Chapter Text
The Beginning
Hylia, Goddess of Time and leader of her people, was in trouble. She knew, in her soul, that she was committing a grave misdeed, but she also knew that her plan was the only one that would work. To defeat Demise, she needed a hero with an unbreakable will and a soul of silver. It was vital that Demise be cast down… so it was vital that Link, the man she loved with all that she was, suffer the indignities heaped upon him.
Link was convicted of a crime he had not committed. What the crime was, Hylia could scarcely remember– something important to mortals, but meaningless to gods. Still, he’d been sentenced to a cruel punishment: to be chained to the wall for life. Hylia knew that his sentence would not be for life– she could see to the far edges of time and she knew he would be freed after five long years– but that didn’t dull the sting of watching him suffer.
I’m sorry, Link. She thought, invisibly watching him as the jailers gave him his only respite– unchaining him for his “bath”: a bucket of ice cold water dumped over his head once a week. This… this will strengthen your soul. It’s needed for what is to come. As Link was roughly redressed in rags and chained to the wall again, she shed a single tear for him, which fell onto his head with a shimmer.
The prison melted around Link, the walls turning to watercolors and dripping away to reveal a beautiful, expansive field. His arms fell free to his sides, and his legs felt stronger than they had in months. “Huh?” He looked around, confused. “Well. Either I’m asleep or dead, and really, both are preferable to being in jail.”
“Link…” Hylia appeared behind him and softly called out his name.
“My Goddess!” Link whirled around and fell to his knees in supplication. “You’ve caught me on a good day. I’m the cleanest I will be all week.” The lightness of his tone belied the suffering he’d gone through and would continue to endure.
“Link, you can not be sullied by their hands. Your soul shines brighter still.” Hylia reached down and cupped his face. “Endure this trial, Link. You shall come out the other end, stronger.”
Link cast his gaze downward. “I’m… not sure I can, Hylia. My soul and my body are sullied… my honor, torn to shreds… the only thing I have left is you.”
Hylia knelt in front of him and pulled his face up to meet hers. “Link, your soul is clean and your honor intact. Trust me when I say that this shall pass, and you will once again be revered amongst the people.”
Link scoffed. “I don’t WANT to be revered amongst the people. I merely want there to be peace and safety for all– so you can finally lay down your sword.”
Hylia smiled at Link. “Come, sit next to me.” She asked, sitting down next to him. “Do you remember your promise to me?”
Link did so. “I swore to bring you victory in your war against the Demon King.”
Hylia giggled lightly and shook her head. “Not that promise! I meant the one you made when you were much younger…”
“Much younger?” Link cast his thoughts back, then blushed deeply. When he was ten years old, he had escaped his parent’s arms and run up to Hylia, holding a small wooden sword. “Lady Hylia!” He’d yelled, getting her attention. “When I grow up, I’m gonna beat up Demise and then I’m gonna marry you!”
Hylia had giggled and kissed his forehead. “I’m sure you will, young Link. I look forward to that day.” She’d responded, handing him back to his parents. “I’ll be waiting for you to fulfill your promise!”
Back in the present, Link blushed at the memory. “You… you remembered that?” He asked, cringing slightly at his younger self.
“I remember everything, Link. I’m a goddess.” Hylia smiled, with a twinge of melancholy in her face. “I envy mortals, you know. The ability to forget… in many ways it can be a blessing. I remember each and every one of my followers– their names… their faces… the joy of meeting them and the sorrow of parting…” Hylia pulled her legs up to her chest, hugging her knees. “I have lived for a very long time, relative to mortals, you know. I’m seventy-six thousand years old.”
Link chuckled. “I’m twenty-three.”
Hylia reached over and took his hand. “I know.” She looked off in the distance. “Did you mean it when you said you’d defeat Demise and marry me?”
Link coughed awkwardly. “I… Well, yeah. I was ten, you see, and I didn’t really understand that you were… you know, a GODDESS, and that I couldn’t…”
“I accept.” Hylia turned, taking his hands in her own, smiling like the sun.
“I… wait, I’m sorry, what?” Link’s eyes went wide. “You… you’re serious.”
“I am, if you’ll still have me.” Hylia smiled at Link, her flawless face shining with warm inner light. “I’ve come to know you well, Link… and my soul calls out to yours. Our time together might be short… but I would love you with all that I am for the time we have.”
Link’s jaw fell open. “I… uh…” He swallowed deeply. “Will we have children?”
Hylia’s face betrayed sadness for just a moment. “It will take us some time… but yes. We will.” She leaned in and kissed him softly, letting a tiny bit of her divinity pass into him to ease his wounds. “We’ll have so many children together, Link.”
“Well…” Link sighed happily, taking Hylia in his arms. “I can endure anything, in that case.”
Hylia held him close, sharing in each other’s warmth. I’m sorry, Link. I didn’t lie, but… it will be much longer than you might think… Link would live another six years. Hylia knew that soon, she would hold his lifeless body in her arms, pass some of her own divinity to his soul in a desperate hope to see him again, and then forsake her immortality, cursing them both to be reincarnated together, over and over again. She could see the shape of things to come, but she couldn’t see the details: the last vision she could make out was a blond woman and a young man, living together in a simple cottage, together and happy. I hope that life comes about soon…
The Era of the Skies
Zelda leaned over in bed, softly running her fingers through Link’s hair. Still a sleepyhead, even after everything… she thought, pressing a loving kiss to his head. It took so much longer than you expected, but… you finally got to marry me, Link. She cuddled close to her husband, pressing herself into his back. I waited for you, and I’ll always be yours. I can’t see the future like I could when I was Hylia, but that's alright… because I’ll always be your Zelda. Burying her face in his hair, she took a deep breath of his scent. It was worth it, right? It has to have been.
Link stirred beside her. “Mmm… g’morning, Zelda…” Link rolled over, favoring her with sleepy kisses. “What time is it?”
“A little past eight. You can sleep in a bit if you want.” Zelda nuzzled his neck lightly, not wanting to get up yet herself. “I don’t mind staying in bed with you…”
Gazing reverently at Zelda, Link drew her into a deep kiss. Despite the early morning hour and the clumsiness of his kiss– he’d only had his first kiss with her a few months ago, after all– they both loved it. “I love you, Zelda.” Link whispered, holding her close.
“And I love you, Link.” Zelda responded, leaning her head against his. “I will forever, across all time.”
The Era of the Minish
“Hey.” Zelda said, walking up to Link, who had already set out the picnic blanket. “Sorry I’m late. My father had a lot to talk to me about.” She sat down with him, staring out at Hyrule Field. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”
Link grinned. “Well of course. It’s your birthday.” He produced a bottle of champagne. “Care for a glass? You ARE legally an adult now!”
A cloud passed across Zelda’s face, but she accepted. “Thank you, Link.” Taking a sip, she shuddered a bit as the bubbly alcohol made its way down. “Whoo, that’s… kinda ticklish and warm…”
Link took a significantly larger sip of his own glass. “It’s good. Not as good as the wine you got me for my coming of age, but good nonetheless.” He looked over at Zelda, who had her knees pulled up to her chest. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing…” Zelda mumbled, taking another sip of champagne. “Everything’s great.”
Link cocked his head slightly. “Sure doesn’t LOOK like nothing. In fact, it looks like you’re all torn up about something. It’s not Vaati, is it? The seal’s holding.”
“No, it’s not that…” Zelda sighed, crossing her arms on her knees and leaning her head against them. “It’s just… I’m an adult now. That means I have to get married. That’s how it is for noble families– father will find some baron or duke who he wants a favor from and he’ll offer them my hand.” She fell backwards onto the blanket, staring up at the sky. “This might be my last day as a free woman, Link.”
Link looked over at Zelda, frowning slightly. “You really think your father would just… give you away to a stranger like that? Without asking for any input from you?”
“I’d like to think he wouldn’t, but…” Zelda sighed deeply. “Even if he gives me some choice, I wouldn’t be able to marry who I want. Not really. I’d just have to choose the best of the bad options given to me.” She held her hand up as if to grasp something in the sky. “You see that silhouette up there? They say it’s a fourth dragon, one that stays way high up in the skies. I envy her. She isn’t tied down to duty.”
Link laid down next to her, gently hugging her. “It’ll be alright, Zelda. You’ll be okay.”
Zelda sniffed and wiped her eyes lightly. “I don’t think I will, Link. I’m scared. I think I’m gonna be married off to someone I don’t know, when I really want…” She stopped talking and looked away, eyes brimming with unshed tears. “I was hoping that… after Vaati, I might be allowed to…” She took another drink of champagne. “I was hoping that I could choose for myself.”
Link leaned in a bit closer. “If you had a choice, what would you want?”
Zelda turned, staring at Link, and grabbed his face, kissing him fiercely. It was a kiss that was all lips and teeth– all passion, no care or subtlety given to the kiss. “I want YOU, Link! Who ELSE would I want? YOU saved the Kingdom! YOU saved my life! You’re my best friend! But I… I just can’t see it happening…”
Link drew Zelda into a tight hug. “We’ll be okay, Zelda. I promise you– we’re going to be okay.”
Zelda fell into Link’s shoulder, softly crying. “You’re a liar, Link…” She sniffled and hiccuped lightly. “But keep lying to me for tonight.”
The next morning, Zelda found herself summoned to her father’s chambers, the purpose as clear as day for her. “Zelda!” Daltus called to her, a wide smile on his face. “Come in, my darling, come in!”
Zelda took a seat across from her father, folding her hands in her lap carefully. “Good morning, father.” She tried to maintain a neutral expression, careful not to give anything away. “What can I do for you?”
Daltus stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Zelda. You are of age now– an adult. You… you know what that means.”
Zelda swallowed the lump in her throat, staring at the floor. “Yes, father. I do.”
Daltus nodded quietly. “I have received many petitions for your hand, both from within and without Hyrule. Five separate nations have requested a political marriage, in particular, which leaves me in a bit of a bind. Pledging you to one will naturally offend the others… as would leaving you unwed.” He shut his eyes, pausing for a while. “However, there is an alternative option– one I think might suit you better.”
“An… alternative option, father?” Zelda asked, looking up from the floor.
“Yes. You see, it just so happens that there is someone who was granted a title for service to the crown, and who is still owed a great debt. Someone, who, it just so happens, is already quite fond of you himself. Someone who no one would protest if he claimed your hand.” Daltus’ eyes twinkled brightly. “Yes, I believe if you were to wed the Hero, that would solve our conundrum quite well! What do you say?”
Zelda gasped lightly. “I… I would love to marry Link… but I couldn’t force him into marriage. I’d want him to desire it as well…”
“Luckily, I do desire it. Quite a bit, actually!” Link announced, stepping out from behind a curtain. “King Daltus sought me out earlier in the week and swore me to secrecy.” He chuckled lightly. “I told you we were going to be okay.”
“You’re a JERK, Link!” Zelda laughed as she ran over to Link, hugging him tightly. “But… you’re MY jerk, now!”
Chapter Text
The Princess of Time
In all her years of existence, Hylia couldn’t have foreseen the whirling nexus of time that had resulted from a young girl’s foolish, rash actions. Time looked like a whirlpool, with millions and millions of potential timelines spinning around the nexus of her childhood before branching off in a thousand thousand directions from their source. Most wound up being drawn into a few major streams– with the occasional rivulet here or there, representing the rare major stable deviations, flowing alongside the rivers without joining them. Zelda, Sage of Time, considered herself to be one of those deviations. She had left her personal timeline behind, to take up the sacred duty laid down by Hylia so long ago: the Warden of Time itself.
Zelda sat in the Sacred Realm, alone and defeated. They’d beaten Ganon… or had they lost? Or had he been executed before he had a chance to cause any harm? Or had he bided his time and unleashed an evil greater than any other, only to be met with an equal response from the forces of light? It was all so CONFUSING, but Zelda knew one thing for sure. She was alone. She had sent the one person who could ever understand her away, crushed by the guilt of having cost him his childhood.
Other Zeldas will be able to live happy lives. She thought, staring out at the millions of timelines, weaving into three– no, wait, four now, one branch had split off from one of the earliest points, flowing in its own direction– four grand rivers of causality. I’ll stay here, and slowly try to undo the damage I’ve done. And it’s clear: I have BROKEN time badly. In the Sacred Realm, she could use her powers to the utmost. Stopping her aging was a simple trick– she would serve as the Warden of Time forevermore as her penance.
He’s not happy if you sacrifice yourself. I should know. Zelda’s head snapped up, looking around. She should be alone– that much was clear to her– so where was the voice coming from?
As if stepping out of the fog, another woman, this one with shorter hair and a blue outfit, appeared, a soft smile on her face. “It took me a while to find you. You really hid yourself away well.”
Zelda leaned forward, focusing on this mystery woman. She seemed so familiar… so warm… “Who are you?”
“I’m you!” The other Zelda replied with a light giggle. “Or, more rather, another reincarnation of you, from far at the outer edge of all of these timelines. Technically, I’m from far away at the outer edge on both sides, one just a few decades after Demise was sealed, and one from thousands and thousands of years off in the future!” She sat next to the now very confused Zelda.
“Right now, relative to your original time, I’m sleeping and dreaming a warm dream as I wait to reunite with my beloved. Relative to my own time, I’ve been queen for a few years, and during my research, I realized something about time travel: it’s far less chaotic than it really SHOULD be– which indicates someone is helping keep things from breaking. Someone is pushing the pieces along and keeping things stable.” She smiled over to her counterpart. “And then I remembered the stories of the Hero of Time, and I realized what I probably would have done had I found myself in your place at your age.”
Zelda’s mouth fell open. “Are… are you ALSO a Sage of Time?” She asked, shocked. “But… most of the loops…”
“I am, but like I said, I’m from far before and far after. History tends to enjoy mirroring itself, and I’m here to give you some advice, having followed your path before– you need someone by your side. Eternal loneliness is no way to exist, and your wisdom needs the courage to act. Find him.” The future Zelda took hold of her past self’s hand. “He misses you too, you know.”
“I…” Zelda sighed. “I know. But how could I… he deserves his time back!”
The future Zelda gave a wry smirk. “We really are all self-sacrificing, aren’t we? Link’s worked so hard to break me of that habit.” She leaned forward. “Did you ask Link what he wanted? Did you give him a choice?”
Zelda dropped her head. “No… I didn’t.”
“And how many Zeldas and how many Links are coming into existence right now on this grand tapestry?” The future Zelda asked, almost playfully. “I daresay it looks like a lot.”
“Literally infinite.” Zelda answered. “I just so happened to have chosen to orphan my own personal timeline to serve here.”
“Well then!” Future Zelda grinned, rocking back on the balls of her feet. “I think you could find someone who wouldn’t mind spending eternity with you! I mean… he already will, right?”
Zelda smiled, and nodded. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.” She looked over at her future incarnation. “But why? Why would you want me to be happy?”
Future Zelda leaned forward and winked, a golden stone on a pendant popping out from under her blouse as she did. “Two reasons! One, you’re me! But the second, and most important reason, is this: The Hero of Time left writings behind– they said that while he found joy with the Zelda of his timeline, he always remembered the one from the future, who resigned herself to sadness so that others could live happy lives. So, you see… he missed you just as much as you miss him.” She smiled lightly. “There are plenty of us. Let yourself be a little selfish, just this once.”
Zelda smiled and shook her head. “That sentimental fool… I guess I really do owe him an apology– I underestimated him quite thoroughly.”
The future Zelda began to fade out. “Looks like my time is up, so to speak… I’m being drawn back to my body in my own time. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“The pleasure was mine. Live well with your Link.” Zelda bid her counterpart farewell, and turned back to the mass of timelines. “Yes, I think some company would be… quite welcome indeed.” She mused, drawing a Link from an orphaned timeline to her. “Hello, Link.” She said, turning to the mildly confused young man. “I have a question for you…”
The two Wardens of Time remained in the Sacred Realm, safeguarding the timeline and watching over their other selves. Throughout the endless years, neither of them ever felt lonely again.
The Era of Twilight
Zelda’s eyes cracked open, softly protesting the early morning light. That’s ironic. To have yearned for the sun for so long, only to be irritated by it. That’s very much like me– never happy with what we have. She shifted slightly, moving her face away from the offending sun. She had to get up soon, she knew, but it was so rare for her to get a moment where she could just be Zelda, not QUEEN Zelda.
An arm draped over her shoulder from behind as the other inhabitant of her bed sleepily cuddled up with her, kissing the back of her neck softly. Sighing happily, Zelda reached up and squeezed his bicep. “Good morning.” She mumbled as she pressed her face against the arm. “Did you sleep well?”
Her companion, Link– the Hero of Twilight and Commander of the Hyrulian Armies– ran his hands through her hair as he began waking up a bit more. “I slept like a log.” He stretched, popping his back. “Your bed is a lot comfier than mine, that’s for sure. Very soft.”
“Mmm… I’d trade you if I could get away with it.” Zelda said, sitting up. “Really, you deserve the finest things, not me. You saved the kingdom. I damned it.”
Link gently placed his hand against her cheek. “Hey, now. You did what you had to to preserve Hyrule. You let it hold out. You also saved Midna’s life, which let her keep helping me. You helped me fight Ganondorf at the end! You did just as much as I did to save Hyrule– probably more.”
“No… I just filled in the gaps where I could.” Zelda shook her head sadly. “I’m too weak to really do anything. I can’t even declare that you’re my consort– I have to sneak you in and out of my room like a thief in the night.” She sighed, falling back into her bed. “Half the castle KNOWS already, for Hylia’s sake, but the council– those old men who cling to tradition with white knuckles– they won’t let me. It’s all I can do to avoid an arranged marriage!”
“You know I’m happy with our arrangement if you are. I don’t need to marry you to know how I feel.” Link leaned over and kissed the side of her neck. “If I have to live forever in your shadow, I’m okay with it. I’m the Hero of Twilight, after all.” He grinned widely. “If anything, being out of the limelight suits the title!”
Zelda groaned. “Your jokes are always so BAD, you know…” She grumbled, but couldn’t help a smile from creeping across her face. “It’s still not fair to you OR me, though.”
“Maybe not, but… we get to be together. Maybe not as much as we’d prefer, but we do.” Link smiled back at her. “Isn’t that the most important thing?”
“For now, perhaps, but…” Zelda pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, a habit she’d had since birth. “What about later? I’m going to need to have a child sooner or later, Link, and I want it to be with you. But if I do, you wouldn’t be able to raise your own child… she’d just know you as my friend, or maybe my guard. Not her father…”
“We could still let her know the truth.” Link suggested. “Even if I can’t be with her, she could still know.”
Zelda looked over at Link, letting herself be vulnerable, just this once. “Link… do… Do you ever miss Midna?”
“Yeah, all the time. Why?” Link responded, confused as to where this line of questioning was going. “She was a really great friend.”
“Be honest. If she’d stayed, or if she’d left the path open… Do you think you’d be together with me? Or do you think you’d be with her? I was part of her. I remember how great your partnership was, and how well you got along.”
Link chuckled lightly. “She was actually pretty abrasive before you saved her life. That teamwork you saw came about from her change in perspective… and I think you probably had a lot to do with that.” Link put his arm around Zelda’s shoulders. “You know, when I first met you, transformed into a wolf and utterly confused, I still felt something pulling us together. When you became one with Midna, I felt it with her, but it was… muted. And when she restored you, I felt it again, and stopped feeling it with her.” He shook his head. “It’s really hard to explain, but… while I loved Midna, I wasn’t IN LOVE with Midna, if that makes any sense at all. I miss her every day, and I really wish I could see her and bicker with her again, but… I’d still be by your side.”
Zelda paused, remembering a conversation she’d had with Midna, when she existed as little more than a symbiotic cloud of light wrapped around the Twili’s soul.
“I don’t know why, but ever since you healed me, I’ve been thinking that wolfy boy is cute.” Midna sulked as she hid in Link’s shadow. “And you know what? I think that’s YOUR fault!”
“What? How could it be my fault? You’re in full control of your faculties! I’m merely here to allow you to survive in the outside world easier!” If Zelda could cross her arms as a bodiless spirit, she would have. “Besides, it’s normal to find him cute. He IS cute.”
“Yeah, see, that’s the problem: I’m not into Hylians. Like, at all, and I lean more towards girls for the Twili! But now I’m crushing on this Hylian man, BAD, when I wasn’t a WEEK ago! Suddenly I’m noticing his stupid cheekbones, and his abs, and…” Midna shook her head, irritated. “See? This is what I’m talking about! It’s like he’s one end of a magnet, and I’m the other!”
“I think you would be cute together.” Zelda replied. “You ARE quite beautiful in your true form.” Freed of everything, including her physical form, she found it much easier to be open. Perhaps there was a small blessing to her sacrifice.
Midna groaned. “Look, I LIKED him before. As a friend… or maybe a pet. But I never gave two thoughts towards anything else. I think these are YOUR feelings, bleeding through onto me.”
Zelda huffed, or at least she would if she had a body. “Perish the thought! I’m not allowed to pursue a commoner, no matter how… brave and strong and loyal he may be…”
Midna slapped her forehead. “Zelda, honey, if we get out of this, promise me you’ll be a little bit more true to yourself. Your wisdom needs the courage to act.”
Zelda sighed, looking down at her chest– fractal scars branching out from a geometric black spot directly over her heart, a reminder of her time spent as Ganon’s puppet. Link and Midna had tried so hard not to injure her body, but it had been unavoidable. She softly ran a hand over the marks– a reminder of how complete her own failures had been.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t good enough to protect you.” Link whispered next to her, having seen what she was doing. “But the scars show just how far you were willing to go for your people.” His hand softly traced the scars. “And you’re still easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
Zelda relaxed a bit under Link’s touch, sighing to herself. It just wasn’t fair. Here was the greatest man in Hyrule, commander of their armies, and she couldn’t marry him just because he wasn’t titled…
Wait. Zelda’s eyes went wide. That… that just might work! “Link, I think I might have a plan after all!” She leapt out of bed, quickly dressing.
Link cocked his head slightly. “A plan? For what?”
“For US!” Zelda announced triumphantly, tying her hair in its usual style. “I just have to bend the rules to my own benefit, like Midna would!”
Zelda usually dreaded council meetings– they were dreary and full of self-important old men whose sense of pride came from ancestors who had actually accomplished something. What’s worse, there were members on her council that Zelda was sure were looking to unseat her. All this meant that Zelda had usually approached these meetings with endless trepidation. Not today, though. Today, she was eager to get to the council. Today, she had an agenda.
“Good afternoon,” Zelda said, taking a seat at the head of the table. “A pleasure to meet with you today.” Almost immediately the loudest and most obnoxious voices began clamoring for her attention, but she silenced them with a raised hand– she was still the monarch, after all. “I have a few pieces of business to address first, if you don’t mind.” She said, evenly, pretending not to notice that the words ‘marriage’ and ‘bloodline’ had been shouted numerous times. “I wish to award Link Forrester, Commander of the Hyrulian Armies, a ceremonial Barony in light of his service to the nation and the crown.”
“Hmph. And why would we want to do that?” Baron Eldin snorted. “He’s a commoner.”
“Exactly! And as such, the noble sons in the army are more likely to listen to his orders if he holds a title, even a low one– hence, a ceremonial Barony.” Zelda smiled lightly. Play to their pride. Stress that it’s ceremonial and in service of his job.
“Hmm… Well, that does make sense. I see no problem with a ceremonial title.” The rest of the council agreed, with only a few grumbles here and there. “Link Forrester is now Baron Link Forrester.”
Zelda nodded, carefully keeping her face neutral. “Excellent. Next, I have an announcement that I suspect will put many of you at ease. I have chosen a noble to court me.”
The council all began yammering at once, calling out for Zelda to announce who would be favored with her hand. Once again, Zelda silenced them. “As has been made clear to me, the council would accept no candidates other than nobility. As such, I am pleased to announce that I am being courted by Baron Forrester.”
The old men of the council protested. They cried and screamed and declared the end of Hyrule forever. They declared that Zelda would go down in history as the Peasant Queen, who sullied her bloodline with that of a commoner. A few– the ones Zelda had hoped to root out– threatened open revolt, and swiftly found themselves bereft of titles themselves. Auru, Ashei, and Rusl would make fine replacements for those old fogeys. Good riddance. Zelda thought as she watched the mutinous old men get dragged away. Maybe I can make something of this council, after all.
Queen Zelda and King Link ruled over a slowly healing Hyrule for many years. Zelda, the Queen of the Dawn, was revered as one of the greatest monarchs Hyrule had ever seen… and she credited her success to the bravery she had learned from her husband and her long-absent friend from worlds away.
Chapter Text
The Era of the Demon King’s Reincarnation
“So… Vaati’s gone for good, then?” Zelda asked, idly looking over at the Four Sword, stuck into a pedestal once again.
Link nodded. “Sure seemed to be that way. And now Ganon’s sealed away in his place.” He poured a little sacred water over the hilt of the Four Sword, offering a prayer to Farore as he did. “I hope that seal lasts.”
“So do I…” Zelda mumbled, idly hugging herself as a chilly breeze blew through the Sanctuary. “Had we known that Ganon had been reincarnated, we would have sought out the Master Sword instead.”
“I think the Four Sword performed admirably!” Link replied with a grin. “We defeated Vaati AND Demon King Ganon!”
“Is that ‘we’ as in ‘you and I’, or ‘we’ as in ‘all of you’?” Zelda asked with a wry twinkle in her eye. “Because you were four people at the time.”
“You and I, Zelda. You played a major part, after all.” Link laughed. “Meanwhile, I could barely stop squabbling with myself!” The four Links had all somehow manifested with different personalities: Blue had been prideful, Green, almost painfully straightlaced, Red had been greedy and Indigo had been full of self loathing and anger. They had all been brave and focused on rescuing Zelda and the maidens, but any time there was a lull in the fighting, it had been constant bickering.
“What was it like, being four people at once? Do you remember everything?” Zelda asked as they made their way from the Sanctuary.
“It was weird, let me tell you! I’m not sure which one of the Links I am anymore!” Link laughed, shaking his head. “But seriously, yeah– I got all 4 of their memories.”
“Really? So… Do you remember what Red said when you rescued me?” Zelda grinned lightly as they took a seat in a garden.
“Yeah, he said that he wanted a date with you after everything was over. Then Blue snorted and said that HE deserved the date, not Red, Green bowed and kissed your hand, and Indigo was off on the side wailing in angst about how he’d let you down.” He looked over at her. “What, is this the date?”
“Nah, this is the prelude.” Zelda giggled. “You know, there was one part I liked about you being split into four: they were all a lot more honest about what they wanted.” She leaned her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arm around his waist. “I think I’m gonna follow their lead.”
“How so?” Link asked, turning towards Zelda. Her arms draped across his neck as she pulled him into a kiss, one that lasted long enough to leave them both breathless. “Oh! Well, technically, don’t I deserve four kisses? One for each Link?”
Zelda smiled widely. “I think we can make that happen.”
The Era of the Great Sea
Link rose with the sun– after so many years serving on Tetra’s crew, it was as much a part of him as the healthy tan or the Triforce-shaped mark on the back of his hand. He wasn’t the sleepy little boy he’d once been, he was a salty sea-dog now.
And yet… he was still in bed. He was awake, but he wasn’t getting up. He couldn’t– not with his captain sprawled across him, snoring loudly. He couldn’t wake her up, either– she was GRUMPY when she was woken up before she was ready, so Link resigned himself to staying in bed, staring at the matching Triforce mark on Tetra’s hand as she unconsciously ran it across his chest.
An hour later, Tetra herself finally stirred, sitting up and rubbing her eyes as she heaved a deep yawn. “Mornin’, Link. What time is it?” She mumbled, staggering over to her nightstand to brush her teeth.
“Hour past sunup.” Link replied, trying to avert his eyes, but only having the wall to focus on. “Um, Tetra? You’re…”
Tetra turned, shooting Link a look. “What?” She looked down at herself with a shrug. “Yeah, I’m naked. You are too, if you didn’t notice– it’s how we sleep.”
“Well, yeah, but…” Link turned very red, still looking away.
Tetra rolled her eyes, taking a swig of booze as a makeshift mouthwash and spitting it out the port window. “Link, we’re twenty damn years old, and we’ve been doing the horizontal hornpipe for two years now. When’re you gonna stop blushing and whimpering whenever you see my bow or stern? Ya should be used to it.” Humming happily, she grabbed a rag on a stick and dipped it in a bucket filled with soapy water– a major luxury on the seas– and began washing herself.
“Ugh…” Link groaned. “Yeah, I’m used ta it, but I was also raised to respect ladies, not ogle them! And yeah, yer hot as Valoo’s fire, but I still want to afford ya yer privacy! Not to mention the fact that yer technically the Pri–”
“Link, I swear! If you throw my bleedin’ title at me, I’m gonna whoop ya upside the head!” Tetra snarled. “I keep tellin’ ya, until we find New Hyrule, I ain’t Princess Nothin’, I’m TETRA! And after? I think I’ll be Tetra, Pirate Queen! Yeah, that sounds nice– no floofy dresses for me, no fancy balls, no highfalutin life at all… just me, you, the crew, and the Hylians, living a comfortable life…” Sighing happily, Tetra flopped back on the bed with a wink. “Sounds nice, don’t it?”
Link, still looking away from her, nodded, keeping a hand up to cover his eyes. “Yeah, sure does…”
Tetra groaned. “Link, a girl could feel offended by the way yer avertin’ your eyes, ya know. Eyes on me. That’s an order.”
Link couldn’t disobey an order from his captain, of course, so he slowly, painfully turned his head, letting his eyes drink in the sea of tanned skin in front of him. “Yeah, yer still the prettiest thing in all the seas. You sure put that mermaid to shame.”
“THANK you. Oi… you’d think I was asking you to look at Ganny’s flat ass instead of your girlfriend’s hot bod, the way you’re acting! And I’d certainly HOPE I’d put the mermaid to shame– that was just the fishman wearing a bra! Where he found it, I’ll never know…”
“It was? Ooh, better not tell Zuko– it’d break his heart.” Link shook his head. “He’s been pining after that mermaid for weeks.”
Tetra snorted derisively. “REAL mermaids don’t bother coverin’ up, anyway. Well, I guess maybe a few of ‘em MIGHT, but clothing ain’t exactly commonplace underwater.”
Link paused, thinking for a while. “Really? I thought we had an adventure where we had to find a lost necklace for one!”
“Link, I told ya before, that was a fever dream from eating bad fish on Koholint. It never really happened.” Tetra shook her head. “Who decided to make ‘wind fish’ anyway? Air-drying the damn things didn’t work at all.”
“That was Niko, if I recall correctly.” Link answered. “That’s why I don’t let him cook anymore.”
Tetra shuddered. “I coulda told ya not to let that dang fool cook! Last time I ate his slop, I was in the head all night bidding farewell to my stomach lining!” She looked over towards Link, noticing that he was still hiding beneath the covers. “Why are you all covered up, anyway? Come on! Let the sea air in!” With a mighty yank, she pulled the covers off, revealing the multitude of love bites and scratches left all over Link from last night. “Oh… damn… that’s… that a bit more than I expected.”
“Yeah, uh… you might wanna check the mirror…” Link replied with quiet confidence. “I gave as well as I got, and, well… that was another reason I was a bit shy to look at you.”
Tetra’s eyes went wide as she looked in the mirror, seeing the numerous marks all over her skin. With a mix of delight and horror, she realized that the love bites on her inner thigh spelled out ‘Link’. “Oh, you cheeky little FU–”
“Mornin’, Cap’n, Link! Why are you two all bundled up like that? It’s lookin’ like it’ll be mighty warm today!” Zuko cheerfully called out as the pair made their way out of the cabin.
“Shut up, Zuko. We’re headin’ to Windfall. Need to get some concealer… and medicine… and some body lotion…” Tetra grumbled as they changed course. “This blasted Hero likes to sign his works, it turns out…”
Chapter Text
The Era of New Hyrule
“Hey Link!” Zelda waved happily as the train slowed to a stop. “I’ve really been looking forward to today…” She blushed a little as Link helped her up onto the train and over to her seat.
“Well, you know, it’s hard to get our time off to match up.” Link chuckled awkwardly. “But yeah, I’ve really been looking forward to this too.” He took a seat next to her as Alfonzo ushered the train into motion again, and she snaked an arm around his shoulders.
“It’s been a while since we got a chance to go on a date, huh?” Zelda grinned, leaning against him as the train bounced along. “I’ve missed you.”
Link grinned right back at her. “Zelda, we see each other every day!”
“Yeah, but I still miss you. We don’t get that much private time anymore.” Zelda worked her hand into Link’s, giving it a squeeze. “I’ve actually gotten nostalgic about our adventure, and I was dead for that!”
“You weren’t dead. I think.” Link shrugged slightly. “At least, you weren’t ENTIRELY dead.” There was a moment of silence, and a thought struck him. “Do you have any pain?”
Zelda pulled the neckline of her dress down slightly, showing a sun-shaped scar around her heart where Malladeus had been forced out of her body. “No, nothing hurts. It’s just there, serving as a little reminder. Really, if anyone was going to have lingering pain, it’d be you– you got smacked around a lot.”
Link laughed brightly. “Luckily, we did that whole adventure when we were younger, so I could just ignore the injuries. Once you turn twenty, THAT’S when the aches and pains start building up!”
“What a difference five years makes, then, hmm? Shame you didn’t get any taller in the meantime.” Zelda elbowed Link playfully.
Link smirked. “I grew where it counted, see?” And with that, he removed his cap, letting extremely long hair spill free. “Seriously, I can’t cut this fast enough. It’s gonna be longer than yours if I’m not careful!”
Zelda doubled over in laughter. “Wait, THAT’S why you wear that silly floppy hat? I thought you just had no sense of style!”
“Two things can be true at once, you know.” Link said, casually tying his hair into a high ponytail. “I can wear the hat for practical reasons AND have the fashion sensibilities of a pig farmer all at once!”
Zelda shook her head lightly. “Well, you’ll have to dress up for our official announcement next month. We might not be big on ceremonies, but announcing the engagement of the Princess is still a big deal.” With a wink, she added, “And we’ll probably want to get you a haircut.”
Laughing, Link shot her a smirk. “Are you sure? If I grow it out longer, you could drape it around your neck as a scarf, or they could tie us together with just our hair when we get married!”
Zelda fell back, giggling heavily. “What, planning the wedding already? You do know that’s still a ways off, right? We’re not even officially engaged yet.”
“Maybe not, but I can still be excited, can’t I?” Link kissed her cheek as she giggled lightly. “Getting to marry the girl of my dreams?”
Zelda hummed quietly, leaning against Link’s shoulder. “Hey, remember when I said that staying behind fretting over the hero was a family tradition? There’s another one I didn’t mention– the Princess marries the Hero at the end of the journey.”
Link shot Zelda a snide look. “Wasn’t Tetra like… TEN at the end of her journey? That would be a bit weird.”
Zelda snorted. “Oi. Not RIGHT at the end! Can you imagine that? ‘Oh hey I know we’re kids and in the middle of the ocean, but I got you a ring and blblblblblblb…’” Picturing her great-grandmother and grandfather nearly drowning, Zelda and Link both devolved into giggles. “You know, it’s weird to say, but you kinda resemble my great-granddad when he was young. You’re cuter, though.”
“It’s the ‘Hero’ look.” Link grinned. “We all wield awesome swords and slay demons, and we tend to ROCK green.”
“I think you were cuter in the engineer getup, myself, but to each their own.” Zelda waved her hand slightly. “And that Royal Knight outfit you normally wear is delightful, especially the beret.” She paused, putting a finger to her mouth. “How do you hide that mane of yours in that little beret, anyway?”
“Careful braiding and tying it into a bun.” Link answered, just a little too proud of himself.
Zelda blanched. “Oh goddesses, you wear a MAN-BUN? That’s it, engagement’s off.”
The pair laughed and teased each other as the train pulled into their stop, a biting wind blowing in as they opened the train door and stepped off. “The snow realm! Oh, I love it here…” Zelda laughed as she pulled on a heavy coat. “Remember when you came across an evil train here and slipped on a patch of ice trying to scramble over to the controls?”
“And I pulled the lever with my feet!” Link laughed. “So, I was thinking we could go for a little hike in–” He was interrupted by a snowball to the back of his head.
“Forget the hike– this is WAY better!” Zelda laughed, pelting him with snowballs. “Better fight back, hero, or you’ll have to light yourself on fire to get warm... again!”
“One time! I did that ONE time!” Link laughed, diving behind a tree and returning a snow volley at Zelda. “And really, I’m the one training all the time! Do you think you can beat me in a sn-mmrgf!”
“HA! RIGHT IN YOUR MOUTH!” Zelda cackled, diving out of the way of Link’s revenge toss. “Is this why the other heroes were all quiet?”
“They talked all the time, I’m sure of it! No one manages to do all that with people just talking AT them!” Link said, climbing up a tree and bombarding Zelda from above.
“What if they used sign language, like Hylan, or wrote things down?” Zelda threw a snowball so fiercely it snapped a fairly thick branch in half, forcing Link to drop down for his own safety. “Wait, I've got it! They all just stared at people, breathing heavily, until they got what they wanted so they'd leave!”
Link laughed so hard he coughed. “I'm pretty sure they'd have written it down if every single hero was a weird creep, Zelda." He ducked another snowball, this one nearly taking his hat off. "And besides, aren’t you supposed to be able to know that stuff?” Link asked, rolling away from a large snow boulder. “Don’t you have the Mark of Wisdom on your hand?”
“That bloody thing only tells me stuff when it wants to! It didn’t even warn me that Cole was evil, and he wore two hats to cover his horns!” Zelda brought up a wall of snow covered in golden light to block several snowballs from Link.
“That dude was CLEARLY evil. How did you not know, anyway?” Link hurled several snowballs skyward, hoping to land a hit from an unexpected direction.
“I was FIFTEEN, and never wanted to listen to advice! Half the court was telling me he was evil, and I was all like ‘oh, I’m sure he’s not that bad!’ right up until he KILLED ME and ran off with my corpse!” The snowballs fell on Zelda, distracting her long enough for Link to get behind her and hold her in a tight hug.
“Gotcha. I win.” Link grinned. “And you weren’t dead– you were in a coma. Or something.”
“I was a ghost. That’s dead enough for me.” Zelda huffed. “I got to possess phantom armor and be all spoooooooooooky, too.” She giggled, turning around in his arms. “But then you helped me fix things, so I’m good with it.” She kissed him softly, running her hands along his back. “How was that? Do I kiss like a living girl, at least?”
“You do. In fact, you kiss like someone that’s happy to be alive.” Link answered, with a grin.
“Mmm. Accurate.” Zelda smiled, leaning her forehead against Link’s. “But there’s one thing you forgot…”
“Oh? What’s that?” Link asked, playfully, before Zelda dropped a handful of snow right down his pants.
“Snowball fights aren’t over until both sides agree it’s over!” Zelda laughed as her boyfriend tried to remove the snow from his trousers. “Don’t underestimate us princesses, Link: being clever is a family tradition, too!”
Chapter 5
Notes:
The names for the Sage and Link's Uncle came from Kinkaido's incredible ALttP fic To Find Courage in Wisdom! Read it, it's great!
Chapter Text
The Era of Prosperity
Zelda stood at the edge of the dock, watching the ship slowly vanish into the distance. You should have told him. That nagging voice in her head popped up, once again. You should have let him know he’s not alone. That he’s not the only one who remembers. Zelda dropped her head– it had been a few months since Link had saved the kingdom, no, saved the WORLD, and in all that time, he had been sure that he was the only one who remembered what had happened.
It makes sense why he thinks that, Zelda thought as she wrapped her cloak around her. He was the… the only survivor. She bit back a shudder. The year that Aghanim had stolen from them… the horrible torment inflicted on Hyrule… it had cost so many people their lives… including Zelda herself, towards the end. The damage had been undone by a wish on the Triforce, but Link had been left to deal with the scars alone– or so he thought.
Zelda wished she could have helped him more. He still wielded the Master Sword, and had returned to Hyrule Castle with the Triforce itself in his possession, which had instantly elevated him to high standing, but she’d still barely been able to see him. He’d been kept busy– training the next generation of knights alongside his uncle, former commander Iwata, speaking with the King in private meetings she wasn’t allowed in, and finally, deciding to take a trip on the ocean to clear his head.
And he did all that while thinking I was just a stranger to him again… Zelda sighed. Why didn’t I reach out? Why didn’t I offer a hand to him? We were so close to each other. He promised me that we’d always be together… She turned, shedding a tear. When he comes back… I’ll tell him everything.
Just After Turtle Rock
Link sat on the ridge overlooking that very first portal to the Dark World, holding a small crystal in his hand. “Why don’t you or the other girls turn back when I come back to the Light World?” he asked. “Everything else that goes between the worlds changes immediately.”
I… have an idea why, but it’s not a pleasant one. Zelda replied, quietly. I don’t think any of the girls have actually changed at all.
Link didn’t understand. “What do you mean? You were a normal sized Hylian woman, and now you’re a tiny crystal that barely fills my hand. That’s a pretty big change.”
Zelda hesitated. This was all her hypothesis– she had no proof, but it would explain why neither she nor the other maidens changed back… Do you remember when Aghanim sent me to the Dark World? He said “behold the last moments of Princess Zelda”. I think… I think he was telling the truth. Horror and comprehension crept across Link’s face. I think these crystals are just housing our souls– and our bodies became the guardians you had to fight.
“No…” Link whispered, horrified. “Oh Goddess, no…”
It’s just a theory, but… I don’t think we HAVE bodies anymore, Link. I think this is all we are. Zelda tried her best to sound comforting, but… this was a terrible concept, no matter what.
Link hugged the crystal tightly, silently crying. “Zelda… I promised you that we’d always be together, remember?”
Zelda smiled inside her crystal. That’s right. Just before you left to get the Master Sword, when I told you how I felt. That was our first kiss…
“And it won’t be the last!” Link replied, steel in his heart. “I’ll find a way to fix this! I’ll beat Ganon, and… I don’t know how, but I’ll fix this!”
Zelda giggled lightly, despite herself. When you say it like that, I can’t help BUT believe you!
She put on a brave face, but Zelda had known what it would take to unseal Ganon’s Tower. Sure enough, she watched as Link screamed in horror as the first crystal shattered.
Link, don’t worry about us… Zelda whispered, her holy power flowing freely as the crystals all shattered, one by one. We knew this was going to happen, and we’re okay with it. Just go. Destroy Ganon. Save Hyrule. She spared a look at Link’s tear streaked face, wishing she could be with him one last time.
“Zelda, no! I… I can’t fight without you!” Link was sobbing now, the Master Sword lying in the dirt where he dropped it.
Fight FOR me, Link. I have the utmost faith in you. Cracks ran along her own crystal, the last one remaining. Link… Protect them all! As the barrier fell, the last crystal shattered. Miniscule shards drifted down, sparkling like snowflakes as they fell around the hero, lying on the ground, his body wracked with grief.
Zelda watched as he slowly got to his feet, took up the Master Sword once again, and walked into the tower. Looking herself over, she was herself again, but surrounded by glowing balls of flame. Judging from the lack of response from the two unfortunate souls at the bottom of the hill, she was invisible and intangible– a ghost. Link… she thought to herself as she flew in after him, You might not be able to see me, but we’ll always be together. I promise you. Zelda remained by his side for the rest of his journey, until he brought about a miracle with the Triforce, and her senses faded away in a soft golden light.
Standing in the castle, once again alive and whole, Zelda looked around in shock, seeing her father and the maidens, all gathered around, looking confused. You did it! Oh LInk... you actually did it... at that moment, before she realized what had been undone, she was so happy- they finally had their chance.
It was six months before Link returned, riding a raft crudely assembled from ship debris back to Hyrule. To hear him tell it, he’d been a mere week out of port when his ship was destroyed and he found himself on the phantom island of Koholint, drawn into a quest to wake the Wind Fish– the ancient guardian of the sky, Levias. The island itself had been a dream of Levias’ as it struggled to cast off nightmarish parasites that fed off of it, and Link had taken up the task of freeing it.
Zelda held Link’s hand gently as he sipped a mug of hot tea, a blanket around his shoulders. “That’s incredible… no less incredible than what you went through before, but still…”
“I feel so guilty.” Link mumbled. “There were people living there. CHILDREN. And I… I killed them all.”
“Link, no! Anyone on that island that was…” Zelda paused. She didn’t want to say ‘real’, because they HAD been real– that was the very nature of phantom islands, after all– “anyone who wasn’t native to that island would have escaped with you. And anyone who was native was a part of Levias, so they’re still alive…"
“I don’t think it was just parts of the Wind Fish that populated the island, though, Zelda…” Link muttered, shaking his head. “I think there were parts of me in there too. There was a girl– Marin– who looked exactly like you, and… I had to… again…” Link bit back tears.
“Again?” Zelda asked, gently.
“I had to watch her die, and since she had your face, it was like watching YOU die again…” Link dropped his head. “You’re lucky you don’t remember…”
“But I–” Zelda bit her protest back. This wasn’t the time or the place to let him know. He already had enough stress. Later. I can tell him later.
It was barely two weeks later when Link found himself sent on ANOTHER journey, this time by the Triforce itself, to their neighboring lands of Holodrum and Labrynna. Zelda remembered the day well– she’d been going to meet with Link, to finally tell him that she remembered their days together in the year that had never been, when she saw the Triforce issue him a command and warp him away.
Zelda ran up to the sacred artifact, aghast. “Where did he go? Where did you send him?!”
The Triforce merely showed Holodrum and the doom that awaited it. When he saves the twin lands, he will return home. The voice was calming, even… almost emotionless. Zelda was not.
“And you had to send him NOW?! He’s barely recovered from the LAST quest he found himself on! Doesn’t he deserve a chance to rest? He’s barely holding it together!” Zelda couldn’t help herself. She was screaming at the holiest object in Hyrule’s history, and she didn’t care.
This will help him. Trust in the wisdom of the gods. The Triforce once again had an even tone, but it was not an unkind one. We will guide his path with our incarnations.
Zelda stood up, eyes brimming with angry tears. “I’m going to help him. Labrynna and Holodrum… I can get there in a month.”
You have a part to play in this too. The Triforce replied. Believe in him.
“I can never STOP believing in him.” Zelda replied, turning to leave. “I just want to stop having to USE him!” She sighed deeply. "He deserves THAT much, at the very least."
Going to Labrynna had been a mistake, Zelda could admit that now. She’d nearly been sacrificed to resurrect Ganon, and Link had once again been forced to slay him– this time as an undead revenant. How Link had managed that with only a few bumps and bruises, she'd never know, but she was endlessly thankful.
“I’m sorry, Link. All I ever do is cause you trouble.” Zelda sighed as they sat at the foot of the Maku tree. “You had to save me AGAIN…”
“At least this time I COULD save you.” Link replied, the Master Sword (when had he retrieved it? Had it followed him somehow?) leaning against the side of the gigantic tree. “I like to think that made up for… well, you wouldn’t remember.”
Zelda sat up straight. It had been just over a year since she watched him depart, and she wasn’t going to wait one more second. “Link, I DO remember. I remember EVERYTHING! I never forgot!” She hugged him tightly and buried her face in his chest. “I just… I never found a good time to tell you… at first, I was shocked to even be alive, and then you were so busy, and then… then Koholint and now THIS…” She sniffed loudly. “And all this time, you’ve been suffering, thinking you’re the only person who remembers what you did for us…”
Link’s mouth hung open in shock. “You… you remember?”
Zelda nodded slightly, still leaning against him. “Uh-huh. I remember how you saved me from my prison cell, how we found sanctuary with Soren, and how… how you’d come and see me whenever you needed to rest…” She swallowed the lump in her throat and continued, heedless of what Link was going to say– she’d sat on this for a year and a half, and she NEEDED to get it out! “I remember how we… how we…”
“Do you remember the visit I had before I retrieved the Master Sword?” Link asked, quietly.
“That was our first kiss…” Zelda whispered. “I didn’t know it was going to be our last.”
Link awkwardly scratched his cheek. “It… doesn’t HAVE to be the last, you know. We’re both here, we’re both alive… somehow…”
Zelda sat up slightly, looking him in the eyes. “You… you haven’t changed your mind? About us? Our promise?” She didn't want to admit it, but this journey had clearly done him a world of good- managing to save everyone including her had restored a lot of his confidence. If only it hadn't had to leave them separated for so long.
“No.” Link replied, gently holding her cheek. “It was so hard trying to talk to you, thinking you were seeing me as just a stranger, but I never stopped loving you.” He looked away, a little embarrassed. “That’s why I went sailing, actually. I was trying to straighten myself out, but it just made me miss you more."
Zelda hiccuped slightly as she tried to hold back her tears. “I never stopped loving you either, Link!” She cried happily as she pulled Link into a kiss– one that left both of them breathless.
“Hey!” The Maku Tree complained. “How come she gets a kiss and I don’t?”
“Gah!” Link broke away, scrambling backwards in surprise and falling over. “I forgot where we were!”
“Clearly!” The Maku Tree replied with a huff. “I get it– she’s your girlfriend and I’m just a tree that a goddess lives in. Go on, it’s fine…”
“G-g-girlfriend? We haven’t even gone on a date yet…” Zelda stuttered, wiping her eyes and trying to compose herself. “But I mean…”
“I’d be more than happy to if–” Link quickly said, tripping over his words.
“I mean, if you want to court me, my father would definitely–”
“Do I have to do anything special or–”
“I mean, you can just–”
“Because I will, it’s just–”
“I guess we can–” Zelda held up a hand for a pause and took a deep breath. “Okay… okay… okay… let’s just calm down for a moment. Emotions are running high. You just defeated Ganon AGAIN, after saving two lands in four months. I think what we should do is go get some food, get you healed up, and then we can talk this out. Agreed?” She smiled happily. “I’m sure Impa will be delighted to see us safe… and hear all about us.”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Link nodded, smiling calmly. “And besides, I have a whole bunch of stories to tell you now!”
“I’ve got a bunch to tell you, too, Link! Things have been crazy while you’ve been away!” Zelda laughed, taking Link’s hand as they headed over to their group’s camp.
“We’ll have plenty of time to tell each other, though, right?” Link asked.
Zelda nodded. “Of course.” She kissed him on the cheek and giggled again. “We have our whole lives ahead of us, now.”
Chapter Text
The Era of Light and Dark
Zelda grumbled as the painter slowly added brushstroke after brushstroke. She had hated having her portrait done, even before the situation with Yuga, but now she hated it even more- now it was boring AND brought up bad memories.
“Excuse me, Princess, could you turn your face more towards me?” The man asked, holding up his thumb and squinting. “Very good, thank you.”
Zelda let out a small breath, channeling a small amount of the Triforce of Wisdom’s power to enable her to silently communicate with Link. Why my father thought that we’d wish to pose for a portrait after THAT experience is completely beyond me.
I know, right? Came Link’s response. She flicked her eyes over toward him, seeing his mouth quirk slightly. If they had to pose for a painting to commemorate their victory, at least they’d get the fun of mocking it together. I don’t think the last hero had to design crystal-themed decorations after his whole journey.
Zelda’s nose and ears twitched slightly as she held back a laugh. He was lucky! Only he and the princess REMEMBERED what happened! And Ganon, I guess, but he was dead, so he didn’t count. Not that he should count anyway, since he’s a jerk.
He WAS a jerk. And so was Yuga! Link tried very hard to keep from scowling. That guy wasn’t just evil, he was PRETENTIOUS!
And his paintings SUCKED, too. All abstract and weird! I don’t know about anyone else, but I was not a fan of hanging in Lorule Castle looking like THAT for two solid months! She softly huffed while trying to keep her face straight. And needless to say, he was not a good conversationalist.
Wait, you were awake the whole time? Link’s eyes went wide in horror.
Zelda’s lips quirked a bit. Not really, a lot of the time I was dozing. When you’re a disembodied consciousness stuck in a painting, you learn how to nap. Every so often Hilda would talk at me or Yuga-Ganon would do some evil monologue about how "Ha ha ha, soon the whole Triforce shall be mine and you cannot stop me because you're just a painting!", but you know how boring THOSE speeches are. Believe you me, I wish I could have done the sarcastic snoring noise at him. At least Hilda had a reason.
Link let out a breath. I’m glad you could at least stay sane. I got stuck against the wall of the Eastern Palace for a few minutes and I was going stir crazy right away.
Well, I certainly wasn’t CALM when I first got turned into a portrait, let me tell you. Yuga was lucky I couldn’t talk– there was LOTS of swearing. And when Hilda stole the Triforce, that freaking HURT! Zelda grimaced slightly before carefully setting her face again. I can’t be too mad at her, though– she was desperate and scared, and without wisdom to guide her, she acted foolishly.
Link nodded slightly as the painter gestured at them to move slightly. I hope she and Ravio are doing well. He wasn’t nearly as cowardly as he thought– it takes a lot of courage to defy the person you love when they’re on the wrong path.
You think they were in love? Zelda’s eyes sparkled lightly.
Definitely. I found his diary in his Lorulian house– everything he did was for her sake. Link couldn’t help but chuckle quietly. Besides, did you hear her when he showed up? She sounded like a jilted ex.
Zelda hummed quietly to herself. She really missed him too, you know. That was one of the things she’d talk at me about, how her “most loyal and true companion” had vanished, leaving her alone. She yawned and stretched, speaking up. “I’m sorry, but, Mr. Painter… what was your name again?”
“Pikango, my lady.” The painter replied. “Would you like to take a break for the day?”
“Yes, please. Though, if you don’t mind, could I see how the painting is proceeding?” Zelda shot a cute smile to the man.
“Of course! I suspect you will be quite pleased with the results!” Pikango declared. “Take a look at my masterpiece!”
Link blanched, and Zelda coughed politely. “That… certainly is a… DISTINCTIVE style!” She said, through clenched teeth. “If you’ll excuse us.”
Zelda pulled Link through the halls and into her room, shutting the door and waiting a polite thirty seconds before they both burst into laughter.
“HAHAHA! I can’t believe it! It’s exactly the same awful style!” Zelda howled, tears streaming from her eyes as she laughed. “I thought talent like that only came around every hundred years!”
“Every hundred years if we’re LUCKY!” Link howled, falling into an easy chair. “Sorry to say, Zelda, I think we might need to get a different painter for our coronation.”
“What, you don’t want to be known as the Cubist King?” Zelda giggled, sitting on Link’s lap. “At least he got the cuddling part right, just like my favorite painting…” She snuggled up with Link, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“Mmm…” Link hummed happily as he held his fiance. “So, if I’m not the Cubist King, then what am I?”
“The handsomest man in Hyrule, that’s what.” Zelda answered, hugging him tight. “And clearly, one of the most patient.”
Link grinned. “I’d sit still for a hundred terrible portraits if it’s for you.” He paused, and considered that statement. “But please don’t MAKE me.”
Zelda giggled. “We’ll compromise. Only fifty terrible portraits.”
Link exaggeratedly wiped his brow. “Phew! And how many good ones?”
Zelda shrugged. “I’ve only seen one painting I really liked in my life. I’m not sure good portraits actually exist.”
Lorule, Shaded Mirror of Hyrule
“So, uh…” Ravio nervously scratched the back of his head. He’d been summoned before Princess Hilda, and he wasn’t sure if she was going to banish him or just execute him for that whole ‘High Treason’ thing. “It is good to see you, My Lady.” He kneeled, keeping his eyes locked on the floor.
“No giant pink bunny getup today?” Hilda asked, leaning her head on her hand. “You clean up well, Ravio.”
“Well, I… uh… I needed to disguise my face, you see, and…” Ravio swallowed the lump in his throat. “Make sure the hero wasn’t suspicious…”
“The hero whom you sent my way to stop me.” Hilda replied. “After stealing the Power Bracelet from the Royal Treasury.”
“Your Grace, what I did was unforgivable, I know, but… I couldn’t let us damn another world by stealing their Triforce! To inflict the same pains on them just to save ourselves… I would rather die, bravely facing the dawn knowing that we’d done the right thing, then live, knowing we had been foolish, brutish cowards.” Ravio stood, taking a deep breath while still keeping his eyes locked on the floor. “I regret much, but betraying the kingdom to stop your plan? That I do not regret.”
“Hmm…” Hilda stared at Ravio, waiting a few moments, just to see if he would squirm. “I would tell you to rise, but you decided to do that on your own. Much like you decided to travel to Hyrule on your own.” Her tone was as dark as her hair. “I just have one question, Ravio.”
“Yes, Lady Hilda?” Ravio asked, his voice quivering slightly.
“Why didn't you tell me about your concerns? Why didn’t you inform me that Yuga was deceiving me?” Hilda leaned forward, thumping the base of her staff against the floor with a loud clang.
“May I speak frankly?” Ravio asked, raising his face to meet Hilda’s.
“You always did anyway.” Hilda shrugged. “Why should now be any different?”
Ravio took a deep breath. “Would you have listened? Yuga had your ear, and you were set upon your path. I may be a coward, but I can recognize the dark side of the audacity your plan involved, the cold, cruel judgment it displayed, and the capability it had to harm more people than it could ever help. Audacity, judgment, capability– all three virtues were darkened, Lady Hilda, and together, they formed a Triforce of shadows that clouded your heart. Those shadows were more than I could dispel on my own.”
Hilda’s eyes widened. The Ravio she’d known before would never have dared to speak to her this way… but, perhaps, that may be a good thing. A ruler who is never challenged is a foolish, weak ruler indeed– why had she never realized that? “And, you believe you displayed the light side of the virtues by going against me?”
“I would never claim to, Lady Hilda.” Ravio replied. “I was audacious only in my cowardice, fleeing to Hyrule to find someone else to do my work for me. I displayed poor judgment in hiding my identity from those that could help and would trust me, and my capability to help was blunted by my greed. I am not a good person, but… I know that you are not a bad person, either.”
“Ravio…” Hilda slowly stood from her throne, walking down to talk to him face to face. “You DO exemplify the virtues, and I failed to uphold them at all. With the light of the Triforce restored to us, I can see that now.” Shocking the young man, she knelt before him, bowing her own head in supplication. “You are worthy of the title of Hero, Ravio. Not every hero needs to fight a demon– sometimes, they need only be willing to follow their convictions.” She carefully laid her scepter in front of him. “Can you forgive me for being so foolish? So easily misled? For not heeding the council of the one man who I should have trusted beyond all others?”
“O… of course!” Ravio blurted out, nervously stepping back. “Please, stand up, don’t bow to me.”
“Why should I not bow to the man who would make me his wife?” Hilda asked, standing with a small smile. “That is, if you still desire it after all I’ve done…”
“Of course I would!” Ravio declared as he placed his hand over his heart, a golden crest clearly visible upon it. “That’s why I left Lorule to begin with– to help the woman I love come back to herself!”
Hilda reached out and took his hand, a matching crest of her own shining as their hands clasped. “Then stay by my side, Ravio. With you, my judgment will never falter again, and together, we’ll lead Lorule into a new age of prosperity and peace.” The two embraced as a soft, golden light shined into the throne room.
Chapter Text
The Era of Hyrule’s Decline
Link woke up with the sunrise, stretching and hopping out of bed. “GOOD MORNING, HYRULE!” He cheered, pulling on his favorite tunic (green) and his favorite hat (floppy, also green) and bounding out the door, down to the dining hall for breakfast.
Princess Zelda XVI looked over at him, bleary-eyed, holding a cup of coffee. “Mornin’, Link.” She mumbled, taking a sip. “Still annoyingly perky, I see.” Zelda XVI was many things: a Princess, a leader, a heroine in her own right, but she was very much NOT a morning person. She was also Link’s best friend, and he loved annoying her.
“As ALWAYS!” Link grinned, grabbing several pastries off a plate. “And how is our delightful Princess this morning?”
“Mm. I’m awake, and that’s about to be everyone’s problem.” Zelda responded, taking another sip of coffee. “Especially since my great-great-great… whatever our relation is…”
“I think grand-aunt?” Link suggested helpfully.
“Whatever. She’s off negotiating with the other provinces about a potential reunification with Hyrule. She really wants to see us return to the Age of Prosperity… which, ya know, can’t blame her for that.” Zelda grabbed a piece of toast, munching on it quietly. “Me, though? I’m not so sure.”
“Why’s that?” Link asked, wolfing down a stack of pancakes.
“Well, remember where we were ten years ago?” Zelda asked, casually refilling her cup. “Lesser Hyrule was basically in ruins. People were hiding in CAVES.”
Link nodded. “I remember. A lot of them would charge me to fix the “door” after I blew the cave open.”
“That was because you’d pay every time.” Zelda smirked. “But yeah, between that and all the people Ganon decided to turn into Moblins on a lark hoping that we’d kill each other, we didn’t REALLY have a civilization in half the country.”
“Oh, that’s why I kept finding Moblins willing to buy my silence. Huh. I just figured they were conscientious objectors or whatever.” Link shrugged, grabbing a handful of bacon and shoving it in his mouth.
Zelda narrowed her eyes. “Try to eat like a person, not a wolf, Link. Anyway, yes, those were people zapped by evil magic, not actual Moblins.” She quaffed the rest of her coffee and speared a flapjack. “And all that destruction, chaos and mistrust KINDA screwed with the whole sense of national unity. It’s been a lot of work building back up by myself.”
“Well, there is your problem, Zelda my dear!” Another woman’s voice cut into their conversation.
“Well, speak of Demise. Back so soon, Auntie?” Zelda asked, waving her ancestor over. “Take a seat. We’re having breakfast.”
Zelda I daintily lifted her elaborate dress, sitting at the table carefully, looking for all the world like the picture of courtly elegance, which contrasted with Zelda XVI, who was wearing a simple pantsuit, a short sleeved tunic, and a vest. “Ah, a lovely spread!” She declared, producing a full set of approximately sixteen forks and knives seemingly from nowhere. “I believe I shall start with a simple set of jam and bread…”
“Yeah, help yourself.” Zelda shrugged, looking at her own set of one fork and one knife (with a napkin to wipe them on). “How did the trip go?”
“It proceeded wonderfully!” Zelda I happily flipped her hair. “The outlying provinces are quite amenable to a reunification, just as soon as we have a monarch.” She leaned forward, batting her eyes. “So, on that subject… have you given any thought to claiming the throne?”
Zelda XVI sighed lightly. She liked her ancestor– she did! She was brilliant and pretty and very skilled at managing politics, but she had an unconscious knack for making her feel utterly inadequate, since she didn’t think she was ANY of those things. “I still think that you would be better suited to the throne. You have a natural skill at it.” She took another piece of toast and buttered it. “I… don’t.”
“Oh, pish-posh. You don’t give yourself NEARLY enough credit, my dear! You’ve held Hyrule together against so many obstacles! You would be an INCREDIBLE queen.” Zelda I replied, daintily spearing a piece of fruit. “In many ways, you already are.”
Zelda XVI sighed, leaning back in her chair. “I have to wonder about that.”
Link spurred his horse into a trot, breathing in the open and free air of Hyrule. “This is wonderful! Maybe I’ll go bomb some dodongos!”
“Dodongos are generally peaceful, Link. They only attack if you intrude on their territory.” Zelda XVI said as she rode up beside him. “Don’t harass the wildlife.”
“You didn’t complain when I blew them up before!” Link pouted.
Zelda rolled her eyes with a grin. “Last time there was an evil pig-monster setting them against people. Context is important, Link.”
Link groaned loudly. “Look, I’m good at slaughtering monsters and blowing myself up, and that’s about it.” His horse snorted in agreement. “Hey, you don’t need to be RUDE, Snorty!”
Zelda laughed. “Come on, Link, you’re good for so much more than that! You’ve been a good ambassador to Calatia, and I’m certain they wouldn’t have agreed to rejoin Hyrule if it hadn’t been for you!” She looked off to the west at the mountain pass that once served as the border between Calatia and its suzerain state. “You’re already helping us come closer to the age of Prosperity, just by being here.”
Link awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. “Aww, shucks. I’m just happy I don’t have to have divided loyalties anymore. Not to mention it’s a lot easier to see Ma and Pa when it’s all one big country.”
“Well, regardless of your motivations, the fact remains that Hyrule and Calatia are stronger together. A bit like us, actually!” Zelda grinned as they kept riding. “How are Arn and Medilia doing, anyway?”
“They’ve got their hands full raising Aryll. She’s a little spitfire!” Link chuckled. “Last time I went to visit, she stole ol’ Snorty here and took him out for a ride!”
“Isn’t she four years old?” Zelda asked, shocked.
“She was three, then! But damn if she didn’t have him eating out of the palm of her hand…” Link shook his head with a laugh. “And they thought I was a handful!”
Zelda smirked. “Maybe heroism runs in your family! Do you have any grandparents that defeated evil demons? Great-grandparents?”
Link shook his head. “Nope. Boring mundanity as far back as we can trace. I was the first one to pick up a sword in a few generations, and WHAT A SWORD!” Link drew his blade, giving it a quick flourish. “Y’know, sometimes I can almost hear a voice inside it, telling me to ‘dowse’ for items when I need ‘em.” Resheathing the sword, he laughed. “Guess that’s why it’s a magical sword, huh?”
“It’s the MASTER Sword, Link. It’s sacred.” Zelda rolled her eyes again. “We’ve been over this.”
“Hey, I was raised outside of the whole Hyrulean thing, remember? And I was twelve when I got it– I know it as the Magical Sword, and I’m gonna call it the Magical Sword.” Link turned his nose up in mock snobbery. “I get to call it what I want, because it’s mine. In fact…” He brought his horse to a halt and hopped down. “I think we need to officially rededicate it! Come on over here, would you?”
“Wha–? Alright…” Zelda hopped off of her horse and followed Link to the nearest big, flat rock he could find, where he laid the sword down.
Link stepped back, bowing and ushering Zelda forward. “You know all those sacred ceremony things. Bless the sword!”
Zelda gave Link an odd look, but obliged, laying her hands on the sheathed blade. “Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the sword that seals the darkness... You have shown unflinching bravery and skill in the face of darkness and adversity. And have proven yourself worthy of the blessings of the Goddess Hylia. Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight, the sword shall forever be bound to the soul of the hero.” She gave Link an odd look, but he motioned for her to continue. “Now, take up the blade, and speak its name!”
Link took hold of the sword and, unsheathing it, held it up over his head. “I name you… POINTY DEMON SPANKER!” He declared, a huge smile on his face.
“Oh COME ON, Link! You ask me to do the full ceremony, one of our most sacred rites, for a GAG?!” Zelda smacked him upside the head. “That was immature, and foolish… and…” She couldn’t finish her tirade before collapsing into a giggle fit. “And the funniest thing I’ve seen in WEEKS!” She fell over, laughing so hard that she was crying as Link sat in the grass next to her. “What brought that on?”
“Felt like it.” Link shrugged with a grin. “And it got you to let off some steam.” He laid down next to her, his hands behind his head. “So… wanna tell me what’s been bugging you?”
Zelda sighed, staring up at the sky. “It’s Zelda I. She’s the most perfect princess who ever princessed. She’s prim, proper, pretty, and… PERFECT, and I’m none of those things.” She idly ran a hand along a small scar on her face, frowning slightly. She’d earned that scar when Ganon had kidnapped her, when he’d run his trident along her cheek, trying to intimidate her. It had faded, but it was still there– much like Ganon’s presence as a whole, really.
“I like you more than her, though.” Link said, looking over at her. “She can be kinda…” He waved his hand about, searching for the right word.
“Snooty? Stuck up?” Zelda suggested.
“I was gonna say ‘up her own ass’, but yeah, that works.” Link responded, earning a cackle from Zelda. “And I think you’re way prettier than she is.”
“Oh come ON now!” Zelda snorted. “She’s like a porcelain doll, with every feature perfectly sculpted! I’m nowhere NEAR as pretty as she is!”
“Okay, yeah, she might be flawless looking, but that’s kinda intimidating, you know?” Link responded. “You look like a real person– from the way your left ear twitches a little when you’re bored, to your cute little nose, to your chin that’s so pointy it hurts a bit when you lean on my shoulder! And yes, I like that scar you’re always trying to hide– hell, you should be PROUD of that! That’s a sign that you stood up to Ganon himself and didn’t break!”
Zelda gasped slightly, looking over towards Link. “You really think I’m pretty?”
“Absolutely gorgeous.” Link nodded. “Prettiest girl in Hyrule.”
“Well.” Zelda smiled, staring back up at the sky. “You’re mighty good looking too.”
Link grinned and rolled over to look at Zelda. “So, think I can get a kiss now?”
“Didn’t you get one from Zelda I?” Zelda asked, with a sly grin.
“That barely counted! She woke up, kissed my cheek, hugged me, and THEN asked me where she was and who I was! She did all of that out of order!” He focused his eyes on Zelda. “Besides, I WANT to kiss you.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t ASK, you should just go for it.” Zelda replied with a twinkle in her eye.
Link huffed. “Maybe I will.”
“Do it.”
“I will!”
“You haven’t yet!”
“I’m building up to it!”
“I think you’re about to chicken out!”
“I’ve got the Triforce of Courage! I’m not gonna chicken out!”
“You haven’t kissed me yet!”
“Fine, then!” Link leaned forward, cupped Zelda’s cheek, and kissed her firmly on the lips. It was clumsy– despite the constant flirtation, neither one had kissed someone on the lips before– but instinct and passion took over, and soon they were locked in a passionate embrace.
Zelda pulled back, breathing heavily. “W–wow. That was… that was a nice kiss.” She giggled lightly, pulling Link closer. “Why did we wait so long to do that?”
“Stubbornness.” Link replied with a grin. “Wanna try a few more?”
Zelda nodded. “Absolutely.”
Zelda I held an elegantly gloved hand to her mouth in shock. “Are you sure, dearie? I wouldn’t want to take what’s rightfully yours from you.”
Zelda XVI shook her head, a smile on her face. “I know where my passions lie, and it’s not in politics. I’ll still help you out, of course– put my weight behind anything that needs it– but you’ve got the knack for it. Besides, you’re the elder in this case! The throne is rightfully yours.” She laughed, patting her ancestor on the shoulder. “Link and I will still be here, we’ll just be serving the kingdom as adventuring partners.”
Zelda I gave a knowing smile. “JUST adventuring partners?”
“Well… adventuring and more.” Zelda XVI admitted with a grin. “We’ll both be happier this way– you can help guide Hyrule to a new golden age, and we’ll stand by you every step of the way. The only difference is now we won’t have squabbling factions over which Zelda to support, and I can finally meet my boyfriend’s family.” She handed over the crown and kneeled. “We swear our loyalty to you… Queen Zelda I.”
“And I hope to earn that loyalty one day… Princess Zelda XVI.” The Queen replied, smiling at the couple. “And Link, Hero of Hyrule– now and forevermore.”
Chapter Text
The Era of the Wilds Part 1
Zelda sat at the campfire, idly twirling her hair around her finger as she stared off into the distance. “So, there’s nothing we can do. The Sheikah tech is made so it will hide itself after Calamity’s defeat.” She sighed, leaning back as she propped herself up with her hands. “There’s something bitterly ironic about this– I’ve unlocked my powers, I’ve sealed Calamity Ganon, and now that I’ve done that, the vast majority of what I wanted to study is vanishing.”
Link shot her a reassuring look. “Not all of it is vanishing. The Guardian shells still remain, the Sheikah Slate’s still around… and Purah even thinks she can replicate the Master Cycle!” He reached over and laid a hand on her shoulder. “And you’ll have all the time in the world to pursue your passions now.”
“Mm.” Zelda fixed Link with a long look. “Pursue my passions, huh…” She turned back to the fire, letting the dancing flame lull her into a trance.
“Great Deku Tree, I ask of you, when he returns, can you relay this message... Tell him I–” Zelda had wanted to ask the Great Deku Tree to relay a very personal message– that she had loved Link with all her heart, and that she would continue loving him for as long as she lived. She’d sworn to herself that she would tell him herself, but… his memories had been so fragmented, and they’d been so busy…
“Link, how long has it been?” Zelda asked quietly. “How long have I been free from Hyrule Castle?”
“Six months, roughly.” Link answered quickly. “Are you feeling alright? Not dissociating or anything?”
Zelda shook her head. That first week she’d been free had been rough– Link had taken her to Kakariko, where she had passed out for almost a full day. Once she’d awoken, she had completely panicked, thinking Calamity Ganon was free. It was only when Link had held her that she’d remembered herself and had been able to calm down. “No, that hasn’t happened for months. I’m much better now. I was just thinking, that's all.”
Link chuckled as he stuck a cut of meat over the fire, attached to a sword. “Well, if there’s one thing you’re better at than anyone else, it’s thinking!”
Zelda sighed lightly as Link began tearing into the piece of meat. “I often wonder if the Triforce of Wisdom isn’t actually the Triforce of Anxieties and Self-Doubt, honestly. I have a lot of things I’d like to do, but I’m… well, I’m afraid.” She sighed again, pulling her legs up to her chest and hugging them. “Afraid of what might happen if I pursue them. Afraid of what you might do…”
Link leaned in closer, confused. “You don’t ever need to be afraid of me, Zelda! I’ll stand by you forever, no matter what!” He looked genuinely hurt. “I can’t imagine why you’d be afraid of how I’d react…”
“Link, no, I’m sorry. I phrased that badly! I’m not afraid of you, I’m… afraid of what following my desires might do. I’ve only just gotten my life back, and…” She bit her lower lip, tears pricking at her eyes. “I’m happy– truly happy for the first time in my life, Link– and I don’t want to lose this.” She dropped her head and quietly began crying.
Link leaned in closer and gently stroked Zelda’s cheeks, brushing her tears aside. “I promise you– you could tell me anything, Zelda, and I wouldn’t leave your side. I promise: I’m your knight, now and forever.”
Zelda squeezed her eyes shut in frustration. “I don’t WANT you to be my knight forever, Link! I don’t WANT you to give yourself to me like that! I…” She looked off to the side, blinking tears away as she did. “I want you to be able to be yourself– you’re free of any obligations. You can follow your heart.”
Link’s eyes went wide as Zelda said this. “Zelda, are you…” He pulled his hands back from her, looking nervous. “You… Are you unhappy living with me? All you ever needed was to tell me. The house is yours. I’ll move into one of the other available houses.”
“What? NO!” Zelda reached over and pulled Link into a tight hug. “It’s the complete opposite! I love living with you! I don’t–” She hiccuped lightly as she began to sob. “I don’t ever want to be apart from you!” She took a few deep breaths, trying to settle down. “I just… don’t want you to think that you HAVE to live with me. I want it to be your choice.”
Link pulled Zelda into a tight embrace, heedless of her surprised gasp. “Zelda, I’d choose you a thousand times over, and not because of how you’re a princess. I’d choose you regardless, because…” Resting his hand on the back of her head, he whispered to her: “Zelda, I’m in love with you.”
Zelda squeaked in surprise and found herself giggling, despite everything, her emotions doing a complete turnaround. “Really now!” She said, wiping her eyes. “I thought I was supposed to be the one who led things!” She pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze. “But that’s what I wanted to tell you, Link. I’ve been in love with you for a hundred years.”
“Zelda…” Link paused, clearly thinking for a few moments. “Can I kiss you?”
“Please do!” Zelda responded. “I’ve been waiting a very long time for you, after all.”
The Era of the Wilds Part 2
Finally. FINALLY! Link fell into Zelda’s arms, heedless of the fact that they were both soaked from the fall into the pond or the fact that he wasn’t wearing a shirt or even the fact that the last anyone had seen, he’d been clamped in the jaws of a gigantic demonic dragon which had then battled a slightly less gigantic divine dragon and exploded. His friends were almost certainly afraid that he was dead, but he didn’t care at all. He had his Zelda back in his arms, and that was all that mattered.
“It’s you. It’s really you…” Link muttered, his face buried in Zelda’s shoulder. “Goddesses, I thought I’d never see you again…” He clutched at her dress and her hair, holding her as close as he possibly could.
Zelda clung to Link just as hard, feeling hot tears running down her face. “Neither did I, Link… I thought I’d die in the past! And the thought of living my life without seeing you again… it was too much to bear!” She hiccuped lightly. “And… and then… the Master Sword… she appeared, and…”
“Shh…” Link softly rubbed her back. “It’s okay, you don’t have to…”
“No. No, I need to say this!” Zelda sobbed harder, holding him close. “I need you to know why I did what I did…” She sniffed loudly, pressing her forehead to his. “When she appeared, part of me saw it as a way out! I could help you, and I wouldn’t have to live my life without you… Everyone was dead, Link… I lost everyone all over again, and I wouldn’t live long enough to see you… so I… I gave up, and I threw myself away! I’m so sorry, Link!”
“You saved me, Zelda. You brought Fi back to me, and you saved me when the Demon King turned himself into a dragon. You didn’t throw yourself away, either. There was a part of you in there the whole time.” He softly kissed her forehead. “You didn’t give up. You made a difficult choice– one that brought you back home.”
“Link…” Zelda sighed, letting herself sink into his arms a bit deeper, “I need you. I need you by my side. Would you–”
“Hey! There he is!” Tulin’s voice interrupted the tender moment. “Link! You’re safe! And... is that the PRINCESS?”
Link sighed. “So much for privacy.” He smiled lightly. “We’ll have to finish this talk later, I guess.”
Zelda nodded, wiping her eyes and smiling. “As long as I’m here with you, I can handle anything.”
It was a long day of explanations, celebrations and joyous reunions awaiting the pair at Lookout Landing. Purah insisted on taking blood samples from both of them, which made Link whimper like a little puppy (he was terribly afraid of needles), and then the Sages all insisted on throwing them a victory party, which left the pair exhausted. Finally, after hours and hours, the pair found themselves in a private room, having fallen onto the bed together.
“They only gave us one bed…” Zelda giggled lightly, feeling much more relaxed and cheerful after seeing everyone. “Do you think they know?” Link had taken pains before the Upheaval to keep their relationship quiet– not secret, but quiet. Most of their friends suspected they were together, but they’d typically get two beds when they visited, if only for appearance’s sake.
“I… uh… might’ve let it slip after I found out about what happened.” Link replied as Zelda cuddled up with him. “I got kinda drunk and…”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do, guys!” Link sobbed as he downed his fifth tankard of ale. “I miss her so much, and she’s… she’s a DRAGON! We were talking about kids before this, and now… I DON’T EVEN KNOW IF DRAGONS CAN HAVE KIDS!”
“Wait, you were talking about kids, Goro?” Yunobo asked, confused. “I don’t get it.”
“We’ve…” Link refilled his mug and took another draught of ale. “We’ve been together for years, man! We’re…” He hiccuped, almost spilling his mug. “We’re even thinking about getting married. At least I am. I bought her a ring.”
“Wait, when were you going to tell us?” Riju asked, a little miffed. “We’re friends!”
“We’ve been keeping it quiet, so Zelda can have her privacy. She was really… really messed up after the Calamity, and it just… kinda happened, ya know? I didn’t want to say anything at first cuz I wasn’t sure if she’d want to stay with me, but then she did, and… then THIS happened!” Link slumped back, his mug falling from his hand as he did. “I love her, guys. I love her SO much… I don’t know what I’m gonna do if she’s not there…” he laid back, falling asleep.
Zelda nodded quietly, quietly digesting the news that Link was planning to propose. “Ah. That explains that. Cat’s out of the bag, then.” She kissed Link’s cheek as she pulled herself in closer. “Well, then, no sense in pretending to be platonic anymore!” She rolled on top of Link, kissing him repeatedly. “I’ve missed you SO MUCH, Link…”
“Zelda…” Link lightly groaned. “I…” A shadow crossed his face, and he pulled back, clearly troubled.
Zelda paused, locking eyes with Link. “What’s wrong, Link?”
“It’s nothing.” Link looked away awkwardly. “Just me being stupid.”
Zelda placed her hands on Link’s chest, leaning forward. “It’s clearly NOT nothing. Tell me, please.”
Link sighed, shutting his eyes. “The Yiga and Ganondorf… they used your face. They tried to get me to let my guard down…”
Zelda gasped softly. “Oh no…”
Link nodded, gently running a hand along her face. “They didn’t fool me, but…” He heaved a deep sigh. “It was still your face. Your voice. Ganondorf’s fake brought me to the castle and tried to remind me of Before, thinking that I’d have good memories of my time there…”
Zelda smiled lightly. “At least he was clueless about who we really are.”
“I knew it wasn’t you, but…” Link shut his eyes and kept talking. “I still followed her. Still fell into all the traps. It was my last chance to see your face, or so I thought.”
Zelda took a deep breath, bringing her powers to her. “Link…” She said, laying on his chest, “Can you feel my light?”
Link nodded, his arms latching around Zelda’s waist. “I can. It’s warm and comforting.”
“Good. You can always know it's me that way.” Zelda replied, glowing softly. “And Ganondorf is gone– you destroyed him.”
“We did. Together.” Link replied.
Zelda took his hand and placed it on her chest. “Can you feel my heart beating?”
“Yeah. I can.” He noticed that Zelda’s hand was on the corresponding part of his chest. “Can you feel mine?”
“I can.” Zelda smiled. “It’s my favorite thing in the world.” She kissed him again, gently, as they held each other closely. “It was six months for me before I…”
“It was six months for me too.” Link responded. “It’s Reunion Day today.”
“Mm…” Zelda hummed quietly, safe and secure in his arms. “Did you do that on purpose?”
“I did. I yelled ‘This is for Zelda’ before I struck the final blow.” Link answered, running his hand along her back. “I didn’t expect to have another reunion, but… I’m happy we did.”
Zelda kissed Link, long and lovingly. “Link, I want us to get married.” She said, quietly. “I don’t want to wait any longer.”
Link nodded. “When are you thinking?”
“Two months from now in Tarrey Town?” Zelda suggested. “You can make a big show of giving me that ring tomorrow.”
“That sounds nice– proposing to my girlfriend in front of all our friends.” Link replied. “Do you think she’ll say ‘yes’?” He asked, a twinkle in her eye.
“I think so.” Zelda giggled lightly, glowing a little brighter. “I think she’s been waiting a very long time for you, after all.” The pair fell into a warm, loving embrace, having been reunited after far too long.
Chapter Text
Outside of Time
Divine spirits, as a rule, don’t need to sleep. They don’t need to eat. They don’t even need to think, really– the majority of them simply ARE, existing and drifting along the endless currents of time until they need to do something. Sleeping, eating, and loving are mortal concerns, and are beneath the notice of divinity.
However, there are always exceptions to any rule. At the end of time, where all things are visible and all realities join together, there was a cabin– a simple, small, cozy cabin with room for two. Inside this cabin lived the Spirit of the Hero and his wife, the Spirit of the Goddess: the divine spirits that incarnated alongside each other to battle Demise and his curse, time and time again. They were ageless, millions upon millions of years old at this point, and wielded powers on par with the Creator Goddesses themselves– and they used those powers to live a cozy, domestic life together.
“Hey.” Link said, kissing his wife on the back of her neck.
“Hey, yourself.” Zelda replied, rolling over in a bed that was just a little too small for two people to lay in side by side– their favorite kind of bed, since it forced them to cuddle. “Good morning.” She sat up, her golden hair pouring over her shoulders, letting the brown and red highlights catch the light all the better. “Another day in paradise, hmm?”
“Quite literally, yes.” Link chuckled, taking the chance to run his fingers through her hair. “You’ve been watching the mortal world a lot recently. Worried that Demise is going to start more trouble?”
Zelda shook her head as a comfortable outfit formed around her. “No– it’s actually the opposite! I’ve been looking back over all the times we fell in love…” She sighed happily. “It’s wonderful when we return here as our true selves in between our lives, of course, but… there’s something thrilling about confessing your feelings and having them reciprocated… so I’ve been watching pivotal romantic moments from our lives.”
“That sounds nice!” Link replied. “I bet you enjoy watching all the ‘me’s fall for you, huh?”
Zelda giggled lightly. “Honestly, most of the time, it seems like it’s me that falls for YOU!” She pulled up a window to the mortal realm, focusing on a previous incarnation of theirs. “Look at her, sneaking glances at you, sighing wistfully…” She laughed at herself. “Oh, that girl’s got it BAD, but she doesn’t realize it yet…”
“Yeah, well, look at me!” Link laughed. The young man was trying to maintain a straight face, but whenever Zelda laughed or touched him his face flushed and his eyes went wider. “I’m head over heels with you already!” He chuckled lightly as the vision faded. “Millions of years, thousands of lives, and I’m still just as smitten with you as I was the first day we met.” He looked over at her, smiling lightly. “And I told you the truth back then, didn’t I? I promised you that I’d beat up Demise and then I’d marry you!”
“You did! You kept that promise, time and time again…” Zelda leaned against her husband, softly embracing him. “Link, do you ever resent this? The endless cycle we’re in?”
“Never. Sometimes I bemoan how hard it is, but I never resent it. The world needs to be saved– you and I can do it together.” He walked over to the door of their little cabin, casting it open. “Besides, we’re not alone by any means!” He gestured to the bustling town below them, populated by the spirits of their friends and family who had joined them on their quests. Some of them would merely take their rest, only incarnating when their time came to be reborn as a new timeline began to flow, but some of them, like Impa and Epona, were divine spirits in their own right– and were part of the same rebirth cycle, and would join them on their adventures, over and over again, tirelessly.
“You’re right, Link. We started this journey alone, but… we’ve made so many friends, found new members of our family…” She looked over to the other wing of the village, populated entirely by the children they’d had over their many, many lives. “And look over there! Just like I said all those lifetimes ago. We had so many children together.”
“And we’ll have more! So many more!” Link laughed, kissing his wife on the cheek. “I can’t wait to marry you again…”
“And I can’t wait to fall in love with you again, Link. Over and over again, across all of time, forevermore.” Zelda sighed happily, nuzzling against Link. “You know, there are a few timelines I haven’t looked at yet… and quite a few divergent timelines, too…”
“MORE timelines?” Link asked with a twinkle in his eye. “I have enough trouble keeping track of the three we’ve got now!”
“We’ve got four main ones now, remember? And then there’s the Era of Unification…” Zelda brought up a window to view the era in question. “The OTHER instance in which time broke…” She shook her head sadly. “All because a girl fell in love with someone she could never have. It’s sad.”
“It is, but it ended as well as it could.” Link sighed. “There was really no way for there to be a completely happy ending for everyone.” He walked back inside, bringing their view of the era with him. “And hey, we wound up happy. That’s something, at least.”
“You’re right.” Zelda nodded, sitting next to Link. “I wonder how Lana’s doing… guarding the Triforce and watching over time…”
“She’s doing well. We keep her company whenever we can.” A shining portal opened beside them, revealing another Zelda and Link. “It’s been quite some time… or perhaps, no time at all, since you came to see me.” The Warden of Time bowed to her greater self. “It’s quite an odd feeling, meeting ourselves like this.”
Goddess Zelda laughed, hugging her incarnation. “Now I know how you felt when I dropped in during the Wild Era!” She looked over at the Wardens. “You both look well, and you look much happier.”
Warden Zelda smiled lightly as she draped an arm across Warden Link’s shoulders. “I am much happier, thank you. My husband and I are happy to finally meet our… What ARE we to you, really? Alternate incarnations? Spirit Fragments? None of us are mortals anymore…”
“Well, we’re the divine spirits that inhabit all the Links and Zeldas, while you two are… gods of time? I think?” Both Links shrugged in exactly the same way. “Whatever you started as, you’re something different from us now, like…”
“Like a cutting from a plant that grew into its own.” Goddess Zelda and Warden Zelda said at the same time, before looking at each other and laughing.
“They’re clearly in tune with each other.” Warden Link chuckled. “From our perspective, we just got done repairing the timeline after all the major ones slammed into each other. That’s the only time I’ve seen the Triforce lose power, even for a short time. Lucky for us, though– it kept things from getting worse.”
God Link put a finger to his mouth, thinking. “That would explain why it was relatively easy for the pieces to be taken– it was weakened from wrenching control of time away from you.”
Warden Link nodded solemnly. “There’s still a time nexus at both ends now, though… And there are lots of divergent timelines. Things don’t necessarily hold to the four main paths anymore.” He looked out at the infinite world. “Things aren’t really predictable or even categorical anymore. Who knows what could happen next?”
Goddess Zelda and Warden Zelda looked at each other and nodded. “I think that’s wonderful, really!” Goddess Zelda declared. “We have so many more possibilities now! So many more chances to meet and fall in love!” Embracing her husband, she smiled broadly. “The future’s completely open, Link! Who knows where we’ll go next?”
“Wherever and whenever it is, it’s going to be wonderful.” God Link answered. “Because we’ll be together.”
“That much is beyond all doubt.” Warden Zelda agreed. “We really must get back. Legends forge themselves, but we need to ensure they survive, after all.”
The Divine Spirits watched as their counterparts left, arms around each other’s waists. “Well, then!” Zelda said, turning to face her husband. “I think I could go for some breakfast. How about you?”
“That much, my dear…” Link said as a huge number of ingredients appeared before them, “Is ALSO never in doubt.” Sitting at the end of time, where all possibilities intersect and anything is possible, a blonde woman and a young man lived together in a small cottage, together and happy… forever.
Chapter Text
The Era of Unification
Link’s battered body was hauled in on a stretcher, covered with cuts and bruises. Princess Zelda, in only a slightly better shape, sat up, pushing her doctors aside. “Link! Is he…” She asked, biting her lower lip. Their forces had been utterly routed by Ganondorf, and the Triforce had been stolen from them again… if they lost the Hero… lost LINK…
“He’s in rough shape, Princess. He’s lost a lot of blood, and he’s got some broken bones.” Impa moistened a washcloth with a red potion, holding it to Link’s most severe cuts. “I’ll try to stabilize him, but you’re hurt too! You need to recuperate!”
“I’m not hurt that badly! I…” Zelda groaned, holding her cracked ribs. “I can handle it…” She coughed deeply, a few specks of blood hitting her hand. “I’ve had worse.”
Impa pushed Zelda down onto her cot. “Regardless of whether that’s true or not, you’re still hurt! We can’t lose you any more than we can lose the hero!”
“He's more than just the hero, Impa! His name is LINK!” Zelda yelled, tears in her eyes. “He’s a person, Impa!” She sniffled, trying desperately not to lose her composure. "He's... I..."
Impa nodded, her own composure ironclad. “Yes. We can’t afford to lose you OR Link, so I need you to stay safe, and not push yourself, understand?”
Zelda sighed and laid back, feeling completely overwhelmed. “Have we heard anything from Lana? It’s clear that she had her piece of the Triforce stolen, but…”
“The scouts believe they found her body…” Impa said, sadly. “We can’t be sure it was her, but…”
Zelda choked back a sob. Everything was going wrong– and so soon after they thought they’d found the peace they sought! Why? Why couldn’t they just have a happy life? She hadn't even had a chance to tell Link her feelings yet...
“We’ve got more wounded!” Zelda looked up to see who was being led in. They hadn’t had very many commanders left after their allies had returned to their time periods…
“Lana!” Zelda sat up, seeing the young woman. “We heard that you had died!”
Lana chuckled weakly as she looked up, one eye welded shut by blood. “Almost… I tried Cia’s trick to split myself into three… Ganondorf killed two of them and took the Triforce that way. I got away, but… I took a lot of hits.” She was laid down on a medical cot near the other two. “I… take it he came after you two as well, huh?”
Link groaned as he regained consciousness. “I… didn’t make it easy on him… at least…” He mumbled through swollen lips. “How’d I survive?”
Zelda was immediately on her feet, standing by his side and holding his hand. “After… after he beat you, he just vanished. We fell back and got you to a medical tent.”
Link tried to open an eye, but both of his were swollen shut. “Can’t see… are you alright?”
“I’m fine, Link! You protected me!” Zelda let some of her power flow into Link, hoping to heal him faster.
“He…” Link groaned lightly. “He got all the pieces, though…”
“Yeah, he did.” Zelda admitted. “He didn’t hurt me much, though. Just a few bruises, I promise. You got the worst of it.”
Link groaned as Impa held a red potion to his mouth. “Shh. No more talking. Don’t swallow, just let it go down naturally.” She turned to Zelda. “And, princess, if you insist on being up and about, give Lana one too. Same instructions, Lana, do you hear?”
“Yeah, I heard…” Lana mumbled. She weakly held the bottle herself as she took a draught of the medicine. “Gah… that tastes nasty…” She winced as her wounds began closing, an attendant carefully wiping the blood from her eye.
Link sat up, pushing Impa away. “We need to make a plan– find some way to get the Triforce back.” He cracked one eye open as the swelling faded. “I won’t let my failure doom Hyrule.”
“Link, this is my failure, not yours…” Zelda said, holding his hand. “Please, don’t push yourself…”
“This is ALL of our failure.” Lana replied. “We need to make this right, and we’re going to need help.” She managed a smile, painful as it was. “Fortunately, I think I can pull it off…”
Barely a month later, the group stood together as Ganon’s form dissolved into purple smoke. “I almost can’t believe it…” Link said, falling backwards onto the grass with a relieved laugh. “We did it! We won!”
“You did it! Oh, Link, you really did it!” Zelda ran over, pulling him into a tight hug. “I never lost faith in you, even for a second!”
“You mean WE did it. It wasn’t just me– we were all fighting together.” Link gestured to their allies from across time. “Every one of us, we all played a part.”
“I played a pretty big part, if you ask me.” Midna grinned. “But it was really nice to see you guys again, even if you look a bit different from the ones I know.”
“I’m gonna go back and tell the Little Guy and Tiny Princess all about this!” Darunia cheered. “They’ll need the pick me up, considering what they’re fighting right now!”
Lana looked up, confused. “What do you mean, Darunia?” She asked. “The hero and the princess aren’t fighting together in your time.”
“Sure they are! They just took care of that dragon and that little mechanical crawlie thing, and made me a sage!” Darunia laughed. “I think they’re grinding boulders, too…”
Lana blinked. “That… sounds off…” She looked over to Ruto. “What’s happening in your timeline?” She asked.
“Zelda’s the only one I’m with.” Ruto answered. “Prince Link went missing after Ganondorf took over.”
Lana gasped. Oh no… Cia’s– and her own– reckless use of time travel, powered by the Triforce itself, seemed to have had unexpected consequences. “Agatha? Midna? What about your time?”
Midna cocked her head. “The Princess turned into a mountain lion, and the kid turned into a wolf. They both escaped from Hyrule Castle together.”
Agatha shrugged. “I just invite bugs to my posh dances, but that guy who dresses like a giant grasshopper brings them to me. The Princess is always in the castle.”
Lana’s eyes went wide. “Link, Zelda! I have a request for you. Return the Master Sword. You two always save Hyrule, together… so I need you to do this for me. Hurry, before it’s too late!” With that, their allies faded back to their own times, and Lana vanished before anyone could say goodbye.
Lana dashed to the gate of Souls, casting it open with the power of the Triforce, and winced. Time itself was in ruins. Where once there had been four relatively stable timelines, now they splintered, branching off into dozens of rivulets, some rejoining the main flow, some carving their own path, and some joining other timelines entirely, with no rhyme or reason.
“What have we done, Cia?” Lana clasped her hands to her mouth, eyes wide. “We were supposed to maintain time, but… we shattered it! Oh no... What does this mean for the cycle?” She cast her vision back to the first nexus. Dozens of possible timelines shot off of the Imprisoning War, some ending in victory, some defeat, and some a melancholic triumph. A few had Link and Zelda’s positions swapped, or Ganondorf joining forces with other dark beings… but the constants remained– Light triumphs in the end, and Link and Zelda find each other- sometimes finding love with each other, sometimes family, sometimes merely companionship, but they always found each other.
The Great Sea now had multiple branches– sometimes Hyrule was restored, sometimes it was sealed underwater again, sometimes it was washed away entirely. Still, Tetra and Link found each other, and Ganondorf fell.
The Era of Twilight was much the same– sometimes, roles were reversed, sometimes Link and Zelda journeyed together, and sometimes Link went on a journey by himself, without even Midna. But no matter what, Ganondorf fell to the Hero and the Princess.
The ages of Prosperity and Decline were the same. Regardless of the HOW, Ganon was defeated and the destined pair met. Even if their personalities or circumstances changed, fate held strong. The souls that formed the foundation were always there.
The fourth timeline now drew most of the others into itself, incorporating facets of all of them. Sometimes, the Zonai founded Hyrule shortly after the Hylians descended from the skies, and sometimes they refounded Hyrule thousands of years after it faded from memory… but no matter what, and no matter how, that era’s Link and Zelda found each other. Their time was, blessedly, less chaotic, time having stabilized by then with only a few discrepancies.
Lana relaxed slightly. Time was damaged, but it wasn’t ruined. They really are meant to be with each other, hmm? She thought, sadly. I was a fool, yearning for the one soul I could never have. She looked over at Cia’s room of obsession. But it’s not the worst fate in the world… I have wonderful friends now… She looked through a window of time at ‘her’ Link and Zelda, replacing the Master Sword, hand in hand. And I’m happy for them. She shut the window as they embraced each other, letting them have their privacy.
I’ll never have him, but he’ll be happy, with the one he’s meant to share his life with. Lana thought, the mark of the Triforce shining on her hand. And I’m meant to be a part of their lives too… just not the way I had wished for. She chuckled, standing to leave as the room of obsession burst into flame. It may seem strange, but… I’m okay with that.
Chapter Text
The Era of Music
“And then you spin…” Link muttered to himself as the band played on. “And dip…” He leaned his partner back, holding her up as she kicked one leg up in the air, laughing happily.
“I’ll give him one thing…” Zelda said, held tightly in Link’s arms. “The whole curse he put across Hyrule to move to a rhythm led to a lot of really good music!” The band switched to a faster song as Link pulled her back up to her feet. “This dance craze is the best craze we’ve had in a while!”
Link grinned widely as they transitioned into a dance where they only held each other’s hands, stomping their feet as they made their way around the dance floor. “Feel that beat!” He laughed, looping his elbow with Zelda’s as they danced in a quick circle. The band crescendoed, and the dancers all applauded.
“Whoo…” Link sighed, taking a seat and a drink of water. “That was a blast!”
Zelda downed a glass of her own as she sat beside him. “It’s kind of silly, if you think about it– we were forced to listen to ambient music for a few weeks, only able to move with the beat… you’d think we’d all HATE it, but instead…” she gestured to the remaining dancers, all of whom wore bright smiles. “We all got a taste for it!”
“It helps that the music was pretty good.” Link pointed out. “Especially the music in the field! Do-do, do do do do DO…” Link hummed a few bars. “Made me feel like I was exploring a mysterious island or something.”
“Weird feeling to evoke.” Zelda giggled. “Why a mysterious island? Why not a dark and unfamiliar land?”
Link shook his head. “Nah, the dark and unfamiliar land was the future world. The main overworld music sounded like I was poking around mountainous foothills.”
Zelda took a sip of water. “You, sir, are very weird.” She giggled lightly, and continued “But, honestly? So am I!” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ears, leaning in to talk to him as the band started playing again. “So, now that you’ve bested Ganon and restored peace to Hyrule, what’s next for you? I’m willing to give you anything you want.”
“What I want is not mine to request.” Link said, simply. “It has to be given freely to have any value.”
“Oh, are you into CREATING puzzles now?” Zelda smirked, putting her finger to her mouth. “Let's see. Can’t be rupees, we got a ton of those just exploring those dungeons together… same for the gadgets and whatnot…”
Link leaned back as he polished off his glass of water. “You’ll figure it out. I trust you.”
Zelda sank deeper into thought, cupping her chin. “Does it have to do with our adventure together?” She asked.
“In a roundabout way. You could say that the time we spent together was kind of the reason I want what I do.” Link replied, looking over at Zelda, his expression unreadable.
“It can’t be peace and stability, because we have that now… Something that has to be given freely to have any value…” Zelda shook her head, clearly turning the puzzle over in her head, over and over.
Link nodded quietly. “Exactly. If the person giving it doesn’t WANT to give it, it becomes toxic and harmful, but if given freely, it’s the greatest reward in the world.” He looked over at the band and smiled. “One could say it’s a way to fill the world with music without instruments or magic.”
“Hmm…” Zelda tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I’m guessing that’s more of a poetic way of putting things than anything else, right?” Link nodded. Zelda dropped her head slightly before snapping it back up with a small gasp. “Link… when did you know that you wanted this reward?”
Link thought for a while. “Second temple. You pushed me out of the way of an attack. Then I repaid the favor for you by cutting down an enemy before it could strike and you gave me a big smile.”
Zelda smiled at the memory. They’d stayed in that room for a while, feeling their hearts beat in tune with the music, holding each other’s hands and squeezing them to the beat while they calmed down. “I think I might know what you want… what do you say we head off somewhere a little quieter first, though?”
“Anything you desire, my princess.” Link answered with an overblown bow. The pair walked off into a small grove of trees a short distance away from the revelry, where Zelda finally turned to face Link.
“That was a clever puzzle, Link.” Zelda said, smiling with satisfaction. “It took me a little bit to figure it out– to stop thinking about the material rewards one could ask for and start thinking about the more… ephemeral things you might want.” She began pacing slightly, a finger held aloft as she detailed her thought process. “At first I thought it might be a title you desired– something to pass down to future generations, and something that can only be given freely. But then I thought, ‘no, he hasn’t sought anything like that, and as a Hero who bears the Triforce, he’s automatically high in standing, second only to myself.’ So then I thought you might want land, but that again, seemed too mundane. If you desired land, you would have asked.”
Link leaned against a tree, his arms crossed and a small smile on his face. “So far, so good. So, what have you figured out?”
Zelda grinned and turned, her long coat billowing like the dress it was patterned after. “I’m getting there, don’t worry!” She smiled broadly, continuing her pacing. “THEN I started thinking it might be something more personal, and that’s when I asked if it had to do with our adventure. And like I thought, it did!” She walked over to Link, leaning in closer. “And then it ALL fell into place. What do I have that’s not yours to request? What must be given freely, lest it become toxic, but when given freely is able to fill the world with music? What must the person giving it WANT to give for it to have value? And when you said you realized you wanted it after we saved each other, then it all clicked.”
“Okay…” Link said, chuckling lightly. “So, what have you figured out?”
Zelda walked up to Link, standing face to face with him. “I’ve figured EVERYTHING out, Link.” Reaching out, she took hold of his face, pulling him in closer. “What you want, and what I want in return… and I think they’re the same thing.” Their lips softly brushed, just the barest hint of a touch… and she pulled back. “Am I correct?”
Link gulped, suddenly sweating a bit. “Y-you are…”
Zelda leaned back in, resting her forehead against Link’s own. “Good. So… let me give you the first part of your reward.” She pressed herself into Link’s chest and pulled his face into her own, finally meeting him in a kiss, and what a kiss it was! They could feel their hearts beating together, matching each other’s rhythm. The music from the distant band faded away, replaced by a softer, more gentle tune, one that evoked love and tenderness. Zelda and Link melted into the kiss, feeling perfect, wonderful joy, and a sense of completeness, like two parts of an orchestra joining together.
Zelda broke away, breathing heavily. “Oh… wow… that was… that was a good kiss.” She muttered, leaning against Link with their arms wrapped around each other.
“It was.” Link replied, holding her tight and drinking in her warmth. “I told you, didn’t I? It fills the world with music, all by itself.”
Zelda giggled, rubbing their noses together. “Is that our love song?”
“I think it might just be.” Link replied as she rested her head on his shoulder. “It’s got a nice beat, doesn’t it?”
Chapter Text
Link, the Warden of Time, paused in his endless duty. “Zelda?” He called over to his wife. “What in the world is THIS?”
Zelda appeared by his side, gazing down at the timeline he was examining. “Ah. That is a timeline that has gone wrong– it’s too far off course, has twisted and turned into something unrecognizable, and, sadly, cannot be salvaged. Best to just prune it.”
“Prune it?” Link asked, shocked. “You mean, destroy it?”
“Precisely.” Zelda nodded. “It will sputter out and die soon, anyway. Best to give it a quick, painless end.”
“But… we live there.” Link protested. “I don’t think I can bring myself to–”
Zelda placed a hand on Link’s shoulder. “Trust me. Take a look at the events in the timeline, and you will realize that pruning it is a mercy.”
Link focused his senses on the timeline, and he saw…
CORRUPTED TIMELINE: ERA OF MADNESS
“Oh boy! I sure am glad we beat all those bad guys!” Link said, his face moving far more than it really should. “Koredai sure was a fun adventure!”
“My boy!” King Harkinian laughed, holding a wine goblet easily the size of his head. “This peace truly is what all warriors strive for!” He laughed heartily, the bones in his head changing shape as he did.
“And I got to help too!” Zelda said, crossing her arms in a way that was too fast AND too slow, all at once. “I even got to save you!”
“Nuh-uh!” Link shook his head, his eyes momentarily detaching from his face. “I saved YOU!”
“But now NO ONE will save you!” A horrible monster with the head of a wolf announced, bursting into the room. “I’ll eat you up!” A small beam of light shot out of its eye, spearing a bird that flew around its head. Grabbing the bird, the creature’s head became that of a lion which breathed fire, and then a huge pair of lips, which it used to eat the bird.
“Stand back, Link! I’ve got this one!” Zelda announced, smirking and winking all at once. She tossed a small object at the creature, which instantly wilted once struck.
“Ahhhhh! You’ve killed me!” The creature screamed as it melted into a puddle of goo, leaving only a still beating heart behind.
Zelda smirked. “Good!” She turned to Link, her whole body twitching as she did. “Now, since I saved YOU, I think I deserve a reward!” She puckered her lips, her whole face being drawn in as she did.
Link flailed around, his body and face distorting as he did. "Hooray! I'm gonna get smooches!" He said, his lips enlarging to thrice their normal size. The pair mashed their faces together, a loud “MWAH!” emanating from both of them before parting with a loud pop and a few drops of saliva.
Link screamed, slicing the timeline clean in half and watching as the whole of that existence dispersed. “That was the worst thing I’ve ever SEEN!” He gasped, trying not to retch. “Everything looked WRONG and nothing made any sense!”
“Yeah, corrupted timelines get pretty bad.” Zelda nodded. “There’s another timeline where it follows a similar path but it isn’t as…” Zelda gestured to the ambient time energy floating away. “THAT, so don’t feel too bad. Like I said, a quick pruning is a kindness. The inhabitants were suffering too.” She turned away, looking over a few other divergent timelines. “Fortunately, the stable divergent timelines are FASCINATING. Look at these worlds, all brimming with possibility!” Thousands upon thousands of timelines spread out before them, each with a different twist on reality…
Chapter Text
Divergent Timeline: The Heroes of the Twin Blades
Zelda was getting quite used to sleeping in caves. Heh, if my younger self could see me now, huh? She thought, remembering her first few days on the road with Link– she’d been very reluctant to camp, instead preferring to stay at inns or at the Lon-Lon Ranch. It was only when they were making their way to Zora’s Domain that she’d finally been forced to camp, and then she found that, shockingly, she loved it! She loved the rough texture of the ground, she loved the open air that made its way into their tent, she loved how nothing was provided for her– she had to make her own way.
Well, not exactly her OWN way, she thought, pulling herself a bit closer to Link as she tightened her grip around his waist. She was never alone in the wilds– she had what she needed. Link, the prophesied Hero. Navi, his faithful fairy companion. Fi, the Spirit of the Master Sword– two of her, actually, since both Link AND Zelda had the legendary Blade of Evil’s Bane in their possession, thanks to an odd quirk of time travel. Really, Zelda thought as she nestled against Link’s chest, listening to his heartbeat, I have everything I need.
A roar from the distance snapped both heroes awake, each grasping the hilt of their sacred blades. The Calamity raged around Hyrule Castle, pushed back little by little as a shining golden light emerged from within. Zelda sighed, pulling her knees up to her chest and hugging them. “Father’s still fighting the Calamity every day.” She said, quietly. “And I can tell. He’s weakening. He can’t hold out much longer.”
“We’ll win, Zelda. I promise you.” Link said, softly rubbing her back. “We only have one more sage to awaken.”
“After the Shadow Temple, though… Does my family even DESERVE a second chance?” Zelda shook her head. “The things I saw there, the things we learned…”
“Zelda, the only person you have to answer for is yourself.” Link squeezed her shoulder. “And you… you shine with a golden light. You hold a sword specifically meant for a savior. You’ve only EVER helped people, never hurt them. You even freed the souls trapped in that place. I can’t say there won’t be more sins committed by the Royal Family in the future, but… you, at least, are not to blame. You’re a good person, Zelda. Always have been, always will be.”
Zelda leaned against Link, who obligingly hugged her close. “Link… when all this is over, and we’re finally able to just… stop…” She sighed, staring out at the castle in the distance, “Do you think we’ll want to? Or do you think we’ll just keep wandering, finding new lands and new people to help?”
“Hmm…” Link leaned his head against Zelda’s as he thought. “I suppose it really depends on how things go, but… I could see us journeying together for a few years before settling down in a nice quiet village. Maybe Adelia…”
“Adelia’s been hit pretty hard, you know. There’s a lot of damage.” Zelda sighed. “Those poor people. They’re just farmers– they shouldn’t have to worry about all this.”
“Then I think that’s a good place for us to live, hmm?” Link turned and smiled at her. “We can stay there, help rebuild… I could train them in defense…”
“And at the end of the day, we can go back home and make dinner, standing side by side.” Zelda sighed happily as Link gently ran his fingers through her hair. “I love it…”
“Well, I love YOU.” Link drew Zelda into a quiet kiss, their lips meeting each other and communicating in a language all their own, something more tender, more personal.
“Link…” Zelda sighed as she melted into his arms, “tell me more about how it’s going to be for us.”
Link grinned and kissed Zelda’s nose lightly. “Aren’t you the one with future sight?”
“I can only see vague dreams of major events.” Zelda replied, frowning. “All I see when I have a vision is Demise, a figure wreathed in flame, and Ganondorf, shattering the castle.” She looked at Link, her eyes brimming with tears. “So, please, Link… tell me we’re going to have a future.”
Squeezing her closer to him, Link nodded. “We’re going to have a future, Zelda. Demise, the Calamity… they’ve both been beaten before– by us, in our past lives. Ganondorf is going to be no different… and his creepy skeleton ‘Brother’? Ha. He fancies himself a king, but I’ll show him. No true king rules by fear alone.”
“I…” Zelda almost protested, before Link placed a finger to her mouth.
“No. Your grandfather may have had blood on his hands, but he didn’t rule by fear alone. He unified Hyrule after centuries of war and decline. A tyrant can’t build anything that lasts– but our Hyrule WILL last, Zelda. We don’t need Fi to tell us that it will– we know it will last because we’re going to make SURE that it lasts.” Link held Zelda to his chest and pressed a kiss to her head, holding her close.
“Mmm…” Zelda hummed quietly. “You’re sure we can do this? That we can save Hyrule?”
Link smiled confidently. “If it was just me, I’m not sure if I could. But I have you by my side, and like that, I can do anything.”
Zelda smiled, finally relaxing a bit. “I can do anything when I’m with you, too, Link.” She sighed happily as she leaned against him. “I love you. I’ll always love you.”
“And I’ll always stand by your side, Zelda.” Link replied, kissing her again.
“Will we have children?” Zelda asked quietly. “I want to have children with you, Link.”
“We’ll have SO many children, Zelda– as many as you want. Now come on, we should get some sleep.” They cuddled up together– the cold rock of the cave feeling as comfortable as any bed they’d ever had.
Zelda smiled happily as she drifted off in Link’s arms, her dreams fading into a vision of the future. She saw herself- with a noticeable bulge to her stomach- sitting outside a small house with Link as they watched Hyrule Castle be rebuilt in the distance. As she pulled him in closer, she felt more peaceful than she had in years.
Chapter 14
Notes:
The setting of "The Tapestry" And the Era of Chivalry are taken from my good friend, RaccoonFiend95
Chapter Text
Divergent Timeline: The Tapestry
Warden Zelda smiled as she took in the whole of the timeline. A beautiful, chaotic mess, its natural eddies and tributaries nonetheless flowed together in a wondrous harmony. Each corrupted timeline was quickly pruned, the major time rivers flowed along unobstructed, and toward the end, they all joined together, flowing ever onward.
“You’ve done an incredible job, Hy– no, you are Zelda now. Greater than you were when last we spoke.” A sudden, unfamiliar voice caused her to jump. “Peace, I merely come to visit.” A kind-looking woman with long blue hair stood behind her. “I greet you, Zelda and Link, Wardens of Time. I am Nayru, goddess of creation.”
Zelda instantly fell to her knees, as did Link, only for Nayru to chuckle lightly and pull them both to their feet at once. “Please, Time is an equal domain to mine– you and your husband are of equal standing with my sisters and I.”
“I… I am honored to hear you speak of me so.” Zelda replied, with a polite bow. “Our home, such as it is, is open to you.”
“Thank you, my dear.” Nayru returned the bow. “I came to check the stability of time’s flow. Despite the unexpected events wrought by the Triforce, you’ve done a wonderful job tending to the garden. See how evenly it flows, out into infinity? There will always be new stories to tell in Hyrule, Zelda my dear, and we have you and Link to thank for that.”
“I… I just did what I could to help.” Link said, awkwardly scratching the back of his head. “I saw a problem that needed fixing. That’s all.”
“And that is a trait worthy of endless praise.” Nayru smiled. “However, in truth, I have come to ask a small favor. My sisters and I… we have observed how time flows under your guidance, and we have been inspired. Might we create a divergent timeline of our own? We would keep it separate from the others– we have a story we wish to tell with it– one with a beginning, middle, and end.”
“Hmm… tell me more. I’m interested.” Zelda said, taking a seat in mid air.
With a wave of her hand, Nayru manifested a beautiful woven piece of artistry. “We call it… The Tapestry. A copy of the original design of the world that branches into three and reunifies, before drawing to a close, freeing the souls within, and feeding back into the main timeline: the true Hyrule.”
“So… you want to see what the world would have been like had time not fractured as badly?” Zelda asked, leaning forward. “That sounds incredible… if a little melancholy. The joy in knowing that time flows ever forward would be lost on them.”
“Ah, but that’s the beauty of it– time DOES flow ever forward for them! They just have a finite time in their own area before they rejoin the flow, and can live the beautifully chaotic lives the main timeline presents.” Nayru smiled wistfully. “We would, of course, take full responsibility for creating and maintaining this project.”
Zelda looked to Link, then smiled and nodded. “Well, how could I say no? I accept– so long as I may observe your glorious work, of course.”
Nayru bent and kissed Zelda’s hand in appreciation. “But of course! Artwork is meant to be seen and appreciated, after all.”
The creator goddesses worked quickly– not that time really meant anything in their realm, of course– and soon, the timelines were crafted. Zelda gasped at the elegance and design– where her timelines were rivers, flowing, splitting, rejoining, and lazily carving new paths, the timeline of “The Tapestry” was more akin to a series of canals– carved deep, flowing only along the paths intended.
“It’s… orderly.” Zelda said, appreciating the craftsmanship. “It draws from the same primordial well, then flows evenly along, until finally it ends, at which point it is carried back to the beginning of time on my timeline.”
“Yes, and the time only flows one way, to prevent interference.” Nayru nodded, happily. “We wished to ensure our work could not disrupt yours. Would you care to look at the lives the Links and Zeldas of our creation are living?”
Zelda nodded eagerly. “I would like nothing more!”
The Tapestry: The Era of Chivalry
“Madame.” Ser Link, Musketeer of the Royal Hyrulean Army, gave his partner, First Princess Zelda, a short bow. “It is my honor and pleasure to escort you to the park this fine morn.”
“Hm. Thank you, Ser Link.” Zelda held out her hand, allowing Link to place a kiss upon her signet ring. “I do so look forward to this time away from my father’s court. It is ever so tiresome.”
“I shall endeavor to make the time away as pleasant as possible, Milady.” Link said with a bow. “If you would please follow me.”
Zelda followed along, the perfect picture of courtly etiquette, and Link, the consummate soldier, a picture of stern perfection… right up until they exited the palace grounds, verifying that they were no longer being observed.
“Ah, at LAST!” Zelda sighed, visibly relaxing. “I jested not when I said that father’s court is tiresome– the land itself seems to drain my vitality the longer I stand upon it!”
“Indeed.” Link replied, as they made their way to his small home. “And the judgemental eyes that fall upon us everywhere we go! I barely dare to pass a pane of glass, let alone a tuft of gas!”
“Crude wordplay, Ser Link. Quite unbecoming of a Musketeer.” Zelda tried to frown, but giggled nonetheless. “But then again, you are not your standard Musketeer– as you bear no musket!”
“I have always carved mine own path, Lady Zelda.” Link said, with an overdone bow. “Now, if you might hurry inside…”
Zelda picked up her wide skirts and daintily stepped inside, quickly disappearing behind a changing screen. “Ah, to be free of these devilish skirts and corsets, for but a few blessed hours…” she muttered, as fabric shifted. “There. What do you think?” She stepped out, adorned in typical men’s attire, the loose coat and puffed shirt hiding her figure quite well. “And, all I must do to make the disguise complete…” She pulled her hair up, hiding it under a small hat. “There! Princess Zelda Louisa Françoise D’Hyrule is no more! Say hello to Henri Shique!”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monsieur Shique.” Link chuckled, bowing his head slightly. “And, might I add, you would make a lovely lady, in the right light.” Taking up casual clothing, he ducked behind the changing screen himself, rapidly changing into a casual outfit, with the Master Sword hidden beneath a large coat. “Shall we head out on the town, Monsieur Shique?”
“In a moment, Ser Link, in a moment!” Zelda walked over to him, examining his face. “There is something I need to address first.”
“Oh, and what might that be?” Link asked, raising an eyebrow.
Zelda leaned in, kissing him fiercely. “Ahh… That was the issue I was keen to address. It has been far too long.”
Link ran his hand along Zelda’s back. “Why, Monsieur Shique, I must confess– you kiss almost as well as my betrothed!” Leaning his forehead against Zelda’s, he whispered– “You taste much better without all the makeup they force you to wear.”
“And you taste just as delicious as always.” Zelda responded, her slim arms draped around his neck. “If I weren’t so hungry, I’d suggest we stay in, enjoying one another’s company.”
“Well, a light lunch between two friends before we discuss the matters of the day will take no time at all!” Link laughed.
“Mmm…” Zelda hummed, taking a sip of wine. “Ah, a fine vintage. Not too sweet, not too tart. We are truly lucky to live in Hyrule, eh, Monsieur Hateno?”
“Indeed, Monsieur Shique. No other land feeds the average man as well as Hyrule– and this is all thanks to our kind and thoughtful King and Queen!” He raised a glass. “To Queen Zelda and King Daphnes!”
“Cheers!” Zelda clinked her glass to Link’s. “You know, Monsieur Hateno, during my travels abroad–” Zelda, of course, would regularly visit their neighboring countries for diplomatic visits, and would take any chance to observe how the common folk lived when she did– “I’ve found that the happier the common man is, the more stable the ruler’s reign.”
“An astute observation, indeed.” Link replied, biting into a piece of bread. “And our land needs stability, what with the threats we face, both from within and without.”
“Quite.” Zelda dipped her bread in her soup, chewing thoughtfully. “I heard there are threats from the self-appointed ‘King of Gerudos’, Ganondorf.”
“Hmm, yes. A shadowy figure, indeed, he is.” Link replied. Having been on a deployment to the border of the Gerudo nation, Link witnessed the Master Sword’s shine, and had instinctively drawn it from its pedestal. The King had been informed– the prophesies were true, and Hyrule was under threat once more. He and Zelda had been betrothed the next day. That had been a year and a half ago, and tensions were nearly at a breaking point. “I feel as though dark clouds billow over that land, but I remain sure that a bright light shall pierce them soon.”
“I see…” Zelda idly ran a finger along her wine glass. “Do you… know if the weather might change soon?”
“I suspect within the next month or so.” Link replied, shaking his head. “You may not get much of a chance to explore the Gerudo’s lands for a while.”
Zelda made a show of shrugging. “Ah, cie la vie. At least we have friends.”
“Quite true. And I hear tell that the Gerudo themselves are of divided loyalties.” Link replied, leaning in to speak quietly. “Lady N. in particular wishes to establish a bond of mutual trust.”
“Nab–” Zelda caught herself. “Ah yes, I shall keep the Lady in mind. Perhaps she can share some scholarly details with us.” She stood quietly. “I’m suddenly bereft of an appetite. Shall we retire?”
Link nodded. “I suspect that’s a good idea.”
“So… he’s sending you off in a month, then?” Zelda asked, idly sitting on Link’s bed, nervously twisting a handkerchief. “To fight against Ganondorf?”
Link nodded. “I don’t know the precise day, but… most likely. Fi verified it. He’s the Demon King, reborn.”
Zelda took his hands and held them to her chest. “Be safe, my dear. I know you are… Well, you are YOU, but I’m still afraid for your safety.”
“I promise you, my love, I will cast him down and return to you. The world has a plan for us, and my failure is not part of it.” Link sat next to her, locking their eyes together. “I will defeat Ganondorf. I will protect Hyrule, and… no matter what, I will see you again.”
“I will trust you on that, Link. We still have yet to be wed.” Zelda sighed. “I thought we would have more time…”
“We’ll have all the time in the world, Zelda. The Sorcerer rises, faces the Hero and the Princess, and is cast down. This is how it has been, this is how it will be. And when the end comes, thousands of years from now, we’ll be together forever.” Link held her hand tightly– his calloused fingers twinning with her slim and elegant digits.
“I don’t see how he can face us when I’m staying behind…” Zelda sighed, biting her lower lip. “But I trust you, Link. As the scions of prophecy, we do at least have the comfort of knowing our lives must continue.”
“Exactly.” Link pulled Zelda into a slow, deep, passionate kiss. “I WILL see you again, Zelda. We WILL have time beyond this month.”
The next week, the King announced they were to be wed immediately. The week after that, Link was sent off to confront Ganondorf. That clash would be the stuff of legends– of course– and in the end, the Tapestry continued on its path, uninterrupted.
Chapter 15: To a New Legend
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Outside of Time, Once Again
“So many variables, and so many possibilities…” Zelda smiled, watching the events play out before her. “Link, do you remember our first lives, when I was Hylia and you were just a mortal man?”
“Of course.” Link replied. “I still have a few regrets from that life, actually.”
“Was it the torture and imprisonment?” Zelda asked, dropping her head. “I cannot apologize enough for that, Link. I was young, I was foolish, and I believed your soul needed to be strengthened. Little did I know that you could rise to any occasion.”
“No, nothing like that. I came to accept that the strife was my trial, and I bear you no ill will whatsoever.” Link gently ran his hand along his wife’s face. “I love you, Zelda. I could never resent you.”
“Hmm…” Zelda sighed happily, always delighted to melt into his touch. “Then, what regrets do you have?”
“Simple. I never got to marry you during that life. I never got to hold you in my arms on our wedding day, never got to raise a family with you, never got to see the joy I could have brought to you. It all had to wait until our next life, and as happy as that was, it was still a missed chance.” Link smiled and shook his head slightly. “That’s pretty much it. I wish I’d had more time with you before I died.”
“Hmm… come with me! I have an idea.” Zelda took him by the hand, jogging out to the village of spirits they lived in. “Soren!” She shouted, dashing into a divine copy of the Sanctuary. “I have a favor to ask of you– I need you to marry us!”
“You’re already married. Thousands of times over.” Soren replied, pushing his glasses up on his nose slightly. “Did… did you forget?”
Zelda shook her head, pulling Link forward. “No, of course not! But our ORIGINALS– Hylia and Link– they never got that chance! The spirits at the core of our beings never got what they wanted most in the world, and that’s just too sad!”
Soren rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I see. I see. Well, I guess if you trust me to do it, I must do it.” Divine magic began to flow, and the sanctuary faded into a gigantic cathedral as all their friends and family began filing in. “Hello, everyone! Zelda has issued us all an invitation to right a long-existing wrong! Please, take your seats, and you two…” Soren waved his hands slightly. “You need to present yourselves, after all– go! All your dearest friends are already waiting for you!”
The destined pair gave each other a hug before heading off to their individual “dressing rooms”. They both knew what they were going to emerge looking like,but the ceremony was the important part. Link, surrounded by his family and dearest friends, quickly changed his form to his original form– Hylia’s chosen hero. Zelda, meanwhile, joined by Impa and all her old friends, was surrounded by divine light, taking the form of Hylia, Goddess of Time once again.
“It’s been a while, Lady Hylia.” Impa said, her form fading to her original incarnation as well. “It brings me endless joy to see how happy you’ve been.”
Hylia smiled as Impa braided her hair. “I’ve been blessed to find my soulmate. Demise’s curse was an unexpected boon, believe it or not. A reincarnation cycle meant to be torture has become our greatest joy…”
Impa smiled at Hylia. “You will never be lonely again, my lady. Your most fervent wish came true.” She finished braiding Hylia’s hair and kissed her cheek. “Go. Be with him. Be happy, forevermore.”
Hylia emerged at the same time Link did, their eyes meeting as they walked to the entrance of the aisle. Link, resplendent in a green suit coat with an embroidered loftwing over the breast, and Hylia, in a flowing white gown, her wings trailing light behind them.
“Hey, you.” Link smiled, taking Hylia’s hands. “It’s been a long time since we were just us, hasn’t it?”
“My dear Link… you know that neither of us are exactly as we were, all those long millenia ago– so I’ll ask: do you still want to marry me?” Hylia asked, smiling at her hero. She knew the answer. There could only ever be one answer from him.
Link leaned his head against Hylia’s. “Of course I do. I’ll marry you every day until the stars burn out in the sky.” They turned to walk down the aisle, together. “Come on. Soren’s waiting.”
“Friends, family, spirits and immortals alike…” Soren called out to the crowd. “Today, we gather here to finally, after so many years, wed the goddess Hylia and her chosen hero, Link. Though they have married before, in so many other lives, these two souls, the origin of them all, never had that chance– so today, we right this wrong!” He turned to Hylia. “Goddess Hylia, will you accept Link as your one true love, forevermore?”
“I will. Happily.” Hylia laughed lightly, holding Link’s hands.
Soren turned to Link. “And you, Link. Will you accept Hylia as your eternal love, joined to you by fate?”
“Of course. Every time, in every life, in every reality.” Link smiled.
“There are no need for rings, no need for threads of fate, for indeed, we are only here because of these two and their love for one another.” Soren pronounced. “Our very existence, our eternal home in paradise, is a testament to these two remarkable individuals. So instead, I will merely say– Hylia. Link. You two are married now, and married forevermore. Speak your vows of commitment to each other.”
Hylia smiled lovingly at Link. “You promised to marry an immortal goddess when you were but a ten year old boy with a wooden sword. You fulfilled every promise you made to me, and so many more besides. You see me as a goddess, yes, but you see me as a woman, first and foremost. You ensure that this once lonely Goddess of Time will never be alone again. Thank you. I love you, with everything that I am.”
Link nodded and kissed Hylia’s hand softly. “You are the lodestar of my existence. As Hylia, as Zelda, as Tetra, you always show me the way to move forward. Without your presence, without your love, I would not be even the tiniest fragment of the man I am today. A mere proclamation of love is… too little to tell you how important you are to me, but I promise you– I’ll love you, across all time.”
“And so will I, Link.” Hylia whispered, shedding a single happy tear, which fell to Hyrule, forming a magical pond specifically for lovers. “Across all time.”
Soren threw his hands out, streamers emerging from his sleeves. “Go together! Live your many lives with each other! Live with wisdom, power, and courage in your hearts, and may your souls never forget your bond!”
Hylia and Link kissed each other to the cheering of the crowd. Pulling back, the Spirit of the Goddess and the Spirit of the Hero returned to their full glory, still holding each other close. “Well, then. Shall we?” Zelda asked with a wink.
Link grinned. “Forge a new legend together? I thought you’d never ask.” A soft golden light overtook them both, and they vanished, heading back to Hyrule once again– for there was always a new legend, always a new adventure, always a new love waiting for them. Hyrule, the Land Blessed by the Goddesses, welcomed her favorite children home once again.
Never the End
Notes:
And that's the end! Wow... a hundred fics! Maybe I'll take a break...
Oh, I'm already at 106.
Welp, guess I have to keep going until I hit 200! But let me thank a few people close to my heart, for helping me on this journey thus far!
Kinkaido, a fantastic writer who should be so much more popular than he is! He's my co-author on "A Destiny, Retold in Time", and his help has made that fic SO MUCH MORE than it would have been alone!
RaccoonFiend95, for being just awesome, and letting me ricochet ideas off of him all the time!
Lualia, for all the tuck ins! Thanks for being my discord mom.
And of course, the Zelink Hype Discord! This crazy bunch of weirdos is a family I didn't even know I needed. I love all of you.
Thank you SO, SO much for sticking around with me for a hundred fics, and I hope you'll stick around for a hundred more!
Love to everyone, Natalie <3
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