animus_network | Video | Having an alter ego is handy at times

[ ... She doesn't know how to filter this so she'll address her as "Sheik", knowing full well that it's Zelda now, since she told her.

Link pauses. ]

... They are causing problems? When I ate one the other day, I felt fine... actually, I have found a few in my food as well, and I have not felt any different or suddenly murderous.

[ Link has noticed the weird goings-on in the Tower? But... had no idea it was the candy HAHAHA... anyway, slightly more urgent since she saw what happened and is a little weirded out by it all, but -- Sheik. No, Zelda, she is using this alias to protect herself from someone. They need to talk. Best try to use code, here. ]

... Sheik, it has been some time. Could we meet?

[ This is Link's concerned expression here, Princess. You must be hiding for a reason... ]

[Praise the Goddesses, someone sane. "Sheik" visibly relaxes when Link appears on screen, though that air of stoic distance doesn't quite go away.]

That is my theory, yes. You mean to say there are certain ones that carry no ill effects?

[And they're being put into the food, too? Tch. Not liking that one bit.

At Link's question, however, Sheik pauses. The last thing he wants is for Link to get caught in the crossfire, but...]

... Yes, though not for long. I am on the top floor of the dormitories.

Edited 2012-02-18 01:42 (UTC)

... I've got a lot of questions, since we last played together.

[ Link will play this straight and go visit you as soon as she's done dealing with the other, smaller Link. ]

But... yes, I am quite certain. I would not want to sample any more, but if I took a box and we cut some in half, I might be able to figure out from looking at one which one was the kind that I tried.

Would that be acceptable? I would not mind putting myself at risk, though, but I am more concerned as to what might happen if I also... became like the others.

I will answer them to the best of my ability.

[Talking to someone of a rational mind right now would be... very nice, really.]

Hm, it is certainly worth attempting, and much preferable to the other way of testing. I would not wish for you to lose yourself as well.

Then we shall meet as soon as we can.

[ Let's see... how to get a signal to her? Oh... right! ]

... And I promise, I have not forgotten what you have taught me. It has been invaluable. Thank you.

[ Pulling out the Ocarina, Link plays the Minuet of Forest.

If Zelda is observant, hopefully she'll get the message: "Let's meet on the Forest Floor, as soon as possible." It's the only way to get it across without those tracking her movements to be tipped off. ]

I will see you soon. Hopefully, when this is over.

[ Hanging up! If "Sheik" knows what they're doing, they will find Link on the forest floor, waiting with a knife, unarmed except for their shield, because it would be unwise of Link to be armed if this... truly does make them sick.

Hopefully the point is gotten, and it is all Link can hope for, because... well, Zelda does not need to end up hurt. ]

Edited 2012-02-18 02:37 (UTC)

[Aah, clever.

Of course the point comes across loud and clear. Double meanings have become nearly second nature, given the disguise. So "Sheik" simply nods before turning off the video feed and heading towards the forest floor. It takes a while longer than truly preferred (running generally defeats the purpose of stealth, after all), but "he" gets there eventually.

There's a sigh of relief when she finds Link, and though seeing her unarmed garners a curious look, it's not beyond her comprehension as to why.]

... I am glad you are safe.

[ A nod. Link is relieved that they are also safe, but the reason they aren't armed... well, just in case they do lose their wits, the knife will be given to "Sheik".

Which... Link does now, yeah. She is now basically entirely unarmed save for her shield, which, if she was in a situation of being attacked, she wanted to keep on her person. ]

... As am I. I presume the young boy following you has caused a bigger mess than should be possible. I... was worried about communicating so openly, and it honestly had not occurred to me that perhaps the sweets were the cause of this.

[ Never heard of Valentines Day before, derp derp. Sheltered child, medieval era, and all. ]

If it comes to testing this for the sake of others, and it does end poorly, I did not want to be armed should you need to get away from me.

... I am concerned there may be no way to fix this, but... do you really believe these to be antidotes?

[ Holding up the box. Honestly, she doesn't, but you know. ]

["Mess" is an understatement. For a brief moment, she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose with her non-knife wielding hand. Goddesses, she's tired...]

I believe I now have a bounty on my head because of all this.

[It's said idly, disbelievingly, because honestly, the situation seems to just get more and more ridiculous as time goes on. But soon enough she shakes herself out of that mindset to focus on the issue at hand.]

... I understand. Thank you, Link, truly. Even without testing, it... means a great deal to know that I am not alone, here.

[And then she frowns at the box. Troublesome things.]

As for the sweets, no, I do not think so at all. If they are, then I believe I shall take the infection.

... I'd offer to stay with you for protection, but it would be suspicious if you were seen with me constantly. But... you are not alone. I promise you that. I will do what I can.

[ A small sigh escapes her lips. What a mess... ]

As for these... [ Motioning to the box in her hands. ] I would take the infection as well, but... I had not suspected these to be the cause of any problems. Though there may be more to this; perhaps they are not lying? I know the ones that I ate had nothing in them, I believe they were solid... what do you make of that? Do you think they could be an actual cure?

Edited 2012-02-18 22:05 (UTC)

[She nods, understanding. As much as she'd like to, she's known since the start of all this that staying with Link is simply not an option. That said, the promise of aid is... greatly appreciated.]

I do not know. Perhaps. It is difficult to test the effectiveness of a supposed cure for an infection that shows no symptoms. But... it does seem odd that certain ones will warp the minds of those that consume them while others do not.

... Perhaps I am seeing patterns where there are none, but I believe there has to be some reason to it all.

[ ...! ]

Perhaps... the sweets themselves are the infection...? I do not recall feeling sick before, to be honest.

[ It's... a reasonable deduction, to be honest, if the candy was making people nuts? (Hardy har har.) Even so, Link is not really... sure what this means.

If it's true, anyway. Though it's just a wild guess. ]

Nor do I. And I certainly would not put it past the maintainers of this place to do something of the sort - perhaps our performance in that game was unsatisfactory to them.

[It's plausible. ... But she still feels like they are missing something.]

If they wished to make everyone sick, even going so far as to put the sweets into our food without our knowledge, then why risk having certain ones that seemingly do nothing?

[Curiouser and curiouser...]

[ ... They are definitely missing something... ]

If this is a test... an experiment to see our reaction, like the others, perhaps there is more to the ones that do nothing?

[ But what? ]

[She goes silent at that question, a look of serious contemplation upon her face. It certainly seems logical that they all should do something, but if Link ate one and is still of a sound mind, then...]

... What of those who have been acting strangely? Do you know if consuming the seemingly 'safe' kind affects them in any way?

[ A thoughtful headshake, but suddenly Link's expression is suddenly quite serious. ]

... I have not heard anyone test this, but...

[ Whatever she's getting at, Link is... fairly sure she understands. Thus the grave expression. ]

You could test this on me, if you wanted.

[ Perhaps this is why Link had come here fairly unarmed all along, without any real equipment. She pauses with the shield, only to take it off her back. ]

... Without this, I would be defenseless if it came to that. I... would rather endure something so that it might help the others here than go on guessing. If I can help with your theories... then please, use me.

[ There was no hesitation. Link had always valued the safety of others above her own. She did not fear what might happen to her; she never truly had. If those chocolates fixed this, then the only way to know for sure would be to use them on someone infected. ]

Edited 2012-02-21 00:53 (UTC)

[Link may not fear what will happen to her, but Zelda does. As the hero makes her case, a slow, subtle look of abject horror makes its way into her eyes--

No, no, I can't lose you too! Not again!

--but she eventually, hesitantly nods. Link... Link wants to do this. Link is thinking of others, not herself. Goddesses, how selfish does that make her, letting herself only think about Link's safety?]

You... You will need to tell me which kind you had.

[She gestures to the box of candy, suddenly hating the damn things even more.]

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