Storm Spirits 2◭

Chapter 2

Royalty in Waydale

"May I present my daughter, Zelda. I am sorry for not sharing this with you, my people but you must understand I must do anything to defend our country, even keeping my daughter to ourselves these years."

I don't believe it. She looks exactly like Tetra, this doesn't make any sense, I saw Tetra before I came here and she was no Princess then. She's a pirate, not royalty. I do remember that one occasion where Tetra had found a piece of Tri Force in a dungeon and had turned into a Princess momentarily, was this her destiny?

I decided to move around the crowd to look closer at this 'Zelda' character. What I saw amazed me. 'How is this possible?' I thought, as if my question was answered.

"For the past 11 years, I have hidden her, for that I am sorry. However, I now conclude this day to be a day of celebration and the anniversary of our great country. This date is shared with the day our countries ray of hope came into existence, may the festivities commence!"

As Queen Aria finished her speech the carriages following behind flooded into the central plaza and me and the rest of the people gathered were forced to retreat. I looked back to see Queen Aria looking extremely happy and starting conversation with her 'daughter' and again, I might be going crazy, but I swear she has been watching me. As the rest of us backed off to make room for these carriages I wandered off to what must have been the only secluded place in this entire plaza, as I did so a person was smiling in the crowd.

I felt a sudden chill down my spine, the most familiar feeling, it was Bellum's aura. I reached for where my sword should be, but wasn't. I panicked, I quickly turned around but nothing was there. My face was sweating and I was hyperventilating as I froze on the spot and tried to calm myself down, this had never happened before, I had never been scared of Bellum so why was I breaking down now. I went to sit down and on the opposite bench to me, I heard.

"Hey did you just feel a weird chill then?"

"Yeah, so it wasn't just me, what was that?"

"I dunno, maybe everyone is just tense because of the presence of the Queen and the new Princess. I don't think people know what to think."

"Yeah, I suppose."

So it wasn't just me, other people felt it.

Before I had time to think about my previous encounter I heard the sound of booming music as a full orchestra appeared from the inside of one of the carriages, I could recognise the song, it was the Royal Families national music. I heard it playing every day back in the Waydale Community College, I decided that what happened was most likely my mind playing tricks on me and what I felt wasn't real, I think. I figured that Queen Aria and Zelda wouldn't be showing their faces again anytime soon so I decided to go and enjoy whatever festivals were on for a while since today is meant to be a day of celebration and all.

As I strolled through the much more navigable square I found a shop selling Zora Candy, I never did find the appeal of candy made partially with water but it isn't all that bad, so I decided to approach the stand and buy some, which is when I saw a familiar face. A girl named Hazel who goes to the same classes I do in Waydale, I'm not exactly friends with her as I mainly stick to myself but I don't dislike her at the least. I decided that I would say hello while I was here but noticed that she was in a group so pulled a fast 180 out of there.

"Oh, hey Link" as the words left Hazel's mouth the rest of her gang all simultaneously turn around to see me strolling in the complete opposite direction. I swear groups of girls are scarier than Swift Phantoms. I slowly arch my head and body behind.

"Oh hey Hazel, you enjoying the, erm, get together?" Maaaaan this is so awkward.

"Hey, do you know this guy?" one of the other girls asks.

"Ermm, yeah, sorry. I'll be back in a second."

Hazel makes a start over to me as her friends make conversation behind her without even trying to be discreet about it.

"Hey he's kinda cute now I look at him."

"REALLY? You think so too?"

"Wait you really think he is? He has a nice hair colour, almost like Aria's, but I wouldn't say THAT." They notice that I, and everyone else to be fair, have heard them. I instantly shoot my gaze downwards and start towards the bench that Hazel was heading to.

We sit down at a bench on the further side of the plaza, the bench read...

In Loving Memory of Wyatt House,

A well-loved father, brother and son. May he rest in peace

Rest in Peace Link. Bad communicator, general outcast and shy guy. I didn't really believe I was a shy person but I've never been good with girls, living my life does that to you. The only 2 girls I've talked to are my sister Aryll and Tetra but they are different. I've known Aryll my whole life - maybe not so much my latter half - Tetra is just, different. You know? In the midst of our adventures and fighting, we didn't have time for things like that and I doubt either of us are remotely interested in that kind of thing. I digress.

"So Link, I know this is a national event, but. Why are you here? You're not the kind of guy to go to a 'get together' of people. I know you would much rather go out somewhere with Connet or Iris." I look up from the ground after my session of contemplation. Hazel is super nice, we don't talk much but we have the same classes and often bump into each other around the school grounds. She has long chestnut brown hair, she wears freckles that are dotted around her face and as the name suggests she has hazel coloured eyes. A blend of 3 colours that shouldn't be possible but still, it is.

"Well. You know, I was just going to the docks for a jog. I just got caught up in all this and now I'm all worn out." I didn't want to mention the fact that the real reason I was worn out was that until a few minutes ago I thought Bellum was coming for me and that Tetra hadn't aged past 11 years.

"That's just like you, I'm sure it was destined for you to arrive here." She smiled towards me, Hazel is one of the only girls I talk to at the college (apart from the aforementioned Iris) and she seems to understand my troubles with the other gender, it's much easier to talk to her than the other girls.

"I guess."

"Yeah."

We just kicked back for a few minutes, taking in the views, the sounds, the smells. I could smell a strong perfume from Hazel but I feel like it would be weird to segway into how she smells. This is my problem, I just don't know what to say.

"So Link. Why do you look so out of it, I was just going to say hello and leave it at that but you seem a bit strange, scared almost."

"Nothing gets past you, huh?"

"No. It doesn't Link, you know I'm here and that you have no reason to be acting like this at a Royal occasion."

"I saw a ghost. That 'Princess' looks exactly like one of my old friends I met on Outset." Obviously, she doesn't know under what conditions she met but she knows of the existence of…

"Tetra? Your friend looked like Queen Aria's daughter? I wish I could have seen her then."

"There you go, believing everything I say." I sigh, she really is too trusting of people.

"Well it's true isn't it, you have no reason to lie to me."

"Yeah, it's true. I don't know why but the resemblance is uncanny and the Princess looks to be around the age I was when I left Mercay. This makes no sense though because Tetra was…"

"...11 when you left right. The plot thickens" an excited look appears on her face as I can see her imagining the different scenarios almost physically. "So do you think she could have been FROZEN or something? Maybe she was trapped in time and she's being forced to be a Princess to save you. OHHH that's so ROMANTIC!" God save me.

"No, Hazel. I don't think she was frozen or forced to be a Princess for my sake. For one I don't even think that is Tetra anymore, now that my head has cleared I see absolutely no possible explanation as to why she would be 5 years younger than me AND a member of Royalty on top of that." Not to mention she was a pirate but I'll just leave that detail out for now "Anyway, shouldn't you be getting back to your friends now? I'm sure that they are worried about you." I didn't mean to sound like I didn't want to talk but I was genuinely worried, I mean, it's a big crowd out here.

"Well you big meanie, for 1. You are absolutely no fun at all, 2. My friends aren't worried about me and 3. That's because I told them I'm spending the rest of the day with you, how exciting, a whole day with me!"

"Hey. I don't remember agreeing to cart you around with me all day, anyway, didn't I tell you, I only came down to go for a jog to the docks." Possibly a little hasty of a reply but I did only come down for a jog, what else can I say.

"Yes I recall that, but I also recall you whining almost every day about being bored and having nothing to do. Now a beautiful girl is offering to go around with you at this most royal event." I had to turn away for a second cos I was admittedly getting quite flustered. Sounds weird but I only just realised that I was on my own talking to Hazel and as she said, she really is beautiful. Do people think we are on a date? No, I hope not. Well not that I'm bothered obviously, I'm not. It's just annoying is all.

"You done mumbling to yourself Link?. Let's go already." I looked back up to see her comedic-esque smile "you're going to embarrass yourself if you carry on fumbling around like that."

I really do hope, not every girl I meet goes out of her way to embarrass me. Luckily I'm getting used to this and I am a lot more resilient to her mind games than usual.

"Yeah whatever, let's go."

"Well ok then, Mr cool guy" She smiles back and follows behind as we head deeper into the mass of bodies.

A short time passed as we mosied on through the stalls and various shops. We had to stick together as not to get lost in the herd. Many encounters happen as we are knocked, bumped and shoved every which way trying to get to the different stalls, apparently the Queen will be giving a much larger speech after the introduction of the Princess and everyone is in a mad panic to buy the wares on sale as if they are going to be gone the second after the Queen has spoken, which I doubt they will be - at least not after the massive turnout our Capital has received.

"Hey, you wanna stop here Link?" We turned around to see a small Tarot Card stand. I'm not really one for these kind of 'magic' tricks myself, I've had enough of that already. "Hey Link, come on, it'll be fun."

In the near distance

"Hey, wasn't that guy giving really weird readings?"

"Yeah man, did you get a bad reading as well?" The two men wore similar clothing, they looked like people foreign to the capital, maybe from the outlying tribes.

Opposite the men

"That man was really strange, wasn't he?"

"Yeah, he gave me really strange readings. From what I hear he has given everyone really similar readings, he's definitely some kind of a scam or bad joke." The 2 women leave audible range seeming extremely discontent.

Hey, that guy is way too weird.

He's totally scamming us all.

Why did the Queen even let him come?

I want my donation back, but he said it was for the Queen, but I don't trust him either way.

What is going on? I've never seen this amount of people acting out of spite towards someone all at once, what on the high seas is this man doing?

"Hey, you think we should just leave then, this guy does seem weird now I see him."

No, wait a second. I need to investigate this closer, this can't be right. "I need to check this guy out Hazel, stay here if you want, I'll only be a second."

"No, I'll come with you."

I, no. We started toward the mysterious man in the Tarot shop. His stand was the only one left open now as people had come and gone and word seems to have spread through the chatter that he is a bit of a weird case, but if I know any better, I think this guy is for real.

We arrived in front of the stand. It read…

Finral's Fine Fortunes!

A catchy name, but not the only thing catchy.

"Hello, Link." He turns over to Hazel "I suppose you must be Hazel, how can I help you two today." I knew it, I know it even.

"Link! How does he know our names!?" Hazel seemed genuinely concerned.

"Hey, 'Finral'. Don't you know better than to use your powers for petty things like this, what are you trying to do, scare everyone half to death?" I stated this a bit louder than I probably should have, by now everyone was watching us.

"I'm sorry young man, I haven't the foggiest idea what you are talking about."

People had gathered around as if I was some hero going for this man they all thought a creep, but that wasn't it.

"Take your hood off. Now!" With both my hands on the counter, tensions were rising.

"I understand I may have a handsome appearance but in publ-"

"NOW!" I scream. "Do it!" I know I'm right, I can sense it. He's the same as me, the same as Zauz. I can read it in his heart, he's not telling the truth.

"So you can read hearts as well, Link." He turns to Hazel who is staring, flabbergasted at my sudden behaviour. "What is it you want now that you know, boy. I've not exactly done anything wrong you know." He's right, at least not to my knowledge, but I need to talk to him. I breathe in.

"You. You're a Hylian, aren't you!" I needed answers, Zauz never told me about the Hylians, I have no idea who I am. I need to talk with this person, I can feel that we are linked somehow, I just know.

"So you can sense it, kid, very well. You got me." He waves away the few people who had crowded around, a lot went almost instantly as there was lots to do. Finral ushered me to lean in closer, "We'll talk some other time kid so, for now, I want you to act like this was all just a big understanding and that you are just confused. Ok?" he seemed like a much more reasonable person now and not some cocky jerk, which he previously fit the mould of perfectly.

"Yeah. Fine." I turn around to the crowd and bow my head in apology for the disruption, they mutter and groan as if expecting some grand battle. I'm not sure what I was expecting, I've never felt this connection. I didn't feel it with Zauz but then again, that was a long time ago and I'm sure I've changed a lot. I turned to Hazel who was dumbfoundedly looking toward me.

"Link? Are you really ok?" She seemed genuinely concerned, I'm sure to the outside I seem like I am completely insane but, but.

"I'm so sorry m'lady. He had me mixed up for my brother back in the Ocean King's land." He nods toward me and winks.

"Y- Yeah, he was a bit of a jerk, he owes me some Rupees." I play along with Finral, I need to get out of here, fast. I've never been in as tense and awkward situation in my whole life.

"Oh, right. I mean. If you don't want to tell me that's fine, I just thought. I don't know. I just don't understand you at all." She doesn't even look mad, just disappointed. "I mean, what even are Rupees? Why did you call him a Hylian of all things, what were you two whispering about? Why am I always left out of everything you do. Do you not trust me? I know we aren't that close but still, can't you see I care for you, are you that dense?" Hazel turns around with a red face. "If you want to tell me what's wrong, I'll be at the docks. That's where you were headed right? I won't be making you go out of your way to find me then."

With a flick of her hair and a salty smile she leans down to pick up the bag she laid down, turns around and starts to leave.

"Wait, no. Hazel. Don't go." I start after her but Finral stops me, and when I say stopped. With magic. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Let her go you idiot kid. She's fine, can't you tell. You may not be used to your powers but even a dumb child like you should be able to tell when you've messed up." He looks up at me with a discerning eye. "You better leave her for now, she needs a second. In the meantime, have a quick game with me!" Finral springs into life as the previous dreary shopkeeper shuffles the cards around.

I take a seat as the crowds around us seem to have left long before the business with Hazel, am I glad for that. I look up to the man, Finral. He has a neatly shaven beard, medium length hair with a natural parting, leaving his hair to land on either side of his face. He has golden yellow eyes. Not necessarily unpopular but it adds to his strange look. He may be hiding his figure but it's obvious to the people who inspect beyond his strange demeanour that he is probably a really good-looking guy, not that I would say that out loud.

"I am pretty good-looking, am I not?" I look up in shock, but then "Yeah, you got it. You do remember I literally just told you seconds ago I can read your heart. Ok, you got it? Ok. Let's do this." He lays out three cards in front of me. They all show some kind of natural disaster or death.

"Do you understand what this means, Link?" He looks towards me. "Today isn't a good day, now honestly I didn't expect you to be here, which is why I'm here BUT. Now that you are everything is ok."

"Wait, wait. What are you talking about? What's happening today? I thought that this was a day of celebration?" I didn't understand, what was Finral trying to tell me? Whatever it was it was extremely convoluted and seemingly unnecessary.

"Yeah, you're right. This is unnecessary but you have to admit, it's fun using your powers to mess around with people, right?" He looks back, his mellow face turning dead serious. "So. I know that I've been acting strangely and you are probably confused as to why I'm here, or what I am etc." Finral clears his throat one last time. "As you can guess, no. I'm not here to provide cheap carnival tricks. I'm protecting the Queen, which is top secret - but you know. I can confide in one of my own. You wouldn't actually believe that the Royal Family AND their heir would leave the castle unprotected, would you?"

He has a point, it did feel a little weird as me and Hazel were walking around. Just not what you would expect at a royal event, it feels too much like a normal festival. Which makes sense now that I know the staff here are just guardsmen.

"Well, Link. I'm just warning you that something is happening, and soon. I don't know what but we are all here for that reason, I had a forewarning that today would bring ill tidings." I just couldn't keep up with his constant change of pace and talking. I had never been barraged with so much info and character changes all at once. "So. Before you depart, which you will be doing, either way. Let me ask you a question Link." He takes the cards, which he still hadn't explained the reason for, and looks me dead in the eye.

"Are you still a hero?"

That word resonates deeply within me. That was a word I didn't think would be placed anywhere near me for the rest of my lifetime.

"I- Err- I. I Don't know, I don't think I am, not anymore." I couldn't respond to his question. The only life I had known properly was that of my hero days, everything before and after that felt empty and I didn't want to fully let go of the word.

"Well. You're going to have to decide that for yourself, no one and no being decides a man's worth." With that Finral placed his hands on his table and pushed himself upwards and onto his feet. "All right I'm off. See you later squirt."

"Hey, wait. What did you mean?" He ignored me and waved me off. What really was the point in trying to talk to that man, he was so strange.

I didn't exactly know what to make of this whole day, to be honest. I decided to hop onto my feet and leave this strange place, I could have sworn I left the house around 12AM but it was already 4 in the afternoon. So much had happened that this day feels like it's gone by so quick, yet so excruciatingly slow.

I patrolled the rest of the shops and stalls, I paid close attention to all of the people of duty, just like Finral said, I spotted things out of the ordinary. I definitely caught some of them looking my way, they probably just saw me with Finral earlier but I can't help think something extremely odd is going on here. Lots of really odd things have happened today and for the life of me I can't figure out why the world has picked today to throw everything at me, I just wanted to go out for a jog for fuck sake. I found a nice little bench in some part of the town centre that I would usually recognise, now though. I can't even go in a straight line and keep my bearings.

I decided to start thinking about what to say to Hazel when I next saw her, I guess the only real way to explain without making more excuses is to just tell her. Tell her about me, who I was, what I am. I honestly wish I could, but I'm as much a mystery to myself as to anyone else, I have no idea about the Hylians or even where to start with my past.

I think my brain is going to explode just thinking about what I'm going to say.

But then.

As if the world was lashing out at me for thinking such juvenile thoughts, everyone heard the sound we most dreaded.

BREEEEEEEE! BREEEEEEEE! BREEEEEEEEEEEEE!

"EVACUATE THE TOWN, I REPEAT. ALL CITIZENS OF THE DALE NEED TO LEAVE, PIRATES. I REPEAT..."

I looked up to see swarms of Rito flying above the heads of everyone, they were flying over in swarms and that sound meant only one thing and I wasn't the only one who knew. A mad rush flew over the square like none other and people fled with no remorse. I could only watch until I saw where they were running from.

I flew to my feet faster than I had ever moved in my life.

"...PIRATES ARE ATTACKING THE DOCKS!"

TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 3

Chapter Glossary

Zauz: A Hylian native to Zauz's Island in The Phantom Hourglass, he is the only person in the world with the knowledge on how to craft the 'Phantom Sword', the only weapon capable of killing Bellum.

Hylians: An ancient race of humanoids who inhabited the land of the Gods, they are slowly becoming increasingly less common and in the current timeline no one knows what they look like or really what they are.

Rupees: A real currency, but in this case, fictional and heavily linked to all Zelda games. Usually, Rupees are worth a similar amount cross-game. For example 100 in all games a Green Rupee is worth 1, Blue 5, Red 20 and then each game differs with the amounts but a Rupee worth 50 is typically purple. Not a fan of the Rupee system in a story form as I believe it works much better in the games, so instead, I developed my own currency system named Cel, which is native to Fyr and will be expanded upon.

Thanks a lot for reading. This chapter was bit longer than the previous and a bit more serious toned.

With the introduction of potential new powers, Finral, Hazel, Zelda's age, Bellum and Link's lust for answers about himself, where will he find himself in the next chapter?

-Lord So