A/N: So whataya know! I'm actually alive. And that's pretty big news, after surviving color guard and moving on into winter guard. So yes, I'm busy, but still, I felt guilty for ever have posting this story. I completely lost inspiration, and time, but I'm back. For now. Bwahaha. I'm bad. (Ducks from sharp objects being thrown)

So yea. I'm updating this story, but I'm not promising anything, because I really have to get back to work on TSSBDS. (The Super Smash Brothers' Dating Show.) Really, I do. I promised it to be ready about 3 weeks ago to a reviewer, but then was all mixed up and frazzled when I tried to post, then I couldn't access it for another 2 weeks. Ouch.

So here you go. I hope you like. This is sort of off the top of my head.

Worth Fighting For

-x-

. . . The light from the many windows blasting through the widening crevice between the doors was almost enough to blind Zelda. She quickly squinted her eyes from the intensity, and managed to make out two human silhouettes inside. Taking in a shaky breath, she started her small stride into the room.

Well, she mused, what surprise do you have for me now, Dad . . .?

"Zelda, my child!" Richard Harkinian looked up from his seat at his large, mahogany desk, beaming proudly at her arrival. Beside him stood a young man, muscular and tall in appearance.

Zelda looked them both over, from her father's rich, brown attire, to the man's neat business suit. Slightly confused, she turned back to her father, eyes adjusting to the light. "You wanted to speak with me, Father?"

Standing, Harkinian paced to the front of the desk, sitting on its edge. "I did," he said, eyes still shining with mirth, "I did, indeed." He ruffled his graying beard with his thumb and forefinger, he stared her down, causing her to shift uncomfortably, her vision still going from him to the man.

"You see, Zelda, I have a little proposition to make with you. I'm going away again, and I was wondering," his deep blue eyes twinkled in excitement, "I was wondering, if you would like to come with me."

Zelda was startled at first, then looked at her father questioningly. Playing with a strand of her golden hair, she spoke. "I, I don't know, Dad, I mean, wow. All the way to . . . to . . . wait. Where are you going?"

"I'll be headed to the Mediterranean soon, in about a week or so. I just figured, with you getting out so little nowadays, that maybe you'd like to come with, Zelda." He gazed at her, smiling, expectant. The man behind him kept quiet, though his own eyes watched her intently, their dark brown color agreed well with his great attentiveness.

"Uh, well," she stammered, unsure, hands folded along the hem of her skirt. "I, um, wow. I would love to, dad, but are you serious? Is this some sick joke?" Her expression was priceless; shocked, dazed. Her heart, though, was beating miles a minute in exhilaration, her mind soaring with anticipation, if only his answer was what she wanted, needed to hear. She wanted to escape the confines of her home so desperately.

"Why would I even speak of the offer, child, if it was not the truth?"

Zelda's face lit up, and she scrambled over to hug her father. Embracing him, her voice was almost shrill in his ears. "Thank you, daddy. Oh, thank you so much!" Tears of happiness gathered up in her eyes, and she sniffed slightly, still holding on.

Patting his daughter, Harkinian grinned against her hair, kissing her head lightly. "I knew it was just what you wanted, dear . . ."

-x-

OH! Another cliffhanger, once again. I'm so bad. And so short, too.

But really, I just did this. For about 15 minutes. So I'm sorry for this pathetic excuse of a chapter. Really, I am. So sorry, I mean. Plus, I have to babysit tonight, and I really wanted this out. So whatever. Just R&R, I guess. Later, kids.

- KH