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Title: Treasure of the Yiga

Chapter 9: The Kiss

Author: Sailor Song

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Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a pair of young children who were peeking in at us from the doorway. One of them, the boy, looked like a miniature copy of my travel companion. The girl had some similar features as well, which all but confirmed that Link had acquired the majority of his looks from his mother rather than Landon.

Mother? I was still so confused about what was happening. Hadn't he told me that she had abandoned both him and his father? Why would we come here?

After an uncomfortable silence, and a long discussion about how we took our tea, she clinked her spoon down before taking a sip of the steaming beverage, studying us both over the brim of the cup. As she placed it back in its tiny plate, she seemed to tsk as she turned to him. "Well, tell me. What sort of trouble are you in, Link?"

"What makes you think I'm in trouble, ma'am?"

She sighed. "I have been trying for a few months now to reconnect with you. Having you show up on my doorstep with a girl in tow does not make me think you are here seeking reconciliation."

That was a lot to take in.

"I'm not in trouble," he said, and I noticed him gripping his hands into a fist. "I just need lodging for my friend while I report in at the castle."

As much as I loved being talked about as though I wasn't there, it was much more disconcerting when his mother turned her gaze in my direction.

"Your friend looks familiar." I didn't miss the way she emphasized the word, but before I could even consider my response, she spoke directly at me. "Are you the daughter of a country nobleman?"

"I'm...er…" What on earth was I supposed to say to her? 'Hi, I'm a former Yiga who has convinced your estranged son to run away with me. It's nice to meet the woman who abandoned him and ruined his life.'

"Her name is Zelda," Link stated simply, saving me from my thoughts.

For some reason, that was enough explanation for the woman. "I see. For how long?"

"As soon as I can get back. Hopefully, it'll only be for one night, but I can make other accommodations for her if it's longer."

"There's no need for that," she said as she held out her hand to touch his, but she pulled back before actually making contact. "I meant what I told you before, Link. I long to make amends for my past mistakes."

Perhaps it was because I'd spent so much time with Link that I felt I could almost read his mind as he hid his reaction to what she'd said. There was part of him that was trying to conceal how much pain this was causing him, both emotionally and mentally. Another reminder that his heart was his weakness.

I wasn't sure what bothered me more: that she knew it too or that she was utilizing it against him.

Wanting to spare him from this pain, I summoned a yawn, which took little effort due to a lack of sleep, in the hopes it would give us a chance to speak alone.

It worked. His mother rang a bell, summoning the woman who had first opened the door.

"Please see our guests to Ayrll's room. It's the one at the top of the stairs," she instructed. Turning back to us, she explained. "My eldest is currently away, so she may stay in her room."

Again, a pained look crossed Link's face, but he quickly hid it. "Thank you," he said as he stood and offered me a hand up. "I appreciate this."

We were almost out of the room, when she called out for him. "Link, if you would, I'd like a moment of your time before you leave for the castle."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied with a subtle head bow, and we began climbing the stairs up to the room in the uppermost part of the house.

The housekeeper gave me a quick orientation of the room, but I barely listened because of the corner of my eye, I could see Link inspecting the window. After telling us a meal would be sent up shortly, she excused herself, leaving us alone.

He dropped heavily down on the bed and put his head in his hands. I may have been the one who had to wear a mask on my face all my life, but his face was his mask. Hiding what he was feeling was something he'd rarely done with me; only in seeing his interactions with others did I start to notice it, and I could tell it wore on him mentally.

I saw beside him, our legs touching, and put my hand lightly on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

His hands dropped as his head snapped in my direction. "Why are you sorry?"

"You're only putting yourself through this ordeal because of me. You didn't want to come here."

"No, I didn't," he agreed. "But no one would expect me to ask her for help, and it's very near the castle if I need to get to you quickly, so it was the best place I could think of."

I was about to reply when he put a finger to his lips before he stood and walked over to the door. Before the servant could announce herself, Link opened the door, thanked her and brought in a tray with the food that had been sent up for us.

"The walls are thin," he cautioned. "It would be best to speak softly so we don't disturb others." His raised eyebrows sent the message that I should be careful about what I said. He sat the tray on the table and invited me to eat before he returned to the spot beside me on the bed.

I didn't move, hunger was the least of my worries. "Is there another way?"

Link didn't respond, only stretching out his back before laying down on the bed. With a motion of his hand, he invited me to join him. I did, and he put his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace.

"I apologize," he said in a low voice. "Is this okay? Just so we can talk freely before I go."

I nodded. "I didn't think you were going to ravage me in your sister's bed." While I had intended to make a joke, I realized the second it left my mouth how I might be adding to his pain by mentioning a sister who lived a life that had been stolen from him.

But instead of showing I had upset him, he chuckled and shook his head. Gently, he lifted a lock of hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear. "I wish there was another option. It feels wrong to leave you."

His seriousness was unnerving me, and I couldn't help but crack another joke. "You will be so bored there without someone to keep you on your toes."

As he gently traced my jawline, he gave me a tender look as he agreed with a soft, "Yeah."

The combination of his gentle touch and my worry about him going to the castle overtook me, and I threw caution to the wind. Placing my own hand on his jaw, I softly pressed my lips against his. At first, I was the one, but it wasn't long until he returned my desire. It wasn't just the mouth; I could feel his body pressed up against mine, although his hands stayed on my jawline until one began to stray down to my neck.

"Shit, I really am about to ravage you on my sister's bed," he said as he jumped up suddenly and began pacing the floor. "I have to go before you talk me into staying."

"I haven't said a word," I replied, sitting up and licking my lips.

He shook his head and fumbled about until he returned to me, placed his hands on my jaw again, and kissed me deeply. It was as though he needed it to keep living. He broke away, muttering, "I have to go. I have to go," to himself. He gave me a smirk. "I'm glad we didn't do this until now."

"Why's that?"

"Because there's no way I would have come here. We'd be crossing the Hybra Mountains, almost to the border."

"We still could run away," I suggested.

"Goddesses, you are going to be the death of me," he chuckled, and then a serious look came over his face. "If you do need to run from here for any reason, there is a cathedral on the other end of town. You'll be safe there for a short time, and if you have to leave from there, I can track you."

"The cathedral," I repeated. "I'll remember."

We stared at each other. His hand reached out and was inches from my face when there was a knock on the door, causing us both to jump.

"Sir, miss, was there anything else you required?

At the sight of Link's near-murderous gaze, I put my hand over my mouth to try to hide my nervous laughter.

"No," he snapped, but recovered with a more gentle, "no, but thank you. Please tell the lady of the house that I'll be down in a moment." With those words, we both looked at each other, knowing he could no longer delay.

"You should go," I told him, looking down.

"I…" he began, but he trailed off as my eyes met his. "I… will return to you as swiftly as I can."

"I don't doubt it."

I closed my eyes as he leaned down and left me a soft kiss on the forehead. By the time I opened them again, I was alone.

… … …

Being a guest in someone else's home was new to me. Sure, I had spent time with Link's father, and that was pleasant enough, but this was his mother, a woman with whom even he did not have a relationship. Not wanting to be put in a position of being asked questions I had no right to answer, I decided staying put was best. And while my strategy was sound, that didn't stop others from coming to me.

As I lay on the bed thinking of mine and Link's final moments together, I heard a creaking sound. The door. Someone was in the room! I turned and came face-to-face with the miniature Link and a blonde girl, Link's half-siblings.

"You shouldn't be in here," the girl told me.

"Yeah, you aren't Aryll. What did you do with her?"

I wasn't sure what was more jarring: having a mini-Link speak to me in this manner or being around such precocious children after spending time with a sweet child like Sidon. I supposed both could be true given the circumstances.

"I didn't do anything with her. Your mother said she was away. I'm sure she'll be home soon."

"Momma told us she is staying with a friend, but we don't know her friend," the boy said. "She left in the middle of the night without telling us goodbye. Daddy said he'd bring her home, but that was a couple of days ago."

Before I could even think of what to say, the girl jumped in. "Who was that guy you came here with? Momma says he's a distant relative of ours, but he looks just like Toren." She pointed to her brother, who scrunched up his nose.

"No he doesn't."

How was I supposed to navigate this? "He's my friend-"

"Boyfriend?" the girl asked.

"Friend," I corrected, giving her an annoyed glance.

"My friends said he's a legendary hero." This time it was the little not-Link clone. "That sword of his is so cool. Can you ask him to let me hold it?"

Before I could answer, the girl jumped in. "He's not the Hero. He can't be."

"And why's that?" I asked, slightly amused.

"The Hero is supposed to be dreamy. Big and strong. That guy is too scrawny to save me."

"You?"

"Daddy calls me a princess, and since we don't have a princess, the Hero will have to rescue me. But I don't want it to be that guy." She scrunched up her nose in further disgust as she thought about it.

I was about to tell her how he'd rescued me, or that I was fine with keeping him all to myself, but decided this was not a conversation I wanted to have with children, especially his siblings. Luckily, I didn't have to worry about it.

"Toren? Aliza?" a female voice called frantically, "Where are… Oh, children, you shouldn't be here. Please leave our guest alone."

"But Momma, she's in Aryll's room, and-"

"Yes, I invited her to stay with us. Now do as I say and go downstairs." She sounded exhausted, and with children like this, it was no wonder as to why.

In unison, they gave a "Yes, Mother," before retreating out of the room.

I expected her to leave after them, but she only followed them to the door before closing it softly and turning to face me. "I do apologize. I hope they weren't too burdensome to you."

They were incredibly annoying, but I figured that wasn't something one says to a hostess. "They are very inquisitive. It was hard to keep up. They were asking about Link-"

"I thought they might," she interrupted. "They know he is their brother, but not the full details."

My eyes narrowed. The girl had only said he was a distant relative, not their brother. So either the children were very good liars, or more likely, she was.

"I didn't tell them anything," I told her truthfully.

She closed her eyes and a look of relief washed over her. "Please keep it that way while you are a guest here."

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, hoping she would leave.

She did not. Instead, she sat down on the bed and took hold of a stuffed doll, smoothing out its yarn hair. "I suppose Link told you about his childhood." When I didn't respond, it must have been a confirmation, so she continued, "I will not pretend I regret my past choices or tell you I would have chosen differently."

Damn it, I couldn't help myself. "Then what is it you are after with him? Why try to rekindle a relationship?"

"I'm not sure. Once it was announced that he was the Hero, it was apparent I needed to make some sort of effort with him or else people would talk."

"Is that why you were so quick to allow me to stay here? To make an effort with him? To put on a show?"

She gave me a fake smile. "In part, but surely you are aware as to why he did not want you entering the castle. Especially with your name."

"What do you mean?"

"So he didn't tell you? Your name, while not uncommon, is a bit of a wound for the royal family, you see. When my ex-husband was found carrying the dead queen and her newborn boy out of the desert, he swore to the goddesses that the baby had been born a girl and that the queen had named her Zelda before she passed. Needless to say, it has been something of a sore spot for the crowned prince, and we at the court have witnessed more of his retaliatory outbursts than I can count."

"Retaliation?"

She nodded. "Link is the one who often receives the brunt of it, but he's taken to longer spans of being away from court. If only his drunken fool of a father had just kept his mouth shut, maybe things would be better for the boy now."

Maybe it was her attacking Landon, or perhaps I was bothered by a description of Link being treated poorly, but something in me snapped. "At least his father didn't walk out on him."

Oh.

Fuck.

The words had left my mouth before I could stop myself. I knew better, I was smarter than this, but for some reason, I wanted to hurt this woman who had caused pain to the gentlest, most vulnerable men I had ever known.

Her lips pursed, but her facial features were telling me that I was about to be kicked out of the house, and while it may be well-deserved, it was also worth it. All I could do was wait for her to say it.

"You must be tired from traveling. I will make sure you are not disturbed for the remainder of your visit here so you can rest up."

I was so shocked that she chose to allow me to stay, that I only managed to mutter something in agreement before she bid me a good night and walked out of the room.

For the rest of the evening, I sat on the window seat with my legs folded up against my chest, staring up at the castle at the top of the hill wishing I could be there, or better still, that the boy inside was here with me.

… … …

"I am your destiny. Soon, you will be mine."

… … …

Darkness was all around me as I was startled awake from the haunting dream that continued to terrorize me. Disoriented as I was by the unfamiliar surroundings, I knew someone else was in the room.

"Link?" I whispered, but something was off. It wasn't him, by now he would have answered or slid into the bed beside me. Before I could bolt for the door, my wrist was gripped tightly and as I tried to fight back, my second arm was grabbed and held clenched with the other. Something heavy pressed against my midsection, the weight of someone sitting on me, and a hand covered my mouth.

"She's secure. You can enter," a man's voice called from above me. It was so familiar. I knew that voice. Why did I know that voice?

The door creaked open, and I heard several footsteps on the wooden floor. Though one held a candle, it provided no light for me to clearly discern anyone in the room.

"This isn't poison, right?" Link's mother asked. Why was she here?

"You swore to do anything to get your daughter and husband back alive. Don't question us now."

"But-"

"I assure you, we have no reason to kill her here, not when we're so close to achieving our goal."

As I heard her mutter an agreement, I started to struggle and called out for help, for Link. Whatever was about to happen, whether or not I was about to be poisoned, I did not want to be in this position.

"Hold her!" the man's voice growled, and I felt hands gripping my legs and forcing my head down to the bed. I shut my mouth tightly, one last effort to protect myself. "Now, ZeeZee, you can either drink this willingly, or we'll force it into you by other means."

I froze at the nickname. Only one person, Gee, had ever called me that, but they told me he was dead. That he'd been killed by the Hero.

In my shocked state, the hand that was over my mouth easily forced open my bottom jaw, but before I could close it again, a glass vial was slipped between my lips, liquid running flowing into my mouth. I wanted to spit it in all of their faces, but the same strong hand that held my jaw open, forced it shut. Even though I tried to delay it, the liquid still went down my throat.

"Good girl," he said, his hand still firmly over my mouth, muffling out my cries. "The rest of you can go. We'll meet you at the rendezvous point."

"What about my family?" I could hear Link's mother plead.

"Patience. We don't need you gaining a sudden conscience before we've put our plan in motion. Wouldn't want that son of yours tipped off to our plan."

"You promised me. You promised. Give them back to me!"

"Get her out of here," he said, and I heard footsteps retreating as the woman was led away crying out her daughter's name.

"Alone at last." Gee's hand loosened its grasp on my mouth slightly while his other let go of my wrists, gently touching my arm as he followed it to my shoulder and then neck. "It's been a long time, ZeeZee."

The liquid, whatever it was, perhaps what I had long been told was my medicine, was already starting to take effect. I had no power to fight back now. My arms, eyelids, legs, everything, was suddenly very heavy. However, I could still talk.

"They told me you were dead." I left out that it was supposedly Link who'd killed him.

"Not dead. Reassigned." His mouth dipped closed to my jawline, kissing me in a way that I had craved two years ago. Now, it made me want to vomit.

"Why?"

"You are going to find out soon enough," he said and then his lips found their way to mine. I had no strength to fight him off, but as his tongue prodded its way inside my mouth, I felt a surge of anger rise through me and bit down as hard as I could. He yelled and pulled away, but instead of retaliating, he laughed and leaned down close to my ear. "Oh ZeeZee, the Dark Lord is going to have fun taming you."

I wanted to ask what he meant. I wanted to call out for Link, or at least to run to the cathedral as he'd warned so he could find me. I wanted many things, but my eyelids were growing heavy.

"That's my girl. Sleep now. Thanks to you, we're about to make the dreams of the Yiga a reality."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you for being patient with me. I began writing this story a while ago, but work, grad school, and dumb life stuff have been very overwhelming since August. Normally when I get stressed out, writing is my escape, but with so much time spent on the computer lately, my escape has been ruined.

However, I've still been wandering through the recesses of my imagination as I attempt to quiet my mind and go to sleep, and this story is the one that keeps working its way into my heart.