The Legend of Zelda : Twisted Destiny

IX

 

                At the camp, Erk was now studying his book as he sat down into the branches of a fallen fir. Nami looked at him as she wrapped herself tightly into her cape. He was mysterious and quite interesting, she thought, as she observed his long and slender fingers turn the pages. Sometimes, his lips would articulate words, but he wouldn’t voice them, as he was probably trying to learn a new formula.

                And even if she stared at him, he wouldn’t flinch as his mind was too focused on the pages.

                Nami always carried a bag with her that people tend not to remark because, first, she usually was more into her fairy appearance than human and two, because people didn’t really notice her presence at all.

                So, assuring herself that the mage was not about to move, she searched her bag briefly before taking out of it a book and a pen. She opened the book and looked over at the previous pages; some quick scribbles of monsters and of the Hero as he was firing an arrow, practicing. An impressive drawing of Kakariko village in all of its details followed by Zelda’s sad portrait as she stared out the window, and finally, what she was looking for; a blank page.

                Installing the book on her knees, she looked up at the mage before starting to draw him.

                Link had sharp and severe features, but he looked rather smooth compared to Erk, as the mage was particularly skinny; he pretty much had the same shape as Sheik, but was much taller. Therefore, he looked skinnier.

                And as Nami drew him, she observed him more and more, questioning herself about that man before her. They had seen him transform into some special being at Snowpeaks, but he hadn’t offered any explanation about that.

                Perhaps he would deliver those explanations to her?

                Putting her pen down, she looked up at him and tried to form words out of her small mouth.

                But nothing came out and Nami merely blushed darkly.

                She sighed softly, and returned to her drawing.

                Sensibly at the same moment, Link reappeared into the campsite. Sheik, who was standing beside the fire, looked above his shoulder at the Hylian as he neared him. Perhaps he felt like interrogating the younger man, but Sheik was not about to really show his worries. Therefore, he waited for the taller man to talk first.

                Standing beside Sheik, Link shivered as he tried to warm up beside the fire. Right on the other side of the flame, Tatl was now asleep. The Hero let his eyes fall down on her a moment, as a calm feeling of some sort overwhelmed him; was it resignation?

                Link didn’t smile.

                Sheik finally decided to look at the Hylian beside him, but the darker haired man didn’t stare back; he seemed lost in thoughts… And frozen down. Sighing mentally, the Sheikah observed his younger brother. “Where were you?” He asked, and the blond surprised himself as he heard very clearly the concern into his voice. Link’s head fell down slightly.

• 
  “Away.” The Hylian’s voice was incredibly… empty. And it scared the Sheikah.


• 
  “Why?”


• 
  “Why do you mind?” No childish violence or rebellion in his voice, and it stunned Sheik to the highest level.


• 
  “Because.” Link did not chuckle.


• 
  “I needed to think. Alone. And I realised a few things. That’s all.” The Sheikah looked down at the campfire.


• 
  “Perhaps you should consider sleeping, now.” Proposed the blond. Link shrugged.


• 
  “I’m not sleepy.”

Not looking at Sheik, the Hero merely walked away from the campfire as he visibly was in very, very low spirits. The Sheikah stared at his back as he walked away, not feeling relieved at all.

***

                Reaching the Ice Cavern into Zora’s Domain proved to be a long and tiresome way with lots of nights spent under the stars. To make things worse, Link kept that low-profile attitude all along, which made the road quiet and boring.

                And Sheik was slightly surprised to learn that he wasn’t the only one who preferred hearing Link yelling then walking in eerie silence.

                Olwen was growing edgy.

                No one had really seen this into the butler, but Sheik and Tatl. The Sheikahs had grown quite close through the adventure, so it allowed the blond to read the silver-haired man quite easily, now.

                Olwen was the oldest member of the group and, by far, the wisest. Of course, Sheik wasn’t far behind in age and wisdom. The butler was also quite a playful man, which usually surprised people, but in fact, Olwen was always grinning –or most of the time he was- under his cowl. His low voice often wasn’t noticed, but he chuckled quite often to anyone’s comment –but Isca’s.

                And he liked Link’s doubtful sense of humour. A lot.

                However, the Hylian had grown quiet and taciturn recently as a very weird –in Sheik’s opinion- aura of acceptance and resignation surrounded the young Hero.

                Something had changed into Link and Sheik wasn’t sure he liked that.

                And visibly, Olwen didn’t appreciate it, as he was growing grumpy from lack of funny stimulation.

                Of course, the change in his attitude was slight and hard to notice. For anyone but Tatl and Sheik, that is.

                And perhaps Link would have realised it if he hadn’t been busy being grumpy himself.

                But everyone’s attitude changed drastically when they entered the Zora’s Domain… And found everything in it frozen down.

                Zoras weren’t necessarily the prettiest creatures of Hyrule, though they would beat the Gorons easily, but standing frozen on place with agonizing faces made the situation only worse and quite morbid.

                Link stared around the cave with wide and shocked eyes.

So, you needed a reason to fight?

                He blinked. Had he really just heard a voice talking to him in his mind? It sure sounded like him, but usually, he controlled the thoughts going into and out of his brains, and this last affirmation had only popped into his head without being summoned before.

                Perhaps he was growing crazy?

                Link shook his head lightly. He wasn’t going to let some weird voice mess his mind. Not right now. “Are they… dead?” He turned around. Tatl was standing by an agonizing frozen Zora guard. Erk was beside her, studying the morbid statue.  The mage examined the iced fish-man a moment.

• 
  “That, I cannot say.” Erk explained. “But what I can guarantee is that this ice is magical, and thus, can be melted only with magical ways.” He looked at Tatl. “Or we will cook those creatures into their frozen prisons.” Everyone but Erk and the Sheikahs made a slightly disgusted face.


• 
  “Can’t you use some spell?” Link asked, and as if he was a ghost, everyone stared at him a moment. Had it been that long that he hadn’t talked?


• 
  “Sadly, no.” replied the mage. “However, I believe that, if the incident in this Ice Cavern in which we are going is really connected to what is happening here, we should find what is needed to melt this ice.”


• 
  “Considering this land’s logic, it is likely to happen.” Concluded Olwen. His voice sounded lower than usual.


• 
  “Then, it is to the Ice Cavern that we should go…” Articulated Link. The group nodded and soon enough, they got on their way.

***

                As soon as they managed to enter the cavern, an eerie wind of utter coldness reached the small group, as farther ahead, some ice creature blew at them. Link tried to shoot at the thing, but arrows were rather meaningless in this hostile environment.

                But knowing that fire melts the ice, Erk got rid of that nasty thing with a twist of the wrist.

                And that got him the very nice role of “scout”.

                Therefore, he walked ahead of the group for the whole dungeon, ready to throw fireballs at anytime. And at anyone.

                Nami flew beside him in silence as she observed the mage, as he took care of most creatures with so much easiness it was absurd. The whole group, in fact, seemed mesmerized. “With you aboard, Erk, saving the world will be easier.” Said Link, which attracted a few stares at him. Erk stopped to consider the younger man.

• 
  “Perhaps killing monsters, yes. But I doubt that, at the end of all this evil, rests only an ice-bat waiting to be burnt down to ashes.”


• 
  “What do you mean?” Asked the Hylian, perplexed.


• 
  “It means that I do not point my magical aptitudes towards people.”


• 
  “Why?” Link was visibly perplexed. And surprised.


• 
  “Because it is against our values to arm people as we are, after all, scholars.” The mage turned to take care of an approaching foe. “We are no murderers.”


• 
  “And killing monsters isn’t murdering something?” Asked the supposed Hero as he crossed his arms over his chest. Erk observed him again.


• 
  “Only if you consider those creatures equal to a human being.” Both men stared at each other. Link finally nodded.


• 
  “I see, then.” The mage then turned around, and resumed his activities.

Going through most of the cave took less time than it was expected. Perhaps it was all thank to the mage, but nevertheless, the whole group was quite glad when they arrived at, what seemed to be, the end of the small dungeon.

And they stood in the middle of a rather large corridor where a large blue fire burnt lazily, and where, at the opposite side of the hall, was the very final frozen door.

Of course, Erk neared the fire, followed by Nami. And soon enough everyone neared the beautiful cold flames. Everyone but Link.

The Hylian stood at the entrance of the corridor, staring at the door with intensity. This would be the first step towards becoming “a man”, he knew it. Sheik looked above his shoulder at him, still worried. “As we thought…” Started Erk. “This is magical fire, and it most probably will melt that magical ice that covers the Zoras.” Link looked at the mage.

• 
  “Then I suggest that we split. One group saves the Zoras; the other one takes care of what’s behind that.” He pointed towards the door. The crew stared at him, surprised to hear him propose such reckless actions. The mage nodded.


• 
  “That would most probably be the most suitable option.” He motioned, lightly, towards the torches on the wall. “And there is plenty enough torches for most of us to return to the Zora’s Domain and save a few of them.”


• 
  “You can all return. I’ll take care of what’s awaiting.” Announced Link. A certain wind of incredulity blew into the small passage, and Sheik understood.


• 
  “I am coming with you.” Said the blond as he walked towards his younger adopted brother. Link inspected him, perplexed.


• 
  “You sure?”


• 
  “Let’s dialogue later.” Answered the Sheikah as he kept looking ahead of himself.


• 
  “So you are all sending us back to the cave?” Asked Tatl, surprised. Staring at her a moment, a very long moment, Link finally nodded.


• 
  “This is my job, not yours. If someone has to risk their life, it’s gotta be me.” Even Isca was speechless as Erk gave him a torch.


• 
  “Then, on our way we are.” Interrupted the mage with, perhaps, a hint of excitation in his attitude.

Link and Sheik merely stood where they were and looked at the rest of the group as they slowly disappeared back into the cave. And even after they were gone, the two men merely stood beside each other, in silence, until Sheik broke that eerie atmosphere. “Something really important must have happened into your brains for you to sacrifice yourself without being forced into doing it.” The Hylian looked down.

• 
  “As you said, we’ll talk later.”


• 
  “Then, let’s go take care of what’s behind the door.” Link nodded.


• 
  “Yeah.”

***

                The very last room of the dungeon was not exactly big, but the walls were dark blue with, seemingly, an impressive amount of shiny and paler stones. Sheik, impressed, looked around, while Link walked up to a wall to examine it.

                The Hylian was attracted by what he could call “art”. And this was natural art, apparently.

                He ran a soft hand on the shiny wall and, suddenly, a rock fell. He caught it and smiled softly as he inspected the stone; he was holding quite an impressive sapphire. He inserted it into his pocket before turning and looking at the Sheikah.

                Sheik seemed on his guards, suddenly as he watched the ceiling. Slowly, he brought a hand into his suit to grip his concealed dagger. Link examined him. “Sheik?” The blond looked quickly at the younger man.

• 
  “Be ready. It is coming.” The Sheikah murmured.


• 
  “What?”

Sheik didn’t reply as his eyes widened slightly and he stared at the Hylian. Suddenly and incredibly quickly, the blond dodged to the side and threw a needle seemingly at the taller man. Link gasped as the deadly weapon brushed his hair. “What the-“ Sheik grabbed his arm and pulled him roughly to the other side of the room before the Hylian heard the distinct noise of blades clashing together.

Surprised, Link turned around.

Sheik was now engaged in a duel with… Periphlegeton.

And the Hylian gasped.

Something like a hammer hit the Hylian as wild memories of his almost forgotten past jumped back into his mind. He blinked.

How much time had passed since they had fought against Acheron? How much time since he last had a friendly talk with P.?

How can one’s destiny change so suddenly?

Link blinked once again, which brought him back into the present just in time to see P. use his weight to top Sheik in that intense dagger fight. The blond growled softly as the blue-haired man smirked.

But the two Sheikahs were soon separated when Link firmly punched Periphlegeton right beside his right eye.

P. stumbled back, surprised as he brought his hand to his pretty face. He looked at the Hylian and chuckled, smirking. “Ah, I was right; you’ve gained muscles, Link! That punch was rather strong…” The dirty blond placed himself before Sheik, unsheathing his sword.

• 
  “Well, some people started treating us like human beings and fed us.” P. snickered.


• 
  “Then, you have found some interesting friends, I see.”


• 
  “Link. Don’t let your guard down.” Whispered Sheik behind the Hylian as he prepared a few needles.


• 
  “Ah, dear Sheik, always pointing the obvious; and I was so scared you would have both changed and become some stupid protagonists of a massive quest.” Link smirked.


• 
  “Perhaps we are, but my education was made with y’all.” P. moved slowly, circling the Hylian. Link mimicked the taller Sheikah.


• 
  “So, perhaps you’re not such a waste.”


• 
  “I hope I’m not.”


• 
  “We will see this, yes?”

The blue-haired man launched himself at Link. The Hylian was quick, but never as quick as a Sheikah. However, Sheik had trained him with a dagger… Therefore, he knew what he had to protect.

Link had, in fact, no chance to see the other man’s dagger come to him, but the Master Sword found itself in the way of the deadly and smaller blade each time, making Periphlegeton growl in annoyance.

But also to the Sheikah’s happiness, Link wasn’t quite able to hit him; the sword was too heavy to move quickly enough and the Hylian wasn’t the best swordsman ever. He was, in fact, a little clumsy.

And as P. had mentioned; Link had gained muscles recently and, therefore, weight. Along with the chainmail, his sword and all the rest of his equipment, he wasn’t nearly as fast as he used to.

And against an enemy such as P., this wasn’t such a good thing.

Therefore, Periphlegeton kept hitting the Hylian, though his blows were not meant to kill… They were meant to tire Link out before actually giving the final blow.

And sadly, the Hero of Time understood this a little too late.

Sweaty, Link lost speed and agility as the fight went on and, suddenly less alert, he had merely enough time to turn and distinctly see his enemy smile before aiming his dagger at him.

But, both men had forgotten about Sheik, by now.

And right as P. neared Link, the Hylian smiled warmly to the blue-haired man. “I hope we could have met again in better circumstances.” The Sheikah seemed perplexed for a split second.

Before he froze, his dagger an inch away from Link’s throat.

Periphlegeton looked up at the dirty blond before he let his weapon fall to the ground… Soon followed by his body. Link sidestepped as the blue-haired man crashed on the icy ground, right where he stood a few seconds ago.

He looked down at the corpse as blood slowly started to gather in a puddle under and around the fallen man; a few needles were firmly planted into his body, but the deadly one was stuck into the Sheikah’s neck.

Sheik walked up beside his friend as they both stared at the corpse at their feet. “Without you… I’d be dead.” Murmured Link before looking up at the blond beside him. Sheik had a cut on his cheek; apparently deep enough as it bled and stained the Sheikah’s cowl. “Again.”

• 
  “That is perhaps why I can’t leave your side.” Answered the blond.


• 
  “I should learn to take care of myself.”


• 
  “Then I would be useless.”


• 
  “You certainly have another purpose, Sheik.” The blond inspected his sweaty friend.


• 
  “Probably, but I do not wish to learn of it as I am very happy of this single mission.” Link swallowed as he stared at the red-eyed man, speechless.


• 
  “Sheik…” The blond shook his head.


• 
  “There’s a chest in the back of the room and I bet that it is for you; therefore I propose that you go to it, take the item inside so we can get out of this dungeon. Perhaps I haven’t told you so, but I appreciate cold to the same level as you do.” Sheik smiled, the fire in his eyes dancing softly.

Link sighed heavily before he smiled as well, but warmer than he ever did before he merely grabbed the Sheikah and pulled him into a tight hug.

The Hylian had hugged him before, but never in such a meaningful way and Sheik was surprised. He blinked as, for the first time, he returned the hug, but in a much softer way. He closed his eyes a moment and grinned, happily.

His little brother was becoming such a… Man…

Link pulled away and Sheik didn’t try to hide his feelings as they both smiled to each other. The Hylian then turned around and went to the chest.

And a few minutes later, they were on their way back.

***

                Link sat by the campfire, poking it with a long and burnt stick of wood. He stared at the flames and listened to the river that flew right behind him; they were camping near the Zora’s Domain and close to the Hylian’s fields.

                The had saved all of the Zoras, but the Hero didn’t feel much better.

                Beside him rested a folded and whole new bluish suit as well as some kind of iron soles that were meant to fit his boots. Everything he needed to go through the Water temple, King Zora had mentioned before proposing a hug… that Link had, of course, refused.

                So, the Water temple was their next destination; not only was there a monster to eliminate, but King Zora asked the group –and mostly Link- to look for his daughter; Princess Ruto, who was presumed to be into the temple, fighting the evil fiend.

                And the Hero wasn’t exactly in high spirits since their trip to Leyawiin.

                Not only had he been humiliated –that, he had healed from- but he was now questioning himself about every motives he had, and every actions he committed.

                And that fight with his once-friend had been harsh on his already troubled mind, bringing a new question to his tormented spirit; if you are to save a kingdom, is it okay, then, to kill the inhabitants of that same land, even if they are your enemy?

                Analysing his past quickly, Link remembered each murder and assassination he had performed. Usually, the Sheikahs would take care of the murdering contracts, but he had his share of bloodshed.

                He had, all those times, felt no remorse at all.

                But right now, his hands felt stained with blood.

                Link was well aware that Sheik had been the one giving the final blow; however, he kept thinking that, perhaps, he could have –heshould have- talked P. into common sense and persuade him not to fight. The blue haired man was intelligent, after all.

                He was.

                Those words left a bitter taste into the Hylian’s mouth.

                Someone sat beside him, but Link didn’t need to look; he knew it was Sheik, simply. The blond looked at the fire a moment before turning his gaze on Link. “So?” The dirty blond nodded slowly.

• 
  “I realised that, this mission, no one but me should and can carry it out. No one should endure the weight of the world but me.” Sheik furrowed.


• 
  “You went from the worst of selfish bastard to mister self-sacrifice-for-humanity in the blink of an eye?”


• 
  “It’s not funny, Sheik.”


• 
  “I’m not trying to make fun of you, I’m pointing the obvious.” The Hylian had a bitter smile.


• 
  “Yes… Like P. said…” There was an intense sadness in the younger man’s voice that almost broke the Sheikah’s heart.


• 
  “He would have killed you…”


• 
  “We could have convinced him-“


• 
  “No.” Link looked at the Sheikah, finally. The blond’s cut had been taken care of apparently. “Periphlegeton, just like the others wouldn’t and won’t hear what is right and you know it.”


• 
  “Then why could we see what was right? Why couldn’t they?”


• 
  “Link, you’ve discovered the meaning of the word ‘right’ a few weeks ago and it took you years. Do you think you can change one’s mentality in the blink of an eye?” The Hylian’s mouth dropped open slightly. Sheik sighed. “What I mean is: I know that you wonder if killing is right or wrong, but there are exceptions to every situation; generalising is the worst thing that you shall do because everything is specific to what it is, to the circumstances that surrounds the event. Had we met with him in the middle of a market while buying a watermelon, perhaps we could have gained something other than a death, but he was visibly out to kill you when P. appeared into the cavern.” Link seemed speechless. Again. “Killing sometimes is, very sadly, the only suitable option to preserve one’s life.”

Link stared at Sheik for a moment before returning his attention to the fire. His thoughts were, once again, shuffled in his head as he reconsidered his beliefs for the hundredth time that night. The Sheikah rose suddenly and he walked away.

The Hylian didn’t move.

***

                Tatl sat beside Olwen; the Sheikah was melting into the darkness as he stood there, as he always seemed to do. She sighed.

                It was the eighty-sixth time in the last hour that she had done so, counted the butler.

                They were a little away from the fire, but close enough to be able to observe the Hero as he seemed absorbed by the dancing flames ahead of him.

                Tatl stared at him.

                They had barely talked since that… incident in Snowpeaks. Of course, Tatl had taken the decision of ignoring the Hylian from then… But she missed him.

                And it was horrible to endure his proximity without hearing his voice; without hearing him direct comments at her.

                Without having his attention.

                Of course, Isca was as available as ever to take care of the Twili, and she appreciated his concern. But she was also craving for the dirty blond’s flirty attitude and obscene comments.

                Oh, how far had she fallen…?

                Tatl smiled bitterly; she knew, now, why he attracted so many women… Link wasn’t only physically appealing; he was deadly charismatic and, behind that player façade, there was something deep and intense, something that was about to be born.

                They all knew it, they all felt it; he was slowly transforming into something great.

                And the Twili thought she was lucky to be able to witness that change.

                But witnessing wasn’t exactly enough… She wanted to be part of that change…

                And Tatl sighed again.

***

                The group stood by the Lake Hylia’s shore, staring collectively at the isle in the middle of the water. And at the entrance to the Water temple… Which was underwater.

                And beside Link who now wore a fish-like blue Zora tunic, no one was quipped to endure that underwater trip, and the Hylian didn’t look necessarily glad to just jump alone into that damn dungeon.

                Link sighed. “So, I’m the only one who has a fish-suit?” Olwen smirked.

• 
  “And the only one who can get inside that temple, very apparently.” Answered Erk.


• 
  “That-that is true… But there m-might be another entrance…” Pointed Nami, shyly, as she stood in her human appearance beside the mage.


• 
  “Then perhaps we should look for that entrance?” Proposed Sheik.


• 
  “And split in two groups?” Said Isca as he crossed his arms over his chest. Olwen seemed to approve.


• 
  “Indeed, if the Hero starts the dungeon, while we find a way in, it’ll take less time to beat that temple.” Isca nodded, but Link looked quite unsure.


• 
  “Hum… Going in there alone doesn’t seem… Appealing…” Said the dirty blond as he stared at the butler. Olwen looked back.


• 
  “Perhaps, but that Zora princess’s life is on the line and the more time we take, the higher are the risks of finding her corpse.” Link sighed again.


• 
  “You’re right, Olwen…” He said. The butler chuckled.


• 
  “I always am.”


• 
  “So, alone I go?” Asked the Hero.


• 
  “Well, I could go with you.” It was Tatl’s voice. Isca glared at her, surprised and not quite pleased, but she didn’t look at him and walked towards Link. “As long as I am into your shadow while underwater, I should be fine. When we will reach drier grounds –if there are- I will come out to help you.” Link considered the Twili as if she was an alien… before smiling quite warmly, which destabilized the princess.


• 
  “I would be more than glad to have you with me.”


• 
  “It’s dangerous.” Pointed Isca, bluntly. Tatl held back a growl as she looked at her knight.


• 
  “I know, Isca. I’m a grown up girl, thank you.” The brunet was visibly insulted and was about to say something when the Twili turned to Link. “Let’s go take care of this, I’m in need of some action.” Happily, the Hylian nodded as Tatl disappeared into his shadow.


• 
  “Then, we will be looking for another opening.” Resumed Olwen. Link nodded, smiling still.


• 
  “See you inside, then.” Sheik nodded.


• 
  “Yes, and be careful, young man.” The dirty blond chuckled slightly evilly.


• 
  “No, I’ll make sure to get in bad, bad situations so you can come and feel useful.” The blond chuckled also.


• 
  “Later, Link.”

The Hero turned around and waved before dashing into the Water. Isca clenched his fists.

***

                Five minutes after entering the temple, Link was already swimming for his life as angry cloisters were pursuing him, hoping to get a bite of the yummy Hylian. He had scratches and a particularly beautiful jellyfish had burned his right arm as he had been careless, thinking the animal wasn’t deadly.

                But everything in the Water temple was deadly.

                Link emerged at the third floor of the temple, taking in a deep breath before climbing on the platform. He was shaking lightly, slightly traumatised by the monsters.

                And the water.

                Link hated water. With all his might.

              Tatl materialised herself beside the Hylian, smiling softly and she put a soft hand on his shoulder, Link jumped away, screaming. The Twili laughed softly, looking at the poor man. “Don’t… Do that anymore!” Shouted Link, bringing a hand to his chest, right on his heart. “I almost had an attack!” Tatl giggled and she smiled slightly.

• 
  “I’m sorry. I wanted to bring you comfort.” They stared at each other.


• 
  “Well… Thank you…” Link turned and searched under his tunic for something; he got a very, very soaked map that had been carved into leather. Tatl was disappointed that he hadn’t taken the occasion to try to charm her… But she wouldn’t voice her disappointment. “Okay. If I’m right, we have to get to the bottom of that shitty temple again… Fight a few monster-cloisters, risk our lives with evil jellyfish and dodge some disgusting water spiders.” She smiled.


• 
  “You’ll become a good swimmer.” He looked up.


• 
  “Heh, I already am! Look at my athletic and all wet self!” He caressed his chest lightly, the clothes sticking to his shape. “Wanna touch?” The Twili didn’t answer, but her smile grew and she stared at Link. The Hylian seemed perplexed.


• 
  “What?” He blinked.


• 
  “I’m glad to see that you are back.” Link furrowed.


• 
  “What do you mean?”


• 
  “That attitude of yours, I have missed it.” She shrugged lightly. “Link without sexual jokes or comments isn’t Link.” The Hylian stared at Tatl, speechless, and she laughed again. “Now, off to dangerous cloisters land, yes?” She disappeared into his shadow once again.

Link stared at the emptiness a moment before smiling. He folded the map and put it back under his tunic before jumping into the water.

***

                Link killed the last cloister with his hookshot and its shells slowly started to float into the watery room. Hadn’t he be at the bottom of a water-filled dungeon, he would have sighed. He looked down at his shadow, knowing Tatl was there, but another shadowy shape attracted his attention.

                Prepared to attack another evil cloister, Link aimed with his hookshot at the entrance of the room.

                But what appeared wasn’t a monster, but a Zora woman.

                She seemed surprised as she stood before Link, her flippers moving softly. He examined her; had he been attracted in fishes, that woman would have been quite interesting. She had curves… For a fish…

                She smiled. “So you must be the one Father sent for me?” Link couldn’t quite answer. She giggled. “You’re not exactly as handsome as a Zora prince, but you’re not bad at all…” And she examined the young man in a way that made Link feel like he was a big, big steak… “Once this’ll all be over, perhaps we could learn to know each other better.” She proposed as she neared the Hylian.

                Link back stepped, but the wall stopped him. The Zora woman was now standing before him. An inch away from his face. She ran a finger on his chest. “Well… I’m going to go and take care of Morpha, see you later.” She turned. The Hylian couldn’t exactly yell at her not to go there alone, so he grabbed her arm.

                She turned around.

                And kissed him through the cloth that covered Link’s lower face. Eyes wide, he flinched and she walked away. “That’s only a preview.” She giggled and caressed his arm. “See you later, handsome.”

                She disappeared and Link stood where he was a moment, too surprised to move.

***

                Sheik was the first one to appear through the “sewers” of the temple and into the dungeon. They were at the top floor and, right now, there wasn’t water in the temple; not at all.

                He looked down; at the bottom, where sand covered the ground, quite a few monsters were roaming, waiting for their food to appear.

                The rest of the group gathered around the blond and they examined the temple; Olwen soon saw that their floor wasn’t soaked like the others; therefore, water wouldn’t go above their ground. They were safe as long as they stood where they were.

                And as to confirm his thoughts, water filled the temple, a moment later.

                Sheik and Olwen looked at each other. The blond nodded towards a door that seemed accessible, ahead. The older Sheikah agreed and they started to make their way towards the said entrance. The rest of the crew followed, looking around at the temple as they walked.

                They entered what was a rather huge room, square-shaped; much like all the rooms in every dungeon up to now. Link and Tatl turned around to greet them when they appeared. The Twili smiled as well at the very, very soaked Hero.

                Isca inspected the two happy figures as jealousy made its way into his mind. “Have we missed all the fun?” Asked Sheik. Link shook his head.

• 
  “No. According to my very wet map, this should be the mini-boss’ room. And it hasn’t showed up yet.” The blond inspected Link.


• 
  “You seem joyful for someone about to fight and risk his life.” The dirty blond chuckle.


• 
  “Oh well. I’m just happy.” Isca repressed a growl.

The ceiling was dark, so when some kind of dark liquid fell from it, the group didn’t spot anything up there that might prove to be a monster.

Yet, they readied their weapons.

More and more dark fluids fell and, as everyone looked up, Olwen was staring at those wet things on the ground.

                Because it wasn’t dirty water; it was… something.

                Something viscous, something gummy that crawled between the heroes’ feet as they wouldn’t pay attention to them, waiting for something bigger to appear.

                Olwen stepped back slowly, horrified.

                And Sheik turned around just in time to see the butler disappear.

                Perplexed, the blond finally stared at the ground… And saw the viscous liquid crawl towards the center of the room; towards Link. He turned just in time to spot a now spectacular dirty purple tentacle made of jelly as it was about to hit the Hylian. “Link! Watch out!” Screamed Nami.

                Link had, in fact, no time to react. His back took the blow nastily, which sent him flying across the room before he hit a wall, and he fell down, screaming in pain.

                Sheik growled under his cowl and threw needles at the jelly tentacle, making it split in ten smaller tentacles…

                Tatl ran to Link, standing before him as she prepared a magic shield. She looked above her shoulder at the Hylian. He growled in pain, holding his right arm, eyes shut tightly. “Are you okay?” He nodded, with difficulty.

• 
  “Lemme… Some time…” She returned her attention on the fight.

Isca was, as always, mastering the fight with skilful swordplay as he killed much of the creatures that were, now, at least a hundred. Erk was throwing fireballs as Sheik threw needles and dodged the attacks skilfully. Nami flew by the mage’s head, indicating him where the monsters were coming from.

Link growled and groaned softly. Tatl turned to look at him as a wave of jelly tentacles attacked her shield. He was painfully, slowly, getting up. “Stay down.” She commanded softly. He walked towards her.

• 
  “Let me out of the shield, please.” The Twili looked at him.


• 
  “But-“ Seriously, Link stared at her.


• 
  “This is my fight, Tatl.” She observed him, then nodded as she killed the barrier.

Sword in hand, the Hylian rushed into battle. Of course, everyone stared at him as he started to fight the tentacles; no one had really seen Link use his sword before, but during brief moments, and for delivering the final blow to monsters.

He was a little clumsy, that was for sure, but nevertheless impressive.

And for a swordsman, he was incredibly quick.

Sheik smiled as seeing Link running into the action was, very apparently, a great motivation for the rest of the team. Except for Isca who didn’t pay any attention to the other Hylian. Apparently.

And Olwen… Where was he?

A few moments later, Tatl threw her last energy orb and killed the last monster.

A chest appeared and the whole group stared at it before they looked at Link. The Hylian was breathing heavily, sword still in hand and covered in dark purple remains.

He looked heroic.

Feeling their gaze on him, Link finally looked at the crew. They smiled enigmatically to him. Preplexed, the Hylian decided to turn around and go open the treasure chest.

In it, he found a brand new and way longer hookshot.

Link smiled widely. “Oh yes!”

***

                Pretty much as soon as they exited the room, Link and Tatl had separated from the rest of the group after examining the map of the temple for a few minutes.

                If the map was right, they wouldn’t meet up until the final boss would be beaten down, unless someone found a way to introduce itself into the monster’s lair.

                And that was unlikely to happen.

                Link, along with the iron wrapped around his boots, walked at the bottom of the temple, rather casually, though his right shoulder still hurt. In high spirits, he would have sung as he made his way through the watery corridors… If it wouldn’t have been filled with water…

                He arrived at the end of a hall and looked up; he could see a hooskhot target on the wall, high above him. Smirking, he aimed his newly acquired and longer item at it and fire. In a matter of seconds he was up there.

                He turned around. There were metallic spikes waiting to impale him above a pit. On the other end of those spikes, there was a locked door –and he had keys with him- and another far off target. Link smirked and shot his hook once again. “Heh. Deadly spikes are for the weak.” He said as he passed above the dangerous device.

                In his shadow, Tatl rolled her eyes, but smiled.

                Link unlocked the door and entered the new room.

                And he froze; the room was filled with water, whirlpools, very big boulders and… water spiders. The Hylian hated spiders more than anything else.

                Resting his back securely against the wall, he took his bow out and aimed at the spiders as they all decided to run at him at the same time. He panicked and shot way above the creatures. “Link, your sword.” Proposed his shadow.

• 
  “I don’t wanna touch those!”


• 
  “Then is it better to let them kill you?” The Hylian stared at the creatures as they neared him. “Link!”

He closed his eyes and unsheathed his sword. Taking in a deep breath, he managed to swing his blade, screaming at the same time.

Fighting your fears? That is courageous, I am proud of you.

Link froze as he finished the last spider. That voice! He heard it at the Zora’s Domain before… And it was no hallucination… He heard it! “Link?” the Hylian jumped in surprise. Tatl was now standing beside him. “Are you alright?” He quickly blinked before returning to a more normal stance.

• 
  “You… Heard it?”


• 
  “Heard what?”


• 
  “The voice…” Tatl stared suspiciously at him.


• 
  “No, I haven’t. Perhaps you are getting tired?” Link chuckled a little nervously.


• 
  “Yes, that must be it.”

Ignoring the voice he had heard –well he tried ignoring it- he turned and examined the room.  Seeing he would have to go back into the water, Tatl fused with his shadow again.

Swimming through the whirlpools’ influence proved difficult and really tiring. Nevertheless, Link managed to reach the other door without any injury and he mentally congratulated himself, wondering briefly if the voice could hear his thoughts.

He reached another door and went right in without hesitation.

To go through the next room, Link then had to push a huge block onto a switch to raise the level of the water. Then, tiredly, he swam to the other side of the room to reach another door.

Yes, he was getting tired.

He went through a small series of rooms and watery corridors where boulders tried to squish him while he fought enraged cloisters to, ultimately, reach a waterless room in which the boss’ chest lied.

Link sighed heavily before he opened the chest and took the key that was inside.

Finally! This hell was almost over.

Almost.

***

                Sheik stood by a wall as he and Olwen looked up. There was a very small opening at the top of it that would take someone skinny enough to, most probably, the boss’ room.

                And of course, Sheik was the one who was supposed to crawl through there, and since the hole was way too high for the blond to reach alone, Olwen was needed.

                But before the smaller man would enter that tunnel, he looked up at the silver-haired man. Of course, the butler stared back. “Where were you during the fight, earlier?” Asked the blond, crossing his arms over his chest. Olwen considered him.

• 
  “Away.”


• 
  “Running from fights, now?” Sheik was teasing; he was not trying to be rude. The older man chuckled lightly.


• 
  “No, I watched it all.”


• 
  “That, I am sure. But why did you run away?”


• 
  “… This is perhaps not the time to talk.” Sheik tilted his head to the side.


• 
  “Please?” Olwen smiled, softly; Sheik had that kind of effect on him.


• 
  “I… have a certain phobia.” The blond inspected the older man, awaiting a conclusion. He sighed mentally; this was the same as with Link: no answer if you do not seek it.


• 
  “Of tentacles?” The butler laughed.


• 
  “Almost.” Sheik rolled his eyes.


• 
  “What is it?”


• 
  “I cannot stand what has a… viscous texture.” The smaller man stared up at Olwen.


• 
  “You are afraid of jelly?”


• 
  “To put it simply, yes.” Sheik blinked and both men stared at each other a moment in silence. Then, Sheik laughed lightly.


• 
  “A curious Sheikah you are.”


• 
  “Not nearly as you.”


• 
  “That, we should debate later.” The blond winked and Olwen chuckled lowly, naughtily. “Now, lift me up. I have a Hero to watch over.”


• 
  “Your desire is my command.”

***

                Standing close to each other, Link and Tatl considered the room with worry. It was huge; the widest boss room until now. As in the rest of the temple, everything was, of course, blue… The ceiling was quite high, and at the end of the walls were lined up those metallic deadly spikes. All around the chamber.

                The room was squared-shaped and the floor stopped after a few meters from the walls. Then, an immense basin took most of the place. Tatl dared looking at it; it seemed infinitely deep and the bottom of it was useable.

                And in the middle of the water basin was a wide square-shaped platform which was, once upon a time, probably used by the Zoras to pray their now dead protector.

                Link walked around the room, using the floor that followed the walls to inspect and, perhaps, find a clue about how to beat the future boss. One thing he was sure was that falling into those spikes was a very bad idea.

                And probably swimming in that water.

                Therefore, he looked up at the ceiling. And right above the platform was a target. Link smiled as Tatl joined him. “Found something?” She asked. He nodded.

• 
  “Hug me tightly, babe, we’re going to that platform.” Tatl blinked.


• 
  “I’m sorry?”


• 
  “We’ve got to go to that platform using the target.” He pointed at it with his finger. “So hug me tightly while I bring both of us there.” The Twili sighed softly.


• 
  “Another good way to get me close to you?” Link chuckled.


• 
  “As well.”

Tatl wrapped her arms tightly around the Hylian, smiling softly as she appreciated his proximity… A lot.

Then, Link shot and, in a matter of a few seconds, they stood in the middle of the platform.

And a feeling of utter terror crawled its way into their spine as the water around them started to move.

Unconsciously, they both closed the distance that separated them until they held each other, looking around the water with fear of what was to come.

Link held his hookshot ready.

In any other circumstances, he would have taught that fighting with that accessory was lame to the lowest level that a human being could reach.

But now, his mind wasn’t exactly functional.

The water into the deep basin continued moving as bubbles reached the surface. Tatl’s breathing became heavier.

They had no idea what on Earth was into that water, but what they knew was that they should never, ever fall into it.

It was way too blue, now that they inspected it with much concern. It was way to clear and too… perfect. Almost like this water was out of some godly source so much it was perfect…

Deadly perfect.

The sapphire blue liquid started to shake more and more violently. They wanted to close their eyes and wait, hoping the monster wouldn’t see them, that it would ignore them…

But closing their eyes would also mean their death.

They had to stay alert.

Waves started to rise. Some stronger ones crashed onto the platform and the couple fled that liquid like the plague.

They had to stay alert to dodge the attacks and save their lives.

Link looked at the basin, right before him, knowing he would see It, soon enough, but praying he wouldn’t at the same time.

Why the hell were they that terrified?

As the thought reached the Hylian’s mind, his fear concretised itself; suddenly, from the water, raised an immense tentacle monster made of crystal clear deadly liquid. At the top of that column of water was a rather large pink ball that looked like… a brain.

Link blinked.

“Sheik?”

“Yes?”

“What’s this story about the water monster, again?”

“Morpha?”

“Yeah, that.”

“Well, it is said that a very dangerous monster lies into the deepest part of the Lake Hylia, in the darkness of the purest water man ever sat his eye upon. The Zoras pray it in order to save themselves from its wrath. Apparently, it is a pink ball that reminds one of a brain.”

“That’s ridiculous. What happen If they stop prayin’?”

“They shall taste the monster’s anger.”

                Terrified, the Hylian stared at the pink ball. Tatl held his arm firmly as she pressed herself to him. “Morpha…” Whispered Link. The Twili stared at him, not understanding.

                But she had no time to talk as an incredible number of tentacles raised from the water to surround the platform and menacingly point their heads at the small couple.

                Tatl turned around, pressing her back against Link’s. “We’re surrounded!” She shouted. But the Hylian had only one thing in mind; Morpha. Aiming to be very best of his capacities, he tried to plant his hook into the pink ball, but he missed. He intensely missed and Morpha disappeared into the water as the tentacles started to whip the platform.

                Screaming, Tatl dodged quickly. So did Link, but he was heavier.

                Sadly.

                A tentacle got a hold of his waist as he was dodging another one. He gasped loudly as the watery being –which was incredibly solid- squeezed the man’s waist until the pain was unbearable.

                And breathing impossible.

                Tatl yelled as she threw an energy orb at the tentacle holding Link in the air. The monster seemed angry because of that offense and threw the Hylian away.

                Towards the wall.

                Towards the spikes.

                Morpha turned her translucent tentacles to the Twili as she watched, powerless, Link fly off towards his imminent death.

                The water shook once again and the tentacles went up in the air, preparing to dash, all at the very same time at the princess.

                Closing her eyes tightly, she summoned a magic barrier.

                And the water fiend started to beat the shield, endlessly.

                Link hit the wall heavily. So heavily it kicked the air out of the Hylian as an unbearable pain shook his already bruised body. Gasping, he fell right on the spikes.

                But he was lucky; the spikes were pointing horizontally and not vertically. Therefore, he simple glided to the floor and the pointy metallic devices merely cut clearly the injured Hylian, where his body brushed against it.

                Link laid down on his back, eyes fully opened as he stared up at the ceiling, panicking as he tried to regain the ability to breath and as he fought to block the pain.

                Tatl’s… In… Danger... If you cannot fight for… yourself… Do it for… For her…

                Screaming in intense pain, he started to move.

                Tatl was running low on energy as she held that barrier to save her life. Tears rolled down on her cheek as she believed Link to be dead, by now.

                She hadn’t seen him getting up.

                Nor had she seen Morpha at the head of one of the tentacles, or Link’s hook plant itself right in the monster and drag it to him.

                But she saw the tentacles disintegrate in a short and pouring rain above her.

                Tatl killed the barrier and looked towards the Hylian.

                Link, bloody and visibly in great pain planted his sword into the pink monster. The Twili, eyes wide and teary, opened her mouth as she stared at the scene.

                Bleeding an intense shade of blue liquid, Morpha got away as the Hylian was way too injured to kill the monster off in a few blows, and Link cursed as it fled back into the water.

                Tentacles rose to block Link’s way towards the platform, but Tatl shot an orb at them. Morpha, appearing at the head of one of the tentacles, turned all her arms towards the princess…

                And Link’s hook planted itself into the pink brain once again.

                But the Hylian was way too injured and tired to do any damage before Morpha pulled on its hookshot to swim away.

                The fiend freed itself just as Link stumbled back and fell on his ass, on the ground, yelling in pain. “Link!” Tatl screamed, distress in her voice.

                The Hylian looked up and an expression of utter terror rose upon his features as he stared through the princess.

                As her blood became ice, Tatl turned around, slowly.

                Behind her, an immense wall of water was slowly raising to ultimately swallow her. She gasped as her heart stopped.

                She was going to die.

                They were going to die.

                She turned back towards Link, thinking she would never have the time to tell him she loved him.

                But he wasn’t there anymore.

                All she could feel was something –that wasn’t Morpha- pushing her roughly off the platform and into the water.

                But as she fell, she saw it clearly; Link standing at the same spot she had a second ago as the water swallowed him and pulled him into the basin.

                And she fell into the icy liquid.

                Panicking, she emerged a second later and swam hurriedly to the middle platform, getting back on it. She got on her feet, stumbled lightly, and ran to each side of the ground, staring into the water. “Link!” Tatl ran to another side of the platform.

                 “Link!” Her voice was growing desperate. She ran to the first side.

                “Link!” Tatl’s voice broke as tears made their way to her eyes. And she went to another side.

                “LINK!” The Twili fell down to her knees as she screamed, yelled his name. She brought her hands to her face, sobbing widely as she stared at the basin.

                Screams of agony resonated through the room.

                They were hers.

                “No! Link!” Sitting on her legs, she let her whole weight fall down until her forehead almost touched her knees as the pain of losing him was unbearable. “No! No! NO!” And she sobbed.

                Until a noise caught her attention.

                Behind her, on the other side of the platform.

                Terrorised, she stared at the water as bubbles appeared at the top of the water. She stared at it.

                The monster…! It surely was still alive!

                She stopped crying.

                She was going to die…!

                Tatl stared at the bubbles with wide and horrified eyes.

                But Morpha didn’t appear.

                No, it was worst; Link’s hat emerged with the last of the bubbles.

                Tatl got up, quickly, suddenly. She walked to that side of the platform and, a little hesitantly, she took the soaked object as the water seemed to come back to a more normal colour…

                A shiver made its way through Tatl’s spine.

                Link was dead.

                But he had died saving her life and killing an atrocity that spreaded evil over a holy temple. She hugged his hat and buried her face in it as she started to cry once again.

                To her right, there was a light splashing noise. She didn’t care. Not at all. Not now.

                It would have been the most dreadful creature on Earth that she wouldn’t have cared less.

                But the light noise repeated itself another time.

                Before something gasped heavily.

                Tatl spun around.

                There he was.

                Not dead, but not necessarily far from it, as he gasped for air. “Link!” She screamed, not believing her own eyes. She blinked before getting up and hurrying to the Hylian.

                He was in very, very bad shape –his tunic ripped apart; so was the cloth over his nose and mouth that allowed him to breath underwater- and half conscious when she reached for his shoulder. That made him snap back awake as the pain was way too intense, and he screamed as she touched him.

                Nevertheless, Tatl grabbed him and pulled him to the platform. Helping her as much as he could, the Twili pulled him on the ground and away from the water.

                Link sat up with difficulty, but he insisted. And he looked up at her, still gasping for air as blood quickly spread all over him from his various injuries. He smiled.

              Yes, he managed to do that as Tatl stared in disbelief at the man sitting before her. “Breathing is… For the… Weak…” He managed to say as he slowly regained the ability to breathe and talk.

                But Tatl wasn’t exactly in a joking mood.

                She slapped him hardly on the cheek.

                Surprised and shocked, Link stared at the Twili as she visibly had a very hard time not finishing him off right away; she was enraged. “Why did you do that?!” She barked. “Why saving me!?” The Hylian blinked, but soon enough, his features changed as anger grew within him.

• 
  “Well, excuse me princess if I DARED to put my life in danger for you!” His arrogance was too much for Tatl to bare, and she raised her hand up in the air to strike the Hylian another time.

But he caught her wrist, in a surprisingly quick move for such an injured man and he pulled her to him, probably with what remained of energy within him.

And he kissed her.

Link wrapped his arms around her waist tightly; pulling her so close he almost choked her. Surprised, she resisted him a second.

But every doubt she might have had died when his lips closed on hers.

She circled his neck with her arms, getting closer as she grabbed a handful of soaked brownish hair.

Passionately, their lips and tongue danced together in a fiery celebration.

But their action soon sank into her mind and she realised. Tatl broke the kiss and sat back, stating with wide eyes at the Hylian as she brought a hand over her mouth.

Though he was visibly in pain, he looked at her more calmly then ever; more determined than ever.

She wished he would have looked away; it would have been easier. “Why…?” Tatl breathed as confusion appeared into her flaming eyes. “Why acting like you did…? You never considered yourself a Hero… You never had a purpose… Why now?” She asked, shocked. Link smiled slightly, bitterly.

• 
  “You’re right.” His voice was calm. Too calm as he seemed deeply resigned. And that resignation scared Tatl to the highest point. “I had nothing to fight for.” Link stared at her as the truth slowly became evidence to her. “But I realised… That saving Hyrule doesn’t mean saving all those nobles I hate so much… It’s not about saving a kingdom I hate… It’s about assuring Sheik a land in which he’ll live. It’s assuring that the trees will still grow and the children still play.” He chuckled. “It’s assuring that life will go on for the people of the slums and that, perhaps, they’ll be able to become something better.” He stared at her a few seconds that seemed like an eternity to Tatl. “It’s assuring that, even if it’s not by my side, you’ll have a place to call home.” Her eyes filled with tears.


• 
  “L-link…” She whispered. He shook his head.


• 
  “We should get out of here.”


• 
  “I’m so sorry… I… Thought that those feelings you had for me… They were… The same as those you had for all those… whores…” The Hylian’s stare became icy as he considered her a moment.


• 
  “Then, you were wrong.” He whispered before very slowly getting up.

They turned around to exit the boss’s lair not knowing that behind, in the back of the room was standing Sheik who had seen and heard everything…

***

                Link was deadly quiet as Sheik took care of his so many injuries. They all had gotten out of the temple by early morning and so, the sun wasn’t quite up in the sky as the Hylian sat in his underwear, in his tent, as the Sheikah bandaged him carefully.

                Link wasn’t one to complain much about real physical pain; he could make a monologue about the pain of hitting his toe against a chair, but would never express the ache of his broken body, and even less of his broken soul.

                But Sheik had witnessed the reason of Link’s silence and pain.

                And when he finished bandaging the Hylian and succeeded to force him under his blankets to get some sleep, he finally brought himself to talk first. “Link. I was in the boss room.” He merely said. The Hylian froze half a second before he closed his eyes. He was starting to have fever.

• 
  “When?”


• 
  “Right after Tatl started being hysterical and screaming your name.” They were quiet.


• 
  “So you know.”


• 
  “I know what will probably happen, and I don’t believe that this is a good idea.” The Hylian looked up; he had a very bad blackeye…


• 
  “I’m a grown up man, Sheik…” Link whispered.


• 
  “Then you should stay away from her.” Sorrow. Was it really sorrow that he heard in the Sheikah’s voice?


• 
  “I won’t.”


• 
  “I know…” The blond sighed softly. “Though I hope you will.” Softly, he brushed away some dirty blond hair from Link’s swollen face. “This can only end badly.”


• 
  “Probably.”


• 
  “You don’t care.” There was no anger, no emotion. He was only pointing the obvious… Again. Link chuckled, but that only brought a low growl of pain from him.


• 
  “I care. That’s exactly why I’m not trying to force her away from her knight.”


• 
  “Because you don’t need to; you’ve seduced her and you know it.” Link closed his eyes, tired and weak.


• 
  “Perhaps.”


• 
  “No. You have.”

Link stopped answering and Sheik stared down at him. He had cuts and bruises everywhere; his right eye was surrounded by a deep violet circle and his lower lip cut as if he had bitten himself, which was highly probably. Around his waist, he saw the marks that Morpha had let on him, and his right arm was covered with neat cuts. Every movement was unbearable and Sheik was sincerely scared that the Hylian had a broken rib.

And this fever…

Fever meant that your body was fighting an infection…

Oh Goddesses… Sheik was so terribly worried.

Not only about Link’s physical condition. He was, in fact, mostly worried about what would happen once he’d be well enough to get up and join Tatl…

He was scared of what would happen to his little brother once Isca would learn…

Sheik stared down at the Hylian; he seemed asleep. Carefully, he started to make his way out of Link’s tent.

But weakly, the younger man caught the Sheikah’s wrist and pulled on it with probably all his strength.

Sheik stopped and turned to look at Link.

His eyes barely opened, he placed a pale, pale grey stare on the blond which made Sheik shiver. “Stay…” Link whispered as tears made their way to his eyes. “P-please…” The Sheikah considered him as something within himself shattered to the view.

He walked back to Link before sitting beside him and caressing his hair.

The Hylian closed his eyes as tears slowly made their way down his swollen face. Sheik watched him cry.

This kid had had a shitty life.

And now, he had to endure all of this…

Rage; a feeling Sheik wouldn’t feel often clouded his mind as the Sheikah cursed the Goddesses with all his might.

And, more than never, he swore to himself that he would protect him with his life.

Always.

***

                A few days had gone by since Link had disappeared in his tent. He was sleeping, most of the time and slowly getting back to being in shape.

                Slowly.

                In fact, it would probably take him a few weeks.

                Sheik took religiously care of him as he changed his bandaged and forced the Hylian to eat; which he wouldn’t do by himself.

                And Tatl had been down during all those days. Isca had tried to cheer her up… To talk to her. He even ignored his urges to question her about what happened while she was alone with the Hero.

                He, in fact, had done everything that was in his power.

                But the Twili wouldn’t feel better and she, most of the time, took long walks all by herself at nighttimes before going straight to bed and fake sleep until Isca was himself deeply asleep.

                She would then get up and go by the fire, alone, and stare at Link’s tent.

                Tatl needed more than ever to talk to him. And that particular night, that feeling was stronger, unbearable.

                She knew how he felt towards her, but she needed to hear it. She needed to have a reason… To explain herself what she was about to do, to give herself the confirmation she was waiting and that, in the end, she already had.

                She needed to hear it from him.

                She needed him.

                And right now.

                Therefore, she sat by the fire as always and spied on Sheik as she knew that the Sheikah would never allow her to enter Link’s tent while the Hylian was supposed to be asleep, healing. So she waited, nervous, until he seemed engaged into some deep conversation with Olwen.

                She got up and almost tripped into the fire.

                And she walked straight to Link’s tent and she froze.

                What was she about to do?

                For once, stop thinking and do it. She scolded herself.

                Taking in a deep breath, she crouched and entered the Hero’s tent.

                Apparently, Link hadn’t been sleeping exactly deeply, as her only presence made him wake up fully. He redressed himself on an elbow and looked at her.

                And his eyes grew wider as he recognised her. “Tat-“ She cut him, throwing all her weight down on him and kissed the Hylian forcefully. Passionately.

                Tatl didn’t want him to talk; if they did, it would slow her down. She would consider what she was doing and would stop.

                The last thing she wanted, she needed, was stopping.

                They fell back as Link wasn’t strong enough at that moment to hold her back and perhaps dominate the situation. And as she kissed him, it took him a moment to register what was going on.

                Before his instincts kicked in.

                He wasn’t in a good enough shape to push her off of him and top the Twili. But he sure was in good enough shape to make her understand what he wanted…

                Skillfully, he started to caress her, feel her.

                And Tatl had no choice but to moan under such treatment.

                As his hands moved around her, she started to suddenly feel more and more exposed to the night air; to feel slowly, but surely, naked.

                She broke the kiss, hesitating a second when she realised that he was naked also… And that she was the one holding his underwear…

                Wasn’t she there to talk…?

                Yes! Talk!

                Tatl tried to sit up, but he kept her down, on him, to kiss her hungrier than ever.

                And it was sincerely enough for the Twili to forget everything about diplomacy. And to say the truth, his throbbing erection against her buttock didn’t help anything.

                Oh, and to Hell with morality!

                Tatl sat up on Link’s lap, breaking the kiss. The Hylian looked up, slightly surprised, but mostly interested; his mind was as clouded as hers, right now.

                And he couldn’t, sincerely, believe what was happening to him.

                The Twili looked down at him and a brief feeling of uncertainty crossed her features, but she pushed the thought away, and, suddenly, she rose above him; above his erection.

                Link let his head fall down and groaned as she plunged down on him and her warmness and wetness surrounded him.

                He closed his eye as she established the rhythm.

                It was slow at first, but quickly enough, she rolled her hips with more vigour as she rested a hand on Link’s abdomen.

                The contact was slightly painful, but he didn’t mind.

                Not at all…

                And he looked up at her.

                She rode him mercilessly; eyes closed and mouth slightly opened as she caressed her breast. Her hips rolled more and more feverishly as soft moans escaped her parted lips.

                Link groaned; only seeing her like this was enough.

                In fact, it was far better than anything he had ever dreamt of. And his dreams could be quite something…

                He closed his eyes and concentrated on the feeling. And soon enough, his moans mixed with hers.

                He dug his fingers in her hips.

                Tatl’s volume only increased.

                And soon enough, her inner walls clenched around him.

                And groaning loudly, he reached his climax.

                And, of course, that only brought the Twili to her orgasm and, with a very last swing of her hips, she came, holding back a scream.

                This had been, surprisingly, a strong orgasm.

                They both relaxed after a while. Their breathing decreased and heart went back to a normal beat. Tatl looked down as Link stared at the wall of the tent.

                Reality was forcing its way within them as they did not dare to move, both scared of what that would imply.

                After a moment, Tatl finally sat down beside the Hylian. He looked up at her as she stared at her joined hands, on her knees. “Link… I wanted to talk.” He chuckled softly, caressing her arm.

• 
  “Is that so? I thought you were here to rape me.” Tatl glared up at him. He sighed, smiling.


• 
  “What now?”


• 
  “That depends on you.” They stared at each other.


• 
  “What do you… want…?” With some difficulty, Link sat up and took her hands in his.


• 
  “You.”


• 
  “Link… I-“


• 
  “I love you Tatl.” She blinked; Link was staring at her with so much determination…  So much truth…


• 
  “But… Is it really… love…?” He chuckled.


• 
  “Well, if it’s not, I can at least admit that it’s the first time that I feel something like this towards someone.” He smiled as tears build up in her eyes. “And if it’s not love, then love must be one hell of a wonderful thing because I feel like I’m dancing on a cloud when you smile to me.” Tatl laughed softly through the tears and he brought a hand to her cheek, cuddling her. “I’m not sure if I wanna be a Hero and I don’t know what’s the meaning of my life or if I’ll live up until tomorrow, but there’s one thing I know, and it’s that I love you in a way that I’ve never loved anyone before.” She laughed again.

Link closed the distance between them to kiss her.

Softly, lovingly. Meaningfully.

Tatl kissed back, smiling. They both pulled each other closer.

And the world didn’t count anymore.

Nor did anything else.

Or the danger and the drama that was about to be unfolded.