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.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. ;)

A Hylian's Harem

Chapter 17

Festival Fun part 2

"I've got to ask you something, Samus," Link said, effectively breaking the awkward silence between them as they wandered through the masses of people and shops. They had been visiting various shops for a while now, and although they had a good time together, something at the back of Link's head was gnawing – a thought that he couldn't ignore any longer, something that the young Hylian wanted to ask not just Samus, but everyone. "When did you… you know, fall for me? Or perhaps ´how´?

The blonde Bounty Hunter looked away, her usually pale cheeks now shaded with crimson. "…I rather not have such ´girly-talk´ you know… But I'll be honest: I'm not sure myself."

That was a lie; she remembered it well.

/The first tournament was about to start. The fighters – a group of people and creatures from across the worlds had been gathered – knew nothing of each other, save for a handful that got along right away.

But to Samus Aran they were nothing but strangers – strangers that would fall before her. She was not only the most technology-advanced, but she had superior skills that exceeded that of a normal human. But then again, few of the fighters were actually human.

One of the few stood out: garbed in green and armed with outdated weapons, the young man who went by the name of `Link` seemed like a decent fighter, despite his poorly chosen weaponry.

She had been wrong. Despite being more advanced in terms of weaponry, the bounty hunter always had trouble besting the Hylian whenever they clashed and could never – and would never – take him lightly. But what made him dangerous foe also made him a reliable ally and, in time, a trusted friend.

And further down the line, these feelings would only grow./

"I reckon it was during the first tournament, a while back. Seeing you fight and eventually fight with you made me hold you in high regard… I guess things went from there." She looked over at the Hero, flashing a vague smile. "I just remember that I, of all people, wanted to be closer than ´friends´. It took time, however, but better late than never I suppose."

"I… see. We did get along after a while, didn't we?" Link smiled back at her, his own features hot and likely red. He had only been with Samus for now, but thinking about what the other girl's might say to explain their affections, the young lad couldn't help but look forward to it, not for the sake of hearing about himself through their eyes, but much rather see if there was genuine love or simply a deep sense of admiration for him.

They walked together, hand in hand, through the busy festival grounds when Link glanced over at his friend (for the moment?) and gave her hand a gentle squeeze to garner her attention. "How do you like it here?"

Her expression was unreadable at first. She then spoke gently, "It's…peaceful. A nice break from what I usually encounter –"

"Back up across the stars?" Link interrupted. He remembered the tales of Samus had told him about her adventures – all revolving around travelling through the stars and planets above.

That's right; Samus' life revolved around crossing the great beyond, up there. It was her life-blood, her duty, something she couldn't very well ignore or abandon for anything – he glanced over at the woman – or anyone… Had she thought of this? Was she thinking about it right now, just as he was? Had Samus forgotten about it, or did she have a plan? Time would tell.

The Bounty Hunter was serious, that much was clear. But how would things work out in the long run? She couldn't possibly give up her life just for him, could she? She was needed by others, far too many to count.

Despite these thoughts troubling his mind, Link took the hunter's hand and squeezed it gently. "Hey," he gently beckoned. "A rupee for your thoughts?"

She eyed him – uncertain, reluctant – and then she allowed a small smile. "This situation is weird."

"Weird? How do you mean?"

"Being here with you, holding hands, and being so… shy. It's unlike me. And yet, I'm glad. But it's still peculiar."

Link smiled at her. "Yeah… I guess I can relate," he replied and scratched his neck. "But as weird as it is, I wouldn't want it to change."

The bounty hunter smirked slightly at him. "And neither would I, Link."

Still making their way through the crowd, the flaxen-haired duo found a remote little space for them where they sat and talked for a while, their stolen glances of each other speaking volumes of what they truly felt. There was something there – more importantly, from Link – something the Hylian felt for all the women; a possibility of a future together.

As time passed, he kept mulling it over.

X.x.X.x.X

/ It was raining. Link frowned as he clung to his makeshift raincoat that, by now, did little to shield him from the frigid winds and downpour. On top of it all, he didn't know where to go; he was a stranger in a world whose inhabitants and culture was foreign to him, though it bore some similarities.

The few people that had yet to head indoors eyed him with suspicion and, while that was only reasonable, the knowledge that he was abandoned hurt more than all of his wounds and bruises he had collected through his dreary travels. He was cold, weary, and lost.

But the hunt for Soul Edge – his sole reason why he even was here – spurred him on. Hyrule was at stake if he didn't track it down and destroyed it: a task easier said than done. It had been months with only the vaguest of leads and even they had run out by now.

Link's feet were practically dragged behind him as he walked aimlessly through this city of stone. The architecture bore semblance to the Castle Town, but it was at the same time vastly different. As familiar as it was, the Hylian still didn't have anywhere to go, and rupees didn't exactly go will with the merchants and innkeepers.

He gripped tighter at his cloak with a shiver. There had to be an inn somewhere that could at least offer him shelter for the night –

Deep in thought, Link wasn't aware of the figure walking in the opposite direction until he stumbled right into them.

"Oi, watch where you're going, peasant!" the woman – evidenced by her voice – reprimanded as Link staggered and met sky-blue eyes underneath her hooded robes. She was tall – a good head taller than him – and from what little he could see she didn't appear to be an average civilian.

"My apologies," he replied. "I'm sorry, but you wouldn't happen to know where I can find an inn?"

The woman eyed him up and down. "Hmph. You won't find one unless you head to the eastern district, peasant. The one we had here was burned to the ground two days ago – along with a good part of the neighbouring buildings."

"What? What happened?" Link inquired, and the woman gave him an irksome look – she apparently didn't enjoy talking to him.

"According to eyewitnesses, a robed man carrying a strange blade came arrived. That's all I will tell you. Now be gone, peasant!"

"W-wait!" he pleaded. "A strange blade… is its name by any chance ´Soul Edge´?" he asked, and the woman stopped – froze completely still – and glanced back at the Hylian.

"Why do you know that name? Speak!"

Link swallowed hard, but nodded. Finally seeing a stroke of luck, he began; "I'm looking for the wielder of that blade, miss. Long story short, it's a threat to my homeworl –" He hesitated for a moment. "…Land. My homeland. I've been pursuing him or her for a while now."

"…" The woman eyed him carefully. "What is your purpose with that blade?"

"My intent is to destroy it."

Her eyes lit up for a brief moment and she nodded. "What is your name, boy?"

"Link, miss," he replied.

The woman nodded again. "Very well. Follow me, Link." She beckoned him as she strode down the street and the Hylian obeyed. If this woman knew anything about Soul Edge, that was good enough; he needed all information he could get.

They walked through the cobblestone roads until they reached left the smaller buildings and arrived at a large mansion, though, as majestic as it was, the weather stole away its glory.

Link was awestruck. "…Is this your home?" he inquired, and the woman chuckled at him.

"Who else's would it be? Now make haste and step inside." Once inside the building, the woman locked the door firmly. "You're in luck. I, too, am looking for that accursed blade."

Link beamed. "I'm indeed lucky –"

"But you shouldn't utter the name out loud! Keep that in mind," she reprimanded. "But no matter, we're going to have a nice long chat, you and I." The look in her eyes was cold and humourless. The woman removed her hood and revealed herself in the dim candlelight: she had short silver hair that perfectly framed her azure eyes, further accentuated by her milky-white skin and full lilac lips.

The Hylian nodded and removed his cowl as well. "I'm all ears, miss…?"

"You may call me Ivy," Ivy said, her words quickly trailed off as she studied Link, her expression becoming more puzzled. "…Your ears… they…"

Link gasped as he realized his mistake. "Y-yes, they're… Maybe I should explain myself first. You might not believe me, but I –"

Ivy chuckled and stepped in front of the young man and, with a grim smile, tugged at the tip of his ears as he yelped. "Oh my… They're real…"

"O-of course they're real! Ow! Let go of them, please!"

"In a moment…" she answered and kept tug them playfully. "I think our conversation can wait a moment…or two."

X.x.X.x.X

Link had been waiting for a little while after his date with Samus, mostly idly watched the people come and go and enjoy themselves until his next date which, to Link, was a mystery as to whom he would meet.

He was surprised, to say the least.

The silver-haired swordswoman had always stood out from the crowd (more often than not because of her dress-code) and while it was for that reason, it was not because of how inappropriate it was deemed – quite the opposite, as a matter of fact.

Ivy wore a stylish robe, similar to Link's and Samus', but the pattern was akin to suns, and rosy-red in colour. She had always been a very beautiful woman in Link's eyes, if not a tad bit unbridled when it came to sex-appeal; even now, her endowed breasts provided him with a free view of her – admittedly impressive – cleavage.

Link fanned himself and advert his gaze, but the promiscuous woman decided to snake her arm around his and press herself up against him – including her womanly assets. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting, my dear," Ivy exclaimed.

"It's quite alright, Ivy…" Link replied, trying his hardest to ignore the sensation of the noblewoman's body against his. "I should be the one apologising for keeping you all waiting."

"Perish the thought!" she commented and leant closer. "None of us would enjoy spending this day with each other. I feel almost sorry for whoever will be picked last, though." She chuckled softly. "But enough about them, my dear, this is our moment, so let's make the best of it."

The Hylian straightened up. Ivy was right; this was their time together, and the noblewoman's quirks wouldn't get to him – they were part of her charms, anyway! "You're right. Let's enjoy ourselves," he said and began to lead her through the masses. "Would you perhaps like to try a game? There are beverages and food stands as well –"

"Link, have you ever thought about having children?"

His heart nearly leapt out of his chest. "W-what was that?!" he replied, appalled. "Did y-you really just ask me –"

"The thought must have crossed your mind, wouldn't you say so?" She chuckled. "A Hero such as you should be concerned about heirs, a child that'll take up the mantle after you – someone to carry on your legacy." The promiscuous woman leant close enough for her hot breath to wash against his pointed ear. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"…I…guess… But it's still too early for me to think about it!" Link retorted. "Besides, I'm not ready to be a parent just yet."

The smug look in azure orbs threw him off. "Perhaps not, but once we're married, that's the sort of thing we will eventually discuss." Her expression turned lewd. "But that doesn't mean we can't have a few practice-tests…"

The Hylian flushed tremendously at the implication. "You can't be serious…"

"Oh, but I am," Ivy answered. "After all, I am a noble – who's better to marry a Hero than me? Our genes combined would create the perfect, flawless child. Who knows, there might even be a second child, or perhaps a third one to look after…"

"…" Link was silenced. The idea of having a child – or several for that matter – seemed like such a ridiculous idea, at least for now. He couldn't imagine himself as a father, but, at the same time it was a kind of heart-warming idea, and he allowed himself to imagine being out on the plains, teaching his child the way of the bow or sparring with them with practice-swords. It wasn't an unwelcome thought…but…

"This isn't the time for that, Ivy!" Link then chided. "One step at a time, please."

"Of course, of course, I'm just putting it out there," the silver-haired woman commented. "Let's enjoy our date, my dear."

Link managed a nod, the image of Ivy and him doing a few "test-runs" fresh in his mind despite himself. "…Y-yes, lets…"

She simpered. "Oho? Is my darling distracted, by any chance?"

"As you said, p-perish the thought! Why don't we try this, uhm..." He peered around. "This food-stand, for example?"

"I don't mind, if you're treating," the swordswoman commented and hugged her blushing man's arm. "But, you know, we will have to discuss it sooner or later…"

"Hm? Discuss what?"

"The future," Ivy plainly said. "Specifically ours. After all, regardless of who you may end up with, marriage will likely follow. And I am a woman who prefers to plan ahead."

Link nodded. As he handed a few rupees to the merchant he pondered about the possibility of a future with Ivy; he had always thought that she would make a lucky man happy, though mostly because of her womanly physique. She never struck him as a motherly-type of woman.

He handed a grilled piece of Cucco on a skewer over to the silver-haired woman before taking his own. His date had already (albeit hesitantly) nibbled on it before him. "How's the taste?"

Ivy licked her lips. "It's unusual, but appetizing." She looked pleased. "Thank you, my dear."

Link smiled at her. "I'm glad to hear that."

Although maybe, just maybe, she could change; Ivy had a heart of gold behind her flirtatious behaviour. If only she could show it more often, Link thought.

"You know," Ivy began. "It was cruel of you to just leave like that. You could've at least stayed a bit longer after we destroyed Soul Edge. Both Sophitia and I were rather upset when we discovered that you had not only left us, but you had only written a letter to tell us." She frowned heavily at him. "You're lucky we are so forgiving."

He sighed. With his duty to destroy the blade that threatened his home done, there was no place for him in that other world – at least that's what he thought. "I know. I truly didn't mean to hurt you, but I..." He paused, reluctant to continue. "It never occurred to me that you'd be upset. I assumed you two would understand." He sighed again. "Forgive me. It was cruel of me to at least not say goodbye in person."

"I told you, we're the forgiving types," she answered. "But it's good that you are realizing it now at least. If you had shown no guilt at all, I'd be happy to introduce you to my blade."

"Ivy, you know I'm not like –"

"Oh shush, boy," she said with a laugh. "I'm teasing you. Love is a series of trials, and I've overcome them all to find you again. And now that we're finally alone together, I will throw off any restraints in order to win you over!"

Link went slack-jawed. "…You were restraining yourself?"

"Wasn't it obvious? I mean, I am different from when we travelled together, aren't I?"

"Granted," he began. "There's been less teasing and flirty remarks, but… I didn't even notice until you pointed it out just now."

"Hmph. I see," Ivy were saying. "And here I was actually controlling myself so I wouldn't tease the hell out of you."

Had she really controlled herself?

/ Link tossed firewood into their – his, Ivy's, and the Grecian's, Sophitia – campfire to keep it going as they settled for the night. Darkness had swiftly arrived and their campsite had been hastily picked in order to rest a spell and continue early next day.

With the fire going, Link unsheathed the Master Sword. The moonlight reflection on the blade made it seem like the weapon actually glowed with its holy power. He smiled and put it across his lap as he fished up an old handkerchief from his pocket and began rubbing it along the blade's flat side. While it was a divine blade that would never dull, it didn't hurt to take extra care of it.

"Polishing the old sword, are we?" Ivy was saying as she sat on the log opposite of the Hylian. She gave him an once-over and smirked. "That's good. It's both healthy and important for a man to take care of his weapon every once in a while."

Link nodded and smiled back at her. "I wouldn't call it old since it hardly looks like it. But I agree – it deserves a bit of polishing every now and then."

"Oh, most certainly," the swordswoman replied with a snicker. "After all, if a man does not care for his weapon, he can become… frustrated. If you want, I gladly offer assistance, if you'd like." She leant over. "I've got a firm grip, rest assured."

At first, Link was about to accept the offer – then he stopped before he uttered a single word. His cheeks blushed red and he began putting two and two together. "…What are you talking about?"

The silver-haired noble laughed airily to the point that she almost doubled over. "My apologies! I couldn't help myself, but your face just now is priceless!"

Link sat there, red as spilt blood, and hastily put the Master Sword away as the Grecian returned with an arm-full of firewood. /

…Maybe she had put some restraint on herself.

"You know, Ivy," he began. "I don't mind your teasing as much as you think."

The noblewoman shot him a wicked grin. "Ooh? Is the boy perhaps getting some ideas of his own?" she replied.

"Hardly," the Hylian explained. "I've only gotten used to them to the point that it's almost weird to not hear you tease me every other minute. Besides, if you're going to be my wife, it's something I have to live with, so all the better that I'm used to it." He smiled back at her. "And one day we might even take the teasing to a different level."

Ivy didn't respond to that. She was staring at Link but at the same time she didn't seem to be "there" – her porcelain-white cheeks grew hot and flushed and she averted her gaze from his.

"…That's a low blow, catching me off-guard like that," she said and glanced back.

Link only laughed at that. For better or worse, this voluptuous and promiscuous woman was dear to him, and spending time together with her like this was something that the Hero of Hyrule had to acknowledge as something he could see himself do for many years to come.

To be continued!