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.

To Hunt Down a Hylian

Chapter 16

The Quest for Link

The sun and sand of the Haunting Wasteland wasn't unheard of outside of Gerudo Valley: the sun seemed to shine even brighter and hotter over the area, and the sand that basked in its radiance had become the tomb of many a travellers who had dared to cross the sand sea. Only the Gerudo tribe and few outsiders knew of the hidden path that ensured safe passage, but even then it was no easy task.

Sheik, Zelda's alter-ego, strode forward despite the sandstorm, keeping Lili close through the cloth that both held onto. She could make out a flagpole further up ahead, indicating that they were on the right direction.

´Just a little longer,´ she told herself. ´The Gerudo gates is not far from here.´

"I can't take this anymore!" Lili yelled at the top of her lungs. "We are not getting out of here! I just want to go home- No, I want to beat that old man up!"

Her anger was understandable; she was a long way from home with her only way back uncertain and unreliable. Sheik pitied the girl.

However, patience could only last for so long. The princess glanced back and met the girl's eyes.

"If you have the energy to yell, then you are better off using it to walk," Sheik said, perhaps a bit harsher than she had meant. "If you wish to defeat him, then we must first get out of here. Once we do, we will be able to rest and gather our strength before we find the others."

She didn't want to berate the girl, but some things had to be said; Lili could fight, but she cared little for teamwork and acted spoiled. Zelda merely wanted her to use her strength for their cause.

Unfortunately, this had the opposite effect as the fighter glared back. "I do not appreciate your tone, crossdresser! You better hope you know where you're leading us!"

"There is no concern for our destination," Sheik replied. "Just focus on following me."

Lili gave her the evil eye, but didn't comment, instead muttered about the sand in her hair and boots.

At least she had quieted down, Zelda thought, thankful. This journey to Gerudo Fortress was a dangerous one, but with the Goddesses as her witness, they would get out of this. She couldn't perish here – not when she had something left to do in this world.

´Link…´

Link: she hoped – nay, prayed – for his safety. Zelda longed to see him again. After all, there was something she had to tell him…

x.X.x

Lili glared daggers into her companion's back. Had the situation been different, she'd sock the crossdresser and kick her into the next millennia! This "Zelda" had arrogance, a patronizing, condescending demeanour about her that rubbed Lili the wrong way, and the latter couldn't stand it!

Ever since she ended up in this world she had to clean up her makeup, wear the same clothes longer than she had wanted, had not been able to wash her hair, and now she was being dragged through a sandstorm with this upstart snob who treated Lili with no respect. Life was cruel sometimes.

The blonde sighed. What was Sebastian doing right now? Or for that matter, how was her father doing? They had to be worried sick about her at this point. Was the police involved? Where would they even begin, if that was the case? It's not like she was kidnapped – or at least, not in the normal way. If only she could return home as soon as possible –

Something clicked in her mind and the girl managed a confident smile. She imagined being brought back home, safe and sound by a gallant knight…

/ "I've fulfilled my destiny," Link said with a honeyed tone. "You are safe now, princess."

The blonde girl couldn't stifle the smirk on her face as she clung onto the Hylian, pulling his face closer. "Not yet, my knight; I am home, but I am oh so terribly lonesome and scared… Accompany me for the night, won't you?"

"I understand," he replied. He smiled at her – the kind of smile only lovers had – and gently put her down on a satin-clad bed.

And as Link slowly began to land butterfly-kisses down ivory skin, the blonde girl glanced over to the other side of the room – her room – and watched with wicked amusement how a certain princess, teary-eyed, witnessed her man with someone else and her rival, Asuka Kazama, who hadn't even been on a date with a boy.

She laughed and let her man gradually undress her, treating her as if she was fine porcelain, and kissed her bare body. It tickled but, at the same time, the feeling of his lips against her was warm and left a desire for more of his delicate touch…

"Lili…" he whispered. "Lili…"/

"Lili! Lili!"

The blonde girl bumped into Sheik's shoulder, startled. "W-What?! What is it you want, crossdresser?!"

"I wish you would cease referring me as such," the princess stated. "However, I was just saying that we found it."

Lili shot her companion a puzzled glare. "What do you mean, ´found it´? Found what, exactly?" It took her a second too long to realize that the sandstorm had for the most part subsided. As she looked back, it was still raging on in the distance. If they had made it through, then –

What greeted her vision had her trembling; a great metal wall was built along and into a rock-side, the metal gate in the middle riddled with thorn-like spikes in order to further ward off outsiders. It was as ominous as it was unwelcoming and Lili would've staggered backwards had not the cloth around her hand prevented her.

"What…" she began. "What is this place?"

"We are at Gerudo Fortress, Lili," Sheik said. "They are allies of my kingdom, so please don't fret."

"A-allies, huh…" The blonde swallowed hard. "So… How do we enter?"

Before the princess-alter-ego could reply, the metal gate opened up with an audible sound of chains being pulled. As soon as the gate was open wide enough, spear and scimitar-wielding women with fiery red hair and lilac clothes (similar to what Lili knew as bedlam-pants) surrounded them. Most of them had their lower faces covered by veils, though one was not and stepped towards the two companions with a certain authority in the air.

"I am Aveil, second in command to the great and revered Nabooru!" she exclaimed, arms crossed. She studied them, Lili in particular, and grimaced. "What brings a Sheikah, the Shadows of the Hylians, and a weird-clad girl to Gerudo Fortress, especially from the Haunted Wasteland? State your business!"

"Who are you calling ´weird-clad´?!" Lili shouted and snapped the cloth binding. "You dare to look down on me, while you're dressed as a common harlot?! I'll have you know, I –!"

Whatever threat that Lili had meant to say were forgotten in a split-second. Women were already on her, pinning her to the ground while a forth had her spear at the ready; one quick slice, and she'd bleed to death.

Azure eyes stared right into the reflection of the spearhead, frightened and yet amazed at the women's strength, though along with it came resentment and fury over having been bested like this. If she had had a chance to fight them fairly…

"Let the girl go." Everyone's heads turned as a bright light surrounded Lili's companion. The small crowd shielded their eyes but as soon as the light faded, the Gerudo women gasped and knelt down.

"Y-Your Highness…!" Aveil exclaimed and bowed her head as low as she could. "I didn't know…"

"Please, raise your heads," Zelda replied. Her voice, while gentle, held a commanding undertone to it that didn't go unnoticed. "I humbly apologize for my companion's unrefined behaviour. She's… not from around here." She sighed. A single glance at Lili told Lili everything she needed to know; she was in the wrong but Zelda had acted in her stead, for both of their sakes.

Zelda returned her attention towards the one in command. "Aveil, was it? I need to speak with your leader, if it's possible. It's urgent."

The Gerudo commander curtly nodded. "It shall be done, Your Highness. Please, follow me."

As they were lead into the Gerudo Fortress, Lili eyed the princess, uncertain.

x.X.x.X.x

The inside of the fortress was not too impressive, Lili found it (although the maze-like structure was clever.) The rooms were built with metal and rock, and looked plain and simple, and the interior design was as she had expected it to be; also plain and simplistic.

The leader's room, however, helped the girl feel a little bit more at home; the spacious room was covered with cobalt-and-crimson carpets with golden-yellow designs embroiled on. The few windows that existed were covered by thin green curtains, and all the furniture were made of fine, polished wood.

It was a far cry from how she had it at home, but at least now Lili felt that she was treated what was befitting a woman like her.

She sat ladylike on a scarlet cushion at the table, helping herself to water (and of course, a small glass of some delicious wine) and a dinner that was almost as good as the food her chefs prepared at home.

Meanwhile a tall woman with fiery-red hair sat opposite her, talking with the blonde princess on Lili's right. They appeared to be good friends, she noted, though the topic at hand was, as Zelda had already pointed out, dire. The second-in-command Gerudo stood by the doorway, silently observing.

"It's good that you came when you did, Zelda," the leader, Nabooru, stated. "I have to say, it surprised me when I was told that you came from the Haunted Wasteland. Normally people want to avoid that area."

"It wasn't by choice, I'm afraid," the Hylian responded. "This warlock used his magic to disband us, and we ended up in different areas."

Nabooru tapped her thin. "I see… So let me summarize; this warlock summoned "warriors" from other worlds…" She peered over at Lili, fairly amused. "And intended to use them to have the Hero of Time slain?"

Zelda nodded. "Indeed, but we managed to diffuse that situation. However, he is still scheming from his base in the outskirts, hoping to resurrect the King of Evil."

The Gerudo leader didn't answer at first. She stroked her chin and became lost in thought for a moment. "That's not something someone can claim easily. So, what is the situation now?"

"There were eight of us when we first attempted to strike. We are now divided, with only myself and Miss Lili here making it out of the Haunted Wasteland. I do not know of the others whereabouts."

"This is indeed troublesome…" Nabooru commented. "You did the right thing in telling me this, however. We will notify the other Sages. This Ganon-follower does, after all, concern all of us."

"You must warn the others and have them prepare for whatever the warlock may try. He won't act without drawing enough attention to himself."

The redhead cocked an eyebrow. "You will not join me, princess?"

"It is a leader's duty to protect his or her people," Zelda replied. "However, I cannot abandon Link. I have to find him and the others before we can stop this warlock. Impa and her tribe will keep the Hylians safe, but I am needed elsewhere."

"That's a very foolish thing for a future queen to do," Nabooru said with a playful sneer. "But I understand a woman's heart too well. It's settled then. I will meet the other Sages and pass on your message."

The Hylian bowed. "I am in your debt, Nabooru."

"I'll be sure to remember that." The redhead smiled. "But your search for Link will still have to wait. You must be tired, having crossed the Haunted Wasteland – spend the night here, at least, and Aveil will make sure to prepare for your journey."

Lili observed in silence and ate. This situation was rather surreal in its own way; Zelda had struck her as a spoiled, rich girl of noble blood who merely wanted Link for herself, someone who looked down on others.

Seeing the princess like this however… Lili couldn't quite understand it. For someone so young, she would apparently be a queen soon, and yet she acted and spoke with wisdom that almost preceded the princess in terms of age. She was wise beyond her years, to put it simply.

Lili's brow furrowed. Zelda was around her age, and yet she was the future queen of an entire kingdom. Lili, strong as she was, would success her father's company but not in a long time, and Zelda already had this much responsibility.

Just where was this sense of insecurity and awe coming from?

As evening came and it was time to rest, Lili decided to push those thoughts away for the time being.

x.X.x.X.x

"We have all gathered, as requested," an elderly man in hazel robes stated. He looked around. "No, two Sages are missing. Where are young Zelda and Saria?"

"The princess is resting in my fortress, have no fear, Rauru," Nabooru replied. "I do not know about the little one, however."

"Her Highness is with you?" a white-haired woman, dressed in black and blue, inquired. "She has gone missing, and now I hear that she's with you?"

The redhead rolled her eyes. "I will keep this short and simple, as the princess told me to not delay this. Zelda is safe and sound, but the reason for her disappearance is because of a new threat… and it's linked to the King of Evil."

"Impossible!" a large, rock-like creature stated loudly. "Ganondorf is sealed away. He won't return."

"Someone is trying to resurrect him," Nabooru said. "Zelda, along with Link and warriors from other worlds, tried to stop him but this warlock teleported them all away. Zelda and one of the warriors ended up in the Haunted Wasteland, which is why she's resting."

Rauru cleared his throat. "Hold on, Nabooru. What is this about ´warriors from other worlds´ and how are they connected to all of this?"

"According to Zelda, this warlock summoned them in the hope that they could kill Link. Somehow, he and the princess managed to win them over and they staged a quick assault on the warlock's base of operations, but he was too strong. Whatever powers he possesses, he is dangerous and Zelda entrusted me to tell you all."

"Hrm, so we must prepare ourselves and keep a lookout for any suspicious activity, huh," the rock-creature said. "You can count on me. The Gorons will be ready at a moment's notice. And, of course, we will keep an eye on Kakariko Village, Impa."

Impa – the woman garbed in black and blue – smiled. "Thank you, Darunia, I appreciate the support of the Gorons. I will alert my tribe of this; if anything happens, we will immediately know."

"It is settled, then!" another Sage, akin to an aquatic creature, exclaimed. "With Impa and her tribe caring for the Hylians and Darunia keeping a watch from above, I'll have my people patrol the rivers and lakes! And since Saria hasn't attended this meeting, I will send a messenger to the Lost Woods right away."

"You mean through the waterway outside of your Domain, Ruto?" Impa asked. "That would be the quickest route."

Ruto nodded. "Yes, that's the one. We will be able to find the Forest Temple from there – "

The Chamber of the Sages opened up, allowing a girl – small like a child, with verdant hair and emerald clothes – to step inside. She fell to her knees and breathing heavily with exhaustion. She quivered, her head hanging low.

"Saria?!" The other Sages rushed over to her side. The girl looked up at them, her eyes welling up and her voice on the verge of cracking.

"E-Everyone!" she cried out. "P-Please, help!"

x.X.x.X.x

"…So you Gorons live here, despite the cold?" Lucina asked. The Goron had been kind enough to find edible roots, which, while bitter, were enough to satisfy her hunger.

"It's not always snowy here, goro," the Goron replied and munched on some rocks. How these creatures could eat stones like that, Lucina would never understand. "It's usually rather warm enough for grass to grow and the rivers flowing, goro. Other than the two humans in the Mountain Village, we rarely see you humans so far up the mountains."

"A mountain village?"

The Goron nodded. "That's what they call it, but it's just one house in the middle of the small glade further down the mountain, goro. But if you can get to it, the rest of the way down is easy."

"That is good to know," Lucina said, albeit dejected. "But that doesn't mean we will find a way back…"

The creature scratched its chin. "Well, if you're that lost, maybe you could ask the Great Fairy who supposedly lives near Snowhead Temple, goro."

The swordswoman looked up. "The Great Fairy? Who's that?"

The Goron looked at her. "You don't know, goro? The Great Fairy of Wisdom is a leader of fairies around here. Supposedly. I have never seen her, goro."

"Forgive me," Lucina began, slightly annoyed. "But how will that help me?"

"It is worth a try, is it not, goro? Besides, other than the Hero, no-one has gone near Snowhead Temple, much less the area around it where the Great fairy Fountain is supposed to be."

She interrupted the Goron. "Wait, the Hero? What kind of Hero are you talking about?"

"You really don't know?" He chuckled. "The tales of the Hero is still told in my tribe. Long ago, there was a lone swordsman – although, goro, he was but a boy, he scaled Snowhead and headed to the temple. At the time, you see, we were cursed with a seemingly endless winter – spring didn't come no matter how long we waited – but he managed to break the curse, goro. Strange little human, he was, garbed in green –"

"Green?" Lucina eyed the Goron. "As in, a green tunic and a cap? Blonde hair, blue eyes?"

"I think so, goro! The green clothes are definitely true, though!"

The swordswoman went quiet. It had to be Link; who else could it be? If Link was the young boy who had been here years ago (which raised a vast number of questions she'd dwell on later) then that meant that there had to be a way back to Hyrule from here.

"I thought at the time that he did appear foreign, goro," the Goron mentioned. "But you seem to know of him. That could explain why he just appeared one day, goro."

"Yes…" Lucina replied. "Yes, I suppose so." She went quiet again, her food forgotten as she thought things through; Link must had travelled to this land and then back, meaning that there had to be a path connecting the two. What she and her companioned needed was directions.

"Sir." Lucina met the Goron's eyes. "Could you by any chance lead us to the temple you mentioned?"

The Goron's eyes widened; he looked terrified, as if he had seen a spirit, and backed away slightly. "Snowhead Temple? You really wish to go there, goro?"

"You mentioned that the Great Fairy lived near there, did you not? I believe finding her is the key for finding our way back."

"I…I did say that…"

The swordswoman bowed. "I humbly ask you, sir, please lead us to the temple."

The Goron sighed. "I did suggest that, after all. Very well, goro! Once your friend has awoken and eaten a little, I'll take you to the temple…"

"Thank you!" Lucina exclaimed and resumed eating her food. As she happily ate, her thoughts wandered back to the blonde young man.

´Link scaled this mountain during winter, alone? That's…foolish, but impressive. And at such a young age too, apparently,´ she thought. Yes, impressive, and certainly kind. She didn't know him, but still, there was a lot more to him than met the eye. Both Zelda and Cassandra thought highly of him, too…They had a romantic interest in him after all.

Which was worrisome; an old memory from time long gone suddenly came back, about her father, her mother, and a woman whom Lucina knew had feelings for her father. It had not been a pretty sight, even when that woman had found someone else. Another memory, this one more recent compared to the first, was of her friends; a young man who couldn't be honest, watched their friend fall into the arms of another one.

´Love, huh…´ She absentmindedly watched the fire. It had never truly crossed her mind until now. With the wars and time-traveling, the reunion with her parents, and everything in-between and afterwards, there had been little room left for romance. She was happy for her friends, but for her…

She sighed. It was just one adventure after another, it seemed.

/ "You will be safe," Lucina whispered. Though the child she spoke to could not understand her, it gave the swordswoman a sense of relief as she conveyed her words, "You will live a better life than I did, free from war…free from the nightmare I had to go through. Please, take of Dad –" She paused. Her eyes welled up. "Take care of Chrom for me. He will be a wonderful father."

She had left shortly after that. Where she had meant to go, she didn't know; maybe she'd return to her own world, knowing that the present timeline was safe and well, or she'd take up a new alias and roam this world.

It wasn't long after she had left that the world around her changed – the green fields of her homeland had swapped to the dark, eerie caverns of the one man whom had led her to this predicament.

"Who are you?!" she demanded, raising her blade.

The man chuckled. "Please, calm down, young warrior. I am Mau – I am in dire need of your help."/

´Will I be able to return home, I wonder?´ Lucina pondered.

A slight groan brought her back to reality and she turned to see the blonde stirring, her eyes cracked open a bit. Cassandra noticed the bluette and turned. "L-Lucina…?"

"You've awoken! Thank goodness!" Lucina exclaimed. "Do you need water, or food perhaps? It's not much, but these people saved us –"

Cassandra looked around and her eyes met the Goron's who kept munching on rocks. "Oh? Morning, oro!"

The Grecian yelped.

x.X.x

"So…" Cassandra began, nibbling on the roots. "If we find this ´Great Fairy´, she'll help us find a way home?"

"It's the only chance we have, it seems," Lucina replied. "Once you've eaten and recovered your strength, the Goron will take us to the Great Fairy."

"If it helps us find the others then we ought to take that chance, right?" The blonde giggled but her expression soon became somber. "I hope we do find them…I miss Taki and Link…"

The bluette firmly nodded. "It's vital to find everyone in our group."

"Y-Yes, of course…"

They sat there in silence for a while, idly watching the fire as they thought things over. Cassandra eyed her companion every now and then; the girl looked to be around her age and, unlike Cassandra, had had actual sword training whereas the blonde was mostly self-taught. Lucina had an aura, the Grecian noted, a presence that emitted confidence and leadership. She was different from her and it had her in a state of unease.

Curiosity – or perhaps to try and reassure herself that they were not that different after all – got the better off Cassandra as she asked, "If I may inquire, where did you learn the art of the sword?"

Lucina looked up. She appeared slightly surprised. "I mostly learned from my father, but I was also self-taught for a time. What about yourself?"

The blonde blinked. Lucina was also self-taught? She hadn't expected that. "I… didn't have anyone to learn from. I picked up swordsmanship as I travelled and kind of created my own style."

The bluette smiled. "That's remarkable."

"Y-You think so, Lucina?"

Lucina nodded. "Of course; I think it takes talent to become good with the sword the way you did. I can only imagine what you'd be like if you had been given actual training."

"Th-Thank you…" Cassandra replied. She took another bite of her food as they fell back into silence.

´I did kind of learn a little from Taki and Link, but… for some reason, I don't want to mention that.´

"I wonder," Lucina suddenly began, breaking the quietness. "If we find the other again, will we have a better chance of defeating that man?"

"We have to try, though! Maybe we will recruit others to aid us on the way?" the Grecian mentioned. "Besides, we will be better prepared this time!"

"That's true…But we can't be certain that we have the advantage. If we act carelessly then the battle could turn on us in an instant." She sighed. "First thing first, we need to regroup before we can formulate a plan. Even if we have a way back, we have no clue of the others' whereabouts."

Cassandra giggled. "Are you trying to think like that friend of yours again?"

The cobalt-haired woman joined in on the soft laughter. "I suppose. I can't help but think what she would do in a situation like this. I tried my hardest to think like her, but I guess being her d–" Lucina quickly caught herself, hand over mouth, eyes averting from her companion's. She cleared her throat. "I suppose the difference between the two us were too great."

"I don't know about that," Cassandra commented. She smiled. "You have helped us reach this far, after all. I mean, I wouldn't have gotten this far by myself! I think your friend would be very proud of you."

Lucina smiled at her companion. "Thank you…"

"Now," Cassandra continued. "Shall we get going? I've eaten and I'm more than warmed up. The sooner we depart, the sooner we can be on our way back! Link is waiting for us…"

Lucina looked away and her smile disappeared. Link; aside from the woman named Taki, the Grecian seemed to care little about the others' safety compared to him. She knew Cassandra had feelings for the man but so did princess Zelda. Surely Link and the princess was already an item, no? If they were not Link would likely be choosing Zelda as his wife, no?

…

What was it that attracted them to him, anyway? Maybe you had to get to known him, like the princess and Cassandra did; Lucina could only guess that it was his looks which, if she was honest, could be understandable. He certainly was a kind man, too.

She smiled. She had a feeling that the answer would come to her over the course of this adventure.

x.X.x.X.x

Foreign breakfast was exactly what Lili had thought it would be: odd-looking, weird, and looking nothing like food she was used to. The aroma and taste however proved to be a different matter as every bite was an explosion of flavours.

She let out a pleased moan as she sipped on the rich wine. For being such a simple, primitive race, the Gerudo could cook well, she mused.

However, all the rich flavours couldn't rid her of the horrible taste that hadn't left her mouth since yesterday; the princess, Zelda, and the difference between them that was as clear as night and day. It had preoccupied her every thought, invaded her dreams all night, and reminded her every time she even as much glanced over at the other blonde.

A princess, who had (she assumed) lived a life of luxury, had remained composed and showed great skills in diplomacy…

It was sickening.

´I made a fuss the whole way and responded with violence as soon as we were about to be helped.´ She peered over at Zelda who sat opposite her. ´Is this how a real princess behaves? Meanwhile, all I did was complain…´

Muscles tensed and hands tightened around a soft piece of bread, crumbling it. ´What's this feeling of inferiority that I'm feeling? Is it because Zelda managed to diffuse the situation while I couldn't even land a single strike on the guards? I'm not weak, and yet…! …And yet…!´

"Is something the matter, Miss Lili?" The platinum-blonde looked up at the Hylian. "Your expression looks dire, and you have been gripping the bread rather tightly. Is something on your mind?"

Tch. "Everything is just fine. Honestly, why would you even care?" Lili scoffed. "I suppose that's how a real princess is; kind and caring towards everyone. Maybe you really are a princess."

"…Was that ever in question?"

"You're able win people over without a fight… You talk and act with such grace and wisdom that it's almost envious. And all I can do is act refine when I'm not trying to throw punches, and even then I'm not getting anywhere. I've ended up in this nightmare of a world where magic exist and creatures that shouldn't are just wandering around!"

Something snapped inside the girl. Before she knew it, her eyed welled up. When wiping away the tears didn't work, she hid her face, anger spilling forth like the tears down her cheeks. "Why did I have to be caught up in all of this?! I just want to return home!"

The faint tapping of footsteps was heard and a warm hand was gently placed on Lili's shoulder. She looked up, confused, and stared into sky-blue pools. Zelda was smiling at her.

"Home sickness is terrible thing to feel. I know," she said. "I understand that this must be surreal to you, but you've fought on until now haven't you? You have held your head high, Lili."

"Zelda…"

"So don't give up hope. The warlock will answer for his crimes, and we will make sure you return home. So, please, fight on for a while longer."

Lili was speechless; how could this woman be so relaxed, so inspiring, and just…

She shook her head. This was just embarrassing, through and through. "R-Right! S-So, why would this man wish to kill Link anyway? What's the deal with the three of you?"

´She changed topic, huh?` Zelda mused. "I suppose you should know, but I'll keep it brief. The warlock is trying to summon an evil being who once tried to establish dominion over our world… Link and I stopped him and managed to seal him away. However, should this man be resurrected, it would once again plunge our world into ruin –nay, the demise!"

Lili blinked. "…So… You and Link –"

"Link and I are tied together through Fate…" Zelda explained. "As both possessed by the mark of our goddesses, it falls to the two of us to secure the peace in this world."

´Tied together through Fate?´ Lili's eyes widened. ´Does she mean that they are tied through the Red String of Fate?! As in, are they… are they…. a couple?!´

"S-Say…" the girl began. "Are you and Link –"

"Princess!" The blondes looked up to see Nabooru running into the room. "There's an emergency!"

Zelda's expression became dire. "Tell me."

"It's about Saria," Nabooru began. "Her home is under attack by outsiders! They've set fire to the forest and are attacking her village as we speak!"

The princess's heart sank – it was visible in her eyes and Lili understood the gravity of the situation.

"How many of them are there? If we act swiftly, I could have a small regiment sent to their village right away!"

The redhead's brow furrowed. "…There are only two of them; a swordswoman and another one who possesses great strength to shatter rocks with her hands and feet."

"Two of them?!" Lili exclaimed. "They are likely been sent by that disgusting old man!"

"The forest to the east has always been a barrier for outsiders, thanks to their guardian deity…" Zelda said. "The warlock must have been able to disable that magic for them to cross into the woods…"

"The other Sages are unsure how to react; Ruto's people are at a disadvantage on land, the Gorons and my people are too far away, and the Sheikah are too few in numbers. Even though the Kokiri are not warriors, if these invaders managed to find a way inside, then they are likely stronger than we might think."

"There is little time for this," Zelda said and met Lili's eyes. She bowed – an act that surprised both her companion and fellow Sage. "Miss Lili. I, Zelda of Hyrule, humbly ask for your assistance! Will you aid me in defeating these attackers?"

"Princess, you're awfully quick to bow your head –!"

"We don't have the luxury of time to discuss this, Nabooru!" the Hylian exclaimed. "Please, Miss Lili."

The girl stared at the princess in awe. She needed her help, huh? Maybe this was a chance – a chance to truly demonstrate her skills! She would indeed hold her head high and fight on, if only to have Zelda acknowledge her strength!

´Maybe then she'll understand that Link is not her man…´

"Princess!" Lili loudly replied, a cocky smile spreading across her lips as she puffed out her chest. "I accept your request!"

"Wonderful!" Zelda turned to the Gerudo leader. "Please notify the other Sages; if they can fight, then they will meet us in Kokiri Forest. I will take Lili there myself, it'll be quicker."

The redhead nodded and turned on her heel. "Understood, princess."

The Hylian smiled and spoke unintelligible words as she transformed to her alter ego and grabbed her companion's hand, dragging her out of the fortress in a hurry. "Are you afraid of heights, Miss Lili?"

"W-What? N-No, I don't think so…"

"Good. Climb onto my back and hold tight. We will run with the winds on our back."

Doing as she was told, Lili barely managed to ask what the height part had meant as the Sheikah, carrying the girl on her back, leapt into the air.

x.x.x

To be continued in chapter 17: "Cry of the Fierce Deity".