The Legend of Zelda: Glaive of Souls

by lavender phoenix

AU. Nothing was as it should be. That's what Del thought after her and her friends were suddenly transported to the land of Hyrule. Since day one she's running from bokoblins, arguing with heroes, pursued by an unseen force, and searching for a legendary weapon that doesn't even exist in the games. Everything she thought she knew about The Legend of Zelda will be put to the test.

12. The Teachers

Hello everyone!

I'm actually posting a chapter early-ish... ish... Hooray!

Not much to say about this one other than it's kinda a filler/tie up some loose info chapter. But I had A LOT of fun with this one, so I hope it's a fun read :D

As always, thank you, thank you, thank you to you all for reading and commenting on this story! It all means so much!

Happy reading.

Disclaimer: I don't own LoZ; just my OC's and plot

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I was not happy.

I was so unbelievably, head splittingly, nauseatingly not happy.

A loud thump yanked me out of my blissfully numb sleep; my eyes snapping open to see what fell, only to go blind in the beam of morning hellfire that blasted down from the ceiling and incinerated my eyeballs. My skull cracked and a spinning sea of motion held my body down, weighted to my bed by the iron anchor that was this hangover.

Squeezing my eyes shut against the sunlight, I tried to calm the churning sea within me by breathing deeply. However, my focus was cut when I heard a rustle below me, and I cautiously opened an eyelid to see that Calli was lying on the floor, flat on her back, her blanket draped haphazardly over her body.

"Calli?" I mumbled around a thick tongue.

"Ow," she groaned, slapping a limp arm to her head. Then she sat upright, her face and lips pale as she placed a hand to her mouth. "Oh, I think I'm gonna be sick…"

Still leaden to my bed, I braced myself for what was to come… up.

Calli lowered her hand- I held my breath- and then she hiccuped. "False alarm," she said, her eyes half closed and a proud smile on her lips.

I exhaled with relief.

"How'd we get up here?" Calli asked bewildered as she scanned our room.

"Don't know," I said as I agonizingly pushed myself into a sitting position. "Can't remember."

Calli grunted in agreement then scratched her head. "How'd I get on the floor?"

"That I do know. You fell out of bed."

"Huh. Well, guess that explains why my head is about to explode."

"No, I'm pretty sure that's a hangover," I answered, pushing my palms over my eyes.

"You too, then?" I heard her ask.

"Oh yeah…" I moaned. I heard a shuffle then felt my bed shift. I lowered my hands to see Calli sitting next to me. My sight finally connected to my brain and I noticed that she was still wearing the white tunic from last night, her hair still up in the braided crown. Then I looked down at myself and saw that I was in my clothes from last night as well: purple dress, black velvet belt, even my black leather boots.

I looked back at Calli to see her examining her tunic. Then she laughed.

"Fun party," she smiled.

"Fun party," I laughed, then cringed as the vibration jackhammered my skull.

"What are those?" Calli asked, pointing at something beside me.

I turned my head to see that she was pointing at the bedside table, where a small piece of paper was leaning against two tiny glass vials. Curious, I picked up the paper first. There was a single line of writing scrawled neatly across its surface.

"What's it say?" Calli asked.

"I don't know. It's written in Hylian," I explained as I placed the paper on my bed before grabbing one of the glass vials. The bottle was warm to the touch and the dark brown liquid inside sloshed like water. I uncorked the top and a smell like warm bread wafted into my nose. "Any idea what it is?" I asked her.

She took the vial from my hand, placed it under her nose and inhaled once, then examined the liquid in the beam of sunlight. "Coffee?" she offered as an answer.

I smiled. "I don't think they have coffee here in Hyrule."

"Then not a clue," she said. "But I think I can figure it out," and she downed the liquid in two gulps.

"Calli!" I exclaimed, shocked. "We could've asked someone, you know."

But she didn't seem to be listening to me as she was sitting perfectly still, staring wide-eyed at the wall across the room. I watched her, concerned, as she remained motionless for a second before blinking hard a few times.

"Holy… fuck…" she breathed then bolted upright. "I have to talk to Renado!" and she rushed towards the door.

"Renado? Why? Calli what does the-?" But I stopped as she pulled open the door (the movement causing one of her braids to detach from the pins and fall to her back) and dashed away. "Hey, Calli!" I cried, scrambling sloppily over to the door to see her sprinting down the hall. "Wait, come back!" I called as she rounded the corner and out of sight. I stood there for a moment, dumbfounded before I yelled, "I hope you run past a mirror!"

I crossed my arms with an annoyed huff and turned to head back into my room when I heard a door open behind me.

"Del?"

I looked back to see Parker standing in the doorway of his room.

"Hey," I said. "How're you feeling?"

"Better now than when I first woke up," he said stretching his arms.

I gave him a questioning look.

"Did- did you guys not get a potion?" he asked, his brows furrowing.

"No, we did. Calli drank hers then ran out of the room without telling me anything," I grumbled. "What is it?"

"My best guess? A hangover cure."

"Is that what it is!?" I asked astonished, heading back into my room and picking up the other vial. Parker followed then sat on my bed as I uncorked the tiny bottle and swallowed it in one go. The liquid was still warm as it ran down my throat, and the taste was rather sour despite its bread-like aroma.

But in Hyrulean potion fashion, it worked fast.

This one sent a deep chill all over my body- yet I didn't feel the need to shiver. It was as if magic fingers made of ice were extinguishing the burn left from the alcohol: freezing the churning sea in my stomach, cooling the fire behind my eyes, and mending the cracks in my head with a soothing frost. Once the potion finished its job I sighed in relief (and I could've sworn I saw my breath condensate as I exhaled). I smiled.

"Better?" Parker asked.

"Much," I nodded.

"Good. Now let's go see if there's any food. I'm starving."

"Okay. But first…" and I walked to the dresser and held up my toothbrush.

Parker ran his tongue over his teeth then nodded in agreement. We left my room and Parker quickly grabbed his toothbrush; then we walked down to the bathroom. We took turns using the toilet then shared the room to brush our teeth and wash our faces. Another quick trip upstairs to put back out dental supplies (and discard my velvet belt), and we were heading for the staircase again.

"Wait, what about Charlie?" I said, stopping just before turning the corner. "He might want to eat too."

"I tried waking him up before I heard you in the hall. He was pretty much dead to the world," Parker said with a shake of his head.

I chuckled. "I'm going to try." I walked back to his room and opened the door. Charlie was sleeping on his stomach, mouth hanging open, a small puddle of drool under his chin and snoring loudly. "And to think Calli gets to wake up to a beautiful face like that from time to time," I whispered, trying hard to stifle a laugh. "Charlie?" I said over his ear in a sing-song voice. "Wanna get up and get some food?"

He stirred; then grunted; then started snoring again.

"See. Dead," Parker said from behind me.

"Guess so. The mention of food usually wakes him up," I said. "Alright, we'll let him sleep."

Parker and I left the room and walked down to the dining hall. The room was empty except for Bo and Hanch who were sitting at one of the tables, talking low and sipping hot tea.

"Good morning!" squeaked Hanch. Bo gave us a nod.

"Morning," Parker and I said at the same time.

"Our chef decided not to get up this morning, so I am afraid it is leftovers from last night for breakfast," Bo explained.

Even though I wasn't hungover anymore, his booming voice was harsh on my ears and I cringed a little at the rattle in my head.

"Thanks," Parker said, then we both made our way to the table closest to the service window.

There wasn't too much left over. There was a handful of mushy fruit, a bowl of melted and oily cream, some savory pastries and a small mound of salty meats. Parker and I made some sandwiches with the pastries and meats, then poured ourselves a cup of tea. We decided we didn't want to eat in the dining hall, so we said goodbye to Bo and Hanch and left the inn.

"Where do you want to go?" Parker asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Umm," I said, thinking as I looked around. My gaze fell onto the Eldin Spring in the distance and I suddenly remembered our conversation from last night. "We can see if Rux is at the hot spring?"

Parker, with his mouth full of pastry and meat, nodded vigorously. "Yeth, pleath," he said around a ball of food.

"Charming," I said flatly before leading the way to the hot spring. I took him passed the main spring to the trail that led up the hill, where we took our time climbing as we each had sandwiches and hot tea to hold. Once we stepped foot onto the peak's landing I took a look around. There were no new boulders lying about and the small hot spring was vacant.

"He doesn't seem to be here," I said still scanning the area.

"Oh. That's okay. It's not a big deal," Parker said, shrugging nonchalantly. However, his eyes were a little disheartened.

"Well, why don't we stay up here for a little while? Finish our food; see if he comes around?" I suggested.

"Okay," Parker agreed.

As I looked for a place to sit I was hit with the soft scent of cinnamon drifting over from the hot spring. I looked at the glittering pool, pale emerald in the morning sun, and felt the sudden urge to soak my feet. I walked over to the edge, placed my tea on the ground, removed my boots one handed, and slipped my feet under the surface of the water. I sighed, comfortable and content.

Parker sat next to me, removing his footwear and rolling up his pants before placing his feet into the hot spring as well. "So, how much do you remember from last night?" he asked, taking another bite of his sandwich.

"I remember everything up until we started playing that drinking game. Then the night gets kinda blank," I admitted. "But I think I remember laughing a lot. And something about stars, maybe," I shrugged then took a sip of my tea. "Then I woke up in bed. How about you?"

"Same, I remember up until that drinking game, then I woke up in bed too."

"Any idea how we got up to our rooms? Let alone our own beds?"

Parker stared at the ripples we were creating on the surface of the pool as he thought. "No, I- wait… I think- I think I remember… bouncing."

"Bouncing?"

"And swinging…?"

"Swinging?"

"Like- like being carried..." he surmised.

"You think we were carried to our rooms?" I asked, stunned.

"I guess it's possible. I'm pretty sure I couldn't have made it up those stairs on my own." Then he laughed. "What did you and Charlie put in those drinks?" he accused lightly.

"No idea," I snickered.

He chuckled. "Man, I just hope I didn't do anything embarrassing," he said, running a hand through his dark curly hair.

"You mean singing wasn't embarrassing for you?" I asked with a sly grin.

"Actually, no… it wasn't," he smiled. "I don't think I've ever had such a fun time singing for people that weren't our family."

"I'm glad. You know, you practically had all the villagers in tears at one point."

Parker's smile turned into a goofy grin as a light blush crept over his cheeks. He quickly finished off his food, then asked, "So, are you ever going to tell me what you said to Link that day?"

I blinked then laughed. "You still want to know about that?"

"Oh yeah! When you hear that your cousin yelled at your childhood hero, you want to know why," he said matter-of-factly.

I bit my bottom lip to try and stop the grin that was forming. "Okay, well I didn't yell at him per se… But I did sorta call him lazy, and cowardly, and that he didn't know what it meant to be a hero."

Parker just stared at me. "Wow…"

"Yup," I finally grinned.

"Why?"

"Because he didn't have the Master Sword yet, and he'd been in the village for seven months.

"Oh…"

"Yeah…" Then I allowed Parker to sit in his astonishment while I finished eating my sandwich. Once I was done I washed the grease from my fingers and pulled my legs out of the water to allow them to dry.

Parker did the same, scooting back from the water's edge. "I guess Rux isn't going to show up," he said.

"Sorry. I was hoping that he would," I apologized. "Although, the last time I was up here he wasn't around then either." Then I blinked. "You know, I'm starting to wonder if he's just a figment of my imagination," I said, a little concerned.

"No, I don't believe that. I think our timing is just off. We'll try again another day," he smiled.

"Sure," I smiled back.

"Well, I guess we should head back down. I know Shad'll be wondering where I am."

"Okay. I'll go to Renado's with you. I have a bone to pick with Calli," I said darkly.

Parker shook his head then started to put his shoes back on. I followed suit, pulling my boots on and tying the back laces shut. We picked up our empty cups then started our descent down the trail.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

When Parker and I walked through the side doors of Renado's we were instantly greeted by a cheery Telma.

"Good morning!" she trilled as she wrapped her arms around the both of us and pulled us into a breast-filled hug. "I hope you are both feeling well?" she asked as she broke away.

"Yeah we are. Thanks to that potion," Parker answered.

"Wonderful!" Telma clapped. "I had Renado whip up a large batch of that restorative potion for everyone, and Uli was kind enough to place a few bottles in your rooms before she set out for her day."

"Speaking of, how did we get to our rooms last night?" I asked Telma.

Telma laughed. "We had to carry you. By the end of the party, none of you could stand on your own two feet."

I saw Parker wince out of the corner of my eye. "Carried? Seriously?" I questioned.

Telma smiled. "Of course. Renado carried you, sweets; Fado was kind enough to take Calli; and Bo carried Parker and Charlie."

"He did!?" Parker exclaimed.

"Oh yeah," we heard a bright voice say, and looked to see Luda coming down the bedroom staircase. "He had you slung over one shoulder and Charlie over the other. It was pretty funny," she giggled.

"Guess that explains the 'bouncing and swinging'," I whispered out of the corner of my mouth.

Parker groaned.

"Well, I'm off to the stables. I'll see you around," Luda said, waving as she left through the front door.

I turned back to Telma. "Is Calli still here?"

"She's in the kitchen," she said, with a quick jerk of her thumb.

"Thanks," and I broke away to head to the opening under the staircase. I poked my head in and saw Renado and Calli (her hair no longer in braids, but untied and cascading down her back in tight waves of light blonde) examining a leaf that was about the length of my forearm. I cleared my throat and the two of them turned towards me.

Renado smiled. "Ah, Del. Good-"

"Del, you're here!"

I heard Charlie's voice before I saw him, rising up from the cot along the wall. He walked straight for me then grabbed my arm and pulled me back to the main room in a hurry.

"Okay, what's that about?" I asked, pulling him to a stop as I yanked my arm from his grip, annoyed that I didn't get to pick that bone with Calli.

"Sorry," he said. "I'm so happy you're here," he whispered. "I've been sitting in there for about fifteen minutes and it's all "plants this and plants that". Listening to the two of them talk about herbs is…"

"Boring?" I assumed flatly, crossing my arms.

"Hey, you said it, not me," he said, raising his hands.

I stared at him, unimpressed. But then I smirked as someone came up behind him.

"Charlie!" Telma chimed. "I never saw you come in!"

I watched as his shoulders tensed then drooped. "Hi Telma," he sighed.

I gave him a questioning look and he gave me a sheepish smile before turning to face her.

The little worm… He actually snuck past Telma!

"I am glad that you are here. I could use a man with muscles to help me move-"

"Sorry, Telma," Charlie interrupted. "I've got plans with Del and Parker-"

"Who are researching for information on the glaive," I interjected, giving Charlie a smug smile of my own as reading and researching were the last things he'd want to do.

"Who-" he faltered, "who are researching and- and I'm going to help with the research." Then he smiled- which made Telma visibly melt- then pushed Parker and I on the back, leading us towards the library staircase. He kept pushing and didn't stop until the three of us where standing on the balcony.

"Very well. I will see you all at lunch," Telma called to us from below, then left the hut through the front.

"That was rude," I said, crossing my arms.

"No. That was survival," Charlie defended. "That woman is crazy!"

"She is not," I said, rolling my eyes. "She just has a tiny weakness for good looking guys. She's completely harmless."

"Tell that to your biceps the next time she strokes your arms," he said with a sarcastic bite.

"Fine. Whatever," I relented then turned to scan the books in the bookshelves. "Parker, what book should I start reading?" I asked.

"Uh, well not- not any of these," he answered, his voice sounding a little weird.

"Then what about these?" Charlie asked, pointing to a stack of loose papers on the small desk in the balcony alcove.

"No, no not those either."

Charlie and I looked at each other, confused. "Are you saying that you've read all of these books?" Charlie questioned.

"Well, no. But-"

"Okay, random pick it is," and Charlie grabbed a book from the shelf. He opened it in the middle, scanned the pages with a furrowed brow, then snapped the covers shut. "It's written in a different language," he said when I gave him a puzzled look.

"Let me see?" and I extended my hand for the book. Charlie passed it to me and I opened it up to a random page. "It's Hylian," I stated as I recognized the same writing that was on the note left with the potions. "Just grab another one," I said as I placed the book back on the shelf.

"This one's the same," Charlie said.

I looked over at him. "Oh?" then I picked up another book and opened it to see Hylian symbols scrawled across the paper. I put it back and opened another one, and another, and another- every one of them in Hylian.

"Parker? Are all these books written in Hylian?" I asked, bewildered.

"Well- yes," he confirmed softly.

"Dude, have you been lying all this time? Telling everyone that you can read this stuff?" Charlie whispered accusingly.

"No, of course not!" Parker defended.

"Then why are you saying that-"

"Because I can read them!" Parker snapped.

I blinked at him. "How?" I asked, astonished.

Parker exhaled sharply, his indignation visibly shrinking to insecurity with the expulsion of that single breath. "Remember back a couple summers ago, when you went on vacation with Calli and Charlie for a few weeks?"

I nodded.

"Well, after a couple days I got really bored. And while I was trying to find things to do I happened to read somewhere that in Twilight Princess the Hylian letters correspond to English. So I-"

"You taught yourself to read Hylian?" I blurted, cutting him off.

He nodded slowly.

Charlie chuckled. "Oh man, that has got to be the geekiest- and the wickedest thing I've ever heard."

Parker blinked in shock as a blush stamped its way over his face at Charlie's praise; and I couldn't help but giggle at his reaction.

"Th- thanks," Parker stammered with an embarrassed laugh.

"Okay, so new plan, then? Parker, you continue to read, and Charlie and I will look at the pretty pictures," I suggested.

Parker chuckled then pulled down a book to start reading. I riffled through the papers that sat on the table, looking for any picture that might resemble a glaive, while Charlie unrolled a rather large scroll that turned out to be a detailed map of Kakariko Village.

When my pile came up empty I turned to the shelves, pulling out a rather thin book bound in dark green leather. I opened the cover to see a simple drawing of an arched stone doorway that was flanked by two large trees. I was about to turn the page when I heard the echo of a door close and I turned to look over the banister to see Link walking down the stairs, rubbing an eye.

"Good morning," I called down to him.

He stopped and looked up. "It's still morning?" he asked with a detectable groan.

"Yeah, I'm afraid so," I answered with a smirk.

Link let out a gloomy sigh then ran a hand over his face before continuing down the stairs. I watched as he walked across the room then started up the stairs to the balcony.

"What're you doing up here?" he asked as he reached the landing.

"Trying to help Parker with research," I answered.

""Trying" being the operative word," Charlie mumbled under his breath, now flipping through a book that I was pretty sure was upside down.

"Hmm," Link grunted then scanned the shelves before grabbing a book himself. "Has this one been read?" he asked Parker.

Parker looked at the cover and nodded. "But this one hasn't," he said, reaching for another and passing it to Link.

Link took the book then started reading. Parker did the same, and Charlie and I pretended as if we knew what we were doing.

I finished scanning the book I chose, and was just about to place it back on the shelf when the front door opened and in walked Shad, nose buried deep in the large tome that he held.

"Hi Shad," I greeted as he made his way into the hut. My voice must have shocked him because he jerked as if startled then looked up with wide eyes.

"Oh! Hello Del," he said with a smile. "How-" he started, but stopped as his eyes landed on something beside me. "Ah, Link you're up! Wonderful."

I heard Link groan lightly and I turned to look at him, raising my eyebrows questioningly.

"Nothing good ever follows the words "Link you're up"," he grumbled. "What's up, Shad?" he asked.

"Nobu would like you to join him on patrol. He's waiting in the village," Shad said as he started to climb the stairs.

"There goes my morning," Link sighed. "What're your plans for the day?" he asked me as he placed the book he was reading on the table.

"I don't know," I said with a light shrug.

"I'll find you later, then?"

"Sure," I said with a nod and a smile that may've been too wide.

"Okay," he said then headed down the stairs and left the hut.

"So what brings the two of you up here?" Shad asked me and Charlie.

"Just, hanging out," I said as helping with research was no longer an option.

"Ah, I see. Well, since you're here I might as well put the two of you to work. These tomes won't read themselves!" Shad said with a chuckle as he started to pull book after book after book from the shelves and placed them on the table.

"Oh umm, you know what?" Charlie said. "I just remembered that Telma asked for my help with something. Del, you said you'd help too, right?"

"Yes, right. I did," I answered quickly. "Sorry Shad."

"Ah well," Shad said as he stuck his nose back into his book. "If you get bored, feel free to come back up here."

"Right," Charlie snickered sarcastically then headed down the stairs.

I waved bye to Parker before following Charlie, and then the two of us left Renado's.

"We're not really going to be helping Telma, are we?" I assumed as we walked away from the hut.

"God, no. We just needed an out," he said.

I snorted softly. "Well, what do you want to do?" I asked.

"There isn't a lot to do, to be honest," he said with a shrug. "But we can go to the stables? I actually had a good time there yesterday."

In truth, I liked the idea of going to see the horses and spending time with Luda and Talon. However, I knew that the moment we got there Charlie would try and take over again, and ruining Luda's day was the last thing that I wanted.

"Let's do something else," I said.

"Like?"

I thought. "Oh! We can see if the baby goat is in the meadow?" I suggested.

"Aww, a baby goat," Charlie cooed. "I love baby goats."

I chuckled and the two of us made our way through the village then down the mountain pass. We walked through the illusioned opening within the mountain wall then stopped at the roped-off cliff that overlooked the meadow below.

As I looked down, my eyes were automatically drawn to the long black mark that trailed along the ground; to the blight left behind from my first use of magic. From up here it looked like a scar, one that would be forever marred into the earth of Hyrule.

A part of me was exhilarated at seeing what my magic could accomplish; the other part was afraid of the destruction I could unleash. A small shiver went up my spine and at that moment I wished that I was training with Zelda on how to exercise control over my power.

"I don't see any baby goats," Charlie said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I pulled my eyes away from the black mark and scanned the meadow. He was right. All I could see were a few cuccos pecking the grass for bugs.

"Maybe they're in that shed for the day?" I guessed as I pointed to the large wooden building set into the mountain alcove. "We can wait for a bit to see if they come out?"

"Yeah, sure," Charlie said unenthusiastically. Then he sat down, keeping a fair distance away from the cliff's edge.

I copied him and looked back to the meadow. This time my eyes found the small forest grove where the Great Fairy's Oasis lay hidden. However, as I looked at it I felt nothing. No pull, no compulsion… It was as if it served its purpose and was now a simple forest grove and nothing more.

"Did you really do that?" Charlie asked, cutting through my thoughts once again.

I didn't need to ask what he meant as I gazed at the scorch mark. "I really did," I answered softly, turning my eyes back to his. He looked a bit skeptical, and I couldn't blame him. The times I used my magic he wasn't there to see. But then he just smiled.

"Okay, I believe you," he said and he placed his hands behind his head as he laid down on the ground.

"You do?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him.

"Well… yeah. I mean, believing in magic is quite a stretch, even for me. But even though I haven't seen anything first hand, you have no reason to lie to us. So yeah, I believe you."

I mentally cringed. While I may not have lied to them, I haven't been the most forthcoming with what I know. And it was time to tell Charlie about what I know. "Charlie, I have to tell you something."

"Okay…" he drawled, his voice wary.

I sighed then laid down next to him. I felt that it would be easier if I didn't have to see his face when I told him. And I told him everything- everything that the Great Fairy told me and everything about my "companion" theory. When I was done I didn't dare look at him. I could deal with Parker and Calli being mad at me. But Charlie… It was rare for us to fight; it just wasn't in our makeup as friends. However, I could feel his gaze on me: intense and heavy.

I kept my eyes to the sky- paying particular attention to a large cloud shaped like a T-Rex wearing ice skates- when Charlie said my name.

I took a deep breath then tore my gaze away from the prehistoric ice skater and turned my head to face him. As his hazel eyes locked onto mine all I saw was warmth.

"Aren't you mad?" I asked cautiously.

His shoulders shifted towards his ears as if he was shrugging. "Wouldn't really matter if I was or wasn't, would it? Won't change anything."

"I guess… But you're not even supposed to be here. You'd be home if you didn't come for that hike with me," I ventured, not truly trusting his reaction.

"Yeah, it's a shitty situation; but to be honest, I'm glad we're here with you."

"You are?"

"How do you think we'd feel- how do you think I'd feel- if you just disappeared while the rest of us were safe at home?" He shook his head. "I'd go nuts; Calli would be inconsolable; and I'm pretty sure Parker would just breakdown. No, I'm glad we're here together."

I stared at him through misty eyes and smiled. "I'm glad you're here too," I said softly. The three of them were my strength and my courage- my will to keep going in this world that shouldn't exist. "I don't think I'd be able to handle this "destiny" stuff if I didn't have you guys with me."

He smiled. "So, is that the reason you're here? To be Link's sidekick?"

My eyes dried up and my smile fell. "Companion. Not sidekick."

"Companion is just a glorified way of saying sidekick," Charlie laughed.

"I'm not a sidekick," I growled, crossing my arms over my chest.

Charlie continued to laugh as he sat up. "Come on companion, I don't think the goats are coming out. Let's go back."

That's two no-shows today, I sighed inwardly.

"Alright," I agreed and stood up, dusting off the back of my dress.

Charlie stood, clapped the legs of his pants a few times, then we left the cliff and headed back to the mountain pass.

"Have you talked to Calli yet? About all of this?" Charlie asked.

I winced. "No, not yet. Think she'll be mad?"

Charlie wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a soft smile. "Yes," he said bluntly.

I blew out a puff of air and nodded in agreement. I had a better chance of surviving another lizalfos attack than Calli not being mad over this.

"…I'll tell her later, then," I reasoned.

Charlie snorted at my cowardice.

As we rounded the corner back into the village we found that our path was blocked by the little bodies of the four Ordon children, all of them running this way and that, chasing a ball as it rolled and bounced over the road.

"Del!" I heard Colin exclaim as he broke away from the other children and ran up to me.

"Hey Colin," I smiled. "What are you playing?"

"Keep Away. We have to keep the ball away from Malo."

"Yeah, you two can help!" Talo said as he stopped next to us.

"I got the ball…" we all heard and turned to see tiny Malo holding a ball that was almost bigger than his body.

"No way! We were on a time-out!" Talo protested.

"You never called for a time-out," Malo countered, then threw the ball to his older brother. "I win."

"Aw, man," Beth whined, huffing as she came to stand with the rest of us.

"Do you know any games?" Colin asked.

Charlie looked at the kids. "Have you ever played soccer?"

"What's soccer?" Beth and Talo said together.

Charlie started to explain what soccer was and offered a very simplified set of rules: Even number of players for each team, one goalie per side, the rest try and score a goal. The children seemed eager to try and play so Charlie made the "nets" by gouging lines into the dirt road with a large rock, saying that the goal only counted if the ball passed over the line. Then he split us up into teams: Him and me the goalies, Colin and Beth on my team, and Talo and Malo on his.

The game was pretty successful. Charlie and I were easy on the kids, allowing them to score frequently, laughing as their excitement rose with every goal.

I couldn't say how long we played for, but soon the bell for lunch was ringing. The children all expressed their disappointment and pleaded to play some more after lunch was over. Still with no plans of our own, Charlie and I agreed then walked with the children back to the inn.

Once we entered the dining hall the children separated from us, grabbing seats while they waited for their families to join them. We told them that we'd meet up after lunch and made our way to our table when we spotted Telma. She was talking with Hanch and looked up when we approached. She gave us a wide smile.

"Wait until you see what our chef cooked up today," she said with a wink.

"Better than yesterday's?" Charlie asked, a dreamy look overtaking his face.

Telma nodded. "I think the old coot is embarrassed about breakfast this morning, and is trying to make up for it.

"Works for me," Charlie said then bee-lined for the service window.

I grinned at Telma before following him, standing behind him as we waited for the chef to put up our trays. I watched as the chef assembled something, eager to see what he was going to serve.

Without so much as a glance at us, the chef slapped down the first tray and Charlie and I stared, wide-eyed. Before I could fully examine the food Charlie took his tray, a greedy look on his face as he hurried to sit down.

A few seconds later and I heard the slap of another tray. I turned my head and smiled. "Thank you," I said to the chef as I picked up my food then took a seat across from Charlie. I stared at what was before me with gluttonous desire; my mouth watering from the sights and smells.

We were given a large bowl of thin noodles that floated in a clear broth, with a mound of shaved meat and diced veggies sitting atop. Two pieces of toasted bread with melted cheese were placed next to the bowl along with two small tart-like pastries filled with a pink custard.

Telma came around and placed a few glasses and a large pitcher filled with something cold onto our table. I thanked her then poured myself and Charlie a drink. The cold liquid was a turquoise colour, and tasted sweet like peaches after I took a sip.

Parker and Calli showed up not too long after and the four of us chatted happily as we ate. As we were finishing up, I asked Parker and Calli if they wanted to join us with our soccer game. Calli politely declined, saying that Renado was about to teach her how to properly blend herbs together: which ones make remedies and which make poisons. Parker shook his head and said that Shad was expecting him to return.

I raised my eyebrows at him, not liking the idea of Shad telling Parker what to do.

"It's okay," Parker said, understanding my expression. "I feel like we're getting close to finding what we need."

"Alright. But if you want a break just take one. You may be helping Shad, but that doesn't mean he can control your every move."

Parker nodded.

Since the four of us were done we all took our empty trays to the window then said goodbye to Parker and Calli as they went back to Renado's together.

The children were still eating when Charlie and I walked by, so we mentioned that we'd be waiting for them outside and to come join us when they were done. Then the two of us left the hall. As we were heading towards the front doors they opened and in walked Link.

"Hey," he smiled when he saw us. "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, we just finished eating," I said. "Are you done with your patrol?"

"Yeah," he nodded.

"Good. You can come play soccer with us once you're done lunch."

He blinked. "What's "soccer"?"

I smiled. "Come find us in the village and we'll explain."

"Okay," he said.

I waved as Charlie and I left the inn.

We grabbed the ball from the corner of the porch, then headed back into the village, to where we first played. We decided to have a larger playing field this time, so Charlie buffed out the original grooves he made and created new ones.

It wasn't more than five minutes later when the children came thundering down the inn's ramp and over to us.

"Luda wants to play too," Colin said, pointing to Luda who was jogging over with a smile.

"Okay, great," I said, welcoming her over.

Charlie told her the rules then split us into teams again. He and I were goalies once more with Malo, Beth and Colin on Charlie's team, and Luda and Talo on mine. We figured with Luda's age and height it would be fairer that way. The children didn't seem to mind either way, and our game started.

By the time Link came to join us Charlie's team was beating mine by one goal. Charlie called for the game to end so that we could include Link and start a new one.

However, Link didn't come alone as Malon and Ilia were with him.

Ilia I was happy to see; Malon, not so much. Beth and Talo asked Ilia to play with us but she said that Malon didn't seem interested and that she didn't want to leave her all by herself.

Then Malon said that she'd play (much to my surprise), but only if she was on Link's team. I inwardly rolled my eyes, but if it meant that Ilia would join then I wouldn't complain… out loud. I got Charlie to explain the rules to them and this time I made the teams.

I made Link goalie and put Malon, Ilia, Colin and Beth on his team. I had Charlie be the other goalie with me, Luda, Talo and Malo making up our team.

As we split I quickly walked up to Link. "So remember that the ball has to pass over the line to be a goal."

"Got it," Link smiled.

"And go a little easier on the kids. They get so excited when they score," I whispered.

"No problem."

"Oh, and one last thing," I smirked. "I hope you're prepared to lose."

Link didn't say anything, but just chuckled; the look in his eyes telling me that the challenge was on.

We parted ways, him to his "net" and me to my side, and then the game began. Luda, Talo and I were strong players so I had no doubt that we'd be able to win.

But then Malon hiked up her skirt and my team was all but destroyed.

I hated to admit it- but she was amazingly good. She was gentle around the children, passing them the ball and waiting for one of them to kick it too far before taking it away. However, she was ruthless with us; stealing the ball any chance she got- which was a lot- and striking it so hard at the goal that Charlie actually dodged out of the way a few times.

Even though my team was being pulverized into dust, they were all having a great time; myself included. I managed to score a few goals against Link; although it was only because I was able to feint and throw him off. He caught on to my tactics quickly enough and used his impressive speed to stop all my other attempts.

We played for what seemed like hours, only stopping every once and awhile to catch our breaths.

At one point some of the villagers came out to see what we were up to. Rusl and Uli stood side-by-side, cheering on Colin; Renado and Calli taking a break from herbs to watch us play. Telma was there offering Charlie her support and well wishes whenever Malon scored against him. Even Ashei, Nobu and Zelda came to watch for a bit, applauding the children whenever they got a goal.

Then our game ended.

Malon won for her team, scoring so many times that we actually lost count. All the children ran up to her, gushing and praising at how good she was. She thanked them all sweetly; then looked at me and gave me a smug, satisfied smile.

And I just shook it off, because with the way she played she was entitled to that pride.

Then our group disbanded- Uli calling for the children, telling them that they needed a bath after all that running around; Luda heading back to the stables to finish with her chores; and Malon and Ilia standing by Link, talking.

I turned to Charlie and caught him in the middle of a wide yawn. I smiled. "Why don't you go and take a nap?" I suggested.

"A nap would be nice," he considered. "You'll be good without me for a bit?"

"I think I can manage to survive," I said flatly.

He gave me a cheeky grin. "I'll meet you at Renado's later," he said then headed back for the inn.

I decided I was going to the stables to hang out with Luda. I started to make my way down the village road when I heard Link call my name. I turned to see him jogging up to me.

"Hey. What are you up to?" he asked.

"Just going to the stables for a bit. Charlie is taking a nap, so I'm going to hang out there."

Link nodded then said, "I was just about to go for a walk. Did- did you want to come?"

"Yeah, sure," I said quickly, liking that idea far better than going to the stables. However, at that moment my eye caught movement just to the side of Link and I saw Malon and Ilia walk by, Malon glaring my way. "Although, weren't you going to hang out with Malon and Ilia?" I questioned.

He rubbed the back of his neck and seemed to make a conscious effort not to look their way. "Ah, no."

I gave him a suspicious look, but smiled nonetheless. "Okay, where to then?"

He grinned. "This way," and the two of us walked back into the village.

We kept walking until we reached the fork at the end of the road where Link took the left path, me following a step behind. For a moment I thought he was planning on going to the meadow, but he bypassed the illusioned opening and headed into the mountain pass.

"I haven't been up this way yet. Are we going anywhere in particular?" I asked, curious.

"Nah, there's not much to see this way. It's just an easy path for walking," he said.

"Hmm," I nodded, looking around. Our surroundings were simple: tall rocky walls lining the narrow path, which seemed almost limitless as it stretched before us. The late afternoon sun hung high above, covering the landscape in a blanket of warmth.

"Is- is that okay?" he asked, and I turned to see that his eyes looked a little wider than normal.

"Yeah. Why wouldn't it be?" I questioned.

He blinked and his features returned to normal. He shook his head as if the answer didn't matter then rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn't wearing his gauntlets today, and the sleeves of his white undershirt were pushed up to his elbows, so as he lowered his arm I caught a flash of his scars before they disappeared at his side.

"How's your arm?" I asked.

Link lifted his arm again. "Healed," he said as he showed me his scars, now thin, pale pink lines across the underside of his forearm. "And how about you? How's your stomach?"

"Good, actually. Nothing more than a massive bruise; and it's almost completely gone."

Link looked at me. "Massive?"

"Oh yeah," I chuckled. "It basically covered the top half of my abdomen," I said, using my hands to indicate how big it was on my stomach. "But after Uli used the salve on me the first time, the bruise shrunk by half. And now-" I paused, thinking. "Well, I really don't know how it is today. I was supposed to apply some more salve before bed, but…" and I trailed off, motioning to the fact that I was still wearing the purple dress from the party.

Link laughed. "Yeah, I woke up in these too," he said, plucking at his green tunic.

"So, how's your memory of last night?" I smirked.

The corner of his mouth rose. "Okay. The end is a little hazy though."

"Really?" I said, surprised. "Mine's pretty much blank after the drinking game. Although… I do remember something about stars. Any idea what that could be about?"

He chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, you challenged me to a star counting contest."

"Ohhh right…!" I remembered.

"Which I won," he said with blunt smugness.

I scoffed with a smile. "You!? How would you know? You said your memory is hazy."

"True. But I do remember you falling asleep before we finished counting-"

… Damn.

"-So, I win."

"By default," I pointed out, trying to hide my chagrin at the fact that my memory "blackout" was nothing more than an onset of sleep. I crossed my arms. "Hardly a victory."

He looked at me, the sun glinting off the amusement that filled his dark blue eyes. "Okay, maybe you're right. Winning a game while being drunk shouldn't count."

I eyed him suspiciously.

"But speaking of games," he continued, "Soccer is a lot of fun. I really liked it." He smiled.

I smiled back, although tentatively. "I'm glad you did."

He nodded. "You know, I think my favourite part was when you thought you'd win against me, but ended up losing…"

I blinked at him.

"I'd call that a victory, wouldn't you?" he grinned.

I burst out laughing. "Clever."

"I like to think so."

I snorted and shook my head. "Man, my team got our asses handed to us," I acknowledged with a chuckle. "I never would've thought Malon was that good."

"I think she surprised all of us," Link agreed.

I nodded, feeling my mirth start to calm down. "So, how did your patrol go this morning?"

"Boring," Link sighed. Then he flinched slightly. "Uh, not that boring is bad. It's actually a good thing. It means we're safe. It's just…"

"Boring," I said, understanding.

He chuckled. "Exactly."

"Where do you go on patrols?"

"Wherever Nobu- or Zelda- thinks is worth watching over. I was by the Goron mines today. Zelda got a bad feeling that something was close by."

My eyes widened. "What do you think it was?"

Link shook his head. "No idea. Zelda's barriers are strong, and more often than not, whatever is lurking around will get confused or disinterested and leave. But that doesn't mean her barriers are infallible. A few things have managed to slip by in the past."

"Like the lizalfos," I said as the image of the creature- giant and bloodied from the decapitated goat in its jaw- flashed across my mind.

He nodded. "They're the ones we need to keep an eye on the most. Most creatures that come close to the barriers are affected by the spells; but a lizalfos drive is based on hunger- and almost nothing will stop it from getting its next meal."

"Sounds a little like Charlie," I chuckled.

Link laughed. "Ilia's like that too."

"No way?" I said, disbelieving- unable to see her as anything other than timid and sweet.

"Yup. She actually bit me once because I swiped the last of Uli's ice cakes before she could."

"Oh my god," I laughed.

"And she had to fade the bite mark after," he explained, raising his bare right hand and pointing to the spot she sunk her teeth into.

I laughed even harder.

After a moment I was able to speak again. "I never would've thought… She's so quiet and shy."

Link sighed. "She's not shy; just the opposite, actually. She's just…"

"Having a hard time adjusting."

Link looked at me.

"She told me when we were talking last night," I explained.

Link nodded. "She misses Ordon," he said softly, his eyes shifting as if he was focusing on something far away- something I couldn't see.

"Do you?" I asked.

A small smile graced his lips before he looked back at me. "Yeah, sometimes. Mostly when things get a bit too overwhelming here," he confessed.

"Are you overwhelmed a lot?"

He stopped walking, to which I stopped too and turned to face him, questioningly.

He stared at me, and I watched as his eyes flitted back and forth in contemplation. His gaze never left mine; and after what felt like an eternity of swimming in a sea of dark blue, he said, "Not anymore."

My breath hitched a little in my chest.

I wanted to ask why.

I wanted to know what… or who… helped make that change.

My heart was hoping selfishly, ridiculously, almost desperately, that that change was because of m…

Stop! Don't think it… my head pleaded as it raised a tiny red flag- that small acute warning telling me not to swim too deep in dark pools for fear of drowning.

So I didn't ask.

I remained silent as I continued to get lost in his eyes, searching for all the different colours of blue I could find.

But I couldn't drown…

The colours were much closer now and easier to pick out: sapphire blue; rims of dark indigo; flecks of floating azure; thin wisps of frothing slate… so close.

So close…

But I wouldn't drown.

With that thought I quickly pulled my head above the surface and took a deep breath. "Because of the Master Sword," I whispered, not trusting my voice.

Link blinked and the dark pools started to recede. "What?" he questioned softly, his voice sounding thicker than usual.

"You're- you're not as overwhelmed anymore because you have the Master Sword, right? Everyone's finally off your back," I said, my voice closer to a normal pitch.

Link took a few steps back and I was standing on dry land again. I watched as a horizon of red lined his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh… yeah," he rasped then cleared his throat. "Yes- yes having the Master Sword has helped."

"Good. I'm glad," I smiled. Then I turned and started walking down the mountain pass again, praying to all the gods I knew that he couldn't hear how violently my heart was pounding in my chest.

I made it a couple feet down the path before Link came up beside me. We continued to walk side-by-side, this time in silence. Now, I couldn't speak for Link, but this silence wasn't comfortable like the last time and I was starting to get a little antsy. I was about to make some lame-ass comment about the weather- just to get a conversation going- when Link spoke first.

"Do you miss it too?" he asked. When I gave him a puzzled look he clarified. "Your home, I mean."

I was about to answer when I heard him chuckle under his breath.

"Of course you do. That was a stupid question."

I smiled. "It's not a stupid question," I assured with a shake of my head. "Yes, of course I miss my home; and I miss my mom, so much." Then I chuckled. "And I miss the laws of my world. I actually understood them- for the most part," I grinned.

"Is Hyrule that different?"

"Completely different," I confirmed.

"How so?" he asked, intrigued.

But I didn't answer as something caught my attention.

It was small at first, just a single shimmer falling through the air.

But it was followed by another, and then another; and as I took a few quick steps down the path to see what they were I was hit by a blast of frigid air. I turned my head to see that a small section of the rocky wall indented inwards, creating a dark space that looked like a tiny cave. However, it was what was drifting out of it that had me mesmerized.

"Link, look at this," I said, walking closer to the tiny cave, reaching my hand out. "Snow…"

I heard Link come up behind me. "Snow? What- Del don't touch it!" he cried.

But it was too late, I didn't pull my hand away fast enough; and I watched as a single snowflake floated down, watched as it landed on my skin just below my thumb, and watched as my entire hand turned white with frost.

I gasped in both shock and pain; the cold penetrating my flesh, down to my bones, and freezing everything to ice.

Link was beside me in a flash. He cradled my forearm gingerly in his hands then cursed under his breath. "Fuck… We have to get you back to Renado's, fast."

"Wha- what was that?" I questioned, barely containing a cry of pain.

"Snow from an ice keese," he answered.

"Ice keese!?" I exclaimed in shock.

"They're small, winged creatures that can freeze anything it comes into contact with," he explained, oblivious to the fact that I knew what they were. "Dammit… What's one doing this far east?

"What's going to happen to my hand?" I asked, panicked.

He didn't answer, choosing to keep his eyes fixed on anything but my face.

"Link!?" I cried.

He looked up at me. "If we don't thaw it soon, your hand will succumb to severe frostbite."

I whimpered, knowing exactly what "severe frostbite" meant: The possible loss of my hand.

"Hey," he said, getting my attention. "Renado will know what to do. You'll be alright." His words were a promise; a resolve.

But as I looked into his eyes I saw the worry that he couldn't hide fast enough.

Oh god…

I stared back at my hand, wide-eyed. My skin under the frost was turning a soft blue; the tips of my fingers almost black.

Link still held my forearm as he led me back up the mountain pass, walking as quickly as he dared with me.

Please, please, please don't let me lose my hand! Please don't let me—

I gasped as a familiar sensation shot down my arm; a hum like electricity, white hot and fast, shocking every nerve in my hand, setting my bones ablaze.

Then the frost started to melt.

"Link!" I cried as I stopped abruptly, grunting when he plowed into my side. "Look! It's melting… The frost is melting!"

He remained next to me, watching as the cold dripped off my hand, each drop evaporating before hitting the ground. My hand began returning to a fleshy pink, while my fingertips turned a light red. My fingers were stiff, but I was able to move them again.

"How…?" he blinked.

"My magic," I breathed. I felt a tear slip down my cheek as I smiled with relief.

"Thank the goddesses," he sighed, then smiled. He ran his hands over mine, examining it. "I- I think your hand is going to be fine. But I'm still going to take you to Renado's, just to be sure."

I nodded. "Okay."

Link gave my hand one last check, but when he was done he didn't release it. Instead, he placed the back of my hand against his chest then wrapped both of his over top of mine.

"What are you doing?" I asked, confused.

"Keeping your hand warm. I'm not taking any chances," he answered earnestly.

I paled. "You think it'll freeze again?"

He shook his head. "No. But better to be safe than sorry, right?"

"Right," I breathed, staring at him.

"Let's go," he smiled.

And I followed him as he led me back up the mountain pass; my hand encased safely within the warmth of his.

My heart started to pound once again.

Del… you can't drown…

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

I was sitting on one of the benches that surrounded the fire pit at Renado's.

Renado was next to me, my hand in his, as he examined everything: the movement of my fingers and wrist, the colour of my skin, the sensitivity of my nerves.

Calli was sitting to the other side of me- her lap full with different vials and bottles- as she stared wide-eyed with both concern and fascination.

"There looks to be no permanent damage- or any damage at all, it seems," Renado said, his deep tone seeping comfort into my soul. "However, I would like you to take a healing potion, just in case I missed something."

"Okay," I agreed.

"Now, I believe that the Red Chu jelly will work just fine," he added, then turned to look at Calli. "Calli, may I have a bottle?"

Calli jumped slightly, as if shocked at hearing her name. "Oh, okay, just a sec…" she said as she rummaged through the small vials in her lap, each glass clinking sharply as she pawed over them. "Here," she smiled when she found the right one.

Renado reached across me for the vial, and as he started to uncork the top Ashei walked into the hut, followed by Zelda.

"You'll be happy to know we got the little bastard," Ashei announced with enthusiasm as she removed a pelt of thick white fur from her shoulders.

I smiled in spite of myself. "That's good to hear," I said as Renado passed me the bottle and I drank it in one go.

The taste and texture of the jelly wasn't as shocking this time around; however, the effects felt the same: a budding warmth that started in my core, spreading outwards to all my extremities before receding and fading. I flexed my hand a few times and smiled with relief. My fingers were no longer stiff, and my palm no longer seize whenever I moved those muscles.

"Any idea what it was doing there?" Link asked as he stood from the bench he shared with Parker and Charlie, and walked over to Zelda.

Zelda frowned. "My barrier must have been weak down that pass. I can only assume that the ice keese flew through and could not find its way out." Her voice was steady, but I could hear the unease she felt lacing her words.

"I would not dwell on it, Princess," Renado said. "It is not uncommon for ice keese to get lost; having to resort to building their ice dens in a warmer climate."

"True," Zelda nodded. "Nevertheless, I strengthened my barrier in that area, just to be safe." Then she turned to me. "Del, how is your hand?"

"Great, thanks," I said, lifting my hand and moving my fingers.

Zelda smiled. "I am glad."

I smiled back.

"Considering," she continued, "that I had hoped to start your training with magic tomorrow."

"R- really?!" I asked excitedly.

"If you believe you are well enough, yes."

I gave her a determined nod.

"Very well." Then she turned to face Link. "Link? Ashei? May I have a quick word?"

The two of them bowed their heads and I watched as Zelda guided them to the other side of the hut and exited through the front door.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Calli asked curiously.

I shrugged my shoulders the moment Renado let out an amused chuckle.

"What?" I asked.

"Oh, it is probably nothing of importance. The princess is most likely trying to figure out a way to tell Nobu about what happened."

"She's not afraid of him, is she?" Calli asked, concerned.

Renado threw his head back and laughed- the sound a deep, earthy rumble as it rolled through the air. "Goddesses, no," he said before taking a breath. "Nobu is a very passionate man when it comes to the safety of the princess and the safety of this village. His composure is easily lost if either is threatened. And it is that reason that the princess tries to keep his passions tempered." Then he whispered, "It makes life a lot easier for us if they are."

Calli giggled. "Well, I'm going to head back into the kitchen. I think my herbs have been steeping long enough." Then she gathered all the vials on her lap into her hands and stood.

"Making tea?" I asked.

"Nope. A potion," she smiled proudly.

"A potion?" I exclaimed then turned to Renado. "You're letting her make potions?"

"Yes, he's letting me make potions," she defended, giving my leg a light kick. "How else am I going to learn?" Then she turned on her heel and walked into the kitchen.

Renado patted my shoulder with a smile before he stood and followed Calli.

"I really hope we're not her guinea pigs," I said quietly.

Parker laughed.

"So, what do you want to do now?" Charlie asked.

"If you're looking for something to do, feel free to come up here," a voice said from above us. "These books won't read themselves!"

"Uh, we're good, thanks," Charlie called up to Shad.

Parker sighed. "Better get back to it," and he stood then walked to the library staircase.

"Any ideas?" Charlie asked me.

"I'm good just staying here till dinner," I answered honestly.

"Alright," he said, then stood up from his bench and came to sit on mine. He raised his left hand and I smiled, raising my own and curling my fingers with his to start a game of thumb war.

I managed to win the first round; him the next two. I was getting close to pinning his thumb again when he distracted me with a question.

"Have you talked to Calli yet?" He pinned my thumb.

I gave him a flat look. "You actually think I had an opportunity to do so between telling you and defrosting my hand?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Cut me some slack. I had a nap, remember?"

"Right… sorry," I mumbled as I pinned his thumb this time.

"Anyways," he said, "I think you should tell her soon."

"I'll… tell her after dinner," I said; although, I wasn't really sure if I was going to. Calli's wrath was not something I took lightly and I needed time to prepare.

"The longer you leave it, the madder she'll be. You know that."

"After dinner," I said through tight lips. I pinned his thumb again.

Charlie shook his head, then he detached his hand from mine and stood. "Be right back," he said and headed for the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" I asked suspiciously.

"Just getting a glass of water," he said.

"Just water?"

"Just water," and he disappeared through the opening. He came back a moment later with a cup in his hand and an innocent look on his face.

I eyed him as he sat down and took a large gulp of his water before placing the cup on the ground and reaching for my hand again.

He won that round…

And as we were battling for victory over this one, the front door opened and Zelda walked back in, followed solely by Link.

Link caught my eye and smiled.

I smiled back- then winced as Charlie pinned my thumb. My focus reigned back to our war, and I was close to winning when I heard someone come up behind me and sigh.

"Well, that batch was a failure," Calli said, slumping onto the bench next to me.

"What happened?" Charlie asked.

"I didn't let the herbs steep long enough. The potency of the potion was less than half of what it's supposed to be." She sighed again. "Now I have to wait all over again for the new herbs to steep properly." Then she turned to me. "But I have some free time while I wait. Charlie said you wanted to talk to me about something?"

I turned to glare daggers at him.

Dammit Charlie! I thought- only to realize about half a second too late that I actually blurted the words out loud.

Charlie smirked at me before masking his face with innocence. Then he looked to his side and shrugged lightly.

I followed his gaze and saw that Link and Zelda were looking my way, both wearing expressions of curiosity on their faces.

I suppressed a groan.

Then a creak came from above and Parker's voice floated down.

"Everything okay?"

I looked up at him, leaning over the railing. "Yeah, just fine."

"Okay Del, what's going on," Calli said, her voice sounding a little agitated.

I turned to face her. "Uh, let's… let's go outside for a minute." And I grabbed her hand then stood, pulling her up with me and guiding her to the back doors- but not before I gave Charlie a good whack upside the head. His hiss of pain followed us until we left the hut and the doors closed behind us.

The mid-evening sun was large and orange, covering the village in hues of molten gold. The tin roofs of the village homes were reflecting the light back into my eyes- just like it did on the very first day we arrived in Kakariko.

I continued to walk forward, putting some distance between us and the hut, when Calli pulled her hand from mine.

Calli stopped where she was and crossed her arms. "Alright Del, spill."

"Ah… okay." I took a deep breath, "Okay, okay… I have something that I've been meaning to tell you, uh, since- since that day with the Great Fairy…" and I told her what the Great Fairy told me.

When I was done, Calli was staring at me with wide eyes. "Wait a minute… So what you're saying is that I'm not even supposed to be here?

I shook my head slowly. "Calli-"

But she turned on her heal and started to walk away.

My heart sank.

However, I saw her quickly turn back and march over to me. I braced myself for the onslaught.

"Why did you keep this a secret?" she accused, stopping in front of me.

"Secret? It wasn't a secre-"

"Not telling us something this important means it's a secret!"

"No. It was an omission of facts," I said, irritated.

"Del…" she drawled; a warning deep in her voice.

I huffed then placed my hand over my forehead. I wasn't going to win this. "I'm sorry," I said, forcing myself to calm down. "I really am."

"Why didn't you say something sooner?" she questioned.

"I don't know… It- it just wasn't the right time…"

"The right time?" she blinked. "Anytime is the right time, Del!"

I winced. "Okay, you're right. You're right."

"So why?"

"I guess… I guess I just wanted to have a better understanding of what the hell this "destiny" is; to make sure I wouldn't be putting you guys in anymore danger," I sighed.

"Do you know what it is?" she asked, her voice sounding not as harsh as before.

I scratched my head. "Well, you know how in the games- uh, no you wouldn't… Okay, so in most of the games Link has a companion that helps guide him. They give him tips and tricks, information, that sorta thing. I- I think that's what I'm here for…" I sighed again. "Honestly, I'm not one hundred percent sure, but it's the best that I've come up with so far."

I watched as she took a deep breath, then said with a shrug, "Sounds kinda thrilling."

I blinked at her in shock. "Thrilling?" I questioned.

"Well, yeah. Finding treasures; using magic; going on adventures with an unbelievably attractive warrior…" Then she shocked me even more by smiling devilishly.

"You're not mad anymore?" I asked, unsure if she was trying to lull me into a false sense of security.

Calli looked down and sighed, ringing her fingers slightly. Then she stopped and looked at her hands, noticing that each finger was stained a light green (no doubt from the herbs she was playing around with).

And, after a moment that seemed to float with eternity, she turned her gaze back to me and smiled. "No, I'm not mad."

And I knew she meant it.

I returned the smile.

Then something behind me caught Calli's attention and I turned to see what she was looking at.

It was Nobu and Telma. They were walking down the village road and heading our way.

"Good evening," Telma beamed as she and Nobu stopped next to us; Nobu inclining his head in greeting.

"Evening," Calli and I said together.

"How was your patrol?" Calli asked.

"All is well in Kakariko Village," Telma assured.

"For now," Nobu cautioned.

Telma rolled her eyes. "Calli, darling? How did your potion turn out?"

Calli groaned. "Awful. It was a total failure. But I have another batch going right now."

"Wonderful. Let us go see, shall we?" Then Telma and Calli started walking back to the hut.

I was about to follow when I heard Nobu clear his throat.

"I have something for you," he said and handed me a tiny glass vial filled with a liquid that was the same colour as the light shining off the tin roofs.

"What is it?" I asked, eyeing the bottle curiously.

"A sun potion."

"Neat." I nodded. "Uh…what exactly does it do?"

The visor of his helmet was down, blocking his eyes from view; however, I could tell just by looking at the set of his mouth that he was undoubtedly rolling his eyes in annoyance at my question.

"It allows you to wake with the sun."

"Huh, kinda like an alarm clock," I said, impressed.

"Alarm clock?" Nobu asked, confused.

"Never mind," I said, not in the mood to try and explain.

Nobu shook his head then lifted his visor. "It was originally made for farmers so they could rise with the sun and tend their crops. However, soldiers have taken a liking to the potion as one of its perks is feeling alert and awake."

"Really?"

He nodded. "Just drink it before bed. The amount of hours you sleep doesn't matter. You'll always wake with the sun and feel energized to start the day."

"This is really cool, but… why do I need it?" I questioned.

"Tomorrow will be your first training day," he explained.

I smiled excitedly. "Are you serious?"

He nodded.

"Awesome!" I squealed.

The corner of Nobu's lips twitched the slightest bit upwards before he cleared his throat again. "Shall we?" he asked, motioning his hand towards the hut and waiting for me to take the lead.

As we walked to the hut I couldn't help but be ecstatic for tomorrow. Training with both Nobu and Zelda was going to be exhausting, I already knew, but I was ready for it all.

Nobu opened one of the doors for me, and followed me in after I passed the threshold. He spotted Zelda, still standing and talking to Link, and made his way over to her.

"What's that?" Calli asked as she walked over to me, eyeing the shining vial in my hand.

"Oh, it's called a sun potion. Nobu gave it to me."

She took the vial from my hand to examine it. "Sun potion?"

"Yeah, it's supposed to wake you up when the sun starts to rise. I think it's the Hyrulean equivalent of an alarm clock," I explained.

"God, look at the colour… The way it shines, like bottled light… Why did he give it to you?" she inquired.

"I have my first training session tomorrow," I grinned proudly.

I watched as Calli's eyes widened with excitement. "Wow! Can I-?"

"No… No, no, no- you're not coming," I said adamantly.

Her face fell. "Why not?"

"Because it's my first training day and I don't need you, and Parker, and Charlie all laughing at me whenever I mess up."

Calli looked offended. "We wouldn't laugh at you!"

I gave her a pointed look.

"Okay, we would. But come on! Watching you learn how to fight would be so cool!" she pleaded.

"Nuh uh," I shook my head. "Not until I can hold my own."

"Fine," Calli relented, then excused herself as she went back into the kitchen.

I walked over to Charlie, who was still sitting on the bench I left him at, and sat down.

"I'm pretty sure I have a bump on my head from where you hit me, you know," Charlie whined.

"It's the least you deserve after what you did," I chided.

He rolled his eyes. "You never would've told her if I didn't get the ball rolling."

He was right… I would've waited too long and made things so much worse in the end. "Yeah okay. Sorry about hitting you."

"It's okay," he shrugged. "No permanent damage done."

I smirked, raising my eyebrows.

"Don't say a word," he warned with a smile.

I kept my mouth shut then raised my hand. "Best nine out of ten?"

Charlie took my hand and curled his fingers around mine. "Loser has to forfeit the best portion of dinner to the winner."

"Done," I agreed; and we thumb wrestled until the dinner bell rang.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

The best part of dinner was that there was dessert tonight: A large cake-like treat that resembled a brownie but flaked like a multi-layered pastry once cut into.

… Charlie seemed to greatly enjoy my dessert.

But loss of dessert aside, I couldn't stay bitter for long because, as of tomorrow, I was finally going to learn how to keep everyone that I loved safe.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

As it turned out, learning to keep the ones you love safe was arduous.

I cursed every movie that made fighting look like a breeze as my back hit the ground hard, causing my breath to fly from my lungs in a harsh rush. I coughed a few times as I laid almost motionless in the thick grass of the meadow. A shadow fell over my face and I looked up to see Nobu standing over my head, wooden sword resting on his shoulder.

"You know," I wheezed, "if you were wearing a dress, I'd be able to see right up your skirt."

"You think you're funny?" Nobu scowled.

"No, they think I'm funny," I said pointing to Parker, Calli and Charlie, all of whom were snickering from my comment. "I think I have brain damage…"

Nobu exhaled sharply through his nose. "Try again," he ordered and stepped away from my head to give me room to get up.

I pushed myself onto my elbows and was about to sit up when movement caught my attention. I looked to see that Link was walking up behind the others. I stared at him in disbelief.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned shrilly.

He froze where he was, eyes wide like a deer caught in a trap. "Wha… I- I was invited."

"By who?" I practically screeched as I stared down the people I called "friends".

Link kept his mouth shut, but his eyes flitted to Calli.

I gazed at her questioningly.

She let out an exasperated sigh. "I bumped into him at Renado's when I was grabbing some Red Chu jelly for you. I thought he'd like to come."

I turned back to Link. "You were up?" I asked, baffled.

He gave me a flat look. "I took Rusl's patrol last night. I'd just got back when I ran into Calli."

"Oh…"

"Well since you're here, have a seat," Charlie said as he patted the grass next to him.

Link looked at me hesitantly, but then took the spot next to Charlie and sat down.

I let out a small whimper. The last thing I needed was another set of eyes watching my mortifying attempts at trying to dodge Nobu's training sword.

"Don't worry, Link. None of us were supposed to be here," Parker said.

"Why?" Link asked.

"She didn't want us to watch her first session; afraid we'd make fun of her- blah, blah, blah," Calli answered, waving a hand in the air.

I internally rolled my eyes.

"Then how come you're all here?"

Calli grinned at Link. "Del woke me up by tripping over some clothes as she was trying to sneak out of our room this morning."

Stupid yoga top…

"Oh," Link said, trying to suppress a smile.

I glared at him.

"Huh, is that what happened?" Charlie asked Calli. "Because when I felt the floor shook I thought it was an earthquake." He looked at me and smirked.

"That's it!" I yelled, and bolted up from the ground to rush at Charlie (who stood up with a child-like yelp and skipped back a few feet) - only to be halted in my tracks by a strong, armoured arm around my waist.

"Save some of that energy for sparring, will you!" Nobu snapped.

Charlie laughed, hard.

I tried wriggling out of Nobu's arm, but it was no use- his grip was too strong. I relented. "Fine… But can I at least smack that smile off his face?" I growled through clenched teeth.

Parker chuckled.

"No," Nobu said, releasing his hold on me and stepping away. Then he addressed Charlie. "Charlie, could you hand me my canteen?" he asked, pointing to a small pile of training weapons and supplies next to Charlie's feet.

"Uh… yeah sure," Charlie agreed. He grabbed the canteen and brought it to Nobu- who uncorked it and took a long swig.

When Nobu was done, he re-corked the canteen and tossed it to the ground. "Thanks," he said- then out of nowhere he slashed his training sword at Charlie and took his feet out from under him.

Charlie landed with a thud on his back and a bewildered look on his face.

I doubled over with laughter.

"That's for provoking my student," Nobu said to Charlie.

"Serves you right," I grinned.

Then the next thing I knew I was laying on my back again; the backs of my knees stinging in pain.

"And that's for letting him get inside your head," Nobu said from above me.

Charlie and I both groaned in pain and embarrassment as Parker, Calli- and even Link- all started laughing.

"Well, it would seem that the playing field is even once again for the both of you," a new voice said.

I rose up onto my elbows to see that Zelda was standing next to Link with a beautifully amused smile on her lips.

"Princess," Nobu bowed. "Is there anything that you need?"

"Not at all," she answered lightly as she smoothed the back of her dress under her and sat down on the grass. "I would like to join and watch the fun."

Oh, come on! I thought; disgruntled at how this day was turning out.

"If you wish," Nobu bowed again. Then he turned to stare down at me. "Del, please get up so we can try guarding and countering again."

I sat up and crossed my legs. "Is there any point?" I asked, dryly. "I'm just going to end up right back here as it is."

"True," Nobu agreed. (I pursed my lips). "But if you'd focus on what I'm teaching you, and not on what's around you, then you might not end up on the ground."

Movement beside me caught my eye and I watched as Charlie stood. He then came over to me and offered his hand- which I took- and he pulled me up. "You got this," he whispered as he squeezed my hand softly, then walked back to the others where he took his spot between Calli and Link once more.

Nobu picked up my training sword and handed it back to me. I took a deep breath then stepped into the fighting stance that Nobu showed me earlier: Feet shoulder length apart; left foot slightly in front of the right; right hand over top of the left while holding the sword vertical and close to my right hip.

"Ready?" Nobu asked.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

Nobu moved slow, striking high to my left- which I countered. I returned to my guarded position. Then he struck low to my left, and I countered again. He struck (and I countered) one last time to my right.

"Good. Now a little faster this time," he said.

He struck high to my left, low to my left, then to my right, all in one motion. I countered them all.

After each set his strikes became faster, sharper. Left, left, right; left, left, right; left, left, right; left, left, left—

I hissed in pain as his sword struck the upper thigh of my left leg; my Hyrulean pants doing nothing to cushion the blow.

"Focus, Del. Don't get comfortable with repetition. There's no rhyme or reason when it comes to fighting. You have to be vigilant when in combat," Nobu instructed. "Again."

I took my fighting stance and Nobu struck again. Left, left, right; left, left, right; left, left, left- and this time I stopped his strike.

"Good. Again."

It went like this for a while. He'd attack and I'd counter. And while I was hit more times than not, I did manage to block a few of his switch ups- which I had to admit boosted my confidence quite a bit. I became so focused on Nobu and our training that I completely forgot I had an audience.

I was in the middle of another round of strikes when Nobu did something different: He aimed for a high attack, but then feinted the swing and brought the sword low, slashing at my legs. My reaction was quick and I jumped the swing; his sword slicing the air just under my shins.

My feet touched ground again and I stared at Nobu, shocked. I'd just countered the very move he used that had me thrown on my back the first time.

"Well done. That's definitely an improvement."

I smiled. "Thanks," I managed to say through pants of air.

"I think this is a good time to stop for the day," he said, taking my training sword and heading to the pile of supplies.

"Wait, what? But- but we just got started!" I argued. I was on a high from the adrenaline and I didn't want to stop just yet.

He started to gather all the equipment. "I have duties to attend to. Your training will continue on another day," he said firmly.

"But-"

"Del," Zelda called, and I turned to see her standing up. "I believe it is my turn to take on the role of teacher. Come; it is time to begin your lessons in magic," she smiled.

"Okay," I nodded, and the two of us started to make our way towards the mountain side path, Parker, Calli, Charlie, and Link following behind.

Together we walked up the steep hill then back onto the village road, talking happily amongst ourselves when the bell for breakfast rang.

We lost Charlie and Calli as the two of them practically jogged the rest of the way to the inn.

Once the rest of us reached the inn's ramp Zelda broke from our group, telling me to meet her at Renado's as soon as I was done eating.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Breakfast was delicious this morning.

We were all given a hearty bowl of porridge made from pink rice, drizzled with the lavender coloured honey, and a cup of hot tea.

I ate my meal quickly, finishing before the others. I stood, excusing myself, then left the inn and headed to Renado's.

Naturally Parker, Calli, and Charlie wanted to come, but I firmly refused. My apprehension didn't come from being laughed at this time- it came from the fact that I was practicing with magic, and I didn't want them around if anything were to go wrong. The three of them were disappointed, but thankfully they understood my concerns.

When I walked into the hut, Zelda was sitting on one of the benches with Renado, both of them talking while drinking tea. As I approached her she smiled. She handed her tea cup to Renado then stood, smoothing out the creases of her cream coloured dress.

"Shall we begin?" she asked.

I nodded, then looked around the hut. "Umm… we're not practicing in here, are we? Because I really don't want to accidentally blow up Renado's home."

"That would be appreciated," Renado said as he stood and walked to the kitchen.

"Do not worry," Zelda smiled. "I have a safe place for us to practice. Follow me."

I left the hut with Zelda and followed her back into the village. At first I thought she was heading to the inn and my gut seized; but she continued straight and brought me to the front door of the makeshift infirmary. She opened the door and led me inside.

The building was nothing special- just two stories of open space. The walls were covered with empty shelves from top to bottom, and a single rolling ladder stood in a corner, attached to a rail that ran the perimeter of the ceiling. At the back of the building was a long wooden counter, now used to stack a bunch of stretchers rather than general products. There were a few sheeted dividers folded up against the walls, as well as a couple open boxes that seemed to be holding a bunch of bottles and white cloths.

"You sure we should be doing this in a building?" I asked a little concerned.

"The building will be just fine," Zelda assured. "I have placed a barrier within that should contain any wayward magic."

"Ah, so we'd be doing the exploding then," I said laughing lightly, trying to hide my unease.

Zelda smiled patiently. "Put your mind at ease, Del. Today you will learn to summon your power."

"Oh, okay," I said, both relieved and a little disappointed.

I couldn't lie and say I wasn't curious to see what exactly I could do. A part of me wanted to jump right in and learn how to use offensive magic; to see the exact extent of what my magic could do.

However, the other part of me was still slightly unsettled at the image of the scorch mark marring the meadow; and that image was enough for me to find satisfaction in learning magic from square one. I needed to first learn control or else risk losing control.

"Now before we begin, I must ask, as my curiosity can no longer be subdued. What do you know about this so-called "lullaby" of mine?"

I swallowed nervously. "Uh… wha- what would you like to know?" I asked.

Zelda paused for a moment, thinking; then said, "I would like to hear it. Will you sing it for me?"

"Su- sure," I said, feeling self-conscious once again at having to perform the song. But I did, and as I hummed the tune Zelda's eyes closed as she listened.

When I finished the last note her eyes opened and her gaze lowered to the floor. "I- I have never heard that lullaby before, yet… yet it sounds so familiar."

My eyebrows rose. "Are you serious? No one ever sang that to you?"

She shook her head. "No. However, my nursemaids use to sing silly songs to me when I was a child." Then she laughed. "My favourite was one about a tiny grasshopper that-" she stopped and smiled softly. "I digress- I apologize. Where did you learn it?"

"In- in my dreams," I lied.

"Your dreams?" she asked, curious.

I nodded and made up an explanation on the spot. "A voice told me once that that lullaby has power; and whenever I heard it in my dreams there was always a glowing symbol of the Triforce. I… just put two and two together," I shrugged.

"Yes, I could feel the power that lullaby carried. And it is a strong power at that," she said. Then she placed a hand under her chin as her eyes became contemplative. "I remember a story, one I came across during my studies, about an ancestor of mine that was able to use music as a form of magic. I wonder if that lullaby belongs to her…"

I wanted to know more about this ancestor- well, more specifically what time this ancestor lived - but I never got a chance to ask as Zelda spoke again.

"Well, I believe my curiosity has taken up enough of our time. Let us move on to more important things."

"Alright," I said.

Zelda walked into the middle of the room, and I followed. She turned to face me, took both my hands in hers, and smiled. "As I have told you before, power can be an intimidating thing. However, that does not mean you must be afraid of it. Once someone is in possession of magic, whether by birth or by blessing, it becomes a part of you; woven into the very fabric of your being. It becomes an extension of who you are. And as such, it is our drive that ignites and fuels our magic."

She paused and gazed at me intently. I wasn't sure if she wanted me to say something, so I just nodded. She seemed satisfied with my action and continued.

"Every individual has a different drive; a desire, if you will, that burns strongest within them. Love; Greed; Pain; Joy- they are but some possible triggers out of many," she explained. "Now, the question is, Del: What is your trigger."

"I have no idea," I admitted in a rush of air.

A soft smile graced her lips, and I realized she wasn't expecting an answer- yet.

I looked away, mildly embarrassed.

"What were you feeling at the moment you first used your power?" she asked kindly.

I let out a puff of air as I thought back to that day in the meadow. "Terrified… Confused, I guess. I'm not really sure anymore. It's all kind of a big mess of feelings."

"Do you remember feeling anything else?"

I looked back at her. "What else would there be to feel?" I questioned softly.

"Resolution, fortitude, courage?" she offered.

I let out a light bark of laughter. "Courage? I think that's Link's domain."

She let go of one of my hands and placed hers up to her mouth, where she let out a delicate giggle. "Indeed," she agreed. Then she cleared her throat. "I do not believe fear to be your trigger."

"You don't?"

She shook her head.

"But I don't remember feeling anything else."

She paused for a moment, then said, "During Link's recount of your retrieval of the Master Sword, he mentioned that you saved him by igniting your magic. What were you feeling then?"

I laughed in spite of myself. "Terrified- again."

"Think Del, please," Zelda urged softly.

"Okay. I felt… Honestly, I felt helpless. There I was, surrounded by puppets, unable to do anything as Link was being attacked and… and all I wanted to do was help. To protect him in some way-"

I stopped talking as Zelda's hand tightened around mine, her dark gray eyes widening slightly.

"In the meadow, when you realized Colin was in danger, did you feel as if you needed to help him as well?" she asked.

"Wha- yes, of course," I answered, slightly perplex that she asked that question.

"Del," she smiled. "I believe I know what your trigger is: Protection."

And then, as if struck by lightning, an image and a voice flashed across my mind. The Great Fairy floating before me, veiled and majestic, as she said: "I can give you the power to protect the ones you love."

I should've known… I thought, feeling foolish for forgetting.

"You're right," I said, just above a whisper. "When I was given magic, I was told it was to protect the ones I love." Then I chuckled lightly as I looked at my hand. "I guess that means myself included."

Zelda nodded. "Magic will always protect its own."

I smiled, liking that idea.

"Okay, so I have my trigger," I said excitedly. "Protecting those I love." Then I paused as a thought came to me. "It's funny though- the times I used my powers were for people I barely know…" I cleared my throat. "Uh, don't get me wrong, I care about Colin and Link- very much in fact- but I can't say that I've known them long enough to love-" I stopped myself. "I'm sorry, I'm rambling," I apologized.

Zelda released my other hand and placed hers on her chest as she laughed heartily. "What is caring but another form of love?" she questioned.

I gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I guess."

Zelda composed herself with a soft intake of air, then said, "Shall we try summoning your magic?"

I gave her a determined nod.

"Close your eyes," she said. (And I did). "Your desire to protect is your trigger- it is your drive and it is the fuel of your magic. I would like you to visualize your friends. See them clearly in your mind. Now, I need you to think about protecting them; feel it fiercely in your heart and let it overcome you."

I thought about Parker, Calli, and Charlie; and about how much I loved them- needed them; and about how I wouldn't let anything happen to them. I concentrated on that feeling so hard that I started to get a tension headache between my eyes. However, the strain paid off as I felt a tiny hum of warmth zip down my right arm.

I opened my eyes with a snap. "I felt it!"

"Good," Zelda smiled. "Try that again."

I closed my eyes, confident that I could summon my power again- maybe summon more this time. I thought hard about my friends; consumed with the intention of needing to keep them safe. My hand hummed once again; however, the sensation was fleeting. I opened my eyes.

"I feel it, but it disappears too fast," I sighed.

Zelda gave me her patient smile. "As to be expected. Magic is now comparable to any basic human skill. You do not learn to walk, write, or talk within an hour. You need to practice triggering your power, summoning it forth, and holding onto it once you do." Then she lifted her right hand, palm facing up, and I watched with wide eyes as it started to glow.

I inhaled deeply as I stared at the magic radiating around her hand- a bright light that shimmered ice blue. Reflexively I reached out, wanting to touch the halo of magic, but stayed my hand. I looked at Zelda and she smiled.

Okay, Del, you got this!

I took a few steps back and I closed my eyes.

It went on like this for some time: I'd think about my trigger and my hand would tingle. Sometimes the feeling would be stronger than the last; but it never stuck, always fading away before I could hold on.

I was in the middle of another attempt when I heard the bell for lunch ring.

My eyes blinked open. "Wow, I didn't realize we'd been here for so long," I said, surprised.

"Time certainly does fly," Zelda responded. "Please go and eat if you would like."

"Actually, I'd like to stay here and work some more on my magic," I said. "But- but if you need to eat, I totally understand," I added quickly.

"Will you excuse me for a moment?" she asked.

"Of course," I said and watched as she slipped out the door.

I stayed where I was, determined to keep going. Closing my eyes for the millionth time today, I concentrated on my trigger; however, this time, as I thought my mind started to wander, back to the bokoblin attack, back to when Calli was lifted off her feet by that creature-

-and I felt my hand flare to life, blazing hot.

I opened my eyes with a gasp and stared at my right hand. It glowed white with soft shimmering tendrils of red rising into the air.

I gazed at my magic in awe, barely able to believe that I managed to summon it, let alone hold it. And the more I stared at it, the more exhilarated I became.

I did it… I summoned my magic and it felt incredible!

Suddenly, a loud bang sounded behind me and I jumped about ten feet into the air; my hand flying wildly out to my side and releasing the magic that I held. I yelped as I watched a beam of red zoom across the room and hit the wall. For a moment I expected the building to go up in flames; but that didn't happen. The second my magic struck the wall the entire building rippled with blue light and the beam was absorbed by a barrier with a sizzle and a pop.

Holy crap…

"Good to know Zelda's barrier is working in here," I heard and spun on my heel to see Link standing in front of the door next to Zelda- whose eyes were a fraction wider than normal.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"That's twice today you didn't want me around," he said dourly.

I scratched the side of my head as I gave him a guilty smile.

He sighed then raised a large bowl he was holding, which was filled with brightly coloured fruit. "I offered to help Zelda bring food for the two of you since you aren't eating in the dining hall."

"Ah. Well, thank you."

The corner of Link's lip rose as he made his way to one of the shelves along the wall, where he placed the bowl next to two wooden canteens brought by Zelda.

"How's it going?" he asked as he walked over to me.

"Good- I think," I answered. "I mean, that was the first time I managed to summon my power, but" -and I looked past Link to Zelda- "I did it… I actually did it!"

Zelda came over to me with a smile. "Well done. Now, if you would try again."

I nodded enthusiastically and was about to try summoning when I realized that Link was still standing in front of me. I looked at him.

"You want me to leave, don't you?" he said flatly.

"Yes," I answered honestly. "It's nothing personal, really. It's just… you've seen what I can do- what I just did. I don't want you to get hurt."

He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. He stared at me for a moment then smiled softly. "Alright, if that's what you want."

"Thanks," I said with relief.

"I'll see you later," and then he walked back to the door and left the building.

I turned to Zelda, who had remained quiet, and saw that she was looking at me with an expression on her face that I couldn't quite place.

"What?" I asked, curious.

"Shall we continue with your training?" she suggested, avoiding my question.

"Sure," I complied, leaving my curiosity behind. I thought once again about that night: about Calli dangling in the bokoblin's clutches; and then my mind drifted from her to Parker, seeing him take on the monster by himself-

It worked.

My hand blazed again and I beamed at Zelda.

"Wonderful," she exclaimed. "Concentrate on how your magic feels in your hand and hold onto that feeling.

I did as she asked, concentrating on the white hot burn my magic produced. And the more I concentrated on that sensation, the more I realized that my hand didn't burn at all. I was feeling something I've never experienced before, something I couldn't put a name to; and the only thing my brain could associate this new sensation with, was fire. And yet, fire was the furthest thing to what my magic truly was…

As I got caught up in this new confusion my power started to flicker, the bright red tendrils shrinking away. I gave my head a little shake to clear my mind and focused on Calli and Parker again; on how desperately I wanted to protect them when they were both in danger-

My heart stuttered and my magic blinked out. "Oh god…" I breathed.

"Del, what is wrong?" Zelda asked, taking my hands in hers once again and looking into my eyes with concern.

I looked away. "Well, uh… I think that in order to completely summon my magic, relying on the thought of protection isn't enough. I think- I think I need to visualize my friends in danger…" I petered out, disturbed by this revelation.

"Del?"

My eyes remained on the floor. "I- I don't want to have to picture my friends being hurt just so I can use this power," I said quietly.

"Del?" Zelda coaxed, her tone making me look back at her. She was smiling. "Our triggers work in ways that our minds cannot possibly fathom. It is because of this that no trigger is wholly pure. It is nothing to be ashamed about."

"Wait- so you're saying that your trigger isn't completely… good?" I asked.

She shook her head. "It would be foolish to think that it was."

"Wow," I breathed, astonished.

She let go of my hands then placed one under her chin, thinking. "Perhaps if I taught you how to create a shield, your mind might be more at peace," she said out loud.

"A shield? Now? Really?" I questioned.

She looked at me. "If you feel that it would help."

Now, I wasn't sure that anything could put me at peace when it came to thinking of my friends in dangerous situations just to ignite my magic. But the idea of having a physical form of protection- one that I could use if a threat ever reared its ugly head again- did offer me some comfort.

I smiled and nodded.

"Then let us begin."

And for the next couple of hours I trained on creating a shield.

Zelda and I stopped only once in a while to take a drink of water and snack on some fruit. Other than that I continued to practice.

She explained how to draw out my magic a little at a time, and how to expand it. She even demonstrated a few times herself, using both hands to create a shield of bright icy light, enlarging its size to fill the entire building from top to bottom.

It wasn't difficult for me to summon my power anymore. But drawing it out without it flying away from me and striking the barrier walls was proving to be tough.

After a few unsuccessful attempts and a close call (or three…) I managed to keep my power anchored to my hand as I focused on drawing a small amount upwards.

By the time the bell for dinner rang I had made some progress.

At least, that's what Zelda said.

My "shield" rose no further than two inches away from my hand, and was about the size of a quarter.

But I wasn't going to complain. I had achieved more with magic today than I ever thought I could.

And as Zelda called it a day I grabbed the empty bowl and wooden canteens from the shelf to bring back to the inn with me.

Before we left the infirmary building Zelda turned to me. "Del, you did wonderful today."

"Thank you," I said, feeling proud.

"Tomorrow, if you are willing, we will continue working on your shield."

I nodded. "Yes, I'd like that very much."

"Then I shall meet you here after breakfast," she said with a smile.

"Okay."

Zelda opened the door and the two of us walked out. As we were about to go our separate ways I remembered that I wanted to ask her something.

"Zelda, I've been meaning to ask. What's your trigger?"

She looked at me, and I had a moment of regret- thinking that I overstepped some sort of line.

But she didn't snub me, or turn me away. She just raised her eyes to the russet-filled sky and sighed. Then her eyes lowered to mine, her face filled with a beautiful serenity, and smiled.

"Hope."

---

Alright!

Next chapter we move onto bigger and better things, yay.

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~lavender phoenix~