Warning: This chapter contains (carefully worded) sexual content. Don't know if there's anything triggering or not. Maybe, maybe not, so be forewarned.
Recommended reading: *The Bane* by Abstract Reality. This GhiraLink fic is different than anything out there, well thought out and so beautifully written.
Chapter 20
Secret Gardens
Pipit sat with his back to the headboard. His arms were resting comfortably on his chest, his feet were crossed, and his eyes were on his friend.
Link's thrashing had been carrying on ever since Pipit had left the bathroom to get dressed. Climbing into his clothes and kicking back, he oversaw Link's restless sleep, wondering what in the world he was dreaming about.
"If that's how you always sleep then it's a damn good thing we got a suite with two bedrooms," Pipit told his unconscious friend. Link shuddered and kneaded his fists into the bed. "I suppose I should wake you up." Pipit fell carefully onto all fours beside him. "At least, before you lose that towel and start rolling around naked. As funny as that would be, I do have my limits." He thought for a moment. "Well, no, it's just 'cause you'd be super pissed at me."
Pipit considered his options: yelling in Link's face, tackling him, pushing him off the bed, tickling him, or, perhaps just waking him up like a normal person. Feeling lazy, he laid on his side next to Link and jarred his shoulder back and forth. Still out of it, Link rolled over, nuzzling against Pipit's chest. Freezing for a second, Pipit started laughing. He dug Link's eyes out from beneath his messy hair, chortling even more. At last, Link came to. All he saw was his friend's face, disturbingly close to his.
"Hi," Pipit said.
"Pipit…what's going on?" Link asked dryly, not moving.
"What isn't going on, you mean," Pipit said with a smirk. "First, we got completely wasted and ran around the town criminalizing ourselves with various misdemeanors."
"Oh yeah?" Link asked, wondering why he was practically clutching Pipit's tunic.
"Yup. Then we overthrew the general of the Supernan army. We've got a bunch of soldiers to take back to Skyloft."
"Is that so?"
"Then, we came back here where my partner in crime and I made sweet love into the wee hours of the morn. Thanks for being gentle." Link scoffed and shook his head.
"I see you found my razor."
"Yup, and I suggest you do the same."
"I was planning on it…"
"Can I get a goodbye kiss before you return to your life as a recluse hero?" Pipit asked, puckering up and batting his eyes. Link leaned in, chuckling as Pipit rolled away and tumbled off the bed.
"Hey, I was kidding," Pipit said, jumping up and brushing himself off.
"I know, I'm just scaring you," Link said. "So…" He took note of Pipit's garbed state. "Looks like our laundry's done?"
"Yup. I've got everything on except for chainmail. Forget that crap."
"Well, naturally. How'd the lady do it so fast?"
"Beats me, but for that many rupees a night, she ought to. They probably eat ground up rupees to gain some sort of magical speedy-clothes-drying powers."
"Yes, I'm sure that's what happens."
"Me too."
"Anyways," Link sighed, "I hope you didn't let me sleep too long."
"Man, I wasn't sure if I should wake you up or not."
"Huh? Why?"
"'Cause I couldn't tell if you were having a really bad dream, or a really good one, you know what I mean?" he asked with a suggestive snicker. "I'm no cockblocker." Link stared at him.
"I don't think I want to know what you mean, Pipit," Link said. He got up and headed to the bathroom.
"Hey, hurry up, I'm effin' hungry!" Pipit called out.
"Yeah," Link replied. Pipit reached an arm toward the envelope on the left bedside table.
"Did you read this yet?" Pipit shouted.
"The note? No."
"It says we gotta be ready to go by eight AM tomorrow morning. So much for any sort of sleeping in."
"Can't stay out all night, then."
"Well, it's not gonna stop me," Pipit stated confidently.
"How'd I guess it wouldn't?"
Once a much needed shave and bath was out of the way, Link got dressed sans chainmail, urged impatiently on by Pipit, his own personal cheerleader. Link barely had his belt on when Pipit dragged him down the stairs and out the door. Before he knew it, they were back out into the night once more.
"Oh, the possibilities," Pipit said, making eye contact with a small group of ladies on the sidewalk. "This is a million times better than playing 'survivor man' out in the wilderness."
"Pipit, there's certain things that you really need to keep in mind," Link said as they walked side by side.
"Yeah?" he asked, his eyes glued elsewhere. Working late to transport goods, several men utilized the street, pulling heavily packed hand carts.
"Yes, such as our needing to be ready to go early tomorrow. Meaning…Are you listening?"
"Of course," Pipit assured him, smiling about something completely unrelated.
"Pipit!"
"Alright, alright, geez."
"Meaning, no getting hosed. Limit how much you drink tonight."
"Hey, you're my designated flyer, what do I have to worry about?"
"Your designated flyer has no desire to deal with a hung over passenger," Link admonished. "By the morning, you're gonna feel awful, if you drink too much."
"Fine. I won't go all out."
"Also, don't forget where we are. This isn't Skyloft. Pretend like you're in an unfamiliar place, because you are." Link's stern look finally drew Pipit's attention. "We don't need to be stirring up foreign waters, you know?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"And, I'll take this opportunity to yet again remind you that I am being forced to share a room with you."
"Is it really that bad?" Pipit asked, looking away again.
"So, please bear this in mind as you go about your affairs tonight."
"Okay, okay. Any more rules and regulations, headmaster?"
"Well, yes, but that about covers the big ones."
"Man, you are gonna ruin tonight."
"What? For being responsible?"
"Tsssh, yeah, what the hell? Party pooper…"
"Whatever, Pipit. We're not here to-"
"To act like total morons, I know. Fine, we'll save it for when we're at home."
"Good. At least then I can drag you back to your dorm with ease-"
"Look!" Pipit shouted, pointing. "I found where we're eating tonight!" Link followed Pipit's outstretched arm to a large sign.
"The Complex?" he asked, looking the two-story building over. "What's so great about this place?"
"Well, if it is what I suspect it is, I'll show you what's so great about it."
"Okaaaay," Link said, going unwillingly along.
"You'll see." A revolving glass door received the two knights with open arms.
Like every other location in the city, the structure was bursting with people, out and about, enjoying Friday night. Solitary or in groups, customers occupied every corner. Looking past the entrance hall, Link found the bar. It was long, running from one side of the building to the other. Almost every stool was filled.
"So, what's so great about this place again?" Link inquired over the din.
"Watch and observe," Pipit explained, shifting his buddy to the right. "Down there is the club. See the dance floor?"
"Oh, you mean that wooden thing I won't be caught dead on with you around? Yes, I see it."
"Whatever, I'm not interested in that just yet anyway." Pipit aimed him to the left and led him forward several steps. "And down there…" He waited until they were close enough to see. Link almost did a double-take as he laid his eyes on the activity going on in the next room.
"…Is the restaurant-slash-strip-joint." In the dim light, Link saw a bit more woman than he was planning on.
"Pipit, I didn't wanna visit a strip club, for goodness sake. Can't we eat at the bar? Or, better yet, just leave?"
"Heck no. This is one of those places that Superna is known for. It combines all the best things into one convenient stop!"
"I knew I should've insisted on room service," Link muttered as he was shoved ahead.
Once inside the massive room, the first sound that Link noticed was classical music. It most certainly failed to go with the lewd performance that was snaking its way across the northern end of the room.
"Pipit…" Link sighed, shaking his head.
"Look, just sit down or something," Pipit suggested, pointing to a nearby row of booths along a wall. "It's far enough away from the 'shameful display of putanism' that you'd hardly see it. Just sit down and order something for us. I'm going over here. Back in a few." As Pipit skipped happily away, Link was left wondering why he'd ever asked him along in the first place.
"Well, what do you want?" Link called to him.
"I dunno, just get me something the size of my head and I'm good!" And with those eloquent words, Pipit disappeared into the crowd. Link glanced around, feeling strangely alone in the crowded room.
"Okay then," he said as he slipped into the cushioned booth. At least it was comfortable, secluded, and skillfully separated from the surrounding booths by wooden panels. He played with the cloth napkin in front of him, musing over the subject of whether Midna's dance expertise included the style of 'exotic' or not. His gaze shifted thoughtfully.
"Evening," a tall blonde lady said. In one hand was a notepad. In the other was a feather quill pen. Under her arm was a menu. She peered down at Link with an arid look. Her barely there, skin-tight dress struggled to cover her lower half.
"Do they let you guys wear clothes here?" Link asked, resting his head in his hand. The woman's expression didn't change. He cleared his throat.
"You know what you want?" she asked, tapping her foot.
"Do you have anything that resembles a human head?" Link asked. The waitress completely stopped in place, but her face kept the same parched expression. Link considered this a challenge. "My friend's actually a cannibal. His shaky hands give him away every time." He gave her a little demonstration.
"You want a drink?" she asked.
"I'll just have water, but if I don't get a beer for my friend he might have a massive-scale conniption."
"What kind? There's about two-dozen."
"Um, something of the liquid variety?" He started to grin, but opted not to as he accepted that his humor was falling on deaf ears. "Well, why don't you just bring whatever's most popular. Hopefully that would suffice. Please."
"Sure." She handed Link the menu.
"Just don't bring the most expensive drink expecting a bigger tip," Link advised. "My friend's got the money and he gives crappy gratuity, no matter what."
"I'll keep that in mind," the woman drawled. "I'll be back in a minute." As she turned to leave, Link unfolded his menu.
"Link, you charmer…" he mumbled to himself.
"What'd I miss?" Pipit asked out of nowhere before taking a seat.
"Only the most monotone waitress in the world."
"Dude, you've gotta go up there," Pipit insisted.
"Dude, no," Link said, studying the menu.
"I'm serious. It's freakin' amazing."
"I'm sure."
"There's a lot of girls up there who aren't strippers, you know."
"So?" Link asked, lifting his eyes.
"So, you've got that look."
"What look? You said that when you were babbling in my ear during our flight."
"That look that says, 'I am Link and I need some'."
"Pipit, you're just full of 'em today, aren't you?"
"Why not go for it? There's a ton of gorgeous ladies here. Go take your pick. I'm sure one of 'em would be willing to offer you some favors."
"Yeah, 'cause that's what I'm all about," Link said sarcastically. "And if they all treat me like our server just did, then I don't stand a chance, anyway."
"Maybe they just don't like short guys," Pipit said, shrugging. "Most of the girls here are pretty tall."
"Short?" Link asked, making a face. "I'm not that short…"
"Not that short, ha," Pipit laughed. "Man, even your girlfriend's taller than you." Link's eyes expanded.
"What?" he asked, dropping the menu. Pipit immediately claimed it for his own. "Midna's not taller than me. We're the same height…"
"Keep dreaming. She's a good half-inch taller than you."
"That's not true," Link said, genuinely offended.
"Yeah right, pal. Look, it's not your fault that you're vertically challenged." At a loss for words, Link glowered at him. "You're lucky she likes short guys," Pipit told him, still going over the list of choices. "Maybe it fulfills some sort of fantasy for her. Maybe she feels like she can subdue you easier if you're smaller."
"I'm not smaller," Link snapped. "Especially not in terms of musculature."
"Okay, fine, you have a bigger frame than her," Pipit admitted. "But you are a little shorter."
"What th-" Link gnarled.
"What? Aren't you used to it by now? Everyone's taller than you."
Hmm, not everyone, Link thought with a grin.
"Make a decision yet?" The two friends looked up at the waitress. After handing Link a meager cup of water and glaring at him, she switched her gaze to Pipit and placed a large glass down on the table. "Hi," she said with a chipper tone. Then, she smiled. Link's mouth fell open. Pipit smiled back, admiring the liberal amount of amber colored liquid before him.
"Wow, I like you already," he said.
"Know what you want?" she asked, readying her writing utensil.
"Um, actually…Skye," Pipit said, focusing on her nametag. "Lovely name, by the way."
"Thanks!" she said cheerfully. Link shook his head.
"Maybe you can help us out. You got anything with pumpkin in it?"
"…Pumpkin?" she asked, confused.
"Yeah. I don't think I've eaten a meal without some sort of pumpkin in it since moving to Skyloft."
"Oh, Skyloft, that explains it," Skye said definitively. "Um, I think we might have something that isn't listed on the menu. Some sort of…pumpkin biscuit appetizer…thing."
"Okay, we'll have an order of your very best pumpkin appetizer things," Pipit told her. She scratched it down. "How about these 'two-person broiled chicken burgers', they any good?"
"They're huge," she replied, nodding.
"Sweet, that's all I need to hear. We'll take three of 'em."
"Sure, they'll be out in about ten minutes."
"I'll be needing another one of these in a few, too," Pipit said, raising his glass.
"Not a problem," the waitress said before speed-walking away. Pipit grinned at his friend before taking a drink.
"Thanks for ordering for me, Pipit," Link said, even more frustrated. "Amazing how you knew exactly what I wanted without even asking."
"Yeah, uncanny, isn't it?" Pipit downed three-quarters of his drink. "Let's go join the rest of Superna on that side of the room while we wait for our order. What do you say?"
"I say n-" But, Link was already halfway across the room. Not wishing to sit alone all night, his resolve took a back seat.
As Pipit caroused with every 'dame' in the place, Link stood aloof with eyes averted. Pipit had enough night-life-spiritedness for the both of them, anyway.
Showered with attention, Pipit was a lost cause. The only force strong enough to drag him away was the delivery of their meals, which he promptly dashed for.
Amidst the alien atmosphere of the gentleman's club, the two ate together. Hungrier than he normally would be, Link finished everything on his plate. With ease, Pipit polished off twice as much, and the biscuits. Plus three drinks.
"Don't look at me like that," Pipit said, patting his stomach. "I told you I was starving."
"I'm thinking you just ate enough for seven people, Pip."
"Hey, just 'cause you eat like a bird-"
"I do not eat like a bird," Link said defensively. "You got any more insults for me tonight? I'm pretty sure there's a few in existence that you haven't used yet."
"I speak the truth, not insults, you know that," Pipit said, standing up and dropping a sizable pile of rupees on the table.
"Now where are you going?" Link asked. He leaned his chin on his hand as Pipit tromped away.
"Over there to talk to somebody I've been watching since we got here."
"Ah, okay," Link said tiredly. He tapered his eyes as his friend waltzed self-assuredly up to an unsuspecting, petite young knight with curly dark hair. The girl, busy chatting with a friend, looked up at the approaching stranger.
"I'm here to arrest your smile," Link heard Pipit say with a dead-serious tone. The girl stiffened.
"Why?" she asked, glancing at her friend.
"Because it's a killer," he said, staring her in the eye. After several seconds of silence, the girls giggled, shaking their heads at each other.
"Pipit, gods…" Link said sourly. Stupidly enough, the horrid pick-up line was well received. "You've gotta be kidding me…" He got to his feet. When he was finished silently ridiculing his friend, he looked over his shoulder.
There, sitting in an adjacent booth, was a young woman. This one, however, was different than the others roaming about the room. This particular girl was understated. Her dark hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. She wore a plain blue dress and black reading glasses. She was accompanied by the thickest book that Link had ever seen. She even had a quill tucked behind her ear. Link grinned, believing he had just struck gold. He walked discretely up to her.
"Hi," he said, holding his hands behind his back. The girl pulled back nervously.
"Oh!" she squeaked, pulling a hand to her chest.
"Sorry…" Link said, taking another step. "I didn't mean to scare you." The girl took a breath and started to blush.
"No, umm…" she spluttered, dropping her face to her book. "It's just, uh…guys don't usually talk to me much. Well, I mean they do, it's just that…well, not that often. Especially here, so…" Trying not to grin too much, Link nodded.
"Can I sit down?" he asked.
"Oh, yeah, sure…sorry." He slowly inched his way into the seat opposite the young lady. He folded his hands.
"I saw your book," Link began, "and I was wondering what you were reading." The girl's mouth fell open in surprise.
"Oh, well, it's a textbook. I'm taking a summer course on botany, so…"
"Summer course?" Link asked. "You guys have school in the summer?"
"…Uh, yeah…" she replied awkwardly.
"Wow, that speaks multitudes of Skyloft. Well, about how unmotivated we are in the warmer months, anyway." He gave a half-shrug.
"You're from Skyloft?" she asked, sitting up.
"Yeah. I came here to see somebody."
"Oh…" The young lady looked away.
"Anyway, um…" Link started again. "Honestly, you look like the only normal person in the room." Link was enjoying her bookish yet cute demeanor. A smart girl was an attractive girl. Her soft, intelligent eyes were pleasant to look into, as well.
"I do?" the girl laughed.
"Yes."
"Actually, I'm sort of astonished you're not over there with every other guy in the room."
"Oh, not my thing," Link said. "I came with a friend, who's obviously disappeared…"
"Oh, okay. Yeah, I'm here with a friend too. He's also disappeared, but I know exactly where he is."
"Hm, I know the feeling." The smile that was advertised all over Link's face finally broke through the young lady's unbendable reserve. She smiled back.
"Well, um, I'm Cirra," she said, chewing her lip.
"Cirra? That's nice. I'm Link."
"Ah, that's nice too," she replied, shifting her eyes.
"I don't usually walk up to girls like this," Link said. "I must be getting braver." Cirra giggled timidly.
"You? You don't usually walk up to girls?" She cautiously studied what she could see of him.
"Nope," he said.
"I don't believe it…" she said, cracking another edgy smile.
"It's true."
"Well, if you say so…"
"So, I'm guessing you attend the Superna Knight Academy?"
"I do," Cirra said.
"You like it?"
"It's tough. But, then again, I enjoy a good academic challenge." Link's brow came up.
"Me too," he agreed.
"Speaking of academic, I was just gonna head to the library."
"Library? This late at night?"
"Yup, it's twenty-four hours."
"Whoa…a twenty-four hour library. I'm definitely not in Skyloft anymore."
"Nope, you're in the city," Cirra said, starting to relax a bit.
"So it seems. Would you mind some company?" Link cocked his head, watching her peaceful expression turn uneasy.
"Well, uh…" she said, drumming her fingers.
"I know we just met," Link told her, finishing her thought. "But, no need to worry. I'm a knight."
"Does that automatically make you trustworthy?" she asked with a partial smirk.
"In an idyllic world, maybe," he acknowledged. "But, I can tell you that I've pledged to act honorably toward and protect women, if that means anything."
"Oh," Cirra said shyly, reddening again. "Well, you seem safe, so…"
"That's 'cause I am," Link said reassuringly. "And I'd love to see your library."
"Well, I suppose it would be rude to refuse a guest…"
"I'd have to say that's a fair assumption," Link said with a nod. Cirra giggled lightly.
"Okay, well…" She rose out of her seat. "My friend will know where to find me. Late-night library excursions are certainly not out of the ordinary for me." Link stood beside her, quickly taking in her feminine features. He especially liked her glasses. He wondered how Midna would look in them…
"'Kay, well, shall we?" Link offered her an arm. Smiling at the floor, she slipped her arm into his. "I suppose there's no point in even hoping," he said as he led them to the exit, "but it sure would be nice if I could get my hands on a certain book." Link chuckled at the idea, having accepted the impossible weeks ago.
"And what book is that?" Cirra asked. Link looked over at her, happy that she was at eye level.
"A sacred text," he said.
"Uh…why wouldn't you be able to?"
"Well, every copy of the sacred text was…confiscated, I guess you could say, from Skyloft. I think to ward off mass panic, or something."
"Well, not here," she replied nonchalantly. Link came to a skidding halt. He stared straight ahead.
"You mean, there's a copy of the sacred text? In your library?" Cirra nodded enthusiastically. "Right now?" She nodded again.
He gaped for several more seconds, knowing now that he had, indeed, struck gold.
"Wait by the door for me, okay?" Link asked her, backing away. "Just don't go without me. I'll only be a minute."
"Okay," Cirra said with an uncertain laugh. She giggled as he fled toward the other side of the building. She stood there, amused, yet slightly weirded out by this quixotic young knight.
Dodging bodies, Link shot through the crowd, careful not to touch anyone, but coming dangerously close. Thinking he might have been the reason for the sound of dishes hitting the ground behind him, he kept going, far too excited to stop.
Blasting into the dance club portion of the building, Link hurriedly pored over the layout. Completely shutting out the upbeat music being performed by notably talented musicians, he searched through the mass of tunics and uniforms. In a flash, he honed in on something yellow. He spotted Pipit off to the side, conversing with the same curly-haired lady.
"Pipit!" Link exclaimed, flying up to him. Pipit warily turned his head. "You need to come with me!" By the time he reached his friend, he was out of breath.
"Uuuuh…why?" Pipit asked.
"'Cause there's a library near here that has a sacred text!"
"Wow, really!" Pipit shouted, jumping up and down. It took Link a moment to realize that Pipit was being completely sarcastic. Link's shoulders dropped.
"Come on, Pipit, I'm being serious."
"Yeah, well, so am I when I say that I've got more important things to worry about."
"What, like dragging some girl back to our room?"
"May hap it is, and may hap it ain't," Pipit said, agitated. Link gave him a glare.
"Aren't you the one who told me about the sacred texts being hidden? Don't you wanna take advantage of this at all?"
"Look, why don't you go…" Pipit pointed vehemently to the door. "And I can stay here." Stepping back, Link sighed.
"That's really what you wanna do?"
"Yes."
"Alright," Link said, throwing his hands up.
"Just don't get lost!" Pipit called before Link had a chance to vanish.
"Don't worry, I have a guide!" Link yelled, departing before any questions could be asked.
Scooping up his attendant, Link left The Complex behind. Toting the massive book under his arm, he chatted with Cirra. He told her about his academy, and she did the same.
Walking several city blocks, Link drank in the sights. The further they traveled, the more ubiquitous the trees became. Along the road, flowering plants flourished, illuminated by an endless string of streetlamps. This part of the city had a rural feel to it which Link found energizing. Combined with good company, it brightened his mood.
As the library drew closer, Cirra talked about her boyfriend, while Link shared about Midna. It was refreshing to tell someone new about her, especially a female who didn't have preconceived notions. Most ladies, Link found, didn't take too kindly to Midna. Not until they really got to know her, anyway.
For a time, Link forgot about the demon lord, his realm, and the Goddess-ordained quest that he was destined to fulfill. He even forgot about Zelda and her mysterious protector. For a few minutes, he was no longer the tormented hero, but a normal young man, strolling down the street with a friend.
With several apartment buildings, shops and bars left in the dust, the library came into view. Observing Link's reaction, Cirra giggled. He appeared awestruck. The building was gigantic, of course, with dozens of stone steps leading to the front entrance, and several floors. Thick pillars stood guard over the doors.
The structure's interior was even more amazing. In keeping with the city's castle motif, the building looked like something out of the ancient texts themselves. On each side of the wide open lobby were staircases leading to the upper floors. Knowing where she was going, Cirra took Link past the front desk.
"The book that you seek is on the topmost floor, sir," she explained. "You can access it from either side of the lobby."
"Are you coming too?' Link asked, setting his sights on the nearest set of stairs.
"Just long enough to point you in the right direction. Then, I need to look for a botany study guide and do a little reading. It probably won't be that long, though, it's pretty late."
"Okay," Link told her.
Link found it incredible how well this girl knew the entire library's schematic. Proving that she knew it like the back of her hand, she pointed out each section, where each genre could be found, and the approximate number of books on each floor.
"I actually work here during the day," she said with a smile. "Me and the Dewey decimal system are very well acquainted."
"I can see that," Link said, impressed.
"Plus, climbing all these steps keeps me slim and trim."
"I can see that…too," he replied, wondering if his comment overdid it. Fortunately, she didn't seem to mind.
Up some more stairs, down several rows of bookshelves and into a back corner, Cirra led him. Light streamed from the walls, but the room was still dim. The library at night was no place for someone with poor eyesight.
"There it is," Cirra said quietly, pointing.
"Well, they sure keep it tucked away, don't they…?"
"It's special." She interlaced her fingers, watching him as he stared. "Well, I'll be a couple levels down on the right side. I'll be there for at least thirty minutes, if you wanted to…" She mashed her toe into the carpet. "Um, if you wanted to walk back with me." Link didn't say anything. "It's alright if you don't, I mean, it's easy to find your way back-"
"Oh, yeah, that's fine," Link said. "Sorry, I'm just distracted." With a little nod, Cirra lowered her head, brushed her long ponytail off of her shoulder and walked to the stairs.
With his companion gone, the area fell silent. Link stood several feet from the short pedestal that held the sacred text. It was just him, and the book…
Balling his hands up, Link approached the artifact. Facing a corner, he laid a hand on the cover, shocked that such an opportunity had fallen into his lap.
"Master," a voice rang. Link stopped.
"Fi," he answered.
"You have done well to find this," she said. With a sound more whimsical than a wind chime, Fi whirled from Link's bag, coming to a soft, floating stop before him. Link stood silently as she set herself gracefully onto her feet.
Being in her presence was soothing, yet vexatious. Fi was always there, whether he remembered her or not.
Fi knew all of his secrets.
All of them.
Link chewed his tongue.
"Hi," he said, finding it troublesome to look her in the eye.
With his recent days filled to the brim with activity, it felt as though it had been an eternity since he'd had the chance to stand with her, and to look up into her effervescent face. In reality, it had only been a day and a half.
But, so much had happened during that short time...
"Master," she repeated, brightening the dark corner. "I detect a slight change in your physical state."
"Yeah, sorry," he said, not knowing what else to say.
"Do not be anxious. You have nothing to fear." Her voice was musical, flittering in the quiet.
"I know, Fi…"
"As is taught in this very text," she said emotionlessly, "everything occurs for a specific reason." Waiting to respond, Link nodded.
"Yeah."
"This discovery is imperative, for, as I have told you, my knowledge, imparted by the Goddess, is limited." Link thought for a moment.
"So…you mean, I was supposed to find this? Tonight?"
"This text will ensure that my understanding is no longer fragmented. Earlier on, certain information was not necessary. You did not require it. Now, you do."
"O…kay," Link said. As Fi rested an indigo hand atop the book's cover, it came to life. The pages began to glow - all two-thousand of them. Link gawked from a distance for the duration of it, not wanting to get in the way.
"The transfer is complete, Master," Fi said, facing him once more.
"Can I read it now?" he asked her.
"Of course. However, keep in mind that I am now able to relay all information to you regarding this book."
"Okay," he said. "I just wanted a chance to look through it myself."
"Certainly." Link leafed through the pages.
"You said I did a good job finding this, but, I don't feel like I did anything…"
"But you did, Master," Fi stated.
"How? Someone else led me here. A stranger."
"You did well being where you were meant to be," Fi concluded.
"Oh, it's that simple, huh?" he asked with a less than reverent tone.
"At times, yes. Do not forget that you had the option of relocating yourself." Link looked sideways.
"You mean at the wrong end of the room?"
"Yes."
"Okay, well, I guess the Goddess did well in not choosing a total pervert."
….
At least things are starting to make some sort of sense, Link thought as he carried his tired body up the stairs of the Crown Plaza. If it hadn't been for his nap earlier, he most certainly would have unwittingly turned that lovely copy of the sacred text into a pillow.
"Pipit, we've got some talking to do," he grumbled to himself, rubbing his face. Throwing a glance over each shoulder, he canvased the deathly silent room. From his position on the mezzanine, he saw that the enormous lobby was empty, except for the middle-aged fellow who occupied the front desk.
A deserted stairwell – the perfect place to brood, to recount the events of the day, and to organize one's thoughts on how best to bring up painful yet necessary topics with one's best friend. Not only did unsettling matters need to be discussed, but Pipit had to be brought up to speed on what Link had learned that night. It was too bad that Pipit hadn't come along. The library truly was the wealth of knowledge that Link had hoped it would be.
It's a library, after all…
Yet, as excited as Link had been to acquire knowledge about his destiny, his mind was hopelessly stuck on a single subject: Midna.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he took a deep breath. A very deep breath. He looked up, glad for the ten flights of stairs that separated him from his friend. He really needed some time to get his brain waves shifted toward more practical matters. It wasn't that his mind was being bombarded by unwelcome images. He wanted them.
It was normal for him to think about her like this, mostly in the evenings when all was still, when his thoughts finally settled, and when he was alone. Tonight was more of the same, yet, the desire to dwell on her was exceptionally unrelenting.
Link forced himself to consider which topic to start his friend off with. But, business affairs were not at the top of his list of interests at the moment. It was a struggle.
One after another, his feet left the stairs behind as he trudged onward, sending soft echoes throughout the stairwell.
Stepping into the tenth floor hallway, Link's weary eyes were assaulted by a bright carpet.
"Mmmmmnnn," he groaned, not because of the discomfort in his optical nerves, but because the hue reminded him of someone; one person in particular who he was trying not to place too much energy on. He saw voluminous hair and full lips, wondering which of the two was a more pleasing shade of red. It was a toss-up…
And her figure - it defied every law of nature, as well as all known forms of logic. No one should be that attractive. On top of that, no one that attractive should be so smitten with him…Not that he was complaining.
She was the perfect mixture of fiery and innocent, of no nonsense and compassion, of titillating and kind. She knew what she wanted, alright, and, for whatever reason, she wanted him.
He wanted her here, now, to sit and stare off into the night with; to watch the glow of the city as they discussed her mysterious past. There were so many things that he needed to know about her. At this point, it looked as though he wouldn't be seeing her for a few days.
By the light of the wall lanterns, he ruffled his hair, counted to twenty, did one-hundred jumping jacks and fifty rapid pushups. Breathing a bit heavier, he jumped to his feet, feeling as though he'd only made it worse.
"This isn't working," he muttered as he buried his face in his hands. Midna was there, dominating his thoughts, whether he liked it or not. Trouble was, he did like it, and he didn't want it to stop.
Standing in front of his door, Link pulled on his collar, rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles. Stretching his neck, he dug for his room key.
"Better not be sleeping, Pipit," Link said to himself. "'Cause we're talking, tonight." With a soft creak, the door swung open. With eyes half closed, he slid inside, closed the door and locked it.
After removing the key, Link dropped it in his pocket, twirled around and began to take a step. But, what he caught sight of stopped him dead in his tracks, jolting the drowsiness right out of him.
Two people, fervently crawling all over each other. Link immediately stiffened, alarmed by what he had barged in on.
In the midst of a heated escapade, Pipit and his dark-haired lady friend were meshing together against the wall beside his bed. He was roughly, yet amorously, shoving her against it. Based on the sounds coming out of her mouth, she seemed to be enjoying it.
Oh my goodness, I need to leave…Link thought, shaking his head. Dumbfounded, he was clueless about what to do. Not only was he afraid of being spotted, he didn't want to see too much. He started planning the quickest route to the next room.
By the same token, the image before him was reminiscent of a flight accident. The scene being played out was one that really shouldn't be watched, yet, it was hard not to do so.
In addition, Link had been unwillingly subjected to Pipit and Karane's noisy lovemaking on more than one occasion, so this wasn't terribly new for him. Those times, however, Link had left, running away before too much mental scarring could occur, and to make his bed on one of the breakfast tables in the kitchen. How many times had he brought this to his friend's attention?
Pipit, whyyyyy, you knew I was coming back. Don't you ever learn?
Worst of all, the young lady was missing a good deal of her clothes. Her navy blue knight's tunic was still in place, but she had nothing to speak of on her lower half. Luckily, most of her body was obscured by Pipit as he pressed against her. All Link could see were the woman's bare legs, wrapped firmly around Pipit's middle.
Pipit, however, was fully clothed.
Thank the Goddess…
But, judging by his friend's movements, Link was fairly confident that the main event had already started. With his arms under the girl's rear end and his mouth pressed to hers, Pipit bounced her up and down, making her squeal every time.
Link looked away and swallowed. Not knowing why, his eyes made their way back to the amative couple. He tiptoed past the bathroom, slowly making his way to the hall. He brushed against plants, sending petals to the floor. His heart sped up, reacting to the raw display of passion before him. He couldn't help but observe them, watch their movements and listen to their heavy breaths.
Is that really how women like it, Pipit? Link asked himself, somewhat surprised as he studied the way that his friend seemed to ravish her. She moaned in Pipit's ear, answering each rock of his hips with her own. He closed in on her even more as he took hold of her hair, tugging her head to the side. When he did something to her neck that Link couldn't see, she twisted, giving a desperate cry.
Still trying to inch away, Link's eyes widened. It certainly was odd seeing his friend in such an enamored state. The way he expertly drew sensual cries from this girl as he tended to various parts of her body simultaneously was a little bit intriguing.
Having no experience in this area, Link found himself curious, but not shamelessly so.
Okay…I really need to get out of here, he urged himself. Almost hidden in the corridor, Link, knowing he probably shouldn't, took one last look.
Standing with his back to the wall, he turned his head to peek behind him. The pair's interaction had grown more intense, faster, and quite frantic. It was fraught with desire. Link bit his tongue, grinning at the idea of offering his best Commander Eagus impression by shouting, 'Pipit! Your thrust is off!' He laughed silently, determined to keep it to himself. Pipit made the act of pleasing a female look like an art form; to interrupt him now would be like smearing a hand across a painting before it had the chance to dry.
Tying a muzzle to his devilish side, Link laid his head against the wall, feeling a little guilty. He noticed that the girl's face was turning red and her moans were becoming drawn out. He felt a small chill run through his spine. Looking in that girl's face, he saw Midna. Clear as day, he pictured the way that she'd looked that afternoon before he had ventured to the surface. It was an amazing encounter made even more exciting by its taboo nature. He was supposed to be thinking about Zelda. He knew it then, and he knew it now.
When this unnamed woman curled in pleasure, Link saw Midna writhing and grasping his tunic. When the girl's eyes squeezed shut, he saw Midna's face beginning to melt. When the girl threw her head to the side and gave a high-pitched gasp, he heard Midna's smoky voice, uninhibited and unashamed to show her excitement. When the woman crushed her body to Pipit's and cried out, he saw Midna squirming as she reached her peak, filling his ears with the most captivating sounds he could ever wish to hear. He felt her hands on him as she gladly succumbed to what he gave her.
He sighed, longing to enter that secret garden that was Midna's erotic side. That place where no holds were barred, and she finally seemed to, in a sense, submit to him. But, it was all part of the game. As eager as he was to receive it, he wanted to give it, as well, offering himself to her, basking in whatever she wanted to give him.
And he wanted it all, especially right now.
Feeling as though he had experienced some sort of climax along with the woman, Link tore himself away, scuffling down the hall before Pipit reached his own culmination, as well. Link had seen more than enough already.
After being in the light, his bedroom seemed exceptionally dark. He fumbled around before locating a small oil lantern on the bedside table. Using his flint, he lit the lamp, sighing as a comforting glow blossomed forth.
Once the door was closed, Link looked across the room. Past several tables, chairs and a closet was a sliding door. The glass had been left open, causing the sheer floor-length drapes to flow lightly in the breeze. Allowing the gentle gust to tickle his face for a moment, Link searched his room. Between the moonlight and the bobbing flame, he found a brown robe. Draped on a metal hook on the closet, it called out to him.
Hastily, he shed his clothing, dropping everything into a pile at his feet. Just like the first time, it felt fabulous to be free of every last piece of fabric. Linen was breathable, but wool certainly wasn't. Wool was less than ideal for summertime wear; not that knights had a choice in the matter.
With everything off, Link slipped into the robe. It felt cool and lax; the perfect thing to sleep in. Walking a circle around the room, he poked through the floral arrangements. Pushing various flowers aside, he spotted a vase of roses. Sifting through the colors, he pulled out a red one. He buried his nose in it before sinking down into the bed.
The picture of Midna returned to him full force. With her scent in the air, his memory was stimulated. He twirled the stem in his fingers, careful not to puncture himself with the thorns. Just for the fun of it, he pressed a finger to one of the pointed tips to see how much it hurt. As long as the thorns were given the proper treatment, they didn't hurt at all. In fact, he enjoyed the feeling of the sharpness as it scraped his skin.
He sat up, caressing a silky red petal between his thumb and index finger. He watched the curtains glide like waves in the wind. He could almost see Midna standing there, spinning and wrapping the drapes around her body. He could hear, and feel, her beckoning. A quiet whisper swept across his ear. A feathery touch of a hand teased him.
He inhaled deeply, feeling a rather suffocating surge through his body.
I'm not your enemy, he heard in his head. It's okay.
The words were so faint that they could have been the waft of a distant zephyr. He closed his eyes and shook his head, comforted somehow. He wanted Midna there so much.
Yet, he felt guilt-ridden. His thoughts had been tending more and more toward the impure all evening. Him and Midna were no longer together…Was it permissible for him to be thinking this way? He was hard-pressed to believe that it was, considering his longstanding decision to avoid deep intimacy without first being married. They had already crossed certain boundaries, of course, but, in his mind, it didn't justify subsequent encounters, nor did it condone him developing a lecherousness for her. First and foremost, a high level of respect had to be maintained. The last thing he wanted was to dishonor her.
"Maybe I can just apologize next time I see her," he told himself, if he could manage to get past the mortification of admitting what he'd been doing with his spare evenings. "Hopefully she'll understand…"
With his mind made up, Link glanced around the room, hoping to stumble across one of the small treasures that hotels typically provided for their guests. This hotel was fancy; there must've been something good, somewhere.
He hopped up and rummaged through the drawers by the bed, fishing for something of use.
Perfume, toothpaste, pens, and scissors: no. He dug a little deeper. Small glass bottle of warming massage gel: yes. He crawled back to his original position and sat on his heels.
"It's like it was meant to be," Link said conclusively as he shook a generous glob of the wet substance into his right palm. He stared at it for a few seconds, astounded by the sudden heat that was blooming on his skin.
Without much ado, his hand made its way inside of his robe, applying the moisture, the warmth, and, most of all, the pressure that he had been itching for all night.
"Thank you, Crown Plaza," he sighed. He shuddered. His entire body, along with his thoughts, was beginning to catch fire.
It was effortless. Midna was there, sitting beside him. A silky negligée covered her, but just barely. Resting her chin on his shoulder, she encircled him in her hand, slowly stroking.
Even heroes need sexual gratification sometimes. Link grinned.
"I couldn't agree more," he groaned. With each movement, the tingling increased. He leaned forward and moaned softly, knowing that this wasn't going to take long. He wanted it too much. Growing hotter, he started panting. He shimmed out of his robe, allowing it to gather around him on the bed. He wriggled a bit, absorbed, yet slightly uncomfortable.
Why do you fear this?
Bringing his head back, he gaped at the ceiling, watching the firelight dance.
"I don't fear this," he breathed.
Yes, you do. You're hesitant.
"I don't wanna go too far with you," Link whispered, shutting his eyes.
No, it goes beyond that.
Link just shook his head and groaned, confused by the thoughts that were accompanying one of the best feelings he'd had in a while.
He saw himself in the woods, knees in the dirt, finishing what Ghirahim had started. The memory of the pleasure that cascaded over him as he acceded made him gasp and shake.
"Don't you realize that I will one day take this part of you for my own?" Link's eyes opened at the sound of the demon's voice.
"Get out of my head," Link said, breathing heavily. "You're not gonna ruin this for me."
"An 'unbreakable spirit' does not a victory brand, sky child."
"Go away," Link muttered.
"You know you have no right to think about her like this. Who are you to be violating her?"
"I'm not listening to you. If you wanna watch me get off, then be my guest."
"I do enjoy your cute little moans, human."
"Fine. Just know that-" He stopped to catch his breath, clutching the blanket with his free hand. "…That it's because of her, and not you…"
Link's thoughts began to run wild. No longer in the forest, he was in a luxurious bed. Midna was stretched out beneath him, her hair curled and pinned up, interlaced with white flowers and sparkling jewels. Her face was colored with a natural blush that only a bride could achieve. Her fitted white gown was sliding down, bearing to him the top of her fluttering chest. He was between her knees, slowly setting aside each layer of her full skirt, watching her twist, barely able to contain her happiness. He smiled and whispered, 'It's been a long wait.'
And they were joined, pulling their bodies together like two destined puzzle pieces, aligning what was meant to be. It went far beyond desires of the flesh or lustful infatuation. He wanted to be one with her.
As his hand delivered bursts of ecstasy, his mind drew a picture of the future, of triumph, and of love.
More than himself, he wanted to please her, to desert his own personal conquest, and to enchant her with selfless ministrations. He could see her, and feel her as she arched her body up, wordlessly asking for everything. As she held her skirt out of the way, he lowered his head between her legs…
"Mm..I…" he started to mumble as the thought sent him over the edge. His body tightened and his jaw fell long before the final buildup reached its height. With a few more strokes and several gasping moans that would have made any woman swoon, his body crested, thrust forward and released, a zealous shout escaping from him at his very pinnacle.
The contractions that rode him as he huffed and groaned were some of the best sensations to ever mercilessly rip through him. His toes curled, his chest heaved and sweat began to bead on his forehead as the tension left him in a rush of delectation.
He wrapped his lower body in the already dirtied robe, trying to calm himself during the throbbing aftershock.
"Oh…gods…" he breathed as he rolled over. He quickly burrowed beneath the comforter, burying his extremely satisfied body under the softness.
To the sound of crickets and a summer breeze, he dozed off, relieved to have gotten his exigent needs taken care of, but, also questioning the thoughts that had ruthlessly stormed his mind.
…
"Sky knight…?"
"Mmmmm…what?"
"Sky knight, get up…"
"What…"
Rolling over, Pipit blinked his aching eyes several times. He strained to see in the dark, the lanterns having gone out long ago. Silence filled his ears again. He turned his head, realizing that he was on the bed in the hotel room.
"Who…" he began, rubbing his head.
"Sky knight."
"Am I imagining this?" Pipit rubbed his face.
"No. Get up." Lightheaded and confused, he waited, but finally stumbled to his feet.
He recognized this voice.
"I think I'm dreaming," Pipit said, staggering down the darkened hallway. Groaning to himself, he opened Link's door. He peeped inside, relieved to see his friend sleeping comfortably.
"Don't wake him, if you know what's good for him," the voice warned. Pipit backed up and shut the door.
"So…what do you want?" Pipit asked, feeling crazy for asking. He scratched his forehead, feeling the effects of the alcohol he had consumed earlier.
"Leave your room, come downstairs, and you'll find out…"
Pipit wasn't quite sure why, but, he listened. He returned to the main room, slipped his feet into his boots and refastened every loose buckle and button. Then, he made his way to the door.
"What am I doing?" he asked himself, believing that he was still sound asleep. Within seconds, he had left the safety of his room behind.
"How would you like to play a little game, sky knight?"
