Musterion (A Zelda AU)

An Agreement - Chapter 2

"We had Sheikah tech stolen by the Yiga Clan," Link states, putting it simply.

"And what do you want us to do? Fight with them to get it back? For free?" I snort.

"Well," Link pulls a pouch out of his pocket, setting it on the table. The contents inside clanged, a sound I recognized well; rupees. "I was hoping if I paid you to you would get it back personally for me. I don't want to get soldiers involved, since it would be a more stealth-based mission."

"You want... me to go get it back?"

"I do. I'm not asking too much, am I? If you don't want to, I could find someone else who wants to. I just thought you'd want the chance first," Link sighs. He looks disappointed, like he really hoped it would be me specifically who got his stuff back.

"I'll gladly help," I nod, hesitantly grabbing the pouch. Ali's hand meets mine under the table, our fingers intertwining. "You are the prince of Hyrule, no honor would be greater than to serve you in your hour of need."

Link smiles, Zelda looking at him before mirroring his smile. Zelda seemed to be bursting to speak, but knew better than to intrude on a ruler-to-ruler conversation. She must be quite talkative.

"But... would it be okay if I brought someone else?" I gesture to Ali.

"I suppose," Link looks her up and down. "Is she not one of your soldiers? She seems to be lacking in muscle compared to most of the women here. No offense, by the way."

"None taken, your highness," Ali smiles, though her hand tightens around mine. She's not insecure about her muscles, I know that for certain. So what is she so upset about?

"She's not a soldier, but she's my best friend. Plus, I promised her if I went somewhere, she would go with me."

"I understand," Link pauses, looking for words. His eyes glanced around the room. "I told Zelda the same. She's my best friend, too. We've-"

"We've been friends since we were little kids! I still remember when he carried a wooden sword everywhere with him," Zelda laughs. "Now he-"

Link jabs Zelda's side, his cheeks a light shade of red. "That's not the point of this conversation, Zelda! It's supposed to be formal."

"Oh, no. I don't mind it being casual," I give Link a bemused smile, resting my head on my hand. "If anything, I would like it better. Formal's... not my thing, y'know?"

Ali's gaze goes to my direction for a moment, her mouth slightly open. But then she shuts her mouth, looking down.

"It's not my thing either, but... for now let's focus on getting that Sheikah tech back," Link mutters.

Zelda jumps out of her chair, walking to Ali with a pep in her step, like she had just been invited to a grand ball with her dream date. She extends her hand out to Ali, right in front of her face. "Could you show me where we'll be staying? Just so I can get our bags put in there."

Ali looks up at Zelda and takes her hand, nodding. She pushes her chair back as she stands, heels clacking against the stone. Ali's other hand leaves mine, as I pull it away from her leg.

Once the girls leave, their chatter can be heard from down the hall. It's good to see Ali make friends with someone else. I just hope it'll last, since... Zelda might not ever travel here again.

A silence fills the air as I tap my fingers on the table. Link looks around, his leg bouncing. The sound of his boot hitting the floor repeatedly quickens as he makes a clicking noise with his tongue. I stop tapping my fingers, choosing instead to pick at my cuticles.

"This is... awkward," Link mumbles, looking for something to talk about. His eyes glazed over me for a second before quickly darting to a window. "So... what do we do now?"

"I suppose I'll show you where you're staying, and then Ali and I will go out to get your tech."

As Link and I walk by the Zelda's room, I stop. My ever growing curiosity about what they could be talking about so excitedly gets the better of me as I hush Link and his protests, cracking the door.

"You think the lady of lightning won't ever get the recognition she deserves? Did I hear that right?" Zelda asks, tilting her head as she adjusts her hair clip.

"No... I said that I just don't..." Ali looks at me through the door, her tone shifting from defensive to quiet as she continues, "... nevermind."

Zelda looks away from the mirror she had been sitting at, and her eyes meet mine through the door. She practically explodes on me as the door swings open, her hand meeting my cheek with a loud smack. I stumble back, cursing.

"That's what you get for being a weird stalker! Pervert!" Zelda's hair gets in her face as she yells at me, her hair clips not properly put in. One just dangles from a strand of hair, barely holding on. "Creep! Wei-"

"He was going to ask me a question, that's all!" Ali interrupts, gently pulling Zelda back. "He just got here, I promise. Do you need me to take the Prince to his room? His bags are already in there. It's the room to the left of this one."

I start to speak, but Link's laughter cuts me off as he puts a hand on the wall, leaning on it for support. I look at him for a minute, before I start laughing too.

"What are you two laughing at?" Zelda huffs, pulling the hair out of her eyes.

"Your- your face Zel-" Link stammers, his laughter overtaking his speech.

Ali quietly scoots her way inbetween me and Link, my laughter dying down as she shuffles past me. Her voice is soft, still quiet when she speaks. "Hey, Gan... sometime tonight we need to talk."

I don't get a chance to respond, as she leaves after that. I clear my throat, speaking over Link's dwindling giggles. "I'm going to go get ready now. Sorry for disturbing you, Zelda."

"Well, I suppose you're okay this once."

"Good to know," I reply, walking off to go change.