Inspiration: Obsessive behavior, neurotic personality types, the old woman who is the potion shop owner from OoT.

Shout Out: This chapter is dedicated to Kit-Kat Karmack, m5135, Fanimaniac, and to all my regulars reviewers. I want to thank you guys very much for expressing yourselves and motivating me to finish. You're all wonderful, thank you. ~ZR~.

Word Count: 5,623

Chapter 6

Three Days Before the Gala, Ordon Village: Link's POV

It was two hours after dawn, and I was running late to get to the castle. I was on my way out my door, ready to jump on Epona, when I was suddenly stopped by Ilia. I didn't want to be rude, but I didn't have time to talk today. I had a number of things on my mind, and I really needed the dragon practice. Even still, I tried not to be short.

Illy this is going to have to wait, I thought.

"Good morning Ilia," I said, hoping she'd get the hint by my rushed voice.

I really didn't have time for a long conversation, but even still, Ilia didn't move. She looked at me with this strange, almost uncomfortable expression in her eyes, and I didn't know what it meant. I knew something was up, but I wasn't sure what. I would have initially invited her in to talk, but in all honesty, I wasn't in the mood for a lecture that morning. I knew she was worried about me racing in the gala. I knew she wanted me to be safe, Hell, I knew she wanted me to eat my Ordon soup and take my vegetables. However, I just didn't have time for it this morning. I didn't want to appear insensitive, but I was in a hurry.

"Good morning," she said with a nervous smile, then for some reason awkwardly came up and gave me a hug.

I found that odd.

I raised my brows at her.

What in the world...? I wondered.

"Ilia-" I tried.

"I just wanted to wish you a wonderful day," she interrupted with a forced smile, then reached up and kissed my cheek, "be careful, okay."

My eyes widened a little at her well wishing, thinking it was nice, but at the same time I found it a little out of the ordinary.

What was going on with her?

"Uh... thank you," I replied.

Afterwards, she handed me a canteen of pumpkin soup and a flask of apple cider. It had been ages since she made me lunch for work. After our fallout, I was fortunate I could get two words from her, let alone a full fledged meal.

"Have a good day at the castle," she said, "I know you'll be training hard. The gala is only a few days away. Be ready for them big guy."

Big guy? I thought.

I paused and stared at her.

"...Sure," I said, "thanks Ilia."

After that, Ilia turned and hurried back into the village. She was gone in a flash. That whole occurrence was strange and didn't make sense to me.

What has gotten into her? I wondered.

I was almost tempted to go after her to make sure she hadn't eaten something that didn't agree with her, but then decided not to ponder on it too much because I looked up at the sun and realized it was passing without me. I really needed to get to the castle.

"I better run," I said as I hurried through the impasse to where Epona was.

Without a second pondering to Ilia's thoughtfulness, I headed to Hyrule Castle.

I had training to do.

~SSS~

Hyrule Castle

I arrived in Hyrule an hour later via horseback, and was ready to get to work. In my stead, Auru was acting as proxy leader of the CIT, while I trained for the gala. The training these days was more intense, with Zelvious leaving no room for error. If I missed something, he made me do it again ten times over until it was perfect. I didn't blame him, it was important that I understood the gravity of what I was doing, and I did. This wasn't some simple game, and Elbourne was not going to be a push over. He trained to win, I even heard he was putting in double duty for this year's match. He was already considered the best, but now it was rumored he was doing better than his best. I didn't know how that was possible, because he was already damned good. However, I was sure he was using my face as an attacking apparatus of some kind. It was probably giving him the added motivation he needed. That, and possibly the rumors about Zelda and I floating around his head.

That made me grin.

I wasn't going to pretend that Zelda was a non-factor in the semi-rivalry between Elbourne and I. She was a huge factor. I wanted to win to impress her just as much as he did. It may not have been for all noble reasons, but I wanted Zelda to know she had the trust and confidence of the better man. I stand couldn't that cocky bastard known as the dragon prince, and I was sure the feeling on his end was more than mutual. If beating him at his own game solidified the deal with his father and Zelda, while at the same time upping her confidence in me, I was all for it. I wanted that more than anything.

The buzz in the air was high for the competition, it was almost tangible. The arena was sold out, bets were being made, hype was building for the general splendor, and everyone was waiting for the inevitable match up of the Hero of Twilight versus the Prince of Dragons. I wasn't going to lie, I was pretty excited about it myself. Who wouldn't want to see such a match up? The prince and I were like the headliners in a very big act for a play, all we needed now was a game, set, and match. I found the event a bit buzz worthy too.

Currently, I was taking a small break, but that was soon going to be short lived. Zelvious approached me and clapped his hands.

"Enough of that," he said, "we still have ten more runs of your ride to do. You're making better time, but you still have a long way to go if you want to beat Elbourne."

That was none to reassuring because the gala was three days away, but I knew Zelvious was right.

"Alright," I said with a deep breath, and got up to continue.

I noticed Zelda watching from her tower window. She actually had been doing that everyday since I visited her in her chambers that night a few weeks ago. I was glad things were back to normal between she and I. I decided I was going to go all out on this next ride for her. Her was always in my corner, and I wanted her to see my improvements. I mounted Sarginto and prepared to take off.

"Stand clear everyone!" I called out.

Zelvious and his men moved from the general location. Then without further ado I took to flight. I zoomed up into the sky, flashing past Zelda's tower, and seeing that look of pride on her beautiful face. At seeing that, I never wanted that look to go away. I looked over my shoulder at her and waved. She waved back, then disappeared into a small personification as I flew farther from her vantage point.

Just you wait, I thought, there's more of that to come.

With that, I concentrated on what my objective was.

I needed to win that race.

~SSS~

Midafternoon, Castle Town Square: Ilia's POV

I had to wait several hours after Link's departure from Ordon to leave for this venture. I didn't want anyone to know where I was going, and I couldn't afford for one of the kids to tag along with me. There would be too much of a ruckus. I needed to do this by myself. I told papa I was going to go pick some wild raspberries in north Faron Forest for a pie I wanted to bake, and that I would be back before dusk. However, the reality was I was headed to Castle Town for a very special item. I researched the item myself from one of my father's old books, and knew exactly what I needed. It was necessary for what I had planned later. I didn't like deceiving anyone, especially my father, but I had no other alternatives. If I wanted to do this I had to keep it a secret... from everybody. I was trying to remain calm, so I thought the walk would do me some good. I arrived at Castle Town three and half hours later.

I better take a carriage back to Faron bridge to cut down some of the time, I thought.

I loved Castle Town. I had been there only a handful of times, but when I did go, I found the fast pace fascinating. I had never seen so many nobles and ladies congregated into one place. The splendor was beyond extraordinary with the stone alleys leading to the large square where Hyrule Castle stayed seated at the center. It was amazing to me what one family's power could do for so many people.

I wonder what Queen Zelda is like? I asked myself. I hear she's very magnificent but also very cold. I wonder if that's true.

Gossip was never the be all end all of a person's legacy, but it was the only info I had to go by. Still, I knew better not to take too much stock in such rumors. I wouldn't want someone doing that to me. Anyway, I continued on my way and made sure to stay hidden under the cloak I was wearing. I normally wouldn't care about such things, but I couldn't let anyone recognize me. Telma, Shad, and the others were staples to Castle Town and any one of them could catch me if I wasn't careful. I was speedy in my objective, however, I wasn't going to lie, I was taken aback by some of the beauty of the ladies I was walking by.

The ladies of the court strolled around the square and shopped when court was in recess. Many of them simply sat in the hall of the queen in the hopes of finding a decent suitor. They were young, beautiful, and ambitious. It was no wonder the lurked in such places. I guess I would lurk too if my sole purpose in life was to climb up the social ladder.

It must be rough, I thought sarcastically.

I watched as some of them walked by all dolled up: blondes, brunettes, and redheads from all over the country congregated right here. There was one blonde maiden wearing a dark blue gown that made her eyes standout. There was another brunette dressed in a red gown with the prettiest brown eyes I'd ever seen. However, there was a redhead dressed in green standing next to a nobleman with brown hair and crystal grey eyes. They stood out because something didn't seem right about them. They seemed sinister almost. Evil without having had to do anything to procure such an accusation. Of course it was wrong to judge a book by its cover, but something wasn't letting me do otherwise in this case. I could tell the two of them were trying to keep a low profile.

What's their story I wonder? I thought, but then forgot all about it when I remembered my objective.

I walked into a pub called Hylia's Tavern and noticed immediately that I was out of place. The girls there were all beautiful, perfect, and the only other customers besides me were men... lots of men. However, I could understand why. I didn't want to seem odd so I unhooded myself and waited near the counter for the pretty brunette bartender to assist me. While I was waiting, I noticed several men turn and look at me, it made me nervous, because I knew I didn't hold a candle to those other girls.

Come on, look some place else, I thought anxiously.

I glanced up and caught a man staring at me with a slight grin.

I grinned back and quickly looked away.

The man smirked. "Cheer up little lady, with the right make over you could look as stunning as one of them," he said.

I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult.

I decided not to reply.

The young lady taking orders came over to where I was and she smiled at me revealing perfect teeth and gorgeous jet black hair. Her bosom was right in my eye shot and I was sure this was why she had this job. I looked down at my own femininity and felt a little inept.

Come on girls, where are you already? I thought of my bosom.

I sighed, realizing now was not the time for such silliness.

"Welcome to Hylia's Tavern, where every woman is goddess," she greeted. "What can I get you love?" she asked in deep sultry voice.

That was quite the introduction, and her stunning hazel eyes and gorgeous face made it all the more uneasy for me.

"Uh..." I started, remembering why I was there, "I'd like to purchase a bottle of wine."

The bartender perked when I said that.

"What's your pleasure my dear?" she asked.

I cleared my throat to get a little more confidence.

"I'd like a deep bodied red wine," I said, "my... my friend says those are his favorite."

She raised a brow and smiled at me.

"Your friend honey?" she teased. "Not your lover?"

I felt my eyes widen and my cheeks blush.

"Uh..." I said a little caught off guard, "yes."

The bartender saw no qualms with that and just shrugged.

"I see, not a problem, friendship is just as important as romance," she said cleverly, trying to put me at ease. "Would a merlot suit you?"

I nodded, and looked to the ground as my cheeks blushed even more. I felt a little silly that I was so embarrassed about this.

"That's perfect," I said.

The bartender chuckled at my discomfiture and went to get my order.

"No problem miss," she said, "I'll be right back."

I sat down on the stool next to me while she took care of my request. I looked around and saw why the place was such a draw: all the women were stunning. The girls were laughing it up with some of their customers and telling witty jokes. I wish I had witty jokes. I probably could if I had some practice at telling them. In any such case the place was a buzz with talk. Many of the conversations I only got bits and pieces from.

"...I'll wager the dragon prince takes it in the last leg of the race," a man was saying to his comrade.

The comrade shook his head. "I give the edge to the hero," he said, "the bloody bastard beat Ganondorf, the prince should be a cinch."

I got hopeful at hearing that.

It looks like I'm not the only one who holds Link in high regard, I thought.

"...do you think the hero will come to the tavern when he's done training?" an eager pretty girl with blonde hair asked her redheaded coworker.

The redhead shook her head. "I don't know," she said, "but I'm dying to see him again! He is so handsome, and he's got the best manners of anyone I've ever served."

"I know, right?" the blonde agreed. "The queen is so lucky. I can't believe she gets to see him everyday."

My ears perked and I stiffened when I heard the two girls conversation.

What? I thought. So... he's been here? I scoffed a little. Probably the night he went out with that stupid girl.

I tried to shake my head of my jealous thoughts, but they wouldn't leave me. I listened further to the two young women.

"Have you heard the rumors about him and the queen?" the redhead asked.

The blonde gave her an obvious look. "Who hasn't heard about that?" she asked rhetorically.

I stiffened more.

I haven't, I thought, what rumors? What's going on between him and the queen?

I didn't mean to, but I glanced over where the two were talking. The two women caught that then lowered their voices so I wouldn't hear them.

"Do you think it's true?" the redhead asked her friend, and from then on I couldn't hear the rest of their conversation.

"Damn it!" I whispered to myself. "Why did I do that?"

The bartender who was helping me came back a short time later with a bottle in her hand.

"That will be forty rupees dear," she said.

I almost didn't hear her.

"I'm sorry?' I said.

Her smile widened.

"Forty rupees sweetie," she repeated.

She probably thought I was an idiot.

"Oh," I said shaking my head, and opening my satchel, "here you go."

The bartender took it obligingly.

"Thank you very much," she said, "you and your friend enjoy."

I got up from the stool quickly, as the news about him coming here and possibly doing who knows what with the queen was starting to get to me. I hurried out of the tavern to an adjacent alley and tried to catch my breath. I felt like I was ready to hyperventilate. Why didn't he tell me about this? Why did he think it was okay to keep me in the dark? That wasn't fair to me or our friendship. I worried about him constantly. We were supposed to share everything with each other.

Everything.

Why did strangers know more about his life than me? Why was he coming to this tavern and keeping it a secret? Why couldn't he let come with him if nothing was happening? Was one of these girls serving today the one he slept with? Was that the reason? Is that why he didn't tell me? It didn't make sense. Why was Link doing this to us? He knows we're perfect for each other. Why? Why, damn it why? I was beyond annoyed with this news. All it was doing was getting me riled up. I took in a deep breath and tried to calm down.

You're starting to think like a crazy woman Ilia, I told myself, that isn't going to bode well.

Nothing was going to come of me standing here getting exasperated. Besides, it didn't matter anyway, I was going to remedy all my worries tonight.

I just need to remain calm, I thought, and remember my objective.

These thoughts temporarily dispelled my growing anxiety. I hooded myself again and decided it was time to head for my next destination. I didn't have time to waste. I followed a lone alley that junctioned to an alcove that hardly saw much foot traffic. It was a small shop with a simple sign on the door signifying what was sold there: potions. When I found the venue I was looking for, I pulled the hood a little more over my face. I wanted to be sure no one recognized me going into this shop. It was bad enough Telma's business was literally right around the corner from where I was, but also too, Dr. Borville was close by as well. He took care of me when I had my bout of amnesia. I was sure if he saw me he would wonder what I was doing in Castle Town like this. I couldn't risk that. I had to proceed with caution. I had the wine I wanted, but in order for everything to go on without a hitch, I needed this second concoction. I wasn't sure what it did exactly, but I read the unguent was supposed to make a person see their true love. I was hopeful in this.

If it's true, Link will see that it's the best thing for the both of us, I thought.

I proceeded into the vendor's shop and closed the door behind me. It was a chemical shop with all different types of elixirs for a number of different ailments. Red potions for health, green potions for mental vigor, blue potions for both, yellow potions acting as lantern oil, and the most potent potion being the golden potion. Each concoction was a small fortune in its own right, however there were other elixirs that weren't on the docket as well. They served specific purposes, and had vitality properties that weren't advertised as readily as the red, green, yellow, golden, and blue.

For instance, I read about a purple roulette potion that could give a person either life or death. It was terrifying to me to think that someone actually thought to make and sell such a medicinal. The world was becoming a sick place simply for the sake of money. There was also the mysterious pink potion that was said to give a person invincibility for a short period of time after drinking it. I wasn't sure how true that was, but I heard tales about the Hero of Sky using it from time to time. If that was the case, it was no wonder it was so sought after. However, that could have also been a clever advertising ploy on the part of the makers. Then, of course, there was the reason I was here. I was here for the fabled 'love' potion. It was a fuscia colored concoction. From what I read about it, it was supposed to be more than a simple aphrodisiac. It was supposed to make the person truly fall in love. It was supposed to make both individuals see who their true love was. I had no qualms about who my true love was, but if this was something that would help Link see I was right for him, then I was all for it. I didn't see anything wrong with helping nature along.

That's what these things are for, I thought.

I looked around the small dimly lit room and saw an old woman waiting for me from behind a wooden counter. She had a nondescript expression on her face with her left brow raised. She probably thought it was odd that I was coming in here in such a state. After all, I was hooded and looked suspicious, but she didn't say anything. She seemed to be waiting for me to initiate the conversation. This was probably something she saw on a daily basis: people afraid to come and be frank about their true devices. I wasn't going to lie, I was nervous in doing this because it meant deceiving my best friend. However, I didn't see any other way to get through to the man. Hooded appearances were probably the norm from her clientele, why else would she station her shop in a remote section of Castle Town? It was the kind of place a person had to look for to find, but if a person knew about it they knew exactly how to get to it.

Stop being so nervous, I told myself, she's going to think you're up to no good.

I hesitated for a moment.

Maybe that wasn't her thinking that.

Maybe that was just me.

The conscience was a funny thing when a person knew they were possibly doing something wrong. I ignored the fleeting feeling, and walked over to the counter, but didn't make eye contact with the old woman. She didn't seem fazed by that.

"Can I help you?" she asked in a deep sonorous voice.

I was actually surprised that the woman's voice was so husky. It frightened me a little bit.

It sounds like the voice from a grave, I couldn't help but think.

I cleared my throat and tried not to pay it any attention.

"I'd like to buy some potion," I stated plainly.

The woman's face never changed.

"You've come to the right place," she said, "what can I get for you?"

I paused for a second again and swallowed hard.

Do I really want to go through with this? I wondered. Do I really want to deceive the man I love so much?

I shook my head, not having time for such duality.

It's already been decided.

I made that decision when I walked through that door.

I have to do this, I told myself.

"I'm looking for something specific," I said, "it's... it's a love potion of sorts."

Again the old woman didn't seem at all surprised. In fact, she finally gesticulated her sour face with a sarcastic grin. It gave me the shivers.

"You want a fuscia potion?" she inquired in a blunt manner. "That's the only 'love' potion I carry."

I looked away and nodded. For some odd reason that made the woman chuckle.

"What's the matter young lady?" she asked rhetorically as she reached under the stand. "Having second thoughts?"

That's exactly what I was having, but I wasn't going to share it with her.

I have no choice... I... I have to do this, I thought again, Link and I belong together. Another woman wouldn't understand him the way I do. He needs me.

"Can you just give me what I asked for please?" I demanded a little impatiently. "I'm in a hurry and in no mood to talk."

I wanted to get out of that shop as soon as possible.

However, the woman didn't seem fazed by my comment either, and pulled up a fuscia colored potion from it's hiding place, but before she gave it to me she extended her hand.

"Ah, ah, ah, not so fast my dear, these mixers are rare," she said, "that will be ten thousand rupees please," she added with no hesitations.

I bit my lower lip at the steep price, but knew this was for the greater good. I opened the satchel and pulled out all the money I saved over the last few years. No one had any idea that I had such a treasure trove. I actually made most of this money over a year and a half ago as a reward for saving Prince Ralis's life. I wasn't expecting anything for the deed, but he insisted on giving me twenty thousand rupees when he recovered. I never forgot his kindness. Anyway, I kept the money safe just in case of an emergency, and as far as I was concerned, Link's current state of mind was an emergency. I had to get through to him. The rest of the rupees I would save for our future together. We would probably need to think about building a house soon.

This is what's best for the both of us, I thought before parting with money.

"There you are," I said with a hint of finality.

However, before giving me the bottle, the old woman counted the rupees out first. When she was satisfied with her till, then and only then, did she depart with the potion.

"Here you are madam," she said with a hint of sarcasm, "make sure you're aware of what you're truly using. That potion was concocted by the same people who created the Lens of Truth, the Sheikah. The recipe was stolen years later, and is now used as an unguent for the brothel girls in the Red Lantern District, they amusingly call it 'The Treatment' or some nonsense like that."

I looked at her partially confused. I had no idea what she was talking about nor cared. Who in the world were the Sheikah? What the hell was the Red Lantern District? Why was she even telling me any of this? It was none of my business. I just wanted the potion so I could leave. However, it seemed she was a little clairvoyant, that, or the expression on my face was giving me away.

"The reason for my divulgence is you might not like what the reality is," she said point blank. "You may love whoever this man is, but he may not love you back, and what he sees may not be what you see."

I didn't know what it was about her words, but they were very sobering to me. They almost seemed to be a foreboding of some kind. Maybe it was because the were so unabashedly honest, and that was the last thing I wanted to hear right now. I didn't want someone's honesty I didn't ask for. I was fully aware Link might be in love with someone else, but that wasn't the only part of my plan. I had... other measures I was going to take as well, this potion was only part of it. I was going to make sure he was with me and no one else. Why? Because I knew who he was deep down, and deep down his honor meant everything to him. He wouldn't leave a responsibility if it were put in front of him... I just had to make sure I was that responsibility.

Instead of replying to the woman, I simply nodded at her words.

"I see," was all I said, then added, "are there any instructions for it?"

The woman studied me for a second, and something in how she did that told me that had been around for a very long time. She must have given that advice several hundred times over. However, nothing was going to deter me from doing what I needed to do.

"You simply have him and yourself drink the potion," she stated, "and when several minutes have passed you'll say: 'you could do anything for one who you love'. This potion is slightly different from the one used with the brothel dwellers because it needs to be activated by that saying, the other potion, sold in the district for much more, doesn't."

I merely nodded, but I heard everything she said loud and clear. I looked at the reddish purple contents and swallowed hard from nervousness as my heart began to pound fast. I was really going to do this. I was really going to trick my best friend into seeing things my way. I paused for a moment and seriously contemplated that. What was leading me to such desperation? Loneliness? Fear of him being killed in the gala? Jealousy of that other girl, or any girl for that matter that had an interest in him? What was driving me to this?

I bit my lower lip, only having one answer.

I love him, I thought, and I need to make him love me. He'll see... he'll understand it's for his own good.

"Thank you," I verbalized, and cleared my throat from the tightness I was starting to feel. "I'll be sure to remember everything you told me."

The old woman stared at me again and only nodded.

"Yes..." she trailed as if in a warning, "you do that, remember everything I told you. Deceit doesn't end well for anybody. I shared similar words to a great hero once long ago when he tried to keep rotten mushrooms from me, and no, I'm not talking about your precious Hero of Twilight either."

I looked at the woman in sudden alarm, and realized she was a lot more perceptive than I thought.

What does she mean by 'my precious hero'? I thought, feeling a bit of uneasiness. Does this woman somehow know I'm in love with Link?

"Oh..." was all I verbalized, not wanting to stay and talk much longer, I wanted to get out of there, "thank you just the same. I bid you good day."

The woman stared right into my eyes.

"You as well," she said in a creepy undertone, it was almost a whisper.

It brought a shiver down my spine and I hurried to get out of there. I did a mechanical bowed and scuttled across the floor to the exit. Outside in the alley my heart pounded in apprehension. I opened my satchel just then and looked at the 'love' potion with sudden cynicism. It stared back at me the way any inanimate object would. I was starting to have my doubts. I ran my hand over my cheek in worry.

Am I doing the right thing? I wondered. Am I really doing the right thing?

I walked in that shop thinking I had all the answers, but now... now I wasn't so sure. For once in my life, I couldn't make real sense of my decision. For once in my life, I wasn't sure what to do.

All I knew was that I loved Link.