Summer of Our Discontent

When We Were Young

A beautiful young girl with blonde hair ran across the shores of Lake Hylia. It was a perfect day; the guays were flying around the few houses built around the lake. The sun was giving off a golden glow that resembled the Triforce's special glow. The young girl running around was known as Zelda. She was having a spectacular time at the beach, she felt as if her life couldn't get any better.

"Be careful, sweetheart!" Her mother called out, relaxing in a foldable lounge chair with one of her close "mom" friends. At least that's what Zelda referred to her as. Her "mom" friend's name was Rose. Zelda's mom had told her on several occasions that Rose had a son that was at least a year older than Zelda, and one day they would get to meet each other.

Zelda didn't want to meet anyone though, she was happy with the friends she already had, not to mention she couldn't be friends with anyone of the opposite sex without being accused of liking him. She didn't complain however, since it was such a perfect day. Instead, she continued to play around the sand, letting the ice cold water brush up against her toes. She examined the waters carefully, eyeing an odd structure buried deep beneath the waters.

'The water temple,' she thought smiling. She had heard many stories about the Water Temple. The Hero of Time had slain a dangerous monster known as 'Morpha' there, and restored peace and tranquility to the temple as well as the lake. It was such a pleasant thought, the 'peace and tranquility,' that is. The song the Hero used to warp to the Lake was taught in music class, it was known as the 'Serenade of Water.' On a regular ocarina it had no effect, but on the Ocarina of Time it did. Zelda dug deep into her pocket and pulled out her own Ocarina, covered in lint and fuzz. She dusted it off softly, smiling as she brought it to her lips. She played the Serenade of Water as best as she could remember it. The soft tones of the song almost brought her back to the troubled days, she felt as if she were the Princess. The princess in the legend had gone undercover to help the Hero on his quest to save Hyrule. She taught him melodies that would aid him & lead up to her revealing her identity, known as one of the greatest revelations of all time.

Zelda and her ocarina became one, as she played with emotion, the sounds outside of her music became foreign to her. Nothing could distract her from her music, or so she thought.

Bam!

A large tuft of sand had been thrown at her head, the impact so strong Zelda fell over. She groaned, sitting up. She heard someone laughing at her heartily. Flushed with anger, Zelda brushed the sand off her hair, getting up & turning around to face whoever threw the sand. In front of her, with a toothy grin was a young boy. He was a bit taller than her, with blue eyes and light brown hair. He was wearing a plain white T-shirt, and had basketball shorts on. He wasn't wearing any shoes, and his hands were messy with sand. He stared at her for a long time, his eyes sparkling.

She realized how close she had been to him; they were only a few inches away from each other. Blushing, Zelda stepped back and bit her lip awkwardly.

"My mom was right." He said, staring at her intently. "You're pretty." He whispered, quietly but enough for Zelda to hear.

This made Zelda blush even more.

"Wha- who are you? And whose mom are you talking about? R-Rose?" She said frantically.

"Yeah. I guess?" He said, stepping closer to her.

She took a large step back.

"Who are you and why did you throw sand at me? That wasn't very nice, I was playing my ocarina!"

"I'm Link. You know, 'Rose's' son. She brought me here so I could meet you. She's told me a lot of great things about you. I think I might like you." He said smiling. "You know, as a friend."

"Well maybe I would have liked you too – if you hadn't thrown sand at me and made me fall down!" Zelda yelled.

Link frowned.

"You shouldn't have chosen to play at that moment."

"What do you mean I shouldn't have chosen to play at that moment? I've been here for an hour, if you were smart you would have come here before I started playing!"

"Oh, so I'm dumb to you?" He said with a glare, "well your mom was basically screeching your stupid name through a freaking bullhorn and you still couldn't hear her! Are you deaf?"

"Okay, that does it. My name is NOT stupid. Your name is though! 'Link?' Your mom obviously lacks originality."

"Don't talk about my mom like that!" He said angrily.

Zelda huffed, grabbing her tiny bucket and scooping up some water, she let it pour onto Link's head. He screamed, jumping up and down. The water had been icy cold. Shivering, he tackled Zelda, tugging on her hair.

"Ow! Let go of me you meanie!" They rolled over and over, sand sticking onto them like fairies from a fairy fountain. He only held onto her tighter as they continued to argue.

It was at that point, any friendship between the two was completely erased. Link had set out to make her life a living hell. It was a rivalry that would last a lifetime, and would be rekindled with her best friend…

Ring-ring!

Zelda bolted upright in her bed, holding onto her head. She glared at her alarm clock, yanking the plug out of the outlet. Today was the 'big day,' the first day Zelda would be able to hang out with her friends. Malon had texted her, telling her to meet outside of Telma's bar, bring rupees to spend and a bathing suit. With her dream still vivid in her mind, Zelda did not have a good feeling about this, but erased the thought when Impa came into her room.

"Hello sleepy-head. Are you doing anything today?" She asked with her arms crossed as she leaned against the door.

Zelda got out of bed, saying nothing but nodding.

"Yep. I don't exactly know what I'll be doing, but I'm ready."

The elderly Sheikah stared at her weirdly.

"…Sounds like everything will go well today."

Zelda nodded, looking at the ground distastefully.

Impa frowned, walking over to the bed and sitting down. She grabbed Zelda and placed her next to her.

"What's wrong? I know there's something wrong." She said patting the blonde's back sympathetically.

"There's nothing wrong." Zelda said, looking at Impa.

Impa raised an eyebrow.

"Oh really? So you're just despondent over getting the opportunity to have the summer ALL to yourself and hanging out with your best friends?"

Zelda sighed.

"Okay, okay… Malon and Link are dating." She said her sadness turning into anger.

Impa nodded quietly.

"Oh, I see… You two have known each other for some time, you and Link that is." She said softly.

Zelda blushed furiously, "I don't mean it like that! I HATE Link."

Impa nodded again, "No I believe you! I really do…" She said, trying to hold back a smile.

"I do! I really hate him, I'm just upset that Malon knows that I hate him and still chooses to date him. I mean, s-she's my best friend and he's my worst enemy."

"Well he has turned out to be a very handsome man." She said, "It's only natural for Malon to feel this way towards him. Give him a chance, okay? I know he didn't make a good impression on you when you met him, but just think about your friend."

"Why should I? She clearly didn't think of me when she made that decision…"

Impa rolled her eyes, getting up and walking towards the door.

"Whatever. Just get ready for your day doing who-knows-what at wherever you're going and come down for breakfast."

Zelda simply nodded and walked towards her closet.

She didn't have many bathing suits, since she wasn't one for going to the beach, or lake, or any other body of water for that matter. It was mainly because of her encounter at the lake with Link, her ocarina had been ruined by the water and sand that day. After some rummaging, she got her hands on a tankini. It was purple and had the Triforce emblem on the center. Instead of wearing the matching bottom half, she took some shorts instead.

Laying them across the bed, she went off for her shower. Letting the warm water soothe away her troubles, she couldn't stop thinking about Malon and Link. Link had always been a flirt, and he sure as hell was good at it. She could remember a point in time where all of her girl friends had a major crush on him. She couldn't blame them; he was smooth when it came to the ladies. What bothered her was that he was never one for relationships. So why did he choose to date Malon? The reason was still unknown. But she wanted it to be known. She's known Link since they were kids, what exactly had been going on between him and Malon that made him want to date her?

After thirty minutes of being grouchy, reminiscing, and shampooing, Zelda got out and went to her room, grabbing an outfit to wear. She decided to wear a pink tank top and some capris. She slipped on some boots and grabbed a bag, stuffing her swimwear inside of it. She opened her closet again, grabbing a large box and stuffing some rupees she had saved up inside of her bag.

"That'll do." She said breathlessly, running off to open her door. As soon as she opened it she saw Saria in front of her, grinning.

"GAH! Saria, what on earth are you doing here?" Zelda said with a glare.

Saria continued to smile, twirling her green hair in circles.

"Impa let me in. I wanted to come with you to Telma's bar, even if I'm not old enough to get in…"

Zelda rolled her eyes, "we're not going into Telma's bar. None of us are old enough. We're just meeting out front because that's where our ride is going to meet us… I think. Well whatever. Impa made breakfast, want to eat with me?"

"Oh, no thanks. I already had some but thanks for the offer." She said giggling and running off. "Come on!"

Zelda's eye twitched. Exactly HOW long had Saria been here? She rubbed the thought off, going to the kitchen. She looked at Saria as she ran off; the young girl had been wearing a green sundress. It had a beautiful floral pattern which put Zelda's outfit to shame. The dress flowed perfectly and went great with her hair, and showed contrast with her youthful, bright blue eyes… Zelda looked down at her outfit with a frown. It was too late to change it though, Impa called her down.

"Zelda, what are you doing? Eat something and get out of here! Your green, perky friend is waiting for you." She said with a frown.

Zelda laughed, grabbing some toast and spreading nutella across it. She basically stuffed it into her mouth, grabbed her bag, and ran out.

As Zelda and Saria neared the bar, they could see Midna, Ilia, Sheik, Pipit, Karane, Mido, and Groose in the distance. They all waved with the exception of Groose, who smirked at Zelda flirtatiously, licking his lips.

"Gross! Who invited that jerk?" Zelda said, trying not to gag.

Saria giggled.

"We all know he likes you. AND you two sort of make a good couple..." Saria smiled.

Zelda blushed, "He ain't even cute." She fumed, saying in a lower voice, "Sure. Pair me up with all the ugly guys, I don't mind!" Her mood picked up a little when she saw Mido smiling at Saria.

"Oh hey, there's your boyfriend." She said with a tiny smile.

Saria looked at Zelda curiously, following her stare to Mido. Blushing furiously she looked away.

"Ah, s-shut up!"

"Hey Zelda! Long time, no see!" Pipit said, running to give the girl a hug.

"Hi Pipit!" Zelda said, returning the hug with a smile. She blushed as she inhaled the scent of his cologne. For the longest time Zelda had a crush on Pipit, but when she realized he was in love with Karane she eventually moved on. It still didn't erase the friendship the two had with each other.

Groose frowned, grabbing Pipit and throwing him to the side.

"Hello beautiful! How are you this fine morning?" He said, grinning and leaning in for a hug.

Zelda pushed him back before he could touch her though.

"I'm okay. Just peachy. No need to hug me." She said, gently moving him aside to talk to everyone else.

Groose frowned at the rejection but shrugged it off.

"So are you guys ready for the beach? I can't wait to check out the ladies." Sheik said with a smirk while Midna rolled her eyes.

"Oh please! You don't actually think you stand a chance with any of them?" Midna said with her arms crossed.

Sheik arched an eyebrow, "What's that supposed to mean? Every girl wants a ride on the Sheik-a-coaster." He winked.

"I don't." Midna mumbled.

"Don't be jealous!" He said, "Just because YOU can't get a guy…"

Midna glared, "Okay, for your information, I CAN get a –"

"Hey guys!" Malon said in a singsong voice, pulling up in a red Bugatti Veyron.

"…Where's Link?" Karane asked while Zelda cringed at the sound of his name.

"At Lake Hylia waiting for us. This is his car; he let me ride it to pick you guys up. Is he NOT the best boyfriend ever?"

"Yes…" Zelda mumbled.

"I heard that." Ilia said, nudging Zelda.

They all got into the car hastily; unfortunately not everyone could fit in.

Zelda took the front seat while everyone else scattered in the back.

"Malon, PLEASE tell me Link is coming in another car. Not everyone can fit in this thing, you know?" Zelda hissed.

Malon frowned, "We're going to be having a barbeque at the Lake. He's there cooking for us." She looked at everyone else in the back, "some of you guys can sit on the ground. The police won't know I'll drive really fast!"

"Oh my goddesses…" Zelda said, looking up to the heavens. "Well, as long as you have everything under control, I guess I have nothing to worry about."

Malon nodded, ignoring the sarcasm, buckling her seat, and speeding off without warning.

Zelda looked at Lake Hylia in awe, memories flooding her mind as Malon found a spot to park. Images of her and Link wrestling along the shore, the look in her eyes when Link told her she was pretty, the way the music went along perfectly with the sound of the water…

It was all coming back to her.

Slowly the engine died down and Malon's voice broke off her train of thought.

"Okay guys! We're here!"

Zelda sighed, getting out of the car and looking towards the water.

"There are changing rooms to the far right, if you want to change into your bathing suits." Malon said, taking her shirt off as everyone got out of the car.

"What are you doing?" Groose asked eyeing Malon oddly.

"I'm wearing my bathing suit underneath my clothes. Now stop looking!" She said, throwing her shirt into his face. Once she had her clothes off and her bathing suit on, Malon ran off to a tall boy waving to her from a distance. Zelda knew who it was instantly, looking away. She looked back, seeing them hug, and… kiss. Sighing, she walked off to the changing room.

"You like him don't you?" Sheik asked, walking towards her.

"Damn it! No! Zelda said with a miffed expression.

"Then why do you look so depressed? Ever since you found out those two were dating you've been upset."

Zelda looked at Sheik squarely in the eye.

"Link has loathed me ever since we were children. And this place, this is where we met each other! Now he's dating my BEST friend."

"Does she know about this?" He looked at her curiously.

"YES. She still dated him anyway. It just pisses me off."

"Does that really piss you off? Or is it something else –"

"NO." Zelda said, storming off to the changing room and slamming the door.

Sheik laughed, "She is totally jealous."

"Who's totally jealous?" Midna asked, walking out in her bathing suit.

"Zelda's jealous of Malon and L – holy crap…" Sheik said, staring at Midna. "Wha-what's that…?" He asked, pointing at her outfit.

Midna laughed as Sheik ogled at her body. The divine Twili had an anchor bikini on, showing off her voluptuous figure. Whether she had pants on or not, Midna's legs were amazing, but now she just looked…

"It's a bikini, smart one." Midna said, "So do you still think I can't get a guy?"

"Of course not… You can have me any day." He said with a smirk.

Midna blushed, biting her lip.

"So are you going to tell me who's jealous?" She asked, trying to ignore his perverted stare.

"Zelda is, I think? She doesn't like Link and Malon going out with each other."

"Oh really? I thought she and Link hated each other." Midna said with an odd expression.

"So did I, but maybe she's finally realized the truth after all these years…"

"And she realized it when he and Malon began dating?"

"Apparently. I guess you don't realize how much you actually love someone until they love someone else." Sheik said thoughtfully.

Midna stared at him, shocked that such wise words could come from someone so… stupid.

"I agree, that must be hard for Zelda, being in love with Link when he has a girlfriend."

"I am NOT in love with Link, so stop saying that!" Zelda said, stepping out of the changing room with an annoyed expression, and stomping off toward the shore.

"That girl has serious problems." Sheik said.

Midna laughed, "Don't we all?"

Zelda sighed, walking towards the shore.

She sat down next to Ilia who had been sitting there quietly.

"Hey girl," she said with a light smile.

"Oh, hey Zelda. You're rocking that swimsuit." Ilia said.

Zelda grinned, "Thanks! Where's yours?"

"Oh, I didn't feel like putting it on. Not yet anyways. I just wanted to stare out into the Lake. It's beautiful."

"It is, isn't it? I love this lake, haven't been here in years." Zelda said, entranced by the scent of wildflowers and warm wind. "It makes me wonder what it would have been like back then."

"If the Evil King's reign of terror is what you're referring to, I'd assume it wouldn't be as pleasant as it is now."

Zelda nodded, saying nothing as she continued to stare at the waves. This very place was pretty much the definition of her childhood; she always loved to visit it when she was little. Zelda could imagine her mom lounging in one of her comfy chairs while she watched Zelda play around.

'Goddesses, I miss that woman.' Zelda thought with a sorrowful expression. Her mom died a year ago in a car accident. Probably the only time Link hadn't been a total jerk to her, and they shared a tender moment after the funeral that swiftly followed.

Teary eyed and angry, Zelda sat outside of the manor, humiliated. She couldn't help it; she couldn't handle her mom's death.

She sobbed quietly into her dress, soiling the silky substance with her salty tears. A paper airplane landed next to her. Curious, she picked it up, her hands shaking. She unraveled it and read the note. The handwriting was perfectly written on the paper, painstakingly beautiful even though there were only three words.

'I'm sorry.

-Link.'

…Maybe NOT that tender of a moment, but it still meant a lot to her. Zelda still had the note, folded in its 'airplane-y' form, tucked away in a box of things that she rarely touched. She was about to say something to Ilia when she felt a large tuft of sand thrown at her head. Laughter could be heard, and Zelda knew who it was coming from.

She slowly stood up, turning around to yell and beat the crap out of him, but when she opened her mouth to speak, nothing came out.

He was… whoa.

There stood her enemy of ten years, laughing at the sandy mess in her hair. It was almost like that fateful day years before. Except this time he was taller, older, and… so NOT like he was before.

Zelda didn't know why she was so shocked, the last time she had seen him was a few months before. He was shirtless and wet, his six pack glistening against the sun. His brown hair had darkened over the years, as well as his eyes. They were as blue as the Lake's water, but still had the sparkle they did back then. He was much taller and attractive then she thought he would be.

"Did you miss me?" He asked, his deep voice echoing in her head.

I'm not really pleased with the outcome of this chapter. Hopefully it'll get better though! Hahaha, anyways there's a song for every chapter hence the chapter's name.

Chapter One Theme Song Title: When You Were Young

Artist: The Killers

Listen to it!

/watch?v=mkkE7yDXr6g

Alright, bye!