Title: I Dreamt of a Stone
Fandom: Legend of Zelda (Phantom Hourglass, Link's Awakening)
Pairing/Characters: Oshus, Link
Warning(s): Spoilers for the end of the games, flagrant abuse of reincarnation theory.
Genre: Gen
"I've seen you before," Oshus says, the voice coming from his entire body rather than from one distinct source. Across the ruined plank of wood, Linebeck examines his newly resurrected vessel, and Tetra is leaning over to wash the sand out of her hair. Link sits, careful to not be thrown by a casual wave.
"Yes, I've seen you before, Oshus repeats, at once the great whale and the old man. "It was a long time ago- I think it may have been a dream. Would you listen?"
Link gives his assent with neither spoken word nor a movement of his body; Oshus feels an emotion rush through him, and it manifests itself in two hundred seagulls suddenly bursting from beneath the waves. It's that boy again, the courageous little boy who lets his actions speak louder than his words.
"I was sleeping," he says, "And I had a dream. I dreamt of a stone- an island, if you will- and called it- what was it- oh, that doesn't matter. But Bellum found its way into my peaceful slumber and caused a great Nightmare...and then you came."
Link cocks his head thoughtfully. Oshus knows he understands.
"Yes...yes, washed up on the beach, naught but a sword and a shield to your name. I have heard from others that fate has a tendency to play games with you- but destiny or irony, it has happened again."
He sighs, happy. Far in the distance, the sun relaxes and begins to lower itself, setting the sea on fire.
"Koholint. That is what I named it- Koholint Island. And I am the Wind Fish, and you are the Hero of Winds…"
Far away, from a place so distant it could have been a thought, there came the sound of a woman singing a mournful ballad for them both.