If the Boot Fits

Talk

"Do you mind if we talk?"

The question was simple, but it barely broke the serface of the swirling storm in Link's head. He only had about two hours left before the magic wore off. It took him much longer than expected to break through the crowded streets and sneak into the castle. He was racing against time, and now time was winning. The princess spotted him. He told her his name. Stupid. Stupid stupid stupid. He cursed himself in his head, but right now, he had to find a way out of this.

If he said no- or just ran, for that matter- the princess's suspicions would rise. She would track him down and throw him in jail. Or worse- turn him over to Ghirahim.

If he said yes, she could talk for an hour. Or two. She could waste his time and uncover the secret hidden beneath the the fresh tunic and smooth cloak.

Either way, it was done for. He and Aryll would still belong to Ghirahim, even if they did manage an escape. There was no way out. He weighed the options, deeming the second the best choice. Setting his jaw, he nodded.

Placing her hands on the wall, the princess turned her body away from him. Link thought about leaving now, but she caught him with her eyes, trapping him.

"Do you recall the legends of the chosen wielders of the Triforce?" she asked.

Link stiffly nodded, unsure of where this was going. Everyone knew, especially Link. He had to know, for he was named after the legendary Hero.

"Well, it seems they are not only legends." The princess turned her gaze to the gardens below. "Thousands of years ago, the first reincarnation of Hylia and the Chosen Hero were born to defend a land called Skyloft from evil and. . . Demise."

It seemed like the princess was lost in her story and wouldn't catch Link if he left, but he was compelled to listen, like some outside force was acting upon him.

"The Hero defeated Demise, but since then, his reincarnation would be born as a male Gerudo every hundred years, including the Hero and Hylia's blood. Sometimes even a certain Shiekah. . ." The princess paused, eyebrows knitting together. "Back in the days of Skyloft, there wasn't a Gerudos race. The loftwings evolved to the Rito, and so did the Zora, though no human inhabited the desert area."

She spoke slowly, working herself through the words not just for Link, but for herself. Link shifted closer, confused, but also curious. What was she getting at?

"The Gerudo must have come from somewhere," the princess muttered. Her forehead creased like she was working on some difficult problem. "It is said that only a few people would travel between Skyloft and the land below, which included the Hero and Hylia's blood. That's when the Gerudo formed. They started as only a small family, but quickly grew over the ages. Every female had two of the same physical traits: red hair and. . .golden eyes," she sighed the last part. Realization spread over her face as she focused on Link, who had shifted closer to her without knowing it. Her expression changed to confusion, then shock, and back again.

"I'm getting off topic," the princess scolded herself. "Every time the Hero, Hylia, and Evil were reborn, the Triforce would strengthen. The Hero would be blessed with Courage. Hylia; Wisdom. And Evil. . . Well, he would steal the Triforce of Power. No one knows who the proper wielder of Power is."

"I do," a deep voice said.

The princess wirled around, clutching a hand over her heart. Link looked passed her to find the so-called Evil standing on the other side of the bridge, blocking the way back inside.

"I am the proper wielder," Ganondorf said, stepping father onto the bridge.

Behind him, three people stopped in the doorway. One was a big Goron, the next a Sheikah. The last was the same Gerudo who had helped Aryll out of the fountain and told Link not to be afraid to fight back. Would she recognize him? Would she call the guards? Link's fingers twitched as his eyes darted back and forth between the people before him. The Gerudo glared daggers in Ganondorf's back, not at all paying attention to Link. This was the one good thing in this situation.

Link felt a tug in his stomach to step between the princess and Ganondorf as he took another slow step foward. His leg jostled, almost doing it, but he forced himself to freeze. To disappear. If the princess needed help, the three warriors in the back would come to her aid. Right now, Aryll was waiting by the fountain for Link to return with their freedom. He had to take his chance.

While the others were distracted, Link inched off the bridge. He didn't turn around or make any sudden movements as the shadows of the nearest tower crossed over him, shielding him. As Ganondorf pressed closer to Zelda's frozen form, Link shrunk away in the corridor behind him. Link watched Ganondorf tuck a stray strand of hair behind Zelda's ear. He almost lost control. The burning sensation to protect raged within him, but the flames settled when Zelda held up a hand to stop the group in the doorway. She didn't want help. Not yet.

Link took this chance to dart out of their line of sight, wondering deeper inside the castle in search of his freedom.