Between Love and Hate

by Kitten and Knight

Collaboration between two authors, read profile before proceeding. Link and Zelda, Malon and her husband are enjoing life. Their children are finding love but what happens when the threat to Hyrule itself is a Goddess?

3. A Knight’s Work

DISCALIMER:

SK: Here we are again, another chapter done!
TGK: Thanks to the best writer in existence.
SK: Thanks to my brilliance.
TGK: Pfft… you wish. Mine.
SK: Please you're nothing without me. At least for this story .
TGK: Yeah right, I could carry this thing by myself. Your just there staying sexy.
SK: Please, you know I come up with over half of how things could happen. All the Goddess's Evil plots are from my master-mind. Proving me to be an evil genius.
TGK: Your just an evil genius, I'm just a genius. So, I'm sure I can come up with anything I need for this story by myself. Just stay there and be my muse.
SK: See you need me as your muse and I don't need a muse, thus I'm more brilliant. Anyway this is suppose to be a disclaimer, not a battle of the authors
TGK: That's what you say. I say your just slowing me down. I can finish this thing tomorrow if I have to. But I love you so I'm not.
SK: Pfft I may be lazy, but my stories are rocking awesome. And I shall ignore that not so subtle flirting So...grabs Lars and Virgil you two disclaimer now!
Virgil: What...aw, man I was asleep.
Lars: I know I was your pillow.
SK: Stop complaining before I write you off
Virgil: Dude, your not supposed to say that here.
TGK: Interesting two.
Lars: Sorry Lover is given the 'get to work stare from SK and clears throat SK, known as sexy-is glared at by TGK I mean Shinobi Kitten and The Goddess Knight do not own Zelda.
Virgil: Yet... Except the OC's like us...
Lars: They will one day according to them, but they're crazy. Sexy, but crazy. Yeah, OC's like Samantha and Chris, and Linka and...too many the people you didn't see in the game basically.
SK: Wrap it up boys
Virgil: Like what Hyrule didn't tell us.
TGK: Leave them alone...
SK: Bite yourself and suck a lemon XP
TGK: I like lemons.
Lars: Before they get in a cat fight, no pun intended
TGK: Cat fight? notices no furry tail
Lars: If you figure out which author wrote this chapter, the author will send you a sketch from the story.
Virgil: Perhaps of sexy me. strikes a pose
Lars: They can't have you! throws arms around you're mine
SK: ponders on that and grabs sketch stuff wrap this up for us TGK I'm a bit busy now and so are points back to them
TGK: Uh... read and review. Or I'll kill you. I mean… it's her. She wrote it! Her!

A Knight's Work

"Don't get any ideas," Vivienne said in a whispered hush into Chris' ear. She was really close to the guy. If you were to pass them, you'd think they were lovers. She took Chris' arm and wrapped it around her waist. Its such a good thing Vivienne didn't care how close a random guy could get to her, as long as nothing were to escalate into anything. Her mouth turned upwards to a smile and she laughed, "Wow, your so sweet. I know I do look good in white."

Chris, who didn't say anything anyways, played along. "It's not so much the white but the white outfit your wearing, pumpkin." The pet names were a staple of his. Chris didn't know whether this was how it was supposed to go but it was getting the job done. He had to get close to the Triforce wielders, so entering through a sibling should help. On top of that, he had to make sure the power Vincent wielded or the strength of Link's courageous heart would not get in the way of his darling Goddess' plans. "What's over there?" Chris asked as he pointed to the mega-sized inn not so far from the Aegis household.

"That's the Aegis Inn," Vivienne replied. "The only one in this part of Hyrule. My dad was the one who was over saw construction and hiring. It was his first move into the business world."

"That's right," Chris said. "Your father is the Aegis Corporate president."

Vivienne nodded. "That's right. Look, I may be showing you around and all but you do know that-"

"You're only using me to get the attention of a boy? The one who has been trailing us for quite some time now?" Chris asked. He smiled a bit, "Trust me, I'm used to be used." Saying that hurt him, but he knew it was true. He loved his Goddess with the heart he had, and yet he was nothing more than a knight to her. Just like how it was supposed to be. Goddess and Knight aren't meant to be. All that interested his Goddess was the thought of keeping her Triforce. And now it was to have all of them so she can rule the world. He noticed Vivienne staring at him - his smile had disappeared. It crept back and he shrugged, "Don't worry about me. I'm being shown around Kakiriko by a beautiful girl, what more can I ask?

"Wait, Lance is still following us?" Vivienne asked. She sighed, "And he doesn't do a thing. Sometimes I wonder what's he really thinking."

"He's a guy," Chris answered, somewhat from experience. "He might be just in fear of rejection. Words do get caught in our throats. Sometimes we need a girl that can just ask us what we feel. Some of us don't. Don't worry about it though, I'm sure that he'll come around."

"I hope so," Vivienne said. From the entrance of the village, there came an audible yell, female in nature. Vivienne abandoned Chris and ran to the entrance. How she ran in heels was beyond Chris but she did. A blond Hylian walked in and she and Vivienne embraced each other in an embrace. It was Linka along with her love Ralf, excuse me Vincent Dante Aegis III.

"Hey Viv," Linka said. She pointed to Ralf, "I'm just bringing him back. Can't have him for too long until we're married." Linka looked at Chris curiously, "So who is the guy with you? He sure isn't my brother."

Ralf also had a gaze on the man next to his sister. He liked Lance… just not with his sister. And people thought Vincent was an overprotective father. Ralf was able to keep track of his sister and stop loads of moments with Lance so much better than Vincent could have. Especially since Vincent had his wife working against him. So Ralf now his crimson eyes on Chris. He wasn't about to let anyone close to his sister.

"Oh," Vivienne said. "This is Chris… right?" She turned her attention to Chris, her head turned in a curious manner. That was all he told her anyways.

Chris smiled and held out his hand, "That's right, my name is Christopher Damascus. Or Chris for short."

Ralf shook first but before Linka did, Chris took her hand and kissed it gently while bowing. A little perplexed Linka took back her hand as he finished, "Uh, that was very formal of you."

"Well," Chris said. "You are a princess after all. I should show my respect to you."

"It's just Linka," she said in response. "No princess."

"If you wish," Chris said. He smiled at the couple. It was his beloved's doing that two such as Linka and Ralf found each other. He remembered those times when his Goddess loved doing her duty. She used to love pairing up all of the people in Hyrule. But she didn't understand Ruto and her fascination with Link. Alas it didn't matter, Ruto found herself a nice Zora man and Link found Zelda. All ends well that end's well, right? He hoped she didn't notice that she was asking to undo her work and try to achieve the Triforce of Courage from the young princess. "To what do I owe the lovely pleasure of meeting the princess of Hyrule?"

Ralf put his arm around Linka. Just his luck for someone to try and steal her away… again. "Oh, I came with Ralf," Linka said. "He had to come home. That's pretty much it. That and maybe Viv and I could do a little sparring."

Vivienne gave the smirk that belonged to her father and crossed her arms. She picked that trick up from her aunt, no doubt about it. Because crossing her arms helped to emphasize her already large bust. And she does it for no reason too. And Ralf always notices it and he hates it because it's just like a free show to other guys. It's a shame that Ralf or his father don't understand that Vivienne simply dresses like that because she likes to show off her beauty. She can easily take care of herself. She's easily better than her brother in swordsmanship. "So you think you can keep up with me then?"

Linka chuckled, "I'm the one who should be worried about you keeping up."

"Oh no, not again," Ralf said. Vivienne and Linka always got into these preflight spats. And it was hard for Ralf to root for anyone. Family or the girl he loved his entire life. He swallowed hard, last time Vivienne and Linka were about to go at it with their actual sharp and pointy swords.

"Both of you calm down," Chris said as he stepped in the middle of the two. Vivienne and Linka were already glaring at each other. Though, Linka had to tiptoe a bit to get to Vivienne's eye level. Those heels were something else. "I'm sure both of you are exceptional maidens of the blade, but if you two aren't careful Hyrule could be one less if you feel like reaching for your actual swords."

"He's right," Vivienne said. "Let's just get to my house so we can just get the practice swords and then we'll find out who's better."

"We did," Linka answered. A smile crept over her face, "We found out last time."

Vivienne narrowed her eyes at Linka. "You know that was just plain old luck! If it weren't for that stupid little distra-"

"A good swordswoman would've been able to overcome and ignore that," Linka explained. "I so kicked your butt."

Chris sighed and managed to get both girls under his arms. The girls themselves didn't know how they found themselves in that position but it didn't matter because all he was doing was leading them to the Aegis house. And it was strange because with Chris, worries seemed to melt away. It was as if he radiated a very comforting aura. A certain air of assurance followed him and affected those around him. Ralf followed closely. Lance appeared next to him.

"So do you know who's he?" Lance asked Ralf in a whisper. He pointed over to Chris, "Where the hell did he come from and why is he over Vivienne?"

Ralf's eyes were in a narrowed glare. He looked over to Lance, "I don't know but there's something about him. I can't place my finger on it but something about him unnerves me. I think it's his glasses."

"Out of all the things to point out," Lance said. "How about the fact that you can't really tell that he's smiling or not? That scarf covers his mouth and muffles his voice a bit. What's he hiding, because it sure isn't cold enough for a scarf that heavy."

Vivienne and Linka walked into the house. Chris stood outside and waited for Ralf and Lance to finally make their way to the house. In his simple and clear manner, Chris spoke. "What is it that you two want to know? Where I'm from? Let me start there. I'm from the eastern part of Hyrule. I wont bore you with the details. I'm sure you can relate, Ralf, was it? Your father is from Styx, the northern port city correct?"

Ralf looked at him strangely. Not many people knew that about his father. "Yeah, my dad's from Styx," Ralf was stuck. His dad did meet his mother when he did show up in Hyrule from nowhere. It just upset him that this man was essentially a shameless flirt and was trying to get on the good side of Linka and his sister. It was just a relief that Linka was in love with him and would never choose another man. "Okay, but why are you here?"

"Yeah, why are you here?" Lance asked. The same question too.

"Calm down before I have to repeat myself," Chris said. He closed his eyes for a moment to gather his thoughts. More like to come up with a reasonable lie but that is just splitting hairs. He sighed, "I've come because my," he cleared his throat for the next word. "Mistress is looking for a place around this part of Hyrule. She has gotten bored with living in the mountains and seeks a new scenery. So she sends me… her lowly servant."

"Wait what?" Ralf asked. "Your telling me you're here because your Mistress – female equivalent to a Master – sent you here for a new place to live?"

"You have such a great head on your shoulders," Chris said. "I can see why Linka fell in love with you." The underlying sarcasm was brutal. "No need to worry Ralf, you are the eldest, I'm sure there is something going for you."

"Listen here," Ralf said. He got threateningly close to Chris. Almost the same way Vivienne and Linka were almost at it. But something washed over him: a desire to be with his Linka. He wasn't mad at Chris anymore but he just wanted to be with his loved one. He looked up to Chris. Ralf wondered how tall he was. "Whatever. Listen, are you going to go inside or not?"

"I guess so," Chris said and walked through the open door. He found himself in the living room of the fabled Aegis household. It sure did look big from the outside and inside was essentially no different. The living room could've been bigger. He looked around and saw a redhead walk up to Ralf and give him a hug. It must've been Malon, his mother. Chris remembered when his Goddess figured that she and Vincent would've made the best pairing out of three no four women. He even met her first, by years at that. It was a shame that Malon and Vincent didn't remember, it would've made things easier for them to get along.

Malon noticed Chris and smiled up at him. Was everyone actually shorter than Chris? We'd have to check later when Link or Vincent would walk in. "Hello, I don't think I've seen you around before."

Chris bowed his head in respect. She was a valkyrie, Chris could feel that in her. She already had quite a bit of power, and her power was derived coming from her enemy's strength. And a valkyrie only ever had one enemy: an angel. "It's a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Aegis. I'm afraid I'm not from around this part of Hyrule. And, I saw your daughter and asked her for help in showing me around."

"Really?" Malon asked. "Well, where are you currently staying at? I'm sure if you don't have anywhere in particular I'm sure my husband can give you a room at the inn."

"No, its perfectly fine," Chris said. He had to scramble up another lie. "I'm staying with my… eccentric cousin and his friend." Those sexy shadows are just so much help aren't they? "There would be no need for your husband's help."

"What about me?" Vincent said as he came in the door. He was with his good friend, Link. They seemed a bit out of breath and sweat beaded their foreheads. It must've been murder for Vincent. It seemed like they were outside and he was wearing nothing but black.

"Dad!" Ralf yelled out and went over to his father. "Um, this is Chris right and he's sort of getting close to my sister."

"What?" Vincent asked. Calm, nonchalant, indifferent. That was threatening just hearing him say that lousy word. He looked over to Chris. He was just one single inch taller. Hey, that placed him right there on Link's level.

"It's nothing of the sort, Sir Vincent," Chris said. He looked over to Link, "It's a pleasure to meet the king here as well. I explained to Ralf my mission in Hyrule."

"Really?" Vincent asked sounding relieved. He turned to his son, "Well, good thing it was a false alarm right?"

"Right, dad," Ralf said. Ralf still wasn't totally trusting of Chris. What Lance said was true. The glasses and scarf managed to cover up any clues that could give away any lie. Ralf watched as Vivienne and Linka came back into the living room and quickly made their way outside. He looked over to Chris who was now talking with his mother.

"So, Chris," Malon started. "Do you want anything to drink?"

Chris looked down to Malon, "If you could spare a splash of cider, I would be grateful."

Malon smiled and went into the kitchen to fetch the cider. Link and Vincent crowded around Chris, making him sit down on the couch. They stood over him, like birds of prey after the same mouse. Of course, Chris was unfazed; he lived far longer and experienced so much more than two worried fathers. Although they were War and Death, it meant little when dealing with an angel whose sole purpose was to make his Goddess happy.

"After Vivi?" Vincent asked.

"No," Chris answered.

"That's it?" Vincent asked, standing straight again. He found it weird that Chris denied it so quickly and without hesitation. He looked over to Link who simply shrugged. He turned back to Chris, who now had the cider from Malon and was sipping at it. Chris looked up to Vincent and nodded. Vincent sighed and looked back to Link. "Well… wanna see who's winning?"

"We both know who's winning." Link simply said. He had a smile on his face when he said that.

"Oh really?" Vincent asked. "It'd be nice to make sure that Vivi is winning this time. But, I'm glad we can agree that you don't want to see your daughter get creamed."

"That's a good one, Vince," Link said.

- (-) --

Chris walked into his Goddess' castle. He found it strange that she hadn't thrown herself at him when he walked in. She usually didn't like it when he left, even when it was by her orders to leave. Every step he took echoed throughout the castle. The hallowed echoes screamed in his ears. He was beginning to fear for his Goddess. He didn't see or hear her anywhere. He ran through the castle and came up to the grand archway that was blocked by giant wooden doors. The door that could've taken five normal men to open was pushed by Chris' right arm. He breathed a sigh of relief. His Goddess was fine. Physically anyways…

She lay on her throne with one leg over the right arm and her head on her arm, on the throne's left arm. Lars and Virgil stood at her right while two other people stood at her left. Chris had never seen the male and female before, but he figured it was just more people his Goddess recruited. Everyone in the room seemed to have an amused look on their face except the women. The young woman seemed to look a bit sympathetic and Samantha looked irritated.

"Everyone leave," Samantha said in her cold, uncaring voice. "Except my knight." Her eyes were fixated on the lowly knight who still stood by himself at the door.

The four began to walk toward Chris. Virgil seemed to love the thought of how the so-called Angelic Knight was at the mercy of a woman.

"Your in so much trouble," Virgil said as he passed Chris.

Lars kept his calm demeanor. He stopped for a second, "My regrets. I hope you will still play your role after she's done with you."

The man and woman passed him. The woman passed him without saying anything but the man. He was a different story. "You're screwed."

They left, closing the door as they did and Chris was left alone to face his Goddess' wrath. He adjusted his glasses and looked up to her, "Is something the matter, Samantha?"

"How dare you!" she said as she stood up from her throne. She managed to cross the distance from her throne to him in an instant. She stared up at him with her cold stone eyes, "How could you say, let alone think, that other women are beautiful. You reserve those thoughts for me and me alone. And then you go and touch them in such an intimate way? How could you?"

"My Goddess, Samantha," Chris said. "I-I never meant any of it. You know that, I was just doing the duty you had me to do, that's all."

"Tell me, do you think they are beautiful?" Samantha asked.

Chris sighed. He reached up and uncovered his mouth. He then took off his glasses and stared down at Samantha. "They are pretty," Chris said. "There's no denying that. But there's only one person I would consider beautiful. That is you… Samantha. You are the only that is beautiful in my eyes."

Samantha's eyes softened. In her calming, gentle voice, "Chris… do you really mean it?"

"Of course I do," Chris answered. He smiled down at her.

She smiled back but it quickly faded away. Samantha turned around, her sable black hair flowing like dark water. She turned her head back, "Lars! Virgil! Get your butts in here!" Her voice was back to that of the cold-hearted seductress.

Quickly, Chris replaced his scarf and glasses. Then, almost in an instant, Virgil and Lars entered. Lars passed Chris without saying a word but Virgil didn't. "Dude, you were getting chewed out!" he said. He imitated a whip crack, "Ain't that right Lars?"

"Virgil," Samantha said, deathly cold. "You aren't belittling my knight correct? Because if you are, than you are belittling me. So tell me, you wouldn't want to anger me right? Because that's exactly where you're heading."

"No, I guess I wouldn't," Virgil answered. Always make sure you kiss up to the omnipotent person in the room. They can easily wipe you from existence if not.

"Right," Samantha said. She leisurely walked back to her throne and sat back down on it. Again in her carelessly sexy way. "Virgil, I need you to play the part of an old man."

"What?" Virgil asked.

"Great…" Lars muttered. "He's going to be wrinkly."

"Yes," Samantha said. "Your going to Hyrule like an old man. Under Chris' order, as well as mine, you are to take." Samantha stopped and yelled for Alexander and Alexandria, the late teenaged two that were there before. They walked in. "These two and they will try to seduce Linka and Lance so we can get the Triforce. With Linka and Lance both seemingly cheating on their loved one's, power will come my way as well."

"And we need Lars why?" Virgil asked.

"Idiot," Lars said. "We need to pull of the perfect disguise or else we will be found out. And you don't have a shadow. Obviously you're going to need me to be your shadow while you're down there."

Virgil looked down and saw no shadow. He scratched the back of his head, "Oh right… Okay, sounds like a plan. I'll take those two down there and they work their magic. You get the Triforces and we all get to live in the happy little world you take over. Sounds good to me."

"Then we need to get Sheik's," Chris added. "Samantha?"

"Yes?" Samantha asked. She looked over to her knight. "What is it?"

"What about the Triforce of Love?" Chris said. "The ones still possessed by Vincent and Malon? Wouldn't you like it back as well?"

"I don't need them," Samantha said. On one hand, if she got it back, the good side would come back and all that work would go to waste. But it was hers anyways. She sighed, "But I would like them back. That's the last one we'll go after. In the mean time, work on the Triforces of Power, Courage, and Wisdom. They are essential. And I would like Power first, I need one more pawn to help me in taking over this world."

Chris bit his lip as he mentioned the Triforce of Love. No one deserved what was coming to them. He only hoped that his Goddess would realize her plans before they were to escalate into something big. He couldn't tell her though, because it wasn't his place to say so. Just like it wasn't his place to say 'I love you'. But she was also a different person. While he couldn't help but still have feelings for her, he knew that his Goddess would never intentionally try and take over the world. But she was, and maybe it was because people, even Goddesses, change with time. He just hoped that nothing is going to hurt her, or he'd have to use his sword that hadn't been picked up in millennia.