Chapter Text
One
For the first time in over one hundred years, Hyrule was quiet.
A soft breeze blew over the small pond just south of the castle, disturbing its gentle waters as it lapped against the rocky shore. Long grass swayed back and forth like a wave, sending a hush over the kingdom as it reeled from the legendary battle that had just occurred.
The underbrush rustled, then parted as a small boy pushed himself out from the lakebed, long blonde hair flowing well past his shoulders. Slender fingers grabbed at the golden locks, squeezing excess water from its grip before slowly sitting down on the grassy slope, exhaling a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
She’s really gone.
The realization hadn’t quite hit him yet, it would likely be awhile before the shock wore off. But even still, his chest felt as though Ganondorf itself had reached in and ripped out his heart, letting it bleed onto the grass. He had hoped that by slaying the Demon King, somehow he could bring her back… His fists clenched, eyes squeezing shut as Rauru’s voice echoed in his mind…
“I’m sorry, Link,” The ancient Zonai king stood before him, shrouded in a blue green glow. He’d appeared in front of the hero just after the great Demon Dragon’s defeat, “Even my powers only go so far. She’s gone.”
Link could feel the slow breathing of the dragon underneath him, lulled into a gentle sleep by whatever trance Rauru had placed upon them. His heart was like a stone in his bare chest, horror slowly trickling over his skin as the reality of what the king was telling him began to sink in.
“No,” the hero’s voice was quiet, wanting desperately to think he’d misheard. He’d come all this way, fought with every single ounce of energy that he had, and yet he’d failed to do the one and only goal he’d had since the moment he awoke on the Great Sky Island.
Find Princess Zelda.
“Link, you must understand,” he turned to look at the hylian stood next to Rauru, dark skin painted with beautiful tattoos. Queen Sonia’s expression was soft, filled with regret and… guilt? “Zelda made her decision knowing exactly how it would end,” her voice was soft, trying to be as gentle as she could, “Even we are powerless against draconification.” she paused briefly, “There is a reason that the act was forbidden in our time.”
Before Link could summon a response, Rauru held up his hand, “Thank you for all that you have done for Hyrule,” his voice, just like his queen’s, was filled with sorrow for the lost princess, “If I could repay this great debt, I would,” he swallowed, third eye slowly opening upon his forehead, “But hopefully this will help,”
Link’s right arm grew warm. Looking down at the mismatched appendage, he could only gape as it slowly dissolved, replaced by the flesh that was there before. His gaze slid upwards once more, meeting with the Zonai’s.
“Go and bring peace to the world,”
Then he’d landed in the pond.
A low, mournful roar echoed across the sunset sky. Link lifted his head, watching the silhouette of his beloved Zelda disappear into the clouds.
“Linky!” Hoofbeats echoed over the ground, a group of horses cresting the hill and coming to a stop just before the downwards slope. From atop a large spotted stallion, a woman dropped down dressed in an outfit of beige and red. Her large, round glasses sat askew on her nose as she rushed over, slowing to a stop behind the hero, “You did it!” Purah sounded out of breath, as if she’d run all the way here instead of riding on horseback, “You must tell me everything. But first-” before he could protest, Link found himself dragged to his feet and pointed towards the castle. Or, at least, where the castle used to be.
For the past several months, it had been floating in the sky above central Hyrule, having been lifted there by Ganondorf after his resurrection. But now, with Ganondorf defeated, the castle had nothing to hold it afloat and had come crashing down in the wake of his epic defeat. The only thing that remained was a giant castle-sized crater in the ground.
“Our current theory is that the castle now rests down in the Depths,” Purah’s voice broke through Link’s thoughts, “Though with all the gloom gone, who knows if the Depths even still exist.” her brow furrowed, receding back into her thoughts as a guard approached them from behind, handing Link a familiar blue tunic fitted with leather guardwork. Pulling it over his head, the hero clasped the armguards to himself before turning back to the researcher next to him, who had returned from her thoughts with a sharp gasp, “Wait- the princess. Did you find her?”
For a small blissful moment, Link had forgotten about Zelda. He had forgotten about the anguish that filled his very bones and threatened to drag him down to the ground. But of course he couldn’t forget forever.
Reading his expression, Purah closed her eyes, tears gathering in their corners, “Well,” she swallowed, gathering herself up, “Then we’ll just have to keep looking. She has to be somewhere… right?”
Link shook his head. The familiar blockage in his throat returned, preventing him from telling the story. But luckily Purah knew him well enough to understand this, and nodded, biting her lip, “We can’t dwell on that now,” she turned back towards the horses, “Come on, I’ll fill you in on everything on the way back to Lookout Landing,” Gazing again at the crater, Link turned and followed her up to the group of soldiers waiting. Hearing a familiar neigh, the hero couldn’t help a small smile as a large chestnut mare tossed her head, shining white mane laying over her neck. Seeing his expression, Purah nodded atop her horse, “Epona wouldn’t let us forget her,” she mused, flicking her reins to encourage her horse back across Hyrule field. Another familiar neigh drew Link’s gaze to a tall, riderless, golden horse that stood next to and just behind Epona, gazing at the hero with trusting, patient eyes.
Walking over to the steed, he placed a gloved hand on the bridge of her muzzle, closing his eyes, “I’m so sorry,” he whispered quietly. An intelligent beast, the horse seemed to understand immediately, head raising to the sky as he let out a long, mournful cry. Feeling a nudge on his shoulder, Link turned to see Epona, gaze filled with love. Swinging himself up onto her saddle and clicking his tongue to encourage her forwards, he rode at a swift canter, quickly catching up to Purah. An uneasy feeling brewed in the hero’s stomach the closer they came to the giant crater.
“After the explosion happened,” Purah had a notepad opened in front of her, adjusting her glasses before pointing at her scribbled notes, “All of the gloom disappeared with it,” she briefly steered her horse around a rock before continuing, “We’ve sent out teams to all known chasms to confirm that this is absolute, and also to set up barricades around them,” she snapped her notebook shut, “We don’t have the manpower yet to send a team to the depths, so we don’t want any wandering travelers to stumble into somewhere that we don’t yet know is safe.”
Link nodded his agreement, turning his head to look as they passed the Hyrule Field Chasm, mouth falling open as he noticed the distinct lack of ugly creeping gloom around it. A makeshift wooden barrier had been set up around its perimeter, and a few guards were stationed at even intervals.
“Chief Paya has already confirmed that the Kakariko village chasm is devoid of gloom and has been secured.” Purah had produced another notebook from who knows where, “Bludo has also done the same with the Death Mountain Chasm. A couple smaller teams have also reported back, but we’re still waiting on quite a few.”
The familiar buzz of Lookout Landing reached Link’s ears, and he found himself tuning out Purah’s reports, noticing the way that everyone seemed to stare at him, looking oh-so hopeful until they noticed that he came alone. A riderless golden horse following behind him.
“Link!” the pounding silence in his head was finally broken by a familiar, hopeful cry. Looking up, relief and sorrow crashed over the hero like a tidal wave as he saw five familiar faces waiting for him on the deck above Josha’s research space. Tulin, the voice that had called to him, waved eagerly as Link dismounted Epona, handing her reigns to the kind old stablehand before following Purah up to where the sages waited for him.
“You did it, goro!” Yunobo met the hero with a crushing hug, squeezing him with a grin before dropping him and clapping his back with a massive hand, “I thought we were done for, but then we woke up and all of the gloom was gone!”
“We all knew you could do it,” Sidon smiled, “Now, then, where is the princess?” the Zora king looked around, “I assumed that she would be with you.”
A long, drawn out spell of silence greeted his words. Link couldn’t answer, throat swelling as he looked at his friend with only grief.
“Link,” the soft tone of Riju’s voice nearly broke him, “The princess… she didn’t make it, did she?” How many more people would he have to watch fall apart? How many times would he be asked the same question, only to have to crush their hopes with a small shake of his head.
“We don’t have time to grieve now,” always the voice of reason, Purah broke through Link’s thoughts, interrupting Tulin mid-sentence, “Right now you each need to head back to your people. I’ve sent out teams to each of the chasms to prevent anyone from going in. If you know of any in your domain, they would appreciate support.” Each of the sages nodded, refocused on their mission. “Hyrule has recovered from calamities throughout its entire history. We can rebuild again,” Purah nodded, but only silence greeted her statement.
“Let us do as Purah suggests,” Sidon’s voice was uncharacteristically quiet as he gazed at Link, a pondering look in his eyes, “The Demon King has only just been defeated, and Link must be exhausted. We should let him rest, then we shall reconvene at a later time.” The other sages nodded their agreement,
“Let’s meet back here in one week’s time,” Riju suggested and, once the others agreed, continued, “In the meanwhile, I will leave Buliara and some other Gerudo warriors with you, Purah. We will handle the chasms back home, and they are here to assist you in whatever you need.”
Sidon nodded, “You have the Zora’s support as well,”
“And the Goron’s!” Yunobo pumped his fist.
Tulin flapped his wings, lifting himself off the ground, “My dad will for sure say the same for the Rito,” he smiled before taking off into the air and heading back home.
Alone again, Purah looked down at Link, “Sidon is right,” she said quietly, “You should head into the emergency shelter and rest,” she paused, “Actually, on second thought, you can rest in my lab. I’ll ensure that you are not disturbed.” Link couldn’t be more grateful for the scientist. Not only was she the voice of reason, but she had taken charge without protest, something that the hero knew he wouldn’t be able to handle right now.
Nodding his thanks, he followed Purah to her lab and, once the door was shut, sat on the edge of the bed with a heavy sigh. He pulled his sheath off his back, leaning the mended Master Sword against the wall next to him. Slowly unstrapping his leathers, Link pulled off his shirt before tugging off his boots.
In the dim light filtering through a window behind him, he gazed down at his mended arm, flexing each finger in turn. After months of looking at himself and seeing a mismatched appendage, seeing one of his own flesh was almost jarring. He couldn’t deny, though, that having his arm back was quite the relief, despite the abilities that he’d lost.
A soft, constant light glowed through the purple and gold sheath beside him, a low hum occasionally sounding through the silent room. Zelda had once told him that she could hear a voice coming from his trusted blade… as if someone were inside it, guiding her. Reaching over, the hero pulled his sword from its protection and laid it across his lap, running his mended fingers over the cool, pristine metal. As if reacting to his touch, the Master Sword pulsed quietly, a soft noise echoing around him. But no voice spoke.
Link sighed, sheathing his blade before putting his head in his hands, gathering his hair between his fingers. Though he’d been alone for most of his time during the Calamity and now through the Upheaval, he’d always known that Zelda would be waiting for him once the smoke cleared. But now… His cheeks grew damp, tears tracking familiar paths down his jaw and onto the floor below. His whole life he’d known exactly what to do next. Become a soldier. Protect the royal family. Protect Princess Zelda. Never had he been so lost, without any goal. What was the point of rebuilding the kingdom of Hyrule if her Princess wasn’t there to greet her?
Wiping his eyes, Link laid back onto the pillows, staring up at the wooden ceiling above him. For a moment, he was sure that he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep. So many thoughts and emotions were racing through his mind that it was nearly impossible for him to latch onto a single one for more than a few seconds at a time. But soon enough, the sheer exhaustion of everything that had happened overwhelmed him and he drifted into a dreamless sleep.
Notes:
This is my first official posted fic! I'm very excited, but also super nervous. I'll do my best to have chapters posted weekly, but I can guarantee nothing since work and life tends to take over a lot of my time. I hope you enjoy!!
Chapter Text
“After we finish this one, I think we should place another in front of the Great Plateu” Zelda knelt among the ruins of what had once been the proud Castle Town directly at Hyrule’s center. Bringing her bag around, the young princess reached in and pulled out a single blue flower, laying it atop a small stone slab that had just been placed in front of the rubble. A single Silent Princess.
Standing, the blonde turned to look at her appointed knight, a sad smile playing across her features, “After all, it is the birthplace of Hyrule’s hero,” her eyes traveled to the ground, “And the resting place of her king.”
Link stared for a moment at the stone slab in the ground. Etched upon its face was a simple yet heavy phrase; “Dedicated to those who lost their lives to the Calamity.” Faces of old friends flashed across his mind, brief and fleeting. For the past two years the hero had worked hard to regain the memories he’d lost during his century-long rest. Some had come back easily, like his time with the Princess, pulling the Master Sword, and even some of the original Calamity had returned to him. But he still struggled with names and faces of those who he’d apparently known before.
“Are you coming?”
Link blinked, looking up to see Zelda sat atop her beloved golden steed. He’d originally offered to give her the white beast he’d tamed, descended from her original horse, but she’d refused after seeing how much it had grown attached to him. Instead somehow finding the perfect golden stallion wandering the Tabantha tundra.
Nodding, the hero lifted himself atop Epona, urging her forward to the south towards the Great Plateu. Looking over, Zelda breathed out a soft sigh, “All of the guardians have been successfully dismantled, according to Purah,” she informed him, steering around a small circle of stones in their path, “Supposedly she’s using them to create something akin to the Sheikah towers since all of those disappeared after the Calamity.”
She looks really nice with short hair.
“Riju reports that Vah Naboris is almost fully dismantled, and Sidon has already taken care of Vah Ruta. Teba and Bludo need a bit more convincing on their ends though,” Zelda’s fists clenched around the reigns, brow furrowing only slightly, “I just wish they’d understand- the only reason Ganon succeeded one-hundred years ago was because of those machines. Without the blights, Rivali, Daruk, Mipha, Urbosa… ” Her eyes closed, a sign that she was struggling to control her emotions.
Pulling back on the reigns, Link stopped both horses and put his hand over the Princess’, giving it a light squeeze, “I’ll travel to Rito village tomorrow. Explain everything.” he blinked slowly, “I’ll talk to Yunobo too. He can help me convince Bludo and the other gorons that this is the right decision.”
Zelda sighed, opening her eyes and looking over, “Would you?” she murmured, sliding her gaze down to look at their intertwined hands, “Thank you, Link.”
“Linky!”
The hero sat up suddenly, his dream memory floating away until he could no longer grasp onto it. Sighing, he heard Purah’s footsteps approach as he tied his hair up with the simple blue hairband he’d left by the bed the night before.
“Goddess, you sleep like the dead,” Purah chastised, folding her arms over her chest, “There’s a lot of work to be done. Get dressed and come outside quickly. You’ll be working with Josha today to see what state the depths are in, then we can start deciding what to do about them.” seeming to forget that she’d meant to leave him be, a pondering look crossed the scientist’s gaze as she continued, mostly rambling to herself about one thing or another. Someone had made some report about some problem and now there were some people going to help… or something.
This was entirely too much information for Link this early in the morning, but as he dressed, the hero did his best to nod and “m-hm” where he thought appropriate. Strapping the last of his leathers to his arms, he slid the Master Sword across his back and picked up the Hylian shield.
“Oh, you’re already dressed,” Purah had opened the door to leave, seemingly finished with her morning report, but paused in the doorway, “Perfect, let’s go meet with Josha right away!”
Link sighed, sliding the shield just in front of his blade before following her out and down the stairs, grabbing an apple from someone on the way. Before the pair had made it too far, they were stopped by a familiar voice from behind them, “Hang on just a moment, please.”
Turning, the hero saw Mineru in her spirit form floating just next to her construct. She gave a brief, sad smile before levitating to stand just in front of him and Purah, “There is something that I need to speak with you about, along with the other sages,” her long arms folded neatly and loosely in front of her, narrow head tipping slightly to the side, “The Temple of Time should work nicely. Please, gather them and meet me there.” turning, the spirit floated into her construct before wandering slowly towards the exit.
Letting out a breath, Purah shook her head, “Looks like the depths will have to wait.” she paused for a moment, as if pondering, “You go, Linky. I’ll have the sages meet you there.”
Link nodded, pulling out his Purah Pad and pressing the warp for the Ukouh shrine.
Purah had, understandably, assumed that Mineru intended to meet them all in the dilapidated ruins of the old temple atop the Great Plateu. So when they arrived atop the Great Sky island, she, along with the sages, were floored at the architecture that awaited them.
Link walked along ahead of the rest, gazing at the construct kneeling behind them as it waited for Mineru’s spirit to return. Turning forward, the hero heard Purah praising every aspect of the Temple, wondering aloud how such a structure could float so high in the sky.
Reaching the platform just outside the rear of the temple, where Link had relinquished the Master Sword so long ago, Mineru turned to face the sages, “I am so glad to be able to have brought you here,” she said, meeting each of the gathered eyes in turn, “I wanted to share this view of Hyrule with you.”
“We’re pretty high up, goro,” Yunobo, despite his awe, seemed nervous at the thought of being so far from the safety of the ground.
“It really is beautiful, isn’t it.” Riju’s voice was soft, her gaze not fixed on the kingdom below, instead watching the graceful form of a dragon as she flew slowly by.
Link’s breath caught in his throat. Purah had filled the sages in on what exactly had happened to Zelda, and they’d been sworn to secrecy. So, as the beautiful, golden-haired light dragon made her way across the sky, everyone knew that it was their precious Princess Zelda come to say hello.
“It seems… my time has now come.”
Link turned, watching as Mineru’s spirit slowly seemed to disintegrate, shining blue particles floating upwards. His throat clenched, taking a step forward as she shook her head, “Do not worry, Link.” the ancient Zonai smiled sadly, gazing at him with a subtle fondness, “You have overcome the burden that my time placed on your shoulders. You have proven yourself, and now no longer need me. I know now that I can move on-” she swallowed, “Join my brother and the world will still be safe.”
They all stood in silence for a moment, pondering what she’d said. After a brief pause, Tulin gasped and looked at his fellow sages, who all seemed to understand, gathering themselves in a ragged half-circle just as the Light Dragon soared above them, letting out her mournful cry.
In unison, they looked to their Princess, reciting a phrase they’d practiced since the second of Ganondorf’s defeat, “Those of us gathered here, swear on our lives to support Princess Zelda-” a few of them stumbled over their words, pausing to gather themselves as the gravity of their vow settled over them, “-and to safeguard the land of Hyrule.”
Deafening silence followed their vow, during which Link never took his eyes off of the receding form of his Princess, not until he could no longer make her out between the clouds.
“Rauru and Sonia will be so happy to hear of this,” Mineru’s words were barely a breath, shimmering tears gathered in her eyes as her spirit began to dissipate, “Thank you… my friends.” with a soft whisper of the morning breeze, she was gone. Her construct, knelt in front of the great Temple, slowly clattered to the ground, no longer held together by the Sage of Spirit.
For awhile, the only sound was the low ringing of the time bell, signaling to the island’s constructs that morning had come. One by one, each sage said their goodbyes and returned to their home to continue rebuilding their people. Until, eventually, only Link and Purah remained.
“We should go. Josha will be waiting.” the scientist gazed at Link thoughtfully.
“You go on ahead.”
Nodding, Purah left the swordsman be as she turned and headed back inside the Temple where her Zonai transport awaited her return.
Alone now, Link brushed his hand against the stone slab in the center of the platform. Just months ago he’d unknowingly sent the Master Sword back in time… and thus sealed his Princess’ fate.
“I’m so sorry, Zelda.” he whispered, dropping down to one knee as tears gathered in his eyes, “I wish that I could fix this…”
Receiving nothing but silence in response, the hero gathered himself and stood, reaching into his pack for one of the many flowers he now carried for his Princess. Placing the glowing blue flora upon the pedestal, Link stood for a moment longer before turning and walking into the Temple, leaving his Silent Princess behind.
As he exited on the opposite end of the large Zonai structure, the crumbled remains of Mineru’s construct laid waiting for him. Another tug of sadness wrestled in his chest, seeing the only physical proof of his bond with the Sage of Spirit looking so… empty.
Just as he was about to turn away, a soft gleam caught the hero’s eye. Furrowing his brow, the soft footsteps of his boots carried Link over to where a small, tear-shaped stone laid just next to Mineru’s darkened gaze.
Her Secret Stone.
Kneeling down, the silent hero had a brief moment of hesitation. This stone was not his, nor would it provide him any benefit as he had no powers to speak of. But, before he could decide to let it be, the stone flashed, then lifted itself into the air, carving an unfamiliar rune into its polished form before, with a soft hum, flying to rest just in front of Link.
The Sword.
A soft, feminine voice whispered in his ear, just as it had when he’d relinquished his blade all those moons ago. Trusting it as he had then, the hero drew his legendary blade and held it in front of himself, resting the hilt on one hand, and the cool edge of the blade on his other.
Shrinking to a suitable size, the Secret Stone floated gently over to the hilt of the Master Sword, fitting itself directly in the center of the golden gem that rested there. Lifting the blade above him, Link felt a rush of power flow from the stone into his body, invigorating him with enough energy that he felt he could run through the entirety of Hyrule and never tire.
Letting out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, the hero sheathed his sword, looking upwards at the Temple of Time. He may not be a sage, but he would do whatever it took to rebuild and protect the kingdom that he loved.
Once returned to Lookout Landing, Link headed straight to the small, shaded lab, alone with Josha and the now-silent bargainer statue.
“Oh, swordsman, you’re here!” the young researcher seemed beside herself as she dragged Link over to where a few notebooks laid open on her desk, haphazard notes scribbled all over their pages. Picking a blank one up, she shoved it into his hands before digging through the remaining ones, “I need you to take copious notes while you’re down there, kay? Oh, and of course please use the Purah-Pad to take pictures.” Josha let out a soft, triumphant noise as she pulled out one of the larger notebooks, “In particular, we’re looking to see if the Scourges, Lynels, and smaller monsters still reside down there. If they do, Purah says they’ll need to be wiped out since the lack of blood moons will ensure they don’t resurrect.”
Link slipped his notebook into his inventory, sighing at the prospect of fighting the many beasts that lie down there. He’d had to clear the land once before, after the calamity. It had been exhausting.
“Once you do that, Purah says she’ll approve teams to chase the Yiga Clan from the Depths, so we can move in.”
Link raised a brow, What does Purah want in the Depths? He wondered.
Josha shrugged, seeming to understand his confused expression, “It’s just more space,” she pointed out, “Most of the surface is scarred from thousands of years of war. If the Depths are cleared of gloom… it could be just the place to expand Hyrule.”
Link felt a bit of apprehension crawl up his neck, lifting the soft hairs that laid there. He understood what Josha was saying, but it wasn’t like Hyrule was overcrowded. And the depths were so… He shivered at the thought.
“Anyways, Goggles has gone ahead to the Hyrule Field Chasm. He’s waiting eagerly for your report.” Josha handed him a few bundles of arrows before ushering him out.
Shaking his head, Link crossed over the center of Lookout Landing, picking up Epona from the small stable before riding out towards the massive hole just south. Trusting his steed with another soldier, Link walked up behind a very short, enthusiastic man near the chasm’s edge.
“Ah, Link!” Robbie turned at the sound of his footsteps, grinning, “Finally here, eh? Perfect! I’m sure Josha went over it with you already, but we’re mainly looking to confirm that all of the gloom has disappeared, and also to know if any monsters are still lurking down there.”
Nodding, Link adjusted his belt before stepping up to the edge of the Chasm, slightly unnerved with the lack of gloom at his feet. That queasiness he’d always felt before jumping into the depths was replaced with an almost avid curiosity. Would all of the gloom truly be gone? Would it be crawling with monsters having fled below?
There was only one way to find out.
Taking a deep breath, one foot stepped out over the endless nothing, then the other, and suddenly he was falling into the darkness.
Notes:
Chapter 2! This chapter went through probably 3 or 4 drafts before I decided on a final direction :))
Very specific apology to Bee, whom I promised I would not do anything sad with Mineru. My bad :)
Anyways, let me know what y'all think! See you next week :)
Chapter Text
The eerie silence of his lengthy, rapid descent surrounded Link. Just as Purah had hypothesized, the outer edge of the chasm was no longer covered in red, glowing gloom, but rather simple dirt and stones that darkened in colour as he fell.
After some time, the hero deployed his paraglider, watching as the light, sandy floor slowly rose to meet him. Landing softly, he tucked his trusty glider away before getting his first proper look at the environment around him. It was relatively well lit, thanks to him having awakened all of the lightroots, but that served no other purpose than to reveal the stunning and supreme… nothingness. Where he used to be on his guard, hearing the light growls and garbles of distant bokoblins, there was only silence.
Odd.
Walking slowly deeper into the semidarkness, the hero happened upon an abandoned monster zonaite mine. Their pickaxes, weapons, and materials all laid around as if they had suddenly disappeared without any warning.
Running his hand along the zonaite ore, a sense of unease came over him as the realization that he was possibly completely alone down here began to sink in. No monsters that he could tell… unless?
Pulling out the Purah Pad, Link searched briefly among his markers in the depths, searching for the nearest place where he knew a scourge to lie. There, just down west.
Link’s boots crunched on the dusty ground beneath as he headed for the marker on his map. Along the way, he took photos of previously noteworthy locations, knowing that Purah would be rabid at the thought of a gloomless depths.
Only pausing every once and awhile to harvest some zonaite (though he supposed the material didn’t have much use to him anymore without Rauru’s arm) or the occasional muddlebud, it didn’t take him too long to approach the giant, round, stone platform on the ground.
An opened chest sat at its center, yet nothing stirred. Where he used to hear the terrifying roar of the Wind Temple’s Scourge, he heard only the sound of his own gentle breathing paired with the slightly elevated percussion of his heartbeat. His best guess? All things borne of Ganondorf’s gloom had been eliminated with the Demon King’s fall.
Despite his relief at not having to fight all of the monsters down here, something about their sudden disappearance unnerved the hero. After the Calamity, he’d had to individually wipe out all of the monsters that were left once Ganon had been defeated. But this time, it was as if all of them had been eliminated with the Demon King.
Figuring he had plenty of information to satisfy Purah for the time being, Link prepared to warp back to the surface, when a sudden thought gave him pause. It used to be impossible to access the depths below the castle since, on the surface, it was surrounded by water on all sides. It could still very well be that way, but nonetheless, the hero was filled with an itching curiosity that told him to search anyways.
Warping to the Sinonoyk Lightroot, Link knew immediately that everything had changed. Where there used to be a tall, impenetrable wall in front of him, now there was the crumbling remains of Hyrule castle, fallen from the surface. It seemed as if, with the force of its fall, the castle had broken through the wall of the Depths, crumbling it beneath its weight.
At first, he couldn’t quite make out what was what. Where was the top of the castle? Had it fallen straight down? Running over, the hero quickly scaled a few smaller portions of the wall before looking down at the ruins in their entirety. His heart sank.
There truly was nothing left.
Not only had the gaping entrance to the Imprisoning Chamber been sealed, covered by thousands of tons of rubble. But Hyrule Castle had been completely destroyed by the fall. All it was now was a pile of bricks and mortar, its once proud spire sticking sideways from the rubble like a gravestone.
Taking a quick photo, Link felt the urge to get out of there as quickly as possible. Seeing something that had once stood so proudly as the center of Hyrule now so empty, broken, and desolate… it was almost painful.
Not being able to stand there for a moment longer, he quickly warped his way back to the surface, the image of the ruined castle burned deeply into his mind.
“You’re telling me that the depths are completely empty?” Purah sounded as if she didn’t quite believe what Link was telling her. But as she flipped through the photos on his Purah Pad, it became quite clear that the hero told no lies.
“Even the castle…” Captain Hoz stroked his goatee as he gazed at the photo of the ruins, “Not many tread there after the Calamity, but it was still a symbol of Hyrule’s history nonetheless.”
Link remained quiet. He couldn’t help but wonder if there was any reason to rebuild Hyrule at all. Her princess was gone, and so was her castle. What was there left to keep the kingdom together?
“Well, it’s as you said, Captain.” Purah folded her arms over her chest, “No one really went to the castle anyways. We’ll just find a way to seal off the chasm so no one falls in.”
Standing from the small table, the hero picked up the Purah Pad and tucked it away, for the first time feeling slightly annoyed at the researcher’s relentless optimism. Ready to leave, Link paused at Hoz’ next observation.
“With the rebuilding of Hyrule, there is something we must consider,” the Captain mused, “The kingdom is without a ruler. Princess Zelda was the only living descendant of King Rhoam… and thus the last heir to the throne.”
Slowly, the hero turned to look at the pair once more, surprised to find them both staring directly at him. He blinked, feeling greatly uncomfortable with what they were implying.
Purah shook her head, looking back at the table strewn with notes, “I’m not sure how to rectify that situation,” she admitted quietly as Link sat back down.
“Is there anyone that comes to mind?” Captain Hoz urged, glancing at Link again, “Any Hylian who would give anything and everything for their kingdom, no matter the cost?”
Again, Link shifted in his seat, relieved when once again Purah shook her head, “No. It’s more complicated than that. A ruler isn’t just someone who would give for their kingdom. Take Link for example. He is a soldier and a hero, no doubt. But he is not the right person to lead the kingdom. No offense.”
The hero shook his head, indicating that none was taken.
“Not only that,” Purah continued, “But the kingdom’s ruler has long been decided by a royal bloodline. The next heir was trained from birth to do so.” the researcher shook her head, adjusting her glasses, “This does beg the question though… does Hyrule truly have need for a ruler?”
Silence greeted her statement. After a moment, though, Hoz cleared his throat, “I think the longer that the throne sits empty, the more uneasy people grow.”
“What people?” Purah raised a brow, “The Gorons, Shiekah, and Gerudo have their chief, the Rito their elder, and the Zora their king.” she counted off the races on her fingers, “And you hylians are so widespread at this point, that there really is no central rulership. Most are wanderers or travelers, some live in Hateno, where the Princess herself lived after the Calamity.”
The Captain’s brow furrowed, “But what of those of us who serve the kingdom? The ones who live here, at Lookout Landing?”
“You still served the kingdom without the princess during the Upheaval, did you not?” Purah, knowing she was winning, had just the slightest hint of a smirk on her lips, “You will continue to lead them, traveling the kingdom and providing any aid that the citizens may need.”
For this, Hoz had no counter-argument. He simply sighed, “History tells us that a kingdom with no ruler is doomed to only darkness. I fear that Hyrule may befall the same fate.” having said his piece, the Captain stood and replaced his helm before climbing the ladder out of the shelter.
Link let out a breath as he and Purah were left alone once more. What she had said made sense, but it once again left him without any goal… if he wasn’t here to protect Zelda, and a new king or queen was not to be named, then who was he here to protect? What purpose was he here to serve? An uneasy feeling built in his chest at the thought, but it was quickly interrupted as Purah stood, “With the depths explored, it might be best for you to see if the other regions need any assistance.”
Where normally Link would feel the fire of adventure ignite at the prospect of traveling through Hyrule once again, this time he felt nothing. What was the point? He could rebuild Hyrule back to exactly as it was before even the original Calamity ten thousand years ago, but it would still be nothing without Zelda.
Nonetheless, he was bound to serve his kingdom, so the hero merely nodded and stood, pulling out his Purah Pad in anticipation of warping to Rito Village first. Before he could press the screen though, Purah stood, holding up a finger, “Actually, would you mind leaving that here?”
Link gaped at the suggestion, having become reliant on the device after using it so much throughout his adventures.
“It would be nice to be able to reference these pictures while we work exploring the depths. Plus I’m sure Epona would love to stretch her legs.” she raised an amused brow at his disdain, calling him out for his laziness.
Sighing, he resigned himself to his fate and handed her the device, climbing out of the shelter and back onto the surface, pausing for a moment to observe the relative monotony of life in Lookout Landing. Despite the disaster that had befallen the kingdom, most everyone was proceeding like… normal.
Over by the store, a Rito woman was trading some of her downy feathers for some of the shopkeeper’s Hateno cheese, both of them all smiles as they conversed. At the stable, the old man was stroking one of the horse’s noses, cooing softly to it as he refilled the beast’s water. Near the pond, a Zora soldier was coaching a hylian on how to swim faster in deeper water.
Somehow, it seemed as if Link was the only person who felt the crushing agony of grief, having lost his everything in one single moment. The other citizens of Lookout Landing and beyond seemed to not even recognize the gaping hole that Zelda had left behind, moving on as if she’d never existed in the first place.
This angered the hero.
Nevertheless, he remained as stoic as ever as he collected Epona from the stable, walking her out into the gentle heat of high noon. Once away from the constant buzz, Link swung himself onto Epona’s back, hesitating for just a moment before flicking his reins to steer his steed East, towards Rito Village.
Keeping Epona at a quick trot, Link took the time to observe his surroundings. After the Upheaval, so much of hyrule’s surface changed. Some of the places that he’d frequented before were destroyed or significantly changed.
Crossing the bridge that had once held a red Hinox, the hero looked right towards the huge glyph carved into the slowly rippling meadow. A few horses wandered over the grassy knolls, knickering and tossing their heads as, slowly, Link began to recognize what he was looking at.
“Draw the arrow back towards my cheek… like this?”
The thin bowstring creaked quietly as it bent, soft Rito feathers whispering against pale skin, shaking only slightly as she struggled to hold it still.
A gentle hand came up to steady hers, the other resting against her taut abdomen, “Stand straighter, Princess” his voice was quiet, barely above a whisper, “Draw from here,”
Zelda held her breath, focusing at the target placed only a few meters away, “Okay… I think I’ve got it.” she shivered at his touch, hoping her appointed knight didn’t notice.
Stepping back, Link placed his hands on his hips, watching her form carefully as she refocused, closing one eye before breathing out as she released the arrow. Just as she’d practiced, it flew straight and true, landing with a loud thwup! just at the edge of the target.
“Yes!” she whirled around, beaming with the excitement of her first hit, “DId you see that? I hit the target!”
Link nodded, a small smile playing on his lips at her enthusiasm. Collecting her bow, he hooked it to the pack on her steed, watching as she walked over to collect her arrow, struggling slightly with how firmly it was lodged within the target.
Figuring they’d had enough practice for the day, the hero flipped open one of Epona’s saddlebags, pulling out a small checkered sack tied neatly at the top. While Zelda continued to struggle with the arrow, Link knelt at the top of the grassy knoll where they stood, untying the top of the sack so it unfurled, revealing the small picnic he’d packed inside.
Smoothing the blanket, the hero unpacked a feast of sandwiches, mushroom skewers, even fresh pizza made with the finest Hateno Cheese. Laying it all out, he heard a cry of triumph as Zelda finally pulled the arrow from the target. Turning to face her, Link couldn’t help but smile as she climbed her way up the knoll, expression changing from pride to surprise in less than a second once she noticed the spread.
“Oh! Link, did you make all of this yourself?” the corners of her eyes lifted, cheeks glowing a subtle rosy red as she neatly lowered herself to the ground, reaching for a slice of the warm pizza.
Nodding proudly, the hero sat down next to her, eagerly grabbing a sandwich before chowing down hungrily, not having eaten since breakfast all the way back at Hateno that morning.
“Mmmm… Not only are you a wonderful teacher, but you’re quite the chef as well!” the Princess giggled behind her hand, reaching for a mushroom skewer as she scooted closer to her Knight, “I learn more about you each day we are together.” Zelda looked over, just as Link shoved almost an entire slice of pizza into his mouth, meeting the Princess’ gaze with the corners of his lips stained red from the fresh Hylian Tomato sauce. Shaking her head amusedly, Zelda grabbed a cloth napkin and dabbed at the sauce before turning back to her own food, leaning her head against Link’s shoulder lightly.
Looking down at the newly constructed Stable below them, the soft playing of the Stable Trotters reached the pair just enough to provide a small serenade as they enjoyed the calm, quiet Hyrule together. It wasn’t often that they got a moment like this. Zelda was sure to keep the pair busy as they traveled all over the kingdom. But every once and awhile, she allowed them just a day to themselves.
The Princess and her Knight.
Blinking away the sudden memory, Link was surprised to find his cheeks damp with tears. It seemed like every little thing in Hyrule had a memory of the Princess attached to it. How was he supposed to move on if he couldn’t go two steps without being reminded of her?
Notes:
I decided to give you guys a longer chapter as a treat since, uh, I'm gonna have to put this fic on a brief hiatus.
July means Artfight, which means that all of my time is now dedicated to making as many attacks as I can- Team Werewolves FTW!!
The next chapter will be posted on August 14th! Thank you so much for your patience and support <3
Chapter Text
The air around Link grew colder as he and Epona approached the bridge heading towards Rito Village. A few small campfires burned around what used to be the Rito Stable, now labeled The Clover Gazette.
Outside of the makeshift newsstand, a familiar Rito stood talking with a couple Hylians. Hearing the approaching hoofbeats, the large avian swung his head around and let out a cry of greeting, waving his huge wing through the air, “Hiya, partner!”
Unable to help a small smile at Penn’s relentless excitement, Link swung off of Epona, leading her under a covered overhang, and tying her to one of the posts. Trudging back to where the small group waited for him, the hero nodded his greeting to the Rito, who quickly ushered him inside.
“Come here for the next big scoop, eh?” the avian removed his goggles, pulling up a couple of chairs as Traysi, the Gazette’s editor, brought them some steaming tea, “As good as your nose normally is, partner, we’re fresh out of scoops right now,” he shook his head, “We put out a breaking news about the Demon King’s defeat this morning, but we’re still completely stumped on the location of Princess Zelda.”
Link’s chest ached. He’d come towards Rito Village with the hopes of busying himself so that he could temporarily abandon his grief. But it seemed that no amount of distractions would truly alleviate his pain.
Taking a careful sip of his tea, the hero pondered for a moment whether or not to reveal his knowledge to Penn and, in turn, all of Hyrule. At this point, Purah had asked the sages to keep quiet about the Princess’ fate for a number of reasons. The future leadership of Hyrule had yet to be definitively decided, plus if everyone knew that the Light Dragon was their princess, who knows what people would do. Despite this, something itched in the back of Link’s brain, urging him to reveal everything to the Rito in front of him.
Traysi gazed at the hero curiously, always the observant one, seeming to see right through his pensieve exterior. After a moment, she walked over with her own cup to join the two of them, pulling up her own chair, “Do you know what happened to the Princess?” she asked quietly.
Link set down his cup before nodding, staring at the liquid. Of course he knew what happened to her. She’d been ripped from him, forced into a fate that should not have been hers. But he couldn’t tell them that. Instead, the hero cleared his throat, then answered their question with a simple, “She didn’t survive.”
There wasn’t much either of the two could say to respond to that. Instead, they stared at him with mouths agape. Neither of them expected that response from him, least of all Penn, who still somehow hadn’t figured out who Link was.
“I… wow.” Traysi looked at her tea, gripping the cup firmly between her pale fingers, “...are you sure?”
The hero nodded, watching as Penn stood, walking over to the counter at the back of the refurbished stable. His feathered fingers brushed against the printing press, pondering quietly. Link didn’t blame them. How does one even go about writing a story like that? This was so much bigger than the latest scoop, this was, to many of Hyrule’s citizens, the first announcement of Zelda’s supposed death.
Traysi gazed quietly at the small, blonde figure that sat at her table, sipping quietly from the still-steaming tea. She knew, of course, that Link would be telling the truth. While Penn had continued to remain oblivious as to his partner’s true identity, the editor had figured it out almost immediately. For once, the fire of journalism remained unlit in her chest. This wasn’t the type of story that you ‘leapt’ upon. This was something that Traysi wasn’t even sure that she should be trusted with.
“Penn,” she turned, looking at the Rito, “I want you to fly to Lookout Landing. Find out who is in charge and get with them on what the next steps are. I don’t think it would do Hyrule any good to learn of her Princess’ fate through the local paper.”
Nodding wordlessly, Penn picked up his goggles from where they laid on the smooth, freshly lacquered counter. Tugging them onto his head, he dipped his beak to the two hylians before stepping outside and taking to the sky.
The air stilled in his absence, a soft crackle coming from the fireplace to their left, joined only by the low howl of the winter winds outside. After only a few moments, Link stood, sliding his chair back against the hardwood. The silent hero expressed his thanks for the tea and warmth before trudging back out into the snow.
*****
.
Tying his loyal steed just outside of the simple wooden gateway, the hero nodded a greeting to Mazli, the ever dedicated guard, before heading up the stairs and into the main village.
As opposed to the constant buzz of conversation and laughter found in Lookout Landing, Rito Village was relatively quiet. Soft chirps and warbles blended into the soft Hebra breeze, creating an almost song-like ambiance that immediately brought Link a warm comfort.
Heading up the winding staircase, the hero was greeted by almost every avian that passed him by, thanking him for his heroism, asking if there was anything he needed, or simply greeting an old friend.
About halfway up the village, a familiar voice finally reached Link’s ears and he couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of relief as he approached the flight deck, seeing Teba and Tulin speaking with a few other older Rito. Unable to help it, a small smile curled on his lips as he laid eyes on his old friend. He had enjoyed his time adventuring with Tulin, but he still held his original adventures with the champion descendants close to his heart.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, the village elder ceased his conversation, looking over at the Hylian hero as he made his way towards them, “Tulin told me what transpired,” Teba folded his wings over his chest, dipping his narrow head respectfully, “It seems once again that all of Hyrule is in your debt.”
Link dipped his head in return as the rest of the gathered Rito excused themselves, leaving only Teba and Tulin, the former of which continued once they were alone, “My son also informed me of the princess’ fate.” he closed his eyes, “Rest assured, the rest of my people know nothing. They’ll know whenever you and Purah decide it is time.”
Guess that’s coming sooner than expected. The hero thought to himself, nodding his gratitude to the elder.
Rustling his soft, downy feathers, Tulin adjusted the bow on his back, which seemed almost too big for the fledgling. Clicking his small claws on the wooden deck, he nodded his agreement with his father, “I also told him about Purah’s request with the chasms. We’ve sent a small team to lookout landing and are guarding the chasm beneath the village.” the small Rito smiled, “Was there something else you needed?”
Link shook his head, breath clouding in front of his face. The Hylian opened his mouth to speak, blue gaze shifting upwards to the large rock pillar that made up the center of Rito Village. The sunlight filtered from behind the impressive geological structure, casting all who stood below it in a grayish shadow. With a soft jolt, the hero was suddenly reminded of the last time he stood upon that great rock.
It had been an extremely cold winter for the Rito. Soft, powdery snow filled the air, landing on the village’s wooden surfaces to create a pristine white blanket. Luckily, the midday sun was just enough each day to give the avians reprieve, melting the snow and warming their feathers before the freezing night returned once more.
That same midday sun now shone on a pair of Hylians as they climbed over top of the tall rocky perch that stood solidly through the center of Rito Village. Out of breath, the pair took a moment to rest, sitting next to one another and removing their thick, downy jackets. The shorter of the two, long blonde hair tied up behind his head, reached into his pack and pulled out two neatly wrapped sandwiches that had been prepared earlier in the day. Handing one to the princess next to him, Link unwrapped his own and took a hearty bite, hungry from the long day of riding that the pair had endured.
“Teba tells me that his son is already proficient with his bow,” Zelda mused, neatly unwrapping her own sandwich, “Ironic, isn’t it?” she took a bite, looking over to see Link’s curious expression, a small bit of avocado smeared on his chin.
“How quickly he learns, while I am still quite the beginner.” the princess smiled, leaning over and wiping his face with her sleeve, “I don’t mind it, though. It just means you have to spend more time teaching me.”
Link smiled, admiring the way that the sun’s gentle rays reflected off of Zelda’s golden hair, bathing him in her warm glow. It was days like these, the slow days, that the great hero was grateful for his bond with Princess Zelda. No one else got to see every side of her as he did. True, she didn’t hide much from her people, but there were small moments, like this one, where the royal lady had her guard completely down, and Link knew he was lucky to know her this way.
“Purah is beginning construction on new towers, have I told you yet?”
She had, but Link shook his head anyways. He would never grow tired of hearing her voice.
“A few of them are already complete,” Zelda pulled out her new favourite thing-the Purah Pad, “Once she finishes them all, we can travel to collect a map of Hyrule, since the one on the Sheikah slate was lost with it,” her emerald gaze began to sparkle, just as it did when she was excited about something. Link found himself growing excited along with her. Adventuring with his princess was something he would never turn down, especially now with her growing archery skills becoming an asset in combat.
“But let us focus on one thing at a time,” Zelda placed the Purah Pad back in her bag, “Teba has agreed to join the royal guard as an official champion-just like Revali before him,” she looked over at Link, meeting his gaze with a soft smile, “I know he’s just one, but I think we’ll have no problem with the others.” pushing herself upwards, the princess pulled her jacket back on, Link immediately following suit as he worried she may fall, “Next is the Gorons. You ready?”
“Link? Link!”
Blinking, the hero turned to see Teba and Tulin gazing at him with worry in their soft gazes. He must have zoned out. Struggling to remember the last thing that was said, the hero eventually shook his head, tightening his downy coat against the sudden chill that gripped his body like a vice.
There was silence for a moment, then Teba nodded, “If you ever need the Rito’s help, we will be here for you. Would you like an escort to the Hebra borderline?”
Again, Link shook his head. Blood roared in his ears. It took all of the hero’s effort to croak out his goodbyes, putting one foot in front of the other as he slowly made his way back down the staircase that he’d climbed only minutes ago. The Rito around him bid the blonde farewell, but he was too overwhelmed to reply.
This was the hero of legend. One born through and endless cycle of birth and rebirth. The unknowing wielder of the triforce of courage, and yet a simple memory crippled him beyond any battle wound he’d suffered before. Link’s chest burned, a cold hand wrapping around his heart and lungs, squeezing without any regard for his wellbeing.
Finally stumbling out of the wooden archway, the hero grabbed onto Epona’s reins, hands shaking as he untied her from the post before, unable to bear the burning pain in his lungs, the great hero sunk to his knees, breaths coming in shaking gasps. Just the mere memory of his beloved princess was enough to bring Link to his knees. How much more could he take? How many more times could he stand to hear her name? See her face in the photos on his Purah Pad? How much was he expected to suffer before finally he was given a break.
Squeezing his eyes shut, the hylian took a deep, steadying breath. He had more ground to cover, and three races still yet to visit. Zelda may be gone, but the kingdom of Hyrule was not. They still needed their loyal knight.
And yet, as he got to his feet, slowly climbing aboard Epona, Link had this lingering nag in the back of his mind. Was any of that even true? What use was he to Hyrule without a princess to protect?
Notes:
Hi, I'm not dead!
First off, I wanted to genuinely apologize for the long absence. To keep a long story short, my job was draining every ounce of my energy and I no longer had the motivation to do most anything if I'm honest.
I'm finally free from that job, and am now recovering from top surgery! So I am HOPING (no guarantees) to have this story completed by the end of the year. I do indeed have an end planned, it's just getting there that is proving tough.Thank you so much to those of you that stuck with me through my hiatus. I can't wait to read your comments on this newest chapter, and hopefully I will have another for you very soon!
Many thanks
-Ethan
Chapter Text
Tabantha had always brought peace to Link’s discorded thoughts. His ever-present silence, pre-calamity or otherwise, was often deafened by the constant dialogue in his own head. It was part of the reason he hardly spoke, it was hard to drown out everything else long enough to form vocal responses. Here, though, in the blissful silence of Tabantha’s ever-present winter, the hero knew only peace. Even more so since the end of the upheaval, no longer having to keep a sharp eye on his surroundings or ears pricked for the low roar of the distant gleeok he once steered far clear of.
Having left Rito village in the warmth of midday, his path now was painted with gentle streaks of orange and purple as Hyrule’s sun began to settle below Hebra Mountain’s tallest peak. Faintly, the melody of the Stable Trotters danced through the slowly-cooling air, drawing Link towards the warmth and comfort that a downy bed would bring. Yet, a small fire now burned constantly within the hero's chest. A fire that urged him to keep traveling, ride on until he reached Goron City. Epona, however, had different plans. As soon as the pair began to near the Tabantha Stable, the mighty steed turned her course, parking herself right in front of the Stablehand who she knew would feed her and get her to a warm stable for the night.
Despite his urge to continue towards the Woodland, Link knew that once Epona made up her mind, nothing could change it. Resigning himself to his fate, the hero lowered himself to the ground, handing the stable boy a few rupees before heading to speak with the innkeeper. 20 rupees later and the hero had himself a soft, warm bed for the night.
Drawing the curtains closed, the hylian slowly unstrapped his leathers, pulling his shirt over his head and folding it neatly, laying it over his pack and sheath. His boots came next, leaving just his pants on to retain some modesty within the public stable. Crawling into the freshly made sheets, Link stared upwards at the tented roof, the low hum of conversation surrounding him as he attempted to surrender to the alluring lull of sleep. However, his mind wandered much too quickly to allow him peace. The day’s events replayed themselves over and over in his head, repeating the memory that had sent the great hero into such disarray. The whole of Hyrule seemed to be at peace, yet no matter how hard he searched, Link could find himself none.
*****
Despite Epona’s protestant whinnies, the pair were on the road just as the sun made her morning re-appearance. They had quite the ride ahead of them, and Link fully intended on reaching their destination before the heat of day was behind him. Determination cresting his gaze, the hero clicked his tongue and flicked the reigns, holding on as his steed set a swift pace down towards the looming Death Mountain.
Just as he’d hoped, Epona’s hooves slowed to a steady stop in the center of Goron City just as the sun began to descend from its peak. Link allowed himself a soft chuckle as he dismounted, realizing how ridiculous the sight of a horse on Death Mountain must look. Shaking off the thought, he dismounted and led her to a tucked off corner, quietly promising her some apples as soon as they were done here.
“Goro!”
Link’s palm slipped from Epona’s warm neck, turning to face the familiar voice, an involuntary smile ghosting itself along his lips as Yunobo rolled to a stop in front of him. The ever-positive leader of Yunobo-Co seemed surprised to see him, perhaps wondering why he’d left the comfortable familiarity of Lookout Landing- something that the hero himself had yet to satisfy.
“Is something the matter, goro?” Yunobo asked, concern coating his rather whiny tone. Link quickly shook his head, not wanting to worry his friend. “Thank goodness,” the goron continued, his posture brightening alongside his expression, “I’m glad you’re here, though. Boss has been sending small teams to check and secure all the chasms, goro, but there just aren’t enough gorons to check them all. We haven’t even dared to check Death Mountain itself.” he hesitated, a question blossoming just behind his eyes, as if he dared not ask it of the hero who had already done so much.
Luckily, Link was rather proficient at reading other people (especially someone like Yunobo who carried himself like an open book), and responded to the unspoken request with a terse nod, feeling that, for the first time since… then, he had a distinct goal. It felt refreshing, in a way, though the familiar tug of darkness brushed against his heart as he padded up towards the exit of Goron City.
Wow. He was out of shape.
At first, of course, the hero had attempted to ascend the mountain using the complex system of rails that the gorons had assembled- just as he did in his original quest to find Gorondia. The problem of ascension quickly became apparent, though, as Link no longer was able to make use of the dormant Zonai fans scattered along the ground. Bombs, perhaps? Not unlike the method of traversal he’d once used before the Calamity. This, however, proved futile as he only succeeded in blowing himself off of the minecart. (*More than once*, might he add). Returning to Goron City, he’d then attempted to ascend the mountain with Epona, only succeeding in finding “Death Mountain Marker #9” before the trail dropped off into sheer cliffs on all sides.
“Very helpful.” Link mumbled to no one in particular before resigning himself to his mountain-scaling fate. Truly, he wasn’t sure why he had agreed to do this. The chasms were clear, the depths empty. No one had seen hide nor hair of a monster since the Demon King’s demise- why would Death Mountain’s Maw write any different of a story?
The answer was simple, of course. He lived to serve in the most literal sense. From the time that he’d become part of the kingsguard as a child, to his Princess, to every moment in between, he’d dedicated himself to serving. Yunobo had asked (implied, rather) for help, and Link’s instincts took over. With no explicit purpose, no quest, he simply served whatever purpose that would best defend his precious kingdom. Now, it seemed, that meant scaling the side of a rather steep and *sharp* mountainside.
The hero’s lungs burned in his chest, muscles protesting with each heave and reach of his arms. This high up, the air thinned enough that each ragged breath cut through the roof of his mouth like claws, copper tinging the end of his tongue as he swiped it across his lips in a desperate attempt to hydrate them. With one final heave, Link landed on the edge of the path up to Death Mountain’s looming maw. Allowing himself a moment to catch his breath, the hero pulled out his flask and drank in deep, desperate gulps.
”Slow down- you’ll make yourself puke!”
Her melodious voice cut through his thoughts, stealing what little oxygen remained in his lungs. Slowly, the flask lowered, a rattled breath drawing in through his parted lips. His chest *ached*. Usually, the stern reminder would be accompanied by the softest brush of her fingertips against his, gentle amusement dancing in her gaze as she raised an eyebrow, fighting to stay serious while holding her appointed knight back from drowning himself with drinking water. But none of that came, just the ghost of her voice that only he could hear.
“Yes, Princess.” the response exhaled from Link like a breath, an instinct. Screwing the cap back onto his flask, the hero’s hand trembled as he returned it to his bag. Focus. The chasm. Squaring his jaw, his soft steps carried him up the short, steep path to the edge of Death Mountain’s Maw, leaning over just enough to confirm what he already knew- empty.
Yet, the hero didn’t move.
His boots remained firmly planted on the edge of the chasm. Just one more step and they would meet nothing but air, his body dropping down the unlit basin into the depths below. He didn’t do it, of course, having neither a warp pad or ascend to get himself back to the surface. The thought, though, lingered. Longer than he’d liked. Shaking his head, Link tore himself away from the inviting darkness and began his descent back to safety.
*****
One brief report to Yunobo later and Link was on his way down Death Mountain. He’d refused a free bed at the inn, restless in his mission to visit each major settlement. Next - the Zora. Oddly, his mind relaxed at the thought. There was one thing that the Zora’s Domain had over each of the other Hylian races: Sidon. His best friend. He enjoyed being around the Zora prince- king now, he supposed. Sidon never pressured him to speak when they were together, filling the silence with his own anecdotes and observations on the world around him. It lifted the pressure off of Link’s own shoulders, allowing him to focus on whatever crisis was at hand.
It was a long ride - though he supposed they had all been so far. Epona was a steady constant beneath him, hoofbeats ringing out against the silent sky. Her breaths came quietly, barely breaking a sweat despite the long days of riding ahead of and behind them. Link leaned into her, the familiar bunch and release of her muscles beneath him grounding the hero to the present.
And yet… the landscape rolled by. Familiar, haunting. Each swaying tree, jagged rock, pebbled shore- they all carried stories that he remembered in fleeting moments. Memories tugged at him, threatening to pull him into their cold grasp, rip him from his present and lull him into a false sense of belonging.
Epona snorted, tossing her head and jolting him from his stupor. No, he couldn’t keep doing this. Hyrule in its present was waiting for him. Link couldn’t keep living in the past… as much as he so desperately wished for a way to go back to it.
Slowing as he approached the incline, Link guided Epona through the winding pathways up to Zora’s domain with practiced precision, no longer having to focus on the hordes of monsters that used to crowd these rather narrow pathways. She ignored him at times, but it was usually the right decision, avoiding an obstacle that her rider missed as they traveled along.
Finally crossing the crystal blue bridge into the domain’s courtyard, Link took a moment to look at the statue of himself and Sidon in the center. A flush crept onto his cheeks, as it did every time he saw the art piece. It was just so… flashy. Pulling his gaze away, the hero dismounted quietly before trudging deeper into the domain. Dropping a few rupees into the inkeeper’s palm, Link groaned as he crashed face-first onto the nearest bed. Sure, he likely need’nt have paid if he’d asked for Sidon but he’d rather not wake his sleeping friend, instead opting to let himself slip into a fitful rest. Tomorrow he would tackle whatever task the king asked of him. But, for tonight, he would visit his Princess in his dreams.
Notes:
Heyyyy... how y'all doin.
Surprise!! I, uh, never thought I'd come back to this, honestly. Life sucked me into its grasp after that last chapter. I recovered from top surgery, couldn't find a job, moved across the country, lived here for a year, and genuinely thought that this would stay in the past. But, alas, it's incompleteness weighed on me more than I thought, and it wasn't until I got back into reading fanfiction (thank you, Kpop Demon Hunters) that I realized how much I wanted to finish this.
You'll realize that I put a total number of chapters, something that honestly helped immensely in my motivation to keep going with this fic. I realized that I didn't have to make some grand giant novel-length artwork in order for it to be good, it just has to tell the story that I want it to tell.
Anyways, enough yapping. I know this chapter was not super great LOL. Forgive me, I'm rusty and also struggling to fill in the blanks between the story in my head. Hopefully y'all enjoy it anyways and, while I hesitate to put a timeline on myself, with only two chapters remaining I hope to have this fic finished soon enough.
Thank you for those of you who left kudos and comments in my absence, and a special genuine thank you to my friend Bee, without whom I likely would not be writing still :3
Much love to all of you, and happy honmoon!
-Ethan
Chapter Text
Lake Hylia breathed slowly at the boundary between high noon and dusk’s explosive colours. A haunting depthless blue tinged quietly by the beginning of magenta’s fire, rippled reflection of Hyrule’s sun bathing the water in her ceaseless warmth. From their spot on the pebbled shore, it seemed endless. Stretching lazily to every corner of their vision as if to proudly proclaim its territory. There, the warm weight of Zelda’s head on his shoulder, Link came to the conclusion that whoever decided that the world needed this much water was right about everything.
The faint scent of lemongrass and nighttime’s cool embrace whispered sweet nothings on the gentle breeze, promises of deep sleep and hushed secrets on its tongue. Soon there would be need for a fire, the sun’s reassuring light dimming softly as it tucked itself away, if only to give the moon her time to shine. They would fall into a practiced routine, the canvas of their tent and the hushed murmur of their boots through tall grass giving a soundtrack to evening’s final performance.
It was in these moments, far away from the castle’s unfeeling walls and demanding regimen, that the Princess would slowly melt away, leaving Link as the only soul privileged with the opportunity to bear witness to Zelda’s truest existence. Her shoulders no longer stiff with the weight of her kingdom’s unwavering expectations. She would laugh, the notes no longer woven with the practiced falsetto of royalty, but explosive. The kind of laughter alongside you couldn’t help but harmonize, strings of joy weaving themselves into a melody of unspoken gratitude. Link wished more than anything that he could bottle them up and keep them in his pocket.
The crickets began their chorus, softly at first then louder as the stars proliferated. Between untold stories and unspoken promises, someone’s - usually Link’s - hunger would announce itself like a messenger, cutting through the silence without shame. Another bout of laughter would follow, even the crickets taking a breath in their orchestra to allow room for joy. Link would offer to cook, knowing he would be refused but attempting nonetheless. Instead, he sat back and watched as Zelda’s practiced fingers moved almost without pause, dancing through a familiar choreography as she seasoned each bite with oregano, thyme, and just a pinch of unspoken love for her knight.
Royalty was once again forgotten as hands quickly became soft with the evidence of a well-enjoyed meal. Carefully packed dishware lay forgotten in the bottom of a bag as nature provided its finest china for them to feast upon. “Who wants to do dishes on a night like this?” Zelda had hummed, sliding a thin slab of meat onto a smooth stone that Link had freshly rinsed, pushing it towards him with the softest of smiles.
Conversation lulled, but not into tension, rather a comfortable silence that was thick but not heavy. The fire sparked and hissed, lapping hungrily at the still-cooling air around them. Soon, one of them would shift closer, the other neglecting to move away. Warmth became their destination, their bodies the roadmap. Constellations above them glimmered, the only witnesses to a portrait painted by love within solitude, light among suffocating darkness. No words were ever spoken, essays only written by the soft brush of fingers along skin, leaving trails of gooseflesh despite the warmth surrounding them.
At some point, the cold found itself a home in their bones and the tent's quiet comments on the wind grew louder. A wordless decision was made to move into shelter, followed immediately by the cool sting of regret as their bodies untangled. A brief debate on the campfire’s fate ensued, terminated swiftly by Link’s observation of their position against the shore. As promised, the tent was warm. There was a brief turmoil - each of them shedding their day’s travel to lay vulnerable with one another. Then, quiet once again found its home.
As it always did on these cool, breathless nights, the world narrowed to the shape of the tent and then, somehow, got bigger inside it. Conversation was not forbidden between them, but silence often felt like the right thing to say. Nothing else mattered outside of those thin canvas walls. They both knew that, in the morning, when the moon gave her spotlight for the sun, that their duty would return. No more whispered promises, no more of nature’s fine china, no more roads of gooseflesh mapping the journey to warmth. Her laughter would weave with falsetto, his gaze no longer lingering longer than his standing permitted.
They tried not to think of it.
It wasn’t long before the lake’s rhythmic melody lulled them towards peace. They fought it, of course, desperate for each moment shared with one another, but the waves continued their siren song anyways. Zelda dropped first, as she always did, leaving Link with the perfect picture of beauty beside him. He allowed himself a moment- just one- to memorize her features, the slow push and pull of her chest against his, before he too slipped under, giving in to nature’s gentle lullaby.
Reality came to him like falling asleep - slowly, then all at once. He clung desperately to the traces of warmth, but failed to hold on for more than a moment. Zora’s domain carried a permanent chill in the mornings that managed to work its way into Link’s chest, filling the hollow void there with a cold so sharp he felt as if he had fallen onto his blade. His whole body ached - first with the pain of an unfamiliar bed, then twice over with the memory of grief that had taken up residence just underneath his skin. For the first time, the hero indulged it, rolling over in an attempt to settle back into sleep’s loving embrace. Reality was not so kind as to let him.
“My friend!” Like a ray of warm light bursting through fog, King Sidon was there. Sitting up, Link’s gaze landed on the Zora, who, as explosive ever, drew the hylian into a crushing embrace.
Despite himself, Link smiled.
Sidon’s grip softened, pushing the hero back to hold him at arm’s length, “How are you doing?” he asked, voice gentle enough to cradle a child.
It was a simple question, really, as often uttered as inquiries about the weather or if one preferred game over fowl. Nonetheless, Link couldn’t find it in him to answer. Instead, he flashed a corny double thumbs-up and Sidon, bless his heart, saw only what was on the surface.
“Wonderful! Listen,” throwing an arm around the hylian’s shoulders, the king began to lead him out of the inn, “I know you traveled here at Purah’s behest, and I hate to trivialize the journey you have taken thus far," Sidon paused for a moment, greeting a group of young Zora by name as they ran by towards the market. Once they were clear, he continued, “I am afraid that I must send you right back on your way.”
Link paused, his sure footfalls stuttering at the unexpected request. He met Sidon’s gaze, confusion reflected in his own as a question.
Realizing his error, the king hurried to rectify it, “No, no, not like that, friend.” he assured the young hero, “You are welcome at Zora’s Domain any time - we are honoured to have you.” Link relaxed, slowing his pace as they approached Epona, who was currently swarmed by young and curious Zora who were feeding her carrots and apples. At the sound of her rider’s familiar gait, the loyal steed lifted her head to ignore the children’s offerings, greeting Link with a low whinny and a toss of her head.
“We received word from Purah yesterday that you’d be coming,” Sidon’s voice cut through Link’s thoughts, “She and the Lucky Clover are working on the announcement of Princess Zelda’s… you know.” the word hung unspoken between them.
Death.
Except she wasn’t really dead which, somehow, made it worse.
After what he deemed an appropriate pause, Sidon continued, “She wished you to return to lookout landing as soon as possible to… help them prepare.”
The weight of his friend’s words settled themselves in Link’s chest like a stone. No longer would Princess Zelda’s fate be a secret. Well, the truth as far as Hyrule knew. A feeling crept upwards into his throat like bile, starting low in his abdomen and making him feel nauseous. What was it? Anger? No, he’d long been past that. Grief? No, his now familiar friend had made its home just underneath his skin as a constant itch, that wasn’t it. All at once, the word hit him.
Shame.
He was Zelda’s appointed knight. He was supposed to protect her. He’d failed once before, 100 years ago, but this time… this was different. He’d truly failed. Once again, instead of protecting his princess, she’d sacrificed to protect him. There was no coming back this time. Now, all of Hyrule would know the truth.
He had failed.
Realizing that he’d let the pause drag on just longer than was appropriate, Link quickly nodded, easing any worries that Sidon might have had. “Wonderful!” the Zora clapped his hands together, “Please, Link, once you are done, come back to visit. Yona and I would love to spend time with you.”
Link nodded, the softest of smiles tracing his lips as he swung himself onto Epona’s back. Gazing gratefully at his friend, the hero’s expression shifted back to its stoic mask before, with a flick of the reins, the pair took off towards Lookout Landing.
Notes:
A bit of a shorter one this time, but I mostly needed to position Link for the final chapter, which will be longer to make up for it, don't worry :)
I didn't expect to get this out so soon, but a couple nights ago I came across the most beautifully written piece of art that I have ever read, and it re-lit the fire in me like nothing else, so I had to get this out of my head.
I don't have a timeline for the final chapter, as I want to make sure that I take my time with it and give you all the proper send off to this story that has lived in my head for almost two years now.
As always, thank you so much for your support <3 love you guys!
Chapter Text
The day’s travel passed by in a blur. Epona moved with a steady grace, nature parting a path for her. Lookout Landing was, as always, ablaze with activity. The milky patterns that announced the arrival of the setting sun dampened the discord only slightly. Shopkeepers hurried to close their stalls, children complained as parents called, even the horses began to settle as the light grew lower and lower.
It all felt so… normal.
No one else felt the crushing weight that had made itself Link’s newest companion. At least… not yet. Honestly, the hero had no idea whether he felt pity or relief.
It took a moment for him to realize they’d stopped, the rhythmic tapping of Epona’s hooves having long gone silent. A sound to his left- the hero turned, met with the patient gaze of the stable owner, hand outstretched to help Link down. Without thinking, he accepted, sliding down from his valiant steed without a word, though the stable owner expected nothing else. Soon, he was alone, the sun having fully set as everyone retreated into the emergency shelter.
Good. Link let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. Let them rest. For tonight, their princess is with them.
His own sleep was fitful at best. Memories, fears, voices both familiar and otherwise flooded his mind in a chorus so loud he feared that the others in the shelter could hear it. He tossed and turned, desperate for sleep to take him into its warm embrace so that- if only for a moment- he could just… forget.
Reality was not as kind as to indulge him.
The shadows cast by the moon grew shorter, then longer once more as it drifted lazily over its peak and down towards the eastern coastline. Enough.
His boots hit the ground before his mind had time to catch up. The ladder was cool beneath Link’s hands, practiced movements carrying him upwards towards the moon’s embrace. It was surprisingly warm outside, the long sleeves of his tunic almost too much for Hyrule’s summers. Without purpose, the hero found himself in front of the stables. Long had the old man retired to his bed, leaving Epona without tack in her stall. He expected his steed to be sleeping, but she seemed to have sensed his approach, lip curling upwards as she tossed her head happily.
The stall door creaked quietly in protest as he opened it, running his calloused palm along Epona’s neck before swinging himself over her, fitting perfectly into the slope of her back, even without a saddle to cradle him. On instinct, the chestnut mare brought him to Lookout Landing’s entrance, then paused, as if asking “Where to?”
Where to, indeed?
He hadn’t really thought this far. Lookout Landing just felt so… suffocating. As if the walls of the shelter were slowly closing in on him. Tomorrow he would face his duty, but tonight? He needed to run.
“Hyah!” Link urged Epona forward. She seemed confused at first, stuttering a few steps before, at the hero’s urging, speeding into a gallop. He didn’t steer, didn’t force her in one direction or another, just closed his eyes, leaned close, and let their hearts connect. The wind kicked up around them, Link’s breath catching in his throat as he tried to steady himself, focusing only on the feel of the beast beneath him. The way her muscles bunched and released, the sure way that she navigated her surroundings. She understood, she never judged, she was with him.
Epona slowed. The hero lifted his head, expecting to see the trapping walls of Lookout Landing but instead met with the yawning maw of-
“The Lost Woods.” his breath was quiet, fists bunched within Epona’s mane as he gazed into the near silent woods. He’d brought them here, somehow. “I’ll be back by dawn.” Link promised to no one in particular, a hurried glance upwards confirming that he hadn’t much time to keep it.
The lone torch stood abandoned at the crumbling archway. Link had no need for it. Drawing the sword from his back, the hero let himself be led by the pulsing light within it, amplified now by the Secret Stone nestled in its hilt. The looming fog curled around him, obscuring his vision as he trusted the echoed voice in his chest to lead him deep within the woods. And lead him it did.
Nighttime did nothing to dull the light that Korok Forest brought to Link’s mind. Instantly, he was swarmed by small bouncing figures as they called to him, overjoyed that the Hero of Hyrule was visiting them once more.
A quiet groan settled over the din like a soft blanket, drawing Link’s gaze upwards to meet the Deku Tree, blinking off sleep as he was stirred by the hero’s presence, “Link,” his deep voice echoed throughout the clearing, filling every crevice with its comforting warmth, wrapping the hero in a hug he hadn’t known he needed.
“You’re troubled.” It wasn’t a question, no answer was expected, “The princess… she remains as she was.” silence met his statement. Even the Koroks, normally so full of light and energy, stilled beneath his words, “You feel… responsible?” This seemed to genuinely surprise the tree, his voice lilting upwards only slightly to reflect what he felt, “The decision was not yours to make, Link. You could not have prevented it.”
He knew that, logically. Even more so he understood that Hyrule itself would not be around without Princess Zelda’s sacrifice. There was no reason for him to feel the way that he did but… well, the heart never cared much for logic, did it?
A whisper.
Link’s breath caught, his hand once again drawing the sword from his sheath to hold it in front of him. Again, the whisper drifted towards the hero, crawling up his spine and into the space between his ears. The blade pulsed, a soft blue glow emanating throughout the wooded clearing. It came again, though the words remained unclear. The sword… it was trying to communicate, just like Zelda had said to him before.
“Mmm.” wood creaked as the Deku Trees brows furrowed, “The sword… she speaks once again. It has been some time since I heard her voice.”
Link still could not understand her, but, as his blade pulsed again, he felt a tugging in his chest. Then, a roar. His gaze shot upwards, the ever-present fog of the Lost Woods clearing now to show Zelda- his Zelda - soaring lazily in the sky above them. Had the sword… called to her? Summoned her? Indeed, she was not there by chance. After a moment, this was clear as the dragon circled lazily around the woods, waiting for something.
Or… someone.
Link’s breath caught in his throat, gaze returning to the cool blade in his hands. For a few moments, no one spoke, the forest frozen with awe and reverence over their lost princess. The Deku Tree was the first to break the silence, low voice somehow quieter, as if he feared scaring away the dragon above them, “For millennia, there have been three forces of balance- power, wisdom, and courage.” Link knew this. The mighty Triforce displayed in the throne room came with a history that Zelda’s father had proclaimed loudly at any opportunity. As if reading his mind, the tree continued, “What you do not know, young hero, is that the Triforce is not a symbol, but a living entity. Three entities, each born with a piece of the Triforce entwined with their very soul. The Triforce of Power- this foe you have battled more than once.”
Ganondorf.
“His draconic form that you vanquished. I was not sure until this very moment but, when he was defeated, I felt as though his piece of the Triforce vanished with him.” a weighted quiet fell over the forest. Was that not a good thing? The Deku tree silenced his thoughts, “The triforce of power is not inherently one of evil, Link.” He reminded the hero, “Its influence is determined by the one who wields it. With that piece of the Triforce gone, things have been… out of balance.”
This made sense. Wisdom and Courage were nothing without Power. What did all of this have to do with him and Zelda?
“The Triforce of Wisdom,” the Deku Tree’s voice grew soft, “It has been quite some time since I have heard it sing with such vibrance.” Link’s gaze cast downwards. Was he saying… Did the sword carry the Triforce of Wisdom? The Deku Tree chuckled, “No, child. Look up.”
The hero knew what he meant before he obliged. Zelda. She was the Triforce of Wisdom. Somehow, immediately, it all made sense. Her powers, her knowledge, the steady way that her heart beat against his-
Wait, that meant-
“Yes, Link.” The hero looked at the tree once more, “You are the Triforce of Courage. That is why you are able to wield your sword, and why it sings for no other.”
The knowledge settled on him like fresh fallen snow- shocking and cold, yet comforting all at once. There was a reason that his soul felt so inexplicably intertwined with Zelda’s. Why he yearned for her when they were apart. Even, to an extent, why his soul called for Ganondorfs. When they met in battle, when their swords clashed and the gaze of the hero met its mirror in the Demon King’s hungry eyes, it had felt so right. Like every moment from the dawn of time to the edge of eternity had led up to that very second. Whether they realized it or not, their minds and bodies were one, souls tied yet conflicting.
Link let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. The Deku tree continued once more, his knowledge in the ways of the world around them seemingly never-ending, “With the Triforce of Power gone, and the Triforce of Wisdom unable to be reborn, the fate of Courage rests with you, Link.” There was weight behind his words, as if he wished to give the hero an answer to every question he may have. Alas, the decision must be Links and Links alone.
The fate of Courage. It was… relieving, ironically. As if he’d been, up until now, carrying a burden that he hadn’t even realized. The Triforce of Courage had given him purpose, but now- now his fate was all his own. What did he want? Immediately, his body- no, his soul knew the answer. As if hearing him, the Light Dragon called.
He wanted to be with her once more.
The hero’s chest ached. There was no way to bring her back. Not even the sacred power of two sages was enough to bring his soulmate back to his arms.
Unless-
The sword pulsed and hummed in his palms, tugging him with an invisible force as he took one step forward, then another. The Deku Tree remained silent, as if holding his breath.
The sword slid neatly into its stone, the forest itself letting out a breath as she returned to the ground. She gave one last pulse of sapphire before going silent, returning to her dormant state until the Hero arrived once again to raise her.
That time would never come.
Link’s hand still rested on her hilt, briefly unsure if this was the right decision. Was he making a mistake?
Zelda roared above him. No. This wasn’t a mistake. This was where he was meant to be.
Pulling his hand away, the hero stood, looking down to see a small golden stone resting in his palm. Mineru’s- no, his secret stone. The stone that had chosen him at the entrance to the Temple of Time mere days ago that had, to Link, felt like a lifetime. He looked up, meeting the wise gaze of the Deku Tree, who said nothing in reply.
Resolve tightened in his chest. That empty feeling that had nearly consumed him flickered with warmth, the beginnings of a flame that he would soon stoke for eternity.
Not trusting himself to wait a moment longer, Link took a breath, closed his eyes, then brought the stone to his trembling lips.
I’m coming, Princess.
His head tipped back, fingers hesitating for a heartbeat, then relinquishing their hold on the stone.
The clearing exploded with light. Even the Deku Tree closed his eyes, unable to look upon the blinding display in front of him. A roar shook the Earth, echoing across Hyrule in a wave of power and desperation. The tree opened his eyes once more, catching the flicker of a long, silver tail before he shifted his gaze upwards. The sight that greeted him took his breath away.
Two souls became one. Two dragons danced with one another so closely that it was difficult to tell where one stopped and the other began. Their hearts beat together, breaths coming and going as a single rush of air. No longer did duty or demands keep them apart, not even the Earth herself was capable of that. This was how it was meant to be.
With one last mournful roar, the Dragons of Light and Courage changed their course, soaring higher and higher until it was impossible to tell them apart.
Then, silence.
It settled over Hyrule like a fog. The faintest touch of gold caressed the horizon as the sun awoke from her slumber, greeting her kingdom with dawn’s first warmth. In a few hours, the world would be alive with the sounds of nature and civilization - a perfect harmony. They would search for Link, the hero who had protected them from devastation, but each trail would grow cold. They would grieve, wondering what powerful force could have stolen him from his duty. Eventually, they would move on, no longer worried for the safety of their kingdom. There would be peace. Link had fulfilled his destiny, the sun continues to rise and fall and- occasionally- the clouds would part to reveal the sky’s newest inhabitant, evermore entwined with the one who shares his soul.
Notes:
And with that, my first fic is finished <3
I've had this final chapter in my mind since the beginning, I always knew that this was how it was going to end, I just struggled with how to get there. Hopefully the end justified the means :3
Time and motivation willing, this won't be my last fic! I am solidly trapped by kpop demon hunters, and currently cooking up a polytrix fic in my brain,,, so keep an eye out for that if you're interested I guess LOL
Thanks so much to all of you for reading, and I must once again give a shoutout to my friend Bee, who has hands down been my biggest supporter and my pseudo beta-reader LOL.
Love you guys <3
WolfFlavoredTea on Chapter 1 Tue 20 Jun 2023 07:37PM UTC
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EthansMenagerie on Chapter 1 Wed 21 Jun 2023 12:08AM UTC
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EthansMenagerie on Chapter 1 Thu 22 Jun 2023 05:09PM UTC
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Enter0 on Chapter 2 Tue 27 Jun 2023 11:23PM UTC
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zkmqcpmz (Guest) on Chapter 3 Tue 19 Sep 2023 09:57AM UTC
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