Wow this month got away from me! I've barely written at all. And I had things I wanted to address in this chapter that are more indirect, so it was hard to find a way to write them. But here is chapter eight, so sorry about the delay!
And over 200 reviews?! When did this happen? You guys are the best, thank you!
Thanks to tentsuba, ShadowNinja1011, Kamil the Awesome, Gojira Geek, R. Recollect, GameCiviliazation, A Shadow's Lament, Shaveza, MajesticStallion, TheTotalIceWolf, WolfenAmpithere, TheSpiritMaiden, Zelink005, igottawiimote, Mira Moonshine, Mondapartyman, Mangageek26, Zeldafreak2000, Y1'148, ExilEden, j, Michiefmanged2371, Rhinestone99, and LaurieChauss for your reviews!
Y1'148: It's no problem, when people ask me about updating it does help me get motivated! This month has just been busy and I wasn't sure how to frame what I wanted to accomplish with this chapter. But I like how it turned out. Thanks!
Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda
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Part II
Chapter Eight
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Zelda couldn't believe she was in this place. Not just Trash City, that she could believe. She'd been here nearly a week now and was growing accustomed to it. Accustomed to hiding in Link's small home every night, of getting food where they could, of the very scary people she'd sometimes see out in the streets. She was even used to Link sneaking out every once in awhile. She knew what he was doing. But on this island criminal activity was common. She tried not to let it bother her.
But now she was in a night club. It was dark with multicolored lights ringing the room and giving off faint glows. The tables were crowded with people, the servers having to worm their way through an obstacle course of chairs and legs. It smelled of alcohol, though Zelda just had a water cup with her in her corner booth, hidden in the shadows. She had never approved of drinking. Anything that could make people act like fools, get into fights, have affairs, and break the law she wanted no part of. She would never have agreed to come to The Night Lights if Link hadn't been singing. He offered for her to just stay in his secret home while he was out for a few hours, but the curiosity to watch him had gotten the better of her. Plus she wanted to support him earning rupees in a way other than outside of the law.
Some girl was on the stage now, singing a love song with a dripping voice and a low-cut dress. Zelda shifted uncomfortably. Despite being more accustomed to Trash City, she felt so out of place. Like people could see right through her and tell she didn't belong. Link had assured her this wasn't so, and she wasn't sure if that was a compliment or insult.
The girl finished, bowing as some rupees were put into the basket she brought along. She took it, blew a kiss to the audience, and walked off the stage.
A dark-skinned young woman came up, with her black hair pulled back into a ponytail and slanted eyes. Zelda had seen her come up between many acts and assumed this woman was in charge of the club. Her name was Jolene.
"That was a lovely song," Jolene commented, glancing back to where the last singer had disappeared behind the stage. "Now we have a very special performer coming up. Those of you who frequent this club – and I hope you do! – know he doesn't grace us with his presence too often. He's been gone for nearly a year now, rumored to be dead." She paused for effect. "But we all know the goddesses wouldn't let such a handsome face die so young." There was laughter and a few whistles. "Give a big welcome back to Link!"
As Jolene exited and Link bounded onto the stage, cheering greeting him, Zelda wondered if that big smile on his face was genuine, part of his stage presence, or a combination of both. He said something to the band and a faster-paced tune started up. And so the princess sat back and listened to him sing.
He had a jazzy and somewhat rough voice. She was glad she came to hear that, but wasn't sure what to think of his dark smiles and raunchy hip movements. The song was about a woman who was a heartbreaker, but quite the opposite seemed to be happening as young women crowded closer to the stage, holding shining rupees up in their palms. Zelda expected him to take the money, but instead he moved over to them and let them stick the rupees in the pockets of his pants. He was certainly a showman. He pointed at people, winked, slapped hands, and bounced around the stage.
He did a few songs before exiting the stage, sweaty and panting with a grin. He had told Zelda when he went behind the stage for her to come back, too. He didn't want any undue attention being drawn to her if he sat at her booth. So she quietly made her way through the room as a guitar player took the stage. There was a wooden door set into the wall. Jolene stood at it and watched the princess as she approached.
Zelda gave a small wave. "Um, Link said-"
"Are you Mila?" Jolene asked.
"Uh, yes, I am."
She inclined her head to the door. "Yeah, Link said you'd come. Go on inside."
The princess opened the creaky door and went into a smaller square room lit by many lanterns. A couple of the performers were back there, one getting ready to go back on stage and another drinking in the corner. Link was sitting at one of the tables, and he turned as she entered, smiling.
"What did you think?" he asked, hopping to his feet. "Did I melt your soul?"
She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "You're very talented, I'll grant you that. But don't push for compliments."
He leaned closer, arching an eyebrow and whispering conspiratorially, "I made three hundred rupees! Best haul in a long while!"
She was very impressed. Clearly he was a favorite at this club. Probably because he didn't perform too often and kept people eagerly waiting. "Nice work. What now?"
He looped his arm around hers in an over-friendly gesture. "We are going to sneak out of here to avoid my rabid fans. Maybe buy some cookies with my hard earned money."
She laughed and the door opened again. She turned to see who was entering. It was a bigger young man, with short blonde hair and a square jaw with a goatee covering it. Two other dark-haired young men followed him, hanging slightly back. She felt Link tense up next to her, and could almost sense the panic coming from him.
"Link!" the blonde exclaimed, spreading his arms as Jolene jumped in after them.
"I told you to stay outside!" the dark-skinned woman snapped. She unsheathed a curved sword from her hip. "Don't make me use this, buddy."
Link held up his hand. "It's okay, Jolene. I'm leaving, so I don't have time to talk to anybody."
The man tilted his head to the side. "Not even me? I have a job for you. One that only you can do."
Link narrowed his eyes, but kept his expression just short of angry. "I'm not interested, Cohen. And you know why. Now goodnight."
He all but dragged Zelda across the room, pushing open a side door and bounding into the cool night beyond.
And then he broke into a run. Squeezing her forearm tightly, he instantly dove into the shadows between the multicolored lights of the streets and ran. They went around piles of trash, hopped over obstacles in their way, and went past shady shops. Zelda was out of breath by the time Link slowed to a stop in an alley bordered by rusty metal buildings.
"Sorry," he said, giving a small smile as he panted. "I don't want to deal with him."
"Cohen?" she clarified. "The one Telma warned you about?"
"Yes."
"What did you mean, when you told him he knows why you're not interested in doing jobs for him?"
Link sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I've done some jobs for Cohen and his group. But they kept getting, uh . . . risky. Not for me, but for other people. Example, one time he wanted me to start a fire in a shop while people were still inside." He tilted his head, thinking. "In fact, I walked away from that mission and told him I'd never work for him again. Because he is crazy. Yeah . . . that was the word I used."
Zelda laughed. "You sure know how to make friends. I'm glad you got out of that situation, though."
"Me too." He glanced around, then back at the princess, scrutinizing her. "Tell me the secret words."
She rolled her eyes, but obliged by leaning close to his ear and whispering, "Secret dungeon visits."
"Great! Just had to make sure, you know? I did leave you alone in the club." He held out his arm. "Come along, my lady! It's time to head home."
They walked along the streets of Trash City, a crescent moon hanging overhead. It cut through the general smog that clung to the island, giving off some natural light in place of the lanterns.
After awhile Link said, "So you met Jolene, right?"
"I did."
"She's a long-time friend of Telma's. When we moved to Trash City, Jolene taught me how to fight. She's a pirate, you know. Pirates know how to fight."
"Interesting." Zelda glanced up at him. "How did you end up in Telma's care?"
"That's a story for another night," he answered evasively. "I did get offered a job after I sang. Someone gave Jolene a paper and she passed it to me."
"Couldn't it be Cohen?"
He shook his head. "No, that's not his style. Besides, I've done work for this woman before. She's very materialistic. She wants me to steal a diamond necklace off a trade ship that will be passing by the island tomorrow. There's just one teensy-tiny problem."
"What?"
"I need a partner. Someone to take control of the row boat to drop me off and pick me back up, you know?" He looked at her pointedly, wiggling his eyebrows.
She gasped, pulling away from him. "Oh no! I do not approve of your thievery, and I will not be a part of it."
"Pleeeease?"
"Can't you just get someone else?" she questioned, walking alongside him with her arms crossed.
"I could, but then I'd have to split the profits with him or her. And I'm already splitting everything with you, so it won't make a difference." He bounded in front of her, walking backwards, lowering his voice and looking at her sincerely. "Please, Princess? I really would like your help in this. And I promise I'll never ask you to help again."
Zelda let out her breath heavily in frustration. But he'd used her title instead of calling her Mila, so she knew he was being serious. "Oh, alright! But just this once."
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LoZ
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It was the early hours of the morning when Link and Zelda took a small and creaky rowboat out into the ocean. The sun was just a golden band on the horizon, and a fog clung to the water. It was bright and clear and Zelda could see her reflection perfectly in the waves, a wide-brimmed hat over her head. The oars were making her arms ache, but Link was currently lying down underneath a blanket and couldn't relieve her.
She knew the plan well. She was supposed to row slowly until the large ship overtook her. Link would get out at that time and sneak aboard. Then she would hurry and get to a small island that was mainly just a boulder and wait for Link to jump off the ship and meet her there. Simple.
It wasn't really her role she was worried about. Except for how much her arms were aching. She was worried about Link. What if he was caught? What if he was hurt? What if she spent the rest of her life alone in Trash City?
"You be careful," she whispered, glancing back and eyeing the approaching ship. "You're not leaving me alone to fend for myself."
She heard him chuckle and answer, "This isn't my first rodeo, Princess. Everything will be fine."
The ship drew near as she slowed her rowing, the water making her boat sway. It was a fancy ship, with eloquent carvings and pristine sails. There was no doubt it was for important cargo. As it came even with them she told Link as much. And like lightning he sat up, spun a grappling hook in his hand as he waited for the back of the ship to line up with them. Then he let loose. The hook caught the edge around the deck and he jumped off the row boat. Zelda watched him go, biting her lip with nervousness.
Link started to climb up the deck, his clothes wet. But he didn't go all the way up. He maneuvered himself to a round window and peered inside. Empty. Link climbed in, staying as silent as he could, and tugged his grappling hook after him.
The ship smelled very clean. The usual mildew, rat-infested smell he had grown accustomed to whenever he traveled on ships was not there. And of course, if this trading ship was carrying high-rupee cargo then it would be pristine.
He heard footsteps echoing in the hall. The door to the room he was in was open, so he dropped behind a barrel and held his breath. But the footsteps moved on by and faded.
Link stood up and crept to the door, his senses on full alert. He glanced up and down the long wooden hall, the ship swaying under his boots. It was clear, and he could see a staircase leading down at the end of the hall. Likely the cargo space and where he would find the diamond necklace.
He darted out and ran down the hall, staying on the balls of his feet to make as little sound as possible. He reached the stairs and stopped, catching himself on the railing. He could hear muffled voices down there. Pressing his lips together, Link slowly descended, eyes scanning the dark underbelly of the ship as he went further down into it.
At last he descended far enough where he could see the owners of the voices. Two men with their backs turned to him, working on stacking some heavy crates. Adrenaline rushed through him and he bounded down the steps and ducked behind a large chest, listening. The men's conversation went on; they hadn't heard him.
Link grinned and looked around, wondering where this necklace would be kept. The cargo area was big but not too full. He doubted it was in one of the crates or chests. It was probably in a small container by itself. He saw a few of those sitting about.
Creeping over to the nearest, he made no sound. Years and years of practice had enabled him to move as silently as he chose to. It was all about shifting his center his center of gravity. He kept the men in his peripheral vision, but they were still merrily working. He came to his destination, a small wooden chest. It had a lock, but the key was tied to it. He slipped the key inside and unlocked it, lifting the lid to peer inside.
No diamond necklace, but there was a bronze brooch. He picked it up and put it in his pocket, shutting the chest again.
Link turned his attention to the next closest item, a leather bag that was sitting atop a crate. It was closer to the workers, and he could feel his heart in his throat as made his way over to it, staying as low to the ground as possible.
One of the men glanced back, pointing at the stairs and making a comment about the captain. Link sunk lower behind a chest, feeling a spike of panic go through him. But when he peered around the corner the man had turned back around.
Geez I need to get out of here, Link thought, snatching up the leather bag. He looked inside and beamed. There was the diamond necklace. He took it out and looped it around his neck, feeling the heavy weight of it. Tucking it under his shirt, he put the bag back and retraced his steps.
He had gotten halfway up the steps before he heard a shout from across the cargo room. Link flinched and broke into a run, hearing the scrambling of the two men behind him. He took the steps two at a time, bounding into the hall. There was a sailor a few feet ahead of him, who stopped in shock.
"Thief! Stow away!" the men shouted from down the stairs.
Snitches! Link thought with irritation, as the sailor reached for his sword.
The criminal darted to him, ducking under the sailor's swipe and kicking his legs out. He turned on the balls of his feet back into the room he'd entered from. It was still empty, and he crossed the space in seconds and dove out the window.
It was a graceful dive, and he felt proud of himself as the wind blew through his clothes right before he slipped under the water. He kicked back to the surface, looking around. There was the island he was supposed to meet Zelda at, a large gray boulder that jutted up from the waves. And he smiled when he saw her little rowboat rocking against it. She straightened when she saw him, the large hat shading her face from the morning sun.
He glanced back at the ship, the water lapping at his neck. The crew on the deck were looking over at him, pointing and shouting. He turned and started swimming as fast as he could for the boulder. An arrow whizzed into the water beside him, prompting him to duck underneath to hide his form.
He saw the formation of the island and the rowboat casting their shadows into the deep ocean. He reached them as fast as he could, another arrow sinking behind him. Link emerged, gasping for breath, and clamored onto the boulder.
"Are you okay?" Zelda asked, alarmed.
"Yes, get me the bow, an arrow, and a flint." He stood up, his clothes dripping, keeping an eye on the ship as it started to turn towards them. Zelda reached into the bottom of the boat and produced a bow and an arrow with the tip wrapped in cloth that he'd brought along for such a situation.
Link took them, grabbed the flint and struck it against the rock to create a spark. The tip of the arrow caught fire. He notched it and aimed it at the sky in one fluid motion, letting it loose. It created an elegant arc through the sky before landing in the middle of the ship's deck. He could hear the commotion from where he was. He held out his hand and Zelda was quick to put another arrow into it.
"You're going to catch their ship on fire?" Zelda asked, her voice strained with stress.
"Not unless I have to," he told her. "That was a warning shot to let them know what I can do if they pursue me."
He watched the ship. It had stopped coming closer, but he could see some of the crew loosening the rowboats. So he lit the second arrow and pulled the bow back, aiming it. That caught the sailors' attention, and they retreated from the boats. Link held his stance until he could see the trade ship slowly begin turning away, giving up on this pursuit.
Link grinned, his shoulders relaxing as he dropped the burning arrow into the water. "Well, that was fun!"
"That was terrifying!" the princess protested. "Did you get the necklace?"
He reached into his shirt and pulled it out, the sunlight glimmering off of it. "It's a heavy thing."
"That's a huge diamond!" she gasped. "This woman better plan on paying you well."
"Oh, she always does. I even got a secondary prize." He pulled the brooch from his pocket. "I'll see if she will buy this, too. If not, I'll sell it on the market later."
Zelda nodded, glancing at the trading ship that was sailing away. "Will they come to Trash City to look for you?"
"I doubt it. They probably want to stay as far away from this island as possible." He winked. "Now let's get back ashore."
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LoZ
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Zelda didn't think much of the woman, Anna's, house when Link led her up to it. It was just a stucco square nestled between other ramshackle buildings. But after she let them inside and they went down a stairwell into her hidden room, Zelda was taken aback. And quite impressed. She had shelves lined with expensive items. Jewelry, art, specially made weapons, gems, and even a dress fit for royalty.
"This is amazing," Zelda observed, drifting into the center of the room.
Anna, a middle-aged woman with curly blonde hair and too much makeup, broke into a smile, "You like? It's taken me years to have all this collected."
"How do you keep it safe?" the princess asked. "Has anyone ever tried to break in and steal things?"
"Not many know about my collection. You're the only one who hasn't worked for me that's been down here, Mila. But I trust Link's judgment." She winked at him. "I have wolfos lurking around here. Anyone I don't let it myself . . . they eat." She gave a wicked grin. "And it has happened before."
Zelda shuddered, walking slowly around the shelves.
"So, let me see the necklace!" Anna said, turning to Link.
He pulled it from under his shirt and took it off, holding it out to her. "Here you go, my dear."
She squealed, clapping her hands and taking it. "Oh, it's a beauty! It's almost a shame it will never get worn." She glanced sidelong at Zelda. "This would look good around your neck, I do believe. You're quite the young and pretty one."
The princess was taken aback at first, wondering if the necklace was being offered to her. But Anna just set it on one of the shelves and Zelda felt silly for the excitement that had come over her. Of course she wouldn't be given the necklace. People like Anna seemed nice enough, but they were self-centered and worked outside of the law.
"Here's your payment," the older woman handed Link a bag.
He looked in it, seemed satisfied, and said, "I also have a little surprised I picked up while on board the ship. If you're interested, that is."
"Oh show me! Show me!"
He pulled the brooch out of his pocket, the lantern light making it gleam.
Anna's eyes widened. "Oh, wow! That is lovely. I'm not letting you sell this baby to anyone else. I'll give you one hundred rupees for it."
He raised an eyebrow. "You know it's worth more than that."
"Naturally. But I know you wouldn't have gone out of your way to steal it."
"Hm, you know me well. Three hundred?"
"Two hundred."
He held out the brooch. "You've got yourself a deal."
She took it and set it on one of the many shelves, saying, "Give me a moment and I'll get your money."
As she disappeared from the room, Zelda walked over to Link and asked, "How does she have all this money?"
He shrugged. "She's probably hired people to steal some and split the profits. I know she sells her older items sometimes. She runs a little seamstress shop as well."
"Interesting. So this . . . kind of stuff is what you do? All the time?"
"Mostly. Someone hires me to steal or smuggle or other odd jobs. I do it, get an adrenaline rush, and go collect my payment."
Anna returned with another bag. "Here it is." She stopped close to him, peering up through heavy eyelashes. "You're always the best. I wish I had more jobs to hire you for." She cocked a smile. "And more money to pay you for your work."
He grinned. "It's always a pleasure working for you, Anna. Until next time."
Zelda tried not to let her jaw fall open too far when Anna tugged his face down and kissed him for quite a bit longer than she felt was appropriate. Then she pulled back, patted his chest, and went to arrange her items. The young man gave her a smile that dropped the moment she turned away.
Link and Zelda exited the home, walking out into the afternoon of Trash City. He glanced around the street and said, "Let's get something to eat."
"Link . . . hold on," she said as he started to walk. When he looked back she continued, "Why did you let her kiss you if it's not what you wanted?"
He gave a short laugh. "What makes you think I didn't want it?"
She crossed her arms, a breeze ruffling her short blonde hair. "Oh, please. No one frowns after a kiss if they enjoyed it."
"She kisses just fine."
"You know what I mean, stop being so stubborn and evasive!"
He pursed his lips, sizing her up, before sighing and saying, "Okay, okay. I didn't want the kiss because I'm not interested in her. Not even in the slightest. Although I know she finds me attractive and likes to flirt. She pays good money and has me do clean jobs. So if she wants to kiss me, she can. I'm not going to turn her away."
Zelda recoiled. "And at what point do you draw the line with physical contact?"
She saw anger cross his face. "I don't sell my body like that."
"Oh, do you? Letting random women kiss you, all that – that- dancing at the night club! I think you sell your body very well," she snapped.
Link took a step closer to her, glaring. "Excuse me, Mila, but not everyone comes from a culture where physical flirtation is only reserved for married couples. Out here, we do what we can to survive. So don't you dare judge me." He turned and started walking down the street, but not too quickly. So Zelda knew he still wanted to keep this day a good one.
She hurried up beside him, fishing for something to say to redirect the conversation. "I'm, uh . . . I'm glad I got to come with you today."
He glanced at her. "You are?"
"Yes, it was . . . exciting. And I don't want to be afraid of your jobs. I can be tough, too. I can help if you need me."
Link smiled. "I appreciate that."
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Please review!
Plus my birthday is Wednesday! 8D