Chapter 10: The Aftermath

"I can't believe it's been one month since Midgar's rebellion. It's already turning into autumn. Time seems to flow faster recently; it's so surreal."

The young beautiful girl named Zelda stood near the harbor of the town looking over towards the sea on the horizon. She became lost in her own thoughts as the ocean breeze softly caressed her soft skin. Her mind had seemed to ponder all of the events of her life ever since that fateful encounter.

"I'm glad the island is safe, but I can't help but feel bad for Midgar and his followers. All they ever wanted was to return to the land of our fathers," she thought as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "This is my home either way, to protect, always."

"Hey Zel! What are you doing?"

The young blond was brought out of her thoughts by Kain who stood next to her leaning on a pair or crutches eyeing her with uncertainty.

"Oh, Kain, sorry," she chuckled, "I guess I got distracted. How is your healing process coming along?"

The young soldier stared at his crutches and sighed. "Well, for a couple of broken ribs and other bones, not bad. Either way, one month having to use these things irritates me."

Zelda smiled and pointed at his crutches. "It's a must if you want to get better."

"Yeah yeah," he waved it off.

The young girl giggled and grabbed the shopping basket she had with both hands. "Thanks for helping me with the shopping by the way. I really appreciate it."

Kain shook his head. "Not a problem. Why don't you let me escort you home?"

"Kain," she frowned, "you know it's almost a half an hour walk. You are in no condition to make that trip. In reality, you're not supposed to even be outside."

The soldier grunted in frustration. "I guess it can't be helped then. Be careful though."

Zelda smiled and nodded. "I will. Thank you Kain."

The teen half smiled and nodded as well.

Zelda walked through the small market section of the town making her way towards the tropical forest trail that would lead to her house. She gazed at the people going about their daily routines without a care in the world and she was thankful for living in such a peaceful place. It was amazing how the people's attitudes had changed in such a short amount of time. It was all thanks to him.

"Zelda deary, how are you?" an elderly woman who stood behind a fruit stand spoke.

Zelda looked at the woman and smiled. "Good morning Mrs. Rossette," she bowed slightly.

"How are things my dear?"

"Good, I was just out for some shopping," she raised her shopping basket as proof of her claim.

The elderly woman nodded and smiled. "And tell me dear, how is Link? It's been one month already."

Zelda automatically frowned. "Link…"

"Link had been poisoned by Midgar's rapier during his fight one month ago. He was quickly taken to the clinic and was treated, but we had underestimated the power of that poison. Link fell into a coma and hasn't woken since. After two weeks I decided to take him back home where I could properly take care of him. Since then, I've been avoiding work so I can tend to him. Luckily, Ms. Crystalis had allowed me to take a vacation taking into consideration my present status. I really can't thank her enough for that. Still, Link's condition hadn't really changed and I can't help but feel partly responsible for that."

"Zelda dear?" Mrs. Rossette waved her petite hand in front of Zelda snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Well, he hasn't shown any signs of waking up, but I'm sure he will soon," Zelda managed to lie with a fake smile plastered on her face.

"I see… well, take this," she handed Zelda a shiny red apple, "in case he wakes up today."

"Thank you Mrs. Rossette. I will make sure to give it to him."

The elderly woman nodded. "Remember dearie, we are all rooting for him. He will pull through."

"I know," Zelda smiled, "thanks again." She waved and continued on her way home.

The walk back home was a silent one as Zelda continued to think about the incapacitated boy sleeping in her house. Link never had been an easy person to deal with, but even so she couldn't help but care deeply for him.

"That first day he arrived on the island… it was like a dream, unreal. I walked back from the town after a long day's work and decided to relax on the beach behind my house and watch the sunset when there he was… lying on the sand. At first I couldn't believe my eyes. How could a boy I've never seen just be laying there in front of me? I couldn't quite comprehend how he managed to pass the barrier but it didn't matter at that time. He was almost dying and I had to do something. Somehow he survived, I knew he was a strong willed person and boy was I right," she paused and smiled to herself, "he gave me such a hard time with his stubbornness. All he would ever mention was the power… the power this and the power that… he really got himself into some serious trouble with everyone in the town. Getting on Darien's bad side was a really horrible thing to do. It wasn't all laughs though… who would have thought so many problems would arise… especially with Midgar and his rebellion. Everything turned out fine though… mostly I guess. "

She reached her house sooner than she had expected and quickly rushed up the stairs towards her room after placing the groceries on the kitchen counter. "What I don't understand is this inner conflict I've had ever since we were apart all this time." She opened the door to her room and stared at the sleeping teen on her bed. "Link…" she whispered as she neared him.

"You've really caused a big impression on me you evil mercenary," she spoke towards him not really expecting a response. Her smile faded as she ran her hand through his hair. "I hope you wake up soon Link." Without thinking she suddenly felt herself leaning closer towards him. Her lips barely brushed his when the sounds of the waves breaking outside snapped her out of her trance. She quickly stood up straight, her face completely flushed. "Wha… what was I thinking?!" She shouted while covering her mouth in embarrassment. "I better go wash some clothes!" she ran towards the door and suddenly stopped to look at Link once more. "Sorry!" she bowed.

It was the beginning of new feelings for the young girl and as time flew by little did she realized it would change her life forever.

The following morning came around. The town was as lively as ever with the people going about their business buying, selling, working, cleaning or just enjoying themselves. The Elder walked slowly through the streets of the town with his hands behind his back enjoying the rays from the morning sun. He would stop every now and then on his way towards the clinic to greet some of the townsfolk.

He eventually arrived at his destination; a large building with a big red sign that read "Clinic" with a small drawing of a needle below it. He entered and greeted the young girl who stood at the front desk with a smile before continuing down the halls towards one of the back rooms.

"Good morning Darien," he spoke cheerfully as he came across the Guard Squadron's general who sat up on one of the clinic's beds looking out the window with a sour look on his face.

"Elder… 'good' is not a word I would use right now," he mumbled with a hint of annoyance.

"Every day is a blessing of the Goddesses. Learn to appreciate it more."

The gruff man turned to stare at the Elder with the same unhappy look. "It is really hard to stay cheerful when you have to stay on a hospital bed for a month because of some flesh wound."

The Elder slowly sat on a chair near the bed and stared at his bandaged shoulder. "Flesh wound, eh? I can understand the true cause of your indignation. Believe me Darien he had no choice but to do it."

"No choice?! That outsider took advantage of my trust and on top of that he stabbed me!" the injured man shouted.

The Elder shook his head. "He was under Midgar's leash; he only tried to make it seem as if he was against us. The Goddesses know what would have happened if he hadn't saved us."

Darien sighed and turned away. "Well, he better not die. Not until he answers to me."

The Elder smiled. He knew that was Darien's way of slowly accepting him, but he knew it wouldn't be that easy.

Zelda suddenly appeared on the doorway carrying a basket full of fruits. "Am I interrupting anything?" she asked with a sheepish smile on her face.

"Zelda dear," the Elder smiled, "what do we owe this surprise visit?"

The young girl entered the room and placed the basket on a nearby drawer. "I came to check up on Mr. Darien," she turned towards the big man and smiled sincerely. "So how are you feeling?"

Darien was taken aback by her sudden appearance. "I… well… I'm healing just fine. Thank you for your concern Ms. Harkinian."

"I'm glad!"

"Zelda dear," the Elder began, "how is young Link doing?"

"He still hasn't woken up. But I think he's getting better!"

The Elder smiled and nodded. "I'm sure of that as well."

Just then, the clinic's doctor appeared through the door with a small bottle on his hand. He was a middle aged average looking man with dark hair wearing a white coat and a large pair of glasses.

"Ms. Harkinian! Good to see you again," he spoke.

"Oh! Doctor Kilov, good to see you too," the young blonde bowed slightly.

"Yes, can you do me a favor?" he inquired.

Zelda stared at him uncertainly. "Um, sure, what can I do for you?"

"I need you to take this medicine to Kain for me. It should help heal his broken leg faster," he handed the small vial to her.

The young girl looked at the medicine and back at the doctor. "I don't mind but why me?"

The doctor walked towards the door. "Well, aren't you guys an item or something? I'm counting on you!" he said before disappearing down the hallway.

"I'm not..." she sighed and turned back towards the Elder who held an all knowing look.

"What?" she asked.

The Elder shook his head. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with. You better get that medicine to Kain. Do you know where he lives?"

"Yea," she nodded, "he lives in a small house just north of the town. I'll get going then."

The Elder watched her leave the room before turning back towards Darien. "Youth, eh?"

"Kain, I have a bone to pick with him," the commander said as he sank back into his bed, "his last words to me were 'better to have to deal with crutches than to spend a whole month in this hell hole of a clinic. Sucks to be you Commander.'"

The Elder laughed. "That's the new generation for you."

"Why would anyone think Kain and I are together?" Zelda thought to herself as she walked towards the northern exit of the town, "we're just friends, nothing else." An image of the Elder's smile caused her blush slightly. "Ah! What do they know?!"

The young blond continued walking through the trees, lost in her own thoughts, until she reached a small wooden cabin deep in the forest. She stared at it for a little bit remembering all the times she would come over as a child to play with Kain. Her childhood was a good one despite her losing her parents at a small age, just like Kain. They each helped the other in their times of need. Kain would take care of Zelda whenever she was ill and Zelda would sometimes cook for him in return. Zelda often wondered what would have become of her if Kain wasn't there.

"Well, better get him the medicine."

"Kain," Zelda called out as she opened the door to his cabin, "are you home?"

The small wooden house was composed of a small kitchen, dining room, and living room cramped into a small space, and a single bedroom in the back. The walls were decorated with a few family portraits from when he was younger; some were of him and Zelda as kids. A feeling of nostalgia overcame the girl as she looked around the cabin. After all, it had been almost four years since her last visit.

Kain sat in a small wooden rocking chair writing something down in what seemed like a journal. He noticed Zelda enter the house and quickly hid the notebook.

"Zelda!" he quickly stood up with his crutches, "what are you doing here?" he asked with a nervous chuckle.

The young blond placed her hands behind her back and leaned forward with a mischievous smirk. "What are you writing there?"

Kain looked back at the journal, picked it up, and hid it under a cushion. "Nothing much! Just reading some reports from the squadron," he brushed it off.

Zelda raised an eyebrow at him but dismissed it. "If you say so."

"So what brings you here?" he asked as he made his way towards the kitchen.

"Ah!" Zelda reached into her pocket and took out the small medicine. "Dr. Kilov trusted me with this. He said it should help you recover quicker."

Kain took the small vial and eyed it suspiciously. "Why didn't he just give me this sooner?"

"Who knows?" the girl replied while sitting on the dining room table.

"Now that you're here, why don't you have some tea? I'm not bad at making it," Kain offered.

Zelda nodded in response. "Sure," she looked away for a moment, "I was looking at the pictures. It's been some time since I've come here."

"Not much has changed," he said as he prepared the tea kettle.

"Do you remember whenever we went by ourselves at night to catch fireflies?"

Kain chuckled at the memory. "Sure I do. We would often get lost in the forest and then you would be too scared to move."

Zelda smiled. "I remember. You had to practically carry me back home. And then your parents would give us a scolding."

"Yeah… my parents," Kain became lost in thought and Zelda quickly noticed.

"Oh Kain… I'm sorry."

"It's ok, don't worry about it."

Silence overcame the two as they each reminisced on their childhood and all the memories they shared.

"Damn!"

Zelda snapped out of her thoughts when she noticed Kain reaching for a cabinet door. "What are you doing?"

"Damn crutches… they don't let me reach the tea leaves," he cursed as he stretched his arms towards the upper cabinet.

Zelda giggled and made her way towards him. "Here, let me help you."

"No way, I got it."

"Don't be so stubborn."

"Hey watch it!"

As they struggled to get the tea leaves Kain suddenly slipped and fell backwards with Zelda landing right on top of him.

"Ouch," he mumbled, "you ok?"

"Yeah."

Both teens stared at each other and their faces quickly flushed in embarrassment. Zelda began feeling the same as she had the previous night when she had almost kissed Link. Unfortunately, it wasn't something she could control and without realizing, both of them began leaning closer towards each other.

"Zelda… get off," Kain whispered softly, almost as if lost in some sort of trance.

"Then let go of me…" she whispered back.

Their faces were barely millimeters away from each other when Zelda suddenly yanked back. "What am I doing?!"

Kain quickly stood up as well. "Um," he turned towards the stove trying to hide his red face, "I better get the tea started."

"Yeah," Zelda replied as she walked back towards the table. "What is wrong with me?" she thought in utter embarrassment, "this isn't like me at all."

Kain finished the tea and poured it in two cups. He walked towards Zelda and handed her one.

"Thank you," she said; her voice barely a whisper.

The young soldier sat on the table across from her and allowed the silence to overcome the room again. It took some time for the two teens to regain their composure.

Zelda took a sip of the tea and smiled. "It's good."

"I told you," he smiled back as he finished his drink. "Say, Zelda?"

"Yes?"

"You know, the Harvest festival is coming up next month. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me," he asked with a hint of nervousness.

Zelda's eyes widened and she blushed once more. "Me? I… can't… I have to take care of Link."

Kain noticed her empty cup and took it from her. "It's Link we're talking about. I'm sure he'll be up and about soon," he said as he washed the cups in the dishwasher. "So how about it?"

The young girl fidgeted with her hands nervously before nodding slowly. "Ok, I'll go with you, IF Link is awake by then."

"Sounds like a deal," Kain smiled as he dried his hands.

Zelda smiled at him before turning towards the window. "It's late. I better get going. Thanks for the tea, it was wonderful."

"No problem," the young soldier said, "be careful out there."

"I will," she opened the door and smiled back at Kain for a brief moment before leaving.

The raven haired teen took a deep breath and exhaled before walking back towards his journal. He picked it up and opened the page he was last at. He looked through the words carefully as his thoughts drifted away towards one person.

It's amazing how much can change in just four years. Times are not like they used to anymore and feelings are not the same either. Now I can't seem to recall feeling the same as I used to before I left to train as a soldier. To be honest, I don't think I'm the same little kid who struggled to survive without his parents. The only reason I did survive was because of her, the little girl who would always come to keep me company whenever I was lonely, the girl who gave me a reason to live when everything seemed hopeless, the girl who is now a strong and beautiful woman. I can't hide the feelings I have anymore. It's only a matter of time before these words reach her: "Zelda… I love you…"

Zelda reached her home and walked up the stairs. The scene from Kain's house kept replaying in her mind and it frustrated her. "Why did I do that? What's wrong with me? Is it possible I have feelings for Kain?" she kept trying to block the thoughts from her mind but to no avail. She opened the door to her room and gasped at the scene before her. Whatever thoughts haunted her suddenly disappeared without a trace.

"Link…?"

Link sat up on the bed with his messy golden hair softly petting a sleeping Kiro who rested on his lap. He was looking out the glass door of the balcony towards the bright sunset. The sun's rays made the scene seem ethereal for Zelda who stood in the doorway with tears slowly forming in her eyes. Link turned towards her and smiled sincerely. "Hi… Zelda."

A/N: I personally enjoyed this chapter a lot. Sorry in advanced for those who enjoy action over fluffyness but there will be more of that later on, trust me. Anyway, thank you all who reviewed the last chapter. I believe it was by far the best chapter yet, but hopefully it'll get better. Don't forget to keep reviewing; it truly helps me get motivated to keep on writing. Till next time!