"So…what are you doing out here?" The young man asked, not taking his eyes off the road.

Midna glared out the passenger window, peering between streaks of rain into the black abyss of night.

Though she was glad to be out of the storm, and in a running vehicle, she found the boy's insistence on small talk to be incredibly irritating.

"Um…so, what are you doing out here?" He spoke up again, seeming to assume she hadn't caught his earlier inquiry.

Midna slid her eyes away from the window. She groaned, feeling exhaustion reign over agitation.

"My accountant stole all of my money, I was fired from my job, the government repossessed everything I own and now I'm tracking down an old acquaintance on the slight chance that he'll take pity on me."

There was an awkward pause.

"Oh…" He laughed uncomfortably "You're funny."

Midna made a gargling noise in the back of her throat.

She saw Link raise an eyebrow and flick his eyes over to her.

"You're serious?"

"Unfortunately." She grumbled, sinking lower in the seat.

"Sorry."

"whatever."

Their exchange was followed by silence, one that persisted as they drove on.

Midna resumed glowering out the window, while Link appeared to be intently focused on driving. She ran her fingers over the ragged shoes in her lap, feeling a sting of grief.

How the mighty fall. She thought somberly.

Suddenly, the truck lurched, sharply rocking as if they had trekked over a sizable speedbump.

Midna slammed her hands against the arm rests, clinging to them as she braced herself against the abrupt movement.

"What the hell was that?" She hissed.

"What?" Link said, apparently untroubled by the bumpiness.

She scowled at him.

"Oh, we just turned on the road to Ordon."

"Is that all?" Midna huffed "I thought you'd hit a cow."

"No, the cows are up the road a bit."

"So, there are cows?" she rolled her eyes "Fantastic."

They continued down the road, occasionally bouncing against the unkempt path.

The once unchallenged darkness was now speared by lights in the distance, ones that grew as they advanced. They passed several buildings, only a few still had their lights on. They turned right, splashing through a puddle and nearing a strip of shops.

"Stop!" Midna yelled.

"What?" Link said, not acting on her order.

"This is it, stop!" She pawed at the door, not caring that they were still moving.

"Hold on." He said, bringing the car to a gentle halt.

Midna practically jumped out of the vehicle.

The building was surrounded by several others, but it alone still boasted light. Through the windows she could see people milling around, though they were few in number. A shabby sign hung above the door, one that read: Lon Lon diner.

"Finally." Midna breathed in contempt.

She moved forward, ignoring the cold and wet ground that emulated sand as she walked.

"Wait." Link called after her.

Midna bristled and scrunched her shoulders in frustration.

"What!?" she snapped.

"I- "He hesitated, allowing her to ready a venomous retort.

"I know you're having a hard time." He continued; his voice soft. "If you ever need anything, I live north of town, in the outskirts."

Midna stared at him, as her poised remark slinking down her throat.

"Good to know." She exhaled, still feeling a pang of annoyance.

She spun on her heel and prowled up to the diner.

The door opened with a small chime. She cast a brief glance around, quickly finder her target.

He sat in the back, alone, scrolling through his phone with one hand and working his way through a basket of chicken strips with the other.

She approached him, coming to stand before the table.

He did not notice her at first, despite everyone else in the room casting her startled looks.

She cleared her throat, finally earning his attention. He looked up, a pleased smile emerging on his face.

"Holy shit." He uttered, setting his phone down.

Midna sat across from him, not bother to wait for an invitation.

"Long time no see. You look terrible." He remarked.

"I'm aware."

"So, what brings the magnificent Midna to a shack like this?"

"Surely you know."

"I have better things to do than keep tabs on your life." He retorted, reaching for another chicken strip.

"I'm broke, homeless, and jobless."

"That's rough, but why are you here?"

"I'm here because you are the only option I have left."

"Only option?" He leaned back, a decidedly satisfied smirk appearing on his face.

"Yes." Midna choked out.

"So, let me guess-" he leaned forward "You and that accountant of yours, what was his name? Zant? Hatched a brilliant scheme to hide your millions from the government, put in in accounts all over the place, invest in bogus charities, offshore tax havens, all that good stuff. It was going great until good old Zant realized that he didn't need you and ran."

"I did nothing wrong." Midna asserted as the man sat back and reached for a napkin "Everyone in business does it."

"Just like how they toss aside old business partners, right?"

"My father didn't toss you aside Tobias. Nor did I. We were going in different directions; the partnership broke up."

"It certainly did. With you and your old man none the worse for wear while I—" Tobias waved his hand "Ended up here."

Midna paused for a moment, feeling tension engulf their tiny table. Tobias had resumed eating and Midna was painfully aware that the conversation was spiraling.

"Why are you here?" She asked, her voice soft and tentative.

"I was looking to buy some land. Apparently, it's all the rage nowadays, leaving the fast life and moving to the country. But these locals aren't worth the trouble."

Tobias swung his legs around and stood up, carelessly tossing some money on the table.

"Are you leaving?" Midna said, failing to keep the panic from her voice.

"Yes, I am."

"You're not going to help me?"

"You played the game and you lost," Tobias put his coat on "That is not my concern."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"I suggest you find a comfy bench and set up camp."

With that, Tobias strode off. He didn't spare Midna another look.

Midna sat at the table, staring at the empty seat across from her. The gravity of her situation was beginning to set in, squelching the fire of frustration and bitterness that had propelled her.

She was out of options. She had no money, no family, no friends, not even an old adversary to seek pity from.

She felt a bubble of panic rise in her chest, it's rapidly expanding mass rising to her throat. She could feel her mind scramble for adequate reassurance. The little voice squeaking out hollow comforts as a chorus of terror drowned it out.

What was she going to do?

What could she do?

She whipped her head around, the harshness of the lights softening as her vision blurred.

She was in the middle of nowhere, sitting in a seedy diner with nothing but the drenched clothes on her back.

The stack of bills on the table suddenly seemed very appealing. She eyed them, swallowing whatever it was that had crawled to the back of her throat. She began reaching for them, longing to feel their familiar flush against her palms.

"Can I get you anything?" A honeyed voice asked.

A waitress had appeared, the only one on duty. She snatched up the bills and cast Midna a dubious look while giving her a forced smile.

"No," Midna breathed, rather horrified that she had almost committed such a petty act of thievery.

She stood up and awkwardly made her way to the door, her bare feel slapping against the tile. She stepped out into the rain. She would have remained on the diner's threshold, perhaps screaming and cursing in fury, but she could feel the people inside staring at her through the windows.

With great effort, she heaver herself into motion. Her legs moved up and down with stiffness as if her brain was failing to send comprehensive signals. She didn't know where she was going, but walking seemed better than standing.

"A bench!" Midna fumed to herself, her hands coiling into fists.

I live in the outskirts.

The boy's voice chimed in her head, his irritatingly earnest face following it.

If you ever need anything,

Midna exhaled a lengthy sigh. It wasn't a good option. But it certainly seemed better than searching for the nearest bench.

XXX

Midna stood next to a massive window, one of many that lined the thirteenth floor of the building. Tables and chairs were being brought out and she was pleasantly surprised with how little she had to oversee. The room was coming together splendidly, as was the event. Her shipment of wine glasses had arrived on time with minimal casualties and the centerpieces fit in better than she could have hoped. The caterer was currently scoping out the kitchen while his staff were studying the floor. Security was already set up and the guest list had been checked not once, not twice, but three times.

Midna Exhaled in approval, though she dared not relax. With events like these, something always went wrong. Be it miscolored drapery or incorrect seating, Midna knew something was going to be amiss.

However, as the day went on and the party began, no crisis emerged. Everything seemed to be in its proper place and Midna couldn't help but marvel at how smoothly things were going. People were being seated and served while the potential models were discussing their options with some of her agents. Several guests had already voiced their fondness for the space and Midna, reluctantly, began to wonder if this time would be different. Perhaps the party would carry on without incident. Perhaps no great catastrophe would befall them. Perhaps Esmerelda would show up with a decent, normal, candidate. Perhaps there would be no surprises.