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 16

Festival Fun part 1

Tired eyelids opened up, heavy-lidded as they were, adjusting to the light that was filtered through the window. Link blinked in an attempt to speed up the process, but everything still seemed hazy as he gradually woke up from his slumber.

"Looks like you're finally coming around," he heard a voice state, azure pools drifting towards his right to see Impa, arms crossed. "How are you feeling, lad?"

The young hero smiled. "Better… Tired, but better." He paused. "What happened?"

"The vile sorceress possessed you – do you remember?" the Sheikah inquired. "Her Highness managed to banish her from your body, but it must've been a strain to your body – you collapsed shortly after."

"I remember," Link replied. Though he felt well rested, he still struggled to sit up. "What happened to her then?"

"She's locked up in the dungeons," another voice said, this one being soft and calm. Impa and Link turned towards the door as Zelda and Sheik stepped inside the room. "She's under a close watch for the time being."

The blonde young man nodded. "Probably best for the time being… Though I wish it hadn't come to that."

Sheik stepped forward. "Why would you say that? The dungeons are the least she deserves."

"What she did was unforgivable, I know," Link said, rubbing his noggin. "And I can't say I forgive her either, but… When she possessed me, I felt… something."

"And what would that be?" the princess asked. The Hylian queen-to-be sat down on the edge of the hero's bed, hands neatly folded on her lap. The look in her eyes did not judge, but was devoid of any emotion other than annoyance not for the young lad, but the one responsible for his current condition.

"I could feel her… well, feelings – emotions." He paused again. His mind was still hazy. "And deep down, she's a woman, too; it's a twisted and abnormal sense of caring, but she cares nonetheless. And please, don't give me that look – I'm not defending her. I'm just telling you what I got a glimpse of."

The young princess scowled. "Nothing can justify her actions. I'm still dreading the thought that she can do so again, under our noses – who knows if she hasn't possessed one of the guards already?"

The older Sheikah attendant crossed the room and rested a hand on the young sovereign's shoulder. "You need not to worry, Sheik and I made sure to draw a seal on her binds. She won't be casting any spells as long as she's locked away."

Zelda's expression softened greatly, the tenseness in her shoulders fading. "Thank you, both of you." She looked back at Link. "How are you feeling, Link?"

He smiled. "Better."

"Good," she replied with a smile of her own. "Then perchance we can talk – you said you had something you wished to discuss with me earlier?"

"Yes, I have. The Summer Festival… It's starting in a few days, no? I was thinking…"

/

A few days went by. In the great hall, the princess and her attendants had gathered her guests – save for a certain sorceress – and the group chitchatted or remained silent as they waited for who-or-whatever to start the event. Their royal host had said nothing beyond "You're all needed at the great hall", leaving the women clueless as to why they had been summoned.

They sat around the table with baited breaths, waiting. Zelda and her Sheikah attendants sat together at the far side, quiet.

"This is growing vexing," Aveil said, glancing with golden orbs and a furrowed brow at the Hylian sovereign. "Why are we here? And more importantly, why are Link and the witch missing?"

"Now that you mention it," Ivy commented. "I'm concerned as to why those two are not present. If milady has any knowledge to this, now would be a good time to share it."

Just as Zelda – with a furrowed brow of her own – opened her mouth to reply, the doors opened up and the green-garbed blonde entered the room. The ladies perked up with delight at the sight of their object of affection, with the Grecian swordswoman rushing to his side, embracing him.

"Link! Are you alright?" She hugged him tightly before letting go, taking a step back with flushed cheeks. "M-my apologies! Did I overstep my boundaries?"

With matching cheeks, Link let out a soft chuckle. "I'm fine, Sophitia. And no, you did not." He crossed the room and walked up to the table, meeting everyone's gazes nervously as he cleared his throat.

"There is no easy way for me to say this, so I will be… blunt about this," Link said, pausing; his whole face was a distinct shade of red and he kept rubbing his neck, avoiding the stares when possible. "I am fully aware of everyone's feelings towards me… and I guess that, first of all, I should apologize for not noticing sooner. I've been blind and unaware of your affections towards me and, as such, I haven't really thought much about… well, an answer. In which is why I asked Zelda to bring everyone here."

The women remained silent. Everyone's expressions were different – ranging from confusion, to impassive and somber – but they sat in silence, waiting for the Hero of Time to continue.

"I… I've decided that I should at least give you all a chance. Get to know everyone better. And it just so happens that the day after tomorrow, there'll be a festival—"

"The Goddess Festival?" Aveil inquired out loud, earning everyone's attention and Link nodded.

"Yes, that one. For those of you who don't know, the Goddess Festival is a yearly event here in Hyrule; all denizens of the land gather for a large-scale festival in Hyrule Fields, celebrating the Goddesses. I was thinking of…" He paused. Link was noticeably red around his face and he absentmindedly scratched his neck. "Courting you… The festivities will be going on for about a week, giving us a wide window of getting to know each other better. I realize that this is a silly idea but it's the only way I can come to terms with my own emotions – to better understand what I want in life, with family and all – and I have to apologize for making everyone wait just a little while longer."

"That's reasonable," Sophitia exclaimed. "If that's what you need to do, then I'll be content with going through with it."

"My people have always easily gotten their "boyfriends" during the festival," Aveil commented with content glee, ignoring the scornful looks she received. "I'm not worried—"

"Hold it, girl!" The British noblewoman slammed a fist down the table. "I don't like that tone of yours; you sound like you've already won!" She turned to face the green-garbed blonde, her full lips curving neatly into a smile. "Link, darling, they do say that you should save the best for last, but I'd deeply appreciate if you were to court me before anyone else."

And as the rest of the women – including the two Sheikah attendants – Zelda rested her face in her hands, sighing deeply.

/

"I've never seen this part of the castle before," Link said, frowning at the dark stone walls.

"And be glad for that," the captain of the guard replied. "We've barely kept anyone here save for the occasional lawbreaker who has committed a grave crime. Otherwise they're kept in the cellars upstairs – we're below ground at this point."

The blonde Hylian frowned, but he understood perfectly. He followed the guard until the end of the long staircase and continued down a long corridor that was lit up by torches hanging on the walls – noticing the rows upon rows of empty cells – until he could spot this level's only inmate at the end of the hallways, guarded by two people. Upon closer inspection, Link could tell they were Sheikah, albeit vastly different from Impa and Sheik, and wearing masks to conceal their faces.

"He's here to talk to the prisoner," the guard-captain said. "He has permission from Her Highness herself."

The Sheikah guards stepped aside, allowing him to unlock the iron door and left it ajar. "You got a few minutes. Her Grace does not wish to leave her unguarded for too long."

Nodding, Link stepped inside the even darker cell as he heard the guardians walk away, allowing privacy. He sighed. The turquoise-skinned woman was chained to the wall, her shackles glowing with strange runes that he had never encountered before. He kneeled down.

"Veran?" Link asked. "Are you awake?"

Flame-coloured eyes met his gaze. They almost glowed in the dark, and he heard a quiet chuckle leave her. "Oh my… Did the Hero decide to take his revenge when no-one is looking?"

"I didn't come for revenge," Link replied. "But I would've, had I not felt your feelings when you possessed me."

She chuckled, this time louder. "I do not know what you are talking about."

"You harbour something for me, do you not? It's twisted and downright odd, but you do. And it's genuine. You have nothing to gain with your evil, Veran."

"So you would have me have a change of heart, to turn `good`?" The way she said it sounded like she was about to gag. "A near-impossible dream."

"You just proved it's not a lost cause."

Amber eyes glowered at him. "Excuse me?"

"You said it yourself," Link replied. "A near-impossible. You still hope, don't you?"

The sorceress didn't answer. Her eyes strayed from his, still glaring.

"I'm a fool for even being here – but there's something about you, Veran. And I rather you didn't spend your last days rotting underground. If you truly have even an ounce of goodness in you, reconsider. I want to give you a chance – for reasons I cannot even fathom – just like with the others."

Veran's eyes met his again, and suddenly, the sorceress let out a loud, cackling laughter that echoed throughout the dungeon.

"You're talking about the possibility to take my hand in marriage," she said, amused. "You're very naïve, Hero, and far too trusting; why would you give me a chance yet again? Honestly, am I so captivating that you wish to bed me rather than have me slayed? I wonder what your precious princess would say about this…"

"She's aware that I'm down here – I wouldn't be here if I didn't have her permission," the blonde said. "And I guess I am naïve, but what does that make you, o sorceress who apparently likes me?"

She stared at him in silence, but laughed loudly yet again. "My my, aren't we cocky just because I'm chained up? Your hollow bravado is wasted on me, Hero… But, perhaps, there's just a slight truth to your words. After all," she said, the look in her eyes suddenly gentle and coquettish. "I would rather have you chained up and at my mercy for the wedding-night."

His face hot with embarrassment, Link looked away and ignored the sorceress' laughter. "I didn't come here to be made fun of."

"What can I say? I enjoy teasing you," Veran replied with a smirk. "Perhaps it is you who should reconsider. Who knows what I'm capable of doing once I'm free again? Then again…"

As she didn't continue, the blonde peered at her curiously. "Yes?"

She shook her head. "No… Never you mind, boy. Let's just leave it at that, shall we?"

Link sighed. "I'll be back later, for one reason or another. But remember this, Veran – I am giving you a chance, but if you try and take advantage of it, I will put you to the blade. " He got up and left the chamber, a strange sense of guilt striking him as he walked back up the long staircase.

/

Two days went by. Ever since the morning sun had just risen from the horizon, the Hyrulians had gathered over at Hyrule Field, bustling and frilled to the brim with joy as tents and vendor-stands were erected for anyone with rupees in their pockets. Hylians, Kokiris, Gorons, and Zoras had come together to mingle and celebrate the Goddesses that had created this world.

Now evening, the Hero of Time was admiring the stands and the people around him. He was dressed in rare Hylian robes with long sleeves and held together with a sash, and sandals; clothing that was only used for festivals such as this one. It was still hot out, forcing Link to cool himself down with a fan made especially for the occasion (although he wasn't entirely sure if it was solely the weather or because he was nervous.)

Today was the beginning. After the festival, Link would be ending up together with a woman – a woman whom, in the future, could be his wife. A mother for his children. A life-partner.

The flaxen-haired youth shook his head. It was still too early to think about that, but in his mind he knew that it still wasn't too far off. He fanned quicker, cursing the lack of wind to cool him off.

"I'm sorry for being late. Did you wait long?" a voice suddenly said. The Hero, startled, turned quickly around with a sheepish smile, his face blushing hotly as he took a moment to let the sight before him sink in; the bounty hunter stood before him wearing similar clothing, but blue and pink in colour whilst Link's was emerald. Her hair was undone and cascading like a golden curtain down her back, and the slight smile she wore was cute, considering Samus' usual demeanour.

The short-haired blonde's gaze strayed as he nervously rubbed his neck, suddenly unable to find the words – a feeling he certainly wasn't used to – but he smiled nonetheless at the bounty hunter, meeting her eyes. "No… No I only just got here myself. You look great, by the way!"

That was an understatement.

"…Thanks," Samus replied, averting her eyes with a vague blush. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Thank you," he said. "S-so! Maybe we should begin with a quick tour around? I'm sure we can find an attraction or two you should try!" He held out his hand to the woman, smiling as he always did but even more so as she hesitantly took it and smiled warmly back at the Hero.

"Sounds nice." The look in her eyes was indescribable. "Where to?"

"Uhm…" He took a look around, scouring for attractions. "Oh! How about that one? Come!"

Link gently pulled Samus along through the crowds until they reached their destination: a target-shooting gallery. The Hylian's expression beamed but fell just as quickly as the bounty hunter shot him a puzzled look.

"Are you trying to be a show-off with your bow skills, Link?" she said, frowning at him.

"What? N-no! No, of course not—!" he began but the space warrior laughed softly.

"I'm just messing with you. I would love to try it out," she said, allowing Link to pay the burly man for a round. The owner handed Samus an ordinary compound bow and a few arrows and she stared dumbfounded at the weapon; she had seen Link use his before and it always looked relatively simple, but now that it was in her hands, it felt so… alien.

"Hold it like this," Link said and demonstrated. "Hold the arrow with your middle and index-fingers as you pull the string back at the same time…"

"Show me," Samus said flatly.

"I already am—"

"No," she replied. "Show me. Use me to demonstrate; it'll be easier."

The young Hylian's face was hot as he slowly nodded, knowing what Samus had meant. He got up behind her, reluctantly pressing himself against her as he guided her arms to properly handle the bow and arrow, pulling the string back…

"Like this…" he said. "Then aim while supporting the arrow tip…"

"Like this, huh?" Samus replied. She let Link's hands gently grab hers – ignoring the pleasant shiver that zipped up her arms as he did – and guide them as she aimed for her target. She pulled back, and—

The arrow shot straight into one of the targets (an odd-looking creature that looked like some kind octopus) and piercing it completely.

"One down, five to go!" the owner exclaimed.

"Well done!" Link said, patting Samus on the back. "You seem to understand it now!"

The bounty hunter grinned slightly. "It's different from my usual weapon, but… It was kind of fun." She took aim again and did what she had been taught, and notched another arrow into the second target.

As the space warrior hit target after target, Link observed her with a smile; this was but the tip of the iceberg of being together with someone. One by one, he would court the ladies and hopefully find his future life partner – the woman who he would take care of in sickness, in health, to the end of their days.

To be continued!

Now, just a little heads-up; starting tomorrow (Wednesday 17th) I'll be starting my new job and, unfortunately, it will keep me occupied for majority of the day. Meaning that will have less time writing (save for weekends) and also why this chapter is not as lengthy as I had wanted it to be and for that I apologize.

However, consider it a one-time thing; the next chapters are going to be lengthy with lots of stuff going on, because, this story is nearing the end. There's plenty of chapters left, but this is the beginning of the end. I'll try my hardest to keep the updates coming, but if it takes too long, blame my job.

I hope you enjoyed it so far! Take care!

-Grim