Seeing Truth

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Chapter 27: Meyenn

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I woke to the sound of bird's chirping, children's laughter, and…Kenny's voice? Oh, that's right. He's not really dead! Thank God! My eyes snapped open, and were greeted by Kenny's form towering over me. I figured from his irritated expression, and his hand on my shoulder that he had been trying to wake me for quite a while. I groaned as a pounding headache decided to greet my rather racked up head after I sat up on Link's cot…Link's…?

"Where's Link?" I mumbled as I ran a hand through my rather unkempt, and not so clean hair.

"I'm not sure. I was going to go look for them today." He said as he sat next to me, but rather than looking at me he kept his gaze to the floor. I glanced at my attire; I was wearing my regular clothes. I shrugged, and thought of my appearance. What a mess I must have looked! I hadn't paid much attention to my appearance since we left on the trip to find the Triforce pieces, and yet I still had a certain brunette bothering me.

"Kenny." I sighed before continuing, "What's the matter?"

"Nothing. Why do you ask?" he replied as he glimpsed at me.

"Because girls can always tell when someone's down unless they're too wrapped up in themselves in which case they are called…" I trailed off, but quickly turned to him, cocking my head and waiting.

"I don't know…" he sighed as he ran a hand through his jet black hair, "I just wish this was all over. It's crazy to say this, but I want to return home…"

"That's not so crazy." I said, then reached for his hand, but quickly pulled it back, not really sure of what to do.

"And continue school…"

"Oh…maybe." I chuckled, "We're from the twenty-first century, Kenny. Even I want to go back to school."

"I guess, but we still need the other two Triforce pieces…"

"And the whole process of getting home, in which we have no idea of it even being an option anymore…" it was silent after that, but I realized we weren't getting anywhere with this: "Well, Kenny. If we keep thinking of home we won't get anywhere. Let's just not think of it, and get on our supposed purpose for coming here."

"You're right. But first, I think we need to eat something." He said, standing up.

"Good idea." I muttered

"Yeah, so get on it." he turned around to walk away

I gawked at him with furrowed eyebrows, "What?"

"What? I'm going to get the horses ready?" he called from the doorway.

"Right, mate." I said in an English accent before gathering the covers up in a ball, and falling back on the cot thinking, Eggs or waffles?

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It was in the middle of the afternoon by the time we headed back into the forest searching for Link and Kado. They were bound to be somewhere be it Termina or Hyrule or in between. Every minute that passed I grew even more impatient, nervous, and worried, but I suppose with Kenny around I kept it inside.

"Kenny…?" I mumbled when I realized that the forest was getting a little darker, a little spookier, and a lot denser.

"Yeah?" he answered calmly.

"Are you sure they'll be here?" I asked as I tightened my grip on Kane's reigns.

"Well…there's been a slight change in plans…" he began.

"What?" I exclaimed, completely aggravated that he hadn't mentioned this "change of plans."

"We're not exactly searching for them." He said, his expression showing no impatience or agitation.

"Then what exactly are we doing?" I was the complete opposite, however.

"We're heading for Meyenn." My eyes widened from shock, and I snapped my head his direction with narrowed eyes.

"You're kidding, right?" he shook his head in a negative gesture, and I breathed in deeply.

"No." he replied simply.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I snapped.

"Because I knew you wouldn't agree to it." He answered, glancing at me for a second.

"Hell, of course I wouldn't. Are you insane!" I exclaimed, but something wasn't right. "How would you know I wouldn't agree?" I finally asked him.

"Well, you're bound to find out sooner or later." He said before running a hand through his hair then turning to me to at last explain: "I've known you before the first time we met." It felt like everyone was familiarizing themselves with my perplexing relationship with the prince of Meyenn.

"What?" Now I was completely confused.

"I've been here for a whole year, now, and when I heard of some girl showing up out of nowhere…"

"Wait, wait." I interrupted, "How did this information get around? Did all of Hyrule know of me coming here?"

"Royalty did. I did a little spying here and there." He said with a small smirk.

I grinned in disbelief, "So, you spied on me." I laughed.

"Yeah."

"My God! I can't believe this!" I continued in disbelief. Kenny shrugged with a small smirk.

"We're almost there." He said, his voice calm as always.

"Now…" I began slowly, "What are we going to do in Meyenn?"

"Meet with Link and Kado." He answered, his concentration still on the invisible path we were taking.

"How do you know they'll be there?"

"We said that's where we'll meet. Can't you put two and two together?" he said, his eyes flickering with irritation as he glanced at me.

"No." I retorted, "So, they know that…you're alive?"

He smiled sheepishly before he decided to explain everything: "I brought you here after you passed out, and then I went to go look for Link. We thought it would be better for you to be conscious rather than close to dead."

"Hey!"

"I'm joking!" he laughed before continuing, "Anyway, they didn't think it was best for me to tell you where we were headed so…"

"Why couldn't we just head to the location of the third Triforce piece?"

"We already are."

I held up a finger to protest, but stopped when I realized what he meant: "Oh…crap…"

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Termina and Hyrule combined couldn't reach the beauty of Meyenn. The landscape was something like the world of Narnia and Mortal Kombat combined, but much more majestic and maybe a bit smaller (from my point of view). The snow-covered mountains were visible from the east while the ocean lay directly across in the west past a trail of hills where a few huts stood. The south was the forest- where we had just exited, while directly ahead of us was a beautiful pasture; green grass, trees of all sorts, and flowers were everywhere. However, unlike Hyrule, a trail didn't exist. I gazed around me as we led our horses into a gallop across the hills of the now existing valley.

"This is Meyenn?" I asked in disbelief. Kenny smirked, but I continued to stare ahead as an area of heavy foliage appeared. Water glistened in the sunlight through the tropical-like leaves.

"The Lake of the Unseen." Kenny said beside me.

"Why's it called that?" I asked.

"Doesn't the name speak for itself?" he replied. I continued to look around me. Soon enough, a group of small huts appeared in the distance.

"Small villages. There's plenty in Meyenn." I could feel the gaze of the villagers as we passed onto a stone road. Houses were random, clumped or even. Why did it sound like I was back in Biology class? Hmm…

Only minutes after the houses became less and less, a rock wall appeared to the west; it towered over a hundred feet the least while the tops of roofs could be seen above the wall. A large gate stood open, allowing entrance to Isla de Isabella Trading Port-according to the sign above the gate. The place had to cover at least 100 to 200 hundred acres.

"Sound at all familiar?" Kenny remarked, and I turned to him.

"Spanish." I muttered. He smirked.

"Our world isn't too far from there's other than the fact that they have magic." He said.

"But so do we." I stated, glancing at him.

"…You're right…" he grinned.

We passed at least five wagons with people traveling to and fro, and I realized why. Up ahead was the largest castle I had ever seen; it towered at least twice the size of Hyrule's, and the walls that surrounded it were much taller, and definitely stronger. I could see the entrance to the town, and I began to grow anxious. I suddenly just wanted to turn and head for the ocean, but it was useless, now; forest and mountains surrounded the town…at least from what I could see.

The horse's hooves hit the wood of the large gate as we made our way into to town, but that wasn't what I was focused on; the moat had fish in it! I turned my attention to the town just as the faint sound of music reached my ears; it was lively like the one in Hyrule market, but much smoother. The place bustled with people and animals as they clattered along the stone pavement. On one side of town, a small stage was set up where a group of minstrels played the live music. Few stood and watched while others flurried around, doing their own business. Stands were set up where merchants had set their items for selling purposes. Buildings mainly like Hyrule's surrounded the area, but they weren't for living, but for other purposes. One building I noticed was specifically for trading, and another was a tavern. Another building with a sign that read "Town Inn" stood in a corner. I saw others such as the blacksmiths, town jail, a restaurant, a medicine shop, the town's hospital right next to it, and other things. I was tempted to enter the streets that led deeper into the small city, but I was already too amazed by the town square.

One building looked more like a barn, and that's exactly what it was. We entered, handed our horses to the stable boy after paying before heading into town once more. I was tempted to hold onto Kenny's arm when I realized how crowded it was, but thought better of it. We soon reached the entrance to the Meyenn castle, and I was a bit surprised when the guards didn't try to stop us. I gave a confused look, glancing back now and then.

"They know who I am, and you." Kenny said as we walked up a cobblestone road surrounded by greenery. A gate blocked the rest of the way where two soldiers stood guarding. I figured we had to talk our way through or bribe them a little, but they simply glanced at us before they unlocked the gates to let us through. One soldier, unfamiliar to me

glanced my direction more than once, and I had a sudden urge to cower in a corner for the rest of my stay.

A grinding sound erupted from the castle, and I practically jumped. I placed a hand over my heart to calm myself as the wooden gate fell to reveal the castle's courtyard. There were exactly three other doors to go through, in which case I assumed since a cobblestone pathway cut four ways through the grass. To my sides I noticed a stairwell that led up to the second floor, but if you continued to walk straight ahead on the second floor there were more steps that led to the third floor where I assumed was the balcony where soldiers stood guard.

I shut my eyes for a second before opening them once again. All of this is giving me a headache, I thought to myself. My natural curiosity always got the better of me. I gazed back up again to see the castle's towers above, and I could barely keep my eyes off of them. That was when I bumped into something…or as always, someone. Kenny had stopped in front of me, and I felt a bit embarrassed of having to run into him. I glanced over his shoulder to see why he had stopped, and I figured royalty was a reason… I suppose…

Kado and Link stood ahead of us, and that was when I finally realized: three guys…and a girl. I wanted to scream inside. Not good, not good…no, not at all good… I was in Kado's castle now, and that was not good at all.

"I'm glad you two could make it." Kado said with a smirk I just wanted to swipe it off his face, and to think this morning I was worried about him. Teenagers…

"So, Link." I said nervously, "Where's the third Triforce piece?" I did not like this at all. I had to get out as soon as possible.

"Actually, it's right here." I raised an eyebrow. No, no, no… I felt a cramp in my abdomen, and I cringed before folding my arms across my chest. Couldn't get any better, could it?

"Really? Like…here?" I said, completely unnerved. Kenny used my shoulder as an armrest and I glanced at him irritatingly.

"Fortunately, the royal family has kept this treasure with them for centuries. It was just a matter of time really." Kenny said calmly. I inhaled deeply before speaking again:

"That's…" I breathed out, "great…"

"We'll give you the Triforce piece tomorrow morning. It's safe where it is right now. Come, you three must be starving." Kado said before he turned around and walked away. Wow, does he sound strange, I sighed, now for me to find out what's wrong. I walked ahead of Link and Kenny, to Kado's side. He stared straight ahead as he led us through the large wooden door ahead of us.

"Is anything wrong, Kado?" he glanced at me, and from the look in his eyes I knew that something was definitely wrong. I stared at him longer, and finally realized that he was worried about something...No…was he? Kado- actually worried? I guess after all this time I always imagined him as a smooth, cocky, but sweet at times... what was wrong with me?

"No, why do you ask?" he replied seconds later.

"You just seem…out of it…" I answered as I watched him quizzically.

"I'm fine, Jade. I'll take you to your room so you can get ready for dinner." He said simply.

"Joy…" I muttered. After going up a few stairwells, showing Kenny's room then Link's he slowly led me to mine.

"Um…Kado?" I muttered.

He turned to me with a raised eyebrow, "Yes, Jade?"

"Listen: I've known you ever since I got here, and I know that half the time you were faking interest in me, but I forgave you…at least I think I did, but that's not the point…" I shook my head before continuing, "You know you can trust me. So, please- tell me what the problem is?" He stopped abruptly at a door with wooden designs carved in it, and I assumed this was my room. "If you're still mad at me for not helping you earlier with Sophie…"

"That isn't it…" he interrupted and I cocked my head as he continued, "I talked my parents out of the marriage." My eyed widened.

"But you said…" I tried pointing out, but he interrupted.

"I know what I said…I lied, alright?" he alleged, but he wasn't irritated, he was… I'm not sure what word could describe it…guilty?

"Okay…then…who will you be marrying?" I asked, trying not to show my distress. He looked away and I followed his direction to wooden two-doors farther down the corridor. I glanced out the open window a few feet away, busying myself with the detail of the Meyenn valleys.

"So…how long had this been planned?" I asked, my gaze still out the window.

"A week before we met in Termina."

"And you didn't tell me- why?"

"I…I don't know…I didn't want to…" Great…First Kenny lies to me, now him? What is this world coming to?

"I can't believe this…" I mumbled before speaking louder, "I can't believe you never told me… All this time I've been thinking of ways to get out of here, and now I don't have to worry cause I'm not marrying you." I smirked from the sheer relief of knowing I wasn't getting married…but then, I looked up at Kado, and the expression on his face made me want to take those words back.

"I…I'm sorry, Kado…It's just…" I began.

"No, don't be sorry. I've dragged you along for so long." His lips curved into a small smile for a mere second before disappearing once again, "You deserve to be with someone you love." As much of a dramatic moment it was I had to break it; this wasn't the Kado I knew. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"Listen, Kado. I…I like you…okay? But, I think I'm just a bit too young to get married, or… I don't think I would mind being with you…" Oh my God! Did I just say that! He chuckled before passing me and unlocking the door behind me.

I stepped in gratefully, taking in my surroundings as quickly as I could so I could talk to Kado a bit more. I had to know to whom he was marrying and how he got out of the marriage with me. But first- the latter.

First of all, the place was practically the same size as the one I had in Hyrule, which was a bit substandard. The walls were made of stone, much like the floor, and the rest of the castle. The ceiling was high, and in the middle hung a large chandelier; it was made of iron and apparently had rusted over the last few years. It was lit up by at least over twenty candles, and I suddenly felt so bad about the maids who had to deal with the entire thing.

The bed with dark royal blue covers sat to the left of me; it had dark blue translucent curtains encircling it almost like a net to keep the bugs out. On the other side of the bed was the small living area where a fireplace made of stone stood against the wall. Directly to my left was the vanity and dresser, and a door that I assumed led to the washroom. And last but not least was the balcony in the far left corner, and one glance beyond the moving curtains gave a beautiful view of the mountains. Even if I wished I would rather have a view of the ocean, but it was all good, right? Well, the room was implanted in my head so I turned back around to look up at Kado.

"Now, first things first. How did you get your parents to change your mind about me?" I asked. He led me to the sofa, and I quickly sat down on the soft material.

"I…I told them you were a mentally disturbed farm girl who hit her head on the ground after a tree-climbing accident, and thought herself as someone from a different world who thought she had to save the world in order to return home." I stared at him, my mouth agape.

"You're joking…right?" he shook his head, and I continued to stare at him in disbelief.

"You…" I was completely ready to insult him, but he interrupted once more.

"You wanted me to get you out of this marriage, did you not?" he said with a small smirk.

"Well, yeah, but you didn't have to make me out as some psycho. What if they think I'm too insane to be walking the streets, and decide to put me away?" I said as I folded my arms across my chest.

"Don't worry. I told them you were still a very dear friend of mine, and no harm would befall you." I took that as something good, but something wasn't straight yet.

"But I am helping Link save your world."

"I know; that part is true, but they now just think you're a mentally disturbed farm girl." He answered simply.

"Nice…" I smiled, but something continued to nag in the back of my head. After a few silent minutes I realized why: "So, who's this girl you're marrying?"

"The princess of Lorrona, Isabella." Stupid country name, but of course, the girl has a pretty name… I was silent for much longer, and it was Kado this time that spoke:

"She's a nice girl once you get to know her…" he began.

"Oh, you know her well?" I questioned as I crossed my legs Indian-style up on the sofa.

"No." he answered simply and I chuckled.

"What does she look like?"

"Why don't you meet her instead?" I shook my head at the thought of meeting another princess. I already had a hard time making friends with Zelda, and I didn't plan on making friends with another for anytime soon.

"Please?" Kado begged, "It would mean much if my darling love would meet my bride-to-be." I shuttered at the words, but I couldn't say no.

"Fine, but that doesn't mean I'll be friends with her."

"So, yes?"

"Yes..."

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Thanks to all who reviewed my last chapter, and whoever reads and reviews gets cookies! Heehee! Hope you guyz like chocolate chip!

P.S I'm glad you peeps are glad about Kenny not being dead and all. I had been planning that for so long, so thanks!