New Girl

Chapter one: Sweet dreams, little Link

As the orange sun rose over Hyrule’s beautiful green fields, a lone figure on horseback plodded along a narrow dirt road. Lifting his head, Link squinted at the early morning rays of light as they broke through the clouds. He yawned and stretched, noticing. It had been a long night, he noted. He’d almost nodded off a few times, but, still being wary of mischievous fairies and Skull Children that may want to steal his horse, he’d stayed awake all night. Link patted Epona on the neck as they reached the top of a hill next to the Lon Lon Ranch. He was amazed that she was able to stay awake as well, and he was proud of her.

Link lifted his eyes to Hyrule Castle. It was so beautiful in the dawn, as the sun gleamed majestically off of it’s white towers and glass windows. Link touched cold porcelain in a pouch on his belt and memories flooded back to him. ‘I want you to have this Link’ Zelda had said. ‘Keep it with you, and keep it safe.’ Link had frowned. ‘Zelda, I can’t-’ ‘Take it.’ ‘But it’s yours! It’s your entire families-’ ‘and now its mine to give to you, Link. Whenever you play it, think of me.’ Zelda had handed Link the Ocarina of Time. ‘I will, Zelda. But I’m not keeping it forever. I promise I’ll return it when I come back.’ Zelda had looked at him, tears welling in her eyes. ‘You promise that you’ll come back for me?’ ‘I’ll always come back for you, Zelda. Even if I’m standing on the edge of hell itself, if I know you need me, I’ll come back. I swear it.’ Zelda had burst into tears and threw her arms around his neck. ‘You swear it?’ Link hugged her back, feeling tears in his own eyes. ‘I swear it.’ That moment seemed as though it had happened just yesterday, although it had actually been almost two years. Link urged Epona forward. A feeling of utter exhaustion swept over him. Ugh, I don’t know if I’m gonna make it... Link thought drowsily. But I have to get to the castle. Have to see her, tell her I’m all right. God, I’m tired. Link almost fainted and fell off of Epona’s back, but was somehow able to hold on to the horse’s mane and keep himself upright. Ten minutes later, which seemed like an eternity to the young boy, he was at the Hyrule Market drawbridge, passing into town. Link was so tired, he was almost blinded to the cheerful noise and chatter of hundreds of people in the market square. Link finally reached the castle gate after dodging through a mob of screaming children crowded around the Happy Mask Shop. The guard at the gate looked Link up and down before saying, "Ah-hem. May I help you young man?". Link rubbed the sleepiness out of his eyes. "Yeah. I need to talk to Princess Zelda. Could I get in please? I’m a friend of hers". The guard almost laughed. A boy from the street couldn’t possibly be a friend of the princess. Could he? The guard scrutinized Link’s face, looking for any sign that he was lying. The guard shook his head. "I’m sorry, but I don’t recognize your face from anywhere. I can’t let you in". Link was exhausted, and not in the mood for being stalled. "Well...just bring her down to the gate here. I’m sure she’ll recognize me". The guard scowled. This boy was a persistent little rat. He probably wanted to see her so he could brag to his friends that he’d seen the princess, the guard thought. "I’m not letting you past this gate, boy. Now go home! Your mother is probably wondering where you are right now!". Link ground his teeth together in frustration. If the guard wouldn’t open the gate, he’d have to do it himself. Link caught sight of the winch that opened the gate behind the guard.

"Fine, you caught me" Link sighed. "But all I wanted was to see the princess just once, and- whoa! Is that a dragon!?", Link cried, pointing past the guard up into the plain sky. The guard almost jumped out of his own skin. "What? Where!?", he yelped in fright, turning his head around to where Link had pointed. Link grinned at the guards stupidity and punched him in the stomach. The guard fell to the ground, coughing. Quick as a snake, Link dismounted Epona and pulled down on the winch with all his strength. The gate creaked open just enough for Link to slip through. He groggily dashed up the hill that the castle was perched atop and leaped into the mote. The cool water woke him up a bit, but he was still woozy. Link head his breath and dove under the water, swimming through a small hole under the castle wall that lead to Zelda’s garden. Link swam furiously through the drain. After five minutes of swimming, he couldn’t hold his breath any longer. He had to have air. Link felt as though his lungs were about to explode. Suddenly, his head broke through the surface of cool, clear water. Link gulped down air as fast as he could. Looking up, and climbed out of the water and onto the green grass of Zelda’s garden. Link looked around, and spotted Zelda, as usual, spying on her father in the throne room. Link grinned, remembering how they had both taken turns looking through the small glass window to see interesting things happen, such as ceremonies where men were knighted, parties, and various feasts. "So," Link said cheerfully,"is anything new happening?". Zelda froze upon hearing his voice. She whirled around, her jaw hanging open. "Link?", she whispered. Link’s eyelids drooped. "Hi" he grinned, then passed into a deep sleep and fell backwards into the soft grass.

 

Chapter two: Promises to keep

Link’s eyelids fluttered open. Where am I? He wondered. He was lying in a soft bed, and sunlight was streaming into the room through an open window. Am I in the Stock Pot Inn? Was that just a dream? Please let it not be a dream. Link sat up and looked around the room. No, not the Stock Pot Inn. Where- wait! The castle! "Link, you’re awake!" squealed a voice from the corner of the room. Link turned his head to see Zelda dashing over to his bed. "I thought you were hurt! You didn’t wake up once!" Zelda cried, planting kisses all over Link’s face. "I’m okay, I’m okay..." Link said reassuringly to Zelda. "No Link, you weren’t okay! You were asleep for a day and a half!". Link’s eyes widened. "...oh", he said flatly.

Link threw the sheets back and stood up, stretching. He suddenly caught sight of his sleeve. Link blinked, looked down at the clothes that he was wearing, and almost screamed. He was wearing fluffy, brown, one piece pajamas. "W-what-" Link stammered, his cheeks and ears turning red. "What am I wearing!?". Zelda giggled furiously. "You look like a teddy bear." she laughed. "Well, I’m not feeling very cuddly right now, and I need to find my clothes." Link grumbled, looking under the bed for his tunic and boots. They weren’t there. "Where are my clothes?" Link asked Zelda nervously. He hoped no one walked in and saw him like this. Zelda grinned as she walked over to a closet and opened it. "Right in here, silly. Where clothes are supposed to be". Sure enough, Link’s green tunic, hat, and boots were in the closet, cleaned, shined, and stitched back up. Link sighed in relief as Zelda handed him his clothes.

‘Thanks. Hang on a sec, I have to change". Zelda nodded, staring at him. "...um, maybe I should change alone?" Link said after a few seconds. Zelda seemed to snap out of a trance. "Oh. Oh, yeah. Sorry." Zelda smiled sheepishly and left the room. Link waited until the door was shut until he walked over to the mirror mounted on the wall to examine the absurd outfit he had on. Zelda probably chose it, he thought as he put on his normal clothes. They had always used to play pranks on each other before. Before he had left to find Navi again. Link straitened his belt, and felt a lump in the pouch on his belt that he kept precious things in. They included a handful of shiny rocks he had found with Saria years before in the forest, a pocket knife, and the Ocarina of Time. The ocarina! Link remembered. How could I be so stupid to forget about it? I have give it back, I’d promised Zelda before I left!

Link drew the ocarina out of the pouch and left the room to find Zelda waiting for him outside. Zelda smiled, then looked down at what he had in his hands. Zelda’s eyes widened. "That-" Zelda looked at him in astonishment. "You kept it? All that long time you were gone?" she gasped. Link blinked, holding it out to her. "Of course I kept it. You gave it to me to keep safe, so I kept it safe". Zelda looked at him, her eyes softening. She suddenly hurled herself at him and hugged him as hard as she could. "Link, I’m so glad you’re back. I missed you so much.", she whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Well, I’m here now, and I want you to have this back." Link said, embracing her back. Zelda stepped back from Link and looked down at the ocarina in his hands. She smiled and pushed it towards him. "I gave it to you, Link. Keep it with you". Link looked Zelda in the eyes. He realized then, right there, that he was in love with her. Link slowly leaned forward, towards Zelda’s face, their eye contact never breaking. Zelda, too leaned forward, when their lips touched. For both young adults, it seemed like a moment frozen in time. After what seemed like an eternity, they both finally broke the kiss. Zelda looked at Link in surprise. Link was suddenly uncomfortable, wondering if he’d done something wrong. He breathed a sigh of relief when Zelda smiled at him gently. Taking each other hands, they walked out into the courtyard, with Zelda chattering on excitedly about what had happened in Hyrule while Link was gone, and Link, telling Zelda all about his adventures in Hyrule’s neighboring countries. At length, they both came to the castle gate, and Link’s smile disappeared. "Wait, where’s Epona?" Link cried in alarm. Zelda shrugged. "Oh, your horse? One of the guards took her back to the Lon Lon Ranch. Didn’t you tell me that was her home?". Link relaxed, knowing that Epona was safe. "Yeah, it is. Thanks for remembering that. I was worried that she was hurt or lost". Zelda looked down at the ground. "I was worried that you were hurt or lost, Link", she said quietly. Link stared at her, startled. "Me? Why?". Zelda looked at Link solemnly. "You were gone for two and a half years, Link. You didn’t think I was worried about you? Sometimes I would stay up all night, hoping you would come back. But you didn’t, and I was afraid that you were hurt, or maybe even dead". Zelda hugged Link again. "I’m just so happy you’re back". Link was shocked. He had never thought that Zelda might feel that way. He knew that he had not thought of her as much as she had thought of him, and it made him feel dirty. Selfish, even. "Yeah", Link whispered. "Me too".

 

Chapter three: Spider’s web

Link thought about riding Epona to the Kokiri Forest, but decided to walk, since he needed the exercise. As he walked, Link took all of the sights in. Everything looked both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. The first thing Link noticed as he entered the forest was that the usually lively forest was silent and grim. None of the Kokiri were in sight. Link’s eyes narrowed and he reached for his sword cautiously. Link looked at the ground intently, his keen eyes searching for any footprints in the dirt. Link felt the ground with his fingers. Years of living in the wild hunting for food had taught him how to track almost anything. Links fingers brushed over a long, slender indent in the dirt. Definitely not a footprint. I wonder what- Link’s thought were cut short as he heard a venomous hiss behind him. Whirling around, Links sword flashed out of it’s sheath like lightning. Facing him, crawling through the trees, was a skulltula. Link yelped in horror as it opened its jaws, revealing fangs dripping with venom. This skulltula was different than others, though. It was gigantic and bloated, as if it had just devoured a grown man. Link gripped his sword and slowly approached the huge spider, ready to defend himself at the first sign of it’s movement. The skulltula lashed out at Link suddenly and violently. Link thrust his sword for ward, stabbing the hideous creature in the eye. It shrieked and stumbled backwards, it’s front legs scrabbling to cover it’s wounded eye. Link saw his opportunity to attack and leaped forward, ready to kill the beast. However, the skulltula was aware of it’s attacker’s skill now, and darted to the left, dodging a blow from Link’s sword and delivering it’s own strike to his forearm. Link cried out in pain as the spider’s claw ripped through the flesh in his arm, leaving a bleeding gash. The spider hissed as it’s attacker dropped his weapon and clutched at his bleeding wound. It lunged at the young boy, but he quickly dove out of the way. Link, hoping to get away from the gigantic monster, began hurriedly climbing a large tree. The spider was not about to let it’s prey go so easily, though, and grabbed onto Link’s leg with it’s claw. Link furiously kicked at the spider, but it wouldn’t let go. The skulltula finally reached up, and hooking it’s claw into Link’s belt, the skulltula yanked him down from his lofty perch in the tree. He fell and landed on the giant arachnids back, where it wore it’s skeletal exoskeleton, and was suddenly struck with an idea. Link managed to pry his fingers under the skull-like armor and began to pull upwards with all his might. The skulltula shrieked in pain and flailed it’s limbs in all directions, hoping to hurl Link off of it’s back, but Link refused to let go. He gritted his teeth and pulled, using all of his strength in muscles that he didn’t even know he had. With one last grunt, Link ripped the skulltula’s armor off of it’s back. The spider screamed and began to writhe on the ground in pain as sensitive skin on it’s back was exposed to the air. Link saw his chance and dashed to his sword, swiping it up off of the ground. He whirled around just in time to see the skulltula lunge at him, fangs foaming and dripping with venom and saliva. The spider fell on Link, screeching, and Link closed his eyes, waiting to die. Instead, a warm liquid began to soak through his clothes. What the-? Link opened his eyes, only to see eight more, dead, milky white eyes staring back at him. One of these eyes was dripping with dark blood, and Link looked down, seeing his sword entering the underside of the spider’s abdomen and protruding through the top. Link’s mouth twisted in disgust as he heaved the gigantic, bloated spider off of him. The choking stench of it’s blood was horrible, and Link almost passed out as he pulled his sword out of it’s gut. Wiping the creatures slimy body fluids off of his clothes, Link turned around and jumped when he saw a row of Kokiri heads peeping at him out of the Kokiri shop. Link slowly approached them, sheathing his sword. The Kokiri children trembled as Link came closer, so he stopped and held up his hands. "It’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you" Link said in a soothing voice. The Kokiri children stopped trembling, and one stepped out from the shop. Link’s eyes widened. He recognized her. "Saria?" Link gasped. Saria looked past Link, at the dead spider lying on the ground, it’s legs jerking in different directions. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but no sound came out. Saria’s eyes traveled to Link’s arm. She looked up at him. "Y-you’re hurt", she whispered. Link looked down at his bleeding arm, as if realizing that it hurt for the first time. "Oh, that" he said, blinking. Saria ran to him and took his hand. "Quick, you’re bleeding a lot. Come inside". Link grinned, remembering how much Saria had been like his mother, caring and sometimes overprotective. He followed her inside, fully aware that all of the other Kokiri were staring at him, whispering "is it Link? Is Link back?" Link sighed as Saria hurried around her small house for bandages and medicine. Home sweet home, he thought as Saria commanded him to lay down so she could mend his arm.

Chapter four: Guilt and Poverty

Saria watched Link intently as he ate what she had offered him. "Mmm" he said, munching an apple. He looked down at the food in front of him. "Where did you get all of this food?" Link asked Saria incredulously. "You never had as much food before I left!". Saria giggled. "That’s because you ate it all, Link. I don’t eat as much as you, so the food just piled up here". Link’s smile faded. "Oh", he said blankly. Saria sighed. "Link?". Link looked up from eating. "Hmm?". "Where were you all those years?". Link swallowed. "I was...looking for someone". Saria nodded. "Navi?", she asked. Link nodded. "Yeah". Saria swallowed. "So, are you staying for good now?". "I think so, yeah", Link said. He decided to change the subject. "So, what was up with the spider?". Saria shivered. "Oh, that thing... it was awful". Link finished eating. "You can tell me" he said. Saria looked outside nervously, as though the skulltula would get up and begin attacking the Kokiri who were beginning to roll it down a hill. "It showed up about a month ago. We all had to stay inside so it didn’t kill us, but some of the Kokiri didn’t have enough food. They-they starved to death. They’re dead Link". Link felt as though he was going to throw up what he had just eaten. "What?" he asked incredulously. "How- I- no..." Link couldn’t imagine what he had just heard. The Kokiri were just children. They didn’t deserve to die. Link stood up shakily and started out the door. "Wait, Link!" Saria cried, but Link was in a daze. Why wasn’t I here? I could have stopped it. It’s my fault, I wasn’t here because of my stupid adventures. I’m selfish. People, children, are dead because I wasn’t here to protect them. Link stopped walking and looked up. He was in the middle of the forest, an area where he had never been before. Link leaned against a tree, dazed. It’s my responsibility to be here and take care of the people who gave me a home. Link slid down the tree until he was sitting on the soft grass.

I have to remember that I have these responsibilities. I can’t get distracted by these adventures I get myself into. Link stood up and began walking back the way he came. After a few short minutes, Link stumbled upon the skulltula’s massive carcass, which the Kokiri had rolled into a large ditch. Trudging up a hill, Link saw Saria, sitting in front of her house, nervously biting her fingernails. Catching sight of Link, she jumped up and ran over to him. "Where were you? I was worried- what if there were more monsters in the forest? What would you have done?", Saria cried, throwing her arms around Link’s waist, which was the highest she could reach. Link smiled to himself at Saria’s worries. "It’s okay. I was just... surprised. That’s all. Alright?". Saria nodded. Link looked up and let his eyes travel around the small village he had once called home. This place is beginning to look familiar already, Link thought as Kokiri children began to flood out of the small houses cluttered around between trees and undergrowth. Link slowly walked up to his old tree house and began to climb the ladder. Expecting everything to be dusty and cluttered, Link was surprised to find that everything was neatly organized and clean. Hearing a giggle behind him, Link turned to see Saria in the doorway of his house. "You think I’d leave this place the way it was when you left? It was a pigsty!". Link looked at the clean, dusted floor. "Wow. I didn’t know my place was this big" he laughed. "Thank you Saria". Saria shrugged. "I didn’t have anyone to talk to after you left, so I spent my time cleaning up your house. It was no problem". Link sat down on his bed, looking at the neatly folded sheets in amazement. "I can’t even remember the last time I made my bed!" he laughed. Link had really never seen the pont of making your bed after you wake up, since you would just get back in it at the end of the day. Saria yawned. "Well, it’s getting late, and I’m going to go to bed", she said. "I’m right next door, so if you need me just come on over". Link nodded. "Yeah. Thanks. ‘Night Saria". Saria waved as she began to descend the ladder. "Good night Link". Link sighed and watched the sun fall down below the treetops. It felt good to be home again.

Link awoke to the sound of birds chirping. Sunlight streamed through the trees, and for the first time in almost a year, Link was finally content. Link got out of bed and began to put on his soft leather boots. He looked down at the shirt he had worn yesterday, which he had carelessly kicked halfway under his bed. He wrinkled his nose in disgust as he again smelt the spider blood, which had dried and crusted on the shirt during the night. That would have to be washed later. He was about to walk outside when a fairy with a red-pink color swooped down in front of his face. Link blinked. "Oh, hi... uh, um... Saria’s fairy". Link had no idea what Saria’s fairy’s name was. The fairy scrutinized Link’s face closely. "It’s Mindy", the fairy squeaked. "So, you’re Link, right?". Link nodded. "That’s me". Mindy flew very close to Link’s face and began to smell him. Link crossed his eyes to look at the fairy that was practically sitting on his nose. "Um, w-what are you doing?" he stammered. Mindy backed away a little bit. "It’s you all right", she sighed. "Um... how can you tell?" Link asked Mindy nervously. Mindy did her best to imitate a shrug. "You smell like Link", she said simply. Link swallowed. "Smell?". "Yeah. You smell like the old Link, which means that you’re Link. Just checking", Mindy said. Link sniffed his clothes. "Why?", he asked. "I wanted to know so I could warn Saria if you really weren’t. I am her guardian fairy after all" Mindy replied tartly. Link sniffed his shirt again. "Uh, w-what do I smell like?". Mindy rolled her eyes and zipped off into the woods. "Hey!" Link shouted after her. He shook his head, frustrated. Fairies could be too mischievous sometimes.

Link decided to eat breakfast in the castle town market that morning. The food wasn’t always as fresh as the fruit from the forest, but Link felt the need to go for a walk. Link strolled into the market square, catching the delicious smell of cooking bacon in the air. He followed it to a small stand in the corner of the square with a chef hurriedly cooking an assortment of foods. The chef seemed very excited to see Link. "Ah!" he cried. "The first customer of the day! What would you like young man?". Link’s stomach growled as he looked over the bacon, the eggs, and toast cooking in front of him. "I’ll have some bacon and toast please". The chef beamed. "Yes, sir! That’ll be eight rupees". Link nodded and handed the man eight rupees in return for his breakfast. "Thank you sir! Please come again!" the chef said, waving to Link as he walked away. Link bit into the toast first, then after tasting how good it was, munched down the rest. Not really caring where he was going, Link turned and began walking down one of the alleyways near the back of the square. Link rounded a corner, and suddenly, his happy day was shattered in an instant. Sitting in a corner, filthy and curled up into a ball, was a girl who appeared to be Link’s age. The girl stared at Link, wide eyed. No not at him. She was staring at the food in his hands. Link looked down at the bacon he was holding, then up at the girl. He was still hungry, but was sure that this girl must be three rimes as hungry as he was. She was all skin and bones. Link slowly approached the girl, holding the bacon out in his hands. The girl looked confused. "You want this?" Link asked the girl. "Here, take it. I’m not hungry". The girl reached for the bacon slowly, as if uncertain if she could trust Link or not. "Here" Link said, handing the bacon to the girl. She immediately stuffed the food into her mouth, chewing ravenously. The bacon was gone in seconds. Link scratched his head, grinning. "Wow. I thought I was a messy eater". The girl swallowed the last of the bacon. "Krystal", she whispered. "My name’s Krystal". Link held out his hand to help her get up. Krystal blinked, then took his hand. Link helped lift her out of the corner she was sitting in. "Nice to meet you, Krystal. I’m Link", Link said, smiling. He looked at the tattered rags she wore as clothes and frowned. "So, is that all you have to wear?" Link asked, looking confused. Krystal looked embarrassed. "Yes", she said timidly. Link shrugged. "Well, if you don’t have a home or clothes, follow me. I can get you both where I live". Krystal blinked. "Y-you’ll really do that for me?" she asked. Link looked confused. "Well, why wouldn’t I? You don’t look like you have anywhere else to go". Krystal looked at the ground shyly. "Thank you. No one’s ever been that nice to me". Link looked at her and opened his mouth as if to say something, but decided not to. "Um, well follow me. It’s a pretty long way", Link said. Once they reached the city drawbridge Krystal stopped. Link looked at her. "What’s wrong?" he asked. "Your house is outside of the city?" Krystal asked, looking scared. Link nodded. "Yeah". Krystal looked out at the field. "Aren’t there monsters out here?". Link nodded. He wasn’t a liar. "Yeah, but only at night, and it wont take that long to get to where I live". Krystal sighed in relief. "Oh" she said. "You live in Kakariko Village?". Link shook his head. "No, I live a lot farther out than that". The journey was long and tedious for Krystal, who hadn’t eaten in days and was weak, but with Link’s help, she made it to the forest. Once past the dead trees of the outer edges of the forest, Krystal gasped in awe. "Oh, wow!" She gasped. "You live in the Kokiri Forest! I should have been able to tell by your green clothes!". Link nodded, looking around at the small cluster of buildings in the forest clearing. "It’s beautiful" Krystal whispered. Link beckoned for Krystal to follow him. "Come on, I know a place where you can get cleaned up and get new clothes". He lead Krystal into Saria’s house, where Saria sat near the fireplace cooking some thing that smelled delicious. Krystal smelt stew cooking and was immediately reminded of how hungry she was. Saria looked up from the cooking at the two Hylians standing in the doorway. She smiled at Link. "Hey, Link! You’re back soon". Saria’s eyes traveled to where Krystal was standing. "Who’s this?" she asked, looking in awe at Krystal’s tattered clothes and dirt streaked face. "This is Krystal. She was in Hyrule market and didn’t have anywhere to go, so I offered for her to come here" Link said. Saria gasped. "That’s terrible! You look like you haven’t eaten in weeks!". Saria pulled a bucket from under her bed and handed it to Link. "Link, you go get water. She looks like she needs a bath". Link nodded and ran to get water from the small stream running through the forest. Saria pulled up a chair and motioned for Krystal to sit, which she happily agreed to do. "Link has a tub in his house that you can use. He never uses it, so I don’t even know why he’s kept it all these years" Saria explained. "While you’re taking a bath, I’ll finish cooking so you can have some, alright?". Krystal nodded as Saria chattered on. She was amazed that people could be so nice, offering her food, a bath, and a place to stay without even knowing her. Krystal was so caught up in her thoughts about the cozy little home that she barely noticed Saria handing her a green sweater, shorts, and shoes to wear. "Here, these are the same clothes that I wear, but I made them bigger", she said. "I’ve kept them so long, hoping that I would get bigger, like Link did, but..." Saria paused. "...I never did" she sighed sadly. Krystal had heard the stories about the forest children who never grew up, but never believed that they were real. Krystal heard Link call, "Ok, the bath’s ready!" and Saria immediately rushed her out the door to Link’s tree house. Link helped Krystal climb the ladder to his house, and handed her the clothes Saria had given her. "Here you go" he said. "When you’re done, dinner will be waiting, so you know where it’ll be right?". Krystal nodded. "Ok, so I’ll leave you alone now" Link said, and with that he descended the ladder leaving Krystal alone in his tree house. Link strolled over to Saria’s house and sat down at the table. Saria looked at him. "So, where did you find her?" she asked. Link looked up. "Hmm? Oh, she was in an alley in the back of the city, and she was hungry, so I gave her the rest of my breakfast. I saw her clothes and offered for her to stay here for a little while". Saria nodded and stirred the stew that was cooking over the fire. "She doesn’t seem to talk much" she said. Link shrugged. "Well, she needed a home, and I couldn’t just leave her in the street". Saria sipped at the stew from a wooden spoon. "It’s ready. That girl was a mess. She looked like she was half starved". Saria looked up as Krystal walked back into the room, cleaned up and wearing the green Kokiri clothes that Saria had given her. "Just in time", Saria said putting a bowl of the stew on the table. "Here you go", she said sitting Krystal down in front of the bowl of stew. Link stared in amazement at Krystal. With the streaks of grime washed off of her face and out of her chestnut colored hair, she was amazingly beautiful. Krystal noticed Link staring at her and blushed, looking down into her bowl of stew as she ate. Saria sat down next to Krystal. "So," she said, "tell us a little about yourself". Krystal finished the bowl of stew, so Saria gave her another. "There’s not much to tell" Krystal said. "My dad works at the castle as a guard, and they don’t get paid much, so he’s there all the time. I really don’t see him that much". Saria frowned. "So, how did you get to living on the streets?" she asked. Krystal sipped the broth from the bottom of the bowl hungrily. "Well, while my dad works, which is pretty much twenty-four seven, I have to stay at my mom’s house, but I hate her. She’s a piece of work. So I ran away, and she never went looking for me. I tried to get into the castle to see my dad, but they wouldn’t let me in". Saria’s eyes widened. "That’s awful! Your mother never looked for you?". Krystal shook her head. "Nope, and I’m glad she didn’t". Saria shook her head. "You’re living on the streets and you’re- how old are you?" she asked. "Fifteen" Krystal said. Saria picked up Krystal’s empty bowl and put in on the counter top. "Fifteen!? You’re only a year older than Link, and you’re living on the streets?" she gasped.

Link crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "I could tell Zelda that the guards need to be paid more. Her father does anything for her" he said. Krystal looked up at him, a look of shock on her face. "Zelda? Princess Zelda?" she asked in amazement. Link nodded. Krystal stared at him for a few seconds, then laughed. "Good one. You almost had me there. You, tell the princess what to do? Yeah, right" she said. Link blinked. "Why do you find that hard to believe?" he asked Krystal. She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Well, green machine, if I can’t even get into the castle, then you most definitely can’t tell the princess of Hyrule what to do". "She’s his girlfriend" Saria piped up. Krystal just scratched her head and sighed again. "Sorry, but I’ve been told too many lies in my life to believe anything anyone says anymore" she said sadly. Link gaped at her. He’d never been nicknamed by anyone before, and was surprised at the name "green machine". "Well, how about I prove it to you? I’ll bring you inside the castle so you can see your father, and I’ll talk to the princess" Link said. Krystal raised an eyebrow. "Alright, as long as I can talk to my father, I’ll go with you" she said. Krystal still found it hard to believe that Princess Zelda of Hyrule was this boy Link’s girlfriend, but he definitely seemed eager to prove that he was telling the truth to her. Maybe, just maybe, he was for real. "Alright then, let’s get going" Link said, standing up. Krystal looked surprised. "What-now?" she gasped. Link nodded. "Well, sure. Why not?". Krystal stood up shakily. "Well, I’m just a little tired, that’s all, but-". Saria immediately jumped up. "Well, you can go tomorrow then. You can stay here tonight and get some rest". Krystal sat back down. "Oh, ok" she said. She then looked at Link. "Tomorrow afternoon, how about?" she asked. Link shrugged. "Alright, sure". He looked out the window. "Well, it’s getting dark, so I’m going to bed" Link said, yawning. "Are you going to sleep here?" he asked Krystal. Krystal blinked. "Oh, uh... sure. I guess". Saria stood up and pulled a mattress from under her bed. "Here" she said. "I always kept this in case something embarrassing happened, like me wetting the bed, but you can sleep on it". Krystal sighed in relief. "Oh, thank you. I haven’t slept in a bed in months". She lied down on the mattress, feeling comfort seep into her bones and muscles, and was suddenly aware of how exhausted she was. The last thing Krystal saw before passing into sleep was Link waving goodbye to Saria as he walked out the door. At last, Krystal had people who cared for her. At last, she was home.

Chapter six: Farewell

The next afternoon, Krystal reluctantly left the forest with Link. She absolutely loved it there, with it’s sweet air and beautiful scenery. Krystal had also become fast friends with the Kokiri children, who loved it when she played their games with them. Link noticed that Krystal had become much more talkative after her first night in the forest. She chattered on almost endlessly as they walked to the castle. Link saw his opening to talk as Krystal paused after saying how great Saria’s cooking was. "So" he said. "What are you planning on talking to your father about?". Krystal sighed. "Well, he’ll probably be all worked up about me running away from my mom’s house, and then he’ll most likely beg me to go back. But maybe I’ll ask him if I can stay with you guys a little longer". Link turned to look at her. Krystal looked a bit embarrassed. "Y’know, if-if that’s alright with you". Link shrugged. "It’s fine. You can stay as long as you want" he said, smiling. Krystal seemed relieved. "Oh, good. I was afraid you were going to say no". After a short few minutes, Krystal and Link were both standing in front of the Hyrule Castle gate. Link approached the guard at the gate, who regarded him with interest. "Ah, you’re Link right?" the guard asked Link, smiling pleasantly. Link nodded. "Yeah. How did you know?". The guard indicated to Link’s clothes. "The princess told all of the guards to let a boy with green clothes named Link to pass freely. You can go in" the guard said. Krystal looked at Link incredulously as they passed through the gate. "You were telling the truth?" she gasped. Link nodded. "Yeah. I told you I was!" he said, grinning. "Link!" called a voice from the other side of the courtyard. Link and Krystal turned to see Zelda hurrying across the grass towards them. Zelda stopped in front of Link. She smiled at Krystal. "Oh, who’s this?" Zelda asked Link. Link stood back so Zelda could see Krystal. "This is Krystal" he said. "She didn’t have anywhere to go, so I took her to stay in the forest far a while". Zelda swallowed. "You mean, you were homeless?" she asked Krystal incredulously. Krystal nodded slowly. "Yeah" she said quietly. "Kind of". Zelda shook her head in amazement. "I had no idea there were homeless people in the city. I’ll tell my father can send money out for the people who don’t have houses or food. He does anything for me or my friends". Krystal was dazed at the sound of this. "You mean, I’m-your friend?" she gasped. Zelda smiled. "Sure. A friend of Link’s is a friend of mine". Link spoke up. "Well, her father works here as a guard, and she hasn’t seen him in a long time. Do you think they could meet today?" he asked Zelda. She nodded. "I could have that arranged" she said.

***

Krystal nervously paced the castle lobby as she waited for her father. What would he say? What would he do? Would he be angry that she had run away? All of these questions pounded through her head as she waited. A few minutes more, and the door leading to the courtyard opened, and Krystal’s father practically skidded into the lobby. He rushed to Krystal and almost crushed her in a hug. "Krystal" he whispered. "I haven’t seen you in months". He stepped back to look at her. "Look- look at how tall you’ve gotten!". Krystal could only smile, she was so happy to see her father. When her mother had rejected her, her father was always there to welcome her. When her mother said that she wished Krystal had never been born, he had always defended her. Her father’s face turned serious. "Why did you run away? You know how bad life on the streets is!" he cried. Krystal shuffled her feet nervously. "At least it was a step up from life with mom" she grumbled. Her father sighed. "I know how bad she is hon, but as soon as I can afford a house, I promise you won’t have to live there anymore". Krystal looked up at him sadly. "You mean- I have to go back?" she whispered. Krystal’s father sighed. "Look, K-" he was suddenly broke off as Krystal began to turn and walk away from him. "Krystal, please" he begged. "It’s the only place you have to go!". Krystal stopped suddenly. "No" she whispered "it’s not". Her father blinked. "What?" he asked, confused. "It’s not the only place I can go. There’s a boy- a fairy boy from the forest. He found me and let me stay at his house last night. He said that if I wanted, I could live there" Krystal said. Her father sighed. "I’m sorry, but I can’t let you stay with people I’ve never met before". Suddenly a loud crash sounded from beyond the door Krystal was standing next to. With a quizzical look on her face, she opened the door to find Link hurriedly brushing broken pieces of a vase under a carpet. Krystal rolled her eyes. "Dad, this is Link, the fairy boy I was just telling you about". Link smiled nervously. "Uh... hi" he said. Krystal’s father held out his hand. "You’re a kind young boy" he said. "To find someone living on the streets and just take them in? I don’t know many people who would do that". Link tried to be as humble as he could as he shook the man’s hand. "Oh, well it wasn’t a problem. We have plenty of room for more people in the forest". Liar, he accused himself. Krystal tapped her foot impatiently. "So, can I stay with him daddy?", she asked her father. "You’ve met him, you like him, and I don’t want to have to live with mom. It would be better for everyone, right?". Link looked at her, then back at her father. "Well...", he said. Krystal winced. "Well what?" she asked. "...I talked to Zelda" Link said to Krystal’s father. "She said that her father is raising your pay and is going to shorten your work hours so you can spend more time with Krystal" he explained. Krystal’s father stared at Link in amazement. "Really?" he asked Link. "I- I don’t know what to say!" he gasped. "The Royal Family also bought you a new house in Kakariko Village, and you can move in whenever you like" Link added. Krystal’s father was dumbfounded. "First, I’m getting paid more for working less, now I have a new house?" he practically screamed. He whirled around to face Krystal, who was also shocked. "Did you hear that? A new house! We can live there. Without you’re mother, without any problems!". Krystal’s father turned to Link again. "You don’t know how much this means to me" he whispered excitedly to Link. "A moment ago, I was homeless, without a daughter, and now... I- thank you. You’re always welcome in our new home. Come visit us whenever you like" he said. Link nodded. "Oh, sure. I’ll stop in whenever I can" he said pleasantly. Krystal’s father grinned and turned back to his daughter. "I’ll see if I can get the rest of the day off. We need to see that house! I’ll be right back, alright?" he asked Krystal, who slowly nodded. With that, Krystal’s father dashed out of the lobby, the heavy wooden door banging shut behind him. Krystal, still stunned by the news, turned to Link. Slowly, a smile spread across her face. "Thanks green machine" she murmured quietly. Link sighed. "Well" he said, "I guess it’s official. I’m now labeled ‘guy that always fixes other people’s problems’". His thoughts strayed momentarily to Anju and Kafei. He wished that he could have a relationship as deep and affectionate as theirs with Zelda. "Hey, green machine? Link?" Krystal said, waving her hand in front of Link’s face. Link’s thoughts returned quickly to Hyrule. "Yeah?" he asked. "I said come over to visit us whenever you want" Krystal said, smiling. "You’re always welcome". Link nodded. "Oh, I will, I promise. We’re friends after all, right?". Krystal was taken aback. As the loner that she was, had never really had many friends. "Oh, yeah, we’re- um... friends" Krystal liked the sound of that. "Friends" she said again, more confidently. "Yeah. We’re friends". Link nodded. Well" he said, "I guess I’ll see you around. Hope you can straighten things out with you’re mother". Krystal nodded. "Oh, thanks" she said as her father entered the room. Krystal turned to her father, then looked back at Link. "I gotta go. See you later, green machine" she said and followed her father out of the room. Link smiled to himself. His third day back in Hyrule and he was already saving people. Fate had destined him to be a hero. The Hero of Time, the hero of Hyrule and Termina, he would always be there to save the day, until the day he died.

The End

NOTE: Now I know some people might think what was the point of this story? The point of this story was to introduce a new, original character that will play a very big roll in my future stories. If you liked this (even if you didn’t, I’ll still write it), then I’m working on a sequel. This is my first fan-fiction and I know it’s not great, but I am working on improving my writing. Please e-mail me if you liked it.