Looking For Group

Part 8

Time arrived only a few minutes later.

He entered the ballroom quietly. He gave the others a brief nod of acknowledgement, then addressed to the person outside. "Come on in. I want to introduce you to everyone."

A young boy barely twelve years old entered the room. He had floppy blond hair, large black eyes, and as he walked in, his back was straight as a rod, his face tight like he needed to poop. Twilight remembered being that nervous.

"Wind," said Time, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. He gestured to everyone in the room. "These are the Heroes chosen by the Goddess."

"HELLO!" The boy squeaked loudly.

Everyone chuckled.

Entering the room behind them was an older woman and a little girl, presumably Wind's family. It was rare to have family bear witness to a Choosing. More than once a relative have started fist fights. They waved at them and stood to the side, watching the event unfold.

"Heroes," Time addressed the group. "This here is Wind. He lives on the island of Outset in the south sea. Last week his island was attacked by a giant squid and he fought it off. Thanks to him, many lives were saved."

Everyone cheered and clapped. Wind's cheeks turned scarlet and his eyes turned towards the floor.

Time continued. "Wind has shown bravery in the face of great peril. He succeeded where many would have failed. I have no doubt he possesses the Hero's Spirit."

Sky stepped forward. He kneeled down in front of Wind, pulling away the blue silk clothe from the sword. At the sight, Wind's sister and grandmother gasped.

"Holy shit!" His sister yelled.

"Aryll! Language!" Her grandmother chastised.

That broke some of the tension. Wind suddenly laughed, his body relaxing for the first time since he entered the room. He sobered quickly, biting his lip as he stared at the sword. "Is that... really the Master Sword?"

"Yes, it is. She will be the one to truly determine your soul." He turned the sword around so the hilt faced him. "Do you accept her judgment?"

Wind didn't take it immediately. His left hand gripped the side of his shirt, tugging on it. "What happens if I don't take it?"

"Nothing," said Sky. "If you want, you can turn around, leave, and never return. We can't force you to take the blade."

Wind bit his lip once more. He raised his hand up and hovered it over the hilt. He gave a little exhale of breath, and grasped it.

Sky stepped away, pulling the scabbard off, taking it with him.

Nobody spoke as Wind stood there, sword in hand, holding it up high. His reflection in the blade stared back at him as his mouth opened in fascination. He lowered his arm and touched the edges, running a thumb over it. "It's so light," he murmured softly. He swung the blade downward, testing it, a whistling noise echoing as it cut through air. Wind gave a little giggle, then swallowed, his boyish smile melting away to a frown.

Twilight knew that look. Wind was coming to the realization he was a Hero. This wasn't a game or fantasy anymore for him, it was truth. As proud as Twilight was for the boy, he mourned for him as well. Wind's childhood was now over.

Wind blinked up at the other heroes. "Um... now what?"

"Boring stuff," said Time. "We need to go over some papers, talk to your grandmother about your new duties, expectations and so forth. But first, I have question to ask."

He kneeled down in front of Wild. "For every Hero, there is a princess. For every princess, there is a Hero. If you find one, you usually find the other. So tell me... do you know who your princess is?"

Wind shook his head. His floppy blond hair fell over his eyes. "I... I have never met the royal family."

"It's just a title," said Time. "Not every princess is born as a royal. Do you know someone who is wise beyond her years? Someone you feel protective over? It could be a friend, a neighbor... or even a sibling?"

As he said this, he gave a slight glance over to Aryll.

The little girl gave out an obnoxious laugh. "HA! It's probably that pirate he's in love with!"

Wind's entire face went red. He yelled back at his sister through gritted teeth. "Aryll!"

"Pirate?" Time questioned. "So there is someone?"

"Argh!" Wind yelled, trying to bury his burning face away. It was difficult to do while still holding the Master Sword. "...Maybe? I don't know. She actually came to Outset Island wanting to rob us. But then the squid attacked and she... helped me. Her name is Tetra."

"Tetra," Time repeated. "She is your princess, then?"

Wind took a moment to think about it, hugging the sword close to his chest. Though the edge of the blade dug into the fat of his arm, it did not cut him.

"Yes," said Wind finally. "She is my princess."