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Chapter Text

“All my fault, all my fault, this is all my fault.” This was all Link could murmur as he carried the limp body of Hyrule’s princess in his arms. Her blood, now dried and mixed with his tears, stained his tunic red. Each step towards the royal family’s tomb felt like another piece of his soul getting chipped. “It should have been me.”

He had arrived too late.

Screams echoed around him, muddling with the rain that howled over the village. The harsh scent of charred wood burned his nostrils, the air consumed by smoke and steam as he pressed to look for a familiar face. “Link over there by the well!” shouted Navi. He whipped his head around to spot that eye-catching blue suit of his friend- only to feel his blood run cold with horror. 

Sheik was floating in midair, arms pinned to the side, mouth agape as crimson soaked into his clothes. “Sheik!” Link called out desperately, rushing over to him  when suddenly the warrior was thrown towards him, and made them both fall on their backs.  The hero cradled his friend, placing his hand on Sheik’s cheek  as he saw him struggle to breathe. “C’mon Sheik, stay with me! What happened, where are you hurt?” Whatever monster had tormented him seemed to be satisfied with its deed because Navi’s color shifted from yellow to a somber blue. 

Sheik didn’t respond, only rapid breaths. He grasped Link’s hand, guiding him to pull down his cowl and in that moment the world stopped for Link. Seven years could never make him forget  the face of his princess, and now it would be seared into his memory. Words didn’t need to be said, for she could say none. The hero of time pulled her closer in a desperate attempt for consolidation, trying to think of any solution that would benefit them.  He scrambled into his pockets for a potion, milk, a fairy, anything!

But death waited for no one.

Zelda gripped his fingers, mouthing an apology as Link witnessed her pained eyes fade away into nothingness. 

The hero entered the royal family’s tomb and found an open grave fit just for his departed princess, as if destiny was playing a cruel trick on him. “There was no other ending,” is what it sneered. He held on to her tighter, hoping that this was another one of his nightmares and soon he would wake up beneath a tree somewhere, with Sheik teasing him for being a heavy sleeper. 

But he didn’t wake.

This was a permanent nightmare.

Link delicately placed Zelda down into the grave, his heart laying next to hers where it always belonged. He said nothing as he buried her beneath the soil of her ancestors, could think of nothing besides the haunting image of death. He didn’t leave until the sun rose on a new day, Navi pushing him gently out of the tomb.

He swore he heard a soothing hum when he departed.

In the following weeks Link was hardly seen. Confined in the small house of his childhood, staring at the ceilings and the sword of destiny that rested by the doorway with an encouraging gleam. He hid it within his chest after the third day, unable to look at it any further- a constant reminder of his failure. 

“This is all my fault,” he murmured to himself for the fifth time that day. “I should have been quicker, acted faster, done anything!” His nails dug into his skin, leaving crescents into his scalp. “None of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken so long in reaching her seven years ago.” 

That night was singed in his memory; a torrential storm, screams of Hyrule’s citizens begging for help, and Zelda’s fearful expression as she escaped death. It was all his fault… It's always his fault.

“Link.”

The sound of his name being called caused Link to look towards the entrance. No one stood there. The voice had been so soft and light, he figured he had imagined it. Until he heard it again-

“Link.”

It was a little louder this time, but still so whispery it could be mistaken for the wind. He didn’t look again until he heard it speak into his ear. 

“Link.”

The grieving hero sat up, bloodshot eyes staring directly to where the voice came from. “Who’s there?!” Nothing was heard besides the forest’s symphony. “I can sense that you’re near. Whatever it is you are, I would suggest you make yourself known.”  

Then, as gentle as a morning breeze, Link heard a familiar tune in the air; full of melancholy and wishes unfulfilled. The world seemed to pause around him, time obeying its every note as it surrounded him. There was only one song that held that sort of power, and only two had known its secret.

“It can’t be-”

“Hello Link.” Shadows formed before him into a translucent figure, one that had Link at a loss for words.  She bore no color; skin grey as the Deku Tree’s bark, eyes filled with regret when they were once filled with hope, all whilst adorning a bloodied and tattered sheikah garb that could never escape his mind. 

“Zelda?”

This was impossible. The dead didn’t return, not in this way at least. “I’m hallucinating. You aren’t here,” his voice trembled. The figure neared, pausing at the foot of the bed where he curled himself into a ball. Her hand reached out for him, tenderly cupping his warm cheek which contrasted her cold skin. He found himself leaning to the touch. His hand reached out to grasp hers, but it simply faded through.

“I’m sorry,” is all she said. Link felt his heart break. She was sorry? When it was his doing, his failure that led to her death?! “I know that you must hate me for deceiving you-”

“Hate you?” he spoke out. “Zelda, how could I possibly hate you when you should be the one despising me? I failed you!” His hands gripped the sheets, throat bobbing with all his bottled emotions that now threatened to flood.

 “I killed you…”

The ghost’s expressions shifted, retracting her hand away from his touch. Link feared he had said the wrong thing, that she would leave him alone forever. But her actions spoke before his words. She gripped his jaw, tilting his head to meet her stern yet gentle gaze. “You weren’t the one who took my soul Link. My death was a product of my own rash decision and Ganondorf’s power. Do not blame yourself for me. Please….  Don’t.”

“Then don’t blame yourself either!” He understood the guilt she carried, the silent words that remained unsaid when he was with Sheik. She carried the sins of their enemy upon her back, suffering in silence for actions that weren't hers.  “You didn’t know what that monster could do. All you wanted was to protect your people, all you wanted was for me to be safe….” But that came with too high of a price. A tear fell upon his cheek, phasing through her skin. “What am I supposed to do now Zelda?”

The hero of time hung his head into her palm. “How can I do this without you?” I can’t do this knowing you won’t be by my side anymore.   

“I feared the same when you slept for those seven years.” Her forehead felt cool against his. “I wasn’t certain when you would wake, if you ever would. How could I face Ganondorf without you?” She took a step back, her hand still cupping his jaw. “But it was the memory of your courage and our time together that inspired me to keep going. That I could protect my people while you slumbered, to give them hope.” Her highness looked into her hero’s eyes, falling into pools of affection that drowned his words. “I believe in you, Link. I always have.” Tears flowed down his cheeks, his lower lip trembling. Goddesses how he yearned to embrace her.

“Okay,” he breathed. “Okay. I’m going to try again. For Hyrule, for our friends,” he swallowed hard. “For you.”  He had made a promise after all. If he was unable to protect her in this life, then he would ensure her death would not be in vain; Ganondorf would taste the fury of his steel. 

Zelda smiled, one so radiant it would make the sun envious, burning away his doubts. “And I’ll be with you every step of the way.” She let go of him, fingers trailing across his scarred skin. He covered his eyes as a blinding light engulfed his home, when he was able to see again there stood an owl with soft red feathers and a piercing expression. She flew over to his shoulder, giving him an affectionate nick that made his heart soften. She was soft, light, and most importantly real.

With his newfound courage, Link equipped the Master Sword onto his back, his fairy guiding him out of the forest and into the belly of the beast.  He stared at the door of death, inhaling the air of corpses and regret within. Navi pulsated in a shade of yellow, clearly sensing the evil within the temple’s heart. 

But Link gripped his weapon in hand, glancing at the owl that perched on his shoulder. He refused to fail again. The beast would pay.

Chapter Text

The temple reeked; the pungent stench of blood and rotten flesh burned his nostrils as he navigated through the kingdom’s secrets. Ghosts, undead and monsters all tried to wrap their claws around him; sink him deep into the dark crevices of his mind, to drown and slumber among the rest of Hyrule’s sins. But the hero pushed through, this was no place of rest. He would complete his promise. 

When he reached the monster’s lair, it floated with a taunt. Its singular piercing crimson eye glinted with glee, knowing what it had taken from him. “Hello young hero,” its voice crooned in Link’s ear, like a dagger screeching against metal. “I’ve longed to meet the so-called savior of Hyrule; imagine my surprise to see nothing more than a boy.” Its rotten hands loomed around him, fingers twitching with excitement for their new prey. Navi fluttered near his neck, he could feel her whole body tremble from the fear. “Tell me, did a piece of you break when you held her body, hero? Was it devastating to you as it was delightful to me when you learned how futile your attempts to save her were?” Link’s grip on the sword shook, Zelda’s talons digging into the leather strap as their hardened stares burned against the spirit’s. 

“How did it feel to know that your beloved princess was condemned as the rest of her ancestors were?”

Link struck a blow against the monster’s eye, relishing in the painful cry it emitted. He sliced the hands that attempted to grab him, dodging their movements and mutilating the beast’s appendages till it could no longer move. But Bongo Bongo refused to stay down, its pride reinvigorating newfound strength as it charged towards the hero of time; to be met with the piercing cry of a broken lover. Link didn’t know whose scream it was he heard anymore. 

His legs gave out beneath him, nearly faceplanting onto the floor when a pair of arms gripped his body. “Easy there young one. Don’t go dying on us yet,” soothed a motherly voice. Link looked behind him to see a familiar face that made his body sigh with relief. 

“Impa!” He hugged her tightly, Zelda joining with an affectionate nuzzle to her nursemaid’s cheek.  The sage of shadow ruffled his hair affectionately, her heart laying heavy. 

“It's nice to see you again, Link. Look at how strong you’ve grown,” she praised. She then turned towards Zelda, whose expression was clear as day- she was ashamed. “Oh my little princess,” Impa’s tone was heavy, filled with regret and pain. She reached out to pet the owl’s feathers. “Do not carry the blame for our fates. This was not your doing.”  She then glanced towards the hero, “nor is it yours.”

But that didn’t make the pain any less. 

“Impa, tell me…” He took in a breath, “Is there any way of reversing this?” Reversing death. 

The sheikah’s eyes flickered; surprise, stern then softened again. “No there isn't. Only the goddesses have that power." But her tone said otherwise. She placed a firm hand on his shoulder, “I understand your heartbreak, Link. There is no remedy for it, not even time will fully heal this wound. However,” in his hand she placed a small purple medallion with the insignia of shadow, “all is not lost. Defeat the evil usurper, Hero of Time. Free us from our fates, and you will find your light out from this darkness.” 

Light engulfed him and his companions, returning  him to the outside world.

“I’m proud of you both. Go and protect Hyrule.”

Chapter Text

Link stares at the castle looming before him; a distorted picture of regality and a pillar of corruption. He was in the final stretch, the sages shared his power and fury, his sword lusted for justice, and heart yearned for an ending. He should be running towards the multicolored bridge, slaying beasts and preparing to end his enemy- but he still hesitated.

Zelda turned towards him, concerned for his well being. “Is everything alright, Link? You’ve been standing here for a full minute.” He raised a hand to scratch the spot behind her ear, smiling at the satisfied trill she let out. 

“I’m not sure,” he confessed. “I’m afraid.”

“Of what, dearest.”

He didn't answer right away, unsure of how to respond. That you will leave me. You are everything I have fought for. “What I will do after this is all over. What am I able to do?”

The owl nudges closer. “I don't know either, but what I do know is that I’ll be there to help you. Even if there isn't much I can do.” To Link, her presence was more than enough. He nods, taking in a deep breath, inhaling the smoke and ruin, and exhaling hope. 

It was time.

The monsters in his path quivered at his presence, none dared to block his path. Those who did met their fates swiftly. The door of destiny neared with every step- blood thundered in his ears, courage lighting his path. With a heartfelt cry he knocked down the door.

The King of Evil played on the pipe organ with indifference, paying no mind to the fuming hero behind him. He continued his melody of pride and despair, weaving a foreboding  symphony until the final note rang within Link’s soul.

“I’m surprised to see you, Hero of Time,” spoke the gerudo chief. “I assumed you would be holed up somewhere grieving your precious princess.” He turned quite dramatically with a pull of his cape, staring into Link’s burning gaze. “Too soon?”

The hero’s jaw clenched, choosing to stay silent. 

“Your pain is no stranger to me. If you are to believe, I am familiar with a lover’s grief.” At that Link couldn’t help but be curious. “She was my dessert flower, my only oasis in this world. I lost her in the growing divide of our visions for our people, she opted for a path that held no victory and it took her from me.” His voice trailed, growing somber. “I know the desperation you must feel; the thirst for vengeance, the sleepless nights where dreams of an alternate reality haunts your waking days, the burning wish of being able to change what has been done.” 

Link hated this. Hated how Ganondorf seemed to echo the very thoughts and emotions he’s had since that day. 

The gerudo walked closer, merely stopping just a couple feet away and causing Link’s senses to be on edge.  “I can grant you your wish.”

“What?’ Link abruptly said. “What are you talking about?!”

His nemesis grinned with a knowing smile. “Come now. Is it not your heart’s desire to reunite with Princess Zelda? Resuscitate her from death and reverse what the fates had robbed you of. To cherish and love her for a lifetime’s worth?” Ganondorf raised his fist, the Triforce of Power gleaming. “I can give you what you want- bring her back and be flesh and bone, unlike the spirit that she is now.” He glanced at the owl on the hero's shoulder. “All I need is the pieces of Courage and Wisdom that lie within you.” 

Link said nothing. Zelda, whose anger rose with each second, tensed her body as if preparing to take off, Navi in tow. 

“I’ll even allow for the two of you to leave my kingdom unscathed. Achieve that happy ending all heroes deserve.” He extended his hand out towards Link, “have we got a deal?”

The grip on the Master Sword wavered. The opportunity to satisfy his heart’s yearning was just a mere handshake away- but was it worth it? If Ganondorf was true to his word, Link would be abandoning everything he had fought for; the people’s freedom and peace, the Sages cry for justice and rest, Zelda’s belief in him. It would all be for naught.

Link closed his eyes pretending to be considering the proposition, before he struck upwards directly at his opponent’s face where a thin line of blood dripped onto the carpet. Ganondorf glared daggers at him, voice booming around the chamber.  “YOU HAVE SEALED YOUR FATE BOY! YOU WILL REGRET NOT TAKING MY OFFER WHEN YOU HAD THE CHANCE!” 

Their swords clashed in symphony, steel against steel harmonizing against their yells and the owl’s screech. Link never relented against his enemy once, his rage, grief and tears forged his weapon into one without mercy. Ganondord lunged towards Link, clawed hands corrupted by power aiming for the hero’s throat when Zelda swooped in to blind him with her talons. 

His screams were music to Link’s ears. 

“You- you won’t win this!” The King of Evil staggered towards him, blood seeping into the floor from where Link had cut off his arm. “I am invincible! I will rise again even after my body rots into the earth and my spirit festers.” He coughed up blood, spattering against the tunic. “I will hunt you and your descendants down until Hyrule is washed in your blood and you are nothing more than a faint memory!”

Link raised his sword high, the holy blade singing with blessed power. “Then it's a good thing you won’t.”  He impaled his weapon into Ganondorf's chest with a blood curdling scream, again and again and again until crimson reached his boots. 

It was over. The evil king was no more than a nightmare. 

The young man sighed, a large weight lifted upon his shoulders. 

“Hero of Time…” called a divine voice. He looked around the room for the owner, but there was no one. “Enter the pillar of light before you…” 

In an instant, light illuminated before him; bright, white and shining similar to the pillars he had seen in the temples. He did as he was asked, Zelda and Navi trailing behind. He  was transported to an endless field, flowers of all sorts scattered across the lush grass. 

Three figures rained down upon them, all donned in their respective colors- red as death mountains magma, green as the Deku Tree’s leaves, and blue as Lake Hylia’s waters. 

“The goddesses,” gasped Zelda, her voice so clear that it made the hero turn. Beside him she stood in her sheijah attire, no longer torn or bloody like the ghost he had seen before. 

“Zelda!” he exclaimed with joy, crushing her in a tight hug that she returned with vigor. “But how-”

“She is still a spirit, Hero of Time,” spoke Din. “In our domain, both the living and dead may mingle without consequence.” Before Link could ask more, they continued. “We have brought you here to congratulate you on your efforts. And as a reward, you may wish your heart’s desire.”

The golden three triangles glowed on the back of his hand, the Triforce now whole brimming with power. He looked over to Zelda, his wish on the tip of his tongue- so why did he hesitate now?!

“Zelda, what do you desire?” he asked. She raised her brows, surprised at the notion that he even considered her wants.

“Me? Oh no Link, this is your reward. I can’t-”

“It’s ours,” he emphasized. He took both her hands, savoring the rare warmth he felt. “You were a part of this too. You guided me out of my darkest point, stayed by my side giving me comfort and reminded me who we were fighting for in the first place. Without you, I would be lost.” He raised a hand to kiss the back of her knuckles. “So I ask again, my love- what is your wish?”

Tears flowed down her cheeks, to which he tenderly wiped away. “I want a life with you. I want to wake up next to you, hold you close like I have tried, I want to love you, Link.” 

His own eyes watered with the same affection. “I want that as well,” he confessed. Together the turned to the goddesses. “That is our wish!”

The golden three exchanged glances, Farore speaking up first. “We are sorry. We cannot grant that wish for it is not in  our power to revive the dead.”

Link’s heart dropped, shattering against their words. Not able to…

“However,” Nayru added, “There is an alternative option.” Din picked up a small chunk of the earth and molded it into something resembling a hylian baby. She handed it to her wisdom sister, who touched its forehead and spoke an ancient tongue. Lastly Farore, who cradled the clay mold and breathed into it. “A child. Created in your image, bearing a piece of each.”

The two walked closer, inspecting the molded child. “They will be your legacy. They will hold their father’s great courage and vast heart, their mother’s unshakable faith and wisdom.” 

A child… Their child. He would become a father, Zelda a mother… Was this their only way? His beloved squeezed his hand, sensing his distress. “You won’t do it alone. I’ll be there with you every step of the way.”

That was right. He wouldn’t be alone. 

With a nod they passed a silent agreement. Golden light engulfed the clay, blinding them of their senses, and then he heard it- laughter. The goddess of courage handed him the baby, and he cradled it carefully in his arms. “They’re a girl,” Zelda noticed. 

A little girl. Their little girl. 

“We’ll give the two of you some space to say your farewells.”

Link’s heart clenched in his chest. He didn’t want to say goodbye, not now when he could still touch her. “Do you have any name ideas?” She asked him while their daughter curled her tiny fist around Zelda’s pinkie, “oh she’s so small.”

“She is, isn't she?” He lightly bounced her in his arms, heart melting at the sound of her laughter. “But she’ll grow up into a wonderful strong woman someday.” He leaned his head against his princess shoulder, “which is why I was thinking of naming her after you.” 

Zelda blinked. At first he expected for her to protest, to which he had a rebuttal prepared for. But to his surprise, she smiled and kissed him. He would never forget the taste of her lips against his. “I love you. I do think she should also hold something from you, don't you agree?” 

“Um, like what?” his mind was still floundering from the kiss. 

“Saria. Zelda Saria Nohansen.”

It was perfect. He glanced back to their little girl, eyes full of wonder and innocence. She would never know the taste of war or bloodshed, she would grow up in a world without monsters, would have the freedom to explore the vast lands that stretched beyond the borders of Hyrule and more. 

That would be their legacy. An era of peace.