Chapter 39: Family Ties
AN: Hello, everybody! I finished a new chapter before April. I don't really have any special notes, so enjoy the chapter and thanks for reading.
***I don't own anything in this story, so please don't sue me.***
Morning arrived much too soon for the young princess. She sat up groggily and rubbed her eyes. The eevee girls ran out to play while K-9 stayed by her side the entire duration of her sleep.
"Where is everyone, K-9?" Virginia questioned as she glanced at the other bed and her mother was gone as well. "Mother? Mother!" Samantha called out with no response. "K-9, find my mother, please." She begged and K-9 went searching for the queen. He began barking and she leapt out of bed and ran to the door. On the porch stood K-9 and just a bit beyond that, was Samus Aran, her power suit, Elincia, and Lucia. She rubbed the top of his head and she walked towards her mother with K-9 staying close to her.
"She's with her, right?"
"They left for Hyrule. Just a couple days ago. We've been speaking to Skrimir, Kurthnaga, and Sanaki about our next moves."
"And?"
"We've decided to take arms against…whatever this is. Each country has offered two individuals to search for clues. Bastian and Renning from Crimea. Mordecai and Ranulf from Gallia. Tanith and Sigrun from Begnion. And Ena and Nasir from Goldoa." Elincia explained to the queen. "When we find out who is responsible, all of Tellius will unite and put an end to it."
"What about Daein?" Samus questioned.
"We…we will fight on their behalf. Until we know that Micaiah and Sothe are safe, we are to assume they were killed as well." They all looked at Virginia approaching them.
"Hello, Princess Virginia." Elincia smiled.
"Hello…y-your grace." Virginia nervously curtseyed for the queen.
"What a well behaved young woman. Lucia smiled. "Obviously, she gets that from Zelda."
"What are you implying?" Samus asked with a huge grin on her face as all three women laughed.
"Who were you talking about?" Virginia stood up and asked her mother.
"It's nothing." Samus dismissed her statement and grabbed a rag and began polishing her suit. "It took me longer than I thought, but I got it." Samus sighed and folded her arms. "What do you think?" She turned and asked the princess. Virginia noted that her armor suit looked brand new. It was shiny and nothing looked broken; just as it should.
"It's pretty." Virginia smiled and knelt down next to K-9. "What do you think, boy? Does it look good?" K-9 happily barked and Virginia rubbed his head. "It has K-9's approval."
"Just one last thing I need to test." Samus pressed wiped her forehead with her forearm and looked back. "Just in case, can you all step back?" Everyone took a step back and Samus pushed a button and the suit curled up into a small ball. Then, she waited for something to happen.
"What are we waiting for?" Elincia asked as they waited for something to happen, but nothing occurred.
"Good." Samus pushed another part of the ball and her suit returned to its regular form. "Should be good to go. By the way, Virginia…I have a serious question for you."
"Y-yes?" She gulped hard and waited with anticipation.
"How are you feeling?"
"What?" The question threw her off. "I…um…I'm well."
"How are you doing, really? Last night…things got a little scary. You saw a side of me I never wanted to show you. It's alright to be scared. I won't think any less of you and neither will Elincia. Be honest." Virginia looked away and bit her bottom lip.
"I'm glad those jerks are gone…I never want to see them ever again." Her eyes started watering. "I really don't want to think about it, mother. Can we please talk about something else?"
"Yeah. Sorry." Samus walked over and hugged her daughter. "I'll always be here for you, sweetheart." Virginia rubbed her eyes and smiled just before she saw Volke approaching them.
"Mom, it's that guy…from before." Samus turned her head and broke the hug.
"Right. Volke, listen-"
"It's been covered." He replied. "Can we speak in private?"
"Hold on. Who covered it?"
"We did." Elincia informed the bounty hunter.
"But, how did you know?"
"I have ears all around Crimea. I knew how much it cost. I paid Volke and the information is yours."
"Wait, we don't even get to hear it?" Lucia pouted.
"It's not for us, Lucia." Elincia began walking away and with a frustrated groan, Lucia followed her too.
"Lucia." Samus called out and both the queen of Crimea and her best friend turned around. Samus glanced at her daughter. "Can they stay, please? If they picked up the tab, they should at least hear it out." Virginia nodded in agreement.
"Of course. Do you have an issue with that, Mr. Volke?" The man shrugged his shoulders.
"I have been paid. It is up to you." Virginia motioned for Elincia and Lucia to return. They quickly returned and sat down on the ground. Virginia looked at her mother and she walked over to her daughter.
"Alright, let's hear it." Samus said before Virginia turned to Volke and nodded.
"Raine Sage is in Altamira. She is meeting with her allies from Tethe'alla and Sylvarant as well as the royal families from Ylisstol, Nohr, and Hoshido. She was traveling in the direction of Tethe'alla."
"Why is she meeting with the other countries?"
"Twenty five gold."
"Come on!" Virginia yelled with frustration. "Mother…" She whined.
"That's all you're getting out of him." Samus shook her head. "Volke's kind of an asshole." Virginia gasped and turned to Volke with the fear that he was going to attack her mother. Volke cracked his knuckles and remained in his place.
"Where are my pokémon?" Virginia looked around and the trio of sisters approached their trainer. United, they tackled her and snuggled next to her. Virginia sat up and giggled.
"You three are troublemakers." She said with a smile before rubbing each of them to show her affection for her friends. "You all scared me…I was worried." They looked up at her with concern and whined quietly. "But you're safe…that's what matters to me." She smiled and they smiled back.
"I need a pen and another request." Samus stated. Elincia looked at Lucia who shrugged her shoulders. Volke took out a pen.
"One gold." He insisted.
"You know what? Forget it. I think I saw one in the house." Samus returned to the house and came back with a pen. "Seriously, Volke…you're a damn swindler." She pulled out a checkbook from a bag and began writing Elincia's name. "Volke, how much did you charge them to pay our tab?"
"Ten thousand." Samus looked up at the man and sighed.
"You're killing me, Volke. It's five k for the bodies and ten k for them to pick up my tab?" She shook her head and that's when Virginia noticed her hand.
"Mother, you're left handed?"
"Yeah. You didn't know?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Virginia shook her head. "Well I'm ambidextrous. Let me show you in a minute." She tore the check from the book and handed it to Elincia. She then went back to the house they were in and came back with a piece of paper. "When fans ask for an autograph, I use my right hand." She signed something with her right hand. "When I need to make something personal, I use my left." She signed again and held up the paper. The top signature was her standard autograph that Virginia had seen dozens of times. The one below it was the most eloquent French signature that complimented each and every letter.
"Mother, it's…beautiful." Virginia gasped in awe. Samus began writing a second check and handed it to Lucia.
"I trust you'll hand this to Titania?"
"Of course." Lucia smiled before looking around for Titania.
"So, do you have a train ticket? If I am correct, the next stop should be the Mushroom Kingdom and the one after that is Altamira." Samus informed her daughter.
"Wait! Mother…" Virginia called out. "You…um…what about that story?" Samus smiled and her eyes caught her daughter's.
"I was hoping you forgot." Virginia smiled and shook her head before sitting up and smiling eagerly at her mother. "Volke, was there anything else you need to tell her?" The man shook his head. "Then kindly, fuck off." She waved her hand and dismissed the man. He bowed his head and walked away from the group. Samus walked over to Elincia and was about to hand her the check, but she pulled it back at the last second. "Five thousand extra means you get to listen to my story as well."
"Oh, I wasn't planning on leaving." Elincia snagged the check and walked towards Virginia. Samus glanced over and saw William along with Marcia, Romeo, and Juliet.
"Where have they been?" Samus asked.
"They've been in the village. I asked them to patrol the village and the children…they're learning." Lucia explained. "Romeo and Juliet are preparing themselves to be William's retainers. They've been taking steps to ensure his safety when he becomes king." Lucia's two children approached her and smiled. "How's it look?"
"We removed all the rocks and sticks heading into town." Romeo informed his mother.
"Ev'rything is p'rfect. Just liketh thee, moth'r." Juliet batted her eyes and smiled.
"You think I'm perfect? Juliet…" She motioned for both children to come towards her and she knelt down to hug both of them. "I have the best kids." Romeo and Juliet both kissed their mother's cheek and they shared a laugh.
"I look forward to the day I can officially employ them as my retainers." William smiled. "I am grateful to call them my friends just as you are to mother."
"That old hag? Psh." Lucia looked back at Elincia.
"Hag?!" Elincia exclaimed loudly before laughing. "That's so mean."
"Your grace, I hate to be rude…" Virginia chimed in. "But I'd very much like to hear a tale from mother."
"Samus is telling a story?" Marcia questioned. "This I want to hear." Samus rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Anyone else? Is there anyone else who wishes to hear a tale from the past?" She looked around and everyone who was there took a seat. "Right. Let's see…" Samus began thinking for a moment before snapping her fingers. "I've got one!" She smiled and sat across from Virginia. "This was back when you were two. Sam was three, but she'd be turning four in a couple months and your mother and I were still pregnant with the boys." Samus explained. "We were having a little barbeque in which the people of Hyrule and everyone from the neighboring towns or kingdoms were invited as well. You mother and I were having a pleasant conversation with Elincia and Lucia while Aunt Aika, Aunt Fina, and Uncle Vyse were acting as our hands in case someone got into a disagreement or trouble was brewing."
"Wait, is the story where-" Elincia began and Samus nodded her head. Elincia burst out laughing and whispered to Lucia what she was going to say.
"That one?" Lucia asked with a smile before turning to Virginia. "I remember that. You were such a cutie." She quietly chuckled while Virginia rubbed her hands together and smiled.
"Please continue. Please, please, pleeeeeease?" She begged.
"So while we were talking, William decided to go on an adventure with Sam. To look at the dangerous flowers that Mrs. Bailey was growing. They were roses, but he was so determined to protect Sam." She smiled at the young man and he blushed a light red from embarrassment. "You came up to us in this beautiful sun dress and matching shoes. You wanted to go swimming, and asked for permission. Which is very…you." Samus continued explaining. Virginia smiled and felt her cheeks warm. "Obviously, your mother and I saw no problems with letting you swim in the kiddie pool, so we said yes." Samus started laughing. "You then decided to remove all your clothing…and ran to the pool stark naked." Her laughter grew a bit louder and was joined with everyone else. Virginia's smile faded and now she felt embarrassed and ashamed. Samus noted her daughter's disappointment and knew she had to recall another story.
"Ok, one more." She said. "This was is a bit later. You were six, I believe. Sam forgot to get us an anniversary present. She gave you a picture of your family that she colored for you. She was crying because she didn't have a gift for us. You signed your name underneath hers and gave it to us for our anniversary present. It still sits in the dining room and it's my most prized possession…behind my suit, of course." Virginia smiled.
"That's really sweet." Marcia smiled.
"I wisheth to beest liketh Princess Virginia at which hour I groweth up." Juliet blinked her eyes and smiled.
"She truly is a blessing in Hyrule." William stated before gulping hard. "I….ah….what I meant was…um…"
"I know what you meant, Prince William." Virginia smiled before looking at K-9 who was still next to her and the eevee sisters. "I've been away from home too long. I wish to return…hopefully, with a fiancé. But, sadly…" Virginia gave a heavy sigh. "I'll leave it to Hylia. If we are meant to be, I will reunite with Serena one day."
"Samus, you there? We've got something big!" Someone spoke on the communicator. Samus pushed a button on the arm of her communicator.
"I'm here, cap. What do you have?"
"We found a portal." Samus froze; she remembered the words from the woman who appeared in her dream last night…she predicted this, and Samus did her best to try and hide her emotions.
"A what?" She weakly uttered.
"Some kind of portal. We're not sure where it leads to, but it looks a little spooky and creepy. Sounds like your kind of place. Where are you?" Samus quickly hit a button on the suit. "I've activated my distress beacon. Do you have it?" A pause on the other end.
"Yup. We see it. Twenty minutes, tops." Then the call stopped.
"Virginia, get to the train station. Whatever business you have with Raine, tell her to bill Hyrule."
"Mother-" Samus hugged her daughter tightly.
"Virginia, can I be honest with you?" She whispered in her ear.
"Yes." She whispered back and she stood up.
"Grab your pokémon. Let's go for a walk." Samus said as she put her zero suit back on and climbed back into her armor. Virginia motioned for her friends to follow as Samus pulled out some more cash and walked towards Brom.
"Brom, how much do I-"
"Put your money away. I won't accept it." Brom shook his head. "I gave you a place to stay because you're doing nice things for others. It's about time someone does something nice for you."
"Brom…thank you." She nodded at the man. "Whenever you and the family want to visit, give me a heads up. Hyrule owes you." He lightly laughed and waved goodbye to the bounty hunter and her daughter. They arrived at the train station and waited for the train to arrive.
"What did you need to be honest about?" She asked her mother.
"I'm scared." Samus admitted. Virginia froze with shock.
"You? Scared?"
"What if I die? What'll happen to me? I can't leave you, or your siblings behind." Her eyes began watering. "I don't want to die. But…there's a chance I can save everyone. I know the right thing to do, but…I so scared." Samus closed her eyes while tears fell down her cheeks. She knew how rare it was to see her cry and that would explain why she was quick to move to the train station.
"Mother…I'm sorry. I can go with you-"
"No. I won't allow it." Samus took a deep breath and exhaled. "Virginia, I don't know where this portal thing will take me, but…" She hugged her daughter tightly. "I love you so much. You bring me so much joy…I just want you to know how much I love you…if it's my time."
"Don't speak like that!" Virginia clenched her teeth and began crying herself. "You can't die. Promise me! Promise me you'll return! Mother, I can't lose you too!" She pleaded and her friends huddled against the princess.
"Virginia…" Samus sniffled. "Listen…sometimes…things don't always go…how you want it to." Samus' voice was full of sadness and her eyes looked gloomy. "You need to be ready."
"But mother-"
"Don't make me beg, Virginia." Samus looked at the sky. "If you're ever worried about me…just look at the stars."
"You'll never join them." Virginia looked up at the bright blue sky. Samus slightly turned her head towards her daughter and lightly squinted with confusion. "D-ah…I…I mean…not yet. B-but not…not too soon. I-I mean-" Samus smiled and hugged her daughter once more and kissed the top of her head.
"I know what you meant, kid." Samus rubbed her eyes as the train pulled in. "I want to say I love you, one last time. Stiff upper lip, sweetheart." Samus stood up and Virginia did the same.
"Mother, please don't die. May Hylia protect and guide you. Please…" She sniffled and rubbed her eyes once more.
"If you tell anyone I cried, you're grounded for a month." Samus smiled as Virginia began laughing. "There's the pretty smile that warms my heart." A couple people got off and Virginia boarded the train.
"Mother! Keep in touch. A text, a voicemail, an e-mail…please just let me know you're safe." Virginia insisted and Samus waved goodbye as the train pulled away. Samus sat back down and gave a heavy sigh once the train was out of sight and she was all alone.
'Goodbye Virginia.' Samus closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip. Though she didn't know what was on the other side, she was almost certain death awaited her. While on the train, Virginia sat and awaited the next stop.
"Two stops and then Altamira. I can do this…I can do this. Mother will be fine and we'll all celebrate back in Hyrule." Virginia told herself while Zap hopped into Virginia's lap and she quickly fell asleep. Virginia thought it'd be a good idea to fall asleep while she waited for the train traveled to their location. Her dream this time was her as a five year old. Samantha, being two years older, was in her bed as well; listening to her mother's scary story as well.
"Some say the ghost still haunts this castle to this very day." Samus spoke quietly. Samantha was completely invested in the story while Virginia was shaking like a leaf in the wind.
"Is it true, mama?" Samantha asked. Samus shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
"N-n-no…no m-m-more. P-p-ple…please…" Virginia continued shaking and whimpering. Samus' smile quickly faded.
"Wait…what's that?" Samus squinted her eyes and stared at something behind her. Both girls turned and Samus gasped. "It's…" She began tickling her children. "A GHOST!" The girls began giggling and laughing; trying to prevent their mother from tickling them, but failing miserably.
"Mama! Ah! Help me!" Samantha protested, but Virginia was too busy laughing at her sister. Samus quickly turned her attention to Virginia and it was now her turn to cry out for help.
"Mama! No! Help!" She giggled and cried out for help. Samus finally stopped while Zelda stood in the doorway.
"What's going on in here?" Zelda smirked as she looked at her two children and her spouse.
"Ghost stories." Samus replied before standing up. "Alright girls, bed time." Both girls whined with disapproval.
"One more story, please?" Samantha begged.
"Come on, there will be more stories tomorrow night." Samus kissed Samantha's head and then walked back to Virginia.
"It's….it's not true….is it, mama?"
"No Virginia…it's not true." Samus softly told her daughter.
"What if something scary comes? What if a real ghost comes?"
"Virginia, no matter how far away we may be…I promise. No, I pinky promise…" Samus carefully placed Virginia's pinky around her own. "We'll always be here. Remember your family is here." She pointed to her heart. "We're always here, sweetheart. Your family is always with you." Virginia smiled at the old memory.
"You know, I think I've waited long enough to claim what's rightfully mine." Virginia turned her head to see Gannondorf standing next to her.
"You! St-stay away!" Virginia ran, but it didn't do any good. The more she ran, the closer she got to him.
"No! NO!" She screamed and suddenly felt a cool splash against her face. She sat up and Zap was growling at Aqua. Aqua was growling back while Torch tried to calm things down while K-9 was barking at the sisters.
"All of you, stop! Or you'll go back in your balls." Virginia warned, but none of them stopped their aggression. "Fine, but you asked for it." She returned all of them to their balls before deciding to stretch her legs. She walked out of her booth and decided to take a walk. She walked to the next train car and suddenly, the lights turned off.
'Um…that's not good.' Virginia thought as she turned around to head back, but there was a hard bump that knocked her backwards. She grunted as she hit the ground and quickly got back to her feet.
'Hylia, please save me. Hylia, please save me. Hylia, please!' Virginia thought as she looked out a window heard a loud crash from the far side. She felt the train car turn onto its side. Virginia felt herself grunt as she felt gravity throw her to one side and as the train continued rolling, she felt it throw her again, and again, and again. The train finally stopped, but Virginia was knocked out cold.
"Virginia…Virginia…get up. Get up!" A female voice called out. Virginia groaned and rubbed her head. "Mmmngh…wha…?"
"Get. Up. If you want to live, follow me." Virginia looked around, but no one was in sight. "Up here." Virginia looked up and it looked like a door was on the roof.
'Why is there a door on the roof?' Virginia questioned, but she placed a hand against her head and felt something wet. She looked at her hand, and to her surprise, it was a crimson red.
"Blood?!" She exclaimed.
"VIRGINIA!" A voice screamed and she looked up once more. She began climbing up and reached the door. She made it to the next train car and climbed up to the next train car.
"Almost there. One more train car and we'll be home free." The voice called out and Virginia groaned for a minute. Her vision was beginning to blur, but she tried her best to climb. She heard creaking and, in the back of her mind, she knew she had to climb. Whether it was out of desperation, or a need to leave the train, Virginia climbed up and through to the top of the train car.
"Just jump and run." The voice called out. Virginia was now feeling light headed and her vision was blurring even more. "Trust me. One small jump and run." Virginia did as she was told and safely landed on the ground. She tried to run, but only made it a few feet before collapsing and blacking out. She came to in a room with wooden walls and a grand table in front of her.
"…where am I?" She questioned as she moved her arm and legs, but they were restrained by something. She struggled to get free, but the chains were too tight. "Hello?" She called out, but received no response. "Hello? Anyone?" A short man with a brown and cream colored head. He hopped up on the table and the lights turned on.
"Virginia…what happened?" he asked the woman.
"What? What do you mean?"
"The train. What happened?"
"I have no idea. One minute I was supposed to be heading towards the Mushroom Kingdom, and the next, the whole train crashed. Then…I heard this voice. It kept telling me to climb if I wanted to live. I swear! I'm not making this up."
"There were reports of you screaming before the train crashed. In fact, you were the only one on the train car…aside from the conductor."
"The only one?!" Virginia gasped. "But…no…" She shook her head. "I'm not crazy. Please, you must believe me. Gannondorf told me-"
"Wait, Gannondorf? He was there?" The man asked with surprise.
"Well…he was in my head." Virginia admitted. The man paused before quietly growling.
"Gannondorf, what are you planning now?" He tapped his cane against the floor and the bounds holding Virginia let go and she was free.
"I'm sorry…this whole thing has me on edge…more so since my daughter…" The man sighed and lowered his head.
"I'm so sorry." Virginia rubbed one of her wrists.
"It is I…Toadsworth Clifford Toadstool…who should apologize to you." There was a pause between the two of them.
"You're middle name is Clifford?" Virginia questioned him.
"Perhaps you might be able to help me. Where were you headed?"
"Altamira. I have something important to discuss with Raine Sage."
"If you do something for me, I can direct you to a warp pipe that will take you straight to Meltokio. From there, Altamira isn't too far away." With no other options, Virginia nodded her head.
"I'll do it." She reached around and realized her pokémon weren't on her belt. "Where are my pokémon?"
"They're in the other room." He began walking towards the door with Virginia following him. He opened the door and on the table to the right were four poké balls. She brought all four of them out and hugged them individually. She stood up and nodded at the man when she was ready.
"What am I helping with?"
"It's my other daughter, Daisy." He informed the princess. "Ever since she lost her sister, and her husband…she's been moping. If you could help her out of this dark pit she's in, I will direct you towards the warp pipe." He stated. "I don't normally beg, but she's my daughter. Surely, a princess of Hyrule would understand." Virginia nodded with determination. He opened another door and Virginia saw a fireplace alongside what looked like a dozen dirty mugs and books, photos, piles of documents everywhere.
"Daisy." Toadsworth called out.
"Leave me alone, dad." She yelled out from somewhere in the room.
"Daisy Gertrude Toadstool, show some respect to our guests."
"You're middle name is Gertrude?" Virginia asked out loud.
"Dad, you know how much I hate it when you use my middle name." Daisy came around a pile of papers and books. She folded her arms and scowled at the old man before noticing the Hylian princess. "Who are you? What do you want?"
"Virginia is going to help you. Daisy, I dislike seeing you like this." She rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Dad, I'm in the middle of something." Daisy dismissed the princess. "Hi, how are you? Help yourself to…whatever. Just don't touch anything." She returned to where she was.
"Daisy, Virginia needs a ride to-"
"I don't have time. Send someone else." Before the man could berate her some more, Virginia put up an arm.
"I'll take care of this." Virginia reassured the man. He nodded and left the two alone. Virginia started following in the direction that Daisy walked, but Aqua accidently bumped into one of the piles of papers, folders, and books; knocking it to the ground.
"Dad!" Daisy yelled out with anger. Aqua quickly ran behind Torch and Zap before whimpering in fear. "What did I-" she came around the corner and froze as she saw Virginia standing next to the knocked over pile of papers and books. "What are you doing here?"
"I've…I've come to help you." Daisy gave an exasperated sigh before nodding.
"Fine. Here, have a seat. I'll tell you what all this is for." Daisy picked up the papers and walked over to the couch. She grabbed a nearby book and sat down. Virginia took a seat next to her and she turned the book around. "Do you know who this is?" What she showed was a hand. There wasn't anything else about it, just a simple hand.
"No. Is that a person?" Virginia tilted her head to the side as her pokémon rushed her and ended up on the couch and in her lap. "You're not allergic to pokémon, are you?" Daisy shook her head and, even if she were, Torch walked over and laid down in Daisy's lap.
"You're really warm." She gently rubbed the pokémon's back.
Tell me more about this Master Hand…who is he?"
"It."
"What?"
"It…Master Hand is not a person, it's an entity." Daisy explained. "It all started when Peach and I…" She clenched her teeth while she gently massaged Torch's back. "We were watching the final match. Peach, Krystal, Zelda, your sister…we were all ready to watch Mario face off against Kirby. Two old school powerhouses." Daisy smiled weakly as she recollected her memory. "Mario beat Kirby and before the award ceremony could take place, this purple cloud came down and a bunch of…freaks…I don't know…what they were. Zelda and Peach…they're so brave. I was getting another soda because Peach wouldn't come help me get my soda. I saw what happened on the monitor and I panicked. I should've gone back to help her. Zelda's dead and I-"
"My mother is alive and well." Virginia informed the princess. "She's not dead, she is very much alive."
"…what? But…I…I saw her…"
"I don't know how, but she is alive. The last time I saw her…we were in the Alola region. I don't know where she is right now, but I swear on the Hyrule royal family name, I speak the truth."
"How do you know it was her? What if it was one of those…copy things? Those monsters?"
"Well, she spoke to me. I could tell right away that it was mother." Virginia explained and Daisy thought for a moment.
"So…they can come back." Daisy gave a great big smile and began laughing. "This is great. Oh yes!" She grinned as she began laughing.
"But…what about that thing…Master Hand?" Virginia questioned while Zap slept at Virginia's feet. Aqua began cleaning her older sister and K-9 jumped on the couch to rest his head on Virginia's knee.
"Oh. Right." Daisy stated before Torch rolled onto her back and Daisy began rubbing her belly. "Rosalina and I have been doing some research on what might've caused this and she's been asking the stars. They answered her with a name…Master Hand."
"The stars…" Virginia spoke slowly to try and understand the princess. "…told you it was Master Hand?"
"Yeah. We've been doing research and…well, it's pretty damning."
"How so?"
"An entity that treats us like play things…and Gannondork is convinced he will bring it to life. He's also convinced the other idiots of untold wealth if they do what he says. But they're dumb as rocks if they think he'll deliver his promise." Virginia giggled at her words.
"Ganndork…that's funny." She continued giggling.
"Virginia, focus." Daisy said with a stern tone.
"Sorry." She quickly apologized and collected herself. "So, this Master Hand…it's behind all the attacks?"
"I'm certain it is. But…where are you headed?"
"Altamira. I must speak with Raine Sage. Your father spoke of a warp pipe that could take me to Meltokio."
"I know the one." Daisy stood up and brushed off her dress. "Let me change and I'll take you myself."
"Are you sure you're well enough to drive? I saw all the coffee cups and…well, have you been getting enough sleep? I'd prefer not to crash or die if I can help it."
"I'm fine. You worry too much. Besides, I have a friend who lives near that pipe who I need to speak to. You know Rosalina, right?" Virginia nodded her head. "She's helping me with the research and I need to meet with her and see what she's found." Realizing that she wouldn't be able to convince her otherwise, Virginia nodded to show she approved of Daisy driving her to their destination. She got up and Torch hopped to the ground. "Give me a couple minutes…I probably look like shit." She laughed and left Virginia alone with her pokémon and her thoughts.
'Master Hand…that can't be real. But Princess Daisy…she seems so sure. And the evidence…' Virginia shook her head for a moment and tried to make sense of what she was just told.
"Has Daisy given you her speech yet? About that Master Hand fellow?" Toadsworth questioned the princess. Virginia looked over and nodded her head. "She's paranoid. I told her not to dwell on fables and fallacies."
"I'm not so sure she's lying." Virginia stated to the older man.
"What? You actually believe in what she says?" Toadsworth almost chocked on his own words.
"I had a book…it's…with my girlfriend." Her cheeks turned red. "My ex…girlfriend. I couldn't make anything out, but I need to see Raine because I believe it to be in Elvish."
"Wouldn't you need the book to have her translate it?" He questioned.
"I just want to meet with her and see if she can recall any old tales of her past. You know, like the boogeyman or something like that. I need to know if maybe there's a clue that could crack this case open and I might be able to solve this mystery. Besides, it's not unreasonable to believe that Master Hand is real…it might seem crazy, but the world is pretty much ending so…why not?" There was a slight pause before the old man chuckled.
"I suppose you're right. We may be facing the apocalypse. Given the circumstances, I suppose I always considered that idea a bit farfetched. By any chance, do you know how far this…shall we say sickness? Or perhaps disease would be better…do you know how far it has spread?"
"Ylisstol for sure. Nohr, and I can assume Hoshido has been hit as well…probably." She quietly gasped. "Has Hyrule been-"
"We spoke with Daphnes…er…that is, your grandfather. We deemed Hyrule to be a safe haven and therefore, her citizens who were sent here for safety, have been sent home. Hyrule is safe." The older man reassured the princess.
"Good." She smiled.
"I suppose I will need to call allies to assess the situation." He murmured. "Thank you, Princess Virginia. As promised, I'll-"
"Alright. All set." Daisy returned with a pair of yellow shorts and a white t-shirt with the name 'Luigi' across the top. The shoulders were all green except for two circles with a capital 'L' on top of them. "Dad, I can take her. I need to speak with Rosalina anyway."
"Alright. But be safe." He reached up and daisy knelt down in front of him. "I worry when you're gone."
"Dad…you…be safe. Peach isn't here, Mario's not here…I lost Luigi. I'll kill anyone who so much as scratches you."
"Daisy-"
"I'm serious, dad. You're the only family I have left."
"What about Vera, Emilia, Sergio, and Alessandro?"
"Well…yeah ok. I get what you mean." Daisy admitted.
"Who are they?" Virginia asked.
"Our children. Well, Sergio and Vera are my kids and Alessandro and Emilia are my sisters."
"Wait, hold on-"
"No, their names aren't Baby Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy. Everyone just called them that because they looked so much like us." Daisy explained with an annoyed tone. "But that's not important. We should really get going." She hugged her father once more and the two took off for the warp pipe. They approached a two person cart and Virginia returned her pokémon to their balls before following entering the cart.
"Thank you for this, your highness." Virginia bowed her head to show appreciation.
"Don't worry about it. Your mom and I go back…we're practically sisters." She laughed and began driving. "You know…we could take the scenic route, if you want."
"What's the scenic route?"
"We head towards Toad's turnpike and then towards Rainbow Road. After that, it's a straight shot to the warp pipe. It's a whole different world up there."
"I'd love to see it." Virginia spoke with excitement as Daisy smirked and accelerated towards the turnpike. She was a bit of a rebel as she was going faster than the speed limit allotted, but Virginia didn't mind the speed; the sooner she could get to the warp pipe, the sooner she could get her answers. The turnpike wasn't terribly crowded and they quickly made it through and got off at an exit.
"Hold on tight." Daisy stated as they drove through what looked like a bunch of bright lights and the cart was rushed upwards. It finally stopped and the cart landed with a heavy thud. After a grunt from Virginia, she looked around and they were in space.
"Woah…" She said with surprise as he drove along the rainbow colored path. Golden stars protected the road like traffic barriers and they drove along the road. Not a car in sight and, to Virginia's surprise, she could breathe.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Daisy asked as she drove on the road. "Look close and you'll see the pretty stars and some planets sometimes. It's so peaceful up here." she chuckled as they drove along. Virginia smiled and stared in awe while they drove. The stars, the beautiful lights…Virginia remembered what her mother told her before she made it here.
'If you're ever worried about me…just look at the stars.'
'Mother…Hylia, please help her. I want to see my mother again.' She closed her eyes as tears down her cheeks thinking about her mother. As she looked up, one star in particular seemed brighter than all the rest.
"What's that star?" Virginia pointed to one and Daisy quickly peeked at the star before looking back at the road.
"I'm not sure. I've never seen one shine that bright before." she noted as they continued driving. "It must be a lucky star or something. I think you're supposed to make a wish."
"A wish, huh…" Virginia thought for a moment.
"What should I wish for?' She closed her eyes and tried to focus on something she wanted. This time, she decided to make a selfish wish; something she wanted for herself. 'I wish to see Serena again. I want to be honest about how I feel.' She opened her eyes and continued watching the beautiful sparkle in the sky. She saw many different constellations in the sky as they drove along the road.
'I feel like I'm with my family right now.' She smiled and reached out like she could grab one of the stars. She knew, in reality, that those stars were billions of light years away from her and that she couldn't ever grab them.
"Did mother ever tell you about the stars?" Virginia questioned the princess.
"I'm sure she has…but, why don't you remind me?" Daisy smiled at the Hylian princess.
"The spirits of Hyrule's royal family and closest allies live there. They guide us when we are lost. They give us comfort when we are alone. They watch over us when we are scared. And they protect us when we need it most."
"That's really cool." Daisy's smile grew a bit wider. "It give you hope when you need it."
"Yeah…" Virginia replied quietly. "I could sure use some right now." She just stared out into the starry abyss while they traveled on the road. Daisy finally got off and made it to a green warp pipe in a nearby town.
"This pipe will take you to where you need to go."
"Toadsworth?" Another princess questioned the older man. She had incredibly beautiful blonde hair to go with her light blue dress and stunning blue eyes.
"Rosalina, this is Virginia. Zelda's second kid. She needs to use the warp pipe to-"
"We have a bit of a problem."
"What kind of problem?" Daisy questioned the princess.
"Well…I did the research on Master Hand…but, well, its ability…according to what I found, it ability is to only change people to dolls. It doesn't say anything about statues or trophies or anything like that."
"But it has to be it. There's no other explanation." Daisy stated.
"That's just it…I have a theory. I believe it is the work of another force…like something that is using Master Hand's power."
"Something stronger than Master Hand?" Daisy's eyes shot wide open. "What could that be?"
"I don't know. I found this weird translation thing." Rosalina showed the book's translation and Virginia instantly recognized it as the same writing from the book Samantha had.
"That's the same writing!" Virginia blurted out and both women looked at her.
"What's it?" Daisy asked.
"Sam had this book…well, it's not with me, but I know who has it. They have this book with the same writing on it. I'm going to see Raine to get it translated because I can't read it, but I think she can tell me what the name is and I'll figure out where to go from there." Virginia spoke with excitement and determination. Now she was certain that the book Serena had was the answer she was looking for.
"Alright, we'll keep doing some legwork. You let us know if you find anything. Rosie, give her your number."
"I really wish you'd stop calling me that." She glared at the princess before pulled out a slip of paper and writing down a number.
"Thank you." Virginia stated as she took the number and started examining the warp pipe. "So, how does this work?" Virginia asked while she examined the warp pipe.
"You just…jump in." Daisy explained. "Have you seriously not traveled in one?"
"No." Virginia climbed on top of it; carefully standing on the edge and balancing herself and ensuring she wasn't going to fall in.
"Careful." Daisy took a step forward; worried that she was going to fall.
"I'm…I'll be fine, thank you." Virginia reassured the women.
"Now, just take one small step forward. It's much easier if you enter feet first." Rosalina explained.
"Enter feet-WAAAAAAHHHH!" Virginia screamed as she tripped and entered the warp pipe head first.
"Oh fuck." Daisy placed a hand upon her head and shook it. Rosalina ran towards the warp pipe and looked inside.
"Good luck!" She yelled down the pipe, but she didn't receive a response. She turned around and sighed.
"We've done all we can. Now, would you please give me a ride to the castle? I feel that we can get more done if we're working together." Rosalina insisted to her friend. She nodded and the two got onto the cart and returned back to the kingdom. Virginia was now heading towards Tethe'alla and hopefully, she'll find Raine and get some answers to what's going on.