Chapter Three – Planning Plans
Starting my second day at school, I am still a tiny bit nervous. Being a new student isn't fun, but my biggest concern is lunch – the place where I have nowhere to sit. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I always feel like I'm intruding on something when I come to a table uninvited. The people are usually nice, though something inside of me screams "outcast."
Closing my locker door, I remember the girl I had met only about an hour ago. She was another one of Link's friends and as kind as Saria, but not so ecstatic. The moment I saw her bright red hair I knew for sure that this school was much more different than any other place I had been to. So many students had such strange appearances and personalities that I was beginning to get used to it. And when I saw somebody who looked "normal" I would think them as the strange one. I quickly learned not to judge anybody by their looks, especially when I met Malon, the girl with the bright red hair.
When I sat next to her in bakeshop on one of the rickety metal stools, she had sent me this odd look. It wasn't evil, like the ones those girls gave back in middle school, but it was inquisitive. She made me feel like she was eyeing me as if I was some new species. Her cobalt eyes match nicely with her olive skin. The light makes her cheery hair so vivid it's hard not to look at it. Red locks tumble past her shoulders and end half way down her back, her bangs gently tickling her face. She is lean and tall; her long legs stretched out in front of her.
And when the lunch lady (who is also the teacher) told the class to get into partners to make the cookies, she instantly turned to me.
I had been trying to avoid her gaze the entire time, hoping she'd stop staring, but I was forced to look up into her eyes when she asked me if I wanted to be her partner. Even though I had been thinking of how brutal this class was going to be with her as my teammate, I was quickly proved wrong.
The moment we began to work, we couldn't stop talking, or maybe she couldn't stop talking.
I normally hate having to listen to somebody blab about nonsense, but she didn't exclude me. She constantly wanted my opinion on the subjects and I even found myself commenting without her asking. Luckily, she never interrupted or ignored me when I started to talk, much to my liking.
She is a very interesting person with such an exciting yet relaxed life. Her father owns a ranch so she is constantly riding. She has won a few awards from horse competitions and once received a prize for "Most Talented Singer" while staying at a summer camp.
I had described to her about my first day at school, and that was how I learned she was also a friend of Link's. She told me that she sat with Link during lunch and that she would be delighted if I joined.
With this thought in mind, I begin to quickly stride down the hallway, anxious to get to Physics.
Today we are going to watch a movie with the substitute for the entire period. When this is announced, a look of relief washes over the students' faces and I notice Link letting out a small cheer from the desk next to me. On my other side, some kid has already covered his face with his hood and is now snoozing away on his desk, a few drops of drool dripping from his parted mouth.
"Ew," I comment in disgust while scooting away from him. Link looks past me at the sleeping guy and starts laughing, and I can't help but join him.
The lights shut off and I see a few more sleepy heads fall to the table. Strangely, I find myself enjoying the darkness. Not only do I get a chance to relax and calm down, but, with the lights out, Link can't see my bruised cheek.
Unfortunately, last night's beating gave me a small bruise on my right cheek. I covered it up with makeup this morning, but I'm still nervous that Link, or anybody for that matter, will notice it and begin asking questions.
With an exhausted side, I lean back in my chair and stare glumly at the TV. Once I discover the Triforce and give the wielder to Ganondorf, I'll be free of him. He won't be able to abuse me or force me to stay in house arrest after school. I'll be able to go to college and live on my own.
But finding the Triforce is an enormous problem on its own. I have no clues of how the wielder acts, so how should I start? Does Ganondorf expect me to run around the school and check everybody's hands? And what if the wielder isn't even here? What if we've been looking in the wrong place the entire time?
Trying to calm the sudden anger roaring inside of me, I decide to give a quick search of the room. Perhaps I'll get lucky and receive some kind of sign? It is slightly difficult to see at first, but my eyes are quick to adjust and my vision clears. Two boys play paper football with each other, laughing at their childishness, while the substitute sits idly in a corner, engrossed in her book. A group of girls giggle and chat under their breaths, attempting to go unnoticed but the substitute gives them a quick glare.
In front of the napping boy is another scrawny male in a bright red sweater vest and disheveled brown hair. He is hunched over numerous papers and a textbook lies open in the corner of his desk. Is he a Triforce wielder? Is his enthusiasm for education a sign of Wisdom? Or maybe it's the guy coaxing a girl with his charm, using clever words and thinking up witty responses out of nowhere.
And then that thought creeps back into my mind. I'm evil…I'm the bad guy. What if one of these people actually is the wielder? In order for my happiness I'd have to send them to Ganondorf, and who knows what he'd do to them then! I've experienced his cruelty; his large fist is like a baseball bat when it hits my stomach and his temper…his uncontrollable temper…it makes me shudder at the thought of it.
Can I really send some innocent child to Ganondorf's clutches? But if I don't then I'll be stuck with him forever, never getting the chance to live a normal and peaceful life. I've been told to watch out for myself, to not care about what other people think…yet I just can't wrap my mind around the thought of killing somebody.
Once the video is over, I rush out of the classroom and to my locker, happy to get away from that room. As much as I don't want to, I still can't help but think back on those thoughts. My mind is spinning out of control and my heart is heavy. Could I really send somebody to obtain a fate worse than mine?
Swapping my books, I reach my hand up to my wounded cheek. The second my fingertips add pressure to my cheek I involuntarily flinch away. This is what that person will get once I find them…pain, misery. How can I be so vile?
"What are you doing?" I hear Link's friendly voice ask from behind me, making me jump and cutting me off from my wretched thoughts.
"Oh…" I mumble nervously, fiddling with a fold in my clothing. It is as if his presence washes away all of my guilt and replaces it with this overwhelming nervousness. I can't seem to get a grip and stumble over words. "I was just…getting b-books and…stuff."
His clear blue eyes narrow while peering at something on my face with a puzzled expression. It takes me a second to realize what he is fixated on, and I spin back around to hide it.
His hand latches onto my arm, ceasing my movements, and I immediately know that I am a second too late.
"Zelda…" He breathes, astonishment thick in his voice. "What happened to you?"
"It's nothing!" I snap at him with more shakiness than I would have liked to show. His hand sends an uncomfortable wave of heat through my body, making my stomach twist in knots for some odd reason. I try to struggle out of his hold, but I find myself freezing when his bandaged hand reaches up to my face.
My breath catches in my throat as his hand hovers just above my wounded cheek. I can feel strands from his bandage skimming my reddening face. A second later, I feel his palm gently cupping my cheek, though I unwillingly squirm my head away once more.
"How did you get that bruise?" He asks me with a very stern and serious tone, his blue eyes burning into me, trying to force me to look up at him.
All I can do is stand there with his hand still floating only a few centimeters away from me. I feel my heartbeat speed up again and I can't tell if it is from this awkward position or because he is starting to catch onto my home life
"I…" I stammer, trying desperately to think up a reason. "I tripped when getting out of my car yesterday…and my face hit…the, um…the curb."
I turn my gaze towards his and meet his eyes with as much confidence as I can muster. His eyebrows furrow together and his mouth dips into a frown. It is obvious he isn't happy with my answer, but I hope he knows he isn't getting anything more.
"Are you sure…?" He looks at me with unconvinced eyes while slowly moving his hands back to his side. I notice the warmth disappearing too, as if his hands were the source of this heat. Or maybe it was…
"Of course I'm sure," I force myself to smile with a cheery giggle, ignoring my silly thoughts. "I wouldn't forget something like that."
"Look, Zelda," He begins with worry and empathy deep in his voice. "If something is going on at home-,"
"Sorry, Link," I continue my fake grin while closing my locker much louder than normal and cutting off his sincere speech. "But I'm going to be late for my next class and I'd hate to be tardy on the second day of school, so I'll talk to you later. Bye!"
"Wait!" He calls after me but I rush down the hallway and around the corner, never looking back.
A few periods later and I'm walking towards the cafeteria, rummaging in my pocket for the few dollars that Ganondorf had given me. I had been grateful that Link wasn't in my electives or my Pre-Calculus-Honors class, but now that lunchtime is here, I am starting to worry. Would he question me about my bruise again?
Pushing the troubling thoughts away, I stroll into the bustling cafeteria. The entire room roars with the students' chatter, making it impossible to understand what they are saying. Like many other places in the school, the floors are polished and the tables fairly clean. I know that after this lunch period it won't be like that, but at least the place is somewhat sanitary.
Tucked up against one of the walls is a row of counters where the students retrieve their lunches. Old ladies in white aprons and hairnets serve the kids with dull looks on their faces. I can never imagine myself becoming a lunch lady and I doubt that is what they dreamed of when they were my age, so I don't blame them for being bored. Serving meals to a bunch of unruly teens would probably make somebody that way.
I quickly get my food (which wasn't much due to today's economy and my lack of money) and then the most silly yet frustrating issue arrived: where to sit.
It wasn't a matter of whom I am going to sit with, but where they were. Even though Malon's vivid red hair is easy to spot, it was way too difficult with the sea of colors. And it really is a sea because every student is wearing his or her blue uniform. The only difference is their heads bobbing up and down like boats in the ocean.
So, as much as I hate doing it, I slowly pace down the rows of tables. I feel like a complete idiot, not because I think I look like a fool ambling around, but because I actually think people care.
I am so immersed in my thoughts that I don't even realize I've past Malon until I hear her cry, "Zelda! Zelda, over here!"
I quickly spin around with a wide grin on my face. Thank goddesses she spotted me!
"Hey, Malon," I chirp while sliding into the seat she has saved for me. "Thanks for letting me sit with you."
"No problem," She replies with a smile and acting as if it was nothing. To her it probably wasn't much, but to me she saved my life.
"As you know, this is Saria," she gestures to the beaming, green-haired girl next to her who gives me an enthusiastic wave. "And here is Mikau…" Mikau simply sends me a small smile and a tiny flick of the wrist, which I think was supposed to also be a wave.
"And of course you know Link," she giggles while I turn my attention to him. He smiles and says a friendly "hi," but I can see the troubled expression in his eyes. I can barely hold his gaze for only a few seconds before I break it and stare at the guy sitting next to him. Malon introduces him as Kafei, and if I weren't so used to seeing such peculiar people, I would be dumbstruck by him.
I can't tell whether his hair is a really dark blue or purple. The light keeps changing the color, sending my mind on a whirlwind of confusion. His eyes are a bright, blood red that clashes with his pale, heart shaped face. At first he frightens me, but I soon relax when he mumbles a timid hello and stares uneasily at his food.
Next to him is another girl with hair so black that it almost looks blue. Each strand twists around each other in such a complex way I can't tell whether it is straight or curly. She gazes at me with emotionless violet eyes and says in blank voice, "Hello." Malon introduces her as Ruto, who is Mikau's cousin, and I can already tell she is going to be the one I have problems making friends with.
Though I ignore this issue and focus on more important matters: getting to know the rest of Malon and Link's friends.
At first I don't speak unless somebody asks me a question. I listen to their conversation about their idiotic teacher, Mr. Ingo. They recite stories to each other, everybody cracking up at the memories. That is, everybody but me. I don't have the slightest clue who this teacher is or what is so funny, leaving me in the dark.
But then Saria begins asking me questions about my hometown Kakariko and soon everybody is questioning me about it. Obviously, I have to tell her thousands of lies about my previous life, though I'm used to it, it isn't hard.
From that point on, I feel myself flowing past my barriers and chatting with the other students with ease. It is a little difficult to hear sometimes with the roar of the cafeteria and the occasional random outburst of some blaring noise, but we make out alright. Students run around the dining hall, not exactly playing some kind of game, but jumping from table to table. I almost fall out of my seat five times from somebody rushing past me and nearly knocking me over.
We spend the rest of the lunch period in non-stop chatter. At some points we are all engrossed together in one conversation, but, at other times, we branch off and talk to others one on one. Saria and Malon constantly hop around between one discussion to another, always smiling and laughing. It is easy to see that they are best friends, and as much as I hate to admit it, I am a little envious that the two are so close. I have never had a best friend, and now it seems like I will continue to lack this.
But they keep talking to me and are already saying how they can't wait till Malon shows me her horses or how Saria wants me to come with her to some lake in her favorite forest. Maybe, just maybe, I think to myself hopefully, I could be best friends with both of them.
I make an effort to talk with Ruto but she is determined to remain distant. Malon notices my attempts and whispers to me, "Don't worry, she'll open up soon. She is like this to everyone."
With that thought in mind, I chat with Kafei. He doesn't say much and I have to strain my ears to hear his small voice. I've never met a boy so shy as him and it takes awhile before he even looks me in the eyes.
And then Link enters our conversation. My heart tightens as I listen to his voice but I never look his way. He sounds cheerful enough, just like his normal self, but I can't stand to look at his face. Nobody is supposed to know about this tense relationship between that vile man and me. If Link learned that Ganondorf is abusing me…who knows what Ganondorf would do.
From that point on I stop making an effort to talk to people and only listen to the conversations around me. Kafei, Link, and Mikau all begin to talk about Mikau's guitar gigs and I hear a few bits about their band class. Malon, Ruto, and Saria discuss their Hylian History projects, reminding me of how difficult the situation with Link and me is.
I know I'm being silly because Link would never hurt me. I've only known him for two days but…what can I say? He gives a really good first impression. And I want to be his friend though I can't afford to have my life jeopardized like this.
I don't know why, but my attention suddenly snaps away from my miserable thoughts to the table's conversation. Everybody is looking at Link as I hear Ruto ask in a bit of a whinny voice, "Come on, why won't you show us the scar?"
Link gives a nervous laugh as he lifts his left hand in the air. I eye the unraveling bandage with suspicion. He claims that he had surgery done to it after he fell out of a car, but past experiences give me doubts. Though who lies about surgery on your hand?
"This thing?" He raises his eyebrows in fake astonishment. "I'm not supposed to take off the bandage or else the wound could get infected."
"If you are so worried about infections how come your bandage is so old and tattered looking?" Mikau teases lightheartedly with a humorous glint in his ocean colored eyes.
"Yeah…" Link mumbles thoughtfully with a small smile on his face as he looks down at his hand. "I should probably change it sometime soon…"
"How about now?" Ruto urges with a mischievous grin. "I'm sure I can handle the blood."
I notice that nobody else seems to notice his unease but me…am I more observant than them or am I acting unreasonable? "Sorry, but I have no bandages with me. Maybe some other time," he chuckles.
Ruto is about to say something but her voice is destroyed under the racket of students pushing in their chairs and shuffling towards the exit. Lunch is over and, while we all begin to set out, I see Link let out a relieved sigh.
Three days later, on the glorious Friday, I am chatting with Malon and Saria as we stroll through the parking lot and slowly make our way towards our cars.
"Do you have any plans for the weekend, Malon?" Saria asks, craning her neck back as she gazes up at the red-haired girl.
She shrugs with a warm smile on her face, "Just the usual, riding my horses all day long."
"Yeah, because every kid gets to ride horses whenever they want," I tease playfully and we all let out small bursts of laughter.
"I, on the other hand, will be volunteering in cleaning up the local park," Saria announces proudly with a confident gleam in her forest green eyes.
"Didn't you do that last week?" Malon grins, trying to hold back laughter.
"No, last week was the 'Save the Tree Frogs' fundraiser," she corrects us with the same dignity and determination in her voice.
Now Malon and I can't hold back and we begin to crack up. Thankfully, Saria never takes anything personally and joins us with her singsong giggle. Even she knows she goes to the extreme sometimes about "going green." Though, because of her green hair and eyes, I think she has already accomplished her goal.
My laughter is cut short when I feel somebody tapping my shoulder. Still smiling, I spin around to face the person.
"Oh," I mumble awkwardly as Malon and Saria also calm down and face the young man. "H-hi, Link."
Ever since our encounter on my second day of school, I had always been worrying if he'd ever ask me about my bruise. I wouldn't meet his eyes and only talked to him when he spoke to me first. Luckily, he never mentioned it, though I continue to be apprehensive.
Looking at his friendly smile and relaxed stance, it appears that he has completely forgotten about it, but I doubt he truly has.
"Hey, Zelda," he greets me, not hesitating to cut to the chase, "We haven't done anything for our project since Monday and we are supposed to show our teacher what we've done so far next Tuesday. So I was wondering if maybe you would like to come with me to the Hylian Museum tomorrow. I hear they have a great exhibit on the Triforce and stuff."
I don't say anything at first as I absorb the information he had just given me. For some reason, I found it a little sweet that his voice sounded anxious and that he tugged at his sleeve nervously.
But I have bigger things to worry about, like how to tell Link that I can't go because Ganondorf never lets me out of the house for things like going to a museum. Even with my recent fear of Link, I find myself actually enjoying the idea of going to the museum with him.
"Where is this museum?" I ask, still pondering my options.
Link's face lights up and he stops tugging at his sleeve, hope shining in his eyes. "It is about two hours away, but I can drive us there. We'd probably spend most of the day there so you might want to tell your guardian that as well."
I remain silent as I think this over. Ganondorf definitely won't like me being gone the whole day, but maybe the fact that I am with a boy will change his mind.
I smile at Link for the first time in a while and, in a surprisingly sweet voice, I answer, "That sounds good, I'll go ask him when I get home."
For a split second, he too seems a little startled at my sudden kindness, but it washes away quickly to be replaced with delight. "Good, you can call me once you find out. Talk to you later!" He waves good-bye and begins to walk away when I remember a rather important detail.
"Um…Link?" I call out, restraining a laugh.
Looking over his shoulder, he mumbles, "Huh?"
"I kind of need your phone number if I'm supposed to call you."
His tan face quickly changes into a deep shade of red. "Right…" he murmurs and I hear Malon and Saria giggle under their breaths. "That could be useful…"
I pull out my phone and Link and I swap numbers as my two friends whisper back and forth to each other. I strain my ears to hear what they are talking about but their never-ending fits of laughter makes it impossible.
We bid each other farewell and I make my way to my Porsche. Even though my last beating was only three days ago, I feel strangely relaxed as I speed down the road. I know I should be obsessing about what I'm going to say to Ganondorf but every time I try to focus on the subject, my mind keeps drifting off to Link and the museum. A whole day with Link and away from Ganondorf…I think to myself wistfully. That sure is tempting.
Still dreaming about it, I pull up into the driveway. Inside, I quietly stride through the first-floor rooms, knowing better than to just yell "GANONDORF" and get myself killed.
After a few minutes of searching, I find him in his study. Bookcases line up along the dark red walls and a large wooden desk sits in the middle of the small room. Piles of books and papers are stacked on top of it. The heaps are so large that I have to crane my neck a little in order to see Ganondorf hunched over an old book. I calmly walk across the floor, showing none of my trembling fear, before standing proudly in front of the table.
"What do you want?" He grumbles, his eyes remaining focused on the volume before him.
"You remember my history partner Link, right?" I begin with my stone-like voice.
"How could I forget," he snorts with a small, smug smile on his lips. "He's the kid that got you that bruise."
I wince at the mention of it but regain my composure and continue. "Well, we need more information on our topic and he wants us to drive to the Hylian museum tomorrow morning."
Ganondorf doesn't move at first, just continues to read his ever-so-precious book, but then he slowly places it down on the table and leans back in his chair. His fingers entwine themselves together as he looks at me with amused yellow eyes.
"And you are asking me if you can go?" It isn't a question, only a remark that makes him smirk even more. Even though I hate to admit it, I feel my heart beat faster at his cruel tone and I swallow nervously. Little beads of perspiration threaten to dot my forehead.
I stay silent and nod my head.
"Have you finished unpacking?" He questions and I nod again.
"How long will you be gone?"
I try to detect if he is still amused or if he is back to his usual grumpy self, but at the moment, he appears to be neutral.
"There isn't an exact time but I know it is about two hours away."
His gaze drops from mine, and he stares at his hands in deep thought. Please don't get angry…
A few seconds later, he brings his yellow eyes back to me and stares at me coolly, sending shivers down my spine. "You must not forget your true purpose for attending the school."
"I understand, but I think getting closer to the other students could really help me in my search," I persist, taking a bit of a risk by continuing. Then again, I am always dicey with Ganondorf.
"You might have a point…" he growls under his breath and goes back to staring at his twirling fingers. "Though I do not want you to miss your lessons."
I feel myself frown at the mention of this. Every weekend Ganondorf forces me into various physical activities. It is mostly fighting techniques, gymnastics (this really helps my flexibility), and taking three-mile runs. He always wants me in the best of shape, and sometimes I don't mind because I like the idea of being able to defend myself, but it is still very strenuous work.
Arguing with Ganondorf on this matter is definitely something I don't want to do and I desperately try to think of something to help my point.
However, I find that I don't have to as Ganondorf releases a defeated sigh and looks back up at me. "Fine, you can go," he grumbles and rolls his eyes, "I'm not going to put a time limit on you this time because I can't afford to give you another bruise, and, besides, I'm not in the mood to destroy you."
At this he chuckles as if it was some hilarious joke, though my joy of getting to go tomorrow lets me ignore his inconsiderate comment.
"But," he continues in a stern voice, his laughter suddenly cutting off short. "I don't want that boy coming to this house. You can meet up or something but he isn't getting anywhere near here, understand?"
I nod enthusiastically, resisting the urge to smile, while holding his demanding gaze. Just think, I'll be out of the house with Link all day and missing his lessons, what luck!
"I don't care when you leave or when you get back tomorrow, so don't even bother telling me when you are going," he explains with a bored yawn, his strict manner dying. "I'll be up late and I don't want to be pestered by your high-pitched voice."
Unable to restrain myself any longer, I grin and say, "Yes, Ganondorf, thank you."
He grumbles something like "Uma…" and waves me away with his hand. I immediately leave the room and quietly close the door. Outside, relief and excitement soars through me and I release the biggest grin, something very rare to find after an encounter with Ganondorf.
With a slight skip in my step, I make my way to my room and pull out my phone. It takes me a few seconds to find Link on my contacts list, but I soon dial his number and listen to the shrill ring.
It is suddenly cut off when I hear his familiar voice say, "Hello?"
"Hey, Link," I greet, the smile evident in my tone, "It's Zelda."
Author's Note
Only twelve days since the last update! That isn't too bad compared to last time! Hopefully I'll be able to keep (or improve) my relatively speedy pace.
Yes, not all that much of fluff in this one but please don't be mad at me. Love is the furthest thing on Zelda's mind! However, next chapter should be lots of fun. Nothing more romantic than museums, huh?
And I wish to thank my marvelous beta readers once more! So many thanks to the amazing Legend of Zelda 4 Life (or LoZ4L so I can say it quicker, haha) and our ninja friend, Canada Cowboy. (Sorry CC, you won't get the "ninja" part.)
I also like to thank all of my reviewers, favoriters, and alerters! (Okay, those cannot be real words!) 14 reviews in only two chapters! That is pretty darn good for me! Special thanks to MythCreatorWriter, a very good friend of mine!
Alright, enough of me rambling!
~~Wave~~