!TRIGGER WARNING!
MENTIONS OF ABUSE AND SOME SELF-HARM
IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED BY THESE TOPICS, SKIP THIS CHAPTER!
April 19, 2018
Zelda's POV
Grabbing a Pop-Tart in one hand, and my backpack in the other, I rush out the door.
"Bye Father!" I shout, slamming the door without waiting for a response.
Hopping in the car, I start the engine, preparing for the day.
Alright. National History Museum, 1356 Kingdom Court.
Excitement bubbling in my chest, I double check the map and back out of the driveway.
Pulling into the spacious parking lot, I glance up at the Museum. It'shuge!The stone pillars shoot up towards the sky, holding the roof upon them. The structure is more delicate and prettier than that of the Academy! I pull the car to a stop and squeeze into a parking space.
When I step out the wind is blowing. It's abeautifulmorning! The sun is shining, warmth is already heating up my back. I chose my jean shorts, a short sleeve tee with an open back, and, obviously, my Academy cap and purse. Gotta support Hyrule after all!
I start heading for the stairs leading up to the massive building. Getting closer, I can already see Impa and Revali. Looks like they're arguing. I'm not surprised.
Amused, I start to climb the steps.
"Zelda!" Surprisingly, Revali is the one to shout out to me. "Happy Birthday!"
Smiling, I hurry up the last few steps. "Good to see you're rather chipper this morning!" I laugh. Revali really is a good friend, even if he's kind of a jerk sometimes.
"Alright, so we just need Daruk and Mipha?" Impa asks.
"I think so." I reply with a sigh. How I wish Link could be here. Though he'd probably get hot. Healwayswears some form of long sleeves.
And, as if on cue, I catch Mipha and Daruk in the corner of my eye. They're walking up the steps together chatting.
"Hey! We're over here!" As Impa shouts, I can't help but bubble over with excitement. I was spending the whole day with my beloved friends, exploring the greatest museum in history! Literally.
Mipha joins us on the steps. With a sweet smile, she places her hand on my shoulder. "Happy Birthday Zelda!"
"Thank you so much!" I cry, tears forming in my eyes. I was so lucky. I had the BEST friends in the entire world!
"Are you guys ready to head in?" Daruk asks the group after wishing me a happy birthday.
"Depends." Revali states. "Is Zelda ready to go?"
Everyone turns to face me as I nod. "Let's go!"
We start to head towards the registration as thoughts of Link are completely erased from my mind.
Link's POV
Ugh.
That one had really hurt.
I was in the bathroom looking in the mirror, encased by memories.
My father.
That abusive jerk is ruining my life. I sigh, glancing at the hundreds of bruises littering my body. As well as the scars. The self-inflicted cuts were everywhere. Every time I began to hope, those cuts brought me back down. Grounded me. There was no hope. No hope of escaping this nightmare except...
...death.
I'd thought about it multiple times. And then I met Zelda. She and her friends had lifted me up out of despair. They were the only light in my shadowed world.
No.
Don't think like that. They hate you. They're probably just using you, just like your parents. Nobody loves you, you're just a useless failure. Everything you do just hurts others. They wouldn't want you around anymore.
Tears begin to form in my eyes.
Maybe I should...
No.
Not right now.
Not on her birthday.
Not in front of my father.
He would beat me up even after death.
But there was one thing I could do. Nobody would ever have to know if I hurt myself again.
My heart pounding in my chest, I pull on my shirt and open the door.
I begin to slowly, quietly, sneak up to my room to get it.
My knife.
Zelda's POV
Majora's mask was found deep inside the remains of the Skull Clan's settlement. The Clan is a tribe known for their laughter, fun, and games. In their ancient history, the mask is said to grant, but twist, the deepest dream of the wearer.
Wow. This museum was insane!
"Zelda!" Impa's voice sounds in my ear as I finish reading the plaque. "Come take a picture with me in front of the Deity's Sword!"
"Let me read about it first!" I laugh, heading over to the display. Apparently, this sword was wielded by a human who challenged a god. Inside of the moon.
As outrageous as these folks tales were, it was really cool seeing each of their beliefs.
"Are you done yet?" Impa asks again.
"Yes, I'm done." I consent. Impa was really impatient.
Taking my phone out, I walk over to the display and pose with Impa, taking the shot. This was third exhibit we had visited, not counting the cafe for lunch.
I glance down at my phone.
2:43
The day had flown by fast!
But it wasn't over yet. Heading over to where Mipha, Daruk, and Revali were gathered, I pull out the map. "Guys, do you want to head over to the Medieval Section?"
"Sure!" Is the combined response.
"Alright, let's go! It's on the second floor."
By the time we reach the exhibit it's almost three. With just a couple hours left in this amazing day, I was more than satisfied.
The first thing that catches my eye the moment we enter the exhibit, is the sword. The massive, blue sword. With a stunningly purple handle and hilt, the sword was easily the prettiest thing in sight. I immediately rush over to examine it.
-The Master Sword-
This sword was made for the Hero of Hyrule. It is said he led the charge against the opposing country and won the battle, freeing us from our oppression. He is the reason Hyrule is as it is today.
"Wow..." I mutter under my breath. That wassocool!
"What's over here?" Mipha asks, pointing to the display next to the one I'm stationed at. It looks like a blue tunic with white striped round the neckline. They seem to be drawing the outline of a sword.
I rush over to read the plaque.
"The Champion's Tunic." I read aloud. "This tunic was made by the Princess of Hyrule for her chosen knight, who later went on to become the Hero of Hyrule."
"Sounds like this Hero guy had it going!" Revali snorts looking at the tunic. "A bit overkill if you ask me."
"Oh hush!" Mipha exclaims with a smile.
I cover my mouth to hide a snort. "Just fess up already!" I whisper in Revali's ear.
"What? Wh-wh-wha-what do you mean?" Revali stuttered, his face flushing red.
"Never mind." I smirk.
"Let's finish the exhibit."
Link's POV
The wind is blowing in my face and the sun is beginning to set. I was sitting in one of the swings at the park, not two blocks from my house. My dad had started throwing things again, and I needed to get out. I roll up my sleeves, staring at the new scars. My arms were covered with them.
"HeyLink!"
Quickly pulling down my sleeves, I turn in the direction of the voice.
Great.
Ganon.
The bulky red-head is stalking over towards me, fists at the ready.
Oh no.
Those words can't even begin to describe my terror.
"Look at the littlewimp!"His cronies, Ghirahim and Zant, are trailing along behind him.
"I don't want any trouble." I say as I get up and try to leave, but Ganon grabs me by the collar.
"Oh, butwedo. You're inbigtroubleHero."
Zelda's POV
"That was the best dinner I've ever had." I exclaim as the plates are cleared. It's now 6:00. As the day was ending my friends had given me one last present. They had taken me out to my favorite restaurant, Kakariko Diner!
"We're glad you liked it." Mipha offers a gentle smile. "Happy Birthday!"
"Yeah! Happy Birthday, Zelda!" Daruk pops in, his mouth still full with his last bite.
"Thank you guys so much!" My heart almost splits in two at how much they care for me. They truly are the best friends I could ever ask for.
"You're welcome." Mipha smiles again. "Were just happy you had fun. You'll have to thank Link tomorrow."
"Oh yeah!" I hide my face in shame. I had completely forgotten about Link!
"Wait...I have an idea."
"What's that?" Mipha asks.
"Are you guys all free tonight?" I ask with a smile.
The whole group nods questioningly.
"Then you can all come over to my house for a sleepover!" I exclaim hopefully.
"Hmm..." Revali looks deep in thought. "I think I could make that work." He mumbles. "I'm in!"
"Me too!" Impa immediately jumps up.
"If you're sure!" Mipha answers. She's so sweet...
"I'm always available!" Daruk answers happily.
"Great! Then I'll give Link a call, and see you all at my house!"
Link's POV
I fall to the ground covering my face like a freakingcoward.Ganon is laughing now, but I can barely hear it over the pain of his punches. Blood was streaming from my nose. It was probably broken. My entire face was sore from being hit countless times.
Ganon finally stops for a moment. "We should leave thecowardto cry is peace."
That's cue for them to finally leave.
I'm still sitting in the same spot crying for a couple of minutes after they leave, before I decide to pick myself up and head back to the dorms.
I'm resting on the couch tending to my nose when I decide to check my phone. I have one voicemail, and one text.
Opening the voicemail first, I hear Zelda's beautiful voice.
"Link? We're having a sleepover at my house, and I would LOVE for you to be there! Thank you so much for the museum, and I can't wait to see you there!"
Her voice cuts off and a fresh wave of guilt washes over me.I should've been there...
Opening up my messages, I check the text.
It's from Revali.
You better answer Zelda. It's her birthday. If you don't I will literally come punch you.
The threat is too real.
Why would my friend do that?
Zelda probably hates me...
I start to breathe fast, descending into a panic.