Chapter 2:
The Fire Temple/ The Ice Caverns
I waited for him on death mountain. I waited a long time, but I saw no sign of him. My spirits began to sink, and I felt silly waiting in an active volcano for him. I sighed. I had better things to do. I started searching Hyrule field that I saw him race across the landscape, bow and arrow in hand. I scoffed. He must have done same favor for that little ranch girl to get that horse, I thought bitterly. Of all the pretty girls in Hyrule, Malon bothered me the most. Even with her big floppy boots and that sad excuse for a dress, she still was cute. She had this girlish figure that I had long been disposed of. I'd like to see her try to kill a stalfos. I thought. I stealthily made my way back to Death Mountain, grumbling about Malon trying to pull this look off. I redirected my anger and aimed it at Link, going around prancing on a horse all day while I was busy hanging out in active volcanoes for him. The absolute… prick! I stood again at Death Mountain and had noted that nothing had changed. The sound of popping lava and rock slides filled my head, and I tried to calm my unreasonable anger. The heat was getting to me, and daybreak was coming. Still, he didn't come. I relaxed and sighed heavily in disappointment. Even though we didn't really get along, I looked forward to his company, and I hated it. Defeated, and unbearable sweaty, I unraveled the dirty bandages around my face, and I slipped off the blue Sheikah form. After revealing myself, all that was left was a wrinkled white under dress. I looked down at my feminine legs, dirty and scarred. My hands, were worse. I couldn't take off those bandages. It would reveal not only my femininity, but my true identity. I walked to the little fairy fountain in the mountain. I peeked in, making sure the coast was clear, and I slowly walked in. Carefully, I dipped my feet in the water, and watched the dirt lift off my skin. It felt so nice I thought I would cry. The rocks were warm from the surrounding mountain, and the water was cool and refreshing. Soon I felt myself walking deeper into the water. I looked at my now, clean legs, and felt a surge of happiness. How graceful these legs looked without the heavy armor and dirt! I danced a little, feeling a little pretty. I dropped down into the water and watched my white under dress float up in the water.
"Oops." I giggled with a smile as my bare butt touched warm stone. A crazy thought went through my mind. I checked the long tunnel, just to double check that I would be alone. I laughed and bit my lip in excitement. In one big outburst I peeled away my little white under dress. Feeling completely exposed made me so happy. Nothing to hide here! I felt along my wet skin. It was so smooth in the fairy water. Once again, I looked at my feminine legs, the scars had disappeared! I grinned in happy surprise! The fairy water is magic! Now giddy and unabashed I felt my feminine frame in pride. I talked to myself. Pretended to be in love, as most girls do. I felt along my breasts. Ah! So they were still there, after all!
BOOM! An explosion sounded nearby. I flattened myself into the bottom of the pool. I listened carefully. Nothing but silence. I carefully poked my head out of the water and looked to see if someone was there.
"Is someone there?" I called out. Nothing. I felt frustrated when I realized I was in an active volcano and Booms happened on a regular basis. Regardless, I was being reckless. I should leave anyways. I pulled my white underdress in the water and stood in all my feminine glory. Goodbye, little lady body. I thought as I shook the water out of the fabric. Suddenly...
Footsteps.
I should have seen it coming. I got too comfortable. I turned my head towards to tunnel and saw Link. Jaw dropped to his knees, and eyes popping out of his head.
"I told you that tunnel was the wrong one! You never listen to me you-" Navi shut her mouth as she saw the catastrophe that stood in front of them.
"Link! Be respectful! Close your mouth stupid teenage boy, be respectful to the Fairy! Geez, these hormones are terrible..." He shut his mouth and looked at Navi nervously. "Well, go on, play the song! She needs to know you are from the royal family!" He gasped and cleared his throat. I watched him watch me. He licked his lips and made to say something but did not speak. He stared at my curves, my breasts, but worse he looked me in the eyes. I fought to look back into his, refusing to back down. I never moved the whole time. I just breathed heavily, my chest pumping in furious nervousness. My legs shook slightly as his gazed burned mine, darting frantically to my naked form. Slowly, he sheathed his sword and unlatched the ocarina from his belt. In has distraction, the latch became a very complicated mechanism that he could not manage. When he finally wrestled the instrument from his belt, he played the song that Impa taught him when we were just children, and look at us now. The great hero, and the cross-dressing princess. My father would be ashamed. The water beneath my feet started bubbling and suddenly a great splash shot up and covered me. This was my chance. I dropped into the water and flattened myself close to the stairs so he could not see me. My head was the only thing out of the water. The great fairy screeched and rose out of the water gracefully. This display of woman was much greater than the display I just put out for him. I sighed and took quick quiet breaths.
"Oh! A boy!" said the fairy.
"Yes?" He answered confused.
"Oh, well I thought I heard a young woman. I wasn't expecting you." She said teasingly. Navi glowed "I think you heard me great fairy!"
Ugh I hate it when people bring attention to themselves. I saw the great fairy's face and she wasn't very impressed either. The conversation went on as normal from there. Blah blah come back if you need some healing shit blah blah blah. It was only when it was silent that I heard my own breathing shaking loudly in the room. Finally, he spoke.
"Is Princess Zelda alive?" He asked quietly. Oh no, I felt like my cover was blown. Please go away!
"I really don't know, young one. But all evidence points to no, she is dead. If she was alive, then Ganondorf would have long found her and used her strength for evil."
"Oh." He said silently. He shook, and for a second I thought he would cry.
"Stop crying! Heroes of time don't cry!" Navi spat.
"Well excuse me! After all the world has gone to shit it would be nice to know that at least she made it!... And I'm not crying!" He spat back. In a way, I was touched that he cared so much about me being alive, but at the same time… I was Sheik now… until further notice. It was an awkward silence. He seemed to just take off and go. Thank god. I sighed and stood cautiously in the water.
"Oh shit." I said in stark realization. He was heading towards the fire temple! Where I was supposed to be. I quickly strapped on all my armor and wrapped my face, leaving my little white under dress to float in the fountain.
When I walked in, I saw him kicking over rocks and collecting things he probably didn't need. Navi was red with frustration I could hear her little voice ringing in the volcanic pit. I suddenly felt very bad for him. I never put myself in his shoes. The whole world was leaning on him. Even I was counting on him. The poor guy. And suddenly, it happened. He cried. He was crying in stark abandonment. Navi was still rudely pushing him on. I wanted to punch her. I wanted to comfort him. I wanted to hold him and tell him that I was right there with him if he needed any help. But I couldn't do anything. As I watched him cry I felt a serious pain in my heart. A need to show myself to him, to tell him that I was alive, and I was fighting with him. But I could do nothing, and I felt powerless and useless. I suddenly felt silly standing here. Was I helping him, really? I was just… a checkpoint. Nothing but an introduction to his journey. I felt a need to take up arms. To fight next to him, to protect him. I was furious at myself.
When the tears stopped coming, he shot a few bats to keep his mind on track, he then finally headed towards the temple. It was then that I came to meet him.
"Hello, Link." I said in an all too feminine voice. At this point I didn't care. I wanted to flirt, I wanted to be a woman. So damn it if he caught on who cares. I cocked my hip in the ways that women do and rested my hand on my waist, as women do. He gave me a crazy look.
"So, you really are gay." He smiled slightly and I was happy that he could smile again.
"Some would consider me a fairy, but that would be an insult to gay men everywhere." Navi hid in Link's hat and I laughed at how quickly she got offended. He laughed along. I liked cheering him up. It was my job after all, right?
"And speaking of fairies how about that Great Fairy, eh? Ain't she a beauty?" I said hoping to bring him to 'happier' thoughts. He blushed furiously and smiled a little. "Gross, man, she's old." He said silently. "... Can I talk to you?" He asked nervously. Well of course you can talk to me, Link, You can talk to me forever if you want to. I smiled and felt a little butterfly float into my stomach. "Sure, Link, What's up?"
"I... I saw Zelda..." He whispered towards me. My heart stopped.
"What?" I screamed. He got scared and backed away from me. "I'm sorry..." I said more quietly. "What do you mean?" I said softly.
"Well, I mean I don't know if it was her ghost or something but I saw her at the fairy fountain! And she was..." He paused and whispered again in my ear. "Naked..." Now at this point I had completely forgotten how to speak, but I was blushing furiously. Slowly, my brain convinced me that I should cover up this mess.
"Are you sure? I thought you said she was still alive." I said. Phew! Good turn around.
"Yes I'm sure! I know what she looks like. And she was... you know. She looked like her so much! And then she disappeared. It was weird. But if she is dead, well then she must want me to find her body, or something! The way she looked at me. It was so serious." He said obviously haunted by my naked body.
"Why did you insist on telling me she was alive?" He asked seriously.
"No, I said she was somewhere." I defended.
"Oh no don't back pedal on me I know how you meant it. Do you know?" He asked seriously. My heart beat against my chest and I thought very carefully about my answer. Cautiously I neared him and looked about to make sure that no one was around, the popping and sizzling buzzed in my ears as I listened intently. I made my choice, and leaned towards him, standing on my tippy toes to reach his ear. In sudden realization I felt the nearness of the boy that I adored. I could hear him breathe heavily as he waited on my answer. I could see his scruffy cheek, and I longed to press my cheek against it. It was absolute. I was head over heels for this man. In my hesitation he grew impatient and turned his face towards mine. His eyes searched mine and he pulled the answer from my lips, unintentionally.
"Yes…" I whispered. His face came closer and I could almost feel his breath.
"Yes, you know?" He asked. "Or yes, she's alive?" His eyes were burning into mine and I fell, helpless at his will. I had no idea how clumsily I could be manipulated by him. But I was hopelessly in love.
"Alive." I whispered. My stomach sank. There is a particular kind of guilt that you feel right after you have said something you shouldn't have, and that is exactly the kind of guilt that crawled all over me now. I pulled away from him. He pulled me back, eyes pleading for more.
"I can't say any more…" I begged. He stared at me, trying to read my mind, and then released me.
He carefully took my hand in his. The contact made me quake in my shoes, and although my body was disguised as a man, my hand hung on to his like that of a lady. He slipped his hand in mine and then firmly shook it.
"Thank you, Sheik. You are truly one of the only people I can trust in these times. I really appreciate you, my friend." I looked at his face and I could tell he was sincere. I never knew he was so straight forward with his thoughts. But nevertheless, I was happy, and I smiled.
"As I believe in you, if you need help, I would be more than glad to jump into the fire with you. It's just you that has to throw the final blow." I returned the firm handshake and grinned at him, like a man. A very manly man. No wonder this guy was confused about my orientation. After some silence, I took my hand back and reached for my harp.
"And now, the Bolero of Fire." I said, he instinctively drew out his ocarina and we played the war song together. It really reflected the atmosphere. I would remember this song. When the song finished, we were left in silence. He saluted me, then ran towards the temple. You really eat my heart out, Hero of Time.
I'm a fool. And I know it. But the rest of the day, I picked flowers, and hummed songs. If he saw me as a man, that was fine. But I couldn't deny that I had very strong feelings for Link. I could keep this secret with me, as well as my sexuality. I could love him, and no one would know. It would be alright. It was around that time that I started to feel very uncomfortable being disguised as a man. I no longer felt myself in this body. I felt like a woman, and I wanted to be one. It's what I was after all. I only hid in the body of a man to feel some sort of strength that I knew I didn't have. But now that I saw Link cry, and I saw him be strong, I realized that it was silly to hide. After all, those who have courage, have the ability to fear. They just don't get consumed by it. After being alone for so long, I forgot how to be human. I fear I had turned into a monster. What an amazing thing, this man could do. And after I picked the petals off of all the flowers, a silent fear crept into my mind. How long will it be before loving him in secret won't be enough for me? Be strong. We will get there, when we get there.
But of course, I am weak so I watched him fight in the fire temple in secret. It was gross and I felt all creepy for doing it, but I couldn't help wanting to see him in action. God, it was a thrill to see him swing that sword around. The girl part of me was winning over, and I smirked. I couldn't help but think how awesome he was, kicking the world's ass. How strong, and how courageous and... oh hell I couldn't do this all day. I was such a ninny. I had a part in this too. I had to clear a path for him, so that he could go on and kick butt. I sighed, not wanting to leave my creeper spot. But I had to, for the sake of Hyrule. So, while he was fighting in a burning inferno, I was doomed to wander in the frozen wasteland of the Zoras. I entered their domain, already aware that there was nobody home. I walked along the frozen ice, and searched for the sage of the water temple. The little girl who had once wanted to marry Link had been destined for that part. Stupidly, I called out her name, even though I knew there was so way she would be all 'Hey! How are you? I'm over here, no use to search anymore!'. I ran to the throne room, which was darkened by the Zora's absence. I began to scour under the ice, searching for a body, any body. I searched down the little tunnel, which was completely dark. I lit a torch, and almost screamed as I realized there was a frozen corpse right under my feet. It was the waterfall guy. Frozen as if he never saw it coming. I scanned him up and down. Fish people were weird. I started to walk further down the path until I stupidly slipped and just flew right over the frozen waterfall to my imminent death. My back slammed so hard on the ice below, that I heard a big crack. I didn't know if it was the ice, or my poor spine.
"Aw... Hell!" I cursed. I grabbed for my bottle and drank some milk. "Ah… that sucked..." I moaned as I sat up carefully. My back cracked back into place as the milk started working. I looked to the waterfall and spat towards it. My spit missed completely. Pitiful. I groaned. Then I saw it, two frozen tits in the ice. I approached it and saw Princess Ruto frozen under the waterfall. Ironically, her tits were the only things sticking out of the water. Must be a useful floatation device... I thought spitefully. I always sank right to the bottom. I sighed and gathered up some magic. Din's fire should take care of this. What? You thought Link could have all the fun? Hell no! I slammed my fist on the ice and a giant ball of fire surrounded me. It took three shots before she was unfrozen. I watched her regain consciousness as her body heat rose. When she opened her eyes and saw me, she nearly lost consciousness again. What a drama queen.
"Oh... a man." She said sitting up in a more attractive position. I rolled my eyes. She looked around her. "What... What the heck?!" She spat.
"Yeah... it's pretty bad, huh?" I said, following her gaze. She clenched her fists.
"Who are you?" She said, approaching me. "Did you… save me?" She began, blinking much more than she needed to.
"Yeah you could say that." I said, remembering her big tits sticking out of the water. She noticed I was staring at her. She crossed her arms to accent their volume. I blushed, embarrassed. Why did she have all the luck? She scooted closer to me and her face came dangerously close to mine. She started to pull my bandaged down from my face and I backed away slightly. Was what she getting at?
"And who might be my handsome savior?" She asked, seductively. Oh hell no! I thought pushing my bandages back up.
"I'm-I'm Sheik, and you are the Sage of the Water temple, we need your power to rescue Hyrule!" I began. She sniffed at my breath and her face fell.
"You're a... woman..." She said, taking my hand and sniffing it as well. Fish people were fucking creepy! She smirked. "Why are you hiding, girl? Want to be a man?" She said, poking at my chest. I blushed furiously. What the HELL was she doing? I covered my breasts protectively. She smirked.
"Man or woman... do you expect... compensation... for my rescue?" She said, placing a hand on my thigh. Her hand began to push downwards towards the no nos and I flipped.
"Yeeeesh!" I spat, throwing her off me and shaking like a wet dog to get her 'feels' off of me. What. A. Creep. She backed away and giggled.
"Well someone is shy..." She began. This girl was pissing me off.
"Can't you see we have problems here? I don't have time for your messing around! We need you to save Hyrule! The Water Temple is in trouble!" I screamed. I heard my high pitched voice ring off of the ice. She stood slowly and walked towards me.
"Tell me what I need to do." Was all she said. Maybe this girl had the potential to be a Sage after all.
"Good! Well I am going to get Link, and you wait at the Water Temple. We can figure out the res-"
"Oh! Link will be there?!" She interrupted. That struck a nerve. My eye may have twitched.
"Well, he is the Hero of Time..." I began. She smiled deviantly.
"Oh, I will wait at the Water Temple all right. Maybe I will help out the Hero of Time with a little pent up frustration." She said winking. My jaw dropped.
"You can't do that, because that is MY job!" I said without thinking. Well, it was. I was his guardian. I watched over him. Her eyes widened.
"Oh... I see now... He prefers men so you..." She said eying me up and down. Perfect. What a mess.
"Whatever just fucking go!" I said. I didn't have time to canoodle with her. She was beyond logic. No wonder she was Sage of all things wet. I put myself back together as I prepared to see link in the old resting place of Jabu Jabu. As I trekked to the cave all I could think about were her damn tits. And how much bigger they were than mine. God, what was I thinking? How can I even pretend to have a legitimate crush on this boy? He is so far beyond what I could ever be. I was just this confused, creepy girl that dressed like a dude. At the end of the tunnel, I waited. I played the serenade of water to keep me entertained. This was one of my favorites, and unfortunately, was a love song. I sighed. It was freezing in here. I was so cold, I thought my eyeballs were going to freeze. I rubbed my arms to warm me up. Somewhere, I heard a door open and close. He was coming this way. I patted myself down to look presentable. I heard the final door open and then close, and Link burst into the room. Without even looking around, he beelined for the treasure chest. He could get in trouble doing that. Always watch your back, kid! I came out of the shadows where I was hiding. This ought to teach him!
"Hey, Sheik." He said nonchalantly. I heaved a big sigh.
"How did you know?" I asked. He laughed.
"I heard your harp." He said, winking. Ah, so he was observant.
"Oh... well..." I said. I looked at his face and smiled. He quirked a smile back. All the words that were supposed to come out of my face just disappeared and I looked at him blankly.
"Uh..." I looked at his boots, which now shifted uncomfortably. What was I doing? I was messing everything up. Professionalism Professionalism. Speak, Zelda!
"Um… well... I found Ruto! I sent her to the Water Temple. She is waiting for you there." I said, pointing to the exit. He nodded and stared at me, right in my pupil. I felt really uncomfortable. I didn't move, because I didn't want to break the contact, but the staring was making me feel like he knew something I didn't.
"W-what?" I asked, laughing nervously.
"Just... looking at your eyes." He said, approaching me. "You know, you can tell a lot about a person just by looking at the way they look at you." He continued to stare. I broke contact and looked down straight at his- Oh no don't look there you creep! And I looked to the right.
"Aha!" He exclaimed. "I knew it... you're hiding something, Sheik." He looked at me for an answer. I didn't give him one. What was he poking at?
"You can trust me. You can tell me it's okay." He said softly, like he was talking to a child. He continued to look right into my eyes and I wracked my brain for an escape.
"I'm hiding the fact that I'm gay?" I said awkwardly. He snorted a laugh.
"Fine, if you don't want to tell me you don't have to. I just want you to know you've got a friend when you need one, alright?" This was creeping me out. Something told me I was in danger. He knew. He knew. Oh, man I screwed up. No, no, he can't... I should dodge. I reached down towards his belt and he gasped in shock. I grabbed his ocarina and plopped it in his hand.
"The Serenade of Water, Link." I said as I whipped out my harp. I smiled inwardly. He thought I was going to grab his junk! Ha! He grinned.
"Whatever..." He said as he put the instrument to his lips. His face had turned all red. I began to play, and he copied me. After the song was over, he began to stare at me again. The room was so silent you could hear the wind howl from outside.
"So... a serenade, huh?" He said after the silence got too thick. I nodded and started to back out.
"I will see you later, I guess." I said casually.
"Wait." He said before he rushed over towards me. I turned around, and he started looking at me all awkward again. I dodged his glance, and then out of nowhere, he grabbed me and gave me a big hug.
"Stay safe." Was all he said before he let me go and rushed out of the room, treasure in hand. But I could have sworn I felt a quick squeeze of my buns before he left. Did he just do that? I must be going insane. All along the way out, I was touching my butt as if it was completely new and mysterious to me. I don't understand that boy. I really don't.
But what I don't understand more, is me. Like an idiot I just skipped over to Lake Hylia and set up some creeper spots in the temple. Not one, but several. That may or may not have to do with Ruto, but for my pride's sake, it is to protect Link. I saw her at the bottom level of the temple, feeling her breasts up and trying to position them so that her nipples were constantly facing forward. Although they were big, she unfortunately had lazy eyed nips. Mine were small enough to not have that problem. Zelda: 1 Ruto: 0 in my book. I hid in the second story of the temple, looking downward on her. When she started to hear a commotion outside, she puffed her gills up to make her chest look broader.