Disclaimer: GrimGrave does not own any of the characters featured; they belong to their respective franchises of Nintendo and Shouzou Kaga, Namco Bandai and Arc System Works. GrimGrave does not make money for writing fiction.

So, here I am again! I do apologize for the wait... I haven't really been feeling it as of late, so a lot of updates were delayed. But before we go on with the show, there's something I want to address:

*Fooler/Deflow – I would appreciate if you stopped harassing me and commenting crude remarks on my other stories, such as calling me a hypocrite and that I was "naively talking down to you." I didn't like your ideas, get over it.

The reason I remove your "reviews" is simply because I don't want to see them there. I know it's you – I can see it in the way you write. It's annoying so just stop. You're not making yourself look any better. I didn't steal "your" ideas. Comparing, let's say, "Eclipse of the Sun" with the ideas you proposed show that there's very few similarities, and those are hardly something you can claim as your own. It's already been used in fiction elsewhere.

It's been months already and you're still sulking over that I preferred someone else's ideas over yours, and that, my friend, is just pathetic. Now cease your hollow threats and behave like a normal person. Thank you.

*Last note: my friend BassBX has started writing. If you wish, check out his story "A Shadow Awakens" when you can spare the time.

Pardon my rant. On with the show!

To Hunt Down a Hylian

Chapter 9

Budding Envy and the Forging of Bonds

Just what had he got himself tangled into?

They had just barely passed the central landmark of Hyrule Field – Lon Lon Ranch – and there were already complaints from the gang.

Or specifically, the golden-haired girl who, besides complaining, kept insisting that she and Link do battle – how could she both be too tired to walk, yet desire a fight right on the spot?! And she remained stubborn about it.

Wonderful.

"Are you listening to me?!"

Link groaned and offered Lili a stony expression. "It's difficult not to hear you, I give you that…" The blonde outlander fumed, but the hero paid her no further attention as they continued their journey.

There were giggles coming from the far back and Lili sharply turned around, catching the culprits – Rikku and a shied away Noel (who had most likely just got caught up with Rikku) – and glared daggers at the duo, prompting them to cease their laughter.

"Mon Dieu…" the fighter said with a groan. ´If only the others weren't around…They'd undoubtedly get in my way if I tried anything.´

Sky-blue eyes darted back to the Hylian, observing his body language as he walked: he was fairly tall, though shorter than herself. He was also quite nimble and quick on his feet with matching reflexes to go with it. He was definitely a worthy opponent.

... But he had used some trick earlier, cheating his way to victory. What fun was there in that?!

Lili bristled. In a real, fair fight, she'd be victorious. She'd lead him around by the nose as she gracefully beat him up, then he'd see who'd be fainting!

She could see it clearly now: /the young man wouldn't stand a chance as the fighter's kicks and jabs struck with elegant poise and precision until he couldn't even stand.

Then, as he lay there, she'd straddle his waist, telling him, "You know the rules, don't you? Loser has to surrender to the victor…" as she lifts up his tunic-/

The flaxen-haired fighter's eyes widened and her heart nearly skipped several beats. Just what was going on inside her head today?

Carefully, as if she was made of glass, she felt her face: she was warm-too warm. Was she blushing?

Considering that it wasn't particularly hot outside: yes. She was.

Flustered and utterly embarrassed with herself, Lili cringed inwardly. Just what was going on today?

…Then again, the idea wasn't that bad…

:::::::

"So what do you reckon that the sorcerer is after?"

Cassandra and Link faced Taki, - the three of them having taken the lead aside from Lucina – with the Grecian asking, "What do you mean?"

The ninja replied sternly, "We know that he wants Link dead – but surely there is more to this than just some petty revenge. Why go through all this trouble of summoning us for just that? There's bound to be much more to this that we don't know of."

"Perhaps," Link added. "But we don't have to know if we're stopping him right here and now."

"Yeah, that's right!" Cassandra exclaimed with a smile. "Once we defeat him, it won't matter!"

The dark-haired kunoichi frowned slightly at that remark. "That may be the case, but we still need a plan – if he was capable of summoning us, from other worlds nonetheless, then who knows what else he is capable of. We need to formulate some sort of plan."

"Anything you have in mind?" the Hylian asked.

"First thing to come to mind would be an ambush," Taki replied. "Some of us should act as bait to lure him out, allowing the others to take him by surprise and simultaneously cutting off any possible escape routes."

Link nodded. "That could work. But it's probably easier said than done."

"It's a start," the ninja remarked. "We can't go back there without a plan. We'll figure out the details on the way."

At the back of the line the green-eyed blonde duo kept to themselves.

The thief threw the Hylian a glance, giggling. "You know, despite that we were enemies earlier, he seem like a reliable guy."

Noel nodded with a barely audible, "Mm."

"And…" Rikku bit her lower lip as her cheeks flushed a faint red hue. "Handsome, too."

Olive-green orbs eyed the thief in bewilderment. Lips parted but no words came, instead prompting the gunslinger to avoid staring at her partner and attempt to hide inside her cloak.

"Right?" the thief edged on, gently prodding the gunslinger with her elbow. "Right?"

Though uncomfortable, Noel managed another low, "…Mm." Rikku snickered, but soon her elation sank, leaving her with a blank expression as swirly pupils darted back to the Hylian.

"…Although we messed up, didn't we?"

Noel nodded shyly. With the end of that short-lived conversation, the blonde duo watched the green-garbed man, their looks amiable.

´They're nearing the woods…´

Crimson orbs observed from afar, hiding in another tree's top and watching the group with unkind eyes that quickly scrutinized each woman – especially those at the front with Link.

There was a sharp sound of a string being plucked as bandaged fingers hovered above a series of strings. With twitchy, harsh movements, they plucked at the twines, producing a string of eerie notes.

"Maybe it's about time I interfere."

Crimson eyes shifted over to the Hero as the hateful look changed into a soft, caring gaze. "Once again, you've become lost. I shall guide you to the right path, one more time."

As a hand rested above the humanoid's chest – heart racing uncontrollably – the figure vanished yet again from sight.

At the border of the south-western forest, the group of adventurers decided to take a break prepare – physically and mentally – for the dangers that possibly awaited them from this point on. Weapons and other arsenal were inspected and others decided to stretch otherwise stiff joints, though, in the end they all needed to take a moment to relax and shed their stress that had accumulated since earlier today.

The flaxen-haired Hylian cast a glance towards the woods; the path was narrow, barely existing, and the tall, thick trees looked more and more menacing with their long and crooked branches the further into the forest he looked.

The perfect spot for an ambush.

Thin eyebrows knitted together in a frown – he didn't like this. Sure, they were a few but who said that the enemy didn't have a bigger number on their side? And at least one member of the group could easily take her chance in the chaos and turn traitor-

"Uhm…" Link snapped back to reality, storing his grim thoughts away for later as he turned and met two pairs of green eyes. One of them had swirly pupils, belonging to the self-proclaimed thief who offered a small smile. "…Hi."

Blink. "Hey," the Hylian replied with a puzzled look. "Can I help you?"

Rikku opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, green orbs averting his gaze – as did Noel's – and found the grass to be a lot more interesting to watch. "…I… Uh… We wanted to talk to you…"

The Hero crossed his arms. "Okay?"

The blonde duo shared a look – they were nervous, that much was clear – until the thief's gaze met azure orbs. "We talked things over and… w-we… we want to apologise."

Blink. "Apologise?"

"For earlier," she continued. "It's the smelly old man's fault, you know. We just wanted to return home… And for that we acted like dummies." Index fingers met, fidgeting whilst swirly-pupil orbs shied away from clear azure. "S-so… sorry…"

Well… That was unexpected – unexpected but true. There was no way these girls could've known about who Link really was, nor could they've just returned back home.

The Hylian youth returned a small but warm smile. "I appreciate the apology, and I recognize your courage for addressing me about it."

Rikku's and Noel's eyes lit up with hope. "So… you trust us?" The bikini-clad blonde asked with noticeably joy in her voice.

"Not completely," Link said sternly. "But a bit more than before. I'm still keeping an eye on you."

"Don't mind if you do…"

"What was that?" the Hylian inquired.

"Nothing!" came the quick reply as the bubbly thief enveloped the green-garbed man with a hug. "Thank you, Link!"

:::::::

Bright green orbs narrowed at the sight of the slight commotion a few feet away, thin eyebrows knitting together into a scowl as Rikku came into view, clinging onto the hero in green who was attempting to shove her away.

"Something is troubling you."

Cassandra's expression dissipated instantly as she – as if awakening from a daydream – turned towards her ninja friend. "W-what?"

Hazel eyes were firmly trained on her with a stony look. "You were scowling, Cassandra. Is something upsetting you?"

The Grecian hesitated to reply. "…No, I'm fine. I guess I was just lost in thought."

Taki's gaze traced from her friend to the young Hylian and she smiled. "Thought, huh? Did it involve your friend I wonder?" When the blonde's eyes widened and averted her eyes, the ninja chuckled. "You speak highly of him so I doubt he's done anything. Why the dark look, Cassandra?"

"No reason," came the quick response

"Is that so?" The kunoichi followed her friend's stare, noticing how it wasn't entirely aimed for the swordsman, but rather the thief.

It dawned upon Taki, an eyebrow arching in surprise. "…Cassandra, are you… jealous?"

…

"Well then! We can't sit idle here forever!" The Grecian rose to her feet, striding over to the Hylian before the raven-haired woman could say anything.

´Definitely jealous…´

Whilst Cassandra and Taki were focused on Link, another flaxen-haired member was keeping tabs on the hero. Lili pouted at the sight of not only Rikku, but now Cassandra as well, being way too close to the green-garbed youth.

She crossed her arms, baby-blue eyes narrowed. ´Just what are they trying to pull? Are they trying to steal my chance for a glorious victory?!`

The fighter fumed, her petite hands balling into fists. Her heart tugged achingly beneath her breast and spite surged within her the more she observed the other members being so…clingy – clingy and friendly towards the man who was supposed to be grovelling at her feet. Her blood boiled from the rising anger. No-one cheated Lili of her prize.

But surely the others would get in her way if she tried to fight him…

Peasants.

But her reasoning demanded that she should establish dominion over what was rightfully hers and make it perfectly clear to everyone else too. Determined, the golden-haired fighter crossed the grassy distance until she was right in front of Link, ignoring the trio of blondes that had gathered around him.

"I'm tired," she stated, arms still crossed.

Azure orbs met hers, puzzled. "We're resting at the moment, but we have to keep moving soon."

"My legs hurt," Lili replied. "You'll have to take responsibility."

"And just what did I do?"

"I don't need to spell it out for you! I'm telling you that I need to rest my delicate legs and, as such, you'll have to take responsibility if you're so insistent that we continue right away."

Link's expression was blank. "I'm not following your logic."

"Mon Dieu! Are you that thick-headed? Take responsibility and kill two birds with one stone."

A little red flag went off at the back of the Hylian's mind. "…You're not seriously asking me to-"

"Carry me."

´Who are you, Princess Ruto?!´ Link screamed mentally, but kept (most of) his composure. "I respectfully decline. You're a fighter, I'm sure you can handle it."

"Oh, no, no, no." Lili stepped up to him – too close for his liking – with a small smirk and placed her index finger underneath his chin, meeting his eyes at the same height. "That won't do. You're the Hero, right? Play your part and help the damsel in distress then, "Hero.""

:::::::

The cobalt-haired swordswoman glanced back at the other members and their commotion; the blonde Hylian was arguing with the elegantly-dressed girl whilst the three remaining blondes attempted to diffuse the situation.

´Odd… Should they really be fighting amongst themselves?` Lucina pondered for a moment. ´Then again, we're barely allies, just a ragtag group of individuals with a common goal… Well, maybe not ragtag. Each and every one of them is fighters in their own right and powerful ones at that. Especially…´

Deep-blue orbs fixated on the young man in green. ´I wouldn't be surprised if his deeds end up in the legends of history… for this world anyway.´

Her peek lingered longer than intended but the warrior found she was unwilling to look away: his face, his expression, and the very air around him beckoned her attention. He was blessed with handsome features, Lucina had to admit, and Cassandra's words came back to her…

/"When I first met him, I was honestly surprised – he didn't look like it, but his swordsmanship is extraordinary. In his eyes, clear like a beast, there was an unwavering look of true courage if I ever saw one…"

"It's like he was born into and moulded by battle…"/

"Moulded by battle, huh…?" Lucina murmured, studying the Hylian. She had seen his skills with the sword earlier so she had no reason to believe otherwise, but at the same time there's something else – something she couldn't put her finger on – that had her so focused on him.

Admiration?

Possibly. Link had shown to be selfless and brave with a high sense of just. Maybe this "admiration" had been born from that?

She sighed, her expression gentle, as she watched the hero swordsman-

Ears pricked up at the faint rustling sound of leaves and the creaking of branches behind her and she spun around, the falchion raised and cape waving from the sudden movement. But there was nothing there…

´The trees!´

"Everyone, prepare yourselves!"

As soon as the swordswoman had sounded the alarm, a huge, bulking creature leapt from the treetop, releasing a high-pitched hissing noise. It descended upon Lucina, armed with a crude sword and shield, but was dead before it hit the ground with a loud thud; a black kunai was embedded between the lizard-like creature's amber eyes.

The cobalt-haired woman turned to see Taki, two more kunais still in her hand and her kodachi in the other. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it," came the dry reply. "Watch out!"

A series of roars, hisses, and screeches resonated from the forest and the treetops rustled in the wake of the leaping lizard folk, armed and ready for battle.

Unsheathing the Master Sword, its edge reflective surface glistening in the sun, Link shouted, "Lizalfos! Everybody, stay on your toes! These creatures are agile and breathe fire!"

"Eww! They're gross!" Rikku exclaimed, twirling her dual daggers around her fingers before firmly gripping them, poised for battle. "A-and they… l-look like snakes…Uh…"

"Courage, girl," the ninja called out, flinging her remaining kunais and piercing two of the creatures with pinpoint precision. "Don't lose heart now!"

The two forces clashed in a choir of bestial roars and stoic battlecries with Link, Lucina, and Taki leading the front. The scaly monsters fell quickly to their combined strength, but the monsters' sheer numbers made up for their lack of proper defence: they advanced in waves, desperate and with a wicked hunger in their eyes as they fought with blades, talons, tails, and fangs.

With the Blades of Evils Bane glowing brightly, the Hero unleashed a devastating spinattack and cut down many of the monsters – slicing through chainmail, leather, and scaly hides – while Taki took care of any survivors.

"How many of these…things are there?!" the Grecian exclaimed as she stabbed a lizalfos in the gut. "They're everywhere!" Sensing a presence behind her, Cassandra raised her shield and a resonating ´clang´ emitted from behind; the impact had her stagger, but her blade – the Omega Sword – ran clean through the exposed belly of her opponent, leaving the lizard-like beast bleeding on the ground with an agonizing hiss. "We'll be overrun at this rate…!"

"They've got the numeral advantage," Lucina commented as she countered an incoming blow, knocking the crude blade out of the beast's hand followed by a series of strikes across its midsection. "But we must not lose courage!" The cobalt-haired swordswoman proceeded to kick a nearby enemy in the knee to topple it down to the ground, allowing the elegantly dressed blonde to (surprisingly) crush the beast's throat with a powerful stomp.

"Disgusting creatures," Lili spat. Though her face was twisted with disgust, her martial prowess proved to be a valuable asset as quick, sharp jabs and kicks broke shield and bone alike, yet she barely broke a sweat. The golden-haired teen moved fast and gracefully, crushing enemies with acrobatic, dancelike maneuverers that smashed windpipes, ribs, and limbs – something that didn't go unnoticed by the others.

The hero-youth found that he was unable to look away as Lili's versatile spins sent the lizalfos tumbling through the air, dislocating limbs clearly visible as they crashed into the ground. ´If she had managed to land one of those on me-´

"Look out!" As Link snapped to attention, the bubbly thief came into his view – atop a flailing lizalfos – screaming from the top of her lungs as she plunged her twin daggers into scaly throat and shoulder, killing it.

"Did… Did you save me?" he asked, astonished.

The thief flashed him a grin. "I guess I did!"

A gentle smile curved his lips. "…Thank you."

"Maybe I'm a bit more trustworthy now, huh?"

A chuckle. "I-"

A loud noise suddenly emitted from the woods – something akin to a war-horn – and out of the foliage came a larger, hulking lizalfos, carrying a kite shield and long-sword: its body was covered with dark-green, leathery scales and its claws was solid black. Unlike the others, it wore a thicker and broader suit of blackened armour except for the headpiece which was a large, horned animal skull. A necklace of teeth and talons hung around its thick neck and rows upon rows of sharp, yellowed teeth were flashed through a series of vicious snarls and guttural growls.

The hulking menace moved with an unnatural speed, despite its size, each step emitting a loud thumping noise as it charged past its allies with little regard to their wellbeing, straight towards-

"Link, behind you!"

He could see it from the corner of his eye: the bulking, quickly approaching monster with sword in hand, and his body, tensed, moved on its own. Link grabbed hold of Rikku, pulling her close and out of harm's way as the reflective glint of the sword's edge came into view.

´Damn it –!´

….

The blow never came.

Instead, eardrums threatened to give in from the loud bang, followed by a resonating detonation that scattered blood and metal, smoke and the rusty scent of copper filling the air. A loud screech was heard for a second – barely within the blink of an eye – before it turned into a guttural gurgle.

When Link opened up his eyes (when had he closed them?) he was met with a jarred sight: the lizalfos was on the ground, its body nearly rendered in two by the large gaping hole in the middle of its abdomen. The suit of armour was ruined; pieces scattered across the area and mixed with the creature's crimson lifeforce.

Yelps and gasps was heard from the rest of the group, along with the frightened hisses and screeches from the lizard-like monsters and Link turned around to see-

"N…Noel?"

Smoke rose from the barrel of the blonde gunslinger's weapon and olive-green eyes were narrowed – a fierce, cold glare – as she aimed one gun, then the other, at the other monsters. Her index fingers twitched-

"Obstruction of Justice."

-and fired away, the blasts loud enough to threatened the eardrums yet again. The sickening sound of splattered bones and flesh echoed in the air as two lizalfos now were now headless.

"Hissss! R-retreat!"

´Screeech!´ "Mussst inform the massster!"

The remaining monsters ran, releasing a series of frightened yelps as the fled back into the woods, followed by occasional bangs as Noel fired away with ease, plucking most of them off one at a time with well-aimed shots.

Once she was finished, not even birds made a noise. Not even the wind could be heard.

"Looks like some managed to escape," she said, her voice monotone. The gunslinger sauntered over to the thief and the hero, eyes still coldly staring. "Are you two alright?"

The blonde duo could only manage to nod.

Link's heart was loudly beating inside his chest. Just what was with this girl? She had shown to be so shy and timid at times, and yet she appeared as if she was heartless – no, soulless – killer.

There was something about Noel, and it could very well cost Link his life. This time permanent, of that he was sure.

As the corpses of the fallen monsters combusted into colourful flames, the group decided to wait little while longer before continuing their march and tend to any wounds they might've gotten and reclaim thrown weapons such as kunais. The battle had left the warriors mentally strained, but what really boggled their minds right now was-

"Noel?" As the Hylian asked, the gun-wielder turned right around, completely avoiding the man. "Noel."

"…Y-yes?"

Link ran a hand through flaxen locks underneath his cap. "Are you alright? Earlier-"

"I-I'm f-f-f-fine!" Her voice was high-pitched and panicky. "J-j-just d-d-d-don't mind i-it."

"…Very well." He wouldn't pry. Whatever the case was with Noel, Link had to find out, but knowing about her sudden outbursts set off a little red flag at the back of his mind and thus prompting him to leave matters be for the time being.

´Just what was it that changed her so?`

A weight settled on his left shoulder, bright green orbs eyeing him worriedly. "Are you okay?"

Link smiled. "I'm fine, Cassandra. Though, honestly, I wasn't expecting… well, this." He gestured around him. "There haven't been any monsters around since the fall of the King of Evil."

"Then maybe it's because the old man is aware of us?"

"Most likely," the dark-haired ninja chimed in. "We should expect more attacks from this point forward. The forest is the perfect place for an ambush." She turned to leave. "I suggest we take a breather and prepare ourselves before we continue, or else they might get the drop on us again. Oh, and Link?"

"Ah, yes?"

The kunoichi crossed her arms and for the briefest of moments there was a hint of a smile on her lips that threatened to break the thin line they usually were. "You fought valiantly," she remarked and left.

Noticing the slightly puzzled face Link was making, Cassandra patted the Hylian on the back. "Whenever her mind is set on anything, she'll appear as cold and uncaring, but don't sweat it. Once you get to know her, she's very caring and kind."

He nodded. "I see…"

"Li~~~nk!" Arms dressed in ruffled sleeves embraced the green-garbed Hylian from behind and squeezing tightly, nearly knocking the air out of him. "Thank you!"

"F-for what?" he replied through deep breaths, bewildered. Rikku beamed at him over his shoulder.

"You saved me back there! Or, sure, I mean, Noel saved us, but you moved me out of harm's way! So thank you!" The thief's bright, teeth-flashing smile grew wider. "You're so kind!"

The hug tightened and her body kept pressing up against his: Link could feel her soft, barely clothed peaks against his back and the feeling registered at the back of his head.

Surely the warmth that spread across his face was from the battle and not because of her, right?

"H-hey, now," the young Hylian began, flustered. "You can s-stop now."

"That's right, can't you see you're bothering him?" the Grecian warrior chimed in, tugging on the lesser clothed blonde's sleeves. "Break it up."

"But I'm just so grateful!"

"Duly noted," Cassandra added, with a tone that was noticeably agitated. "Now stop hugging him."

"Nope!"

Link, stuck between the two, released a frustrated sigh.

Birds flew in fright from the dying, bestial groans as the lizalfos hit the leaf covered, muddy ground. A few feet behind it lied its companions, slowly burning and dissipating into nothing as the person responsible for their death sauntered over, crouching and yanking out three thin, sharp needles from the creature's throat.

"That should be the last of them," the humanoid figure said lowly. Blood-red eyes lingered on the cretin a little longer before darting over to the north, in the direction of the forest's border. "Now, the unwanted guests…"

The figure vanished in a puff of smoke and skilfully landed atop the branches of the nearest tree. Muscles tensed and body crouched before the figure leapt from one branch to another in a quick succession, increasing its travelling speed.

It wasn't long until it heard several voices – some louder than others – and the Hero of Time came into view.

To be continued.