Disclaimer: Do I even need to type it?

whew! it's been a while since i've updated! sorry! and i actually have a good reason why: i was at camp for three weeks and got GROUNDED from my computer a few days after i got back (just because i didn't clean my room...geez...the nerve of some people...)

a few notes...1) this fanfiction is based after i played the ocarina of time game. i have not played any of the others and have no idea what the plots are in the others, so...yeah. it's based after then.2) i don't care what everyone else thinks, i think that when zelda turns into sheik, is is turning into a GUY. not a girl. SHEIK IS A GUY IN MY POINT OF VIEW. ahem.

remember to review:D

Chapter Three

The Hyrule Castle was-as always-ridiculously huge and infested with royal guards; both factors made getting to Zelda a pain in the butt for Link.

I guess you're asking for it when you fall in love with a princess…Link thought as he stealthy ducked behind a giant pillar, closely escaping a guard's attention.

Link eventually came to Zelda's door; however, today was one of those days were the guards decided to guard the entrance. Sighing, Link pulled out his Hookshot, aimed through an open window, and, while making sure no one saw him, shot at a place above Zelda's window.

After he was jerked unto the window's ledge on the second story, Link quietly tapped on the window to see if she was there. When she didn't come, Link peered into her room.

What he saw surprised him. Zelda, who was wearing a traveling cloak, was hunching over, vomiting on the floor.

Without hesitation, Link ripped open the window, hopped inside, and rushed over to Zelda's side.

By that time, Zelda had stopped throwing up. But when a familiar voice called her name, she felt as though she might be sick again.

Link began to stroke Zelda's hair. "Zelda," Link said, his voice low and soothing, "what's wrong? Why are you sick?"

The truth is…I'm pregnant with your unborn child. "Nothing." Zelda replied, straightening up. "I've just eaten too many honey cakes."

"Oh." Link said, taking off his weapons and shield to set them in a corner. "Well, let me get you a washcloth…" his voice trailed off as he stepped in the royal washroom.

Zelda put a hand over her stomach and smiled. She couldn't help herself- Link was the only man who loved her genuinely, not for her beauty, wealth, or power. The only man she'd ever loved back.

Link returned with a fresh white washcloth in his hands. Zelda muttered 'thank you' as she took it from his hands. She politely dabbed the corners of her mouth, forgetting that she didn't need to be formal.

Link couldn't help but stare in admiration. He knew why he had fallen in love with her-yes, she was beautiful, but that wasn't it. Her kind and mature nature was what made him start going ga-ga over her. He had no idea how a woman so wonderful could ever love him.

"Zelda," Link said, tenderly cupping her cheek with his hand, "why can't we get married?"

Zelda's face turned pale under his touch. "I already told you," she replied. "Father's not dead yet. And you're not a noble-much less a prince. He'd never give us his blessing."

"So the day your father dies, I can marry you." Link said, forcing Zelda to look up at him. She followed his mischievous blue eyes as they glanced over to the corner where his weapons were resting.

"Link!" Zelda gasped, eyes wide. "Don't even joke about that!"

Giggling, Link said, "Sorry, sorry." A warm smile spread across his face. "I'll wait," he began to lean down to kiss Zelda, "even if it takes all eternity."

Before their lips even touched, Zelda had turned her head and taken a step back.

Link felt as if thousands of rocks had been dumped on his heart. Is she still worried about that night? he thought.

"I'm…I'm sorry." Zelda apologized, keeping her head turned. "It's just…that's how it started…nice words and…kissing…"

Of course she's still thinking about it. "I'm sorry." Link said, blushing. "I won't do anything uncalled for like that again."

Zelda turned back to him. "No…" it slipped out of her mouth before she could hold it back. Link turned back to her. "At least…" she defended herself, embarrassed, "not anytime soon. Not until we're married."

Silence filled the room. Link wished (though he knew it wrong to) that the king would hurry up and kick the can.

"I have to go." Zelda announced suddenly, pulling her cloak around her as she walked to the door.

Surprised at her suddenness, Link caught up to her. "Where are you going? I'll give you a lift."

Zelda couldn't lie to him. Not completely. "I'm going to Impa's," she said. "I'm going to…to get away for awhile. Please don't visit me."

"Why?" Link asked, not hiding the hurt in his face.

Zelda swallowed back a new batch of tears before they surfaced. "Just trust me. Please." She added as his mouth opened to protest.

After turning the thought over and over in his head, Link sighed, knowing that he could not win against her. "Well," he said, "at least change into Sheik when you travel; it'll make me feel like you're safer."

"I can't."

"Why not!" he was getting tried and frustrated with her not agreeing with him.

I might lose the baby if I switch genders. "My powers are weakening. I don't have the energy to stay as Sheik for that long." At that, Zelda pulled the cloak over her head and pulled open the door, quickly walking out.

Link would have followed her, had not the guards been standing right outside. Instead, he watched as she left. She never looked back. Never said good-bye. She just kept on getting smaller and smaller until the doors slowly closed themselves, shutting her out of sight.

right-o then. REVIEW TIME! (and i have connections with dragons and pixies now...bwahahaha. see reviews.) :D