Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the Zelda Franchise... I wish I did.
Chapter 25 - The Golden Cub
"You know… before I saw the look in your eyes when you passed the door, I was ready to tease you to no end about you two disappearing last night." Zelda breathed out, tapping the spot next to her on the couch for her little brother to sit.
Looking at Zelda, the blond Sheikah allowed a somber snort to come out. "There's not a lot of time when I would prefer to suffer under your nagging teasing. But today, I would gladly take it if would erase some parts of last night."
Quietly waiting until Sheik moved closer and slowly took a seat next to her, Zelda pulled him in a sideways hug, just pressing her hand against his arm and leaning her cheek on the top of his head.
"I guess he learned about the Kokiri." The Princess said in a low voice.
"You knew about that?" Sheik asked, pulling away just enough to look at her.
"Just little hints." She replied with a sigh. "When the Forest Sage woke up, we had a small talk. She was mourning at the time, not for herself, but her brethren. With little detail, she told me that without their ancient protector, the Kokiri would never survive this chaotic time."
"They were slaughtered, Zel… the way we found their remains, it painted a grim, awful picture of what happened." Trailing his gaze downwards, Sheik felt the images of last night appearing on his head. "We found some strange creatures in the village. Link called them Stalchild. Monsters that feed on fear, nightmares. The Kokiri must've died years ago, but their emotions were so strong, so engulfed in terror, that it sustained those things for all this time."
Zelda nudged Sheik closer to her. It pains her to admit that her surrogated brother has done and witnessed things that made him hardened, calloused to the mental scars of war. Even then, the blond Sheikah looks shaken, very disturbed by his visit to the desolated village.
"How did Link react to it?" She asked, already grimacing even without the answer.
At first, Sheik didn't reply. The blond instead pulled away from Zelda, getting a bit of distance between them, he then covered his face with both hands. "His first reaction was to deny everything. He didn't believe it to be true, that the Kokiri are gone. But when we found those creatures, they were trying to get onto his own house… We found another Kokiri in there. One he recognized because of something. Then… Goddesses, Zel. For a moment I thought I'd lost Link right then and there."
"Lost him?! I-I don't follow." She said back a little startled.
"Link chased after those creatures. The way he moved… how he completely destroyed them. It scared me… he really scared me, Zel." Sheik slowly raised his face from his hands and glanced at her. "I screamed as I chased after him. He just ignored me, almost as if the only things in the world were just those three undead things. When he was done, when he destroyed the last of them…"
"What? What happened, Sheik?!"
"I found him kneeling on the grass. So cold and distant. He kept muttering to himself, saying that he should've killed Ganondorf, that he failed." Sheik shuddered as if a gust of cold wind had just crashed against him. "I raised his chin to make him look at me. When he did, his eyes were red. Angry, desperate, full blood-scarlet red."
Zelda gasped. The look on her face is one of shock, fear, and confusion. She stared at Sheik with an avalanche of questions surging on her mind, her nails digging deep on the fabric of her dress.
"It's okay Zel… for now, it's okay." Sheik reached with one hand, pressing a comforting touch on her right arm. "Something magical happened in that place. The spirits of the forest gathered around us, they brought Link back from the dark trance that threatened to swallow him."
"What do you mean it's okay?! Where is he? What happened? Sheik, this is-"
"I know, Zel! I know…" Sheik breathed out, rubbing his tired eyes with one hand. "So much happened last night. We… Link learned a lot of things, the type of knowledge that is too heavy for someone to bear all at once, but he has to. He asked a little time alone, to sort his head."
The Princess' distress lessened to some degree. Instead of shooting straight up and running out of her living quarters after Link, she straightened herself on the couch and looked intensely at Sheik.
"Tell me everything. I need to know. Sheik… please."
A soft sigh escaped the young Sheikah. "Okay… I will. Because even I don't understand everything that this little tree told us. The first thing is… the war. Hyrule's civil war. My aunt never told me much of this. She only grazed on some details, always describing the hatred Hylians still hold for us Sheikah is all because of that war. The things we learned… is all of that true?"
Zelda's already apprehensive features turned even darker. It seems that the dark history of her people has made its way to Link. Some of those truths she wanted to keep away from her friend, to perhaps then spare him of the ugly side of the land and people he is supposed to save.
"Eh… Princess." Captain Briar's voice sounded from behind the curtains of the entrance. "Prince Drahken is here to see you, my lady."
A little sigh escaped the young Princess, Sheik gave her a sympathetic look as he readjusted his facemask back in place.
"It's okay, Captain… send him in."
After spending more than enough time with his thoughts with only the trees as his company, Link found himself wandering within the shadows of the camp.
Keeping mostly to himself, the young hero watched people go in their routines; the civilians carried their weight in the form of chores, helping around where they can.
Quickly Link learned that most of the adults, men, and women, in civilian clothing, are soldiers laid off from duty at the moment. It surprised him a bit to think that most of the refugees are soldiers who managed to flee with their families. Makes him wonder how many of the normal people are still stuck in the capital city or perhaps even in worse conditions.
Allowing this grim thought to float in his mind, Link continued to pace around the tents. His feet slowly dragged him towards a tall building made of wood at the southeast edge of the camp.
Feeling a tinge of curiosity, the blond young man skulked toward the building as he evaded attention from everyone else. As he reached the large open doors, he glanced around him one last time to make sure no one saw him before slipping inside.
Luckily for Link, no one is inside in this what seems like a makeshift training hall. Feeling secure in this isolation, the young hero felt his childlike inquisitiveness taking over.
Quickly pacing from the entrance, he went for the weapon racks holding a plethora of swords, maces, and spears. His fingers grazing against the cold metal surface, he smiled a little when a mace lightly tapped the sword on its side, making a soft ring in the air.
His eyes then trailed to the armor stands a bit further inside. He touched a few iron breastplates, stopping only when he tapped the hard curves of the heave set of armor on the corner.
Pressing a firmer touch on the corner of the armor, he felt the cold steel on the front and the warm softness of the leather pads on the inside.
"Thinking of ordering one for yourself, lad?"
Link's eyes almost jumped out from their socket when a deep voice came from the entrance, startling the young blond away from the armor stand.
"Hello, General Val, sir." Link glanced at the tall dark-skinned man, feeling a little stupid after getting caught playing with these tools as if they were toys.
A soft chuckle escaped the red-haired man. "Relax, boy. I too once sneaked my way into the armory to feel the weapons and armors. Any inspiring youngster trying to be a soldier has done this." Calmly walking to the rack on the left side, he pulled a pair of hardy wooden weapons and strode to the middle of the room, where it has a hard mat right in the center. "Come here, lad. I think it's time we start your training."
Link eyed the taller man, glancing down to the pair of weapons in his hand. "Sir, I don't think this is the best time…"
"Hah, nonsense." General Val shook his head and just tossed one of the swords at Link, who grabbed it with one hand. "I learned from a very early age that the best way to distance yourself from troubling thoughts is to sweat your troubles on the training field."
Feeling the training weapon on his hand, Link looked down and sighed. "I am that transparent?"
"Some of us are." The man said with a chuckle. "Maybe the best of us are. At least in my opinion." Taking the heavy breastplate off his chest, he cracked his shoulders with a loud noise and nodded at Link to come closer. "Take off your hat and step into the ring."
"Why the hat?" Link asked with a slight frown.
"Because it's rather distracting and I rather not aim at your head when we start trading blows."
Shrugging at the small grin the man gave him, Link pulled his hat off and tossed it to a small stool sitting to the side. Then he stepped into the ring and instantly had to raise his right hand to block a swinging sword coming at him.
"Good reflexes." General Val said with a small grin.
"Was that really necessary?" Link replied with a frown. "You almost whacked me across the head."
"There is no warning in a real battle, Link. Your enemies will try to hurt you in every way they can find, mostly in a dirty way." He pulled his arm back, making a heavy sound as both wooden swords grinded against each other. "My job here is to make you as prepared as you can be to the war waiting for us out there."
Link grumbled but didn't retort in any kind. Instead, the young blond stepped forward and tried to strike his opponent with an upward strike.
A quicky parry matched his move, pushing him back. Link stepped forward trying another angle in his strike; this time he was only side-stepped. Frowning a little, he moved with more speed in his pace and arms, but now got surprised as the taller man walked forward and punched him on the chest.
"Patience, lad." The General said with a small frown. "You are very fast and possess an absurd strength in your arms. But you have to start thinking about your movement before you take the first step."
"But I do!" Link cried back.
"No, you are thinking only of attacking me. I can see in the glow of your eyes." Raising his weapon forward, Val paced around Link. "You see a spot and move to strike. That is your only thought. There is much more to a proper swordfight than just swinging your arm left and right, lad."
Frowning, Link glanced down but then nodded.
"Listen, Link. For someone untrained you are very good with a sword, you can respond to threats coming your way and can overpower your opponent with your movement. However," Stepping forward, the red-haired man brought his sword down in a diagonal strike and as Link moved to block the hit, he swept one foot across the blonde's legs, tossing him on the floor. "Consider your opponent's possible response to your movement. Like a game of chess, but in a much more simplistic manner, only take your steps after considering the opponent's possible ones."
"Aye… sir." Quietly grumbling, Link got up to his feet and pointed his sword at the General.
Watching the young man getting worked up, Val smiled and took another hit at him. This time the blond blocked it and moved his legs back to avoid the sweeping kick.
"Worry not, lad. Until the day is over, I'll manage to cramp some lessons in that head of yours."
"This is so wonderful! With the Goddesses as my witness, I prayed every day for them to keep you safe during the war, and here you are." A sounding giggle accompanied the words of the excited hazel-haired young woman. "When I saw you talking with El'Azul, everything became just a blur. I even dropped the pan we had just scrubbed clean."
Watching quietly as Malon tended to the wounds on his arms, Link kept an aloof stance to him, showing appreciation to the attention given to him, but not partaking in the joy of their reunion over so many years.
Malon noticed the lack of warmth in the blond eyes, it worried her that the bright aura he had as a boy is missing. Even then, she kept a little smile on her lips as she wiped the harsh red lines on the pale skin of his arms.
"So, what happened to you? Where have you been all this time?" She asked genuinely. "I was so surprised when I noticed Epona with you, how did you take her away from the ranch? Ingo is very paranoid about the horses, he rarely let anyone near them."
Clenching his right fist in a concealed motion, Link glanced to the side and sighed. "I was kept… captive in a very boring place for years." He replied with the minimum, hoping that this bit would quench the girl's curiosity. But one glance at her big blue eyes and it was evident that it didn't work. "As for the horse, she was the one that helped me escape the ranch. After a small… disagreement with some guards, I found myself surrounded and she helped me outrun them."
Malon giggled again. Finishing her care on the wounds of the blonde's arm, she pulled back for a moment and went towards a battered open crate to the side of the small tent. "Epona is a smart girl. And she is a very good judge of character. If she helped you, then you are still that good little boy that helped me all those years ago." Turning back to face Link, she smiled after noticing the harsh frown he is giving her. "Even if now you're a tad bit grumpier than before."
While Link doesn't have anything against the bright out-looking girl, his life has more than soured his taste to bubbly optimistic people.
"Go on, what are you waiting for?" She said, bouncing a roll of bandages in her hand.
With a confused glare, Link just stared at her not knowing what the girl is asking of him.
"Take out your tunic and shirt, silly. I can't tend to your wounds with your body covered with clothes, can I?" With a teasing voice, she winked at him.
Looking down at his blood-stained grey tunic, Link sighed and grumbled. But, despite his complaints, he pulled the tunic over his head and tossed it to the side. His undershirt however is properly ruined, too many cuts and gashes have compromised the structure of the fabric. So, with a forceful yank, Link just pulled it out from his upper body, revealing the pale skin of his muscled chest.
"Goddesses…" Malon gasped, taking one hand to her mouth.
Looking at her shocked expression, Link chuckled softly, pushing his back against his chair. "Liking what you see?"
Still flabbergasted, Malon slowly raised her eyes to the blonde's ruby gaze. But as her shock settled in, she frowned and moved to slap Link at the top of his head. "I am not liking one-bit, young mister! Look at those harsh wounds and bruises. Are you trying to kill yourself?"
"Truthfully? Looking back at the moment, I might have tried…" Link said with a weak grin. "Had too much on my mind, makes one prone to stupid decisions."
Malon glared at Link, not even slightly amused by his mirth.
Dipping a clean white cloth on a small open pot next to the chair, Malon raised her hand and pressed the fabric in a firm hold against the largest gash on Link's pale abdomen.
A low groan flushed out from the blond, his face contorting with pain. "Ouch…"
"Ouch, indeed." She glared at him again. "I hate when El'Azul tries to downplay his stupid suicidal tendencies. And I'm hating yours right now. If you die, then everything is over, you can't fix anything anymore, you can't help someone that needs. Never joke about that, it's not funny."
Watching her continuing to clean and tend to the rest of his wounds, Link frowned but didn't rebuke her words. Instead, the blond clenched his right fist again and lowered his head to hide his eyes behind his silvery-blond bangs. "Duly noted."
Wiping the blood away from his abs, Malon bit her lip and moved to clean the now blood-soaked piece of cloth. After twisting the water down into a bucket, she dipped it back onto the pot again, her hand staying there for a moment as she glanced up to Link again.
"Please don't be mad at me… We already lost so much in this war. So many good people died for a whole lot of nothing." She sighed sadly. "I just don't want to see any more of my friends losing their lives."
Link slowly raised his head, his bright red eyes fixating on her big blue ones. "Don't worry. I don't plan on dying anytime soon." He then lowered his head again, ending their conversation for the moment as she continued to tend to his upper body in silence.
But, even if Link isn't saying anything at the moment, Malon's comment made a small impact on him.
He has memories of her, of the pretty and fun-loving young girl that always watched over her father and tended to their ranch. In a way, he has always considered her a small tender spot of his past, someone that just treated him with kindness for the sake of kindness.
However, he has never considered her a friend. Not even seven years ago before his world got twisted into the bland shade of grey that it has turned to now.
So, to hear that she considers him a friend; it leaves a small tingle of confusion and warmth on him. Mostly confusion, but a small part of him is happy to hear that.
"Okay, done and done." She stepped back with a little smile. "I think this will be enough to help your wounds close and heal by themselves. Sorry for not doing a better job, but I'm still learning to give stitches. Still, we have a few potions, it will make your skin scar and the taste is awful, but it works."
Link glanced down at the bandages and gauzes on his chest, pressing a soft touch on it, just to find his bruises still stinging but looking a lot better than before. "This is enough." He said with a small nod. "Thank you, for tending to me."
Malon beamed, procuring a small vial with red liquid and pushing it over to Link. "Not a problem. Even if El'Azul hadn't asked me, I would've helped you. That's what friends do."
This time Link frowned at the word, but didn't growl or grumble at her. Instead, he just pushed his back further into his chair. "Why do you call him by his name, everyone else just calls the guy their 'Boss'?"
She giggled, shaking her head a little. "Those guys, I swear, sometimes they are like little children. El'Azul likes to feel important and dangerous, everyone else just goes along and does the same. It feels like a real 'rebel organization' as they say. But I don't care about that silliness and El'Azul knows better than to argue with me."
"I see…" Link breathed out.
A small gush of air entered the tent as someone pushed the curtains to the side.
"Er… Malon. Teddy is calling for you, something about supper." Said a brunet young man with a shy little voice. Despite this person doing his best to hide most of his face by turning to the side, he looks and sounds very familiar to Link.
"Oh my!" Malon jumped forward, quickly scrambling to put away the tools she used to treat Link. "I completely forgot about supper. Teddy is probably dumping all the salt in the world into the soup. That one has no palate at all." Turning to Link she gave him a small smile, then Malon clapped her hands together and giggled. "Sorry, duty calls. If I leave Teddy by himself, no one will eat today."
"It's fine…" Link replied, his complete attention directed at the young man standing awkwardly at the entrance. "We will manage without you for the moment."
She nodded and ran to the entrance. "Swift, are you okay, dear?" She asked a little worried at the paleness of her companion's face.
He glanced at Malon and nodded with a weak smile. "Y-Yes… I'm fine. Just a little woozy, you know… still recovering from that cold."
Giving her friend a friendly pat on the shoulders, Malon smiled and then left the tent, hurrying to save everyone's dinner for the night.
As soon as she left, the warmth inside the tent disappeared. Link, who is holding a neutral look to his face, is now sporting a vicious glare on his expression, both his fists clenching to the point of making his knuckles even paler than they already are.
"A-Anyway… the Boss said that when you feel ready, you should go to the campfire… He wants to… present everyone to you…" In an attempt to distract the blond and leave the premise, Swift stuttered the words out and moved to push the curtains open.
But as his fingers touched the soft fabric, a calloused and firm hand grabbed him by the throat and pulled him to the middle of the tent.
"I don't think so… Swift." Link snarled at him.
Startled and terrified, Swift didn't even notice when Link moved from his chair and shoved him inside. The blond moved so fast that even being wary of him wasn't enough to prevent this from happening.
"When everyone gathered a little earlier, I did think I saw a familiar little rat." Letting out with a low but sharp voice, Link pressed his digits on Swift's neck, forcing the brunet to gasp and claw at his arm. "And look and behold, a rat I found."
"L-Link… P-Please…" Swift grabbed at Link's arm with both hands, desperately trying to pull himself away, but getting nowhere.
"What are you doing here, huh?" The blond growled dangerously, pulling Swift inches away from his face. "Is this another one of your schemes? Didn't you learn from last time?"
Gasping harder and harder for air, Swift's face began to turn a little purple, his eyes bugging out with panic. "N-No… I… I… Swear… P-Please…"
Letting out a louder growl, Link shoved the other man forward, tossing him against the small crates resting on the side.
Pressing one hand to his neck, Swift coughed and wheezed, doing everything to regain his breath before he could pass out.
"T-This… Arh… Gah… This is different! I swear! Arg… arghh…" Pulling himself up, Swift slowly moved closer to Link, shivering a little under the burning glare he is receiving. "They saved me. After… after that day in the forest. I ran away as fast as I could. I tried to turn a new leaf, but the Legion found me. They would sell me as a slave, but the Boss appeared and saved me. He and everyone raided the Legion's camp and found me there…. They took me in when I needed it most. It's the truth, I swear."
"How amusing. You and your 'friends' tried to take me in and sell me as a slave, and then the Legion tried to do the same with you." A small dark chuckle escaped Link; his eyes tingled with an eerie glow. "Karma is a bitch, huh?"
"I know. I did some horrible things in my life and I won't try to give any bullshit excuses of why I did them." Swift slid down to the floor, sinking his face against his legs. "These guys, they are way too good for me. They saved me and gave me a chance… I know I shouldn't, but I want to stay with them… please, please… don't tell them."
"And why would I do that?" Link spat back.
"I beg you, Link." Swift crawled on the floor and grabbed one of Link's legs, his eyes glossing with large tears. "What I did to you… what happened. I can't take it back, I would if I could, but I can't. Please… I'll do anything you want, just don't tell them."
With a forceful pull, Link yanked his leg away, making Swift plop down into the ground harshly. "The last time you did something for me, I ended up with a dagger on my back."
A soft sob escaped the brunet, his eyes pleading and his face twisting as if he was heavily in pain.
Staring down at the mess that is this person, Link felt sick and angry. Mostly he feels furious, but instead of giving in to the urge telling him to punch Swift's face to the floor, he just turned around and cried out quietly; voicing his anger instead of acting on it.
"Go clean your stupid face." Link spat out without turning to look back at Swift. "If someone sees that sorry sight, they will think I attacked you."
Swift's expression softened up. "You mean…"
"Just go clean yourself…" Link growled out, reaching with one hand to the curtains at the entrance. "What you do or with who you do with your life doesn't matter to me."
Ignoring the angrily urges screaming in his head, Link quickly walked out of the tent, moving way too fast to be able to hear the little words of gratitude Swift sent towards him.
"Heey, look who it is! The man of the hour." Just as Link stepped outside into the camp he was received by the booming voice of 'the Boss'. "Come here, angry and blond. It's high time I presented you the whole gang."
Rolling his eyes at the grinning Zora, Link made his way toward the campfire, standing close to the circle of stumps where the others are sitting.
Whacking his knees with both hands, El'Azul pulled himself up and walked behind the first member of his team he wants to introduce.
"Is this really… necessary?" Link asked, not in the mood for another hour of monologue coming from the Zora man.
"Yes, it is, now shut up and listen," El'Azul replied with a small frown. "This one here you already met, say hello Lars." He said with a grin, slapping the man's shoulders.
"Hey…" Lars gave Link a little nod, still a bit afraid of the tall blond warrior.
Stepping to the left, the Boss moved to the next member, she quickly turned to give him an odd look. "Another member you've already met. Our reliable spy, a sell-sword, and deadly beauty. Novaahli!"
Nova waved one hand, adding in a little wink for good measure. "Just call me Nova. It's easier and reflects my cute personality."
A loud guffaw exploded behind her, El'Azul pressing one hand to his stomach to try and control himself. "Hahah! Cute personality, says the minx."
"Hey!" She whacked at his side, pushing their leader to another member to the side.
"This pipsqueak here is our mascot and protegee. Say hello to the mister, Fie." He said proudly, resting one hand on top of a very small person.
Fie, the proclaimed mascot of their gang, is a small girl with dull, uninterested red eyes. Her silvery-white hair is short and straight, falling like a bowl around her head. She doesn't look neglected or sickly, but given how small she is, coupled with her full hair and slightly oversized clothes, it all combines to give a weird look to the girl.
Staring intently at Link, Fie studied him for a long minute, debating something with herself while everyone is eagerly waiting for her answer.
Instead of greeting the blond normally, Fie just raised one hand and pointed a finger at Link. "Stinks…"
El'Azul's voice boomed inside the cave once again, his laughter feeling so contagious that both Lars and Nova laughed together with him.
Link frowned at the little girl, but then began to check himself to quickly find out that he is indeed smelling like something the horse dragged through the mud. Which in his case is completely correct.
Still, his eyes went back to Fie. While the other three continued to laugh at the weird exchange that happened, Link focused mostly on her. Her big round eyes are just watching him, with no judgment and no fear. It feels almost like she wants to figure out what this person is and what he does.
In a very eerie manner, Fie's gaze reminds Link of someone that once also stared at him with red watchful eyes.
"Oh Goddesses, that was a good one Fie." El'Azul commented as he wiped some tears from his eyes. "Hey, blond. No need to frown, Fie doesn't mean to be harsh. She is just an odd little thing, speaks little but speaks her mind. Which means that you stunk. Heheh, nothing that a small dip on the lake doesn't cure."
"Are you people bullying him?" Malon's worried voice sounded from the side. She is walking towards the group with a bundle of wooden bowls in hand, at her side a round and big Goron is carrying a bubbling hot cauldron in his hands.
"Don't cuddle the new guy, Malon. He needs to grow some thick skin if he wants to be a part of the group." El'Azul replied with a grin. "And you will be part of it."
"Do I have a choice?" Link asked with a sigh.
"No." Was the quick answer given by the blue-skinned man. "Anyway, as it is obvious that you know Malon from before I will skip her in favor of a much nicer person." Looking at the red-haired girl, El'Azul gave her a toothy grin, to which she shook her head with a small smile in reply. "The big fella carrying our grub is Teddy. Nice guy, naïve as any other Goron, but good in a fight. Just stay out of his way when he tries to swing his club. Most likely he will hit you and whatever else he is trying to hit."
"Hello…" Teddy said with a big lazy smile, slowly crouching to place the cauldron over a circle of flat rocks.
Link didn't reply verbally but gave the big guy a small nod, even now he still has a soft spot for the Gorons.
"Now that just leaves one of us." El'Azul said, searching for someone within the small crowd. "Where in the blazing hells is Swift? Oi Swift! Dinner is ready."
"I-I am here, Boss!" Swift cried out as he shyly stepped out from within the smaller tent.
"You aren't looking too good, something happened?" El'Azul asked, noticing the paler tone of Swift's skin.
"Oh… I'm fine. It's just some hungover from the cold I had." Swift said with a small smile.
"If you say so…" The Boss dismissed it with a little wave, quickly turning back to Link. "Okay, that's Swift. Our previous newest member, now the title of rookie belongs to you."
Link frowned again. "You do know that I've killed more men than all of you combined, right?" He spat out coldly.
Lars, Teddy, and Nova traded a concerned look between themselves. Marlon mostly ignored the comment or didn't hear it, as she busied herself with filling the bowls with soup. Swift turned a tiny bit paler, while Fie just stared at Link with neither interest nor contempt.
El'Azul studied Link for a moment, glaring at the blond for a hard second before shrugging and moving over to help Malon. "Tough shit, big man. You could have killed a goddesses-damn dragon and I wouldn't care. In here I am the boss and as the boss, I dub you as the rookie. Live with it."
Link rolled his eyes then trailed his gaze to the side.
"Okay everyone, dinner is ready. Come get yourselves your own bowl, Malon is not your maid." The Boss called out, his words prompting everyone to stand up and move closer to get their food.
"You know that I don't mind, right?" Malon said softly.
El'Azul shrugged once again. "But I do. I told you to stop cuddling everyone. We are supposed to be feared badass warriors, Malon. You make them too soft."
She just giggled and left El'Azul to grumble by himself. Filling one bowl almost to the brink, she took a spoon from within the bundle and brought it over towards Link. "Be careful, okay. It's really hot."
Staring at the raising steam, Link took the bowl in his hands, looking a little lost.
"Malon, I told you to not spoil the new guy." El'Azul cried out as he filled his bowl.
"Oh, just shut it. One gesture of kindness doesn't spoil anyone." She replied, pressing both hands to her waist.
"One gesture, yeah, maybe. But you already fixed his pale hide today, now you're just cuddling him."
"I wouldn't mind cuddling that pale hide." Nova chirped with a giggle, giving Link a sideways glance.
"Cute personality my butt…" Lars commented with a little grin, busying himself with a pair of bowls. "Swift, here. Take one of these." He offered one to the brunet, who smiled and gladly took one.
"T-Thank you, Lars."
Lars smiled brightly, urging Swift to sit next to him. "This will make you feel better. Malon is a magician with food. I-If you still feel a bit weak, I can look for some herbs close to the lake. We can make a tea to help with your cold."
Swift smiled at Lars, pressing a gentle but cautious touch on the other man's arm. "It's okay… but thank you."
"Arrgh, just go shag behind some rocks already, geez." Nova chided with the roll of eyes.
"Nova!" Lars cried out mortified, his face turning a few tones of red. "Don't start with this again."
"What? You two are practically scrubbing your flirting in my face every day, it's nauseating." The Gerudo groaned annoyed. "Just kiss and be done with it."
Then an argument broke between the two of them, Lars chastising Nova for her loose tongue and bad manners, as she just pokes more fun at him, while Swift shyly eats his soup behind the other man.
Teddy after taking a way bigger bowl filled with soup, sat next to Fie and began eating his fill. Marlon, after giving Fie her dinner, also sat next to the little girl and started to chat with her; well, she was the one talking, while Fie just stared at her and ate.
As everyone turned their attention to their own affairs, El'Azul took this moment to pull Link closer and force the blond to sit next to him a little further away from the rest of them.
Bringing one large spool of soup to his mouth, the Zora sighed in approval. "Malon really is a genius with food. You wouldn't believe how little she had at her disposal to make stuff as good as this."
Looking down at his bowl, Link stared at the steaming food. Taking one large spoon and blowing it a few times, he got a taste of Marlon's skills. "It is… really good."
"I know, right!" El'Azul nudged him with an elbow, grinning like a happy fool. "The stuff we do out there… the fight we have to fight. It is all worth it because of this."
Link glanced to the Zora and frowned. "Because of soup?"
"No, dumbass. Because of them." El'Azul nodded at the chatting group. "They say I saved them. But the truth is that they saved me." Taking another spoonful to his mouth, he sighed in delight again and leaned back against a tall rock resting behind him. "When everything went to shit, I felt angry, lost… so much bloodlust pumping in my chest. If not for these guys, I would be out there killing those tin heads left and right until the day they managed to put me down." A soft snort escaped him. "If not for them, I would have been just like you. An angry idiot that only wants to hurt others."
A heavy frown twisted Link's features, he was ready to glare at the Zora, but instead just glared down to his bowl.
"Don't take offense to it. I know what you're feeling. Have been there and done a lot of bad while clamming to be good." With a distant look to his round black eyes, El'Azul stared at the cave's ceiling and sighed. "That's why I accepted you. Took you in, if you prefer. Because I know the pain of being alone and what that does to a guy. So, just smile and let us beat the wall you've built around yourself. Liking it or not, you are sticking with us now."
A soft snort escaped Link. "Is that so?"
"Yeah, I am the Boss, remember?" El'Azul grinned at him. "Just shut up and get cozy. That's an order."
"Hah… aye, sir." With a small smile on his lips, Link continued to eat his meal to the sound of everyone else chatting around him. Strangely enough, having people's voices echoing in his ears doesn't feel as irritating as it felt in Ingo's palace.
Maybe an indication that perhaps he is getting a little too soft in a very short time. Startling and weird. But he will not complain, not for now at least.
"Hm… I remembered…" Link grumbled with the spoon in his mouth.
"Remembered what?" The Boss asked with a tilted brow.
"El'Azul, your name. Does it have any relation to La'Azul?"
For a moment after Link asked the question, El'Azul went rigid and cold. His eyes didn't betray anything but his breathing became slightly uneven.
"La'Azul… that's my twin sister's name." He said softly with a tinge of hurt. "How do you…" He looked at Link, staring at the blonde's face for a while, some sort of answer to his unasked question present in those red eyes. "Is she safe?"
Looking down at his bowl, Link played with his food for a small moment. "For a long time, she wasn't, but for now… she is. Safer than us, that's for sure."
Feeling his lips quiver with emotion, El'Azul placed his bowl down onto the ground and stared up again. A sting appeared in his eyes, forcing him to shut them to control the flow of tears.
"That… that is enough for now." He breathed out, smiling to himself, feeling a dark and heavy weight lifting from his shoulders after so many years. "Today, you gave my sister back to me… I won't forget that."
Link glanced at him confused, not sure how to reply.
"I've been fighting this war thinking that she was dead," El'Azul explained. "now I got another reason to win, to keep going… Ahh… Maybe when this is all over, I can see her again. And ask forgiveness, for leaving her behind."
"Forgiveness, huh…" Link looked down to the back of his right hand, a frown returning to his features. "If everything was just that simple."
"That's it, Link! You're starting to grasp the fundamentals of swordsmanship." Wiping the sweat from his brow, Val smiled proudly at his new pupil who is bending over trying to regain his breath.
"I… I… Ack… I never thought this was so… complicated." Link said in between long breaths. "To me, fighting was just so simple."
Swinging his bruised and worn-out wooden sword at his side, Val chuckled with a small nod. "But it is. To fight someone, you need only to raise your fists and throw yourself at them. However, as with any art form in this world, it takes practice and dedication to hone your skills."
"Aye, sir…" Link replied with a small nod.
"Now, young Link. This was one simple lesson, but one that will distinguish you from a normal ruffian." Tapping the side of the practice weapon on his shoulder, General Val stepped aside, leaving the small ring for Link alone. "Again, do just as I taught you."
Taking a few steps back to the edge of the padded ring on the floor, Link fell into a ready stance; his right leg resting a little to the side with his left one serving as support of his pose. Crouching a little, he holds his sword at the left side of his hip.
One long breath later, Link pushed his right foot against the floor and propelled himself forward. As he reached the center of the ring, he brought his right arm forward, unleashing a powerful single strike in an upward motion.
A small shockwave parted the air in front of him, one invisible arc pushing forward with a rich sound echoing everywhere.
"Hm… formidable form and impressive grace," Val said approvingly. "your aptitude for martial arts amazes me, lad. I wager you can make a good run to overtake young Briar as my most promising pupil."
Link beamed at the praise. Wiping the heavy coat of sweat on his forehead, the blond stepped to the side and sat beside the General; the tall man chuckled at him before sitting on the floor as well.
"Just keep in mind the lessons of today." Val said simply.
"Treat your opponent with respectful care, no matter who stands before you. Only swing your weapon with precision and finality." Link voiced the words the General had told him earlier in their session.
"Hn… precisely. One swing is all that takes to finish a duel. Take care that the one ending the fight is you and not your opponent."
"Sir!" Link chirped back with a little grin. Laying back, he pressed his elbows against the floor and stared upwards to the ceiling. "Eh… sir. Yesterday, after our duel, you said that I was the second person to push you back with brute force alone. Who was the first one?" The blond then frowned. "Ganondorf?"
At first, Val looked at Link slightly surprised, but quickly he shook his head and chuckled. "No, I never locked blades against the usurper. If the opportunity had presented itself, we wouldn't be here right now. I would either have killed the bastard or died trying."
A soft hum escaped Link. "Then, who was it? If… is not troublesome for you to answer."
General Val fell into another spell of silence. The towering big man felt a bit constricted for the first time since Link has met him. Bruising his large calloused fingers against the hard surface of the wooden sword, the red-haired man sighed sadly.
"Leo…" Val said quietly but shortly turned his gaze to Link. "His name is Leonhardt. Once a very good friend, now a frightening enemy."
"Once a friend? What happened?" Link asked, his curiosity getting the better of him as always.
"Leo and I go ways back, lad." Val started with a small smile. "We raised through the ranks together. He, a stoic and silent knight; and me a boisterous and cocky brat." A little chuckle escaped him. "Thinking back, we made quite the odd pair. But together we managed to reach the rank of Captains of the Royal Army. The same as young Briar is today."
Sitting a little straighter, Link crossed his legs and leaned closer to listen properly to this tale.
"Sadly, this was the point where the Civil war broke across Hyrule. A horrible time born from the mistake of a few." Clenching his sword with force, Val's grip made the wood start to crack a bit beneath his fingers. "Unfortunately, the war broke us apart for its duration. Most of the higher up in the army turned out to be traitors and we were charged with the task of defending the crown. This rift is something I deeply regret, lad."
"What… what happened with Leo during the war?" Link asked, sensing great sadness in the older man's eyes.
"We… we managed to quell the flames of war. It took sacrifices, too many sacrifices." Val sighed once more. "While defending the siege of the capital, I learned that Leo had found a pretty lass during the years of war. He married her in a hurry, scared that the war would push them apart… Later I learned that his wife lost her life in that blasted conflict, her and their infant boy."
Link felt an awful taste in his throat, a reminder of the grim tale the Great Deku Sprout told them. "Sir… and Leonhardt?"
Val groaned quietly, frowning at his own thoughts. "He was a good man, Link. The Golden Lion of Hyrule was his moniker." A surprising soft chuckle came from the man. "Something that always bothered me, I was the handsome young man with a mane after all." He brushed his hand over his short hair, tracing a ghost touch over a wild brush of hair that is not there. "The Golden Lion and the Scarlet Wolf… how long has it been?"
"General." Link raised his voice a little, making the man's green eyes glance at him. "Where is Leonhardt now?"
Clenching his right fist tightly, General Val pushed his other hand against his knee and forced himself up. "He is now one of the commanders of Ganondorf's Black Legion…"
For some reason unknown to him, Link felt his chest tighten up as if his heart had been pierced. "Why?! Wasn't he, your friend? One of Zelda's protectors? Why would he serve that monster?"
"That, lad… I don't know. Leonhardt was gentle and good. He was a dear friend of mine, but a bloody war as the one we fought, it changes people." Val's expression turned grim, dark memories rushing to his mind, pushing him to walk forward, turning his back to Link. "I can't justify his errors, neither do I wish to. His choice is a monstrous one and it haunts me to this day. But, deep down, I can't bring myself to hate that man. Leo devoted himself to Hyrule, to protect its people. In return, he lost his wife and his little cub. A loss like that, breaks a man, no matter how strong he is."
"Life is cruel, isn't it?" Link breathed out softly, looking down to his clenching fists resting on his lap.
"Life is wonderful, young Link. Celebrate the days you have to share with the people you cherish. Mourn those that you've lost but be grateful for the chance to once have held them." Val replied with a solemn voice, turning to give one last glance at Link. "If… If one day you meet Leonhardt on the battlefield, don't hesitate or hold your blade on the account of this tale I've told you. For I know, the man he is today, will not hesitate to strike you or me down." Tossing the wooden blade on the weapon rack, General Val turned to the entrance and began to walk. "We had enough training for the day, lad. Go find something to eat, we shall resume it tomorrow when the sun rises again."
Link watched as General Val walked away, leaving him alone to think over his scrabbling thoughts.
Feeling the ghost of pain on the back of his head, Link thought of the story Vahn's father told him. It was just a short summary of the man's history with an old estranged friend of his, but somehow it felt so personal to the blond.
As if a little piece of a puzzle has fallen into his hand, one that fits so well in the muddled past he didn't even know he had.
So focused on his feelings and thoughts, Link didn't notice as Sheik stepped inside with a small tray with food in his hands. "A rupee for your thoughts?" The blond Sheikah said with a soft voice as he stepped closer to Link and placed the tray in front of his lover.
"Sheik…" Link smiled at the other blond, giving a thankful nod as he reached for an apple sitting on the tray.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Sheik asked, sitting close to Link on the floor. "I asked around and people told me you spent the whole day here training with the General. Did you guys go at it for the whole day?" A small chuckled escaped him. "The moon is almost at its peak."
Shifting a curious glance towards the open door, Link noticed how dark it has gotten, his gaze mostly setting on the dancing shadows on the floor made by the torches outside. "Night already…" He said with a distant tone. "Hm…"
Seeing the distress in Link's blue eyes, Sheik leaned closer, pressing a soft caress on the hero's arm. "Link? Are you feeling, okay? You have that distant look to your eyes again. It's about the Kokiri still? I… I'm here if you want to talk about it."
Looking up to Sheik's concerned visible red-eyed, a grateful smile graced Link's expression. Settling the still intact apple down on the tray, the blue-eyed blond leaned over and pressed his forehead on his lover's chest. "Sheik…"
"Yes?" Sheik said back, running one hand across Link's damp and sweaty back.
"I think… I think I have a father." Link laughed quietly, a sad tone to his voice. "I mean… I think I know who he is."
Reviews:
Person01 chapter 25 . Jan 1 – I had left a reply in the PMs but I don't know if you got it. Anyway, thank you for the reviews and I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Oh, and please, don't ever feel like you can't comment or give criticism on any of my works. Even if you haven't written your own story for now, any review is welcomed and appreciated. It is what helps someone to be better and get inspirations to continue doing their work.