Chapter 5: A Beastly Acquaintance Part Three

Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda and associated characters do not belong to me nor does Beauty and the Beast.

The fear that shook his being was indescribable. The thing that spoke so profoundly to the young sage was frightening. He finally understood her fear of this male creature...

"Came to look at the Beast did you?" He drawled.

"N-no... I... I didn't know..." He mumbled, eyes wide with fear.

"Link! Please! He only got lost! He-"

"Silence sage! You dare speak to me like this! This man will be properly punished. If you sages will not take him to the dungeon, I will!"

"He was only staying until the gate o-"

"Trespassers to the Castle were always punished. Especially those who are old enough to know," the beast's eyes narrowed on the old man, his grip punishing.

"Link-"

"Enough. And get rid of that beast. I do not want to see it."

With the final word, Gaepora was dragged back into the depths of the Castle by the mangled form of the Hylian Sovereign.

After throwing the old man in the dungeon, Link stalked the Castle corridors, heading towards the Chapel, often his sanctuary in the Castle.
He burst through the double doors, startling the young woman inside. She dropped the candle she held.

"Goddesses Link! I thought you knocked!" Seres cried, clutching her heart.

"Now is not the time for niceties, like knocking. Tell me now. Did you know?" He demanded.

"Well, I guess this is a Chapel. No knocking needed," she smiled, retrieving his candle and relighting it.

"Seres..." He growled, "Did you know?"

"I know a lot of things, Link. For example: I may have been able to counter the curse with the other sages had I been here."

"No! The man! The old man!" He shouted, furious at her diversion.

"Oh... That. I thought it wise not to say anything," she shrugged.

"Why?"

"Look at how you act now. No wonder all of those girls ran away."

"Seres! That's-"

"I may be the Seventh Sage but I am also your friend. As many of the others were. My actions were only to protect a lost man, whose only crime was staying the night as he was trapped! I am always truthful with you."

"Then tell me, who else?"

"All of us. Saria brought him in. We sensed it. Impa checks. We decide what's to be done. As always," She sighed, "We are better judges of character than you are. Your animalistic disposition has clouded your senses."

"He was still trespassing."

"An accident," came Impa's voice from the shadows.

She made herself visible; her shirt noticeably wet.

"Saria's beside herself. I hope this brings you great joy, your highness."

"Impa!"

"He deserves to know. The man came in late. He didn't know it was Hyrule Castle at first. He's been in Skyloft during the war so he doesn't know about the move."

"He will be imprisoned for a time," Link growled, "Then I will free him. He cannot tell anyone what I am."

"I doubt he knew it was our Prince dragging him around the Castle."

Gaepora was huddled within the corner of his cell. The name that Saria called the beast... Link. It was strangely familiar. Of course, he had originally read the Legends to his daughter so, of course, it would seem familiar but there was something else.

Goddesses.

His majesty.

Why was the prince like this? Who had done this to the saviour of Hyrule?

Saria continued to sob in her room. Why was her kindness always punished? She only wanted to help.

The horse had been reluctant to go, but after some cajoling it bolted. As much as she knew an armed rising to collect the kind man was not a good idea, she hoped someone would come for him. Would Link even let him eat?

She curled up further into a ball in her little cot, letting it all out. She cursed Midna for what happened. She cursed the Gods, Link... Anyone she could think of. It was unjust.

A/N: Here we go. I meant to post this last week. I had almost finished it when I posted the last one, but I forgot to post last week. The next chapter is in progress (might be a two parter...)

Well, there's no new people to welcome or thank so... Bye!