Author's Note: Alright, this is a Wind Waker fanfic, but set in an Alternate Universe where the events of Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks don't happen. The story takes place 10 years after the events of Wind Waker. So Link's like 19 or 20 in this. And as always, I do not own Legend of Zelda, any incarnation.
Crossing Winds
Chapter 1: A Legend
A decade ago, a young boy from Outset Island was called upon by destiny to slay an evil known as Ganondorf. Once the evil sorcerer was defeated, Link and Tetra, known in reality as the Princess Zelda, returned and (after much argument from the Hero of the Winds) recovered Makar and Medli, the sages of Wind and Earth respectively. After they were returned to their home islands, Link and Tetra went off to find a new land that would become the New Hyrule. And they did, but it wasn't safe to inhabit just yet. So Tetra, now going only as Zelda, asked him to attempt to eliminate the handful of strongholds that still remained loyal to the now deceased magic user. Now that the last of his strongholds fell, multiple races began to migrate to New Hyrule. Link had finally returned to the castle after finishing the last stronghold. The adventure had built him, as the passing of 10 years. He had grown into a fine young man, his body was slim to aid his mobility, but still developed due to the years of fighting monsters. He no longer wore a green tunic and hat like in his youth, instead where a thick animal hide shirt and pants with heavier leather boots. A thin cotton shirt was under the hide to aid comfort. He carried the Master Sword, even if most of its magic had left it, and the Mirror Shield. A thin layer of stubble now rested on his face, but only because the last stretch had been without any form of developing towns. Once he had a chance to rest, he'd shave that itchy hair off. Link pushed open the doors of the castle's throne room.
"Ah Link. Good to see you're still alive." Zelda said, "So the last of Ganondorf's power is gone?" Zelda had too grown in the past 10 years. Without the constant sun she received as a pirate captain, her tan long since faded. Her body grew the feminine curves and chest that would drive most men crazy. Most men, but not Link. To him, she was still that boyish pirate captain and his friend.
"There may be a few monsters running around still, but nothing the normal guards can't fight." Link responded.
"Finally." Zelda said, her voice not longer having the regal tone to it, but instead one of two friends talking, "That means we can start building something more than camps outside the sight of the castle."
"And once that happens, more people could feel the land's stable enough to move here." Link said looking out the window. It was amazing. When he, Zelda, and the Tetra Pirates found the land, it was barren. Now, cities where starting to be established. Granted almost all of them could still see the castle, but that was in protection. Small camps of braver men were established farther away, but they can't be made official cities until a full settlement is formed. Link's thoughts suddenly changed as a flap of feathered wings broke the skyline of the castle's town. One of the handfuls of Ritos who made the trip was flying back to their new home. Even though mail could easily be delivered by anyone now, Ritos could still do it quicker, and with less danger than even a knight on horseback.
"I still don't get why you fought for them." Zelda said, "More than just the Ritos could serve as capable mail carriers. Especially now that the more powerful monsters are defeated."
"It's what they do." Link said, "Why should we take it away from them?"
"I think you're trying to stay on someone's good side." Zelda said, "Or maybe so they'll all migrate here. Including Valoo's Attendant." Link's face grew redder than the dragon whose name was just mentioned.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Link said turning his face away, "I'm just trying to fulfill my role as a hero." Ah man this is embarrassing, Link thought, hero, yeah right. I'm acting like a nervous kid.
"Oh come on Link, you forget. Before I was a princess, I was a pirate captain. I know how to read people." Zelda said with a tone all too much like the one she carried as Tetra. Her tone then softened, "You really like Medli don't you?" Link took a deep breath. No real point in lying, like she said, she could read people to well. I really wish she lost that skill.
"Yeah, I do." Link said, "When I first saw her, I felt something I never felt before. One of the only things that made me think the quest was truly worth it was her. I mean, I did it for the land too, but the fact I could return to her, finally be with her, it kept me going."
"Well then I have something that may be of use to you." Zelda said, earning Link's interest, "Back when I was still a captain, I heard a legend. A salesman, a mask salesman to be exact, has the ability to change a person from one race to another." Link's interest continued to peak, "He did this by giving them an enchanted mask. If you can find him, he probably has a mask that could change you into a Rito."
"Thanks Zelda, but I don't need it." Link said, "If I'm going to win Medli's heart, I'll do it as I truly am."
"Well you still have the crystal; if you even change your mind, let me know." Zelda said.
"I will." Link said before yawning, "If it's okay, may I rest here for a bit before returning to Outset?"
"Of course, you worked hard. You've earned a rest." Zelda responded.