Prologue to the Triforce Trilogy:
By Giovanni_is_Hot (Cassandra Bryars)
Note: If you read this before you read "The Triforce Trilogy," It will make A LOT more sense, such as why Esther (known as Hadassah in most of this prologue) and Link know of their Hyrulean background. Please, take the time to read this. You'll be glad you did.
*****
The rain lightly pelted against the window as Elizabeth Bryars looked outside. She sighed sadly. "I hate rainy days. They're always so gloomy, and not good for keeping 3 little girls entertained." "Yeah, Liz. But at least we're all together." Her husband, Joshua, said, drawing her close to his body.
"Mommy, mommy! Something outside on doorstep! It look like basket!" Little 2-year-old Deborah said. "A basket?!" Their mother echoed. "Are you sure?" Joshua asked. "Yeah, I saw it too!" Hannah piped up. "Ruth!" Elizabeth called to her oldest daughter. "Yes, Mother?" The 3-year-old answered. "Go see what that is, please, and bring it in." The mom said. "Yes, ma'am." Ruth replied politely as she went to fetch the object.
When she came in, they were shocked to see two little faces in the basket. "Oh my gosh! Somebody left babies on our doorstep!" Elizabeth exclaimed. Just then, one of the babies awoke and began to cry. "Mom? Where's mom?" The little girl asked, looking around frantically. "I'm afraid I don't know, sweetie, but I'll take care of you." Liz replied, picking up the 3- year-old. The other toddler then awoke to his sister's voice. He then did the same thing, but was comforted that his sister was there. Joshua then picked up the little boy and held him also.
"There's a note in here." Ruth said, moving the blanket to reveal a piece of paper. "What does it say?" The dad asked, rocking the boy back and forth. "It says, 'Dear Family, I have entrusted these two young children into your hands. I can no longer provide for them and wish for them to have a good home. They are twins and are both 3 years old; their birthday is October 21st. The little girl is Hadassah Esther and the boy is Link. I trust that you can provide for them and love them. I have included a cape with an emblem that hooks it together. Please give this to Little Esther when she reaches the age of 10. I have also included a list of what they're allergic to and what they like & don't like. Please take good care of them. Love, Alvina, their mother'." Ruth said.
"Mommy's gone?" Little Hadassah asked sadly. "Looks like it, sis." Link said. "Don't worry. We'll take care of you two." Joshua said, smiling. "Yes, we will." Elizabeth agreed. "Hadassah, Link. I'm Elizabeth. You can call me Mommy if you'd like. This is Joshua, you can call him Daddy. This is Hannah, Deborah, and Ruth. They'll be your step-sisters, so to speak." "Hi." Hadassah said quietly. "Hey." Link replied softly, still staying close to his sister.
4 months later...
"We'll be back soon, about three hours. You think you can watch all of them and those little boys?" Elizabeth asked the babysitter, who nodded. "Yes, ma'am. It shouldn't be a problem with the older kid around." She said, pointing to a young boy, about 10 years of age, with dark hair and tanned skin. "Well, okay. Bye, Kiyla." The mom said, and then turned to her children. "You be good now, you hear?" "Yes ma'am." They said. "Okay. Bye kids!" She said, leaving. "Bye mom!" They said in unison.
Hadassah immediately noticed a younger boy playing by himself. His hair was jet-black and he had the most beautiful brown eyes. He wore jean shorts and a plain red T-shirt. She automatically took a liking to him and went over to where he was, playing with some blocks. "Hi. I'm Hadassah. What's your name?" She asked, sitting next to him. "Giovanni John Rocket." He said quietly, not looking up at her. "How old are you?" She asked, kind of discouraged that he wouldn't even look at her. "5 years old. I'll be six 3 months from now, in October." He replied, this time looking at her. "What day?" She asked, glad to see him looking at her. "The 20th." He answered, stopping what he was doing. "That's cool! Mine and my brother's is the 21st!" She said happily. "Huh. That is cool. You and you brother twins?" He asked, glad to have someone to talk to.
"Yeah. His name is Link. Where do you live?"
"7825 Tribble Creek drive."
"That means we're neighbors! I live at 7820 Tribble Creek Drive!"
"Cool!" He said happily. They conversed for a while longer. And with that first conversation, they began to forge an unbreakable friendship that would stand the test of time.
**6 years later**
"Tag, you're it!" 9-year-old Hadassah said, tagging her friend. "Not for long, Essie!" 11-year-old Giovanni laughed, chasing after her.
The two were in a field near his house. Pallet Town was a great place to raise young children, with the crime rate so low. The setting sun's rays fell upon the field, making the wheat appear golden. Giovanni tackled her and together, they rolled down the hill. They landed upon the soft grass, laughing at their antics.
As they laughed, a white Mercedes pulled up to the field, followed by what looked like a moving van. A Black haired woman in a red suit stepped out, looking towards the field. "Giovanni John Rocket! Get up here now! We're leaving!" Madam Boss yelled.
The young boy frowned as his mother called him. Hadassah looked at him, confused. "Why must you go?" "We're...moving to Viridian City." He said, sighing. "Moving!? You never told me you were moving!" She said, hurt filling her voice. "I didn't think she was serious, until now." He said, shaking his head. "Oh, Giovanni! I'm going to miss you so much!" She wailed, hugging him tightly. "And I'm going to miss you just as much, Es." He replied, returning the embrace.
"We're leaving in 3 minutes, whether you're with us or not!" His mother called. Giovanni looked at Hadassah and took her hands in his. "Someday, we'll see each other again. Someday..." He said, looking into her violet eyes, which were filled with tears. "Please, don't cry, Essie. I don't want my last moments with you to be remembered by tears. I'll try to visit you, if I can. I promise you that." "You will?"
"I promise."
"2 minutes, Giovanni!" His mother called angrily. Giovanni looked up the hill and frowned. "Sheesh. She thinks it's her prime goal in life to keep us apart." "Yeah. At least Viridian's not too far; it's only...50 miles, I think." Hadassah said. "Actually, it's more like 35, but anyway." Giovanni corrected.
He then pulled a Pokéball out of his pocket. "I want you to have this, Es. To remember me by." He handed it to Hadassah, closing her hand around the small object. "What is it?" She asked. "My Spearow. It's not as temperamental as regular Spearow, which is a good thing." He said, smiling. "Oh, no! I couldn't take this! You've had it since you became a trainer six months ago!" She replied, handing it back to him. "No, Es. I want you to have it. I know that you've always admired it, and that you've wanted one of your own. Please, take it and care for it. Treat it like you would treat me." He responded, placing the ball back in her hand.
Hadassah fought back the hot tears she felt coming, but to no avail. "Thank you. Thank you so much..." She said, hugging him again. "I better go, before they leave without me." Giovanni said sadly, returning the embrace once more. They ran up the incline together just as their guardian, Hadassah's adoptive mom, Elizabeth, called to her. "Hadassah, come on! We need to go home now! It's almost suppertime!" "Man. I hate going home." Hadassah said to herself. "I guess this is it then, Gio." She said sadly. "Yeah, I guess so. I hope we see each other again, Hadassah. You're the best friend I've ever had." He said, hugging her again.
"Well, I guess I better be going. Oh, before I do, you know that picture of us together that our parents took 2 days ago?" "Yeah, I remember that." She replied, nodding. "Well, let's keep a copy of the photo with us all the time. That way we can remember each other." Giovanni suggested. "I love that idea! I'm going to keep a copy of it forever! I'm never going to leave it at home!" She exclaimed. "Well, I guess this is goodbye." He said, shaking her hand, then hugging her. "Yeah, I guess so...goodbye, Giovanni. I'll never forget you." She said, tears rolling down her face. "Goodbye, Essie. I'll always remember you." He replied sadly. He then walked to his mother's car and got in. "Goodbye, Hadassah! I'll miss you!" He yelled as the car drove away. "Goodbye, Gio! I'll miss you too! I'll never forget you!" She yelled to him as the Mercedes drove over the horizon. Hadassah's mom came over to her and held her as she wept quietly.
"Someday, we'll see each other again. Someday..." Giovanni's words stuck in Hadassah's mind as she held Spearow's pokéball to her heart. "Never again will I go by Hadassah. I am now just Esther." She told her mother, who, even though she didn't understand why, nodded. "Someday, we'll see each other again." Esther whispered as she turned to face the horizon.
"Someday..."
**A year later...**
Thunder crashed, the wind howled, and the rain poured as the 10-year-old brunette ran from her home, her siblings, her life, all left behind in Pallet. She had just become a trainer as of that morning, but her parents had been in a terrible car crash on Sunday that had killed them both. She just couldn't stay there any longer. She now regarded Pallet Town as a place of death: The death of her friendship with Giovanni, whom she hadn't heard from in ages, and the death of her parents.
"Where are you, God? I thought you loved me, Lord. Was I wrong? Are you testing me? Is this punishment for something I've done? Why did you take Giovanni from me, and then my foster parents? Why Lord, oh, why?" She prayed helplessly, and then she rebuked herself for asking Him such a thing. "Forgive your servant, Lord, for ever thinking such a thing. I'm just so confused. I forget that in Your Word, You said that all things work for the good of those that love Him. I just don't see how good can come of this. Forgive me for doubting you, Lord God. Help me, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, amen." She prayed again.
Running through the rain, she tripped upon a rock and fell into the mud face first. She got up slowly, wiping the mud from her face. As she began running again, hot tears burned in her eyes. She fought desperately against them, but she felt so hurt inside, and the tears rolled down her cheeks.
The rain got harder and forced Esther off the road and onto the roadside. She found an abandoned house with a porch right next to the road and took shelter under the awning. She lay down under it and fell into an uneasy slumber, ridden with nightmares.
*****
"I appreciate you driving me to Pallet Town, Bruno." 12-year-old Giovanni said to his brother as they drove the Mustang through the rain. "Well, I know how much you miss your old friend. Just remember, if Mom finds out, it's your fault." His 17-year-old brother replied. "Not all my fault though, 'Cause you're the one driving, not me." Giovanni smiled. "Yeah, but it was your idea, little bro." Bruno responded. "Hmm...Good poin...hey what's that!?" The 12 year old asked, looking out the window. "It looks like...stop the car!" Bruno slammed on the brakes, causing them to stop almost immediately. "What? What is it?" He asked as Giovanni hopped out of the car. "It's Essie, Bruno! Help me get her into the car!" Giovanni yelled. "Huh? Okay..." His brother said, hopping out also.
*****
"Where have you young idiots been?" Madam Boss asked angrily as they walked in. "You two were stupid to go out in that storm!" "Sorry, Mum. We, ah, had to get something for Giovanni for his 2nd year at Pokémon Tech." Bruno lied, as Giovanni carried Esther inside. "That's the 'something' you had to get? Ha! You'll find plenty of them at school, Giovanni! And they're at least dry, awake, and most are prettier than that!" She replied, pointing to Esther as she slept. Giovanni growled quietly, not at all appreciating that his mother had referred to Esther as 'that'. "Now...do my eyes deceive me, or is that your old friend, Hadassah? If it is..." Madam Boss started, anger in her voice. "Yeah, it's Hadassah." He replied angrily. "I thought I told you not to go to Pallet Town! She's not good for your attitude, Giovanni! Do you know that someday, when I'm gone, that you'll be the head of the entire Team Rocket Empire!? You're the only one to have enough potential to do that, after me! You have to rule them with a iron fist, and sweet, know-nothing girls aren't going to help you do that!" She rebuked.
Giovanni lowered his head, blinking back hot tears of frustration. "Well, it's a little late now, isn't it, Mother!?" He said angrily. Madam Boss growled, and then realized that it was kind of late. "Fine. Get her cleaned up and take her to one of the guest rooms. But she goes tomorrow." Giovanni looked up, shocked at what his mother had just said. "Please, mom. Not tomorrow. I haven't seen her in so long..." "Would you rather not have her stay at all?" His mother asked, a smirk on her face. "Of course I want her to stay, but..." Giovanni began. "Then the discussion is final." Madam Boss said, turning on her heel. "Oh, and you're both grounded for disobeying me." She added dryly.
As Giovanni took Esther to the living room, Bruno smiled. "Man, you're lucky Mom was in a good mood." Giovanni eyed him angrily. "Well, kind of a good mood, anyway." Bruno said, shrugging. "Why does she hate Hadassah so much? Essie never did a thing against Mom in her life." Giovanni said, tears welling up again in his brown eyes. "Well, she answered that. 'She's not good for your attitude, Giovanni! Do you know that someday, when I'm gone, that you'll be the head of the entire Team Rocket Empire!? You're the only one to have enough potential to do that, after me! You have to rule them with a iron fist, and sweet, know-nothing girls aren't going to help you do that!' That was the answer right there, bro." Bruno answered, imitating their mother. Giovanni growled at Bruno, who smiled. "At little protective of her, are we? Perhaps there's more to this friendship then meets the eye..." He said, noticing how close Giovanni held Esther. "Huh? You think that I like her in more than a friendly way? Man, you are wrong. We're friends and that's all." Giovanni added defensively.
Giovanni then entered the living room, which was pretty big in comparison with other rooms in the mansion. He sat down on the couch in front of the fireplace softly, so as not to wake her. "Bruno, can you go and get a washcloth and wet it with warm water? I want to try to get this mud off of her." He asked, a pleading look on his face. "Sure, bro." Bruno said, turning around. As Bruno went to get the washrag, Giovanni looked into Esther's face as she slept, smiling. "I wonder what she's dreaming about right now..." He whispered to himself, fingering her damp hair. He looked at the clock and sighed. It was already 8 P.M. He'd have to go to bed in three hours. "I hate curfews." He said quietly.
Just then, Bruno walked back in, carrying not one, but two washcloths. "I figured I'd help you, Giovanni. If you want me to, that is." He said, smiling. "Thanks, but...I'd rather do it myself, if you don't mind. But thanks for the extra washcloth." Giovanni said, looking at Bruno. "Okay. I'll stay close if you need help." Bruno answered, smiling as he went outside the room.
Giovanni sighed as he began to wipe her clothes off, which had the most mud on them. He then spotted three small Pokéballs hanging on a loose belt, which was used primarily for holding Pokéballs and not fastening clothes. He took one ball in his hand and fingered it gently. He wondered what was inside it, but put it back anyway. After her clothes were practically mud- free, he went to her arms and legs and started wiping the mud from them gently, so he wouldn't wake her up. He figured she had tripped and fallen, which would most likely mean she was running. But this late at night, she wouldn't have been traveling just because she had started late, she would know better than to do that, since it was dangerous to travel at night around these parts, with Team Rocket around. That meant she had to have been running away, but away from what? From her loving family? From her friends? He just didn't understand what would make her run away from something so wonderful as those things.
As he removed her cape she had on, he touched the Triforce emblem on it. It shined as he did so and he remembered seeing that mark before. He wiped the cape off, and then set it in front of the fireplace. He would hang it up later, when he had the chance. He came to her face and went to the other washcloth, which he hadn't used yet. He then proceeded to wipe the mud off her face. As he did, he smiled. She was more beautiful then she had been a year earlier. He then shook his head. Maybe Bruno was right, and maybe he did like her in more than a friendly way. Just maybe...
Suddenly and quite unexpectantly, Esther's eyelids began to open to the feel of the soft cloth against her face. "Uhh...where am I?" She asked, groaning, then she realized who he was. "Giovanni? What ar...Oh, Giovanni!" She said, hugging him tightly. "Hey, Essie." He replied, smiling as they held each other close. "Where am I?" She asked, still hugging him as tightly as she had a second before. "My house in Viridian." he answered, wiping the rest of the mud off of her. "I'm in Viridian?" She asked, eying him. "Yep. I found you outside on the side of the road, under the awning of that old house, asleep." He replied. "You were running away, weren't you?" Esther smiled. "How'd you guess?" "I don't know, I just...guessed." He shrugged. "Come on, let's get you one of the guest rooms." "You sure your mom won't mind?" She asked, tilting her head. "Yeah, I'm sure."
**3 years later**
As rain splashed against her window, Esther slept silently in her house. But beyond those closed eyelids, she dreamed a dream, one that was quite important and would affect the rest of her life.
"Esther..." A voice said. Esther looked to see an old man speak to her. She looked around to see that she was in a chamber of some sort. "Where am I?" She asked. "And who are you?" "You are in the Chamber of Sages, in the Temple of Light. I am Rauru, one of the ancient sages." Rauru said. "I don't understand." Esther replied disappointedly. "Ah, you're right. I have much to tell you, so please listen." Rauru said, extending his hand. "Um...okay, Rauru." She answered, taking his hand. Instantly, she saw in her mind's eye another place; A beautiful land with a rich history and many diverse people groups. "This is your homeland...It is called Hyrule." Rauru then explained how Hyrule came to be and then told her of her heritage. "You are the second Hero of Time, The Heroine of Time, and you are Hyrulean. Your Birth name is actually Estrella, but that is your Hyrulean name. The Heroes of Time are usually born once every 100 years, but this time more than one is alive. There are three of you." "Three of me?" Esther asked, shocked. "Not exactly." Rauru then taught her there were three Heroes of Time and that she knew the other two well. He told her about her powers; powers that she had, but never knew about.
"The First Hero of Time is your twin brother, Link. The other one, unfortunately, is clouded from my mind, and I cannot tell you who he is. But you will know it is him by the Triforce symbol on his left hand, like the one you have." He told her. "What do you mean, 'that you have'?" She asked, thinking him crazy. "Look at your left hand, Estrella." He instructed. She willingly obeyed and saw what he was talking about. "I see what you mean, Great Sage." She said. "Well, now that I have told you this, my time is nigh, but I leave you with this: The portal to Hyrule is outside Viridian City and you will know where it is if you will just look. But remember this: No one needs to know you are Hyrulean. And also: You can only get to Hyrule through two gates: The portal, which opens only when all three Heroes of Time are together, and...Your dreams. Farewell." he said, fading from her view. "No! Don't leave me! There's so much I want to know: My past, what is to come..." She called to him. "You will find out your past in due time, and as for your future, I'll let you find that out for yourself. Goodbye." He said.
"No, don't leave me!" Esther yelled. She then woke up in a cold sweat. She panted for a second, and then looked around. "Oh, must have been just a dre..."She began, and then she looked down at her left hand. The Triforce Mark was there, glowing yellow.
Note: If you read this before you read "The Triforce Trilogy," It will make A LOT more sense, such as why Esther (known as Hadassah in most of this prologue) and Link know of their Hyrulean background. Please, take the time to read this. You'll be glad you did.
*****
The rain lightly pelted against the window as Elizabeth Bryars looked outside. She sighed sadly. "I hate rainy days. They're always so gloomy, and not good for keeping 3 little girls entertained." "Yeah, Liz. But at least we're all together." Her husband, Joshua, said, drawing her close to his body.
"Mommy, mommy! Something outside on doorstep! It look like basket!" Little 2-year-old Deborah said. "A basket?!" Their mother echoed. "Are you sure?" Joshua asked. "Yeah, I saw it too!" Hannah piped up. "Ruth!" Elizabeth called to her oldest daughter. "Yes, Mother?" The 3-year-old answered. "Go see what that is, please, and bring it in." The mom said. "Yes, ma'am." Ruth replied politely as she went to fetch the object.
When she came in, they were shocked to see two little faces in the basket. "Oh my gosh! Somebody left babies on our doorstep!" Elizabeth exclaimed. Just then, one of the babies awoke and began to cry. "Mom? Where's mom?" The little girl asked, looking around frantically. "I'm afraid I don't know, sweetie, but I'll take care of you." Liz replied, picking up the 3- year-old. The other toddler then awoke to his sister's voice. He then did the same thing, but was comforted that his sister was there. Joshua then picked up the little boy and held him also.
"There's a note in here." Ruth said, moving the blanket to reveal a piece of paper. "What does it say?" The dad asked, rocking the boy back and forth. "It says, 'Dear Family, I have entrusted these two young children into your hands. I can no longer provide for them and wish for them to have a good home. They are twins and are both 3 years old; their birthday is October 21st. The little girl is Hadassah Esther and the boy is Link. I trust that you can provide for them and love them. I have included a cape with an emblem that hooks it together. Please give this to Little Esther when she reaches the age of 10. I have also included a list of what they're allergic to and what they like & don't like. Please take good care of them. Love, Alvina, their mother'." Ruth said.
"Mommy's gone?" Little Hadassah asked sadly. "Looks like it, sis." Link said. "Don't worry. We'll take care of you two." Joshua said, smiling. "Yes, we will." Elizabeth agreed. "Hadassah, Link. I'm Elizabeth. You can call me Mommy if you'd like. This is Joshua, you can call him Daddy. This is Hannah, Deborah, and Ruth. They'll be your step-sisters, so to speak." "Hi." Hadassah said quietly. "Hey." Link replied softly, still staying close to his sister.
4 months later...
"We'll be back soon, about three hours. You think you can watch all of them and those little boys?" Elizabeth asked the babysitter, who nodded. "Yes, ma'am. It shouldn't be a problem with the older kid around." She said, pointing to a young boy, about 10 years of age, with dark hair and tanned skin. "Well, okay. Bye, Kiyla." The mom said, and then turned to her children. "You be good now, you hear?" "Yes ma'am." They said. "Okay. Bye kids!" She said, leaving. "Bye mom!" They said in unison.
Hadassah immediately noticed a younger boy playing by himself. His hair was jet-black and he had the most beautiful brown eyes. He wore jean shorts and a plain red T-shirt. She automatically took a liking to him and went over to where he was, playing with some blocks. "Hi. I'm Hadassah. What's your name?" She asked, sitting next to him. "Giovanni John Rocket." He said quietly, not looking up at her. "How old are you?" She asked, kind of discouraged that he wouldn't even look at her. "5 years old. I'll be six 3 months from now, in October." He replied, this time looking at her. "What day?" She asked, glad to see him looking at her. "The 20th." He answered, stopping what he was doing. "That's cool! Mine and my brother's is the 21st!" She said happily. "Huh. That is cool. You and you brother twins?" He asked, glad to have someone to talk to.
"Yeah. His name is Link. Where do you live?"
"7825 Tribble Creek drive."
"That means we're neighbors! I live at 7820 Tribble Creek Drive!"
"Cool!" He said happily. They conversed for a while longer. And with that first conversation, they began to forge an unbreakable friendship that would stand the test of time.
**6 years later**
"Tag, you're it!" 9-year-old Hadassah said, tagging her friend. "Not for long, Essie!" 11-year-old Giovanni laughed, chasing after her.
The two were in a field near his house. Pallet Town was a great place to raise young children, with the crime rate so low. The setting sun's rays fell upon the field, making the wheat appear golden. Giovanni tackled her and together, they rolled down the hill. They landed upon the soft grass, laughing at their antics.
As they laughed, a white Mercedes pulled up to the field, followed by what looked like a moving van. A Black haired woman in a red suit stepped out, looking towards the field. "Giovanni John Rocket! Get up here now! We're leaving!" Madam Boss yelled.
The young boy frowned as his mother called him. Hadassah looked at him, confused. "Why must you go?" "We're...moving to Viridian City." He said, sighing. "Moving!? You never told me you were moving!" She said, hurt filling her voice. "I didn't think she was serious, until now." He said, shaking his head. "Oh, Giovanni! I'm going to miss you so much!" She wailed, hugging him tightly. "And I'm going to miss you just as much, Es." He replied, returning the embrace.
"We're leaving in 3 minutes, whether you're with us or not!" His mother called. Giovanni looked at Hadassah and took her hands in his. "Someday, we'll see each other again. Someday..." He said, looking into her violet eyes, which were filled with tears. "Please, don't cry, Essie. I don't want my last moments with you to be remembered by tears. I'll try to visit you, if I can. I promise you that." "You will?"
"I promise."
"2 minutes, Giovanni!" His mother called angrily. Giovanni looked up the hill and frowned. "Sheesh. She thinks it's her prime goal in life to keep us apart." "Yeah. At least Viridian's not too far; it's only...50 miles, I think." Hadassah said. "Actually, it's more like 35, but anyway." Giovanni corrected.
He then pulled a Pokéball out of his pocket. "I want you to have this, Es. To remember me by." He handed it to Hadassah, closing her hand around the small object. "What is it?" She asked. "My Spearow. It's not as temperamental as regular Spearow, which is a good thing." He said, smiling. "Oh, no! I couldn't take this! You've had it since you became a trainer six months ago!" She replied, handing it back to him. "No, Es. I want you to have it. I know that you've always admired it, and that you've wanted one of your own. Please, take it and care for it. Treat it like you would treat me." He responded, placing the ball back in her hand.
Hadassah fought back the hot tears she felt coming, but to no avail. "Thank you. Thank you so much..." She said, hugging him again. "I better go, before they leave without me." Giovanni said sadly, returning the embrace once more. They ran up the incline together just as their guardian, Hadassah's adoptive mom, Elizabeth, called to her. "Hadassah, come on! We need to go home now! It's almost suppertime!" "Man. I hate going home." Hadassah said to herself. "I guess this is it then, Gio." She said sadly. "Yeah, I guess so. I hope we see each other again, Hadassah. You're the best friend I've ever had." He said, hugging her again.
"Well, I guess I better be going. Oh, before I do, you know that picture of us together that our parents took 2 days ago?" "Yeah, I remember that." She replied, nodding. "Well, let's keep a copy of the photo with us all the time. That way we can remember each other." Giovanni suggested. "I love that idea! I'm going to keep a copy of it forever! I'm never going to leave it at home!" She exclaimed. "Well, I guess this is goodbye." He said, shaking her hand, then hugging her. "Yeah, I guess so...goodbye, Giovanni. I'll never forget you." She said, tears rolling down her face. "Goodbye, Essie. I'll always remember you." He replied sadly. He then walked to his mother's car and got in. "Goodbye, Hadassah! I'll miss you!" He yelled as the car drove away. "Goodbye, Gio! I'll miss you too! I'll never forget you!" She yelled to him as the Mercedes drove over the horizon. Hadassah's mom came over to her and held her as she wept quietly.
"Someday, we'll see each other again. Someday..." Giovanni's words stuck in Hadassah's mind as she held Spearow's pokéball to her heart. "Never again will I go by Hadassah. I am now just Esther." She told her mother, who, even though she didn't understand why, nodded. "Someday, we'll see each other again." Esther whispered as she turned to face the horizon.
"Someday..."
**A year later...**
Thunder crashed, the wind howled, and the rain poured as the 10-year-old brunette ran from her home, her siblings, her life, all left behind in Pallet. She had just become a trainer as of that morning, but her parents had been in a terrible car crash on Sunday that had killed them both. She just couldn't stay there any longer. She now regarded Pallet Town as a place of death: The death of her friendship with Giovanni, whom she hadn't heard from in ages, and the death of her parents.
"Where are you, God? I thought you loved me, Lord. Was I wrong? Are you testing me? Is this punishment for something I've done? Why did you take Giovanni from me, and then my foster parents? Why Lord, oh, why?" She prayed helplessly, and then she rebuked herself for asking Him such a thing. "Forgive your servant, Lord, for ever thinking such a thing. I'm just so confused. I forget that in Your Word, You said that all things work for the good of those that love Him. I just don't see how good can come of this. Forgive me for doubting you, Lord God. Help me, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, amen." She prayed again.
Running through the rain, she tripped upon a rock and fell into the mud face first. She got up slowly, wiping the mud from her face. As she began running again, hot tears burned in her eyes. She fought desperately against them, but she felt so hurt inside, and the tears rolled down her cheeks.
The rain got harder and forced Esther off the road and onto the roadside. She found an abandoned house with a porch right next to the road and took shelter under the awning. She lay down under it and fell into an uneasy slumber, ridden with nightmares.
*****
"I appreciate you driving me to Pallet Town, Bruno." 12-year-old Giovanni said to his brother as they drove the Mustang through the rain. "Well, I know how much you miss your old friend. Just remember, if Mom finds out, it's your fault." His 17-year-old brother replied. "Not all my fault though, 'Cause you're the one driving, not me." Giovanni smiled. "Yeah, but it was your idea, little bro." Bruno responded. "Hmm...Good poin...hey what's that!?" The 12 year old asked, looking out the window. "It looks like...stop the car!" Bruno slammed on the brakes, causing them to stop almost immediately. "What? What is it?" He asked as Giovanni hopped out of the car. "It's Essie, Bruno! Help me get her into the car!" Giovanni yelled. "Huh? Okay..." His brother said, hopping out also.
*****
"Where have you young idiots been?" Madam Boss asked angrily as they walked in. "You two were stupid to go out in that storm!" "Sorry, Mum. We, ah, had to get something for Giovanni for his 2nd year at Pokémon Tech." Bruno lied, as Giovanni carried Esther inside. "That's the 'something' you had to get? Ha! You'll find plenty of them at school, Giovanni! And they're at least dry, awake, and most are prettier than that!" She replied, pointing to Esther as she slept. Giovanni growled quietly, not at all appreciating that his mother had referred to Esther as 'that'. "Now...do my eyes deceive me, or is that your old friend, Hadassah? If it is..." Madam Boss started, anger in her voice. "Yeah, it's Hadassah." He replied angrily. "I thought I told you not to go to Pallet Town! She's not good for your attitude, Giovanni! Do you know that someday, when I'm gone, that you'll be the head of the entire Team Rocket Empire!? You're the only one to have enough potential to do that, after me! You have to rule them with a iron fist, and sweet, know-nothing girls aren't going to help you do that!" She rebuked.
Giovanni lowered his head, blinking back hot tears of frustration. "Well, it's a little late now, isn't it, Mother!?" He said angrily. Madam Boss growled, and then realized that it was kind of late. "Fine. Get her cleaned up and take her to one of the guest rooms. But she goes tomorrow." Giovanni looked up, shocked at what his mother had just said. "Please, mom. Not tomorrow. I haven't seen her in so long..." "Would you rather not have her stay at all?" His mother asked, a smirk on her face. "Of course I want her to stay, but..." Giovanni began. "Then the discussion is final." Madam Boss said, turning on her heel. "Oh, and you're both grounded for disobeying me." She added dryly.
As Giovanni took Esther to the living room, Bruno smiled. "Man, you're lucky Mom was in a good mood." Giovanni eyed him angrily. "Well, kind of a good mood, anyway." Bruno said, shrugging. "Why does she hate Hadassah so much? Essie never did a thing against Mom in her life." Giovanni said, tears welling up again in his brown eyes. "Well, she answered that. 'She's not good for your attitude, Giovanni! Do you know that someday, when I'm gone, that you'll be the head of the entire Team Rocket Empire!? You're the only one to have enough potential to do that, after me! You have to rule them with a iron fist, and sweet, know-nothing girls aren't going to help you do that!' That was the answer right there, bro." Bruno answered, imitating their mother. Giovanni growled at Bruno, who smiled. "At little protective of her, are we? Perhaps there's more to this friendship then meets the eye..." He said, noticing how close Giovanni held Esther. "Huh? You think that I like her in more than a friendly way? Man, you are wrong. We're friends and that's all." Giovanni added defensively.
Giovanni then entered the living room, which was pretty big in comparison with other rooms in the mansion. He sat down on the couch in front of the fireplace softly, so as not to wake her. "Bruno, can you go and get a washcloth and wet it with warm water? I want to try to get this mud off of her." He asked, a pleading look on his face. "Sure, bro." Bruno said, turning around. As Bruno went to get the washrag, Giovanni looked into Esther's face as she slept, smiling. "I wonder what she's dreaming about right now..." He whispered to himself, fingering her damp hair. He looked at the clock and sighed. It was already 8 P.M. He'd have to go to bed in three hours. "I hate curfews." He said quietly.
Just then, Bruno walked back in, carrying not one, but two washcloths. "I figured I'd help you, Giovanni. If you want me to, that is." He said, smiling. "Thanks, but...I'd rather do it myself, if you don't mind. But thanks for the extra washcloth." Giovanni said, looking at Bruno. "Okay. I'll stay close if you need help." Bruno answered, smiling as he went outside the room.
Giovanni sighed as he began to wipe her clothes off, which had the most mud on them. He then spotted three small Pokéballs hanging on a loose belt, which was used primarily for holding Pokéballs and not fastening clothes. He took one ball in his hand and fingered it gently. He wondered what was inside it, but put it back anyway. After her clothes were practically mud- free, he went to her arms and legs and started wiping the mud from them gently, so he wouldn't wake her up. He figured she had tripped and fallen, which would most likely mean she was running. But this late at night, she wouldn't have been traveling just because she had started late, she would know better than to do that, since it was dangerous to travel at night around these parts, with Team Rocket around. That meant she had to have been running away, but away from what? From her loving family? From her friends? He just didn't understand what would make her run away from something so wonderful as those things.
As he removed her cape she had on, he touched the Triforce emblem on it. It shined as he did so and he remembered seeing that mark before. He wiped the cape off, and then set it in front of the fireplace. He would hang it up later, when he had the chance. He came to her face and went to the other washcloth, which he hadn't used yet. He then proceeded to wipe the mud off her face. As he did, he smiled. She was more beautiful then she had been a year earlier. He then shook his head. Maybe Bruno was right, and maybe he did like her in more than a friendly way. Just maybe...
Suddenly and quite unexpectantly, Esther's eyelids began to open to the feel of the soft cloth against her face. "Uhh...where am I?" She asked, groaning, then she realized who he was. "Giovanni? What ar...Oh, Giovanni!" She said, hugging him tightly. "Hey, Essie." He replied, smiling as they held each other close. "Where am I?" She asked, still hugging him as tightly as she had a second before. "My house in Viridian." he answered, wiping the rest of the mud off of her. "I'm in Viridian?" She asked, eying him. "Yep. I found you outside on the side of the road, under the awning of that old house, asleep." He replied. "You were running away, weren't you?" Esther smiled. "How'd you guess?" "I don't know, I just...guessed." He shrugged. "Come on, let's get you one of the guest rooms." "You sure your mom won't mind?" She asked, tilting her head. "Yeah, I'm sure."
**3 years later**
As rain splashed against her window, Esther slept silently in her house. But beyond those closed eyelids, she dreamed a dream, one that was quite important and would affect the rest of her life.
"Esther..." A voice said. Esther looked to see an old man speak to her. She looked around to see that she was in a chamber of some sort. "Where am I?" She asked. "And who are you?" "You are in the Chamber of Sages, in the Temple of Light. I am Rauru, one of the ancient sages." Rauru said. "I don't understand." Esther replied disappointedly. "Ah, you're right. I have much to tell you, so please listen." Rauru said, extending his hand. "Um...okay, Rauru." She answered, taking his hand. Instantly, she saw in her mind's eye another place; A beautiful land with a rich history and many diverse people groups. "This is your homeland...It is called Hyrule." Rauru then explained how Hyrule came to be and then told her of her heritage. "You are the second Hero of Time, The Heroine of Time, and you are Hyrulean. Your Birth name is actually Estrella, but that is your Hyrulean name. The Heroes of Time are usually born once every 100 years, but this time more than one is alive. There are three of you." "Three of me?" Esther asked, shocked. "Not exactly." Rauru then taught her there were three Heroes of Time and that she knew the other two well. He told her about her powers; powers that she had, but never knew about.
"The First Hero of Time is your twin brother, Link. The other one, unfortunately, is clouded from my mind, and I cannot tell you who he is. But you will know it is him by the Triforce symbol on his left hand, like the one you have." He told her. "What do you mean, 'that you have'?" She asked, thinking him crazy. "Look at your left hand, Estrella." He instructed. She willingly obeyed and saw what he was talking about. "I see what you mean, Great Sage." She said. "Well, now that I have told you this, my time is nigh, but I leave you with this: The portal to Hyrule is outside Viridian City and you will know where it is if you will just look. But remember this: No one needs to know you are Hyrulean. And also: You can only get to Hyrule through two gates: The portal, which opens only when all three Heroes of Time are together, and...Your dreams. Farewell." he said, fading from her view. "No! Don't leave me! There's so much I want to know: My past, what is to come..." She called to him. "You will find out your past in due time, and as for your future, I'll let you find that out for yourself. Goodbye." He said.
"No, don't leave me!" Esther yelled. She then woke up in a cold sweat. She panted for a second, and then looked around. "Oh, must have been just a dre..."She began, and then she looked down at her left hand. The Triforce Mark was there, glowing yellow.