Hello! Just finished this chapter literally two minutes prior to posting. I'm just so excited about this one for some reason.
This one is a bit longer, but I think it is one of my favorites so far. :)
Without further ado, here is chapter ten.
Cheers.
I wake to an earthquake.
Rather, I wake to Karane shaking my shoulders violently and saying my name over and over.
I groan. I wasn't ready for this kind of morning with the little amount of sleep I got the night previous.
"Zel! What were you doing out until almost two in the morning? Don't you know what a curfew is? Also," she sits up on her knees, setting her hands in her lap, and ads in a more serious tone, "how did you get past the hall monitors?"
"Do I really have to answer all of those demanding questions less than five minutes after being woken up very violently?" I sit up reluctantly to stretch, rubbing my eye with the palm of my hand, and yawning for added emphasis. Karane simply slaps my arm from my face and shoots me a dangerous look.
"Spill. Now."
"Fine," I comply. I tell her I was out at the endless waterfall, I conveniently leave out the fact that I met my mother there, came up with a plan to defeat Ghirahim that involves quite a lot of violence, and got distracted from needed sleep by Link. She didn't need to know that. Not yet, at least. She gave me another look. One that says she knows I am not telling the whole truth. I heave a sigh.
"And I went with Link. Happy no—"
"You WHAT?" Her eyes looked about to pop from their sockets. I cower into my bed as far away as it will take me from her inner girl, now very much outer, bursting over the dam. She takes my face and makes sure I look her right in the eyes.
"Tell me everything."
I start to blush. I've never been one to indulge in the gossip lifestyle, and probably never would if Karane wasn't my friend. I never found any interest in it. Partially because I never really had any friends who were girls on the surface, the other part must be the Sheikah in me, to focus on the bare minimum I need to survive. Gossip is not something I considered necessary, quite the opposite.
But wasn't this something girls did with each other? Talk about their crushes or boyfriends, or something?
Maybe.
I tell her that he kissed me. Nothing more. She didn't need to know every last detail of my love life. She squealed such a high pitch that it almost made my ears ring.
"A little forewarning next time you reach eardrum damaging pitches?"
"No! You guys are—aw! You GUYS!"
I roll my eyes. She has stopped forming coherent sentences, and settled for sounds and expressions instead. I can't understand her after another few minutes. I roll reluctantly out of bed and change into my last outfit I brought with me from my room. I look in the mirror before heading out and braid my hair down my back. Karane is still making noises.
How on earth did I manage becoming friends with one of the girlish girls on this island? Yeah, I'm still asking myself that question.
Not that I don't like her, she just has a different approach at different topics. Namely, everything.
I smile, turning around to find her in the opposite corner of her room, pulling on a sweater.
"I'm heading down to breakfast," I say, acting as if the development between Link and me is old news, "do you want to come with?"
"Yes, just let me grab my shoes."
I fold my arms, leaning against the wall, and laying my head back. Now that I told her it happened, the news is going to spread like wildfire. I didn't think that one through before admitting to it.
Today could turn interesting very fast.
I need to find Link and apologize in advance.
Karane finishes tying the laces of her shoes and we make our way down to the kitchen and dining area. We meet up with Fledge in line and he sends me a knowing smile.
Whoa, the news is already out? Great.
The three of us grab our trays and find a place to sit. We see Link and Pipit sitting on the opposite side of the dining area. Making our way over, we get cut off by a red pompadour. Groose folds his arms in front of me, staring me down. I challenge him wordlessly, setting my lunch down on a neighboring empty table.
"Zellie," he says. I cringe. Why must he use that nickname? I hated it, mainly because that's the name Ghirahim used for me at one point in time, too.
"Hello Groose," I say with as much false pleasantry as I can muster. "What a fine day, isn't it?"
"I heard something about you that I don't like," he continues as if he hadn't heard me. I fold my arms, too.
"Oh?" I question.
"It had something ridiculous to do with you and Link. Is it true that you two are—?"
I quirk an eyebrow.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" I grab my breakfast and start to make my way around Groose when I feel his hand grip my arm and pull me close. I try to pull away, but can't while holding onto a full tray of food that could already be considered a balancing act by simply walking with it from 'Point A' to 'Point B'.
Yes, I have a hearty appetite. I inwardly smile at the inside joke.
"I would, actually," he says.
I look away. If this is the kind of effect my dating Link was going to have on other guys—them coming up to me and invading my personal space—I just might call it off with him. I inwardly laugh at my own hypocritical thoughts.
Then I look over Groose's shoulder to see Link making his way over here.
Nope, definitely not calling it off. He is worth the bubble invading jealous guys I will have to endure. If that's not self-confidence boosting, I don't know what is.
He stops right behind Groose and motions to keep quiet. I blink once in confirmation. He smirks and backs away slowly. I don't know what he has planned, but it must be good. I look back to Groose.
"I said I want to know what is going on between you and Link. Now spill, Zellie," he warned. Groose can be violent when he wanted to be, and apparently he is currently grumpier than a mother loftwing protecting her nest from intruders.
"Nope. Now," I continue in my fake-happy voice, "if you could move it along, I would like to eat my breakfast before the allotted time to do so has fully expired due to your idiotic need for information. Now, if you'll excuse me," I turn again to make my way to the table, when all of a sudden Link comes up from behind and grabs my hand.
Albeit, I'm more than a little surprised, I was quite happy when he laced our fingers together, whisking me away from the scene that was about to unfold, others notice my hand in Link's, too. I see a lot of fallen faces amongst the boys, and the girls' pure jealousy or sadness.
I can't say that I feel bad. Is that selfish? I'll think about it later. Right then, Link pulls out a chair for me to sit down on and we begin eating our breakfasts.
"Thanks for the save back there, Link," I whisper.
"My damsel was in distress. Can't have that. I also thought it would be a good, convenient, opportunity to announce our relationship to the whole cafeteria. And I got to hold your hand, so—" I slap his leg under the table, laughing.
"You can do that anytime!" I whisper back.
"Well, yeah, but to get every guy off of your back, I had to announce it somehow. So no one would sweep you off your feet."
"Well, Mr. Smooth, you did get every guy off of my back, but just as easily as they jumped off, the jealous girls jumped right on the 'let's-destroy-their-relationship' train." I look at him like it should be obvious that I'm not the only girl into him in this room. He raised his eyebrows.
"Oops," was all he said, granted he said it with the hint of laughter. I roll my eyes and begin eating my breakfast, smiling almost the entire time.
After the academic day, I lay on my bed, one leg over the other and resting up on the back wall. My hands are laced together on my stomach and I let the sun's rays warm my cold skin. It has been so long since the sun has been out from behind the clouds. It's still slightly too chilly to go outside and truly enjoy it, but I can settle with simply resting. It is finally the weekend. I got to sleep in this morning thanks to the headmaster's orders and feel very well rested. With a slow weekend coming up, things are looking up in my world.
Karane is taking a nap on her bed, hardly making a sound. I smile, reaching for my school bag. I figure I would get a start on my homework that is due Monday for History class. I whip out my book and begin to do the assigned reading when I hear a tap on my window. I look over to see a gigantic beak before returning to my book.
Then I do a double take. A giant beak?
I put my book to the side and walk over to the window. I see a magnificent Loftwing right outside with Link riding in its saddle. My jaw drops to the floor. I see him laughing, beckoning me to join him. He points to the ground and holds his hand up signaling five minutes. I give him a 'thumbs up' and he descends. Quickly I throw on a pair of shoes and a sweatshirt and I am out the door. Luckily I didn't need to wake Karane because there will be loads of people roaming the halls now that it is the weekend. Nobody is holed up in their rooms finishing last minute assignments.
Perfect.
I pull the hood of my sweatshirt over my head and start jogging down the hustle and bustle of the hallway. Skipping steps on my way down, I nearly run into Professor Owlan.
Unfortunately, all the staff are aware of my little situation. Personally, I would rather just deal with it myself, but they are on full alert for if Ghirahim shows up unexpectedly again.
"Hello, Zelda," he says in a soft voice. "How are you?" I hear the double meaning behind his simple greeting.
"I am doing well, sir, thank you. Taking things one at a time."
"As you should. Now where might you be off to?" He folds his hands behind his back.
"I am off to meet Link, sir," I say, blushing a little.
"Very good. Now off you go. Practice hard." He nods as if confirming what he just said, and heads up the stairs to do rounds.
I practically run out of the building, turn the corner and see Link standing next to his Crimson Loftwing.
He would have the only Crimson Loftwing known to existence. That just defines him.
As I get closer, I hear him laughing. He scratches his Loftwing's neck just below the beak and it gives a satisfied purr. I slow my approach and watch as they bond. It is something else. They are literally two halves to a whole. I stick my hands in the pockets of my hoodie to keep them warm. After a few minutes, Link looks up, blushing. He scratches the back of his neck.
"How long have you been there?" He's sheepish. Cute.
"Long enough. You take really good care of him," I note. He smiles.
"Thank you." He walks over to me and takes one of my hands from my pocket, leading me over to the bird.
"Zel, I'd like to introduce you to Kai. He has been my partner for years," he wraps his arm around my waist and leads my hand to Kai's beak. He stops it just short and lets Kai smell me, first. I think it helps having Link around and comfortable with me because instantly Kai is licking my hand. I smile and rub my hand over his beak. He purrs again.
"He likes you," Link whispers. I look at him and smile. He gives me a quick kiss and leans over to my ear.
"Now, how about a ride?"
My eyes widen as I take a deep breath. I hug him tightly.
"Really?" I squeak. He laughs.
"Really." He breaks off the hug to hold onto my hand and starts walking away from Kai.
What?
If he wasn't holding onto my hand I would have stopped following him. But knowing Link, he always has some purpose behind his actions. So I follow him.
Until we hit a boardwalk. That leads directly off of the safety of the island and into the cloud barrier hundreds of feet below us.
"Um," I begin, but Link isn't listening. He starts to genuinely smile as big as his face will let him. I get distracted for a few seconds before starting again.
"Link, what are you—"
"Run!" He yells, pulling me up on his back behind him in a piggy back. Straight for the drop off.
"LINK!" I scream, but he just continues to sprint, laughing. I watch as the wood underneath us blurs past. Then nothing. I begin to scream as Link brings his hands to his lips, whistling clearly. I hear a screech behind us. Turning my head, I see a red streak headed straight for us. Kai flies impressively fast.
He catches us before we even dropped thirty feet. I slide off of Link's back and onto Kai's, gripping onto Link's waist for dear life.
Thank goodness I'm not too afraid of heights, because this view, there is really nothing like it.
The sky is endless, clouds floating about, the barrier between us and the surface below, nothing above. I feel empowered. Link brings Kai close to a cloud and I run my hands through it. Link laughs. I could spend days listening to that laugh. I could spend days out here in the sky. Maybe even the rest of my life.
I wrap my arms around Link again, pressing close to him and feeling his warmth in the cool wind. I place my chin on his shoulder. Yeah, I could definitely spend the rest of my life out here.
After a while, the sun begins to set. Link points to a little island below us and begins his descent. Pulling Kai up just in time we land smoothly on the island. It was just a little fifteen foot patch of land, but perfect for our purposes. I see Link untying a few bags from Kai's saddle that I didn't see earlier. He opens one to unload some food. Until I saw it, I didn't realize how hungry I actually am. I grab it and immediately set to work on the sandwich. Link laughs, unraveling his own sandwich, and sitting down on the edge of the island, legs dangling and everything. I didn't grow up in the sky, so it takes me a bit to warm up to the idea of sitting literally on the edge of death.
Crazy sky people. I smile.
I sit down next to him slowly and scoot my way to the edge. He laughs.
"What?"
"I forget that you never grew up here in the sky. Sometimes I feel like I have known you my whole life," he takes another bite of his sandwich. I smile, taking a bite of mine.
"I know," I respond, "same here. I feel like I have known you forever. And somewhere in there I lived on the surface for a little while."
Link was silent for a while, eating his sandwich. I finished mine and stared out into the endless sky. He finishes his sandwich shortly after I do and places his hand on mine. I look over to him to see a curious expression on his face.
"What is it, Link?" His face softens.
"Would you ever consider living here permanently? In the sky?"
I ponder, looking out to the moving clouds again. I guess I have never really sat back and thought about it. Would I? Would I enjoy living here and settling down? Raising a family?
Wait. What? Where did that come from? I blush instantly.
"Maybe," I respond. "I guess I've never really thought about it."
"You should consider it," is all he says. The sun begins to set into the cloud barrier and Link stands up, holding his hand out to me. "Come on," he says, "the setting sun is our cue to leave. Kai can't fly at night," he adds in lieu of the expression I give him, laughing. I submit, grabbing his hand and letting him take me to Kai. Once we are settled on Kai's back, we lift off.
We make it half way back to Skyloft when a sudden air draft shoots us in a different direction. Link curses.
"What is it?"
"That draft threw us too far off course. We won't make it to Skyloft by the time the sun sets." He starts to look around and spots an island closer to us. "Don't worry," he said. "I know of a place we can crash for the night."
"Okay, I'll follow you," I laugh. He smiles and veers to the left.
"Good, otherwise that would be a long drop," he yells over his shoulder, then looks down over Kai's side to the clouds below. I slap his side.
"You would catch me!"
"Maybe after a few minutes," he ponders. I slap him again. He laughs.
We approach what looks like a floating orange pack of land. As we get closer, I am able to distinguish the outline of a pumpkin shaped building. Kai lands and we get off. As Link is grabbing the small travel bags off of Kai, I turn to take in my surroundings.
It looks like we landed literally in the middle of a pumpkin patch. I watch my step as I walk around a few pumpkins and onto the walking path. I read a sign that says "Welcome to the Lumpy Pumpkin".
"The Lumpy Pumpkin," Link sighs. "This place is great. They have some fantastic pumpkin soup and a fireplace in the main lobby. This is a restaurant and hotel combined business. I will say this," he adds, bringing his hand up as if he is about to disclose top secret information, "you want an upper level bedroom. The owner's younger kids like to make a fuss at night and play tag. Nothing like the pitter patter of little feet to keep you awake at night," he adds sarcastically. He grabs Kai's reigns and ties him up at a corral type barn just outside the main entrance. I take this opportunity to truly look at Skyloft from a distance.
I can just make out the lamps being lit in the distance, giving the island an ethereal glow. I also make out a Loftwing flying around the island. It must be a night guard to ensure that no one sleepwalks to their doom. I smile. I'm starting to think like a Skyloftian. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing if I live here. Link finishes tying Kai's reigns to the corral and takes my hand. He opens the door for me and I step inside. He shuts it behind me.
The first thing I think of is that Autumn barfed all over this place. Twice.
Oranges, browns, and yellows are the most prominent colors. There is a huge chandelier in the middle of the room and a grand staircase leading to the second floor. As I take in more details, I notice that the place is really very quaint. Link walks straight to the desk, and I follow. The worker behind the counter was working on something on the back bench, when he turns around and recognizes Link.
"Link, my boy! How are you this fine evening?"
"I am well, how are you, Pumm?" Link asks casually.
"Well enough, son, well enough." He reaches across the counter and shakes Link's hand, then turns his attention to me. "Who do we have here, Link?"
"This is Zelda," he says. "She is a transfer student new this year."
"Ah, how are you enjoying the sky, dear?"
"I like it, sir. It is beautiful."
"Sure is, isn't it?" He hums, smiling. "Now," he turns his attention between the two of us. "What can I do you for?"
"We need a room, actually. It's getting dark out and Kai hasn't gone through the night training course yet. If it's not too much trouble," Link adds. Pumm reaches for a heavy book underneath the counter and slamming it down with a thud. He begins flipping pages as Link and I exchange glances. He gives a soft, apologetic smile. I smile back as Pumm gives a victorious 'whoop'.
"I have exactly one room available, but," he pauses, "there is only one bed," he looks up and exchanges glances with us. I turn to Link, and blush. Link smiles and pulls out his wallet.
"That's fine, Pumm," he says, "How much?"
"Oh, didn't you hear? If you are a student at Sky and are a little late making it back, you can stay here for free. Better safe than sorry, the headmaster said."
I raise my eyebrows. Free? But this looks like such a nice place.
Before I can think anymore about it, Pumm grabs the key from underneath the counter and hands it to Link.
"I put the reservation under your name. I'll send a nighthawk to the headmaster saying you two are here. Enjoy your stay," he adds, and turns to put the book away. Link puts his travel bag back and turns to me.
"Dibs right side," he says walking toward the stairs. The feeling in my stomach increases tenfold. I don't move. Why am I so nervous? This is Link. He would never take advantage of me. He notices that I'm not walking with him and doubles back.
"Is this okay? I'm kidding about the right side, by the way. I figured I would sleep on the floor." He scratches behind his neck.
"No, no," I wave my hands in front of me furiously. "It's fine. You can sleep on the bed."
"Like I would make you sleep on the floor," he gives me a quick kiss on my cheek. "It's like you don't know me at all." He shakes his head and walks to the staircase. "Lucky for us, the room is on the second floor. No pitter patter of little feet for us." I follow closely behind. He turns to the door and puts the key in the tumbler. Turning it over, he opens it to let me in first and flips the lights on. The room is just as quaint as the lobby. It has its own fireplace, a queen size bed and a desk with a chair. A door leads to a patio just outside. Then I bring my attention back to the bed and blush.
"Link," I say, backing right into him. He wraps his arms around my stomach pressing his cheek to my forehead.
"What is it, Zel? Afraid I planned this so I could have my dastardly ways with you?" He laughs. I laugh lightly, butterflies in my stomach. He notices my less than sincere laugh.
"Seriously, Zel? You think that's why I did this?" He lets go of me, turning me on the spot and placing his hands on my shoulders. "You might not know it yet, but flying at night with an untrained Loftwing can only lead to someone's death," he puts extra emphasis on that last word. "The headmaster was smart making a deal with Pumm to get students inside for the night. Trust me, Zel, I'm doing this for our own safety."
He drops his hands and walks over to place his travel bags on the desk. He then walks over to a closet next to the bathroom and opens it up pulling out a couple blankets, setting them on the floor. I walk over to lean against the bed and watch him as he puts a couple logs in the hearth and uses his magic to light them giving heat to the room. My frigid body melts in the heat. I slide to the floor to place my feet close to the fire. I didn't realize how cold I was until I did. I hold out my hands to receive the heat as well. Link eventually joins me on the ground, as if he is skeptical I would let him sit by me. Of course I would let him sit by me, but sleeping is another thing entirely.
Sure, I've taken a couple naps with him before, but this was different than a nap. This was getting into bed with him. Not in that way, but I've never slept with a guy who was also unconscious at the same time. Who knows what could happen?
I slowly warm myself up to the idea. I don't want Link sleeping on the floor for my sake, for sure. I take in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
Suddenly, I don't feel scared anymore.
"Sorry," I say leaning my head on his shoulder. "I kind of made a bigger deal out of this than it actually is."
"I'm sorry, too. I took the room without asking you if you would be okay with it beforehand. Sometimes, I don't think of how I affect you. I know how you affect me," he mumbles, running a hand through his hair. I lift my head to look at him.
"Oh yeah?" I move to stand up. He follows suit. "And how exactly do I affect you?"
"In so many ways you couldn't even imagine," he says, completely serious. I smile.
"I think I can imagine it," I say, wrapping my arms around his neck. I honestly don't know where the sudden confidence came from, but I'm thankful for it right now.
"Why?" he wraps his arms around me, his hands joined at my lower back, and brings his forehead to mine.
"Because you affect me in the same ways," I kiss him softly. He brings his hand up to my head, grabbing my hair. For some reason, he really enjoyed my hair. He told me not to cut it once. I listened.
We continue to kiss as the fire continues to crackle in the background, neither of us really paying any attention to it, and we embrace the night in each other's arms.