[o10] ‸^‸ Tenth Song || To the tune of a rumor.

[ocariness]

Characters: Time!Link, Zelda, and the poor unfortunate souls dealing with them.
Setting: ALL OVER THE TOWER, like a boss!
Format: Action like an actiony movie!
Summary: A certain rumor is causing some very unwanted attention for a certain Princess, and her knight in not-so-shining tunic is becoming more of a stalker instead.
Warnings: LINK IS EXTREMELY LIKELY TO ATTACK PEOPLE HERE, especially those taking up too much of Zelda's time, or who seem to have potential to hurt her, or... anything to do with her, really. If not, you're fine. If so, be careful--particularly with that last option.

[Option 1 -Various Floors - Zelda and Link]

[ At first, seeing everything written all over the Tower had been odd, but Link didn't worry too much about it. They had other responsibilities and, honestly, now that they were both finally done for the day placing chips, Link was tired and happy to rest with a dear friend. Little did either of them know how quickly this was to change--Zelda would probably notice how often Link had been... hovering and worrying the last few days, but it was getting worse. In fact, Link wasn't even talking to anyone else at this point. How concerning.

You're likely to run across the pair of Hylians in quite a few places--perhaps the Arena for training, perhaps the workshop, where Link is going over some sewing work for Zelda, showing her something. You might also find the two of them exploring the Tower or the Pyramid, Link eagerly bugging Zelda about whether or not they can go deeper inside, because there HAD to be treasure, right? Or perhaps you're in one of the lounges, and you'll notice Link quietly discussing something with her there, all the while, Link is cleaning the Master Sword with a piece of scrap fabric. There'd been some more... dangerous floors they'd went through, today, after all, and it is best to keep one's blade clean. ]

[Option 2 - Floor 100 - Link]

[ Somehow, they'd gotten separated from Zelda--it was very concerning. Link's immediate thought is to go and find her again, of course, but... the Hylian is distracted by this floor. There's some silence, looking at the fake version of Kokiri Forest around them, but then they leave this floor and wander, continuing to search for the Princess. ]

[Option 3 - Various other safe floors - Link]

[ But by now Link is quite frantic, if in silence, to find the Princess. For many floors, Link DOESN'T locate Zelda, and during these, the Hero of Time can be heard calling her name: ]

Zelda? Zelda... Zelda... Zelda... where are you? Zelda...? Has anyone... seen the Princess?

[ It's normal for Link to worry, as anyone who knows "him" is no doubt aware, but there's something just so off about how they're speaking, the look in their eye, the tone of their voice... ]

[Option 4 - Various other safe floors - Link finds Zelda]

[ It takes a long time. ... And when they finally happen upon her, wherever she may be, whomever she is talking to, Link will simply stare, watching the two of them, eyes narrowing. Who is she talking to? Why? How? Link has to know more. So, if you can pick up someone watching you creepily, you will notice them there, just... staring. If you don't notice, however, Link will simply continue watching... for now. For now. But if this person continued to take up her time, they might compromise her, or cause her problems, and only LINK could properly protect her... everyone else was a liability... even the other heroes... ]

[ OOC: Potential replies may come from Link and Zelda, just Zelda (and later Link), or just Link, potentially together or separately depending on stuff. LINK CAN AND WILL POTENTIALLY HURT PEOPLE HERE. Also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE specify which option you're picking up top, it helps us figure out who to throw at you. Thanks! ♥ ]

Comments

Option 4

[mysterical]

[Tear wanted to find the Hyrulian princess to discuss more training between the two of them and potentially more undercover resistance type things. She wasn't that surprised to find Zelda with Link on the media floor. It was something that Luke had introduced Tear to recently and she found she rather enjoyed sometime in front of the tee-vee watching moo-vees. (Or however you spelled those things. The terminology was still off to her.)

But, she stopped when she spotted the two. There was something wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on it. So, carefully, she made her way to the princess, making sure to keep a careful eye on Link, in case something happened.]

Hello, Your Highness. I hope you're doing well?

[sageprincess]

[There is something very wrong, but Zelda cannot speak what, lest she risk agitating Link. And considering how... chaotic things have been, the Princess has decided to adopt a system of appeasement until the Tower returns to normal.

Zelda smiles pleasantly at Tear from her place on the couch, but there's definitely something forced about it in her eyes. Even her words are a bit more deliberate than usual.]

Yes, Tear; I am just fine. Thank you for asking. How are you?

[mysterical]

[Tear's a quick study and it doesn't take a genius to recognize the signs of distress in the princess's features and words. Another look at Link has every instinct on high alert. There was something wrong with the elf's behaviour.]

I'm...alive, which is good from what I can tell of this tower. I have yet to be poisoned or any other such thing from the rumours going around. [Yet another look at Link to keep her in her eyesight.] I-I was hoping that we could arrange another training meeting, since V/V still needs more practice with the bow and I know that you expressed a desire to do more training outside of the weekend sessions.

option 4, say floor 81 - see the ooc note

[cullscuttlefish]

[As always, Empress Feferi is on patrol in the Tower. She takes her time on every floor, sweeping for monsters, checking to make sure everyone is safe. It's her duty, after all.

As always, when she sees someone she knows, she gives a nod - or in Zelda's case, a small curtsy. It's a matter of respect, recognizing her elders even now. Any good Empress would do the same. It wouldn't do for her to forget.

She'll approach, giving Link a nod as well. She doesn't know him as well, but in her book, a friend of her friend is also a friend. There isn't any reason to worry.]




[OOC: since Feferi's Tower-affected, it's absolutely fine with me if she and Link come to blows, and killing her is okay if it comes down to that. She'd think she was just 'solving a problem' given the extent of how she's affected. 38'D]

trainwreck incoming

[sageprincess]

[... Oh, good, two of her friends under the Tower's thrall in the same place. This will certainly end well.

Zelda bows her head in return, practiced smile perfectly in place. Let's try not to anger neither the Empress nor the Hero, now, shall we?]

Good afternoon, Feferi. How is your patrol going?

Fef -> Zelda -> Link ok for our order?

[ocariness]

[ Link, on the other hand, has lots of reasons to worry, but Zelda is at ease for now, so there's a wary nod given back. ]

... Fellow royalty. Of course... you two must be friends...

[ Yes, Zelda would know about formalities but Link has their eye on you, Feferi. ]

How do you know her, Zelda?

[ They have to ask. There's no less paranoia in the question, Link is suspicious, and it shows. This girl might try to kill her because she's of royal blood! Or worse! ]

option 4, floor 25 uvu

[keepscalm]

[It's not unusual for England to be in the meadow; today, he's not alone, but that's not too unusual, either. What is unusual is England and his tiny charge happening upon Zelda in the meadow!

England's face colours with pleasant surprise when he sees Zelda across the way. he doesn't even think twice about approaching her, America situated on one shoulder as he walks.]

Good day, my dear.

[Of course, he's unaware that anything is particularly out of the ordinary in regards to Zelda and one Hero of Time. He might not be so cheerful if he knew.]

[colonial]

[America, sitting on England's shoulder in a manner more suited to a parrot than a child, waves in an exaggerated sort of way at Zelda. The motion makes him wiggle a little on his perch.]

Hi! Did you finish your dress?

[sageprincess]

[... Oh, Din, Nayru, and Farore. Not them. Not now.

Zelda can't help the purse of her lips nor the slightest furrow of her brow when she hears those loving voices. Any other day she would be genuinely happy to see them, but the situation is very different right now.

But she can't show her dread. She smiles back at Arthur and America, with only the slight tension in her jawline betraying her uneasiness.]

Hello, you two. Yes, I did, eventually. Link helped me.

[And now won't leave her alone.]

Option 3!

[planetcrusher]

[Things were definitely getting weird in the Tower this month, but it's ... odd to describe. She can't exactly put her finger on it, or why, apparently, the already-- well, we'll call it natural-- food choices on the menu are sometimes poisonous. Fatally poisonous. Or at least week long tummy ache poisonous! Nnnooooo thanks. As it so happens, Makoto's on her way to scrounge up some sort of alternative grub when she runs across a familiar voice ... Was that...?]

Link? You cool, bro?

OH GOSH

[ocariness]

[ In fact, Link is the opposite of cool. There's panic. ]

I have to find the Princess. I have to find Zelda. Makoto. Makoto, have you seen her? She looks kind of like me, with long, beautiful golden hair, and blue eyes, and... she could be hurt, I have lost her, please! The King of Evil might have taken her, or the administrators, or anyone else who could be under them!

[ Desperation: it is evident. ]

[planetcrusher]

Woah, woah, woah there, hold yer horses! You know the Princess? I'm afraid I haven't seen her around lately but blowin' a gasket isn't gonna get you anywhere. Take a deep breath and let's take it from the top... What's happened?

[Yeeeah she might not have been here long? But this is certainly out of character for Link. Something smells fishy, and it's not that gigantic shark she just ate. Well. hopefully.]

[Option 1 - In the Pyramid]

[gomu_ningen]

[It had been a few days since Luffy had bothered rummaging through the Pyramid, having now become dissatisfied with the mounds of gold and valuables that he had no reason to collect. With the recent conversation he had had with one of the (many) Links and the prospect of becoming a knight, Luffy was now back in the familiar catacombs searching for the proper knight equipment.

He'll have his back turned to anyone who might happen upon him, sifting through piles of equipment and refuse armor, hoping to find something that catches his fancy.]

"Where did I see it? That helmet and that sword! Where's it at? Hrrrn-!"

so Zelda will probably hop in here after me, so order: Luffy -> Link -> Zelda!

[ocariness]

[ And a certain hero is also exploring--though with a certain Princess, for other reasons. They don't notice Luffy at first, talking excitedly to their very tired and exasperated companion. ]

I wonder what might be in a chest hidden in here, Zelda? I bet it must be amazing... surely there is one here, all dungeons have some sort of treasure, do they not? And if it is a really good one, we may be able to use it to help protect you--

[ Turning, Link notices Luffy, finallly, pausing. That... is a big pile of armor. ]

... We could always use extra blades, but I am not sure if you will find a helmet in there, Luffy. Why are you after weapons...?

[ Well at least Link remembers him, but the greeting is a less interested one than usual, and if he turns to look, he will note Link's posture is... defensive. On-edge. ]

'sup

[sageprincess]

I already have weapons, Link, and my magic as well...

[The Princess is following along dutifully, but she is definitely less enthusiastic about this whole adventure than her companion.

When Link's attention is taken away from her (and Goddesses, isn't it a breath of fresh air not to have watchful eyes on her for a moment), she looks up, vaguely recognizing the figure rummaging through the equipment. With Link's eyes off her her, Zelda's expression turns to one of concern as she looks to Luffy, praying he doesn't say or do anything that might set Link off.]

... Likely the same reason most in the Tower look for arms: to defend themselves against the monsters that roam at night.

[Nothing untoward...]

[Option 4 - Cafeteria]

[faithstaynight]

[Luckily - or unluckily, perhaps - Ruler has been blissfully unaware of the recent happenings within the tower. Oh, she had noticed the scribblings on some walls, but she had paid them no mind. She still could barely read, so there was no point in trying to decipher the words, which meant that she didn't know that some of the writings were coming true...

... Which is why she isn't immediately on guard when she notices Zelda and the other blonde in the cafeteria, approaching them instead of heading off to grab a bite to eat.]

Hello, Zelda. I hope you're doing well today.

[sageprincess]

[Ruler...

There's so much she needs to say, so much she needs to warn her about (Ganondorf won't have her as a servant; she won't allow it), but... she's forced into silence so long as Link is hovering around her like this. She grips her teacup a bit tighter than usual today, and her smile lacks the sort of openness Ruler is usually privy to.]

Yes, I am, Ruler. Thank you.

sorta kinda not here, Link is just lurking for now so feel free to skip me

[ocariness]

[ ... Link is indeed hovering, as they've just found Zelda again after all the frantic searching, and... although they're not DIRECTLY nearby, they are watching, gaze less than pleased, expression judgemental.

This person? They don't know them. They're taking up Zelda's valuable free time! ... But Link will allow it... for the moment. ]

Option 4 - floor 4

[justabignobody]

[Riku has kept a certain distance ever since last month and especially after being recruited into dispersing the chips - better if they can't be linked after all - but now it's been almost a month since Jason's plot had been revealed and despite the increased presence of retrieval units and rumors carved into the walls, Riku is growing a little less tense again, comfortable enough to seek company again.

...Or at least to curl up in one of the seats on the fourth floor and read a book that for once has the purpose to entertain rather than to teach.]

[sageprincess]

[How ironic, that Riku is at his most relaxed when Zelda is at her most tense. Though that isn't immediately obvious, of course, with Link nearby. Because of the other Hylian's presence, she won't be initiating conversation, but she will smile and wave a bit to Riku as he settles down.

Now to just hope that Link doesn't take participating in light reading as a threat...]

[justabignobody]

[He wouldn't call it his most relaxed, but being on edge twenty-four/seven when things are at best at medium insanity on the scale of tower shenanigans just kind of seems overkill. ...Of course he isn't directly effected by any of the rumors, so that's easy to say.

He smiles and waves back, before settling in one of the chairs close by.]

Option 3 since I need CR with C. 8P

[no_longer_a_king]

You are looking for the princess?

[Arturia had been wandering the Tower to see what the current standing of the rumors were and, now, found herself coming across Link:]

Is she well?

8V

[ocariness]

[ Link is distraught and outright panicking at this point. ]

She may not be, that is the problem! This place is not right, she could be hurt, if you know where she is, please tell me so I may find her!

Option 4

[wegotlucky]

[Zelda had certainly helped Neal out a few times before. He trusted her, enough to figure that she knew what was going on at any given opportunity at least in part, and that was why he found himself looking for her in the tower, smiling when he finally noticed her standing with someone else.]

Hey, Zelda.

Who's your friend?

[He offers a hand to Link, quite cheerful.]

Neal Cassidy.

[sageprincess]

... Ah, hello, Neal.

[Zelda's smile is a bit more forced than it usually is, but damn if she isn't trying to appear genuine. She has... a vague idea of what's going on this time, but her nearly constant companion's presence recently has prevented her from confirming any of her theories.

She gestures to Link in introduction, doing her best to look at ease and moderately succeeding.]

This is Link, an old friend from my own world.