppy princess for you…" I mumbled under my breath.

"…And sometimes they steal my hat in attempt so I can chase them…"

"Why do you?"

"I like my hat, I feel awkward without it…"

"Aww, really? I wouldn't think it would matter since you're so brave, fighting those monsters and all…" I said sarcastically.

"What? What the heck are you talking about?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. He looked scared and a bit confused.

I began to laugh, "Oh, you're so funny, tell me more…"

"Are you OK?"

"Oh, just preppy…" I said with a grin. I grabbed his kokiri hat off his head and ran full speed.

"Hey!" I heard Link say, realizing what I had done. I glimpsed behind me, he was only about four yards away.

I ran faster, not really paying attention that a moat was not too far away. I began to feel just a bit tired, losing my breath from both running and laughing. I glanced behind me again and noticed Link right behind me. I didn't turn my head back in time to realize there was a rock the size of my fist, firmly secured into the ground. I tripped over it, and tumbled to the ground in a heap. Link was right next to me in the same position; unfortunately, he had tripped over my feet and fallen. His hat was still in my hand, but I stuck it back on his head, pushing his hair over his eyes. I sat up as Link adjusted his hat. I scanned where we were, realizing there was a moat about forty feet away, and beyond that was the bridge…and it was closing. I gasped. I jumped to my feet.

"Link…" I said, shaking his shoulder and pointed to the bridge with my other hand. We glanced at each other, "…make a run for it."

We nodded, and ran full speed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Yeaa! Can you believe it? Eleven whole pages! It's a record for me. Hope everybody liked this chapter. Oh, for people who are reading Siblings, I'll be updating that next. BTW, just wanted to let everyone know I've become a member at fictionpress. But, I haven't really written any stories, yet. I'll give you guys the place to see my profile. Anyways, please review! I appreciate it! Thankee for all those other review and bye!