Chapter 4: An Unexpected Gift
Zelda was worried. Nothing was going right. And time was running out to get Link a present. She got up and went to her bedroom window. Somewhere in the distance, a choir was singing "God Rest Ye Merry Pokemon" to a crowd of Jigglypuffs. Just the song itself was enough to bring her back to the verge of tears. Sighing, she went back to her bed. "I guess I'll just not get him anything," she muttered. "After all the things that he done, this is how I repay him." She stirred restlessly in her sleep.
Just then, a knock came on her bedroom door. Wondering who could be up at this time of night, she inched her way to the door in her mauve nightgown. The door creaked fretfully as she turned the handle and opened.
There stood Link, bedecked in his proudest Hylian warrior attire, with his eyes clear as crystal. His face had a countenance of utmost concern. He sat down on Zelda's bed and sat beckoned her to join him. Zelda obeyed.
For a long time, neither of them spoke. Then, finally, Link started. "Zee, what's on your mind? The whole mansion is filled with talk of your borderline-obsession with your trying to get me a gift for the holidays."
"Link," Zelda replied, "it's just that I have trying to find some way to repay you for all the things you've done for me-rescuing my soul from Ghirahim, releasing me from Ganondorf-where does my gratitude begin? Where does it end?" She sighed yet again. "Point is, if you're upset that I could not get you anything, I understand. I guess . . ." She sniffled. "I guess I really am the worst friend ever."
"Zelda," Link answered, "you don't have to get me anything. And here's something I got you earlier today." He took out a small jewelry box. Zelda opened it and gaped in awe. It was a small Hylian brooch with a small, yet exquisite ruby in the center. Carved all around it were figurines of all the monsters Link had battled in his previous adventures. Zelda pounced on Link and hugged him so much that she nearly smothered him.
"I . . . I don't know what to say," she said at last. "It's so beautiful."
Link smiled warmly.
"But . . . where did you get the money?" Zelda asked.
"I made a withdrawal from the bank earlier in the week," he chuckled. "I wanted to let you know that the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart, and are not store-bought or gift-wrapped."
Zelda smiled, her eyes full to the brim with tears of joy. "Link . . . that is thoughtful of you."
Link continued, "And you don't have to buy me a Christmas gift this year. I know you would go out of your way to do something like this. So let this brooch be a reminder of our friendship and the joys of the holidays."
Zelda smiled. "Thank you, Link."