Hello, my lovlies! I am back with another update. Sorry for the delay, but lots of things happened this last week. I had my finals, which I did pretty well on, if I do say so myself. And my big brother graduated from high school! I am so proud of him! He got a basketball scholarship to Willamette University, too. Anyway, that's enough bragging about my brother, it's time to answer the reviews!
Zeltra: Yay for personality! I have modeled each character after someone I am close to.
Dia Newman: Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?
LegendofLink (Guest): Thank you for both of your reviews. And don't worry, Mido won't be as much of a tool as he is in Ocarina.
FzeroX: Well, thank you very much! Your review made my day! Also, I am really happy that I was able to make you think.
Susannah DeMarce: Thank you for your reviews, and Mido won't be as awful as he is in Ocarina, I promise.
tswift1fan: Yay, a fellow 49ers fan! And you are so right about the social worker! I didn't even think about that! Oh, and the parents dying thing was a very spontaneous decision, so there were no clues leading up to it. Also, I have been reading your story New Kid since the very beginning.
One week. It was the longest week of my life, yet, when I looked back on it, it seemed like the whole thing passed by so quickly. Fi, who had been staying with us since the day after I found out about Mom and Dad, had made funeral arrangements. Relatives came, mourned, offered to stay with us, then left.
Over the past week, I had come to trust Fi as if I had known her my entire life. She had helped immensely with everything that my family needed. She had found out that my parents had left us a large inheritance, so we didn't have to worry about money. But the real problem was the matter of my legal guardian. Fi had been staying with us, but it was obviously not a permanent thing. Sheik was eighteen, but he was leaving for college in a few months. It also didn't help that since he found out about their deaths, he had been completely catatonic. He would do basic human tasks, such as bathing and eating. But his eyes were always glazed and dull.
Tetra had actually been handling things surprisingly well. I mean, as well as you can take things like this. During the past seven days, my little sister has showed maturity far beyond her years. Of course she was mourning, but she was moving on, too.
Midna had also has also been a huge help. She has kept the house in order, and has been my shoulder to cry on. She was the only person outside of my family, other than Fi, that I'd had contact with. My friends had all been texting me nonstop, asking what was wrong. I never dropped out of contact like that, so I could see why they were worried. Link had been trying to contact me to, but to no avail.
I tried to tell myself that I didn't answer because I had a lot going on right now, but the truth was, that I was afraid that he wouldn't want a girl with so much baggage.
"Hey, Zelda, will you check on Sheik?" I heard Midna's call from the kitchen.
"Yeah." I yelled back. I hopped off of my parent's bed, I had been sleeping there the whole week, and crossed the hallway. I quickly ducked into my room, grabbing my guitar. I closed my door, and walked the few steps to Sheik's room. I stepped in, not even bothering to knock. I already knew he wouldn't answer. "Hey, Sheik." I greeted, even though I knew he wouldn't answer. He could still hear me, and I felt like it was good for him to hear my voice. He was sitting on his bed, leaned up against the pillows. I sat across him, cross-legged, and adjusted my guitar.
I had taken to singing to Sheik. I had a feeling that it got through to him, and it helped me. I had actually found a song that described his condition almost perfectly. I began to strum the melancholy chord progression of 'Comfortably Numb' by Pink Floyd. I began to sing, trying to emulate the breathy, psychedelic vocals.
Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Come on now.
I hear you're feeling down.
Well I can ease your pain,
get you on your feet again.
Relax
I'll need some information first.
Just the basic facts.
Can you tell me where it hurts?
There is no pain you are receding.
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon.
You're only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I had a fever.
My hands felt just like two balloons.
Now I have that feeling once again.
I can't explain, you would not understand.
This is not how I am.
I have become comfortably numb.
I have become comfortably numb.
O.K.
Just a little pinprick.
There'll be no more aaaaaaah.
But you may feel a little sick.
Can you stand up?
I do believe it's working, good.
That'll keep you going through the show.
Come on, it's time to go.
There is no pain you are receding.
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon.
You're only coming through in waves.
Your lips move, but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone.
I cannot put my finger on it now.
The child is grown,
The dream is gone.
I have become comfortably numb.
I finished singing, and I realized that there was a tear rolling down Sheik's face. This was the first sign of emotion he had shown since last Thursday, when we found out about Mom and Dad.
"Sheik?" I whispered. His mouth twitched, as if he was going to say something. "Sheik, please wake up." I pleaded. "We need you."
My brother blinked his red eyes rapidly, and inhaled sharply. His eyes seemed to clear up for the first time in a week. Without warning, he threw his arms around me and began to sob uncontrollably. I reciprocated his embrace, sensing that he just needed me to be there for him.
"I-i Just didn't know how to cope." He cried. "I miss them so much."
"I do too." I assured him, my voice cracking as tears began to flow down my cheeks as well. We sat there, crying for a while. Sometimes, crying can be cathartic. That was exactly the case here. Sheik and I just sat, letting our presences comfort each other.
"Hey, Zelda?" Sheik sniffled, wiping his nose.
"Yeah?"
"I know that a lot has happened this past week, but I have a feeling we are going to be okay." He told me.
"You know," I told him, a slight smile on my face. "I have the exact same feeling."
"Okay." Sheik declared. "I am going to go to bed. Crying really does take a lot out of you, huh?"
"I guess so." I chuckled, walking out of the room. I made my way down to the kitchen, where Midna was still cleaning.
"Hey." She smiled like me. "How's Sheik?"
"Well." I began. "I sang Comfortably Numb to him, and he just kinda... snapped out of it. I think he's ready to start moving on. We all are."
"I can tell." Midna agreed.
"I just need a legal guardian." I sighed. This problem had been plaguing me for days, and I hadn't slept much because of it. "I could never ask Fi to do it, and Sheik is leaving for college in a few months. I wouldn't need a mother, just someone to keep Tetra and me in line. And I can support myself on my inheritance, they wouldn't even have to pay for any of my expenses."
I looked over at Midna, who was biting her lip thoughtfully.
"I've actually been talking to my mom about that." She told me. Illia, Midna's mother, was just about the sweetest, most kindhearted lady you will ever meet. When my mother and father were gone, which was often, she had served as my family's stand-in-mom. She was actually Midna's adoptive mother. She was human and Midna was a Twilight. Midna's real parents had left her at the foot of Illia's doorstep. Whenever Illia talked about it, she said that it was the happiest coincidence of her life.
"Yeah?" I said, prompting her to go on.
"She said that she would be willing to fill the role of your legal guardian." My eyes widened in complete shock.
"Are you serious?" I questioned, not believing her words.
"Dead serious." she said. "She knows about your inheritance, and she also knows that your house is large enough for both of us to move in." I was astounded, to say the least. Of course, Illia and I had always been pretty close, and she had even taken care of Tetra on occasion, but I never expected her to do something like this.
"Holy Goddesses." I muttered under my breath.
"She is coming over to discuss it with you guys." Midna informed me. "You might want to go tell Sheik and Tetra." She patted me on the shoulder, and walked out of the kitchen. After a moment of quiet contemplation, I stood up and made my way back up the the second story of my house.
"Hey Sheik, Tetra, meet me downstairs. We have to talk." I yelled in the center of the hallway. Before going back downstairs, I grabbed my phone out of my room. The little notification light was blinking. I unlocked my phone as I carefully stepped down my stairs.
The little icon had a little 32 by it, showing that I had thirty two unopened messages. I groaned, but forced myself to check all the messages. Malon and Anju were very aggressive, demanding that I talk to them. Saria and Lulu, ever the understanding ones, were very sweet about it. Telling me that I could confide in them whenever I felt ready to tell them my problem. Japas and Mikau were also pretty laid back, telling me that they were worried, and that it would be nice if I could tell them it was going on. Lastly, there was Link. I browsed his series of texts. It started with him asking if I wanted to go to the movies with him. Then he got worried that I didn't answer after a few days. But the most recent ones were the ones that really counted.
He said that he wanted to know what was wrong, so that he could help me through it. This whole week, I had been afraid to tell Link because I thought he wouldn't want a girl with baggage. Sweet Nayru, I am so stupid. He didn't deserve me if he broke up with my because my parents died.
Whoa, whoa. Slow down Zelda. He said he wanted to help you get through this. Not that he wanted to break up with you. I guess this is what Midna means when she says that I over think things.
I was jolted out of my thoughts when I heard Sheik and Tetra walk into the living room. I looked over at Midna, who was on the couch next to me, for reassurance. Her amber gaze gave me renewed strength, and I felt ready to tell them about Illia.
"So, Midna told Illia about our legal guardian situation. And she said that she would be willing to fill the role." My brother and sister had the same reaction that I did: eyes wide with shock, and speechless. Sheik looked like he was about to say something, when a knock at the door interrupted him.
"That'll be mom." Midna announced, jumping up and running to the door. Illia made her way to the couch, and sat down on the couch in between me and her daughter.
"Hey, Illia." I greeted.
"Hello, Zelda." She smiled at me warmly. Tetra broke in.
"Are you trying to replace Mommy and Daddy?" she asked, as innocent as ever.
"No." Illia told her. "I could never replace your parents. But I can at least try and take care of you guys."
"About that, Illia." I turned to her. "Are you sure you're willing to do this. I mean, it's a lot to ask."
"Of course. Midna has told me all about what you guys need. I have been talking to your social worker, Fi, and we have already worked out all the details. She just needs you guys to agree." Jeez, this woman must be an angel sent from the Sacred Realm. I looked at Sheik and Tetra.
"What do you guys think?" Tetra already looked sold. She had always liked Illia. Sheik also looked relieved, and ready to accept her offer. This woman could never take the place of my parents, but she could be there for us, and that was enough. Both of them exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Illia, we could never thank you enough for this."
"There's no need to thank me." she replied. "I'm just here to help." Yup. Angel. Sacred Realm. It all fits. "Besides, who wouldn't want the chance to live to live in a fantastic house like this free of charge?" She joked.
For the next two hours, Fi helped us work out the adoption process. Sheik was a legal adult, so he didn't need a legal guardian. But Tetra and I did. The process was long and boring, but we got through most of the paperwork. Now all that Illia has to do is prove that she is capable of taking care of us, which shouldn't be to hard, since she raised Midna on her own. Illia and Midna were going to move into our house, and we would live off of the generous inheritance from our parents. I honestly expected nothing less from them, they were hugely successful lawyers, so we were well off, to say the least.
"Well," I said, standing from the couch, and stretching luxuriously. "That's a huge load off my mind. Seriously, Illia, you are the best. I still can't believe that you offered to do this."
"It is my pleasure." she told me. "It'll be nice to have a little one to take care of again. Midna barely needs me anymore."
"Mom and I are gonna go and start packing." Midna announced. She and Illia walked out the door, leaving Fi, Sheik, Tetra, and I alone in the living room. There was a part of me that felt like I was betraying my Mom and Dad by letting Illia into our home. Looking at Sheik and Tetra, I could see that they felt the same way.
"Zelda?" Tetra looked up at me inquisitively.
"Hmmm?"
"Do you think that Mom and Dad are watching us from the Sacred Realm?"
"Of course they are." I assured her. "They are looking over you always."
"Do you think that they'll be mad that Illia is taking care of us now?" Damn. She was voicing my exact thoughts.
"I don't think so." I mused. "They would want us to move on." Tetra nodded. I looked at my phone, and saw that it was past Tetra's bedtime. "Come on, T. Time for bed." she said goodnight to us, then raced up the stairs toward her bedroom.
"Do you think we're doing the right thing?" Sheik asked me. His usually convicted red eyes looked unsure.
"Yeah." I answered simply. I really did believe that we were on the right track. He nodded, looking more sure. He sighed, then stood up. He walked toward me, and placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you." He said.
"For what?" I asked.
"For being strong when I wasn't." With that, he walked back up to his room. I sat back down on the couch, just wanting to stare out into space for a while. I did just that for a few minutes, but I was interrupted a few minutes later by a soft knock at the front door.
I walked over, and looked through the peephole to see the whole gang standing on my porch, with Malon at the head. Everybody's arms were laden with many snacks, videogames, and movies. I was just about to turn away, and pretend I wasn't home, when Malon spoke.
"Zelda, we know you're in there. Now open up."
I sighed in resignation and opened the door.
"Hey guys." I greeted weakly. They pushed past me, letting themselves into my house. "Oh, come in won't you." I muttered sarcastically.
"Midna told us what happened." Malon declared. "And we wanted to make you feel better." she proceeded to turn on my DVD player, and start up a movie. Well, I thought. They're not going away anytime soon. I guess I should just accept that this is happening. The next few hours were actually quite pleasant. We had a Will Smith movie marathon, since my friends know that Will Smith always makes me happy, no matter what mood I'm in. We watched Men in Black one, two, and three, iRobot, and Wild Wild West. By the time we had watched all of them, it was around four in the morning, and everybody except me was asleep in various places around the living room. I was about to drift off myself, until my phone vibrated, jolting me back to consciousness.
Unlocking my phone, I saw a text from Link. It said:
Meet me outside your house.
Putting a sweatshirt and boots on over my pajama pants and tank top, I ducked quietly outside. Link was waiting for me on my front lawn. He was wearing gray sweatpants and a forest green hoodie. I looked at him for a moment. His eyes were fixed on the stars, so he hadn't noticed me. Even when he wasn't trying, he was still gorgeous. And he's my boyfriend. I reveled. His eyes turned to me, and he gave me that crooked grin that first made me fall for him.
"Hey." I began awkwardly, not knowing what to say. I walked toward him, joining him on my lawn. For the first time, I noticed that he had a blanket tucked under his arm.
"Midna told me about your parents." He said.
"Damn it Midna." I cursed her quietly.
"Zelda, why didn't you tell me earlier?" He asked. I looked into is deep blue eyes.
"I-I-" I looked down at the ground, to embarrassed to look him in the eye. I felt his hand under my chin, and he brought my head up to look at him again. "I was afraid that you wouldn't want a girl with so much emotional baggage." I admitted, looking down at my fluffy brown boots.
"Zelda, why would you ever think that?" He asked.
"I-I don't know. It's just that when I think about you and me, it seems like you could do so much better." I told him.
"Zelda, I like you. No amount of 'emotional baggage'" He used air quotes around that phrase. "is going to change that." He wrapped his arms around me, in a warm, comforting embrace. I reciprocated the hug, taking comfort in his warm body against mine. He leaned down, and kissed the top of my head. "I could never do better than you." He murmured. I looked up at him, tears forming in my eyes from his touching words. He leaned down and kissed me.
We had kissed four times now, or something like that. But each time, the sensation was just as astounding. It felt like the world went away and it was just us. I could almost hear 'I Melt With You' by MEST playing when our lips locked. We broke apart, and he smiled at me.
"Thank you." I whispered. Link simply took my hand and started running down the street. "Where are we going?" I laughed as we ran down the block. After a few minutes, we reached a small field, just outside my neighborhood. He ran out into the exact middle of the lush green grass, motioning for me to follow. I ran after him, watching as he spread the blanket down in the grass. He sat down, and I joined him. We leaned back, lying down and looking up at the stars.
"Look." I pointed at the sky. "That one looks like the legendary Triforce."
"Yeah, it does." Link chuckled.
"You know, you kind of look like the Hero of Time." I told him.
"You think so?"
"Yeah." I replied. "Shaggy blonde hair. Blue eyes. Stocky build."
"Hmm. I guess you're right." His eyes turned to me. "You look like the legendary princess."
"Do I?" I asked him.
"Yeah. The one that the Hero of Twilight rescued. You have the same brown hair, green-blue eyes, and air of wisdom." He told me.
"Air of wisdom, huh?" I laughed.
"You know," He turned to me, brushing some hair away from my face. "I've always thought that the princess from the Legend of the Twilight is very beautiful." I blushed at his indirect complement. He draped his arm around my shoulders, and we continued to gaze at the stars.
"You look so beautiful in the moonlight." Link murmured in my ear as I was drifting off to sleep.
"Mmph." I mumbled. To tired to really register what he was saying. I rolled over, using Link's chest as a pillow as I fell into a deep sleep for the first time in a week.
Holy shit. That was long. Anyway, hope y'all liked it. Leave me your favorite jammin' out song in a review. Mine is Wild Wild West by Will Smith. See you guys next chapter!