Inspiration: Wisdom- To be truly wise, a ruler must look at all facets of a problem, and find the solution that is beneficial for everyone... even if it hurts a few.

Original Shout Outs: Ze Red Spy, Norkix, check out "Majora's Revenge" it is a wonderful story about Link's adventure in Termina after the events in Majora's Mask, Emily.

Author Note: I'm going to directly reference OA's "Visions" a wonderful story about Zelda's journey as Shiek. This is my second time mentioning it, it's that good. 3/21/2013 Thank you once again to the guest who put a fire under my belly to finish this chapter. I dedicate the chapter to you (I'm going to call you Fierce Diety Mask because that what I know you as, tell me what you think). ~ZR~.

Reedited 4/29/2012, ADDENDUM 3/21/2013.

Chapter 19

I woke up an hour later and looked out the window adjacent to the bed. The sun was bleeding over the horizon, highlighting the sky in orange, magenta, and hot pink. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and sighed irrevocably.

I should have just stayed up, I thought.

I glanced over at Saria who was still sound asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, I got out of bed quietly and headed for the bedroom door. I turned the knob slowly, hoping the tumblers wouldn't sound too loudly.

Everything sounds louder when you're trying to be quiet, I thought.

However, when I opened the door I was halted by Saria's abrupt woken voice.

"Leaving so soon?" she asked me quietly.

I turned back around and looked at her. I didn't understand why, but I had a flashback of me leaving the forest and her waiting for me at the bridge adjacent to Kokiri Forest just then.

"Oh… you're leaving…" her young voice echoed through my mind.

She looked like she had the same expression as well.

"I have to," I replied finally with a deep sigh.

She sat up and stretched for a moment.

"You should have said something," she said, "I could have made you some breakfast."

I grinned at her.

"I didn't want to disturb you," I said honestly.

She rotated her body so that her legs dangled over the side of the bed. She shrugged and stroked her hair behind her ears.

"You think after last night I consider you a disturbance?" she inquired softly.

I looked at her seriously just then.

That's a good point, I thought.

"No," I replied, "I suppose not."

Saria took in a deep breath and looked at the wooden floor waiting for me to take her up on her offer.

"So…" she trailed, "breakfast?"

My grin turned to a smile.

"I really would like to, but I want to nip this problem with the princess in the bud quickly," I replied.

Saria sighed after I said that, then just stared at me. She seemed afraid for me to leave.

"I understand," she said finally, her voice sounded sad almost.

I didn't like the inflection in her voice. I didn't want her giving in to doubt.

Come on Saria, be a little more enthusiastic than that, I thought.

"Maybe we could have dinner together when I come back with the good news," I reassured. "You can make some more of that delicious Hylian bass hot pot."

Saria merely grinned and nodded.

"Maybe," she said, "just be careful."

I stared at her wanting her to feel encouraged.

"I will," I said, but then paused and added, "can I get a real smile before I leave?"

Saria looked at me surprised and blushed. The musculature of her face was almost subliminal, because as soon as I said that, her mouth turned into a wide crescent.

"You would think I'm turning into Mrs. Killjoy," she joked of her semi sullen mood.

I looked into her beautiful eyes and grinned again.

"Let's hope that will be the case," I said seriously for a moment.

True to form, Saria blushed.

"Yeah…" she trailed, "let's hope."

There was a brief silence between us, and I went over to her and knelt in front of her on the bed. I caressed her cheek and kissed her softly on the lips. She kissed me back, but held onto me tight just then. I hugged her back, knowing she was afraid of what might happen. I couldn't lie, so was I.

I know Zelda is a reasonable woman, I thought.

"I'll see you later," I whispered, and released her.

Saria stared into my eyes again and nodded.

"I'll see you soon white knight," she replied.

I then got up, hurried downstairs, and out the house onto the front yard where I left my clothes. I quickly put my pajamas back on, and tied my cloak around myself.

I hope no one's watching, I thought, realizing how untoward this was.

I picked up Saria's gown once I was dressed. I folded it and placed it on a chair on the porch. I smirked as I placed it down.

Hmph, I thought with fond memories of the previous night, that woman and her swimming.

After I had everything squared away, I headed to my villa in Castle Town via the cave and the underwater storm drain system. When I got home I bathed and dressed in my white tunic. I decided on white because I knew how much Zelda liked me in it. I figured if I began the conversation on a positive note I could segue into what I knew was going to be a sensitive subject.

Let's hope this works, I thought, hoping for the best.

I looked at my reflection once more, then took in a deep breath.

I'm doing this for you Saria, I thought seriously for a moment.

After checking my appearance one last time, I left and headed for the castle. I headed for what Zelda considered our usual place, the garden. It was still relatively early, but I knew Zelda's circadian rhythm better than my own.

That woman lives for the sunrise, I thought.

I went and sat down on one of the benches, trying to organize my thoughts on how I wanted to approach this situation.

I can't be careless like I have been lately, I thought, I need to take her someplace nice, give her the attention she wants, and then continue on from there.

I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to calm down my anxious mind. This was the hardest thing I was about to do. I think fighting Ganondorf was easier than this. Matters of the heart weren't my particular forte, only because I usually never led women on. I was pretty serious when it came to monogamy. However, with Saria's recent reappearance, my whole philosophy had been challenged. The intensity of what I felt when I first saw her, and what I had been through recently made me realize how important honesty was. I needed to be honest with the future queen of Hyrule. She needed to know she deserved better than a man who wasn't in love with her.

I hope she understands, I thought.

I ran a hand through my hair nervously and sat up. A moment later, as if like clockwork, Zelda appeared in the garden. She was accompanied by two of her servants. It was vague, but I think she was discussing details of the engagement party with them. When Zelda saw me, her eyes widened in surprise and happiness. However, before she approached me, I saw a hint of a caution in her face. I was slightly puzzled by that.

What's this all about? I wondered.

I bowed respectfully, wanting to begin this in the most gracious way possible.

Slowly Link, I told myself, slowly.

"Good morning princess," I greeted.

She looked at me and smiled again.

"Good morning sir knight," she said to me sweetly, then did a curtsy, "what brings you here this morning?"

I smiled back at her.

Sweeten the pot, I thought, compliment her without sounding fake.

"I wanted to see the sunrise from the most beautiful place in Hyrule," I said simply, "your eyes."

I wished I could take that back, because that was corny and awful.

Oh my goddess, I thought, not believing I said that, that was incredibly stupid.

Zelda blushed and gave me an odd look, even the servants eyed me strange after that utterance.

Great, I thought with sarcasm, you better fix this.

"I... see," she replied a little perplexed.

Zelda's two servants immediately began whispering to each other.

Oh boy, I thought, not wanting for things to start off this way, more rumors.

"Are you quite yourself today my love?" she asked me all of a sudden. "You seem... different."

I grinned at her inquiry.

Detract, I told myself.

"Of course," I replied.

Zelda paused for a moment, still unsure if she should trust what I was saying. However, when I came up and kissed her hand, she immediately dismissed any doubts she once had.

She blushed at my touch.

"Well if that's the case, then I must accept your compliments with equal fortitude," she replied.

I grinned again.

"A simple 'thank you' will suffice," I replied.

Zelda giggled softly after hearing that.

"Alright then," she replied, "thank you."

I glanced over at the two women standing behind her, and noticed she was having her servants dictate with quill and parchment scrolls.

"What are you going over?" I asked, changing the subject.

Zelda seemed happy I inquired.

"The decorations for the assembly hall," she replied with a sigh, "I can't decide if I should get lilies, or white tulips."

I looked at her thoughtfully for a moment.

"Get tulips," I suggested.

Zelda raised her eyebrows at my suggestion and nodded.

"How did you come to that decision so quickly?" she asked me.

I wasn't exactly sure myself.

"Aren't lilies used in burial settings?" I asked, detracting slightly.

You know what… maybe lilies are appropriate, I thought with subtle irony.

Zelda looked at me surprised.

"You're right," she said, "I didn't even think of that."

I grinned at her and shook my head.

"Where's that Triforce of Wisdom darling?" I joked.

Zelda giggled at my joke and shrugged.

"I know," she said, shaking her head, "you would think I'd know better."

"That's okay," I replied, "you're allotted one mistake with all your perfection."

Zelda blushed again.

If I keep this up she's going to know something is up, I thought. I have to act more natural.

"Um…" she trailed, "thank you."

I grinned again.

"You're welcome," I replied.

There was a brief silence between us before she broke it.

"Why do you look so dashing today?" she asked me all of a sudden. "I simply adore you in white my love."

I looked down at my tunic knowingly and shrugged.

"No reason," I replied, "I just wanted to be presentable."

Zelda nodded in approval.

"You present yourself well sir knight," she complimented.

I smiled.

I knew this would work, I thought.

"Do you think you'll be able to free yourself for a few hours later today?" I asked her, changing the subject.

Zelda looked at me surprised.

"Um..." she began, but then trailed, "well..."

I smiled at her.

"Has another man captured your heart princess?" I joked.

Zelda blushed, and her servants inadvertently giggled.

"Of course not!" she said embarrassed, her voice then had a hint of excitement. "What did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking we could go for a walk and have a picnic lunch," I suggested.

Zelda's face brightened at the idea.

"That sounds wonderful!" she said with growing enthusiasm. "I would love to."

I nodded.

"I'll call for you at noon," I said, then took a bow.

Zelda bowed back.

"I look forward to it," she said to me.

"So do I princess," I said to her with a knowing smile, "so do I."

~SSS~

I was heading back to Castle Town to my villa, when suddenly I was halted by someone I wasn't expecting to see, Cujo. I sighed irritably at the sight of him.

What does he want now? I demanded of myself irritably.

"Good morning Cujo," I greeted him, trying to be civil.

He looked at me and narrowed his eyes.

"You know you're going to get what's coming to you," he warned with an encryption to his words all of a sudden.

I sighed and shook my head

He's starting early, I thought indirectly of his mental health.

"Oh really?" I stated uninterested. "And why is that?"

Cujo took a step towards me.

"Because you're considered a damn traitor!" he exclaimed, and his tone actually captured the attention of several town's people passing by.

I looked to the spectators with reassurance and raised my hand to dispel their looks of concern.

"Don't worry," I said to them, "I know him."

Several of the people looked between me and Cujo still not convinced, but given it was me, they went about their business. I turned my attention back to the bald eccentric.

What is this all about? I wondered, suddenly feeling a strange sense of cynicism run through me.

I looked at Cujo a little worried, not understanding what he meant.

"What are you talking about?" I asked him, trying to keep my voice low.

Cujo turned his mouth up into a sneer.

"Where's Saria, you smug asshole?" he demanded of me, ignoring my question.

I took in a deep breath, having to continually remember he wasn't completely lucid.

I don't even understand why he speaks to me, I thought, he hates my guts.

"I sent her to a circus troupe in Eldin," I said sarcastically, then decided in a minute decision to discontinue the conversation, nothing was coming of it.

I pushed past him and Cujo gave me a puzzled look as I walked by.

"She's where?" he called after me.

I didn't bother to reply to him at that point, I was done. The man was simply crazy. I continued to my villa.

"You're getting what's coming to you, Sir Bastard!" he called after me when I didn't acknowledge him. "Just you wait and see!"

Again, a few more people turned from looking at Cujo to me in confusion. I rolled my eyes annoyed, and took in a deep breath.

If I wasn't certain he was crazy, I would kick his tail, I thought in irritation.

When I finally arrived at my villa, I went to open my front door, but then noticed it was already slightly ajar.

What in the…? I wondered taken aback.

I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, knowing I left my door closed and locked when I left to see the princess this morning. I took a step back and looked around with sudden caution. I didn't see any out of the ordinary spectators, or untoward individuals lurking about the town square, so I was slightly puzzled with how anyone could have opened my door unnoticed. I didn't have time to ponder over that, I proceeded forward.

I peered inside, but went about searching slowly. The entryway leading into the living room was clear. I stepped into the front foyer and made sure my back was against the adjacent wall.

No surprise attacks, I thought.

I looked across the room to the staircase, panned my vision up, and noticed my bedroom door was open.

What the hell is going on here? I thought, closing my front door, then going up the stairs to my bedroom.

I stood by the scaffolding and opened the room door slowly, and readied my bow.

You picked the wrong house to rob you miscreant, I thought, thinking the intruder was still present.

I placed my back against the wall and sidled inside, but surprisingly the room was empty. I took in a sigh of relief when I realized no one was there. However, it didn't put aside my residual worry. Someone had been there, and I wanted to know why.

What is going on? Why were they here? I wondered, then decided to do a quick look around. What the hell were they looking for?

I decided to conduct a search.

I checked under the bed, in my closet, and behind the oak dresser.

I found nothing.

I went back down stairs and rechecked the living room.

There was nothing there.

I checked the pantry.

Nothing.

I checked the bathing room.

Nothing.

No one.

This is odd, I thought, not understanding why anyone would come there, unless...

I immediately thought of Zant, but then quickly dismissed the idea because he was not completely able to control the mechanism of Twilight Realm.

Zant still needs to redistribute the energy fields, I thought, however, he could have sent a henchman.

I went back upstairs to check my room again.

Whoever was in here was in here for a reason, I thought, making sure to check everything carefully once more.

When I thought I was done, I noticed a slightly displaced floorboard near the left corner of the room. I was slightly taken aback at the sight of it, because the dank splintered side was up when it should have been faced down. I walked over to the recession in the floor, and picked up the board to see what was hidden. My eyes widened with at first confusion, but then surprise.

What is this? I wondered.

I was looking at a diamond shaped device similar to the one Saria had implanted in her body.

What in the world is this doing here? I pondered clearly perplexed by its appearance.

I was hesitant, but I picked up the crystal to examine it. It was strange, but as soon as I gripped it in the palm of my hand, it got warm. There was a surge of warm energy that flowed though me like currents of water. The crystal glowed golden brown, then white. It was beautiful.

Wow, I thought in surprise, that felt incredible.

"What is this?" I wondered aloud.

I decided to pocket the device and have the doctor look at it later.

Maybe he can dissect it and tell me what it is, I thought.

I continued my introspection, when suddenly I was alerted to a familiar, but deadly sound.

It was the sound of a sizzle.

Is that coming from an explosive? I wondered with a sudden onset of panic.

My eyes widened when I looked deeper in the uncovered floor and saw a black shiny bomb with a bright orange fuse.

Oh my goddess! I thought.

Without thinking, I darted from the room and down the stairs. I burst through the front door to the unbeknownst crowd of town's people.

"Look out! Take cover!" I alerted, then finally came the explosion.

A woman nearby screamed. The blast alarmed everyone in the area. A couple of guards came hurrying to the scene.

"Are you alright sir?" one of them asked in panic.

I shook off the dizziness I felt and immediately stood up.

"I'm fine," I said through a cough, "check the back alley for any casualties."

"Yes sir," the guard said, and hurried to his assignment.

I turned to the worried populace and tried to put them at ease.

"Stay calm," I said, "I will get to the bottom of this."

A woman was shaking her head in fear.

"Don't worry about us my lord!" she said. "We are all worried about you! That bomb cam from your residence! Who would try to kill you my lord?" she asked me in a trembling voice.

That's a good question, I thought, coming to the realization of something, and I think I know who.

"It's of no consequence madam," I said to her, "I will find the culprit. You all take cover!"

I then bowed to the ostentatious crowd and hurried toward the castle gates. The crowd looked after me in worry. I was almost to the bridge when another soldier came and stopped me.

"Sir," he said, "what about your quarters?"

I was looking past him, not really concerned about my home.

"Put out the fire," I said quickly, "and then send for the royal builders to start the repairs. Also, tend to the wounded, and send for the doctors. Go quickly!"

"Yes sir!" the guard said in a salute.

I didn't mean to cut short his confirmation, but I ran in the middle of him giving me salute to Hyrule field. I hurried over the draw bridge, and immediately saw the antagonist heading for Kakiriko Village. He turned around, looking in a paranoid fashion to see if anyone was following him, and that was when he saw me.

Cujo you crazy bastard! I thought angrily.

Without thinking, I whipped out my ocarina and called for Epona. I did a mid-aerial mount from a starting jump, and immediately giddied towards Kakiriko impasse. I galloped Epona faster and faster until I was right on Cujo's heels. When I was at a safe enough distance, I jumped off my horse and wrestled the crazy eccentric to the ground. Cujo didn't put up much of a fight. In fact, he was quaking in fear. He instantly resumed the fetal position.

"Don't hurt me!" he cried out and put his hands up to cover his face. "I was just doing what I was told!"

I was going to punch him straight in the mouth, but I stopped myself after hearing that.

"What?" I asked him clearly confused.

Cujo slowly lowered his hands and looked into my angry eyes and nodded.

"I-I received a letter with some instructions," he said to me in a trembling voice. "The letter read for me to place a bomb in your house, or I was going to be sent back to Hyrule Asylum!"

I looked at him like he was crazy, which he clearly was, but this didn't make sense, even for Cujo.

"Someone left you a letter?" I demanded incredulously.

He quickly nodded and swallowed hard.

I gripped the front of his shirt tight.

"Why didn't you just go to the guards with it?" I demanded angrily. "Why didn't you tell someone that could've helped you?"

Cujo looked at me with widened eyes and immediately broke down into tears.

"It was a- it was a guard who gave it to me!" he divulged.

I looked at him shocked.

"What?" I demanded.

Cujo nodded.

"I was told my instructions were in the box and I was to tell no one," he divulged. "They said they would kill me!"

I felt my breath accelerate.

Someone really was trying to get rid of me, I thought, but who besides Zant would want me dead? And from everything I've been told, even from Daphnes himself, the royal family needs me, I just don't know what for. So who?

This wasn't making any sense.

"What the hell is going on here?" I muttered flummoxed.

I was still gripping on Cujo's shirt, when I finally decided to stand us up. He was still scared, which was understandable, but I was confused as to what to do with him.

If what he's saying is true, I need him alive, I thought. If I take him back to Castle Town with the frenzied state the town's people are in now, they'll make an assumption and throttle him.

I pulled out my ocarina and called Epona once more.

Cujo looked at me confused.

"What are you doing?" he asked me terrified.

"For right now," I said, "saving your hide."

He swallowed hard, not understanding what I meant.

I have to hide him, I thought.

I quickly mounted him, then myself on my horse and headed for Lake Hylia. It was a hurried ride and about ten in the morning when we arrived. I dismounted first, then dragged Cujo off Epona to the front porch. I knocked on the door to the laboratory, and looked around hoping no one followed me. When the door finally opened, the elderly doctor looked at me surprised.

"Sir Link what are you doing here so soon?" he asked, then turned his attention to the unexpected visitor. "And who is this?" he asked me bewildered, looking from me to Cujo.

"This," I said pushing the crazy man inside the house, "is Cujo."

The old man still looked confused.

"Uh… is that supposed to mean something?" he asked me, walking up behind me after he shut the door.

I took in a deep breath and forced Cujo into a seat. I immediately heard hurried rapid footsteps scuttling down the stairs, it was Saria. When she saw me she smiled, but then her smile faded to a look of confusion when she saw the unexpected visitor.

"Cujo?" she asked flummoxed.

Cujo's eyes widened when he saw Saria.

"S-Saria?" he asked shocked. "Y-you're not in the Eldin circus?"

She gave him a queer stare.

"What?" she asked him, shaking her head perplexed. Saria joined everyone in the living room. "What are you doing here?" she asked Cujo puzzled.

"That's just what I asked," the old man segued to her.

I took in a deep sigh and decided to explain.

"This crazy idiot planted a bomb in my house," I divulged finally.

Saria and the old man's eyes widened in surprise.

"What?" Saria asked me shocked, she then turned to Cujo. "Cujo is that true?"

He immediately trembled, but he nodded honestly.

"Y-yes Saria, I'm afraid so," he replied, but then added, "but-but it wasn't my idea!"

Saria shook her head, not understanding what was going on.

"Why would you do something like that?" she demanded of him.

"He was ordered to do it," I segued before Cujo could answer. "I brought him here so he would have some measure of protection."

The old man looked at me puzzled.

"What?" the old man said perplexed.

I turned to look at the doctor.

"I'm afraid it's necessary for right now," I said to him.

The doctor didn't understand my rationale.

"You mean you brought him here knowing he's the reason you're now homeless?" he asked me.

I merely nodded, knowing it didn't make sense.

"Can you accommodate him for a few hours?" I asked the doctor hopefully. "It isn't all his fault, and even though he's the reason my home is gone, he's generally harmless. I promise he will be out of your hair before the day is over. I have some very important business to attend to."

The doctor looked at me still unsure, then looked over at Saria.

"What do you think?" he asked her.

Saria nodded, but with open hesitation.

"I think it'll be okay," she replied, "if the guard comes we'll hide him."

I was relieved, considering the unorthodox circumstances. I knew Cujo wouldn't do something of this magnitude of his own contemplation. He was too simple for such violence.

Crazy, but simple.

It was then I remembered the gem I found with the explosive. I dug in my pocket and pulled out the diamond shaped crystal. Like before, I felt a surge of power flow through me from it.

There it goes again, I thought bewildered.

"What the hell is this?" I demanded of Cujo suddenly.

Cujo looked at the instrument in puzzlement.

"I-I don't know," he said sincere.

I sighed in anger.

"Don't give me that!" I snapped. "This was in the same spot as the bomb!"

Cujo's face crumpled again.

"It-it was already there when I placed the bomb there!" he divulged. "I was told to attach that thing to the bomb and then leave! I never saw that thing before today! I swear!"

There was something earnest in his words that made me believe him. Cujo then broke down and started crying again.

So, it was used as a trigger, I thought surprised, but I was meant to find it, this doesn't make sense.

That news troubled me.

If Cujo didn't put this device in my room, who did? I wondered upset.

While I was being reflective, Saria had a look of remorse on her face and went to comfort Cujo.

"It's okay Cujo," she said softly, patting his shoulder, "we all know you didn't mean to do it."

I looked at Saria incredulously for a moment.

I almost get killed and he gets comforted? I thought in disbelief. There's something very wrong with this picture.

The old man didn't take notice, he was busy eyeing the diamond shaped instrument I was holding.

"What is that?" he asked me, fascinated by the little capsulation.

I turned to look at him.

"I was hoping you could tell me," I replied, "I have no idea."

"It looks like a…" he then trailed, realizing he had an extra set of ears, "it looks like a device we've seen before."

I nodded in agreement.

"Every time I hold it, a surge of energy pulses through me," I divulged.

The old man looked at me in surprise.

"Really?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Really," I replied.

I handed the device to the old man.

"Do you feel anything?" I asked him when he took hold of it.

He shook his head surprised.

"Not a thing," he replied.

I looked at him perplexed by that fact.

"I don't understand why I feel a surge of power," I said.

The old man sighed.

"I might have some tools to study this," he said quietly, then raised the crystal to the light to see if it casted prisms of color, unfortunately it casted none. "That's odd," the old man mumbled to himself.

I shrugged, not understanding the phenomena either.

He'll figure it out, I thought with confidence.

Saria turned to look at me and gave me hopeful stare all of a sudden. It took me a moment to understand what the look meant, but then when I realized what it was, I shook my head no. She took in a deep breath just then, and looked down at the ground disappointed. I stared at her downcasted eyes for a moment, then went over to her and pulled her to the side for a moment. Cujo saw that and instantly objected.

"Hey!" he said. "She was taking care of me!"

I looked over at him and gave him an obvious stare.

"Be glad you're not pushing up lilies after what you've done," I warned.

That did the trick, because he regressed back into his chair. I turned my attention back to Saria. She still wouldn't look into my eyes.

"I haven't had an opportunity to discuss everything with Zelda yet," I said, trying to keep my voice low, "the events from this morning have thrown everything off, but I do have some time scheduled with her around noon."

She merely nodded.

Come on Sar... I thought, I need your confidence.

I lifted her chin so her eyes would be looking into mine. I stroked her cheek softly.

"I'm going to take care of this, okay?" I reassured. "You will be Mrs. Killjoy."

She stared back into my eyes and tried to smile at hearing that.

"Okay," she whispered to me, and swallowed hard.

I sighed, then turned to look at Cujo who was staring at us oddly.

"What?" I demanded of him.

He looked between Saria and I once more.

"Aren't you engaged to the princess?" he asked.

I glared at him and didn't answer. Cujo's eyes got wide.

"Are you two… seeing each other?" he demanded confused.

Neither Saria or myself answered the question.

Honestly, I thought, that's still up in the air.

Cujo scoffed upset suddenly, and looked at Saria.

"I thought you were going to marry me Saria," he said shocked.

I raised an eyebrow after hearing that.

It's official, he certifiable, I thought.

Saria's eyes widened, but then she grinned at him.

"I've told you a million times you're too good for me," she joked.

I couldn't help but smirk at her innate sense of concern for others.

Instead of making him feel inadequate, she found a way to make him feel special, I thought, I love that quality about her.

Cujo billowed an irritated breath at her comment and started picking at his foot.

"Yeah, I suppose that is true," Cujo muttered to himself.

I looked at what he was doing by seriating several pieces of nail on his big toe and shook my head.

That's a real man right there, I thought sarcastically.

I couldn't help it, but I chuckled. Even after the fact Cujo blew up my house, his complete aloofness to all the chaos he had done made me chuckle.

I wish I could be that crazy and get away with it, I thought.

I took in a deep breath at Cujo's theatrics, then looked at Saria once more.

"I have to go," I said quietly, "I'll be back later."

Saria merely nodded and tried to smile. I caressed her cheek softly and kissed her forehead. Impulsively, she reached up and kissed my mouth. It was soft, but nice. I wished it were longer, but she pulled away. I wasn't going to lie, with everything I had been through that morning, a good kiss was just what I needed. She grinned at me.

"I'll see you later then," she whispered to me.

When she released me I turned to look at Cujo, who looked repulsed.

"I can't believe this!" Cujo exclaimed. "You two really are two timing scum!"

Saria laughed at him and shook her head.

"Would you like a kiss too Cujo?" she asked him impetuously, ignoring his brazen outburst.

Cujo raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Yeah," he said without hesitation, "why do you think I've been yelling all this time?"

The thing is you haven't, you moron, I thought.

Saria went over and planted a huge wet one on his cheek.

Cujo immediately blushed.

I somehow found this whole turn of events just strange.

Cujo blows up my house, Cujo gets taken to a safe haven by me, everyone laughs at his crazy antics, and yet no one sees this as strange, I thought. Sounds like a typical day in the life of Cujo if you ask me.

I thanked Saria and the scientist once more, then left and headed for the castle.

I have an important task at hand, I thought.

~SSS~

I arrived back in Castle Town around noon and went to see how the recovery efforts were going. Thankfully there were no casualties, but several guards patrolling the back alleys had serious injuries. They were being treated for first and second degree burns, and were given fluids and cooling unguents for their skin. The royal building committee was already fast at work putting out the fire and making an estimate to the repairs. I spoke to the captain of the guard and put him in charge of security, with an emphasis of focusing on Kakiriko Village.

Since I knew Cujo was safely put away, I had no fear of the guard finding him. I just needed to have a convincing enough story for Zelda and Daphnes.

When I was sure the efforts were continuing smoothly, I headed for the castle, and once I was there I went straight to the garden.

I'm sure she's here, I thought, trying to straighten my slightly disheveled appearance.

When Zelda caught sight of me her eyes widened, she dropped the flower bouquet she was holding, and immediately ran into my arms.

She took in a sigh of relief.

"I'm so glad you're safe," she said to me in a trembling voice.

I held onto her tight and sighed myself.

So am I, I thought in honesty.

"I'm okay princess," I said to her softly.

Zelda looked up into my eyes, hers were filled with tears. She tried to smile as she wiped her eyes.

"Are you hurt at all?" she asked me.

I shook my head no and grinned at her concern.

"No," I replied.

She smiled and reached up to caress my cheek.

"Another crazy day in the life of a knight," she said gently with a nervous chuckle, "unfortunately, I guess we won't be going on our picnic lunch."

My grinned widened to a smile, not wanting to deviate from what I was intending to do.

"Oh no princess," I said, "we're still going to have our day together."

Zelda looked at me surprised.

"What?" she said slightly perplexed.

I took her hand in mine and squeezed it slightly.

"We're still going to have our day together," I repeated.

Zelda drew back from me a little bit as if stunned.

"But... what about overseeing the building of your home?" she asked me.

"The royal building committee is already doing that," I replied.

Zelda bit her lower lip.

"What about securing a residence in the meantime?" she went on. "Have you done that?"

I smiled at her worry.

"I have a place to stay," I said reassured.

Zelda's concerned look never went away.

"What about-" she tried.

I put my forefinger to her lips.

"Stop worrying," I interrupted softly.

Zelda pulled her mouth away from my touch and looked down at the ground.

We were silent for a moment.

"I..." I trailed hesitantly, breaking it, "I have something important to discuss with you."

Zelda looked up at my face and stared deeply into my eyes after hearing that, she then looked away. She seemed distracted by something that was upsetting to her.

What's this? I wondered.

"But you just nearly died," she divulged again quietly, as if trying to convince me to stay behind. "Whatever it is you want to discuss with me can wait. I wouldn't feel right having the day you planned for me after all that's happened. It would be selfish on my part."

This isn't about you or me Zelda, I thought.

I was determined.

"I wouldn't feel right not having the day I planned for you," I divulged honestly. "There's no sense worrying about things you can't control Zelda, and right now my home being gone is out of my control."

Especially when I know what the stakes are, I continued in my thoughts.

Zelda stiffened in my grip after I said that.

"Really?" she said softly.

"Really," I replied.

I didn't know what it was or why, but there was a definite shift in her manner, it was subtle, but it was there.

So, I was right, I thought at my noticing it before, I wasn't just seeing things.

"But-" Zelda started.

"No 'buts'," I interrupted again.

I lifted her chin and grinned into her pretty face.

"We're going," I said firmly.

Zelda looked deeply into my eyes and swallowed hard for some odd reason.

I looked at her perplexed.

What's going on here? I wondered.

"Are you okay?" I couldn't help asking, she was acting strange.

Zelda merely nodded, then looked away from me.

There was another brief silence between us.

"You still came," she said with an encrypted absence, breaking the silence as if speaking to herself, "you still felt that whatever it was you wanted to discuss with me was that important, that even after an explosion to your home you still came to see me."

When she put it like that, it immediately alerted an innate sense of alarm in me.

Something's not right here, I thought, with the way she said that, it's almost as if she knows what I'm going to talk about.

I drew back a little to look at her. I found what she said very off putting. It was mainly do to the inflection in her voice.

Why is she so distant suddenly? I wondered.

"Zelda?" I asked gently, hoping she would cue me in.

Zelda shook her head of her thoughts and tried to smile.

"Let me go get my shawl," she said all of a sudden, ignoring the concern in my voice.

She turned and hurried into the castle. I looked after her with slightly narrowed eyes.

She's hiding something, I thought with open suspicion, that, or she's just really shaken up about this morning.

When she returned a few moments later, I noticed the slightly solemn expression on her face.

"Shall we go?" she asked me quietly.

I hesitated, wanting to understand why she was so serious all of a sudden.

What in the world...? I wondered.

I tried smiling at her, but her expression didn't change.

"Could you be a little more enthusiastic than that?" I asked, hoping to brighten her mood.

Zelda stared into my eyes again and then smirked. It wasn't a smile, it was smirk. She wanted me to know she wasn't pleased with this decision. It was definitely forced.

What happened between now and this morning? I thought completely confused at her behavior.

I decided to leave her attitude alone, and just deal with it.

If I keep pressing the issue she may get more annoyed, I thought.

We then headed down the hall adjacent to a gate leading to Hyrule Field. It was then I realized I forgot to pack a picnic basket.

I halted for a moment.

"I forgot to bring lunch," I said in a rather silly manner, hoping to get a smile out of her.

Zelda didn't stop walking.

"That's alright," she said to me softly, "I'm not hungry anyway."

I remained sedentary as Zelda continued to walk ahead of me.

"You're not hungry?" I asked her, knowing that something was up with her.

She stopped to turn around and look at me.

"No," she said simply.

I merely nodded, catching the quiet dismay in her tone.

What's going on Zelda? I thought perplexed.

"Shall we continue?" she asked me softly.

Zelda was staring straight into my eyes.

I stared right back.

She's onto me, I thought.

"Yes," I replied.

We left the castle and traveled across Hyrule Field to this beautiful secluded location near the entryway of Gerudo Desert. When we arrived at our destination, Zelda sat down on the grass, with her expression continuing to be solemn. I raised my eyebrows a little worried with regard to her continuing degenerative attitude. I tried to circumvent the growing tension by smiling and sat down next to her.

"Aren't you worried about grass stains?" she asked me all of a sudden in a quiet voice.

I looked at her surprised.

I thought it was a silly thing to bring up considering the circumstances.

"No," I replied, reaching for her hand. "I didn't have time to retrieve a blanket.

She took my hand reluctantly.

"No," she said softly, "I suppose not. Appearances never seem to faze you, do they Link?"

I looked at her surprised at the smug inclination in the question.

She is definitely not the person I greeted this morning, I thought.

"No, they don't," I replied sincere, not wanting to go into that any further.

There was another silence that overcame us. This one was tense.

This is going to be a lot more difficult than I anticipated, I thought.

"By the way," Zelda started, suddenly breaking the silence, "did you find the culprit for the attack on your residence?"

I took in a deep breath and shook my head no.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to apprehend him," I replied.

Zelda raised an eyebrow and rolled her eyes at my reveal.

"You know who it is?" she asked me.

Yes, I thought.

"No," I lied.

She narrowed her eyes at me.

"So, how do you know it's a 'him'?" Zelda perceived. "It could have very well been a woman," for some odd reason she smirked, "a jealous lover perhaps."

I found her saying that obtuse, even with me putting my foot in my mouth.

"I was just making conjecture," I stated.

Zelda stared at me for a long moment after hearing that.

"I see," she said finally with a sigh, "it seems the Hyrulean army can't catch arsonists or assassins."

The underhanded comment caught me off guard. I glanced over at her and noticed her eyes were averted to the ground now.

"So it would seem," I replied quietly, ignoring the obvious dig she was trying to imply at my leadership.

It's almost as if you're trying to elicit a reaction out of me, I thought slightly annoyed. I'll just leave my thoughts about your family to myself.

There was another long tense silence that overcame us.

This is not going to be easy, I thought again, feeling a little anxious.

"So, what did you want to discuss?" Zelda asked finally. "The anticipation is killing me."

I looked over at her and took in a deep breath.

Start with something subtle Link, I told myself.

"Tell me about your morning," I said with a grin, trying to be cordial.

Zelda looked at me for a moment, then smirked again. That same snide smile from before.

"Tell you about my morning?" she asked in slight disbelief.

I shrugged, trying to be casual.

"Yes," I replied.

Zelda looked away from me and shook her head.

"My morning," she repeated more to herself than to me, "let me tell you about my morning my love."

I was a little taken aback by her curt undertone and manner.

Why doesn't she say what she means? I wondered. It's obvious she's angry with me about something.

"O...kay," I replied.

Zelda cleared her throat.

"I woke up and had the servants come and attend to my needs," she began. "I then had breakfast, and met with you in the garden, and..." she looked over at me just then, "you were dressed in white. It looks dashing on you by the way. Anyway, after you left, I conferred with my steward over some plans for the engagement party. All that was abruptly put on hold when I heard about the explosion to your home. However, now since that apparently hasn't wrangled your recourse, here we are sitting here talking about..." she forced a faked chuckle and shook her head, "whatever really."

I looked at her surprised at her untoward inflection.

"Are you alright?" I asked finally, not being able to help myself.

Zelda threw her head back and laughed again. It was filled with contrition and bitterness. She then swallowed hard and shook her head.

"No," she said with honesty, "I'm not."

I looked at her with open suspicion.

"Zelda if you need me to-" I started.

"You can cut the small talk and get to the point of this little rendezvous," she interrupted suddenly, "I know you didn't plan this for pleasantries."

I raised my eyebrows at the straightforwardness of her statement.

"I just wanted to be sure you were alright," I said carefully.

She looked straight into my eyes.

"I'm fine," she said with a sharp undertone, "get on with this Link."

I raised my eyebrows again.

Fine, I thought, no longer seeing the need to take her feelings into consideration, if it's bluntness she wants, bluntness she will get.

"Alright," I said, seeing no need to beat around the bush any longer, "I have a friend in need of help."

Zelda sighed, then stood up after hearing that. She walked a few steps away from me and stood erect.

"What friend is that Link?" she asked me as if she already knew.

I stood up and wiped the grass from my tunic.

"Didn't you say cut the small talk?" I asked. "Let's not play these games Zelda."

Zelda turned back around to face me and narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Yes, I suppose I did," she replied.

I stared her straight in the eyes.

"You know who I'm talking about," I said, getting to the point.

Zelda smirked.

"Oh yes," she said quietly, "that pretty girl with that green hair."

I looked away from her face when I took note of her expression. I did feel slightly guilty.

"Yes, that pretty girl with that green hair," I repeated.

Zelda stared at me for a moment.

"I thought she was in jail for aiding and abiding you," she said to me, trying to detract.

So, now you want to do this? I wondered, getting a little upset.

"You know very well she's not in jail Zelda," I said to her, having to remember to keep my tone respectful. "You know she's not just some pretty girl who got in trouble helping me. You know there's a lot more to her than that."

Zelda looked at me expectantly and nodded.

"Oh yes, that's right," she said sarcastically walking away from me for a moment, "she's the spy for my father on that lunatic who thinks he's my great uncle."

I narrowed my eyes at her.

So, she knew, I thought.

"Yes," I said in abscence.

She looked at me surprised.

"Not even a minute of a reaction," she said to me impressed, "it seems all that investigating paid off."

Zelda turned back around and started walking towards me.

I narrowed my eyes at her when she approached me.

"That's the only way I could get any real answers," I replied, trying to stay civil, but I couldn't lie, her snide nature was getting to me. "You and your father weren't going to tell me anything, much less be truthful about Saria."

Zelda looked at me surprised.

"Hmm, the truth about Saria," she began in a smart fasion, "tell me what you know about that."

I swallowed hard getting, tired of being toyed with, but I decided to answer anyway.

"I found out she didn't want to live in the Sacred Realm anymore because she..." I trailed, not wanting to say it, "because she was unable to do her duty. She came back to Hyrule as a Hylian, but was under confined restrictions. You already know what those are."

Zelda stared into my eyes for a long moment, as if absorbing the undertone of contempt in my voice.

"Do you hate me for that?" she asked me in a whisper.

I took in a deep breath and looked away from her.

"No," I said honestly.

Zelda gave me a long once over.

"Can I tell you something funny, sir knight?" she asked me, detracting the subject.

I looked at her odd just then.

Where is she going with this? I wondered.

"Sure," I said, not really certain.

Zelda turned around and started walking away from me again.

"I had a dream a few nights ago," she began softly, "it was of you and me and of these very same circumstances you speak of right now. You were wearing white as you are now and you had an auspicious air about you."

I looked at her puzzled, but remained silent so she could go on.

"You were abnormally attentive to me the way you were earlier today," she went on, "I didn't understand it at first, but then in my dream we had a conversation..." she looked down at the ground, "a very interesting conversation. One that I didn't wish to discuss really. However, when I realized the events happening today, were happening just like in my dream, I became alert. So I... took certain precautions."

I looked at her confused for a moment.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded. "What precautions?"

She turned around and stared at me.

"Think," she said in a flat voice, "precautions Link."

I raised a brow and pondered for a moment what she was trying to say. Suddenly, my eyes widened and I took a step back when I realized what she was telling me.

She didn't... I thought in disbelief.

"You had that bomb planted in my house?" I demanded shocked.

Zelda looked away from me and nodded.

"Yes, I had to," she said quietly, "I couldn't risk you asking me what you want to ask me."

I looked at her in apt disbelief.

This is crazy... I thought angrily.

"You could have killed me!" I said angrily. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Zelda shook her head.

"That explosion wouldn't have killed you," she divulged, "the energy was configured on Twili energy. The Triforce of Courage absorbs twilight energy and makes you stronger."

I felt my mouth drop, I was stunned.

"What?" I asked.

Zelda just nodded.

This is insane! I thought.

"How do you know this?" I demanded.

Zelda took in a deep breath and continued.

"It happens to me too with the Triforce of Wisdom," she divulged. "I can absorb twilight energy. It's the same with you, you transform into a wolf, an embodiment of courage. However, because mine is wisdom, I remain in Hylian form when I traverse twilight."

I couldn't believe it, but that still didn't explain why she did it.

"I still don't understand why you planted that bomb in my house," I stated.

Zelda halted in her steps and turned her back to me.

"I just to you Link," she said, "I did it because I wanted to avoid this conversation."

I shook my head at a loss to her reasons.

"You're not making any sense!" I said upset.

Zelda turned back around.

"Oh no my beloved," she said to me softly, "I make plenty of sense."

I ran a hand through my hair frustrated.

"I just want a reprieve on Saria's behalf," I blurted out finally, "that's all!"

I knew I was becoming presumptuous, and it was only because I was irritated.

Zelda nodded, but then sighed.

"If it were that easy, I'd do it," she said softly, "but unfortunately it's not that easy."

I swallowed hard and took a step back.

"You see," she went on, "if I reprieved her contract, you would go to her... because I know you're in love with her. I cannot allow that."

I felt myself getting angrier by the second.

"Are you serious?" I demanded.

Zelda nodded.

"I'm afraid so," she said in a quiet undertone.

I was fuming.

"This is strictly about jealousy!" I said to her angrily. "I thought you were above that Zelda!"

Zelda raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

"It's primarily for the future of Hyrule," she corrected me, "jealousy just happens to be a secondary factor."

I looked at Zelda confused.

"What does giving Saria the life she deserves, have anything to do with the future of Hyrule?" I demanded.

Zelda took a step towards me.

"It's not really her," she said, "it's you."

I shook my head.

"What?" I asked flummoxed.

"I need you to save Hyrule," she divulged.

I swallowed hard.

"Zelda I've already told you I committed my life-" I tried.

"Your fighting alone will not stop the onslaught from the Twilight Realm!" she interrupted fiercely. "Only the power within you and me as a fusion can stop the invasion of twilight."

My eyes widened and I took a step back surprised, I didn't know how to reply.

That damn word again, I thought.

Zelda could see the magnitude of her words on me. She knew I was blindsided by this.

"Don't you remember in the forest?" Zelda asked me suddenly, taking a step towards me. "Don't you remember how Zant's forces retreated when you and I were both shooting the arrows of light at his hordes?"

I nodded in slight disbelief at the recollection.

That is true, I thought.

"Yes," I heard myself whisper.

Zelda took another step towards me.

"The Deku Tree told me, once we are married the barrier to the Twilight Realm can remain fixated for the remainder of our lifetimes," she went on.

I looked at her surprised after hearing that.

"That's what you went to see the Deku Tree about?" I asked.

Zelda nodded.

"Imagine it Link," she said to me hopefully, "a whole generation of peace for the citizens of Hyrule. Not a threat from Zant or Ganondorf! The people would bless your name forever!"

I had to take a step back and catch my breath from all the shock of the news.

That's why Daphnes said I was 'necessary', I thought back to when I was reinstated, he and Zelda both went and got this news as confirmation from the Deku Tree.

"I think I'm going to be sick," I muttered in honesty.

I suddenly felt a little dizzy. Zelda quickly came to my side and helped me back down onto the grass. I ran a hand through my blonde hair and took in a deep breath to slow my racing heart. I couldn't believe any of this was happening.

A fusion of energy to save Hyrule, I thought, that is an enormous responsibility... but what about Saria? What about our future together?

"I'll..." I began, but trailed, "I'll consider everything you said princess, but I want a reprieve for Saria first."

Zelda looked at me surprised.

"What?" she asked flummoxed. "What do you mean you'll think about it?"

I turned and looked at her seriously.

"I meant what I said," I stated again, "I want her reprieved before I agree to anything."

Zelda looked away from me and stroked a lock of hair behind her ear.

"You know..." she trailed, looking down at the grass, "there is a way to heal her."

Oh no, you're not going to trap me that way, I thought of her furtive nature.

"I'm aware of it," I replied, "I want another way."

Zelda looked at me defiantly just then.

"No," she said.

I looked at her upset.

"What?" I demanded.

"You heard me," she repeated.

I shook my head in disbelief.

"You said you were going to make amends!" I said angrily. "What the hell kind of amendment is this?"

Zelda stared at me hard.

"I did make amends," she replied with a subtle encryption to her words.

I looked at her confused and shook my head.

"What?" I demanded.

"My amendment was for you alone, not for you and Saria," she divulged. "I made you regent of Hyrule."

"You think a royal position makes up for-" I cut myself off and swallowed hard.

Wait a minute, I thought, she's not talking about the regency, she's talking about...

That was when the realization hit me.

My eyes widened when I understood what she truly meant.

"Maybe you don't know your princess as well as you think you do Link..." Saria's voice echoed through me head just then.

"You... you planned your own assassination attempt, didn't you?" I inquired in disbelief. "You planned it all, didn't you?"

Zelda looked away and didn't reply immediately.

"I sent Saria a letter telling her to stay away from you, I even sweetened the pot and paid her seventy thousand rupees," she divulged, "after the whole situation with your outburst to father, I had to get you back into good standings, because I knew of the importance of your involvement with the twilight. I then instructed your precious Saria to act as a killer to get you to give chase to her so father could reinstate you and elevate your position."

I was stunned, I took a few steps back.

That's why Saria didn't reply when I assumed it was Daphnes who tried to kill Zelda, I thought, she already knew it was the princess.

"You didn't hear that from me..." Saria's voice echoed through my mind again.

"I can't believe you did all this," I whispered to myself.

Zelda took a step towards me.

"Believe it, my love" she said softly, "because it's true."

I shook my head.

"How could you do this to Saria?" I demanded. "She's been nothing but loyal to you and Daphnes."

Zelda narrowed her eyes at me.

"That's all you can think about, isn't it? Your sweet Saria," she said in a flat cruel voice. "Well, here's your answer Link. She's a servant," she said to me coldly. "I gave her a second chance when she decided the sage-ship -an honor she should have been satisfied with- wasn't good enough for her. I allowed her to become a Hylian when she decided her Kokiri heritage was too insufficient."

I looked at her angrily.

"Don't you talk about her as if she were some mindless trash!" I snapped. "I'm in love with her! She means everything to me."

I realized that wasn't the best thing to say at that moment, but with the way she was speaking about my best friend I didn't care.

Zelda swallowed hard at my words and her eyes glistened slightly.

"And I love you, and I honestly want you to be happy," she replied with indifference, "but I love Hyrule more."

"Zelda-" I tried.

Zelda narrowed her eyes again.

"Saria's plight stands," she interrupted me.

I felt my anger getting the better of me.

"You selfish-" I started.

"No," Zelda interrupted emphatically, "I am not selfish!"

I looked away from her and closed my eyes.

"Everything I do is to ensure a better future for this country," she said with strong conviction. "I didn't have a 'vision' becoming Sheik. No, no my love, I put my life on the line following you on a quest because I knew it was the right thing to do. I didn't fight a lizaldos named Drazzil, almost get pulled to my death by stalchildren, get transported between here and the Chamber of Sages speaking to Raru for sport, rescue the water sage princess Ruto, and a host of other things just to let Hyrule fall by the wayside because you have a crush on a Kokiri."

I opened my eyes once she was done and shook my head.

I can't believe this, I thought, this is not how this is supposed to go.

I ran my fingers across my forehead and sighed.

What the hell am I going to do? I wondered.

Zelda saw me being reflective and bit her lower lip worried.

"Don't you feel any love for me at all?" she asked me suddenly. "Is it so easy for you to just cast me aside after all these years?"

I sighed guiltily and didn't look at her. I knew she had a point.

She did wait for me for eight years, I thought.

She turned my face back to hers and looked into my eyes. Impulsively, she came close and kissed me. I immeduately pulled back repulsed.

"Get away from me!" I whispered to her in disgust. "I'm really starting to feel contempt for you."

She didn't look scathed by my comment.

"You'll come to under-" she tried.

"Reprieve Saria, Zelda!" I interrupted angrily. "Do it! You have the power!"

I was becoming desperate.

She narrowed her eyes at me angrily.

"No," she said simply.

I pushed her away from me just then and got up.

"Then I won't marry you," I threatened.

Zelda looked at me upset.

"Then it'll be on your head that all of Hyrule was destroyed by the twilight," she divulged.

I turned away from her and took in a deep breath.

My life is spiraling out of control! I thought.

"It's either marry me and save the woman you love and the country," she said to me as an ultimatum, "or don't, and she'll die along with all of Hyrule."

I turned back around and looked at her. My anger got the better of me for a moment. I stalked up to her and grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her to me. Zelda winced slightly from my grip.

"Link-" she tried.

"Why are you being so damn cruel?" I interrupted quietly, staring into her eyes. "Why not reprieve Saria and let her have a happy life? Why do this?"

Zelda just stared back, she didn't answer that question.

I swallowed hard.

"Why make Saria's self-destruction me telling her I love her?" I demanded all of a sudden, detracting the subject.

Zelda smirked sadly at my question and shrugged. Her eyes filled with tears and they spilled over onto her cheeks.

"Because every time I told you I loved you, and I knew you didn't love me back, it killed me a little inside," she said with honesty. "So, I thought as an ironic terrible joke, why not make what kills her be the very thing you've been vying to tell her ever since you two were children."

I stared into her blue eyes as if I didn't know who she was, and in all honesty, in that moment, I felt I didn't.

"That's just... that's just cruel," I whispered, then let her go, "how in the world did you become so cruel?"

Zelda's tears never stopped.

"I learned from the best," she whispered, barely able to talk, "I learned from you Link. I... I still see you traitor. Has my shooting gotten better? Was my accuracy spot on."

My eyes widened when I understood the subtlety of her words. I took a few steps back from her and just stared at her.

So, she shot that arrow in my room the night Saria stayed with me, I thought, with clarity. She considers me a traitor for not loving her the way she loves me... maybe she's right. Maybe I did betray her.

Zelda wiped her eyes and looked away from me.

Did I really do this to her? I wondered suddenly. Did I really lead her on only to shatter her hopes like this?

Zelda dusted off her dress, then went to pick up her shawl.

"Think about what I said," she said quietly, not looking at me, "in the meantime I'm continuing with the arrangements for the engagement party."

I didn't reply.

Zelda bowed, then turned and headed back to the castle.

"Don't stay gone too long," she called to me over her shoulder, "it's dangerous out here."

I just stared after her at a loss for words and what to do.

I couldn't believe any of that just happened.

What am I going to do Saria? I thought. What am I going to do?

Please write a review and tell me what you think. Chapter 20 is coming soon!