Everybody Else is Doing it.....

Everybody else is posting this thing and filling it out, so I thougt I would too...

- ARE YOU CURRENTLY GROUNDED?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- DO YOU SNORE?
I wouldnt know.... I'm generally alseep at the time
- ARE YOU A LOVER OR A FIGHTER?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
I have no fear... like honestly
- AS A KID, WERE YOU A LEGO MANIAC?
Heck yeah!
- WHAT DO YOU THINK OF "REALITY" TV?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- DO YOU CHEW ON YOUR STRAWS?
No... too OCD for that
- WERE YOU A CUTE BABY?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- IS THE SINGLE LIFE FOR YOU?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- WHAT COLOR IS YOUR KEYBOARD?
Greyish with black letters
- IS BARBIE SEXY?
I'd have to ask Sarah.
- DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER?
Only if I have recently been listining Audioslave
- HAVE YOU EVER BUNGEE JUMPED?
Yes everyone but Sarah... No Sarah, never... I swear....
- ANY SPECIAL TALENTS?
Well, I am a vampire
- WHAT'S YOUR IDEAL VACATION SPOT?
I'd have to ask Sarah...
- IS JAY LENO FUNNY?
"What is this with bashing Jay Leno? I mean the man is out there every night with fresh material and he's charming!" -Stewie
- CAN YOU SWIM?
Fairly well actually
- HAVE YOU SEEN THE MOVE "DONNIE DARKO"?
Uh.... sure....
- DO YOU GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE OZONE?
Why would I do that? I love skin cancer
- HOW MANY LICKS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE CENTER OF A TOOSTIE POP?
You want something I really don't give a danm about?
- CAN YOU SING THE ALPHABET BACKWARDS?
Um, no
- HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON AN AIRPLANE?
no, but I have been in one several times
- ARE YOU AN ONLY CHILD?
No but Leeann is... and she need a boyfriend
- DO YOU PREFER ELECTRIC OR MANUAL PENCIL SHARPENERS?
Am I the only person in the world that thinks sharping pencils isn't worth the effort? Automatic Pencils forever!
- WHAT'S YOUR STAND ON HUNTING?
Hunt early, hunt often
- IS MARRIAGE IN YOUR FUTURE?
I'll have to ask Sarah
- DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Mostly
- WHAT ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO?
Just the normal things
- IS TUPAC STILL ALIVE?
Yeah, in Moosejaw Canada
- DO YOU CRY AT WEDDINGS?
Only if Leeann is punching me after makng a comment
- HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR COFFEE?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- ARE BLONDES DUMB?
Maybe.... but hey, yo can't have EVERYTHING.... I'm not greedy....
- WHERE DOES THE OTHER SOCK END UP?
I'm not sure, but I think El Nino has something to do with it....
- WHAT TIME IS IT?
Quarter after nine
- DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?
Czar, Mr. Hollywood, Teacher-most-likely-to-be-in-a-movie,
- IS MCDONALD'S DISGUSTING?
Only before noon
- WHO'S YOUR HERO?
Bonhoiffer, and Captain Insano
- WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE IN A CAR?
Many moons ago... over a month I think
- DO YOU PREFER BATHS OR SHOWERS?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- IS SANTA CLAUSE REAL?
Probably
- DO YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR NECK KISSED?
Yes
- ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?
Actually I can see in the dark, so no
- WHAT ARE YOU ADDICTED TO?
Cheese.....
- CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER OR REGULAR?
Regular
- CAN YOU CRACK YOUR NECK?
Only after a fight
- HAVE YOU EVER RIDDEN IN AN AMBULANCE?
I have never been hurt in my life
- HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BRUSHED YOUR TEETH TODAY?
Does useing that swishy mouth wash stuff count? If so the three times
- IS DRUG FREE THE WAY TO BE?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- ARE YOU A HEAVY SLEEPER?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES?
Dark Brown
- HOW LOUD DO YOU SNEEZE?
Not overly loud
- DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE?
I'd like it better I'f I was a bounty hunter
- WHAT'S YOUR BEST FRIEND'S NAME?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- WHO'S BETTER: STONE COLD OR THE ROCK?
The Rock.... can you see Stone Cold playing a gay body guard?
- ARE YOU PSYCHIC.
I'm a 6th grade teacher... I have to be Psychic
- HAVE YOU READ "CATCHER IN THE RYE"?
once
- DO YOU PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS
Violin, Cello, Bass,
- CAN YOU SKATEBOARD?
No... I can fly
- CAN YOU SNOWBOARD?
No... I can fly
- DO YOU LIKE CAMPING?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- DO YOU SNORT WHEN YOU LAUGH?
I'm the Czar.... can you see a Czar snorting?
- DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- DO YOU BELIEVE IN DIVORCE?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- CAN YOU DO THE MOONWALK?
Like Wacko Jacko himself
- ARE YOU A RACIST?
Not if you aren't Italian, Jewish, Black, Irish, Hispanic, Russian, Pollish, um... I mean... well, maybe....
- DO YOU MAKE A LOT OF MISTAKES?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- IS IT COLD OUTSIDE?
In Dayton? I would believe someone if they told me a portal to Hell had opened in this town....
- WHATS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Pizzia
- DO YOU WEAR NAIL POLISH?
Um, no?
- HAVE YOU EVER BEEN KISSED?
I'd have to ask Sarah
- WHAT'S THE MOST ANNOYING TV COMMERCIAL?
Bowflex Info Adds
- DO YOU SHOP AT AMERICAN EAGLE?
Only when in KY and only when I'm with Daniel of the Pompus Nose

Seven Years part 13

Here it is.... I wont be around to update on Monday so I thought I'd do it now.... Things are about to get pretty fast and good in the story so bear with the slower stuff!

Toran woke up with a sneeze. He still felt groggy and tired, and if it hadn’t been for the hay seeds he had just snorted the young warrior might have slept for several more hours. Pushing himself up on his elbows, Toran shook his blond head and moaned slightly; he hated mornings. Slowly he sat straighter, and pulled his sore legs Indian style to him. There was a dull ach in his lower sides that reminded him of his little tiff with Shiek the night before. He looked around to see if Shiek was still around, and saw her sprawled in the hay. She still had on Malon’s dress, which was looking slightly worse for the wear, but her hair had obviously unmade itself during the little romp and her sleep. The long yellow locks lay tangled beneath her, hay clinging to it.

Toran stood up and splashed some water in his face. There wasn’t really anything to do till Shiek woke up, so he wandered aimlessly out into the ranch. He figured it must be about half past eight in the morning, so he wasn’t really surprised to find Malon already up and about. She was standing to the side of the corral, stroking one of the horse’s head through the fence. Toran walked over to her, listening to the odd little tune she was humming.
“Morning, Malon,” he began, leaning against the fence next to her.
“Hey there champ,” she responded, a smiled pulling at her mouth, “surprised to see you up this early…”
“So am I,” chuckled Toran, reaching out to stroke the horse head with Malon.
“You like horses?” she asked, an odd glow in her eyes.
“Yeah, I do… I’ve never been able to own one. I kind of envy you living here with them.” Toran’s hand continued to stroke the long head of the horse, until he brushed over Malon’s hand. He quickly jerked his hand back, mumbling awkward apologies. Malon laughed brightly and shook her head.
“Careful Toran… you’ll spook the horse if you jump around to fast.”
“Yeah… I just, well…”
“I know,” Malon said, her smirk turning into a soft smile, “you care about her a lot, don’t you?”

Toran closed his eyes, and took in a breath. Did he really? Two days ago he had known the answer, but that was before Link “Hero-of-Time, Savior-the-World, and Hyrule’s-First-Son,” showed up on the scene. After a second’s contemplation though, Toran realized that regardless of the fact of how Shiek felt about him or Link, he still cared for her more then anyone else he had ever known. He slowly nodded, opened his eyes, and let out the breath.

“Yeah… I really do…”
“I thought as much,” Malon responded, her smile widening.
“It’s just…” Toran heaved a huge sigh and shook his head. He returned to absently stroking the horse as he stared glumly ahead.
“There’s someone else in her life right now?” Malon more stated then asked, joining him in petting the horse.
“Yeah… she’s kind of caught up with the legendary Hero of Time.”
“Didn’t look that way last night,” Malon giggled, giving him a playful punch to the arm. Toran groaned inwardly, remembering that he and Shiek, regardless of how things had look, were still on the outs.
“Malon, seriously, despite how it looked when you came in we were actually fighting…”
“Right, I can buy that… you start by fighting, and it grows from there. That’s how it Draq and I did it all the time.”
“You and Draq?” Toran was slightly taken aback. He had no idea that Malon even knew Draq, much less that she had any kind of serious connection to him.

“Yeah, he and I are, well were I guess, together,” Malon said, taking her turn to stare glumly into space.
“Hey,” Toran said letting an arm drift around her slumping shoulders, “he wouldn’t want us to mope about him. He was a great friend, and we’ll see him again someday.”
Malon smiled, and rubbed the horse’s head again.
“Father used to tell me that the souls of good people, like mother, become horses, running free over the plains. I think Draq must be a beautiful black stallion, his long mane flowing behind him as he streaks across the plain. He would be so happy to be free, to finally be done with all the responsibilities he had.”
“A horse? I like that… it sounds right. Like it fits Draq somehow,” Toran murmured, giving Malon a little squeeze, “you’re right… he’d be very happy.”

The two stood there rubbing the horse and not speaking for a few minuets. Finally, it was Malon broke the silence.
“I’m sure he is very happy, wherever he is. Strong noble people like him have to end up in a good place… and I guess even though I’m sad he not with me anymore, I know he is probably better off, and that helps a lot.”
“Sounds good to me,” Toran replied, giving the ranch girl another squeeze before letting her go to turn and lean back against the fence.
“Thanks for listening Toran,” Malon said, giving him a bittersweet smile, “You’re very good at it. You’re a wonderful guy, and don’t worry, Shiek will have to see sooner or later.”
“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, Malon, but how can I really compete with someone who is so idolized?”
“By being yourself, silly!” Malon said, a slight laugh in her words, “like I said, you’re a really great guy… If I had a brother, I’d want him to be just like you…”
“I don’t know if I ever had any family,” Toran murmured, more to himself then Malon, “but I guess I wouldn’t mind a sister…”
“It’s settled then!” Malon exclaimed, giving Toran another quick hug, “we’ll be brother and sister!”
Toran wasn’t sure how exactly Malon had come to the conclusion that it was settled, but he had to admit it felt nice to have someone want him to be part of a family.

“Morning Malon!” came Shiek’s, surprisingly cheery voice. She had changed into one of her blue and white outfits that Toran had fetched from the cave, complete with turban and high face covering. Apparently the discovery that someone had found the cave had shaken her into heightened precautions about her identity. She glanced over at Toran and coughed.
“Morning Toran,” she almost growled, arms crossing over her chest. Toran gulped slightly; he had heard that tone before, and besides indicating Shiek’s anger, it generally predated his been sent on long ‘get-out-of-my-hair’ missions. His fear was deepened when Shiek gestured at Malon.
“Would you excuse us for a second, Malon… I need to talk to Toran.”
“Sure thing Shiek,” turning to Toran, Malon pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, and walked off.
“Catch you later, brother!” she called over her shoulder as she headed to the barn.

Shiek stepped in close, raising a critical eyebrow.
“What’s with the kiss?”
Toran defensively raised his hands, leaning back further against the fence as Shiek’s face tried to push itself up closer to his.
“It’s nothing, Shiek… gosh, she’s like my sister, ok?” he protested, wondering if there was about to be a replay of last night. Shiek stepped back a pace, a bit of confusion in her red eyes.
“Your sister?”
“Yeah, neither of us have any family, and we like each other, so we kind adopted ourselves as mutual siblings…” Toran knew he shouldn’t, but something inside forced him to go on, “sorry boss, didn’t know I needed your permission to like people… it won’t happen again.”
“Oh, whatever Toran,” Shiek retorted, anger flashing across her features. Her eyes softened though, and she shrugged.
“Sorry Toran, I know I come across too strong at times. Draq told me the same thing not long before he died.”
“That reminds me!” exclaimed Toran, moving on from their near brush with a fight, “I was thinking the other day while running back to the ranch, did you actually see Draq die?”
Shiek cocked her head to one side, obviously wondering what Toran was driving at.
“No… but Toran, it would have been impossible to outrun the Phantom Gannondorf, and there was no way he could have defeated it. What other option is there?”
“But think about it this way Shiek… we don’t know who the Forest Sage is. Now we do know that it is going to be someone who protects and guides the forest. According to what Malon says about what Draq did in his spare time, he might very well be that Sage. What if he had powers that we, or even he, didn’t know about? His Sage-ness might have woken up and helped him to defeat the phantom. He might be back at the temple, just too hurt to get back!”

Shiek considered for a moment, and Toran could understand her skepticism. Calling Draq the Forest Sage might be a long shot, but what if it was true? Finally, Shiek nodded, turning towards the ranch entrance.
“Ok Toran… it’s worth a look. I’m going to the village to check on Impa, you go to the forest and check for any sign of Draq, and Scela too actually. And be careful… if we are wrong, then that Phantom is still running around out there.”
Toran turned to grab his katana out of the hayloft and yelled back to Shiek.
“You be careful too… you’re walking right into Keef’s arms you know.”

He saw Shiek eyes narrow, cold hatred visible behind them.

“Oh, trust me… I know that very well…”

Seven Years Part 12

I know everyone is probably shocked that there is no 11.5, but thats the way things go... Here's the next part, and I was kind of in a strange fram of mind when I wrote it. Too much Vodka. Grey Goose chilled, but no ice.... only way to fly....

Shiek was aggravated. The paralyzing effects of the medicine had completely worn off, and it had successfully healed her shoulder, cut face, and other miscellaneous scrapes and bruises. The only thing bothering her now was a massive headache, and the fact that she was stuck at the ranch until Toran returned.

Why didn’t I tell him to meet me somewhere? Now I’m stuck here, and Malon is ready to kill me with her bare hands… Shiek thought. The young ranch girl had not shown herself since her heated departure about two hours ago and Shiek had no doubt that Malon was not planning to return anytime soon. Shiek got up and wandered around the hayloft, wondering how to fill the remaining time until Toran returned. She kicked the air experimentally to test how her legs were holding up, and felt a familiar burn flash through her inner thigh. Sitting down, she extended her left leg straight, keeping the right one bent behind her. She held the stretch, leaning forward to grab her left foot. After holding the position for a while, she released the stretch and repeated it with the other leg. After finishing several stretching exercises, Shiek fell into a fighting stance and began to run her fight training exercise. Jabs, hooks, kicks, fujins, raoks; Shiek threw every combat move she knew over and over. Several hours latter, Shiek was breathing hard and filled with pain, but it was the good pain of a hard workout. Slowing her breathing, she jumped up and grabbed an overhanging beam of the low ceiling and began to pull chin-ups.

“So this is how a warrior keeps busy…”

Shiek let herself fall back to the ground, standing about a yard from Malon. The ranch girl was standing looking level into Shiek’s red eyes, some kind of bundle in her arms. Her voice didn’t hold the sharp, accusatory, tone that she had been using earlier. In fact, there was almost a trace of apology in her tone.

“I thought you were supposed to be feeling badly…”
Shiek shrugged, not sure how to respond.
“The medicine that knocked me out wore off, and actually helped heal me up quite a bit.”
“Obviously…”
“Look, Malon,” Shiek began hesitantly, “about this afternoon-”
“No,” said Malon, setting down the bundle, “we won’t talk about it. I was acting like the little snot that I really am… it wasn’t your fault. Draq is just like that, protecting other from danger… he did what was in his nature to do. There is only one person that is responsible for all this… Gannondorf, that-” Shiek was amazed, wondering where Malon had picked up all the adjectives she was applying to the warlord, “-can rot in the pit. I swear Shiek, I will see him pay for this even if it kills me!”
“Heard that before,” mumbled Shiek under her breath. Looking Malon in the eyes, she spoke with all the certainty she had.
“Draq was the best of friends Malon, I swear to you that I will do everything I can to get him justice.” She gave a sad smile and held out her arms. Malon stepped in and grabbed Shiek back and both began to cry into each other’s hug. Malon squeezed a little tighter when she realized the shaking in Shiek’s body was from sobs. They stood like that for hours, comforting each other in the loss of their close friend.

After the two had cried themselves out, Malon retrieved the bundle and smiled, blue eyes still stained red with tears.
“I brought you some food. I guess I should have let you eat before I lost it on you…”
“No, that’s quite alright… I needed a good cry too…”
“I brought you some new close too… no offence, but yours are kind of ratty,” Malon said, a wry grin pulling at her mouth. Shiek looked down at her Shiekah clothing, and felt obliged to agree. Ripped, tattered, a sleeve cut off, and stained with blood, the outfit was not even worth saving.
“Thanks, Malon…”
“No problem… here, this is older one of mine… I thought it’d look good on you…”
Shiek took the dress and stared at it mutely. She hadn’t worn a dress in seven years, and had almost forgotten what it was like.
“Hurry, get changed and eat so I can do your hair!” Malon said as she breezed towards the door, “and don’t worry, no one will see you… you’ll still be a boy to every one out there. But every girl just needs to feel like a princess now and then.”

You have no idea, Malon… Shiek thought, watching her go.

Shiek slipped off her clothes and scrubbed herself clean some water and soap Malon had left her. The dress was a simple one, but pretty, and still in good condition. Malon was slightly taller then Shiek, and not as thin, but the dress was before the ranch girl had finished growing and developing her figure. It didn’t fit Shiek perfectly, but it felt wonderful. She shook out her long blond hair, glad that she actually took care of it. She had to keep tightly braided and wound up beneath her hat, but every morning after her exercises she had carefully washed and combed the long yellow locks. She ran a hand through it, smiling. It was the most like a girl that she had felt in seven years. Sitting on overturned milk jug, she unpacked her supper on a crate. She was just finishing off the last bits of the meal when Malon returned.
“Oh Shiek! I’ve never seen your hair down before… You look wonderful!” Darting over behind her, Malon began to run her hands through the blond hair.
“I have the perfect idea for this!”

Shiek gave in to letting Malon brush out her hair, and even began to enjoy the relaxing feel of someone playing with her yellow locks. The two began to chat about hair, nails, dresses, and other related things. Malon had nearly finished with Shiek’s hair before the young leader made her slip.
“Thanks Malon. Goddess, this reminds me so much of when my maids spent three hours just combing my hair for my eleventh birthday party at the palace… I hated it at the time, but it feels so wonderful to have you do it now.” The moment the words left her mouth, Shiek knew she was going to have to think fast on her feet.
“The palace?”
“Yeah, uh, see I’m kind of from an aristocratic family. However, most of the Shiekah were wiped out when Gannondorf took power, and those who were not killed immediately were hunted down. Only three of us are left, and we cannot live openly… I mean, I even have to pretend to be a boy.”
“Yeah, I figured actually…”
“You did?” Shiek replied, surprise creeping into her voice.
“Yeah… I mean no offence, but you’re a little too snotty to be anything other then rich at one time or something… but like not in a bad way or anything.”

“Well, how do I look?” Shiek asked, quickly steering the subject into safer waters. She stood up and twirled. The dress came all the way to the floor, was color similar to her eyes, and laced up the back. The sleeves poofed slightly at the arms, tightening just past the elbow and clinging to the skin on her forearm. Malon smiled, and clapped happily.
“You look gorgeous, Shiek… fantastic! Any boy would totally lose it if he saw you now.”
“Speaking of which, I think Toran should be back soon,” murmured Shiek.
“Oh, he is going to flip! You have to play with him… he is sooo cute when he’s nervous!”
“I don’t know Malon. I’m not really good at flirting, like you…”
“Right, and you’re still single… this is your big chance.”
Shiek thought about commenting on the fact that technically was single now too, but decided that might not be wise. As if on cue, the two girls heard someone fumbling with the latch to the door. Toran wandered in, holding a large sack and a slightly pensive look on his face.
“Shiek you’re not gonna believe this, but-” he froze mid-sentence, mouth agape, “uh, Shiek? Is that you?”
Malon was trying her best to look like she was coughing into her hands, but from the speed of the shaking in her shoulders Shiek was willing to bet she was really just cracking up.
“Yeah, since my clothes were so bad, Malon decided to give me some of her old ones till you got back. Did you happen to grab any of my stuff while you were in the cave?”
Toran nodded, still staring in wonder at Shiek. Shiek felt an odd feel spread through her. Toran was obviously entranced by how she looked, and having disguised herself as a male for so many years made it relatively new experience. Toran swallowed hard and tried to answer, but it the only result was a gurgling choking sound. He set the bag down and gestured at it.
“Y-y-yeah… uh, yeah….”
“I did Shiek hair, Toran. Tell me, what do you think?” Malon asked, the hint of a giggle in her voice.
“S-stun-s- great…” Toran replied, stumbling through the words.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to enjoy it for a bit… Shiek, just make sure you take the dress off before you roll in the hay. It might be old, but it’s still a very nice dress.” Malon flounced out, giggling uncontrollably. Sighing, Shiek pulled open the bag and tried to get Toran, who by now had an immense deep red blush, back onto business. Shaking it onto the ground, she sorted through the collection of knives, throwing spikes, and other weapons.

“Why all the hardware?” she asked, finally spying the clothes Toran had brought for the two of them, “it’s not like we’re camping out here or anything.”
“Actually,” began Toran, coughing nervously, “we might want to for a bit…”
He went on to give a quick recount of what he had seen at the cave. Shiek felt her heart sink. The cave had been the one thing she felt had gone perfectly, and now it was gone. Sighing heavily, she fell back onto the bucket she was utilizing for a chair.
“Perfect,” she muttered dejectedly, kicking at the floor.
“I know what you mean… this is a pretty bad knock. And I’m sorry Shiek. I was in such a rush to find you that I didn’t bother to pay enough attention to my tail.”
“No, it’s not your fault Toran…” she shook her head in frustration, “but I swear to Narue that I’m gonna kill Keef. That little punk!”
“Not if I get him first…” Toran replied, a wry grin crossing his face.

Shiek rose to her feet, shaking her head.
“Nope. He’s mine, and that’s a direct order…” sighing again, she looked dejectedly at the pile of Shiekah clothing on the floor. Toran apparently picked up on her thoughts. Reaching out, he took her hand and smiled down into her red eyes.
“Hey, the dress looks great on you. Why don’t you keep it on for a bit?”
“I can’t,” Shiek answered, shaking her head, “there is something at the cave I have to go and get before Gannondorf or Keef find it.”
“Would that be this?” Toran asked, reaching into the pile of clothes to retrieve Shiek’s box.
“Toran! Where did you find this?!” she cried, snatching it away from him.
“Well, I was hiding under your bed this one day-”
“YOU WERE HIDING UNDER MY BED?!”
“No! I mean yes, but not like that! Remember that one day when Draq wanted to kill me because I had coated his axe handle in honey?”
“YOU WERE HIDING UNDER MY BED!”
“I was concerned for my personal safety! Anyway, I saw you pull a box out of the floor and then put it back later… I swear, I never went back into the room again!”
“That had better be the case, Toran.” Shiek said, relaxing slightly.

“Look, point is, I figured you’d want whatever was in the box, so I grabbed it. And I’m glad I did, because I think the crow would go with that dress really well.” Toran cringed as soon as he finished the last part. Shiek felt a flare go off in her mind.
“What?” she asked, her voice a low rumble of controlled rage.
“Nothing,” said Toran, taking a cautious step backwards.
“You opened the box, didn’t you?” the large eyes narrowed as she tried to cut through his very soul with her glare.
“Yes, but not for long! And I know I was alone.”
“Did. You. Read. It.” Shiek spat the words like bullets.
“I, uh, don’t know what you’re talking about…” Toran replied, fidgeting nervously. Shiek’s hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of Toran’s tunic and pulling his face down next to hers.
“How much, Toran?” she asked, red eyes burning.
“Just the first few pages to see what it was!”
“That’s all?” Shiek let her voice take on a deceptively clam tone.
“Well, and the most recent entry, but that was it!”
“Oh, you are SO gonna die!”

Shiek’s hands shot out, connecting in a double heal punch to Toran’s chest. The young warrior staggered back a few paces, feet slipping out from under him. He collapsed into the pile of hay, sprawled on his back. Still seeing red, Shiek leapt on him. She sat down on his stomach, legs straddling him. Her fists clenched the cloth at Toran’s shoulders, and shook him violently a few times. Toran’s arms shot out in response, grabbing Shiek at the waist in an attempt to stop her from rattling him senseless. Shiek drew her hand back for a punch to Toran’s chest, but felt the young swordsman react quicker. His hand left her side to grab the wrist of the hand ready to strike and pulled it towards him. At the same time he pulled harder at her waist with his other arm, pulling Shiek tighter against him and effectively cutting off her ability to strike at him. Shiek knew she had just been immobilized, and her red eyes burned down into Toran’s. His boyish face had a smirk pulling at his, and there was a strange sparkle in his hazel eyes.
“I certainly hope this Link isn’t expecting a warrior princess when he finally gets around to waking up…”
“Ok, that’s it!” she cried, clamping down with her knees as tightly as possible. She felt Toran loose his breath in a gasp, but he was able to actually tighten his grip around her.

“Well, sorry to interrupt this, but I thought I asked you to take off the dress first…”
“Malon!” Shiek gasped, quickly rolling off Toran, who had released his hold on her at the same time, “how long have you been there?”
“Oh, I just came in… but it didn’t take more then a glance to see what’s going on, Shiek.” Malon giggled, setting down the jug she had carried in, “here’s some milk when you’re finished.”
“Um, it’s not really what it looks like,” Toran said, pushing himself onto his elbows.
“Of course it’s not,” laughed Malon, “and now I will let you guys get back to it…” she breezed out the door.

“Oh, for the love of Narue…” groaned Shiek falling back on the hay.
“Look, Shiek, sorry about the journal…”
She looked up and saw him still propped up on his elbows looking at her, real sorrow in his eyes.
“Yeah, well, I’m not entirely sure I forgive you… but sorry about jumping you. That wasn’t the best thing to do.”
“Well, I’m sure you’d never hurt me too much… even if I’m not Link.” Shiek picked up a hint of bitterness in the last part.
“Um, Toran, about Link… I hope you know that it’s not like I don’t like you or anything thing-”
“Whatever Shiek… look, we are both exhausted. Let’s get some sleep and clear things up in the morning.”

She watched him sink back into the hay, and it wasn’t long before his breathing became slower and steady. Sighing she fell back into the hay. Was fervently hoped tomorrow would be a better day. After the death of Draq, Scela, the treason of Keef, and the discovery of our cave, there’s no way it could be worse right? She thought. It made sense, so she couldn’t understand why there was a feeling that the real disaster hadn’t happened yet hanging in her mind.

Seven Years part 11

This is, in my mind, a cool post, though it could be argued that it is just filler. Have fun reading and reviewing it. The next part is done too, so it will not be too long for the next update. Enjoy!

The rain was still falling as Toran jogged out of the ranch at a fast clip; in fact, it was getting harder. About ten yards out his foot came down wrong, sliding on the wet grass and sending Toran sprawling in the mud. Cursing under his breath, the young warrior pushed himself back up. He had not wanted Shiek to see, but the lack of sleep he had endured over the past two days was staring to ware on him. Or rather, he had not wanted Princess Zelda to see.

I can NOT believe it. Shiek is a PRINCESS? Where in Narue’s name did THAT come from? And why does that ‘make things complicated?’ It’s not like the title “Princess of Hyrule” actually carries a lot of weight right about now.

Toran pondered Shiek’s true identity all the way to the cave. At least, he pondered it all the way to about 100 yards to the cave. At that point, he hit another mud patch brought on by the intensifying rain. Wiping out, Toran sprawled to the ground, sliding a good three feet. Pushing onto his hand and knees, Toran cursed under his breath. Pausing like that to catch his breath, noises from the cave started to catch his attention. He couldn’t make out words, but it sounded as thought there were two people talking. Pulling the sheath and katana down to hold ready in his left hand, Toran silently crept closer to the cave. Flattening himself against the wall, he listened to the voice inside.

“Nothing… you drug me here for absolutely nothing!” Toran could not remember ever hearing the gruff grow of a voice before.

“I swear to Din this is where their hideout is! I followed that little punk Toran here just this morning! I followed him to the lake entrance where he found Shiek, that’s when I jetted to get you. I just assumed they’d come here, where else could they go?” Toran clenched his katana a little harder. The high, arrogant twang to the voice made it easily recognizable, and the Shiekah accent was just the icing on the cake.

Keef… he sold us out! That little son of-

“I know better then to turn to you to find out where they went Keef, you incompetent Shiekah clod,” the first speaker retorted, “You, where else might this pitiful team hide?”

“Actually, I am surprised they aren’t here,” a new voice answered. Toran’s mind raced; where had he heard that voice before?

“They only other place they would go would be Impa’s House in the village, but I doubt Shiek would be foolish enough to go there; the village is too hot a spot for someone like that.”

“Keef, go to the village. Search that wizen crone’s hideout for this troublesome Shiekah. If they aren’t there find something that might tell us where they are.”

“I won’t let you down sir,”

“That, Keef, would be a welcomed first…” Toran still had no idea who he gruff voiced speaker was, but anyone who talked to Keef like this couldn’t be all THAT bad.

“And me sir?” Toran still could not place the third speaker, though he knew he had heard the voice somewhere.

“Ah yes, come with me. We have work to do…”

Toran sensed that this heralded the end of the conversation, and flattened himself against the cliff wall in the shadows. Out of the cave burst Gannondorf, Great King of Evil. Toran wasn’t really surprised; the growly and gruff voice had sounded exactly like he had overheard Shiek had described it to Impa after a nightmare many years ago. He stalked out about ten yards from the cave, heavy cape billowing behind him. Whirling, his cruel eyes focused on the tallish thick-shouldered figure following him. Toran could only see the mysterious third person’s back, but it was obvious that he wore the heavy armor of a Dark Knuckle. He also hefted a mighty axe, the traditional weapon of his kind. The axe and armor obviously was Dark Knuckle in style, but Toran was slightly confused. He, and Shiek, had always thought Dark Knuckles were automations; Golems incapable of independent thought or feeling. This one however, had been caring on a conversation with Keef and Gannondorf if Toran’s ears had served correctly. The Dark Knuckle glanced over its shoulder, as though it sensed someone staring. Toran was only able to catch a short glimpse of the pointed facial features before a heavily gauntleted hand snapped down the black visor. It only took seconds; there was no chance to recognize the dark warrior.

“What is it, knight?” Gannondorf asked, watching the Dark Knuckle closely.

“I am not sure, my lord, I thought I felt someone watching us…” cane the reply, strangely muffled from inside the heavy helmet.

“Keef!” thundered the vile tyrant, “get out here!”

The tall thin Shiekah sprinted out of the cave, muttering under his breath. Stopping in front of Gannondorf, he stood at a cocky angle.

“What the hell do you want,” his voice tried to sound composed and un-intimidated, but it held more then enough waver to prove otherwise.

“There may very well be someone here, though by Din I am temped to deny it simply to keep your perfect screw-up record in tact. Search the place thoroughly, and if there is someone around kill him.”

“Well, given that it would either have to be Toran or Shiek, I will have a load of fun,” Keef smiled wickedly.

Gannondorf rolled his eyes heavenward, obviously long past his toleration point for the cocky Shiekah.

“Just don’t screw-up… again… Come, knight!” With that, Gannondorf reached out and grabbed the Dark Knuckle by the arm. The two disappeared in a glowing swirl of purple light, leaving Keef alone out side the cave.

Toran considered his options. If Keef started by looking in the cave, or on the other side of the entrance, he could probably slip away before being seen. On the other hand, Toran had been waiting for nearly five years to have a valid excuse to beat the arrogant snot out of Keef, and now he had one.

“Don’t screw up again, Keef. Bloody mucker…” the obviously disgruntled Shiekah grumbled as he kicked at the ground, “that idiot thinks he can prance around just because he got to the throne first? Well, your time will come Ganny…” Keef meandered towards Toran, staring at the ground and obviously not overly concerned with the Dark Knuckle’s warning. He was just about to come close enough for Toran’s ambush, when he stopped.

“Screw it. Nobody’s here. It’s just that paranoid pet of Ganny’s showing off and trying to make me look bad. I’m out’a here.” With that, Keef turned and began to jog off in the general direction of Lake Hylia. Toran waited for him to get away, then slipped into the cave.

The place was a shambles. Gannondorf, Keef, and the ‘knight,’ had obviously torn everything up in an effort to find anything of use. Realizing the cave was lost, Toran grabbed a bag and began to gather anything worth keeping. After gathering some of his and Shiek’s clothes, the jar of oil he kept for his katana, and lots of Scela’s knives, throwing spikes, and arrows, he headed towards the door. It was then he remembered where something else might be. Going back into Shiek’s room, he carefully maneuvered around the wreckage that had once been Shiek’s bed. Apparently the Dark Knuckle had figured the best way to make sure nothing was hidden in the bed was to turn it into firewood; in Toran’s experience, people who held axes were prone to kill anything they found inconvenient. Walking to the far side of the room, Toran got down and began tapping the floor. Several years ago, he had pulled a massively funny prank on Draq. Draq had apparently not found it as funny, and Toran had spent the day running away from the large axe-wheeling warrior. After running himself out, Toran had adopted a strategy of stealth, and hid under Shiek’s bed. After what seemed an eternity, the door to the room had opened, but rather then Draq, Shiek walked in. Going to the corner of the room, she had pulled up a small floorboard and retrieved a box. Sitting cross-legged, she opened the box, and pulled something out, but given that her back was to Toran he was unable to see what it was. She appeared to be writing for several minuets, and only stopped when the sounds of an obviously frustrated Draq yelling for Toran reached her. She carefully replaced the items into the box, and returned it under the floor. Shiek had left the room with a sigh, rolling her eyes heavenward for patience. Toran snuck out shortly after. He had never told Shiek that he knew of her secret stow spot, but he never forgot about it either. He had tired to forget the beating Draq had given him, but unfortunately he had never forgot that either. It took awhile to find the exact spot, but eventually Toran heard a slightly hollow sound to his rapping. Pulling up the board was a little harder then he thought it would be but the small box was still there. Grabbing it up, he turned and left the cave.

The rain had stopped but the clouds still hung heavily over the plains. Toran planed on jogging back to the ranch as quickly as possible, but he found he could not resist the urge to peek at what Shiek went through so much trouble to hide. Sitting down, he opened the box, and nearly dropped it in surprise. It was a thin golden crown; obviously something only the royal family would have. A delicate gold band flattened into a small oval shape right where it would hit the center of Shiek’s forehead, the crown had three beautiful red jewels. They were shaped into triangles, and placed on the oval plate so as to make the sign of the Triforce. It was one of the most beautiful things Toran had ever seen, and undoubtedly the most expensive. Toran carefully moved the crown and picked up the other item in the box, a small green book. It too was marked with the sign of the Triforce, the three triangles embossed in gold on both the front and back covers. There was nothing else on the cover, so Toran flipped through a few pages. Page after page was filled with Shiek’s familiar tight handwriting. Turning back to the beginning, Toran read an entry.

Dingat 1^st

Impa says not to flirt with the garden boy like I do, but it’s so fun; he’s cute when he blushes. I had to try on a new dress for tomorrow’s ball. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t princess, then I wouldn’t have to dress up so much. And I swear these balls are so boring. I mean it’s MY twelfth birthday after all, shouldn’t I be the person who gets to decide what I do on it? I asked Impa that, and she told me not to be stubborn, and that one day I might regret things I wish for. Maybe she’s right, Impa is the smartest person in the world after all.

Dingat 3^rd

Sorry I didn’t write last night, but the ball went longer then anyone thought it would. I danced with father, Sir Gantz, and to snotty young nobles who’s names I forget. I actually slipped out back and talked with Cloue for part of the night. He started talking about time thyme though, so I slipped back into the dance hall…

Toran began thumbing through the pages again. Date in the top corner, two or three entries a week, Shiek’s handwriting; it must be a diary, and he was more interested in the more recent entries. He went to the first blank page, about four fifths into the book and started reading backwards.

Nevua 17^th

Horrible day. Funny how more and more of my entries are starting that way. I wish I had some of my older journals around so I could read about happier days. Too bad I used to start a new book every year, and lost them all. When you’re fleeing for your life ‘less important things’ like eleven little green books tend to get lost in the shuffle. Anyway, today we raided the Spirit Temple; or rather, we were wasted inside it. I don’t understand why everything goes so wrong. I’m trying to do the right thing, but it’s as though no one cares. Toran is very encouraging, but I’m afraid he’s staring to fall for me. He such a great guy, but I just can’t do that to Link. I was reading back over when I met Link, and I wish he was here now. Then maybe I wouldn’t have to deal with the confusion that I feel whenever Toran is near. I like it when he comforts me, and I wish he would hold me sometime, but at the same time I don’t want him to do either. I CAN’T fall for him! I love Link! Oh Impa, I wish you were here to help me.

Toran sat still with the book open on his lap, gazing off at nothing. He had never met this Link guy, but he was already fairly certain that he didn’t like him. The setting sun cut into his gaze, and Toran stood back up. It had been a late night after raiding the Spirit Temple, a long day’s run to the village, an all night run to find Shiek, a stressful half a day running Shiek to Lon Lon and waiting for her to wake, and a near brush with Gannondorf and his minions since he had last slept, and he wouldn’t get back to the ranch till midnight. Sighing, the young warrior began to jog, praying fervently to every god, goddess, spirit, and fairy he knew that there would be sleep awaiting him.

Seven Years, part Ten

Here is the long awaited part ten. Long awaited because it should clear up some of the last questions that those who haven't played the games might still be having. It's getting to that time where you might want to start by going back to the very begining and reading all the way through this entry. Have fun, enjoy, and I getting disipointed that Sarah and Leeann are the only one's who comment about my story... (hint hint to all you pakistanies)

Shiek weaved in and out of consciousness. She had no idea how long she had been out before Toran had found her, and was actually wondering if this was just another hallucination. She’d already seen her father, Impa, Cloue the palace gardener, the Captain of the Palace Guard, Alfo the palace cook, and even a quick flash of Link, his blond hair hanging in his eyes as he laughed, extending a hand to her. She was reasonably sure Toran was real though, because he was the only one that had actually touched her. Besides, Shiek thought, bobbing up and down on Toran’s back as they raced across Hyrule Plain, if I were imagining this, you’d think I’d make it less painful…

She was slowly regaining some strength in her limbs, but her grip around Toran’s shoulders still felt weak and uncontrolled. Her legs dangled like jelly, swinging down at Toran’s sides.

Thank Narue that Toran is so strong for his size, she thought through the hazy shades of pain. I bet it would feel wonderful to be held by him… Shiek had spent the last seven years trying to be strong, to depend only on herself, and it had been very hard on her. Now Toran was taking care of her, and protecting her. It made her feel safe, like she could sleep and not have to worry about anything. It made her feel lots of other things too, but she was too tired and hurt to sort through them all.

“Toran?” she breathed, barely above a whisper, “you’ll take care of me, right?”

“Yeah, now save your strength… you need to get back on your feet ASAP.”

“Ok…” resting her head on Toran’s shoulders, Shiek closed her eyes and tried to block out the pain.

When Shiek woke up, she found herself staring up at the ceiling of Lon Lon Ranch’s hayloft. At first, she hoped that the whole thing had been a horrible dream, but the throbbing pain that began in her head quickly proved that the iron rails part had been real and therefore everything else. Moaning slightly, Shiek pushed herself onto her elbows, and looked over to see Toran sitting cross-legged next to her. He smiled a wide, boyish grin, relief written plainly across his face.

“You sleep too much, Shiek,” he laughed, visibly relaxing a bit.

“Go to hell, Toran,” she groaned, falling back down and rubbing her temples, a wry grin tugging at her mouth.

“What happened?”

Shiek shivered, eyes squeezed tightly closed.

“It was awful Toran, just plain awful! Draq is dead, and Scela might be too by now!” She cried, sitting up cross-legged a cross from him.

She spilled out the story, feeling the pain and anguish of the temple courtyard flood her again. She managed to choke through the story. For some odd reason it seemed harder to tell it to Toran then Scela. The emotions she had felt came bubbling back up for some reason. It was as though she felt like she needed Toran to understand what she been through in a way that she had not felt with Scela.

“Scela wanted to go after the Phantom Gannondorf. I pleaded with him not to, and was even standing in his way of the door, so he threw one of his spikes at me, and-”

“HE WHAT?”

“Not like that, Toran… he aimed for my shoulder. He wasn’t trying to kill me, or even do permanent damage to me. He just needed me out of the way…”

“I don’t care what he needed! He threw a bladed weapon at you Shiek! What about that isn’t getting through to you?”

Shiek’s red eyes brimmed yet again with tears.

“But… I had just killed his brother…”

“You did not! Gannondorf did. You just happened to be there when it all went to hell. That’s not your fault at all.”

Shiek bit down hard on her lower lip, tears trickling out of the corners of eyes squeezed tightly shut. She shook her head slowly, trembling violently with the force of raging emotions. She felt Toran’s hand gently rest on her knee, and opened her eyes. She saw a blurry picture of Toran’s face looking worriedly at her. He was always pretty easy to read, and even in her state she could see that he wanted to comfort her, but wasn’t sure of how she would react.

“Please, Toran…” she whispered, swallowing hard, “could you just hug me for a little bit?”

The young swordsman needed no second bidding. Shiek felt his arm pull her in, and she snuggled into his grasp. Burying her head into Toran’s right shoulder, Shiek drew her knees up and grasped them to her chest, content just to let Toran’s strong arms encircle her. It felt as safe and warm as she had always dreamed it would. Then the thought that it had always been Link with her when she dreamed of this forced its way into her mind. Shiek felt her heart sink into her boots. She couldn’t do this with Toran; it would be like giving up on Link before he even got there.

“Toran,” she breathed, beginning to squirm in his grip. He didn’t appear to understand that she was trying to get away, and a bit of what almost sounded like panic flitted through her voice, “Toran, let go!”

His arms jerked back quickly, and both pushed themselves a few feet in opposite directions.

“Sorry, I just though you, I mean,”

Shiek shook her head.

“No, it wasn’t anything you did, Toran. It’s just…” her eyes fell away from his face, unable to take the worry, concern, and what she knew was the beginnings of love, in his hazel eyes, “…complicated.”

“What is?”

“Just everything.”

A frown tugged at his mouth.

“Shiek, this isn’t really a time for jokes.”

“I was serious,” she said, looking back into his face.

“This has something to do with the fact that you aren’t really a Shiekia, doesn’t it?”

Shiek started, surprise written plainly on her face.

“How- how did you know that?”

“You don’t look like one… particularly when I found out your eyes aren’t really red,” Toran replied, shrugging. Shiek had to hand it to him, he was an observant person, and smart too. She decided the time might have come for the truth. Toran was a good and trustworthy friend, she was tired of having so many secrets, and mostly he deserved to know the truth about her before he actually fell in love with her.

“Toran, you’re exactly right, I am not a Shiekia. I’m just a regular Hylian, like you. But unlike you, I needed everyone to think I was something entirely different from what I was. I needed a new race, a new name, and even a new gender, because Gannondorf was hunting me down…”

Toran seemed to understand everything so far, but he waved a questioning hand at her.

“Figured… but why did he want you so bad?”

Shiek swallowed hard. The first part was easily guessable. This was the moment of truth.

“You know the legend of the Hero of Time, right? Well in the story, the young princess gives the Hero of Time the powerful Ocarina of Time as she is fleeing Gannondorf’s takeover of the palace. Link used the Ocarina to open-”

“Link?”

“Oh, sorry, that’s the Hero’s name.”

“How could you know th…” Toran trailed off, realization dawning on his face. Shiek was not aware that someone’s mouth could hang open that far without it actually being broken.

“Oh, for the love of Narue… you’re saying you’re Princess What’s Her Name?”

“Zelda,” Shiek replied, a bit of a smile pulling at her mouth, “my name is Zelda.”

“You know,” Toran said shaking his head slightly, “if it all didn’t actually add up and make so many odd things make sense; I’d say the story was just you hitting your head.”

Shiek realized that this was very true. Toran could have easily chalked all this up to a concussion induced fantasy. The fact that he believed her made Shiek simultaneously feel wonderful and awful. It felt good to have someone trust her, but horrible because she was leaving out a very important part. She loved Link in a way she didn’t want to love him, and she always would.

“Well,” she said, trying to think of something to say next, “Impa could vouch for it anyway.” Suddenly she realized that Impa wouldn’t be able to vouch for it. Impa was either dead or dieing somewhere in the Shadow Temple; a place she had sworn never to approach. Toran must have noticed a quick change in Shiek’s general demeanor, because he quickly reached out to take her hand.

“Shiek? What’s wrong?”

“It’s just Impa… that night after we raided the Spirit Temple, she came and told me she going to the Shadow Temple, and would probably die… I am just afraid I will never see her again…”

“Oh,” said Toran, biting his lip, “well, she’s alive, so don’t worry… I saw her just last night, and she mentioned that she had returned from the Shadow Temple. In fact, she’s who sent me to find you. She was really banged up, but I helped her to Jethro Skultulia’s house, and he was going to take care of her.”

“What aren’t you telling me Toran?” it was easy to see he was trying to avoid part of the story.

“When I said she was really banged up, I mean she looked like she should have been dead already… I don’t know how much longer she’s got.”

“I have to go to her!” Shiek cried, rising to her feet. A wave of nausea swept her when she took her feet, and Toran hand to move quickly to catch her as she collapsed back to floor.

“You’re not ready yet Shiek! You still have some serious wounds of your own to worry about,” he chided, as he lowered her back into the hay bed. Shiek squirmed a bit, tried to protest, but even that exertion told her that Toran was right. She was not going anywhere tonight. Sighting, she glared level at Toran, as if her confinement was his fault. She was only able to hold the act for about three seconds before a smile broke her face. Things might be dark, but she had survived a close one, and sitting in the hayloft with Toran, listening to rain patter at the roof, and enjoying a rest made it easy to let the bad events slip from her mind for a second.

“So why’d you want to come here instead of the cave?” Toran asked, sitting down cross-legged again.

“Intuition… you wouldn’t understand…” she replied, smirking at his look of frustration, “seriously though… I just had this feeling that we shouldn’t go near it last night,” suddenly a sobering thought crossed over her mind, “and, I really need to talk to Malon. But could you go check the cave for me? I would like to know if anything is wrong there.”

“Sure thing,” Toran said, standing and shouldering his katana, “I’ll be back as soon as possible… hurry and get well Shiek.”

She nodded, and watched him slip out the door. She saw his shadow fall through the doorframe, and noticed the smaller, unmistakable, silhouette of Malon approach him. Watching the two shadows on the ground, she heard Malon’s voice float through the door.

“Toran, right?”

“Yeah, Shiek’s inside. She’s banged up pretty bad, and shouldn’t move too much…”

“That’s a shame,” came Malon voice, and Shiek noticed the shapely shadow step aggressively closer to Toran’s.

“Uh, yeah… I mean, uh,”

“So, while Shiek’s out of commission, what are you going to be doing?” the question was loaded with suggestion, and Shiek felt her face burn.

Friend or not, when that little whore gets in here I’m gonna string her up by that long red hair and-

“Well, um,” Toran stuttered. The ranch girl’s shadow was displaying that she was well within Toran’s personal space by now, “actually I need to head out now… but, um, I’ll be back tonight, uh, to see Shiek that is, um,”

“Convenient,” the voice was barely over a whisper, her face inches from his. Shiek wasn’t sure from the shadows, but she could swear Malon’s hands on Toran’s chest, “be sure to say hi when you get in.”

Yup, she’s gonna die… I may be injured, but that little red haired-

Her mind ceased all rational thought as Malon’s face drew even closer to Toran’s. Shiek began to push herself up. Somebody had to stop this, and if had to be her, then Malon had better watch out. Still woozy, her hand slipped on some hay, and she came crashing back down, slamming her chin to the ground quite hard. Moaning she rolled up to sit on her knees, and was greeted by the sight of Malon breezing into the loft.

“Ohhh,” she sighed, hands clasping and head rolling back happily, “Toran is the best kisser I think I have ever done, and he is so strong!” Swooning she fell back into the hay not far from Shiek.

He KISSED her! He KISSED her! That’s it… he dies too… they’re both dead, her thoughts were interrupted as Malon enveloped her in a tight hug.

“Oh Shiek! So great to see you again! It’s so nice that you told me you don’t like Toran, because I think I’m getting a really wonderful crush!”

Oh yeah, I did tell her that, Shiek thought, wincing in Malon tight hug, and anyway, I DON’T like Toran… I was just getting carried away. She shouldn’t be treating Draq that way, that’s the problem… I just got a little upset because she’s flirting with somebody else.

“So, how you get so banged up in just half a day?” the blue eyes smiled at her, and Shiek felt her heart sink. The story didn’t come as hard as it had when she told Toran, but as she neared Draq’s death, she felt icy fingers pierce her.

“And so we knew the neither of us could defeat the Phantom Gannondorf. I-”

“Oh my goddess! Is Draq ok?” the obviously worry in Malon’s tone made Shiek blood run cold.

“I sorry, Malon, but he isn’t… he sacrificed himself so that I could get away.”

“What?” Malon’s face took on a number of emotions; it looked shocked, it looked unbelieving, but most of all it looked scared, “n-no, that can’t be!”

“He gave me a message to tell you,” Shiek went on, sorrow for Malon rising in her, “Draq said to tell you he was sorry for the pain he’d caused you, and that he loved you.”

“You’re lying! Draq is a warrior!” Panic was plain in the words, as well as written on her face.

“He was, and he died fighting valiantly, the way every warrior dreams. He saved me Malon, and-”

“You’re a warrior, why didn’t you help,” the tone was accusatory, and anger burned in the blue eyes of the ranch girl. Shiek started in surprise.

“W-what?”

“You could have helped him. He could have lived! But you were too afraid! You ran away while he fought for you, and you didn’t even help him! YOU KILLED HIM!”

“Malon, I-”

“Shut up Shiek!” Malon rose to her feet, rage twisting her features, “You’re a coward, a coward who killed the man I loved. I never want to see you again!”

“Malon!” Shiek looked pleadingly up at her.

“I said shut up!” Malon’s right hand lashed out, slapping Shiek in the face. The blow was harder then Shiek would have expected the thin ranch girl to be capable of, sending off her knees back into the hay. She looked up in time to see Malon’s back stalking out the door. Falling back into the hay, Shiek felt tears begin to form.

She had been right after all; Draq’s death was her fault, and it had just cost her two good friends.

Seven Years part 9.5

This is the short little next part, don't forget to read the last responce on the last section, I tried to make it funny. On a side note, we are curently the number 4 rated site in Pakistan! Way to go guys! Section ten will be up ASAP... enjoy

Toran ran flat out until he was out of the village. Slowing to a quick, steady jog, Toran struck out in the direction of the cave. He had no idea where Shiek might be, but figured that if she wasn’t at the cave there might be some indication there of where she had gone.

Where could she be? I thought Draq was with her, what could possibly be wrong? he wondered as he trudged onward. He only knew one thing for sure: he wouldn’t have any trouble staying awake tonight; worry would take care of that…

Toran jogged across Hyrule Plain all night, never slowing. He hit the cave around nine. He walked cautiously into the main room, only to find it completely empty. Readying his katana, Toran peeked around the door into Shiek’s room.

“Shiek? Draq? Anyone home?”

There was no one around, and no sign that anyone had been in the hideout since he had left, in fact it looked as though Shiek had readied the place for a several day absence. Toran returned to the main room and grabbed some water. Gulping it down, he quickly surveyed the round room to see if there might be any clues to where Shiek had gone. The only thing out of place that he could see was an empty bottle on the table. It had a slight red residue in the bottom.

Scela’s medicine, thought Toran, picking up the glass container. It’s empty… Maybe Shiek headed towards Lake Hylia to get it refilled and ran into trouble. It’s as good a guess as any, and if nothing else I can get Scela to help me look for her.

It was about haft past nine when Toran struck out towards Lake Hylia. The day was grey, threatening rain. Toran didn’t really notice though; only one thought was burning in his mind. He need to find Shiek fast.

He didn’t notice anything else.

Not even that he was being followed.

Shiek could play the harp, Scela played one as well, and even Draq had a small reed-recorder that he could use to warp to the magic place in Hyrule. Toran, however, lacked any musical talent. If he wasn’t with someone who could use the warps, then he was forced to travel the old fashion way. He had been jogging across the plains for about an hour when the rain started. Toran despised rain. He hated the way it made him wet, he hated the way it made the ground slick and killed traction, and he was still holding a grudge against it from the time it had rained out his birthday picnic five years ago. He had spent a lot of time planning that party…

The rain was mostly over Hyrule Plain, and it looked as thought the ground was dry by the time he reached the entrance to Lake Hylia. For some reason Toran had never understood, the royal family of Hyrule had closed off Lake Hylia with a high fence. Perhaps in their divine wisdom, they felt as though they alone were worthy of swimming in its clear waters, or that the lake possessed some kind of spiritual significance that commoners couldn’t handle.

Goddess, I hate royalty… if I ever met one, I’ll probably punch him in the face. I can’t STAND people who are like that… Toran thought, as he scaled the fence, which was not an easy task in the least, then again, maybe they just put up this fence to keep that bizarre scientist trapped in. That guy IS a little freaky after all…

He landed lake side of the fence, and nearly landed on a sprawled figure on the ground. The figure was laying face down, but it only took Toran a second to recognize the tight blue pants, white tunic, and small tight turban.

“Shiek! Shiek! Are you alright?”

He cautiously rolled her over, and felt his heart sink. She was bearing several new wounds; some bruises on her arms and legs, a large cut on the shoulder, and a nasty gash across the forehead. The bruises seemed a day old, and the cut actually looked like it had been cleaned and treated with medicine. It was the gash on her head that worried him. It looked as though she had lost consciousness, falling forward and whacking her head against the iron rails of the fence. Her blue eyes were staring blankly up at him, open but unseeing.

What happened here- hey wait… Shiek’s eyes aren’t blue. Are they? Well, I can ask about that later, right now I need to get her somewhere safe.

Toran gently scooped up Shiek, praying thankfully that she was so skinny. It would be hard enough getting over the fence, but if had to drag someone Draq’s size it would be impossible. Draq! Where is he? Toran suddenly thought. Pulling Shiek as gently as possible, Toran finally managed to get her over the fence to Hyrule Plain. Propping her against the fence, Toran looked back at the lake, wondering what to do. It was then that Shiek groaned. Blinking her large eyes a few times, she moaned again, rolling her head slightly.

“Shiek! Are you alright? What happened? Where’s Draq?”

She moaned again, eyes closed, obviously in a great deal of pain.

“We need to get you some help, let’s get back to the cave and-”

“Can’t… move… very… well…” Shiek groaned, eyes still squeezed tightly shut. Toran knew what she meant. She couldn’t play her harp, so he was just going to have to go on foot, and carry her as well. Unless…

“Well, let me run to the laboratory and grab Scela… he will be able to help.”

The bloodied leader shook her head.

“Not… there…”

Toran bit his lip with frustration.

“And Draq?”

Shiek’s eyes were still closed, but tears began to squeeze out at the corners of them. After a few seconds of silence, she was able to breathe a hushed word.

“Dead…”

Toran felt his heart freeze. Draq, Scela, Shiek and Impa had been the closest things to family he had ever known, and now he had just seen two of them in a deplorable state, and learned that a third was dead. Toran shook his head. There wasn’t time to think about that now.

He picked up Shiek, resting her on his back, holding her legs up with his arms. She weakly wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging herself to him.

“Ok, back to the cave,” Toran said, beginning a steady jog away from the lake.

“No,” whispered Shiek, “Lon… Lon….”

With that, Toran felt her muscles relaxed a bit, and figured she had drifted back into unconsciousness. Lon Lon Ranch it is then, he thought, adjusting his course slightly. It was going to be a long day.

Seven Years, part nine

Sorry this took so long, but I wasn't able to get at the school computers I use to upload my story... here it is though, and part 9.5 will be up within the week if all goes well... enjoy and write comments (PS lots more here then what anyone who might have seen my computer last weekend would have seen)

Toran whistled happily as he trudged along. He liked to make a show of complaining about things, but in reality he was the most carefree member of the group. He knew his little act of complaining fooled all of no one, least of all Shiek

Ahhh, Shiek…

Toran smiled contentedly and slashed his katana out at some long grass. He had been giving it some thought on the walk to the village, and had quickly realized that he and Shiek were perfect for each other. He had even made a list:

1) I’m a fighter, Shiek’s a fighter
2) I like her tough, spunky, persona
3) She respects me enough to give me important jobs on the team
4) She’s the best looking woman ever born
5) I overheard her tell Scela that she thinks I’m cute
6) We both-
“Well, well, well… what’s Shiek’s lackey doing in town?”

The sneering question jarred Toran out of his contemplations and back to Hyrule Plains. He was just out side the entrance to the village, and standing in front of the door was Keef, last son of the Shiekah.

He stood a little taller then Toran, but slightly shorter then Draq, and dressed in Shiekah clothing, much like Shiek’s common dress, except it was primarily black and red in coloring. His hair was black and rather wispy, and it fell in a mess all over forehead, unlike Shiek he rarely wore a hat. Toran had only ever met three Shiekah, which, he had been told, were the only three Shiekah still alive. The three members of the race had all hit him differently. Shiek as a spunky, sweet, if not somewhat bossy, teenager. He liked her. Impa was not-so-sweet, bossy, but understanding adult somewhere in her late thirties. He respected her. Keef was not-sweet-at-all, arrogant, self-important, punk about Draq’s age. Toran hated him.

Toran tried to brush by Keef, ignoring the comment.
“Shouldn’t you be out propagating your race or something?” Toran dug as he tried to get by Keef. Keef maneuvered around, keeping himself between Toran and the village entrance.
“Guess I should be… Din knows Shiek’s not doing his part… Living off with three guys? What is he, gay or something?”
“Look Keef,” Toran said through gritted teeth, “I’m kind of busy…”
“Doing what?” Keef crossed his arms and grinned wryly down at him. Keef might be as tall as Draq, though he was nowhere as thick, and Toran had a tendency to dislike people who lorded their height advantage over him.
“None of your business, Keef…”
“Hey! I’m a Shiekah! I have just as much to do with the resistance as Shiek, and much more then you…”
Toran glowered, clinching his hands.
“Look, Keef, I really have some important stuff to do…”
“Well, as guardian of the village, I demand to know why you want in before you can pass,” Keef said, beginning to subtly crouch into a fighting stance.

Toran would have given anything to end their on-going feud then and there, but something inside him said Shiek would disapprove of a team-member killing off the last Shiekah male.
“I’m just running a letter to Migrid in the village,” he said, staring levelly at Keef. The Shiekah glared back, his violet eyes narrowing. After holding Toran’s gaze for a moment, Keef smirked and turned away. Walking through the village gate, he shrugged.
“Fine… I guess that’s worth letting you in for,” he shot over his shoulder as he left.

Toran relaxed a bit as he watched Keef’s retreat. It’s amazing how little Shiek looks like him. They kind of have the same eyes, but that’s about it. Keef really looks a lot more like Impa. Come to think of it, Shiek doesn’t really look like Impa either…

By this time Toran had made it up the hill to Impa’s old house. It was called “Impa’s House,” but to the best of Toran’s knowledge Impa had never actually lived there. She mainly used it as a base of operations, and loaned it to the resistance workers when they needed it. The village was too hot a spot to hold up permanently in though, which was why most of the resistance operated out of the seclusion of Hyrule Plains, or Death Mountain among the Gordons. In fact, only two resistance members remained in the village; Keef, who had the job of keeping “peace” in the small town, and Migrid, the crow-looking hag who was the actual head of the resistance. Toran had always wondered a bit why Migrid lead the resistance. Impa was a much more obvious choice for the position, and it could not be denied that the Shiekah elder loved Hyrule. But Impa seemed to hold a natural skepticism about the resistance, and was generally gone for weeks at a time on strange, secretive missions that seemed to serve no purpose that Toran could see. In his mind, Impa put a little too much stock in the Hero legends. Pushing open the door, Toran entered the house.

The inside of Impa’s House always smelled odd, no doubt due to the odd assortment of things going on inside. It served as a home for refugees, a store house, a make-shift medical center, Migrid’s headquarters, and even held a stall that housed a milk-cow. Toran had realized long ago that Impa’s House was as versatile and mysterious as its dark owner. However, today it seemed as though the long, narrow, one-roomed house was operating solely as Migrid’s command center.

Walking up to the table where Migrid was pouring over and written documents, Toran announced his presence by clearing his throat.
“Hello, Shiek wanted me to-”
Migrid held out a boney hand without waiting for him to finish.
“I assume she sent me a report of her findings in the Spirit Temple… hand it over boy…”
Toran placed the letter in her hand. Opening it, Migrid quickly scanned the continence, lips pursing. Setting it aside the hag returned to the maps and reports in front of her.
“I’ll need to give your leader’s letter some more thought, but don’t have time right now… you can go, but please don’t wander too far off as I will need you to take a message after I have looked over Shiek’s report,” she smiled up at Toran with a toothless grin that might have been scary if not so obviously friendly. Toran smiled and nodded before turning to walk out the door.

Toran stood on the hill and looked over the village. He had no idea how long Migrid would take with her response, and was wondering how he would spend the time till she got to it. He had no desire to squander his money at the village gaming halls, so he decided to just walk around the town for a bit.
Wonder what Shiek and Draq are doing… goofing off somewhere most likely… I really hate been reliable sometimes.
Wandering down the hill towards the village well, Toran started whistling a jaunty tune. He was still in a good mood, despite Keef’s boneheaded arrogance, and was just wondering if he would have time for a quick trip up Death Mountain when he heard someone call his name. He turned and saw Fiona sprinting to catch up with him. Fiona was a pretty woman who raised chickens in the village. Her father was a renowned, if not somewhat over demanding, carpenter and it was widely rumored that she got her red hair and good looks from a Greudo mother. She was about seven years older then Toran or Shiek, but she had always treated them as friends. He had gathered that she and Draq had a bit of a fling many years ago, but apparently it had flopped and the two never spoke anymore.

“Fiona! What’s up?” Toran asked. She looked way too happy.
Maybe she finally got a boyfriend, he thought as he watched her clasp her hands and bob excitedly.
“I’ve bred a new form of chicken that I’m not allergic to!” Fiona nearly swooned, a look of absolute rapture on her face.
Goddess… this woman has SERIOUS issues…
“That’s wonderful Fiona. How long have you been working on this?”
“Oh, awhile now, I’m not really sure… but now I’m so happy! These new chickens are so cute!” she let a squeal of pleasure.
How in the name of Narue did her and Draq ever think they’d work out?

Toran talked with Fiona for several hours. As their conversation hit a lull, Toran noticed the sun was going down, and the evening was starting to get cool.
“You going to be in town all night?” asked Fiona, noticing Toran’s distracted glance at the sky.
“Um, not sure yet,” he replied, hoping to avoid details. Fiona had no idea what he and Shiek actually did, and he preferred to keep it that way. She was nice enough, but ran her mouth constantly and had a rather stunted view of secrecy.
“Well, if you do stick around feel free to stay in our house. Father and his team are out working on the Greudo Valley bridge, so there’s an extra bed for you.”
“Thanks Fiona, I’ll probably take you up on that…”

Toran excused himself and returned to Impa’s House. If Migrid wasn’t done with her response by now then it would be too late to run the message tonight. He pushed open the door and was greeted by the sight of Keef in front of Migrid’s desk, discussing something with the leader. Her tired old eyes turned towards the door, and at the sight of Toran swapped their disgusted look for a happy bright one.

“Look, hag, I’m not done yet…”

Migrid sighed, the tired look returning. She gestured for Toran to come in and returned her attention to the young Shiekah.
“All’s I’m saying is don’t go behind my back like that again,” Keef fumed, “remember, if you’re gonn’a try and pull this off you need me…”
“Yes, Keef,” Migrid sighed, “that’s one of MANY things I’m sure you’ll never let me forget.”
“Yeah, well, see that you don’t…” Keef whirled and stalked out, spitting in the general direction of Toran as he left.
“Not the nicest of people, is he?” Migrid smiled as Toran approached the desk.
“If you weren’t a lady I would relate what the team calls him.”
Migrid cackled hard at this, but shook her head.
“Like him or not, Keef’s right. He does a lot for us by keeping the roaming monsters out of town. And he IS one of the last Shiekah, though the way he goes I am sure there must be some half-Shiekah babies out there… though it’s doubtful even the mothers know of the Shiekah heritage. Keef doesn’t talk much to his conquests.”
Toran shrugged. He really didn’t care to dwell on Keef, or the women that he took advantage of.
“Buy I must say,” continued Migrid, “that young man Shiek restores my faith in the Shiekah people. He is such a fine person. Actually your team is remarkable, the best in the entire resistance.”
“Um, Migrid?”
“Oh yes, the response… I’m afraid it won’t be ready tonight. Come back first thing in the morning, ok?”
Toran nodded; he’d figured as much. Standing up, he shouldered his katana.
“Oh, and Toran?”
Turning back the young warrior raised an eyebrow.
“Steer clear of Keef tonight, ok?”
Toran nodded again. It was one request he was sure he would try to keep. But why the extra warning? Surly he wouldn’t try anything… I mean, we hate each other, but it’s not THAT bad… is it?

The night was clear, the moon shining brightly down on the village. Toran took a deep breath of the clean air, and walked towards Fiona’s house. He was in front of the old house of Skultulia when he felt a presence behind him. Whoever it was, they were trying to sneak in slowly. Acting calm and nonchalant, Toran took a few more steps, pretending like he was unaware of his pursuant. Pausing to act like he was stretching, he un-shouldered his katana, gripping it ready in his left hand. Subtly, his right hand drifted to the handle. He heard the soft footsteps near him, moving within his katana’s range. He whirled, blade ringing free of its sheath with a metallic zing. He pulled his arm upwards, striking for the neck straight from the draw. Then he saw who it was for the first time.

It wasn’t Keef.

It was Impa.

He stopped, blade actually touching the warrioress’ neck. Toran said a silent prayer of thanks to all three goddesses that his blade control was so good, and sheathed his sword in a fluid motion.
“Impa! Goddess, I almost Killed you. Why were you sneaking up on me like that?”
It was then he noticed Impa’s appearance. Her silver hair was disheveled, dried blood caked into it. There was more blood dried under her nose, and at the sides of her mouth, and her arms and legs were already showing signs of deep bruising.
“Impa! What happened to you!”
The Shiekah elder shook her head mutely, and took a staggering step closer. It looked like a giant hand had picked her up, squeezed her repeatedly, and flung her into a wall. Toran stepped in quickly, propping up Impa with his shoulder.
“Jethro,” she rasped into his ear, “take me to Jethro.”
Nodding, Toran helped the warrior take a step towards the door of the house of Skultulia.

Jethro Skultulia was an interesting person. Shiek had lived with him for nearly five years after she arrived in the village. Toran had found out from an overheard conversation between Shiek and Impa that Jethro was undoubtedly the richest man in Hyrule, and probably the entire world. You could have never guessed it from the way he lived though, in his small one room house with his five children. Of course, that probably had more to do with the curse then any wish to live modestly that Jethro might have had. Any one who had carried on half a conversation with Jethro knew about the curse. He couldn’t go on for two sentences without bemoaning the fact. The curse had been placed on the Skultulia family as a punishment for greed and to teach humility. Maybe been the richest man alive wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

The inside of the house was as creepy as ever; no lights and cobwebs as the only decorations. Impa made a strange gurgling sound, and Toran helped her sit, propping her against the brick wall. Turning, he called up to the ceiling of the dark room.
“Jethro, um, I mean Mr. Skultulia, we have a problem here.”
Then came the strange rasping sound that always made the hair on Toran neck stand up. It sounded just like the giant spiders that lurked in Hyrule. As Jethro lowered himself from the ceiling he sighed, his voice almost at a whining level.
“Of course we have a problem… I’m cursed.”
As if you actually have to say that, man… I mean, most people kind of realize that when they see you… Toran thought, desperately trying to hold back on the shiver of disgust that always shot through him when he saw Jethro. Been half spider and half man was not a good way to win beauty pageants. Mournful eyes stared out at him from the spider-like body, as eight large and many jointed legs waved in the air.
“Things are getting better though, as you can see… two of my children have been freed of the awful curse. An adventurous youth named Link is slowly breaking it. Soon we-”
“Mr. Skultulia, I hate to interrupt, but I have Impa here and she’s looking pretty bad…”
“Oh?” Jethro dropped to the floor and scurried over to where Impa sat. When he caught a look at her, a gasp of horror escaped from him.
“Oh, by my curse! How did this happen?”
“I resealed Bonga Bonga in the well, but he took it to me first,” Impa rasped. She coughed, and the hand came away bloody from her mouth.
“You followed that dark phantom of evil into the Shadow Temple and lived? I would not have thought it possible!”
“I wasn’t able to fully banish him. Once Gannondorf realize the spirit is restrained he will easily break my seal. Jethro, you are the Shadow Sage. Your power in these matters will be greater then mine. I need you to add your strength to the barrier. Maybe then the vile mage will not-” Impa fell into another fit coughing, her face contorting with the immense pain each wracking cough sent her through.
“I will go now. Do not move Impa. You wounds are serious and need immediate medical attention.”
With that, Jethro scurried out the door.

Impa closed her eyes and groaned slightly. Her head leaned back against the wall, pain etched plainly on her features. Toran stood nearby, hands dangling helplessly at his sides. He had no idea how to help, and was actually still reeling from seen Impa like this. He had met her as a child, and she had always seemed so tall, strong, and powerful, almost invincible. Even as he had grown up, the dark Shiekah had retained her ‘all-powerful’ image; she had been like a giant among insects. Seeing her hurt like this was like watching a Goddess die. Bending down, so she would have less strain on her talking, Toran gently took one of her hands.
“Impa, what in heaven’s name did this to you?”
“What in hell’s is more like it,” she murmured, giving a strange wheezing noise that sounded like it could have been an attempt at laughter, “It was the dark phantom Bonga Bonga. Gannondorf broke the seal that the Shiekah people had long used to keep it at bay, and I had to fight it. It was too much for me, but I was able to reestablish the seal. I was barely able to drag myself out of the Shadow Temple after completing the seal, and was about to die at its door when I felt something… and that’s why I had to get back. I pulled on my last reserves of strength to get here and tell anyone that Shiek is in terrible danger!”
Toran started, eyes growing wide.
“What! What kind of danger!”
The bloodied head shook.
“I am not sure… I only know that felt something inside of me scream out for help. Shiek and I have always had a special bond, somehow knowing when the other was in danger, but it is always vague. Please, go now Toran… find her, protect her… something is very wrong!”
The thought that he was supposed to be waiting for Migrid’s response flashed across his mind, and out just as quickly. Jumping up, he looked down at Impa, raising a hand to still her.
“Don’t worry, Impa, I’ll find her. Now rest…”
Whirling the young warrior darted out the door. If anyone had dared to hurt Shiek there was going to be blood, even it was Gannondorf himself.

Toran ran flat out until he was out of the village. Slowing to a quick, steady jog, Toran struck out in the direction of the cave. He had no idea where Shiek might be, but figured that if she wasn’t at the cave there might be some indication there of where she had gone.
Where could she be? I thought Draq was with her, what could possibly be wrong? he wondered as he trudged onward. He only knew one thing for sure: he wouldn’t have any trouble staying awake tonight; worry would take care of that…