The Legend of Zelda : Twisted Destiny

XV

 

Link was asleep, officially. He wasn’t unconscious anymore, nor was his life threatened. He was merely sleeping because Rauru had forced a spell down on him before he would actually succeed to get up and injure himself. More.

The entire crew, but the old sage, was back into the kitchen and living room area. They were quiet, once again, but the over heavy feeling of incoming death was gone and replaced with… scepticism?

To those who didn’t understand well the meaning of these shiny triangles that had appeared upon Zelda and Link’s hands, it was more than strange. To the few who knew the legend, it was unbelievable.

Well, it was fairly believable that Zelda had inherited the triforce of wisdom.

And breaking the silence, after a short while, Tatl sighed heavily, as if the weight of the world was being lifted from her shoulders. She looked up, eyes still red from crying so much, and yet looking much better already. “So, can someone explain what just happened?” She asked, her voice devoid of any emotion.

Erk and Nami looked at each other, as if wondering through telepathy how they shall explain all of this to those who didn’t knew…

• 
  “I believe I’m the one who should explain this to you and to Link, when he’ll be awake.” Finally said Zelda as she sat on the edge of her chair to get a better look at the other princess. The triangle upon her right hand kept shining. “I apologize for those who know the whole story, for it won’t be the first time that you will hear it, nor the last time… But I believe it to be necessary, at this time.”

Behind Tatl, Nami nodded softly as if saying that it was okay. Zelda took a deep breath and closed her eyes half a second.

• 
  “To be brief, the world was created when Din, Nayru and Farore – the Three Goddesses – decided to make something out of mere chaos. Din created the Earth and fire, Nayru the sky and Farore was the source of all life.”


• 
  “Abridged version.” Commented Erk, smirking lightly.


• 
  “Indeed.” Answered Zelda. “When they were satisfied, the Three decided to go back into heaven. But before doing so, they offered a holy relic to the mortals: the Triforce.” She showed her hand to the Twili. “It represents the Goddesses and their powers. The one on the op represents Power, the gift of Din. The one that shines on my hand is Wisdom, bestowed by Nayru. The last one is courage which is offered by Farore.”


• 
  “Yes, but why does you and Link have these markings, now?” Suddenly asked Sheik who seemed to appear out of the darkness.


• 
  “I was getting to that part.” Said Zelda, as she nodded lightly. “Despite offering us the world in which we live, and our lives, the Goddesses are cruel as there is nothing worst to being a God than eternity in boredom. And growing bored, they decided to create some action upon the world, and into their chosen land: Hyrule. Din, however, proved to be particularly cruel into her games, which angered Farore. A war started between the two Goddesses. They demanded to Nayru –who was the wisest of the three- to decide who was right into that conflict: Din with her cruel games involving the death of many mortals, or Farore who forbid these games in order to preserve the gift she had given to the Hylians : life. Nayru spent days thinking and analyzing before she finally announced the winner of that fight: Farore.”

Nami smiled and nodded cheerfully. She loved that story and wouldn’t get tired of it.

• 
  “However, Din wouldn’t be satisfied with this outcome.” Continued Zelda, her tone getting slightly darker. “So she started a war against the other two Goddesses. Farore accepted gladly as she was a warrior, but when Din took her scimitar out and Farore unsheathed her sword, Nayru stopped them and proposed something else: a chess match.”


• 
  “Chess match? That sounds interesting…” Said Olwen, lowly, from the back of the kitchen.


• 
  “Well, for the Goddesses above, it must be the greatest match ever. However, down here, it is different…” Explained Zelda, before sighing, her shoulders falling lightly. “To play this match, they would take Hyrule as the board and choose a few pieces in which they would bestow their powers. Three main pieces would raise, each one chosen by the Goddesses.” She locked eyes with Tatl. “I am Nayru’s chosen piece as I now have the triforce of wisdom in my possession.”


• 
  “What does that mean…?” Asked the Twili, understanding what would come out of this story for Link…


• 
  “It means that I am Link’s ally as he is the piece of Farore, and therefore, the protagonist of this chess match.” Said Zelda. “Briefly explained, he is now the main focus of Din’s wrath…”

Tatl’s stare hardened as she clenched her fists.

• 
  “It’s not fair.” The Twili said. “Can’t he be at peace, now? Hasn’t he suffered enough, yet?” Her voice was surprisingly low, but it held anger.


• 
  “It is not, but we do not choose.” Explained Zelda, trying to calm her down as she placed a soft hand on the pale woman’s arm.


• 
  “I’m sorry to interrupt.” Said Olwen as he walked towards the two princesses. “But if you and the Hero are now blessed with two out of three triforces… Doesn’t that mean that someone, somewhere, has the third one?”

Sheik shivered.

• 
  “Ganondorf…” He whispered.


• 
  “What?” Asked Zelda, snapping her gaze up to the Sheikah.


• 
  “Oh, that would explain so many things…” He started walking back and forth into the room. “I knew all along that he was the one sending our previous companions to murder Link… But now, I see more clearly into his game.”


• 
  “What do you mean, Sheik?” Asked the Princess of Destiny as she got up. She knew Ganondorf well; he was one of her ministers, after all.


• 
  “I mean that he is the wicked sorcerer who is behind all of this Hell into Hyrule.” Said he, his stare redder than ever. “And this also means that he knew all along whom Link was…” And saying this, Sheik stopped walking, abruptly, and turned around to stare at Zelda.


• 
  “What is it, Sheik?” She asked, feeling the intensity of his glare.

The Sheikah crossed his arms over his chest as he seemed suddenly quite angry. The entire group stared at him, waiting for what he was about to say. However, Zelda already knew…

• 
  “Ganondorf was keeping Link under his influence all along because he knew that he would become his greatest enemy if he couldn’t keep an eye on him.” Stated the blond. “And you capture him to do exactly the same.”


• 
  “Sheik, this is not what you-“ Zelda tried to explain.


• 
  “No, it is exactly as I see it.” He cut her. “You knew all along what he was.” Said he, his voice deadly dark as he pointed his right index at the princess. “You used him like everyone else did.”


• 
  “It was… For a good purpose…” She answered, casting her eyes down.


• 
  “And it was to avenge himself that your dear knight almost killed him.” Said Sheik. “Everyone have good reasons to weither kill or abuse him. May it be you, princess, or the Goddesses above.” The Sheikah casted his gaze away from Zelda. “And it was all settled the day that he retrieved the Master Sword…”


• 
  “No…” Interrupted Nami, as she looked up at the Sheikah. He returned her stare. “It was all settled the day he was born… And abandoned.” Explained the fairy. “Drawing the Master Sword only served to identify him as the Hero of Time… It wasn’t settled because of that role that he would be the bearer of the triforce of courage; his birth settled this.”


• 
  “So he was destined to this life?” Asked Sheik, the anger in his voice badly hidden.


• 
  “Yes… And no…” Replied Nami, softly. “He was destined to become the Hero of Time and bearer of the triforce of courage, just like Zelda was destined to her roles as well. However… He wasn’t supposed to be risen the way he was, nor where he was…” She looked up at Sheik. “And neither were you two supposed to grow up together…”


• 
  “What do you mean?” Perplexed, Sheik turned his whole attention towards the fairy.


• 
  “The Legend of the Hero of Time… Goes differently… It was a twist on the chessboard by Din’s vicious hand that made him fall into the pit of mud in which you found him…”


• 
  “What is the legend, then?” Asked the blond, tapping his foot lightly on the ground.


• 
  “I prefer that we tell it later when Link will be with us…” Interrupted Zelda. “It concerns his birth, after all.”

***

                It was morning when Tatl pushed open the door that closed the room in which Link was trying to heal. She was wondering if he would be awake… Almost as if she wanted to sneak in, she entered the room and turned around. She gasped.

                Link wasn’t only awake; he was sitting up and staring straight at her. They looked at each other and he smiled. She mimicked his action a few seconds later. Beside his bed was a chair, Link nodded towards it. Tatl understood and sat down on it.

                He took her hand in his. She didn’t fail to remark the triforce that was now permanently tattooed upon his skin.

• 
  “I was thinking that I should write down a testament.” He said, smirking. His voice was still hoarse and it seemed to be painful to him to talk.


• 
  “You know how to write?” Tatl asked, innocently.

Link stared at her, visibly insulted.

• 
  “I mean… You know… Peasants don’t always know…” She tried to explain herself.


• 
  “Lowly peasants, you mean…” He said, looking away.


• 
  “Link! That’s not what I meant!” She squeezed his hand. “You know that I don’t care weither you’re a peasant, a warrior, a prince or a whore! I love you!”


• 
  “Yes…” He chuckled. “I know.” He looked back at her, a soft expression on his features. He caressed her cheek. “And I love you too.” Slowly, he closed the distance between them to kiss her forehead.

She smiled softly to him before her eyes were attracted towards the white, thick bandage over the right side of his chest. Link followed her stare.

• 
  “How are you feeling?” Tatl asked.


• 
  “I’m not feeling exactly well enough to get up, run, fight a dragon and save a damsel in distress, but I’m feeling good enough to nag Olwen, worry Sheik and charm you. So I’d say that I’m doing okay, but I really miss getting up and running for my life.” He explained, nodding at the end.


• 
  “I’m so glad to hear you say so…” Tatl replied, tears in her eyes as she smiled widely.


• 
  “What? That I like running for my life in the face of adversity? Perhaps you are more sadistic than I thought, after all…”

Tatl laughed softly.

• 
  “Oh, dear, I love you!” She got up and hugged him.


• 
  “M’love… You’re… Pressing your magnificent breasts too hard against my chest…” He whined as his injury was still painful to the lightest touch.


• 
  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Tatl broke her embrace to sit back on the chair. She looked up at him, only to remark the grin that was now decorating his face… And she knew what it meant… “Link… You are in bad shape.” She warned.


• 
  “Yeah, but…” He chuckled. “You just pressed your gorgeous self against me… I can’t help it!”


• 
  “Link…” She casted her gaze towards his midsection… And brought her palm to her face. “You’re incredible…”


• 
  “I know.” He answered, proudly. “I know you’ve missed me… Perhaps some catch-up would be appropriate?”


• 
  “Catch-up with your penis?” She stated, looking up at him, exasperated.


• 
  “Well, that’s part of me.” He chuckled as he shrugged, lightly.


• 
  “I wonder if it’s mentioned, somewhere in the legend, that the Hero of Time is a sex-addict…”


• 
  “I don’t think so; bedtime stories rarely openly mention the main character being deep throated by the victimized princess with nymphomaniac habits.”


• 
  “You… Will never tell any story to our child.” She stated.


• 
  “Yeah, I thought you’d say that.” Link chuckled, once again. “So, aren’t you going to show me your appreciation that I’m alive?” He was still grinning rather… sexily.


• 
  “Link, I’m not going to ride you or let you take me. You’re way too injured and my weight on you wouldn’t do you any good.” She crossed her arms under her breasts.


• 
  “Who said I wanted you to do that? You’ve got a mouth, as far as I’m concerned… And a pretty one…”


• 
  “Link!”


• 
  “And nice… Pulpous lips…”


• 
  “You are disgusting!”


• 
  “You ever tried doing that?”


• 
  “…No…” She said, looking away. “And I never felt the need, neither.”


• 
  “It can be quite sexy…”


• 
  “Link…”


• 
  “And with the size of your breasts, you could use these to, actually, satisfy me… No need to use your mouth…”

She sighed.

• 
  “You’re not going to let me alone as long as I refuse, am I wrong?”


• 
  “You’re the one who came here!” He chuckled. “You knew it would happen.”

She glared up at him. One thing she hated about Link was how much he was always right when it came to decipher a person’s thoughts. She knew, in fact, that her libidinous Hero would end up suggesting something sexual, for it was him. And she knew that she wouldn’t say no… For it was him.

So she stared up at him as he waited. He knew that she would surrender and please him, in the end, even if Tatl was really reluctant to do something like this… It seemed dirty, plainly.

And because it seemed so nasty, she was curious to try it.

It was true that she had big enough breasts to do what he had… proposed. And, well… He wasn’t some random stranger… He was her lover, after all.

And… After the blow he had taken because of her incapacity to face the truth… He deserved it. Well, she would have preferred to wait until he would be able to take the lead, like he usually did, but it appeared that his needs were stronger than his will…

Wait, she knew that, already.

She sighed.

Tatl got up and sat on the bed, beside her Hylian, facing him. He stared at her, waiting, his gaze soft, patient and lusty. Slowly, she leaned forward, making sure she wouldn’t even brush his right side, and kissed him softly, then it grew more passionate.

She ran her fingers down his naked torso until she reached the rim of his pants. Goosebumps rose upon his skin in the trail of her touch. Carefully, she slipped her hand into the fabric of his clothes to reach for his erection.

Tatl was careful as she touched him; she kept herself well aware of his reaction, trying to identify if his groans were provoked by pain or pleasure. However, right now, he seemed plainly relaxed.

Still kissing her, he freed his left hand to undo his pants and allow more space to her… Wandering hand.

She giggled naughtily into his ear, which earned her a well deserved throaty moan from him. She just loved to hear him do that noise.

He lifted his hips to pull his pants and underwear down, revealing himself in all his glory to the Twili. She casted her gaze down at him, then laughed again before biting his ear. He was just so very sensible, there…

Slowly, she sat up properly to stare at him. Link looked back, his gaze already clouded by lust. Smiling in a seducing way, Tatl started to undo her corset and stopped when it was loose enough to permit her to free her breasts from her dress…

Captivated, Link stared at her chest and hands as she caressed her skin.

And it was funny, she thought, how she knew him so well to be able to predict how he’d react to certain touches… To certain actions… She knew how much time she could spend teasing him before he’d get more aggressive, before he’d push her and take her.

And she also knew that he could do exactly the same to her, if not worse…

Tatl moved around the bed to finally kneel between Link’s legs. He stared down at her, rubbing himself lightly. She smirked. When Link was quiet, it meant that he really was excited.

She casted her gaze down at his erection. The Twili wasn’t exactly nervous to perform this action that he had begged for… But she wasn’t confident neither. It was very different from what she was used to…

But with Link, everything was different.

She kissed the tip of his erection. He groaned, thrusting his hips upward lightly. Tatl put a hand down on his pubis and looked up. “I’m the one in charge, now.”

He addressed her a questioning stare before smiling and letting his head fall back into the pillow. “Your desire is my command…” He answered, voice low, then chuckled.

Hesitantly, she opened her mouth and took his erection into it. Right away, she received a rather happy groan from her lover, but she tried to discard it and focus on the task at hand… It wasn’t pleasant… Nor was it unpleasant. It felt like sucking on a finger… But on a bigger format. She smiled to the thought.

Breathing more heavily, Link allowed himself to close his eyes. He rested a hand on the Twili’s head as she experienced the art of fellatio on him.

Tatl wasn’t the best head-giver in the world, for she had no technique in the matter… But it did meant a lot to the Hylian as he knew that she wouldn’t have done that to any other man… And that feeling was more than overwhelming…

And he was just so damn horny, anyway!

On her side, Tatl was merely waiting for this to finish up… She wasn’t exactly going crazy over the fact that she was… Well… Doing this, but Link’s moans and groans of approval were just making it alright.

Well, alright until she tasted the pre-cum.

As he let go of a stronger groan, a salty taste appeared magically into the Twili’s mouth. She stopped moving and pulled back from his erection.

Not exactly understanding why she was stopping, Link casted his blue and clouded gaze down. “What’s wrong?” His voice was hoarse… Not only from his throat injury, though.

• 
  “Hm… I… Something… Salty…” She was shy to actually point it out.


• 
  “Pre-cum.” He plainly stated. “Sperm is worse.” He chuckled.


• 
  “Oh… Heum…” It would be… Bad to stop now, she thought…


• 
  “Finish me off with your breasts.” Link proposed. He didn’t seem insulted at all.

Tatl stared at him a moment, considering this issue. And then… Well, she had sucked him, hadn’t she? Leaning over him, she grabbed her breasts and captured his erection between them… And she started to move up and down.

Link let his head fall back once again. That was the most amazing tit-job ever… Not only was Tatl doing it, but she had huge and rather… comfortable breasts… And the pressure, in his crotch was starting to build up quite quickly.

On her side, the Twili was perplexed, but her lover’s reaction was only showing that he liked it. So she continued. Link started to thrust slightly, and she didn’t stop him, for she knew that it was because he was about to reach his orgasm.

Grabbing the sheets tightly and groaning, he thrusted one last time.

And, sincerely, Tatl hadn’t seen that coming… Nor had she realized the pun of that thought…

When Link had mentioned that semen wasn’t exactly enjoyable, she didn’t think that she’d end up finding out why a few moments later…

She closed her eyes as she sat down on her heels, disgusted.

From her right brow to cheek, and down her chin to her breast, she had received Link’s sperm. All of it. And she didn’t like the feeling, not at all. Quickly, Tatl got up and hurried to a nearby restroom, leaving the door open behind her.

Chuckling, Link replaced his underwear and pants.

She came back a few moments later, closing the door behind her back. Link was staring at Tatl, grinning evilly. The Twili glared at him. “That was disgusting.”

• 
  “I enjoyed it.” He said, his voice playful.


• 
  “You could have warned me…”


• 
  “No. I wanted to see you covered in my semen.”


• 
  “What for?” She stared at him, head inclined to the side, perplexed as she rested her hands on her hips.


• 
  “I feel like I’ve marked my territory, now.” He chuckled. Again.

Tatl shook her head, then laughed before sitting back on the bed beside him.

• 
  “I love you.” She said, smiling. “And you’re impossible.”


• 
  “Love you too, and… I know.”

***

                Zelda was standing outside, on the balcony, along with Olwen. Both were quiet. She was staring at the village and smiling lightly: it warmed her heart to see her people looking happy. And, well, only the fire temple remained to be cleansed. After that, no more treat could fall over Hyrule.

                Or… Something worse would happen. She wasn’t exactly sure…

                Inside of her, she had the growing feeling that something –she couldn’t figure out what- was waiting to fall upon the town folks and… herself. Some evilness seemed to be clouding her dreams and thoughts, nowadays… And frankly, she was glad that Link was in the house with her, for now…

                Perhaps he was injured, but he still held all that was needed to repel evil with him… He had the Master Sword, was known as the Hero of Time and was, now, the bearer of the triforce of courage… Sincerely, that would get anyone more secure, when he was around…

                The door behind her opened, and brought the princess back from her thoughts. She blinked and turned to look at the newcomers. Erk and Nami were standing there, wearing their heat-proof suits.

• 
  “Going to the volcano, I assume?” Said Olwen.


• 
  “Yes.” Answered, very simply, Erk.


• 
  “That is a hot environment for a date…” The butler chuckled to his own joke.


• 
  “It-it’s not a d-d-date…!” Pointed out Nami who was blushing furiously. “We are going to hu-hunt down Efreet!”


• 
  “Yes. I am going to meet with the last spirit and ask him to lend me its power.” Explained Erk. “I have nothing better to do, anyway, until the Hero is back into his heroic track.”


• 
  “Be careful, though.” Said Zelda, in a motherly way. “I know that you are both very capable individuals, but you will have no fighters among you…”


• 
  “I am way too overpowered for this simple quest to be dangerous either for me or Nami.” Answered Erk, smirking lightly.


• 
  “Overpowered?” Asked Zelda, interested.


• 
  “Perhaps, someday, I’ll unleash all of my powers for your entertainment.” The mage almost chuckled. “But for now, we have a fire spirit to find and argue with.” He looked down at Nami. “Are you ready?”

The fairy nodded. A moment later, Zelda was staring at their backs as they left towards the Death Mountain. She wondered if she would have the chance to see Erk’s power unleashed, really… She knew that mages from Leyawiin were incredible, after all…

***

                 A few days had gone by… Over a week in fact, since Link had awakened as the bearer of the triforce of courage. Sheik had informed him of the legend the way Zelda had told them previously. However, he hadn’t mentioned the possibility of Ganondorf being the master of all the Hell upon Hyrule. He knew that the Hylian wouldn’t have believed him.

                After all… When he was down in the streets, near-death skinny and too weak to fight, it was Ganondorf who had taken the youngster under his wing…

 That morning, Link was sitting on the side of his bed, looking out the window at the greyish sky. The Master Sword, unsheathed, was simply resting on his lap. Left hand on the handle, right one on the cold and sharp blade, he was thinking.

                Technically, the Hero of Time was supposed to be a courageous warrior who slashed through the evil with his shiny and trusty sword. Technically.

                Link was more of a “Imma-run-for-my-life-while-screaming-like-a-little-girl-and-shooting-arrows-randomly” Hero of Time. He didn’t exactly fit in the role… Or so he believed.

                However, a knife to a lung, a sore throat and a near-death experience later, he thought that, perhaps, it would be time for him to rise and become –or try- the man that the legend was begging him to be. But for that, he’d need some training…

                And, anyway, until Zelda decided he was ready to move to the fire temple, he was stuck into the village, looking out his window.

                Or he could earn to cook some apple pie.

                Or learn to use his sword.

                The pie was tempting…

                He chuckled: he’d never be totally heroic, would he?

                Link got up, putting his sword down on the bed. The blade seemed to glow mysteriously in the dim greyish light of the day. The Hylian dressed, being careful that the cloth wouldn’t touch his wound or be heavy against it. It was still very, very sensible.

                He left the room and went down the stairs, finding he had some difficulty being as quick and agile as he’d usually be. Anyhow, he reached for the door of Zelda’s house when he was stopped by a soft hand upon his shoulder.

• 
  “Where are you going, young man?” Asked Tatl as she smiled at him.


• 
  “Hm. Business.” He simply answered, smiling back at her.


• 
  “Be careful, will you?”


• 
  “Of course.” He turned around to kiss her forehead lightly. “I won’t be gone for long.”

She nodded to him as he left. Softly, Tatl caressed her growing belly. It wasn’t a possibility to hide her pregnancy anymore.

***

                Link came back about an hour later. Tatl was still into the kitchen and she was preparing dinner for the two of them. Apparently, the house was empty, beside the couple. Smiling lightly, he came to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She let her head fall back against his shoulder. “So, what was this business about?”

• 
  “Why should I tell you?”


• 
  “Because.”


• 
  “Because?”


• 
  “Just because.”


• 
  “No valid argument, dear.”

She laughed softly, straightening her head up to continue preparing food.

• 
  “Where’s everybody?” He asked.


• 
  “Erk and Nami are at the volcano, looking for the fire spirit. Sheik has disappeared, so did Olwen. Zelda is out with Rauru, probably having a wise talk away from your ears.” She explained, giggling lightly to herself.


• 
  “As if I’d listen, anyway.”


• 
  “True. You never listen.”


• 
  “That’s why you love me.” He grinned.


• 
  “That’s part of it, I guess.” She smiled softly.

They kept quiet for a while, merely enjoying each other’s proximity. And she was surprised when she felt his left hand move down to her belly… hesitant. She put her own hand over his, guiding his palm around her growing tummy. She felt him smile lightly. “I still have a hard time believing that it’s true…” Link whispered.

• 
  “What? That you’ll become a father in a few months?”


• 
  “Yes…” He nodded against her head. “It’s… So many things happened in a little less than a year… From beggar to…”


• 
  “Hero of Time and keeper of the triforce of courage?” She finished for him.


• 
  “Yeah…” He chuckled lightly. “And… Future daddy… Wow…”


• 
  “I’m actually surprised that you don’t already have a hoard of children. Or perhaps you do and just don’t know.”


• 
  “I… Prefer thinking that I don’t… “

The Twili laughed very softly. A few weeks –or was it countable in months, now?- ago, his distant attitude towards becoming a father was hurting her. Now, she was merely amused at how hesitant he was as she assumed that all his uncertainties would disappear with the newborn baby into his arms.

But for now, their meal was ready, so she shooed him away to the table in order to be able to move. She served him, then sat across from her lover.

Quiet, they ate. It wasn’t a heavy silence, or awkward. They merely had nothing to say. The dull ambiance and cool temperature seemed to be affecting them.

Well, they were quiet until Link spoke. “I think I should try to learn how to use my sword.” He bluntly stated.

• 
  “What for? Aren’t you comfortable with your bow?” She asked, slightly perplexed by his sudden affirmation.


• 
  “Yeah.” He nodded, swallowing. “But as… Who I am supposed to be-“


• 
  “Hero of Time, Link. You can say it, it’s your right to claim the title.”


• 
  “Yes… As… this legendary person you called, I think that I should try to… Correspond to the legend, a little bit… And, like, kill demons with my sword.”


• 
  “As soon as I spot a demon, Link, I’ll call for you.” Said the Twili, smirking evilly.


• 
  “Thanks.” He glared lightly at her as she made fun of him. “Anyway, I was thinking that I’d ask Sheik to train me.”


• 
  “Why Sheik?”


• 
  “Why not?”


• 
  “What I mean is you can also ask other people.” Her stare was a little insistent.


• 
  “Yeah… Olwen would be quite an opponent… But I wouldn’t ask the Mage, he’d just blow me off with a fire ball and a sadistic smirk.”


• 
  “Yes… But they all do not use a sword or know any technique with it…”


• 
  “I know… But it’s pretty too late to run off into the kingdom, looking for your knight and ask him to train me.”


• 
  “He isn’t my knight anymore.” Tatl replied, slightly angered by his comment. “But I wasn’t proposing Isca, neither.”


• 
  “Then, who?”


• 
  “Me.”


• 
  “You?” He asked, perplexed.


• 
  “Yes, me.” She nodded, staring up at him. “I’m not a warrior, I know, but my brother was and I watched him train and learned techniques from him, even if he did not know and wouldn’t have approved of it. And… We have to admit it, Isca is probably more skilled with a sword than the whole kingdom reunited. He taught me the basics. I can also show you.”


• 
  “You can use a sword?”


• 
  “…” She sighed. Sometimes, Link could be incredibly thick and macho... “Yes. That’s what I was explaining to you. I’m not very skilled, but I can teach you what I know. You’ll only have to practice and develop a technique that fits with you, afterwards.”


• 
  “You’re a mage and can use a sword?! Why am I even needed in this quest!” He shouted.


• 
  “Because that is life, my love.” She rolled her eyes lightly.


• 
  “When do we start?” Asked Link, excited, visibly.


• 
  “When you fell like it.” Tatl answered, smiling lightly to him.

***

                Sheik and Zelda sat in the stairs of the house, as Olwen stood behind them, arms crossed over his chest, and hip against the balcony’s fence. The trio watched, with interest, as Tatl kicked her lover’s posterior with ease.

                Curse after curse, Link didn’t quite seem to be able to stand his ground against the pregnant woman.

                He had been training for over a week, now. He had learned the basics of swordfight with a shield or without it. However, his brains didn’t seem to agree what exactly to do when the blows came down on him.

                Tatl was using a sword made out of dark energy to attack her lover. She kept on smirking as he couldn’t exactly stop her from attacking. However, she didn’t not wish to injure him, so her blows weren’t strong, nor meant to reach him.

                But she learned, as she fought him, that Link had the bad habit of… dodging into the weapon’s trajectory. Hopefully for him, the fact that she was a woman, a pregnant one, and a mage were a nice trio to explain her slight lack of strength.

                He had small cuts and bruises all over his body. But, being lightly masochist, Link did not mind at all.

                Zelda was against these long days of training, afraid that his injury would re-open. But it wouldn’t seem to happen. Perhaps it was because Link was in good shape… Or perhaps the triforce just needed its hero to stay alive, but it seemed suspicious to the princess that the Hylian had healed so quickly…

                Therefore, it had become a daily event for the group and some peasants to come and watch the Hero of Time being wiped out by his pregnant girlfriend.

                And it was hard on Link’s manliness… Too hard.

                However, Link also seemed to become particularly heroic when it counted… When his life depended on it, or when someone else depended on it… Or when his manliness did. So after a few days of shame, he started to put together technique, theory and… Real life.

                In fact, he was the first one to be surprised when he successfully blocked a series of blows. And then another one… And another one.

                And Tatl smiled widely when she found herself down on her derrière, the Master Sword pointed at her throat, for the first time.

                From that point on, Link improved dramatically quickly as his self-esteem seemed to come back. And in no time, he had discovered what battle technique was his: he was quick and agile, so he concentrated himself on these aspects of his swordplay. The blows he delivered weren’t necessarily meant to cut someone in two, but they came way too often.

                He’d nag and tire out his opponent to, in the end, deliver the final blow.

                Soon, Tatl was no match for him. At least with a sword. So they moved on to the next lesson: warrior against mage. This proved to be rather difficult for the Hylian as he had no idea whatsoever what was magic, how it worked, or how deadly it can be.

                Taking this lesson lightly, Link merely let his attention run off into the forest as he stared at Tatl’s breasts as she explained something to him.

                Yes… Her breasts were starting to get even bigger… Oh, Pregnancy, what a wonderful thing that could b-

                Link screamed in surprise and pain as he received a small ball of energy to the left shoulder. It felt as if a thousand of microscopic needles charged with electricity pierced his skin and muscles. He glared up at Tatl.

                She was glaring at him, also, fists on her hips. “You’re lucky not to be some random asshole, Link. You’d be dead.”

                He growled as he tried to recover.

                Tatl crossed her arms over her chest, flattening her breasts against her. “As I was saying, magic is deadly. And the deadlier it is if you’re not listening to me as I explain to you how to survive.” The couple glared at each other in the afternoon sun.

                Zelda leaned against Sheik and whispered to him. She giggled and he chuckled lightly.

                Tatl turned around and walked slightly away, as if she was leaving. Link stared at her back, wondering if she would really walk away from him. He opened his mouth to call for her…

                Just as she turned around, smirking evilly and threw an energy ball at him.

                Out of pure reflex, Link brought his shield up to cover his injured half as well as he decided to… slash at the ball, as it was some kind of ping-pong game. Tatl’s eyes grew wide as she was alerted to see him stay in her attack’s trajectory. His shield wouldn’t protect and would only conduct the energy right into him. So she gasped…

                Just in time to see Link hit the energy ball with his sword.

                Technically, the magic should have transferred into the weapon, conducted by the metal, and follow the item up to its holder, paralysing it…

                But something else happened…

                The Master Sword glowed for a brief instant as it hit the energy ball… And it repelled it. The attack seemed to bounce on the blade, then returned towards Tatl. Surprised, the Twili dodged it… Right before looking up at Link with wide eyes.

                In fact, the Hylian –or his sword- had the whole group’s attention, now. Link turned around, perplexed. “What?” He asked.

                Tatl walked towards him, taking the Master Sword from his hand to examine it.

• 
  “Your sword just repelled my magic!” She said as she examined the yellowish glowing stone into the pummel.


• 
  “Yes…?” Link answered, scratching the back of his head.


• 
  “Swords do not repel magic, Link.” Explained Tatl, looking up at him. “You were supposed to dodge. Not stop my ball and make it bounce back on me.”


• 
  “Oh yeah? Oh well…” He blinked.


• 
  “The Master Sword is meant to repel what is not from the Light Realm.” Explained Zelda as she, curiously, was now standing beside the couple. “Because you use Twili magic, it is a powerful weapon against you. That blade is also known to burn the flesh of the Evil that it pierces.” She looked up at Link. “This sword is meant to destroy what is not from this realm.”


• 
  “Well, if I have to fight against an evil mage, I’ll engage it into a fierce ping-pong fight, then stab it to death while it’ll burn to aches.” He stated, bringing his left fist down into his open right hand.


• 
  “Sounds legit.” Replied Sheik, from the balcony behind.

***

                Contemplating over life, Link was sitting beside the windmill. The night was beautiful, cool with clear sky and the full moon shining down upon the village. Even the dark clouds coming from Death Mountain seemed clearer.

                Now, he was a warrior. He knew how to use his sword, had a technique. He kept practicing everyday with the numerous members of the crew. He had fought against Death and won. He had scars all over his body. He had slain numerous dangerous monsters, risking his life in the process, saved people all over the kingdom… He was a Hero.

                No need for the title of Hero of Time. He simply was a Hero.

                Two more tasks remained into his path, however: cleaning the fire temple and getting rid of the master of all this shit. Once and for all.

                Then, what?

                He’d be free if he went through it and survived. But what did freedom mean, exactly?

                Yes, what does it mean when you are known through the whole kingdom of Hyrule as the man who saved the people? Glory? Money?

                He wanted none of these… Link had more humble ambitions… In fact, he wanted to run away from the kingdom as soon as all of this Hell would be done. Run off with Tatl to some faraway place where he’d be nobody.

                But now… There was an additional problem to his wish: the child… Truth was that he was well aware that he wanted, for that child, a life filled with everything that he hadn’t had… Parents, a roof, food and an innocent smile across its face…

                He wanted that child to be a child…

                And where Link was going, he knew that he would offer anything of the sort to that little creature. They’d be poor and he’d have to build his own house… And his own life. He knew that Tatl would come along anytime and that this child would have, alas, caring parents…

                But that would be all…

                No stability… Probably hunt down forever for whatever reasons… His parents would be, in the end, a princess and the Hero of Time… And they would remain such, only undiscovered for short whiles…

                And Link was persuaded to the deepest part of his soul that he would be the worst father of all History… He didn’t know what it was to have a family… And he didn’t think he could handle the everyday routine of what “family” implied…

                Would he even be able to stay faithful to Tatl?

                Right now, in his mind, the answer seemed clear: he loved her and would never go see elsewhere… But he also knew that times would change. That he would change… Such a life he had before this adventure… It was a hard life, but it was also filled with events. It was thrilling and that was why he had been happy, besides all the negative things that had happened to him…

                And now, he was saving the damn world! And how he loved that!

                That never-ending feeling of adrenaline… The fear, the pain, the stress… He loved it. Too much…

                So, right now, thinking about when he would be “free” only left a feeling of emptiness into his soul. And he knew, because of that emptiness, that he wouldn’t survive long to the idea of an everyday life as a peasant…

                He had to fill in the emptiness… And pain was already better than nothing at all…

                So as he played with the silver chain of the necklace he was holding, he wondered what the outcomes would be.

                He was, alas, sure of two things, right now: he loved Tatl. He needed her.

                So he got up and headed for Zelda’s house.

***

                Tatl was sitting on the edge of her and Link’s bed. She had moved into his bedroom, now that he was healthy enough. In her nightgown, she was reading through one of Erk’s books of magic to the light of a lantern. The Mage had offered her his book, himself. He thought that it could be something interesting for her, concerning the fact that she was using magic that was close to the one of the Dark Realm.

                The door opened softly, and she looked up, smiling lightly. Link appeared. He smiled back to her, but he was visibly tormented; he was bad at hiding his emotions. The Twili put the book and sat up, waiting for him to come and join her.

                He took his boots off and came to sit on the opposite side of the bed, at the end of it. His back to her. She moved to sit behind him, on her knees, and put her arms around his neck. She let her hands fall down his chest.

              Link reached for her hand, sighing softly and closing his eyes as he leaned against her. “What’s on your mind, sexy?” She asked, whispering into his ear.

• 
  “Nothing much…” He replied, lowly.


• 
  “You should tell your face, then.” She said as she slipped her free hand into his shirt.


• 
  “Hm… Communication got cut off, I suppose.” He replied, groaning lightly.


• 
  “So, will you reveal to me your inner thoughts, my Hero?”

The nickname seemed to put him off slightly, as he opened his eyes to stare into the void ahead of him.

• 
  “Speaking of heroism… I was only wondering what will happen when all of this will be over…”


• 
  “Well… You’ll be free from Hylian authorities and have a baby for sure…” She replied.


• 
  “Yeah… I guess so…” He was quiet a moment. “Tatl…?”


• 
  “Yes?”


• 
  “I want to run off. Far from Hyrule.”


• 
  “I know.” She smiled against him. “And I’m coming with you.”


• 
  “What about the kid?”


• 
  “It’s tagging along as far as I have no choice but to carry it…” She laughed softly.


• 
  “I can’t offer stability to that child. Nor to you. You know that?” He turned his head to stare at her.

She looked back and sighed. Tatl pulled back to sit on her heels, hands on her lap.

• 
  “Link, turn around.”

He obeyed, sighing. She stared seriously at him a moment, as he was waiting for what she had to say.

• 
  “Do you, sincerely, believe that I do not know all of this already?” She asked her lover. “I know, Link. And I know who you are. And how you are.” Tatl leaned in closer as the Hylian looked down. She brought her hands to his cheeks, forcing him to stare back at her. “And I love you just like that.”

She smiled with so much emotions, that Link had no choice but be moved by such… Love. He could see it in her eyes, in her smile… She was ready to follow him to Goddesses know where… And she would be happy to oblige.

He sighed heavily, as if the weight of the world had been taken off of his shoulders, and he smiled warmly to her. “Thank you…” He whispered.

He leaned in to hug her, then drag her to his lap. She put her legs around his waist to be closer to him. They kissed softly, though meaningfully.

And when he looked back up at her, the clouds had dissipated from his pale eyes. “I’ve got something for you.” Link announced.

• 
  “Oh?” Tatl asked, curious.

He searched his pockets a moment, before taking out a little velvet pouch. Perplexed, Tatl frowned as he opened it and took out a fragile, yet beautiful silver chain.

But her eyes grew wide as she saw the pendant: a rather impressive sapphire was held by a beautiful pattern of silver. It seemed that fragile roots of the precious metal were growing around the jewel.

Smiling, he presented the pendant to her. “I made it carve for you.” Link explained as he installed it around Tatl’s neck. It fell perfectly right above her bosom. “I got the sapphire in the Ice Cavern and I’ve been keeping it since. When we came back from the desert, I brought it to the jeweller here and asked her to make something gorgeous out of it. She succeeded, might I add.”

Eyes wide, Tatl looked down at the pendant. She blinked a few times. “Link… This must have cost way too much…”

He shook his head, smiling. “I don’t give a damn about the price. I wanted it to be perfect, because you are perfect. Just take it as a material manifestation of my love for you.”

• 
  “Oh… Link…” She hugged him tightly. “I love you!” She shouted, tears rising to her eyes.

Against her, he smiled softly, feeling like a real Hero for the first time in his life.

***

                Sun was setting as Link and Tatl sat outside the house and stared at the town. It was a lively evening; one like many others within the over-populated village of Kakariko. Somewhere, Link believed that something good had happened when Castle Town’s people were hurried to the smaller location: those who had been nobles and aristocrats, in the city, were now peasants like all the others. They had run off without their properties or money.

                And the Hylian hoped that Castle Town would be annihilated when he would return in there, so everyone could reach some social justice within the borders of Hyrule… From noble to peasant amongst peasants… That seemed fair enough to the dark blond.

                The door to Zelda’s house –which was behind them- opened. Tatl and Link both turned around to see what was going on when they heard Zelda whispering something.

                The princess was coming towards them with the sage of time, Rauru.

                Scattered around that small area was enough wood for the four of them to sit and have a casual talk. And, apparently, that was exactly why the newcomers were now sitting across from Link and Tatl.

                Zelda looked anxious as she played with her dress, looking down at her gloved hands. Tatl took Link’s hand as he didn’t even realize she had moved. Rauru’s stare was, right now, attracting all the Hylian’s attention.

                The old and wise man’s eyes were simply announcing that something displeasing was about to be said. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Link hoped that it wasn’t a new mission being given to him… He’d start crying in despair.

                Rauru cleared his throat.

• 
  “So, how are you, son?” He asked, smiling under his moustache.


• 
  “I am quite fine, thank you. Completely healed, might I add.” Explained Link as his brows shut down in apprehension.


• 
  “The night is beautiful…” Continued the sage.


• 
  “Look.” Link shook his head. “Just say whatever you have to. I hate it when people tiptoe around me.”

Rauru and Zelda exchanged stare a moment. Then the princess nodded.

• 
  “Link… It is now time for you to hear the truth… You are ready to take it, alas.” Explained Zelda before turning her gaze away.


• 
  “Indeed.” Continued Rauru as the Hylian’s gaze kept switching from the old man to the Princess of Destiny. “May I ask what conception you have of your parents and how you were adopted by Sheik?”

Link locked eyes with Rauru, darkly. It was a sensitive subject that he greatly disliked to be forced to talk about. Knowing his feelings about this situation, Tatl squeezed her lover’s hand softly, as if to comfort him.

The dark blond swallowed as he inclined his head to the side, eyes piercingly cold. He stared at the old man ahead of him. He had an idea of how this conversation would turn out, and this explained why his heartbeat had increased in the last moments.

• 
  “I was abandoned.” He started. “Probably because my mother, I believe, didn’t want of a child.” His stare became icier than before. “It often happened in the slums.”

Tatl didn’t fail to notice how low and dangerous his tone was. It rarely happened, nowadays… It was an old habit of his: getting defensive when his past was involved.

• 
  “Then Sheik found you and raised you?” Concluded Rauru who seemed to ignore completely the way the younger man was glaring at him.


• 
  “Yes.” Answered Link, his voice making it clear that it wasn’t a good idea to change that version of the story for another one.


• 
  “Well, son-“


• 
  “I’m not your son.” Hissed Link.


• 
  “Yes… I’m sorry.” Rauru apologized, nodding, as he casted his gaze down a moment. “Well, Link… Can I offer to you another version of the life you had before joining the slums, as well as light upon your true identity?” The two men stared at each other.


• 
  “… Is it necessary?” Asked Link after a moment of seemingly deep thoughts.


• 
  “I am afraid so…” Whispered Zelda as she was still playing with her skirt.


• 
  “Then… Go ahead.” Said the Hero of Time, nodding very lightly. Tatl looked up at him, then at Rauru. She had the distinct feeling that this wasn’t exactly the brightest idea of the sage ahead of them...


• 
  “Yes.” Rauru nodded again, something that was growing into a habit. “First of all, I have… Known your parents.” He received a glare from the young man he was addressing himself to. He ignored it. “I baptized you.”

Link crossed his arms over his chest, interested and yet daring.

• 
  “And your parents weren’t exactly from the slums…” Continued the sage. “And they loved you.”


• 
  “How can you know something like that?” Snapped the Hylian.


• 
  “I have witnessed it.” Rauru raised a hand, as if saying to Link to calm down. “They would have given anything for their son…”


• 
  “But when it was time, they threw me away in some dark alley…” Stated Link, looking away sharply.


• 
  “No.” Rauru said, his voice severe. “When time came, your father held back the ones who came in order to kill you as the Evil already knew who you would become. As he fought to his death to ensure your future, your mother took you into her arms and ran away from home. Had it gone accordingly to the legend, she would have reached Kokiri Forest and leave you there before dying from a fatal injury. You would have been raised there, among children of the forest, under the Deku Tree’s influence, and the Legend wouldn’t have been twisted. However, she didn’t even make it out of Castle Town. She was killed while protecting you. Both your parents were.” The sage stopped to stare at Link.

The young man was staring almost through Rauru, apparently lost in thoughts. Had he souvenirs of that night, hidden somewhere in his mind? He seemed calm. Deadly calm as he listened to the sage of time. Tatl looked up at him as well, she was, visibly, worried by such a lack of reaction.

On the surface, he looked calm and steady. But inside, Tatl knew it well, he was boiling.

• 
  “And then, Sheik found you nearby. The enemy hadn’t recognized your mother in the downpour and into her ragged clothes, that night. They thought she was a meaningless peasant and you, a meaningless baby who would die by itself, in the slums.”


• 
  “They hadn’t recognized her in her ragged clothes?” Cut in Link, his voice dark. Tatl knew where this was going. “You mean that she usually did not wear such?” It felt like the Hylian was threatening, more than asking.


• 
  “…” Rauru held the Hero’s stare a moment, knowing very well what would happen next. “Zelda had an aunt who was married to a knight. In fact, he was captain of the Royal Guards, back then. Together, they had a son.”


• 
  “Enough.” Hissed Link, voice dangerous.


• 
  “And this son is you.” Rauru’s severe stare plunged in Link’s erupting gaze. “The triforces are carried within the blood of the Royal Family of Hyrule. You are Zelda’s cousin.”


• 
  “Once this mission will be over, Link, I will give you back the titles that you deserve.” Said the future queen, speaking quickly as she felt the anger raise within the young man.

They all wouldn’t have been surprised at all if Link had broken into a raging storm, right then and right now, and screamed at them until the sun would rise again.

But instead, the Hylian got up. Holding his fury deeply within himself, he stared down at the princess –his newfound cousin- and Rauru. Anger barely held captive, he brought his lips to a thin line before he dared to speak.

• 
  “Never you’ll dishonour me by putting a title before my name.” He dangerously stated. “I’d prefer be back as a whore, in the slums, then being part of that high society of assholes of yours.” He clenched and unclenched his fists. “I had believed…” His deadly glare landed on Zelda. “That after all that time, you had understood something important, princess.” He spat the last word as it if was the most disgusting word he had ever pronounced. “I’m not fighting to save your court. Nor any of these bastards who call themselves noble when they aren’t noble enough to spare a penny for a handicapped person. No. I’ve been risking my fuckin’ life all along this shit-loaded mission and dragged my sorry ass all over your disgusting kingdom for no other people than the peasants down there!” He pointed over at the village. “All of Hyrule’s aristocracy may die tonight, I don’t give a fuck, is that clear? Those I want to live until tomorrow are the poor and the beggars; those who have something to gain from life.”

Zelda stared down at her feet. She nodded very, very lightly to him.

• 
  “Your priorities are at the wrong place, both of you. And all your titles, you can put it up your asses, for I don’t give a damn fuck about ‘em. While your apparently Royal Army has been harassing the people of the slums, raping women under your stare and mine, when they pissed on handicapped men or beat up dogs in the slums, I was the only fuckin’ stupid asshole to raise and put a end to it. I gave the money I never had to people who could not afford to eat nothing anymore. I gave everything Sheik and I ever had to everyone in the slums. For that, what did I deserve? Arrest warrants, manhunts, breaks-in, harassment by your, apparently, men of laws. While you were taking care of parties for your rich friends, I was down in the fuckin’ shit up my knees, helping old men walk!”

He stopped talking a moment to take his breath back. Link was about to explode.

• 
  “And that’s exactly why I’ll never wear a title, whatever it will be, within your fuckin’ kingdom. If you have something to give someone after this quest on my behalf, give money to the poor and a home to the beggars. Maybe then I’ll forgive you.” He spat at Zelda’s feet before turning away, leaving towards the forest.

Tatl glared up at Zelda as well.

• 
  “What exactly did you wanted to accomplish by telling him this?” She asked.


• 
  “… Nothing. He just needed to know…” Answered Zelda, her voice barely above a whisper.


• 
  “No. He didn’t.” Replied the Twili as she got up to try and find her lover’s track into the forest.

***

                Link slammed the Master Sword in a nearby tree with so much strength that he thought, for a moment, that he was going to, either break the trunk in two, or his arms.

                Perhaps his reaction seemed over-exaggerated, but to him, it wasn’t.

                How would you react if you learned that you belong with the people you’ve spent your life hating and fighting?

                Link had spent all his energy, back in the slums, to try to make social injustices bearable for the one who needed the most justice. Those who needed real help never got it, and the real heroes were criminals, where he was from.

                Nobles had used and abused him. They had used and abused everyone in the slums.

                Did Zelda really believe that he would just smile and say thank you? That he’d just accept titles and change his attitude towards monarchy, aristocracy, nobility?

                Not only was that angering him to the highest point, but he now felt betrayed. Betrayed by a women he thought was his friend. But she had merely used him like everyone else to reach her goals. He knew it, now. He was a puppet into her hands.

                He was a puppet to the fucking kingdom of Hyrule!

                He kept hitting the trees and bushes around him, in the dark of the night, as he growled and screamed in rage.

                He would never be a noble within Hyrule, for he hated this land with all his might.

                And answers to his previous existential questions were now clear: as soon as this mission was over, he was out of the kingdom.

                Forever.