Hey! X) This chapter isn't super up to standard, but I hope you enjoy it anyways. ;)
Impa clapped her hands heartily, a small smile breaking through her stern exterior. "That was an excellent piece, Zelda." She eyed my small journal before whipping out several sheets of lined paper. I recognized the grand staves with both the treble and bass clefs.
Regardless of whatever my teacher was cooking up, I smiled back and accepted her praise, "Thank you, Impa."
"Now we're going to write all those notes down," she allowed another small smile, this one more teasing than the first. She knew how much I disliked learning about music theory, but she insisted that I at least gain some exposure to it. She unearthed a pencil from her pocketbook and began writing some notes in the lines; as unversed as I was in music theory, I at least knew what the different notes meant.
Impa handed me the paper, and I saw that she had only done one measure, "This will be your homework, due the next time we meet again."
Groaning comically, I pouted. "But, Impa."
She just shook her head, "It better be done by next time, Princess."
"Fine," I grumble. Then, at Impa's command, I launch into another song that I had heard recently; it was a classical piece – not exactly my taste, but it was pleasing to the ear, I would admit. My fingers moved nimbly across the piano keys, taking flight as the piece progressed.
I played several more pieces in order for Impa to see how much progress I had made. Then, she gave me more sheet music, and I stuck my tongue out at her, "Really, Impa?"
Maintaining her stern expression, she nodded curtly, "Yes, Princess." By now, I had gotten used the Sheikah's rather harsh nature, knowing that deep down, she truly cared for me, just like how she did for Sheik. The class had gone way too quickly, in my opinion, yet I put on a smile when Impa moved to the door. "See you soon, Zelda," she cracked a smile once more. She seemed to be doing that a lot recently.
I waved, "Bye, Impa…" I saw her off and then stepped back inside, sinking down on the couch in the living room and kicking my feet up on the coffee table. Feeling restless, I attempted to watch some of the trash on TV, but I couldn't stomach it. I kept feeling something inside me tell me to head over to the "ghetto." I honestly couldn't even remember the proper name for that part of town at this point.
Finally, getting annoyed at the voice in my head, I stood abruptly and walked out the door briskly, sending a brief text to Midna. I wasn't quite sure where she was, actually. If she knew where I was going, however, she would put a stop to my plan, and I couldn't let that happen. I had to find out what was going on in the ghetto. There were so many different pieces to this puzzle-mystery-thing that my head spun when I thought about it.
Heading outside and grabbing my heavy winter coat, I noticed that the sky was still a light blue; hopefully, I would have enough time to go and come back before dark. I hadn't brought anything with me except my phone in my pocket and my key, also in my pocket. I was wary of this area of Castle Town, and I wasn't about to get pickpocketed or robbed. People here could be rather shady; I trusted no one except my family and school friends.
Passing a row of tiny shops with shifty-eyed owners, I shuddered, always glancing behind me. It felt like someone was following me, no joke, and I felt the skin at the back of my neck prickle so I snuggled deeper into my warm coat.
Voices could be heard in the alley, increasing in volume at a rapid pace. I knew better than this; I really did, but somehow, I found myself peering around the corner of a dilapidated drug store (the same one Zant and his crew were hanging around) and listening to the argument at hand.
"Groose – You know I need this! You're literally controlling the fate of my sister, and you find it funny, you sick, twisted jerk!" one person growled; I could practically hear the anger and hatred in the man's voice.
The other person (Groose?!) responded with a mean laugh, "I know, Link –" … WHAT?! … "You really don't know how much I'm enjoying this right now…"
The first thought that ran through my head was – Link has a sister? Second, Groose is controlling Link's sister's fate? I decided not to interfere unless something really terrible happened, hoping to catch some more information on Link, his life, and what he had to do with Groose.
"You are terrible – Sick, twisted, sadistic," Link seethed through clenched teeth, exerting a ton of effort in order to control his voice.
Leaning against the vandalized wall of the drug store covered in graffiti, I sank to my knees in shock; I wasn't even sure what was going on anymore, beginning to regret wanting to know more about the ghetto. I should've just stayed home where I was safe, as was my brain. Now, it threatened me, telling me to get the heck outta there before it exploded. And believe me – I really didn't need a mushy brain. … What was I thinking?
A figure materialized from next to me, emerging from the shadows; I jumped back quickly, throwing up my hands to try to defend myself – like I'd be able to do that. Maybe I could just yell really loud and have Link come to my rescue. Before I could do anything at all (thanks, mushy brain – sarcasm noted, I hope), the figure pulled down his cowl, his red eyes burning into me and his lips twisting into a smirk. "Hi, Zelda…"
…
No…
Sheik?
This was officially my weirdest day ever.
"I'm guessing I wasn't supposed to hear that," I stated frankly, eyeing him coolly.
He shook his head, "Nope – you really weren't. Might I ask why you're in this area of town? Haven't I told you before that you shouldn't stay around here and to get out of here as humanly possible? No matter – I have to go help my best friend." With that, he took off to the alley, joining Link.
In the distance, I could have sworn that I saw Tetra with her crew and Link's doppelganger, Dark, as I learned his name was; either way, I wasn't willing to trust my brain at this point (yes, I said it!) so I just remained on the ground where I was, crouched next to the wall.
The owner of the store kept staring at me openly, making me feel very uncomfortable. His eyes trailed all over my body, and I began inching away from the store slowly, unknowingly backing into the alley. There, all three guys – Link, Sheik, and Groose – were torn away from their fight to look at me where I was on the ground, inching away from the drug store.
Wordlessly, Link and Groose began struggling to try to offer me a hand to stand up. Instead, Sheik tossed me a knowing glance and helped me up easily while the other two were arguing. His red eyes flickered from the drug store to me and back again. "Ah," he said simply, nodding at me.
Sighing, I smiled a little bit, "Thanks…"
"No problem – and you should probably go now," Sheik stated knowingly, glancing at Link and Groose briefly.
I tapped Link on the shoulder lightly and waved at them. "Bye –" then, I took the cowardly way out and ran as fast as I could… which wasn't that fast at all. Either way, they didn't pursue me, which was a good sign.
Still, the questions in my head were buzzing, zapping all my brain power, and multiplying. The ground was so dirty, and a terrible stench filled my nose; other stimuli assaulted my senses, and I wrinkled my nose. The snow here was so dirty, already melting some, and I avoided several puddles of… something. I didn't even want to take a guess at what that something was…
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Tetra and one of her crew (Gonzo?). They seemed to be trailing something or someone, but I wasn't sure what. Regardless, I knew that my escapade had to end; so, I began walking home, eager to get out of this crazy place.
Reaching for my key, I unlocked the door to my house and was greeted by Midna. "You crazy girl!" she exclaimed, "Where were you?!"
Shrugging, I replied easily, "Looking for something I lost…" my brain… my sanity…
"Oh," Midna responded, "What were you looking for?"
Answers… clues… Link… my peace of mind… I began fumbling with my words, stuttering, "Uh… well, I left my notebook somewhere…" I stated – I wish I could claim that I had said it smoothly, but I couldn't.
Midna raised a brow but decided to let it go. "OK – Um, Mom and Dad had a meeting so Zant and I ordered in take out. You're good with Chinese?"
"Sure," I nodded even though I'd already had pizza just a little bit before.
"Alright; let's hurry up before Zant gets to it all," Midna laughed. We stepped into the dining room and sat down.
Zant had already opened his container of chicken chow mein, taking a hearty bite of his noodles. He shoved several other containers across the wooden table.
My mouth watered, and I didn't hesitate to join in, grabbing my own container of beef and broccoli and shoveling a bite into my mouth. Midna watched the two of us, shaking her head slightly and fighting back a smile. Finally, her resolve crumbled, and she took her shrimp fried rice, eating it with gusto and vigor.
We didn't really talk during our meal, mostly just eating with the occasional downing of some water or soda. (I hated soda and refused to drink it.)
After our meal, we all sprawled out in the living room in front of the TV with huge tubs of ice cream; even though I really had no more room in my squished tummy, I forced myself to continue eating because the ice cream was just so good. "Oh my gosh – Zel, look," Midna exclaimed quickly, pointing at the screen.
Eyes fighting to focus yet blurring all the same, I tried to end my slouching, sitting up more. My eyes nearly popped out of my head at the sight before me on the screen. Dad, Mom, and a random blonde girl who looked like a total fake were all featured, and a bored news anchor is droning on and on about murder.
"Who died?" I questioned breathlessly, eyes never leaving the screen.
Zant didn't understand the significance of the people involved in the story, "All three of them, I think. I don't know – They got into a fight in the middle of the street; I guess they deserved it."
I had to fight back the shocked tears that clouded my eyes.
"ZANT!" Midna yelled, throwing her spoon at him. "Don't be so insensitive! They're Zelda's parents!"
Immediately, Zant sobered up, "Really? I'm so sorry, Zelda."
Shaking my head quickly, I responded, "Please stop. It's nothing. My parents never cared about me; now I can live with you guys, and they won't be able to stop me."
"But they were your parents," Midna protested halfheartedly.
"Exactly – they were my parents," I agreed, "but you guys are my family, and your parents are now my parents. To be honest, my parents stopped loving me a long time ago." I continued listening to the news report; apparently, both my parents and that girl were killed, and the murderer hadn't been found as of yet.
I couldn't help but feel slightly sad – not for the loss of Daddy and Mama; no, they had already died a long time ago. But, I mourned the time I had spent with Daddy and Mama, grieving that now we didn't have a chance any more. Now, no matter what, there was no way my parents would sober up and love each other again – love me again. My "foster parents" were now officially gone…
Slumping even further on the couch, I set my ice cream and spoon to the side, suddenly losing any interest in it.
No one attempted to speak after that, but Midna managed to gather the strength to change the channel to something less sensitive. We spent the rest of the time watching mindless cartoons until late into the night when the Willoughby couple returned home.
"What're you guys doing?" Aileen didn't look upset, just amused.
Midna sighed, "Have you guys seen the news yet?"
Confused, Dawson shook his head, "No… What's going on?"
"My parents were killed along with this other girl today, and the murderer hasn't been apprehended as of yet," I shrugged, already numb to the pain of losing my parents.
Both Aileen and Dawson almost dropped whatever they were holding. "What?" Aileen sputtered, eyes shocked.
"Can I go to bed?" I finally asked, unable to speak anymore. I felt tired... Too much had happened today, and I just wanted to curl up under the covers and never have to feel anymore.
Dawson looked about ready to say no, but Aileen lifted her hand. "Of course, Zelda; just give us a hug, and you can go. Do you want me to tell the school that you're sick tomorrow so you don't have to go in?"
I shook my head slowly, "No, I think I'll be fine… I just want to sleep."
Everyone gave me a hug; Aileen's was sweet and gentle; Midna's was comforting; Dawson's was secure, and Zant's was… well… Zant-ish… Then, I lugged my body up the staircase, flipping on the light switch upon entering the room Midna and I now shared. I grabbed my penguin pajamas and headed for the bathroom.
Gazing into the mirror, I was disgusted by myself. I felt fat and ugly in that moment; the girl in the mirror was so unpleasing to the eye that I forced myself to look away. When I brushed my teeth, I looked away from the mirror instead of looking at it like normal. I just couldn't.
Finishing up in the bathroom, I exited and lay down on my bed. Suppressing the urge to retch, I forced my eyes closed and cried to myself. I felt Midna's presence enter the room soon after, and she got ready for bed as well. Then, she crawled into her bed, falling asleep shortly after, chest rising and falling in a hypnotizing rhythm.
Shortly after, I envied her for I had no such luck. I felt so scared and alone in those few moments, wanting nothing more than to sleep and never wake up. Yet, when sleep finally came upon me, it was not a friend but a foe. Nightmares pursued my peace of mind, and I found myself restless and scared. I dreaded the morning because I wasn't getting any rest. I was going to be a zombie at school the next day.
Finally falling asleep at around 3 AM, I didn't feel that well. I wanted to continue sleeping, but Midna helped wake me, thanks to her shower, the water pelting the glass from within the bathroom. Rising from my own bed slowly, I ended up dressing and getting ready for the day in a haze. Nothing felt real.
The walk to school was hard; Midna attempted to make conversation, but it ended in failure as I wasn't really ready to speak. Now, the city seemed lonely; normally, my walk to school was my most favorite part of the day.
People bustled past me and Mid, but they felt cold, icy. I shivered involuntarily, never actually thinking that the cold might be from the winter air, not the people around me. The sludge covering the ground just seemed so depressing to me, and I kicked at it halfheartedly. My eyesight seemed to have gotten worse overnight as well – I almost bumped into a lamppost.
At school, I made sure to avoid everyone. No one was safe in my book, except for Mr. Rauru. Groose tried to talk to me, but I simply shoved him away. Malon just couldn't understand my pain. She had everything in life that she ever wanted; the only thing she lacked was her mother, but at least she still had her father. Now, I had neither. The Willoughby family was kind, but they couldn't completely fill that void in my heart. They had their own places in my heart.
The one person that actually was able to get through to me that day was surprisingly Tetra. On my way out of ancient Hylian history, she grabbed my arm. "Zelda – Hey, are we still on for laser tag today?" she questioned. Her blue eyes probed me searchingly, and I felt compelled to nod my head.
"Yeah," I reassured her. My free period was spent in the library, helping out some girl, Saria, put away books. She was nice and didn't talk to me much; all she did was be there, and that was good enough for me.
I spotted Link and Sheik several times in the hall but did nothing to pursue a conversation with them. In fact, I didn't even look them in the eyes. I knew something about Link that I wasn't sure I wanted to know. Groose was blackmailing Link? I still was confused about that.
I almost fell asleep in my classes, and even the new algebra teacher, Nabooru, noticed. She spoke to me after class, but I lied, saying that nothing was wrong. The whole school day went by so slowly, and I was relieved when it was over.
Midna and I headed home for a bit before we met everyone else at the pizza place at around 5 o'clock. Everyone was there: Malon, Tetra, Dark, Tetra's entire crew, Link, Sheik, and the football gang. I obviously felt very uncomfortable with the football people, scooting into the corner of a booth near the back.
Rusl nodded at me knowingly, glancing at everyone else. Did he know about my parents? I knew that I didn't want sympathy, but what did I want? More than once, I caught Link's eyes on me. He didn't even bother disguising the fact that he was watching me. He just did…
I felt completely overwhelmed and wanted to just sleep, yet I felt like I owed Tetra this one time. I basically had to drag myself through the meal, only speaking when spoken to and barely that. Soon, everyone had paid up, and we headed out to the laser tag arena. This was something I could actually get excited for, though. I loved laser tag.
While we were walking, I kinda drifted toward the back, feeling uncomfortable around the football guys. They were loud… very loud… They were so loud that I wanted to cover my ears, but that would be slightly rude. Midna and Malon were chatting together, and Tetra and Dark were having friendly banter with their crew. Even Link was speaking to this other dude. I didn't even feel left out; I was tired.
"Are you alright?" It was Sheik.
I didn't want to really talk to him, but I also didn't want him to be worried about me. "Uh, yeah, I suppose so…" I shrugged, kicking at the cement ground aimlessly.
"Zelda…" he stated. "I know something's wrong. You're normally happier."
"I'm fine, Sheik," I stated firmly. "What about Link's sister? Aren't you going to ask me what I heard about her? I was there, you know, and I know you saw me." I tried to steer the conversation away from me.
Sheik immediately sobered. "Yeah… Um, Zelda – about that, I think you know already that you can't speak about that. It's something that wasn't meant for your ears; you just so happened to hear it. Can we have your confidence about the whole thing?" he asked.
Sighing, I was in no mood to argue, "Fine…" I paused. "But… Can I at least know more?"
"Link's little sister is very sick, and Link has been getting this drug from Groose so that she can survive. It's an illegal one, but it's very effective, and she hasn't had to go back to the hospital in a while," Sheik continued. "There's nothing except for this drug that can help her; she's slowly dying, Zelda, and this is the only thing that's giving her a shot at life."
Even in the hazy state my mind was in, I could grasp what Sheik was trying to convey. If I said something, Link's little sister might be deprived of her drug. That could possibly kill her. My lips were sealed. "I'll keep quiet, Sheik," I promised with a nod.
Not quite looking me in the eye, he responded, "I speak for both Link and his little sister when I say this, but thank you, Zelda."
Nodding, I replied, "I wouldn't betray any of you. That's a promise."
"We appreciate that," Sheik answered. Then, he fell strangely silent, and I began thinking deeply, trying to ignore the deep pain that was currently arising in my stomach.
"How many of us are there?" Tetra questioned, taking charge immediately as soon as we arrived at the laser tag arena.
I shook my head quickly, "Count me out. I don't feel super well." My stomach was doing flips, and I instantly regretted those slices of pizza.
"Are you feeling OK, Zel?" Midna asked worriedly.
Shaking my head, I responded, "I think I may just go home. I want to sleep. Sorry, Tetra. Maybe we can do something some other time. I just haven't been feeling very well recently."
Today was officially my worst Friday ever.
Link was by my side instantly. "I'll walk you home."
The football guys looked at him like he was crazy while Sheik just nodded knowingly. "Go, Link. I'll catch you later," Sheik stated easily.
"I'm fine, really. I am perfectly capable of walking myself home," I said simply, moving away from the group.
"Not to say that I don't believe you, Zelda, but what if I want to walk you home?" Link questioned while quirking a brow at me.
Sighing, I nodded, eager to get away from here. As much as I loved laser tag, I wanted to get away as soon as possible. Malon and Midna both looked as though they were going to explode. They made phone signals, and I just nodded once more.
"Let's go, Zelda," Link took hold of my elbow and steered me away from the arena. He waved at his buddies before we took off, headed for the Willoughby home.
Although feeling completely awkward, I also felt obligated to make conversation. "So, what have you been up to now that football season is over?" I questioned.
"Well, I've been kinda resting for this season; I'm thinking about possibly joining the fencing team this spring, though," Link responded.
We crossed the street, and the image on Willoughby TV imprinted itself on my mind. I shivered, seeing only my parents in the street, a faceless murderer getting away, gun in hand. "That sounds cool," I stated lamely, not really meaning it. I wanted to get away from the street.
Fortunately for me, Link was the perfect gentleman, walking on the side of the sidewalk closest to the street, "I love fencing; I'd always been fascinated with those legends of the Heroes and the Princesses. It just seemed so unreal that one guy had gone and defeated evil and saved Hyrule. When I was little, my grandma got me this little wooden sword, and it was my everything. I loved it so much. I wonder where it is now."
My eyes lit up at the mention of Hylian lore. "I love the legends too." At that moment, my stomach felt so upset, yet I persisted in making it back to my home and talking with Link all the while. For several moments, I felt like I would faint, but thankfully, I caught myself and was able to pass it off as clumsiness.
"Which house is yours?" Link questioned as we finally arrived at my street at a row of houses.
I pointed to the two story house with the white picket fence, "That one," I responded. Aileen was just arriving home from some function as well, and she waved at me.
Link raised a brow, obviously not knowing that I had moved in with the Willoughby family. "Hi, Mrs. Willoughby," he called.
"Hi, Link, Zelda," Aileen smiled. "Zelda, what're you doing back home so soon? Midna said that the two of you had gone with some friends to the pizza place and then to the laser tag arena." She paused from where she was standing by the door.
"I don't feel too good," I answered, placing a hand over my tummy. "I just want to go lie down," I stated; my head was pounding, and I didn't feel any better. Turning to the side, I retched, immediately wishing I hadn't.
Yet, even so, Link held back my hair, rubbing circles into my back soothingly. "You should go to bed, Zelda." He gently picked me up after I was done retching in the quiet street. Aileen opened the door with her key and walked Link and me to the spare bedroom, which was soon going to become my room.
I was stuck in between worlds – one of sleep and nightmares; one of consciousness and nightmares. It was cruel to even force me to choose between the two. They were both so painful.
But, even as I went to sleep, I could sense Link's presence. He brushed a piece of blonde hair away from my face, kissing my cheek softly. It felt comforting, warm. But it still wasn't enough to bring me out of my nightmare of a life. It wasn't enough to jolt me awake. And it certainly wasn't enough to end my numbness.
I awoke to my pillow drenched with tears. No, it didn't end my pain.
Well... That was Chapter 7 of Hey. Poor Zelda... X( I feel terrible, but I feel that this is the way things must go for her now... Also, I changed the summary (AGAIN xD)... I just felt that this one better reflects the nature of this story and better alludes to several major trials in Zelda's life.
So, I hope you enjoyed this chapter; please let me know what you think by reviewing or PMing me. I appreciate everything you guys do. ;-) That said, if you feel so inclined, please do drop a review down below. ^^ This story is going to be the death of me. I was ready to throw my laptop out the window while writing a general outline of where I want this to go. :\ But it's worth it. X)
I hope I've responded to all your reviews (at least people with profiles), but thank you for all your reviews anyway! ;) AND ZELDA'S HAIR IS NOW BLONDE; I'VE CHANGED MY MIND WITH THE HELP OF MY SISTER. (She might help me make a graphic novel version of some of the scenes ^^) I'll edit when I get around to it.
LOVE! and *smiles* :D
~Elsie
Total Word Count:
4,384
