A/N Hello Readers welcome to another chapter.
I do apologize for this one taking a little longer then usual but a little something called life got in the way.

Thank you for the continued support, it's very much appreciated.

This chapter will reference locations in BOTW. Please forgive any errors with the Geography. Also travel times between locations maybe also be changed for story purposes.

Chapter Warning: Violence, Threats of violence, minor character death, minor sexual innuendo.


Chapter Six.

Heavy footfalls that seemed to move with precision and purpose, and a deep, piercing voice dragged Zelda from her somewhat peaceful slumber.

"Get up, princess! Your tardiness will not be tolerated."

Zelda's parched lips moved soundlessly as her eyelids flickered open. Painfully bright sunlight streaming through the barrage of thick foliage forced her to close them again, fluttering her dark lashes to shelter them from the shooting headache it caused.

"I said GET UP!" This time the toe of his boot was used to nudge her, not harshly, but enough to force her eyes back open.

A weak, pathetic groan rose from her throat as she forced her bleary gaze upwards, finally settling on the imposing figure towering over her small frame. Immediately, her shoulders tensed, her heartbeat quickened and she let out a strangled gasp.

The Yiga Blademaster loomed over her. "Haven't you heard, Your Highness, that punctuality is politeness? You'd do well to remember that, especially when you are in Lord Ganondorf's godly presence."

The princess surveyed her surroundings. "Well I don't appear to be in Ganondorf's godly presence just yet."

He out a loud grunt, reaching down with his pair of massive gloved hands. Even as she recoiled in fear, he paid her no attention. He clamped one of his sturdy hands around her upper arm and roughly hauled her to her feet as if she was nothing more then a rag-doll.

"Ow! Let me go!" Zelda seethed, kicking, screaming and lashing out liked a panicked animal. She couldn't sense a shred of humanity beneath his mask. As a matter of fact, she wasn't sure there was a man behind it at all.

"I think not," he said dispassionately, grabbing her wrists harshly and causing her to flinch. "Hold still now, Your Highness."

Any attempt at resistance caused an overwhelming fervor of pain. Zelda let out an agonizing scream, not only due to the injuries she had already sustained, but because she could almost feel the bones cracking, snapping beneath his vicious, inhuman grip. He was so much stronger and he clearly had no idea how fragile she was right now. She wanted to cry, though she wouldn't dare give him the satisfaction of seeing it.

As if he could read her mind and was intent on tormenting her further, the Yiga tightened his grip—squeezing painfully. In fact, his grip was now so tight it felt as if he was purposefully trying to crush her bones with his bare hands.

The pain was intense and unyielding, her knees almost buckling beneath her. "Stop, please, you're hurting me!"

"Then stop this incessant struggling and come willingly." His voice was a deep hiss, slow and threatening into her ear. He let go of her wrists and instead wrapped an arm around her chest, pulling her into an almost loving embrace. She inwardly shuddered, her skin crawling from the contact. "I don't want to have to restrain you, but I will if you continue with this childish behavior."

Zelda continued to push away from him, straining with all her might, but her arms were immobilized in his hold. Her throat clenched and her hands balled into trembling fists so tightly at her sides that she could feel her nails biting into her flesh. She didn't care, she just needed to get away from him.

"Whatever is going on here?! Sooga, explain yourself?!"

Sooga immediately defended his actions. "What does it look like? I was waking the princess. However, she then seemingly decided to make things more difficult then they needed to be. We Yiga will not be trifled with."

Nabooru stepped towards Zelda, noticing her hair disheveled and plastered against her forehead, her cheeks rosy, but her eyes blazing. "Sooga. Release the princess this instant!"

Sooga let out a retort. "Why are you being such a meddling pest? You are supposed to be a proud Gerudo Warrior, dedicated to serving Lord Ganondorf, yet here you are consorting with the enemy. That itself is a disloyalty to our glorious master."

Her smile faltered. "Oh go back to worshiping your bananas you dumb oaf."

From beneath his mask, Sooga glared at Nabooru in wretched disbelief, before he finally released his grip on the princess. "Pfft! I'm not sure what Lord Ganondorf sees in her anyway. She's such an ugly, scrawny creature with no discernible or foreseeable talents."

"I'm sure Lord Ganondorf has his reasons," Nabooru pointed out.

The Blademaster made what Zelda could only describe as a grumbling of disapproval before turning on his heel and walking away.

"Sorry about that, princess. It's clear he doesn't know his own strength sometimes." The female warrior extended a hand and gently began examining Zelda's wrists, shocked at the extent of her injuries. "Are you alright?" she then asked, her tone of voice deep and caring.

Although her wrists ached and throbbed, Zelda gave away no sign of discomfort. She couldn't appear weak. Instead, she took in a deep breath before trying to straighten her composure. "I've been better. But yes I'm alright."

Nabooru raised a brow, unconvinced. "Now, princess, even I can tell that you're lying."

"I guess I'm just nervous."

"About what?" she asked emphatically.

"Oh I don't know. Perhaps it has something to do with that calculative, fiendish, sadistic tyrant and his delusions of grandeur. Ganondorf clearly has an ulterior motive for this sham marriage." Her expression subdued into seriousness. "There must be something more that he wants. Why else would he be desperate enough to go down this path? She implored with a frown.

"I somewhat agree that this whole marriage proposal was rather unexpected, however you need to watch your tongue, princess. Not only does Lord Ganondorf take too kindly to dissenters, but this act of Calumny and the smearing of his good name will likely get you executed before a wedding even has the chance to take place."

Tears pricked at her eyes and unexpectedly rolled down her face. "So I'm expected to just sit back and agree to marry Ganondorf, is that it? I think I'd rather buy a one way ticket to the depths of hell then be wed to that monster."

"If you want to protect your kingdom and your subjects...then it's probably best if you comply."

Zelda took a sharp inhale of breath. The Gerudo's words were too awful for her to fathom or accept. She wiped her tear-stained cheeks. "Just wonderful."

"Oh and princess. May I offer you a word of advice. Try to maintain cordial relations with Link. Even the slightest resistance will likely cause you unnecessary suffering. Honestly, it will benefit you in the long run."

The princess looked up at her deeply flustered, however she didn't have the energy to form a reply.

Nabooru walked over to the now blackened remnants of the campfire and picked up Zelda's clothing. "You should put these on. Then use the bushes if you need to. We'll be heading out soon."


A light breeze disrupted the stillness of the cool morning air. The sun was just starting to make its first appearance of the day, as it began casting a warm glow that gradually grew, blanketing the forest in a bright illumination.

Link loved sunrise; it was his favorite part of the day. It was so quiet, peaceful and he enjoyed how the forest came alive with the rising of the sun and the soothing sound of birdsong. Once he had finished preparing the horses, he reached into his saddlebag and retrieved a piece of parchment. Unfolding it, he glanced down at the shoddily hand drawn map.

"So, Master Link. What seems to be the plan?" Aveil asked curiously.

He placed a finger down on the parchment and began tracing the route. "From here we travel north east to the Manhala Bridge. From there we take the main road all the way south, to the Digdogg Suspension Bridge."

"Isn't that a little risky? What if there are people already out looking for the princess?"

Link glanced up. "Don't worry, I already have an idea. I'm not about to let anyone, or anything interrupt our mission."

Aveil placed a hand on her hip. "Oh really? Pray, do tell?"

Link lead her towards the area of the campsite where he had last left Zelda sleeping. Finding the spot now empty, he began searching around. "Princess, where are you?" Just as he was about to leave move on, the princess emerged from some undergrowth, startling him. "Oh there you are, sweet cheeks."

Still feeling somewhat profoundly self conscious, Zelda Instinctively crossed her arms over her chest.

"And...it looks like you're already fully dressed...that's good I suppose." Although he would shamelessly admit that he kind of preferred her wearing less clothing. Wait? What am I saying?

Choosing to keep up a sickly-sweet appearance, Zelda smiled as she handed Link the small, neatly wrapped bundle. "Thank you for lending me your cloak. I found it to be rather useful."

His face betrayed no emotion as he took the heavy cloak from her grasp. As he inhaled, the lingering scent assaulted his senses. It was intoxicating. "This smells rather fragrant," he breathlessly replied, but you need put it back on in order to conceal your identity. We can't risk anyone recognizing you—at least not right now."

"Well I don't want to wear it."

"What?!" In a swift motion, Link stalked toward her, a predatory gleam in his eyes. He stopped inches away, eyes leveled with hers. He grabbed her jaw, forcing her to look at his face. "What you want is irrelevant, princess. Just put it back on and stop your whining."

Zelda never could have foreseen herself ending up in such a situation, weak and defenseless at the hands of a fellow Hylian. It honestly felt like a horrifying betrayal. She jerked her chin from his grasp. She wouldn't let herself be cowed by this ego-maniac.

He studied her face, before running his fingers through his hair. "Why do you always have to be such a pain in the royal ass."

The anticipatory feeling from the previous night had now been replaced by plain unease. Tearfully, Zelda snatched the cloak and then backed away. His actions had once again unnerved her. "I'm going to feed Storm before we leave."

"I do hope you won't try to escape again. Otherwise, it'll be the last thing you ever do."

She huffed with disdain before stomping over to her stallion. "Hi there, boy," Zelda greeted with a smile, her hand filled with a bunch of swift carrots. "Have you missed me?"

Storm greedily took all three carrots, munching softly. The princess ran her hand through his mane, pausing to scratch his ears. The horses's eyes gleamed with excitement at the attention he was receiving.

As Link checked Epona's saddle one final time, he cast a side-long gaze at the princess as she prepared to mount her own horse. So many emotions ran through him, it was hard to know which ones were real and which ones were not. On one hand he thought of her as nothing but a rude, obnoxious and spoiled brat. However, whenever he was close to her, he felt a lingering of something else—a budding interest, even affection. He really couldn't explain it, therefore it bothered him greatly.

"Are you ready to lead the way, Link?" Aveil asked.

Link was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he failed to hear her.

"LINK!"

Snapping back to reality, Link questioned the Gerudo rather bluntly. "What did you say again?"

"I said are you ready to lead the way?"

He firmly nodded. "Yes of course." After effortlessly mounting Epona, he gave the command for them to follow. "Come on now everyone, let's be off."


For well over an hour, they followed the trail as it twisted through the dense undergrowth. After a while though the trees were finally beginning to thin out, allowing them a more clear open view. Finally emerging from the Dalite forest, they rode steadily along the path eventually leading to a steep incline. This prompted Link to warn his companions about the dangers of slipping and falling, especially where the path was covered partially in moss.

Soon they reached the Manhala Bridge where they carefully made their way across the small wooden structure. Once they reached the other side they stopped to allow the horses to rest and drink at the cool, crisp waters of the Regencia River.

Link noted they were making good time. If they continued to ride at a steady pace they would reach the Gerudo Gateway in just under two days time. With them being that much closer to their destination, he felt he could relax a little. He glanced around looking for the princess, spotting her sitting on a rock next to the riverbank.

A fresh wave of fear washed over Zelda as Link slipped next to her. Regardless of whether she wanted to cooperate or just run away, she stayed planted to the spot in panic, desperately holding back a frightened shriek.

"Shhh, shhh, Shhh," he hushed her. "Just relax, princess. I'm not going to do anything, I promise." His head was a hairbreadth closer to hers. Being in such close proximity, he could already see the apprehension on her face, feel the tension, the uneasiness, her body going rigid.

Although there was a hint of sincerity in Link's voice, it still sounded cold and unfeeling. She swallowed nervously. Her throat felt dry and scratchy, and although she tried to clear it, she still ended up sounding hoarse. Zelda hesitantly gave him a firm nod and tried to look calm, even though she knew she was failing miserably. "W-Well t-that's... comforting."

"Unless you want me to of course," he cooed. Link moved even closer to her, his hand almost brushing her cheek.

Zelda's jaw went slack and she immediately jumped to her feet. "You have to be joking!" she responded angrily. "You're nothing but a vile, filthy pig," she concluded before heading back over to Storm.

Okay maybe I deserved that. Link clambered to his feet, shaking his head. "Uh, women."

As the morning wore on, the day became warm which was quite rare for the time of year. The sky was bright with clear blue sky and just a few wispy clouds. The scenic landscape was beautiful and picturesque.

They hadn't met anyone along the trail as of yet and Link hoped to keep it that way. He stopped and turned to check behind him periodically, ensuring that no-one was following them.

As they continued traversing the path, it seemed their luck had run out when they spotted a lone merchant coming towards them. Link grunted in aggravation. This very encounter could cost them their very mission. He quickly turned to the princess. "Breathe a word and I'll slit his throat."

Watching the man approach, Link agreed he didn't look like a typical merchant. He had black hair, glasses and had quite the steely look about him, not to mention he was armed with a travelers sword and wooden shield.

The merchant's eyes darted from Link, to the mysterious hooded figure and lastly to the Gerudo and Yiga. He'd only ever heard stories of the all female race who hailed from the Gerudo Region and the Yiga who were rumored to be a group of notorious bandits. He continued to eye them up warily as he introduced himself. "Hi there, folks, the name's Botrick. I'm a watchman who patrols this area protecting it from monsters. Between you and me there have been quite a few sightings recently. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with what happened at the castle."

Link's body froze, his mind was racing. It was critical they keep up the facade and keep Zelda's presence hidden. "Why? What happened at the castle?"

"Well I was actually visiting Outskirt Stable when I heard the news."

"What news?" Link asked flatly.

"There was an attack on Hyrule Castle. I heard it was a bloodbath too. Several guards and even some citizens from nearby Castle Town were killed in the fray. But that's not even the worst part. Our own Princess Zelda has officially been declared missing."

Link furrowed his brow whilst feigning shock. "The princess is missing you say?" He thought it strange to think this man was completely unaware that the woman in question was sitting just a few yards away.

"Yes, and everyone seems to have descended into a frenzy because of it. Although if one is to believe the rumors then it's very likely that the princess could already be dead too."

Link heard a low gasp from Zelda and he shot her a stern glare, silently warning her to keep quiet and to maintain the deception.

"Is that so? But who would do such a terrible thing?" Aveil asked.

Botrick shrugged. "At this point they're not sure. Apparently a handful of the guards who miraculously survived were questioned, but well...their recollection has been a little fuzzy. But the princess. Whatever could have befallen her?"

Link's gaze bore into Zelda, his message clear—keep your mouth shut and don't give us away. She nodded silently, understanding the gravity of the situation. If she did something to give away her identity and endanger the merchant, she knew she would bear the blame.

"Well...would you folks like to buy anything? With increased monsters roaming the area you don't want to be ill-equipped. In addition to standard arrows, I have exclusive items in my inventory. Check this out. I have fire arrows too."

Seizing the opportunity to restock on supplies, Link eagerly agreed to buy some more arrows, including the fire arrows. "I'll take all three bundles of arrows and the two bundles of fire arrows."

"That will be two hundred and twenty rupees altogether then sir. Thank you for your patronage."

As Link handed over the pouch of rupees, Storm was suddenly spooked by something that neither him nor his companions could yet see. He reared up onto his hind legs throwing Zelda backwards.

"Whoa, boy," Zelda soothed, attempting to calm the frightened stallion. Again, he reared back and the princess found herself thrown off balance. As she frantically tried to stop herself from being thrown off altogether, the increased movement caused the hood of Link's cloak to slip down, unintentionally revealing her identity to the unsuspecting merchant.

Botrick's disbelief was palpable as he took in the sight of the alleged missing princess. It was a sight he never imagined he would witness and his mind struggled to process the situation. "Princess Zelda? But you're supposed to be missing. Everyone is looking for you. Whatever are you doing here with these people?"

The following moments were a blur of activity. As Zelda opened her mouth in order to explain herself, a sudden and gruesome occurrence interrupted her—an arrow whistled through the air, landing squarely in Botrick's chest. He was dead before hitting the ground.

Zelda screamed. "No, no, no!"

The shrill of a horn, the sound of hoofbeats and guttural battle-cries rang out as a clan of Bokoblin riders propelled their horses forward at breakneck speed.

Suddenly, Link felt something whizz past his ear causing him to jerk his head. He spun around to see the blood thirsty horde galloping towards them at full speed, arrows drawn. He counted at least eight of them on horseback, three blue, three black and two silver, but he knew there were more following behind on foot. Each brandishing a variety of weapons including either a bow, spiked club or a sword.

The Bokoblins on horseback started to fire at both Link and Zelda, whilst the ones on foot turned their attention to the Yiga and Gerudo respectively.

"Take the princess and get out of here, Master Link," Sooga commanded. "We'll take care of these foul beasts."

Link gave the Blademaster a curt nod, then turned to address Zelda. "You heard him, princess, hurry, follow me!"

At first, Zelda just sat there dumbly, not sure if she should obey his order and follow. However, as soon as she heard the grunts, shrieks and deafening battle cries, she kicked her heels into her horse and spurred her steed on. She had to increase her speed just to catch up with Link and Epona.

As they bounded down the dirt road, he whipped his head around in order to deliver another stark warning. "If you wish to survive this, then you will do exactly as I say."