This took longer to update than I planned. I feel bad since I told a couple people in PM's that I was almost done and then a month went by. Actually, I almost waited until Christmas to post this chapter since I like updating on Christmas. But then I realized if anyone found out I had this chapter done but waited for no reason, I'd be hunted down and murdered. So, in a healthy fear of my readers, here's your next chapter.

"Damn Ordon, damn them to hell! How dare they do this?" The Gerudo soldier cursed to himself as he led the boars back northward towards Castle Town. It was the day after he left Ordon, he walked all night; too afraid to stop in fear the Ordonians might change their mind. He didn't know the other soldier or emissary but still, they were his brethren. It was outrageous that they were slaughtered under terms of peace. Even if they hadn't drank wine and eaten bread it was just a formality. To be slaughtered like that…and by the Princess! It was absurd. He continued to replay the events in his head but it just never added up. Why would a princess ever act like that? That wasn't the Princess Zelda he imagined. He was hoping things would go smoothly. The Emissary explained everything to him and the other soldier on the way down. It sounded perfect…what went wrong?

But that wasn't the real problem at hand.

"What am I going to tell King Ganondorf?" The Gerudo moaned and dropped his head into his hand. "He's going to skin me alive." The guard had no idea how Ganondorf would react but he wasn't imaging any scenario where Ganondorf would understand and forgive.

"Halt!"

The Gerudo's head whipped up to see five Knights on horses standing in his way. None had their weapons drawn but the Gerudo knew it would take less than a second for them to arm themselves. The Gerudo felt like he could recognize one of them but he wasn't completely sure. To him all knights looked the same, but the one in the middle was sparking some recognition. They all looked filled with battle experience. One even had a glazed over gray eye and a scar starting from above the eyebrow and going downward onto his cheek. The Gerudo was thankful they were on his side.

"Greeting." The Gerudo smiled. "My name's Razeen, good to see some friendly faces." He tried to be overly nice since he was aware the Hyrulian Knights weren't exactly happy to be working for a Gerudo King. However, he knew they swore their loyalty, they wouldn't betray it. Not if they were looking for a good future. A dishonored knight had no respect and would become an outcast in all society.

The Knights shared a look, it was clear to see they all looked at the one in the middle. He must've been the one in charge.

The one in the middle spoke. "What are you doing here?"

"I was part of the emissary group that traveled to Ordon."

"You are the emissaries? From Ordon?" His voice was extremely smooth and surprisingly soft for a knight. It made Razeen questioned if the Knight in the middle ever fought in a battle, but his posture pointed otherwise.

"Yes…well, I'm all that's left." Razeen mumbled soberly as he motioned to the bodies on the cart.

"What happened?"

"Butchered."

"Under good faith?" The Knight with the scar asked.

"Yes," Razeen nodded. "It came out of nowhere."

"What do you expect from Ordon," The Scarred Knight grumbled.

"It wasn't Ordon," Razeen swallowed knowing what he was going to say next. "It was the Princess."

The Knight eyed the Gerudo as if birds just flew out from his mouth and soared into the sky.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" The Scarred Knight spoke slowly. "For a second, it sounded like you implied the innocent princess with snow-white purity, Princess Zelda, the teenage girl known for her extreme charity…slew someone."

Razeen had to be careful; he knew how much the Hyrulians loved their royals. "I told you it came out of nowhere. She just…grabbed a sword and struck down my two comrades. She aimed for me but at the last second allowed me to leave. It must be to allow me to tell the story."

"Pardon me if I don't believe you." The Scarred Knight grumbled.

"Well it's true!" Razeen explained. "Why would I make this up? It would make more sense if some Ordon beast attacked us, but the Princess? Who would expect that? Anyways, are you my escort back to the castle? We should get going, King Ganondorf needs to know of this immediately."

"We are not your escorts," The middle Knight spoke, his easy tone kept catching Razeen off guard. "We are watching the lands for Ordon movement. You must make your own way back."

"So you're just scouts?"

"Nope, just standing in the middle of a field to watch the grass grow."

The Gerudo was going to say some few choice words but he bit them back. No point in arguing with these Knights, they did look tough. Except the middle one who looked younger and younger the longer Razeen looked at him. "Very well, I'll be on my way. Long live King Ganondorf."

The middle Knight smiled casually. "Yes, long live the King."

Razeen moved the boar around the give Knights and continued on his way. When he was a little further on he began thinking back on that encounter. It didn't go too poorly, especially since they would've easily butchered him and blamed it on Ordon. It would be a while for Hyrule to accept the Gerudo, even he knew that. Still, he tried to be civil and it worked out well.

"Why would five knights be scouting?" He suddenly asked himself. "They were fully dressed too…that doesn't make sense." He gazed over his shoulder to look back at the five knights and as he did an arrow slammed into his chest. The impact caused him to take a drastic step backwards to stay on his feet. His hand let go of the reigns as it moved to grip the arrow. His mind was blank as he tried to figure out what was happening. His body jolted from the impact of a second arrow, this one higher on his chest. He only had a few more seconds before his body dropped to the ground lifeless.

The Scarred Knight turned to his leader. "That was strange. The idiot thought we were on his side."

The Leader smirked. "Yes, well he did give us good information. Send someone to get that gold and hide the bodies."

The Scarred Knight nodded at the other three Knights who carried out the order. "What's our next move?"

"We wait for Sir Cruxus."

"The Crimson Knight?" The Scarred Knight asked. "Do we know if he even escaped the city?"

"He did," The Leader smirked, "There's no chance they kept him within those walls."

"How do you know he'll come here?"

"Where else would he go?" The Leader chuckled. "He'll do what everyone else in Hyrule is doing. Those that don't submit to Ganondorf that is. He'll head towards Ordon."

"So after we team up with Sir Cruxus…?"

"Well, originally we were going to attack Ordon and rescue the Princess. However, if that Gerudo was telling the truth – and I don't know why he would lie – then maybe she doesn't need to be rescued."

"What are you saying?" The Scarred Knight questioned with his eyebrows narrowed.

"What else? We join with Ordon." The Knight laughed. "What's the saying, the enemy of our enemy is our friend. Well, sounds true enough."

The Scarred Knight chuckled, "You do indeed keep an open mind. I never would've guessed I'd fight alongside Ordon."

"Well Natorux, the world isn't as black and white as we like to believe."

"Sir Gentilesse!" The two Knights looked to see a soldier running out from the woods. "Sir, a pigeon has arrived. There is much movement."

"Where?" Gentilesse inquired.

"From the south east, the Gerudo are traveling in waves."

"Amassing their army no doubt," Gentilesse muttered to Natorux before looking back at the man. "Send a message back to have the scouts keep watch. I need to map out Hyrule, everything's changing. Information is the key now."

"Yes Sir."

"So we wait?" Natorux asked.

"We wait." Gentilesse nodded. "Until I feel comfortable in moving. I want more men in case we do have to invade Ordon to rescue the Princess. Also, we need to send scouts to Ordon to see what's happening down there. Ordon is impossible to predict and apparently our Princess is as well."

"Very well, but…"

Gentilesse quirked an eyebrow at his second-in-command. "But…?"

"It's not easy hiding hundreds of men in the woods," Natorux glanced over his shoulder. "We'll be discovered soon."

"Don't worry, we'll move before that happens." Gentilesse kicked his horse and began a light trot towards the woods.

"If you say so." Natorux shrugged and followed after him. "I wonder what fighting with Ordon will be like."

"Oh," Gentilesse stopped his horse and turned to face Natorux. "Tell the scouts to stay out of the Faron Forest as well."

"Shouldn't they stick to the woods? To remain hidden?"

Sir Gentilesse smiled knowingly. "There are many ancient creatures in those woods, far older than we could ever imagine. It's best not to disturb them, and they don't take kindly to strangers."

Natorux didn't even want to know what Gentilesse meant by that.

Queen Rutela was in her study looking over the map. Pisces stood over her shoulder gazing down at the map as well. They were trying their best to guess how the Gerudo were going to control the new territory they gained. She had war advisers and other councilors as well but she preferred a personal discussion with Pisces first. He told her the frank truth and never worried about the politics involved. After she felt prepared, she'd bring the discussion to a bigger group.

"They will most likely set up outposts running from the desert to the Castle." Pisces ran a finger showing the line he was speaking of. "To protect their lines and make traveling faster. They want their presence to be known."

"That runs through Lake Hylia." The Queen muttered. "That's our territory."

"Only the water is ours, we have no claim to land, but they may not take that route." Pisces pointed to the forest boarding the desert and the South Hyrule Plains. "They could also go through the Southern Plains. Better roads, faster travel."

"They have to get through the woods first."

Pisces shrugged. "Harder but not impossible. However, it brings them closer to Ordon, and I think that's the one place they're avoiding right now."

"So they are going through Lake Hylia."

"Well…around Lake Hylia, not through it, they aren't Zoras."

"Pisces." The Queen seethed through her teeth. The Zora was definitely helpful but speaking with him took…patience.

He gave her a cheery smile as he always did. "Truthfully, something does concern me."

"Pray tell." The Queen motioned to the map.

"There is no doubt many Gerudo were snuck into the Castle during the festival. That was a great pretense to move large numbers…but even so. If the Gerudo moved through the Lake Hylia area, we would've seen them. No matter how well they were disguised as travelers or what have you…we would've noticed a big movement. The same goes if they cut through the woods into the Southern Hryule Field. It has patrols, they would've been spotted."

"They didn't move as a pack, surely they must've traveled as separate groups."

"All of them?" Pisces seemed doubtful. "Sacking a castle takes a great number of people, to sneak that many in it would take-"

"Weeks." Rutela cut in.

"Months." Pisces corrected. "I guess we shouldn't doubt Ganondorf's planning."

"What if they went northward?" Rutela inquired as she pointed to the area on the map.

"That would take them to the lower lands of the Snow Peak Mountains. That's a hard long journey."

"But…it's less watched. They could've moved more easily and in bigger numbers. They could've come swiftly to Castle Town's east."

"It's possible." Pisces ran a finger across his lower lip thinking. "But if they can move easily northward…"

"How far north can they go?" Rutela knew what Pisces was inferring. "They may have a quick route to Zora's Domain."

"Then again…they now control the Hyrule Fields and the roads, they can move anywhere quickly. We also can't flee in the rivers to Lake Hylia like our usual backup plan. It would be no surprise to see a stronger Gerudo presence around Lake Hylia. They are trapping us in the north; at least, that's what I would do."

"You're right," Queen Rutela agreed nodding. "We need to post more soldiers. We have to have scouts swimming the rivers in teams and take note of everything. In the rivers we can move swiftly. Back in the day we were the eyes and ears of these lands. We will reclaim that right and make sure we are never surprised by Ganondorf."

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter." The Queen called out.

A servant stepped in. "Your Grace, a Gerudo emissary is here." He quickly exited the room shutting the door behind him.

"Already?" The Queen whispered to herself in shock.

"Well…I guess Ganondorf surprised us." Poor timing never stopped Pisces from making a joke.

"I did not expect them so soon, they needed to stabilize Castle Town first."

"Well," Pisces folded his hands one over the other behind his back. "Maybe they have. Ganondorf has planned this for a long time; that much we know. We cannot assume his plan simply stopped with taking over the castle. We must assume he has planned the takeover of this entire land. Through force or treaty, I do not know, but we must be ready for anything."

"Well I'm not ready for an emissary right now." The Queen stood up grabbed Pisces' arm. "It was on purpose. Ganondorf sent him with no warning, so I wouldn't have prepared the council or anything. But he needed a letter of passage to get by the gates and guards." The Queen's eyes grew wide with worry. "Pisces…you know some members of the council have been trying to rid me of the throne. They gave the proper documentation to the Gerudo, they are in alliance with the Ganondorf!" The Queen quickly walked away. Her left hand was shaking, a nervous habit she couldn't be rid of but hid it in public. Pisces didn't count as 'public'.

"It's okay-"

"It is not okay!" Queen Rutela exclaimed. "We know Albsta has been looking to take my throne. He has been for years. This is the perfect time to take action. What better reason to ally with Ganondorf. If he claims he can give someone my throne, Albsta will easily join him. Ganondorf will have control of the Domain through Albsta and that greedy Zora can finally call himself King. Pisces, this is dreadful, Ganondorf already has everything set into motion. He probably contacted Albsta before the attack on the castle, to make sure he had all the pieces in this maniacal game of his."

"And you don't want me to kill Albsta." Pisces said it so calmly and earnestly it took the Queen off guard. She stared at him unsure for a moment. She often forgot he was a trained killer, his persona simply kept everyone off guard. She often wondered if that's why he acted the way he did. It may have just been another tool for killing.

"Y-you can't just kill him. If it leads back to me in anyway, I'll lose my throne. And you know Albsta has his followers, getting rid of him will only anger those other rats."

"Is that a pun because they're associated with Gerudo now?"

"Pisces!" The Queen exclaimed.

Pisces gave her one of his calm, gentle smiles. "I will not let harm come to you my Queen, now please, I will distract the Emissary while you prepare the council members you trust."

"That will take time."

"Oh no need to worry, I'm rather interesting."

Without another word he left the room leaving the Queen strangely comforted. "As long as he's at my side, I needn't fear anything."

The Queen called for her council members she trusted. Her council had five members, and only three she trusted with absolute loyalty. The other one was Albsta who she was certain wanted her gone, and the fifth one was impossible to read so she kept him out of the loop as well, since she needed to watch who she trusted now. She discussed briefly among the three council members what they should agree on. She was worried Pisces would stop distracting the emissary and he'd grow suspicious. Or worse, Albsta was talking with the emissary first.

The Queen and the three members left the room and headed towards the council room. They took the back entrance so they would be sitting when the guest arrive. Albsta and Kelpa – the other untrustworthy Zora – were already seated. Albsta eyed Queen Rutela humorously, obviously pleased with this turn of events. Kelpa simply nodded but didn't show any emotion. Being an unknown was often far more dangerous than someone openly hating another. Rutela would have to watch Kelpa more closely now.

The Queen made the signal to the servant to show in the Emissary.

The doors opened as they waited for the arrival. She could hear talking and it grew louder as the footsteps grew closer.

"So you see, the reason for my long fingers is because my great, great-grandmother was an octopus. Apparently my great-grandfather has an extra arm, could you imagine that. I surely couldn't, wouldn't go over to well with the ladies…then again maybe it would. And who would've thought, a shark would fall for an octopus but its true love, or so they say. But that left my great-aunt with shark teeth but a round octopus head, quite strange I hear, I've seen the portrait, I feel bad. It's led to quite the family ancestry that my mother use to hide; too embarrassed of it. I say good for the octopus clan! The world needs more octopuses, don't you agree? They're quite majestic creatures all in all, but that's not even the funny part. The octopus…was apparently a squid! Imagine my great, great-grandfather's surprise when he found that out. Surely, I tell you, I'm not making this up, these two love birds – er well I mean fish I guess. Wait…is a squid a fish? I guess that's another discussion, let's just call them fish. Well – these two fish kept right on living with each other, saying it was the inside that counts. How romantic."

The Queen was trying hard to hide her laughter as the Emissary walked in with Pisces talking his ear off about goddess knows what. The Emissary was being a good peaceful representative since he nodded and listened whole-heartedly to Pisces. However, it was as clear as the crystal water flowing through the Domain he was annoyed and wanted nothing more than to have someone save him from Pisces.

Albsta was the first to speak. "Thank you soldier I think you've entertained our guest long enough." The soldier comment was to demoralize Pisces who Albsta never got along with in the first place. The Zora spoke with a slur to his words. He didn't always, but it was because his mouth was slightly askew…from Pisces punching him. Yes, the two were not friends.

Pisces bowed the Queen. "Very well, I'll take my leave."

Albsta grinned with pleasure and he raised his goblet of wine to drink from.

"Oh I wouldn't drink that," Pisces warned as he turned around and headed for the door.

Albsta looked horrified as he quickly set the wine back on the table. "Is that a threat!" He shouted, enraged. It clearly sounded like the glass was poisoned.

"Heavens no, I would never." Pisces called out.

Albsta sneered, upset at the joke to make him look like a fool. He took a sip of the wine since everyone was watching him and he didn't want to seem afraid of a mere joke.

"But I did spit in it." Pisces waved casually over his shoulder as he walked out of the doors. "Enjoy."

Albsta spat the wine out like a streaming fountain. He instantly began coughing and made quite the embarrassing spectacle.

The Queen sipped her own wine to hide her smile reminding herself to thank Pisces for the hundredth time.

"Your Grace." The Gerudo spoke bowing flamboyantly.

Rutela took on a serious demeanor and prepared herself. These negotiations were going to take weeks.

Link and Zelda were walking through the woods. They agreed to meet Blaine, Malon, Troy, and Ilia to explain things. The two teens walked silently through the forest, with Link in the front leading. They hadn't spoken much since the confrontation with Gerudo. Zelda tried to get a conversation going, a few sentences here and there but it all felt forced. They spoke a little late last night and it was basically Zelda apologizing for her strong actions but Link still seemed a little distant. She knew he just had to figure things out…she hoped. She was sure kissing him and then causing fights among all the people he cared about didn't help. She wasn't sure what do to exactly. But she hoped as she explained things to his friends, he'd listen and understand better as well.

They entered into a grassy opening – one of the many in the Ordon forest – to see their friends standing and waiting. Troy leaned against a tree with Ilia standing next to him. Blaine sat on the ground with his legs crossed but stood up as Link entered. Malon was pacing back and forth but immediately stopped when she saw Zelda. She took a step forward to run up to her but hesitated, as if she wasn't sure that was allowed anymore. Zelda noticed instantly and her eyes lowered to gaze at the ground.

Link stood at Zelda's side and could easily see how upset she was with how his friends looked at her now. They all just stood still…staring. It was heart-wrenching to see Zelda's face grow sadder as each second passed. Link knew how important friendship was to Zelda. These were her first real friends…and she just lost them. Zelda's shoulders raised slightly, her defensive posture whenever she felt uncomfortable. Link was seconds away from saying something, when Blaine finally spoke.

"All hail the mighty queen!" Blaine exaggeratedly fell to the ground and began fanning Zelda with his arms. "Oust thou mightiest Queenth grace us with her heavenly presence!"

Troy was next to fall to the ground, "Oh great queen Zelda! Please, knight me so I may be of greater service in this wonderful Kingdom!" He yanked grass out of the ground and threw it into the air to act like flower pedals.

"Oh Queen Zelda, how wonderful and majestic you are!" Blaine continued with the joke. "But to look upon you is like staring into the sun, the beauty is blinding."

Malon laughed as she dropped to the ground as well, "My Queen, if you could ever allow it, I'd love for you to introduce me to a high nobleman for I might marry into riches and never worry about life's problems again."

Unsurprisingly, Ilia stood still with her arms crossed.

Link laughed watching his friends' antics and could see Zelda openly laughing as well. He was glad they didn't outcast her instantly.

Zelda threw her arms wide and took graceful steps towards the group. "Ah my loyal subjects, it's about time you have fallen to the ground at my feet. You must praise me for my glory is more than you deserve to witness. Be happy to simply breath the same air I do, mere commoners should rejoice at this chance." She kicked through some fallen leaves to have them fly into Blaine's face. "Ah my servants how good it is to see your gravel. I demand you; serve until you lie in a shallow grave." Zelda began laughing and the rest followed. She took on her usual persona. "I'm so glad you guys aren't mad at me."

"Mad? Why would we be mad?" Malon questioned.

"Because I lied to you," Zelda meekly reminded.

"Pssh, don't worry, we're mad at Link for hiding you." Blaine insisted.

"What?" Link exclaimed. "Why me?"

"You were hiding her from us," Malon accused as she hugged Zelda. "I'm touching royalty," She swooned.

"This is getting weird," Troy joked.

Zelda hugged her back. "You guys are the greatest."

"Hey," Malon stepped back. "Sorry about your parents, I mean-"

"It's okay," Zelda smiled cutting her off. "We don't need to talk about that."

"You sure?"

Zelda nodded. "But it feels good knowing I don't have to hide myself anymore. Not that I was hiding but…you know."

"Yes, we understand." Blaine said. "But can we know what really happened at this tournament then, since obviously Zelda isn't some tavern wench."

"Tavern wench?" Zelda snapped her head towards Link, "Is that how I was described?"

"No, wait, wait," Link laughed shaking his head. Zelda marched up to him ready to smack him but his laughing face calmed her.

"I'm glad," She whispered so only Link could hear her. "Really glad."

Link gave her an honest smile.

"So, tell us the real story!"Malon cheered.

And they did, start to finish. Link's side and Zelda's side, they held nothing back. Link did speed up the King's death out of respect and it wasn't necessary. When everyone was caught up to speed they grew quiet.

"Again, I am sorry Zelda," Malon told her. "I'm glad you're safe but still-"

"I already said it was okay," Zelda smiled. "But now you know…everything. So, can we still be friends?"

"Of course!" Malon hugged Zelda.

"You being royalty is only going to increase the reason for Malon to like you," Blaine teased.

"What are you implying?" Malon narrowed her eyes.

"Shallow. You. Are. Shallow."

"Ah yes the perfect girl gets more perfect," Ilia grunted.

Everyone grew silent for a moment.

"Hey Ilia, come on," Malon spoke quietly. "She's not having the greatest time right now."

"She's not?" Ilia's snorted. "I'm sorry, are her friends and family going to fight in this upcoming war? No, they aren't. Ours are. I don't care what anyone says, what she says, or what you say. Link, you are stupid and ignorant for bringing her here. You have endangered everyone and she's now raising an army of people she doesn't care about to fight for her!"

"Hey!" Link cried out. "That's not fair. What do you want her to do? Grab a sword and march back to her home fighting everyone herself."

"No!" Ilia shouted back. "I just hate how her life was perfect and one thing goes wrong and she doesn't have to do anything for it. Other people always fixed her problems and they still are. She hasn't worked hard a day in her life."

"Ilia, come on," Troy argued, "That's not fair."

"I'm just sick-"

"Stop." Zelda spoke with stern eyes and with such a strong voice it silenced her. "Don't pretend for a second you understand my life."

"Don't try and defend yourself," Ilia pressed. "Right now, yes, your life isn't the greatest, it must be tough having a problem for the first time ever."

"You honest think, honestly think, this is my first time with a problem?"

"I'm sure Prince Charming not asking you to the ball was terrible."

"Do you know what a whipping boy is?" Zelda suddenly inquired.

"A what?"

"A whipping boy." Zelda stressed.

"Someone that whips other people?"

"No," Zelda stepped towards Ilia with unwavering eyes. "It's someone that gets whipped for my mistakes. It's how they keep me in check when I'm a kid. I couldn't be whipped since it would leave scars which I could not have. And that would also shame my image, so I was never whipped. I use to play with this stable boy when I was only seven or eight. At that same time, I realized the power I had and began abusing it. So, my mother took that stable boy and made him my whipping boy. That way, whenever I misbehaved, they whipped him…in front of me. Can you imagine that horror? Every time you do something wrong, something your mother didn't like. They take a child, who didn't do anything wrong, a friend and whip him until his back bleeds. His life, is ruined, he has no life anymore. His entire life, is to be punished for my mistakes!"

Everyone listened to the depressing hard story, shocked this was true.

"It was horrible," Zelda whispered. "And it wasn't as simple as that. I had to be perfect, I was a princess after all. That meant hours of studying countless subjects. How do you get a little girl to study when she doesn't want to, you can't always whip the same boy, he'll die and thus the effect will be lost on me. So they do punish me, but not in a way to leave scars. Ever kneel on rice? Sure, it doesn't hurt for a few minutes, but after ten, or twenty, it's agonizing. This first started when I was eight, because I didn't remember all the family names in Castle Town. At the same age, my mother noticed I wasn't growing properly, meaning I was eating too much and too unhealthily. So, I was put on a diet. Dieting an eight year old, nothing wrong in that. Soup…that's it, just soup. Well, after a month of just soup I grew a little too sick and weak. The doctor finally allowed me to eat real food again, which solids after thirty days of liquids only doesn't go to well. So I had to struggle back from that. My mother still watched my diet, I wasn't allowed anything unhealthy. Well, a servant took pity on me and gave me a sweet now and again. When my mother found out, her fingers were broken."

Link and the rest stared on in utter disbelief…was this what a princess had to deal with? This was Zelda's life as she was raised.

"Don't worry, eventually I learned what to eat and not eat, but still, I wasn't quietly growing correctly. Not to what my mother thought I should be at least. So, I was made to wear contraptions. They were basically really tight corsets that squeezed my body to fit the proper image. Sure, it hurt at first, but after a while you get use to breathing in small breaths. This happened at age nine. Around age eleven I started developing 'hideous imperfections' as my mother called me, you might know them as pimples. That wasn't so bad, just had to wash my face more and wear an itchy burning mask to bed every night. Every now and then a mole would appear on me. See, it's not getting them off that's the problem, that's simple. Just heat a knife and slice it, not traumatizing to an eleven year old girl at all. The problem is healing so they don't scar, but luckily I could avoid some special healing potions from Zora's Domain."

The cheery sarcastic delivery cut deep inside everyone as they continued to listen appalled by what they heard. Malon was seconds away from tears and Ilia stood wide-eyed at Zelda. This was why her skin was so flawless, it wasn't just coincidence. She was bred to be flawless since a young age, it wasn't her at all. It was what her mother forced her to do.

Zelda perked up again, "Oh this one's good. One time, I really got mad and cut my hair. Just hacked it off, and I gave my mother this bright cheery smile. She got my whipping boy and whipped him until his back literally fell off. Ever see that? Can you even imagine it? I didn't think it was possible, but there it was, flesh from his back just fell off. I can never get the image out of my head. He screamed and pleaded in desperate cries for it to stop, but it didn't. Why would it? I cut my hair after all, and that is a heinous crime that deserves extreme punishment. He died later that night, I heard it wasn't quick but quite slow and agonizing. The boy didn't do anything wrong except I was his friend at one point in time. He cursed my name until his last breath I heard."

Zelda's façade washed away as her tone dropped to match what it was like when she was speaking to the Gerudo. She was only a few feet away from Ilia now. "I do not pretend that my life was any easier or tougher than yours. However, I can imagine the rough life you had enjoying your days with your friends. My life is my life, your life is your life. Now get the fuck over it and move on."

Silence. No one moved, said, or did anything. What could they do? What does one say in response to something like that? Link stared at Zelda with a new understanding. Her life wasn't easy, it made sense, why she could suddenly become strong-willed and dangerous. Her life was as rough as anyone else's, just in a different way. The pure child abuse she went through…how she was happy at all was a miracle. How could she not hate the world and everything? Link assumed someone who went through that would want revenge, or abuse everyone to finally enjoy life. But Zelda, she truly seemed genuine and caring. She wasn't spoiled at all…it was the opposite.

"How long have you hidden that from the world?" Link asked.

"People in the castle knew, of course," Zelda answered. "But that's just how things are for women in that life. My mother went through it and if I have a daughter, she may go through it as well."

"You wouldn't?" Malon gasped.

"Of course I wouldn't." Zelda's gaze softened. "I could never put that on my daughter, but you get my point don't you." The last comment was directed at Ilia.

Ilia's gaze lowered. "I'm...s-sorry."

"That's great, but frankly, I don't care." Zelda marched backwards in the direction where she and Link entered the grassy area. "I'm not going to simply like you now since you understand me better. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try think about this situations I have put Ordon into so we can all come out alive. Don't think I'm abandoning Ordon, if Ordon loses, I die. That's guaranteed. So I'm as much a part of this fight as you are."

She stepped back into the trees. "Link, I'll see you back at the house, everyone else, I'm sorry this got awkward, I wish it hadn't."

Once she was gone Link stared at the rest of his friends.

"Link," Ilia was starting to cry slightly. "I'm sorry, I really didn't know."

"Who did," Link shrugged. "But doesn't matter, you've been on her case since day one. I'm sure she'll forgive you soon but give her some time. She has a lot of things on her mind."

"So you didn't know either?" Malon asked.

"Of course not." Link told her. "I thought her life was spoiled as well and I told her that many times. I have to apologize as well, we misjudged her, we all missed judged her. She isn't some happy distant princess guys…she's Zelda, she's a person and she needs our help."

"And we'll help her, for sure," Troy nodded strongly at Link.

"Good." Link smiled. He looked at Blaine to see him quickly wipe his eye. "Are you…crying?"

"What? No, shut up!" Blaine turned away.

"…seriously?" Troy leaned to look at his face.

"I'm not alright, just get away."

"You are!" Malon laughed. "What a girl."

"Hey, it was terrible, you guys don't have hearts, it's not my fault!"

Link chuckled and shook his head, "Man, if this is our defense against the Gerudo we're doomed." He began walking away. "See ya later guys, I have to stick with Zelda."

"Yeah, we get ya, see ya!" Troy called out.

Link walked back through the forest thinking about what he just heard from Zelda. He still couldn't wrap his head around it. He thought his childhood was bad because he lost his parents. He hated Hyrule and turned into a mean kid for a while. He wanted vengeance and refused to get Hyrule a chance. Zelda…she had it far worse, living in hell from day to day but had to keep up appearance. Link figured being a princess could be tough but never to that extent. He would find her and talk to her, really talk. He was put off by her yesterday with the sudden demeanor changes, but now it was making a little more sense. She wasn't some damsel to be rescued, she was a fighter, but just kept it below her perfect façade.

"Link."

Link looked up to see Rusl heading towards him. "Uh Rusl, hey, what are you doing in the woods?"

"Looking for you, Zelda told me you were here."

"You saw Zelda?" Link wasn't quite sure how that went. "How'd she look?"

"Like her usual, unreadable self." Rusl answered.

"So…she wasn't crying?" Link asked.

"No," Rusl shook his head. "Let me guess…she told you a sad story."

"Her life story, yes, she did." Link grew a little heated.

"Link-"

"I don't want a lecture." Link hotly cut him off.

"That's too bad, you're in for a real big one." Rusl marched passed Link, "follow me."

"Why should I?" Link huffed. "You haven't been the most understanding person lately."

Rusl let out a quick laugh, "Oh, I'm going to make you understand real soon, your mind is about to be crack open with all the knowledge I'm going to pour into it."

"You think so huh?" Link challenged.

Rusl earnestly laughed. "Link, after I'm done with you. You are going to crawl under a rock and cry yourself to sleep."

Link wasn't sure if Rusl was just baiting him or being serious, but either way…it worked. "Fine, let's go."

Link followed Rusl through the woods until they reached a different grassy area. The forest grew thicker in sections and thinner in other areas. In the beginning, near the village, there were many grassy areas. They grew fewer and fewer until they disappeared all together. The trees would eventually knit so closely it was hard to move around unless one knew how. It was part of the defense Ordon had against invaders.

Rusl stopped walking and turned to Link.

"Now what? Go ahead, make me cry?" Link snorted.

"You're head is thick Link, really thick. It takes a lot to have something dig through your exterior that is the mass amount of hubris you have somehow acquired."

"You're really going to give me a pep-talk to tell me to take things more seriously?" Link chuckled. "Seriously…that's it."

"Link, in all honesty…you've always been a cocky ingrate, but it works for you since you're skilled. However, it's exemplified tenfold since the tournament."

Link clicked his tongue, he knew this was coming. "You're really mad because I was able to beat Lex? That's what this is about. I beat the strongest person Hyrule has to offer and you're jealous."

"What?" Rusl was genuinely shocked. "You can't possibly-"

"Of course I do." Link crossed his arms. "Rusl, I know this is going to sound absurd but I'm starting to believe it more and more every day. I've surpassed you and you can't accept it."

"Surpassed…me? You surpassed me?" Rusl was astonished; never did he think Link was this arrogant.

"I beat Lex, he was better than everyone."

"Link, please, please, tell me you aren't that naïve, I raised you better."

"Rusl, I respect you, you now I do, but…it's the new age." Link shrugged.

Rusl lowered his head and covered his eyes with one of his hands. "I can't believe it." He was in utter disbelief. "You honestly believe that. You truly, honestly, believe, you are the best." Rusl looked up to see his answer.

Link held out his arms wide and shrugged. "What do you want me to say?"

"Okay, you're heads too thick, you need proof." Rusl head over to a nearby tree.

"Prove me wrong." Link challenged.

Rusl broke off two semi decent branches. He took a moment to break the smaller twigs and leaves that extended from them off to make them smooth. In a couple minutes he had to fairly straight practice swords. He tossed one to Link.

"Now, these are lighter than what we're used to, however, that should work to both our advantage. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Link concurred.

"Now." Rusl stood straight up with his arms at his side. "Attack me."

"Rusl, come on, we fought before the tournament, I beat you."

"Alright, then attack, it'll be easy and don't hold back."

"You know I won't." Link planted his foot and swung hard from the left side.

Rusl snapped his wrist blocking the first strike. With a second lightning fast snap of the wrist, his stick slammed into Link's face. Link backed away with his hand on his cheek feeling the sting.

"You held back, don't hold back." Rusl warned.

Link clicked his tongue. He stepped towards Rusl slower. He feinted right, then left, and moved in on the right. Rusl stepped to the left casually as he snapped his wrist again blocking Link's strike. Link stepped closer swinging his stick upwards. Rusl blocked the swing with his own stick once again. Link swung, Rusl blocked it. This went on for a while and Link wasn't out of breath by any means, but it was obvious he was growing more fatigued than Rusl who was still calmly breathing out of his nose. Every time Link swung, Rusl would only move his arm a little but flick his wrist to block the oncoming strike.

"Attack back." Link hissed.

"Why?" Rusl calmly asked. "You're tiring yourself out."

Link took a big step and swung hard from the right. Rusl blocked it quickly before giving another swift strike at Link's face. He took the hit in the same cheek and spun away holding his face once again.

"You're in great shape, and you can last long in fights. For one-on-one fights, you are absolutely amazing. However, in battle, you'll tire a lot sooner. You need to get a better technique, you've always been bad at that, but you just created your own so you squeaked by. Creating your own style isn't simple and I was always impressed by how easily you were able to create one. I let it slide hoping you'd continue to use your instincts to correct the few flaws you have, but you haven't. So I have to. You have a habit of using too much energy for each attack. You're in an amazing shape so it works, but you'll be much better off if you converse your energy better. Look at me, I'm not out of breath and I only have to twist my wrist for defense. And you're technique is just poor, it's the fundamentals you skipped because you mastered the advanced techniques so quickly, but it's time you learned the basics. Once you master the basics you'll see, every other technique you have will become far more deadly. Now, try again."

Link stepped forward and swung again. Rusl blocked it with his own stick and then swung the back of his hand across Link's face. Link stepped back to recover but Rusl stepped forward slamming the stick across Link's face again.

"You can't recover in battle Link."

Link swung as Rusl predicted allowing for an easy block. However, this time Rusl blocked so his stick landed hard on Link's knuckles. Link dropped the stick from the sharp sting and held his hand.

"Everyone, pause the war, Link hurt his hand, he dropped his weapon. Please Link, pick up your weapon so we can continue the fighting. You're lucky, you know the Gerudo are nice enough to wait."

Link growled. "I get what you're doing."

"Do you?" Rusl declared. "Link I'll admit, you have far more skill than I do. Truly, you will surpass me, but not yet. You have more skill but I have better technique and I'm currently winning right now. You're technique is sloppy, and you're growing careless."

"You think I'm growing careless?" Link found that amusing.

"I can predict every strike you're about to make. You show what move you're going to make with your body posture. You show every move before you even make it. You need to control what your body does until the last second. You read people better than anyone; you should know the dangers in someone being able to predict your movements."

"That's because you know me," Link argued. "You know my style, of course you know how I'll fight."

"So, the rest of the world knows your style too, why does it matter if I know it."

"What?"

"The tournament Link," Rusl explained with his eyes hardening. "Tell me Link, what was your biggest secret in the entire world, the one that you could always pull out and surprise anyone. The one thing, that no matter the battle, it would cause you to win."

"I-I don't know," Link was confused. He knew Rusl could talk in circles and steer conversations to where he wanted them. Link was trying to avoid that but it wasn't working to well.

"You're left handed." Rusl hissed. Link's eyes instantly dropped realizing. "No one knew that. Remember when you were young, and I told you to never, ever, use your strong hand unless absolutely necessary. When I said necessary, I meant life and death. Not to win a pointless tournament! That was your ace-in-the-hole!" Rusl threw his hands in the air screaming in frustration, "It hurts to think about doesn't it? It's hard to even believe you gave away that secret so easily and naively. You could fight so well with your right, people never even questioned. It was to be saved for a last hope, when you were about to die against a better opponent, switching sword styles would give you the advantage to win."

"So." Link's argument was growing weaker and weaker.

"You used it in the damn tournament!" Rusl screamed at Link, he grabbed his shirt so he was only inches away from his face. "What a waste! Ganondorf knows everything about you, he knows your style, your secret, your technique. Everything, you're an open book. And all those knights and Gerudo's watching the tournament. They all know you! Everyone. You weren't supposed to give away your secrets. That's not the point of a tournament. Think about Piscis, did he give it his all? Did he show all his techniques? Do you feel confident that if you fought Piscis you'd win because you know how he fights?"

"…No." Link whispered and looked away.

"What was that?" Rusl leaned closer.

"No." Link repeated louder.

"Piscis could slay you in three moves," Rusl's voice was venom as he put these hard truths on Link. "He is so far out of your league you can't even comprehend. And there are so many more like him, so many that didn't fight in the tournament. You know why?" Rusl paused for a moment. "Because they didn't want to give away their damn techniques!" Rusl screamed at Link again. "You fought only those that think they're the best, not the actual best."

"I still beat Lex." Link countered.

"Barely, you barely beat Lex." Rusl laughed. "You had to remove all the weapons, you can't do that in real life. Lex will pick up his sword again if you knock it out of his hands. You got lucky. And if that doesn't take you down a couple notches, this will. How did Lex become Captain of the Guard?"

"My father-"

"No not that," Rusl snapped. "He had experience, the men liked him, he could lead, but most importantly, the King liked him. The King gave him the position. The leader of an army doesn't have to personally be the greatest or most skilled fighter. He just has to be the best leader. He can have other people do the fighting. So Link, you beat a man that is skilled, but not the best – not by a long shot."

"Who's better?" Link pressed.

"Link, you ignored everything outside your own world. You ignored Castle Town and everything that had to do with it. You think Hyrule is just full of knights, some more skilled than the rest. No Link, there are many knights famous throughout the land, even in other countries. But you didn't pay attention to any of it, not your fault personally, no one in Ordon cared, not your age. But my age, everyone who fought in the war ten years ago, we remember these knights. Link, you think Lex was skilled, you cannot believe the skilled knights I've seen. I wasn't in my prime Link, but ten years ago, I was still great, I even considered myself one of the best. But these knights, they were only twenty or thirty. They put the Elite Knights to shame, if a High Nine still existed, they'd easily be a part of it."

"Who, name them?" Link wanted to hear them, they sounded like myths right now but a name meant they were real.

"The Crimson Knight." Rusl was pacing back and forth angrily. "He wears white armor so when he leaves battle, it's covered in red and he can know how many men he slew based off how much blood stains his armor. Haven't heard of him? No? That's okay, he only killed Bo's wife, Ilia's mother."

"What?" Link was shocked. Ilia's mother was an amazing fighter. She was the complete opposite of Bo. She was petite and skinny. She fought with a saber but she could move like water between rocks. She was a hero in Ordon, top of the line among other fighters. Link never saw her fight, but he heard so many stories of her triumphant skill.

"He also killed countless other Ordonians, but that's alright, why bother knowing his name. He could tear you apart right now, easily. No doubt in my mind. If that doesn't concern you, maybe this will. A knight called Soul. He never speaks, but enjoys killing. He apparently steals your soul, I don't know if it's true, but I've seen him take down more of my friends than I want to remember. There are so many more Link, dozens and dozens of skilled Knights that know your face and skill now after the tournament. You gave yourself away, and you need to improve because if you don't…you'll die."

"Every pile of rocks as a piece of gold." Link countered.

Rusl shook his head sadly, "It doesn't matter how many there are Link. You of all people know the worth of one man in battle. But all those knights don't scare me nearly as much as Gentilesse. He's only a decade older than you. He fought in the war ten years ago, that meant he was a teenager like you are now, but he was far more skilled. He put everyone else to shame and he was half their age. He's everything you aren't Link. He's claimed to be the most skilled fighter in the world, wise beyond his years, and an excellent character respected by everyone. The true picture of a knight, or so I hear. In fact, there were rumors that he should marry Princess Zelda." Link's eyes glared at Rusl hearing that statement and it did not go missed by the older man.

Rusl quieted down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Link, you know I care for you, you know I do. I'm trying to help you but you have to understand. So listen to my words I'm going to tell you right now. You are not skilled enough. You will die if you don't improve. I'm not lying Link, please believe me, you cannot win this war the way you are now."

Link felt like a ton of rocks fell on him. His hands started shaking and his heart beat faster. How was this possible? He was the best, he never lost, he dominated the tournament. He fought Elite Knights, he fought real Gerudo soldiers. He…how could he not be skilled enough? He had to be…he was going to protect Zelda. He was going to be the one to keep her safe.

"Link…you aren't just fighting Knights, there are also Gerudo. Ever heard of the Anausa? The elite group of Gerudo soldiers? They swept across the battlefield ten years ago taking us all by surprise at how skilled they were. We took out a good number of them and they can't simply fill the gaps, but even a hundred of them are more dangerous than you can imagine. There are countless other heroes the Gerudo have. Dramp, a Gerudo that specializes in poison, so deadly it can burn through armor. The Sand Serpent uses whips, doesn't sound bad until they're wrapped around your neck crushing your throat. Link, this isn't some tournament against other people who are showing off. These are real fighter. They live to fight and they don't enter tournaments so their skills will remain hidden. Their skills are only used to kill. They have a leg up on you, and you need to improve immediately or you're done. It's as simple as that."

Link took a moment to swallow that. "H-how do I know you aren't just overreacting?"

Rusl met Link's eyes, "Stop fighting this, admit you need training. You can beat everyone someday. I truly believe that. You have this amazing skill that I have never seen. But it's still raw. You're instinct and basic talent alone carried you this far, but let me do the final bit of polishing so you can really shine."

"You trained me." Link said looking at him.

"I taught you to fight," Rusl eyed him seriously. "Now, I'm going to teach you to kill."

Link nodded slowly but earnestly. "Okay…alright, teach me."

"Excellent," Rusl smiled. "First things first. Zelda is moving out of your house and living in her own home."

"What?" Link exclaimed. "No!"

"It's for the best."

"She won't distract me, I can train." Link argued.

Rusl eyed him suspiciously. "Well, first off, no she will distract you, but that's not why she's moving out."

"What? Why then?" Link asked.

"She's corrupting you." Rusl told him seriously.

"No she isn't," Link retorted.

"She has you wrapped around her fingers, can't you see that?"

"She does not!" Link cried out. "You haven't liked her since she came to Ordon."

"Because she's manipulative!" Rusl shouted throwing his arms wide. "You can't see that? Just look at the crowd yesterday, she swayed everyone as if it was nothing. She's been doing the same to you Link. How sad was the story she just told you? Was it something about her childhood, probably how tough it was? Doesn't that make sense? Why would she tell you a childhood story that was all rose petals and sunshine? That would only make you hate her and be jealous. No, she's too smart for that, she'll make you pity her. Then she'll bring you in closer to her controlling web of lies until you're entangled forever."

"No, no!" Link shook his head stepping back. "She lost it at Ilia. That's what happened. Ilia has been jealous of her, Zelda finally snapped."

"Zelda snapped?" Rusl laughed. "Zelda doesn't 'snap'. She has her emotions perfectly under control at all times, she just fakes it so people believe her."

"You don't know that." Link countered.

"It's obvious, I can see it as plain as day, I'm surprised you can't." Rusl narrowed his eyes and paused for a moment. "No…you can't…not even you would fall for a Princess. Link, you don't fall for anyone girl, not like this. Dear Goddess, tell me you don't love her? She's a Princess Link, you can't."

"I know okay," Link shot back. "I don't, I understand she's royalty and I'm not. Don't worry, I won't make some mistake, but that doesn't mean she isn't emotional. She's a teenager Rusl, like me."

"No, not like you!" Rusl exclaimed. "She's a Princess! She's been tutored her entire life, who knows in what. She must know political strategies; she needs to know how to twists people to her will. It's what women in power do; they outwit everyone else to control them. Zelda is especially good at it. She does it so well, you don't even know it's happening."

"That's not true, stop it." Link hissed.

"I don't know Link, she seems to have made out pretty well for having a castle sacked. She's in the only village that hates Hyrule, she has made friends with as many people as possible, she has gotten us committed to her war, she has everyone dancing for her, and you especially Link: a skilled warrior that could assume a leadership position if Bo and I displease the Princess."

Link thought back to something Zelda told him yesterday back at the pool.

"This is serious, I can't have people not liking me."

Was that really why? She was always out talking with different people or getting to know different people. Link was sure she was just friendly but…was she really just trying to get people to like her, knowing she'd need to get their favor someday. At the pool yesterday, she was scared to climb up the rocks because of the height, but after she jumped off them fine. Was she faking being scared so Link could help her? What else was she faking…Link replayed the entire conversation he had with her in the upper-pool. They talked about running away, she mentioned how she wanted him near her, and the kiss. She couldn't…no she couldn't really be faking it? To just draw Link in…was that possible. Was she that good?

"No," Link cried out pointing a heavy finger at Rusl. "She's a genuinely nice girl, she's friendly and kind."

"She's a Princess that wants her thrown," Rusl told Link gently. "You saw her in Bo's house yesterday. She was outraged and would do anything for her throne. That's her Link, she will do anything to get back her throne. You…you're just a stepping stone. Link, it's so obvious to everyone that you're a strong leader. People like you, they just do. You're an arrogant jackass but people like you. You're a great leader and she knows that. She's making a split so if Bo and I don't do what she likes. She's going to put you in power because she has control over you."

"There's no way," Link was finding this hard to swallow. A lump was appearing in his throat as his mind rushed to put the pieces together. "It's not possible. You're wrong…she's not like that, she's not. Okay, I know it can seem bad, but I know the real her."

"How?" Rusl shrugged. "She plays it so perfectly. You're in love with her, if it's obvious enough for me to see, she obviously knows as well. She hasn't slept with you yet, has she?"

"What? No!" Link exclaimed.

"She hasn't made a move on you completely yet because that would be obvious, wouldn't it? If she just slept with you, even you would question if she's seducing you. However, she's playing it so perfectly. I can tell Link, I've been watching. You have this little hope that maybe she does like you. Every time you doubt yourself…she does something to reel you back in. It's control, she needs you in her control."

"You should choose your words carefully," Link spoke softly, "One could get confused."

Zelda very slowly moved in and barely placed her lips on Link's, as if trying to do it so he didn't notice. She didn't pull back so when she spoke her lips brushed her. "The times are confusing, but not us."

The moment passed through Link's mind over and over and over. He was trying to see her face again, her eyes, to know if it was real…or was it fake. Did she really care for him? What if Rusl said was true and she was just using him? Rusl wouldn't lie, he had no reason to, Link knew he cared for him, he was Link's second father. Rusl gained nothing out of lying to him. But Zelda…Zelda gained everything from lying to him. In fact…she lost more if she wasn't lying. Why would she start a relationship with someone in the town of Ordon? That was downgrading…a lot. She needed Ordon, she said it multiple times, that meant, she just needed to keep Ordon happy, more specifically, Link happy.

"There's no way." Link just couldn't believe it.

"I'm sorry, but you know it's true." Rusl put a heavy hand on Link's shoulder. "Just watch her from now on and see, you'll realize soon enough. But for now, have her move out so she can't manipulate you anymore, alright?"

Link didn't answer. He just stared down at the ground. How could Zelda be manipulating him? All the times they had, all their conversations, their jokes, their debates…was it all a pretense so Link would like her. It was impossible but why did it sound so plausible? There was a tiny tinge of truth in it that Link couldn't deny. It made sense and he was finding it harder and harder to argue as each minute passed.

"Why don't you come over to my place for some lunch, then we can start training."

Link snapped his head up. "I'm gonna ask her."

"What?" Rusl exclaimed. "No, no! Don't do that!"

"I'm asking her," Link affirmed. "I don't care if that's not wise or logical or whatever. I don't care. I'm going to confront her and I'll know right then and there if she's being honest or not."

Before Rusl could say anymore Link was dashing through the woods back towards his house. There were too many thoughts rushing through his mind to make sense of any of them. He just needed to get back home, he needed to know for sure that Zelda wasn't lying to him.

He reached his house and scaled the ladder. He threw the door open so fast it startled Zelda and Achilles. She was previously sitting on the floor petting the wolf but when the door flew open she jumped to her feet. Achilles did the same, but after he saw it was just Link, he laid back on the ground.

"Link." Zelda's hand was pressed against her chest in fright but lowered it. "How was your talk with Rusl? I assume he had some choice things to say about me." She gave a small laugh at the end.

Link analyzed the laugh. Was it real? Was it fake? Why was the laugh so perfect, did she do it on purpose just to take Link off guard a little bit? It was impossible to tell. Did she always laugh like that? Was this one different from her real laughter? What was her real laughter? Maybe it was always fake. And that little offhand comment about Rusl, was she trying to poke at what they may have discussed? Was this a façade at not caring while secretly digging for answers? Was she already starting a conversation to be headed in the direction she wanted? She only said one thing, one simply greeting and Link was already lost inside his head trying to decipher everything. The more he thought about it the more it drove him crazy, but at the same time, the more it made Rusl seem right.

"What's wrong?" Zelda noticed right away.

"Nothing," Link quickly responded.

Zelda narrowed her eyes for a moment, "Okay…I don't believe you but if you don't want to tell me, that's fine. I did want to apologize to you about how I went off on Ilia. I just kind of…lost it. I'm really embarrassed."

He thought back on how Rusl told him she would never just 'lose it'. She was tutored, even her childhood story she just told to Ilia – if true at all – proved her mother securitized everything about her life. The first thing any child learns is temper control, that could only be true for Zelda as well. If anything – there would be even more emphasis, since a princess should never lose her temper. She held it for weeks but suddenly lost it today…it was odd.

"Did you just lose it?" Link inquired.

"Excuse me?" Zelda looked confused and tucked some hair behind her ear.

"You could always hold it back before, but this time you couldn't?"

"What are you talking about?" Zelda held out her hands slightly. "Link, I'm confused, what are you asking?"

"You really let Ilia have it." Link was catching his breath now. "I've seen you hold it together better but you lost it on her."

"Well, I don't know," Zelda shrugged. "I guess I didn't have to hide my Princess title anymore, so I just felt like I could finally set her straight."

"And you aren't sad right now?"

"I'm not sad? Link, what's wrong?" Zelda took a step towards him but Link stepped back. She saw this and froze. Her hand instantly stuck to her breast worried. "Link, please, tell me what's wrong."

"You just told – without a doubt – the most depressing childhood story I've ever heard." Link played with his hands. "You weren't sad after that? After reliving your memories like that?"

"Of course I got sad but I don't have to cry all the time." Zelda pursed her lips. "Link, tell me what's going on."

"Why don't you."

"Excuse me?" Zelda seemed genuinely offended.

Link shrugged, "What's going on here?"

"That's what I want to know!" Zelda exclaimed throwing her arms out wide.

Achilles heard the raised voice and slowly stood up. He kept his tail, ears, and head low as he headed towards the door. Clearly trying to get the hell out of the way of whatever was about to happen. Luckily, Link didn't shut the door all the way and Achilles nudged it with his nose to get out. This went entirely unnoticed to the two teens.

"I've been thinking." Link started.

"I think you mean, Rusl's been thinking." Zelda countered and crossed her arms.

"Leave him out of this!" Link shouted.

"He obviously just twisted your mind," Zelda snapped.

"He's not the one!" Link hissed.

Zelda's mouth was agape and she took a step backwards. Her head lowered slightly but her gaze never left Link's eyes. "Say that again." She whispered.

"You heard me." Link reaffirmed.

"You think I'm twisting your mind?" Zelda pointed to her chest and walked right up to Link. Her face only inches away, her neck cranked back to look up at him. "Me? You think I'm-"

"Manipulating me." Link finished for her meeting her strong gaze. "Yeah, you know, it's possible. After all, you just happened to come to Ordon, the one place that hates Hyrule. You are able to spin me into hating Ganondorf who I have never had qualms with before. You made sure the people like you, and you got us into a war. I know you'll doing anything for your throne. Does it bother you that you're splitting the leadership in Ordon, trying to place me in a position of power huh? You seem to lead me on just perfectly it makes me wonder. What did you say; you were tutored in certain ways? I can only assume you weren't joking, you definitely know how to get a guy after you. Well done Princess, yesterday's kiss, top notch, just enough to make me want more."

Zelda didn't hesitate to slap Link as hard as possible across his face. Her hand formed into a fist and before she knew it she cocked back and punched him too. It didn't seem to affect Link in the slightest and if anything it hurt Zelda's hand more. Her face became distorted as she tried to form her words but they didn't come. She marched away from Link to the other side of the room. Link watched her, ready for her angry retort and furious exclamations…but he didn't get that.

Zelda paced back and forth with her hands shaking. Link watched as tears started falling down her face. She wasn't openly crying, she carried on as if the tears weren't there. He wasn't sure if they were from being sad or just pure frustration. She finally stopped and twisted on her heels to face Link. She pounded a hand against her chest. "Me? I'm manipulating you? Link, you're manipulating me!"

"Wait…what?" Link was taken aback, he didn't expect that.

Zelda began pacing again, this time wiping one arm across her face and sniveling but it didn't stop the tears. "How dare you, how dare you." She seethed as she kept pacing. She was a mix between angry and sad. It was clear to see her trying to work through her feelings but it was difficult. She wanted to be mad at Link, but she was also so offended by his accusations it hurt inside. She wasn't even sure how to respond, she was just at such a loss.

"How could I be manipulating you?" Link questioned.

"How?" Zelda screeched. "How? Isn't it obvious Link!"

"No, it's not." Link countered.

"You grabbed me from my room, dragged me throughout the castle, put me on a horse and brought me to Ordon." Zelda froze leaving the air heavy in the paused moment of tension. "You put me in your house and you don't let me leave your sight most of the time. How am I manipulating you? I've had no say in anything I do. You drag me places, make sure your friends watch me, and make sure I'm never alone. You're the one who controls everything I do and knows everything I do."

"I was introducing you to friends," Link argued, "And I didn't want you to be alone in the village, it can be dangerous so close to the woods!"

"You're watching me like a jewel!" Zelda accused.

"What?" Link was so shocked by this he didn't know what to think. "Why would I-"

"Why? Why wouldn't you? The first night, I asked you why you saved me, what did you say? 'Because you're a Princess, and that's what heroes do'…what kind of answer is that?"

"It's the truth?" Link defended himself.

"The truth is you're holding me to gain my throne."

"What!" Link exclaimed. "That's outrageous. I don't want it."

"Who says that!" Zelda threw up her hands. "I've been so worried, so afraid you're using me. I've been helpless to you, I need you to survive and you know that. I can't live without you right now, and you're keeping me all to yourself. You want my throne, once you win this war, you can easily have it, force me to marry you, get the crown and rule Hyrule."

"That's what you think of me?" Link hissed as he jabbed a rough finger into his chest. "You think I'm that shallow. Let me make this clear. I. Don't. Want. Your. Fucking. Throne!"

"But I'm the key to everything, I'm the power here. With me…you can do anything. Why don't you see that, why don't you care about that? My title opens doors and possibilities."

"Shut up about your stupid title!" Link screamed almost pulling out his hair, this was aggravating him to an insane point. "I don't care if you're a princess or a queen, you're Zelda, that's it. I don't care about anything else."

"That's why I don't trust you!" Zelda cried out, with more tears flowing. She wiped her face briefly before shouting again. "I've never heard anyone say that before. I've never heard anyone give up so much power for no reason!"

"That's because you don't know how to trust anyone!" Link screamed.

"You're right, I don't, because people can't be trusted. Not without an actual reason for their actions. You, Link, have no such reason! Or so you claim. Obviously you want my throne."

"I don't want it!" Link screamed louder than ever before. He took a heated step forward. "Some people don't actually like being royalty."

"Who? Who doesn't? Point them out to me if you'd be so kind." Zelda held out her arms wide. "Link, how can I trust someone that acts in ways that I can't understand!"

"That's your fault then!" Link screamed, absolutely enraged. "Why do you think I want it so badly, and why do you think I can even get it. It's your title, your power, and your throne!"

Zelda grew quiet and crossed her arms protectively over her stomach. There was silence only filled with heavy breathing from the exhausted two. Zelda nibbled on her lower lip as Link waited for the answer. Zelda raised her gaze to meet Link's. Her face was stained with tears but held strong determination. "You're so stupid Link, don't you realize…all you have to do is ask and I'll give you everything."

Link took a moment to digest the words. He swiftly took determined steps towards her and she watched him intently but unsure of his actions. He grabbed the front of her dress and pulled her towards him until their chests touched. Link grabbed Zelda's hair roughly and pulled back to tip her head up to him. Zelda's startled eyes were met with his cool cerulean ones. Without another second to pass he pressed his strong lips against hers in an intense kiss. Zelda took a moment to realize what was happening but then quickly pressed herself into him as she accepted the kiss.

Suddenly she felt his tongue slide into her mouth and she pulled back – red in the face.

"What's wrong?" He gruffly asked.

Zelda looked away, "Your tongue it-"

"It's how Ordonian's kiss." Link gave his trademark confident smirk which had always affected Zelda deeply. "You'll get use to it."

Link moved her head to face his again and began a deep kiss once again. This time Zelda didn't back away as their tongues danced. She never kissed anyone before but she felt a heat rising within her. She pressed harder against Link to intensify the kiss. She felt his arms wrap around her so strongly she'd never be able to break away even if she wanted to. Next thing she knew, he pushed her back to the couch and fell on top of her. They continued to kiss with their teeth only bumping once or twice. Zelda apologized after each time but Link only smiled at her innocence. Her face was red and he knew this was all new to her. It made him hungrier for lust but he was well within his control.

At this point, he was pretty confident she wasn't manipulating him.

Manipulating. The word rang bells in Link's mind as he just thought about the moment with Rusl. Link suddenly jumped off Zelda and the couch. She looked at him worriedly by his sudden departure.

"I'm sorry." Link was squeezing his face with his hands, "This sucks!" He shouted.

"What does, what's wrong, I'm sorry-" Zelda quickly grew more worried.

"No, no, no, no, not you!" Link hastily told her. "Honestly, it's not you. But I just have to go, sorry. I swear, I promise it's not you, I just really need to do something."

"W-what? What could you do now?" Zelda questioned almost angrily, but more so upset than anything.

"I just – I'm sorry, I have to go." Link quickly opened the door and shut it leaving Zelda to herself.

"What is going on," She muttered as she sat up.

Suddenly the door opened and Link came charging back in. He leaned down and planted one more deep kiss. Zelda fully accepted it and cupped both her hands on his face. It didn't last long before he stood back up and looked down at her. "Okay, so why don't you get undressed and I'll-"

"No." Zelda glared.

"Okay, so…why don't you get undressed and I'll-"

"Get out," Zelda growled.

Link smirked showing it was all a joke and quickly dashed out the door – calling out as he did, "I'll be right back."

He slid down the latter and sprinted as fast as possible. Epona saw him and rose in worry, but a quick hand signal from Link told the horse everything was okay. He tried to keep Zelda out of his mind for the simple reason it would only make him turn around and head back. The villagers watched him run through the dirt streets. One even asked if everything was alright. Link reassured them, because he knew how it seemed for someone to be sprinting in the village. It gave off a bad sign but Link couldn't worry about that now. He reached his destination. He swung open the door to the house and stepped in. He saw Rusl sitting at his table looking at him with fairly surprised eyes. Colin was nowhere to be seen, most likely outside playing with friends.

"Rusl!" Link exclaimed. "Now listen-"

"No, you listen-" Rusl jumped out of his chair.

"Link." Uli calmly called out cutting Rusl off as she placed spoons on the table. "You're just in time for lunch."

"Hey," Link greeted out of breath. "I just have to-"

"Boots off in the house please."

"Oh," Link looked down, "yes Ma'am." He quickly took them off.

"Have a seat." Uli spoke gently.

"Oh, no thanks, I just-"

"Sit down Link." Uli smiled.

"I appreciate the offer-"

"Link, sit!" Uli snapped.

"Yes, Ma'am." Link quickly slid into a chair.

Rusl chuckled, "That's what you-"

"Rusl." Uli spoke with a warning tone that silenced him immediately. He sat down as well directly across from Link.

Link leaned on the table towards Rusl. "Okay, listen-"

"Link, don't lean on the table."

"Yes, Ma'am." Link quickly sat back.

She placed a pot of stew on the table. Rusl reached towards it but Uli slapped his hand away. "Guests get served first." She ignored the look from Rusl as she poured some into a bowl and placed it in front of Link. She then poured some to Rusl and lastly she gave some to herself.

Uli sat down at stared at Link. "Eat it."

"Oh, of course," Link quickly grabbed the spoon and began eating the stew. It was amazing, best cooking he's had in a while. It brought him back to his childhood when Uli would cook everything for him. As Rusl took on his fatherly role, Uli became his new mother. "It's delicious."

"I added more carrots this time, I was afraid it would overtake the rest of the flavor."

"No, it's wonderful, your cooking is always amazing." Link smiled. He could feel Rusl's glare from across the table. Yes, Link was sucking up and he was not ashamed.

Rusl put his spoon down and folded his arms. "Okay, Link, I know-"

"Rusl, it'll get cold." Uli warned.

"It's okay dear, I think-"

"I spent all that time preparing it and you don't mind if it gets cold?" Uli's gaze was starting to worsen.

Rusl paused for a moment, "…who would I be to let this lovely meal grow cold." He quickly began eating once again. Link was too afraid to stop eating for even a moment and because of this he finished quickly. He was glad it was done so he could finally speak.

Uli noticed instantly. "Link, have seconds."

"Oh, I couldn't, I'm full."

"Nonsense, you're a growing boy." Uli spooned more stew into his bowl. "Now, eat. Link, come now dear, elbows off the table, I taught you better. Rusl, you too, you're setting a bad example." Rusl grunted which was met with a very stern look from his wife.

Within the minute everyone was eating with proper posture, technique, and in silence.

"Link, I really wished you came around more, I haven't seen you in so long." Uli smiled at him.

"I know, I'm sorry." Link offered sincerely.

"Rusl misses you." She told him. Rusl sent a glare at his wife who was unfazed by it. "Colin too, you use to come over all the time. Now, we barely get to see you."

"Things got…hectic." Link tried to explain.

"Oh I know, but still, we must stick together in times like this, wouldn't you agree?"

"I would," Link nodded.

"I've told you this before but I'll say it again. This is your home Link, you are always welcomed here. No matter what's going on outside, in here, we're family." She turned to Rusl. "Isn't that right, dear?" Rusl grunted in response. "That means yes. I'm sure you understand guy's emotions better than I do. "

Link smiled earnestly hearing that. He knew what Uli was trying to do and he honestly appreciated it. "Thank you."

Uli stood up and grabbed Link's bowl. "Now, there's some wood that needs cutting. Link, could you help me out?"

Link knew he wasn't really given a choice. "Of course, I'd love to."

"Rusl, you go help."

"I'm not done," He answered still eating the stew.

Uli reached over and grabbed the bowl from him. "Yes you are, now go help Link."

Rusl grumbled some inaudible words as he stood up. Uli raised her eyebrow at him as if saying 'go ahead, say something'. Rusl wisely decided to remain silent. He followed Link out the door.

Uli sighed, "Men, they're so hard headed."

Rusl placed another piece of wood on the stump and Link strongly sliced it in half. Rusl collected the pieces and put another piece on the stump. Link cut that one as well. It carried on like this for about ten pieces of wood being cut before someone finally said something.

"Wait, what the hell am I doing!" Link suddenly exclaimed.

Rusl chuckled, "You've just been manipulated, it's what women do."

Link slammed the axe into the stump so the blade dug into the wood. He released the handle and wiped his hands on his shirt. "Rusl, Zelda is not manipulating me, she's not. It's that simple. I now you're looking out for me, and I appreciate it. But…you're wrong. You just are."

"Can't you have some more logical reasoning than that?" Rusl stared at him with a bored manner.

"I don't need it." Link met his gaze. "Look…watch her, go ahead. See what she does and see she means best for us."

Rusl took a moment to think before responding. "…you really think that?"

"I do," Link answered quickly.

"You know you're being biased right? And emotional? Two things you shouldn't be when you make a decision."

"You're probably right," Link shrugged. "I'll admit, I have feelings for her. But…I'm smart enough to know she's a princess – hell a queen. If anything comes of this, it'll be a fling. She'll go back to Hyrule after, I'll stay here. That's what's happening, but we all want the same thing."

"And what's that?" Rusl quirked an eyebrow.

"She wants her throne, we want to separate from Hyrule."

"That's what you think is best for Ordon?"

Link nodded strongly. "Absolutely."

"If you say so." Rusl sighed. "Come on, let's start training. There have been too many emotions today."

Link laughed, "Alright, I completely agree. What do we do first?"

"Good old fashion exercise." Rusl stretched his back. "This training is for me as much as you and I'm completely out of shape."

"Well I'm not."

"You've been skipping your endurance training, don't think I haven't noticed." It was true, Link hated endurance training. He was hoping Rusl didn't notice.

"Yeah well-" Link froze. "Dear Din, I left her!" Link exclaimed. "Rusl, I have to go."

"Not a chance," Rusl looked at Link smugly, "You think that is going to work on me? You use to pull all kinds of tricks to get out of running when you were younger."

"This is serious," Link pleaded.

"No excuses and I mean it."

Link wanted to explain that Zelda was currently lying on his couch waiting for him to come back. A princess was waiting for him! Just the thought almost made him turn tail and run anyways. But he didn't want to tell Rusl he just kissed Zelda, it would only make Rusl more cautious of them both. So he had no good excuse to give Rusl.

"Come on," Rusl headed towards the forest. "The stew won't sit well at first but we'll just power through."

Link let out a sign and somberly walked after Rusl while whispering to himself, "Dear Farore, please grant me the courage to face Zelda after this. I fear I may incur the wrath those Gerudo's faced."

So, lot's of yelling in this chapter, it got really dramatic, didn't completely mean for that to happen but it just kind of writes itself. But a lot happened this chapter. Knights are on the move, Ilia finally got what was coming to her, Rusl put Link in his place, Link and Zelda moved forward a little bit, and Pisces is part octopus...maybe. Where's all the action am I right? Don't worry, it's coming. Soon everyone will be complaining because there will be so much of it. Oh, does swearing bother people? Let me know. I'm trying to keep it to a minimum anyways but I just wanna know if it does.

I know some of you may be worried by all the characters I'm adding. Don't be. Just because a character has a name doesn't mean they will take on a big role in the story. It's just better than saying, That Knight or That Guerdo, over and over. Just trying to expand the world so it doesn't seem so empty. Also, do not be afraid to send me PM's asking me the status of this story or when the next update will be. I'm happy to answer any PM's. And thank you so much for all the reviews. You guys are the greatest. I really appreciate them so keep showing the love.