Keeping Nightmares In the Light

Keeping Nightmares In the Light

By: Haunted

Rated: M for Mature, must be 18 years or older to read

SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT! Family health issues, blah blah, my dad just got back and things have been all in hell, blah blah, he's healthy again, blah blah, IM SO HAPPY! Anyways, on with the reviews and story! Hope you guys like, this is an especially looong chapter, I was gonna cut it short, but I figured you guys deserved it after the long wait. I LOVE YOU ALL! THANKS FOR REVIEWING ETC. ETC.:3 I didn't know this story would be so popular! I feel so loved, you should too!

Review Replies:

From Fanfiction . net-

-NC-Chan- He doesn't have to wash his clothing, iz majical, I pointed this out earlier :3 hehe. You bad bad mind you, THANKS FOR THE IDEAS! Lol, very creative, but alas I have to start on the actual adventure part now, maybe squeeze one of those in there somewhere. ENJOY THE CHAPTER:3

-Ashurii Urashima- THANKS! Makes me all warm an fuzzy inside:3

-Darktheia- Thanks :D Enjoy the new chapter!

From AFF . net-

-Emerald Crow- IM SORRY FOR THE WAIT! Really, truly:( sad puppy eyes FORGIVE ME! Lol, anyways… ho hum, enjoy the new chapter. And as for reviewing to your story, not a problem :)

-JustS- MWUAHAHHAHA… I win.. :3 enjoy the new chaper.

-Fairycat- SHUSH! NO RUINING! SHUSH! puts ample amounts of duck tape around mouth and face for good measure! That atta hold ya. Enjoy the new chapter :D

End of Review Replies.

Now onto the next chapter! Taps scepter, 'Journey Part 1'. Please note, the beginning is basically filler before the start of the journey, I apologize for it looking rushed, it just wasn't important enough for me to make it better, so sorry, but it does have some important things in it though.

******************CHAPTER HAS BEEN UPDATED****************

Chapter Four: Journey Part 1

Bathed and ready for the day, they continued downstairs.

After saying their "Good mornings" they sat down to eat their already prepared food.

It was Malon's father Talon who broke the comfortable atmosphere with words, "So, Knil my boy, what are ya doin' round these parts?"

Reclining in his chair he leveled the man with a steady gaze, "I'm a traveler, I came here to see the sights. But because of my injury, I haven't been able to see much yet."

Hook, line, and sucker, "O' really? We'll I'm sure my Malon here can help, she needs ta get out more anyways."

"Yeah, just like you need to work more…" Ingo muttered.

"Really? That would be great. Thank you Sir." Knil bowed his head slightly, mostly so the older man couldn't see the smile that had crept across his face.

"Thank you so much!" Malon managed to get out before crushing her father in a hug.

"Now, now easy there, I'm gettin' too ol' fer this. So it's settled, you'll head out this evenin', and not a minute later!" Her father said with a grin.

"Go on, off with ya, get ready for a long journey, I expect ta see you sometime next week at the earliest!" The old man laughed.

Laughing, the two headed upstairs once more, after a glance at the clock confirming it was already noon, packing some clothes, shampoo, and other necessities. An since Knil didn't have much in the way of property, it was a quick process.

Out in the barn, Malon saddled and loaded Nyx up with their packs as Knil stood by to watch how it was done. The great stallion seemed as excited to be out again as they were.

"Wow, I can't believe my father agreed, you didn't even ask." Her mind was still reeling from this turn of events.

"Yeah, he seems like a good man, although a little lazy."

Her hands froze, her head tilting down so her hair hid her face. "He wasn't always like this you know," she spoke barely above a whisper, but he could still hear her, "there was a time when he had all these chores done by evening without even breaking a sweat, then he'd come help me finish carrying water buckets. He was all muscle, not an ounce of fat on him, not like now…"

She blinked back the sudden rush of tears that threatened to fall, taking a deep inhale to calm her suddenly jumpy nerves.

He seemed able to pick up on her stress; his sensitive nose caught the slightest hint of salt in the air, and, so carefully, without really knowing what he was doing exactly, he walked behind her and wrapped both arms around her midsection like they had in the kitchen, but this time for comfort.

His head leaned lightly on her left shoulder as he enveloped her in his warmth, "What happened to change that?" he whispered in her ear.

She choked back a sob and leaned into him, arms covering his for comfort, "My mother, she died. It was an accident, one of the lamps fell on the floor, it all happened so fast... We used to have two barns, one on the other side of the ranch, and when it caught on fire, my mother ran to get all the animals out."

Tears were running freely now as a sad smile twisted up, "The only one that didn't make it, was Epona's mother, she stayed with my mother, and died with her. They had an unbreakable bond, and both understood they weren't going to make it out together. I guess that's why I was the only one to bond with Epona, we seemed to both be in the same boat, and turned to each other for comfort."

She drew in a shaky breath, turning her face slightly to look at him, giving him a small watery smile. His hand moved without his permission, thumb unconsciously wiping away the tears staining her pale face.

"But that's all over now, nothing we can do to change what happened, so lets finish packing." She lightly pulled at his arms to release her, before returning to buckling the last of the packs in.

He looked slightly confused, but shrugged it off, content with watching her work. He was caught off guard however, when she turned one last time, "And Knil, thanks."

His mouth turned in a small, real smile as he nodded.

By the time they finished up the sun was already high in the sky, beating down on them as they led Nyx out bridle-less as always.

Malon hopped up first, with Knil settling in behind. Waving a goodbye to her father and Ingo, who stood watching, they headed off at a fast trot through the maze entrance.

"So. Where to first?" she asked over her shoulder.

"Hm. I don't know, is there any place you'd like to go?" he replied

Her face screwed up in thought, though he couldn't see it, "How about the Gerudo Desert? I've always loved the sand."

Taking a glance at her fiery hair he had a guess why, but maybe it was just a coincidence.

"Alright, lead the way."

She shifted nervously, "Um, actually, as I said before, I don't know where anything really is, I've just told Nyx where to go and he always seems to find it."

He gave her a 'you have to be kidding me' look, but relented, "Alright, well Nyx, think you can take us to the Gerudo Desert?" of course he was joking when he said this, but when the horse actually bobbed its head and changed directions in a quick spin on his hind quarters and added a burst of speed, he was left to cling to Malon's mid section as he shook his head mentally at the possibility of the creature actually understanding his words.

Malon only giggled and smiled, and patted her smug horse's neck.

-end of babble-

Surely, he was loosing it.

There before them, was the Gerudo's Hideout. Nyx had slowed down after crossing the bridge, and now they were walking around the corner into 'Their' Fortress. He was amazed that the beast had actually gotten them there, but even more so at the construction of the buildings.

He was leaning back with his hands on Malon's waist to keep himself from falling backwards, as his head tilted up to take in the sights.

Suddenly his arm shot out reflexively, catching an arrow in its grasp as it threatened to hit them. He glared at it before drawing his sword, intent upon killing whoever dared to shoot another.

He was disappointed when one of the scouts that had suddenly surrounded them, shouted out an order for the others to lower their weapons.

This same guard came forward out of the circle and -was he seeing things?- bowed on one knee.

"Sir, I apologize. We did not recognize you. Please, join us inside for refreshments, I will have our horsewoman take care of your mount." Finished with her speech the woman stood, "This way please."

The respective woman walked into one of the many doorways dotting the landscape, leaving the two to look at each other puzzled. The rest of the Gerudo guards bowed and went back to their patrolling posts.

Shrugging Knil jumped down, and reached a hand up to help Malon, who politely accepted with a slight blush. As promised, a woman dressed in white with cropped hair and matching white makeup approached, placing a light hand on Nyx's shoulder to lead him to cool off from the ride, the animal baulked but followed, clearly wanting a good rest.

Her horse taken care of, she walked with Knil into the building they had seen the Gerudo woman go, his arm was held around her waist possessively, and it reassured her that he was there if anything went wrong. Inside they were met with cool air and fire lit hallways, where they walked to the end, and finally found the woman waiting for them by a fire in a small rec-room of sorts.

"Welcome back. We have established a new leader since your last visit, after Nabooru became a sage. Her name is Divanru (Di-van-ru), you will meet her at tonight's feast."

"I am Katir (Cat-ier), it is a pleasure to see you again Link, it has been a while. Who is your lady friend?" She gestured lightly with her hand at the red head he currently had his arm around.

Suddenly remembering her manners, "How rude of me! My name's Malon, nice to meet you Katir." Malon said politely with a smile, to which the other woman returned.

Knil's glare broke the nice atmosphere, "My names Knil, not Link." He almost spat out.

Katir looked slightly taken aback, and looked him over, "But, your resemblance to his is almost mirror except for your difference in coloring."

Malon placed a comforting hand on his arm, and whispered in his ear, "She doesn't know, it's not her fault, I made the same mistake, if you remember."

His face relaxed as he blew out a breath, "I guess you're right." He looked up at Katir, "I apologize for my behavior. I resemble Link, because I am his shadow form."

"Ah, my apologies as well, Sir Knil, but know that everyone else will treat you as a hero, even so."

Malon flashed him a brilliant smile before her attention moved back to Katir, "So what's this I hear about a feast? You said something earlier about it."

Katir tore her gaze from calculating and measuring Knil up, to Malon in an instant "Oh yes. You two are the guests of honor, Queen Divanru has ordered a festival be held, and I'm certain you'll both love it." She spoke excitedly. "There will be dancing, music, and food."

"Come, we must prepare, it is already dusk." She waved for them to follow, "I will show you your rooms, then get you ready."

After being shown to their rooms, which were directly across from one another, Katir pulled Malon aside while telling Knil he was free to roam until dinner time when she would have someone fetch him. Though he was reluctant, he finally sulked off at the mention of some odd thing called 'girl stuff', which didn't sound very fun.

"So what's this about?" Malon asked.

Katir smiled "We must prepare you for tonight's dinner, you must be properly dresses for your male sister."

"What are you talking about, 'my male'?" 'Why is she calling me sister?'

"Surely Sir Knil and you are together yes?" The Gerudo woman asked as though it was obvious.

Malon blushed at the insinuation, and looked away shaking her head, "No, we're not." She said almost sadly.

Katir caught her slip up and gave her a meaningful glance and a quick smile, "Well after tonight I'm sure you will be." She gave her a private wink, "Now come on, let's get you dressed." Her hand gripped Malon's tightly, breaking no argument.

"Ok…" Malon's voice trailed off, even though she was already being dragged to wherever this woman planned.

Being dragged down the many hallways, her guide finally stopped at one door in particular, it didn't look special, but when they entered Malon saw many different Gerudo outfits, a makeup table, and many cushiony pillow seats to sit on.

It was a warm fire lit room, casting a comforting glow and wrapping her up in it.

She could guess where they were and gave Katir a questioning glance, "What are you expecting me to wear exactly?"

The older woman gave her a reassuring smile, "Whatever color fits you in a Gerudo uniform, you get to pick, but I'll tell you what looks best. You are our sister after all."

"Do you mean sister in the literal sense, or in a figurative sense?"

The Gerudo woman fixed her with an incredulous stare while holding up some of the outfits, "Literal of course, no one else in Hyrule has our clan's red hair, it's a dominant genetic no matter the coupling, except for the very rare mix of red and whatever the sire's hair is."

"But it's rare for a Gerudo woman to have a husband outside the clan, and normally it is only the king and queen who breed. Our old king Ganondorf is dead now thank goodness, he may have been one of us but he abused his powers and was not fit to rule. When we don't have a king, anyone is allowed to bear a child from an outsider, but there is only ever one male born at a time, no matter how thin the genetics might run, and the rest of the children will be female. It is an odd curse set upon us so there is only one male to rule at a time."

Malon let the information sink in while she too started going through the clothing, "So you're saying, my mother was Gerudo?"

Not bothering to give the girl a glance as she scrutinized another piece of clothing, she answered, "Yes, and I'm also saying, if you and Knil do breed, there is a possibility you could have a male child, and he would become our king, because no one else would be able to have a male child after one was born, they would all be female."

Malon blushed, "Though it's highly unlikely, as I don't even know if he likes me, I don't think I would mind."

Katir stood with her choice from the stack, "Here, try this on and tell me what you think. As for him liking you, it's obvious he cares about you at least, and if my plan succeeds, after tonight you two will be a couple."

Malon accepted the garment and went into a back stall to try it on, blushing at the woman's comment, and absorbing the information of her heritage, she'd have to ask her father later if he knew about it.

She came out dressed in the basic Gerudo uniform, but this one was different, instead of being all purple like the guards, it had a white top with a line all the way around of blue block-like decorative markings, and the same deep ocean blue with a tinge of sea green colored pants. Her feet were bare of the odd shoes though as nothing seemed to go with her looks and clothing, and the ground was warm enough she didn't need them.

She was also wearing the gloves, which were fingerless and stopped just before her elbow, and a veil, both of which were the same deep color of blue as her pants. The whole outfit was made of buttery silk and felt good against her skin, even the veil, which she pulled off halfway, to be more comfortable.

She felt self-conscious of all the skin that was now bare, and was silently thankful for the comfortable loose pants. The top, like all the uniforms, was a simple bra like shirt, just enough to cover her ample breasts, but the garments allowed her better movement than even her farm attire.

It was comfortable, and as she walked to a long mirror to look at herself properly, she was very pleased with what she saw.

Behind her, Katir nodded her head in approval, "Yes I think that one would look best on you. You'll definitely catch his eye, and if you don't, then he must be gay."

Malon beamed a smile in the mirror and laughed lightly while she turned to face her, "Thanks, you know, I feel like you're the sister I never had."

This caused the other to laugh, "Thank you for the compliment, but here, you're as closely related to me as any other one of us, no matter how thin your Gerudo blood is, and the same will go for your child, remember that. You're always welcome here."

The red headed farm girl nodded through her smile, before the other woman spoke again, "Now lets get some makeup on you an pull your hair up, it's almost dinner time."

The younger of the two nodded and sat down on one of the pillow chairs, while the older busied herself preparing the girl for the festival.

She painted her lips a silvery red, outlined her eyes lightly with just enough charcoal, and applied a barely noticeable blue eye shadow to top it off. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail like all the other Gerudo's.

"Thanks Katir, I look amazing." Malon couldn't stop smiling at her reflection; she didn't even think she looked like herself anymore, she looked more grown up and adult like.

"Now that we're done, I will tell you now that it is required for you to dance with me and some of our sisters, in front of Knil. It is tradition to dance for prospective males, but don't worry, I have no doubt he will have eyes only for you." She gave the girl another wink and pulled her out the door before she could respond.

Still pulling her while expertly weaving down the halls, she instructed her over her shoulder, "When we get there you will stay with me and the others, make sure you put your veil on before we enter the room. The other girls in there will also be dancing for your young warrior, don't worry I wouldn't try taking him from you. But it is rare for a strong male, especially one who can defeat any of us in hand to hand combat, to be found, and to have his child would make our bloodline even stronger."

"So make sure you're careful, I'll be there to guide you through the dance steps and make sure no one bothers you, I am a very respected second in command guard." She flashed the suddenly worried girl a smile over her shoulder, just as they reached the dining room halls.

"You will also be meeting with Queen Divanru, make sure you bow, and give your respect and attention to her until she dismisses you. Now-" She pulled up Malon's veil and started to push her through the swinging double doors, "let's get this started."

Malon looked nervous under the veil, her blue eyes searched the room as Katir pushed her in and came to stand next to her as she inspected the people that had gathered. She couldn't find Knil yet, but wasn't given the time to look better as Katir pulled her towards a lady sitting on a throne.

"My queen," She bowed and Malon followed suit, "This is Lady Malon, a sister from outside the fortress."

"It is an honor to meet you Queen Divanru." Malon said with her head still bowed.

"Rise." They rose and the young farm girl had time to take in the woman's features more clearly.

She wore a dark gold and an almost black color of deep red uniform, a darker contrast to her bronze almost chocolate skin, which brought out her striking calculating amber eyes. (I found a pic on deviant art . com, http:/ missgizmo . deviantart . com /art/Gerudo-9531512 , without the spaces, I like the colors, so I thought it would go well) which was the normal color for all the pure blooded Gerudo women.

A small smile appeared on her white painted lips, "So, you are Canti's (San-te) child. I can see your father's Hylian blood in your blue eyes." Her calculating eyes probed her for faults, "Your life style is not of the regular lazy Hylian I can see, too much muscle, and not enough fat to have lived in a village."

Malon nodded but did not meet her eyes, "I am a farm girl, my father owns Lon Lon Ranch."

"Ah, I see, so the rumors were true. A beautiful, red headed, farm maiden indeed. What brings you back to your home land?" Her voice was feminine, calm and measured, but there was an underlying danger that spoke against such assumptions.

"I am here visiting with my companion, Knil."

"The shadow man. I see. You both are dismissed, enjoy the festivities." She said with another small smile.

"Thank you." They both bowed and stepped away respectively, moving to gather at the center as the music started.

Malon looked nervously once more at Katir, "You sure about this?" She bit her lip.

"Just follow me, you'll get the hang of it." With that the girls made a zigzag formation, all eyes turned to one person in particular that had just appeared through the doors.

Knil finally arrived; the Gerudo guard who had escorted him had found him wandering the rooftops.

He stared at the women who were all scantily clad in clothing, and had their attention fixed securely on him. 'What the hell are they staring at? Did my pants fall off or something?'

After checking just to make sure, he glanced back at the women as the music started, his escort lightly pushed him to one of the chairs, telling him to just sit and enjoy the show.

He would have been fine with it, had he been able to find Malon in the crowd. He felt fear grip his heart at the possibility that they had done something to hurt, or imprison her, and was about to stand and search for her, when the women lined up in a zigzag formation started to dance.

His attention was transfixed, on one in particular, in the sea of eight different colored women, his gaze landed and stayed on the one wearing blue and white. She, like all the others, had a toned body, but hers had softer curves, and only a light tan instead of bronze.

She fumbled to dance like the others, before she finally got the hang of it, hips twisting and gyrating as though seperate from her torso in smooth circular motions. Arms moved across her body as though stroking the softest silk and savoring it's touch, before flowing out palms up as though in offering to the gods.

They all twirled around in synch, their silken clothing and see-through sashes following their movements. The dancing was interspersed with clapping, all in time with the melody being played by the female band.

The guitar sang a sweet tune from picked strings, keeping up with pace set by soft drum beats mixed with the jingling of tamborines. The whole room was focused on the show, as the performers' shadows danced across the large hall, flickering with the flames along the wall; creating their own dance.

Her eyes were locked with his as she started getting lost in the music and movement, getting bolder, she moved closer to him where he was able to see the blue of her eyes, instead of the gold color the other Gerudo women had. Her ample curves and hourglass figure blew his mind.

In an instant, he realized who she was, and his worries disappeared as he reclined in the cushy pillow seat, totally prepared to enjoy the sight of her body swaying in the deserts famous belly dance.

The other women frowned at this, jealous that the female guest was getting the attentions of the prospective and strong male. A few moved forward, and grabbed Knil's hand and brought him to stand, dancing provocatively around him to try and get his attention.

Knil was about to tell them to go away, when he realized how his fiery red headed farm girl was almost seething, before she smoothed her features under her veil, and set her expression in pure determination.

He grinned and decided to let things play out, liking the knowledge that she was jealous of those girls being around him.

She felt like punching those women in the face, glancing over to Katir, the warrior mouthed an 'I told you so' to her. She nodded fiercely as her dormant anger rose.

Malon sauntered up to Knil, the two girls hanging off each of his arms glared at her as she put on her cutest face, using her eyes to look as sexy as she had seen other women act.

Knil on the other hand, was having a hard time breathing, her little act was causing confusion among his bodily functions, and it was not limited to his lungs...

Once again she made his body react in ways he had never felt before he knew her. His mind was muddied with thoughts he had never visited before, but now plagued his brain.

Malon gave both girls her own death glare, one that promised pain, and silently dared them to stop her as she pressed herself against Knil's chest. His hands immediately found her hips as he moved away from the other two who were fuming at being rejected, the other dancers laughed lightly at their stupidity.

He smirked down at her and kept in time with her movements, keeping himself pressed almost impossibly tight to her, making sure she could feel his desire pressing into her.

He whispered in husky tones he had only used on her at their first meeting, "I almost didn't recognize you. They have nothing on you." He was talking, of course, about the two women he had left behind that he hadn't even really been paying attention to.

She blushed when she realized just what was pressing against her thigh, and his compliment. 'Well at least he isn't bashful, otherwise I think I'd feel too embarrassed to continue.'

She was already being bolder than she had ever been with any man, and it felt great not to have her mind nagging at her all the time. She wanted to do this with him; she felt she could trust him more so than even Link, the hero of her dreams. But now that she had Knil, nothing else seemed to matter. Not her farm life, not the world, just him and her.

***************CHAPTER HAS BEEN UPDATED***************

OOOOH CLIFF HANGER! Haha, lemon in next chapter to make up for it though :3 BE FORE WARNED! Mwuahahahaha, cackles evily Oh and just so you know, I'm going to be giving it my best shot, seeing as it's the first one I've written, lol, I think it will turn out decent at least, definately not a quicky though ;) hope you enjoyed.