Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda series or the characters.

Hello, everybody! Sorry it's taken so long to update! :( Life has been very busy...but now I'm glad you tell you all that chapter 27 is finished! Done! Yes, that's right! Thanks for all of your support! I love all the reviews, views, and favorites! It makes me happy that people are enjoying my stories! :DDD Now you can see what happens next in the story! ^^ Enjoy! More to come soon! :)

Chapter 27: A Plan to Kill

Sally's POV

Vlad took me to an underground lair near Castle Town. The lair was made of stone, and almost looked like a very dark and gloomy version of the main floor of a castle. This dark castle in its entirety had taken on the look of a dungeon. There was nothing elegant about this so-called "castle." It was, however, full of creepy chambers and jail cells. In the "main hall" there was a single large jail cell in one of the walls. This was where Vlad decided to lock me up, and here I was, clutching to the bars and trying hopelessly to get out, shackled to the floor like a caged animal; innocent but misunderstood...

I gathered the courage to speak to Vlad, who was sitting in a wooden chair nearby and reading a book. "What is this plan that uses me as bait my stepmother and stepsister spoke of?!"

"Our plan..." He grinned wickedly. "Is to kill Link!"

I was livid at this point! "No! You can't do that! I won't let you!"

"Oh?" He smiled. "And how are you going to stop me, sweetheart?!"

"When Link comes here he will stop you, and I will do anything I can to help him!" I stared angrily at him.

He scoffed. "You really think he'll be able to stop me?! HA! After what I've done to him, he'd be lucky if he even makes it to where we are!"

"What did you do to him?!" I shouted.

"Beat him to a bloody pulp!" He laughed again. "Heh, no matter; it'll just make it easier to kill him later!"

"You're luring him here...aren't you?" I glared at him.

"Duh! Why else would we use you as bait? You women sure are dense!"

"You're one to talk! You don't know how strong he is!"

"No matter how strong he is, he is still mortal."

"Well, so are you!" I clenched my fists. "I look forward to when he beats your sorry ass!"

"'I look forward to when he beats your sorry ass!'" He mocked. "Oooo! You're fiesty! I like my ladies fiesty!"

"What?!" I spat.

He opened the cell door and stepped inside. "Hmmm..." He pondered. "...How's about you forget about Link?" He stepped closer to me, making me feel uncomfortable.

"I can't forget about him!" I argued. "He's everything to me!"

"But, my dear! You deserve so much more!" He opened his arms in a welcoming manner. "Be mine, sweetheart!" He lowered his voice. "You won't regret it!" He started to caress my cheek and I spat on his face. He shrieked and rubbed his face. "YOU PIG!"

"And proud of it!" I yelled. "I will NEVER associate myself with the likes of you! I'd rather die!"

"THAT CAN BE ARRANGED!" He grabbed my arm and clenched it so tight that the pain was almost crippling! I winced as he cackled. "That's not the worst of it!" He took out a dagger. "I'll spare your life for now, so why don't we 'brand' this pretty arm of yours in the meantime?!" He took the dagger and drove it into my arm, making a deep, v-shaped cut. He let go of my arm and I dropped on my knees, holding my arm in the spot it was cut. God, it felt like it was on fire! How does Link put up with this sort of pain all the time?! He laughed again. "There, now you belong to me, slave! You are to do whatever I please, no matter how unpleasant!" He laughed maniacally as he left and shut the cell door, locking it tight. "Too bad I'm the only one with the key!" He swung it on its string tauntingly as he walked down the main hall.

As I sat on my knees in my cell, I brought my hands to my face and cried. "Why?!" I asked myself. "All my life has ever been these past few years is a farce! It's like the Goddesses picked me as the one to pour their sorrows on!" I stared to sob, my shoulders shaking from the natural force. "No matter how hard I've tried, it's never been good enough!" With watery eyes I picked up my head and looked up at the ceiling, thinking of Link. "But he, he's given me the courage to keep trying, even when the going gets tough!" I smiled momentarily, but after reflecting on myself it disapppeared. "I owe him so much, but all I've been able to give him is burden!" I looked down at the ground. "What worth is that, Sally?" I closed my eyes and frowned deeper out of despair. "I never deserved the love and kindness he's given me, and yet out of the good in his heart he's seen beyond everything that's wrong with me...and that alone is a debt I could never repay..." I jerked my head up in fear. "And now, because of me, Link could possibly...no! C-could he? Is it really possible for a hero to die?" My heart sank, my eyes welling up with tears. "It's useless! I'm so worthless!" I brought my hands up to my face again and sobbed. "Just to think...I met him when I tried to save his life, only to be the reason why he dies later! This world really is full of cruel fates and evil hearts!" I continued to sob until I felt like I couldn't cry anymore...I had drained myself of my tears in that prison cell. Finished with my vent of self-hatred, I looked up and out of my cell, realizing that cold stone walls would be my only companion now. "...Link..." I prayed. "...Please don't come for me...I have failed you. I don't deserve you or any sacrifice you'd be willing to make for me. Just let me stay here and rot...please...don't come for me..." I hung my head in shame.

All of a sudden like a flash of light, a memory came to me. I was working on rehearsals for Les Miserables when Mr. Cathbird suggested that I spend some time getting to know young Cosette, who was played by a little girl who lived in Castle Town. Her name was Hayley. We were walking the streets and talking, the road congested with people. I spotted an old woman trying to worm her way through the crowd just as we were when a man pushed his way past her and made her drop to the ground, and the fruits and vegetables she was carrying dropped into the street. Without a second thought Hayley and I went to her aid.

"Thank you so much, both of you." She said as we helped her grab the fruits and veggies and placed them in her basket.

"No thank-yous necessary. That man should have watched where he was going." I replied with a smile. "I'm just glad we were here to help you."

She smiled and handed us each an apple, looking at me. "You've got a heart of gold, dear. It warms this old heart to see people that still care."

I grinned. "Have a great day."

"You too, dear." She patted Hayley's head and we went our separate ways. I placed our apples in my bag to have later.

We walked for a minute and then Hayley spoke, her voice very timid and soft. "Miss Sally?"

"Yes, Hayley?" I looked at her.

"...Are you a Princess like Princess Zelda?" She looked up at me with hope in her eyes.

"Oh, gosh no...I'm not a Princess." I blushed.

"Yes, you are!" She beamed.

"Why do you say that?" I questioned.

We stopped walking and faced each other. "My momma always told me that a Princess is not made by a pretty face. She says that a Princess is a girl who is always willing to help others in need, whether they gain anything from it or not. A Princess will fight for what is right, even if she is the only one fighting." I smiled and she smiled back, taking a breath and thinking. "But most importantly...a Princess will pray for peace and prosperity for all..." She looked down at the ground and then looked back at me. "That's why I say you're a Princess! Don't be so modest!"

"Then that makes you a Princess as well, Hayley!" I exclaimed.

"It does?" She gasped.

I giggled. "Yes! It does!" We walked again. "Your mother taught you well." I said softly.

"She's a good momma." She smiled again.

Why was I suddenly remembering this?! My eyes widened and I began to cry again. "That little girl is wise beyond her years. She taught me something that day...she taught me that what I've been trying to do has been making an impact, and that what I'm doing is right! Why did I let myself forget! I was so busy loathing myself that I nearly lost sight of what was important. Love and kindness...

I managed to stand again and walked up to the bars, clenching them tightly; the shackles on my feet allowing me to go this far but no further. "I can't allow myself to sink so low! I need to prove that I still believe in love and kindness, and I'll do that by helping Link put an end to my stepmother's plots! I will stop at nothing to do this!"

Link's POV

I was still weak, but I managed to get up and I started to limp to Eldinaire Village. I was stopped by the postman, who gave me a ransom note. I had expected this, but what I didn't expect was for Sally's stepmother to proudly sign "Sally's stepmother" at the end of the dastardly letter. The rest of the note read, "Sally is with me. If you wish to see her again and for peace to continue in Hyrule, come find me and Vlad. If you choose not to, know that you'll be the cause of her death." The note also revealed exactly where this underground lair was, so they obviously wanted me to find it so they could lure me in. I knew I had no choice; I don't want Sally harmed, and I can't let evil win! One thing that was to my advantage was that I had physical evidence of this woman's evil intentions, written in her handwriting even...and I knew she wouldn't be dumb enough to stay at the farmhouse to be found so easily. But I had one problem...before I can combat this snake, I need to speak with Curtis and show him the truth. I had almost reached the front door to the farmhouse, thinking that maybe Curtis was inside, when...

"Link." He spoke sternly. "What are you doing here? I told you that you could never see my daughter again. What are you thinking?!"

I hummed out of conceit. "That's all you can think of right now?" I looked at him. "Look at me. Do I look like I was trying to see her? No, I was trying to find you."

He noticed my injuries. "What happened?"

"What hasn't happened?" I frowned. "You have been decieved." His brows knitted together and he tried to speak, but I spoke first. "That woman you married is not the woman you thought she was. She has mistreated your daughter and has been plotting to harm others, but you've been too blind to see that...blinded by a love tainted with dishonesty."

"What makes you say this?!" He said angrily.

"Don't believe me?" I took out the letter. "Look at this message. I'm sure you'll recognize the handwriting."

I handed it to him and he read it, his eyes widening. "This is indeed her handwriting." He put his hand to his forehead in shock.

"Your daughter is in grave danger, and all you can think is 'how dare I disobey your orders'?"

"I..." He stuttered.

I took a deep breath. "I will admit one thing, we have been seeing each other secretly...but rest assured, your daughter means the world to me, and I will do anything it takes to protect her. I promise you that!"

He sighed and smiled at me bittersweetly. "I'm so sorry, Link. I have been so wrong. Please forgive me." I nodded. "You can't do what you need to without being in better health. I have a healing potion with a high magic content. Please take it, and I will come with you to assist in any way possible." He and I went inside the farmhouse long enough to get the potion and to get some gear and then we left. I mounted my horse and Curtis mounted his. "Hang on, Sally! We're coming!" I whipped the reigns and we dashed out of the village.

I drank the potion and it made me feel much better. I'm still not at optimum health, but I feel much better than before. We rode to where the underground lair was, only to be greeted by the strange beast that harmed me as a wolf and that killed Marcus. We dismounted, as it was standing in front of the cave with a sword. It towered over both Curtis and me but we both readied our swords and shields, prepared for battle. Curtis got in front of me. "Let me deal with him. You need to save your strength for the battle ahead.

"But..." I began.

"Go." He commanded.

"Okay." I conceded. "Be careful."

"Will do. And you as well." He said.

I walked into the cave and lit up my lantern. The cave didn't go too deep before there was a dead end, a hole in the ground being the only option, so I jumped down and headed deeper into a tunnel. Eventually there was a faint light in the distance, and when I came up to it I realized that it was the lair. I went through a hallway of cold, dark stone until I came up to the main hall, which was really a very big room. Across the way I saw a jail cell that was holding Sally, who wasn't looking my way. She was on her knees staring at the wall. I ran her way and she stood and turned around upon hearing footsteps. She walked to the bars and clutched them tightly as I came up to her. "I'm glad you're okay." I heaved a sigh of relief.

"I'm just glad you're here." Tears came to her eyes and I held her hand, then noticing the V-shaped wound on her arm.

My eyes widened. "Did Vlad do this to you?" She nodded. "I'll make sure he rots in hell." I was furious now, I won't allow him to harm her again!

"I know you can stop him!" She smiled. "Fortunately it doesn't hurt as bad now, so please don't worry about me." She said, clenching my hand tightly.

"I'm going to worry about you..." I said. "Because you're worrying about me right now." I chuckled. "You can't fool me."

She smiled again. "Guilty as charged." Her expression was more serious. "Really, though...don't do anything too rash, I don't want you to get seriously injured...besides, you already look hurt..."

"Now it's my turn to say not to worry about me." I reached in as far as I could and patted her arm gently.

"How sweet!" A voice echoed in the room. I turned around to see Sally's stepmother, dressed in a red gown and grinning from ear-to-ear. "So nice of you to join us, Link!"

"Cut the bull!" I shouted. "Let's be real!"

"Wow, what a colorful vocabulary you have, Hero!" She sneered. "Your mother ought to be proud, wherever she resides in the bowels of hell!"

"You have no room to talk, bitch!" I yelled.

"Hope you don't say that around children! Very very naughty!" She wiggled her finger and laughed.

"Why are you doing this, mother?!" Sally hollered.

"I want him dead." She glared at me. "I want to avenge my late husband."

"I figured as much." I muttered.

"This is just perfect!" She clapped her hands, turning her attention to Sally. "Thanks for making the job of getting him here easier, sweetheart. I'm sure it'll warm your heart to know you helped mommy in fulfilling her goal!"

"You haven't killed him yet! I won't let you hurt him!" Sally cried.

"Hmmmm!" She hummed in thought. "I know he'll do anything to protect you, even if he suffers!"

"Leave him out of this!" Sally banged on the bars of the cell. "You're no match for him, anyway!"

"You wanna bet?" Sally's stepmother stepped closer to Sally.

I drew out my sword. "Sally! Don't irritate her! I don't want you to get hurt!"

"Link." She smiled at me. "It's about time I spoke my mind..." She looked at her stepmother with anger. "Mother...all my life...you've treated me like shit! I don't give a damn about you! I never have! Now that I know what you've been plotting, I have all the more reason to hate you! I don't care what you may try to do to me, but if you hurt him, there will be hell to pay! I will make sure of that!"

"Strong words...but you didn't let me finish, dear!" She smirked. "Fortunately Ganon didn't leave this world without giving me some of his dark abilities!" She held up her hand and sparks started to come out of it, forming into a large black electric ball. "TAKE THIS, BRAT!"

My eyes widened and I ran her direction, hoping to divert the magically-charged ball in a different direction. Sally gasped and her stepmother threw the ball in Sally's direction and it hit her before I could stop it. Sally winced in pain and fell to the ground, laying motionless. "SALLY!" I yelled with rage, looking at the wench that made the attack. "YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THAT!" I ran at her with my sword.

Before I could reach her Vlad appeared as if out of nowhere. "We meet again, Hero!" He laughed insanely, one of his eyes twitching. Not again! This isn't good!

More coming soon! Stay tuned! ^^