Disclaimer: Zelda, Wind Waker, and all it related characters are copyright
of Nintendo. Hurray I don't have to say that anymore! Yay! *throws
confetti*
A/N: Well this is it. The last chapter.oh my goodness...I think I'm going to faint! I've never completed a story such as this! I'm just...so proud of myself! I could cry! *sniff* Well maybe not but still. Dang I'm so happy!
Yeah I know what you are thinking. Is this story going to end up on a sad note? Well I know you people who have played the game know what will happen (I might surprise you anyways though), but for all you others, you've got to read to find out. It does have a touching little scene though that I thought would have been cute to add ^.^ A major heads up to all of you...The next chapter (not a part of the story so its not really a chapter) is going to be an authors review slash summary thing. I would suggest you read it if you are wondering why I added some things that were different, or if you just feel like getting more background info on the story. Just specify in a review what you would like to be explained. Ok enough of my chatter. Here's the last chapter of The Wind Waker: Tetra's Journey! *throws more confetti while crying tears of joy*
Final Chapter: The End of One Journey, The Beginning of Another ----------------------
Morning came.
The sun slowly began to peek itself over the horizon and through the few clouds that hung over it, casting its warm rays through the large plateaus of Outset Island. The morning mist of the ocean began to vanish under the heat of the sun, removing its thin blanket and presence from the island's shore. Tall shadows stretched on through the trees of the forest and the coconut palms of the beach as the first hour of sunrise began.
Tetra was already awake to greet the golden scene. From her stand at the end of the pier where her ship was docked, she watched with observing eyes as her crew darted back and forth on deck, fulfilling her orders to prepare for departure.
The pirates weren't the only ones up however. It was normal to find most, if not all the inhabitants of Outset already about with their morning chores. Now and then, they would pause whatever they were busy doing and look curiously toward the large vessel, knowing that activity on a ship could mean departure. And that's exactly what the pirate ship was doing really.
Knowing darn well that it usually didn't take her crew long to ready the ship for departure, Tetra took the short amount of time to decide on how she would handle what was to come.
"Well...this is it." She thought while watching the sail wave with the morning breeze. "Today marks the start of a new journey...the new land is out there...just waiting to be discovered."
Turning her head to look down into the clear water below, a half wondering expression mixed its way onto her tanned face as she finished.
"All that remains now...is a decision..."
The pirate had done her best all morning to hide her discomfort inside about what she had told Link the previous night. Her sleep had proved helpful in her attempts to ease her negative thoughts about today, but now that her restless sleep was over, they had quickly returned to her against her will. At least, she was calmer now that she did get some rest.
But she still felt uncomfortable. Link should have made his decision by now, and she hadn't seen the boy yet all morning. And they were just about ready to leave.
Wondering if she was perhaps getting a little too far ahead of herself, Tetra walked halfway back down the pier and glanced over at the King of Red Lions on the other side of the dock, to check and see if any supplies were in it.
Though she was hoping to find stuff packed inside, she wasn't surprised when she found nothing of the sort in the small red boat.
She let out a deep breath.
"Hoy, Miss Tetra!" suddenly came a young cheery voice.
The pirate captain lifted her head upon hearing Aryll's voice coming from the beach, and she looked over to see the small blond girl walking toward her with a wondering smile.
"Hey kid." came Tetra's calm reply. She tried not to choke up her words, since the young girl was acting as if she was never informed about Link's decisions, which either meant she was never told...or her brother wasn't leaving. The pirate tried her best not to conclude a reason too soon.
Upon reaching the pirate, Aryll gave another wondering look at her ship and asked. "Why are all the pirate's so busy this early?"
Tetra looked up at the vessel and made another quiet sigh.
"Well...it's because we are leaving." She answered.
"Already?" Aryll asked, throwing a questioning look to her.
The female pirate merely nodded her head, trying inside not to get too worked up since the little girl was repeating what her brother had said the night before.
But at least Aryll didn't rub it in.
"Well...ok. You are the leader." The young girl said shrugging. Putting her hands behind her back and rocking on her feet, she then asked. "Would it be ok if I said goodbye to everyone before you go?"
Tetra paused a second, before she managed to work up a small smile.
"Sure."
With a gleeful bounce and a quick thank you, Aryll sped passed her and skipped on up the boardwalk.
"Hey Aryll..." Tetra quickly called.
The girl stopped halfway up the boarded walkway and turned around.
"Yeah?"
The pirate hesitated a moment before asking her question.
"Do you know where your brother is?"
Aryll put a finger up to her mouth in thought before answering. "I think I last saw him in his bed, but I think he was awake since he was talking to Grandma." Glancing over to her house, she quickly corrected herself and pointed. "Oh wait, never mind. Here comes Grandma now." And with that, she resumed her rush and quickly disappeared out of view on deck.
Tetra turned around to see that Link's grandmother was indeed coming toward the dock, and she was carrying something hidden under a cloth in her hands. The old woman gave her a wrinkled smile as she reached the young captain, who in fact was almost, if not taller than her.
"Hello dear." She greeted warmly, making the pirate put on a normal expression back. Just like her granddaughter, she too couldn't help but look at Tetra's pirate ship and comment about her trip. "I couldn't help but hear you and your crew were leaving, so I thought I'd prepare you something for the trip."
She held out the somewhat large covered object and explained further. "It's not much really, but please take it anyways. It's a fresh batch of my home-made soup that your crew so enjoyed yesterday."
Tetra gazed down at the covered jar of soup before she stepped forward and accepted her farewell gift. She managed to say a quiet thank you, before calling Niko to come and load it on board.
As the command spread on deck and the buck-toothed pirate ascended down the walkway with Aryll close at his heels, it was then that Nudge leaned himself over the railing and called. "We're ready to set sail, Miss Tetra."
Everyone except the pirate captain glanced up at him from their stand further down the pier.
As Aryll pranced on up next to her grandma, the old woman looked back to Tetra and spoke.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay longer?" she asked politely but with earnest. "You know you are always welcome to stay if you wish."
"No, that's ok." Tetra replied quietly as she looked down to the wooden planks of the dock. "I've...got a long journey ahead of me."
The short woman gave her an understanding smile and nodded her head.
No one said anything after that for a short while, until another call from Nudge ended it.
"Miss Tetra?" he called again, wondering if she heard him the first
time.
Tetra still didn't answer him, and instead lifted her head with an attempted normal look.
"I...guess I should be going now." She said, more so to herself than to Aryll or her grandmother.
Slowly, the pirate turned around and lightly hung her head as she began her slow walk toward the plank that boarded her ship.
"I guess...Link has made his decision..." she stated sadly in her head, and in her heart.
"Wait!"
Tetra halted her steps about halfway to the boardwalk and turned her head upon hearing the familiar voice.
Running down from the house toward the dock on which she stood, came Link, moving as fast as his boots would take him. With something clutched in his hand, the boy wasted no time in making his way past his sister and grandma, and headed straight for the pirate captain herself.
Tetra made what sounded like a relieved sigh as Link halted in front of her, panting as if he just ran a two-mile long marathon. Turning to face him completely, she lifted her head and took a deep breath. Now was the time she would find out what he had decided.
But Link spoke up first, before she had time to ask.
"Whew...it's a good thing Grandma woke me up." He stated in between breaths before straightening up and added sheepishly. "I never was good with mornings."
As the boy lifted his head further, he then noticed the slightly rushed expression on the pirate captain's face. He quickly decided to bring up a different discussion; but not because of her impatient glance. It was the look in her eyes that told him she was longing an answer that made him change the subject.
But there was something else he had to do first.
"Before you say anything..." He said quickly as to not give her enough time to speak. He glanced down at his occupied hand. "...there's something I need to give you."
Lifting his hand up, he loosened his grip on the object, allowing it to dangle partially out of his palm so she could see what it was.
It was the Pirate's Charm.
"I never did give it back to you." The boy explained. "So...here." He extended his hand, levitating the object in front of her.
Tetra merely stood there in silence, doing her best to keep herself from staring at the dim blue charm. She had almost forgotten about the precious item; but apparently, Link hadn't. The Pirate's Charm was the only thing she had left that was given to her by her mother; and here he was being so kind as to return it to her.
When Tetra didn't even move, much less show signs of wanting to take it, Link had to coax her further.
"Go on, take it...it's really yours anyway." He said while motioning for her to take the object.
Tetra glanced up at his tender smile, before peering back down to the
stone.
Slowly, she reached her hand out and opened her palm, allowing the boy to drop the charm into her hand. Taking her other hand, she then lightly traced its surface with her fingertips, gazing deep in thought down at the special stone.
Then, after doing this for a few seconds, the pirate reached over without warning and took hold of his wrist, pulling it gently until his palm opened. She put the necklace back in his hand, and closed it herself with her other hand.
"You can keep it." Tetra said, releasing her hold on his wrist.
Link looked down at his reoccupied hand with slight confusion, then looked up at her for an explanation.
"Consider it a gift...for your birthday." she said in response to his expression. She had found out during the previous day that his birthday was on the same day his sister was kidnapped. At least now, he had something he could remember her by.
Finding her kind behavior different but at the same time reassuring, Link gave her a sweet little smile as his way of saying thank you.
"So..." the pirate slowly began, putting her hand on her arm as she tried not to give in to his kind smile. Knowing she was stalling on purpose though, she finally worked up enough courage to finish the question she was longing an answer for.
"...have you decided on what you are going to do...?" she finished.
In response to that particular question, Link had to lift his head and peer at her with searching eyes. He then turned his head to look behind him, toward his little sister, who had a wondering look on her face, and his grandma, who wielded a smile.
He made a small sigh and answered.
"I have..."
Taking in a deep breath, he closed his eyes and turned his head back around to give her his answer.
"Tetra..." he slowly began. "I'm..."
Suddenly, he halted his words...when he felt a finger touch his lips.
Reopening his eyes, he saw that Tetra had her hand up to his mouth, silencing him with her head down low.
"You deserve to stay were you belong." She said quietly. "...there...really is no need to tell me..."
Link gazed at her with wondering eyes. Was she now forcing him to stay, without even hearing his decision?
"But, Tetra..." he began.
The young pirate tilted her head up just enough to look pass him at his sister and grandma.
"You belong with your family, Link..." She persisted. "...with people you love...with friends that care about you..." she paused for the longest time before slowly adding. "...and...pirates really cannot offer that..."
Tetra quickly silenced herself. Surprised with what was coming from her own lips, she closed her eyes, quickly realizing what she just said.
"I...I have to go now." she quickly said.
Slowly, she turned around, resuming her walk down the dock as she began to beat herself up inside on what she just did.
But...she was not too preoccupied to hear the next few words come from Link's mouth...
"...I'll miss you..."
Tetra suddenly halted her stride and fell silent. For a long while, she stayed this way, as if something had glued her feet to the ground that kept her immobilized.
Then...without any warning...she quickly shut her eyes and turned around, going into a short sprint before she suddenly threw her arms around the boys neck and closed her eyes.
Link was completely taken back as the pirate locked him in a small embrace. He stared ahead for a short while, before he looked down at her with a stunned expression.
Tetra didn't know what had came over her. But quite frankly...she didn't care. She didn't care who saw them, or what anyone else thought of the whole thing. All she wanted...was to be near the young hero.
Letting her head rest on his shoulder, she kept her eyes closed as she held back the tears that wanted to escape her eyes. The warmth of his body against hers was now giving her comfort that she needed at that moment. She hugged him gently, suddenly wishing that she could stay with him, instead of going off on this journey without him.
Link could feel Tetra's heart racing underneath her small chest that lay pressed against his. It was now beating in rhythm with his own heart, which was now moving faster upon feeling the pirate quickly embrace him in her arms.
As the tender moment lingered, Link slowly found himself melting into the lasting hug, giving in to the sudden move put on him by the young pirate. He quickly realized his arms were still held back from his surprise, and he lightly lowered them so he could return the embrace back to the young girl.
But...before his arms could wrap themselves around her waist, Tetra quickly pulled back, spun around, and ran down the pier, leaving him with only his thoughts, and no farewell...
Keeping her head low with her eyes shut tight, Tetra sprinted pass her awaiting crew, who in turn peered down at her as she ran pass them and disappeared below decks.
As soon as she bypassed Nudge, the tall pirate couldn't help but notice her mood and he looked back over the ship's railing down at the young boy that stood motionless on the pier. A saddened frown made its way onto his face, knowing how his captain felt about the boy and what this could all lead to if it were to actually happen.
But, knowing by how quickly she had boarded the ship and how Link wasn't making any attempt to follow, he knew that this was a hint that it was time to depart. It was what the captain would have said...if she was in a mood to talk.
"Let's go, men." Nudge said, turning to the rest of the crew. "That was our signal to shove off."
Turning their confused looks over to the tall pirate, they merely nodded and scattered to take their positions. Once the anchor was hoisted, the sail let loose, and Gonzo placed firmly at the wheel, the pirate ship slowly began to coast out of the shallow waters of Outset, possibly never to return...
Link could only stare, as the mighty ship grew smaller with each passing second. He was so preoccupied with his new and sudden thoughts that he didn't even notice his little sister walk up beside him, gazing at the ship as well while his grandmother stood next to his other side.
Without breaking his stare, the young boy listened as the old woman quietly spoke to him.
"Are you really going to let her leave without you?" she questioned him with a gentle tone.
Link still continued to stare, but forced himself to break it and slowly looked down at the dull blue charm still resting in his hand. He gazed at it in silence, wondering if what he was allowing to happen should actually happen.
After a few minutes of peering in thought, Link lifted his head back toward the disappearing ship.
"Aryll..." he suddenly said, causing the young girl to look up at him.
"...there's something I need to tell you."
~ ~ ~
Back on the pirate ship, gossip amongst the crew started on the strange behavior of their captain, as well as the absence of a particular kid in green. They all didn't really care if the boy came or not, except for Niko who really wanted Link to come so he wouldn't have to go back to being the swabbie. Nudge wished for the boy to come as well, though for obviously different reasons which he kept secret from the rest of the crew.
But unlike the rest of the crew, he knew the reason for Tetra's odd behavior. But, knowing his captain, all she wanted now was to be alone for a while, so he decided it would be best not to go and disturb her.
At least...that he thought anyway.
Inside her cabin, Tetra really wanted just the opposite. She stood in the very center of her room, fists clenched and head held low to the ground. At first, she did nothing but stand there with arched shoulders, as if she was trying to tolerate an irritation or wound.
That's actually what she was doing...but she wasn't tolerating
physical pain...
After standing still for some time, the young captain suddenly but slowly lifted her head and took a deep breath.
"Get a hold of yourself, Tetra." She commanded herself in her head. "You shouldn't be acting like this...you're a pirate...and a captain at that! If your crew saw you like this..." She trailed all of a sudden, not wanting to think what might happen. Tightening her eyes shut, she clenched her fists tighter and added. "You can get over this...just forget about what had just happened, and you'll be fine."
After standing there for a few more short minutes however, she couldn't hold it in anymore...
Without second-guessing another thought, Tetra suddenly threw herself onto her bed, burying her face into her pillow before allowing the tears that had wielded up in her eyes to flow down her cheeks and into her pillow.
She knew she couldn't just forget about everything. She had tried that so many times before and it had never worked; and plus, too many things had happened for her to just forget about it...things her heart did not want to throw away. She could never forget about Link...no matter how many times she tried.
In that instant, the pirate changed again; from the tough captain who had not a care in the world, to a sensitive young girl that longed for the comfort of someone she had held close to her heart.
For a while, she stayed this way...trying to pull herself together and stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks. She was so preoccupied with her feelings, that she didn't even notice that the ship didn't feel like it was moving. But she wouldn't have cared, even if she did notice...all she could do was cry, and only wish that no one would come in and see her like this.
But suddenly...there was a knock at the door.
"Miss Tetra?" came a voice from the other end, which was that of Gonzo's. "You're needed on deck."
For some reason, he didn't sound too pleased with something as the sound of his footsteps on the wooden floor soon followed as he left.
Tetra had heard his call, but didn't bother to answer as she removed her face from the fluffy pillow, relieved he in particular didn't enter her room. She didn't find it unusual that the pirate wasn't at his post either, as she slowly moved to the edge of her bed, dangling her sandaled feet as she wiped away the tears from her eyes.
"I can't let my crew see me like this..." She thought while trying to get the moisture off her cheeks and neck. Once she got most of it dried off with the help of her bandana, the young pirate rose to her feet and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the biggest fake attitude she'd have to pull off in her life.
Standing a little while longer, Tetra finally felt she was ready and began to walk to her door. She took a quick glance over to her mother's portrait, and quietly whispered.
"I guess...I'm on my own now..."
Hanging her head slightly and resisting the urge to cry again, the strong-willed pirate eventually left her cabin, toward the main deck where her crew would be waiting.
Before she exited the hallway, she lightly pressed a hand on the door that led outside and paused, taking in another deep breath before pushing open the door.
~ ~ ~
The sunlight instantly bathed the pirate with its light as she stepped out of the dark hallway, forcing her to shut her eyes to keep from going blind. When they finally adjusted to the light, she carefully opened them. And the first thing she saw...
...was a green outfit.
Tetra's eyes immediately went wide.
Standing not too far in front of her, amongst half her crew near the main mast...
...was Link.
The young pirate suddenly could not find her voice, as she immediately stiffened in place, subconsciously planting her feet and finding no will to move them. She now stood still, frozen in her now straightened and surprised position.
Link was being too distracted by Niko to notice her at first, since the small pirate was acting too excited and relieved for his own good.
After getting him to calm down and be quiet for at least a few seconds, the boy finally looked in her direction. His look suddenly turned into a brief stare, before a bashful smile crept its way into his face.
"Hi...Tetra." He called, sounding quiet and also nervous at the same time. He turned to face her completely, trying to keep his face from turned a shade of red upon remembering their hug.
Tetra blinked once. She quickly found her heart start to beat faster upon hearing his hello, suddenly longing to run up and hug the boy like she did before.
Somehow though, her subconscious kept her from moving and doing such a thing in front of her crew, and she continued to gaze vacantly at the boy, as if he was hypnotizing her with his very presence.
When Link only got a continued stare instead of a greeting back from the young pirate, he couldn't help but feel even more nervous. He didn't know if her silence meant she was mad at him for making her think he was staying, or if she was just too shocked to see him on her ship without getting permission.
Neither one of those assumptions were entirely correct however. Tetra was being silent for only one reason; and that was in that moment, she had quickly realized how happy she was to see him standing before her.
But...for some odd reason, she felt like she was getting tortured by his presence at the same time; perhaps because his presence on her ship did not entirely mean he wanted to come with them.
Tetra quickly got her thoughts on track, suddenly wanting to know what was going on. Doing her best not to stutter with shock or perhaps delight, the pirate slowly spoke up.
"I-I thought..." she stuttered on accident. "...but your family...you're not..." she paused, unable to find enough words to finish her sentences.
Link suddenly perked up at the sound of her voice. Assuming by her tone that she wasn't infuriated with him just yet, he quickly lifted a hand and took a step forward as he began to explain.
"The King may have said that I didn't have to go..." he paused before added with raised eyebrows. "...but he never said I couldn't go if I wanted to."
Sticking his hands lightly on his hips, he lifted his head. "And besides...if pirate's cannot offer friendship, then how am I able to stand here without getting throw overboard?"
As soon as he finished, the boy made a satisfied smile at Tetra, secretly hoping his explanation was good enough for her.
In response to his reasons, Tetra had to change her stare into a realizing gaze that quickly sunk deep into Link's eyes, as if she was searching them for seriousness. When that's all she found in the boy's gentle gaze, her open mouth slowly changed into a small smile, upon realizing he wasn't about to let her even think about trying to change his mind.
Her instincts as a pirate instantly kicked in however, and her smile turned into that mischievous smirk she always wielded when something sinister would enter her mind. She then slowly but casually paced the short distance over to Link.
The boy got a wondering look in his eyes as the pirate stopped within inches of his face.
After a brief scan of the deck, Tetra looked him straight in the eyes, lifted one hand...and flicked him right in the nose.
"Ow!" the boy called in response to the light shot to his nose. He quickly put a hand up to it, even if it didn't hurt in the least. It was enough however to surprise him and make him wonder what he did to deserve such a move.
Tetra placed her hands on her hips, keeping her smirk firmly on her face as Link gave her a confused expression, though he knew he probably deserved the sudden maneuver.
"You sure do have a lot of guts to say that to us pirates." She stated in her normal tone of voice. Smirking even more, she then added. "There really is nothing stopping us from throwing you overboard right now."
Link was stunned.
But...he didn't stay that way long when he saw the kind of look he was getting from the female pirate.
She was peering at him with one of her eyes closed, eyeing him suspiciously with the biggest smile he had ever seen her make.
"I must say though..." she continued, as she lifted her head. "I'm impressed that you're bold enough to speak outright in front of your captain like that. But, you can only go so far..."
Lowering her head slightly, the pirate then added in the most sincere and softest tone she could...
"Know your place...Link."
Relieved that her words were only to keep her status as a pirate high with her crew, Link returned her expression and removed his hand, putting it up to his forehead.
"Aye-aye...Miss Tetra." Link replied, saluting.
She grinned.
"Just call me Tetra."
Link shrugged sheepishly as he brought his hand down, keeping his smile spread across his face.
"Well then..." the pirate captain began, bring her hunched shoulders straight and lifting her head higher. She made a sweeping glance to her crew that stood bunched behind Link and said. "What's say we get this sorry excuse for a ship moving again. I don't recall ever giving orders to stop anyway, now did I?" she commanded in a playfully stern tone.
Her crew quickly bolted upright after realizing they did indeed set anchor when Link requested to come aboard. As they dispersed and Link headed back to where the King of Red Lions was, Tetra managed to shoot a playful smirk over at Nudge, who merely gave her a smile back knowing he had stopped the ship so Link could board.
Watching as the rest of her crew got into position, the pirate captain's eyes trailed back over to the boy in green, who was now stepping back into the King of Red Lions which was still being held up by ropes with the help of Senza. His reason for coming with her on the journey to the new land quickly reentered her thoughts, replying itself over and over in her head until a smile formed onto her face.
"You got me there, Link..." she whispered.
"You got me there..."
~ ~ ~
A very light breeze blew across the waters of the Great Sea.
Since it wasn't enough to get neither ship moving, both the sea-going pirate ship and the King of Red Lions remained still on the water's surface, rocking slightly whenever a small wave hit their flanks.
Tetra stood calmly on the upper deck of her ship, arms folded, allowing the gentle breeze to blow through her hair and brush it lightly against her cheek. She glanced up at the mighty sail in front her, watching it move in a wavy pattern as a result of the light wind.
Her eyes then trailed down to the lone boy sitting at the stern end of his red boat, sail hoisted, and waving lightly in the same manner her ship's sail was doing.
Everyone remained in silence...
...until the sound of the wind picking up brought everything to life.
The sails suddenly moved and billowed as the wind filled them with its presence, lurching the ships they were attached to.
Having no anchor holding it back, the King of Red Lions slowly began to move through the waves, parting the water before it as if to lead the way for the larger ship to follow.
Without wasting another moment, the esteemed Tetra unfolded her arms and raised a commanding hand into the air.
"Anchors aweigh!" she called proudly. "Hold the tiller steady!" Refolding her arms across her chest, she then gazed ahead at the sea that stretched out before her.
A smile formed on the captain's face, knowing that she could now overcome anything that stood in her path, no matter how tough or evil it was. With the people she had at her side now, the very thought of anything going against her and winning was nonexistent. She could only continue to smile, as her journey slowly began to be underway.
Putting a new spark in her blue eyes, Tetra raised her head into the wind, as her thoughts echoed into it...
"And as for our destination...
...the wind will guide us."
THE END
A/N: Well this is it. The last chapter.oh my goodness...I think I'm going to faint! I've never completed a story such as this! I'm just...so proud of myself! I could cry! *sniff* Well maybe not but still. Dang I'm so happy!
Yeah I know what you are thinking. Is this story going to end up on a sad note? Well I know you people who have played the game know what will happen (I might surprise you anyways though), but for all you others, you've got to read to find out. It does have a touching little scene though that I thought would have been cute to add ^.^ A major heads up to all of you...The next chapter (not a part of the story so its not really a chapter) is going to be an authors review slash summary thing. I would suggest you read it if you are wondering why I added some things that were different, or if you just feel like getting more background info on the story. Just specify in a review what you would like to be explained. Ok enough of my chatter. Here's the last chapter of The Wind Waker: Tetra's Journey! *throws more confetti while crying tears of joy*
Final Chapter: The End of One Journey, The Beginning of Another ----------------------
Morning came.
The sun slowly began to peek itself over the horizon and through the few clouds that hung over it, casting its warm rays through the large plateaus of Outset Island. The morning mist of the ocean began to vanish under the heat of the sun, removing its thin blanket and presence from the island's shore. Tall shadows stretched on through the trees of the forest and the coconut palms of the beach as the first hour of sunrise began.
Tetra was already awake to greet the golden scene. From her stand at the end of the pier where her ship was docked, she watched with observing eyes as her crew darted back and forth on deck, fulfilling her orders to prepare for departure.
The pirates weren't the only ones up however. It was normal to find most, if not all the inhabitants of Outset already about with their morning chores. Now and then, they would pause whatever they were busy doing and look curiously toward the large vessel, knowing that activity on a ship could mean departure. And that's exactly what the pirate ship was doing really.
Knowing darn well that it usually didn't take her crew long to ready the ship for departure, Tetra took the short amount of time to decide on how she would handle what was to come.
"Well...this is it." She thought while watching the sail wave with the morning breeze. "Today marks the start of a new journey...the new land is out there...just waiting to be discovered."
Turning her head to look down into the clear water below, a half wondering expression mixed its way onto her tanned face as she finished.
"All that remains now...is a decision..."
The pirate had done her best all morning to hide her discomfort inside about what she had told Link the previous night. Her sleep had proved helpful in her attempts to ease her negative thoughts about today, but now that her restless sleep was over, they had quickly returned to her against her will. At least, she was calmer now that she did get some rest.
But she still felt uncomfortable. Link should have made his decision by now, and she hadn't seen the boy yet all morning. And they were just about ready to leave.
Wondering if she was perhaps getting a little too far ahead of herself, Tetra walked halfway back down the pier and glanced over at the King of Red Lions on the other side of the dock, to check and see if any supplies were in it.
Though she was hoping to find stuff packed inside, she wasn't surprised when she found nothing of the sort in the small red boat.
She let out a deep breath.
"Hoy, Miss Tetra!" suddenly came a young cheery voice.
The pirate captain lifted her head upon hearing Aryll's voice coming from the beach, and she looked over to see the small blond girl walking toward her with a wondering smile.
"Hey kid." came Tetra's calm reply. She tried not to choke up her words, since the young girl was acting as if she was never informed about Link's decisions, which either meant she was never told...or her brother wasn't leaving. The pirate tried her best not to conclude a reason too soon.
Upon reaching the pirate, Aryll gave another wondering look at her ship and asked. "Why are all the pirate's so busy this early?"
Tetra looked up at the vessel and made another quiet sigh.
"Well...it's because we are leaving." She answered.
"Already?" Aryll asked, throwing a questioning look to her.
The female pirate merely nodded her head, trying inside not to get too worked up since the little girl was repeating what her brother had said the night before.
But at least Aryll didn't rub it in.
"Well...ok. You are the leader." The young girl said shrugging. Putting her hands behind her back and rocking on her feet, she then asked. "Would it be ok if I said goodbye to everyone before you go?"
Tetra paused a second, before she managed to work up a small smile.
"Sure."
With a gleeful bounce and a quick thank you, Aryll sped passed her and skipped on up the boardwalk.
"Hey Aryll..." Tetra quickly called.
The girl stopped halfway up the boarded walkway and turned around.
"Yeah?"
The pirate hesitated a moment before asking her question.
"Do you know where your brother is?"
Aryll put a finger up to her mouth in thought before answering. "I think I last saw him in his bed, but I think he was awake since he was talking to Grandma." Glancing over to her house, she quickly corrected herself and pointed. "Oh wait, never mind. Here comes Grandma now." And with that, she resumed her rush and quickly disappeared out of view on deck.
Tetra turned around to see that Link's grandmother was indeed coming toward the dock, and she was carrying something hidden under a cloth in her hands. The old woman gave her a wrinkled smile as she reached the young captain, who in fact was almost, if not taller than her.
"Hello dear." She greeted warmly, making the pirate put on a normal expression back. Just like her granddaughter, she too couldn't help but look at Tetra's pirate ship and comment about her trip. "I couldn't help but hear you and your crew were leaving, so I thought I'd prepare you something for the trip."
She held out the somewhat large covered object and explained further. "It's not much really, but please take it anyways. It's a fresh batch of my home-made soup that your crew so enjoyed yesterday."
Tetra gazed down at the covered jar of soup before she stepped forward and accepted her farewell gift. She managed to say a quiet thank you, before calling Niko to come and load it on board.
As the command spread on deck and the buck-toothed pirate ascended down the walkway with Aryll close at his heels, it was then that Nudge leaned himself over the railing and called. "We're ready to set sail, Miss Tetra."
Everyone except the pirate captain glanced up at him from their stand further down the pier.
As Aryll pranced on up next to her grandma, the old woman looked back to Tetra and spoke.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay longer?" she asked politely but with earnest. "You know you are always welcome to stay if you wish."
"No, that's ok." Tetra replied quietly as she looked down to the wooden planks of the dock. "I've...got a long journey ahead of me."
The short woman gave her an understanding smile and nodded her head.
No one said anything after that for a short while, until another call from Nudge ended it.
"Miss Tetra?" he called again, wondering if she heard him the first
time.
Tetra still didn't answer him, and instead lifted her head with an attempted normal look.
"I...guess I should be going now." She said, more so to herself than to Aryll or her grandmother.
Slowly, the pirate turned around and lightly hung her head as she began her slow walk toward the plank that boarded her ship.
"I guess...Link has made his decision..." she stated sadly in her head, and in her heart.
"Wait!"
Tetra halted her steps about halfway to the boardwalk and turned her head upon hearing the familiar voice.
Running down from the house toward the dock on which she stood, came Link, moving as fast as his boots would take him. With something clutched in his hand, the boy wasted no time in making his way past his sister and grandma, and headed straight for the pirate captain herself.
Tetra made what sounded like a relieved sigh as Link halted in front of her, panting as if he just ran a two-mile long marathon. Turning to face him completely, she lifted her head and took a deep breath. Now was the time she would find out what he had decided.
But Link spoke up first, before she had time to ask.
"Whew...it's a good thing Grandma woke me up." He stated in between breaths before straightening up and added sheepishly. "I never was good with mornings."
As the boy lifted his head further, he then noticed the slightly rushed expression on the pirate captain's face. He quickly decided to bring up a different discussion; but not because of her impatient glance. It was the look in her eyes that told him she was longing an answer that made him change the subject.
But there was something else he had to do first.
"Before you say anything..." He said quickly as to not give her enough time to speak. He glanced down at his occupied hand. "...there's something I need to give you."
Lifting his hand up, he loosened his grip on the object, allowing it to dangle partially out of his palm so she could see what it was.
It was the Pirate's Charm.
"I never did give it back to you." The boy explained. "So...here." He extended his hand, levitating the object in front of her.
Tetra merely stood there in silence, doing her best to keep herself from staring at the dim blue charm. She had almost forgotten about the precious item; but apparently, Link hadn't. The Pirate's Charm was the only thing she had left that was given to her by her mother; and here he was being so kind as to return it to her.
When Tetra didn't even move, much less show signs of wanting to take it, Link had to coax her further.
"Go on, take it...it's really yours anyway." He said while motioning for her to take the object.
Tetra glanced up at his tender smile, before peering back down to the
stone.
Slowly, she reached her hand out and opened her palm, allowing the boy to drop the charm into her hand. Taking her other hand, she then lightly traced its surface with her fingertips, gazing deep in thought down at the special stone.
Then, after doing this for a few seconds, the pirate reached over without warning and took hold of his wrist, pulling it gently until his palm opened. She put the necklace back in his hand, and closed it herself with her other hand.
"You can keep it." Tetra said, releasing her hold on his wrist.
Link looked down at his reoccupied hand with slight confusion, then looked up at her for an explanation.
"Consider it a gift...for your birthday." she said in response to his expression. She had found out during the previous day that his birthday was on the same day his sister was kidnapped. At least now, he had something he could remember her by.
Finding her kind behavior different but at the same time reassuring, Link gave her a sweet little smile as his way of saying thank you.
"So..." the pirate slowly began, putting her hand on her arm as she tried not to give in to his kind smile. Knowing she was stalling on purpose though, she finally worked up enough courage to finish the question she was longing an answer for.
"...have you decided on what you are going to do...?" she finished.
In response to that particular question, Link had to lift his head and peer at her with searching eyes. He then turned his head to look behind him, toward his little sister, who had a wondering look on her face, and his grandma, who wielded a smile.
He made a small sigh and answered.
"I have..."
Taking in a deep breath, he closed his eyes and turned his head back around to give her his answer.
"Tetra..." he slowly began. "I'm..."
Suddenly, he halted his words...when he felt a finger touch his lips.
Reopening his eyes, he saw that Tetra had her hand up to his mouth, silencing him with her head down low.
"You deserve to stay were you belong." She said quietly. "...there...really is no need to tell me..."
Link gazed at her with wondering eyes. Was she now forcing him to stay, without even hearing his decision?
"But, Tetra..." he began.
The young pirate tilted her head up just enough to look pass him at his sister and grandma.
"You belong with your family, Link..." She persisted. "...with people you love...with friends that care about you..." she paused for the longest time before slowly adding. "...and...pirates really cannot offer that..."
Tetra quickly silenced herself. Surprised with what was coming from her own lips, she closed her eyes, quickly realizing what she just said.
"I...I have to go now." she quickly said.
Slowly, she turned around, resuming her walk down the dock as she began to beat herself up inside on what she just did.
But...she was not too preoccupied to hear the next few words come from Link's mouth...
"...I'll miss you..."
Tetra suddenly halted her stride and fell silent. For a long while, she stayed this way, as if something had glued her feet to the ground that kept her immobilized.
Then...without any warning...she quickly shut her eyes and turned around, going into a short sprint before she suddenly threw her arms around the boys neck and closed her eyes.
Link was completely taken back as the pirate locked him in a small embrace. He stared ahead for a short while, before he looked down at her with a stunned expression.
Tetra didn't know what had came over her. But quite frankly...she didn't care. She didn't care who saw them, or what anyone else thought of the whole thing. All she wanted...was to be near the young hero.
Letting her head rest on his shoulder, she kept her eyes closed as she held back the tears that wanted to escape her eyes. The warmth of his body against hers was now giving her comfort that she needed at that moment. She hugged him gently, suddenly wishing that she could stay with him, instead of going off on this journey without him.
Link could feel Tetra's heart racing underneath her small chest that lay pressed against his. It was now beating in rhythm with his own heart, which was now moving faster upon feeling the pirate quickly embrace him in her arms.
As the tender moment lingered, Link slowly found himself melting into the lasting hug, giving in to the sudden move put on him by the young pirate. He quickly realized his arms were still held back from his surprise, and he lightly lowered them so he could return the embrace back to the young girl.
But...before his arms could wrap themselves around her waist, Tetra quickly pulled back, spun around, and ran down the pier, leaving him with only his thoughts, and no farewell...
Keeping her head low with her eyes shut tight, Tetra sprinted pass her awaiting crew, who in turn peered down at her as she ran pass them and disappeared below decks.
As soon as she bypassed Nudge, the tall pirate couldn't help but notice her mood and he looked back over the ship's railing down at the young boy that stood motionless on the pier. A saddened frown made its way onto his face, knowing how his captain felt about the boy and what this could all lead to if it were to actually happen.
But, knowing by how quickly she had boarded the ship and how Link wasn't making any attempt to follow, he knew that this was a hint that it was time to depart. It was what the captain would have said...if she was in a mood to talk.
"Let's go, men." Nudge said, turning to the rest of the crew. "That was our signal to shove off."
Turning their confused looks over to the tall pirate, they merely nodded and scattered to take their positions. Once the anchor was hoisted, the sail let loose, and Gonzo placed firmly at the wheel, the pirate ship slowly began to coast out of the shallow waters of Outset, possibly never to return...
Link could only stare, as the mighty ship grew smaller with each passing second. He was so preoccupied with his new and sudden thoughts that he didn't even notice his little sister walk up beside him, gazing at the ship as well while his grandmother stood next to his other side.
Without breaking his stare, the young boy listened as the old woman quietly spoke to him.
"Are you really going to let her leave without you?" she questioned him with a gentle tone.
Link still continued to stare, but forced himself to break it and slowly looked down at the dull blue charm still resting in his hand. He gazed at it in silence, wondering if what he was allowing to happen should actually happen.
After a few minutes of peering in thought, Link lifted his head back toward the disappearing ship.
"Aryll..." he suddenly said, causing the young girl to look up at him.
"...there's something I need to tell you."
~ ~ ~
Back on the pirate ship, gossip amongst the crew started on the strange behavior of their captain, as well as the absence of a particular kid in green. They all didn't really care if the boy came or not, except for Niko who really wanted Link to come so he wouldn't have to go back to being the swabbie. Nudge wished for the boy to come as well, though for obviously different reasons which he kept secret from the rest of the crew.
But unlike the rest of the crew, he knew the reason for Tetra's odd behavior. But, knowing his captain, all she wanted now was to be alone for a while, so he decided it would be best not to go and disturb her.
At least...that he thought anyway.
Inside her cabin, Tetra really wanted just the opposite. She stood in the very center of her room, fists clenched and head held low to the ground. At first, she did nothing but stand there with arched shoulders, as if she was trying to tolerate an irritation or wound.
That's actually what she was doing...but she wasn't tolerating
physical pain...
After standing still for some time, the young captain suddenly but slowly lifted her head and took a deep breath.
"Get a hold of yourself, Tetra." She commanded herself in her head. "You shouldn't be acting like this...you're a pirate...and a captain at that! If your crew saw you like this..." She trailed all of a sudden, not wanting to think what might happen. Tightening her eyes shut, she clenched her fists tighter and added. "You can get over this...just forget about what had just happened, and you'll be fine."
After standing there for a few more short minutes however, she couldn't hold it in anymore...
Without second-guessing another thought, Tetra suddenly threw herself onto her bed, burying her face into her pillow before allowing the tears that had wielded up in her eyes to flow down her cheeks and into her pillow.
She knew she couldn't just forget about everything. She had tried that so many times before and it had never worked; and plus, too many things had happened for her to just forget about it...things her heart did not want to throw away. She could never forget about Link...no matter how many times she tried.
In that instant, the pirate changed again; from the tough captain who had not a care in the world, to a sensitive young girl that longed for the comfort of someone she had held close to her heart.
For a while, she stayed this way...trying to pull herself together and stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks. She was so preoccupied with her feelings, that she didn't even notice that the ship didn't feel like it was moving. But she wouldn't have cared, even if she did notice...all she could do was cry, and only wish that no one would come in and see her like this.
But suddenly...there was a knock at the door.
"Miss Tetra?" came a voice from the other end, which was that of Gonzo's. "You're needed on deck."
For some reason, he didn't sound too pleased with something as the sound of his footsteps on the wooden floor soon followed as he left.
Tetra had heard his call, but didn't bother to answer as she removed her face from the fluffy pillow, relieved he in particular didn't enter her room. She didn't find it unusual that the pirate wasn't at his post either, as she slowly moved to the edge of her bed, dangling her sandaled feet as she wiped away the tears from her eyes.
"I can't let my crew see me like this..." She thought while trying to get the moisture off her cheeks and neck. Once she got most of it dried off with the help of her bandana, the young pirate rose to her feet and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the biggest fake attitude she'd have to pull off in her life.
Standing a little while longer, Tetra finally felt she was ready and began to walk to her door. She took a quick glance over to her mother's portrait, and quietly whispered.
"I guess...I'm on my own now..."
Hanging her head slightly and resisting the urge to cry again, the strong-willed pirate eventually left her cabin, toward the main deck where her crew would be waiting.
Before she exited the hallway, she lightly pressed a hand on the door that led outside and paused, taking in another deep breath before pushing open the door.
~ ~ ~
The sunlight instantly bathed the pirate with its light as she stepped out of the dark hallway, forcing her to shut her eyes to keep from going blind. When they finally adjusted to the light, she carefully opened them. And the first thing she saw...
...was a green outfit.
Tetra's eyes immediately went wide.
Standing not too far in front of her, amongst half her crew near the main mast...
...was Link.
The young pirate suddenly could not find her voice, as she immediately stiffened in place, subconsciously planting her feet and finding no will to move them. She now stood still, frozen in her now straightened and surprised position.
Link was being too distracted by Niko to notice her at first, since the small pirate was acting too excited and relieved for his own good.
After getting him to calm down and be quiet for at least a few seconds, the boy finally looked in her direction. His look suddenly turned into a brief stare, before a bashful smile crept its way into his face.
"Hi...Tetra." He called, sounding quiet and also nervous at the same time. He turned to face her completely, trying to keep his face from turned a shade of red upon remembering their hug.
Tetra blinked once. She quickly found her heart start to beat faster upon hearing his hello, suddenly longing to run up and hug the boy like she did before.
Somehow though, her subconscious kept her from moving and doing such a thing in front of her crew, and she continued to gaze vacantly at the boy, as if he was hypnotizing her with his very presence.
When Link only got a continued stare instead of a greeting back from the young pirate, he couldn't help but feel even more nervous. He didn't know if her silence meant she was mad at him for making her think he was staying, or if she was just too shocked to see him on her ship without getting permission.
Neither one of those assumptions were entirely correct however. Tetra was being silent for only one reason; and that was in that moment, she had quickly realized how happy she was to see him standing before her.
But...for some odd reason, she felt like she was getting tortured by his presence at the same time; perhaps because his presence on her ship did not entirely mean he wanted to come with them.
Tetra quickly got her thoughts on track, suddenly wanting to know what was going on. Doing her best not to stutter with shock or perhaps delight, the pirate slowly spoke up.
"I-I thought..." she stuttered on accident. "...but your family...you're not..." she paused, unable to find enough words to finish her sentences.
Link suddenly perked up at the sound of her voice. Assuming by her tone that she wasn't infuriated with him just yet, he quickly lifted a hand and took a step forward as he began to explain.
"The King may have said that I didn't have to go..." he paused before added with raised eyebrows. "...but he never said I couldn't go if I wanted to."
Sticking his hands lightly on his hips, he lifted his head. "And besides...if pirate's cannot offer friendship, then how am I able to stand here without getting throw overboard?"
As soon as he finished, the boy made a satisfied smile at Tetra, secretly hoping his explanation was good enough for her.
In response to his reasons, Tetra had to change her stare into a realizing gaze that quickly sunk deep into Link's eyes, as if she was searching them for seriousness. When that's all she found in the boy's gentle gaze, her open mouth slowly changed into a small smile, upon realizing he wasn't about to let her even think about trying to change his mind.
Her instincts as a pirate instantly kicked in however, and her smile turned into that mischievous smirk she always wielded when something sinister would enter her mind. She then slowly but casually paced the short distance over to Link.
The boy got a wondering look in his eyes as the pirate stopped within inches of his face.
After a brief scan of the deck, Tetra looked him straight in the eyes, lifted one hand...and flicked him right in the nose.
"Ow!" the boy called in response to the light shot to his nose. He quickly put a hand up to it, even if it didn't hurt in the least. It was enough however to surprise him and make him wonder what he did to deserve such a move.
Tetra placed her hands on her hips, keeping her smirk firmly on her face as Link gave her a confused expression, though he knew he probably deserved the sudden maneuver.
"You sure do have a lot of guts to say that to us pirates." She stated in her normal tone of voice. Smirking even more, she then added. "There really is nothing stopping us from throwing you overboard right now."
Link was stunned.
But...he didn't stay that way long when he saw the kind of look he was getting from the female pirate.
She was peering at him with one of her eyes closed, eyeing him suspiciously with the biggest smile he had ever seen her make.
"I must say though..." she continued, as she lifted her head. "I'm impressed that you're bold enough to speak outright in front of your captain like that. But, you can only go so far..."
Lowering her head slightly, the pirate then added in the most sincere and softest tone she could...
"Know your place...Link."
Relieved that her words were only to keep her status as a pirate high with her crew, Link returned her expression and removed his hand, putting it up to his forehead.
"Aye-aye...Miss Tetra." Link replied, saluting.
She grinned.
"Just call me Tetra."
Link shrugged sheepishly as he brought his hand down, keeping his smile spread across his face.
"Well then..." the pirate captain began, bring her hunched shoulders straight and lifting her head higher. She made a sweeping glance to her crew that stood bunched behind Link and said. "What's say we get this sorry excuse for a ship moving again. I don't recall ever giving orders to stop anyway, now did I?" she commanded in a playfully stern tone.
Her crew quickly bolted upright after realizing they did indeed set anchor when Link requested to come aboard. As they dispersed and Link headed back to where the King of Red Lions was, Tetra managed to shoot a playful smirk over at Nudge, who merely gave her a smile back knowing he had stopped the ship so Link could board.
Watching as the rest of her crew got into position, the pirate captain's eyes trailed back over to the boy in green, who was now stepping back into the King of Red Lions which was still being held up by ropes with the help of Senza. His reason for coming with her on the journey to the new land quickly reentered her thoughts, replying itself over and over in her head until a smile formed onto her face.
"You got me there, Link..." she whispered.
"You got me there..."
~ ~ ~
A very light breeze blew across the waters of the Great Sea.
Since it wasn't enough to get neither ship moving, both the sea-going pirate ship and the King of Red Lions remained still on the water's surface, rocking slightly whenever a small wave hit their flanks.
Tetra stood calmly on the upper deck of her ship, arms folded, allowing the gentle breeze to blow through her hair and brush it lightly against her cheek. She glanced up at the mighty sail in front her, watching it move in a wavy pattern as a result of the light wind.
Her eyes then trailed down to the lone boy sitting at the stern end of his red boat, sail hoisted, and waving lightly in the same manner her ship's sail was doing.
Everyone remained in silence...
...until the sound of the wind picking up brought everything to life.
The sails suddenly moved and billowed as the wind filled them with its presence, lurching the ships they were attached to.
Having no anchor holding it back, the King of Red Lions slowly began to move through the waves, parting the water before it as if to lead the way for the larger ship to follow.
Without wasting another moment, the esteemed Tetra unfolded her arms and raised a commanding hand into the air.
"Anchors aweigh!" she called proudly. "Hold the tiller steady!" Refolding her arms across her chest, she then gazed ahead at the sea that stretched out before her.
A smile formed on the captain's face, knowing that she could now overcome anything that stood in her path, no matter how tough or evil it was. With the people she had at her side now, the very thought of anything going against her and winning was nonexistent. She could only continue to smile, as her journey slowly began to be underway.
Putting a new spark in her blue eyes, Tetra raised her head into the wind, as her thoughts echoed into it...
"And as for our destination...
...the wind will guide us."
THE END