Hi guys! I'm back! And you thought I'd end this story... Pfft! I did the math and I don't even think this story is half over yet, so you guys don't hafta wory. In case you missed my action packed last two chapters let me fill you in. Reena=Zelda (as if you didn't already know) Then she and Link went and fought Ganondorf. He died. The End. Oh, and Reena is being forced to stay at the castle and Link ditched her. Uh, yeah. That's about it. So this chapter will be all about Reena attempting to fit in at the castle. But no worries! Because guess whos ba~ack! Well. It certainly ain't Link!

Chapter Fifteen: Dead Kings, Princes, and Cheap Shots

Reena laughed so hard it hurt. "You're kidding me, right?"

Lenaya smiled, shaking her head. Reena had to hold onto the nearest tree in the Royal Gardens for support.

"Now I remember!" Reena exclaimed. "The cook was furious with me for weeks! He terrified me into submission after the small mouse incident in the kitchen!"

"You had a mind well beyond a five year old," Lenaya said, shaking her head. "Impa certainly had her hands full trying to keep an eye on you."

"Well, that's a relief," Reena smirked. "The all powerful Sheikah being cut down to size by a five year old."

"Well, a five year old you," Lenaya pointed out.

"True," Reena agreed. She looked around her surroundings. "This is a forest, not a garden!"

Lenaya laughed. "That's the reaction of many, I have to agree. Ahead is Link and Lera's place. Often you're father and I have found the two talking there."

"She went to him for advice?" Reena asked, eyeing the queen. "That's a mistake. Good thing I'm here now."

"You're very harsh on him," she said, eyeing Reena.

"What doesn't kill him makes him stronger," Reena answered. "Besides, haven't I always been? I'm going to be even nastier if he doesn't visit within the next three seconds."

"I think Link will be experiencing an unexpected welcome," Lenaya said with a laugh. "I know this is an enormous change for you, Reena."

A nod answered the queen. It certainly was. She wasn't used to getting up in the morning and having the opportunity of sleeping another hour or so. Getting used to the servants was even harder. She nearly pulled her swords out when they tried to dress her, having no idea what they were doing. Reena had the shrewd suspicion she had chased them away for good.

However, something that hadn't been hard adjusting to was the Queen and King being her parents. It was odd. Reena was sure it would be the hardest challenge she would have to face. That wasn't so. The Gerudo had raised her to disregard everyone but the Gerudo, especially the King and Queen. But it seemed as though she had been calling them mother and father for her entire life, not only a couple months. Nearly the day after she was discovered to be the princess, Reena was calling them mother and father.

But the moment Reena had been revealed, she remembered everything. She remembered how much she loved her parents and how she had screamed for them when Ganondorf came. Yes… she remembered the day he came. As the time progressed Reena began to remember more and more of the past that had been swept away. At times it would throw her off guard.

"You're very quiet, Reena," Lenaya said gently.

"I was just… remembering," Reena explained. She sighed. "Will I be ready to rule? What if I don't turn out to be the amazing queen Link thinks I'm going to be?"

"Is that's what worrying you?" Lenaya asked, putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "What Link thinks?"

"He spent his entire life looking for me," Reena sighed. "I just hope I live up to his expectations."

Lenaya gave Reena a smile. "Don't worry. When it comes to Link, concerning you, I don't think you know how to let him down."

*astrix astix astrix*

"Princess Zelda? Princess Zelda!"

Reena snapped her attention away from the window. She glared at the stout man in front of her, taking joy in the fear that entered his eyes.

"It's Reena," she said.

"Princess… Reena," Sir Lethan started, beginning to pace the room. "You need to start paying attention! If you don't…"

Reena rolled her eyes and began to mouth him. If you don't begin to pay attention you'll never make a suitable Queen! This great nation cannot fall upon the shoulders of one so uneducated! It's unacceptable! You are by far the most difficult students I have ever tutored! If you do not learn the proper etiquette, you'll never be wed to a Prince! You'll never be able to rule!

Reena finished her imitation the moment Sir Lethan did. Her timing had become impeccable in reciting the speech with him. Sometimes, to really irritate him, she'd make sure he saw her imitations. She personally thought they were quite good. Lera certainly got a good laugh out of them. She however, was not here at the moment.

"What's the point of learning about dead kings?" Reena asked politely, hoping to get on Sir Lethan's nerves.

He pursed his lips. "So that you do not make the same mistakes they did! At this pace, however, you'll be lucky if you stay on the throne for more than three days! Never in my years have I…"

The urge to jump out of one of the study's windows was becoming irresistible. She decided Sir Lethan loved the sound of his own voice. He was finding excuses to lecture her. Everyday there was a new one. She probably wasn't helping her case by being intolerable. However, two months had passed and she needed to find ways to occupy herself.

Her mind turned to Link and she scowled. He was a liar. She couldn't remember the last time he had come to visit her. She had given up on looking out the window, waiting for him. Waiting for him to save her from the tortures of her tutor. Maybe… she should look just one more time. No, it was no point. She'd see the same thing.

"And your attire is absolutely unacceptable!"

Shut up for the love of the goddesses! Reena massaged her temples. There was no way she was going to wear a dress when her tunic was at hand. A sigh came from her, looking out the window. She jumped to her feet, making her tutor cry out in surprise.

"Epona!" she cried, running to the window.

"What now?" Sir Lethan exclaimed, exhausted.

"…Wait," Reena murmured, turning to Sir Lethan. "That's not… Epona. Who's here?"

"I have it on good authority that the Princes of Salderin have come to visit," he said huffily. "Now, can we please return to your studies?"

"…Sarid?" Reena demanded indignantly. "Oh, I don't think so!"

She ran from the room, her boots echoing against the stone floor. She ran into the throne room, her mouth dropping. Sure enough there stood Kasten… and Sarid. Reena began to curse uncontrollably under her breath. If Sarid had any sense at all, he'd know that it was her that stole those goods. Reena caught the King and Queen's eyes and had to fight not to glare.

"Ah, Princess Reena," Lenaya said, trying hard not to smile at Reena's wince. "Prince Sarid and Prince Kasten have arrived."

"So I…see," Reena said. "Was I going to be told of this… occasion?"

"Lera didn't tell you?"

Reena went to speak, closed her mouth, and muttered under breath before putting on fake composure. "It must have slipped her mind. If you'll please excuse me."

"Reena, your studies," Jerold called.

"I'll get to them in a moment," Reena said, striding off. "However, there's a sister that needs to be reckoned with."

A few minutes later, Reena was pounding on Lera's door.

"Lera, you had better open up before I blast this door away!" Reena threatened. With a click and a creak, Reena was glaring into her sisters eyes.

"Yes?" Lera asked pleasantly.

"Listen you," Reena said, pointing a finger at her as they entered her room and closed the door. "That was real low what you just pulled!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Lera said politely.

"Don't give me that," Reena growled. "You knew they were coming!"

"Oh, you'll be fine," Lera said, sitting on her bed.

"Lera, lest we forget that I stole from their palace numerous times!" Reena exclaimed.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot that," Lera said, putting a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "Well, this'll be interesting. The two of us against the two of them."

"We'll see how that goes over with everyone," Reena muttered, dropping down next to Lera. "Last time I remembered Kasten wasn't that bad. However, I never really saw him."

"And you're telling me this… because?" Lera asked. "I really don't are."

"Once again, you would have made an amazing Gerudo," Reena said. "However, watch out for Sarid. He's annoying and self-centered. We're going to have to work together to survive this."

Lera snickered. "So are they. They'll wish they never came."

"Now, usually I'd agree with your tactics. However, we can't be unfair to Kasten," Reena pointed out.

"I can, if you can't," Lera assured. "Hey… aren't you supposed to be at your studies?"

"Your point?"

"…You're just gonna ditch them?"

"For the time being. Why is that so horrible?" Reena demanded.

"Um… because Sir Lethan will kill you," Lera said in an obvious tone.

"He's the least of my worries," Reena answered. "I've been 'learning' about dead kings. That's not what I want to do! I want to be out there! Traveling!"

"With Link."

"Yes, because I haven't seen the jerk ever since he left!" Reena said, crossing her arms. "He's going to die when he shows his face again."

"That'll be interesting," Lera said with a smirk.

"Alright, well, I've avoided him long enough," Reena said. "I'll see you when he's done lecturing me."

"You bring that upon yourself!" Lera called as Reena closed the door behind her.

Reena fumed to herself as she walked towards the study. Link was going to pay for his absence. Hopefully Sarid would be gone when he arrived. She didn't want Link having a fit. Then again, she'd welcome the chance to laugh.

Thoughts preoccupied her so much that she plowed right into someone as she rounded the corner.

"Sorry!" she said, staggering backwards. "Oh, hi."

"It's alright," Kasten said, quickly picking himself up from the floor. "I wasn't looking where I was going."

"That makes two of us," Reena said with a smirk. "Sorry, but I've got to return to my lessons."

"Sorry, didn't mean to keep you waiting!" he said, stepping aside. "But… er, could you by chance tell me where the study is?"

"I'm heading there now," Reena answered.

"Oh, well then I don't want to intrude," Kasten said.

"Please, do," Reena said. "Come on, you might just get me out of my studying."

"Are… you sure?" he asked, cautiously following her.

"I promise, I'll take all blame," Reena said, rolling her eyes. "You're fairly careful."

"I… uh… met the Princess Lera," he answered. "And wasn't sure which answers I'd receive from you."

Reena snickered. "Yeah, you'll want to watch out for her."

"Is there anyway to get on her good side?" Kasten asked. "Because I can tell you right now, she hates me."

"That is something you're going to have to ask Link," Reena admitted. "However, a crucial piece of advice is don't spar against her and think you'll win because it's most likely you won't."

"She's a warrior?"

Reena smiled. She liked Kasten. There was no shock in his voice. It was a question that one would ask anyone. Obviously he wasn't against the idea of a woman warrior. Maybe she'd be able to get along with him. Maybe Lera might be able to tolerate him.

*astrix astix astrix*

Lera thrust her sword at the imaginary opponent before her. In her mind a battle played. Question flew through her head as she practiced. Had Link died? Here was he? However, the question that had been running through her head for months was the letter. Who had he written that for? She had tried asking him about it, but he only became defensive when she did so. Something was behind it.

She swung backwards with a Clang! The young princess nearly jumped in the air. Instead she whipped around, sword ready. Her eyes narrowed at her disturber.

"Do you mind?" she demanded as Kasten lowered his sword.

"Sorry, I just thought that maybe it'd be easier to spar if you had someone to spar with," he answered.

"I don't need your help," Lera glowered. "Besides, from the way you're gripping that sword, you wouldn't be able to block me for more than four parries."

"I'll take that bet," Kasten said, getting his footing better. He examined the training room for a moment as Lera contemplated his offer.

"Fine," she finally said. "What's the wager?"

"If I win, you have to agree not to hate me so much," Kasten said.

"And if I win?" Lera demanded.

"I'll never speak to you again," Kasten answered. A smile flickered across his face as Lera nodded.

"Alright," Lera said. "We fight to first blood draw."

Kasten nodded, raising the sword in his hands. He had barely done so before Lera was lunging at him. He quickly blocked the blow to his left arm and answered with an attack of his own. She was right there to meet it. A smile came to his lips, throwing Lera off guard. He had been looking for a challenge.

The ringing of metal and the soft scraping of boots filled the air as the fight progressed. Sweat dripped into Lera's eyes, but she quickly shook it away as she rolled to the left. No matter how painful it was, she had to admit he was good. Very good. Many times he caught her off guard and she had to think quickly to recover gracefully.

How long have we been going at this? Lera tried to set a timeframe, but found it very difficult. Her arms and legs ached, but she wasn't going to quit. There was no way she was going to come off as a quitter.

"Kasten!"

Lera took her golden opportunity. Her sword sliced through the air and Kasten ducked. However, he wasn't quick enough at once he gained footing, blood trickled down his cheek. Lera took a step back when she saw him smiling.

"Are you trying to kill me?" he asked, touching his cheek with his sleeve. "That was heading for my neck! I understand the… okay I don't understand why you hate me, but at least kill me after I've done something suicidal."

"Kasten, where are you?"

"Training room!" Kasten answered to his brother. "Why?"

The door swung open and Sarid stepped inside. He eyed the cut on his cheek and shook his head.

"You're going to get yourself killed!" Sarid scolded.

"Spare me from the speech, alright?" Kasten asked impatiently, turning to him. "What do you want?"

"How are your studies coming?" Sarid asked, eyeing him.

Kasten sighed. "I'll get to them."

"You agreed you'd continue if you came along," Sarid reminded.

"I know," Kasten said. "I'm returning to them now. We just finished."

"And make sure you have that cut looked at," Sarid answered, leaving the room.

"Yes, I might die," Kasten muttered under his breath. He glanced back at Lera. "Well, I'll hold to the wager. Looks like I have to anyways."

Lera bit her lip as Kasten ran off. "You know… that was kinda a cheap shot…"

Kasten stopped and looked back at her, trying hard not to smile. "So… are you saying a rematch?"

"If you finish your studies," Lera said, crossing her arms.

"Then forget it," Kasten said. "I'm not amazing with history or learning foreign languages."

"Nor my sister," Lera answered as the two left the training room. "What language?"

"A dialect of the Zora's," Kasten said grimly. "One wonders why I need to learn it if they speak Hylian."

"What is it with people and not being able to speak Zora Tongue?" Lera demanded.

"You can?" Kasten asked, eyeing her. "What else can you tell me?"

"One thing at a time," Lera said, turning into her room. "Tomorrow, same time."

*astrix astix astrix*

"So you've actually befriended him?" Reena demanded, leaning closer to Lera and feeling her head. "No, you're not sick…"

"Oh, shut up! You were a lot worse!" Lera snapped. "I mean, you tried to kill Link!"

"It was only a precaution," Reena said dismissively, lying back down on the opposite end of the bed. "Do you know how many times I've been stalked?"

"…No…," Lera said.

"A lot," Reena answered, rolling her eyes. "Hence all my disguises."

"And I've never seen one!" Lera said.

"Actually, you have," Reena said. "Well, at least I saw you in one of them."

"That doesn't count," Lera said. "Anyways, I've been helping with his studies. He's really bad at learning different languages."

"So how long have you been 'helping him with his studies'?" Reena asked.

"A few weeks now," Lera said with a shrug. "What about you and Sarid? I actually saw you two talking!"

"He's not as bad as last time," Reena murmured. She felt almost disgusted admitting that.

"Great, I'm going to have Kasten as a brother-in-law," Lera said.

"What? No!" Reena exclaimed. "I'm never going to get married! I'm only talking to him because Link's a bastard and hasn't returned yet! I can only stand Sarid for so long. He is serious all the time! I don't think he's ever heard a joke in his life!"

"Really? With a brother like Kasten, I'd think he'd have to know how to joke around," Lera said. "Then again, he is fairly harsh on Kasten."

"Is that worry I detect in your voice?"

"Oh, shut up! I have so much dirt on you from Link!"

"I wanna know what is wrong with him! He's going to turn up half dead!"

"Not like it's never happened before," Lera muttered, rolling her eyes. "One time, he really scared us. The only way we found out he was here was Epona started shrieking like a re-dead! Other than that, he was completely out of it with blood everywhere."

"Idiot," Reena said, shaking her head. A sigh came from her. "He is dead when he returns."

"You know, it's hard to see that you miss him," Lera stated. "However, is he going to be happy about Sarid?"

Reena smirked. "He'll have a fit. That is, if he returns in time. You know, I never understood why they came."

"It's because…"

"Because… what?"

"Uh, nothing," Lera said quickly, picking at her comforter.

"What don't I know?" Reena demanded.

"They, Sarid's and Kasten's parents, want the two to learn… how… to… uh... respond to challenges when they're not around!" Lera said.

"Riiiiight and I'm supposed to believe that?" Reena asked.

"That's what I was told," Lera said with a shrug.

"Well, I'm going to find out the truth, but I'll play along with that explanation for now," Reena said. "It beats my notion anyways."

"Er, what was that?" Lera asked.

"You don't want to know," Reena answered. Marriage.

*astrix astix astrix*

"You know, I'm surprised you haven't turned up in the middle of Hyrule Field yet," Impa said thoughtfully.

"Shut up," Reena muttered at the Sheikah. "I'm getting better!"

"I'll concede to that," Impa agreed. "Alright, ready for another go?"

Reena staggered to her feet, rubbing the bruise on her arm. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and thought of where she wanted to be. In Lera's room. She called upon her powers, pressing her hand against the floor. The sensation of flying, daggers piercing her flesh, and fire encircled her all at once. It stopped as soon as it had come and Reena opened her eyes. Lera sat on her bed, surprised.

"Wow! You actually did it!" Lera said, nodding in approval.

"Be quiet," Reena said, narrowing her eyes at her. "Now… to get back!"

"Don't end up in-"

"Shut up! Shut up!" Reena exclaimed. The same sensation overtook her as she pictured the study and touched the floor. Reena never thought she'd be so glad to see Impa with her arms habitually crossed.

"Not bad," Impa responded. "You're getting good."

"Yeah, when do the headaches go away?" Reena asked, almost falling over.

"As you get better," Impa informed. "However, practice with me and not alone. It could prove dangerous and-"

"I know, I know," Reena interrupted. "I haven't had I?"

"I wouldn't know," Impa admitted.

"I highly doubt that," Reena answered. She sat down in her chair, trying to clear her head. "How long does it take to learn?"

"All depends," Impa said, sitting down across from her. "You'll be able to do this by yourself soon."

Reena nodded, looking out the window. "Enlighten me: why are you teaching me this? I can very well leave whenever I want to now."

"You could… but traveling long distances can prove fatal," Impa said. "So I trust that you won't be going too far. Also, you won't."

"How are you so sure?"

"Did you kill Link?"

"Still working on that. He's definitely going to die," Reena assured, gritting her teeth. "That liar."

Impa gave her a half smile. "He'll be back."

"Oh, he'll be back alright," Reena assured. "After I find him and tear him limb from limb! This new method of traveling will work well."

"I'm teaching you this for protection purposes," Impa said firmly. "If danger comes, use this method. Do not abuse it."

"I was joking," she said. These Sheikah got worried easily. It wasn't like Kasten or Sarid were out to kill her.

Well? How was it? Did you enjoy me screwing with the balance of things? Again. Poor Link. Just wait til he comes back to this monstrosity. Speaking of which, AN ENTIRE CHAPTER WITHOUT LINK! What has the world come to! Eh, he'll be back next chapter. And by the way, if when you read the part about Sarid coming to viset you: a) started bashing your head against your computer, b) groaned loudly, or c) started yelling and/or swearing at me all the while asking "WHY?", then you may direct all your complaints to my friend Arianna. She is the reason that Sarid and Kasten are back. She is also my editor and I kinda hafta do what she ays or else she might go on strike. Our coversation went like this: Me:"Hm, what should I do for the next chapter?" Arianna: "Bring back those two princes from chapter 12! They were so hot." Me: "(...hot?) Um, no. I have a better idea, thanks though." A: "No really! make them come viset for a year or something, and mess with Link." Me: "A year! That'd mess with my plans! No." A: (looks at me) "Alright. Fine. Just remember that both of them combined had a smaller part than Navi did." Me: "...I think I can work something out." She's a good friend, even if she is kind of weird...and manipulative. Oh, God I hate Navi...