COUNTING STARS

Chapter 27: Dreamer

Friday, December 21st

"Where is this 'resistance' you told me about?"

Sheik eyes me with a prideful smirk, gesturing forward as we walk through the quiet halls of the academy. "I'm taking you there."

Grinning, Pipit nudges me from my other side. "Sheik and I organized this whole thing."

The blonde snorts. "It was actually only me—"

"Well I can assure you that you'll be blown away, Link," he continues, nodding. "Our army is quite staggering in numbers."

Skeptical, I raise an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"That's right. Not hundreds… not thousands… but twelve people."

"Staggering."

"Indeed. Thank me later for building the army you need to defeat Yuga."

Sheik rolls his eyes. "For the love of—Pipit, you did nothing. I organized it entirely."

Blinking for a second, Pipit scoffs. "Okay, King of Organizing. You organized it. You organize everything. You organized our very existence. Happy?"

"I'll organize your funeral."

"The point is," Pipit continues, unfazed, "we're training to become an army of demon slayers. And now that we've got a superhero joining us, Yuga won't stand a chance!"

Cocking an eyebrow, I turn to send him a sideways glance. "I hope you know there's no way I'm revealing my identity to your—er—army."

"You, um, weren't planning on telling people?" Sheik says in rare tones of uncertainty.

Din above…

I whip my head around to stare at him pointedly, as he stares back like a deer in headlights. "…No."

Sheik breaks eye contact, looking straight forward as he runs a hand through his shaggy blonde hair, conveniently shielding his face from my intense scrutiny. "Well, uh, that's good to know. For future reference."

I reach up and slap him upside the head for that pathetic attempt at weaseling out of his mistake. As he yelps, I exclaim, "Who did you tell?!"

He sighs, and, guilt plastered onto his face, begrudgingly meets my eyes. "I told Malon."

"Malon?!"

"Okay, look, she and I tell each other everything. And she's really good at keeping secrets. I promise."

"Girls are awful at keeping secrets!" I protest, stopping to gawk at him in disbelief.

"Come on," laughs Pipit, "not all girls are awful at it. Some are dead."

Sheik fidgets awkwardly. "Well I… I told her that it's really important that she doesn't tell anyone."

Seething, I glare at him, betrayed. Pipit claps a hand on my shoulder then, chiming, "Don't worry, Link. Sheik might be a bad friend, but I can totally keep secrets." His smile falters a bit, and he shrugs. "It's the people I tell them to that can't."

"I swear to gods—"

"Hey, chill, chill!" He raises his hands in a calming manner. "Just a little joke. Now c'mon, we're almost there."

I look between my two friends, peeved, then huff.

For another few minutes, I follow them down the main hall toward the gymnasium. Beyond the double doors, I can hear the squeaks of shoes and the faint echoes of shouts, the signs of activity. Sheik pushes them open, and we step inside the gym.

Practice dummies and punching bags are aligned in rows on the baseline of the nearest basketball court. Mikau, Lulu, Mido, and Darmani man these stations, using MMA-style gloves to protect the skin on their knuckles. Near the sideline, a series of targets stand at varying heights and distances. Standing at the opposite wall are Midna and Fledge, each wielding a pellet gun and wearing protective goggles. On the second basketball court in the back of the gym, wrestling mats and gymnastics equipment has been set up to form a large obstacle course, complete with sparring dummies and targets for shooting upon arriving at those certain checkpoints. Malon, Orielle, and Karane currently run the course, leaping over boxes, climbing the big rope, sliding under balance beams.

As I look around, Sheik and Pipit stare at me, gauging my reaction. "You said there were twelve," I say to Pipit. "Counting you two, I only see eleven."

Just then, the side doors burst open, and in struts a tall, slender figure in an all-navy hooded cloak. The newcomer has an athletic build, but noticeably feminine. Two long red feathers are attached to the crimson belt strapped around her waist, and a single strip of white hair dangles from under the hood down to her abdomen. As everyone stops to look the newcomer's way, she pulls down her hood to reveal the smirk on her tan face.

"Afternoon, ladies and trash."

It's Impa. My language arts teacher.

"Hey, Impa," the group responds.

I turn to Pipit and Sheik with confusion written on my face. "Are you serious?"

They grin. "She saw us fighting a few bokoblins one day," explains Sheik, "and promised to train us."

From across the gym, Impa's blood-red eyes fall upon the three of us. With a cock of a brow, she makes her way over here. "Well, well, well," begins the Sheikah lady, arms held outstretched. "Link Gaiden finally decides to show up to one of my classes."

I grin smugly. "Monster hunting is a more interesting subject."

She squints, the Sheikah eye tattoo on her face scrunching with the motion. "Are you looking to join?"

I hesitate, looking between the three around me. Join the resistance? I started the resistance, theoretically. But they don't know that. No, I cannot join; it would take too much time out of my plans, whatever they may become. Though I will not be among them, when the time comes to confront Yuga, I may require their assistance. As Sheik and Pipit look at me expectantly, I answer, "Nah, I'm more of a lone wolf, but I'd love to stick around for the day."

Impa doesn't hide her disapproval. "…I see."

Pipit, Sheik, and I separate from her and make our way through the headquarters, and I nod in greetings to those who call out, "Link!"

"You're really not joining?" says Pipit.

I shake my head. "There's no way I can commit to this until I'm one hundred percent ready to take on Yuga. Besides, I don't need the training. I'm a good fighter already."

"Tell that to Dark," comments Sheik.

I glare at him.

Squinting, Pipit crosses his arms. "Well what about target practice? I'll bet you're not the best shooter."

Looking over at Midna and Fledge as they fire harmless rounds at the faraway targets, I shrug. "It would be nice if we had a little more artillery than pellet guns," I grunt. "Obviously these are just for training, but there's no way we have more than three or four at our disposal. I've only seen Sheik carry one. And since I already have powers, someone less gifted should probably get the gun, right?"

"I suppose."

"Okay, now quiet down," I tell them as we near the two shooters.

Midna manages to hit the outside rings on the closest target a few times before completely missing and causing an orange pellet to ricochet off the folded-up bleachers. Fledge, meanwhile, holds a firm, professional grip on the gun, firing multiple rounds and burying each one in the bullseye of the farthest target. I raise my eyebrows in surprise, having not expected to witness such a show of aim.

Upon noticing my presence Midna flips the gun on safety and turns our way. "Hi, Sheik. Hi, Pipit."

Oh, right. I forgot Zelda's friends all hate me.

Fledge looks over and smiles. "Oh hey, guys, and hey, Link! It's been awhile!" He stands up straight, tucking the gun into the holster on his hip. "Are you here to join us?"

"No, I'm just checking it out," I tell him with a half-shrug.

"Oho, so the most able-bodied guy in the friend group is too scared to put himself at risk!" The goth folds her arms, scowling snootily.

I glance at Sheik. "Oh, look, I exist now."

Fledge awkwardly fiddles with his fingers as Midna continues to berate me. "Dark thought of you as a brother, and you aren't even willing to help bring him back to us? What kind of person are you?"

I take all of her accusations calmly, barely showing a reaction. "I've been working independently."

Midna emits a dubious scoff. "Independently—yeah, what have you even accomplished? We're working on recruiting Hero to our forces. These two even met him the other night!" she cries, pointing at Sheik and Pipit, whose eyes immediately grow wide.

Oh, good goddesses…

I do my best to maintain a neutral expression, or even one that displays doubt, as I send very, very passive-aggressive glances their way before turning back to Midna. "Oh really?" I ask, primarily as bait.

"Yup, just ask Pipit."

And there it is.

Pipit meets my eyes, face pale, owning it. I can't believe what he and Sheik have done—it's like they're just trying to get me exposed! Suspicion is being raised by the minute. All these stories and unconnected dots are sure to make someone find out eventually. The less they hear about Hero, the better.

"I know Hero was good friends with Dark," says Midna, stubbornly looking away. "So he would definitely help us."

"Dark told me that they'd only met a couple times," I lie in an attempt to diffuse some unforseen connections. "But if any of you find him again, it's worth a shot to ask him. Or maybe he'll come to you."

"Right, see! You're doing nothing compared to what we're about to do. We're gonna save the world, and you're just chillin'."

I roll my eyes and beckon for Sheik and Pipit to follow as I walk past her. "Well, it was nice seeing you again."

"Yeah, you too," she spits back sourly.

"I was talking to Fledge."

The boy waves at me. "Seeya, Link!"

We walk in silence for a few moments, heading for the obstacle course set up at the back basketball court. Then, after clearing his throat, Sheik says, "Well isn't he just the nicest kid?"

I spin around and nearly lose it on them, scolding them in the harshest whisper-voice I can muster. "Do you guys not understand what I mean by 'Don't tell anyone'? Well guess what, that also means no hints. I am walking on thin ice right now. Understand? Give them one more reason to suspect that I'm Hero, and boom. I'm exposed. Chaos."

They stare at me with both guilt and confusion. "Wait, but," starts Sheik slowly, "why do you even want to still keep it a secret?"

I huff. "You heard Midna. Everyone here wants Hero on their side, and now. So if you tell them, they'll demand that I join them, and then everyone will get super confident and will want to rush straight at Yuga before anybody's ready. And there you have it—chaos. Not to mention that the girls here hate my guts because of my run-in with Zelda, so assuming we get out of this mess alive, they'll tell the Headmaster, who will expel me and then give my name to the police, and then I become a national fugitive."

Pipit's eyes drift off in the distance. "Dude, that's terrible..."

I nod. "I know it is. That's why—"

"No, no," he interrupts, pointing, "look. Karane is talking to my girlfriend."

Blinking for an off moment, I look at him with incredulity. "Did you listen to a word I said?"

"Yeah, yeah, something about enchiladas." He starts to walk past me.

I grab his arm, maintaining my facial expression as he looks back at me.

"I'm kidding," he almost whines. "It was tacos, I know." Pipit thrashes out of my grip and walks away.

I look to Sheik for answers, but he only shrugs and shakes his head. So, growling, I follow after him, Sheik in tow. "I swear, all Pipit ever thinks about is girls."

Rubbing at his neck, the blonde says, "I dunno, dude, this might actually be important."

"Why?"

"Look." He points to the two girls standing at the drinking fountain as they catch a break from their training. Karane seems to be speaking a lot, while Orielle stands apart from her, seemingly uncomfortable. "Remember all that drama that happened between him and Karane?"

"I never really cared to know about every relationship he's had."

"Well, this one's special—because it lasted like five minutes. He was already dating someone else when he kissed her. Karane found out and he lost both girls in one night." Sheik gestures torward the girls as Pipit rapidly approaches them. "And she may be ruining Orielle's image of him."

We catch up, instantly feeling the tension between the trio.

"Oh, hey, Pip," Karane greets with exaggerated friendliness. "I was just talking to your girlfriend."

"I can see that." Pipit hastily moves to stand beside Orielle, wrapping an arm around her waist, almost protectively.

As Malon walks up to Sheik's side and they smile at one another, Karane's eyes then fall on me, and she glares heavily. "You're quite the lucky guy," she tells Pipit with excruciating politeness before abruptly walking away. The five of us stand there in silence for a brief moment.

"She's crazy," Orielle comments once Karane is out of earshot.

Everyone lets out an awkward chuckle but Pipit, who stands beside her, shifting his eyes and tapping his foot. "What, um," he begins anxiously, "was she talking to you about?"

"You, actually," she responds evenly, to which Pipit subtly flinches.

"Me?"

"Yeah. She told me all about you. All your favorite things and habits and such."

Taken aback, Pipit frowns. "Really?"

"Mhm. Like how you make jokes when you're excited or tap your foot when you're nervous."

As she speaks, I notice Pipit gradually start to relax in his demeanor.

"Oh," she adds, "and how you sleep with random girls when you're bored."

"Well! That's our cue to leave," announces Sheik abruptly, clasping his hands together as Pipit freezes in place.

Orielle sends us a wink and a little nod. "Good call."

"So that went well."

"Yeah?" I ask, genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, no. It didn't go well," sighs Pipit, staring up at the ceiling as he lies on the couch in my dorm. "I tried to convince her that I changed. That I actually like her. Maybe even love her."

Sitting up in my bed, I ask, "You love her?"

"I think I do, yeah."

"Have you told her?" chimes Sheik from his own bed.

"Telling her won't just magically fix everything."

I consider that thought for awhile, then shrug. "Hey, maybe it will."

Sheik nods. "It'll prove that you're authentic and deserve a shot at forgiveness, you know."

Pipit is silent for a long moment. Then, he sighs. "You're right."

"So you'll tell her?"

"Tomorrow. I'll give her the night to calm down."

"Alright," says Sheik. "That was a total cheap shot by Karane, by the way."

Pipit only shrugs. "I can't be mad. It was the truth, and I've been hiding my past from her for too long anyway."

"But still," I say, "you didn't even get a chance to tell her for yourself."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Karane just seems jealous," grunts Sheik, and Pipit and I raise our eyebrows at him. "Well think about it. You haven't talked to her in months, and when she hears that you're in a committed relationship, suddenly she wants to be your girl's best friend and decides to expose your past to her."

When Pipit doesn't answer, I say, "Maybe she likes you again."

"I don't want to hear that right now," he murmurs quietly. "I love Orielle. I'll tell her tomorrow."

Sheik and I share a glance then, shrugging. And with that, the three of us close our eyes to get some rest for the night.

My eyes open. I stand in the shimmering waters of a small pool, woods and foliage surrounding the spring. Fireflies dance through the air, wispy little orbs of light bobbing up and down. Straight above, the tree canopy is broken off into a perfectly-shaped triangle, letting heavenly light into the little clearing below.

Light string music slowly begins to echo from the distance, a soft melody that warms my ears and calms the beating of my heart. I breathe in and out, the air pure and satisfying in my lungs. The whole setting seems to capture the very essence of serenity.

The source of the pleasant music seems to be getting closer. Turning around, my mouth falls open upon laying my eyes on the beautiful Zelda, wading through the ankle-deep stream as she approaches me with a dazzling smile. I call out her name, but my voice bears no sound. Captivated, I watch as she stops merely inches away, her eyes locked with mine. The music is so clear, now, soft and sweet, yet she carries no instrument.

I swallow, heart rate quickening. All ill will she held for me now seems to be gone, it appears, as she holds my gaze with unconcealed endearment. She reaches up to cup my face. My feet rooted to the ground, I notice how bright her hand is. So bright, it's almost golden and heavenly. My heart flutters. Her power is back!

When she touches me, I note that the music has reached its loudest, but not by any means annoyingly so. This moment may very well be the happiest of my life, I muse with glee, finding myself smiling blissfully.

She laughs, a pretty, euphonious sound, then leans forward and presses her lips to mine. My face explodes in heat at the contact, but as quickly as she leaned in she pulls away, leaving my lips tingling.

As I look at her searchingly, she opens her mouth to speak. But the voice, strangely, is not her own.

Seek forgiveness… it whispers.

I frown, beginning to feel betrayed, duped. Is this not really Zelda?

She speaks again.

Your dilemma will be solved with a gesture of love…

Then, she steps to the side, turning to show what's behind her. The stream, running through a shallow valley of foliage and trees, runs for miles on end and leads to a tree taller than skyscrapers. At the top, a beacon of light shines brightly, glinting off the golden surface of the object caught in the branches.

As I gaze at the tree, the scene begins to fade. An echoing voice sounds off in the distance as this world spins around me.

"Someday… it will come down. And I'll be jealous of whoever gets it."

That voice, unlike the last one, definitely belonged to Zelda.

Saturday, December 22nd

I wake up confused.

Pipit and Sheik are both absent. I lie in bed, breathing heavily, hands in my hair.

What the hell was that? Forgiveness? A gesture of love? This was either the most bizarre dream I've ever had, or it was some sort of prophecy. It was so surreal, though, that it had to be a message from the gods. Every time I'm about to lose hope, they find a way to send me another hint.

Pensive, I sit up. Once again, they urge me to rejoin Zelda. Even after I've given up on her. I sigh and try to clear my mind, but the guilt of yelling at her and the reluctance to put her in danger keep clouding my judgement with emotion.

They tell me to seek forgiveness. When we last fought I told her I hadn't done anything unforgivable, she was just incapable of forgiving. At that point, I had indeed given up on her, and decided to push her away for good. So I was wrong about her, and especially about myself. What I'd just done was unforgivable, without a doubt.

I'm an idiot. I can't even fathom the emotions I've put her through. All the confusion, pain, sorrow, anger, and heartbreak, most of all…. If I could take everything I said back, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. I was so concerned about keeping her safe that I didn't even treat her well.

Most of all, I manipulated her free will. This was the point she stressed to me during our first fight, our breakup. I can see it now. It's her choice; it's her life. I wanted her to be apart from me so I could ensure her safety—just so I wouldn't get hurt if anything happened to her. That was selfish. If she was happy with me and wanted to be with me regardless of the dangers and risks, who am I to say she can't?

And in the dream… Zelda had the Triforce on her hand. Suddenly, my heart rate quickens, and a small idea begins to formulate in my head. My dilemma will be solved with a gesture of love.

Love, huh? So that's how she'll get her power back. Love solves everything, it seems.

I push open the doors to Makarbucks, the little coffee shop cemented into the ground floor of the girls' dorm building. My mind is in a fit, and I need a change of scenery to organize my thoughts. After ordering decaf, I take a seat on a barstool at the back end of the shop, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer a pleasant view of the apocalyptic city.

I take a moment to look around. A few girls sit scattered about, on their laptops and nursing their beverages. Other than them, me, and the barista, the place is empty. And aside from the light acoustic music playing from the ceiling speakers, the coffee shop is rather quiet.

The barista calls my name and I retrieve my drink with a smile, then make my way back to my seat. I halt, however, when I notice the door open and two familiar figures step inside.

"You know, I don't get it," gripes Pipit to the girl beside him. "You can take my t-shirts and sweatshirts whenever you want and it's all good. But when I wear one of your dresses, it's 'we need to talk.'"

Orielle emits a giggle, wearing an undoubtedly-too-big sweatshirt that must belong to Pipit.

"Hey, um, is our order ready?" Pipit asks the barista jovially.

After receiving their drinks and paying the young lady, Pipit and Orielle link hands and move to head out. His eyes finally fall on me, then. "Oh, hey, Link!" He glances at Orielle. "Do you mind if I talk to him for just a second?"

"No problem," she says, sending me a smile before leaving.

We share a smug look with one another as he walks up to me.

"It worked," I comment.

A nod. "It worked." Pipit grins widely. "And, uh, thanks. I wouldn't have done this without you and Sheik."

"So you told her you love her," I begin curiously, "and just like that, she forgave you?"

"No, not at all. That was only the beginning. It made her realize—like Sheik said—that I was authentic, so she actually would listen to what I had to say for myself." He shrugs. "Along with countless apologies."

I blink, inspiration beginning to blossom in my mind. And suddenly, my lips break out into a big grin. "I'm proud of you, bro."

"Thanks. I'll catch you later," he says, bidding me farewell before leaving the coffee shop.

I return to my seat at the barstool and take a long swig of my drink, thinking. Like Sheik said—It'll prove that you're authentic and deserve a shot at forgiveness, you know.

So what do I do—just go up to Zelda and confess my undying love for her? After what just happened between us, she wouldn't believe me. No, I can't just tell her. I have to show her.

Your dilemma will be solved with a gesture of love.

A finger lightly taps my shoulder, effectively pulling me out of my brooding thoughts. I turn, eyebrows shooting up when my eyes fall upon a familiar redhead. "Hey," says Malon with an awkward smile.

"Hey, Malon," I respond, frowning slightly. "What's up?"

"Just wondering what you're doing here alone." She pauses. "Can I join you?"

"Sure." When settles into the seat beside me, I clear my throat and say, "I just wanted a place to sit and think."

Malon studies me with a peculiar look in her eye as I take another drink. She knows, I remind myself, that I'm Hero. All thanks to Sheik, of course. When the silence has dragged on a bit too long for my comfort, I look at her for answers. "It's been awhile, huh?" she says.

Indeed, we haven't spoken since Zelda and I were somewhat a couple. "It has." Hesitant to speak, I tongue a tooth. "…Are you mad?"

"I don't know," she admits, sighing. "You're Sheik's best friend, and because of that I trust you. But you broke her heart, Link, twice. So I don't know how to feel."

I look outside to the desolate, snowy streets, nodding plainly. "I get it. But you've got to understand, that…" I fumble for words, and Malon tilts her head in curiosity. "I've made… many enemies. That puts people I love in danger."

Her eyebrows raise. "You love Zelda?"

Like a dam breaking, all the love I'd held restrained now flows freely; finally, I've accepted it again. I nod lamely. "I always have."

Malon holds my gaze for a significant time before speaking again. "Have your enemies ever beaten you?"

"No," I tell her, "but every moment I fear that I will meet the one I can't handle." I gesture toward the window and the outside world beyond. "Like Yuga."

"Link," she says. I meet her green eyes, which reflect only sincerity. "If you truly love her, and if you truly are able to handle most of your enemies… then you won't let this Yuga guy get to Zelda."

I frown. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying it's worth the risk," she tells me. "You've been beating yourself up trying to avenge your uncle, to fill that hole in your heart. Let Zelda fill it."

Her words hang in the air. My throat tightens as I let them sink in. It's really that simple, isn't it? I've been overcomplicating things, worrying too much. I love Zelda. I treated her wrong with intentions of keeping her safe. It's about time—if she lets me—that I treat her right. I'm capable of protecting her, and soon enough she'll be capable of protecting herself.

I take a deep breath, then release it, having finally made up my mind. I meet Malon's expectant eyes, uttering one simple word: "…Okay."

Determinedly, I stand up, ready to take on the next step of my crazy plan. "Link," chimes Malon, to which I stop and look her way once more. "I wouldn't have told you this if she were totally over you. She still cares for you; I know it."

Hope blossoms in my chest, and I nod graciously at her in thanks before throwing out my half-full beverage and heading out the doors.

I think back to the dream I had last night, trying to remember every little detail, from the pretty music to the tall tree with the golden light shining from it. Gesture of love, gesture of love…

And then it hits me. Good goddesses, I know just the thing.

Castle Park has not aged well during Yuga's reign. Once a haven of serene environment and atmosphere in a city of congestion and violence, the park has since been reduced to the stomping grounds of vicious dark world creatures. It's odd, I muse as I stand at the park's edge, seeing a place people once flocked to for respite has become a forsaken woodland for monsters to dwell in.

I take in a breath of preparation before walking deeper into the park, my eyes set on the tallest tree off in the distance. The cries of beasts echo ominously from within the copses of trees as sleet falls from the gloomy skies above.

I pass through the public area without an issue, as it is out in the open and unpreferred by monsters. Once under the cover of the canopy above, though, snapping branches and hellish grunts alert my ears with growing occurrence. I pull the hood of my black jacket off my head to heighten my peripheral vision, feeling the bitter air bite at my neck. With the moon and stars blocked by thick winter clouds, visibility is sparse.

When the trees have begun to get quite taller is when I hear the closest sound to me. I creep down the path as the bushes beside me start to rustle. Then, with a sudden lurch, a creature jumps out and I leap backward defensively. I sigh, though, when I realize it's only a chuchu. After squishing the gelatinous blob under my shoe, I continue on my way.

I spot the unmistakable glow of firelight minutes later, frowning. I realize that the flames come from within a spacious cave of large rocks, hence protected from the snowy rain. A pair of bokoblins sit beside it, and I creep past them stealthily. Once at what I believe to be a safe distance from them, I start to relax and turn my head back forward—and instantly, I collide with a hulking form of fur.

My gut sinks as the being emits a startled grunt, then stands up on four legs to reach its full height. I take cautious steps backward, heart hammering as it slowly turns to face me, staring down at my miniscule form with electric green eyes.

A lynel.

Unlike the last one, this lynel bears a light-blue coat with white tiger stripes, along with a white mane crowning its head. It snarls menacingly, huffing clouds out its nostrils into the winter air, and rolls its muscular arms. After pawing a front hoof at the ground, the lion-headed centaur rears back and lets out a terrifying, ear-splitting roar that sends quakes through my body and the ground itself.

The roar ruffles the trees and awakens the dark world creatures, alerting them to the presence of prey. The howls of the wolfos, wails of the bokoblins, screeches of the lizalfos and aeralfos, and the grunts of the moblins all echo into the night. Soon enough, each beast in these woods will be vying for a chance at the kill.

I grit my teeth and curse myself for my bad luck and utter lack of awareness, but not once do I regret my decision in coming here. For Zelda, I tell myself, unwavering as I stare into the eyes of the beast.

Then, with every ounce of speed I can muster, I turn and leap off into the bushes to the right and make a break for it. The white-maned lynel roars again and tears through the trees, pursuing me with mad fervor.

I run deeper and deeper into the woods, ducking under fallen limbs and vaulting over boulders, banking off to either side here and there in attempts to lose the terrifying predator. As I race into a small clearing, patches of snow begin to appear on the ground, and one causes me to slip and fall to my knees. I yelp, realizing the lynel is closing in on me. I look over my shoulder as it bursts through the trees, and quickly send three beams of energy straight into the cat's face. It convulses, faltering, giving me enough time to scramble back to my feet and get another head start. And then I hear the pounding of hooves hot on my heels again.

After ducking under a thick branch, I nearly scream when a pair of lizalfos leap out in my path from behind a tree, temporarily cornering me. I send another round of beams their way, stunning them for enough time for me to dart around their blockade. Right when they come to, the lynel brutally shoves them aside and continues chasing after me.

The next time, a trio of bokoblins rush forward at me, and I roll under the swipe of one's tree branch and dodge the other two's claws before sprinting down the path again. When I briefly look over my shoulder, I see the lynel dealing with the trio the same way as the lizalfos. It's clear that this man-horse-cat is the king of the jungle—or this metropolitan city park, at least.

The trees, I notice as I sprint for my life, have been getting larger as I've gone on; wider trunks, and more spaced apart. I look up and conclude that these are the tallest around. I'm in the right area. Now I just need to lose this lynel.

It gets closer and closer as the trees get taller and taller, and soon enough the beast is merely inches from my heels. Panicking, I send another couple beams of energy backwards, stunning the lynel long enough for me to latch onto a tree and begin a hasty climb. I reach for branches and vault off of footholds, ascending higher and higher into the canopy above. The lynel hisses with anger, ramming into the trunk and shaking it vigorously. I cling harder onto the branches for stability, before I hear the unmistakable sound of splitting wood. The tree begins to tip, slowly falling forward; I gulp. Hoisting myself up onto the thick branch, I run down the trunk as it tips toward the ground and then leap forward, pumping my arms and legs in the air before I reach out and catch myself on the next tree.

Breathing heavily, I look back down to the lynel, which growls and opens its fanged maw. As I climb higher, I realize that the beast is summoning a ball of flames in its mouth. Cursing, I vault off of the tree and land on the next one, then dance between the branches of neighboring trees as I flee the monster's fiery breath, terrified. With another roar, it releases the ball of fire, which catches on many trunks in its path, but by now I've made enough distance.

After moving to another few trees, I can no longer see the lynel through the greenery; hopefully, that means I've lost him. Just in case, though, I'm going to climb up higher to try avoiding detection when it comes searching. Halfway up the trunk, I start to feel the weight of fatigue on my arms and legs after so much running, jumping, and climbing. But now is not the time to stop.

Once I near the top, I plan mentally, I can survey the woods and try to find the tallest tree. Then I'll make my way over there, get what I came here for, and then reunite with Zelda. This thought boosts my motivation, and all the more adrenaline pumps through my veins as I climb harder and faster.

I yelp, though, when the tree gets shaken once more, and nearly lose my grip on a branch. Looking down and quelling my inner fears of heights, I see the white-maned lynel scowling up at me while ramming into the trunk. Fortunately, this tree seems to be one of the widest; therefore knocking it down should be a difficult feat, even for a behemoth of its size and strength. Still, if it keeps at it, the lynel could cause me to lose my footing and fall to my death. What to do?

SCREEEECH!

I look up just in time as an aeralfos dives toward me, talons aimed at my neck, a small blade in its scaly hand—I quickly shoot a beam at it, and the reptile spirals off elsewhere, dropping the dagger. I reach out to catch the little weapon, charge it up with godly electricity, then throw it straight down at the lynel below.

It must have hit home, because the creature lets out a deep bellow of pain before collapsing with a thud. Could such a small blade really kill that big of a beast? If aimed right, I suppose. What luck I must have—or again, just convenient and lazy writing.

The sleet eventually melts off into normal rain, which still is bitterly cold as it soaks into my jacket and joggers. I climb the tree some more, eventually coming up over the canopy. Huh. I look up, noting a good twenty-or-so more feet to this massive thing, then realize with glee that this very tree happens to be the tallest one in Castle Park. Sighing, feeling accomplished, I begin to relax as no other threats seem to loom nearby.

SCREEEECH!

Oh, how I wish I wouldn't have said that.

The aeralfos latches onto my back, digging its sharp claws into my shoulders and emitting a piercing shriek right in my ear. I struggle against the reptilian pest, and it fights back, trying to pry me off the tree. It rips my jacket off my back, leaving me only in my white t-shirt, soaked by the blood seeping from fresh wounds. I growl and try to fire off more beams at the aeralfos, but realize with distress that I can no longer summon energy from the Triforce while wounded. The aeralfos lurches forward once more, and I jump out to wrap my arms around its neck, lifting myself onto its back. The reptile thrashes left and right, attempting to throw me off, but I tighten my chokehold around its throat and force it to bank upward. Flapping its wings and forcing out hacking noises against my grip, the aeralfos lifts me closer and closer to the top of the tree.

And then I see it.

Caught in a branch, its golden surface shimmering in the rain, is a small, beautiful harp. Its surface has neither a blemish nor a scratch, and the strings are perfectly intact, a pearl white contrast against the ethereal gold.

The rain begins to pelt down harder, making it much more difficult to hold onto the slick surface of this scaly beast. I grit my teeth and pull its neck up and toward the harp, and once close enough I reach out for it, stretching my arm and fingers until, with a quick snatch, I grasp the instrument and pull it to my chest. I smile and release the breath I'd been holding in, then tuck the harp under my shirt before forcing the aeralfos into a downward dive.

Like the last time I rode one of these bootleg dragons, I bank up once nearing the ground, slowing our descent rate before snapping the creature's neck and tumbling off into the dirt. I stagger to my feet, woozy from the pain in my back and legs, then take out the harp to study it. My eyes transfixed on its captivating aura, I take in its remarkable details and craftsmanship. U-shaped and with rounded-off hooks on either end of its golden frame, the harp is small yet dense, and feels nothing short of regal. A thin golden bar runs across from end to end, connecting the taut pearly strings to the base.

I tear my eyes away as I remember again that I'm in hostile territory. Something, I muse as the hair on my neck stands up, doesn't feel right.

Just then, I hear the heavy stomps of hooves behind me. I whirl around, face-to-face yet again with the white-maned lynel, the aeralfos's dagger buried in its left eye. The bastard had been playing dead! It snarls, pulling the blade out with a grunt as blood oozes from its mangled cornea, then throws the dagger at me. I roll out of the way as it gets buried into the tree I stood in front of, then scramble to my feet. The lynel huffs, then charges. Instincts kicking in, I pull the blade out of the tree, then duck under the lynel's large torso and drive the blade straight into where I hope its heart is. The beast bellows again, which I take as a good sign, then collapses.

I cry out in pain as the hunk of fur falls onto my legs, pinning them. Nearly crushing me under its weight, the lynel lolls its lion head forward right into my face, enveloping my head in its white mane. I grimace at its bad breath and push its head aside, trying to muster up the strength to free myself out from under it. But then, with a puff of smoke, the gigantic corpse disappears, and the weight is lifted off of me.

I continue to lie there for quite some time, temporarily forgetting where I am, and try to catch my breath and calm my stampeding heart. I take the harp and hold it above my head, once again getting lost in its mystical beauty. Gradually, like magic, the rain begins to slow then stop completely—and through the strings of the harp, I watch as the clouds above begin to part, revealing the numerous twinkling stars. In spite of my condition, I smile.

Still entranced by the sheer beauty of what's before me, I find myself counting them numbly, idly. It isn't until I hear more rustling in the bushes that I catch my focus, and then I push myself to my feet and make a run for it.

As the trees rush by in a blur, a sweet memory flashes in my mind, of simpler, happier times.

We sit on the park bench, looking through binoculars up at the tallest tree. It's been up there since I can remember, Zelda tells me. Many believe the goddesses themselves dropped it on that tree for someone special to retrieve it, but no one has. In fact I'm surprised the fire department hasn't come to get it down… I've never told anyone this, but I've always secretly wanted to have that harp. It's beautiful, you know?

Lowering the binoculars, I smile, then turn to look directly at Zelda while saying, Yeah, it really is.

Someday… it will come down. And I'll be jealous of whoever gets it.

My smile widens as I think to myself, Well, Zelda, then it's my goal to someday get that harp down for you.

Beaten, bloodied, face covered in dirt, scratched, and soaked, I gather what little courage I have left to knock on the door to Zelda's dorm. Hiding the harp behind my back, I suddenly feel my pulse begin to race as the nerves threaten to overtake me. Will it be enough? I pray to the gods that what I have to say and show to her will be enough.

Then, my heart nearly leaps into my throat when the door cracks open. "Zelda?" I call hopefully.

Surprisingly, and also disappointingly, her roommate Karane peeks through the crack. Odd—Zelda is usually alone in her dorm. After taking one look at me, Karane groans and goes to shut the door. Determined, I put a hand out, stopping her.

"What do you want, Link?"

"I want Zelda," I answer immediately. "Where is she?"

"Zelda's on a date. She doesn't need you."

"On a date?" I repeat, in denial, before I allow my heart to break with disappointment. "With who?"

Petulant, she rolls her eyes. "Does it matter?"

"Karane, listen—"

She tries shutting the door again, but I stop her once more.

"Just wait!"

"Look, I told you, she doesn't need you," insists Karane, glaring at me.

Frustrated, I run a hand through my wet locks of hair, then spill. "I know she probably doesn't, but look, I need her."

Silence ensues, and she widens the crack in the door to gaze at me with skepticism.

I take that as my cue to continue. "And I know I don't deserve another chance from her—" I pause, sighing. "But one thing I care about more than anything is her happiness."

With a snort, Karane mumbles, "That's cheesy."

"I'm being serious."

"Yeah, well, so was I. This isn't some corny romance movie, Link. You don't get forgiven for everything." She tilts her head, her eyes dropping elsewhere near me, and then points. "What's that?"

Karane must've seen the harp. I hide it better behind my back before answering, "A gift."

"Pfft. You think giving her some gift will make her want you back?"

"No."

"Then why—"

"It's something she's wanted her whole life," I explain tiredly as she remains suspicious. "I want it to show her that I truly love her, that I've always been in love with her, and that I will love her forever."

Karane hesitates, squinting green eyes at my blunt confession. "Really." She cocks an eyebrow, unconvinced. "…Forever?"

"Forever," I respond without missing a beat, as if I were speaking directly to Zelda right now instead of Karane.

The silence returns, and my words hang in the air as she studies my face for my authenticity. She lowers her eyes, suggesting that she's considering my words. What I said clearly had enough of an effect to make her at least think about it instead of merely slamming the door in my face. And, with that in mind, I obtain a glimmer of hope that she might tell me where Zelda is.

When nearly a minute passes and she still says or does nothing, my tension levels nearly reach their tipping point. Piqued, I release my frustration in the form of a cold and mulish rant.

"I am being ten thousand percent genuine, so I don't know why I'm even wasting my time with you." I shake my head in despondency. "You're clearly not going to tell me where to find Zelda, and you're just going to ruin my chances like you did with Pipit."

With that, I turn to leave, a simple, solemn frown set on my face. I stare at the harp in my hands and emit an ironic scoff, slowly and surely losing hope.

Not before I am five steps down the hall do I hear Karane speak: "Link, wait."

I stop, looking over my shoulder. "What?"

Karane pokes her head out from behind the door frame, glancing at me but avoiding eye contact. "Well, um... I lied."

Curious, I turn around and march back to where I just stood. "You what?" I ask, brows furrowed.

Biting her lip, Karane meets my gaze and releases a deep sigh. Slowly, hesitantly, the redhead admits as I look down at her expectantly, "She's… not… on a date."

I frown, muddled, but before I can even ask my next question, she opens the door all the way.

Zelda stands behind her.

My eyes widen in surprise, and I feel my heart skipping multiple beats. Karane laughs once, awkwardly. "Gotta jet," she says, brushing past me and leaving the two of us alone.

We just stand there for a brief moment, staring into each other's eyes; Zelda's lip quivers every second or two as she gazes at me emotionally. She heard everything.

Slowly, I take the harp out from behind me and show it to her. Zelda's eyes widen in shock as she stares at the instrument, her breath noticeably hitching in her chest. She takes slow steps forward, reaches out gingerly, and takes it. Staring down at its magnificent features, Zelda remains silent, beginning to tremble.

"Zelda, I was wrong," I tell her softly. She meets my gaze, sea-green eyes pools of awe and wonder, shimmering with wetness. "I tried pushing you away from me to keep you safe. And I'm very—"

Zelda cuts me off by dropping the priceless artifact onto the floor. She steps forward and pulls me into her arms, leaning into me and catching my lips with her own. My heart flutters in my chest as our sweet, sweet reunion finally hits me—this is real, this is happening, and this isn't a dream. I thank every god in existence for allowing me to exist in this one moment, kissing the girl I have so passionately loved since laying eyes on her, holding her close as if I were to lose her in the next moment. She kisses me emotionally, but tenderly, with her soft lips and I match the heat with a visceral hunger. The relief and joy that washes over me is simply unfathomable, and just like Malon said would happen, my heart now feels whole.

We finally part lips, somewhat breathlessly, and stare into each other's eyes. A single tear streams down her cheek, and she laughs gleefully as I wipe it away with my hand. I laugh too, smiling down at her in sheer bliss.

"You got it for me," she breathes, her tone reflecting the disbelief she surely felt.

"I did," I say, idly rubbing her back. "You would never believe the amount of monsters living in Castle Park."

"Is that why you look terrible?"

"I always look terrible."

She giggles and I pull her into another kiss, one that lasts a shorter period of time but still retains the amount of love I poured into the last one. When she pulls away, Zelda's expression changes ever so slightly.

I raise an eyebrow. "What?"

Zelda bites her lip, gaze falling to the floor. "Look, I… I don't think I'm ready to forgive you yet."

I furrow my brow, confused, and allow her time to continue.

"You change your mind a lot," she begins, sadness in her eyes, "and… you could change it again. You can see why I'm hesitant, right?"

I take a deep breath, but nod my accession. "Yes, but—"

She raises a finger, closing her eyes briefly as she interrupts, "Please, Link, let me explain. See, I want things to go back to the way they were before. But please understand why I don't want to give you my full trust yet."

I pause, thinking of her words. Then, I force a smile, though it fails to reach my eyes. "...Okay."

Zelda returns the same sad smile, and we fall into a comfortable silence, still holding one another in our arms. I pull her closer, and she rests her cheek against my chest.

"Zelda," I begin in a quiet, sincere tone, "when I told you I loved you, that one night, I said it for a reason."

"And I didn't say it back for a reason," she answers with complete honesty and zero intended animosity. I can tell that much.

"That's okay." I nod, stroking at her long blonde hair. "As long as things go back to normal."

She pulls back to look at me, a genuine smile turning the corners of her lips. "No."

I blink, confused.

"I want things to get better."

And her arms wrap around my neck, lips meeting mine once again.

I don't bother telling her about the possibility of reclaiming her Triforce. No, instead, I'm just happy to have my Zelda back.

The last goal I had set was to give her this harp, and I've just fulfilled it. Now, I vow with ardent certainty, my next goal is to get Zelda to trust me fully, and to earn her love completely.

Maybe the gods are on my side, it now seems.