A/N: Next week is finals, so I may be a bit late in the next update. I apologize beforehand.

Disclaimer: All characters of Zelda are property of Nintendo.

-o-o-o-

Goddess Plume

Chapter 2: Letter

Time passed quickly after the incident in the stable. Both boys purposely went out of their ways to ignore one another. And if they did so happen to meet by chance, the elder would forcibly nod – posture stiff and face unreadable. The latter would return the gesture, avoiding eye contact as much as possible. However, both quickly masked their discomfort if others were around them, each wearing a sickeningly fake smile. Their peers seemed to buy it for the most part, though Cawlin grew ever the more suspicious with each time Link passed his way. After all, a boy with a smile plastered permanently on his face like that surely wasn't normal. In fact, he thought perhaps the hero may have been harboring a secret crush on a classmate. That would explain the overly cheery attitude all of a sudden. No, that wouldn't do, especially if said hero's admiration landed on...

He vowed to pluck out the thorn before it caused real damage.

-o-o-o-

Returning to Skyloft and getting some proper rest had done Link good – no more sore muscles, stinging cuts and bruises. On the other hand, he felt lethargic; a part of him hated the idea of returning to the surface with potential death welcoming him back, but he shook his head at that. He was the chosen hero of legend; fulfilling his mission wasn't a choice, only duty. Besides, with each passing day he dawdled, finding Zelda grew in difficulty, and he paled at the thought of harm coming her way. Zelda, who was the first friend he ever had – who laughed at his dumb jokes, comforted him when he cried and scolded him when he skipped classes – needed him now more than ever. And then there was Pipit, Skyloft's greatest hero and knight, at least through his eyes. A tiny smile ghosted on his lips as he reflected on how different the situations were in meeting both of them.

-o-o-o-

"And here's your room, Link. I hope the accommodations are to your liking. If you need anything, my study is on the second floor just right up the stairs," Gaepora said with a chuckle. The young boy nodded timidly, tiny fingers fidgeting nervously. He suddenly looked up at the tall figure of the headmaster, large eyes widening in disbelief. He had his own room? Gaepora could sense the cogs in the child's mind turning and let out a wheezy laugh. This boy was indeed quick for his age. "Oh, and before you get settled, may I introduce someone?" Gaepora strolled up to the second floor and Link followed obediently behind, curious as to see who the headmaster wanted him to meet. He paused at the door opposite to his office and knocked softly. "Zelda, are you busy?"

A muffled reply was heard and the door unlocked, revealing a slightly pouting girl with shoulder length blonde hair. She appeared to be not too far from Link's own age. "Daddy! Didn't I tell you this morning I was busy writing in my journal? You're the one who suggested it anyw-" She paused for a second, realizing there was an unfamiliar figure next to her father. "O-oh. Hello, there..." The girl turned away, cheeks burning in embarrassment. "Um, it's nice to meet you. I'm Zelda." She waved shyly at the small boy.

"Zelda is my daughter," Gaepora replied. "If you cannot find me, go to her. She will help you out in my stead. Now then," the headmaster smiled at both of them. "Why don't you show him around, Zelda? You've always been better at it than me."

Zelda frowned, lower lip sticking out in a pout. "That's because you're always so boring! Your talking makes people fall asleep!" Before Gaepora could counter her, she grabbed the boy's hand and sped towards the exit, shrieking in laughter. "Quick Link, run before you catch his boring!"

-o-o-o-

After that, Link and Zelda were inseparable; the two did everything together, much to the chagrin of Groose, the notorious school bully. Zelda had warned Link to steer clear of his path. "If you see him, walk the other way," she had lectured, a slim finger prodding at his chest. "That guy is usually all talk, but he's always with his two buddies Strich and Cawlin, so it's best to just ignore them all together." Link had agreed to her suggestion. He had noticed how Groose was built like a tank – muscles rippling and fists easily the size of his head – even at such a young age. He was in no hurry to be at the receiving end of a punch.

It was after an intense hour of tutoring one day that Link was caught off guard as he struggled to walk out of the classroom, large tomes stacked quite high in his hands. He didn't see Groose and Co. stalking towards him until the guys bumped into him, causing books to fly in all directions as he landed on his bottom.

"Watch where you're going, dummy," the leader sneered, a hand slicking over his perfectly gelled hair. "You could have messed up my hair, and you don't want to do that." He shot Link a smirk, a malicious glint forming in his eyes. "Word around here is that you've been messing around with my girl. I ain't too happy to hear that, ya know?" Strich and Cawlin stepped up front, trying their best to throw insults at Groose's newest victim.

"Yeah! Boss'll pummel ya good! Hurhurhur!"

"Don't make us mad, else you're gonna get it!"

The smaller boy quivered in place, unable to speak. He didn't want to cause a scene – not when he just settled into the school. Groose's smirk faltered, sneer immediately replacing it. He hated how vulnerable and weak this pathetic boy in front of him looked. How did such a weakling win against him in Zelda's favor? His yellow eyes narrowed, hand reaching out and grabbing Link's collar roughly. "Listen up. You better stop spending time with Zelda or else next time we meet, you're gonna wish you were dead. Got it?"

Link nodded enthusiastically, blue eyes fearful. "I-I promise!" he managed to stammer out.

Groose shoved him back on the floor, causing him to whimper in pain. The shortest of the group waddled up to Link and grinned, motioning the other two closer. "Look boss, he's gonna cry! Hahaha, what a loser!" The gang formed a ring around him and guffawed, pointing fingers and kicking at him playfully. "He's such a girl!"

Link tried hard not to cry, really he did. But then the pain shot through his bones and he inhaled sharply, tears stinging in the corner of his eyes as he curled into a ball as best as he could. If any of the teachers saw this, surely he would be expelled. And Zelda...she would be so disappointed in him for not heeding her warning, but he couldn't yell for help for fear of getting into trouble. Maybe Groose would leave him alone after getting too bored of picking on him. Yeah, that sounded like a good plan...

He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the blows stopped landing until a different voice spoke up, sounding surprisingly concerned and angry. "You three better get out of here before I report you to the headmaster." Link cracked open one eye, making out a slim boy dressed in yellow through the haze. His unruly auburn hair was covered by a strange looking hat and he was standing in front of him, arms open in a protective stance. "Leave him alone if you don't want to get kicked out!"

Cawlin and Strich were the first to leave, bolting away as soon as the stranger ran down the stairs. Groose snorted, annoyed his friends would run from another weakling. "Oh, it's just you," he said flatly, more bored than anything else. "The teacher's pet is sticking his nose in other people's businesses. Figures."

"Last. Warning." The yellow clad boy inched closer to the bully, eying him with pure contempt. Groose harrumphed and stalked away, upset at losing his target. "See you losers later."

Returning his gaze to the figure on the ground, the former sighed at the sight. The poor boy was sniffling, eyes red and puffy with bruises covering his arms and legs. He gently patted him on the shoulder, a kind smile resting on his face. "Hey, you're going to be alright now. Groose and them won't mess with you anymore." Link nodded quietly and cringed. His head hurt, his body hurt, his eyes hurt...everything hurt. It didn't go unnoticed by the older boy. "Let's get you to the infirmary. Do you think you can stand?" Another nod. He hauled the boy up slowly, an arm draping over for support. "My name's Pipit by the way. And yours?"

"...Link."

-o-o-o-

Link yawned as his stomach pressured him to wake from a four hour nap, rumbling from lack of nutrients. "Just five more minutes..." he thought, burrowing deeper under the covers. "It's so warm...feels nice." As if understanding the current state its owner was in, his stomach grumbled again in protest. A few more squelching noises and Link sighed in defeat, rolling out of the messy heap and stumbled half-asleep to the cafeteria, not giving his bed a second glance. He nodded briefly to the headmaster as he passed him by, but before he could enter into the kitchen, something tiny blocked his way. It had blue hair and was frowning.

"Oh, hello Cawlin," he yawned, sleep still in his eyes. "Is there...something you need?"

The smaller boy snorted. He couldn't believe he had to resort to this – to ask the sworn enemy of Groose for help, yet doing this would be killing two birds with one stone. "Actually, Link. Yes, I do need to ask you of," he gritted his teeth. "A favor." He dug through his belongings and pulled out what looked like a letter and handed it to the hero. "Don't you dare read it or crinkle it or get it sweaty with your hands!"

Staring at the envelope, Link gave a confused look. His mind finally began to clear away the drowsiness of sleep. "But Cawlin, there's no addressee on this. How am I supposed to know who to deliver it to?"

"I was getting to that!" Cawlin snapped back, a deep scowl etched on his face. "Deliver it to Karane, you hear me? The paper. Give it to Karane. No one else. I repeat, Karane, and no one else. Got that?"

A smile made its way on the hero's face. "Oh, I see. So it's a love letter, huh?"

"W-what! N-no! Of course not!" The short boy jumped at being found out, face flushing red. "Ngh, maybe this wasn't such a hot idea after all! If that idiot knows, he may just discard the letter or replace it with his own!"

Link chuckled at Cawlin's darkening face. He waved him off. "Don't worry about it. I'll make sure this gets to her safely. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to eat before my stomach starts eating me." He bid his classmate goodbye and entered the cafeteria, ready for some piping hot pumpkin soup.

-o-o-o-

Later that day, Link found the girl in question pouring over a pile of books in the back of the classroom. She seemed so engrossed, he had second thoughts of bothering her with Cawlin's letter, but she noticed him entering anyway.

"Oi, Link! What's up? I haven't seen you in a while. Doing well?"

He nodded as he made his way to where she was, left hand in his pocket gripping the letter tightly. "Yes, I'm fine. Busy of course, but that's normal."

Karane raised an eyebrow, noting how stiff her classmate looked in front of her. She frowned. "You sure you're okay? I'm here if you want to talk...oh speaking of talking, could I ask you something Link?" She suddenly grew quiet and waited patiently to see if Link would make an objection to her request. Hearing none, she continued, chewing on her bottom lip in nervous habit. "Don't you think Pipit is handsome, smart and heroic? Link, you're his best friend. Do you know if he's...single?"

This wasn't looking good. The letter rustled slightly as he clutched it with white knuckles. "What should I say? Cawlin would be devastated if he found out I didn't give the letter to her, but she obviously likes Pipit..." His forehead creased, eyes boring a hole through the floor.

"Um, Link? You okay?"

Snapping out of his trance, Link fished out the letter and placed it in her hands. "Here, I was told to deliver this to you."

Karane eyed the letter suspiciously, but opened it, eyes widening in shock at what was written. A small blush formed on her cheeks. "...could you tell him, I'm sorry? I-I didn't know he liked me."

The hero nodded and turned around to leave, but the latter called out to him. "And where do you think you're going so soon?" she huffed, both hands placed on her hips. "You haven't answered my question!"

"...No."

"Wha-huh? What do you mean, no! You should know if...if he's got a girlfriend or not!"

He sighed. "No, Karane. No, as in he doesn't have someone he's interested in."

"O-oh...okay. Um, well. If you don't mind, could you deliver this to him then?" A letter was gripped lightly in her right hand. "Please, Link? I don't think I could tell him about my feelings in person. And well, I'm scared he would reject me so...this letter would be the best option."

Did everyone harbor secret romantic feelings for another classmate? It sure felt that way. He accepted the new letter and stuffed Cawlin's back into his bag, hoping the boy wouldn't be too upset at being turned down. It wasn't until he was quite far away from the classroom, reiterating Karane's verdict to Cawlin, that he realized delivering her love note would mean having to face Pipit again. He groaned in protest.

-o-o-o-

A part of him wished locating Pipit would be hard; it would allow for more time to mentally prepare himself for the encounter, but Fi crushed all hopes of that. As soon as Link walked out of the academy's double doors, she appeared, bowed and hovered in the direction of the goddess statue. "Master, friend Pipit's signal is strongest in this direction." Fi's perfectionist aims really irked him sometimes. He thanked her halfheartedly and trotted behind as she led the way.

Not stepping three feet in, Pipit's voice echoed across the open sanctuary. He didn't sound as angry as before at least. "Oh, Link...what do you want now?"

Spotting him by a grove of trees, the hero walked over cautiously, letter already in hand. "The best way to do this is to just give it to him quickly and leave," he thought as he stopped in front of the older boy. No trace of emotion was on Pipit's face. Even after a few days, the loftwing specialist continued to give his friend the cold shoulder. "This is from Karane," Link muttered, shoving the letter into his hands and left without another word. He could feel the stagnant animosity around Pipit. It would be for the best to leave him alone for another day or so. Maybe week?

Fi snapped him out of his thoughts as they hurriedly ran away from the statue. "What is your next objective, Master Link?" She glittered brightly in the open sun.

Link shrugged and gestured ambiguously to the bazaar. "Let's stock up and head back down to the surface. I need to collect more ingredients for weapon upgrades." Fi tinkled a few notes, flying high above the hero as he walked into the tent. "I will be awaiting your return, Master."

-o-o-o-

He watched as his best friend ran away from him. From him. There was a fleeting moment where both of them locked gazes, and it only took a second to register the hurt in Link's eyes. But Pipit could do nothing – his pride, his emotions refused to let him apologize, to call out to his friend and say it was alright. No, Pipit defiantly stood rooted to the ground, dark eyes following Link as he left, not blinking once. In his hand was Karane's letter, forgotten from his mind.