Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda. I don't make money off of Zelda. There, I admit it.
A Second Chance
Cloud dappled skies stretched into infinity as did the clear ground below.
Link drank in the serenity and almost drown in the magnificence be it not for two
turquoise jewels glistening before him. He gazed into the tear-filled eyes of Zelda,
discerning the sadness and regret hidden beneath, a common trait shared within Link
as well.
"Link, give me the ocarina." Zelda's eyes fell hesitantly to the clear ground
as though she could not bare Link's intense stare. She could withstand seven long
years of solitude, and yes, she could even withstand the might of Ganondorf, but she
only fell as a coward to the warrior's azure eyes.
Reluctantly, Link reached into the folds of his torn and bloody tunic, attaining
the shining instrument. After all the mistreatment and pummeling, the ocarina still
remained as a dazzling sapphire. It created a mystical aura and filled Link's palm
with warmth. To Zelda, he offered the sacred talisman, along with the undoing of
seven tortuous years.
Zelda captured Link's strong, calloused hand with her own delicate one.
Sliding her other palm over the ocarina gave her strength to peer into his dramatic
eyes, if not also into his soul. If only Link would say something, even if it was
merely a few words, then Zelda would be comforted. Even the bravest of warriors
need hope and sanctuary. But Link was never one to talk, save he had just fought a
seven year battle.
"Go now, Link! Regain your lost time!" A sudden catch in Zelda's voice
returned her wavering look back to the ground. She mouthed words her voice
would not give purchase to. Now was the time for goodbyes, yet she was left
speechless. A look of understanding from the strong man before her brought
courage to continue. "Start over, begin anew. Your conscience will be clear and no
more blood shall stain your dreams. Forgive me, Link, for all you had to withstand
because of my foolishness. Forgive me..."
Zelda lifted the Ocarina of Time to her lips with a pang of repentance. As she
played the familiar lullaby, and encasement of cerulean blue surrounded Link and
gently elevated the tired warrior from the ground below. The tune would return
home all lost children. It would seal all opened doors.
Time itself would be replaced.
Link surrendered to the warmth overwhelming him. A fired within his soul
rekindled as a childish ambition. His mind grew younger as Link realized that all
sins were forgiven and all mistakes undone. Life issued forth into his body like a
surging river.
As Zelda was near succumbing to the blue oblivion that was slowly dulling
her senses, she understood that playing that lullaby was not just the right thing to do
but the only thing to do. She had brought Link into this world of darkness, and she
was going to bring him out. A sense of contentment overwhelmed her as she could
feel that her mistakes were not becoming undone, but they were never being made
at all. She found condolence in the fact that life had once more made them pure.
Zelda would not have to be responsible for Link's loss of innocence anymore.
Perhaps there are such things as happily ever after.
Perhaps everyone does get a second chance.
-Rosaceae
