Anju and Kafei // A Zelda Tale

Chapter 6

Kafei began his journey to the spot where he knew Sakon's hideout was. Listening to the Curiosity Shop owner had granted Kafei this information. He was still angry with him for stealing his Sun's Mask, since he would need it if he were to ever marry Anju.

Hence the word "ever."

He began walking through Ikana Canyon. He didn't want to be here for a creepy essence loomed in the air. Kafei jumped at every noise. Who knew what was in this place?

He walked upon a large stone wall, with what seemed to be a cave entrance carved into it. He inched inside, terrified of what - or who - he may find.

What if he's captured Anju?

Kafei felt nauseous at the thought. He had no means to fight off a grown man, who could've been armed with all sorts of swords. He was merely a child now.

Though no sign of Sakon, the inside of the cavern was filled with mechanisms of all sorts. Nothing like Kafei had ever seen before. Most likely traps. It split off into two different sections, implying there were two different ways to go in. Kafei walked into the first room and was greeted with an impossible puzzle. He tried and tried, yet was unable to open the next door. Peering down the middle of the rooms, he saw it. His mask!

However, Kafei knew deep down that there was no way for him to get that door open. Not without any help at least.

The boy in green! Kafei remembered.

Feeling hopeful, Kafei left the eerie cavern and made his way back to clock town.

*************

Anju felt dazed and confused. What was she to do? Her guardians were against her, yet she knew in her heart that Kafei was her priority. He would come back. There was no doubt about it.

Her mind racing, Anju suddenly got up and left. She was hurt and wanted answers. So, she went where she had indirectly faced her first struggle.

Ikana Canyon.

Her father had stood there last, taken his last breath there. Maybe knowing what happened to him would give her inner peace and wisdom. Equipped with nothing but a map and a kitchen knife from the inn, Anju slipped out of her room and began her trek. It was nearing nightfall, so she would have to be extra careful.

Managing to make it all the way to the heart of the canyon, Anju felt relieved and invigorated. If she could get there alive, she could do anything. Including wait for Kafei.

She neared upon a strange stone wall. It had an entrance built in, most likely to some sort of cave. Fearing for what may lie inside, she hid behind a nearby rock, waiting to see what - or who- would come out of it.

As she was waiting, she felt an eerie presence all around her. It was not the air of the canyon either, this was different, almost comforting. Turning around slowly, she saw a shimmering spirit behind her.

Frightened, she whipped around and held her pathetic knife outwards. She had not looked upon this figure in it's entirety yet, but managed to do so.

It could not be. It had to be an illusion. A trick of her mind.

Was it...her father?

"Father...?" she whispered.

She watched as he smiled. His smile fractured his face ever so slightly, as a result of his ghastly form.

"Hello, my dear Anju."

Overwhelmed, Anju feel to her knees. She came here for answers, but was not truly expecting any. It was more of an excuse to be away from her mother.

"I know your situation, and I know your dilemmas. Know that I am here with you through it all. I know what you're facing, and trust me my dear, it will all turn out okay."

Anju listened quietly. She wanted to say thank you or I love you, yet those years of pent up anger let themselves out in two quiet words.

"You lied," she said softly.

His smile turned into a small, sad frown. "I know," he said just as softly. "You were young, I couldn't tell you the truth. How was I supposed to say goodbye?"

She ignored his question, and instead looked into his eyes. "You left us. My mother is broken inside because you didn't have the heart to tell us you knew you wouldn't come back. That was a death mission and you knew it, yet you went. And you lied. Why?"

"Anju..." he began quietly, "for that I am so sorry. I did not know what to say, nor what to do. As to why, I did not have a say. I was ordered there involuntarily. I was told I wouldn't come back. I did not want to leave my wife, nor you. I am sorry, and I know my sorry is not enough to make up for the years of heartache."

He continued, " However, you believed I'd be back, and here I am before you. It may be temporary, but I have been with you always. I also know why you are here, so I know you've kept your promise to me close to your heart. Keep persevering my beautiful daughter. It will work out in the end."

She stayed silent, knowing that his spirit had faded away. "I love you," she mouthed quietly.

Just then, she heard footsteps. Scared that she had alerted someone, she hid behind her rock once again. She peered up, only to see a bit of purple hair bouncing up and down.

Kafei was her first thought, but the person was too short for her to even think about being him.  That was a child, no doubt about it. Disheartening from her sighting and from her father's words, Anju slumped back to the Stock Pot Inn, to await her eventual doom.