Summer of Our Discontent
Count on Me
The drive to Gerudo Desert was always a torturous one. Since Castle Town's located north, with an abundance of tourists coming to see the lovely metropolis, it takes at least four hours – give or take – to get there. Even when the roads are empty, it's easy to get lost considering the 'roads' are simply a path that slowly disappears the farther away you get from Castle Town. However, Castle Town's lights are a trustworthy route to get back home. Besides, it was instrumental for Link to get to the treacherous desert in pursuit of Ganondorf – whose intentions were both clear and unclear. The young Hylian felt a twinge of guilt for leaving Zelda and all the recipes behind. His phone had blown up with text messages from both her and Malon since his departure. The day was bordering dangerously close to sunset. He pulled over to the side of the road – or 'path,' and gave Zelda a call.
"Link! Link… It's late. I need to get home. Impa's been calling like crazy. I… I'm sorry." Her voice was soft and saccharine. It was obvious the whole situation with Malon affected her in a way Link couldn't understand. More pangs of guilt hit him and he sighed.
"Zelda, you can't leave. You just can't! I don't care how late it is. Make up a lie. Say you're staying over at Midna's or something. We're running out of time. I have to get to Ganondorf, and I need you to finish as many recipes as you can. There's a sleeping bag in the garage. Use it if you must. I'm sending you some help with the food. Good luck." He hung up before she could object and continued driving. The road became more desolate and brown as he drove on. It was a good sign. It meant he was closer to finding his target. Punching in a couple digits, he called Groose.
"Um, hi?" His deep, gruff voice answered on the second ring.
"Hey Groose! What's crackin' buddy?" Link said, doing his best to keep his eyes focused on the road.
"Is that you, pretty boy?" Groose's voice turned sour.
"If you're talking about the one and only Link, then yes."
"What do you want? To rub in the fact you got Zelda as a partner? Well jokes on you, I don't care! And she doesn't like you anyways! Besides, you have a girlfriend! If there's any funny business between you and my girl, we'll need to have a serious talk."
Link's grip on the wheel tightened.
"I'm not cheating on Malon with Zelda, I don't like Zelda – not even as a friend."
"Oh I see," He growled, "I know exactly what this is about. You wanna throw down the gauntlet!"
"What!? No!" Link said, a bit confused.
"If you don't want to talk about Zelda or fight, then why are you calling me? Does it have to do with the party?" Now he was the confused one.
"Yes, it is about the party… And I guess Zelda fits underneath the category. She needs your help."
"What!? Is she in trouble? WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?"
"Groose! Calm down! I didn't do anything to her! In fact, I'm saving her. I'm saving all of you. I'm on my way to Gerudo Desert to confront Ganondorf. I'll be back by tomorrow, or late tonight. But listen, tomorrow is the last day before Malon's party. We need to make it special. I won't let it get ruined! I just won't!"
"Oh Link! Of course you'd go play hero to get all the glory and accolades from everyone! It sounds like a load of cucco crap to me! But I'll do anything for Zelda. What does she need?"
"We're cooking food for the party. Today, you're going to be Chef Groose!"
"…I can't cook! I'll end up burning the house down!" he said, adding in a couple of seconds later, "Hey! That's not a bad idea…"
"Don't act sly. Zelda won't take any of your stupid shit. One false move, and you'll never get a kiss from her. Are you at Mido's?"
"Yes."
"My house isn't far from his, 5 minutes by car, 15 by foot. Choose your method wisely, there are some cruel people out there, late at night."
"You be careful too. Gerudos are well known for their thievery."
"I'll be okay." Link said, hanging up and letting out a deep breath.
The sky was an odd yet beautiful shade of orange, the clouds were tinted gray, but no rain fell from them. His car made sputtering sounds as he drove, which he paid no mind to until they got louder. Slowly stopping his car, he got out and looked around. No scratches. No rocks caught on the tire. Nothing noticeably wrong. He got back in and started the car back up, driving as usual. A few minutes later, the car came to a complete stop.
"Damn… I forgot to gas up, didn't I?" Link facepalmed, feeling idiotic.
Perfect, just perfect, he thought sarcastically to himself, unbuckling and stepping out once more. There was no longer any green grass around – just barren sand. He was closer to Gerudo Desert, but not close enough. From here, it would still take a couple of hours to get to his exact destination. The tension between Hylians and Gerudos were high – even in modern days. And with Link's bright blue eyes and elflike ears, he was unlikely to be able to pass himself off as someone of a different race. If a Gerudo caught him out here, he wouldn't stand a chance. He'd be toast. He hadn't physically crossed the border where the desert lay, but he was within their territory.
He sat on the hood of his car, thinking of a plan, of who to call. Amongst his friends, who would be willing to drive a couple of hours to come get him? As he thought, headlights shone upon him and a car came into view. The car stopped, a couple of feet away from him. Link froze in terror as a tall, shadowy figure stepped out of the vehicle. Getting off the hood of the car and inevitably accepting his fate – whatever it might be – Link stood in front of the car and watched blankly as the person stepped closer… and closer.
It was Ganondorf.
Groose flexed his muscles as he walked on the cobblestone streets, his footsteps making rhythmic sounds against the gravel. He and Mido were finished with the invitations, and had an extra day to relax. He cracked his knuckles, ready for anyone who came as a threat to him. This was his prime opportunity to put the moves on Zelda. It would only be the two of them, alone, together, at night, in a (hopefully) large house with plenty of bedrooms…
"Groose?" A soft voice squeaked, to his left, cutting off his suggestive thoughts. He turned abruptly, startled and saw Malon sitting in front of a Goron-based jewelry shop. They were on the edge of the center of the Marketplace in Castle Town, right next to Link's neighborhood. Maybe Malon was going to visit him. But instead she was just sitting there, looking heartbroken with tears streaming down her face.
"Are you okay?" He asked awkwardly, coming up to her. Groose was no mathematician, but it didn't take a genius to know that a soon to be birthday girl plus tears equals trouble.
"Do I look okay?" She snapped, sniffling.
"Yeah, you look fine… Other than the tears, yeah." Groose bit his lip. "What's going on?"
"I'll tell you what's going on," Malon said, standing up, "Zelda is secretly in love with Link and she won't admit it, everyone knows something that I don't, and Link doesn't want to spend time with me! And to top it all off, my birthday's coming up and my 'present' might be me losing my boyfriend. This sucks."
Groose sighed, suddenly wanting to tell her that the reason everyone was acting funny was because they were planning her a surprise party, so it would wash away the self-doubt she was having. So it would wash away the horrifying possibility of Zelda falling in love with Link.
"That's a silly notion Malon. Link and Zelda have hated each other since they were in diapers."
"The fact that they've known each other since they were in diapers is bothersome enough. I can't help feeling jealous. I hate it. I hate everything."
Groose laughed, his masculine voice sounded like a deep rumble.
"I know the feeling." His golden eyes softened as he saw the pained expression on her face, realizing it wasn't an appropriate time to try and add levity.
"Come here," he said softly, opening his arms. She ran to him, and he enveloped her into a warm embrace. The two remained silent, hugging each other, silently comforting each other.
"I know it's confusing. You will understand. Eventually. Just not now. But I promise you that nothing is happening between Zelda and Link. Link's a good guy. I mean, I hate his guts, but he's a good guy. I guess… I hope. Well, he probably is but we've have a lot of beef in fact I don't even – "
"Your point?" Malon asked wearily, pulling away from the hug.
"Uh… Nothing is going on between Zelda and Link and nothing will ever happen between so don't overthink things."
"…Okay." Malon said. "Anything else?"
"You need to go home. It's dark out. We don't want you getting hurt. Plus I need to go. Bye Malon." He said.
But she shook her head.
"I can't go home, I need to see Link."
"He's on his way to Gerudo Desert."
"I know…"
"Then why are you here?"
"I – I thought he was lying. I didn't believe him when he said he was going. It sounded too farfetched."
"Wow. You really think he was cheating on you?"
"I'm becoming a clingy girlfriend," she buried her face within her hands again.
"No you're not. You're just unsure of yourself right now. I wouldn't blame you. Zelda's hot."
Whoops.
That comment received a smack from Malon, who glared at him, her eyes blazing with rage and jealousy.
"She is not hot! Ugh! I'm going through an emotional crisis and you had to make me feel worse! Screw you! I'm going home!"
"Malon wait!" But she already stormed off. "At least let me give you a ride? You live all the way out on Lon Lon Ranch!"
"A ride in WHAT? You don't have a car! And even if you did, I wouldn't let you!"
Groose watched as she stomped off – a bit overdramatically – then turned around shaking his head with crossed arms.
"Women..." He grumbled, walking into the neighborhood.
The moon was shining brightly, combining with the streetlights to make an iridescent glow across the sidewalk. Groose filled his head with thoughts of Zelda, when he realized he had no idea which house belonged to Link.
Huh.
The tall redhead pulled his phone out and skimmed through his call history, dialing Link up.
"Hello!" He said after the last ring.
"Um, Link, this is going to be real quick, I just need to know your exact address because –"
"If you're listening to this, it means I'm too busy to answer, unless you're Zelda, then I just don't like you! Leave a message after the beep."
"What?" Groose stared at his phone for a couple of seconds before hanging it up with a sigh.
"He better not be dead," Groose said, gritting his teeth. Malon was sullen enough as it is.
He passed by the neighborhood, looking through the windows of each house, albeit how creepy and stalkerish that seemed. He stopped in front of one house, where he saw a flash of long, blonde hair. He smiled, licking his lips subconsciously and rubbing his hands together. He smoothened out his hair and shirt and took a couple of steps towards the door before knocking gently. The door opened, and Zelda looked at him, her expression going from curious to horrified.
Striking a sexy pose, Groose gave her his most flirtatious grin.
"Hello Zelda."
"We only have two more companies to call. Everyone is closing up, we should get some rest and worry about it tomorrow," Sheik said, opening up his laptop. "I'll email them tonight though. Just so that we'll be able to prepare for tomorrow."
Midna caught herself staring at the muscles that could be seen through Sheik's shirt. Blushing, she averted her gaze and nodded.
"Yeah, sounds like a good plan. Check every couple of hours to see when they respond. It isn't good to call the day before a party. Most people don't like that."
"I know, and I will. I have to go now. Bye Midna," he smiled lightly.
"Bye…" She waved at him slowly.
Sheik put his laptop in his bag, opening the door simultaneously. When he looked up, he was met with a pair of piercing red eyes.
"Holy Zora!" He jumped back, startled.
"More like holy Sheikah," Impa said, crossing her arms. Her face was stern, unsmiling, but her tone had been a playful one. "What are you doing here? Are you and Midna dating now?"
"No… We partnered up for jobs on Malon's surprise party."
The older woman cocked her head to the side, an eyebrow raised.
"And why's that?"
"What's going on out here?" Midna said, her eyes widening a bit when she saw Impa.
"Hello Midna, just dropping by to see Zelda. No offense, but I don't approve of her staying over here." She wrinkled her nose, looking at Sheik in disdain.
"None taken, I think. And, uh, okay? I'm sorry you feel that way."
Impa looked at her expectantly.
"May I come in?"
"S-Sure!" Midna said nervously.
"Bye…" Sheik mouthed to Midna, turning his heel to leave.
"You," Impa grabbed his arm. "Stay here."
"But why?" Sheik groaned.
"Where's Zelda?" Impa asked, looking around.
"I don't know. Home? Well, maybe not since you're here looking for her." Midna said dumbly.
"Nice," Sheik whispered into her ear.
"Shut up!" Midna hissed, shrugging him off.
Impa turned to face them, her face etched with worry.
"You mean, she's not here?"
"Nope, I haven't seen or talked to her much today."
Impa's mouth was wide open in an 'o' shape.
"I can't believe she would lie to me…"
Midna tensed up, whipping out her phone and texting Zelda rapidly.
Zel, Impa's here looking for u! Wth did u tell her!? Respond soon! –M
"Are you sure you're only here for Malon's party, or is there something else? And when's the last time you spoke to Zelda, hm? Is this party something worth lying for?" Impa took a moment to interrogate Sheik, who was sitting on the couch miserably.
"I spoke with Zelda yesterday when she got home about Malon because –"
"You spoke to her yesterday and you didn't bother saying anything?!"
"Well geez I'm sorry! I need to get home and other than doing my designated part for the party I really have no place in this conversation!" Sheik said, getting agitated.
Ugh, oh no! Midna I'm so sorry. :'( I'm spending the night at Link's house. It's a long story. Please don't tell her! Zelda responded one minute later.
I have so many questions rn. But I guess they can w8. I will tell ur pseudo-psycho-mom that u r at Ilia's house. She likes ilia better than me anyways. :/ Text ilia and give her a heads up in case impy impa decides to drop by her house. –M
"I know it's not my place to be questioning any personal relationships, but I only have my best interest for Zelda. If she is staying here for the night I don't feel completely comfortable with a boy being present."
"Why? Because I have a penis? Yeesh you're a real party pooper. I wasn't even going to stay here the entire night, but I'll have you know that contrary to popular belief, not ALL guys have an unnerving urge to have sex with every person they see."
The atmosphere was becoming more heated at the second.
"Oh, so you've matured now?" Impa gave a haughty laugh, "Let me guess. You, of all people I know, are more reformed now, like Link and Pipit? Do you have a special someone in your life? Who is the one and only special girl you want to have sex with?"
This caught Midna's attention, she peeked from her phone to glance at the feuding Sheikahs. Sheik met her gaze meaningfully, causing her heart rate to plummet. She looked back down at her phone.
"I knew it. I knew there was something going on between you two."
Don't say that Midna. Impa's rough around the edges but when you get to know her she is funny and an enjoyable person to be around. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. Anyways I talked to Ilia and she's cool with it.
Midna cleared her throat.
"Zelda's at Ilia's house."
The two fuming individuals turned to her.
"I texted her about it. She said sorry for the inconvenience." Midna smiled, feeling wobbly about the lie.
"Let me see," Impa reached for Midna's phone, but Midna inched it out of reach.
"No!" She said in a panicked voice. Impa gave her a suspicious stare.
"I mean, t-that won't be necessary."
"Can I go now? PLEASE?" Sheik asked, giving Impa a condescending stare.
"Yeah." Midna said, and as soon as the word rolled off her tongue Sheik bounced up giving Midna the 'we need to talk look' before disappearing into the darkness.
Midna groaned internally.
"I guess I'll be on my way also. I can get Ilia's address from Saria. The only reason I don't have it is because she just moved. Ilia's family has an odd infatuation with various houses. It's quite lovely actually. Or maybe I won't go to Ilia's house at all, there's no reason why I would need to."
Okay, ouch.
A couple of minutes later Zelda texted Midna again.
Did she leave?
Yes. -M
Phone call.
Midna answered, "Yeah?"
Zelda sounded scared.
"Midna… I just got off the phone with Link. He said his car broke down somewhere on the Gerudo's territory."
Midna's face paled.
Zelda continued, her voice cracking with worry.
"He's stranded. We need to save him, quickly. Before Malon's party."
A/N: Oh. It's been a year. Can we let that sink in?
It's been a year. And I haven't been busy with something extremely remarkable, something that would give me a justification for the unannounced, unnecessary hiatus I took on this story. I'm so sorry. I'll only say it once, because it really doesn't matter how many times I reiterate it. Sometimes I feel like this is a filler chapter. I honestly don't know. All I know is that I had high hopes for this story and I kind of messed that up by not updating for a year... Here's a fun fact: I started the draft for this chapter in April of this year. Basically, it took me 8 months to write an admittedly mediocre chapter. I was so lost on what was happening, I reread the story at least ten times to get everything straight. I hate how I had updated the story every couple of weeks and now BAM there's this huge time gap. Is anyone still interested in this story? Is it a flop now? Gosh, I feel horrible.
Anyways, I guess we should get back to the basics.
Since FF doesn't allow copying + pasting (which is a big screw you to all the plagiarists out there), I won't be posting links to the songs anymore, but it shouldn't be hard to find them.
Chapter Five Theme Song Title: Count on Me
Artist: Bruno Mars
I'll see you later.