Seven Day Vacation

Chapter 4: Night 1

A shadow slithered beneath the door's narrow passage, the veil of darkness soon peeled itself off the floor and morphed into the physical shape of the feline-like imp. She was currently escaping Link's pursuit in their little game of cat and mouse. But, no-no-no, she wasn't going to let him win that easily. He thinks he can catch her? Ha! Fool must think she's that transparent. Midna, feeling mischievous, hatched a plan to ambush him instead! She quickly observed her surroundings until she noticed a pair of crescent-like branches above the door's frame. She smirked to herself, now that looks like a good vantage point. Lowering herself quickly, Midna used her left foot to propel herself off the wooden floor and into the two crescent-like branches. The imp perched herself on top the branches, waiting patiently for her prey to blunder into range, like a cat ready to pounce on vermin invading its territory, or, canine in this case. Her elfin ears twitched at the sounds of the door being unlocked, and the man just walked on in without suspecting a thing. Perfect.

Link walked into his house, completely unaware where his companion went. He turned his head to the left, then to the right but there was no sign of her anywhere. The warrior scratched his head in confusion. ("Where did she go? I know she came in here…") Link took a few steps forward, eyes still scanning the room for Midna. "Midna…? Are you here?" He asked cautiously, something doesn't feel right...

Now! The imp leaped off the branch and glided towards Link with open arms, she quickly wrapped her legs around his neck from behind and used her hands to ruffle up his already disheveled hair even further. Or, that's at least how she planned her ambush to play out... but she failed to remember that Link's ten months of battle experience against Zant's forces have left him vigilant and very alert to the smallest of sounds. Not having these attributes would have left him dead on the battlefield a long time ago. Hearing the rustle of the branches from behind, he whipped his body around to face Midna. The situation played out in slow motion, Midna's facial features turned into shock, not expecting him to react so quickly. Link then spread his own arms apart, then closed them in like a venus flytrap once Midna was in range. Time now resumed its proper flow.

"Gotcha!" Link announced victoriously, a smirk plastered on his face.

It all happened so fast that the imp was still not sure what just happened, but a few seconds later she managed to collect herself. She narrowed her eyes at the Hylian and growled. "How did you know?"

The warrior shrugged casually and pressed a finger to his chin in thought, while keeping one arm around her. "Hmm… call it intuition."

"'Intuition'? You? Ha! That seems unlikely coming from you, wolf-boy." Her grin returned in full force as she freed one of her arms and pressed a claw to his forehead. "If you had intuition as you say: you would bring more than just a red potion on our mission to temples." Poke. "Then when you use that gross concoction, you end up getting more injured and then say: 'Hey, Midna, can we get out of here and get more Red Potion? Because, I'm Link, and I'm a cheapskate!'" Midna tried to sound masculine in an attempt to imitate him, but that's kind of hard to do with a high-pitched voice. Oh, and most importantly: POKE-POKE-POKE-POKE-POKE!

He gently batted away her hand, placing his free arm behind his neck and looked away from her with a pouting look. "Hmph! I'm not a cheapskate, I'm just cautious with my money…"

"Yes you are, you have four bottles, Link." She held up four fingers to emphasize her point. "You, need, to, bloody, use, them. If you seriously can't afford them with your 300 rupee looking-ass: at the very LEAST kill some Red Chu-Chus so we don't have to keep going back and forth, back and forth and BACK. AND. FORTH." But of course under all that rage and sarcasm, she is mostly saying this out of concern so he doesn't drop dead, she does care for him after all. Though, sometimes she has an odd way of showing it.

"Okay, okay! I get it, Goddesses." He admitted in defeat.

"Good!" She chirped, but her face turned serious seconds later. "Hey, Link, I have a request."

"Hmm?" He raised a brow quizzically.

"Release me, before I do it for you." Her face contorted into a menacing glare mixed in with the creepiest smile anyone can imagine possible. While she is enjoying the embrace, she still has to recover some pride from her previous failure.

Link turned pale white, as a chill ran down his spine. Gulp. "Y-Yes, ma'am…!" How can she look cute one second, then turn into a demon straight out of hell the next? The way her mood can shift so fast is almost haunting.

Link quickly released her from the hug, the imp quickly dusted herself off before folding her arms. "So… uh, what are we doing for dinner?" The imp asked out of curiosity, she can just feel her stomach growling furiously. Doesn't help that they were playing so much during the day that they forgot to pack a lunch. She quickly made a mental note to bring some grub on their next adventure via her storage space.

"Hmm…" Link wrapped his left arm below his chest and placed his right hand on his cheek, clearly thinking hard. He has no clue what they should have, wait… does he even have anything good left in his house? Considering it's been ten months since he left; all bets would be confidently placed on no. "Uh… do you have any food left in your storage dimension?" He shrugged with an embarrassed smile on his face, he really needs to stock up if they're going to stay here for the week.

"Uh, not sure… let me check." She closed her eyes tightly, an ethereal, golden form of her shape was projected into a void of darkness. The void consisted of many items, all trapped in white, transparent bubbles for different categories so nothing gets disorganized, she likes to run a tidy ship. She flew to the one for food storage, she placed a hand onto the orb and checked its contents. There were 2 eggs, one apple, 3 carrots (mostly for Epona), and 3 pieces of Steak left. Thankfully, her storage dimension is able to keep things preserved indefinitely thanks to its mystical properties. So, they at least never have to worry about food going bad.

She opened her eyes again once she checked everything. "Well, we have a few carrots, eggs, an apple and a few slabs of steak left." She scratched her claw against her cheek as her eyelids met halfway, a thoughtful expression spreading across her features. "And I doubt carrots or an apple will be enough to fill us, so they're out."

While the warrior wouldn't mind having her scrumptious eggs again, honestly he really, really, REALLY loves those cheese omlettes. But business before pleasure, and it's about time he makes good on his vow to his companion. "Let's do steaks!" He announced gleefully, a grin gracing his features. "But-" He placed a hand on her shoulder, his face becoming determined. "You're going to cook."

"Um…" She clasped her hands behind her back, legs crossed mid-air as she gazed into his eyes nervously. "Do we have to do it… t-tonight?" She was honestly hoping he would cook, she is grateful he will help her with her culinary skills and all, but she isn't sure she has the nerves to try so soon after her recent failure. She doesn't want him to suffer again.

He nodded. "It will be okay, I'll help you through this." To reassure her, he took one of her hands into his, giving it a comforting squeeze.

She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply before releasing it all out. The imp gazed into his azure irises and grinned. "Very well, my determined wolf. But-" She raised one finger to his face, her's turning serious and courage once sealed away slowly cracking its way to the surface. "If you don't like it, be honest with me this time and toss it into the bin. I don't want you coddling me." Her hand clenching into a fist, an adamant spark burning in her blood-red orbs.

Link was slightly taken aback by Midna's conviction but was no less proud of his imp. Link shot her a smirk, Midna doing the same. "You got it, Midna. No more 'coddling'" To seal the deal, Link held his hand out to the imp, her eyes traced to his hand, then back to him. She slammed her hand into his, and gave it a firm shake as their grins only got wider.

After about ten minutes of rummaging for supplies, Link placed all the necessities onto a table. "Okay, first things first." Link held a paper towel in his hand. "You're going to want to make sure the steak is nice and dry; this will make sure there is no extra moisture."

The imp nodded, then she pointed her left finger towards the towel and used her telekinesis to make it levitate in the air. She could use her hands for this exercise, but, the problem is she is completely covered in fur and she is paranoid some strands might get into the food, so it's best just to stay safe. Plus, neither Link nor Midna have gloves in her size. "So… you just want me to rub it or pad it down?" She tilted her head slightly to the left in uncertainty.

"Pad it, if you rub the meat: some of the towel might break off and get mixed in."

The imp nodded once more, she then used her right finger for the steak. "If you say so." Midna gently pressed her hand onto the air, this resulted in the towel padding lightly on the slab of meat. Once one side was done, she spun her right finger, causing the steak to roll over mid-air. She repeated this process again, and did the same thing to the other steak. "So… what is the point of taking out the extra moisture? Kind of seems pointless if you ask me."

Link could understand why she would ask, he thought the exact same thing when his master taught him to cook. He thought in his own words of 'wisdom' that it would make it juicier if there was more liquid. He… wasn't the brightest kid. Link raised one finger and smiled. "Well, the steak will become crisper and more caramelized that way!"

The imp stopped padding the steak and cocked a brow at the Hylian in bewilderment. "'Caramelized'...? You're telling me there's candy in these things? What the hell are your cows eating?"

Link shook his head, desperately trying not to laugh at her asinine claim. But sadly, the dam broke. The warrior burst out laughing, tears streaming down his face and releasing the occasional snort. Midna quickly demanded angrily for him to cease his rude chortles. Link eventually calmed down enough to explain that all living beings have natural sugars inside their body, and when you cook meat those sugars darken it into a brown color while giving it the nutty flavor of caramel. Midna blushed bright red, she was feeling stupid and embarrassed about not knowing that fact. "Can we please just move onto the next step please!" She screamed furiously as she tightened her eyes shut.

For the next 30 minutes, Link carefully guided Midna through the process of making a steak, like using the proper seasonings (making sure both sides are properly seasoned with the right amount). The warrior looked at the steak, concluding the time for preparation was over. Now for the real test. "Okay, Midna see that bottle over there?" Link pointed to a bottle of peanut oil. "You're going to pour about two tablespoons of oil into the pan and let it simmer for about a minute."

Midna did as she was told, pouring the oil into two tablespoons and dumping it into the pan. She carefully moved the skillet over the roaring flames in the furnace, the peanut oil starting to bubble nicely. Midna continued this for about a minute before she plopped a steak into the pan, smoke rose into the air as the slab of meat began to sizzle nicely, its rich aroma wafting into her nostrils. A smile formed on her face. Link knelt down on one knee, forming his hand into a finger gun and pressed it to his chin, overseeing the imp's progress on the steak. "Okay, watch the bottom of the steak, if you see it start to darken that means you should flip it over."

The imp nodded; she stuck her tongue out from the side of her mouth as she concentrated. Honestly, Midna was afraid of botching up another steak again, afraid of disappointing him… She noticed the steak darkening and quickly swirled another finger, the steak turned over and that side began to cook. But now, with him showing her the ropes, she couldn't be more confident when she's in his proximity. Something about his upbeat attitude seems infectious and gives her that spark to keep moving on in this life no matter the trail. She has wondered where he gets this courage from. Is it truly from the mark on his hand, or does this all come naturally to him? Whatever it is, these traits suit him well, she only wishes she came to admire that about him sooner...

The first steak was done and placed on a platter, she eventually finished the second and placed it on her side. The moment of truth has come at long last. The Chosen Hero, sat down, knife and fork in hand. The imp, floating across the table with folded arms, a smirk on her face, but a twinge of fear lay harbored in the back of her mind. He took a bite, chewing it carefully, his face neutral. The princess watched her wolf with cautious eyes, awaiting the results of her handiwork. He swallowed it. He put his culinary instruments down, arms folded and looked straight at Midna. "It's awful." His said blankly.

The imp sighed; her eyes downcast as she stared at her food. Well, at least she tried this time, that's all that matters. Still, she was hoping to succeed this time, instead of fail-

"Awfully good!" He cheered, and gave her a thumbs up, but he was being genuine this time.

Midna picked her head up, a dumbfounded expression washed over her face for a second, she then narrowed her eyes at the Hylian, skeptical of his claim. while she does trust him, she needs to make sure, he… did lie to her once, after all. Using her magic again to cut herself a piece, analyzing the morsel quizzically in front of her face, it looks crisp and brown on the outside, but juicy and crimson on the inside. It looks appetizing, but looks can be deceiving. She took heart and then a bite of her own, Her expression flaring into happiness. "You asshole! Ahaha~!" Midna's mirthful laughter reverberated around the house, finally at long last, she finally feels accomplished! Just like the way it looks, it's crunchy, yet juicy and flavorful on the inside.

Link soon joined his companion in laughter, happy to see his companion bursting with joy, a sight he just can't get enough of. He does still feel bad about lying to her before, wishing he was honest with her before, this way he wouldn't have gotten ill and Midna wouldn't have beaten herself up for being the cause of his suffering. Maybe, the way he got sick was some weird divine punishment from beyond; telling him that protecting one's feelings will not help them grow. But really, who knows? The universe works in mysterious ways. Regardless, he's just happy to help her along the way, just like how she helps him whenever he's down, ready to pick him up and support him, and he would the same for her. He might even…

They eventually finished their meal and cleaned up their plates and other cooking instruments. After that was done, they set up their makeshift beds for the night, both lying next to each other in their respective sleeping accommodations. Midna turned over and smiled at her companion. "Hey, Link? I just wanted to say thanks for helping me become a better cook."

Link cracked a grin and turned his head towards her. "No problem, I'm glad I was able to help."

"Mhm, but hey…" She lifted her head and placed a palm to her cheek. "Where did you learn to cook so well?"

"Well…" Link laid back down on his back, eyes dulled as he gathered his memories. "My mother taught me when I was ten, she wanted me to learn how to cook as early as possible." A small smile formed on his lips, eyelids meeting halfway.

Midna's face sparked into shock. This was the first time he mentioned anything about his blood relatives. "Your mother?" Where was she…?

Link nodded. "She was a great woman, she taught me everything she knew." Link's smile started to falter, but forced it to stay. He slowly turned his head to his left.

Was. Oh goddesses. "Is she…?"

Link nodded solemnly.

She clasped her hands over her mouth, her features softening sympathetically. "Link, I am so sorry…"

"It's okay." He turned his head over to the imp again, a… sad smile on his face. "She might be gone, but crying won't bring her back. Instead, I have to remember her fondly and take her lessons to heart, and keep moving on in this life. That's... what she would've wanted…" He breathed a deep sigh after he finished, barely a whisper.

She slowly removed her hands from her face, finally resting her head on her pillow. "Well… judging by the way you turned out, I think she did a great job of raising you. I… know I never met her, but I bet she would be proud of you. I know I am" She flashed a smile as her eyes threatened to close shut.

Link's head shot up, staring at her in disbelief. "Um...you are?" He tilted his head to left in bewilderment.

"Of course, you fight for those in need, you stand up to any demon no matter how big or powerful and most impressive of all: you even teach revolting imps how to cook. Eee-hee!" Not to mention, he ran across all of Hyrule to bring her to Zelda, despite all of her cruelty towards him. They both saved her in her darkest hour, she will be forever grateful to those two for that. However, after all the months of spending time with him, showing her the beauty of this world and its people, even comforting her when she feels like all things are hopeless, he is right there to pick her back up and give her hope. Hell, she might've even developed something… special towards light-dwelling companion, something that can't be shattered.

"Well, hey now… I wouldn't call you revolting, far from it actually." He turned his head to the left, trying to hide the rising temperature building in his face.

"Really then, hero? Then tell me, what do you think of this imp~?" She couldn't help but giggle, opening her eyes up to shoot him a playful stare, placing a hand on her hip and pressed a palm to her chin. "And be truthful, wolf-boy~!" Her Fused Shadow disappearing into twilight specks before winking at him.

"Um… well…" He rubbed the back of his head nervously. He frantically looked left and right, before looking down and pressing his fingers together shyly. "I guess… you're adorable." Was that a wise thing to say to her? Last time he called Midna cute, he was hit in the face by a slice of bread. Oh damn, what if she does something worse!? Oh goddesses, oh goddesses! He closed his eyes tightly, expecting to be slapped across the face. …However, he felt a small pressure on his forehead, warm and soft. He opened his eyes to see Midna delivering a small kiss. Causing the warrior to blush.

The princess floated down to his height and scratched underneath his chin affectionately. "Hmm… good enough. And hey…" She placed a hand on the side of his cheek, and rubbed it slowly. Her own faced flashed as a smirk spread across her face, his blush only intensified. "You're pretty adorable yourself." She quickly flicked his nose and teleported back into her bed, wrapping the blanket around herself. "Good night…~!" She closed her eyes as she fell into the depths of slumber.

Link was left awestruck, but a smile soon surfaced. He finally laid back down and covered himself with his own blanket. To him, Midna is still a mystery. One minute, she will scold him to death, the next she will comfort him when he needs her. Honestly, he is not sure if he will ever figure her out. But, maybe he doesn't need to, might be more fun that way. He finally caves in and sleeps.

Author's notes: I have been back and forth with this chapter all day, but through all the rewrites, I think I wrote one I like. Sorry about editing this chapter so much. Also: Don't be afraid to criticize me, I want to become a better writer. Don't worry, I can take it.