Chapter 1: Our Hero Returns…
(This story is set after Link returns to Hyrule, after the story of Majora's Mask)
Link was more than happy to make it on his way home. He had been stuck in the same consecutive three day time loop, with only two outcomes: Destruction or Salvation to the Land of Termina. The longest 72 hours of his life. Every citizen was happy; every soul that was unhealed prior to Link's arrival, was healed and no longer filled with the anger, regret, or greediness of their past. It was finally time.
Time for Link to go home.
He never understood how when Zelda sent him back in time to relive his 7 years, that his friend and partner, Navi, disappeared. He pondered upon the thought daily wondering what actually happened, since fairies don't just disappear…right?
He said goodbye to everyone, and wished them for the best. After losing his fairy partner, Link only had one friend that had stuck with him through all of his adventures yet.
Epona.
He saddled up his trusty mare and begun his journey back into Hyrule. The cave in the clock tower where the Skull Kid cursed him was no longer there. This land was no longer cursed.
He did it.
He had Epona at a steady canter riding through the woods. They stopped to camp out for the night since it was pitch-black outside. It was also cold, so Link took it upon himself to gather some firewood so they could have a nice, warm fire for the night. Link turned to Epona as he knew she hadn't eaten in a long time. And since they were so close to the woods, he figured he could find some berries or something for her to eat.
"I want you to stay here, okay? Don't worry, I won't be gone long. Just long enough to find us some food!" Link whispered to her, as he didn't want to wake up the Wolfos at this hour. Link lit a Deku Stick and started for the woods.
He trembled, as the closer he got to the woods, the louder the howling of the Wolfos became. He also heard an owl, which immediately made him think: "Kaepora Gaebora!" He was so excited to get home at this point. Courage had taken him so far, so he wouldn't give up now. He made it into the woods and finally found a shrub sprouting hundreds of berries, when he heard something that told him he was home.
"Is that…Saria's Ocarina playing?" Link exclaimed excitedly as he ran back to his camping spot, completely disregarding the delicious looking berries he just uncovered.
"I've gotta get back quick!"
Epona looked pretty annoyed when Link got to the fire. She was expecting something to eat, but instead, Link hopped on her and took off for the woods.
"Let's go Epona! We're going back home!" The young mare neighed as they darted through the Forest. Link remembered the path he took to the Meadow, and used it to locate himself. He found himself in front of the Goron City entrance in the Lost Woods quite soon, and a sigh of relief swept over him. Suddenly, he heard a very familiar hoot from a guide he once met in Hyrule.
"Hoo! I see you've made it back, my boy! Healthy as a herd of oxen, I see!"
"Kaepora Gaebora! How long has it been?" Link tried not to yell but it came out so loud they could see the birds of the forest darting out of the trees.
"Oh boy, I'd say you've been gone for just about a year or so!" The jolly owl stated.
"A whole year? You're saying I've been stuck in the same three days, helping the people of Termina for a year!? That's a year I'll never get back!"
"Oho, what a courageous boy you are. Yes, as you know, I see all. You are fortunate to have the year at your disposal anyhow, if it wasn't for Princess Zelda you would've lost about 8 years now!" the owl chuckled.
"Wow… well I guess you're right about that," Link replied. "Has anyone said anything about me in the time I've been gone?"
"Hoo! I'd say a lot of your Kokiri friends miss you! Also, that girl from Lon Lon Ranch you befriended has missed you. Hoo, not to mention Princess Zelda!"
"Wha-? They haven't forgotten about me? Even Zelda?" Link asked surprisingly.
"My boy, no one could forget your courageous heart, and the tasks you've overcome to save this land. This land needs their hero back, Link! You could even become the new king!"
"What? What's wrong with Zelda's father? Has Zelda already inherited the throne?" Link asked silently, with a chill down his spine, as if he knew how the owl would respond.
"No, Link. I apologize to have not given you this information sooner, but Zelda's father died. Fortunately, natural causes. Princess Zelda has-or rather, Queen Zelda has not appeared outside of the castle in almost a year. The king passed shortly after you left."
"Oh no….that's terrible. I'm gonna go see her… unless you think it's a bad idea." Link mumbled.
"Link…I think what the Princess needs right now is someone to comfort her in her time of loss…Nothing would make her happier than to see you've returned to Hyrule," the owl stated. "Also, I'm sure you'll find Castle Town quite lively, and Kakariko seems to be very calm and quiet this time around." The owl added.
"Okay, thanks a lot. I think I'll head to the castle in the morning,"
"Hoo! That's not too far from now is it? You could get to Castle Town first thing in the morning if you kept going from here!" the owl chuckled, and a wide grin crept upon Link's face.
"Oh, you're right! Thanks for the help Mr. Kaepora, Great to see you again!" Link smiled as he found himself near the exit of the Lost Woods and into the Kokiri Forest.
"Good luck, Link! May you have wisdom and courage through your travels!" the owl called to him.
And with that, Link made his way out of the Forest and into the field with Epona, ready to feel the wind rush against his face as they start their travel towards the castle.