Disclaimer: GrimGrave does not own any of the characters of their respective franchises; Metroid and Legend of Zelda belongs to Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo, while Soul Calibur belongs to Namco Bandai. GrimGrave does not make money for writing fiction.

A Hylian's Harem

Chapter 11

All is fair in Love and War

There were birds chirping outside in the morning's light, a gentle hymn to signal the first hours of a brand new day, whose sun was still soaring towards its throne in the sky. The hallways and the dining hall looked a lot more bright and vibrant this time around, with an ambience and life that stirred pleasantly with servants and guards. The people went to and from, busy with activities and duties that were required of them every day, and they did so with an impressive sense of punctuality. The dining hall was already set with a change in silverware and utensils, glasses and a new table cloth of primarily white colour with golden patterns.

Already had some of the foreign guests walked into the room with tired expressions and occasional yawns. Their varied attires were loosely worn and their hairs were messy, further giving off the vibe that neither had gotten enough sleep. Zelda had her suspicions, but out of a mix between politeness and curiosity, she decided to ask anyway.

"Pardon my bluntness…" She began, gathering the women's attention. "But you girls look absolutely exhausted! Didn't you get enough sleep?" The four women were silent at first. They shared a few glances, occasionally turned into glares before Sophitia was the first to speak.

The Grecian rubbed her neck bashfully. "I guess Ivy and I are still getting used to sleep in foreign beds, so we might have had trouble sleeping… I can't speak for the others however." She gave the other two a subtle peek, to which Aveil scoffed. Veran remained silent.

"I just had trouble sleeping, that's all." Aveil said bluntly. "Especially in a Hylian castle…"

"No one is forcing you to sleep here." Impa said in casual monotone voice. "You're free to go back to Gerudo valley if you prefer sleeping there. It's only a few minutes if you travel by horse." Aveil noticed the slight smug expression Impa wore as she remarked the fact, just as Sheik was definitely giggling behind the collar. Only a scowl was evidence that she had seen them and was not amused, but she didn't go any further. At least the princess wasn't asking any more questions they had to lie about – at least partly. Zelda nodded and didn't seem to press the matter any further, being content with what she had heard.

"Hang on…" They turned to Ivy, who seemed to be pondering. The white-haired woman looked around, peering. "Where are the blonde lass with the odd armour?"

"Her name is Samus, Lady Valentine." Zelda said. "And my guess would be that she is sleeping in. Very much like Link currently is as well… I should go and wake them both up before they miss breakfast." She began to walk towards the doorway, but Ivy – and then the others – stopped her, each of them looking eager.

"I could do that for you, princess." Ivy said with a smile. "I would be happy to do that in your place. I'll be sure to-"

"I too would be more than happy to take that burden off your shoulder, your highness." Veran looked smug as she spoke. "After the little… mishap, it is only fitting that I do what I can to make it up to you. I insist."

Zelda eyed them sceptically. Their intentions were a subject of speculation after all; they might have claimed to help her out of genuine courtesy and good will, but Zelda knew better than that. She was certain these women were highly interested in Link in a very affectionate way – there had to be some other motive behind their proposals. She gently sighed and smiled, shaking her head just as gently. "No need for all of us to go and wake him up. I'll be fine; you ladies just enjoy your breakfast. However…" She looked over at Sheik. "Sheik, could you come as well?"

The aforementioned Sheikah lit up with glee. "Of course Your Highness!" She ignored the scowls she received as she jogged over to the princess' side. Zelda looked over at Impa, giving her a small nod before the duo walked out of the room. Impa crossed her arms over her chest as she observed the guests, barely batting an eye. The women were restless, and most likely upset Zelda wouldn't let them go – and frankly, Impa felt a sting of bitterness as well. But there was time, and she would use it efficiently when she could spare it.

::::::::

"I should have questioned your decision to leave Impa alone with them, but…" Sheik simply smiled at Zelda as they walked. "I know how you – we – think. Still, I can't help but wonder if she will be alright nearly all of them there and possibly starting a ruckus…" Zelda giggled softly, a gentle hymn for the ears.

"Impa can diffuse any situation they might start. I'm not worried." She replied, before her expression slowly lost its smile. Sheik looked over worriedly. "What I'm more concerned about is as to why both Link and Samus are sleeping in… I don't recall Samus ever sleeping more than she needed." ´And if she has done something, the others will probably react strongly… and negatively.´ Sheik didn't respond to that and merely crossed her arms over her chest, though her steps were slightly hastened as she slowly got ahead of the princess without realizing it. Zelda sighed quietly and tried to match Sheik's pace as they continued to walk towards the guests' chambers, only to spot at the end of the corridor two blondes happily (but tiredly) talking.

´Did Samus really sleep in, or did she just feign it to get some alone time with Link…?´ Sheik pondered with mild dislike.

Samus had still not put her hair up in her usual ponytail, and chosen to wear her Zero-Suit. Her blonde hair was a bit messy. Link was wearing a simple white linen shirt and his pants, but even then – and this was something Zelda had to agree on – Link looked handsome. They continued to walk towards the duo, overhearing their conversation regarding dreams and sleep till they noticed the arriving pair.

"Good morning." Link said before he yawned. His eyes were dimmed with exhaustion despite his otherwise merry vibes. "Did I sleep in again…?" Zelda shook her head with a giggle.

"No, but you would've missed breakfast if you weren't up by now. Didn't either of you get enough sleep last night?"

"I had trouble falling asleep." Samus stated quickly. "Took me a while to finally doze off, and I guess the time spend on it wasn't enough, no."

"Well, alright. Seems like all of you are unaccustomed to sleep elsewhere, but I'm sure that'll change during your stay." Zelda said with a smile. Samus nodded, returning the smile whilst Link yawned yet again. "So, how about some breakfast then?"

::::::::

The princess mentally cringed at the scene that secretly unfolded around the table. As soon as she had brought Link back the women either offered him a seat next to them, or had waited to seat themselves until Link took a seat himself. The blonde hero had taken his usual spot at Zelda's right, whereas Impa took her left, leaving few close seats that was close to the blonde object of affection. And that's what had made the princess start worrying – Only Veran and Sophitia had already taken their seats, with the Grecian now sitting next to the blonde while Veran was next to Impa and the rest sat as they pleased. There were exchanges of scowls, glares and smug looks as they silently continued their verbal cat-fights.

Sophitia turned to Link. She smiled warmly at him, enjoying the knowledge that she sat by his side and could on closer inspection absorb his framed features; his pointed ears, golden locks that further framed his calm-blue eyes and defined chin. She felt her own face grow warm as she looked, which she quickly tried to cool off. "S-So, Link, did you sleep well? You weren't woken up during the night were you?" She finally asked, and the whole table suddenly went silent.

Link didn't seem to either notice or care about that. He chuckled. "I've slept well Sophitia. I can't say that I was woken up, but I think I heard some muffled noise sometime during the night. I think I was too tired to make out what it was though." He replied casually with a smile before taking a bite out of his bread. The Grecian just nodded and sighed in quiet relief – Link hadn't heard them last night.

The others seemed rather pleased with the knowledge as well and quickly resumed their idle chats and vague hostility. Zelda watched them mild distraught as Ivy eyed Veran with animosity, Aveil glaring at Sheik and Impa who looked calm, but troubled. Only Samus and Sophitia didn't appear to be caught up in the whole thing, but who knew what they were thinking?

Suddenly, her eyes met with her bounty hunting friend. Samus smiled and her lips parted. "Say Zelda, what did you have in mind for today? Any plans?" She asked, and the table turned their heads to the princess. Zelda was slightly taken aback by the sudden attention, but quickly dismissed the feeling with a smile. She did have an idea now that she thought about it.

"A thought did occur to me." Zelda said happily, clasping her hands together. "Since yesterday's sightseeing was interrupted," She gave Veran a stare. "I think it would be a great idea to have you ladies sees more of our world. A fieldtrip to our ranch would be a good start before we show you around Hyrule field. A pleasant outdoor activity and I'm sure Malon would be happy to see you again Link." Zelda giggled as Link's face lit up.

"Oh yeah! It's been a while since I last paid her a visit, and I would like to see how her father is doing too! Sounds fun!" Link exclaimed. Though the majority of the ladies were riddled with puzzlement, the idea of a field trip was welcomed with open arms as they voiced their acceptance.

Hopefully today would be better than yesterday – even if Zelda suspected the women of sharing a single thought due to her slip-

"So who's this Malon, Link?"

Zelda cringed.

:::::::

With the brightness of the shining sun, the guests were even more marvelled by the vast acres of beauty that lay out before them. Fully dressed and groomed, (with Samus still wearing her Zero-Suit) the ladies had just walked out of the market town and past the drawbridge when Link arrived, riding on an auburn horse. Once he caught up, he got off and started leading the horse after him.

"That's a beautiful creature." Samus said as she walked up to Link. "What's its name?"

Link chuckled. "Her name is Epona, Samus. She's a horse that's been with me for many years. She and I have been through a lot together."

Samus nodded with a light smile, impressed. "A loyal companion… How admirable." She reached out at the horse, watching it lightly whinny and shake its head before she felt its whine mane between her (albeit clad) fingers. "She's very beautiful."

"Don't I know it." Link chuckled again, patting Epona's back. He looked over at Zelda. "Shall we depart?"

The group walked over the field, and the guests further experienced and admired the world that Link lived in. Some slowed their pace to walk alongside him, bringing up his horse as a topic as an excuse. Their trip was short, as the natural walls in the middle of the field were reached, revealing a large ranch hidden inside. The air was swiftly filled with the smells typical that of a farm, the distant whinnies of horses being heard further ahead.

With the princess in the lead, the group walked by a house and a stable until they reached a field where horses ran freely, though still inside a fenced area.

"Link? Link is that you?" A voice suddenly called out. The Hero turned around to see his red-haired friend step out of the house. They smiled, and soon ran into each other's arms, overjoyed to see a familiar face after so long. The women stared at them with mixed expressions; Ivy scowled slightly as she crossed her arms over her chest while Samus remained puzzled, but didn't seem to act on it.

The redhead eventually let go of the green-clad hero, but her smile remained as bright as before as she eyed him up and down. "It's been too long Fairy boy! Took you long enough to finally visit me!" The redhead said with a cheerful grin. "Still, here you are! How are things with you, Fairy boy?"

Sophitia stifled a giggle. ´Fairy boy? I must ask him about that! … Though, I can't help but wonder how she knows Link…´

Veran looked mildly amused, the corners of her lips slightly pulling upwards into a sly smile. ´What´s with that pet-name? It makes me want to tease him… Wait, what is it with that pet-name? How well does she know him to actually have a pet-name for him?´

Link laughed. His face was slightly reddened as he bashfully rubbed his neck. "You're never going to stop calling me that are you? I've been well, I got back yesterday." He replied, still smiling. "Though, I do apologize for not visiting earlier. I've been too busy…"

"Don't apologize; I was just pulling your leg! I know you're constantly looking for adventure." She said, patting Link on the shoulder till her eyes caught sight of the various women behind him. "What's with the entourage?"

Zelda stepped forward, Impa and Sheik following behind her, as she gently cleared her throat. "They are our guests from beyond our land, Malon. It's good to see you again."

"Your Highness!" Malon exclaimed and quickly curtsied before the princess. "It's good to see you too! I'm humbled by your presence."

Zelda laughed softly and femininely. "No need for formalities Malon. We're friends, no?" She stepped forward to the farmer, offering a hug which Malon happily accepted. "How is your father, Talon?"

"He's well." Malon replied. "But he went to the market to deliver the milk, so he probably won't be back for a while. So what's with the guests? Something special going on?"

Link shook his head. "Not at all, they just decided to pay a visit and stay for a little while, so we're showing them around, including the ranch." Malon instantly lit up with a brighter smile. Link chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Everyone, this is Malon, a friend of mine! She helped me out in my childhood and when I was older, and she singlehandedly raised Epona. And Malon, these are my friends Samus," He politely pointed at the blonde with the ponytail who lightly bowed her head. "Ivy, Veran, Sophitia and Aveil."

"Pleased to meet you!" Malon said. "I hope you'll have a good time here! I'm Malon, the daughter of this ranch's owner." Her smiled vanished at that time, and instead a light grin rose up on her lips as she shifted her eyes towards Link and the rest. "Tell me, have any of you ridden a horse before?" Ivy, Sophitia and Aveil raised their arms a bit, though Samus and Veran simply shook their heads. Malon's grin grew wider.

::::::

"A race huh?" Ivy said with a cocky smile as Malon returned with a few horses in tow. "I'm feeling up for it."

"Great!" Malon exclaimed. "Because I'll throw in a prize for the winner! So be sure to give it you all, ladies!"

Aveil eyed the horse-handler with glee. "A prize you say? What is it?" Malon smiled triumphantly.

"The winner will get a prize of a bag containing 500 Rupees! Aren't I generous?" With the exception of Aveil, the girls didn't seem to react other than confused, not knowing what she was on about.

Noticing this, Link patted Malon on the shoulder. "Uhm.. Malon, they're foreigners. Rupees won't do them any good…"

Malon bashfully scratched her cheek. "Oh… Well, how about a Piece of Heart?"

"Doesn't work that way I'm afraid…"

"I see… A bigger quiver?"

"No."

"I'll teach them a song…?"

"Won't do them any good."

"Oh come on! Bombchus then?"

"What?! No! Why do you even have bombs?!" Link nearly shouted loudly. "Look, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but maybe you could offer something they can find… well, useful?" Link instantly bit down on his lower lip. Malon's look in her eyes was unwelcoming as she stared him down. "Look, Malon I didn't mean-"

"Ladies!" Malon called out to the participating women. "Link just changed the prize! Whoever wins gets to kiss him!" Zelda was heard gasping loudly.

"What?!" Link shouted, flabbergasted. "Don't decide that on your own! Ladies, just ignore-" Link felt his breath vanish at an instant. His friends' expressions were so… odd. They looked enthusiastic, eyes widened and lips slowly curling into various smiles or smirks. It was as if they had heard the best news in their lives, and neither wasted any time getting up on their given horses. ´Why… Why do they look so… high spirited? It's just a kiss, even if I didn't agree to it…´

Ivy, Aveil and Sophitia had already lined up Veran joining in at the gate of the fence while the others sat this one out by the stable wall. Zelda felt her distraught grow stronger as Link, completely blank in his face, sat down next to her without a word. He was taken aback, that much was clear. Samus, Impa and Sheik sat beside them, each one locked in their own thoughts as their rivals began to ride – the race consisted of three laps around the fenced area.

´A kiss huh…´ Impa glanced over at the puzzled hero. ´Must be nice. Maybe I should've participated? That would've given me away though. But surely Link isn't up to it? Or he just offers the winner a kiss on the cheek perhaps. Either way, we'll see how this plays out… And what I'll do about whatever scenario unfolds.´

Sheik sat right next to Link, admiring his handsome profile. ´He looks so sad… Of course, he wasn't really suggesting the prize! Or…´ Sheik gently touched her cheeks; she was definitely growing warmer. ´Oh no! What if he actually suggested it, but he's sad because I didn't participate? That can't be it, right…? Maybe I should cheer him up?´ Behind her white cloth, Sheik smiled slyly as she inched closer towards the green-garbed Hero, shy eyes shifted to and from Link.

Meanwhile, the other ladies were riding as fast as their horses could go. It had been one lap already, with Aveil and Sophitia taking turns on being in the lead. Veran was last, with Ivy ahead of her. The horses whinnied loudly, their hooves thundering across the ground in their rampage.

´Stupid beast… go faster!´ Veran mentally cringed as she barely caught up with Ivy. "Out of my way!"

Ivy looked back and smirked. "By your leave, sorceress!" She shouted back and slapped her horse sharply to increase its speed. It whinnied loudly as it slowly caught up with Sophitia and Aveil, both of which were neck-to-neck at the front. Dust whirled wildly in the horses' wake.

"You should give it up, girl!" Aveil shouted with a cocky smile. "The Gerudo tribe is a people who strive to master the arts of archery on horseback! We know how to handle the reins!" She looked triumphant, but that expression vanished when Sophitia merely smiled back, her blonde hair waving in the wind.

"In my homeland we use horses as a mean to transportation! It's important to know how to ride and we learn it at an early age! My apologies Miss Aveil, but I will win this!"

In their banter they hadn't realized till afterwards that they had passed the line – this was the last lap. Ivy was catching up to them and was right behind them while Veran had fallen further behind.

The women spurred their horses on, yelled and shouted as much as possible when barely half the lap was left – the three of them was now neck-to-neck, both gaining and losing inches as they rode at full speed on the tireless horses. The finish line was just ahead now.

Then it suddenly happened, the Grecian felt a sharp pain in her ankle. As sudden as it was, it threw her off-balance as her jolted movement got her horse to stagger for just a moment – precious seconds that managed to get the Gerudo ahead of her, with Ivy right after. The blonde couldn't wrap her mind around what had happened till she saw the redhead glance back at her, her right foot readjusting itself into the saddle as she grinned. The blonde Grecian watched in shock and anger as the Gerudo won, beating Ivy by barely a second and herself by a few more – thanks to a cheap trick.

Aveil cheered out loud as she jumped off her horse, smiling triumphantly as she walked towards the small crowd, or more precisely Link. Their eyes met as she trotted over, but her gaze took notice of how close Sheik now sat next to him, her hand on top of his. Irritated, she walked with swift steps till she stood in front of him, looking overly pleased with herself. "I won."

Link let out a light chuckle. "I saw that. Congratulations!"

"Indeed, congratulations Miss Aveil." Zelda commentated, to which the redhead bowed with a smile before she looked back at Link, grinning.

He looked back, puzzled. "Uhm… Is there something on my face?" Aveil laughed at him.

"I was told you would give out the prize." Aveil said with a quirked eyebrow, still grinning. "And a rather pleasant prize to boot." Link felt his body simultaneously freeze up, yet burn with warmth all over. Thanks to Malon, his friend now actually wanted him to kiss her – that's what had made his friends so eager to participate! He found himself staring up at Aveil's alluringly golden eyes in dismay; was she serious? Granted, it was only a kiss but Link couldn't shake the feeling off that there might be some more to it all. Still, how could he possibly tell her that it was all Malon's idea when Aveil was obviously looking so much forward to it? Ignoring all eyes that were on him, he got up and stepped towards the Gerudo thief.

He swallowed his breath as he stood in front of her. He felt everyone staring at him, but he couldn't see their slowly growing shock that was etched out on their faces as he gently caressed her cheek and inched closer, and then turned her aside to kiss her reddened cheek.

Aveil blinked. She turned back towards the hero, whose face was quite red, and simply stared. She felt his warmth on her cheek, and while it was supposed to be on her lips, (she thought) the feeling she felt was still satisfying. Even if all the glares were directed at her.

Link smiled shyly as he scratched his neck. "Congratulations on winning, Aveil."

The Gerudo thief felt her heart skip several beats, and ironically made her feel warmer than standing in the desert. She smiled back dreamily. "T-Thank you Link…"

Zelda was in shock. She hadn't expected Link to actually go through with Malon's suggestion (who seemed to have a good time at a distance, laughing whole-heartedly) and just come clean with it. Everyone was either glaring at Aveil, or stared appalled at Link, including herself. Even Sheik and Impa appeared flabbergasted over the situation. The stakes had been raised, of this Zelda was sure of – and everyone involved would strive for a much better performance.

To be continued in the next chapter. Hope you all enjoyed the update!