A/N: I'm sorry this too soooo long to get out ;o; I've been having such bad writer's block on top of a crammed schedule (aka - pit orchestra for school's musical!). Although this took forever to do, I hope you enjoy this! The final few chapters are gonna get amazing, trust me uvu Then time for the sequel to this owo
Even with several days passing since the last time he spoke with Link, Kile remained confounded; bollixed by the previous quarrel with the boy. His mind was emptied thought - he couldn't even consider processing the possible motivations for Link's rationale of the other day. What occurred in the dining hall was to be expected, it was almost obvious that it would happen one day or another, between he and Midna. But, afterwards, when the boy willfully entered his room and thanked him. Of all things, Kile never expected Link to thank him. For the nightmare he was forced into just by a curse at birth, he never expected thanks. Rather, he thought a thorough wave of blaspheming him would suit the situation.
But no, that was not what happened. And now, to Zelda's request, he was crammed in the back of a horse drawn wagon along with the princess, Eric, and Impa. Link and Midna were leading the wagon while taking steed upon Epona. Ordon was their destination. Kile knew the way, he would have directed them. Link had cordially offered to lead them, however. Zelda didn't deny it. The woman didn't even trust Kile enough to even think of giving him the permission to direct.
So in the back of a wagon Kile sat, atop of dry and itchy hay that had a moldy odor nested within. His sense of the space faded in and out with the budding heat of the coming spring. Each time the whip slapped against the horse's hide, the loud snap brought him back to reality; dragging him from the cloudy mess of his head. Occasionally he heard the lighthearted and joyous snickers from Link and Midna.
The boy was happy at least. He found love and didn't want to die, anymore, that is. The guilt that waved over him when he heard of Link's attempt at death wrung him cold, ripping away any sense of hope that maybe his son's life wasn't as miserable as it was said to be. He hadn't expected it would drag the boy so low. It was true; the boy had a rather pale tone to his skin. Nor did he look the healthiest. But, they said he was getting better. And that was all that mattered. With a heavy sigh, Kile hung his head forward, gradually preoccupying the attention of Impa's wary eyes.
"If you feel sick, look outside. That should help. We're almost there anyways, according to Link," the Sheikah blankly said. Her eyes slightly drooped, showing off her emotionless stare.
Oh how he wanted to roll his eyes and grumble at Impa, but no, he would get scolded, rebuked for his poor choice of actions. And his disrespect – the stringy royalty bothered him so much; as he was fit to be a simple country-lad. Compared to his son, though, he didn't show as nearly as much of his homeland as Link did. As for Kile, he grew up there, but once he was free, he travelled the countryside. Link, however, grew up in the heartland of famers. His accent was quite evitable and heavy – sadly, such accent skewed some of his pronunciations.
His accent made much of his sentences sound idiotic, though, were well structured and thought it. The way he sounded gave off the impression that he was just the typical dumb famer boy. Unless he was garbed in green for the rest of his life, nobody would recognize him as the hero. That really bothered Kile. He was Hyrule's hero in the eyes of those who knew. But that was only a small handful of people who he interacted with on his quest.
Then the wagon came to a stop, outside the tented arrangement was the rich forestry of Faron. The horse would not budge past the bridge. Link and Midna glanced back at the halted wagon, as they waited for further instruction whether to carry on or not. Taking a sigh, Kile was the first to stand, slowly; he crawled to the back of the wagon and allowed himself out, aiding the rest of the passengers off. What had spurred him the most was the look on Zelda's face as she exited the wagon; her tight face was rather loosened, and more-so confused. Maybe she was curious as to the out of place courtesy. He had the capability to show it all along – but, in all honestly, refused to do so until now.
As the small group paid their thanks to the driver of the small carriage, Link looked down at them, but simply shrugged it away, giving a slight squeeze to Epona's barrel, signaling that she continue. The horse only whinnied and slowly began to take steps onto the shaky bridge to the Ordona providence. Link, Epona, and Midna led the way, as the small group followed behind. Eric strolled rather slowly, taking in the lush scenery. He had never seen Link's hometown before, nor had he ever been this far south in Hyrule – it was too obvious.
Once the bridge was crossed, the clearing with the light spring stood out, and the path back to Ordon was worn, clearly showing that it was treaded daily. The newcomers began to gaze around in awe at the lush forest life, as if it were part of a fairy tale. It made sense though, as Kile began to think about it more and more. The forest was practically untouched, aside the path. Its floor was covered with thick undergrowth and exotic flowers and herbs. The trees themselves were densely packed, tied together with vines that reached across branch to branch.
His admiration of the luscious landscape was stripped away from him as Link called his name. When his attention diverted to the boy, he grinned, and opened his mouth to speak. "Since you know this place as well as I do, run ahead and tell Bo we'll need some extra beds."
Groaning, he felt the shot of Zelda's stare shred into the side of his head, and reluctantly nodded, knowing that if he disagreed he wouldn't hear the end of it. While the group came to a stop in the clearing beside Link's house, Kile took a heavy gulp and began to tread down the path to the small village. The fear that ran through his mind was how the others would treat him, as since the last time he showed himself, he had changed. At least, he hoped he had.
The first glances he received were those of the children running around, playing with a dumb old slingshot. The small bodies looked confused though – like he was somebody they had seen before. The only people who he had previously known from the town were Rusl, Uli, and Bo. Instead of worrying over the kids' curiosity, Kile just continued to make his way to the mayor's house, passing by the people looking at him from their gardens.
It was only when Bo finally came outside his house that a sour look was directed upon him. The stout man crossed his arms and gave a rather deathly glare to Kile. "So you're back, eh?"
Exhaling a hot breath, Kile continued to walk up to the mayor, stopping just as their faces were about to touch. "Yes, but per request of Princess Zelda. Link has returned and with several others, Zelda asked me to inform you that extra rooms will be needed tonight."
"I don't believe you."
"They're in the clearing by Link's house," Kile groaned, rolling his eyes.
With sense of dubiety in the man, he motioned back to his daughter who stood on their porch to follow him. Ilia nodded in delight and the two began to follow the worn trail to the outskirts of the village, Kile right on their tail. And slowly, few of the adults, along with all the children, tagged along to the little venture of truth.
And sure enough, as they entered the opening of the wooded area that exposed Link's humble home, the group stood there – Zelda and all. The children, though, as soon as they saw Link, they ran. The smaller blond wasn't to rush, as he helped guide a small toddler over. Kile only presumed they were siblings. And it was to their attention that Link focused in on. He picked up the small girl in his arms and smiled at her, cooed at her, made her giggle. The small boy beside introduced her. Kile presumed this was Link's first time meeting the girl, from his actions.
All was good, Bo met Zelda the two spoke about Link's recovery. The Ordonian folk grew quiet, however, when they heard Link's door open and close, out stepping the Twilit Princess. Almost immediately, Ilia pulled the children back while their faces grew wide. Rusl and Bo reached to draw their swords from their sides, just as Link jumped in front of them, eyes wide in panic.
Link breathed heavy, eyes wide as well as his stance. Rusl and Bo both noticed he was smaller than before – nowhere near having the same capacity of strength as he previously had. But, the two knew he was serious, if he was as weak as he was and still jumped in front of what they thought was a 'beast'. On the other hand, however, Midna stood at the top of Link's balcony, feeling sick to her stomach. She was putting more stress and paint on the boy. As of now, he was scared for her life, and Midna felt at fault for it.
"N-no!" the blond's voice shrieked over the clearing, silencing all those who stood within the small expanse. "Don't you touch her." Link's eyes met face with the soil, wide and panicked, chest expanding and contracting with each disjointed breath.
With an exasperated sigh, Rusl slid his sword back in its sheath, a visible frown forming on his face. "What shall we do with it then?"
Glaring up at the man, Link hissed, "Her name is Midna. And you will not be doing anything to her. I brought her here with me. And you will learn to love her as you love me, because I am marrying her." With a dissatisfied grunt, the blond straightened his stance, glancing at both Bo and Rusl, who both had evident frowns.
With a twist in his step, Link spun away from the two older men, avoiding the reaching arm of Zelda's and continuing to step up his ladder, joining alongside Midna. Shaking his head back at the group in the clearing, Link cursed under his breath, and motioned for the Twili to return to his house with him. Despite the desperate looks Zelda and Eric gave him, he wasn't going to let anybody take Midna away from him. No, not again. Slamming his door shut behind him, Link took a deep breath, and collapsed to the ground. Midna frowned as she watched her partner bury his head in his hands, trying to hide away from the light.
"Link," the Twili knelt down beside him, resting her hand on his shoulder. "What's the matter?"
The blond didn't even raise his head from his hands to look up at her; he only adjusted his position that hid himself within the embrace of the Twili. Gently, Link wrapped his arms around her and held her closely to him. Midna felt the slight twitches and trembles as he tried to remain as calm as possible, but only knew he felt guilty for yelling at those who cared for him.
"Midna," the boy choked, a squeak to his voice, "I just don't want to lose you again. Not again."
As her eyes widened, the Twili reached her arms further around the blond, tightening her grip on him, attempting to provide a feeling of a safe shelter over his head. Like a cocoon, Midna wrapped herself around Link and pressed his head against her shoulder, resting her chin atop.
"Link, I won't leave you ever again," Midna whispered, swaying her hand along his back, to provide a sense of reassurance. "I won't let them take me; I won't let anybody separate me from you ever again."
"The princess has been gone for several days now, as well as the light-dweller. And our lead guard at the castle is missing. Do you advise we go through?"
Shaking his head, the other agreed. "Most certainly. She's probably with the dumb Hylian. Trek to places where he would be. She'll most likely be with him."
Taking a deep breath, the first grabbed his spear, slipped a garment over his black and white patterned skin, and approached the portal from their realm to the counter's. The mark of the triforce centered in the eloquent design, surrounded by ancient Hylian script and markings. The other watched as the one led a small claimant to the mirror, reaching his hand out, gently brushing his fingertips against the stone.
As the stone began to burn gleamingly – illuminating the Twili's face that stood in front of it. His lips hung slightly as he watched the ingress opened itself to the light realm. As the pathway dilated to maximum capacity, the group took deep breaths, and began to step into the link between the worlds. Before they even knew it, they felt their skin shiver and mutate as the gateway altered their forms in the travel.
Next thing they knew, their faces were down in the dirt, and the setting sun broiled against their skin. The leader, pushing himself up, groaned at the stinging of his twilit skin. Slipping his hood over his head, he gathered the rest of his crew and looked to the sky. As the color transitioned from a bubbly orange to a deep purple-blue, the lights flying upwards from castle town grew obvious.
With a shrewd smirk playing on his face, the Twili turned to his troupe, gesturing to them with the swaying of his arm. "C'mon. I know where we're going. And we have our princess to find, and that Hylian kid to kill."
Neither Link nor Midna had been seen for the rest of the night. The small gang had resided in taking home in the rooms offered to them. Eric, however, didn't return to the cabins with Zelda. He began on foot out of the small town, passing Link's house, and right into Faron, stopping at the Ordon Spring.
Hands in his pockets, he sighed as he stared at his sheathed sword beside him. The red head hadn't realized he had dozed off on the shore of the spring. The sky was a mixture of orange, blue, purple, and pink. A pleasing combination – all thanks to the goddesses' swell choice of colors for the world around them.
Taking a sigh, Eric began to close his eyes once again, sprawled out over the sand, until he heard hoof beats echoing from the distance, getting louder and louder with each stride. Rising to his feet, the red head latched his scabbard to his side, wrapping his hand about the hilt of his blade, preparing to fight if needed.
The tension in the air resolved as soon as he saw the Hylian crest on the horse's saddle pad. Sheathing his sword, Eric approached the halting horse. Atop the friendly beast was a Hylian soldier, out of breath, yet eyes wide in panic.
"Wh-where's the princess? It's urgent." The young man attempted to calm his breathing, but ended up pausing while attempting to talk, nevertheless.
Crossing his arms, Eric cocked his head upwards, still staring downward at the lad. "Well, the princess is on the interior of the town. But I have been appointed her personal guard on this small trip. I can relay the message on to her."
Rolling his eyes and releasing hot breath, the soldier regained his breath and stood as firm as he could while facing Eric. "Sir, a small band of Twili bounty hunters came in through the portal. They raided the castle looking for Midna and Link. From what we could hear, they're going to kill the lad if they have the chance."
At instant, Eric's eyes widened, jaw droppings and fear washing over his face. "Where are the Twili now?"
"We saw them going west to Kakariko. They will surely find this place in a day's time, despite how remote it is."
Nodding, the red head shooed off the soldier with a small 'thank you', and continued to head back to Ordon, a hardboiled stride to his step. His face was tight, fists balled. As he entered the clearing where Link's home resided, he noted Midna and Link stepping down the small ladder.
"Hey, you two," Eric called after them. Their heads turned to face him – Link raising his brow to show his attentiveness. "I've got to have an urgent meeting with you two, Zelda, and the others. Meet at Bo's, pronto."
The Twili nodded her head, grabbing the smaller Hylian by the arm, and beginning to follow behind Eric. Once in the town, the trio had diverted to gather to the rest. It was only minutes before the small group was gathered in front of Bo's house. Kile looked rather sloppy, just a mess compared to Link. Zelda stood in an Ordonian outfit, still half asleep. And Bo, he just opened his door to allow the group to congress in his office.
Pacing the room, Link tapped at his chin while the rest of the party took seats. "So, what's this all about Eric?"
"This morning, while I was down at the Spring, one of our soldiers came to seek audience of princess Zelda. I am here to deliver the news," Eric sighed, turning his head away from Link.
Hearing her name caught the princess' attention, however. "What is it? What was needed to be told to me?"
Shutting his eyes, Eric directed his head toward the floor, suddenly feeling unable to share the information. He knew he had to, for Link's safety. But the content itself made him feel sick. And with a final breath, Eric pulled his head up and opened his eyes, staring blankly out the window. "A group of Twili bounty hunters came in through the portal." A pause. "They're coming to find Midna to bring her back." He could just see the Twili sighing and staring down. "And, they know she's with Link. They want to kill him."
The silence in the room fell from inquisitive listeners to cold fear. The room had a chill like the tops of Snowpeak. He couldn't bare look at Midna, nor Zelda, nor Link. Giving such news physically hurt. It ached. It was one thing Eric never wanted to do – tell a friend that he's wanted, wanted dead.
"I still want to marry him in Ordon, though," Midna spoke up. Glancing left to Link, who lent on her side. "He wanted it. We can go nomadic afterwards and stay away from the bounty hunters."
Zelda turned to the fellow princess and sheepishly grinned. "Then it will have to be done tomorrow. We cannot waste any time and risk the safety of you both, and the rest of Ordon." The short blond nodded his head in agreement, glancing outside at the small town. Zelda reconstructed his attention when she began to speak again. "So, I'm presuming that you wanted it here to follow a different tradition. Would you care to explain?"
Link's face went wide as a faint rosiness painted itself across his cheeks, a dumbfounded expression glazing across the blank slate. Chuckling lightly, he turned away from Zelda, avoiding her stare. "I don't know. The last wedding I went to was when I was really little, when my mom was still around."
Overhearing the conversation from over in the kitchen, Bo stepped in and grinned lightly, raising his hand to speak. Once Zelda nodded her head at him, giving him permission to speak, the man lit up, like he was bouncing on his toes. "Well, I could arrange the ceremony. It would take place in the spring. It's rather subtle. I can get Rusl to prepare Link, and Uli to help Midna. If you want the ceremony tomorrow, they need to be separated now."
Twisting about face to catch glimpse of Eric, the princess raised her brows, unnecessary to speak to get her orders across to him. With the blink of an eye, the red head turned to leave the building. Link watched from the window as Eric crossed the scream, and bounded up the hill to Rusl's home. He watched as small Colin opened the front door, greeting the tall soldier, then fetching his parents for them. He watched as Eric explained the situation, and the duo happily agreeing. Next thing he knew, there they were at Bo's front door, waiting for both of them.
Slowly, Link stood, Midna following him. As he approached the door, Link waved a goodbye to Erica and Zelda, and then followed Rusl as the two began to trek up to the ranch. Uli took Midna down the path to the spring.
Laying his arm over the boy's shoulders, Rusl smirked over at Link. "So you found yourself a wife, eh?" Glancing over at the boy's face, taking in the bright red that began to burn on his skin, the older man laughed. "It happens to all of us at some point in our lives, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Oh, and Bo and I apologize for yesterday. We didn't know that was the girl you had talked on and on about."
Smiling and facing the dirt under their feet, Link laughed, baring the smile that people hadn't seen for moons. "Oh it's alright. As long as you don't hold a grudge against her, I forgive you."
Facing front once again, Rusl patted the blond's back and gleamed. "Good. Now, do you have any clue what to do for tomorrow?"
"Uh.. kiss her?"
"I mean everything before that."
"Oh, then no. I don't."
Snickering, Rusl stopped at the fence of the goat field, and turned to Link. "Well then, boy, we've got some work to do. Come with me."