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"It is time to return the Four Sword to its pedestal," Zelda said, gesturing to the empty pedestal in front of them, "and seal the king of darkness away for all time." Green stared at the pedestal, his hand tight around his sword's hilt.
"When we put the sword back," he paused, "we'll become just one Link again, won't we?" he asked.
Zelda gave him a kind smile and a small nod. "Yes."
Blue pumped his fist into the air. "It's about time!" he shouted, but he suddenly stiffened and drew his hands close to himself. He turned his head away with a small, not-quite muffled sniffle.
"At least we won't fight anymore," Vio offered with a smile, but his eyes were sad.
Red sniffled, his eyes filling up with tears. "I don't want to do it. I don't want you guys to go!" he sobbed, attempting to rub his tears away with his sleeve.
"Don't cry, Red! You dummy!" Blue told him, affectionately ruffling the shorter Link's hair. "We're not leaving each other, we're joining together!" he said, smiling down at the red clad hero.
"You mean," Red's eyes lit up, "we can be together forever?!" he squealed, bouncing up and down on his heels.
"You're creeping me out again!" Blue hissed, backing away from Red and holding his arm out to stop him when the red clad hero tried to hug him. Both Green and Vio couldn't contain their laughter, exchanging amused glances.
But then they all fell silent, staring at the swords in their hands.
"I'll never forget this journey," Vio said.
"Thanks for everything!" Blue added with a wink.
"I love all you guys!" Red cried, tearing up again.
"Together," Green drew in a breath, readying the sword as the others did the same, "forever." He lowered the blade, but he hesitated just before placing the sword into the pedestal. The blade tip hovered inches away from the stone, quivering with Green's trembling hands.
"Green?"
He took a deep breath in. "I can't do this," he whispered, dropping the sword with a thud and burying his face in his hands. A hand came to rest lightly on his shoulder, rubbing gentle circles.
"Are you okay?" Vio asked softly.
Green shook his head, barely lifting his head from his hands. "I can't lose you guys," he admitted, cringing at the waver in his voice. He sank to the ground, and Vio followed soon after, the purple clad hero's hand resting on his back.
"We need to seal Ganon away, to ensure he won't return again," Zelda said in a quiet tone.
Vio drew in a breath. "What if we attempt to seal him away without putting the sword back?" Vio suggested, turning his gaze to Zelda.
"Maybe."
Vio's eyes suddenly lit up, he'd gotten an idea. "What about a shadowstone? They have the ability to contain dark magic, maybe it will work in containing Ganon?" he asked in a hopeful tone.
"That might work," Zelda replied.
"It's worth a try."
Blue cleared his throat, drawing their attention to him and Red. "So," he paused, "are we putting the sword back?" he asked. Zelda, Green and Vio all exchanged glances, then Vio gave them a small smile.
"No, I don't think we are," he told them.
Blue grinned. "Heck yeah!" he shouted happily, raising his fist in the air. Suddenly, his face heated up and turned bright red. "Stop looking at me like that!" he snapped when Green smiled at him. Vio snorted, quickly covering it with a cough when Blue shot a dirty glare in his direction.
"C'mon, admit it. You love us," Green teased.
Blue folded his arms with a frown. But a moment later, he mumbled, "I love you guys," under his breath.
"Awww! We love you too!" Red cried, wrapping his arms around the blue clad hero's waist before he could push him away. Green got to his feet in one swift movement, crossing the distance to join the hug, Vio following soon after.
Green looked back at Zelda and held out his hand. "C'mon, Zelds," he prompted.
Zelda laughed and took the green clad hero's hand, letting him pull her into the embrace. Green turned his gaze to the others. "Together forever?" he asked with a happy smile. They all laughed at his words.
"Together forever," they agreed.