Chapter 15
"Mmm…hello?" I felt the warm down blanket laying on my body, and I curled up in its warmth. Even though my eyes were closed, I could tell it was light.
"Jelina? Thank goodness you're awake!" I opened my eyes and saw Luigi, sitting in a chair next to me. "Hold on!" He got up and gave me a quick kiss, then ran to the door. "Guards, can you please alert the King and Queen that Jelina's awake?" He came back, embracing me. I noticed he wasn't wearing his usual jeans and tees; he had on a pair of khaki pants that were tucked into a pair of long, brown boots that shopped right below his knees. A green blazer was buttoned up to his neck, adorned with cording around the shoulders and collar. He still wore his green hat, but a patch of a lightning bolt was stitched on the back. He reminded me of a steampunk cosplayer.
"Where am I?" I was laying in a large four-poster bed, complete with curtains. The room had a fireplace with a plush couch sitting in front, an area that looked like a small study, and a small round wooden table with chairs. There were two doors: one that led to outside the room, and one that was near the small eating table. A large bay window brought bright rays of sunshine in the room. The décor was lavish, and I noticed that many of the items had small triangle symbols in the design. I was definitely in someplace fancy.
Luigi sat back in his chair, holding my hand. "We're in Hyrule castle. This is our suite. We're staying in the guest wing. Waluigi is in a room across the hall."
"When did we get here, and how?" Luigi squeezed my hand.
"Zelda arrived in Goron City after we fell asleep. She transported us shortly afterwards." His answer seemed really short…he wasn't telling me something.
"Why don't I remember getting here?" Luigi didn't say anything. "Please…just tell me the truth."
Luigi shook his head. "You…you had another fit. It was the worst I'd ever seen. I was afraid to take off your helmet…though, I'm not sure I could have with how much you were kicking and screaming. It took four Gorons to hold you down. When Zelda arrived, a weird triangle was glowing on her hand, and she immediately tore off your helmet and poured an elixir down your throat. She put her hands on your head and started mumbling something. Your body gave off a gold glow, and after few minutes, you were still."
I couldn't remember a thing. Luigi continued. "Once you had calmed down, Zelda immediately brought us here. We took you to the medical ward, but there was nothing really wrong with you…physically at least…"
"Luigi…how long have I been out?"
He hesitated. "Today makes…today makes twelve days." Holy shit…
"TWELVE? How am I still alive?!"
"Magic." Luigi hugged me. "We were all worried. Sometimes you'd mumble in your sleep, sometimes you'd scream out for people…at one point, you were crying. I've never seen you cry like that. I hated seeing you like that…we all did…" I pulled him back, wiping tears from his face. He pulled me into a kiss, and I kissed him back, happy to be awake. We heard a knock at the door and I pulled away.
"Come in!" Luigi sat back in his chair beside the bed. Three people walked in the room, one who I recognized and was so glad to see.
"Wally!" I shot out of the bed, trying to run to him. Instead, I fell face first on the floor, twisted in the white nightgown I was wearing. My mind may have been awake, but my body was weak from being in a coma for almost two weeks.
"Jels!" He caught me as I fell, lifting me up and putting me back in the bed. "I'm so glad to see you!" I felt a tingle run through my body as he picked me up; I didn't want to let him go.
"I missed you so much!" He laid me in the bed, and I pulled him into a tight embrace. I heard Luigi cough in the background, and I let go of Wally. I snickered at his outfit.
"What are you wearing?" Like Luigi, he had on his usual hat, but it had a purple mushroom patch on the back. He had on a long purple coat, a white shirt with suspenders, and long, brown trousers with brown boots. I snapped the suspenders, chuckling as he yelped. "What's up with this outfit?" He snickered.
"Wait until you see what you have to wear, toots." I gave him a confused look, and he pulled up a chair next to Luigi. I was so preoccupied with greeting him, I didn't acknowledge the two people standing at the foot of the bed. They were…wow…
I knew right away they were Link and Zelda. They both looked like they were straight out of Rivendell, or wherever elves lived in Lord of the Rings. Zelda was a little taller than Link, but both had very sharp, crisp features and long, pointed ears. Zelda's blonde hair was long and sheer, while Link's was more of a sandy blonde and on the shaggy side, pulled back in a low ponytail. They were perfect looking. I could see some resemblance in Wally and Link, mainly in their facial expressions. I still didn't know how Wario and Wally were brothers, and just assumed that Wario took after a different side of the family.
"Hello, Jelina. I am glad you are finally awake." She lowered her head. "I am Zelda, Queen of Hyrule." I bowed my head. "Please, please, there is no need for that." I raised my head, and she smiled kindly at me. "You are my guest. No need for formalities." I looked to her right, where her husband stood. He extended his hand, and I shook it.
"Hey, I'm Link! I'm finally glad to put a face to all the…" Wally shot a look at Link, and he smirked and gave a little cough. "Um…I'm very pleased to finally meet you." I gave Wally a confused look, and he avoided my gaze. Luigi looked oblivious to the entire interaction. Before I had time to dwell on it, Zelda spoke up.
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine. Well, physically I think a little woozy, but otherwise I feel fine." I noticed my translator necklace was gone. "When I got here, I had a necklace…do you know where it is?"
She smiled at me. "Oh that? You will not need it anymore. I used magic to give you the ability to understand different languages." Cool. "Can you tell me, what is the last thing that you remember?"
I scrunched my face in thought. "Don't hurt yourself…" Wally snickered, and I lightly punched him. I missed our bantering. Luigi scowled, not liking Wally teasing me.
"Ha ha, Wally." I stuck my tongue out at him, and he sniggered. "Well, I remember going to Goron city. We met with the Elder, and after that I took a nap. That's…that's it." Zelda bowed her head in thought.
"I see." It was silent in the room, and I wasn't sure what was going on. "Jelina, how much do you know about your magic?"
I thought for a moment. "Not much…I know that I can sense people and their, what I call, essences, and that's about it…" Luigi gave me a saddened look. "And…once I killed a pig thing…" I felt Luigi rubbed my shoulder and Zelda held her hand up.
"Luigi told me of this experience. You do not need to recall it at this moment in time." I sighed, not really wanting to talk about killing something.
"I hate those things," Link muttered. "They smell of wet socks." I laughed; I could tell Link and Wally had a similar sense of humor.
Zelda continued on. "I would like to meet with you and train your magical skills on a scheduled basis."
"Sure. I'd like that." I was excited to learn how to control my magic…another thought suddenly came to mind. "I'd…I'd also like to learn how to defend myself. Physically. You know, like fighting stuff." Luigi looked repulsed at the thought, but Wally chortled.
"No, I don't think that's necessary." Luigi protested.
"It's about time!" Wally smirked.
Link looked at Zelda; they seemed to be having a conversation with themselves…mentally? "I think that can be arranged," Link responded. "It's always good to know how to defend yourself." Link patted Luigi on the back; Luigi didn't look relieved. "I'll personally train her, or in my absence, my top generals or Waluigi will. She will be in good hands."
Wally seemed to like the idea of training me. "So…when do I start?" I was eager to begin training.
"I'd like to start our session tomorrow, as long as you are well enough. I'll have the physician check on you as soon as we leave." Zelda smiled.
"And we'll start our defense training when you get settled. I don't want you collapsing on the field. You'll be exhausting yourself with training your magic, and it'll take some time to build up your endurance."
"Ok." I really wanted to start now but was already growing tired from talking to everyone. "I can't wait to start." Zelda and Link bowed their heads.
"Please excuse Link and I, we need to attend court. Do not hesitate to ask for anything. You are our guest and will be treated accordingly. I will be sending the physician up briefly, and the maids are always at your disposal." She grabbed my hand, and I smiled. "I'd like to personally give you a tour of our castle and the town, as well. I look forward to chatting tomorrow. Take care, Jelina." She started to walk towards the door, and Link approached me.
"Take it easy. And keep this goofball in line." He pointed at Wally, and they chuckled. He patted my shoulder, and they left. I looked at Wally and Luigi; they were giving me a strange look.
"What? Is there something else I should know?"
Luigi answered. "No, just glad you're awake." I yawned.
"Why am I so tired? I've been in a coma for, what, twelve days, and I just want to go back to sleep…" Wally stood up, grabbing my shoulder.
"Sweetheart, you're exhausted. Get some rest. I'll be by later." He glanced at Luigi, who was giving him a frustrated look, and rolled his eyes. He hugged me, and that strange tingling feeling returned. I didn't want to let go; Wally didn't seem to mind, and we sat there for quite a while, hugging each other. Eventually I let go, and Luigi was giving Wally an irritated look. "Later, toots." He left, and Luigi sat next to me in bed.
"What's up with you and Wally?" I wasn't an idiot, he was giving Wally an annoyed almost the entire time.
"Nothing. He's just…he's just been here constantly. I had to drag him out at night, and even then, he'd still pop in to see if you were awake. And, I don't like him…I don't like him teasing you."
"That's just Wally. Told you he's protective of me." Luigi groaned. "I haven't seen him in months. Give him a break."
"I know, I know. You're right. He…he was actually really helpful in keeping me in check when you got here. I…should probably thank him." I decided not to push it, as that was a matter between Luigi and Wally. "Anything I can get for you?" I caressed his face and pulled him into a kiss.
"Food. Food would be nice." We laughed and called for a maid. She came in and Luigi requested some sandwiches and fruit, and something to drink.
"Yes, Master Luigi," she bowed and took her leave; I snickered.
"Master Luigi?" He shook his head.
"This place is very…formal. Think Renaissance period, but with magic and none of the torture stuff."
"Oh. Do they have any modern things, like…toilets?"
"Yes. They do have plumbing."
"Oh, thank god! I didn't want to shit in a bucket." Luigi snickered, and I stretched. "So, what all has been going on since we got here…besides me being conked out?"
"Well, I've been meeting with the generals to start discussing tactics. Mario has been keeping us posted on the status of the Mushroom Kingdom. So far, it's been quiet there, but we're starting to evacuate some residents to the Comet Observatory. Bowser has been acting a little odd. I don't know how to describe it, but he sent a message to Mario saying the time for true power was coming. Just…didn't seem like his usual self. We also found out a few other surrounding kingdoms and areas have been having issues…"
"Like?"
He sighed. "We found out that some other areas had missing, sick, or dead leaders. Including Pauline's ex-husband…"
"Ex-husband?!"
Luigi sighed. "Yeah. Pauline was married to Donkey Kong, a leader in a place called DK Island. It was a strange relationship…I'll tell you about that later…but he went missing not to long after…after Daisy died." My heart broke a little hearing that. "There have been others, too…a lot, actually. We found out that Queen Bean from the Beanbean Kingdom has really sick for a while." I thought of Peasley, and Luigi seemed to read my thoughts. "Prince Peasley is well. He's working on strengthening his army to assist Hyrule. We…we have a suspicion that Ganondorf was involved with it all." I frowned.
"How is Peach?"
"Restless. She's still on the Comet Observatory with Rosalina. They'll probably be visiting soon."
"I'd like to see her. I miss her." I looked down at my ring. I watched it sparkle in the light, and I grinned. "So…have you told anyone?"
Luigi blushed. "Well, it was kind of obvious. Everyone asked what the ring was, I got flustered, and they figured it out. So, essentially, yes." He sighed. "But, with everything going on, I highly doubt we'd be doing any planning…" I reached over and squeezed his hand.
"It's something to look forward to."
"Yes. Yes, indeed." There was a knock at the door. "Hold on, let me get that." An older male doctor walked in the room, smiling.
"Ah, I'm glad to see you have awakened. I just want to check that everything is in working order." The maid was also at the door with a tray. Luigi thanked her and set the tray on the table. "How are you feeling, Lady Jelina?"
"A little tired, but fine."
The doctor did a routine exam while Luigi got our lunch set up. Most of the questions were simple, such talking about any pain, soreness, or discomfort. Checked my eyes, ears, heart, lungs…when he asked about my last cycle, Luigi hid his face.
"Um…when I got here. I was on it when I arrived."
"And you are unwed, so I am assuming no chances of pregnancy."
"Well, actually, I've been, err, active. But, we've been safe." Luigi furiously blushed, and the doctor took notes.
"Very well. If you wish, I can provide an herbal concoction that will help…prevent that." I nodded, and he made a note. "Very well. I will have a maid bring it with dinner, once I have it prepared. Is there anything I can provide you?" I told him I was fine, and he declared that I was in good health, but needed to rest today so as not to prematurely exhaust myself. When he left, Luigi came up to me.
"Well…that was embarrassing…" I shrugged. I've been to doctors that ask stuff before, and I've been on birth control. But, I could see how Luigi would find it a little strange. "You strong enough to get up, or want me to bring lunch to you?"
"I want to get out of this bed." I went over to the table and we munched on our food. When we were done, Luigi went in a door that looked like the bathroom.
"I'll get you a bath started. It takes a bit to heat up the water here. They have running water, but it's not heated." I heard some water running, and he came back. "I'll bring you a fresh gown, too. The clothes are a little…old fashioned. Sorry." I asked if I could wear my yoga pants and tee, but he frowned. "I don't know where they are. When we got here, the maids took them to clean. I haven't seen them since. But our closets are stocked with clothing, so no need to worry." Luigi checked the temperature of the water, announcing that it was "soakable."
"Enjoy your bath. I have to do some training and meet with the generals…are you ok being by yourself for a while?" I gave him a kiss.
"I'll be fine. Maybe I'll catch up with Wally while you're gone."
"He might be out and about but if I see him, I'll let him know. Though, he'll probably come regardless."
I gave Luigi another kiss and headed to the bathroom. "Alright, have fun doing your…stuff." He laughed and headed out the door. The bathroom was amazing. Like the bedroom, it was very luxurious. Near the center of the room was a large clawfoot tub. Underneath was what looked like a burner to heat the water. I was happy to see a toilet against the far wall next to a large sink and lavish mirror. Everything was in accents of gold and white. This was going to be the fanciest bath I had ever taken!
I first brushed my teeth, which felt amazing. On a shelf were bottles of bath oils and salts, soaps, and towels. I picked a rose smelling oil, grabbed some soap, and slinked in the welcoming water. It felt amazing. I was in some pain, but I didn't want to take anything for it. The water helped ease my sore body, and the scent helped relax my uneasy mind. I eventually felt my fingers and toes prune, and I grudgingly got out of the tub. The soft white gown was comfortable…but I missed my usual pj pants. Plus, the undergarments here were…weird. I'd have to ask the maids where my clothes were. I don't think I could handle wearing puffy pants as underwear on a daily basis.
I looked around the room for something to do and found a few books that looked intriguing. I grabbed one about important musical instruments in Hyrule's culture. I brought the book over to the bed, but only got to the second page before I passed out.
*knock knock*
"Hey toots, you decent? Doesn't matter, I'm coming in! Brace yourself for Waluigi time!" Before I could respond, Wally came in the room. "What is this? In bed, still?"
"Yeah, I'm tired from all that sleeping." He smiled and sat in the chair next to me. He dug in his pocket and pulled out a piece of chocolate.
"Snagged this from the kitchens. Want some? It's a delicacy here."
"Uh, YES!" I took a piece of chocolate and savored the sweet taste. "How have you been? I don't know if I told you, but I've missed your face. A lot."
He grinned. "Well, my face is devilishly handsome, after all." He winked and twirled his mustache.
"Yeah, whatever. So, how are things? What have you been doing since you got here? How are you and Pauline-"
"-Woah, woah, woah! Take a deep breath…" He laughed and gave me a big smile. It was contagious, and I couldn't help laughing along with him. "I've missed your face, too. A lot." He rubbed his neck and cleared his throat. "Uh, anyways…I'm better, now that you aren't…you had…you had me really scared there for a while."
"I have a tendency to do that, don't I?"
"Trouble does seem to find you. So, back to your questions. I'm fine, been doing a lot of training," he held out his arm, flexing. I squeezed it.
"THIS is you working out? You have a long way to go, you're still like a twig." He rolled his eyes and continued.
"Also been working on my magic. Since I'm so handy with plants, I've been helping Link and Zelda set up some hedge mazes for security, and in my free time, been doing some light gardening." He opened his hand, and a small rose appeared out of thin air. I stared, wide eyed. "Impressive, I know." He smirked and waved his hand again, the rose disappearing in a flash of purple.
"Wow…neat." I looked at my hands, remembering how they glowed. "I killed a pig thing. Not as fun as growing flowers and shrubbery." Wally's expression softened, and he patted my shoulder.
"How are you handling it? You doing ok?"
"I'm…alright. It's still a little scary to know I did that." He squeezed my shoulder.
"Remind me never to piss you off. You'd be the death of me. But seriously, you ok?"
"Yeah. It was…surreal. I was just acting on instinct. If I had to, I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
"You are one strong chick." I chuckled, and his eyes glanced to my ring. "So…engaged, huh?" He tried to smile, but there was something a little…sad in his gaze.
"Yeah. But nothing's going to happen until all this is over. Too much shit going on." He took my hand, looking at the ring.
"Pretty ring. Congrats." He put my hand down, still giving that same saddened expression.
"How's Pauline?"
"We're ok. I haven't seen her since I left months ago. The carnival shut down, and she went back to DK Island for a while. She has some extended family there." He sighed. "It's been hard to reach her."
"I…heard about her ex-husband. Sorry that happened to her."
"We've all hit hard times. It makes me mad knowing that Ganondorf was probably behind it all." He growled at that last remark, clenching his fists. "I still haven't forgiven what he did to you. If I see that bastard-"
I leaned over, embracing Wally. Wally hugged me back, burrowing his head in the nape of my neck. I heard him give a little sniff; he was doing a good job at hiding how upset he really was. "We'll both get him, Wally." I felt that strange tingle again…I had no idea what it was, but I felt comforted and safe in Wally's arms.
"Yeah…well, we can't personally take him down. That'll be Link's job." He looked worriedly at the door. "Link's been 'chosen as the new hero' or some bullshit. He has to fight him, on his own." I grabbed Wally's hand, giving it a squeeze. "He puts on this brave face, but I know my cousin well enough to know…I know he's scared." Wally shook his head. "He and Zelda are going to be making some trips in the near future to shrines, sacred fountains, other providences...apparently, he'll need their help…but he has to go on all these quests and train with them, get some special abilities they possess. A lot of shit." He ran his hand through his hair. I recognized that as one of Wally's frustrated mannerisms. "And, to top that, more monsters are coming out. More places are getting attacked. Diamond City was attacked, and everyone there fled to surrounding cities. Wario and Mona are safe but won't tell me where they are. I think they're in Beanbean Kingdom. And…Zelda is starting to get some pretty dark premonitions...it's going to get really shitty if her visions come true."
"Do they come true?"
"Usually. It has to do with her magic, something that has been in her family for ages. She…she predicted that your magic would be pivotal to saving everyone…" My eyes grew wide.
I started shaking. "Me? My magic? Responsible for…for everyone?!" I started hyperventilating, something I did when I began to panic. "I can't even control my magic! I-I-I can't even-"
"Hey, come here." Wally pulled me in a tight embrace. "Shhh…Breathe…you aren't alone, and we'll help you. We're going to teach you how to use your magic, and you're going to learn to defend yourself…Hopefully when Zelda visits these sacred places, her visions will become clearer, and we'll have more answers." I felt tears streaming down my face, and Wally wiped them away. His hands lingered on my cheeks, making sure I wouldn't look away. "It's not going to happen overnight. We have time." I sat there, thinking of my role in everything. Why was my magic so important? Why was I so important? How did I come from being a simple person in Phoenix to someone who'd save the world? It was a lot to take in.
"I kind of miss Phoenix right about now. I miss my boring life…" I started thinking of everything that happened in Phoenix, and I froze. "Do you think…do you think Ganondorf was the one who sent me here?" My mind started wandering, and I became sick at the thought. "Do you think he…killed…"
Wally embraced me again. "Jellybean, my jellybean…" I felt him rubbing my back, then running his fingers through my hair. "He might have sent you here, but anything that happened in Phoenix with…with your parents…and your sister…he didn't do that." I started balling, thinking of the death of my family. I couldn't stop. Maybe it was the stress with everything I'd gone through with the sheer amount of pressure that was on me for the future. Whatever triggered it, I couldn't take it. I felt my shoulder become a little damp; Wally was crying with me. "I wish I could take your pain away…I hate seeing you so hurt." I heard him mumble in my shoulder. I don't know how long he consoled me, rocking me back and forth, but eventually my tears subsided, and I peeled myself away.
"Is there anything else I need to know?" Wally thought for a moment, shaking his head.
"I'm sure there is, but I can't think of anything else. Just…" he sighed. "Just, be careful. Listen to what we have to tell you, especially Link and Zelda. And don't do anything too stupid." He stood up, and I frowned. "What's the long face for?"
"Just…didn't want you to be going so soon. Hope I didn't scare you away…I know you hate crying…" He looked alarmed for a moment.
"No, you didn't scare me away. You can cry, you've been through enough where I'd be concerned if you didn't cry. I really don't mind. I'm…I'm always here for ya, toots." He smiled, and I gave him a small smile in return. "There's my Jels. I know you have the day to yourself, and I plan on staying with you until I'm kicked out." He walked to the fireplace, looking at the various boxes on the shelves. "I was going to suggest playing some games. How about a game of chess, or a board game?"
Wally and I ended playing games the rest of the day, which greatly lifted our spirits. Playing games with Wally was completely different than the others…Wally liked to cheat. A lot. But I found I enjoyed playing just as dirty. I was pretty underhanded and sneaky if I wanted to be. Though, the only game we didn't cheat on was Chess. He said that it was a serious game, and the person with the best brains would win: no cheating allowed.
"Want to make a bet on best two out of three?" Wally leaned in his chair. I leaned back, thinking.
"What shall we bet?"
"How about…winner gets to choose the person's outfit tomorrow. They have some really goofy and ridiculous clothes here." I agreed, and we shook on it. "Shall we?"
Wally won the first game.
"Knew I was always smarter. Your strategy isn't that great." I scowled. "I'm thinking something really frilly. Lots of fluffy layers. And really girly, because you love that." I rolled my eyes and set up the next game. The second game, I won.
"Who's smarter now? Watch out, I think tight pants might be in style. And a frilly shirt as well."
We were halfway through our last game when Luigi came in. "Oh, hey babe! We're just finishing a game. It's down to the wire…" Wally was deep in thought, his tongue sticking out as he pondered his move. Luigi came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulder. He kissed the top of my head, looking at the pieces.
"Want some help?"
"No cheating on this one, toots. You know the rule." Luigi gave Waluigi a puzzled look.
"You always cheat."
"Not this time. We, as in both of us, already cheated in a bunch of other games, but this is the only game we won't cheat in." Wally was grinning. He moved his knight. Shit, he was about to get my king! I knew I was done. I looked at Wally, and he was giving me a smug look.
"Checkmate. Good game." He held out his hand and I gave it a shake.
"Good game. I'll get you back next time." He grinned.
"I'm going to look in your closet. This is going to be hilarious." Wally walked off to the closet, and Luigi looked confused.
"Why…why is Waluigi in our closet picking out your clothes?"
"A bet. I lost. He gets to pick what I wear tomorrow." Luigi just shrugged his shoulders, mumbling how we were weird.
"Ooh, you're going to hate this…" Wally snickered. He came out, giving me an evil grin. "I will let the maids know. They'll have to help you get ready…" Ug, I'm going to really hate this. "Enjoy breathing today, because I heard corsets are a bitch."
"Wally, I'm taking a tour with Zelda tomorrow. It can't be anything-"
"Everything in your closet is appropriate. You have some of the highest quality clothing Hyrule has ever seen. You are, after all, a highly esteemed guest of the King and Queen." Luigi nodded in agreement.
"He's right. We have been deemed their most honored guests."
"See?" Wally gave me a hug before he left. "Get some rest, and I look forward to seeing you prance around in your princess-like dress tomorrow." I was surprised when he went up to Luigi and patted his shoulder. "See ya tomorrow. You two enjoy your night." He practically skipped out of the room; Luigi looked confused.
"Ok…he's in a good mood." Luigi came over to me, pulling me into a tight kiss. "So, what would you like to do tonight? I'll have dinner sent up here. You can't leave the room in a nightgown, and it's not worth the effort to get dressed up to wander the halls." He looked at the games. "How about a game or two of Scrabble?" I grinned.
"You're on."