Summer of Our Discontent

Prologue

A young blonde known as Zelda Harkinian hugged her body as she looked out the window. Her blue eyes drooped sleepily while she scanned the pristine streets of Castle Town. She took a brief moment to examine her alarm clock, which read 1:03 am. Nonetheless, residents were out and about, going to nightclubs and on romantic dates. Like her best friend Malon had once stated, "Hyrule did not have a bedtime." And ironically, neither did Zelda. The last few weeks hadn't been as pleasant as the little lady had wished, for she hadn't been able to get her 'required' 8 hours of sleep. Although there was no point to going to sleep, considering it was summertime. Usually her father ordered Impa to sign Zelda up for community services, such as volunteering at the Hyrulian Church in Lake Hylia, or mining for rare rocks to feed to the Gorons that resided in Death Mountain. This summer however, was going to be different, and not in a good way. No, Zelda would not be doing volunteer work, she would be free to choose whatever she'd like to do over the summer. Any normal 15 year old girl would see this as something typical, but Zelda had been so adjusted to having things decided for herself.

Earlier that day, or rather yesterday since it was 1 am, Zelda had told Malon about this 'tragedy' to which she squealed in delight. Malon had always been the social butterfly of the two, and she was definitely excited to know that her best friend would be able to hang out with her. The redheaded beauty had special news of her own, something that Zelda hadn't been anticipating, nor news that she was particularly in love with. In fact, it angered her and made her feel betrayed that her friend would do such a thing. Either way, Zelda understood Malon 'couldn't help it,' and decided it would be best to avoid any other drama considering there would be much more where that came from.

The four friends had surrounded the pot of deku nuts, munching and savoring the crunchy, forest-y taste. Zelda, Ilia, Saria had met up at Malon's house for the delicious snack. They were excited for summer vacation, well at least Ilia, Saria, and Malon were. They chattered eagerly about their plans with the exception of Zelda, who for the first time didn't have any. Ilia banged the hard shell of the deku nut against her plate, opening it easily and munching on the inside treats. Saria tried to pry hers open but to no avail. Zelda easily ate the snack and assisted Saria in eating her share. Malon had been extra chipper that day and the girls were dying to figure out why.

"Why?" Saria asked after gossiping about the latest summer trends, music, boys, and many other insignificant things. "What are you so happy about, Malon?"

Malon stared at her with a goofy grin on her face, her blue eyes sparkling with a newfound light.

"It's official." She said. "Link and I are going out. We're boyfriend and girlfriend!" She squealed with delight.

It was at that moment Zelda's world came crashing down. Mixed emotions came into play; betrayal, anger, jealousy, confusion, dejection, and so many more.

…Link? Her childhood enemy? The one that had spilt red potion all over her favorite dress in seventh grade? The one who that planted a deku baba sprout into her pot for Mr. Dragmire's flower project? How could this be? How could her best friend be dating that… that jerk? Zelda's primary concern was that her friend's heart would be spared from being broken. Although she also held resentment that Malon had been able to hit it off with Link so easily, after having known him for only two years. Zelda on the other hand knew him her entire life and he had never been nice to her. Not once. It infuriated her and confused her; she didn't know what to say. She truly was at a loss for words.

"Zelda?" Ilia asked curiously.

"Huh?" Zelda snapped out of her myriad of thoughts, looking up at the young Ordonian beauty.

"Are you okay? You haven't said anything at all. Did you hear what Malon just told us?" she said softly.

Zelda blushed furiously, looking down.

"Y-Yes. I heard, uh… I'm really happy for you Malon. Congrats." She said through gritted teeth as she tried her hardest to not look like a tomato.

Malon patted Zelda on the shoulder sympathetically.

"I know you two aren't the best of friends," she said with an earnest expression, "but we really like each other, so can you try to be happy for me? As my bestest friend ever?" She asked grinning.

Zelda looked up at her with the fakest smile Hyrule had yet to see, "Of course. I wish you two the best." She said.

Zelda fiddled with her deku nut, losing her appetite and reason to not be at her house.

"Uh… Impa told me that I didn't have to do volunteer work this summer…" She said, awkwardly changing the subject. "So maybe I can hang out with you guys or something."

Saria squealed.

"Oh my goddesses, are you serious? This is amazing; we can all hang out together." She grinned.

Ilia screamed, nearly choking Zelda in a bear hug while Malon jumped up and did a silly jig.

"This is going to be the best summer ever! I get to spend it with my all of my best friends and my boyfriend!"

Zelda cringed at the emphasis on the word. It meant one thing to Malon, and Ilia, and Saria… It meant everything to Zelda. She hated that boy with a passion, and yet there was something else that was gnawing at the back of her head.

Zelda sighed, slowly closing the curtains of her window, lying down angrily in her bed. This summer meant putting up with Link and Malon and their sappy summer romance, Saria's perkiness, Ilia's… whatever-ness. And so much more…

Hope you liked the prologue! The first chapter is in progress and should be posted in 2 – 3 days to at least a week! Check my profile for updates. Bye!