Chapter 17
"Jelina, hey, sweetie…" I felt Luigi nudge my shoulder. "Time to wake up." I groaned, swatting at Luigi to go away.
"Just five more minutes…five more…" I felt the blankets being pulled away from me. I desperately clung on, and Luigi snickered.
"Nope, not going to happen. Breakfast is here, and after we eat, you'll meet with Link to start your defense training. We've got about an hour." I sat up in the bed, seeing that it was still completely dark outside. I scowled.
"Did I ever tell you how much I hate mornings?" Luigi jumped on the bed, tackling me in a hug.
"I think once or twice…or every morning." I giggled as he started tickling me. "If I have to do this every morning to get you out of bed, I will."
I couldn't breathe, and caved in. "Alright, alright! I'm getting up!" I leaned over and gave him a kiss, which he gladly returned. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and I heard a slight moan escape from his throat. Our kissing began to get heavier, and I pulled back, slightly out of breath. "An hour, you say?" I bit my lip, and his eyes became lustful; a small smirk grew on my face.
"I think we have some time to spare…"
After our intimate moment, the sun had risen and we were making our way to the training grounds. "Are you staying?" I asked Luigi as we opened the gates to Link's private grounds.
"No, I'm going to call Mario and do some planning with him."
"Everything ok?" Luigi sighed.
"Yes, I'll tell you all about that later. Don't worry about it, just focus on your training." He gave me a kiss on my cheek. "I'll see you at lunch." He left as I walked on the grounds; Link was waiting for me with a cheerful smile on his face.
"Good morning, Jelina! Sleep well?"
"I did, thank you. Though, I'm not much of a morning person."
"Me, neither…Zelda's nickname for me is sleepyhead. I'd much rather be in bed right now; but, alas, we have important things to work on." He stretched. "Now, I'd just like to focus on some basics. You don't need to know how to fight in combat, so we won't be using swords and shields today. Not saying you'll never learn how to yield a sword and shield, or tactical combat," he said, noticing my frown, "but you won't be charging into battle." He smirked. "That's more my job in this whole thing."
"Are you scared to fight?" I asked. Link nodded.
"Of course. Are you scared for whatever your role is?"
"Does it really matter if I'm scared or not? I don't really have a choice."
Link gave me a sad smile. "We always have a choice. Sometimes, though, our choices have great consequences."
I gave Link a serious look. "Seems our choices determine the fate of everyone. It's a lot to take in." He reflected my look.
"Jelina, if you feel overwhelmed, don't forget you have people to talk to, including me. Don't bottle everything up and keep it all to yourself and be that strong, silent person who is secretly a wreck. My ancestors, and myself included, have struggled with that." I looked down, knowing I was not very good with expressing how I felt, choosing to just push the thoughts aside and suck it up. I was scared, terrified even. I had no idea what my role was in all of this, but it was big.
"I journal…" Link put a hand on my shoulder.
"I know how difficult it is to talk to people and put on a brave face. Just know it's ok to tell others how you are really feeling. I know I'm scared half to death on what I have to do. And I know you are, too." I looked at his hand and saw the triangle shimmer slightly on his hand.
"Why does your hand glow like that? I saw Zelda's hand glow, too."
"It's my piece of the Triforce. How much do you know about the Triforce?"
"Not much."
"I'm sure Zelda can go into details with you about it, or you can read about it." I kept staring at his hand. "They're pieces from the three Goddesses. I have Courage, Zelda has Wisdom, and Ganondorf has Power. Each piece has special abilities…Zelda has premonitions and has been granted great knowledge from the Goddess Nayru. She can communicate telepathically, which will come in handy when I'm on my journey."
"Have you guys talked telepathically?" Link smirked, tapping his temple. He grew quiet for a moment, then laughed.
"She said she's not looking forward to meeting with the court because it will take her away from researching what's going on. She'd rather be in the library than listening to gossip about the latest hair trends." I laughed along with him. "And she wishes you well in our training. So, Ganondorf's piece is from Din. The holder is able to channel strength beyond what any person could possess. In the past, the bearer has been able overtake Hyrule through force, unable to be defeated by anyone but the barer of Courage."
"You."
He pointed to himself. "Correct. I am the courageous swordsman. I've always been daring and talented with a sword, really good at figuring out military strategy. I went from being a mere soldier to a high-ranking officer by the age of fourteen. I have some magical skills…not as much as Zelda or Ganondorf…but I am able to face and overcome fears to protect others. I'm the one who will end Ganondorf, restoring the Triforce and granting Hyrule, or in our case, everyone peace."
I really didn't know how to respond to that, choosing to look down at my feet. "How do you stay strong? I feel helpless. I find myself just pushing how I feel aside so I won't crumble," I murmured. "And I don't want to weigh down people with my problems." Link patted my shoulder, giving me a smile.
"I know my role, and my choice is to fight for the world to be restored to peace. It won't be an easy journey, but I have faith, courage, and most importantly, support. You have those things, too." I gave him a skeptical look. "Jelina, I know some people who love you more than you can imagine. You aren't alone in this journey." He clapped his hands together, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "I think you'll find with some training, you'll be more confident in yourself. Let's start focusing on your defensive tactics."
For the next few hours, Link started teaching me how to anticipate different attacks, and how to protect myself against them. At first, I impulsively channeled my magic, which Link scolded me for. With no help from my magic, I was clutzy and easily overtaken. Still, I wouldn't quit. I was determined to learn, and after a few hours, I was sore, bruised, and sweaty, but proud that I had started figuring out how to do some basic dodging and predict simple moves. I still had a lot to learn, but Link was right: my confidence was boosted.
"Well, how do you feel?"
I panted a little, wiping sweat off my forehead. "Good! I feel a little invigorated!" I bounced on the balls of my feet, enjoying the surge of energy. "Though, I wouldn't mind starting a little later…"
Link belted out a hearty laugh. "Unfortunately, this is when we have to train. Just how scheduling works. But, you'll get used to it…" I gave him a skeptical look. "Or tolerate it." We walked out of the training grounds and back to the castle. "I know you'll want to train all the time, but Zelda and I figured we'd alternate days, to help with your energy. So, tomorrow morning you'll meet with her to train in your magic." I liked that plan. "Alright, go get cleaned up, and I'll see you at lunch."
"Do I have to wear a dress?" I wasn't too excited to go through that again.
"No, and Zelda informed staff that you won't be requiring assistance from a maid, unless it's a special occasion. Your room should be quiet when you get there. Though, I do want guards posted by your door at all times, for safety measures."
"Thanks, I understand." I gave him a small bow, to which he returned the gesture. I went to my room and ran straight to the bathroom to start a bath. I looked in the mirror, and I was definitely gross. My hair was sticking to my face, and small patches of dirt and what looked like blood covered my body. I found a clean pair of tan pants and a plain white shirt, as well as my clean undergarments, and put them in the bathroom to easily change after my bath. While waiting for the bath water to warm, I rummaged through various drawers in my room. I found the jewelry, gasping at the glistening rings, earrings, and necklaces. But that wasn't what caught my eyes. "There you are!" Laying amongst the jewelry was my bicycle necklace. Smiling, I took it out, excited to wear it again. Aside from my ring, it was my favorite and most precious piece of jewelry.
My bath felt wonderful, and after getting cleaned up, I practically skipped downstairs to lunch. I was sore, I was tired, but having a goal and working on something felt wonderful. I felt empowered! I passed a few Lords and Ladies that I had met the previous day. They gave me shocked looks at my attire. I gave them a small smile and wave as I passed, which further confused them. I didn't care; I had no desire to impress them. When I arrived at the table, Link, Zelda, Wally, and Luigi were all waiting for me. I greeted them with a cheery smile, which they all returned.
"Hey, you're wearing the necklace I got you!" Wally beamed.
I grinned in return. "I felt weird without it!" I sat next to Luigi, kissing his cheek. At first, he smiled, but when getting a closer look at me, he frowned.
"You're full of cuts and bruises! Are you ok?" I nodded.
"Luigi, I'm fine."
He gave Link a scowl. "Are you sure you aren't going too hard on her?" I looked around the table. Wally was shaking his head, while Link look amused. Zelda appeared to be analyzing the situation with a stoic expression. I was too tired to tap into my magic to really determine what they were thinking, and just assumed Wally and Link were amused, and Zelda was playing it safe. I already knew Luigi was annoyed; it didn't take magic to figure that one out.
"We haven't done anything that an entry level soldier wouldn't be subjected to."
"And that's supposed to comfort me? Jelina's not a soldier!"
"Well, I think it makes her look tough." Wally winked at me. "She's not a porcelain doll. A few bruises aren't going to kill her."
"I know that, but I don't want her to be hurt…maybe this isn't a good idea." I rubbed his shoulder, shaking my head.
"Link isn't too hard on me. I'm just clutzy. Half of these are from me tripping over my own feet." I looked over at Wally. "I really look tough?"
He laughed. "Sure, I'd be scared of you if you were trying to attack me." I rolled my eyes. "But I've seen you in the morning, pissed off because I ran out of coffee. So, I might be a little biased." Luigi scowled, and Wally gave him an exasperated sigh. "You know I'm right on that. She's a monster. Almost clawed my face off because I woke her up before the crack of noon." Link belted out a laugh.
"Hey, I'm not that bad! I just hate waking up."
"Luigi, in all seriousness," Zelda cut in, "this will be good for her. If learning anything from Hyrule's history, knowing how to defend oneself is imperative to survival. And even though she has magic, there may be times she will be unable to utilize it."
I started picking at the food on my plate. Luigi sighed, caving in. "I still don't like this, but I know you are right." He looked at me, sighing. "I just hate that you are hurt."
"Luigi, I actually feel pretty good! I made some progress this morning." Link smiled, nodding.
"I think with consistent training, you'll be able to defend yourself well in a pinch. Maybe even knock some enemies down." I smiled, and I saw Wally giving me a proud look. Luigi still looked hesitant with me doing training but was glad I was improving none the less. "So, what do we have on the agenda for the rest of the day?"
Link, Luigi, Wally, and Zelda began talking about their plans. Link and Zelda had to attend court, Luigi had some meetings with generals, and Wally was going to train. I didn't really have anything planned, and Zelda recommended that I read some literature on Hyrule. "Hyrule Historia should be in your room. You can sit in the gardens. It's quite lovely and peaceful, especially since it's being so well taken care of." She nodded at Wally, who blushed. "That, or you can attend court with Link and I again."
"No, I'll pass. Not that your court isn't…nice…but not really my scene." Luigi snickered at this remark.
"I completely agree. They're so uptight," he whispered in my ear. "It takes work to be social here. Toads aren't that hard to please, at least." I couldn't disagree and continued to munch on my lunch.
"Luigi, what did you have to discuss with Mario this morning?" Luigi sighed.
"We were discussing that before you arrived. Mario said things are getting worse in the Mushroom Kingdom. There have been more attacks...luckily no one has gotten hurt, but there have been some close calls. It's getting to the point where Mario can't keep everyone safe." He groaned, and I saw everyone give a sad look. "We've evacuated almost everyone from the area onto the Comet Observatory, but now he's dealing with neighboring areas getting attacked, like Sarasaland, DK Island, and Beanbean Kingdom. They've all been dealing with monsters that they aren't used to fighting…it's becoming too much."
"What is he going to do?" I looked at Luigi, rubbing his shoulder.
"I'm meeting with the generals after lunch to discuss providing additional resources to him. Ones that are more accustomed to those types of creatures." I was worried, and it must have been evident on my face.
"Don't worry, Jelina, we are taking care of it." Zelda gave me a reassuring look. "Please, do not let this impact your goals, or more importantly, your pleasant mood. I promise, we are going to do everything we possibly can to assist Mario and the neighboring kingdoms." I opened my mouth to argue, but Luigi patted my leg.
"Please, just trust us on this. Don't add this to your list of worries." I closed my mouth, dropping the subject. The rest of lunch was quiet, and when we finished, I looked at Luigi.
"I'm going to grab a few books from the room. Coming?" Luigi shook his head.
"I would, but the generals are probably waiting for me." He frowned. "Sorry, sweetie."
"It's ok. I understand." He leaned over and kissed my cheek.
"I'll go with you. I can show off my handiwork in the gardens." I smiled, agreeing. We all stood up, getting ready to depart our separate ways.
"I'll see you tonight. Love you," I gave Luigi another kiss. He smiled, then walked off in the same direction as Link and Zelda. Wally walked over to me, holding out his arm.
"Shall we?" I gave a nod, though he noticed I wasn't as chipper as usual. "Cheer up, toots. If you're worried about Mario and everyone over there…I know Link will do everything he can to help him out." I nodded, knowing he was right, and gave him a small smile. "So, I've been working on the hedges and adding some piranha plants…" As we linked arms and walked towards my room, I felt that tingling sensation again. It was strange; every time I touched Wally, I felt this strange connection. It was a warmth that spread to my core, a welcoming feeling that made me feel safe and content. I wondered if our magic was linked somehow, though it didn't make sense. He had elemental magic, where I had something completely different. I was thinking about our magic when Wally shook my arm.
"Are you listening, Jels?" I looked at him, shaking my head.
"Sorry, I was thinking."
"Don't hurt yourself," he snickered. "You're already beat up enough." I lightly shoved my shoulder into him, and he laughed. He looked down at me. "Care to share what about?"
I stopped, and he skidded to a halt with me. "Promise not to laugh?" He gave me a smirk, and I frowned. "I'm serious, Wally." His smirked fell.
"What's wrong, toots? I promise, I won't laugh."
"I know it sounds weird, but…well…every time we touch, I get all tingly. Have you noticed that? I've noticed that since we've entered Hyrule." Wally scrunched his face, thinking. "Please, I'm being serious."
"…yeah, I've noticed something. But I haven't really thought much of it." I looked at him, but he wouldn't meet my gaze. I had the feeling he was lying. I tried to see his essence to see what he was possibly feeling or thinking, but I couldn't. All I got was a weird, white glow.
"Why is your face all scrunched? Feeling ok? Do we need to get you to a bathroom?"
"Uh, no…it's my magic. I can't reach to you. At least, not how I reach others. You emit this bright, white light. But I can't hear thoughts or sense any emotions."
"So, what you're saying is, I'm special? Is that what you're telling me?"
"Something like that." He snickered but noticed how concerned I looked.
"We can ask Zelda about it. She is the token 'know it all,' after all." I nodded at that, and we continued walking to my room.
"That is true. She is almost like a walking encyclopedia, and if not, she'll research it." We made it to my room, and Wally stopped in front of my door.
"Ladies first." He opened the door and bowed deeply.
"Well, shouldn't you go in first, then?" I could hear the guards snickering underneath their armor.
Wally laughed. "You're such a smart ass. Do you talk to Luigi like that? I'd imagine he'd be constantly crying in a corner if you did…" I rolled my eyes. "Get in there and get your books. Hurry your ass up, I want to show you the gardens. I've been working on them since I got here. You're going to be marveling at my work."
"Maybe. Or I'll just pity your work and say it looks great. Don't want to hurt your feelings." Wally pushed me in the room as I was laughing.
"Just get your stuff so we can go, will ya? I'll be right here."
"Oh Wally, I've missed our banters." I heard him chuckle as he started talking with the guards outside my room. I grabbed the book I started reading about musical instruments, as well as Hyrule Historia. I thought if there was anything else I'd want to take with me and grabbed a soft blanket from the couch. It was cooler outside and snuggling up in a blanket would be nice. "Hey Wally, I need to use the bathroom, but can we stop by the kitchens on the way out? I want to get a tea." I heard him say it was fine, and I quickly ran to the bathroom. When I came back out, I heard the guards and Wally talking. I slowly approached the door, trying to ease drop on the conversation.
"Meghan and I are going to Thelma's tonight after my shift."
"Don't come in hung over again! But a tall one sounds good about now. What about you, Waluigi? How are things with Pauline? Haven't heard you talk much about her since someone has showed up."
"Yeah, Wally." I heard the guards snicker.
"Oh, knock it off!" The guards continued to snicker. "Pauline's somewhere in DK Island with Diddy and Dixie." I heard him sigh. "It's pretty much over. Haven't officially broke it off because I haven't talked to her, but it's done." The guards stopped their laughter, and I heard a clank of armor; one of the guards must have shifted.
"Sorry to hear that. You want to grab one with me and Meghan? She has a cousin that is quite the looker who could join us. I know it's not," he gave a pause, "well…it could be a good distraction."
"Nah, but thanks."
"Hey, why haven't you introduced her cousin to me?" The other guard sounded a little offended.
"Because you're a half-wit?" They started laughing again, and I started laughing out loud. They abruptly stopped. Whoops, I thought to myself, cover is blown. Wally walked in the room, crossing his arms.
"Ready?" I squeaked.
"You really need to learn to be sneakier. Haven't I taught you anything?" I laughed, and he grabbed my stuff, escorting me to the gardens. We stopped by the kitchen for a tea, and as we walked, he gave me a serious look. "How much of the conversation with the guards did you hear?"
I frowned. "Enough. Why didn't you tell me you were through with Pauline?" He wouldn't meet my gaze.
"You have enough shit to worry about, toots. My so-called love life doesn't need to be one of them."
"Wally, what goes on in your life is important to me. So, tell me, what happened? Did you just drift apart?"
Wally sighed. "When everything started happening, she seeked refuge in DK Jungle with her extended family. We just grew apart. Not sure if it was the distance, or everything that's going on, but we just aren't what we used to be." I gave him a sad look.
"I'm sorry. I liked Pauline."
He shrugged. "Yeah, me, too. But it's ok. I have enough shit going on that'll keep me distracted." He looked down at me, smirking. "Like keeping your sorry ass safe." I groaned, giving him a look.
"Really? That's what you have to say? You've been with Pauline for, what, a year plus, and that's all you have to say?" I became angry, and I suddenly skidded to a halt. "Wally, quit bullshitting with me. You are saying that losing the love of your life is nothing? Just something you can shove aside?"
We had reached the gardens and Wally tugged at my arm, pulling me to a small concrete bench. We sat down, wrapping the blanket around our shoulders, and he sighed. "Pauline was never the "love of my life," as you call it. I'm not sure she ever really loved me. I mean, she did, but not how she loved Donkey. She was head over heals in love with him. Me? I think I was a substitute."
"Why do you say that? You two always looked so happy together."
He hesitated, and I leaned into him, trying to comfort him. "You really want to know?" I nodded. "I'm warning you, it might be a little more information than you want to hear…" I patted his knee and smiled.
"Wally, you're my best friend. You can tell me anything."
He sighed. "Ok…don't say I didn't warn you." I waited, and he finally continued. "The last night I saw her, we were…messing around…she called out his name." My eyes grew wide, and I was speechless. "Several times." I gasped, and he shook his head. "She didn't even realize it. I mean, here we were, having what I was considering one of the last fucks we'd get in a long time, and she just yelled out his name. Screamed it, actually. Kind of ruined the mood, and what I thought of us." I gave Wally a hug, and he clung on to me. "We had quite a bit to drink, but…"
"You don't deserve that. I'm not sure what I'd do if that happened to me. Cry and run away? Or slap them?" He pulled away and gave me a look that made my heart ache.
"I think I'm that rogue, devilish guy that is meant to be forever alone. I didn't really have anyone serious before Pauline, and with everything happening now, doesn't look like I'll have anyone." I felt so bad for Wally, and tears started pooling in my eyes. Here was a man who had done everything in his power to love and save me unconditionally, and yet, he felt he wasn't deserving of love. I tightly hugged him, feeling the tears fall like a river down my face. I didn't know how to tell him, but I loved Wally more than he would ever know. We sat on the bench for a while, and he pulled back, patting my shoulders.
"Awe, c'mon, toots. Don't get all sappy on me. I'll be ok." I wiped the tears from my face, and he smiled. "You're more than enough to deal with for the time being. I'll be fine." I knew he was lying, but I didn't want to push him on the subject. "How are things with you and Greenie?"
"Good, but I wish he wouldn't worry so much about me getting hurt." Wally chuckled.
"Well, that's how he is. Always been like that." I shrugged.
"I just wish he'd have more confidence in me, rather than worrying."
"Just keep being your stubborn self. If he doesn't get how strong you are, he's denser than I thought." I took a sip of my tea, enjoying the warmth it gave. I looked around at the gardens, taking in the beauty. We were sitting by a small fountain in the center of Zelda's garden. Tall, thorny bushes bustling with white and red roses surrounded our area. It smelled heavenly, and I felt like I was sitting in a fairytale garden.
"This area is amazing. You did all this yourself?"
He smirked. "Yup. When I got here, this entire area was full of weeds and ugly shrubs that smelled like cat piss."
"I think this will become my new favorite place. It's so peaceful."
"Yeah, it's pretty amazing. Especially since I made it." I laughed and was happy to see a grin grown on his face. "I still have a lot of work to do, but this is one of the safest places you can be in the castle area right now. And," he pointed up towards a window looking over the gardens, "that's my room. I have the perfect view of my handiwork." I laughed.
"Seriously, I think this will be my new hang out spot. I need some place to escape to." He looked pleased that I found this area a place of refuge.
"Besides Greenie being a little…slow…how are you hangin' in there, toots?" I remembered my conversation earlier with Link and decided to tell him the truth. I told him how scared I was, how I was worried I'd mess everything up, and ultimately how afraid I was to let everyone down. I was confused on what my role was, which left me more anxious. I didn't like having this much responsibility. Wally just sat there, letting me rant. Eventually, I stopped, not knowing what to say. He pulled me into a hug and gave me a tight squeeze.
"You've always got me, toots. Always. Don't ever forget that." We sat there for a while; I was enjoying that strange, tingling sensation that made me feel content. When we pulled away, I gave Wally a serious look.
"Why is this happening?"
"I don't know. But we'll get through it." Wally stood up, stretching, and handed me a book. "I'd hate to leave but I have some work to do. Get some reading done, or Zelda will kill me. She'd probably say you wasted a perfectly good afternoon that could have been used for researching." He looked like he was deciding something, then grinned. He waved his hand, giving me a single blue rose. "For you, my Jelly bean." I took the rose, marveling at its beautiful hue. It glistened and shimmered in light and I was memorized by its beauty. I wondered what a blue rose meant, and when I looked up to ask, he was gone.