The Legend of Zelda : Twisted Destiny

VI

 

                Link growled desperately as they sat foot outside of the well. He looked up at the sky as rather heavy rain fell down on him. He was bloody, injured, in torn and womanly clothes, shoeless, his skin was covered in dirt and sweat and his hair was just greasy because of all the humidity of the dungeon. Was he in need of a cold rain shower?

                Obviously, he was not.

                Sheik merely stood beside him as he stared in the distance. Link looked at him with tired eyes. Hell, the Sheikah always seemed so very strong…  He wasn’t even dirty and had not even a scratch. Link sighed as he looked down at his disgusting sword that was covered in zombie remains…

                What a hero he was…

                Tatl also hissed softly behind him. Link turned to stare at her. He smiled. She looked pretty much as bad as he did, but she was still much prettier. She felt his eyes on herself, so she met his gaze with hers, but she quickly looked away.

                Sheik started walking towards Zelda’s house; his steps were nonchalant and casual as the rest of the crew watched his feline movements before they started to follow him.

                They reached the princess and Impa’s house a few moments later. Tatl looked up at it and she smiled; in the doorway was standing Isca, his side resting against the doorframe as he smirked in a somewhat evil way.

                His amusement was directed at Link. The smaller Hylian looked up and his features hardened visibly as he glared back at the knight. Isca’s shoulder shook lightly as he chuckled at the dirty blond’s appearance. He seemed very satisfied, in facts.

                Still smiling, he shifted his gaze on Tatl… And his lips slowly curled down.

                The group entered the house in which was Zelda, not too far behind Isca. He looked down at Tatl, at her exposed skin, before grabbing her arm and pulling her to him, looking at Link before returning his gaze on his girlfriend. “What happened to your dress?” He asked as he played with a strand of turquoise hair. She blinked as Link chuckled.

• 
  “I… In the well, it was getting in my way.” She answered. His blue eyes seemed to harden.


• 
  “You could have cut it a little lower.” She opened her mouth in surprise.


• 
  “And why?” Interrupted Link as he was now resting his back casually against the nearby wooden wall.  Tatl looked at him as Isca glared at the dirty blond.


• 
  “Mind your business.” Barked the knight. Link snorted.


• 
  “Fuck you. She’s not your slave and I have no orders to receive from you.” His steely and icy eyes met Isca’s more dangerous blue gaze. The knight smirked sourly as the ambiance, suddenly, became much heavier. Tatl looked at both men.


• 
  “Who are you to talk to me like this?” Asked Isca, his tone being intensely disdainful. Link growled dangerously low as he took a step forward. He hated that noble attitude the man before him wore in his presence.


• 
  “Who are you to think you can command us? Who are you to think you are above everyone else?” Isca kept smirking aggressively as Link neared him. “Who are you to give orders to a princess, tell me?” Tatl stared at Link with wide eyes as Zelda rested a hand on his arm.


• 
  “That’s enough.” She intervened, her voice being authoritarian. The Hylian princess pulled on Link’s arm, but the small man didn’t move. He was incredibly sturdy right now. Isca chuckled lowly, in a dark and dangerous fashion, as the distance between the two Hylians reduced once again.


• 
  “Are you, perhaps looking for a fight?” The knight proposed –hissed- between clenched teeth. Link smiled provocatively, showing those straight, white and pointy teeth.


• 
  “Any-fuckin’-time.”

Their chests were about to touch when Olwen –more or less roughly- separated them, pushing Link away before glaring at Isca with a warning expression. The knight ignored it and tried to shove the butler away… But the bigger man’s grip was almost made of iron against his shoulder.

Behind the tall Sheikah, Sheik was holding Link against the wall, solidly pushing the slightly taller man’s shoulders against the hard surface as the Hylian merely tried to get away. The blond could feel through his friend’s skin and bones his quick heartbeat. It almost was as if he could see the adrenaline run in his veins.

Tatl walked between the men and rested a soft hand on Isca’s chest, but she was looking at Link. “Isca…” She turned her hot pink stare on her boyfriend. “That’s enough.” Her voice was commanding but still soft.

The knight looked down at her a moment before snorting and looking away. He turned around and exited the room, heading outside.

His stare and Link’s were connected until he left the house. The tension was still there, even after the knight left.

Link snorted before pushing Sheik away softly. The blond let go of him, making sure he wouldn’t go running after the bigger man.

The whole group was staring at Link as he wasn’t looking at them. His face turned towards the ground at Olwen’s feet, he finally spoke through a low but soft and tired voice. “I’m going for a bath.”

***

                Tatl turned under the bed sheets for the fifteenth time that hour. She was facing Isca’s sleeping form and the window. She looked down at her knight as he seemed peaceful. For once. Smiling, she ran a soft finger down his bare torso, circling the defined muscles of his pectorals and abs. Even in the darkness, she could see his smooth and tanned skin.

                He was, physically speaking, perfect. Tall, strong and handsome, with defined jaws, a straight and narrow nose, deep blue eyes, and pulpy lips.

                However, he was also dominant, jealous and commanding. She sighed softly when he turned on his side, showing his back to her.

                She sat up and let her bare legs fall down on the side of the bed, exposing her skin to the coldness. Tatl pushed the blankets away and she shivered as her light, black nightgown wasn’t warm enough to keep her from the low temperature. She rose and crossed her arms over her breast, crushing them against her body as she felt her nipples harden under the chilliness of the night.

                Looking one last time at Isca, she exited the room.

                Careful not to make noises, Tatl slowly stepped down the stairs that would, ultimately, lead to the kitchen. Everyone seemed asleep, even if she knew that Olwen was, probably, gone outside.

                She froze when she reached the ground and she jumped in slight surprise. Thinking she would be alone, she was surprised to see Link’s silhouette standing in the doorframe –like Isca had done earlier. Not moving from her spot down the stairs, she observed him.

                He was shirtless in the coldness of the night, his face turned towards the village. With the moonlight, she could only see his dark profile and pointy, long nose stand out between curtains of messy hair, and she couldn’t ignore how dangerously low his pants were positioned around his narrow hips. He had his arms crossed over his chest –much like she did- but it didn’t stop her eyes from observing his athletic build.

                He was not nearly as muscular as Isca was; while Isca was visibly stronger, Link had the physique to be quick. His muscles weren’t as big as Isca’s, or as defined, but he still had a nice build. “Having a nice view?” He looked at her, smiling seductively. Her eyes widened slightly.

• 
  “What do you mean?” He chuckled, well aware of his appearance and the look he gave with the moonlight on his pale skin.


• 
  “Weren’t you staring at me?” She snorted, looking away and he laughed before turning to face her. “The well’s haunting you?” He had a softer expression, now, as he played more or less absently with a green rupee. Tatl stared up at him.


• 
  “And you?” He raised his head enough so the bluish light of the night would only make half of his face apparent as a single pale, blue eye appeared in the soft shadow. His shoulders shook lightly as he chuckled a little sourly, tiredly.


• 
  “Yeah… Pretty much can’t think about anything else.” Tatl circled a chair before resting her ass against it, in a way that she could face the Hylian.


• 
  “… In there… I had never seen such horrible… things.” Link snorted, shifting lightly, which made her focus on his silhouette. “And you?” She felt his icy –and yet soft- eyes as they locked with hers.


• 
  “I have seen… Atrocities.” His voice was dead serious and chilly. “This well wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve set eyes upon.” Even though half his face was buried in the darkness, Tatl could feel the strength of his words, of his attitude. “But it sure wasn’t the worst.”

They held each other’s gaze for a moment. For once, his eyes did not held that arrogant confidence, but he had a softer expression which only brought to the surface how deep his soul was, truly. He wasn’t only that stupid player everyone thought he was. He was… More.

What, exactly, Tatl could not say, but as she tilted her head to the side, she understood that she wanted to know, to find out what was hidden behind that shell.

He was the first to look away.

And when he stared back at her, that bad boy attitude was back. So was her exasperation. He looked down at her curves a moment. “You know…” He started. Tatl knew, so very well, what was to come. “If you can’t sleep, and me neither, we should have some… Fun.” Link chuckled as she rested her fists on her hips casually.

• 
  “Not while I’ll be alive.” He smirked, evilly.


• 
  “I don’t mind. Corpses are tight, anyways.” Her eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped a moment… Before she laughed softly.


• 
  “That’s disgusting.” She looked away, trying to look annoyed. It didn’t work.


• 
  “Why? Not moral enough fer ye’?” She glared darkly at him.


• 
  “You know nothing of him.” Link chuckled darkly as well.


• 
  “I know he’s an asshole.” Tatl turned to face him completely, challenging the Hylian before her.


• 
  “Look who’s talking.” She growled. He merely laughed.


• 
  “I might be a bastard, but I have the guts to admit who I am and what I want. No masquerade or whatever with me, lady. Your knight might be all handsome and the incarnation of Good and Justice, but he’s just hiding behind some holy façade.” His tone was harsh and steady. “We all do.” This last statement was softer, though. Tatl stared at him. The anger in her eyes was visible, but she kept her cool.


• 
  “You have both only seen the worst of each other.” She pointed. He snorted as he looked away, but he stayed quiet. She shifted. “Cat finally got your tongue?”


• 
  “No. Just thought it wouldn’t be quite wise of me to insult your boyfriend if I want to get closer to you.” Once again, his words hit her like a wall of bricks. He chuckled as she looked away. “What? Don’t act as if you don’t know it.”


• 
  “Know what?” She glared at him. He laughed.


• 
  “That I’ll end up taking you to my bed, someday.” He smiled seductively as she seemed insulted.


• 
  “I’m not interested.” Tatl merely replied, faking indifference. Link chuckled as he neared her.


• 
  “Then allow me to seduce you.” She looked up at him.


• 
  “I’m not some easy woman.” He took another step forward.


• 
  “That, I’m aware.” He neared her again. “And that’s exactly what pleases me.” Tatl rolled her eyes.


• 
  “Seriously, can’t you talk about anything else but sex?” She sounded exasperated. He chuckled.


• 
  “Why? Sex is a great part of someone’s life.”


• 
  “Rectification. Of your life.”


• 
  “What, you mean that he really hasn’t touched you yet?” Tatl blinked.


• 
  “That’s none of your business!” He laughed.


• 
  “And I was merely taking a guess when I told that ugly mayor you were a virgin.” She growled at him. Link merely chuckled in answer. “And I guess you’re going to tell me that you don’t care about sex or anything like that? That you are way above that?” His tone as well as his smile was purely sarcastic, cynic.


• 
  “I just don’t think that it’s as important as you make it sound.”


• 
  “Well, perhaps that’s because you have never tasted the sweet poison of love.” Tatl looked at him.


• 
  “Sweet poison of love?” She giggled. “You’re a poet, now?” He stepped forward and her smile faded slightly.


• 
  “I can be anything you want.” His voice was… Surprisingly soft. She looked up.


• 
  “I don’t need you in my life.” Link laughed in a challenging way.


• 
  “I’m the only one who can save your ass, apparently.” Her stare hardened itself.


• 
  “And that gives you the right to get whatever you want, right?”


• 
  “Why not?”


• 
  “Fuck you.”

She turned around with energy and went up the stairs again, not looking at Link as she was angry. Tatl was tired to be considered a toy, a thing, some… public possession that anyone had the right to lay hands upon.

She growled.

A few moments ago, she was ready to open up to Link. She was ready to forgive him and try to befriend that man. Because… Because…

To Hell, now!

He was immature and would stay like this forever, anyways. She was done with him.

Link stood where he had been. With an amused smile, he watched her walk away from him, and once she was gone, he laughed, looking at the moon. Oh well. She wouldn’t act in such a way if she didn’t care about him? No?

***

The next morning seemed to come quite quickly as the small group started to rise slowly.  Olwen appeared in the kitchen before everybody else. As always. However, he stopped in the stairs as his crimson stare sat on the sleeping hero.

Link was sitting at the kitchen table, asleep against his left forearm, and still half-naked. The air was still quite chilly, so the butler went upstairs to get a blanket and put it on Link’s sleeping form, before starting the preparation for that morning’s meal.

Of course, Sheik joined them shortly after. He smiled under his cowl at Link before going to stand beside the door. Olwen nodded at him and Sheik did the same.

Zelda joined them soon enough. Smiling, she waved at the Sheikahs before walking to Link and messing his hair up. He growled and covered his head with the blanket. She laughed softly before turning her stare to the Sheikahs. “So, today is the big day!” She seemed quite enthusiastic.

• 
  “Big day? We are heading into the pit of Death itself, princess.” Pointed Olwen, a very small hint of irritation in his voice, as he kept his back to her. She seemed to smile in apology.


• 
  “I know, Olwen, but once this’ll be over, the Shadows will be able to rest in peace for good.” He snorted, but the thought did comfort him. At some point.


• 
  “Perhaps.” She sat down beside Link.


• 
  “I am sorry you have to endure this.” The tallest man’s red stare joined with her violet one.


• 
  “I’m not the one who suffers the most.” He looked down at the sleeping Hylian. Zelda sighed softly as she also looked down at him.


• 
  “True.” She simply replied before caressing the young man’s head. He growled softly before pulling himself closer to the princess, resting his head against her breasts. She laughed softly. “I know you’re not sleeping anymore.” Link chuckled softly.


• 
  “Comfy.” She smiled down at him, caressing his messy hair. Sheik chuckled softly.


• 
  “Don’t let his childish charms get to you, princess. He has destroyed many hearts this way.” Link snorted.


• 
  “Not true.” Zelda giggled.


• 
  “I’m sure it is.” The hero pulled the blanket over his nose.


• 
  “Everyone’s always against me.” The princess merely kept smiling and nodded, still caressing his hair.


• 
  “Of course, Link.” Replied Sheik, casually.

They stood and sat in silence for a little while, as Link slowly fell back asleep into Zelda’s pale arms. Perhaps it was the nice and relaxing smell of the breakfast being prepared that brought Tatl down before her knight, but with heavy steps, she appeared at the base of the stairway.

Olwen and Sheik looked up at her only to both smirk as they saw the Twili freeze lightly as she spotted Link and Zelda being quite… Close. Tatl blinked before heading towards the table and taking a seat before the light princess. “Good morning.” She said, looking out the window.

• 
  “Morning, Tatl.” Answered Zelda, softly, as she kept smiling at the sleeping man on her chest. Sheik and Olwen looked at each other, smirking, before returning to their neutral position. The butler looked up at them.


• 
  “Breakfast is ready. Tatl, perhaps you should go get your knight?” The Twilight princess nodded and got up exactly when Zelda pinched Link’s nose.


• 
  “My dear Hero, it is time for you to wake.” He opened his eyes and mouth when he was about to suffocate.


• 
  “Hell. I was so well against your delicious body, Zel.” She smiled.


• 
  “Zel, hm? Are we getting closer?” Link nodded.


• 
  “If you take off your clothes, we can become even closer.” She pushed him on the floor and laughed.


• 
  “Oh, sorry.” He growled as he tried to take the blanket away from him. Tatl rolled her eyes and walked beside him to get up the stairs. Link followed her with his eyes.


• 
  “Why the hell is she this irritated?” Olwen chuckled.


• 
  “Perhaps you should ask her.” He answered, smirking, as he put the plates down on the table.

***

Shadow temple. Looking down at the entrance had been enough to freeze Link’s blood into his veins, and, once again, they had to drag him inside as he was incredibly well attached to the fence just outside the temple. And from the fences to where the temple started, there were now trails that fingers had created into the mud as some creature had been dragged into the darkness.

The insides of the apparently holy dungeon resembled the Well. Slightly. It was a labyrinth with transparent walls that were only showed to the Sheikahs. And Link. When he used the Lens of Truth. Which he forget about for half of the dungeon, even if Nami kept reminding him to use the damn item. But each time, a creepy creature would pop up and make the poor Hylian forget about everything else, and someone had to stop him from running straight into the void.

Olwen was greatly amused by this situation and, each time, he would watch Link almost piss himself with interest. Being in the Shadow temple had never been this amusing.

But it only got better when a very big spider –with a skull on its back- decided to crawl down, right before Link’s nose.

Perhaps the whole team forgot, for a brief moment, how the Hero of Time wasn’t exactly heroic, because they all seemed surprised to see the Hylian turn white, scream like a schoolgirl and run off behind Sheik, shaking. “I don’t care who, but KILL IT!” He shouted.

It took a moment before anyone moved towards the passive insect as they were all busy staring at Link. But after a moment, Isca merely cut the thing in two with his two-handed sword. He returned his attention to the smaller Hylian. “And they dare call you a Hero?” The brunet snorted before walking away, continuing his way into the temple. The Sheikahs both glared at his back and Tatl seemed a little embarrassed by his attitude. Yet, she followed him.

And after sometimes going through various puzzles and transparent walls, the group entered a room and the door behind them closed itself. Link yelped slightly as he heard the sound –that he knew too well, by now. He looked around the room, sharply, before backing against the door; the room was square-shaped, but in the middle of it, which formed a large circle, many white and skeletal arms were raising gloriously from the ground. Their nails were, of course, red like blood.

The small team all stood in silence as they looked at it. “So… We have to cut down hands…?” Asked Isca as he looked, perplexed, at the scene. Link shook his head with energy.

• 
  “No, no, no, no! Don’t get near those freakin’ hands!” He called from the door. Once again, his rather terrorised tone of voice caught everyone’s attention and they turned to look at him.


• 
  “Why not?” Demanded Tatl.


• 
  “If you get too close, they grab you and some ugly shitty zombie comes out of the ground to eat your brains!” Isca and Tatl looked at each other.


• 
  “Then, we have to use someone as bait. I take it?” Link nodded.


• 
  “Yeah! Pretty much… Or be quick enough to run off when the monster comes near!” Isca smirked.


• 
  “I see.” He walked to Link. The Hylian pushed himself more against the door.


• 
  “What the hell are you gonna do?!” He yelled as the knight grabbed his collar and… lifted him off the ground like he was some ragdoll.


• 
  “You know the creature and you’re quick. You’re the perfect candidate to be the bait.” And, without further warning, he threw the poor man right at one of the hands.

Two hands attacked Link vigorously, clinging at his head and left shoulder. He screamed as he struggled to get away, panicking. The sharp nails of the two hands dug into his skin, making his own blood drip down his face, chest, shoulder and arm, which only intensified his reaction to the situation.

Sheik ran to his friend right away as another hand tried to catch the Sheikah. However, he was too far away for it to touch the blond man.

Even if it was rather sadistic and brutal, the plan worked, for the white and ugly zombie Link had mentioned rose from the dead. It was, at some point, a ridiculous being; greyish-white, shapeless with long arms, empty eye-sockets and unhooked jaws. It stared at Link with hunger, moaning pitifully as it seemed to ignore everyone else in the room.

Tatl stepped back behind Olwen. Her traumatism over zombies was still very present into her mind.  The butler got his dagger out, but he stood before the Twili as Isca walked forward, his sword ready.

That man was fearless.

Facing the monster with his logical warrior spirit, he engaged the fight, slashing and stabbing with ability and strength. Soon enough, the creature seemed to be weakening.

However, Sheik –after a few hit on each arms- freed Link from the hands’ solid grip and he pulled the Hylian to the ground nearby, where Link merely fall on his ass, shocked with blood trailing down his body.

The monster yelled in anger and shoved Isca away before disappearing into the ground. The door didn’t open.

Isca turned around to look at Link and Sheik. “Get back there if you want to leave this room, someday!” The blond Sheikah glared darkly at the knight.

• 
  “Why don’t you go get yourself mutilated while we take care of this situation?” He asked, his voice rather dark.


• 
  “Because I’m the one fighting it.” Sheik’s stare was challenging.


• 
  “Link killed one like this in the well, he can do it again.”


• 
  “He doesn’t look like he can.”


• 
  “Link!” Interrupted Tatl’s voice and they all looked to their right as they heard Link hiss, as, this time, three hands dung their fingers into his skin. Tatl clapped a hand over her mouth as the monster reappeared. Sheik looked at his friend, not understanding what had just happened.

Isca returned to his fight, after looking at the smaller man as blood started to run from the new places where his skin was pierced. Sheik ran to him, but Olwen stopped the blond. “He knows what he is doing.”

Indeed. Link seemed calm even though he was, very visibly, resisting pain by biting hardly on his lower lip. And he continued, even when he tasted blood, as it was a better thing to focus on then the fifteen red nails digging into his body.

But finally, the hand withdrew themselves into the ground when the white zombie died in an agonising scream. Link fell down, on his back, before turning on his side, shaking. Sheik ran straight at him. “Link!”

The Hylian looked up at him before sitting down. Slowly, and still shaking. The blond rested a hand on his upper back as he inspected Link. He then glared up at Isca who was watching the scene, emotionlessly. The only thing that kept him from killing that knightly bastard, right there was his Sheikah instincts of self-restriction. Instead, he returned his attention to his friend, his brother.

And yet, Link was getting back on his feet. Bloody and in pain, but standing. Tatl looked at him. Even she was impressed. “Are you alright?” Asked Olwen at the small man. Link looked up at him, smirking.

• 
  “Nothing I can’t survive.” Steadily, he met Isca’s stare and he held it. Powerfully. As for the knight, he wore a disdainful expression as he looked at the smaller Hylian.


• 
  “A chest appeared, Link.” Pointed Nami as she flew above the said item. He detached his stare from the knight’s and headed towards it to open it.

In the chest was a pair of weird yellowish-white things that, seemingly, were fit to put over boots. Link held them before himself, looking perplexed. “Those are meant to walk above the emptiness for a limited period of time. You’ll be able to go to rooms we couldn’t explore sooner.” He looked up at the fairy.

• 
  “You want me to walk above nothing?” He blinked.


• 
  “Precisely.” Link sighed.


• 
  “Whatever.” He installed the newly acquired item over his boots before looking up at Sheik. “It feels like I’m walking on butter…” The blond chuckled.

They exited the room and quickly after, found themselves before a pit that needed to be crossed. Using the new hover Boots, Link looked at the seemingly bottomless pit before himself and didn’t quite felt like running over it. “We’ll have to split.” Said Olwen. Link turned to look at him.

• 
  “Why?” He asked. The butler crossed his arms over his chest.


• 
  “Because we cannot walk through this pit. Only you and Nami can.” Link blinked.


• 
  “But, can’t you, like, use some Sheikah ability to jump on the other side?” Sheik shook his head.


• 
  “There are limits to our Sheikah awesomeness, Link.” He explained, casually. The Hylian’s eyes grew wide.


• 
  “But I’m not going there alone! I’ll just curl up in a corner and cry to death!” Isca snorted quietly in the back.


• 
  “Yes, but you still have to continue on, Link.” Said Nami, softly, as she sat down on his shoulder.


• 
  “I can go with him.” Said Tatl as she walked forward to stand beside Link. He looked down at her. “I can hide in his shadow while he runs over the pits.” The dark blond blinked.


• 
  “But if he falls, you’re going down with him.” Pointed Olwen, now interested in the situation more than before.  Isca’s head popped up beside the butler’s. Tatl looked up at Link.


• 
  “I trust him.” Something in Link’s stare lit up as he looked down at her. He nodded, smiling.


• 
  “Are you really sure you can trust him? I doubt it.” It was Isca’s deep and down-to-earth voice that cut the beauty of the moment. Link turned sharply at him and opened his mouth. But was cut out by Tatl.


• 
  “I know what I am doing, Isca.” She replied to her boyfriend in a rather confident voice. Her eyes burned into the darkness like pink fires, and both Hylians stared at her, speechless. She turned to Link. “Let’s go.” She disappeared into his shadow.

The Sheikahs wished him a safe travel as Link dared to, finally, set a foot into the nothingness under him. He laughed when he realised that it felt solid under his weight. He took another step forward. Hell, he was walking over the emptiness! “It works!” He turned to look at Sheik.

• 
  “Link, it won’t last forever!” Shouted Nami. He looked up at her.


• 
  “Wha-“ He fell. His voice echoed violently in the room as Nami dived down to join him, hoping to save his life. The Sheikahs and Isca ran to the edge of the platform, looking down; there was nothing to be seen. The shadow men looked at each other as Isca stared, in shock, at the black below themselves.


• 
  “It can’t be…” He whispered. Olwen looked at him.


• 
  “…”However, he had no time to answer as a metallic noise before them caught the small group’s attention. They looked over at the platform on the other side; on its side was an aim spot for the hook shot, and Link’s was firmly stuck in it.

The three men stared at the metallic chain as they heard its familiar clicking noise as Link slowly appeared. His back to them, he pulled himself on the platform ahead and stood up before actually turning around to wave at them, smiling. Without another word, he entered the door before him, Nami following closely behind.

The Sheikahs looked at each other before laughing. Perhaps he was, after all, more heroic than they thought…

***

                They navigated through the remaining rooms quite quickly. Link dodged all the monsters he could while running from room to room. He, apparently, couldn’t wait before seeing the sky again. Tatl was growing impatient as well as she followed into his shadow; he was quick alone. Quicker than he would have been if she would have ran beside him.

                After a rather peculiar ride on a weird boat and a fight with some skeleton, they finally reached the Boss’ door. With the key that unlocked it in hand.

                Link stood before it, swallowing his saliva as he did not feel like going in there.

Here lies Hyrule’s bloody History…

                Those words echoed in his head as he looked over at the door. He had read that sooner into the temple; almost at the entrance. Way to welcome visitors…

                Tatl appeared beside him, suddenly. He jumped as he looked at her. She stared back, her stare questioning. “You’re the one who’s all bloody and I’m the one scaring you?” Link chuckled a little nervously.

• 
  “Well… I had almost forgotten you were there…” She shook her head, but smirked.


• 
  “You have such a hard time concentrating, Link.” Tatl took the key from him and unlocked the door. He looked at her back.


• 
  “Heum… You sure you wanna get in there? I mean… It’s quite deadly…” Her piercing magenta eyes sat themselves on him in a fiery and fierce way.


• 
  “I’m sure, yes.” He nodded.


• 
  “I won’t stop you, then…” She smiled.


• 
  “I hope you won’t.”

Together, they entered the door. Inside was a round room with a gigantic hole in the middle. It seemingly required them to jump in it. Link looked down at the rather dark hole; he couldn’t see anything down there… “Impa!” Tatl ran to their right and he followed her movements with his eyes before realising what was happening. He hurried to the Sheikah woman as well.

Impa was sitting down on the ground, her back against the wall, eyes closed, and a hand resting firmly against her stomach. She was covered in blood. In her blood. Link kneeled down beside her, looking down at her injury and then up at the older woman.  Her abdomen was ripped open and he could see her organs from the wound. He swallowed before looking up at her.

Tatl was crying. “Impa! Impa!” The Sheikah opened her eyes, slowly. She winced in pain, groaning, before coughing blood on herself. Yet, Impa smiled to the fluorescent woman.

• 
  “Lady Tatl…” She welcomed her. The greenish-haired woman held a sob.


• 
  “What happened, Impa?” Asked Link, in a soft voice. Tatl looked at him as Impa’s dying stare met with Link’s shocked one.


• 
  “And even the Hero…” She chuckled softly, but she interrupted herself to grimace in pain.


• 
  “What happened?” Asked again Tatl, hysterically.


• 
  “Bongo… Bongo…” She whispered before closing her eyes and turning her head to the side. “I came here to… Investigate… And pray for my f-fallen… Comrades… When Bongo-Bongo attacked me.” Link rested a hand on the Sheikah’s shoulder, softly. She smiled. “Your touch is so warm, Hero, against my cold and dying body. It soothes my aching soul.” He smiled softly.


• 
  “Impa… Who is that Bongo-Bongo?” He asked. Tatl looked at him; he had tears in his eyes. The white-haired woman smiled softly.


• 
  “The spirit who was… Protecting the dead… Here… But he became evil… Like all the other… Spirits.” She coughed more blood. “He needs to be stopped… You’ll find him… Down that pit…” Impa turned her head to look at Tatl. “Tell Zelda that I…” She swallowed. “I will always be proud of her and that… She will… become the greatest ruler… Hyrule ever had…” Tatl nodded, crying.


• 
  “Y-yes, Impa. I promise.” The Sheikah opened her eyes; they were now of a very dark red colour. She looked at Link.


• 
  “Avenge me… Hero…” He nodded slowly. Impa grabbed his hand roughly, he jumped. “Save… This country!” Looking down at her, he took a deep breath.


• 
  “I… I… I promise. Impa.” Link whispered. Tatl looked at him with wide eyes, but she couldn’t see his expression as the upper part of his face was hidden in his hair. The Sheikah nodded and laughed, one last time before resting her head against the wall.


• 
  “I put my… Trust in you…” Impa closed her eyes, smiling.

Link thought it was clichéd; she died, right there, on the spot. She died before him. Smiling at him after he had promised something. A promise he wasn’t sure he could hold.

And a tear rolled down his cheek.

Tatl looked up at him, crying. He looked back and they stared at each other. She sniffed, looking up at the Hero of Time with a shocked and pained expression. Link stared down at her, the single tear that had rolled down on his cheek falling down onto Impa’s body.

Letting go of a sob, she let herself fall down into his arms as Link caught her and pulled her in a close hug. She buried her face onto his chest, grabbing his black shirt tightly as she cried on him. He held her against him, looking down at Impa. “A-Are you really going to do it…?” She whispered, after a moment. Link looked down at Tatl.

• 
  “What?” He asked as she pulled away to look at him.


• 
  “Are you really going to save Hyrule?” He blinked, then looked down. “You promised her!” She screamed, angry.


• 
  “I know… But…” Tatl slapped him. He looked up at her, sharply, mouth-opened.


• 
  “She died in peace! Thinking she could rely on you!” Her expression was twisted between pain and anger, desperation and hope. He looked at her. “You can’t betray her!” He rested his hands on her shoulders.


• 
  “Hey… I never said I wouldn’t do it…” He smiled. She looked at him. “I’m scared, but I’m not gonna abandon the whole kingdom, ‘kay?” Link chuckled softly. “I’m not such an asshole, come on.” She laughed softly, looking down as she wiped her tears away.


• 
  “I’m sorry I hit you.” He let go of her shoulders. Reluctantly.


• 
  “It’s okay. I understand.” Link got up, Tatl looked up at him and he offered her his hand. She took it and he helped her up. “Now, let’s go kick that boss’ ass!” He looked incredibly determined and she smiled warmly before nodding.


• 
  “Yes.”

***

                Holding hands, they landed on something that made the friendly couple separate, screaming in shock, their voice mixing together in a cute duet. Link landed on the left while Tatl was more into the center of some… Hard but bouncy ground. With difficulty, Link raised as the Twili sat up to look around. “Feels like a drum…” He whispered as he tapped his foot against the “ground”. Tatl got up.

• 
  “Sure does.” Link swallowed.


• 
  “You know with what drums are made?” She shook her head.


• 
  “Something hard for the base. Like wood and… Skin.” They stared at each other.


• 
  “We are…”


• 
  “Standing on a very big blanket of beige leather that almost looks like human skin, yes.” She looked down, swallowing.


• 
  “Okay. This is much more disgusting than you.” He chuckled.


• 
  “Thanks. I feel better, now.”


• 
  “Seriously…” She seemed nauseous. “I wanna get out of here.”


• 
  “Me too…” He looked somewhere into the darkness before them. She didn’t pay much attention.


• 
  “Like you would very elegantly say; let’s get the fuck outta here.”

The ground shook under their feet. Link made some kind of gesture that meant, very clearly “Shut up”. Tatl gasped softly and she took a step back. The ground shook again. More. And more, until it was hard to stand on the surface.

With the hover boots on, though, it was easier for Link to accomplish this task. Tatl fell on the ground, on her derrière.

But soon enough, on either side of them, two giant hands appeared and, very apparently, they were the one responsible for the “beat” that was being created via the skinned floor. More fiercely, they beat the drum on which Link and Tatl tried to stand.

Tatl looked at Link; with the hover boots, he was already running around… Over the void, but still moving. He had a rather traumatised expression and she followed his eyes up to one hand.

You see, those hands were cut at the wrists… And the flesh was, very apparently, still fresh as it bled all over the drum. A broken bone was also quite remarkable.

Hell, this was Hell!

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Link gasp lightly and take out his bow.

Tatl turned around; before them, a headless and armless monster appeared briefly. Where his head would have been, ripped skin stood and, into the middle, where the flesh of the neck was also bleeding, some kind of dark and malicious light was coming out. It felt like small eyes which were all staring straight at their souls… It felt like Death in person.

The monster disappeared and only the hands remained as the beat became suddenly softer. Tatl got back up on her feet. “Use the Lens of Truth, Link!” Suggested very strongly Nami. He did so.

• 
  “So I gotta use that and shoot an arrow at the same time?!” He sounded slightly exasperated and surprised. Tatl prepared a ball of energy between her hands.


• 
  “Perhaps we should take care of those hands, before!” She proposed. Link installed the Lens of Truth on his belt.


• 
  “Point taken. You take the right one, I take the left.” Tatl nodded.


• 
  “Understood!”

Provocatively, the hands beat the skin of the ground that was slowly turning to red. Tatl had some difficulty to keep her balance, but it was still bearable, while, Link, who stood on thin air, shot his first arrow.

The left hand twitched viciously before it fell numbly to the ground, seemingly unconscious. Link looked at it a moment; it sure seemed to have a mind of itself…

He turned just in time to see Tatl throw her orb at the other hand. It twitched as well before falling down. “Link! Hit the monster, now!” Shouted Nami

He turned to face Bongo-Bongo and brought the Lens of Truth before his eyes. The monster was charging at them! “Tatl, go right!” She blinked.

• 
  “What?” She looked at him.

Trying hardly to stay composed, Link aimed at the emptiness before him, trying not to shake too much as sweat started to appear on his forehead. He shot and the arrow disappeared into the darkness far away. “Fuck!” He looked towards Tatl and gasped. “MOVE!”

With wide-eyes, she understood the urge and panic in his voice and tried to run away. However, she wasn’t fast enough and something hot and yet cold hit her. Screaming, she went flying to the side of the platform, hitting the skin of the drum hardly as she slipped dangerously towards the end of the battleground.

She gritted her teeth as all her right side was now covered in scratches and blood and her back hurt. “Tatl!” She heard Link scream from what seemed to be far away, now. She tried to sit up and gasped softly as she saw that the platform was surrounded in what seemed to be very acid eerie green liquid.

She heard Link’s footsteps as he ran towards her. “Tatl!” He called again. She turned to look at him. “Watch out!” Tatl looked up and her eyes widened as the right hand of the monster was, at high speed, going towards her.

Tatl tried to dodge, but it was in vain and the hand pushed her off the drum, roughly. She screamed in fear and panic as she fell towards what would pretty much be her death.

But a rather strong hand caught her arm in a rough way. She looked up just in time to see Link before his other hand grabbed her other arm. Growling, he pulled her onto the platform. “Are you okay!?” He seemed worried, but quickly enough, he turned towards Bongo Bongo to shoot an arrow at the right hand that was about to attack again.

Shaking slightly, Tatl sat up. She was injured and shocked, but she managed to finally get up. “Do something for me, okay? Hold the Lens of Truth before me when the left hand’ll be down.” She nodded and brought her hand to his belt, pulling the lens out.

He aimed. She looked at him. For the first time, maybe, he looked steady and heroic as he shoot the monster. She smiled. “Now.” He commanded and she obeyed, feeling better as she knew that he would succeed and save them both.

Nami flew quickly above the monster’s “head”. “Here, Link!” With a steady stance and a steady stare, he aimed. His heart was beating so quickly, so intensely that he could feel its beat into his fingers.

In his mind, the string of the bow seemed to take forever to tighten enough for him to shoot that damn arrow. And Bongo- Bongo was only drawing closer.

And he released the string. Tatl, Nami and himself stared at the arrow as it planted itself neatly into the neck of the boss.

The creature shook, throwing drips of dark blood everywhere into the room. Link winced as drips of the nasty liquid hit his face.

And suddenly, Bongo-Bongo was visible, lying on the ground. “Link! Use the Master Sword!” He nodded and started running towards the monster, unsheathing his sword. In the darkness, the magical blade shone in a holy way before disappearing deep into the monster’s neck.

Through an unknown way, the monster screeched in pain as Link repeatedly stabbed him.

Tatl and Nami stared at the scene as Bongo-Bongo seemed to agonise under the Hero of Time’s treatment. And soon enough, the creature was down. For good.

Into some kind of dark fog, the remains of Bongo-Bongo slowly faded as it dissipated around the room. Link turned to look at Tatl, smiling.

She smiled back. He was so bloody, now.

With some difficulty, she walked to him, and out of pure reflex, he rested a hand on her hip, pulling her close. She stiffened and looked at him, surprised, but he was staring elsewhere. She didn’t protest.

Dark and purplish light appeared before them and slowly, Impa’s ghostly form appeared before them. Tatl smiled. “I take it you’ve been awakened as the sage of Shadow?” Asked Link. Impa nodded as her crimson eyes –now back to their usual color- examined the youngsters before her.

• 
  “Indeed I am. And I shall thank you for bringing Bongo-Bongo to peace.” Link nodded.


• 
  “He was tortured?” Impa looked at him.


• 
  “When did you become this perspicacious?” He chuckled.


• 
  “I feel it when people suffer. And I could feel his pain.” Link replied casually, but his voice held a hint of sadness. Impa nodded.


• 
  “Yes. Bongo-Bongo was killed when the darkness took over Hyrule. What remained of him was his tormented spirit that brought him remains back to take revenge upon the world. It is a shame he had to die like this.” Tatl looked down.


• 
  “And you didn’t think he’d attack you?” He asked. The Sheikah shook her head.


• 
  “Indeed. I was used to him. He surprised me. I was careless.” Link looked down slightly and Impa laughed. “Now, boy, I shall grant you the medallion of Shadow as a proof of your success. Please accept it.”

Smiling softly, Link bowed his head lightly as the medallion formed itself before him. With his free hand, he took it and looked back up at Impa. She was smiling. “Take care of the princesses…” She whispered as she faded, an enigmatic smile on her disappearing lips.

Sadly, Link looked down at Tatl. She looked up at him only to realise that… Not only did he have a hand on her hip, but she had hers on his chest. Clearing her throat, she pulled away from him, a little reluctantly. “You’re injured.” He pointed. “Do you need my help to get out of here?” Smiling lightly, she shook her head.

• 
  “I’ll use your shadow, if you’ll allow me. I won’t slow you down that way.” Tatl looked around the room, somehow shy to have been this close to him. He walked to her, resting a hand on her shoulder.


• 
  “I don’t care if you slow me down. I’ll help you if that’s what you need.” She looked at him from above her shoulder before looking away again.


• 
  “Let me dwell within your darkness and it’ll be alright, Link.”

***

                As they reached the exit, Tatl reappeared beside him. She was limping slightly and Link helped her getting out. They both laughed excitedly when the first rays of light peeked through the darkness of the ending temple. They hurried, holding hands, to reach the exit of the cave.

                Outside was, very close to the entrance, a worried Isca. He looked down at Tatl and Link and his expression darkened visibly as he spotted their joined hands. Tatl snatched her’s away from Link’s before walking to her knight. He inspected her as she neared him. “What happened?” Isca asked, softly, as he rested a soft hand on her arm. Tatl smiled softly.

• 
  “I was injured in the fight, but Link saved me, so I’m fine.” She thought he’d be happy to hear she was fine. But, in facts, Isca glared darkly at Link. Seeing his friend in a rather… Bloody appearance, Sheik hurried to the heroic Hylian.


• 
  “Link, is everything alright?” The blond inspected quickly his brother. Link laughed.


• 
  “Yeah, that’s not my blood.” Sheik rested a soft hand on one of the injuries he had acquired with the multiple hands attack and the dirty blond winced.


• 
  “Not yours, hm?” Link chuckled.


• 
  “Not all mine, then.”

They heard someone clear their throat, behind the group. Zelda was standing there, in a blue peasant’s dress. She looked worried and pale. Paler than usual under the grey sky. The princess took a step forward, looking at Link. The Hylian’s smile faded as he watched her. “Link… In the temple, have you, perhaps, seen Impa?” Tatl looked down as she rested her head on Isca’s armoured chest.

Link walked to Zelda. His expression was strong and yet sorry and he took her hands in his, looking down at her. The light princess looked up at him, plunged her violet eyes into his light blue ones. “Tell me… Please…” Her voice was merely above a whisper.

He nodded before putting a hand in his pocket to take out a small purple medallion. He placed the magical and cold object into the princess’ palm. Zelda looked down at it, tears filling her eyes. “Impa… Gave her life protecting Hyrule. Protecting you, princess. And even though she cannot be by your side anymore, her spirits will now always live within the Shadow temple as she has awakened as one of the Sages.” Zelda closed her hands around the medallion and looked down at it, crying softly.

• 
  “May her spirit sleep in peace from now on.” She looked up at Link, then at the Sheikahs. “The shadows of your fallen brothers can now rest in serenity as Impa shall protect the children that gave their life for the dark realm to live on.” The group seem to shiver under those words. They looked down, grieving. Olwen stared up at Link’s back, something, some intense emotion passing through his wise eyes. Zelda gave the medallion back to Link and looked up at him, smiling. “Thank you, Link. Thank you so much.”


• 
  “I would love to say “My pleasure”, but it was not very pleasurable…” He scratched the back of his head, smiling sadly. Zelda chuckled lightly, and yet so sadly.


• 
  “Now, let’s go back to Impa’s house. You and Tatl need to be taken care of. Come.” And the group followed her.

***

                The sun slowly disappeared into the sky as the night woke up and spread its veils over the ill land of Hyrule. As soon as the small group reached the house, they ate in silence before walking away in different directions.

                Link was away with Sheik, fooling around into the village while Olwen was outside the house, melting into some shadows. Nami was drawing, sitting on the rooftop, in her human shape.

                Zelda was sitting at the kitchen table, looking out the window with nostalgia as Isca and Tatl were up into their bedroom.

                Isca was sitting on the bed, taking his armour off as Tatl was standing at the window, looking outside into the distance. She was quiet and, usually, she was not. Isca looked above his shoulder, smiling softly, before shifting lightly to have a better view of her backside. “I’m sorry.” He said, his voice low and suave. She looked above her shoulder, smiling lightly.

• 
  “What for?”


• 
  “Impa.” Tatl laughed softly, sadly. Her heart felt heavy.


• 
  “You have no reason to apologize, Isca.”


• 
  “I know.” He got up and walked slowly to her, circling her waist with his strong arms. She rested her head against his shoulder.


• 
  “I’ve known Impa since I was a kid… Zelda as well, it goes with it, but Impa…” She swallowed tears down. “She looked so… Strong. I always thought that nothing could make her back away.” A tear rolled down her pale skin. “When we found her… She was… So injured… In such pain…” Isca hugged her. She brought a hand to her eye, wiping the tear away. “And seeing Zel this miserable only makes me think more that…” Tatl looked up at Isca a moment, then out the window again. “You know, I saw her the same way as I see Olwen. Strong. Powerful. And now… It only makes me think how miserable I would be if I were to lose him.” He rested his chin against her head. “Seeing Bongo-Bongo, as well, made me wonder about the Sheikahs’ condition. About Olwen’s true nature…” She sighed. “I’ll set him free once this adventure will be over. No one deserves to be a slave.” She whispered softly.


• 
  “I’m sorry.” He whispered as well before kissing the top of her head. She looked up.


• 
  “Are you angry?” He blinked.


• 
  “Why would I be?”


• 
  “The way you stared at Link when you saw us hold hands. I thought you might have been angry…” Isca looked slightly away.


• 
  “I was not pleased.” Tatl turned around in his grip, so she should face him. She rested her hands on his large chest.


• 
  “He’s not as bad as we thought he was.” The knight returned his attention to Tatl.


• 
  “He’ll betray your trust.” Her stare hardened slightly.


• 
  “You judge him too quickly. I trust he’ll rise to the role.” Isca snorted. She sighed. “I see I cannot convince you.”


• 
  “He tried to harm you. Yes, I can hardly be convinced after that.”


• 
  “He’s changed.” Isca chuckled darkly.


• 
  “Yes. Of course.” Tatl shook her head lightly.


• 
  “Whatever.” She looked down before walking slightly away from him. “I would only appreciate it if you could try to be friendlier with him.” He tilted his head to the side.


• 
  “… That would make you happy?” She nodded, looking at him.


• 
  “Yes.” He smiled.


• 
  “Then, I shall try.” Tatl smiled and her expression grew softer.


• 
  “I love you.” She answered pretty much as a “thank you”.

They stared at each other a moment before, hesitantly, Isca let a hand slide down her slender arm until he could take her hand in his, softly. Her expression was soft and yet warm. Delicately, he pulled her to himself. She followed his slow, mechanic and yet soft lead, smiling, until she landed into his arms.

Slowly, his hands traveled down to her waist. They rested there as he looked down at her pale and yet so powerful appearance. Tenderly, Tatl raised her hand to his face until she caressed his jaws with her fingers, softly, letting her nails caress his tanned skin.

Isca closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he relaxed, as he shivered under her touch. She laughed softly, quietly to his reaction. She drew closer, pushing her breasts against his chest.

He opened his eyes to look down at her. She wore a curious expression. A tender curiousness and it was Tatl’s turn to close her eyes as his hands rose to caress the curves of her back. She took a deep breath and let it out as a soft sigh.

Her purplish lips parted lightly to reveal part of her teeth. Isca smiled. Tatl opened her eyes lightly and her gaze was relaxed, hot and somehow sensual. She plunged that quiet fire into the watery depth of his irises a moment before, with confidence, she raised on her toes, tilting her chin upward.

Isca closed the distance, closing his eyes as their lips met softly, sensually. She bit his lower lip softly and he licked, lightly, her upper lip before their mouths closed around each other again and again in a dangerously slow and elegant dance of calculated passion.

Slowly, tentatively, Tatl brought her unoccupied hand up from his chest to his jaw. She brushed the muscles with her nails through the fabric of his light blue shirt until she could feel the skin of his neck. She rested a hand on the back of his neck and the other one made its way to his chocolate hair.

Groaning lightly, he deepened the kiss as, slowly, he dared to bring his hands to her hips, and languorously to her derrière. Tatl froze a little as she was not used to that sort of attention, but Isca was being soft and careful and it made the situation acceptable, interesting for her sensitive and untouched body.

Yet, she surprised herself with a quiet and spontaneous moan. Isca seemed to appreciate the little noise as his touch became more possessive around her croup. She blushed in the kiss, and yet, heat started to gather into her abdomen and with impulsivity, she pushed her hips forward so she could feel his warmness against her middle section.

Isca groaned again, pressing his weight on her, making the Twili step back lightly until her legs touched the side of the bed. She broke the kiss and looked above her shoulder at the piece of furniture.

She gasped in surprise, though, as Tatl felt her knight’s lips caress the base of her neck. She shivered, letting her head fall back as she gave in to the feeling of his tongue against her jugular. Mouth-opened, her breathing seemed to increase at the same time as the strength of her grip on his hair.

She closed her eyes, then opened them again before letting her hands slide sensually down to his shoulders, blushing because of what he was doing and because of what she was about to do.

Perhaps a little impulsively, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him on top of her as she let herself fall on the bed, on her back. Isca followed her movements, going down on her.

Tatl moaned more loudly, this time, before shutting up and closing her eyes, lightly ashamed, as his mouth made its way to her slender shoulder. Unconsciously, she untied the small string holding Isca’s chocolate hair.

He looked up at her and she let her eyes join his a moment before closing her lids and turning her head, embarrassed. However, he rested his hand on her cheek and she opened her magenta eyes again to look at him.

He smiled. “I love you.” Isca whispered, lowly. Sensually.

She chuckled nervously, looking slightly away as he found her mouth, once again, with his. Tatl closed her eyes again as she relaxed under his weight, under his touch. Under his heat. She moaned softly in the kiss as he slowly pushed a knee between hers.

She should have flinched or froze, but, being lost in the moment, she merely obeyed to his quiet command, spreading her legs and allowing him space between her thighs.

Isca broke the kiss to go back to her neck, slowly kissing his way down to her chest, to where her dress started. He pushed the fabric down until it wouldn’t allow it anymore and he finally looked up at his princess.

Clouded with desire, he stared at her. She raised her head lightly to look at him. It seemed harder to execute this simple movement as her head spun because of the attention she was receiving. “Y-yes?” She whispered before raising a hand to push some hair away from her face. He didn’t answer right away.

• 
  “Do you… Can I… Undress….” Isca blushed, looking slightly away. “Do you mind?” Tatl blinked before her eyes widened a little. She turned her head to face the wall.


• 
  “I… I don’t know.” She answered, shivering because of the stress. “I mean… I don’t think… I…” Tatl sighed. “Yes… Please… Continue…” With courage, she smiled down at him. She didn’t look much secure, but the Twili was ready.

Or she thought she was.

Isca nodded softly before going back to her shoulders and collarbone. He kissed her skin softly and she reacted more under his touch as his fingers started to, slowly, undo her dress.

Tatl blushed furiously as the cloth was pulled away from her and she shut her eyes tightly when she felt revealed to the night air. Her nipples hardened quickly as they were exposed to Isca’s attention.

She didn’t dare to open her eyes as he stopped moving on top of her. But she gasped loudly, her back curving upward violently as he took a hardened nipple between his teeth and into his mouth.

Eyes wide, she looked down at him. Her cheeks reddened once again, but this time, it was under the weight of her arousal as her free breast was soon enough caressed vigorously.

Tatl let her head fall back into the pillow, relaxing and losing herself in the feeling to the point of ignoring the fact that the rest of her clothes soon were discarded around the bed. Isca caressed her skin as it was revealed to him and she moaned softly under his touch.

For a brief moment, he stopped exploring her body and sat lightly on his knees. Feeling him move, Tatl opened her eyes just in time to observe her knight as he took his shirt off to expose his tanned, muscled and perfect torso. She bit her lip, staring at him before he got back down on her.

They kissed passionately, tongues dancing as Tatl brought her hands to his hair, grabbing a handful of those chocolate locks and pulling him closer. If this was possible.

But she opened her eyes in slight surprise as she felt something hard against her thigh. It broke the kiss and Isca looked at her absently. Her magenta eyes trailed down his body until she spotted… It.

Isca was a large and tall man. And… His male attributes were a good reflection of his imposing stature. Even if he still had his pants on, she could very well spot his manhood.

She looked back at him, now looking unsure. “I-Isca… Are you sure that…. It’ll… Fit…?” She whispered. His eyes widened slightly as he looked away, blushing. Still, he managed to chuckle lightly before looking back up at her.

• 
  “I guess.” Tatl nodded.


• 
  “I…” She swallowed. “I want to try.” He smiled softly and nodded as well before getting up.

Isca wasn’t really a kinky man, so taking off the rest of his clothes was a hard task that he executed without looking at his girlfriend.

However, Tatl was staring at him in a very interested way. She sat up to caress his abdomen as he slowly lowered his pants. She did look down at his proud member as he freed it and she blushed, though she was curious.

She looked up at him; Isca was looking away, visibly shy. His hair was hiding his expression, though. Tatl took his hand, softly. He looked down at her and she smiled before pulling him to her.

***

                Zelda rolled her eyes before slapping the Hylian lightly on the arm. He chuckled before getting closer. Their arms touched and she looked away, faking an expression of exasperation. But her smirk and shiny eyes showed something else. “Link, seriously, leave me alone.” She commanded. But he merely laughed before resting his hand on her thigh. She jumped and gasped lightly before pushing him away roughly.

• 
  “I’m not that bad!” He shouted. Zelda giggled, looking at him.


• 
  “You smell bad, at least.” Link looked insulted and he turned to Sheik. The Sheikah merely nodded.


• 
  “True.” The dirty blond whined softly.


• 
  “Fuck you.” He sat down, crossing his arms over his chest in a childish way. Zelda giggled as the Sheikah’s amused chuckle melted with the night wind.

As Link sat in silence –for once- they heard Olwen (who was back into the kitchen) talk with somebody. Zelda got up. “Rauru’s here!” She called before hurrying back into the small house. Link looked up at his friend, at his brother.

• 
  “Rauru? Is that some kind of fish?” Sheik rolled his eyes.


• 
  “Shut up, will you.” Link sighed softly before resting his chin in his hand.

                Soon enough, they heard the soft laugh of the princess before steps echoed. Link looked up. Olwen was the first one to exit the house and he was soon followed by an old man and Zelda. The man was tall and large; now, he was old and rather fat, but his build showed that he once was a strong young man of virtue.

                Link blinked as the old man locked eyes with him. His gaze was hard to hold as it was the strongest, and yet wisest eyes that the young Hylian had ever met. He was wearing some king of monk tunic that bore a certain golden color. “Link.” He whispered. The young man looked up, surprised.

• 
  “We… know each other?” The old man laughed. It sounded like a wise owl scream.


• 
  “Who wouldn’t know you?” Sheik chuckled.


• 
  “Point well made.” The blond sheikah murmured as Link glared at him.


• 
  “I am glad to meet you, young lad. I am Rauru, sage of Time.” Link blinked, looking back at the old man.


• 
  “… Why aren’t you dead?”


• 
  “Link!” Interrupted Zelda in a motherly fashion. Rauru merely laughed.


• 
  “Because if I were to die, Time would lose his way as I am its keeper. Just like you are its Hero.”


• 
  “So… You’re kinda sayin’ we’re associates?” Rauru nodded.


• 
  “Of course we are. And I came here to meet you and acknowledge you as the hero that you shall become.”


• 
  “Thank you.” Whispered Link as he looked away. The old man looked at him a moment before looking into a bag he had concealed somewhere under his wide tunic.


• 
  “And I have a gift for you.” Link looked up. “Your clothes are in bad shape. So are you. And you need a more heroic suit.” Rauru looked up at the young man below him. Out of that bag. He took out a pile of green and beige clothes. As well as a chainmail. Link blinked. “Here. Take this and go try it on, will you?” He handed the folded clothes to the dirty blond who seemed to acknowledge the weight of the chainmail.


• 
  “Hell! That’s heavy! And green!” Complained Link as he got up. Slowly. Rauru and Zelda laughed softly.


• 
  “It is. Now, go change.” Commanded the princess. Link took his tongue out at her before disappearing into the house.

***

Zelda was sitting casually on the balcony, talking with the Sheikahs and Rauru when they’ve heard the first distinct sound of metal clashing softly together. She raised a finger, calling everyone to silence as she stared into the house with rather wide eyes. They turned to look in the same direction.

Into the darkness of the house, Link was standing. Shyly, he was scratching the back of his neck as he looked sideway, holding a hat in his right hand. “Come closer, Hero.” Called Rauru.

Letting his hand fall, he obeyed.

Green fitted him in a very fantastic way. His tunic was made of embroidered green and rather tight leather. Under it, he wore the bronze chainmail and under, he had light but practical beige shirt and pants. He had kept his gloves and brown boots, however, and he held a weird looking hat. “The chainmail is heavy.” He complained, looking away.

• 
  “Put the hat.” Commanded Zelda.


• 
  “No.” He said.


• 
  “Why?”


• 
  “It’s ridiculous.” Rauru chuckled as Nami appeared, in her fairy form, beside Link.


• 
  “It’s not ridiculous. This tunic comes from the Kokiri themselves. It is a fine piece of light armour you have brought him, Rauru.” Said Nami, though her voice was low as she was shy.


• 
  “Put the damn hat, Link.” Commanded Zelda again as Rauru nodded to Nami’s words. Growling, he obeyed. Sheik chuckled.


• 
  “Well, that’ll keep the enemies distracted.” Commented the Sheikah. Link glared at him.


• 
  “Whatever…” Said Link before looking at Rauru. He bowed his head slightly.


• 
  “Thank you, Rauru.” Zelda tilted her head to the side, impressed by his sudden demonstration of manners. “But I’ll be going to bed, now. The temple was harsh on my poor being.” Link turned and entered the house again. Zelda looked at Sheik.


• 
  “He looked preoccupied.” The Sheikah nodded.


• 
  “The Hero part is starting to sink into his brain.”

***

                Sighing softly, Link got up the stairs slowly. He took the hat off. Goddesses, he hated that hat! And who said he wanted to be a hero, after all? His life wasn’t that bad before he got stuck in all this mess. It wasn’t so bad to be a poor criminal… It…

                And, hell, he had no one to fight for, anyways!

                He didn’t care about the kingdom! Nor did he care about anyone else!

                No one had ever cared about him, when he was freezing in Castle Town’s street in the middle of the winter, begging for money so he and Sheik could eat! Damn! Why had he to save the world?

                A noise caught his attention as he gained the top of the stairs. A moan. Then something hit a wall. And again. And another moan.

                Feeling rage attack his very being, he slowly turned his head towards the only bedroom door that was closed.

                Tatl.

                He was… Touching her. He…

                Link clenched his fist before turning back and going down the stairs at the speed of light. He exited the house, angrier than Sheik had ever seen him be. He stormed past the small group on the balcony. Zelda tried to hold him back, to know what was going on, but he pushed her away.

                He didn’t say a word, and instead, he ran for the forest.

                He ran deep into those woods until he fell on his knees and could finally manage to scream.

                For the first time, he felt the pain of his heart being shattered and he understood what all those women that had cried as he left had been through.

                He held back a sob.

                A raccoon passed by before running away and a bird sang sadly.

                He cried.

                Because for the first time, he was in love.