Chapter Seven

Link and I lay side by side gazing up at the stars. The constellations are totally different here. Link showed me the constellations of Din, Nayru, Farore, The Hero Of Time (which now he knows is actually him, just in another time, which is obviously weird), Hylia, and a whole bunch of others.

We decided to camp just a little ways away from the Great Deku Tree, since it was too late to start off to the Kokiri's forest, which is still about two hours away.

"Oh, and there's The Hero Of Light. Which, I guess is also me?" Link says pointing to another constellation.

I nod. "Yep. That would be your Twilight Princess version."

Link shakes his head. "That is so weird. I've looked at those constellations my whole life, and now I find out they're really me. And you said I never talk?"

"Nope. Never. I've always wondered what your voice sounded like. Now I know."

Link smiles. "Do I sound like you thought I would?"

I smile too. "Better, actually. Not girly at all." Link laughs.

Suddenly there's a bright flash of sparkling light. Both Link and I sit up, startled. A gorgeous woman stands before us, her impossibly long blue hair flowing down her back. She has a royal quality about her. The blue dress that adorns her slim and graceful figure stirs in a non-existent breeze, reminding me of water. She has clear and intelligent blue eyes, and they're focused on me. But after a few moments they move to Link.

"Hero. You have come far in your quest. And done well, might I add." Her voice is clear and graceful. "But I see you have an unexpected companion." Once again her eyes go to me.

"Nayru," Link bows to her. "Thank you. Yes, this is Nicole. She's not... from here."

The goddess smiles. "Yes, I know exactly where she came from, young warrior. I have been there many times myself."

I look at her in surprise. "Wait, you have?"

"Yes, child." She turns back to Link. "I bring news of your quest, having to do with what the Great Deku Tree told you of Nicole changing your fate. He spoke the truth. Her presence here was not intended, therefore, the events that will take place on your quest will change. For some reason, the Triforce brought her here when she began to play the game. I do not know why exactly. She must have an important role in your journey, Link, for the Triforce to have brought her here. And because of her, for better or for worse, the events that are about to take place will be different then that of her game."

"Wait, for worse?" I interrupt. "I don't want to put anyone in danger or anything." But at the same time I don't want to leave. As much as it hurts to say this... "Maybe... you should send me back..."

Link looks like he wants to protest against it, but before he can Nayru answers my question. "I am afraid that I cannot. Even the combined powers of me and my sisters cannot send you back. I believe you must reach a certain point before we can send you back." Visible relief floods both me and Link. Nayru sees this and smiles slightly. "Though I also believe that neither of you would want to be separated so soon, your journey has just begun.

"I hope to see you both again soon. Be strong, and face each obstacle with wisdom." She looks at me. "And I promise, we will return you to your family safely. Link will see that through, I am sure." And with that, Nayru, the goddess of wisdom, shimmers and disappears.

~X~

The Kokiri were even cuter in real life then they were in the game. They were sweet and friendly to us, and eager to help us. The air seemed even thicker with sparkles and magic. I can't explain it. It was beautiful.

It's been about a day since we left, and I'm saddle sore again. Link figures that we're about a day's ride away from the temple. Great, more riding.

As we ride I put my head on Link's shoulder again and think about what Nayru said, that we have to get to a certain point in order for me to go home. I wonder where we have to get to. Probably the end of the game, which means that I'm gonna be here a long time. But I don't mind all that much, I like spending time with Link and Navi, who seems to glow brighter here in her forest. The only down side is my family. What are they doing right now? My mind wanders off to the fairy tale stories David used to tell me when we were kids, stories about fairies and goblins and other worlds... I'm in one right now...

"Nicole? Wake up, we're going to set up camp for the night." Link's soft voice arouses me.

I look around groggily. It's dark out. "I fell asleep?"

Link smiles softly and nods. "About an hour ago. I didn't want to wake you, since there was really no need. Navi fell asleep too." He taps his hat.

We slide off Epona and he gets to work getting stray logs to surround us from any enemies while we sleep. We're far enough from the Great Deku Tree that we've started seeing monsters again. Which means no more fires. Dang it, I'm already cold.

Once Link has the logs set up he gets the blankets out of the pouch. He hands one to me. "You go to sleep, you look exhausted. I'll keep watch."

I smile gratefully. I'm still half-asleep. "Thank you." I settle on the ground and put the blanket over me. It's warm.

"Good night, Nicole." Link whispers as he sits down next to me, eyes on the woods.

"Night Link."

~Link's POV~

I scan the woods for any signs of movement. I know that it's inevitable that I'll have to fight at least one type of monster, and I'm ready.

I can hear Nicole's soft breaths behind me, and I'm momentarily distracted. I reach out to brush aside a stray lock of hair that's fallen onto her face. I swear, I will get her safely home, no matter what. I will not let her get hurt.

I look up toward my hat. Navi heard me, she'd probably spend the next week singing "Link and Nicole, sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g!"

Suddenly, I hear a branch snap. My eyes snap to the spot where I heard it and I make out a silhouette. I quickly get up and draw the Master Sword. As I make my way over to the silhouette it moves away from me, and leads me deeper into the woods. Then it disappears. I look around. No one. What was that? A chill goes up my spine. Something's very wrong.

Someone screams.

Nicole!

I curse myself. How could I have been so stupid? Stupid stupid stupid!

I run back to camp as fast as I can, tripping over fallen logs as I go. She has to be alright. She has to be.

I reach the clearing. I can make out the blankets that she had over her and run to them.

Please, please let her be okay.

I reach them and throw them aside.

My heart stops.

She's gone.