A/N: Well, we've hit the number ten mark! Thank you so much for the support and reads; it means so much to me!

Without further ado, enjoy Chapter Ten!

Chapter X

Explanations and Exams

Maybe I should just jump out a window now.

No really, because it's midterm day, where I will be required to take a series of tests in different subjects I should have studied for but instead stayed up the whole damn night staring at my ceiling and wondering why I'm not jumping out a window.

It's a vicious circle.

And as an added bonus, I'm actually considering going to the Fairy Cafe after school and listen to what Link will tell me.

I grab the frilly pillow beside me and groan loudly into its silk material. After a few minutes of that happening, I veer my head over to my alarm clock. It's only four a.m., two hours before I'm actually supposed to be start preparing for the day. What the hell am I supposed to do for two more hours? Stare at the ceiling even more? Not like I didn't do enough of that just two hours ago.

Okay, just think about your options. You could go to the Fairy Cafe and pitch all of the new morality rules you set for yourself yesterday. You could ask Link why life has suddenly gone from a romantic comedy and transformed into a fucking soap opera. Seriously, why is everything just so wrong now?

Personally, I should be blaming Vaati like my conscience has been screaming for me to do ever since I met the creep. But no, my stubbornness is causing me to doubt my best friend, who practically laughed at my loyalty and officially believes I'm untrustworthy, and Link, whose emotions are so hard to understand that I think it's safe to say he's bipolar. It's not too far out there; Uli is eccentric while Rusl is very refined. It's not hard to believe that some chromosomes just got rearranged during selection.

Oh my Din, what the hell am I even saying? It's so early I'm blabbing nonsense to myself in my head. Maybe I'm the bipolar one. I already look like a walking advertisement for mood stabilizers.

Stop getting off topic!

I could go to Link, but then what if he doesn't tell me the truth because he doesn't trust me either? And why should I even trust him? The smart ass read my love letter out loud to others without my permission, for starters, and thinks I'm the lowest possible life form on earth. I mean, I'm used to it, but it's definitely a con in this particular topic.

I press the pillow against my face again - a desperate and futile last attempt to hide from all of my problems. I'm a freaking high school student, my only stresses should be homework and who I'm going to prom with, which is still ongoing might I add.

I roll over, facing the drawn curtains that conceal my window. You know, the jumping out the window offer seems to become more and more tempting the more stressed out I become.

If only Midna hadn't hid this from me, then we all might not be in this torn, depressing state. I'm not even that mad at Link as I am at Midna, who's always been so close to me. Now she's so...distant. The pain she holds in her heart is so concealed and held within that she feels she can't trust me anymore. But I guess it was inevitable. I listened to Vaati, even though many signs were made to alert me, and Link even warned me, that he should not be trusted. But as of right now, his story of the past is all I have to fall back on. It's the closest thing I have to the truth, even if it may be far from it.

Before I know it, the digital numbers shift to six, and my alarm clock only has the chance to ring once before I punch it into my nightstand. Still didn't get any sleep between the two hours I spent weighing my options. So I've basically been wide awake the entire night, from ten p.m. last night to right now, I'm literally going insane over this and it's only been a day.

Ugh, I need coffee. And a shower, I reek of frustration and sweat.

And I do just that. I take my early morning shower, hoping that no one else has woken, since it's basically a free day. I don't have to worry about waking Aryll, whose room is directly across from the bathroom, since she's on a trip with Rusl. Uli doesn't wake up until seven. Link doesn't even have to go in today at all, which'll save me from an unbearably awkward silence this morning in the kitchen.

But aren't you going to meet him after your midterm?

Ugh, shut up inner-me.

Wrapping a towel around my body and hair, I stealthily slip out of the bathroom and proceed to get ready in my room in under an impressive fifteen minutes.

When I'm finished, it's only six thirty. Midterms don't even start until eight o'clock, and the school gates don't open until seven, so catching the early morning shuttle now would be pointless, considering I'll get there fifteen minutes too early. I could take this as a blessing in disguise and study until I have to leave...

Or I could just watch TV.

And that's exactly what I do. I collect my things, run downstairs into the living room, and plop down onto the leather couch and turn on the plasma television.

The first channel that appears when the screen develops is the news reporter who had covered the story on my house, Anju Green. The girl isn't that much older than me. I bet she doesn't hold a relatively high IQ either. The only reason she's put on screen is because she's got nice hair and a pretty face. Screw the public media for their egotistical regulations.

The scene immediately cuts from her to the very infamous face of Ganondorf Dragmire. A clip of him and a rather fat-faced man shaking hands in front of a newly built hotel is played. I can practically feel my lips form into a sneer as I realize the story this morning is covering his overwhelming success by taking complete control of over every single major corporation to ever exist within Hyrule. This is the same man who chose Zant as head of his first sponsored industry rather than the man who truly deserved it: my father.

Instead of indulging myself with television as I had hoped, I decide to switch back off. I can't stand looking at a man who's goals are only born from greed. Mom would always rant about the man's ego and how you can tell he has a rather large one by the size of his "big-ass head."

I giggled softly at the memory. It's a bit weird that that is one of the few moments I retain of my mother, but at least it's one I vividly can remember each day. Dad says she was such a lively person, and with her there was never a dull moment. I desperately wish I could've known her better, but things happen for a reason.

I suddenly get the urge to do what I haven't done in almost three years: visit my mother's grave. I look to the clock hanging on the wall, and seeing that I still have time to spare, I quietly exit the house and walk through a drowsy city morning towards Eastern Castle Town, where the graves sit idly beside the Temple of Time.

Being here already has me feeling morbid, but I tread on and enter beyond the gates. A light morning fog covers the emerald grass like a blanket as I travel towards the back of the graveyard.

Soon, I find myself standing in front of the all too familiar porcelain slab that called to me with a soft, beautiful light.

Here lies Sayre Grace Harkinian

Loving Wife and Mother

XX70-XX01

"Think positive."

I laugh a bit at the quote that my dad had demanded be on there, as he said it was her "personal encouragement" during the days of her treatment. It just goes to show how much he loved her, and how strong she was during the few months she had left.

I kneel to the ground, re-reading the words on the stone over and over again. I guess I came here out of hope that some kind of sign would appear out of nowhere and give me the answers and aid I've been seeking. But no, the goddesses didn't give me the answers, nor did my mother appear before me.

So, in a hopeless attempt, I begin explaining everything to mother. How Dad and I have moved in with the Ordonia's, and that I'm hopelessly in love with their oldest son. How I tried planning revenge for my broken heart and ended up falling even harder for him as the days went on. How I found out that he was forced to wear dresses when he was five and how I have a picture of it that I plan on using in the future How my best friend is actually the heir to the throne of the Twilight Realm and never told anyone. How a creepazoid names Vaati has ruined everything between us.

And I say I how much I missed my mother, and how I wish she were right next to me now, telling me what to do.

"Mom, what can I do?" I ask, burying my face into my legs, letting the crisp air blow against me.

I must've been sitting here for longer than I planned, because I end up drifting off to sleep, only to be awakened by the chime of the temple's clock. I groggily look up from my place on the ground and almost scream when I read that it's almost eight o'clock.

Saying a quick goodbye to my mother, I start my sprint towards the school that's five blocks away. In the process, some loose papers fly out of my satchel and onto the stone ground.

"Shit," I curse openly, running back to retrieve them. It's just not going to be my week is it?

As I start reaching for them, a familiar white envelop catches my eye amongst the stray pages of homework. I pick it up first and remove the contents.

"Hey," I breathe as I realize what exactly I'm looking at, "there you are. You've been hiding in my bag all along, haven't you?"

Before I can place it neatly back into my satchel, my cellphone buzzes in my skirt pocket. A bit annoyed, I ignore it the first time, until it buzzes again immediately after the first. I pull it out and my jaw drops to see who's texted me.

this is your only chance, harkinian. don't make me regret letting myself do this, but I'll be waiting at the cafe as promised after your exams. reply if you're going to be there.

I then check on the second text.

you not replying right away to my first text is a sign that you're probably not coming. but if it's not, I'll wait exactly fifteen minutes. if you're not there within the allotted time, I'll leave and never touch on the subject again.

I seriously want to throw my phone on the ground. How can Link just expect me to give him an answer right away? I thought I made myself as clear as day to him when he came into Latin yesterday that I didn't feel like talking to him. He probably won't even give me the answers I need anyway. If only I could force it out of him, then I'd definitely be going.

Wait.

I look at the parchment in one hand, and the phone in the other. As if objects on a balancing scale, they both are weighed in my hands as I piece together what they could mean.

Then I get the most brilliant and most exciting idea I've ever had in my entire life.

I make sure that the envelope is kept in a safe place in my satchel, and I quickly sweep my fingers across my phone as I give Link my answer.

I'll be there.

Oh my FUCKING goddesses.

What the hell are these foreign numbers?! How in the hell am I supposed to solve for an imaginary equation?! It's not even FUCKING REAL!

Thus my last midterm for the day, pre-calculus, ends in a complete and utter failure. How could they expect me to pass when it's a three-day a week class that co-regulates with Orchestra? HOW CAN THEY EXPECT ME TO DO THAT AND PASS?!

At least History and Linguistics wasn't a total disappointment. I probably came out with at least a high C on both of them.

But my midterm grades are the least of my worries now. Now that it's the end of the midterm day, it's time to go face Link.

In actuality, I'm not even wavering in my decision anymore. With a solid plan to get answers supporting me, I have no more worries.

Except there's still Midna. She avoided me at all costs today and I her, which was extremely hard for both of us since we had to take our History midterm in the same room as one another. Though I threw many glances her way, she never dared look back at me. The entire time, I desperately wanted to share my plan to get Link to talk, but then I remembered how she has no interest in listening to me anymore, so I chose to celebrate by myself.

It wasn't fun without her.

The Fairy Cafe isn't too busy when I arrive, considering it's only three o'clock and there's no lunch rush. The tables basking in the sun are all empty save one.

Link sits there, arms crossed, with the same hard expression as he idly waits for my expected company.

My hand clutches the envelope that sits in my pocket, suddenly getting a bit clammy.

I can't help but think that this is kind of like a date.

Oh my goddesses stop it already. Even in a setting as morbid as this, your lewd mind somehow manages to find a way to make romanticize it. Go jump out a window like you should've last night. How can you even think about things like that when a freak of nature is wreaking havoc on your relationship with your best friend?

Okay, now I sound crazier than ever.

I intake a deep breath, and swiftly make my way over to the table. Link doesn't move an inch as I take a seat directly across from him. He doesn't even notice my presence until I clear my throat purposely.

He looks up from the table, the bags under his eyes more noticeable than they were yesterday. Finally, something we can relate to.

"Hey," he says.

"Um, hi."

Wow, this got awkward fast.

"Did, uh, you wait long?"

"Not really."

More silence.

"School was okay. The exams were okay."

"You probably failed, knowing you."

I fume immediately, having heard the smirk in his tone. "Okay, look, I may not be the best student, but I think I did pretty damn well."

He finally faces me, his cobalt eyes gleaming with a kind of distress that's so alien to me, I can't respond. "Do you have it?"

I blank. "Uh, what?"

He sighed, and says, "You've been saying 'uh' numerous times now, and frankly, I'm starting to regret inviting you here. What I'm talking about is the photo my obsessive mother gave you."

"Wait, what? You asked me for a photo?" I ask incredulously.

Link's face starts to get a bit red, resulting in his tone becoming darker and more serious than it already is. "Please tell me you brought it. And don't play coy with me, I know she gave it to you."

Okay, Zelda, it's time to put your game face on. You've been training for this for a month now. I know you can do it.

So I put it on, and try to be one of those cool bad cops you see on TV as I pull the envelope out of my pocket. His eyes spark with interest, and he reaches for it, only to be stunned when I pull it back out of his grasp. "You know, I don't think you have the right to ask that."

He stares blankly, then laughs a bit. "Very funny. Now give it."

"Actually, I don't think I will," I say as I tap the envelope lightly on my chin.

His lips form a deep frown, as he snarls, "Harkinian, stop joking around."

"Not until," I interrupt, "you answer my questions."

He furrows his brows, his cold stare calculating the situation. A light bulb seems to go off above his head as he finally sees my tactics. All he can mutter is a sharp, "Dammit."

I smile triumphantly, and place the envelope safe in my lap. "Now, you're going to answer my questions honestly and in full detail. Once I'm done, I'll give it to you."

Link huffs, and reluctantly nods his head, agreeing to my terms.

Oh my god, it's scary how much I'm enjoying this.

"Okay, first question," I begin, placing my hands under my chin. "What is Vaati?"

He chuckled forcefully. "That's quite a vague question."

"Like, why is he able to manipulate people so easily? And who exactly is he working for?"

After taking a sip of coffee, he says, "It's been years since I've seen him, but word does get around. Apparently, he was collaborating with the wrong people, and gained some power in the hierarchy of Hyrule and obtained some kind of mentalism ability. He controls the person of interest to do what he wants with certain persuasive tactics, like saying certain words that really get under your skin; things like that."

"Okay, um, I think I get it," I mumble as I try to wrap my head around that. "So, basically he worked his way from the bottom up?"

"No, he wasn't anywhere near the bottom. He was a highly proclaimed apprentice, thanks to Ezlo, and that helped him get into whatever organization he's working for now. The old fool never knew what happened to the kid and never listens to the rumors that were spread around. That's why he probably has no idea of Vaati's true intentions. The man has too much hope in him."

"So, this organization. What do you think it is?"

He shrugs. "I have no idea, but I'm sure I'll find out about it soon."

"What do you mean?"

"Okay," he says, setting his cup down onto the table harshly. "You've been asking a lot of questions. How's about we change the subject?"

I sneer at him, wondering why he still thinks he has some control over this conversation. "Link, whatever you're hiding from me, it needs to be said."

"But I'm not-"

"I'm not kidding anymore, Link!" I shout, causing attention to be veered towards us. "Whatever you have to say, you can say to me now. If it involves Vaati or Midna, I need to know. I have the right."

He stares at me incredulously for a second, before letting out an exasperated sigh. "I suppose so."

The corners of my lip twitch in a smile. "Then please, continue."

"My father is of the Knights of the Order of Hyrule, and it's their job to keep the land at bay, so of course I manage to find out about underground drug cartels and black markets all the time from him. But the reason my dad is in Termina is because there's a rumor that a certain group of important figures from Hyrule have been there, relaying current events to Gerudo Desert."

My mouth gapes open. "Isn't that the place where...?"

He nods, concluding my suspicions. "It's been under lockdown for almost eight or nine years now due to rebellion and civil war."

"But wait, that's where Midna entered our world. The old worship temple over there is how she crossed over from the Twilit Realm into ours all those years ago."

"Yes, and there's a reason why she came when she did."

I lower my hands to my skirt, gripping the hem tightly. "What do you mean?"

He sighs again, running a hand through his hair. "To be honest, I'm still trying to figure that out myself."

I notice that my breathing is staggering, so I try to calm myself down. I don't really want to continue on the topic. It's making me feel really confused and distorted. I'm sure it'll come up again, but for now my main focus isn't whatever that stupid organization Vaati is working for, it's Midna and her welfare.

"Um, so second question."

"Don't you mean the millionth question?" he says irritatingly.

"Whatever," I sneer. "What did Midna do to Vaati? Besides break his heart."

"It's simple to figure, if you really think about it. Vaati was obviously in love with her, and she was in an unwanted engagement. She just took an easy alternative out of that."

I swallow, realizing that Midna did use him like that. "But obviously she didn't. Vaati broke off his promise with her. So, what happened to the first fiancé?"

Link tapped his cup. "He decided to call it off, for reasons unknown. Her father was furious, and practically disowned her."

"Disown?" I repeat softly. "So, technically, she's not royalty anymore?"

"Technically speaking, yes. But she is still the crown princess, and has the right to take back her place once her father either renounces his claims to disownment, or...passes away."

"Oh," is all I can muster.

"Yes," he joins. "But the stupid girl is so stubborn, so she dares not confront her father about her inheritance."

"So, all that talk about her dad being away on business, was a lie, wasn't it?"

"Yeah. She never wanted anyone in this realm to know who she was, so she changed her last name to Twili and claimed she was an orphan who escaped from the Gerudo Civil War."

"I guess it makes sense," I say, though I'm not totally convinced.

"Alright then." Link stands from the table, stretching out his limbs. "I've answered your absurd amount of questions, so I'll be taking that photo now."

"Wait!" I protest. "I still have so much more to ask you!"

"Then I suggest you ask Midna."

I cringe. "I can't. She won't listen to me."

"Oh, please," he groans in annoyance. "You've only tried to talk to her once. Second time's the charm, is it not?"

"Isn't it third time's the charm?"

"Does it matter? You have a better understanding of her situation now, so I'm sure she'll be more willing to talk to you now."

"Maybe," I say. "But, Link, I do have one more question."

He groans again, but says, "One more and that's it."

"If what Vaati told me is true and that you were so aloof from Midna and him, why did he say that you seemed so concerned for her?"

"That?" he says in shock. "Are you really asking me that?"

I stand to me feet, placing a determined look on my face. "Yes, I am."

"Of all people, I thought that you'd understand that part the most."

When my expression of confusion reflected in his eyes, he explained begrudgingly, "If you saw someone on the verge of a breakdown, in a really shitty situation, wouldn't you help them, despite your morals?"

It's the first time I've been speechless. "Y...You helped her out of the sheer goodness of your heart?"

He sighed lightly. "Why is that so hard to believe?"

"I mean, I don't know. It's you, so I guess I just assumed that you wouldn't put yourself in that kind of situation."

"Well, then, Harkinian," he says darkly, as he walks around the table to come dangerously close to my face, "you obviously don't know me that well. Don't you know that you're the luckiest girl in the world, right now? Any of girl would kill to be in your position right now, and we both know it."

I begin stuttering, feeling the heat rush to my face as I start feeling light headed about how close he is to me. Oh my goddesses, he smells so good.

Too bad I didn't realize he was just distracting me to get the envelope from my pocket.

He stuck his tongue out, flipping the stiff paper between his fingers. "You fell right into that one, didn't you?"

I fume, clenching my fists. "Y-You BASTARD!"

I grab my backpack and sling it over my shoulder. Before I leave, I send him a malice-filled smile, making his eyes widen in surprise.

"Oh, and that's not your picture. You should've paid more attention to the writing on the back of the envelope. That's my love letter, stupid!"

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! I also hope it offered more information about the structure of this AU.

Until next time,

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