I know this took a really long time to update! I'm really sorry! Time sure flies when you're busy doing other things… Well, here's your chapter. For the long wait, I'm making this chapter extremely long probably will be about two to three chapters in one. I hope you enjoy!
It's been three days since Father and I moved into Jaaku's house. Today, I'm finally returning back to school. I didn't want to leave Father's side, but he insisted that I go. Jaaku and I walked to school like we normally do. So many people came up to me again like when I returned from the hospital. I hated it. I don't like crowds of people…
Between 4th and 5th period, Jaaku and I aren't side by side because his class is so far away. I admit, it's a bit nerve racking. Someone accidently bumps into me.
"S-Sorry." I stutter. I'm not good in social situations!
"You don't have to apologize, I bumped into you." I turn to the person and it's Runa. I relax a little since I know him, sort of. He smiled when I looked at him. "Come on, this way." He grabs my book out of my grip and then puts a hand on my back, he guides me through the crowd. "There we go. That's probably a bit better, isn't it?" He gives my stuff back. He clutch my stuff to my chest. "I have a question for you. It's about History."
"Hmm?"
"Well, yesterday, we were told to pick partners for a project on the chosen heroes. I thought, since we're starting to become friends, we could be partners for it. I already told the teacher I'd like to be your partner."
"Why me of all people? Surely you have actual friends in that class."
"Actually, not really. You see, not many like Twili. Mostly because we're very different from you Hylians. Though, you're different from them. You're respectful, responsible, kind, and overall adorable." He smiles, closing his eyes. "I'd love to be partners with you, Link."
"Um, ok. Sure. Yea, we can be partners."
"Great! I'll see you in history. Take care." He walks away. This is so weird… Why do I feel weird…? Could I be…? No! No way! I couldn't! There's no way… Crap, I've got to get to class! I start running down the mostly empty hallway and get to my class just about thirty seconds before the bell rings. I set my things down and sit down in my Earth and Space science class.
This class is so easy and passes by so quickly. The teacher just puts a bunch of notes on the screen and we have to fill in the blanks on a sheet that he gives us. Makes getting to lunch so much quicker.
6th period study hall goes by rather quickly too since I read and before I know it, it's History class. Runa comes over and sits next to me.
"Hello."
"Uh, hi." The teacher walks in and looks over at us, then keeps walking. Soon the bell rang and the teacher addressed the class.
"Alright students, as you know, you are to choose a partner for this week's project. You'll have today and tomorrow's class time to work on it. Friday we present. Miss Rinku, would you pass out the project paper?"
"Sure…" Why am I so nervous all of a sudden…? I don't mind this class. Did something happen to me since the last time I was here? Sure Father got hurt, but that shouldn't change my mood and actions that much… I get up from my seat and walk up to the front of the class to get the papers.
"Here, I'll help her. Link, give me half, ok?"
"Kay…" I give him half the papers.
"Mister Yugure, I did not ask you to help pass out papers."
"I know, and here's one thing you don't know, I don't care. Link's not well, I'd rather she didn't do too much at one time."
"What, are you her guardian now?" A girl snickered near the back at another girl's comment.
"I guess you could say that. I care for her, which is more than what you do for anyone. So, yea." Runa stepped away and started passing out papers. I started on the other side. This is a side of Runa I've never seen. Why's he being so protective of me? Nothing's much different between us, is it? I don't know… I pass out the papers and get back to my seat. Runa sits beside me. The teacher then goes over the project paper word for word as if we can't read. We need a slideshow. There must be an introduction slide, a timeline, information about each hero ever to exist, the one we like the most, explanation why, and a concluding slide. So, we'll need… about twenty slides at minimum… And we're given today, tomorrow, and then Friday will be presentations.
"Now, it's time to pick your partners for the project. You'll be in groups of two and make sure you choose wisely." Runa raised his hand just as a few people were standing up. "Yes, Mr. Yugure?"
"Link's my partner for this project. I asked her about it earlier and she agreed."
"Interesting. Carry on." The people who stood up sat back down. Were they going to come ask me to be their partner? That's silly. Why would they want to pick me as their partner all of a sudden?
"I'll get started on the timeline. I have it memorized. You start research on each hero, don't forget about Hylia's Hero. He's the first." I tell Runa.
"Ok. You've got it." I pull out a paper and start sketching our timeline. Hylia's Hero, Goddess's Chosen Hero, Hero of the Picori, Hero of the Four Sword, Hero of Time. Split… "Wow, you really do have that memorized." I smile. "Could you do me a favor and smile more often, I love seeing it." I smile more.
"Ok." I hear people snickering and whispering. I wonder what that's all about. People are weird. I'll never understand them. I continue work on the timeline, once that's done, I help Runa research. Before we know it, class is over.
"Wow. That went by too quickly. Here's an idea, why don't you come over to my place and we can get more work done."
"Really? Are you sure that'd be ok?"
"Of course. Xana and Granny would love to meet you."
"Ok. I'll give my father a call and then I'll have to tell Jaaku that I won't be walking with him today."
"Ok. I'll meet you by door one. I have to run to my locker."
"Ok. See you then." Both of us walk out of the class.
"Hey, what took you so long?" I turn to look at Jaaku.
"Just chatting with Runa. I'm going over to his place to work on a project." Jaaku's eyes widened.
"You're what? No, you shouldn't do that?"
"Why not? I don't see any problem with it."
"Well," He glances away and then looks back at me quickly. "He's creepy! I wouldn't trust him if I were you, Link." I can see the worry in his eyes so well.
"Who says I trust him?" I shrug and shake my head a little. "It's just a project, Jaaku. Honestly. You're acting very over protective all of a sudden." His expression softens.
"I just want you to be safe. You know how much I care about you." That's one of the things I like about the bond I have with Jaaku, I can tell he's sincere.
"I know, but you don't have to worry. You know I am a capable fighter."
"I know you are, I still can't help but worry though."
"Try not to, ok? I promise, I'll be fine." I smile.
"If you're sure. You know my cell number, if you need to, call me." He sounds very serious. Has he always been this protective of me?
"Ok."
"So… Locker?"
"Yes." Jaaku and I walk down the hall to my locker. His is right next to mine, it's because we have the same home room since we're both in the same grade, same team, and our last names are in the same half. We finish up at our lockers and head to door one.
"Have you called Raven to let him know?"
"Um… crap, I forgot." I pull out my cell phone and call dad's number.
Seconds later, "Hello?"
"Hey. I just wanted to let you know I'm going over to Runa's place for a couple of hours to work on a history project."
"Alright." I feel Jaaku grab my arm and pull me in a certain direction. "Oh, and I've got a surprise for you."
"Really? Is it a puppy?"
"Hahaha, no, but I'm sure you'll be relieved to have it. And, we'll get another dog soon, I promise."
"Ok, Father." I'm then pulled in another direction again.
"Is there anything else you need?"
"Nope, that is it."
"Alright, take care, Pumpkin. Call me if you need to."
"Of course. Talk to you later, Father."
"Bye." Both of us hang up. I put my phone back in my pocket. Jaaku is holding my hand. He let go of it the moment I looked up at him.
"Sorry, but you kept on nearly running into people. I was trying to guide you." I smile at him.
"Thanks, Jaaku. I appreciate it."
"Are you feeling alright?" I tilt my head slightly. I often do that when I'm confused.
"Yea, I think so. Why do you ask?"
"You're acting different." My ears perk back. "It's perfectly fine. Honest, you're very cute." His eyes widen, "Not cute as in like you're hot or that I'm hitting on you sort of thing!" Now he's speaking really fast and his face is red. "I mean like a puppy or something! Yea, a cute puppy!" I have no idea what he's carrying on about.
"Haha, woof." I can make an assortment of noises, a dog bark is one of them. Drove Ayru crazy when she was a puppy. She would always tackle me. I miss my little snow mountain. She was a huge, fluffy, white dog…
"I still don't know how you do that." I smile again. We walk through the halls again and get to door one. Runa is sitting on the ledge with a bunch of trees at top and seems to be reading a book. We walk over to him.
"Hey, Runa." I say. He looks up and smiles.
"Hey."
"Runa, if you do anything to Link, I will personally see to your eternal torment." I elbow Jaaku in the stomach. That's as high my elbow could reach. He's so freaking tall! Runa laughs.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of the princess." He shuts his book and puts it in his book bag and puts the bag on his back. "So, shall we go?"
"Sure." Runa stands. "See you later, Jaaku. Be safe getting home, ok?"
"Right, see you later, Link." Runa and I both start walking. I look behind me to see Jaaku. He starts walking in another direction. I turn to look forward again and we continue walking.
"You two seem to care a lot for each other, you're both practically inseparable."
"He and I have been friends for a long time. Since fifth grade. He was bullied at his old school and had to transfer in the middle of the year. He was so mean to people, well, he still is, but he's nice to me."
"I see. I'm glad he found a friend. I was a bit worried that he wouldn't given his nature and his race. For those different from Hylians, it's a bit hard to be accepted. Many think them to be the superior race just because they're closest to the gods."
"That's not right. No one race is superior. We're all together now, so what does it matter who we are on the outside. I mean, we all taste the same." Runa raises an eyebrow. "What, we do. If you, me, and Jaaku were out in the wilderness and eaten by a wolf. If you could talk to the wolf, it would probably say, 'you know, those three all tasted the same. So my meal was kind of boring having the same taste for everything.'"
"You are, very weird. I love it. You're an awesome person, Link." I smile. "You would fit right in with my family. We were all a bunch of goofballs and we didn't really care what people thought of us."
"That's always good. I say, always be yourself. If people discriminate against you because of it or anything else, then they're not worth your time and energy. The best way to make a good friend is to be yourself, because a true friend will accept you for who you are."
"If you act fake, all you'll make is fake."
"Exactly. That's how I believe anyway."
"You seem very accepting of others."
"It's how I was raised. Father doesn't discriminate either. He kind of does toward Jaaku, but he said it's because Jaaku is a boy. He's being protective of his little girl is all."
"Hahaha, that's common for a father. Oh, we're here. That was fast." We're at a bunch of apartments. "Follow me, this way." I followed Runa closely. We got to a door and he held it open for me. "My apartment's at the top." He starts going up the steps, I follow of course. He gets to a door and pulls out a key from his pocket, unlocking the door. He opens the door and calls out, "Xana, I'm home." He turns to look at me and gestures for me to come in. I step in and he shuts the door. A little girl runs up and sort of tackle hugs Runa.
"Welcome home, big brother!" He hugs her back tightly. They both let go of each other. Runa kneels down in front of her.
"How's my little ladybug?"
"I'm ok! I missed you!"
"Inside voice, Xana." Xana nodded. "Xan, this is my friend, Link." Xana looked up at me and stared at me wide-eyed.
"You're pretty."
"Xana…" Runa mumbles.
"You're really, really pretty. Like the Queen." I smile at her.
"Thank you for the compliment." Runa stands up.
"Shall we get started?"
"Sure." He and I both walk over to the coffee table just around the corner, or wall? Half wall? I don't know what to call it.
"Here, Xana, I got you some more markers. They're magic, so the ink won't go onto the carpet." Runa pulls out a small package of markers and hands them to his little sister.
"Thanks, big brother." He smiles. Both he and I get started on our project and before we know it, a little alarm goes off. Runa sets down his papers and looks at his watch.
"Oh, we've got to get you home now, Link."
"Ok." I start packing up my things. He packs up his.
"You live with Jaaku and his mom now, right?"
"Mmhmm. Do you know where that is?"
"Yep, I pass it every day I go to work. I know it's his place because they have the same bird figurines in their yard that they've always had."
"Oh, ok." I stand up and put my book bag on my back.
"Xana, what's our drill?"
"If I need help, I go to Granny."
"Good. If someone knocks on the door?"
"Don't answer because they should have a key."
"If they don't have a key?"
"They need to know our secret password."
"Right. And what do we do for an emergency?"
"Call the cop house."
"Cop house number is?"
"9-1-1."
"Great. Hey, Link, can I have your cell number? That way I can call you if I need to discuss something?"
"Sure." I pull my book bag down off my back and find my notebook. I write my cell number, tear off the piece of paper and hand it to him. I put the notebook back in my bag and put it on my back again.
"Great. Thanks." He walks over to a little alcove that appears to be a kitchen. He walks over to a dresser and pulls out a change of clothes then walks into what seems to be a bathroom. He walks back out in some strange clothes that you'd see a grocery store clerk wear. "I have to work today. From 6:30-9:30."
"You work?"
"Mmhmm, to support me and my sister. Come on. I have to tell Granny that I'm leaving." Runa knelt down next to Xana. "Give me a hug, ladybug." Xana hugged her brother. "You're going to have to go to Granny's for supper, ok? I'll let Granny know first."
"Ok, big brother. Be safe." He lets her go.
"Of course." Runa stands up.
"It was nice meeting you, Xana."
"It was nice meeting you too, big sister." I smile.
"Let's go." Runa opens the door and we walk out. He locks it and goes to the door next to his and knocks. The door opens.
"Hello, Runa. Do you need something?" She sounds like a sweet old lady.
"I need to leave early for work to take my friend home. Could you make Xana some supper?"
"Of course, dear."
"Thanks, Granny."
"No need to thank me. Go and get your friend home." Runa nodded and I could see him smiling.
"Is that Runa?" Another older woman's voice calls.
"Yes, Claira, it's Runa. He needs to take his friend home, so I have to make little Xana some supper."
"Ooh, can I stay for dinner too?" She sounds very goofy.
"Of course you can, silly girl." Claira laughs, her laugh sounds familiar. Hmm. Strange. "See you when you get home, Runa."
"Bye, Granny." The door shuts. Runa turns to me. "Sorry this is taking a bit of time."
"It's ok. I'm patient." Runa smiles and walks toward me.
"Let's go. For real this time." I laugh a little and follow him.
"Your granny seems really nice."
"You really think so?"
"Mmhmm."
"Technically she's not my grandmother, but she treats me and Xana like her grandchildren. She never had any, so we're kind of the grandchildren she never had."
"That sounds nice."
"It is." He holds the door open for me for the apartment complex. "I feel kind of sad for her though. Her daughter and her husband died not long in between each other. Maybe just a couple of years. To make it worse, her son in-law went missing with her newborn granddaughter as well."
"That sounds awful…"
"Doesn't it? Claira, the other woman you probably heard, that was her son that went missing. Claira and Granny were childhood friends, but one ended up moving away so their children didn't know each other until the two childhood friends were reunited. Claira's son fell in love with Granny's daughter and they got married not long after high school. Then tragedy struck and everything fell apart. Claira hasn't given up on her son though and believes he's still out there and is alive, same for her granddaughter."
"They both sound to be very strong."
"They are. I look up to them. Because of their strength, I know I can hold out and stay strong despite the odds that have been stacked against me. I refuse to give up and I want to give my little sister the best life I can give her. She means the world to me."
"I can tell. You two seem to be very close." Runa smiled, his eyes were closed and his teeth were shining in the fading sunlight. I smile back. We continue walking, talking about all sorts of things. Random stories and random ideas. The more we talked, the more I grew to understand him. He's not too bad. I remember hating his guts before, but I kind of regret it now. We make it to Jaaku's house.
"Well, here we are." I smile.
"Thanks, Runa." He smiles back but then he glances away.
"Link… I…" He closes his eyes. I wonder what's wrong with him. Before I have the chance to ask, he opens his eyes and looks at me. "See you later." He runs off.
"Runa, wait!" He doesn't stop. I start to run after him, but a voice calls my name. I stop and turn.
"You're finally back." Jaaku stands in the doorway. I turn to look and see if I can spot Runa again, but he's gone. I sigh and look back at Jaaku. "Are you ok?"
"Yea, just a little worried about Runa. He seemed like he was about to say something, but he didn't and now he's gone off."
"Oh… Well, Runa is a bit strange like that. Come on, it's almost dinner time." I nod and walk up to the door. I step inside and walk with him to the kitchen table, it's a complete mess, papers and books are all over the place. "Um… do you think you could help me with this math…?" I laugh a little.
"Sure thing." I sit down and help him with math. I'm ok with math, I hate it though. I think many people hate math. Jaaku is absolutely terrible with it. Helping him though reminds me, "Crap I didn't get any other homework done!" I start pulling things out of my book bag. Luckily I don't have too much. Just math and science, that's all I ever have really, occasionally some history, but it's easy. Nabooru is cooking something up for dinner, but I'm not sure what. It smells delicious though. Then again, I love food. Father loves food. The Goddess's Chosen Hero loves food. So many chosen heroes love food. Can you blame us though?
The front door opens, I can hear it from the kitchen. I hear Father call out to me. I set down my pencil and walk out to the foyer.
"Hey, kiddo. How was your day?"
"It was pretty interesting. How about yours?"
"A bit strange. Nearly fell through a floor."
"What?"
"It was worth it though. To get this." He hands something that's wrapped up in a cloth. This is… I unwrap it from the cloth. The Master Sword.
"How did this survive the fire?"
"The Master Sword has a bunch of magical properties. It can't be destroyed by anything except the person meant to wield it or the goddess that created it. Fi is a very strong sword spirit."
"Sounds like it." I look the sword over. "It's great to have it back. I felt I lost part of myself without it."
"That's the chosen Hero in you." I hold it tightly to me.
"That is a strange sword." I can hear Jaaku say from behind.
"I found out Runa has a little sister named Xana. He also lives next to an old woman he calls granny."
"Is that so? That sounds about right…"
"Hmm?"
"Runa's father was a friend of mine. We only met for a day and became the best of friends. He was the only one who knew my secrets of where I was going and why. When I found out he died, I went to visit his grave and I saw Runa there with a little girl. I'm assuming that was Xana."
"Oh, ok."
"Dinner's ready!" Nabooru calls.
Father instantly says, "Ooh, food." See, told you! I go to the kitchen table and start cleaning up my books and papers. Jaaku does the same. He grabs my book bag and walks off with it.
"I'll put this by the stairs."
"Ok."
"Link, could you help me set the table." Nabooru asks.
"Sure." I walk over to a cupboard and grab some plates down for everyone then grab some silverware.
Dinner conversations are rather weird and all over the place. It's full of a bunch of laughs. Jaaku laughed so hard that he nearly choked on his fried fish. I think our conversations went from our day, to random stories that we were reminded of at some point, then went to monkeys and then monkey people. And because I said sock monkeys just as father was about to say stone block, he said stone monkey. That's apparently my new nickname now. I don't even know why he mentioned a stone block I think it was part of some museum thing or something like that, I have no idea. I can't remember.
Now we're all just hanging out and watching a movie in the living room. The movie is close to ending when my phone rings. I stand up and walk into the kitchen so I don't interrupt them. It's just a little after 10:30. Who even… I answer the call.
"Um, big sister."
"Xana?"
"Uh-huh. I'm scared."
"Why, what's wrong?"
"Big Brother isn't back home yet. He's normally home by now."
"I see… I'm sure he's alright, Xana. Where's Granny? Is she with you?"
"Yea. She can't get ahold of big brother's cell phone."
"Okay…" I say slowly. "Tell you what, I'll go find him, alright?"
"Really?"
"Yes. I'll let you know what I find, ok?"
"Ok. Stay safe, big sister."
"I will, Xana. I promise. Stay with Granny, ok?"
"Mmhmm, bye bye."
"Talk to you later." She hangs up and I hang up.
"What was that about?" I turn around. Jaaku is at the door frame.
"Runa's little sister. She said he hasn't come home yet but he should be by now. Granny can't get ahold of his cell."
"Oh…"
"I'm going out there to find him." His eyes widen.
"You're not serious…"
"I am."
"Link, it's about to storm. You can't stand storms."
"I don't care. Runa is my friend. I'd do the same for you in this situation just like you'd do the same for me."
"Then I'm going with you."
"Jaaku…"
"Don't try to talk me out of it, either. You know you won't succeed, I'm about as stubborn as you are."
"Fine. Let's tell our parents first." Jaaku nodded. I rounded the corner. "Father, Runa is missing and I'm going to go find him."
"Are you sure you want to do that? It's about to rain."
"I'm sure. Runa is a friend and I'd rather not lose him."
"If you're sure. Just make sure you wear a jacket and that you stay safe. Maybe take the Master Sword just in case."
"I planned on it." He smiles.
"Mom, I'm going with her."
"Alright. Be careful." Jaaku nods. I grab my jacket out of my book bag and put it on, then I put the Master Sword around me. Jaaku grabs his jacket and puts it on.
"Let's go." Jaaku and I both walk out.
"Which store is closest to here?"
"It's this way." Jaaku started running. I followed after him. I hate running… but I hate the thought of losing a friend more.
"He says he passes your guys' house on his way to work every time." I tell Jaaku.
"Good to know."
As we run, I see something strange by an alleyway. I stop by it and look down. There's a strange glowing.
"Jaaku over here!" Jaaku stops and turns around. I run down the alley to the source of the glow. It's Runa… He's glowing?! I put a hand on his cheek and the glowing stops. I put my hand on his shoulder and shake him. "Wake up, please." I shake him a bit harder and he wakes up.
"Link…?" His voice is weak and a bit raspy.
"Yes, it's me. We're going to get you somewhere safe ok?"
"N- I've gotta… home… Xana…" Jaaku puts a hand on his forehead. When did he come down here? I didn't even see him.
"You idiot, you've got a fever! We need to get you inside somewhere now." Jaaku attempts to lift Runa up, but Runa shoves him.
"Don't touch me…"
"Don't give me the crap about getting home. You need to get some place warm. Link, help me get him onto my back." I nod and do as Jaaku told me. Runa tries to struggle, but he can't move well. Seems he used most of his energy when he shoved Jaaku away. I never thought I'd see the day where Jaaku would be helping someone else out, much less Runa. I can feel the rain starting. I really hope the storms hold off…
It's barely raining though, even by the time we reach Jaaku's place. I open the door and Jaaku heads upstairs. I follow. I open his door for him and he makes Runa lay down on his bed. Runa tries to sit up, but Jaaku grabs his wrists and pins him down to the bed.
"You stay put, you idiot…"
"I've gotta go home…"
"Not in your condition. Don't you remember what could happen to you? Even a simple cold could kill you and you're so sick you have a fever. How long have you been sick?"
"A couple of days maybe…"
"What?!" He presses down harder on Runa's wrists.
"Ow… stop… you're hurting me…"
"What the hell is wrong with you, Rune!? You trying to kill yourself?!"
"N-No… I just…"
"None of your excuses… And I didn't you come to me. I would have taken care of you! You and your little sister! What, you can't count on your best friend anymore?!"
"Thought you hated me…" Jaaku releases Runa's wrists and sits down on the bed next to him. He lifts Runa up and hugs him. This is so, weird…
"You idiot… I could never hate you. Why would you think that?"
"You didn't seem to care anymore… You didn't pay me much mind when we were reunited…"
"You didn't even try to talk to me though. I thought you hated me because you didn't talk to me, so I stayed away." I will admit, as sweet as this is, I feel a bit awkward standing here watching this. "I never meant to hurt you, Rune and I'm sorry that I did."
"It's ok…" Jaaku let Runa go and made him lay down.
"Stay here and rest, ok? You're not to go outside until at least your fever calms down."
"I have to work tomorrow…"
"Quit. I'll only get angry at you again. Stop being reckless, that's one way to get you killed. I'd rather not lose you again. You're like a brother to me and I couldn't stand losing you. You'll die if you go out in this cold again."
"Don't worry, Runa. Granny is looking over Xana. I'll go call and let Xana know you're safe. She was pretty concerned about you."
"Oh…" I step out of the room and call the number Xana called from.
"Hello?" It was an old woman. I'm assuming it's Granny, but it sounds like Claira.
"Hi, my name's Link. Xana called about Runa. Will you let her know Runa's been found? He's safe, but very sick."
"At least he's safe. Thank you very much, child. Your name Link is a very wonderful one by the way."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
"I suppose I'll go ahead and let you go."
"Alright. Goodbye."
"Goodbye." She hung up. I then hung up. I put my phone back in my pocket and turn back around. I reach for the door, but then, I feel something strange come over me that makes me hesitate to walk back in. Why do I feel weird? What's going on…?
"Worthless…" What…? "Weak… childish…" No… stop… Who are you…? "Foolish… idiotic… coward…" Stop it! Why can't I see anything anymore…? Everything's blurry…
"Link, what's wrong?" Jaaku…
"Make it stop…"
"Make what stop?" All color is blurred together…
"Freak… annoying… unworthy… alone…" It's got to be Ganon… How did he get into my head…? I feel myself falling.
"Link!" I stop falling. "Raven! I need your help! Hurry!"
Oh no! What's happened to Link?! And what happened to Runa to cause that light? Perhaps we'll find out in the next chapter. I promise it won't take that long to update, I swear it won't! Review if you so wish
See ya,
-Avy
