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After 100 long years Zelda was finally freed and once more did she see Link’s face upon her sealing Calamity Ganon away—for good. Now, as she stood by the horse, which Link had been using to battle Dark Beast Ganon.
“Link? This is the Royal white stallion, correct?” Zelda asked, letting the horse sniff her hand before allowing herself to pet the wild animal.
“Yes.” Link confirmed.
Zelda hummed, “Is it the same one I had all those years, I wonder?”
Link smiled nervously, “I did have a man at one of the stables give me the royal family bridle and saddle. I knew it suited the horse, although I did change it upon my travels.”
“I’ve noticed.” Zelda looked over at him, laughing softly. “You’ve got quite a way to dress yourself. I remember seeing what you had to do to allow yourself in Gerudo Town. Perhaps, though, we can talk to Riju to allow some change for the rules of Gerudo Town.”
Running a hand through his hair, Link looked to the side bashful and nervous. “Don’t remind me. I wasn’t fond of the idea. But, I would’ve been kicked out. All I wanted was to protect the Gerudo people.”
“But you did.” Zelda stepped forward, gently moving his hair behind his ear. “So bravely.” Noticing Link’s blush, Zelda smiled. “So, where are we headed?” Her eyes looked behind him to the ruin of the castle. “My…home is destroyed. I quite frankly don’t want to spend time there. It gives me too many memories I don’t wish to resurface.”
“I bought a house in Hateno.” Link grabbed Zelda’s hand, trying to get her mind off the carnage behind them. “It’s spacious, although one bed! And I have a small surprise for you.” He nodded, his voice full of eagerness at the idea of what awaited them in his home. “I’m sure the people of Hateno would love to see you!”
“You’re quite certain.” Zelda raised an eyebrow, following Link up to the saddle as she climbed on top and settled in. It had been a hundred years since she last sat down in a saddle. It oddly felt…foreign to her. Looking down at Link she noticed him playing around with the Sheikah Slate. “What are you doing?”
Link smiled, hitting the rune and holding the Sheikah Slate out as the Master Cycle Zero materialized in front of them. “Getting my Master Cycle out.”
“Oh! What is that!?” Zelda’s eyes gleamed with excitement at the newly developed Sheikah technology? Oh she wasn’t so sure. “It’s in the shape of a horse as well! And you…ride it?”
Link hummed in approval, slowly setting the Sheikah slate back on his hip before he got on. It revved up and he slowly moved forward, looking back at Zelda with a grin. Which reminded Zelda so much of the boy he was when they had first met.
She remembered being so young, at the mere age of six and the young boy who accompanied his father. A bright grin on his face, Zelda remembered Link’s father well. Although she never mentioned it to Link, only once did she say anything. But, after that she never mentioned him again. Perhaps it was her own guilt of wishing that she had a loving father such as Link’s.
“Zelda?”
“I’m sorry, I got lost in thought.” She apologized quickly, “So, to Hateno?”
“Yes.” Link led the way, although he talked about all his adventures and the world he was able to relearn. Sometimes he got too engrossed into the conversation that they hadn’t even acknowledged the people that had been walking on the path. Both looking confused and shocked at the view of the Princess of Hyrule alive and well.
Hours later, they finally stopped near the Kakariko Stable. Link suggested they get some rest since he was hungry and he wanted Zelda to rest as much as possible. While she had reassured him she was fine, Link didn’t take her words as truth.
“Link, honestly, I’m quite fine.” She tried to reason with him as she watched him cook. A hobby that he had picked up upon waking from his slumber.
“Zelda, you’ve been stuck and holding Calamity Ganon back. Plus, using the last of your power to seal him away. You deserve rest.” Link looked back at her, “Even after all these years, I’m still your knight.”
Zelda looked down, biting her lip nervously before she looked back at him. “Perhaps so. But, I think you should retire from being my knight. I can take care of myself fine, truly.”
Link paused in the stirring, her words making him tense up as he remembered what all the champions had said to him. Urbosa told him to take care of Hyrule and Zelda. And he wouldn’t allow himself to fail again like he did a hundred years ago.
“No.”
“Pardon?”
“I can’t. I’d break my promise to Urbosa.” Link continued to stir, sitting down on the ground as he soon plated up two bowls. Upon plating one he handed it to Zelda who took it with a quiet ‘Thank you.’
“Upon freeing Urbosa’s spirit from her divine beast. She told me to take care of Hyrule and you.” Link looked up at her, “And I won’t fail like I did the last time.” His eyes briefly looked over, just behind them laid memories he wished he didn’t remember. Just behind them laid many guardians that laid dormant and defeated, unmoving, a grim reminder of what had transpired that fateful day when Calamity Ganon woke up.
“I see, Lady Urbosa was like a mother figure to me. I hope she’s proud of what I have done. Despite my insecurities of being unable to unlock my sacred power.”
“I know she’s very proud of you! All the champions are!” Link moved to sit next to Zelda, keeping a bit of space between them so they weren’t completely on each other. “They spoke fondly about you, and expressed how they wished us to be safe. I do have some of their powers though, although, I feel them dwindling. So, with the Calamity sealed and the Divine beasts having no use anymore, I think they’ve moved on. I hope they rest peacefully.”
Zelda smiled, oh how Link could be able to say what she needed to hear. It was unlike how they were 100 years ago. “Thank you, Link. I wish I could speak to them, just one more time and thank them for all they had done. Not for me, but for all of Hyrule.”
Link took a couple bites out of his food, thinking of a way to have the champions say one last goodbye to Zelda before they left to the afterlife to rest peacefully. “I know it’s not the same.” Link started, “But my surprise at home has something that can help. As well as the Divine beasts.” Opening up the Sheikah slate he felt Zelda lean over and look at it.
“Is that the full map of Hyrule? Intriguing. All the roads, shrines and stables?”
“Yes. Although I don’t know if we can teleport. I haven’t tried since we’ve been on the road to head to Hateno. But perhaps we could test it out?” Link looked over at Zelda, offering a small smile. “I know how much you love Sheikah technology.”
Immediately lighting up, she nodded eagerly. “Yes! Oh yes! I’ve studied some of the Sheikah technology! Although, Father admitted his disapproval of it most of the time. But, I still studied! Now that the Calamity is sealed, I’d love to go back to researching.”
The frown that immediately appeared on Zelda’s face didn’t go unnoticed by Link. “What’s wrong?”
“All of the books I had are stored within the castle. But I’m unsure if any of them remain. My room and study holds most of the books. I’m even unsure if any valuables are even there.”
Link knew how much devastation had happened at the Castle. While he was exploring he saw it with fresh eyes after waking up. Yet, he knew some things were able to be saved. Not wanting to spoil the idea, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a Silent Princess he collected on his travels and held it up to Zelda.
“Oh?!” Blinking, Zelda took the flower and realized what it was. “But—how!? They’re endangered!”
“Upon exploring I had found them to be located in magical places. The four fairy fountains across Hyrule as well as Satori Mountain. On the mountain I saw a beautiful creature.” Taking another bite of his food he hummed in approval at the taste.
“I have so much to learn about Hyrule once again. I’m quite excited to go on adventures with you, Link. To learn what you found. A hundred years ago, the Silent Princesses were very rare. Only growing out in open fields in the wild. So the fact you have found them, in magical places as you say, I’m super curious to learn more!”
Thankful that Zelda got her mind back on the positives of what happened while he explored the lands of Hyrule he looked down at his bowl. “Please don’t forget to eat.” He smiled, “I don’t want your bowl to get cold.”
Zelda was about to take the flower, yet Link pulled it back as they both stared at each other for a moment. Although, with her eyebrows furrowing, Link noticed she was getting annoyed. Leaning forward, he gently moved her hair and slowly wrapped the stem of the Silent Princess around her braid and leaned back. “There. If I had a couple more I’d make a flower crown.”
“You’re way too kind, Link. Thank you.”
“Now, may you eat what I cooked? I made it with love!”
Zelda laughed, shaking her head before grabbing the bowl. “I will. But only because I have noticed my appetite has grown exceptionally high.”
With the duo sitting in silence for a long time as they ate. Link had eaten about three bowls, and Zelda while only having two at first realized she was hungry for more. Link noticed her looking at the cooking pot and reassured her that he would not judge. So, caving in, she grabbed a third bowl.
After the sun had set and the cooking pot was empty, satisfying the duo. Link kept the fire going while Zelda leaned against him and had fallen into a deep slumber. He smiled weakly, thankful that she had a fulfilling meal and now resting. While he also knew he’d have to wake them up early so that they could continue their travels to Hateno.
Link set the stick aside and slowly moved Zelda, carrying her bridal style and into the Dueling Peaks stable. “A bed please.” Link went to bring out 20 rupees from his bag but saw the hand of the stable owner telling him to stop.
“I refuse. The Princess needs her sleep without charge.” The owner pointed over to the bed that was free. “The one next to it is yours. Again, free of charge.”
“Thank you.” Walking over to the bed he set Zelda down slowly and covered her body up with the blankets. Noticing how she immediately melted into the mattress made him smile with approval. “Goodnight, Zelda.”
Walking back outside he fed the horse Zelda rode, giving it a couple apples before it went to sleep. He took off the saddle and started to brush it. After a couple hours he finally settled into the bed next to Zelda. At first he was awake, worried about the Yiga Clan murdering Zelda in her sleep while he was asleep as well. Although, he hoped that they wouldn’t dare to come near a place where many civilians were around. Plus, with the Calamity gone, perhaps the small chance of them staying in their hideout would provide some comfort for him.
Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.
The next morning, the sounds of the civilians were heard as Zelda slowly started to wake up from her slumber. Sitting up in the bed she looked around and noticed she was moved, taking a look to her left closer to the opening of the door she saw Link’s Master Sword set on the bed. The swordsman was nowhere to be found. Perhaps cooking, if she had to guess.
Standing up she walked over and held the blade. It glowed just briefly before relaxing. “Thank you, for protecting him.” Zelda set the blade back against the bed before walking out of the inside of the stable. Looking around she saw Link taking care of his horse while talking to some kids that lived at the stable.
She watched from a distance as the kids laughed and stood around him, jumping around and listening to what Link had to say. It gave her pause, the last time she saw Link he was so different. More firm and committed to his role as her knight and the protector of Hyrule. Yet now, he stood, open and talkative to the citizens of Hyrule. To bond with the people he swore to protect.
For a moment Zelda soon heard voices and her eyes widened as she looked back, seeing the champion's spirits behind her.
“Hello, Little Bird.”
“Princess!”
“Hello, Princess.”
“Hmm, your highness.”
Zelda smiled, although immediately she felt the tears coming quickly until she sobbed out loud. “I couldn’t protect any of you.”
“Now now,” Urbosa walked forward, gently setting her hand on Zelda’s shoulder. “We all knew what we were risking when we took the role as champion. We fought hard to keep Hyrule safe as did you, Little Bird.”
“I know. But I…my friends.”
“We’ll still be here in spirit, Zelda.” Mipha reassured, “Watching over you and Link.” She clasped her fingers together in front of her. “I wish I was able to tell you earlier, at the base of Mount Lanayru. But, when I healed, I always thought of those who I loved. I thought perhaps your powers could awaken much like they did for me. But…I was too late. I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright, Mipha. In the end though, I did think about someone I loved.” Her eyes went back to where Link spoke with the kids.
“He’s changed so much since the last time I had seen him all those years ago.” Revali put his wing on his hip, standing on his leg as he sighed. “I always was too harsh on him. But, he was the one to save my soul from that horrid nightmare.” He looked over to Zelda, “He better treat you well, Princess. Or else I’d come back and fire an arrow at him.”
Zelda laughed, raising her hand to wipe away her tears as she looked back at Revali, “He’s already doing a fantastic job. Very overprotective.”
“As he usually is!” Daruk laughed heartily.
“And I told him to take care of you and Hyrule. It’s only fair he will do as his late friends asked.” Urbosa chimed in, “He has a lot of pent up frustrations with himself as well as the mental toll. But, I know you both can be able to work together to make things easier.”
“I know. We have to pass…” Zelda looked behind the champions to see the last standing place Link had stood fighting hoards of guardians.
“He’s recovered well, Princess. If I may say that Link, while still mentally unwell due to the trauma. As I watched him and healed him whenever he fell. He fought things with so much courage. When he faced guardians he became more confident, even when his memories of what happened came back.”
“Really?” Zelda looked over at Link once more. The kids had been chasing each other and soon Link had looked over and his eyes widened.
He paused what he was doing, quickly taking steps toward the group as he looked at the champions. He was at a loss for words for a few moments before he finally regained his voice. “I thought you all had passed on?”
“Not quite yet, little guy!” Daruk sighed, “We all wanted to say one last goodbye to you and the Princess before we officially let our spirits rest!”
Link’s hands quickly turned into fists. He knew they had been long dead, and he wanted to accept that. But now, they all stood here. Only Zelda and him were the remaining champions. “I don’t want you all to go.” Link murmured as he felt his eyes close, slowly the tears fell from his face. Feeling a feathered wing on his shoulder, Link looked up to see Revali.
“We understand you and Zelda’s guilt.” Revali started, “But perhaps, you all can understand it’s time for a new era. Our legacies will continue in memory. It’s your turn to find suitable champions for the future.”
Link blinked, “Teba would be a good champion.” He nodded, “Riju is Chief of the Gerudo, Yunobo is brave, and Sidon,” He looked over at Mipha, “Is kind and ready to take on a dangerous task. They all helped me get into their respective Divine Beasts.”
“The future is bright for Hyrule.” Urbosa reassured, “In a few years time of rebuilding I’m sure you’ll all make it through this. You and Zelda will both heal from what happened. Look forward to the future, and for now, take it easy.” Urbosa smiled, winking at the both of them.
“Urbosa!” Zelda blushed, looking off to the side as the rest of the champions laughed.
“I only tease—just a bit. But, I do expect you both to relax and take it easy. No need to do other strainous activities.” Urbosa looked over at Link, giving him a look.
Link immediately looked away, whistling nervously as he smiled slightly. “No promises, Urbosa.”
Revali scoffed, “Showoff.”
Link gently nudged the Rito in his side, mumbling about something on how Revali was the one who always likes to show off.
Mipha chuckled, “Perhaps, before our spirits officially rest we can have one more group hug?”
Zelda smiled, “I’d love that.”
The group all huddled together and hugged as tightly as possible as Zelda was trying her hardest to keep it together. Yet, her heart was breaking as this was her final goodbye to her friends. “I’ll miss you all! Thank you for your sacrifices and being amazing friends.” Feeling Urbosa’s hand rub her back she leaned more into it. Looking up, Zelda soon hiccuped, “Say hello to Mother and Father for me?”
“Of course, Little Bird. I’ve talked with both of them. They’re incredibly proud of you.”
Link reached his hand, holding onto Zelda’s and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Noticing the sparkling of their spirits he smiled softly, knowing they’d be finally returning to have their final rest.
“We’ll see you all when it’ll be our time.” Link joked, trying to lighten the mood with a possible horrible pun.
“I expect another go at an archery match, Link.” Revali leaned in, seeing Link bending backward slightly. “But, I will miss you. Even if you were asinine.”
“Hah! And I’ll beat you easily in that rematch!” Link smirked triumphantly, looking at the others as he nodded.
Zelda waved goodbye and once again did Link and her stand together. After a moment of silence, Zelda turned to him. “How were they able to see us once again?”
“One final closure to us both.” Link suggested, smiling weakly as he looked down at the ground. “But, I’m glad they did.”
“I agree.” Zelda squeezed Link’s hand, soon quickly turning and pulling him into a tight hug. Her eyes closed and she took a moment to focus on her breathing. “We really did seal Calamity Ganon away, right?” She asked, “It’s not…a dream?”
“We did, Zelda.” Link replied, wrapping his arms around her to reciprocate the hug. “We don’t have to deal with blood moons, monsters or anything else that could harm us.”
“Besides the Yiga Clan.”
“Besides them.” He confirmed.
After a couple more moments of being in the hug, Zelda pulled back and wiped her eyes. “To Hateno now?”
“Yeah. Home.” Link guided Zelda back to the horse and helped her get settled before he summoned the master cycle once again. As he was just about to climb on it Zelda called him, pointing toward the owner of the stable.
“You forgot your sword, Link!” He called, “It’s resting on the bed.”
“Ah! Thank you!” Link quickly ran inside to get the blade. Meanwhile, Zelda looked at the Sheikah bike and soon got down from the horse and set herself on the bike and examined it. Revving the engine she soon went forward and she gasped, one of shock before she laughed.
“Zelda!” Link called out, running over and making sure she was okay.
“I’m quite alright, Link. May I be able to ride this to your home?”
He sighed, “The roads are quite sketchy in some parts. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I held back Calamity Ganon for a hundred years and two months. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Link looked at her defeated, oh how many times will she pull that move on him and he’ll agree to it. “Alright, you win.” He decided and walked over to his horse. “Just don’t go too fast. The break is on the opposite side of the accelerator.”
“Noted.” Zelda said and soon got used to it. Nodding in approval, “Let’s get going then.” Zelda led the way, driving ahead of Link as she was giddy at the new technology. Oh she wondered if Purah made this? Or if Purah even knew about this? It was incredible and quite frankly she wanted one herself.
By the time the sun was in the middle of the sky they reached Hateno village. Link took the lead from then on as they looked right near the entrance to the town where some more newer houses were built.
“Hudson and some others were going to destroy this house because it wasn’t in any use. When I heard about it, oddly enough it did give me some sort of déjà vu. I couldn’t quite place why, so I decided to buy it. Since then, I’ve used it to sleep and take my time. Hateno is a good place, no Yiga or monsters and the people here are kind.” Link explained as he fed his horse an apple.
“It’s quite nice. It seems to be torn down just a bit though?” Zelda noticed as the siding had been slightly damaged. “But, it is a lot better than the castle. I’ll give it that.” Turning to face Link again she soon remembered what he said about a surprise. “You said you had a surprise for me, Link?”
“Oh yes.” He took Zelda’s hand, leading her inside as the reveal of all the Champion’s weapons were situated on the wall with the shield, weapon and bow mounts. While also having one weapon, a royal claymore setting against a wall with the royal armor.
As Zelda took in the room, her eyes teared up as she saw all the weapons. “You’ve kept them all?”
“Of course.” Link squeezed Zelda’s hand, “I had to. Revali’s bow is quite useful when I had learned what the Sheikah slate had to say about it. But, I kept it here for safe keeping.” He soon let her hand go and stepped forward, moving to the royal guard claymore against the wall. “And this is a memorial for your father.”
“Link.” Zelda looked at the memorial, a couple Silent Princess’ and the royal guard armor was next to it. Showing the significance and thought Link put into it. “You’ve done a great job. I’m sure Father appreciates it.”
He nodded, “When I regained one of my memories…I remember how upset I was when you expressed how the guardians were working. It was right outside your room and quarters. Your father had come by and upset you. I was angry.” Link sighed, “But I couldn’t do anything. Even as a champion. I kept silent and listened as you tried not to break down.”
“I remember that day.” Zelda spoke solemnly, “It was a couple days before I had to go to Mount Lanayru. I was trying everything in my power to awaken it. I was barely at the castle and whenever I was…Father always pushed me and ridiculed me. I understood why, but…I felt like he didn’t love me.”
The quiet in the air was tense as Zelda admitted her worries and fears. Link wanted to tell her he did love her and care for her. But, that was something perhaps he couldn’t do. No, in fact Link had another plan. It would just require going to the castle.
He looked over to the side, soon asking Zelda if she wanted lunch. When she agreed, he cooked them both something to eat. He had asked Zelda what she wanted and he happily cooked it for her. Once they were done eating Zelda looked down at her plate, the clear signs of fatigue began and she shook her head to try to keep herself awake.
“The bed is upstairs if you’d like to sleep.” Link smiled, “I have to do some things.”
“What are those things?” Zelda asked, intrigued.
“Cleaning my home up a bit more.” Link lied easily. Although, it was something he had to do anyway. “Plus, I want to see if traveling works through the Sheikah Slate. If so, I want to go to each region and tell them how Calamity Ganon is confirmed sealed away.”
“Mm…I wish I could help you, Link. I would love to visit the four regions of Hyrule to calm down the people. As the princess, I feel like it’s only right.”
“Then maybe we could do it together? After a couple days of rest, for the both of us?” He suggested, “It’s only fair we both go together and tell them the good news.”
“That sounds like a good idea. But, I’m so tired. I feel like my body wants to shut down completely.” Zelda tilted her head down, her vision blurring as she felt her body become heavy.
Quickly catching Zelda, Link picked her up before she could injure herself and sighed, “You’re very tired.” He murmured, walking up the stairs and setting Zelda down on the bed. He looked through his chest next to the bed for some spare clothes she could wear if she woke up and wanted to get out of the dress that she wore for more than a hundred years and set it aside. Writing a note next to it he set it aside on the bedside table before he soon took a deep breath.
Time to return back to the Castle.
Leaving his home quietly, he was thankful that Zelda would be safe because no Yiga were around this area. As the many nights he slept at his home he was safe and allowed himself to relax. He knew Zelda would be safe as well. Taking out the Sheikah Slate he selected a shrine by the nearest stable by the castle and teleported. Feeling his body change the environment turned from inside his house to in front of the stable.
“Good. It still works.” Link mumbled to himself as he sprinted over to the stable and got one of his horses out. As he changed the bridal and saddle, something he learned himself due to the annoyance of requesting one person at Outskirt Stable to do it for him. He got on his steed and made his way straight to the castle.
It was eerie, Link knew where every single guardian was that patrolled the outside of the castle. Yet, due to Ganon being sealed away, all the guardians were gone. As well as any monster camps that were nearby. Which meant all the monsters in the castle were also gone. Making this trip become easy and quick.
‘I wish I had the books about Sheikah technology. They’re all in my study and room.’
Remembering what Zelda told him. Link climbed his way up the castle and just felt the odd eerie of quietness. No monsters, no malice, no guardians lasers wanting to destroy him. Finally arriving at his first destination he pushed open some debris and entered Zelda’s room—what was once Zelda’s room.
Going through the many books on the bookshelf he grabbed any of the ones that were in good shape as well as the ones that were about Sheikah technology. Piling them up he searched for any other personal belongings Zelda might like to have and soon found some of her old clothes, her researcher clothes. Grabbing them, Link set it on the pile and moved to her study to look for more books. Soon, he had two big piles of books of Sheikah technology as well as many historical books about Hyrule. Managing to balance both piles and throwing the clothes over his shoulder he made his way slowly back down to the main road of Hyrule Castle where his horse was waiting and started to put everything in the saddle bags.
He had decided to use the traveler’s saddle and bridle as the amount of room would help a ton in carrying such huge items. “Sorry, girl.” Link apologized, feeding his horse an apple and petting the mane. “Doing this for Zelda.” He smiled, eating an apple himself. “I’ll be back. One more thing I need to get.”
Taking off back into the castle. This time he went east toward the library and searched through the many books lining up the walls. After an hour he finally concluded with the amount of books and sighed, his body began to ache. “Who knew so many books could be so heavy.” He mumbled, “But, I need one more.” He went to the secret room of the King’s Study and saw the open diary of the King. “Zelda would love to have this.” He nodded, closing the book and returning back to the pile.
Much like he did with the books prior, he carried them all down to his horse and settled them all in the saddle bag before he got back on and started to slowly ride back home.
It was midnight by the time he arrived back in Hateno and quietly unloaded all the books from his horse and removed the saddle so it could rest. Zelda’s horse was laying in the grass sleeping and he smiled at the sight. Bringing the tall piles of books inside his home he checked up on Zelda and saw she was still fast asleep, breathing evenly.
Bringing the last pile of books, soon the corner of the room was filled with four big piles. He rubbed the back of his head and sighed, soon slouching against the wall and falling asleep.
The smell of breakfast being cooked brought Zelda back from her deep slumber. Her stomach growled as the smell began seeping through the home and she knew Link must be cooking. Moving off the bed she noticed the note and some of her clothes on the bedside. Oddly, it was her researcher clothes. She had those in her trunk in her room at the castle. Deciding not to think about it, she quickly changed out of her dress and into her much more comfortable clothes she wore out in public.
Satisfied with how it felt she walked down the stairs and saw Link prepping the table as he hummed a small tune to himself. “Good morning, Link.”
“Good morning, Zelda.” He replied, “I prepared breakfast. And I got another surprise for you?”
“Thank you for preparing breakfast. It smells quite delightful.” As she went to sit down, she noticed Link’s bright smile. “Oh, another surprise?” Her eyebrows furrowed in curiosity, “You’ve been surprising me with a lot.”
As Link pulled open a tray, Zelda saw her favorite cake in front of her. “Link! That’s!”
“Fruitcake.” Link nodded, “I found the recipe,” He held out a book in which Zelda took and looked through it. “And I also found many other books you might find interesting.”
Zelda looked up, her eyes wide as she saw the many piles of books against the wall. “Link…did you! Are all these from the castle!?” She walked around the table and picked out one at the top of the pile and flipped through it. “When and how!?”
“You fell unconscious and went into a deep sleep. I figured it was the best time for me to go and get a lot of stuff for the castle. History of Hyrule and Sheikah technology books. I also grabbed this one, I found it when I was exploring the castle.” Link pulled out one book that was on the table as he handed it to her. “I think that this will give you a lot more closure.”
Zelda took it, flipping to the first page as she gasped, “This is Father’s handwriting.” Her eyes immediately watered, quickly wiping them away she read through the book and upon reaching the final page, it was when the dam broke.
“Father wanted to console me!? If I did not wake my sealing power at Mount Lanayru? All this time…when we returned to the castle….Calamity Ganon awoke. I didn’t say goodbye.” Zelda’s tears stained the page of her Father’s journal as she soon fell to her knees and hugged the journal to her chest. “Is this all I have of my father?”
Link crouched down, looking at Zelda with a sorrowful look. “It was the only thing I could find of his, yes.” He admitted, “I even checked the sanctum, but the diary was all.”
Zelda looked up at him, focusing on his features as she just completely broke down. “You’re too kind to me, Link! All that you’ve done for me, to make me feel better of the guilt and burdens I’ve been carrying all these years! I’ve lost everyone! Just because I couldn’t awaken my powers! And yet, you always have never looked at me like I was the last hope! You looked at me like a friend, allowing me to talk freely about any research!” Zelda raised her head and hid it in Link’s lap hugging him tightly.
Link frowned, remembering the last time this happened. It was when Zelda had tripped in the rain and fell, they were running to Fort Hateno after the destruction of Hyrule. Zelda blamed herself then.
Link brought her in closer and hugged her tight, “We both carry these burdens. It’s the least I can do to make you happy. I’d love to hear you talk about Hyrule and technology. After all, rebuilding is something we’ll have to do.” Link cupped Zelda’s face, using his thumb to wipe away her tears as he smiled. “And we’ll rebuild Hyrule—together.”
Zelda hiccuped, nodding as she sniffed and tried to calm herself down. “Thank you, Link. You’re so kind! I appreciate you so much. All that you’ve done for me. If it truly wasn’t for you, I’m unsure what would happen.”
“If it wasn’t for me, you’d be quite hungry.”
If on cue Zelda’s stomach growled and she laughed, “I would be.” She pushed herself to stand, looking at the breakfast on the table. Eggs, fruit, and her favorite—fruitcake. “I’d be having sweets for breakfast?”
“Hey, it has fruit in it. It only makes sense. Besides, who am I to judge? I eat rocks sometimes.”
Zelda laughed again, sitting down as she started to eat. The food satisfied her stomach as she nodded in approval. “So delicious. Your cooking is so much better than the cooks at the castle, Link!”
He blushed, sitting down himself as he dug into his own plate. And it didn’t take too much longer before Zelda talked about all the Sheikah technology and what and if anything new had come up while she was holding Calamity Ganon back. While Link answered all her questions he thought of one thing:
He’s missed Zelda dearly.