A/N Thank you to James Birdsong for reading and reviewing. Also thank you to those who have added to favorites.
I would also like to apologize in advance for hurting Zelda. I promise I really do love our princess.
Chapter warning: Some violence.
Chapter Four.
Link contemplated his victim.
The princess was lying motionless on the cold, hard floor. Her blue nightgown shone in the near darkness and her golden hair splayed out around her. There was a persistent chill and in what minuscule amount of light there was he caught sight of her shivering, goosebumps marring her pale flesh.
He wasn't quite sure what to feel. Was it mirth? No. Sorrow? Maybe just a little. Satisfaction? Most definitely. However he also felt a sense of shame, yet he couldn't explain why. It was rather disconcerting. He had never felt like this before—so conflicted.
Link gathered his resolve. He needed to banish these feelings of apathy. He had a reputation to maintain and an oath to uphold. He couldn't afford to grow a conscience or show even a smidgen of grace or mercy because then what would be his purpose? Who would bother to hire him? He had to remain disconnected, dissociated and detached. He also had to give himself a stern reminder that developing any sort of feelings for the princess; however brief would be as miraculous as her unlocking her latent power.
He was interrupted from his reverie by a rough, cold voice which instantly froze him. It was Sooga, Master Kogha's favored henchman of late. "I see you have returned, little assassin and would you look at that, you've even brought us our most coveted prize."
"Coveted prize indeed," Master Kogha reiterated as he came to stand behind Link. He placed a firm hand on the young Hylian's shoulder, squeezing it almost affectionately as he congratulated him. "Excellent work! You've done well. I'm proud of you."
He would keep up the mantra of remaining disconnected, dissociated and detached. His lips quirked upwards, feeling deep satisfaction. "Thank you, Master."
The Blademaster continued to gaze down at the slumbering princess, studying her closely. "It appears the rumors of her beauty do not do her justice," he commented.
"SOOGA! You're not here to admire the princess," Kogha scolded.
"Sorry, Master." Without taking his eyes off of her he then gestured to the Yiga leader. "Perhaps you would prefer it if I wake her then?"
At first Link chuckled. He knew all about Sooga's methods of waking someone and it involved using a heavy boot. He should know seeing as he had the bruised ribs to prove it. But then a ripple of guilt swam through his veins. Luckily, Kogha had other plans for rousing the princess which didn't involve using physical violence.
The Yiga crouched down and began coaxing her awake with the use of some sort of medicinal herb. "Alright, princess, time to wake up. Come on now, rise and shine." When he didn't receive a response he began to grow impatient. "WAKE UP YOU ABHORRENT LITTLE WENCH!"
Zelda's eyes snapped open and she jolted awake in a somewhat confused state. "Where am I?" she hissed through panicked gasps of air. Her gaze then slowly flicked from one masked figure to the other before momentarily settling on Link.
"Ah, Princess Zelda, we meet at last," Kogha announced, causing her gaze to quickly shift back towards the Yiga leader.
Uncurling herself from the position from where she had been lain, she attempted to push herself upright but found her wrists were restrained by thick rope. "What is the meaning of this? Untie me at once!" Her tone was commanding, smooth and unwavering.
Kogha began stalking around her, causing her to noticeably tremble. "I'm afraid no can do, princess."
"Whatever do you mean?!" Zelda demanded to know, her eyebrows knitted together in confused irritation.
Ignoring her question, he instead began leering at her with mild curiosity. "What a fetching specimen you are. Your reputation certainly precedes you."
Link rolled his eyes. Now who was the one guilty of admiring the princess?
Zelda paid little attention to Kogha's twisted compliments, instead she stared at him with monstrous intensity whilst she continuously tugged at her bindings.
Finally he came to a standstill. "Allow me to introduce to introduce myself. I'm Master Kogha, leader of the Yiga Clan. I trust you've heard of our organization?"
"Of course I have. You are Sheikah traitors working in the shadows to help revive Calamity Ganon!"
Kogha couldn't help but smile at the sheer indignation on the Princess's face. "Well done! I was almost sure daddy dearest had removed any knowledge of us from the royal history books. Erased, like some dirty secret."
She genuinely looked dumbfounded. "W-Why would he do that?"
He glared at her with gruff disdain. "I'll spare you the long history lesson, Your holiness. Just know this. Our hatred towards the Royal Family of Hyrule has festered for thousands of years. Therefore at the first sign of Calamity Ganon's resurrection, we pledged our allegiance, worshiped him, prepared to aid him in his revival. It is our sworn duty to make sure nothing stands in his way. So if that means eliminating the pesky princess destined to unlock a power that will seal him away...so be it."
"And then what?" Zelda questioned. "Do you think Ganon will show gratitude? Reward you for your efforts? Do you believe that just because you are his most devout and faithful followers, he'll spare you? That scourge is a mindless beast, capable of only death and destruction. Your loyalty is rather misplaced."
"You dare to question me on loyalty?" Kogha screeched before violently backhanding her. "When your kind blindly follow and devote themselves to that accursed goddess who is willing to abandon her people, even forsaking those who share her divinity."
Zelda clutched her throbbing cheek, stunned at the searing pain. She almost had to drag in a breath to keep herself from crying out. She had never experienced such physical pain before. Although her father could be cruel with words at times, he had never once laid a finger on her in that way.
"I would kill you now," Kogha threatened. "But alas, Lord Ganon has spoken and would prefer us to wait until tomorrow's eve. In the meantime," he said, eyes flicking towards the cage, "you will remain our prisoner. I do hope you enjoy the accommodations."
She shook her head in despair and confusion. "You want to keep me locked up in a cage?"
Kogha laughed brightly. "It could be worse, princess, believe me." He directed his gaze at Sooga. "If you'd like to do the honors."
"With pleasure, Master," Sooga replied gleefully as he stalked towards the princess. "Come now, Your Highness."
Zelda wasn't about to make it easy for him and she wasn't going to come quietly either. The moment he made a grab for her she swung her fists and they collided with his chest which momentarily caught him off guard. She then began to lash out with her legs and kicked furiously at his muscular body with her feet. "Don't you dare touch me!"
"What a feisty royal brat you are. However you're no match for me," Sooga barked. Leaning over he grabbed a fistful of hair and forcefully dragged her to her feet. Zelda cried out in pain but he ignored her. She was an enemy of the Yiga and Calamity Ganon therefore he had no desire to be gentle with her.
The cage door was yanked open and she was pushed to the floor. The Blademaster then placed a boot on her back and pinned her down, unrelenting. She bit her lip to stop herself from crying out. He continued to grind his boot into her back, crushing her into the ground, driving the air from her lungs. Desperate to catch her breath she sucked in dirt causing her to cough violently.
If Link possessed any chivalric tendencies then he would have prevented her from suffering any physical harm or distress, instead though he just glared at her in amusement. He didn't hate the princess, however she was making him feel all sorts of things he wouldn't normally feel. Emotions that once buried so deep within him were slowly resurfacing. So he had come to the conclusion that she deserved this and more.
Finally, Sooga removed his boot. "I apologize if this is not up to your usual standards, Your Highness," he mocked. "Get used to sleeping on the floor too, not everyone has the luxury of a comfortable mattress. I'm sure you'll survive for now. By tomorrows end you'll be dead, so enjoy your last moments." He slammed the door shut leaving her in near darkness.
Zelda crawled to the far side and pulled herself up so that her back was resting against the side of the cage. She gingerly touched her wrists which were bruised and bloody. The coarse rope had chafed against her delicate skin rubbing it raw. She tucked her knees up towards her chest and although she knew it was a sign of weakness she broke into a fit of sobs.
Link stayed hidden in the shadows, watching her intensely like some perverse fascination. His fists clenched harder; they were almost shaking. A familiar feeling surged within him—warmth, fondness, affection. Whatever it was it was slowly consuming him and he was glad of the interruption.
"Little assassin," Sooga announced, "join us. We have a sacrifice to prepare for."
The familiar chamber was full of red-cladded Yiga Footsoldiers and Blademasters. They were on their knees, heads bowed whilst chanting loudly in harmony with one another.
When Sooga brought the princess before him, he gazed longingly at her. He hadn't been prepared for such beauty, such purity. He ignored the loud chimes of the audience, instead focusing solely on the young woman who shared the blood of the goddess. He leaned in closer, enough for her to look uncomfortable. She didn't flinch as the assassin drew closer, inhaling deeply. "You are rather delectable and you smell good too, but with the Calamity almost upon us, I simply cannot allow you to live."
"If you are going to kill me then at least let me see your face. Otherwise you're just a coward!" the princess spat, angrily.
Pulling back, Link grinned as he lowered his hood. He then watched as her eyes widened in what he could only imagine was shock and disbelief. Her hands tensed uncontrollably as a single tear slipped from her eye and without hesitation he wiped it away.
He signaled to Sooga, who took hold of the princess and proceeded to lay her down upon the stone altar.
"There is no greater honor then to be a willing sacrifice for our Lord Ganon," the Blademaster informed her.
The princess didn't struggle or protest. There was nothing she could do. She had already failed to unlock her powers. She had doomed everyone.
"Kill her! Spill her blood!" The Yiga continuously chorused.
To appease them, Link stepped back, and then raised the dagger. He grinned darkly and in one swift motion he plunged the blade downward into her chest. Immediately her body convulsed and her eyes widened slightly. A strangled gurgle bubbled up in her throat before blood trickled out of the corner of her mouth. Mere moments later with one hand clenched on her chest the other lying limply by her side she let out one last shudder of breath before her body stilled and he knew then it was over.
He clutched the dagger dripping with blood. His smile was broad and his demeanor betrayed no emotion. As he wiped the blade clean he even let out a manic giggle which then turned into a full howl of shear amusement.
The princess is dead. Calamity Ganon rise."
The crowd erupted into a loud roar. "All hail Lord Ganon! All hail Lord Ganon!" they chanted over and over.
As he stood over her lifeless body, triumphant, he felt...
Empty
Deep, soul-crushing emptiness.
He thought he would feel satisfied...fulfilled, but there was nothing.
Suddenly an intense and blinding pain hit him like a steam train, a high pitched shrill rang in his ears. His hands began to shake violently and the dagger clattered to the ground. Torment raged through him and when he finally gazed downwards he gasped in horror.
Hair no longer golden, Half lidded eyes dull...lifeless, skin pale and ashen, white gown...stained with blood.
His cries became frantic. "NO!" With trembling hands he reached down and smoothed her hair before his bloodied fingers brushed against her cheek, her pale skin now ice cold. Tears stung his eyes as he cupped her face and kissed her blood stained lips. He sank to his knees, head buried in his hands. "What have I done?"
Even as he woke from his dreamish state, or was it nightmarish state he couldn't quite decide, his ensuing scream echoed over and over again.
Link drew a ragged breath in an effort to quell his storm of emotions. His mind was spinning, he could hardly think, the ache in his chest was growing by the minute. There was no-one he could talk to about it—no-one. He decided he needed to get some fresh air.
Sitting under the vast canopy of stars, Link fought back the feelings of emptiness and despair which he had been experiencing ever since he woke from that dream. It wasn't just those feelings either. It was also a hollow sense of loneliness that threatened to swallow him. He knew he had to push all of it aside, to be strong in order to carry out what must be done, but he was finding it more difficult then he ever thought possible.
He began to shiver uncontrollably so rising to his feet he turned to head back inside. As he did so a brilliant white light glowed brightly in the distance, followed by a soft melodious voice which was all encompassing—entrancing.
"Chosen Hero..."
"NOT NOW!"
"Come to me..."
"I SAID NOT NOW!"
"Link..."
"WHAT?"
"Come to me..."
He tried so hard to restrain himself, but the urge to go to her was so powerful it was futile to resist. "Where are you?"
"The Temple of Time. Follow the light."
The Temple of Time? Master Kogha had told him earlier that a goddess statue resided there. Is that who was calling him, the goddess herself? He hoped so, because he needed to have a strong word with the person who kept meddling in his plans.
"Hurry Link I'll be waiting."
He followed the trail downwards, past a large body of water, up a series of steps; passing a few structures along the way until he reached the arched entrance to the sacred building. His entire body began to shake and he could hear his heart beating loudly.
As he cautiously stepped through the threshold he almost expected his body to explode or burst into flames at least, as a stark punishment for all his evil misdeeds and terrible crimes he had committed. He tried to turn back but the light was so tempting, so alluring. Instead he made his way down the central aisle towards the large goddess statue located at the far end. It was bigger then he expected and was surrounded by six smaller statues, all identical. The brightest white light surrounded them all, it was blinding.
"Chosen Hero... step forward, touch the light."
As if in a trance like state he stepped forward and with his right hand he reached into the light. In an instant he felt a sense of calm, peace and serenity. He closed his eyes and when he next opened them he was standing under a clear blue sky with a lush green forest on one side and sparkling waterfalls on the other. It looked nothing short of paradise.
"Chosen hero...I've been waiting for you to arrive...come closer..."
He felt as if had no control over his limbs as he inched forward. He gazed around and that is when he saw her. The faint silhouette of an ethereal being, she looked almost otherworldly. She had the bluest eyes he had ever seen, even rivaling his own. Her golden hair tumbled down her back and she wore a long while gown with billowing sleeves. Her alabaster skin glistened and her voice sounded like that of an angel. She glided towards him and he was immediately memorized.
Her hand outreached as if beckoning him towards her and he found himself moving uncontrollably as his hand slowly reached out towards hers. As they touched his skin immediately tingled and a familiar warmth enveloped him. He gazed at her intensely, she was smiling, and for the first time in forever he smiled—a genuine smile. He wanted the moment to last forever.
Yet he knew nothing lasted forever and he also knew something wasn't right. None of this felt right.
"Hero."
A breath hitched in his throat. It appeared it wasn't just his limbs that had failed him, his voice almost had too.
"Hylia," he finally choked out.
"I knew it was you, hero," Hylia exclaimed.
"What am I doing here?"
"I wanted to see you...really see you, my brave hero."
"I'm not your hero."
"Of course you are. I'd recognize my chosen champion anywhere. I've also been watching over you. Not only are you an expert swordsman, but you also possess ingenuity and great courage even in the face of adversity. You are strong-willed and have a good heart. I couldn't have asked for anyone more valiant to aid the princess in the fight against the Calamity."
No, this was all wrong. He clutched his head and shook it violently. "IF YOU REALLY HAVE BEEN WATCHING OVER ME THEN YOU KNOW IT IS MY DESTINY IS TO KILL THE PRINCESS."
The goddess gave him a confident smile. "You know that'll never come to pass. I have the gift of foresight. Look inside your heart. You might not realize it yet, but you and the princess share a bond that can never be broken, much like your spirit."
"LIES! NOW TELL ME, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?"
"Link, please listen. You both have an instrumental part to play, but much like the princess you are so full of bitterness, self-loathing and so much self-doubt. You are also allowing such negative emotions to rule you and these are preventing you from realizing your true potential."
"Your words are meaningless. I am in control of my destiny, not you! I won't let you use me, manipulate me into doing your bidding...again!"
"I've not manipulated you into doing anything. I have always allowed you free will. It is the love you hold for your fellow people - for Zelda that has always lead you to make the right choice.
"Love for the princess? Pfft don't make me chuckle," Link frostily retorted.
"You can't hide anything from me, Link. Those feelings are still there, yet they are buried in the deepest recesses of your mind. You just need to find them."
He looked up at her angry and flustered.
"Go to her, Link," Hylia entreated. "She needs you. Hyrule needs you. The princess may share my blood but she cannot defeat the Calamity alone. She also needs the one who possesses the soul of the hero—you, Link."
"Don't you understand. I've done terrible things. I've killed people. I even plan to kill your descendant. How can I possibly still have a soul?"
Hylia's heart sank. "You've just gone astray. You've made poor choices, but you haven't lost the ability to protect the people you care about, the ones you love. I can feel it."
"Wretched goddess! How dare you! I'm not a tool to be used whenever you please. You don't get to toy with my emotions whenever you get bored. I'm not going to allow it this time. Now let me out of here right now!"
"As you wish."
The connection faded and he was back in the Temple of Time. The light had diminished leaving the goddess statues in darkness.
As he made his way back to the cave a tangled knot of dread and panic sat heavily in his chest. The more he tried to convince himself of what needed to be done the more he became fearful. It was true he had already promised to kill the princess on Master Kogha's orders, but the goddesses words still played on his mind.
"You've just gone astray. You've made poor choices, but you haven't lost the ability to protect the people you care about, the ones you love."
"NO! I'M IN CHARGE OF MY OWN DESTINY. NOT YOU, HYLIA, NOT MASTER KOGHA, NOT THE PRINCESS, ME!"
When he re-entered the cave, he hadn't planned on being confronted by Master Kogha and an army of Yiga Footsoldiers and Blademasters.
"Um, what is going on here?" Link asked, before turning his heated glare on the soldiers staring at him.
"Silence!" The Yiga master bellowed, as he boldly approached the assassin. "It appears you've been a very naughty boy, Link."
"What do—"
"Yes, little assassin, a very naughty boy," Sooga rudely interjected.
Link looked up to see the Blademaster standing several feet behind Kogha with none other then the princess in his arms, a vicious sickle held menacingly at her throat.
"Come now, Link," Kogha ordered. "It appears you have a date with destiny and the princess here has a date with death."
A/N More to come...