Chapter 10: Lessons from a Ninja
AN: Hey everybody! Hope you're having a good day. Next chapter is up and I've already started working on the next chapter.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it.
***I don't own anything in this chapter, so please don't sue me.***
Morning arrived and, once again, Samantha woke up before the young girl who was snuggled next to her. In her arms was the doll that she had gotten for her and next to the bed was her necklace. Samantha carefully got out of bed and walked towards the bathroom to freshen up. Samantha took a quick shower before changing and leaving her bedroom. She quietly shut the door and walked towards the main hall.
'Check on Camilla. Then go get some food.' Samantha thought as she approached Sakura who was busy watering some plants.
"Sakura." Samantha quietly called out and the older woman turned around.
"Good morning, Samantha." She smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"As good as can be expected." Samantha said with a bit of worry. "How's Camilla doing?" Sakura's smile faded and she shook her head.
"She's…She isn't talking to anyone." Sakura said quietly. "I don't know what happened, but she isn't herself."
"May I see her?" She asked.
"I…you'll need to check with Azama. I think he's still seeing to her. She's up the stairs, inside the first door on the right."
"Thank you." Samantha said as she walked up and knocked on the door. Azama opened it and smiled cheerfully.
"Samantha! It's good to see you. Are you here to visit Lady Camilla?"
"I am." Samantha smiled as he opened the door.
"Lady Camilla, you have a visitor." Azama informed the princess. She blinked twice before looking out the window. "I…" He cleared his throat. "I'll go check on your breakfast." He quietly shut the door and left the two women alone. There was silence for what felt like an eternity before Samantha spoke up.
"How are you feeling?" She asked, but Camilla did not respond. "It's a beautiful day out." She looked outside and, again, there was no response. Instead of beating around the bush, Samantha knew why Camilla wasn't speaking. "I saw it too. The purple bodies, the golden eyes…how they don't respond to anything you say…I've seen it too." Again, Camilla did not respond. "Back in Ylisstol, my mother…she tried to kill me. She didn't hesitate and…there's a part of me that thinks she wanted to kill me. Maybe I should've let her. It might've been easier." Samantha inhaled and exhaled while staring at the floor.
"Samantha…" Camilla said softly. "I'd like to be left alone." Samantha nodded her head and quietly exited the room.
"Hey Samantha." Elise said cheerfully. "How's Camilla?"
"She's…I think she's taking it hard." Samantha sighed as she quietly walked away and walked back to the room she was sleeping in. She quietly opened the door and Genny began yawning and stretching her arms, legs, and wings. She looked at the door and rubbed her eyes.
"Sam…" The child said groggily and reached out for her.
"Morning, sleepyhead." Samantha said as she gently lifted the child and took her to the bathroom. "How'd you sleep?"
"Ok. But I'm hungry." Genny informed the princess.
"Let's get something special to eat. But first, we need to wash up."
"But I took a bath yesterday."
"But that was yesterday, today you haven't taken one." Samantha set the girl down and got the water ready.
"Can I have lots of bubbles? Mommy lets me have lots of bubbles."
"Sure. I think we can do that." Samantha turned off the water and left to find some soap to make the bath extra bubbly. Upon exiting her room, Felicia almost ran into her.
"Oh! Goodness! Samantha, what can I-?"
"I don't suppose you know where the soap is around here? Genny wants lots of bubbles in the bath today."
"Sure, I can bring it back here if you'd like." Felicia said as she quickly left to find the soap. Samantha returned and helped Genny get undressed and placed in the warm water.
"Where are all the bubbles?" She asked with disappointment in her voice.
"It'll be here soon, honey. Just be patient." Samantha told the girl. She heard a knock on the door and instantly smiled.
"That's probably it." She rushed to the door and opened it. Felicia stood on the other side with a small bottle of soap.
"Hinoka said this will do. I'm sorry I couldn't find anything better."
"It's perfect. Thank you, Felicia. You're the best maid ever." She gave her a hug. Felicia's cheeks began to turn a rosy red and she smiled after hearing Samantha's compliment. They said their goodbyes and Samantha returned to add the soap to the water. She turned the water back on and added the soap. Immediately, bubbles started filling up the tub along with the water.
"Wow!" Genny cheered as she saw all the bubbles. "Look at all the bubbles!" She threw a handful of bubbles into the air while Samantha continued washing the child.
"You're a silly little girl." Samantha said as she laughed while the child played in the tub. Towards the end of the bath, Genny looked up at Samantha.
"Sam…" The young child asked.
"Yes, Genny?"
"Do you think mommy still wants me?"
"What kind of question is that? Of course your parents still want you. We're going to Tellius, right up to the great big castle, and we're gonna bring you back. Your parents will be so happy to have you back. Now don't worry about such silly things anymore, ok?"
"Ok…" Genny said in a somber tone as she turned around. Samantha thought how she could make the young girl smile again, but she knew that the girl was really sad. It had been some time since she had seen her parents, and like her, she knew that she was missing them.
"You know, I miss my mommy too." Samantha said wile washing off the child's wings and back.
"You do?" Genny asked.
"Yep. I have seen her in a few months…but it'll be ok. I know she's doing something important and I'll see her soon. One day, she'll come home and I'll give her a great big hug and we'll be happy."
"But you're never gonna leave me, right?" Genny asked. Samantha smiled and tried to make a crown out of the excess bubbles; it looked nothing like a crown, but Genny had a stack of bubbles on top of her head.
"Princess Genny." Samantha declared and the child started giggling. "I, Samantha Grace Aran, vow never to leave you. I'll always be by your side." Samantha finished cleaning the girl and both went downstairs for breakfast.
"What do you want to eat?" Samantha asked.
"That!" She pointed to something on the table. Samantha glanced over to what Hinoka was eating and what sat in front of her were a few small pancakes.
"Pancakes? That actually does sound good." Samantha admitted and she set the child in a chair and sat in the one next to her.
"Lady Samantha!" Flora said with a smile. "May I take your order?"
"Good morning, Flora. How…How is everything in Nohr?" Her expression turned to worry.
"Shall I provide the good news or the bad news?" She replied. Samantha's heart sank.
"Well, let's start with the bad news." Samantha said before inhaling and holding her breath.
"Charlotte had a nervous breakdown and Lady Robin is trying to comfort her. It seems that Lady Charlotte is scared about being in control of a country and without Lord Xander or Lady Camilla to help her…" Flora shook her head and Samantha knew that this was going to take some time to repair.
"So, what's the good news?" Samantha asked.
"Ylisstol ran the opposing army out of Nohr. Lady Emmeryn and Lord Chrom are planning on returning to Hoshido and may be setting up a perimeter around Hoshido to prevent Gannondorf from entering."
"That…that's great!" Samantha said with hope in her voice.
"I am incredibly happy for that. Nohr was hit hard, but if Hoshido were to fall…I could not imagine…" She bit her bottom lip and shook her head. "But no, that will not happen. Anyway, I must take your order. Please."
"Can we get two pancakes each?" Samantha asked and Flora nodded. "Can you also make hers into a smiley face?"
"A smiley face?"
"You know, add some fruit for eyes and nose, a whipped cream smile. She's missing her parents and it's…well, it's kind of a fun thing I think she'd appreciate right now." Flora smiled and nodded her head.
"Of course." She turned and walked into the kitchen. Genny looked around and as Samantha looked at the girl; Genny gave her a big smile and a light giggle.
"What do you want to do today?" Samantha asked. Genny shrugged her shoulders and patiently waited.
"You look familiar." A voice said behind them. Genny looked behind her and sitting on the other side was Lissa.
"Lady Lissa, good morning." Samantha said with a smile.
"Hi!" Genny reached out for her and she picked the child up and set her on her knee.
"Hello, Samantha." Lissa smiled while Genny hugged the princess. "I am sorry we didn't arrive earlier."
"How did you know?" Samantha asked.
"Chrom and Emm have been watching the other countries. When Frederick told us that Gannondorf was moving towards Nohr, we left immediately." Lissa informed the princess.
"Thank you. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't shown up…is Aversa…is she mad at me." Lissa laughed and looked back at Samantha.
"Oh…you're serious. Um…yeah. She's mad. Like reeeeeally mad." Lissa replied while biting her bottom lip. "Emm's doing her best to try and calm her down, but she's been venting since you left. She's gonna be relieved to hear that you are safe in Hoshido."
"I'm sorry. I…I panicked and my only priority is to keep Genny safe-"
"Hey, it's alright." Lissa said with a smile. "The important thing is that you're safe. But, Emm's gonna be pissed…and Aversa…" Lissa laughed nervously. "You know, maybe you shouldn't come by Ylisstol. Maybe…Maybe for a month."
"Is it that bad?" Samantha asked. Lissa didn't reply, but she nodded silently. "So…why are you here? What are you planning?"
"I need to get to Tellius. I've decided that bringing her to Gallia should be the first thing I do and then I should head to Kalos."
"Kalos? I thought you were heading to Alola." Lissa asked with a slight hint of curiosity.
"I need to get Genny home first. If I can bring her to Gallia, then maybe Ranulf can call a meeting with Tibarn and Naesala and they can bring her home. She'd get home much quicker with them than she can with me."
"Samantha, whatever you need, Chrom will provide." Lissa told the princess. "In any case, I think they're gonna stay in Nohr to assist Charlotte. But I'm gonna hang out here. I like Hoshido better anyway."
"Lady Lissa…" Kagero stepped forward and took a knee in front of her. "I would be honored to provide housing and shelter for you, your family, and your army."
"Are you serious? That'd be great! Thanks!" Lissa cheerfully said.
"We will accommodate and provide. I'll see to it that we have rooms prepared. Flora! Felicia! Jakob!" The two sisters and the butler rushed towards Kagero.
"Your grace?" Jakob asked while bowing his head.
"We need rooms for the Ylissean army. Felicia, Flora please see to them." The girls nodded and left. "Jakob….wait, Lissa, is Frederick around?"
"I don't think so. I think he's in Nohr helping out with rebuilding the city." Kagero turned her attention back to Jakob.
"Jakob, until Frederick returns, you are to do whatever she asks of you."
"I serve only Lady Corrin." He said with a stern tone.
"Jakob…I won't ask again." Kagero warned and the second time, Jakob took a deep breath and nodded.
"So…if I ask you to get me a grilled cheese sandwich…" Lissa hinted. Jakob let out a heavy sigh.
"It shall be ready soon." He bowed his head and quietly walked away.
"This is great." Lissa laughed. "I may never have to lift a finger while I'm here."
"Please try not to abuse your power." Kagero insisted while Lissa laughed nervously. "What are your plans for today?" Kagero asked the Hylian princess.
"I'm not sure. I think maybe we could walk into town and…" Samantha's voice faded and she remembered the last time she went into town.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'm certain the townsfolk will love to see you and Genny could explore the shops. In fact, there's a playground in the town square. Why don't you two go have fun?" Kagero suggested.
"Thank you." Samantha smiled as breakfast was served for them. Two pancakes for Samantha and Genny's slightly smaller pancakes with a smiley face on the top one.
"Hey, Genny! Look at that!" Samantha smiled and Genny reached for her breakfast. Lissa handed the child over to Samantha.
"It's a happy face!" Genny declared.
"Yes it is! And it's all yours." Samantha carefully cut into the first one and held it by Genny's mouth. She opened her mouth and Genny took a bite. Genny smiled and rubbed her stomach.
"It's good isn't it?" Samantha asked the young girl.
"Uh-huh." Genny nodded her head and reached for the fork. Samantha handed it to the girl and she tried to pick up the entire pancake, but she couldn't.
"Hold on a second." Samantha cut the top pancake into a bunch of pieces. Genny stuck her fork into a piece and ate the pancake. Samantha began eating her own pancake while Genny ate hers.
"Sam…we need to talk." A deep voice spoke behind her. With her fork in her mouth, she turned around to see Chrom and Robin glaring at her. She sputtered and began coughing while gasping for air. Robin handed her a glass of water.
"What is the matter?" Kagero asked.
"Lady Kagero, I apologize for our discretion, but this is a personal matter." Chrom told the ninja.
"I understand. I'll find a room where you can talk in private." Kagero informed them.
"Lissa, can you make sure she eats her food?" Samantha asked.
"Sure." Lissa smiled.
"Genny, I'll be right back. Eat your food and I'll be right back." Genny continued eating and nodded in understanding. Samantha stood up and with the Yllisean prince and princess; they followed the Hoshidan queen to find a room where they could speak in private.
"Chrom, listen, I can-"
"Not yet." Chrom said as they continued walking.
"But-"
"Samantha…" Robin said quietly and they continued walking until Kagero stopped at one room. She glanced inside and didn't see anyone inside.
"I believe the family room is empty." Kagero gestured inside. "Would you like me to wait for you?"
"That won't be necessary. Thank you." Chrom said as he walked inside. Robin bowed her head and Samantha followed with her head hung.
"Samantha." Kagero whispered as Samantha turned her head. "I will send Flora to this room. If you feel hurt or scared in any way, please do not hesitate to let Flora know." Samantha nodded her head and walked inside. The door shut and Samantha took a seat in a chair by the fireplace.
"C-Chrom-"
"What were you thinking?!" His voice boomed with anger. "You could have died!" He practically yelled.
"But I didn't."
"How certain were you of that outcome? Samantha, what you did was incredibly dangerous." Robin said. Samantha looked down at the ground.
"I…I was desperate." Samantha said quietly.
"But jumping through a black portal? What if you died? I even told you there was a chance of death and you still jumped through it?" Robin insisted.
"I thought it was a good idea at the time. Besides, mom would've killed me if I stayed." Instead of yelling, Chrom sighed.
"Samantha…I…we just…we just want to keep you safe. And things like that…it was dangerous and risky. No more risks, ok?" He asked.
"Chrom, about Lucina…"
"It's not your fault. We're certain Gannondorf is behind this. The next time I cross blades with him, I'll cut his goddamn head off." Chrom scowled.
"We intend to remove every limb from his body." Robin said with restrained anger in her voice.
"But…is Lucina…" Both Chrom and Robin didn't speak up and Samantha had her answer. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright. We've…" Chrom cleared his throat. "…accepted that she's in a better place." Hearing his words, Samantha's heart dropped.
"But you're safe. Let's look at the positives." Robin said as she sat down in a chair. "Where did you end up?"
"Forget-Me-Not Valley." Samantha quickly replied. Robin looked at Chrom and he was deep in thought.
"Aversa isn't going to be thrilled…all that power for such a short distance."
"Chrom, we had no idea if it would even work. We can't criticize the distance. It's incredible that it even worked."
"True, but perhaps…" Chrom thought for a minute before a knock interrupted his train of thought. Chrom walked and opened the door to see Emmeryn walk inside.
"Emm, we're just-" Emmeryn held up a hand and sat down in an empty chair. Her eyes were closed and her expression was like she was restraining her anger.
"…sorry." Samantha quietly said while biting her bottom lip.
"SORRY?! You're sorry?!" Emmeryn practically yelled with rage. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you are in?" Emmeryn's eyes burned with fire.
"I…" Samantha attempted to defend herself, but there was no defense for her actions.
"Aversa has been berating me for what you've done. And you are going straight to Ylisstol and you're going to apologize-"
"Emm, don't you think-"
"Don't interrupt me, Chrom!" She glanced up and Chrom lost his voice. At the same time, Flora entered the room and stood between Emmeryn and Samantha.
"Lady Emmeryn, that is enough." Flora said sternly.
"Flora, this does not concern you." Emmeryn said with growing anger. Suddenly, the room started getting colder.
"Samantha's priority is protecting that young child who is with her. And yes, perhaps Samantha has made some mistakes, but that is no reason to start yelling at her!" The flurry of snow suddenly turned into a blizzard with Flora's anger. Perhaps it was the cold temperature, but Emmeryn's anger quickly subsided. She left quietly without another word.
"Ah…s-s-s-so…c-c-c-col-cold…" Robin shivered and Chrom grabbed her hand.
"Flora, you've made your point. Please, stop." Chrom insisted. Emmeryn left and the blizzard subsided.
"W-W-Were you s-s-spying on us?" Robin shivered and rubbed her arms.
"I was under specific orders to-"
"Orders? Whose orders? Kagero's?" Robin asked as she became warmer by the second.
"Lady Kagero is looking out for Princess Samantha's best interests." Flora informed the Ylissean princess.
"By eavesdropping on p-p-pri…private c-c-conver…s-s-sations?" Robin asked with hinted anger and chattering teeth. Samantha took the time to leave while the two women argued and Chrom was left playing peacekeeper.
'What to do? What to do?' Samantha asked herself as she walked down a long hallway until she exited the back of the castle.
"But it's not fair, Ryoma." Emmeryn's voice cracked as she sniffled.
"You can't blame Samantha for that. She's just scared…just as scared as you are; perhaps even more so."
"But Xander-"
"I know." Ryoma put an arm around Emmeryn. "I know." Samantha took a step back, but she cleared her throat and both Ryoma and Emmeryn turned to see her.
"Samantha." Ryoma smiled and motioned for her to join them. Samantha hesitated, but eventually walked towards the two of them and sat down.
"Your Excellency, if I may explain-"
"No." Emmeryn said. "Samantha, the way I was acting…it's beneath me and unfitting for a ruler to act with such pettiness. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
"I…ok." Samantha nodded her head. "If I'm bothering you, I can-"
"Nonsense." Ryoma said as he gently pushed Emmeryn. She laughed and pushed him back.
"Are you guys close?" Samantha asked.
"Ever since we stopped fighting with Nohr, Ylisstol was the first to offer assistance to rebuilding both kingdoms." Ryoma told the princess. "Since then, Emmeryn, Xander, and I have formed a close bond."
"That's really cool." Samantha smiled before it faded.
"Are you thinking about Zelda?" Emmeryn asked. "She often talked about her close bond with you."
"She was lucky to have a friend like you, Samantha." Ryoma told her and her head lightly looked down before chuckling.
"You know, I thought it would stop hurting after it's over…but why does it still hurt?"
"You lost your best friend and your mother in a split second." Ryoma explained.
"Hey, Ryoma…what do you know about Clan Sheikah?" Samantha asked.
"Plenty."
"Does the name Sheik mean anything to you? She was my mom's protector."
"Sheik the Sheikah?" He asked.
"I go by many names." A voice said nearby. The three looked and Sheik was standing alone across the courtyard. She walked over towards the three of them.
"See?! She's real! I told you! Where's Kagero? She's got to see this."
"Sheik…" Emmeryn said in awe. Ryoma, however, didn't seem fazed.
"You are from Clan Sheikah, correct?" He asked without any expression.
"I am."
"Then you must know Sumeragi." He said calmly. There was a brief pause before Sheik's eyes glanced at Samantha before looking back at Ryoma.
"Uh…y-yeah. I have met…um…that person." Sheik said with an unconvincing tone.
"You…it doesn't sound like you know who that is." Emmeryn said worried.
"Samantha, would you excuse us for a moment?" Ryoma said without taking his eyes off of Sheik. Without another word, Samantha walked back inside, but her curiosity got the best of her and she crept back in eavesdrop on their conversation.
"…am a member of-"
"Stop it." Ryoma said. "I know who you are. Who you really are. You're not fooling anyone."
"Well, who's that Sumeragi guy?" Sheik folded her arms.
"Sumeragi is my father. He was also involved with assisting with training methods with members of Clan Sheikah."
"Really?" Sheik asked and Ryoma silently nodded.
"Who is she, Ryoma?" Emmeryn asked. He whispered into her ear and she stood upright and Emmeryn screamed in surprise.
"Emm-"
"WHAT?!" Emmeryn exclaimed. "B-B-But…she…I…"
"Emm, don't say it." Ryoma said with a stern tone. "I'm almost certain that Samantha is listening and I want Sheik to tell her." Emmeryn took a few deep breaths before nodding.
"I…yes. I understand. I'm so happy though." She sniffled and rubbed her eyes. Kagero, Obero, and Azama rushed out to the backyard.
"Lord Ryoma I heard a scream and-" Kagero paused as she noticed the ninja standing by Emmeryn and Ryoma. "Who is that?"
"This is Sheik. A member of Clan Sheikah." Obero's jaw dropped and Azama stood in shock and awe. Kagero immediately knelt down in front of her.
"I…I can't believe…she's real. Miss…Sheik, was it?" Kagero asked.
"We should talk in private." Ryoma motioned for them to walk in and Samantha quickly took off from listening to their conversation. She walked back to Genny Lissa was cleaning Genny's mouth before neatly stacking the dishes.
"Sam!" Genny flapped her wings and flew towards Samantha, but she flapped her wings and stopped in front of her.
"Hey Genny. You know, there's a park nearby. Want to go play?"
"Yeah!" Genny clapped her hands and she began flying out the door.
"Genny, hold on! We've got to-"
"I got it. Don't worry." Lissa smiled as she picked up the dishes. "Go have fun. I'll take care of these."
"Thank you." Samantha bowed her head and left with Genny. Samantha eventually caught up with the young girl and they began walking into town and towards the playground.
"What do you want to do first?" Samantha asked.
"Swings!" Genny flew towards an empty swing while Samantha walked up behind her. Samantha gently pulled her back and gave a firm push forward. Genny held on to the chains as she swung forward and then back towards Samantha. She gave the child another push and she giggled and squealed with joy as Samantha pushed her.
"Higher! Higher!" The child demanded. Samantha was genuinely happy just being in the moment with Genny. The last time she felt like this, she was watching cartoons on Corneria. The two spent a few more minutes on the swing before one final push; Genny leapt off the swing and flew high in the sky before softly landing in front of a slide. She slid down and cheered as she slid down.
'I'll find them Genny. I promised you I would.' Samantha thought to herself as Genny flew back to the top and slid down again. Samantha laughed and when Genny came down a third time, Samantha scooped the child up and hugged the girl.
"What's that?" Genny pointed at something that looked like a small merry-go-round.
"It's a roundabout. You wanna try it?" Genny nodded and Samantha set her down.
"Ok, hold on tight. I won't go too fast." Samantha carefully spun the roundabout and round and round Genny went.
"Woooooaaaahhhh!" Genny yelled and laughed. Samantha continued spinning Genny around slowly and after a short while, Samantha stopped spinning. Genny started flapping her wings and tried to fly, but she was too dizzy to fly straight.
"Genny…" Samantha said before laughing out loud.
"Sam…there's…there's lots of you." Genny reached out for one but she flew left of Samantha. Samantha carefully grabbed the child and Genny looked up at the princess before laughing with her. Samantha sat down at a bench while Genny recovered from her dizziness. After a few minutes, Genny flew over to the monkey bars.
"Sam! Watch me!" Genny started going across, but her arms weren't strong enough to hold her body up. She wiggled her feet and was about to fall before Samantha grabbed the little girl and Genny easily continued on the monkey bars. When she finished, she held her hands above her head and clapped her hands.
"You did it!" Samantha cheered and Genny cheered as well. The two spent the rest of the day running around the playground and having some good ol' fashioned fun. Genny decided to take a nap as the sun began to set.
"Samantha." Sheik said as she sat next to the princess. Samantha turned and looked back at the playground.
"Who are you, really?" Samantha asked with a hint of anger.
"You were listening, weren't you?" Sheik asked.
"Who are you?" Samantha asked again while Genny moved her head to the other side and continued sleeping.
"Alright." Sheik said quietly.
"Really? You'll tell me?" Samantha asked with hushed excitement.
"On one condition." Sheik said. "You'll need to earn it."
"What?"
"If you want to know my true identity, you must best me in combat."
"Oh come on…not here. I can't fight while holding Genny."
"Then let's return to Hoshido. We can let Genny rest and then you can fight me." Samantha looked at the sky and nodded before agreeing. The three went back to Hoshido where Samantha tucked Genny into the bed and softly sang her a lullaby before quietly exiting her room. The two made their way to the backyard and away from the child.
"I beat you and you tell me…No! You show me who you are."
"I remember our wager." Sheik said as she took a stance. "Whenever you are ready." Samantha paused for a moment and folded her arms.
"Why are we doing this? Why are you challenging me to a fight? What's the purpose of this?"
"Are you forfeiting?" Sheik asked. Samantha shook her head and charged at Sheik; she tried to attack, but Sheik blocked every attack and knocked the princess to the ground. Samantha got back up and charged the ninja once again. Samantha tried to attack her opponent again, but like before, Sheik blocked all her attacks and knocked her to the ground.
"You're not strong enough."
"Not strong enough? Did you challenge me to a fight so you can boost your own ego?" Samantha asked with anger.
"Samantha, you are an extraordinary fighter. But you aren't fighting with passion. Your mother taught you to fight with your heart and not your emotions."
"How…" Samantha gasped. "…how do you know all this?"
"I know you, Samantha. We are much closer than you think."
"But…but how can I be stronger? Without mom, I just…I don't know…"
"Samantha, you are a strong woman. You are scared to move on. And it's tough, I understand. But if you wish to protect that girl…if you wish to best me in battle, you must fight with your heart."
"I don't know." Samantha said quietly as she considered her words, but she still had doubt in her heart.
"Samantha…if you are hesitant to prove your strength to me, will you do it for that young girl?"
"What do you mean?" Samantha asked.
"What if…and hear me out…what if you encounter an individual who wants to sell her?"
"Selling laguz is illegal."
"And yet, there are many who still do." Samantha's eyes grew big and as she looked down for a moment. "What if someone tries to take her away? Will you let them?"
"No." Samantha said with a hint of aggression.
"What will you do?"
"I…I will ask them to-"
"Criminals do not obey rules. That is why they are criminals."
"Then…what? You suggest I…I don't know, kill them?" Samantha said in a joking manner, but she could not tell what Sheik was thinking.
"Only kill as a last resort."
"Are you serious? I'd be tried and hung by noon." Samantha gasped. "I would tarnish the Hylian royal family name and be in conversations just like the late Queen Rachel."
"You are better than that bitch." Sheik said with hate in her voice. "Don't ever compare yourself to her."
"But-"
"Samantha." Sheik said sternly. "You are strong. The training you received from Samus can and will help you. If you are serious about protecting that girl, prove it to me. If you cannot, I will take her personally."
"No!" Samantha blurted and raised her fists. "I won't let you."
"Then stop me." Samantha charged again and remembered the training her mother had taught her. Instead of attacking she waited for Sheik to make the first move.
"Smart." Sheik said. "Let your opponent make the first move. Defend…and counter." Sheik started attacking and Samantha managed to block her attacks. She looked down for a moment and Sheik knocked the princess to the ground.
"Don't take your eyes off your opponent." Sheik said. "Get up." Samantha did and the two continued working. Sheik spent the next hour training and helping the princess remember who she was. Despite losing so many people, and witnessing so much destruction, Samantha was the firstborn of Hyrule, and the daughter of the greatest fighter in all the lands; carrying the Aran name held merit and to some, the name held fear.
"Good." Sheik exhaled and walked towards a tree. "Now, we work with weapons."
"Please don't come at me with a knife or something." Sheik held up two wooden sticks with blunt tips.
"I will never bring harm to you, Samantha. I want you to prepare for anything and everything." Sheik tossed the sword towards the princess and she caught it midair. Sheik ran forward and swung the sword at Samantha. Samantha blocked the attack and swung back at her mentor. She missed and Sheik landed a shot against her shoulder.
"Let your opponent do all the work." Sheik informed the princess.
"I'm trying." Samantha grunted as she regained her balance.
"Stay focused." Sheik said and she swung at the princess again. Samantha dodged, grabbed the wooden stick and kicked the ninja in the chest.
"I'm so sorry." Samantha dropped her stick and covered her mouth.
"No…it's good." Sheik wiped her mouth. "That was a good shot." Hearing Sheik's praise warmed Samantha's heart.
"It appears we have an audience." Sheik said as Samantha turned around to see Kagero watching the two by the door.
"How long have you-"
"Not very long." She replied as she began walking towards them. "Sheik, I have a request."
"Yes?" Sheik asked.
"I'd…I'd like to challenge you to a fight…please?" Sheik looked at Samantha before looking back at Kagero.
"As long as Samantha is willing to watch and learn." Sheik said as she returned to one side of the backyard and Kagero walked to the other side.
"Yes…yes of course." Samantha quickly nodded her head as the two women stood across from one another.
"Ready?" Kagero asked and Sheik didn't respond.
"Samantha?" Sheik asked after a long silence.
"Yes." Samantha said on the ground and watched as Kagero charged forward; her movements were quick and Sheik's reactions were just as quick. Kagero finally landed a solid shot against Sheik's face. Sheik performed a leg sweep and knocked the Hoshidan queen to her feet. She quickly recovered and the two traded shots and blows with one another. Kagero finally landed a solid hit against Sheik and Sheik almost fell to the ground, but she placed her hands on the ground and caught herself; her chest was facing up and she looked like she was going to start crab walking.
"What?" Samantha asked in awe. The only person she knew with that kind of flexibility was Samus, but Sheik…how could Sheik had the same kind of flexibility.
'Did mom learn from her? Was Sheik mom's mentor or something?' Samantha asked herself.
"I'm impressed." Kagero said with a smile.
"You are also an adequate fighter." Sheik retorted before flipping over and standing normally. Kagero charged once more and the two competitors exchanged blows once more. Sheik landed a decent shot to Kagero's gut and then another shot to the chest. Kagero groaned as Sheik placed her foot against her throat; effectively pinning the woman under her foot.
"Are you ok?" Sheik asked as she held out her hand and Kagero took it as she helped her up.
"I'm fine." Kagero said quietly as she took a few deep breaths before smiling at Sheik.
"Thank you. Though it was shorter than I'd like, I appreciate the interaction."
"What did you learn?" Sheik asked.
"I…it…it happened so fast…" Samantha admitted.
"Sheik, you can't blame her."
"It's alright." Sheik looked right at the princess of Hyrule. "Just remember…killing is a last resort." Samantha nodded and Sheik looked back at Kagero.
"Where is Genny?" Kagero asked.
"She's sleeping." Samantha informed her ally.
"Perhaps you should get cleaned up and rest as well." Kagero suggested. Samantha hesitated while looking at Sheik.
"Is there something you want to ask me, Samantha?"
"I…it's uncanny how much you know about me."
"I know everything about you, your sister, your brothers…even your parents."
"But how? How do you know all this? I've never seen you around the castle. Even when I was little…"
"Then I did my job well. A member of Clan Sheikah is only seen if they want to be seen."
"But where were you when I was growing up? I would have liked to gotten to know you more. Maybe mom would be thrilled to see you again, too." Sheik turned away and shook her head. Samantha let out a disappointing sigh. "I…ok…good night." Samantha quickly shuffled away with her head hung. Sheik looked around and quietly exhaled.
"Zelda…" Ryoma said as he stood behind both women.
"Zelda?" Kagero asked as she turned around. "You're Zelda?" Kagero asked in disbelief.
"You need to tell her the truth." Ryoma said quietly.
"But she's not the only one who's scared." Sheik admitted.
"You can't keep hiding from her. Eventually, she's going to find out and if you don't tell her…she's going to hold a grudge. She needs you, Zelda. You are her strength. She loves you…adores you…idolizes you. Whether you know it or not, Samantha worships the ground you walk on. Without you, she is lost and alone." Ryoma told her. His words had an effect on her. Sheik rubbed the back of her neck and kicked at the ground.
"I…I have to go." Sheik began walking away from Kagero and Ryoma.
"Zelda!" Ryoma called out and the ninja stopped. "Should you ever need a place to rest…no questions asked…Hoshido's doors are always open to you or your family."
"Thank you, Ryoma. Kagero. I promise I'll find some way to repay you." Sheik threw a smoke bomb on the ground and disappeared into the night. The two of them walked back inside and towards their bedroom.
"I can't believe she'd pull a trick like that. On her own daughter…"
"She's scared, Kagero. In times like this, all we can do is hope she heeds the advice we gave her." Ryoma said. Kagero yawned once more before quietly walking in and Ryoma shut the door behind them.