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The stranger’s steps echoed through Castle Town, drawing nearby attention as they moved with purpose towards the castle gates. The stranger was clearly a soldier, their lithe figure navigating through the crowd, showcasing an athleticism only few possess. As the soldier moved closer to the gates, the townspeople began to notice the sword on the soldier’s back. The blue scabbard thudded with each step, drawing looks and murmurs, and soon recognition dawned on the crowd at the sight of the symbols on the sword. With the image of the gleaming Triforce in mind, the townspeople came to realize what this meant. The Hero of Time was reborn and that meant that Calamity Ganon was coming, and soon. The murmurs followed the soldier to the gate, where the guards blocked their path, confused.
“State your purpose.”
“I come to serve the royal family.” the hooded stranger said, unsheathing the Master Sword. Upon recognizing the sword, and knowing the necessary trial to obtain it, the soldiers glanced awestruck at each other and immediately opened the gates for the mysterious soldier to enter.
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The doors to the throne room opened jarringly, startling everyone inside. King Rhoam stood, huffing.
“What is the meaning of this interruption?”
One of the King’s soldiers kneeled to his king stammering, “Uhh, your majesty, sir.... i-it’s the prophesied knight. He’s here.”
With this utterance, a silence fell over the room. Guests of court fell mute at his words and it became so quiet that the birds in the gardens below could be heard and nothing else. The knight stepped from behind the soldiers, moving forward and kneeling in deference to the king.
“And the sword?” King Rhoam asked matter-of-factly.
The knight unsheathed the sword with a swift hand, presenting it forward to the king. The light streaming in from the windows of the sanctum reflected off of the sword, the engraved triforce gleaming in the sunlight. A collective awestruck murmur swept the crowd.
The King leaned over to his advisor and the room was emptied in a matter of seconds. Coming down the steps to stand right in front of the kneeling figure, the King gazed onto the knight before him. “He’s small,” Rhoam thought. Short countenance, slim figure, the stranger was hardly the image of an imposing knight meant to do away with malice incarnate. But it had to be true: the pattern established across time had been broken, as was clear by what Rhoam knew so far.
“Take off your hood.” Rhoam requested, watching as the knight visibly tensed.
The knight’s hands gripped the hood hesitating, before pulling it down and looking up at the king.
“Just as I thought.”
Looking up at Rhoam was the Hero of Time. But not as everyone had believed they would be reborn. Long hair cascaded out of the hood, braided so it would be easier to conceal, he assumed. The girl’s large eyes looked pleadingly at the King, willing him to voice his thoughts.
Stammering, she attempted to defend herself, “I am the knight, do not doubt it. I did pull the sword, I know it’s different this t-“
“I know it’s you, Link. And I expect you’ll soon understand.” Rhoam answered off-handedly. “Come in!” he shouted, gesturing towards a chamber off to the side of the throne room. The doors opened and out came the most gorgeous man Link had ever seen. Tall and imposing, wide shoulders tapered to a slim waist, his pants showcasing athletic legs: the result of horseback riding most likely. He was clearly a royal, but the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom had, thus far, always been a girl. But who was Link to question, when she herself was not Link, the male knight of eras past. Confused, Link waited for the King to explain.
“Link, I present to you my son, my only child, Prince Zelda.”
Shocked, Link could only stare at him, locking eyes with Zelda’s angered glare. Why he was angry, she could only guess. Everything made sense. All the confusing messages when she was young, Hylia speaking to her and addressing her as the Hero, had now been validated. She wasn’t wrong; she was the Hero of Time.
“So... so the pattern of the prophecy has switched?” She asked the King incredulously.
“It would appear so, at least as those close to me have explained it to me. The prophecy only says the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero; no mention of gender for either. The Goddess would not have made it so if it could not work.” The King explained.
Huffing, Zelda interrupted. “Yes, but I still don’t see how it makes sense to have a girl defending me.”
Insulted, Link stood up, sheathing the sword, and was about to retort when she realized who she was speaking to. Holding her tongue, she could only grunt in frustration.
“Well, she was able to pull the Master Sword. You however have not unlocked the sealing power necessary to fight the Calamity. But there’s a time and a place for everything.” King Rhoam retorted. Link could only stare shocked at Zelda, who’s head now hung in anger and shame. What the King meant by that statement Link didn’t know, but she could see that it had struck a sensitive spot.
“Because you are the Hero, it’s only fitting that I should appoint you as Zelda’s knight.” Before he continued, the King sighed. “We will have to reveal that the prophecy is different, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Rumours of Zelda being my son, have already circulated in the past.”
Link could only stare on as King Rhoam continued talking to his advisor, planning ceremonies and announcements to the kingdom. Link turned to look at Zelda, taking a few steps toward him to try and introduce herself.
“Um, hello.” she spoke softly, hoping to get his attention. Zelda however, was having none of it.
“I want nothing to do with you.” he spat at her, stalking off out of the sanctum, leaving Link standing shocked.