Seeing Truth

Chapter 11: Full Moon Part 2

Staring to my side and watching my surroundings was all I could do to keep myself from locking eyes with Link, and that's already happened before, and I hated it. Not because I didn't like Link, but because I felt…helpless. You know, that feeling you get when you have eye contact with someone you… well, you get my point.

I took a deep breath and continued to dance, only to realize Link had stopped. I turned to him only to realize he was staring off straight ahead. I craned my head his direction to see a group of boys circled around Zelda in a corner. I backed away from Link and walked closer to the group, hoping to find out what was going on.

"It doesn't look too good." I said as I took a few steps closer.

"Not them again." I heard Link mumble as he approached the group.

"Hey, wait for me." I quickly went after Link, as he made his way through the group of boys.

Soon enough, I was in hearing distance. I squeezed myself through the crowd after many protests only to end up watching Zelda and Link exit the other way. I stared at the retreating couple in utter confusion and…sadness. All alone again… So what is a girl to do when she's stuck in a mob of fanboys? I felt so alone. Sighing sadly, I turned around to head back to the balcony. I tried to squeeze myself through the mob, but they wouldn't budge. I sighed in irritation as I backed up.

"Excuse me." I said to one of the many boys. Looking up at him, I realized he was actually staring at me with a glint in his eyes. Okay, so I had his attention, now to ask him to move.

"Excuse me, could I get through?" I asked in the most polite manner.

"Why should we?" a voice said from behind me.

I turned around with arms crossed and a raised eyebrow, but my response didn't help the glint in all of the mob's eyes. I felt their cold and penetrated gazes bore into my soul. I finally began to feel uncomfortable as I glared at the tall brunette in front of me.

"Because I kind of want to get out of here. I can get claustrophobic at times." As soon as those words passed my lips, I quickly regretted it.

The mob drew closer, and only then did I realize, I was in the middle. I had nowhere to back up into or out of. I was stuck and their was no Link to help me out like he had done with Zelda. Part of me was so mad at Link because he left me here, but I guess he just didn't know I had followed him. He seems to care for Zelda so much more than I thought he would, but it's true, and for some reason I thought something was going on between them. No, no, what am I thinking?

"Well, we don't want to leave such a lovely girl like you all alone. Your friend in the green has gone off with the princess, so I am sure he won't mind if we borrow you for a little while." The brunette said as he took a step closer. He was obviously the leader of the mob.

"That's okay, I don't feel like dancing…" I turned around to make my way out, but someone had grabbed my quick-healing arm. I had completely forgotten about the injury, but it was still there and bandaged. I tried to get away, but to no avail. I backed away as far as I could, but only to bump into someone.

I stared up at brown eyes, ones that held that same glint and I suddenly felt like cowering in a corner. The boy that had been holding my arm had finally let go, but now the brunette was holding my wrist behind my back and pushing it upwards. I yelped as I tried to get away.

"Who said anything about dancing?" His face neared mine and I panicked, tears slowly forming in my eyes as I tried to look away and ignore what was happening.

When I felt his face so close to mine, I took a deep breath and decided on what to do. With another breath, I stepped on his foot as hard as I could then kneed him in the stomach after he let go of my wrist. I smiled inside as I turned around. My eyes were blurry, but I could still make out the mob closing in on me. I turned around again, only to see the brunette glaring at me. I tried to make a run for it so that just maybe the mob would open up for me, but no, I was pulled back against the wall. A cold, sharp object was pressed against my neck. The boy's other arm rested to the side of me just so I wouldn't run off. He took a step closer to me, and I all the more felt like disappearing. I shut my eyes and turned my head to the side.

"You know, you are kind of feisty, but I'm more of the shy type. They don't run away every second." He said in my ear.

I narrowed my eyes as I turned to the brunette, "Your sick…"

A devious grin formed on his lips, and I couldn't help but step on his foot again. He backed off, but just as I was about to punch him, he grabbed my wrist and twisted it behind my back. I yelped in pain as I fell on my knees. I felt tears fall down my face as I tried to ignore everything around me.

"You have a lot to learn..." His voice rang in my ears once more as he kneeled behind me. After a minute or so, he let go of my wrist, but it never did any good because now I was flat out on the ground. I felt all my energy taken out of me, and I could barely pull myself up. I wasn't too surprised at why he had let go, only thankful.

I heard footsteps near me, and I looked up as far as I could. A familiar face greeted me as he kneeled down in front of me. He brought out a hand and I took it. I rested my weight against his as I continued to pull myself up. I finally felt safe, but why? Maybe because it was that the prince of a country was holding me up, but I felt safe, and that's what mattered at the moment.

"Hey, what's going on here?" I heard Kado say as I continued to stand up.

"Just having a little fun, Your Highness." The brunette said as he his the pocket knife.

"This is having fun? I saw what you were doing, and you have no right. If you try to pull any of this again to any one, I will have you imprisoned. Now, go already, I don't want to see any of your faces anymore."

I watched in shock as the mob walked off without another single word. I turned to Kado wide-eyed, but he only looked at me with a sympathetic look.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, yeah…I'm fine." I said, obviously lying through my teeth. I wanted so badly to cry, but their would be no use for that, anymore. I was safe…for now.

"Are you sure?" he asked again as he led me to the balcony.

"Yeah, just shaky." I said as I let go of Kado to lean against the balcony railing.

"I didn't know they would be here, again."

"What are you talking about?"

"Zelda's birthday. They were jerks to her and every other girl who came to the party."

"Oh… Well, do they do that to every girl?"

Kado turned to me, "Not that I know of."

"Oh…"

"I'm just glad I came in time I didn't like seeing them treat you like that." He brought his hand to cup my face, and I blushed.

"Yeah, well, I'm glad for that, too." I said as I tried to look the other way.

"Hey, you know. I forgot to say you look great tonight."

"Well, thanks." I looked the other way, "you know, you can go back to the dance. I'm just holding you back."

"Holding me back? I couldn't care less if I was there or not."

"Yeah, well, you'll be bored to death, here before you can change your mind."

"Hey, don't assume."

I rolled my eyes and sighed as I continued to lean against the railing. The light breeze ruffled my hair and giving me an urge to pull it back.

"So…what's up?" I asked after I noticed Kado still gazing at me.

"Huh? Oh, nothing." He said calmly as he smiled slightly, "Uh, hey, would you like to dance?"

I fumbled for words, not sure of what to say, "Uh, I-I don't know, Kado- I mean, I'm not much of a dancer, you know, waltzes and all."

Kado smiled as he took my hand, "Then slow dance."

I wanted to hold back, but couldn't help but follow him as we walked to the dance floor, "Kado, it's a waltz. I don't know—"

Listening closer to the music, I realized it had changed into a slow dance.

"How the heck do you do that?" I mumbled, still amazed.

"Do what?" Kado said as he placed his arms around my waist.

Part of me wanted to back away, but another just wanted to draw closer, "Nothing…"

XxxxXxxxX

I gazed up at the night sky boringly. It was probably an hour ago that I had been dancing with Kado. Soon after, he had to leave when Impa had come, telling him there were complaints from many girls…and their mothers. Go figure. I sighed sadly, I was so bored to death; there was nothing to do. I turned around to inspect my surroundings. Link was out dancing; I hadn't seen him since he had walked out with Zelda. Malon was still out dancing with Judd every other dance, and Kado was as busy as ever dancing with almost every girl here. So, no one would notice if I went out to the festival, right? I quickly made my way into the ballroom and towards an open doorway that led into a corridor. It would be too noticeable if I went up the stairs so either way I should be able to find my way out.

I was successful in making my way to the corridor, at least I think so, but it was dark. Very dark. I stuck my hands out to my sides, feeling for the walls, and making sure I didn't run into anything during a turn. Well, I was on the first turn, when I felt someone grab my arm. I yelped as I my back made contact with the wall. I tried to struggle away from the person's grip with my arm held behind my back and a hand covering my mouth, thinking it could be that brunette from before. I was wrong…

Dark, hazel green eyes stared back at me as he backed away, "Kado…? What the heck was that for?"

"Sorry? It is just that I think I'm being followed." He answered as he leaned against the wall next to me.

"Followed? By who?" I asked as I crossed my arms.

"I'm not sure, but every time I spend a little too much time with someone, Impa or a soldier comes and tells me I should go see Zelda or something."

"I don't get it."

"Neither do I. I tried to look for you about three times…"

"Awww…"

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, Kristen would always come over and block my way. It's like I either spend time with Zelda or Kristen. It sucks. I had to sneak off."

"Oh, so when you saw me sneaking off you followed me."

"Yeah…" Kado smiled and I rolled my eyes…with a smile.

"So, now what?"

"Well, where were you headed?"

"Um...the market..."

"To the festival? Without me?" he looked at me with puppy dog eyes as he leaned forwards.

I pushed him away with a grin, "Oh, give me a break. I needed one from you, anyway."

"Hey, come on. I'm not that bad."

I smiled and looked upwards.

"Alright, fine. I'll act that bad."

I turned to Kado confusedly as he pushed himself off the wall, "What do you mean by that."

"Nothing," he said innocently as he looked upwards and neared me, "Just that…I'm going to catch you if you don't run."

I raised an eyebrow, but got the hint no doubt, "Oh, no. No you don't..."

I put my hands in front of me as I backed away, "What's the matter?"

"Kado….!" I quickly passed him and ran off, turning every corner until I sadly ran into a dead end. Too bad I was such a slow runner; Kado had been on my tail the whole time.

"Oh, a dead end…" Kado shook his head as he stopped running.

"And what are you going to do?" I asked, not sure of what to say as I leaned against the wall.

A devious grin appeared on his face and I quickly thought of something.

"No tickling, please!" I said as I backed away as far as I could, well, until I was in a corner, trying to cover my ribs.

Kado grinned as he leaned his forehead against mine, "Oh, so you're ticklish. It's a good thing you told me that. I'll remember that next time."

"Oh, back off. Come on, let's go see if the others want to go to the festival, too. I'm sure they can't wait to get out, too."

Kado shrugged as he took my hand than backed away, "Fine, come on."

Soon enough, I was back in the ballroom, while Kado was waiting in the hall, not wanting to take any chances. I found Malon still dancing with Judd not too far away.

"Hey, Malon!" I said as I tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to me with a bit of shock, but calmed down and smiled.

"Hey, Jade! What is it?" she asked as they stopped dancing.

"Well, Kado and I were wondering if you guys wanted to come with us to the festival." I asked quietly so no one would hear.

"Oh, um, well, I went to the festival last year and…Judd?" she said as she turned to the boy next to her.

I looked up at the black-haired boy, and I practically stopped breathing. I quickly composed myself and smiled as he spoke, "Whatever you want to do, Malon."

"Oh, no, that wouldn't be fair. You choose…"

"No, no, it is your choice, go ahead."

Malon shook her head as she placed a hand on his arm, "No, no, I want you to decide what we should do."

"Mal-" I sighed and cut in.

"Okay, okay, it's obvious you guys just want to stay here. So, it's alright. Oh, have you guys seen Link and Zelda."

"I think they went out onto the balcony over there." I heard Judd say as he pointed to the same balcony I had been on.

I thanked him and walked off to that direction. I made out two figures sitting on the balcony and quickly thought it was Link and Zelda, but they were closer to each other, way too close for just friends to be. I raised an eyebrow curiously as I peeked through the French doors, so as not to ruin whoever's privacy. I gasped slightly at what I saw. Oh, sure, Link and Zelda were right there next to each other…and close…very close… Just as I had looked through the glass door, was as the same time, Link and Zelda kissed. Well, that should have been obvious from the very beginning… I badly wanted to feel happy for them, but why did I feel so hurt?

I backed away from the door and leaned against the wall. Okay, why do I feel so sad? I should be happy for them. It's been obvious through all these years of games that Link has had something for Zelda, so why haven't they ever gotten married? Shaking my head, I made my way to the corridor once more.

"Kado?" I whispered loudly as I looked around.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I yelped, only to find Kado's hand over my mouth again.

"Calm down, it's only me. Where is everyone else?" he said in my ear than finally backed off.

"Well," I began, straightening out my dress the same time, "Malon and Judd are still dancing. They went into this whole deciding thing so I just said they should stay because if they came with us then we'd never get anywhere in the festival, so…"

"Okay, what about Zelda and Link?"

A sudden pang of sadness hit me as I finally spoke, "They're busy at the moment."

"Oh, a lot of people asking them to dance, eh?"

"Uh, yeah, sure, whatever…" I said as I placed my hands on my hips, "Let's get going."

"So, it's just you and me?" he asked as he led the way outside.

"Oh, you're not thrilled?" I said as I walked next to him, fingers intertwined in front of me as I leaned forwards and fluttered my eyelashes…all sarcastically.

Kado shook his head as a small grin formed on his lips, and I couldn't help but blush, finally looking away.

XxxxXxxxX

We were finally out in the festival where I could finally relax. The place was filled with children and adults alike. Most of the women were filled at the jewelry booths- well at least I'm sure of that. The children were more at the games section, and the men in the weaponry section or at the archery booths. I noticed Kiyoshi and Kyoko's booth quite busy, so I definitely knew I shouldn't go there until later.

"So, where should we go first?" Kado asked as he looked around.

I felt my stomach growl so I turned back to Kado and asked sweetly, "Anything to eat?"

He turned to me and raised an eyebrow, but I only smiled sweetly.

XxxxXxxxX

"Well, I'm good for the rest of the night." I said as I leaned against the wall of the restaurant we came out of.

"You were hungry?" Kado asked.

"What? Of course I was; I didn't have anything after brunch except for that croissant." I said, sighing, as I popped one of the many mints I had taken from the baskets in the restaurant in my mouth. I noticed Kado watching so brought my handful of mints in front of him, "Want one?"

He shrugged and took one.

"So, where should we go?"

"I don't know. I was thinking of trying out the archery booth later on…if you don't mind."

"Why would I mind? It would be cool to try that. I'm not that bad myself."

A smile formed on Kado's lips as he turned to me, "You want to try archery? Do you know how?"

"Well…kinda'? I mean, I have tried before, but I dunno; I wasn't too good…maybe with a little practice…" I thought aloud.

"Well, alright. Come on; let's go try, now." I turned to Kado a bit surprised as he grabbed my hand and led me through the crowds.

Soon enough, we were in line at the archery booth. Their were about five lines, one for each target range. Just by looking, I could see that pretty much everyone in line was most likely a skilled archer…oh, and most of them were guys. The girls…didn't seem too nice. I avoided eye contact with any of them than turned to Kado.

"Uh, Kado, I don't think this was such a good idea. Why don't I wait over there while you do whatever? Okay?" I said as I made to get out of the way.

Before I could leave, Kado had grabbed my arm, "Oh, come on, Jade. If you don't try this than I won't either."

"Your loss." I said simply and Kado pouted. I tried to hold back a smile as he continued to looked at me with sad eyes.

"Please?" he said.

"That won't work."

"Why not?"

"Because… Uh, I don't know."

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Oh, come on…"

I sighed as the line moved forward. There were only about three more people ahead of me. The target seemed so far away, but you never know… The guy in front of me turned around and stared down at us both, obviously disgusted on how we were dressed. Well, he was dressed like a normal villager out on the town. He was definitely tall and gruff and obviously strong. His sandy blonde hair was in a low ponytail that reached to his back. He was probably Kado's age, but seemed so much older.

"I would expect that from a girl. Why don't you go home and bake something?" he said, proudly.

"Hey!" I heard Kado say from behind me.

"Oh, so now you're going to have your boyfriend beat me up?" he said gruffly as I stared at him confusedly, "You have nothing to say? It's good to have girls know their place."

I felt my blood slowly boil, "What did you just say?"

"You heard me."

I shook my head as I narrowed my eyes, "You would talk like that to someone you barely know? You better watch out, and he is not my boyfriend."

"And what are you going to do? Bring out an army?"

"No, but I know a few people…" I said as I placed my hands on my hips, going on the tip of my toes at the same time.

"Figures you couldn't save yourself."

I felt myself began seething as my hands turned into fists, "I can too save myself."

"Really, I bet you couldn't even hit that target."

"Listen," I heard Kado say as he stepped forward, "We don't want any trouble…"

"And what are you going to do about it?"

"You wouldn't want to know…"

While the two were giving each other death glares and talking back at each other, I noticed it was time for the tall guy to shoot.

"Hey! You!" I said angrily, "Are you going to shoot or just stand there? Move it!"

"You're talking to me like that? Don't you have any respect?"

"Me? Have respect for you? That'll be the day. I'll show you respect when you show me and others respect. So, hurry it up!"

He grabbed the bow and arrows from the person than aimed without another word. In less than a minute, five arrows were stuck in the Bullseye.

"See if you can top that, girl? If you can do as much as that, I'll give you respect." The guy said as he turned around and shoved the bow and arrows in my hand.

"Uh…" I turned to Kado with a scared look then turned back to the target.

I felt Kado put his hand on my shoulder as he leaned over, "Jade, you don't have to do this."

"No, I have to; it'll serve that guy right after he was so rude. I just feel bad to all the other people out there who've probably gotten worse treatment." I whispered back as I tried to put the arrow in place.

"Try this…" I heard Kado say as he reached from behind me to place the arrow right in my hand and on the bow.

"Oh, whoops. Now I remember. Thanks, Kado." I aimed and readied to shoot. I didn't think there would be so much pressure on me, but if I didn't make this I would never hear the end of it. Who knows what would happen if I didn't make this, so, was it possible time was on my side? Maybe if I bought some time, but no…

I had to shoot, my target was locked, and the arrow flew…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Well, here is the next chapter. I was planning on making it longer, but decided to cut it cause I wanted to post this ASAP. So, I'll just have to make the next chapter longer because I have a really good cliffie. Mwuahahahaha! Anyhoo, thank you everyone for your reviews!

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