(All rights reserved by Nintendo & Capcom!)
She was renowned for being the toughest girl in her class. Given the honorary title, "Queenie", her regal presence and commanding eyes of deep purple held sway over every student in her school. (Including even some of the teachers and staff!) She did not earn her high position so effortlessly as people who met her for the first time assumed. It required an uphill battle of gaining respect, staying on top of her academics, frequently participating in extracurriculars, defying the poisonous prejudice in the school's social spectrum and becoming a prime role model. She had solidified her place in Shizuoko* city and assured herself that no one could remove her from where she rightfully belonged. Or so she thought...
A distraught Zelda stared up at the mundane ceiling of white. With the walls encompassing her being the same unsympathetic color. Hunched with aching pain, stress, and defeat, sat the once unopposed Queen of Shizuoko High. Now a powerless princess trapped in an impenetrable tower, or more accurately-the Maverick Hunters' Headquarters in Abel City. Forced to stay in a military base whose security far surpassed the United States'. Under guard by countless androids with powers of mass destruction and decades of war experience. Not to mention the newly recruited troop of New Gen reploids and five shipments of cyber elves designed to place intruders at their mercy...
"All for my safety, until the great Hylian Council comes to pick me up like a long-awaited parcel." Zelda parroted bitterly. She massaged her aching head as her brain hysterically scrambled to organize current events that seemed to have pass in an incomprehensible blur. She looked longingly at the wall, was it too much to ask for a room with windows?! The least they could do was allow the sunshine and song of spring to enter this dreary place. She was supposed to be out there with her friends right now!
Zelda threw herself on the bed. She closed her eyes as her memory replayed her destined downfall:
" Kyo wa*, are you...Impa-san and Shad-san? "
Zelda had received a letter informing her to meet two officials with important news for her.
So, she dressed in her best royal blue dress suit with a freshly ironed orange tie and sparkling black heels. Yet she was completely caught off-guard when the two officers were actually natives from her ancestors' homeland. With the famous maverick hunters X and Zero accompanying them no less. Zelda maintained her cool dignity as she sat down to brace whatever life-shattering revelations she was sure they held. " This cannot be good... " She mused to herself quietly.
Impa motioned to Shad, and he replied by opening his computer and retrieving several digital files. The data was projected so Zelda could have a clear perception on what they were trying to tell her. She was slightly taken aback as her entire family lineage confronted her. Three centuries' worth of records cataloging all members of her bloodline. "Contrary to what you're probably thinking right now, we only have one-third of your ancestors' records. Pardon our incompleteness Zelda-chan." Shad smiled apologetically Zelda resisted the urge to sigh, many thanks to the stranger for ruining the moment!
Commander Impa continued, "The matter at hand concerns your ancestress' former occupation, which will determine your future and Hyrule's." Zelda could not help but give a small grasp of bewilderment. Impa grasped her assistant's computer, and her fingers flew as she entered in what she requested. The holographs swirled until they reformed into one single profile. The young student stared in utter shock to behold a powerful queen-with her face.
"Queenie", began to hyperventilate and found herself swiftly rescued by X who brought her a large glass of ice-cold water. "Arigato*, Rockman-san..." She managed to speak as she gulped down the soothing frostiness of her drink. The shekiah and pure blood hylian were compassionate enough to give her twenty minutes to calm herself before resuming the debriefing session. Commander Impa explained, "Your ancestress, Queen Zelda, was forced to abdicate her throne by the treacherous Wilmington Council during the time period of 19xx. Her downfall led to high taxes, public exploitation, embezzlement of the nation's treasury, civil strife, the secret servitude imposed on non-Hylians, the severe military casualties in trying to keep order, and as the icing on the cake of disaster. The villainous council decided to banish the much-beloved Hero."
"I'm sorry, Hero-who?" Zelda asked. Impa had previously learned how ignorant many Japanese-Hylians were of their heritage. (Legends sadly included!) So, Shad speedily filled the missing gaps in the young girl's heritage. "Well, Zelda-chan. We once possessed a sacred treasure known as the Triforce. Power, Wisdom, and Courage were its pieces and were given to those who embolden them the most. Your ancestress and all those before her received the Triforce of Wisdom.
While the Triforce of Courage belonged always with the Hero. A young man in green who faithfully came to Hyrule's defense whenever evil was to strike again. Especially during the times when the Wielder of the Triforce of Power, would come to conquer all of Hyrule. As outrageous as it may seem, this cycle has been going on for centuries because the Triforce is also cursed... " Shad gulped nervously. "WHAT?!" Zelda stood up in outrage. "How, how, how-can that be, considered a sacred treasure?!" She sputtered.
Rockman X refilled her drink so she could take another brain break. The hylian scholar tugged at his cravat before he pushed on, "I'm sorry we have to tell you this. The truth is indeed difficult for us also. Now getting to the point, many citizens of Hyrule were compelled to leave the country during the chaotic reign of the Wilmington Council. Your ancestress included. She left with the refugee expedition to Nippon. Her departure being the last that anyone ever seen of the Triforce.
Our past scholars concluding that the curse could not function without two of the Triforce's pieces within the realm. Yet ironically without it, there is not much that can keep the monster population at bay." Zelda almost choked on her water. Impa pressed on, "Monsters may not exist in your scientifically-advanced world, little one. Tragically, they are indeed real in ours. Actual beasts born from malice and truly heartless. Our scientists been researching how their species is expanding and growing stronger when the Wielder of Power has been out of the picture for three hundred years. For it is the corrupted Wielder of Power that gives birth to the monsters. Thanks to recent breathroughs in the investigation, we have finally located their spawn.
We're not sure how, but somehow the Wilmington Council managed to secure the Triforce of Power from its original owner whose identity is still obscured. It has been resting beneath Hyrule castle the entire time, spawning monsters in our country." Zelda could only stare motionlessly at the shekiah. Impa took a deep breathe before breaking the news, "There is a possible solution to the problem, yet it's a very risky maneuver. The only ones who can control the Triforces' pieces are the ones who are chosen.
We decided that in order to keep Power in line. It needs to be kept in check by Wisdom. Which is why we humbly ask you to accept your rightful role as Princess. So that you can wield both Power and Wisdom." The entire world stopped for Hyrule's long-lost heiress. In an inflammable combination of extreme stress, shock, fear, disbelief, and rage from the crimes committed against her family.
She jumped back from the ambassadors and furiously roared, "NOOO!" She emerged from the room faster than a whirlwind. Sprinting down the stairs of the building revealed her to be more athletic than gauged from her appearance. (One had to remain fit after all, in order to fulfill all their extracurriculars and social obligations!) She swiftly evaded the grasp of the security force on the bottom floor as she burst through the entrance! As she bolted through the streets, she quickly changed her clothes in a public restroom to disguise herself.
Not enough to bypass reploids, who could easily identify people. Yet an edge in keeping her fellow humans from recognizing her. She scurried through the most shadowy places in the city as her mind raced for a proper hideout. She could not go back to the orphanage, yet her school was not an option either. Her only recourse being to ride unseen on a subway trip to Hamamatsu. Where a dear friend could shelter her until she planned her next move.
With a tangible course of action, she hastened to the nearest subway station and dodged the all-seeing eyes of the security cameras. She boarded the subway with little trouble as it rocketed towards Hamamatsu. The scuffled runaway sat dazed as the world outside passed her by. Her body so worn-out it pleaded for some much-needed nutrition. She felt tempted to stock up on snacks on one of the stops. Only to hold back, knowing too well that someone could rant her out to the cops once they glimpsed her face.
She wondered if they already inquired for her on the web site, Public Safety & Alerts. Halfway through her trip, Zelda felt like she would almost be in the clear. When suddenly, the train jerked to a dead stop as police officers AND maverick hunters boarded the train. An officer boomed, "Nobody leaves this train until we have located Miss Zelda Harkinian! She is a sophomore of sixteen years of Hylian descent. Last seen wearing a royal blue dress suit, has long dark brown hair and violet eyes. If she is among you or if you have seen her, stand up now and testify!"
Zelda gritted her teeth as she reached for a gray ball in her backpack. "I'm not surrendering to frivolous petticoats and royal suitors without a fight..." She hissed. She hurled the ball against the floor-KABOOM! Billowing smoke fogged the entire train as the girl responsible for it slid out of the train undetected. She would have to continue on foot. All the subway stations would surely be alerted of her flight now.
As she scampered as quickly as her enervated body could possibly manage. Her acute Hylian ears caught the tell-tale sounds of footsteps pursuing her! Too light to be reploid footsteps, Zelda made a gamble and darted into a ramshackle warehouse. She hid behind some rusting metal crates as she bided her time for her pursuers to pass. She crouched perfectly still for half an hour until she confirmed the absence of whoever chased her.
Satisfied, she was about to leave when suddenly, she heard the beginnings of a great rumbling underneath the floor. At first, she reckoned the sounds as an incoming earthquake-but then the middle of the ground opened up to release a gigantic, gleaming maverick. Twice the size of an adult bear, painted as dark as midnight, with four tremendous limbs, huge robotic boots studded with razor sharp spikes, and laser green eyes. Zelda immediately attempted to bypass the mechanical menace-but his sensors already tagged her. He took great strides after the tiny girl as she prayed desperately for her survival.
She scarcely reached the open exit when a bulky crate landed with a BAM! Blocking her only way out and leaving her helpless to the towering maverick. He coldly moved closer to his next victim, reaching out with his scarred hands to kidnap the girl. He had already decided on how high her ransom would be when-the wall splintered apart as Rockman X high kicked through it. His mighty kick landed square between the maverick's eyes which caused him to crash to the concrete ground unconscious. Kneeling by a two-foot hole caused by the collapse, X double-checked his opponent to affirm he would not awaken too soon.
Then he rose to meet the child trembling from immense gratitude and defeat at the same time. Seeing how traumatized she was, he knew what he had to do. He knelt beside her and opened his arms, letting the poor girl into his embrace. He let her cry for a long while, fully aware of the daunting tasks awaiting her when he brought her back. After what seemed like long enough, he gently hoisted up the high schooler. Then left the crumbling warehouse with her...
Zelda opened her eyes after reminiscing the recent past. Although she would not enjoy her stay at Maverick Hunter HQ, X would at least be a friendly face to help tolerate her prison. Bored, her keen ears surveyed the various noises she could discern through the wall. The whirring of machinery, the countless stomps of robotic boots, the blasts of plasma cannons or guns below her. Suddenly, she heard distinctive voices ring out,
"I really hope Zellie is ok!"
"I bet she is hopping mad right now-"
"Why would she be mad?! She just became a real princess, for crying out loud!"
"Wait...A princess? Is this why she has been dragged from school outta the blue?"
Suddenly, Zelda felt a rising sensation of uncontained joy bubble from within her. The door slid open to let in four girls she knew all too well. "Zelda!" "Malon! Ashei! Yashuha*! Mikaya!" The five girls eloped into a group hug-except for the tallest who had to step back in order to embrace them all. The cyan hunter who let them in just smiled and left the girls to their privacy. "I'm so relieved you guys are here!" Zelda exclaimed with lifted spirits.
Her friend with sparkling silver hair and rose-pink barrettes noticed how painfully bare the room looked. "No kidding. This room is- itaitashi*!" Yashuha shuddered. "I know, but this is supposedly their safest room. Plus, it's the closest to the emergency exits in case of an attack!" Zelda whined from her lamentable predicament. Her other friend, a robust female with raven black hair in a messy ponytail. Snarled with contempt, " Your think as a princess your get better treatment than-this.
And why did they not hire me to be your bodyguard?! Papa has not raised me as a black-belted champion for nothing! Plus, you would not have to move!" Ashei puffed with grave annoyance. The girl beside her with sweeping hair of cherry red, cerulean eyes, and a yellow bandana. Playfully teased, "I think the reason they did not consider because their highness needs no naughty influences in becoming Queen." Ashei snapped, "Hey!" As she gave Malon a playful shove.
The tallest of them all, a girl with a long braid of black wearing blue grasses and a weather-worn crucifix from a rusty necklace. Held up a mini-fridge with a handle and chuckled, "Good thing we brought the necessities for the house-warming party." Zelda's face lit up when the other girls produced the bags they had prepared for the visit. "You guys are the best!" Zelda glowed in delight.
Yashuha's supplies were the first to be used in beautifying the haplessly blank room. Working together, the girls transformed the eye sore to a dainty's girl's nest. Mikaya's height enabled her to paste the glow-in-the-dark-constellation-wallpaper on the ceiling with only a chair as leverage. Ashei and Yashuha covered the walls with posters of nature and numerous wall stickers. Malon covered the plain bed sheets with a lovely futon of cherry blossoms, several adorable plushies, and plump pillows.
While the newly minted heiress set up her work desk with a matching chair and lantern. With the furniture being the gifts from Malon and Ashei. At last, the girls piled on the bed to share a meal of hayashi rice stew, iced tea, and mochi ice cream. The food and mini-fridge being Mikaya's contribution. The girls talked over what happened during the last few days apart.
The student council, the science club, and one-third of her classmates painfully felt her loss. Malon had taken over Zelda's responsibilities in the council considering her return was highly unlikely. Ashei proudly proclaimed how she thrashed four boys who tried to spread rumors claiming that Zelda " ran off with a secret lover ". Yashuha had received permission to redecorate all the club rooms. The restaurant of Mikaya's uncle had been prospering from a sudden spike in customers over their latest dish. Zelda retold the chilling tale of her failed escape.
With the narrow rescue from the vicious maverick causing Yushuha and Malon to squeal. Ashei to punch a pillow-and explode it. While Mikaya crossed herself and muttered, "Thank the sweet Lord... " After they were done conversing with one another, they all fell into a comfortable silence. Well, almost comfortable. Zelda's friends did not want to ruin the peaceful atmosphere. However, the elephant in the room had to be urgently addressed, with now being the ideal time. Yushuha glanced towards Malon, who turned to Ashei, who in turn caught Mikaya's gaze.
Who then realized she had been chosen in bringing up the delicate topic. She tentatively turned to their friend and asked, "Queenie, how do you feel about all this? I'm sure its nerve-wracking to have these crazy requests pop out of the blue..." Bracing herself for the response. Queenie felt her insides twisting from the uncertain future looming before her. Would she even have a choice in saying no?
Sure, she could be dragged to Hyrule for all the Hylian Council cared. Yet from the hushed whispers of Shad to Commander Impa, she had a feeling the Triforce of Power had to be absorbed willingly. Turning to her friends she began, " I'll tell you how I view the situation girls. Yes, its undoubtedly fortunate to go from hard-working orphan to royal heiress overnight. But this certain offer has some...risky drawbacks.
As princess, there is more to being royalty than living a life of luxury and waiting for your Prince Charming." Ashei snorted as the last part as the other girls simply giggled. Zelda grinned at Ashei's snarky remark. Before moving on, "It is a role of leadership. Where your every decreed will dictate what will become of your kingdom. Which should be challenging enough as it sounds...
However, there is a new perilous task that comes with Hyrule's crown. I've already told you of their Triforce and how the wretched thing is cursed. According to Shad-san, they need the Bearer of Wisdom to pacify Power's monster-spawning tendencies. But the catch is, even if I'm the descendant of the last true Zelda. I have not received the Triforce of Wisdom yet. And since I need Wisdom to keep Power in check..."
She faltered in her speech. Taking a few minutes to collect herself, she pressed on. "I'm positively frightened girls. I fear that accursed Triforce piece will corrupt me like all the bearers that ever possessed it! How can I be expected to hold Power when I lack the Wisdom to harness it?! The problem with power is that so many abuse it and yet so little actually know how to properly use it. I do NOT want to be that person girls.
I do not want to become some selfish monster like Ganon, the Wilmington Council, Colonel Redips, Sigma, Kim Jong II, Hitler, Mao Zedong, Ivan IV, Henry VIII, or Neo! I like having friends, helping people, and being a part of society. I already have so much here even if it seems measly compared to a mighty throne from a magical land. I do not want to lose what is most valuable if I'm driven insane by power! If I accept the crown-will I be selling myself in the bargain?"
Zelda became silent once more as Yashuha pulled her into a warm hug. Ashei scowled as she drew out a short saber and ignited it. "If it is not your wish to to accept, Zellie. I can take care of that for you!" Malon quickly deactivated the saber before saying her piece, "It is quite a hefty responsibility for someone even like you, Zellie. Its reasonable your hesitant to accept it. Hopefully for the time being, you can afford to say no. But will willing to support you if you're going to say yes.
We will not lose you without a fight like our dear Ashei just proclaimed." Ashei held her head high at those words. Mikaya just held her head in her right palm before looking up face Zelda again.
"The last thing I ever want is to lose one of my first friends to a despicable possibility as that. However, despite what the Council says and the fate of all your descendants. The choice is still yours alone. You have been given freewill from the beginning and no one, not even those who claim to know who you are. Can ever take that from you.
It is not others to determine what your destiny may be. Maybe you are meant to be the Queen one day, or maybe your just meant to be good old Zellie. Yet whatever you choose, remember that you are not on your own. We are all by your side Zellie. Including the One who created you and all who came before you. Whatever your choice may be, we will help you see it through." The gentle giant vowed.
Yushuha pulled Zelda into a tight hug. "I-I, I promise not to let anyone hurt you, Zeldaaaa!" She clung to her friend tightly as Malon and Ashei also joined the embrace. Mikaya stretched out a bear-like arm to hold Zelda's hand. The tall girl deep in contemplation on what the future would bring. Queenie's girls comforted her as gasped, "Arigato*, Arigato!"
They remained like this for a whole hour until they slowly broke apart. Zelda drunk the last of the iced tea as she relished the girls' company. After some intense thought, she spoke up again, "I have a plan." Her companions piqued up, this sounded like the Queenie they knew well. Zelda explained her proposition, "It is clear that Hyrule is in dire need of divesting the monster population. However, we only have half the means to do so. So, I will not accept the crown until I acquire the Triforce of Wisdom. I'm sure the Hylian Council will be reasonable enough to wait until we fully have the means of termination."
"But how long is that going to take?!" Ashei grumbled hopelessly. "You know that wisdom is not exactly like fast-food service. So, I hope Hyrule is patient..." Mikaya pointed out. This prompted Malon to ask, "What is the council going to do about the monster population in the meantime?" Zelda readily supplied the answers, "I am fully prepared to fight the bitter battle to the end. As for the nasty infestation in the meantime, I am going to seek assistance from Commander Rockman."
Ashei's eyes blazed with exhilaration, "Woah! You're going to ask X?! Does that mean I can fight along with Zero?!" "NO!" Malon, Yushuha, and Mikaya protested all at once. "I only take orders from her Highness. I do not need to heed the opinions of you commoners!" She scoffed as if she were a haughty high knight.
Zelda chortled immensely from Ashei's teasing and went on, "Yes, I am going to ask Commander X for reinforcements. I'll also ask Commander Impa to see if she can bring up the possibility of trade at the next meeting between the Hylian Council and Nippon's Parliament. Whatever resources the kingdom can exchange for more reploid technology. Hopefully some New Gen Reploids can be manufactured for Hyrule's troops since their production is already back on track. In the meantime, I will dedicate all my time to receive the Triforce of Wisdom. This part of the plan I'm sure you girls can help me with!"
"I know Miss Wise Owl can definitely help you with that! I'm sure she can spare some bookies from her ancient library of wisdom!" Ashei grinned mischievously at Mikaya. The towering girl just glared at Ashei and scowled, "At least I can trust Queenie with my books. Unlike SOMEONE who forgets to return them INTACT." "I thought you forgave me!" Ashei squealed as she dove behind some pillows.
Mikaya heaved a great sigh and replied, "Of course I did and always will. However, would you mind learning from your mistakes champ? That IS part of wisdom you know." "Fortunately, Zellie has that part down, unluckily Ashei does not!" Malon crackled uncontrollably. Ashei began bombarding the cheeky redhead with pillows while Mikaya downed another glass of tea in sheer prostration.
Soon the time came for the group to depart. Zelda stood at the door before her friends were escorted by the security guard. (X had to dash off to a meeting beforehand.) "Make sure you take time for yourself, Zelda. An overworked Zellie is too terrifying for anyone to encounter!" Yushuha warned. "I know..." Her guilty friend sincerely promised.
"Will be here to support you! So do not hesitate to turn to us!" Malon told her. "AND that you call me whenever you need there is an assassin, kidnapper, or power-hungry creep on your tail! " Ashei declared. "The idea of a reckless, rookie ninja standing up to seasoned professions who committed themselves to plunging the world into turmoil and sin. Makes me feel uneasy..." Mikaya commented.
The tomboy twirled to the giantess with a cocky smile, "I appreciate your concerns angel, but I am not letting you stop me!" Mikaya locked down at the shorter girl and simply stated, " Then if I cannot stop you, then I will simply join you." "Oh, my goodness Mikaya! You are just like Rockman X! You're both against violence and always for peace. Yet that does not stop you from clobbering those who dare to hurt others!"
"W-E-L-L, we should always stand up for others who are in need. AND kindly remind the perpetrators that it is NOT right to harm their brothers and sisters for their own benefit!" Mikaya huffed. Ashei turned away thoughtfully for a few moments before turning back to her gargantuan friend. "Even if you want to be a missionary Miki, you could still be a great protector one day." "That's the problem Ashei, too many warriors and not enough people to rebuild or care for those in the aftermath." Mikaya responded.
The karate champ impatiently stamped her foot. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's all true! But it's still not your fault that some missionaries failed! So, you do not need to sacrifice your life for their darn mistakes!" All the girls froze, leave it to Ashei to be the bold one! Zelda turned to Mikaya, expecting her to counteract their friend's argument.
Alas, the usually imposing girl became silent. That's when Zelda stepped in saying, "Well it is still her choice Ashei. True, she does not need to pay for anybody's mistakes. That does not mean she cannot learn from them. Who knows? We're not the judges of Miki's fate."
Ashei suddenly got embarrassed and apologized for her brashness. She was only looking out for her friends! Mikaya accepted it and joked about needing to take her own advice. After her friends left, Zelda collapsed on her now-comfy bed only to sit back up from the sudden pain from her right hand. Zelda held up her hand in fright a blinding glint of golden light pierced through her skin. It scalded her like nothing she ever felt before. After two full minutes of agony the golden light disappeared.
She opened her eyes, which were closed due to the unbearable pain. To behold a tiny golden triangle now impressed on her right hand. Zelda felt excitement surging through her veins. It obviously was not the full Triforce of Wisdom in its full glory. It was still a wonderful start.
Fun facts: Shizuoko and Hamamatsu are two real cities that are close to Japan's shores. Which are some of the most likely spots for refugees from Hyrule to enter the country.
Itaitashi means "pathetic". Arigato means " Thank you ". Kyo Wa means "Good day".
Hayashi rice stew is a delectable beef dish.
Yashuha means "peace" or "quiet".
My canon is that since Hylians have long ears, its most likely they possess sharper hearing. Like rabbits or elephants.
