Chapter 24
She found herself on the streets of Castle Town. Taking the same route she did when she arrived. Except that this time, the streets were cleaner, the buildings were well kept, and the people, Hylians, Sheikah, and Gerudo were much more relaxed. Gorons, Zora, and Rito were among them. They laughed, cheered, and were overall much happier. Seeing them happy brought a warm feeling to her chest.
One sight especially caught her eye. A mother and her two children dressed in proper clothing, clean, and healthy while strolling down the street. The two children ran around their smiling mother, letting out joyous laughs that sounded like music. The children stopped playing when they caught sight of her, along with their mother. The mother gave a respective bow, her two children doing the same. They were not the only ones doing so.
People in the street all bow their heads as she walks past them. There was a sense of reverence emitting from the people. Enough to fill her with warm pride. Looking down she was wearing a very beautiful, elegant dress, simple but lovely jewelry, and long white gloves with embroidered designs.
A large fountain resided at the end of her path. The crest of Hyrule, a set of wings with the Triforce sitting on the top, resided on the top of the fountain, where the clear water poured out. Standing at the base of the fountain were several figures. Link was one of those figures.
Dressed in his green tunic, along with wearing a blue scarf with the crest of Hyrule on the end of it. He stood tall and proud, giving his signature smile that made her feel happy. Behind him were six other individuals dressed in white. Some she didn't know such as a brown bird-like person, Rito perhaps who seems to be female, a blue female Zora with a triangular head, and a Gerudo. The rest she did, such as the Goron that resembled Yunobo. Then there was Sheik, standing next to a girl whose face was covered with a white hood, making it hard to determine if she was Human or Hylian. She could make out the blonde hair locks dangling on her forehead. All seven gave a respectful bow.
"Your Grace," Link greeted warmly.
She moved closer to the fountain, Sheik & and the girl parting to the side to let her pass. She admires the fountain for several seconds then moved her gaze to the pool. Staring back from the water's reflection was Zelda.
Zelda darted up from her bed. Rubbing her eyes, she found herself in the room she had been staying in at Groose's residence in Lower Castle Town. Hearing people outside the building indicates that it was sometime in the morning.
"Morning sis," Ilia greeted with a yawn, stretching her arms.
Zelda moved her eyes to her sister, who she was sharing the bed with. The dream came back to her. Why was she in it? Why was Link in it? Why was Sheik in it? Why was Yunobo, someone she had only met just yesterday in it? What did it mean? Was it important somehow?
"You okay?" Ilia's question snapped Zelda out of her thoughts. Upon seeing the expression on her older sister's face, Ilia got the idea.
"Yeah…" Zelda placed her hand on her face.
"What time is it?"
Zelda glances over to the clock on the wall. "Looks about eight."
"You're waking at your usual time back at home," Ilia flopped back on the bed, massaging her eyes.
"Sorry..." Zelda apologized with an embarrassed blush.
A knock bounced from the door.
"It's open," Zelda called out.
Agitha peeked her head through the door with a bright smile. "Morning! Did I wake you?"
"We were already awake, don't worry."
"Oh, good! Groosey wanted me to let you know that breakfast is almost ready. And Mr. Linebeck is coming around at nine to give assignments."
The pair thank the young girl. After she left they both got readied up for whatever the day had in store for them. They made their way to the main room of the residence. Agitha was sitting on the sofa with Strich. Voices that sounded like Groose emitted from the kitchen along with an unfamiliar female voice. Sitting at the large table near the kitchen was Sheik, and a tired-looking Link who looked up once he felt the sister's presence in the room.
"Morning, you two."
"Good morning." Zelda greeted Link back. "Where's Shad & Ashei?"
"They left early to go look for Shad's friend in the city. They'll be gone for a while." Sheik answered her. "Did you sleep well?"
Zelda let out a yawn. "I…had another strange dream."
"Again?" Link replied with shock.
"Yeah, again."
"You've had them before?" Sheik arched his brow with interest.
"They started around when I turned eighteen. After my birthday they stopped for a while but started again before our mission to Lake Hylia. They were usually the same. A man & woman in very nice clothes holding something. Occasionally I would see that same man stand over another who bowed to him with an evil smile. Then I see two figures running in the woods. This dream, however, was different…"
"Don't leave us hanging. Different how?" Ilia prodded eagerly to her sister.
"I was walking on the street we took to Telma's. Except for this time, everything was cleaner and well-kept. They were a collection of Hylians, Sheikah, Gorons, Rito, and Gerudo who were all much happier. They were going about their business until they saw me. They…bowed their heads to me. Stay that way until I approached a large fountain. Seven people were waiting for me. Strange thing, two of them were you and Sheik, Link."
"Seriously?" Link questioned.
Zelda nods. "Link, you were dressed in that green tunic, and wearing a blue scarf. And you Sheik were wearing some white garb."
"What about the other figures? Do you know who they were?" Sheik inquired.
"There was a Goron who I think was...Yunobo. Other than him I didn't recognize the rest. There was a Gerudo. Then I think of a female blue Zora who had a triangle-shaped head. Then there was Rito. The last person was a girl. She had a hood covering her face so I couldn't tell if she was Hylian or Human."
"Any idea who she was?" Ilia wondered curiously.
"I don't know. That was pretty much it."
"You're not the only one who got struck with a weird dream." Everyone at the table's attention turns to Link. "Go it when I took a nap after we got here."
"That explained why you looked so tired at dinner last night," Ilia commented.
"What happened in your dream?" Zelda inquired from her childhood friend.
Link let out a breath. "I was in a dark void of sorts looking around. I hear the sound of my name being called. It…sounded like my dad. I arrived at a corridor in some prison. I saw this large heavily locked door when I hear dad call out to me. When I got it opened the dream ended with dad calling for me."
"Geez. Both of you are not having any good luck sleeping," Ilia commented. "Is that like a…chosen Goddesses Heroes thing?"
"More than likely," Link presses his finger & thumb against his head. "Wish they weren't this cryptic. What do they mean?"
"It could be a sign," Sheik suggested. "I could be wrong, but perhaps the fate of your father may finally come to light sooner."
"You think so?" Link uttered hopefully.
"That is my best guess judging from what I know."
"Farore…did say I would find out within time. Would be nice to finally know what happened. Or maybe I…get to see him again. Wouldn't I give anything for that…" Link rested his head entirely on his hand.
"I'm sure you'll find out what happened to your dad," Ilia patted his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.
"That still leaves me," Zelda addressed.
Sheik grew deep in thought for about a minute. "You know Link, me, and now Yunobo, hence why they were in your dream. Maybe the other figures will be people you will meet in the coming future."
Zelda thought over Sheik's theory. "That would make sense…Maybe they could be future allies."
"Now that sounds like a plausible theory."
Groose entered the main room. Walking along with him is a beautiful woman around his age. She had bright orange hair that flowed behind her head, accompanied by a small bun on the top. Her eyes were crimson much like Sheik, meaning she could be a Sheikah member as well, yet she had features that were similar to Gerudo, dark brown skin included, with splotches of white making it likely that she has vitiligo.
"How are you guys doing?" Groose greeted the group.
"Doing all right," Ilia eyed the woman. "Who's your friend?"
"Right of course. Ilia, Zelda, Link allow me to introduce the most important woman I've ever known."
"Midna," she extended her hand out which each of the Trio had accepted. "So you must be the famous Ordon Trio I've heard so much about, right?"
"We are…" Link responded not sure what to make of that title everyone loved to call them.
"Why so shy now? Am so beautiful that you have no words to say?" Midna gave a teasing playful smile.
"I-uh…" Link uttered.
"She's only teasing ya." Groose turned to the woman. "Come on. No need to scare our guests, Midna."
"You know I can't help myself teasing newcomers sometimes. It's my way of saying nice to meet you," Midna playfully protested.
"It is nice to meet you," Link trailed off, the embarrassment remaining in his expression.
"Do you live here, Midna?" Zelda asked her. "I don't recall seeing you when we arrived yesterday."
"I hunker down with Linebeck & Jolene. Mostly because the latter is my former master."
Sheik's eyes lit up with interest. "Former master? Does that mean?"
"Yep! I am now a full-fledged Master!"
"A damn good one at that!" Groose praised.
"Language!" Strich yelled from the sofa, covering Agitha's ears.
"Sorry, Strich!"
"Thats…That's wonderful, Midna!" Sheik expressed happiness.
"Master of what of what, exactly?"
Midna gave a teasing smile to Zelda, playfully shrugging. "Why isn't it obvious? I'm a Sheikah Master. Up until almost a year ago, I was Jolene's apprentice."
"S-Sorry, I didn't know-" Midna's giggling cut Zelda's stammering sentence.
"Hey, it's fine. I know it's hard to tell, given that I have a lot of Gerudo traits."
"You're part-Gerudo, and part-Sheikah?" Ilia questioned curiously.
"Half and half but yes. Though I tend to embrace my Shiekah heritage." Midna turns to Sheik, speaking in their kind's language. "[Wouldn't you say so, Sheik?]
[Yes, very much so.]
"You're better at speaking Sheikah, I see. You three should've heard the first time he spoke Sheikah to me."
"What did he say?" Ilia inquired with high interest, much to Sheik's horror.
"Nayru, please don't-"
"Too late! He was trying to say he liked the smell of bananas. What he said instead: 'Bananas grow out of his nose'."
Ilia let out a joyful laugh. Link snickered like crazy. And Zelda did let out a gentle laugh. Sheik meanwhile was doing his best to hide the blush on his face. Midna let out an innocent smile to the younger Shiekah.
"Nothing to be embarrassed about, Sheik. We all have blunders. Although yours is funny to share."
Sheik then spoke a quick phrase in the Sheikah language with an irritated tone towards the woman.
"What did he say?" Link asks Midna.
"I can't say because Agitha is in the room, and I would rather not have Strich murder me."
"Ah right," Link recalled the piercing glare Strich gave to Groose mere moments ago.
"Oh good, you guys are here." Orielle poked her head through the kitchen entryway. "Breakfast is about ready."
One loud yell from Groose and everyone remaining in the house flocked over to the table. Like the food from last night, breakfast was delicious all thanks to Orielle & Fledge. The Ordon Trio was surprised that the two teens could make food this good.
"I say Fledge does most of the magic. He has the cooks touch more than me," Orielle had disclosed.
"But you're good as well, Ori," Fledge insisted.
"How 'bout we agree that you're both good," Link stated as he stuffed the food into his mouth. That sure earned a laugh from everyone.
Shortly after breakfast had started, the sound of the door leading into the house. Seconds later Linebeck entered the main room. Jolene trailed behind, carrying a large box of sorts.
"Mornin', you guys!" Linebeck greeted.
"Morning boss!" Everyone minus the Ordon Trio greeted.
"You Small Fries holding up?"
"Doing good. Everyone here has been treating us well," Zelda answered.
"Great! 'Cause you Small Fries will be helping out today."
"You got our assignments?" Cawlin asks with eagerness.
"Why else would we be here?" Jolene deadpanned.
"Because our humble abode is the best we got around here?" Groose bragged.
Jolene playfully rolled her eyes. "I don't know why you like hanging around him, Midna."
"I can say the same thing with you and Linebeck," Midna responded with a smirk that earned a laugh from her friends.
"Touché, my former apprentice."
"Alright, enough now. Let's get on with what you guys will be doing," Linebeck added in.
"Before you do, is it alright if I sit today out, boss?" Strich requested. "I promised Agitha I would spend the day with her."
"Not a problem," Linebeck responded causally with a smile.
"Is it alright if I stay here to help around the city, Linebeck?" Sheik requested, which got some surprised looks from the Ordon Trio. "I…Don't feel comfortable roaming around the city."
"I get it. Don't worry, I already have Auru helping me with stuff down here. You're more than welcome to squeeze in." Linebeck turns his attention to the rest of the individuals at the table. "Groose, I need you to pay a 'visit' to our favorite shopkeeper's store."
"Shabun?" Groose guessed.
"Yep! He's overdue on his debt from the rupees I lent him which he says was 'stolen' but we both know that ain't true. I need you to get it back." Linebeck moves his attention to Link. "And he's going to help you."
"Me? How?" Link wondered curiously.
"You haven't haven't been to Castle Town, right?" Link nodded with confirmation to Groose. "That means he won't know who you are. Making you the perfect thing to keep him distracted while I do my thing."
"His shop is located in the town square. The rest of you will go with Groose and do what you usually do," Linebeck added.
"What about us?" Ilia asked.
"You and your sister here are going to help Midna out," Jolene answered.
"Auru mentioned to us that Zelda prefers to be with you for missions. We talked it over and we figured a job with Midna would be perfect," Linebeck explained.
"Trust me. I think you both would be great for this," Midna said with excitement.
"What would the job be?" Zelda inquired.
"You will be infiltrating the Noble District."
Several members of the City Group let out shocked gasps.
"The Noble District? You want them to do that, Boss?" Orielle question.
"Yeah, you normally never let first-timers do jobs in that area," Fledge brought up.
"If they can help liberate a prison camp, then I have faith they can do this as well," Linebeck insisted.
"And I'll be with them so if something goes wrong I'll get them out," Midna mentioned. "Don't tell me you're losing faith in my abilities now."
"How get through undetected? I'm no expert but I'm sure this doesn't exactly seem like Upper Class," Zelda gestured to her civilian getup.
"We have disguises for you." Jolene lifted the box she had for everyone to see. "These clothes should be the perfect fit to help you blend in. We'll help you get fitted. Midna will also help with your physical appearance."
"How so?" Zelda looks in the Half-Sheikah, Half-Gerudo's direction.
"I reckon you know about Sheik's eye-changing magic, right? What I can do is similar but more advanced. Not only can I temporarily change eye color, but I can also do the same with hair, and skin."
"You can do that?" Ilia questions with wonder.
"They didn't call us Sheikah 'The Shadow Folk' for nothing, you know. It's mostly the reason why Ganondorf couldn't wipe all of us Sheikah out," Jolene chimed. "If you ladies will finish up, I'll help you get ready."
Midna and the two Ordon Sisters ate up what was left of their breakfast. Then they followed Jolene into another room. Everyone else remaining finished up their breakfast and waited for the four women to come back.
Almost an hour had passed before Jolene returned to the main room where everyone else was waiting. Midna followed out, appearing differently than she did. The clothes she was wearing were more akin to normal Hylian Garb. Her orange hair was darker, and her crimson eyes were green. The most impressive change was that her skin was now completely brown. All traces of her skin condition seemed to be gone, making it appear she never had vitiligo, to begin with.
Once the young woman was done showing off, she called for the sisters to enter.
"Let's introduce our highborn sisters!"
Ilia was the first to walk in. The dress she wore is pink all over. The gown goes all down to the floor, the sleeves are puffy, have a high collar, deep pink panniers on her waist, and a ruffle the same color as the hem. Elbow-length white gloves adorn her hands. The center of her chest is a bright blue broach, along with matching blue earrings. The dress wasn't the only thing that changed which made Link's eyes go wide.
Red hair the same shade as Malon had taken the place of her blonde hair, tied in a cute low bun. Green eyes were replaced with gray-blue. Freckles that were never seen previously decorated her cheeks. Make-up admired her face such as pink lipstick, light blue eyeshadow, and some blush.
"Ilia?" The teen girl nods to Link to confirm it was still her.
"How do I look?"
"I almost didn't recognize you there for a moment. Midna did all that?"
Illia nods. "She really does know her stuff."
Sheik caught himself staring at Ilia longer than he anticipated. Up until now, he had never seen her in a dress of any kind. The dress did look very pretty on her. The only lament he had to see her wear it in her disguised form Midna had done to her body, rather than her true real self.
"Sheik?" Ilia called to the young Sheikah, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"I-erm…" Sheik stuttered. "How does the dress feel?"
"It feels…constricting. Might take some getting used to," Ilia pulled on the collar.
"You do look good. Though…is the disguise necessary?"
"Why? Are the freckles too much? Or is my hair too bright? I only wanted to see how much Midna could do."
"No no! You have a good disguise! I just think…how you normally are would be more fitting you know," Sheik did everything he could to hide the uneasy tone in his voice.
Blush painted on Ilia's cheeks. "...Thanks."
"As sweet as that is, we need to make sure the wrong person doesn't know who she is," Midna brought up.
"You should know this by now, Sheik," Jolene chided.
Sheik lowered his head with embarrassment. "Right. Sorry."
"Now that's done, are you ready yet, Zelda?" Midna called out.
"I am but…This is not what I'm used to. It feels over the top. I probably look ridiculous," Zelda's voice echoed from the other room.
"You look great, sis!" Ilia turns to her Link. "Help me out here."
"Everyone likes how Ilia looks so I'm certain you'll look good, Zel!" Link affirmed.
"Don't be shy now! Show us in your dress!" Groose cheered.
"Show us! Show us! Show us!" Peatrice, Cawlin, Orielle, Fledge, and Strich all chanted enthusiastically.
"Come out, Miss Zelda!" Agitha added on.
"Yeah, don't leave the kid hanging!" Groose called out.
"...Alright. Out I come."
Gentle footsteps echoed through the room as Zelda entered.
A full-length, high-collar royal blue dress entered the room. Long flowing sleeves were a part of the dress, the outer portion in the color blue, and the inside of it red. The flowing parts of the sleeves go to where the knees would be. Areas of white were on the dress such as her upper chest, midriff, the center of the blue skirt, and white fingerless gloves that go up to her elbows. Some gold embroidery also decorated the hem of the dress, the edges of her flowing sleeves, the top & bottom of her cleavage, the hands of her gloves, and her waist. Blonde, elegant curled hair flowed from the dress wearer's head, with a gold metal headband with a red gem on the center of it. The wearer's head lifted, showing her blush on her cheeks, light green eye shadow, and red lipstick. Zelda's nervous blue eyes scanned the room.
Those watching her had various reactions. Groose let out a whistle. Peatrice & Orielle have giddy smiles. Fledge was amazed. Linebeck & Sheik's expressions appeared to be impressive. Cawlin looks as if he was about to drool. Strich remained calm but Agitha appeared as if she was staring at the most wonderful thing she had seen. Jolene & Midna smiled with pride, both giving each other a fist bump. Link on the other hand…
There were no words Link could not muster to say. Mostly because none could describe how…gorgeous Zelda looked in her dress. Link had seen Zelda in dresses throughout his life but none came as close to this. The dress fitted perfectly on her like a glove. Like she was….meant for this type of role.
Zelda's gaze linger on Link, waiting to see how he would respond. "How…How do I look?"
"Zel…you look…" Link barely mustered out.
"Ridiculous, I know."
"NO! You look beautiful!" Link blurted out.
Blush appeared on the young woman's face. A warm feeling grew in her chest. "You think so?"
"Hell yeah, he does! Look at ya!" Groose grinned, ignoring Strich's glare. "Only people with bad taste would think you're ridiculous."
"You look wonderful!" Fledge chimed.
"Not gonna lie, I'm a little jealous," Peatrice remarked.
"Same here," Orielle agreed. "No offense to you, Zelda."
"It's alright," Zelda assured, still not sure what to make of their reactions.
"You look like a princess!" Agitha chimed in.
Zelda glances in the little girl's direction. Hearing that comment made her feel more relaxed. "Thank you, Agitha."
"If I were a nobleman, I would totally marry you," Cawlin blurted out, whilst still entranced by Zelda.
Everyone in the room gave him a weird look. That comment seemed to make Zelda feel a bit uneasy. Link gave a small glare at the short young man, wondering if he realizes how creepy that sounded. Thankfully, Groose picked it up and smacked the top of Cawlin's head with his fist, a yelp bounced off the walls.
"Yeah, that was probably creepy," Cawlin soothes his head.
"Ya think?" Sheik responded with a snarky tone.
"Aside from that weird comment, I told you that no one would think you were ridiculous," Ilia stated.
"I agree with the little lady," Linebeck chimed in. "Jolene, Midna you ladies have outdone yourselves once again. Where did you get the dresses, hun?"
"I...'found' them," Jolene gave an innocent smile.
"Right of course. Midna, your work never fails to amaze me. Ilia here almost looks completely different."
"Why thank you, Boss," Midna responded with gratitude.
Linbeck moves his gaze to Zelda. It was the same he gave to Ilia until he did a double take. Curiosity lingered in his eyes. Several seconds passed until Zelda noticed.
"Are you okay, Linebeck?"
"Oh yeah! I noticed that you don't have as many changes as your sister here."
"She didn't want to go too much. Didn't feel comfortable with fully changing a whole lot. Figure the hair change and the makeup would be enough. The younger one wanted to see how much Midna could do," Jolene explained.
"And…why the blonde hair?"
"I felt like it suited her," Midna answered. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," Linebeck responded. "Anyways. You ladies better head out while there's light out. Midna, make sure these girls stay safe."
"I'll protect them with my life if I have to."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
"Off you ladies go," Jolene instructed.
Midna led the Ordon sisters out of the room. Everyone wished them good luck as they walked out.
"Good luck you two," Link was the last one to speak, giving a comforting smile.
Zelda gave a nod. All three young ladies were out of the house, off to their mission. Linbekc brought his attention back to Groose.
"I'll leave the rest of you guys to get ready before you head out. Groose, I hope you and Link do well. The rest of you help him out if he needs it."
"You got it, boss," Groose promised.
Linebeck proceeded out of the building, Jolene not too far behind. They had only walked within earshot of the house when Jolene noticed that Linebeck appeared to be bothered by something.
"You okay?"
"Nothing to worry about, hun."
Jolene gave a stern look. "Linebeck, I've been your partner for almost two decades, and I'm a Sheikah. Lying to me is useless. I know when something is bothering you. What's on your mind?"
"This might sound stupid but…." Linebeck lingered. "That Zelda, seeing her in that disguise, I got a weird feeling of Deja vu."
"How so?"
"Like…I've seen someone like her somewhere before." That was all Linebeck could say.
Link strolled with Groose's group as they all walk through the streets of Castle Town. This section of the city seemed a little bit neater than the outer layers but the same feeling of dread lingers. There were also more people in this part. Everyone seemed to have someplace to be, but that's not what Link was worried about.
His mind wanders to Zelda & Ilia. Groose had promised him that they would be fine with Midna around, but Link still worries for them. Up until now, they had never been this far apart when outside the base camp. What if's flourish through his mind such as what if some guard hassles them? What Midna somehow got separated from them? Of what if someone recognizes Zelda from Lake Hylia?
A good while into their walk Groose notices the uneasiness in Link. "You doing okay?"
"I am. I'm a little worried about my friends."
"Midna is with them. I promise you if things go bad, she'll get them out."
"I believe you. I...I'm not used to being this far apart from them. We have been at each other's hip since we had to flee our village."
"I get it, man, but you have to have a little faith. From what I can already tell. Those two girls of yours can seem to handle themselves well. They'll be fine."
"I hope so."
"Good. Now try to keep up. We don't want to lose you in this crowd."
Link kept up the pace with Groose. Minus Strich & Agitha who stayed behind, everyone that lived under Groose's home was with them. They stuck by one another as they navigate through the busy city.
"Is it normally this busy here?" Link asked at one point.
"Yeah. The city may not be in good shape, but everyone has their things to do," Peatrice responded.
"And a lot of potential suckers to steal from." Cawlin rubs his hand together eagerly.
They continue walking until they approach a busy road. Link looks around his new surroundings as his group waited to cross. That was halted when he felt Groose tug his arms.
"Stick with me, Link," Groose instructed, gesturing to the seemingly clear road. "You don't want to get lost here. This city is a dangerous place."
"So everyone keeps telling me. Aside from how dirty the city is, and that Ingo guy, is it as bad as everyone say it is?"
Right at that moment Fledge was the first to walk into the road. A lone horse rider came zooming down the street. The rider came at such a high speed heading for a collision course towards the boy.
"Fledge, watch out!" Orielle practically yanked her friend towards her, barely avoiding the impact.
"Thanks, Ori." Fledge breathes with relief.
"Look where you're going, dumbasses!" The horse rider yelled back to the group as his horse galloped further down the road.
"HEY! We're walking here, shithead!" Cawlin yelled back. "How bout you get off your high horse and say that to our face!"
"Let it go, Cawlin! We don't need you getting into another street brawl, again," Peatrice scolded. Cawlin let out a pout
Groose glances at Link. "See what I mean? Dangerous."
Everyone resumed their path once they determined the street was safe to cross for real. Link skims around at his surroundings. The group had passed through an alley when Link heard a 'pssst' in his direction.
"Hey, kid." Link turned to the alley to see a shady-looking man in a cloak. Upon making eye contact, the man unfolded his cloak, revealing many broken pocket watches hanging from the inside of the cloak. "You wanna buy a pocket watch?"
"Uh…I don't think any of those work," Link responded.
"They work, I promised. How much are you willing to pay?" The man got closer for Link's comfort. Groose thankfully marched over when he noticed the interaction
"He ain't interested pal!" Groose shooed the man away, gently guiding Link back to his group.
That would not be the last strange character Link would see. Only mere minutes of simply walking later another person approached them. A Hylian man with a hairy head, and an unshaved face, running around barefoot, wearing nothing but shorts moved frantically around the group. An unpleasant smell emitted from him. Looking into his eyes it was clear this man was not right in the head.
"Look around! The Goddesses have abandoned us! Can't you see it!" The man grabbed onto Link' shirt so that he could look right into his eyes.
"Yes yes. Thank you for the info. We'll ponder on that for a while," Groose said to the man to move his attention away from Link who managed to slip out of his grasp with the help from the others, and back to the safety of the group. Link remained silent not sure what to say about the encounter.
"Just stare at the sidewalk. Don't make eye contact with anyone," Groose guided Link away as the crazy man ran out of sight.
"This city is filled with…interesting people," Link commented.
"With a king like Ganondorf, craziness is bound to happen."
No interactions like that occur for the rest of the walk. Everyone arrived at their destination a little while later. This area is more clear with buildings circling, along with some small stalls. A plaza of sorts. Straight ahead was Hyrule Castle in the distance. The castle itself appeared to be so close yet so far. The same putrid smell that Link felt when he arrived in the city yesterday struck his nose. The source of it lies in the middle of the plaza.
A wooden platform stained with blood resided in the center. There was a small stone table of sorts stained with even more blood. The sight of it made Link feel queasy.
"Where are we?" Link asked.
"Castle Town Square. Many shops reside here so epople flock to here. Making it perfect for that." Groose pointed to the wood platform.
"And what would that be?"
"The executioner's platform," Peatrice responded grimly.
"Ganondorf carries out so many public executions here. To scare people into submission," Orielle added.
"And these executions are often unannounced. So if you happen to be here, everyone here is forced to watch, kids included. If you leave, they'll use physical force to make you stay." Fledge said with a shiver.
"And if he wants to make a big example of ya, he takes those poor souls to the Coliseum outside the city where he forces the person to fight hordes of monsters on the promise that if they fought through them all, they go free. None of which have achieved that." Cawlin reveals with a grim tone. "Rumor has it that he has a beast that no person could ever beat."
"Have you all seen them?" Some of them nodded, while the rest could only confirm with their uneasy expressions. Groose decided to change the subject.
"We don't have to worry about that since his royal majesty prefers to be here to watch the executions. All we have to do is get our jobs done. Here's how things are going to go down with us…"
Link tuned out what Groose was saying to his group, preferring to look around the square. The castle caught his eyes. It was much bigger than he imagined it to be. Judging by the mere size, he realized that somewhere in there, Bo, and maybe even Isabel were imprisoned there. Makes him wonder how will they manage to pull the infiltration off, or if they could even do that at all.
"Thirty rupees for one jar of honey?!" A pompous-sounding voice caught Link's ears.
Turning in the voice's direction, Link could see a small stall with jars filled with varying materials. Standing in front of the stall were two bird-like creatures that were taller than even Groose. Link had to guess that the humanoid-bird creatures were Rito. Up until now he had only heard of this race but had never seen a member of them in person.
The two Rito at the stall appears to be males. One had navy blue feathers, with white on the edge of his head, wings, and tail. His eyes were green. Three braids dangled from behind his head. The second Rito had white fathers, with black on the edge of his wings & tail, and amber eyes. Two braids each dangled on the side of his head. The white Rito was also taller than his companion.
"Revali, it's fine-" The white Rito interjected but his companion continued.
"It is not fine, Teba! The last time I was here, a jar was only fifteen rupees! Thirty is…well, asinine!"
"Not sure how it works for you Rito, but we have a thing called 'inflation' around here. That means certain goods' values increase, meaning I have to raise the prices. Capiche, Bird-Boy?" The man running the stall explained.
"I know what inflation is! And second of all, if you're going to call me anything, the name's Revali."
"Pardon me, Mr. Revali, but I have to increase my prices so that I can put food on my table for me and my family. You got a problem with the prices, blame it on the king." The man let out a sarcastic chuckle. "I'm sure that will work out so WELL for you."
The Rito known as Revali lowered his head in defeat, letting out a grumble. The other Rito, Teba, stepped forward, placing rupees on the stall's counter.
"Well take it. There's a little extra for your troubles. I apologize for my friend's behavior. We have a long flight home."
The man handed the honey jar to them after taking the rupees. "Have a nice day, gentlemen."
Link's eyes watch the Rito duo walk away from the stall, watching the following conversation.
"You shouldn't lose your cool like that. You're lucky he didn't sick the city guard on us," Teba scolded.
"But you know I'm right," Revali argued back.
Teba let out a tired breath. "...I know, Revali, but we can't do anything about it. We should focus on ourselves, and not do anything to get us thrown into the dungeons."
"Kinda hard not to lose my cool in this place." Right at that moment, a person ran by the pair, letting out a frantic 'excuse me' as they shoved Revali's side, knocking him to the ground. "Watch where you're going! You see what I mean, Teba? This is why I don't like coming into the city!"
A bag that Revali barely clung to when he fell. The bag was low enough for the jar of honey to fall out, rolling over to Link's feet. The Hylian picked it up, glancing at the pair of Rito, who did not seem to notice the missing honey jar.
"Excuse me?" Link walked over to the Rito
"What do you want?" Revali questions with snark.
Link showed the honey jar. "I, um, think you dropped this."
Revali's eyes widened, glancing into his bag, realizing that Link was correct. "Oh, thank you…" The navy blue Rito gently reclaimed the jar, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Forgive me if my friend seems rude," Teba said to Link. "He doesn't like being far from home."
"Why are you here then?" Link genuinely asked.
"We're getting things for his wife. Their wedding anniversary is in a few days. The honey is a part of it."
"Oh. Congratulations. I'm sure your wife will love your gift," Link told Revali with a smile.
"Thanks…" Revali mumbled.
"Do you guys…need any more help?"
"I think we got everything. We need to get home now. Long flight," Teba assured. "Thank you though."
"Stay safe then."
Revali gave a thankful nod. Link watches the Rito duo walk into the streets right until they disappear from view.
"Oi, Link! What're doing?" Groose strolled in Link's direction. "I think we made it clear to not wander off."
"Sorry. I was…helping someone."
"Good on you, but at least let us know. You don't know this city well."
"Won't happen again," Link looks around for the other members of their group. "Where's everyone else?"
"They left to do their thing, so it's going to be you and me for a while."
"Sounds good. What are we doing?"
"We're going there." Groose turns Link's body around to have his gaze on a large building. The structure was more oriental compared to the other buildings in the city. A sign on the top reads 'Throntail' with a picture of a plant stem with thorns on it with a scarab next to it.
"That's Shabun's store. I need you to distract him, while I go into the back rooms for the money," Groose explained.
"Why can't you distract him?" Link inquires.
"Cause he knows who I am and will kick me before I could even step foot in there. But as Linebeck said, you've never been in this city before therefore he doesn't know you so you'll be perfect."
"What exactly do I need to do?"
"Act like a regular customer. Ask him questions, even dumb ones. Buy some things if you need to. Here," Groose gives Link a small bag of rupees. "Some stuff in that store is expensive. Shabun will sometimes let you bargain a price, but try not to go too low."
"What happens if I do?"
"I don't deal with cheapskates! GET OUT!" A loud voice from within the store. A person hastily exits the store with a startled expression.
"That's what happens," Groose casually confirmed.
"Right. I go in and be a customer," Link repeated. "How are you going to get in without him noticing?"
"There's a back door he keeps locked. I'll pick the lock and go in. Any other questions?" Link shook his head. "Then you go do your thing and I do mine."
Link approached the door leading into the store. He glanced back at Groose, who gave an encouraging smile and thumb up. Sucking in a breath, Link entered the shop.
The inside of the store is much bigger than what the outside showed. Warm light emitted throughout the room. Many shelves were holding many various items, some of that was familiar to Link. others were things Link have never seen, nor did not know what they were called. Several archways were leading into other rooms.
"Welcome to my store!"
A loud nasally voice caught Link's attention. An older man stood in the center of the room. He was dressed in elegant purple garb, with a weird feather thing on the top of his hood. A large scarab amulet hung from his neck. And the way his face was, reminded Link of a reptilian creature.
"I am Shabun. Owner of one of the finest shops in all of Castle Town!" The man introduced himself with pride. "Feel free to look at the many wonderful items within these walls. I have food. Special goods. And so much more. And if you're interested in learning about Sacrabs, then you may enter the Scarab Room." Shabun gestures over to the archway leading into another room. "Oh! And that's the exit behind you."
"O-Okay. Thanks…" Link stammered.
"Now, if you see something you're interested in, then let me know, and if you want, we can discuss a price. Is that clear?"
"Well…"
"Good!" Shabun cut Link off. "Now go and look around. Or get out!"
Though the shopkeeper did have a rude nature, Link concluded that he was someone who isn't dangerous. With that said, the young Hylian man slowly browsed through the store, silently praying that Groose would hurry what he needed to do. All that time Link could feel Shabun's eyes glued to him in every spot he walked in the store, making Link feel uncomfortable. He even heard the older shopkeeper mumbling to himself, wishing for Link to find something. The problem is Link wasn't sure if some of these items in here were something he was interested in.
That is until three items did catch his eye. A boomerang. A large blue bug net. And a red large slingshot. These here were items that Colin, Beth, and Talo had each requested to get for them respectively.
Shabun noticed Link's interest. "I see you have taken interest in these fine items, yes? That boomerang may not seem much, but this one is bigger than most. If thrown properly, it can fly great distances, but will still return to you. That bug net is also unique for its time. Not only you can catch bugs, but also fairies. And that slingshot there is also no ordinary slingshot. That is the rare scattershot. Not many stores sell these things at such good quality. Each is about Thirty rupees. Ninety together if you wish to purchase them all together. Unless you wish to bargain a price."
"How does seventy sound?"
"That's too low."
"Eighty?"
"No, that's too low."
"Eighty-five?"
"You either give me a reasonable price or you get out."
"Eighty…seven.?"
"Okay, I'll sell them to you! Gather them and follow me to the counter."
Link gathers the items, following the shopkeeper to the desk. After Link placed his rupees on the counter, Shabun pulled out a loupe, examining every single one of the rupees.
"Is this going to take a while?" Link question after several moments.
"I'm merely making sure these rupees are real. You would not believe how many would try to swindle me with fake ones."
"Fake Rupees are a thing?" Link inquired, thinking asking questions would buy Groose more time.
"You're not from around here, are you?"
"Something like that…"
"People are always going to try to swindle you for money." Shabun set down a rupee before picking up another to examine. "Like this one guy I occasionally do...business with. He always pesters Rupees out of me even when I told him when don't have any to spare. The nerve of him! Then again, I don't expect more from someone whose family name is disgraced."
"Why…is that?" Link had a feeling about who he was talking about but did not want to share his name as not want to risk exposing anything.
"Something about planning a conspiracy against King Ganondorf. Their names were dragged through the mud before they were executed. This individual was their son. Can't even say their name because it became such a taboo topic. I somewhat feel bad for him, but that's life I suppose."
"Right…" Link responded uneasily as he took in the information.
Shabun set down the current rupee and moved to grab the next one. His fingers had a weak grip on the gem, dropping it on the floor. "Augh! Pardon me. Old hands, you know."
"Not a problem. Take your time."
Shabun leaned down on the floor. Link had a clear view of the hallway behind him. There he saw Groose tiptoe his way down. Shabun did not notice nor hear the Hylian.
'What's wrong?" Link's mouth moves in the same manner as if he was speaking, not wanting Shabun to catch him.
'Need more time.' Groose quietly responded. 'Tough locks. Keep him distracted?'
'How?'
'I don't know. Anything?'
"You said something?" Shabun stood back up.
"Uh…I was." Link glanced at Groose and then back, quick enough for Shabun to not notice. Link's mind scrambled to think of ways to keep the shopkeep occupied. Then he remembered one detail that Shabun mentioned. "I was curious to see your… Scarab Room."
"Really now?" Link responded with a reluctant nod. "Well then! I am quite pleased to hear that. It's been a long time since I got to show off my collection of scarabs! And here I thought you were just another dumb tourist."
"Uh, glad to hear it…"
"Follow me. I think you would find all of this fascinating."
Link didn't even get the chance to respond as Shabun practically forced him into the room on the side. Plastering the walls were perhaps dozens upon dozens of preserved scarabs in frames. All of which were different. Coming in different shapes, colors, and other things. Shabun gave an eager grin, ready to show off his collection.
"This is going to take a while…" Link thought to himself.
1 Hour Later…
"Thank you for your time! Do come again!"
Link hastily exited the store, with a tired wide-eyed expression. A breath of relief managed to escape when he was fully out of the store, massaging his template.
"Had fun?" Groose leaned against the wall of the store.
"Did you know they are thirty thousand species of scarabs?"
"Uh, no…?"
"I didn't either but now I do."
"At least you did a good job keeping him distracted." Groose held up a very large bag, showing rupees of various colors inside. "Managed to get all the money he owed the boss. Along with some other…trinkets. Wouldn't have done it without you. Sorry if this wasn't all action-packed."
"It's fine."
"Anyways. We're done here. We have some time to kill while we wait for everyone else to come back. There's a café near here. My treat and call it my thanks. You can show me what you got in that store."
Groose took Link over to a small café. Carefully, Groose showed Link the things he managed to steal from Shabun. According to him, the shopkeeper had a habit of 'collecting' things. Turns out Shabun had a finder 'keepers mentality'. Meaning he takes items that aren't his and either keep them for himself or sells them in his store hoping to make quick money out of them. When Link asks why Linebeck would do business with him, Groose said his finders keepers mindset has helped him find things.
"Sometimes in our line of work, you gotta make decisions with people you don't like," Groose simply told him.
They left the café after a bit, and they waited around in the plaza. Link asked Groose if Shabun would put two and two together when he found out he had been robbed and report Link to the guards. Groose had assured him that Shabun wouldn't even notice until way later. And if he figure Link was involved the guards wouldn't take the report seriously because Shabun wouldn't have solid proof, which Groose did not leave behind.
Soon later, they saw Fledge & Orielle return to the square with accomplished grins on their faces.
"Good run?" Groose said to them.
"Why don't you take a look."
Glancing around to make sure no one else would see, the pair open the top of their bag. In it, Link could see many rupees, along with some jewelry, and expensive pocket watches.
"You two got all of that?" Link gaped completely flabbergasted.
"Course they did! They're the best pickpockets we got! And a good haul as well!" Groose praised.
"How did you even get all that without getting caught?" Link questioned.
"People typically don't expect someone like me & Fledge to be pickpockets. When one thinks of what a thief looks like, one expects to be someone covered in filth. Not two normal, innocent-looking teenagers," Orielle explained.
"Plus we're also very quick on our feet and hands. We have a knack of grabbing things without people noticing," Fledge added. "We always do it to people who deserve it, though."
"Like who?" Link wondered.
"Ganondorf supporters for one. Trust me, they're easy to spot. An arrogant noble who decided to march their way into this part of the city. Probably as a way to show off how superior they are," Orielle utter that last phrase with disdain.
"Stealing from them is always satisfying," Fledge confessed.
Orielle smirked. "Then sometimes…we steal from royal guards."
"Don't you worry that you might get caught?" Link pondered.
"We're always careful how we do it. There are certain people we won't steal from. Someone who has good awareness. And we don't even think about stealing from Gerudo guards," Fledge let out a shudder. "We saw a person do that once…Didn't end well."
"But on the off chance someone suspects us, we put up a sweet façade of acting like innocent teenagers. Seeing a pretty girl, or an adorable boy reduced to tears is enough for some people to back off."
"It's a pretty damn good act they can do. Enough to convince even me," Groose stated. "You both know where Cawlin & Peatrice are?"
"I…I think I see Cawlin walking towards us," Fledge pointed to one of the streets leading into the square.
Cawlin speed walked his way toward the group. "Hey, guys. Doing good?"
"Where's Peatrice?" Groose said to him.
"Well here's the thing…Cawlin grew a nervous smile. "We were in a bar and noticed some fancy-dressed-looking guy who had one too many. Peatrice got the idea to…pretend to be a prostitute to try to rob him. She took him to an inn."
"Why?" Groose asked firmly.
"Seemed like an easy target. But she's been gone for a while. I would've gone there but the guy was twice my size, you know?"
Groose let out an irate breath. "Which inn?"
"The one just down the street I came through. Have Link come with me to help?"
"Why me?"
"The guy had the same build as you, so I think you can take him in in a fight if we have to," Cawlin asserted. "Help me & Peatrice here."
Though Link did not like the idea of possibly getting into another fight, especially after enduring the punch he received from Ingo yesterday, he can't help wanting to help them out. Especially those who had been kind enough to let them stay with them.
"Lead the way."
"Sweet!"
"We'll be waiting here. Don't take too long," Groose instructed the pair.
"Let's go." Cawlin pulled Link's arm, dragging him a few feet.
Link stayed behind as Cawlin took the lead down the street. Minutes later they arrived at a large building that did appear to be an inn. It wasn't anything fancy but it did seem like a decent enough place that Link would stay. They walked into the lobby. A Hylian man standing behind a desk took notice.
"Welcome to 'Town Inn' gentlemen. How can I help you?" The man greeted them kindly.
Cawlin gestures for Link to speak. Link cleared his throat
"We're looking for a young woman that might've come in here with a drunk guy earlier. Blonde. About our age. Beauty mark. Have you seen them?"
"Oh yes. They're on the second floor. Room 2B," The desk clerk responded. "Is the drunk man friend of yours?"
"We're friends of hers." Link corrected. "Thank you."
The pair walked up to the second floor. They walked down the hallway of the many doors looking for the room Peatrice was in. When they walked further down, they could hear noises coming from one of the rooms. They had gotten louder when that reached '2B' when the noises had gotten louder. Link attempted to turn the handle only to see that it was locked. Before he could call out, they heard shouts.
"Get off me!" A feminine voice shouted, which was followed by a male who sounded irritated.
"I'm getting what I paid for so keep still!"
"That's Peatrice!"Cawlin announced. "And it didn't sound good! Get the door open!"
"Give me a sec!"
Link slammed his body a few times, which finally opened after the fourth. Inside the room, they saw Peatrice on the floor, with a bloody lip. Towering over her was a man in his drawers. Clench fist with blood on his knuckles. The scent of alcohol was on him. The man grew startled by the two intruders.
"Who're you two!"
"Friends of hers! What did you do to her?" Cawlin bellowed at him.
"None of your business! Now get out of here! I already paid!" The man slurred.
"I'm sure she didn't pay you to hit her!" Link barked back.
"I said get out!"
The man gave a sluggish punch to Link. Fortunately, Link dodged it. Link then landed a hit on the man's face, knocking him out. Peatrice crawled back to her feet. Cawlin went over to her side.
"You okay, Peatrice?"
"I'm fine." Peatrice soothes her bleeding lip. "Thought the guy was drunk, but he wasn't drunk enough. Thanks, Link."
"I'm just happy to help out." Link simply stated. "C'mon. Let's get you back to the others."
After Peatrice was certain she could walk and looted the unconscious man's things, all three made their way out of the hotel. The walk from there and back to the square was relatively peaceful thank goodness. Cawlin kept fretting over her, much to Peatrice's annoyance. Link could see she appreciates the concern he had.
"Thank you again, Link," Peatrice said to him as they approached the square.
"Don't sweat it. Just happy to help," Link responded.
They could see Groose's group ahead with worried expressions that were washed away when they saw them.
"Things didn't go well?" Groose spoke to Peatrice first.
"Ya think?" The blonde responded sarcastically. "Guy wasn't as drunk as I thought he was."
"You gonna be okay?" Orielle asked with concern when her eyes caught her friend's bleeding lip."
"He only punched me. Link punched him harder."
"I helped out too…" Cawlin mentioned meekly, but Peatrice did notice.
"I appreciate it, Cawlin." Peatrice to the shorter Hylian, which made him give a small smile.
"Well, I think we all should call it day and on back." Groose proposed.
"Couldn't agree more," Peatrice admitted eagerly, soothing her bleeding lip.
"We'll treat that cut when we get back," Orielle promised.
"And maybe we can make your favorite for dinner to help cheer you up!" Fledge suggested.
"That would be nice."
The group all made their way back in the direction of where they came. Groose walked next to Link.
"So, what would you say about today?"
"It was…interesting to say the least." Link answered back to him. "Might not be like robbing soldiers in the dark, or as intense like a battlefield, but today was sure something."
"Rebel work can go in many ways. At the end of the day, we do what we can to help those around us."
Link let out a hum in agreement. "I do wonder how Zelda & Ilia are doing…"
This chapter ended up longer than planned, so Zelda & Ilia's side will be the next one.
Any who, we're just about a few months away from 'Tears of the Kingdom'. Can't believe how much time had passed since Breath of the Wild came out. If you guys don't know, I initially posted this fic shortly before the game came out (before scrapping that and started the rewrite in 2018 adding elements from in into this version). Time flies, eh? I'm certainly am thankful to those who have stuck around reading this fic!
Fun note: Ilia's dress is similar to that of Princess Peach from the Mario series. Zelda's is similar to her Princess dress from Breath of the Wild
And if you played Star Fox Adventure's the shopkeeper may seem familiar.
Favs, Follows, and Reviews are appreciated!