Secret Love, Chapter One

The Legend of Zelda
Secret Love
Note: This is written from Link’s point of view.

Prologue:
The story takes place after the Seven Years’ War and Ganon’s defeat. Remember, when Link returned the Master Sword, time went back and he returned to age twelve, and helped fight during the wars. The fact that he’s the Hero of Time is kept a secret to prevent difficulties with the populace of Hyrule and potential enemies.
Link is now Twenty years old, and Zelda is nineteen.

Chapter One
I wonder how many people know what it’s like to be truly lonely. When my friends are constantly out of reach, I think I have full right to say that I’m pretty much alone in this world. Saria and Darunia are constantly moving back and forth between the Temple of Light in the Sacred Realm and their homes, and I really don’t have much of a friendship with the other sages. (Especially Princess Ruto! Damn her fishy *****iness!!!) Malon and I are good friends, but I never have much of a chance to visit the ranch, and even when I do, it’s for a very limited amount of time. Then there’s Zelda.
Yes, Zelda. The first time my eyes met hers eight years ago, I felt entranced. My God is she beautiful…and kind. To Zelda, I’m not that kid from the forest, not the “scary guy” who people try to avoid. I’m Link, just Link.
I thank the Goddesses for her strong spirit. If it wasn’t for her assertiveness, I wouldn’t be allowed near her at all. Because we have to keep my…status…a secret, no one but Zelda and the other sages know that I’m the Hero of Time, or about all of the trials I had to face to get Hyrule out of trouble. Sometimes it aggravates me, but most of the time I really don’t mind. I really dislike being in the spotlight. Anyway, it took months for her to convince her father to give me access to the castle grounds, and although my mobility there is limited, I don’t complain.
It was that time of year where the earth has just begun to wake up from the cold, dreary winter. The grass was quickly turning a bright green, the trees had grown small buds where the leaves would soon appear, and while riding across Hyrule Field, I could spot a few wild flowers here and there. Spring was finally here, and I could finally travel without that bothersome cloak. I had missed the warmth of the sun.
I also missed Zelda. It’s been about a month since I had last seen her. I longed to see her ocean-blue eyes, her golden silky hair, and to hear her light and airy laugh. I was more than happy with the fact that I was going to visit her for a week.
It was around noon when I approached Hyrule Town. I dismounted Epona before I crossed the drawbridge that led to the heart of the town. As I said before, I hate being in the spotlight. I stood out enough just standing next to my horse. Walking through the battlements that was the first line of defense for both the town and the castle, I noticed the suspicious looks of the soldiers and felt a nasty fire of anger and frustration rise in my chest. Why wouldn’t they trust me? Were there rumors about me floating around? Was it the way I dressed? Damn them. If it wasn’t for me risking my life for Hyrule, they would be nothing but bloody pulp pounded into the pavement by Ganon’s followers.
To keep myself calm, I forced myself to keep my mind on Zelda. At least she accepts me for who I really am.
Walking through the castle grounds wasn’t exactly a walk in the park either. I try not to look too annoyed from the starring faces and suspicious eyes, but I guess I can’t control my facial expressions well, because I noticed that the looks got uglier as I got closer to Hyrule Castle.
As I approached the gate that separated the town from the castle grounds, I began to relax. Roland was there. He’s a guard just a few years my elder, and we usually get along fairly well. We’ve held a few conversations, and I know he trusts me unlike the other guards.
“Hey Link! Long time no see!” Finally, a friendly greeting.
“Tell me about it.” It wasn’t until after I replied that I noticed how cold I sounded.
Roland’s smile fell. “What’s going on with you? Rough time?”
“Yeah, you can sum it up pretty well with that.”
“At least you have time to relax while you’re here.” His face was full of pity, and the anger started to come back a bit.
“Yeah, I’ll see you later Roland.”
He opened the gate and led me into the castle grounds. There were quite a few guards who let me know that they would be keeping an eye on me while I stayed. I tried my best not to give much notice to them as I led Epona to the stables. When I got there, all of my frustration melted away.
“Link!” There she was, her golden hair floating in the breeze, her ocean-blue eyes sparkling in the bright sunlight.

The Legend of Zelda
Secret Love
Chapter Two

She ran up to me and wrapped her arms around my neck, almost strangling me as she hugged me, but I didn’t mind. I’ve suffered worse, and besides, it was a sign of affection, something that doesn’t often come my way.
I was just as excited to see Zelda as she was to see me. In response to her hug, I wrapped my arms around her waist and swung her around in one of those wild embraces. It made her laugh. I loved to hear her laugh. It was bright and melodious, a beautiful sound. It made me laugh along with her.
Our eyes met as I placed her back on the ground. “I’ve been worried about you Link. You never wrote back to me. You’re going to make me go bald or something!” Although a smile was plastered on her face, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.
“I really intended to,” I protested, but she interrupted.
“I know you put yourself through a lot, but I’m just joking.” My heart sank a bit. Did she worry at all? “I know you can take care of yourself Link, but if I ever end up seeing you come back in more that one piece, you better expect me to jump down your throat.” Her smile widened, and mine did as well. I played along.
“Would you at least put me back together?”
“Only after I chewed you out.”
“Fair enough.”
“But really Link, I’m happy to see you. My father’s trying to find a suitor for me, and it’s getting pretty aggravating.”
A suitor???
Zelda must have read my thoughts, unless of course they showed up on my face.
“I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you. Most of them have been making complete fools of themselves, so my father is rejecting most of them. Actually, a Sir Nomelov is supposed to arrive later tonight. I’m sorry that all this is going on while you’re here. I would much rather spend time with you than these stuck-up snobs. Anyway, I have to go get ready for him.” With that, she gave me another hug and left me alone with Epona.

Its good and very descriptive. Keep up the work.

Thanks! I appreciate your opinion!

The Legend of Zelda
Secret Love
Chapter Three
It was useless. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get the frustration, anger, and sorrow out of my heart. Why was I reacting like this? I knew this was coming, but I didn’t expect the rush of emotion that would come with the news. I just couldn’t stand the fact that when she did marry, she wouldn’t need me around anymore. Her suitor would be well trained in both combat and war strategy, at least I would assume so. What role would I play then? Would our friendship last after the marriage? Even if it did, I doubt that her husband would like me spending any time with her. In the best possible situation, I would be forbidden to step foot near the castle, not to mention Zelda herself.
For that entire first night I was at the castle, I couldn’t even sit still let alone sleep regardless of how fatigued I was from my travels. I would just pace the bedroom, pondering what would happen to my relationship with the princess, and once I thought through that for a few seconds, it would fly out of my head and then I would wonder why I was so upset in the first place. It a vicious cycle, and I hated every part of it.
The next morning wasn’t any better. I was tired, and in a horrible mood. The guards took notice, and their defensive looks didn’t improve anything. There was really only one thing I could do to try to get a release, and that was going to the practice ring. I picked up my sword, and headed out.
I can’t think of any better anger management than by imagining a bunch of dummies as enemies only to batter the hell out of them. The king doesn’t really like it when I practice like this, for I tend to obliterate the dummies, even if they’re brand new. They’re made out of hard woods and metal, and there’s even a protective spell on them. Because of the Triforce however, I can break the spell with no problem, and I usually don’t realize I’ve broken it until it’s too late.
After an hour or two of destroying my “enemies”, I finally felt calm enough to wash up and relax. The shower was hot, and for the most part I just stood there and let the heat sooth my aching muscles. I could hardly remember feeling so clean. I’d bathe more often, but exposing myself to the dangers in Hyrule just doesn’t appeal to me.
As I stepped out of the shower, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. Normally, I would have answered it, but being that I was still naked, I yelled out instead. “I’m a little busy!”
To my joy…and embarrassment…I heard Zelda’s voice reply, “I’ll come back a little later-”
“NO!!! I mean, no! I’ll just finish up!” I got dressed as fast as I could. It was a bit more difficult than usual, for my skin was still steamy and damp, and the clothes (which were very clean) wanted to stick to me. Looking back, I realize how comical I must have looked, jumping around the bathroom, nearly knocking down everything that could get knocked down, and only to put on a pair of pants.
I tumbled out of the bathroom and into the bedroom, yet somehow managed to be much more sophisticated when I open the door leading to the hallway despite the pounding of my heart and the renewed nausea. I slowly opened the door and peeked outside. Seeing that Zelda didn’t leave, I opened it wider and motioned for her to come in. It was at that moment that I realized how much noise I probably made in my haste to get dressed. Looking back at Zelda, I followed her gaze into the bathroom and saw the mess I made. There were multiple bars of soap strewn across the creamy tile floor, the towel was somehow hung on top of the mirror above the sink, and I even managed to rip the shower curtain.
My face on fire, I used my magic to command the door shut. I couldn’t remember a more awkward moment. Zelda didn’t seem to mind. In fact, it seemed her mind was on something else, something more serious.
“Link, can I ask you something?” She had a very worried expression on her face, which made me worried as well.
“Sure.”
Zelda sat on the neatly made bed. Since I didn’t sleep the night before, I didn’t mess up the sheets. “Is there anything you might want to talk about?”
Once again, the temperature of my face sky-rocketed. “No. Why do ask?”
“Well, a lot of the practice dummies were…broken, and the only person who does that to new ones is you, and you only do that when you get upset about something.”
“I’ve just been stressed. I needed to vent on something.” I hoped that she wouldn’t pick up that I was only telling her half the truth. With the look that appeared on her face, it looked like I hoped in vain.
“Well, if you want to talk to someone, you know I’m available right?”
“Yeah.” What was she getting at? What did she want me to say? I didn’t even know why I was feeling the way I was, or, more truthfully, I didn’t want to admit it to myself.
“I’ll see you later Link. I’m supposed to be having tea with Sir Namelov. He arrived late last night, so I haven’t actually met him yet. I hope he’s not as pompous as his name is.” After that, she was gone.
Once again, I felt like I needed to destroy something. I don’t know what it was, but just hearing Namelov’s name made me angry. The fact that Zelda was going to tea with him didn’t improve the situation. There were too many thoughts rushing through my head, and I couldn’t stop them. What if he’s aggressive? What if he’s only after power? Or worse, what if he’s actually a good man for Zelda to marry?
It didn’t take long for my anger to fade, but the only thing that followed was depression. After arguing with myself, I finally accepted the fact that I loved Zelda. There couldn’t be any other reason for my reactions with Zelda’s news about Namelov. Legally, the only choice I had was to forget about her. Only those of a high social rank had any chance of marrying her, and I was far below the line. Her father would probably have me imprisoned if he found out how I felt.
The rest of my day was spent sulking and wondering what I should do. Part of me wanted to tell Zelda. Maybe she felt the same way about me? (Yeah, right.) Part of me didn’t want her to know. What if it just made things…awkward? If she didn’t have these feelings, which was likely the case, wouldn’t that information just make her uncomfortable?
It wasn’t until after dinner-which I couldn’t remember eating because of my overactive thoughts-that I made my decision. I wouldn’t tell Zelda anything. It would only cause her stress and it would most likely destroy our friendship. I’d rather be her friend than not.
I don’t know how, but I eventually made it to sleep that night.

I like your story but don't post different threads for them... It gets a little hard to find them after... especially the first ones...

*merges threads*

Hobbitses4EVA: Just so that you know, you're not meant to post each chapter as a separate thread. Please don't do it again.

alexome12: The sentiment is appreciated, but try not to rent-a-mod. Okay? Put a little more into your posts.

The Legend of Zelda
Secret Love
Chapter Four
My mood hadn’t improved by the time I woke up late the next morning. I felt horrible, both physically and emotionally. The sky seemed to mirror my feelings. It was grey and bleak, and the rain that fell was icy. There was absolutely nothing pleasant about my existence.
I tried to do everything I normally did when I visited the castle. It was the only thing I could think of doing to get my mind off of Zelda and Namelov. I went down to the stables and helped the stable boys with the horses, I went to the library and attempted to read, I went down to the gates to talk to Roland, but nothing worked.
After leaving the gates, I headed back to my room. I needed a hot shower to warm me up from the rain. As I turned the corner that led to the hallway adjacent to my room however, I nearly ran into a very wealthy-looking man. He didn’t seem to be in a good mood either. “Watch where you’re going scoundrel!” Scoundrel?
I didn’t have the energy to deal with him, so I just glared at him and continued down the hall. “Don’t turn your back on me you filthy mongrel!!” Now that was pretty aggravating. I turned around to face the pompous jack-ass.
He was tall with jet-black hair that was neatly combed in a sophisticated manner. His face was long, and with the expression on his face he looked sinister. He was wearing brightly colored silks lined with a gold trim, and his boots were so shiny that you could use them as mirrors. As impressive as he looked, I wasn’t intimidated. I’ve faced much more frightening adversaries. “You know, I was going to apologize, but it doesn’t seem as if a pompous ass like yourself really deserves one.” He was shocked by my reply. I turned my heel and left him gawking like an idiot in the hallway.
Even thought the gloomy weather gave no sign of letting up, my mood improved ten-fold. I haven’t felt this happy since I had first set my eyes on Zelda two days ago. She would never fall for an ass-hole like Namelov! I felt a bit foolish for believing so, but my relief overshadowed it.
My good mood only lasted until that night. There was a ball-something I would never be invited to-that Zelda had to attend. I spend the evening reading and fell asleep on the couch by the fire in the library. I awoke late that night with a feeling of fear and panic. Zelda had sent me a signal waking me, and she would only do that if she was in danger. I dropped the book that had lay open on my lap and rushed up to her bedroom. I was so worried I didn’t stop to get my sword, but I didn’t need it to fight.
As I was racing to her, she kept sending me signals. I could feel her fear, her anger, her pain, and all it did was make my rage grow until I barely knew my surroundings. I was blind to everything but Zelda.
When I reached her room, I found it locked. I tried a spell that she had taught me to unlock it, but it failed. Whoever was in there with her had knowledge of magic. In my haste and anger, all I could think of to solve the problem was to break down the door, which I did with a powerful force of magic. I used so much force that the door flew across the room until it hit the opposite wall. What I found in the room both terrified me and made the rage return in full. Zelda was almost completely stripped of her clothing, and Namelov was half naked above her. Without thinking, I grabbed him by the hair on his head and threw him against Zelda’s dresser. He tried to get up, but I landed a powerful kick in the face, and he slumped to the ground in an unconscious heap.
My biggest concern now was Zelda. My heart sank to the ground when I saw her. She was as pale as the sheets on her bed, and there were dark shadows under her eyes. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, and she had multiple bruises on her face. She was trembling, and the look of fear on her face made me shiver. I sat down next to her and just held her as she sobbed. After a few minutes, she managed to say, “We need to get out of here. We need to get away from the castle.”
I wanted to ask her what was going on, but I decided that it wasn’t the time for questions. I scooped up Zelda and raced to my bedroom. With my magic, I transported my weapons and other necessities to the stables. I then turned to the door, but there were already guards blocking my exit. What was happening? Why were they doing this? What the hell happen to Zelda? She was the most powerful person I know-at least when it came to magical skills. What did Namelov do to make her incapable of defending herself?
I couldn’t fight off the guards with Zelda in my arms, and I wasn’t about to risk her safety by putting her down. My only option was the window. Fortunately, it was only on the second story. I leapt through the glass, making sure that I took the blunt of the force and broken glass. I had to roll so as to not break my legs from the impact of the fall, but it didn’t go as smoothly as I hoped. I grunted as I felt the bones in my ankle crack and give. Walking wouldn’t be too much of a problem though. I had sent a mental signal similar to what Zelda had sent me to Epona. She had just come up the hill as I landed. I placed Zelda on her back as carefully as I could, and I jumped up myself using my good leg, grabbed Zelda around her torso to keep her upright, and raced away. The guards did their best to try to stop me. They shot arrows, and some of the braver ones tried to get in front of Epona to injure her with their spears. They were unsuccessful, for I had put up a shield around us, another trick that Zelda managed to teach me.
Epona was one of the fastest horses in Hyrule, so it wasn’t long before I was able to slow down and check on Zelda’s condition. I wanted to know what happened. I wanted to know where she had wanted to go. Unfortunately for me, she was unconscious. The closest place where she could get medical attention was Kakariko Village. Impa would be in the Shadow Temple located in the graveyard. I sent her a signal to let her know that I was coming with Zelda and that the situation was serious.
Kakariko was very peaceful. I didn’t have to worry about guards there. There was only one posted at the front gate, and I easily slipped by him. I rode Epona to the graveyard, where I found Impa waiting for me. She took Zelda from me, and I dismounted. Without a word, she headed for the Temple, and after making sure Epona was secure, I followed.
Ever since she awakened as the sage to the Shadow Temple, Impa has improved the booby traps and had many of the spirits on watch for intruders. In the past, it was a nightmare. Now, I found it to be a safe haven, despite the gloom and…well…shadows. Impa had made a room where she could be comfortable, complete with bed, a table with chairs, and various decorations. It was located deep in the temple complex, and was therefore one of the safest places to take Zelda.
I waited outside Impa’s room as she tended to Zelda’s injuries. It felt like hours, but she finally came out in the end.
“Before you say anything, Zelda’s going to be fine.” I had immediately opened my mouth to ask of Zelda’s welfare when I heard the door creak open. “Come on in and sit. I have some tea getting ready. We can exchange information in there.”
I sat down on a chair and looked over at Zelda. From what I could tell, she was still pale, but some color managed to come back to her cheeks. She was resting peacefully, and as I watched her breast rise and fall, I felt my anxiety melt away.
Impa had placed a cup in front of me and filled it with a strong tea. I drank deeply from it. It was a special brew that she made for stressful situations. It had a relaxant in it the calmed both the body and the mind, and allowed the drinker to think more clearly. After a few minutes of silence, she finally asked, “What happened?”
Looking up from my cup, I gave her the only answer I could. “I don’t know. One second, I was asleep on the couch in the library. The next, I was up in Zelda’s room tearing some noble off of her. She told me that we had to get away from the castle, so that’s what I did. I don’t know anything else.” Impa just nodded as she let the information sink in. “What happened to Zelda?”
Impa remained still for a second or two, and answered my question. “She was poisoned. It’s a complicated one to make. It target’s the victim’s ability to use magic and affects the nerves that render the skeletal muscles useless. It’s not used to kill, but to make it easier for the user to control his or her victim. It’s obviously not legal in Hyrule, and there aren’t many people who know how to make it. I’m the only person I know of that has that ability.”
“It’s not permanent is it?” My anxiety had come back.
“No, but depending on how much she took in, Zelda could be out for another four to five hours.”
Now that I knew that Zelda would be alright, I suddenly remembered my ankle and recognized the pain that went up my leg. Impa noticed. “What’s wrong?”
“I did something to my ankle as we were escaping.” I gingerly took off my right boot, which was difficult because it had swollen considerably. It was also twisted in a weird direction, indicating that it was defiantly broken.
“Hold on, I need to get a splint for that.” Impa got up and reached for a box under her bed. She got a splint specifically designed for the ankle and approached me. “You know I’m going to have to set the bones in place, right?”
I gritted my teeth and nodded. “Just make it quick.”
With my hands clenching the seat of the chair I was sitting in, I braced myself for the pain that would be shooting up my leg as Impa twisted my ankle in place. I grew tense as she lifted my mangled limb to her lap. “On the count of three. One, two-”
I couldn’t help but scream when she set the bones in my ankle. I could hardly remember so much pain. “You said on three,” I managed to choke.
She just shrugged and started to wrap the splint that was already around my ankle to hold it in place. After that was done, she offered me a small glass of some sort of potion. “What is it?”
“It’s a sleeping potion. You need your rest too.” I wanted to protest, but I realized how exhausted I really was and gulped it down. All that I remember next was Impa helping me to a couch in the corner of the room. I had fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The Legend of Zelda
Secret Love
Chapter Five
I woke up refreshed, but a bit forgetful of the previous adventure, and it took a few seconds of concentrated thinking to remember everything that had happened. I looked over at the bed, finding Zelda still fast asleep with a peaceful aura about her. She wasn’t in any pain, at least while she remained in that deep slumber. It comforted me to see her in such a state. I never wanted to see her in such pain, in such a state of weakness. She always had a strong personality, and to see her collapse like she did made my heart break.
It wasn’t long before I remembered about my ankle. It felt numb when I first woke up, but now the pain was slowly returning. It wasn’t unbearable, but it still wasn’t comfortable either. I wanted to see if it had stopped swelling, but as I tried to move it off the pillow that it rested on, a sharp pain shot up my leg. I decided then that it would be best to leave it alone.
Still grimacing from the pain, I heard the door open. “You tried to move it didn’t you?” Impa had come in, and she had a smirk on her face. I scowled at her. “Don’t look at me like that,” she said as she approached me. “It’s your own fault for trying to get up.”
“I wasn’t trying to get off the couch! I just wanted to see how bad it was.”
Shaking her head, and still smirking, Impa pulled a chair next to me and moved the blanket off of my injured limb. She gently held it in her hands, and using her magic, inspected the condition of my ankle without taking the splint off. “Your fractures have already started to heal, but the cartilage and ligaments are still in bad shape.”
I frowned. Tearing ligaments and cartilage was always worse that breaking the actual bone. Bone tissue has a very good blood supply, so when it is damaged, it’s easy for platelets and other cells to get to the site of the injury and start their work. Ligaments and cartilage however has a poorer blood supply, and the platelets have to diffuse to the damaged tissue. A bone will usually heal faster than an injured ligament.
“Don’t look so glum. I can have you up and about in no time.” Impa waved her hand and medical supplies appeared around her.
“Why didn’t you do this earlier?” Sometimes that Sheika didn’t make any sense to me at all.
“I didn’t have the proper supplies at the time, and I didn’t have much time to make any potion until I had set your ankle anyway.” As she said this, Impa started to unwrap my ankle to take the splint off. She then put some sort of potion into a tub that she had conjured up. “Let your foot soak in that a while. It should be healed when I come back.”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m the sage of the Shadow Temple. I have some work to do before the day’s out.” She then went over to check on Zelda. She must have fine, for Impa left without doing anything but brushing her hair back.
I was thankful for the treatment Impa gave me. The pain in my ankle slowly started to subside, and the odor of the potion was actually quite fragrant.
Waiting around for that Sheika to return wasn’t very exciting. All I could do was watch Zelda sleep. I wanted her to wake up, not only to make sure that she really was alright, but I was bored. I wanted something to do, someone to talk to.
After what seemed like hours, and after counting the amount of bricks on the wall opposite of me for the tenth time, (Give me a break, I had to keep my brain active in some way or I’d have gone insane.) my wish was granted. Zelda began to stir, and before long her eyes fluttered open.
She pushed herself up and looked around. If it were a different situation, I would have laughed at the pure confusion on her face as she took in her surroundings. Did she remember anything? “Link? Why are we in the Shadow Temple? What happened to you?” That answered my question.
I didn’t really know how to explain it. I really didn’t know what had happened. I just did what she had wanted me to do. “Well…”
Impa saved me. Before I could make myself look too much like an idiot, she burst through the door. “Thank the Goddesses, you finally woke up!” She hadn’t seemed worried about Zelda’s welfare before. Why would she want to hide her concern?
“What do you mean by that? Impa, what’s going on?”
Impa looked as confused and shocked as Zelda. “You don’t remember anything?”
“Remember what?” Zelda was starting to panic now. “Please, just tell me what’s going on!”
I opened my mouth to respond, but Impa was faster to respond. “Something happened at the castle. From what Link told me, you sent him a signal for help. When he came, you told him to take you away from the castle, and in doing so he injured his ankle. Along the way here, you passed out from being drugged and, well, here you are.”
Zelda shot me a pained look that begged me to tell her that Impa was wrong. I wanted to tell her that she was, but I couldn’t. All I could do was nod and look away. “I was drugged? By who? Why?”
“As for poisoning you, we think it was that Sir Namelov who was visiting the castle. Why he did it….”
I couldn’t stop the words from falling out of my mouth. “He tried to rape you.” Once again, I looked away from the princess, my face burning with anger and humiliation.
Zelda’s face went blank as she let the information sink in. Impa rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Link made it before Namelov did anything Sweetheart. Don’t worry about getting hurt. We just need to get your memory back.” Impa then stood up and headed over to the fireplace. With another wave of her hand, a large pot of water appeared and floated above the flames. She then turned to her cupboards as started pulling out various ingredients. “I think you’ll both need some food before we start anything,” she said as she turned and gave us a smile.
It was at that moment that I heard a strange sound. I looked over at Zelda, who blushed and grabbed her stomach. I also felt and heard my own stomach growl. Getting through dire situations will always make you hungry.
“Oh, Link.” She managed to look up from her cooking, which smelled pretty good at that point. “Your ankle should be healed now. You can take it out of the potion.”
I slowly lifted my leg from the tub and wiggled my now pruney toes to make sure that everything was working the way it was supposed to. After drying it off, I headed over to Zelda and sat next to her. She leaned against me and grabbed my arm, and I could feel her muscles start to relax. I felt good knowing that I could provide some comfort to her, even if it was minimal.
Impa served us our soup (which was delicious) and walked toward the door. “I have to go and check up on the Temple and find out what’s going on at the castle. Zelda, you better be asleep when I get back, and Link, if you leave I’ll come find you and drag you back myself.” She locked the door behind her as she left.
I was aggravated that she told me to stay. I wanted to know what was going on too. On the other hand, I don’t think she really had to tell me. I wouldn’t leave Zelda alone, no matter how safe the Shadow Temple was.
We ate in silence. It was awkward, just sitting there. I wanted one of us to start up a conversation, but there was nothing to talk about. It wasn’t until we were finished that either of us said anything.
“Link?” Zelda looked at me with an odd expression on her face. “Could I…have a hug?” Even though I couldn’t see in the darkness, I knew that Zelda was seriously blushing. I was too.
Granting her request, I held her against my chest. Before long, I felt wet droops fall on my shoulder, and she started to tremble. I held her closer and started to stroke her hair. She eventually fell asleep in my arms, and it was then that I let myself cry as well.

The Legend of Zelda
Secret Love
Chapter Six
I must have fallen asleep. When my eyes opened, I found Zelda looking over me with a soft smile on her face. “Thanks for everything, Link.” I don’t know why, but as she said that, my pulse started to go up. Way up. She’s thanked me millions of times, just not the way she did now. Before I knew it we were leaning in for a kiss, but the moment was ruined by Impa as the door whipped open and she came inside.
My excitement and nervousness was replaced by embarrassment as annoyance as the temperature of my face rose a few degrees. I could see that Zelda felt the same way I did. She turned away from me completely and had started to look very interested in the folds the sheets had made. Impa wasn’t fooled. She raised her eyebrow at us, and when she turned away I heard her snicker. All I could do was glare.
“What are you here for?” I couldn’t keep the annoyance out of my voice.
“I came to check on you two, but I guess your both fine.” I wanted to chop that smirk from her face. Zelda continued to stare at the bed sheets. “And Zelda, I brought you some clean clothes.” She laid them on the foot of the bed and left.
“Hey, Link?” Zelda gave me a kind of awkward look as she reached for her clothes.
“Oh, yeah.” With my face still on fire, I left Zelda so she could get dressed. Impa was still out in the hallway talking to a Shadow spirit in the ancient language of the Sheikahs. It must have done something to displease her, because her voice was very stern, and from what little she had taught me, I caught the words, “don’t do it again.” The spirit nodded and faded into the darkness as Impa turned around to address me.
“What happened?”
“Nothing much. He was just spying on you and Zelda.” My anger started to rise again. I just gritted my teeth to prevent myself from trying to bite off her head. “Apparently you two fell asleep, and it started to get interesting when you woke up. I almost wish I didn’t interrupt you.”
I could have stopped my fist from flying through the air, but I really wanted to destroy that smirk on her face. Unfortunately, I was no match for her. My fist touched nothing but air as she disappeared, only to reappear behind me and grab me in a choke hold. I get myself out of that, but only to have Impa drop to the ground and kick my legs from under me. I landed on my back and felt the air forced from my lungs.
“Come on, I’m just joking! I always wanted you two to end up together.”
That remark didn’t improve my mood. “We’re not together!”
“Then what exactly were you about to do when I came in?”
I didn’t have an answer for that, and she knew it. “Since it makes you so upset, I won’t say another word, unless of course I catch you two like that again.”
I was going to retaliate, but she dissipated into the shadows and left me alone in the hallway.
“What on earth was going on out here?” Zelda had finished changing and was now peaking out of the door way.
I sighed and opened the door further. “Nothing worth getting worried about.” She must have guessed that Impa and I got in some sort of fight, because she just smiled and shook her head. Impa and I were always dealing blows to each other, but only to annoy or embarrass each other. To my disappointment, I was always the one that got hit. She’s the most experienced Sheikah in Hyrule, and without further training, I’ll never land a good hit on her.
The previous situation had caused a strange tension to build between us. We didn’t speak much, and when we did we didn’t look at each other. The atmosphere didn’t relent until Impa returned a few hours later.
Barging into the room, as is her way, she had an uneasy look on her face. “I’ve some good news and some bad news.”
Zelda and I both looked up from our meal. “What’s the bad news?” I could feel my stomach begin to drop as the words tumbled out of my mouth.
“You can’t stay here any longer. The king has sent a few troops to search for you in the village. They know you and I have a connection, Link, so I’m sure that they’ll search here as well.”
“And the good news?”
“If you hurry, you can both head toward the forest. You’d have to take the longer way off the roads of course.” That didn’t bother me. I knew the lands of Hyrule very well. I didn’t need roads to get where I wanted to go.
My mind was set. I got up and started packing my things to leave. Zelda also helped by getting provisions tigether, but only after some hesitation.