A/N: Well it's finally here. After attending the Zelda Symphony in Philadelphia, I finally got the inspiration needed to get started on the true sequel to "A Friend in Need" (s/7309155/1/A_Friend_in_Need) I intend to do everything I can to make this story able to stand on its own but it's still highly recommended and appreciated that you read that story first. Without further ado, please enjoy.
"This is but one of the legends of which the people speak... Long ago, there existed a kingdom where a golden power lay hidden. It was a prosperous land blessed with green forests, tall mountains, and peace. But one day, a man of great evil found the golden power and took it for himself. With its strength at his command, he spread darkness across the kingdom. But then, when all hope had died, and the hour of doom seemed at hand... a young boy clothed in green appeared as if from nowhere. Wielding the blade of evil's bane, he sealed the dark one away and gave the land light. This boy, who traveled through time to save the land, was known as the Hero of Time. The boy's tale was passed down through generations until it became legend... But then... a day came when a fell wind began to blow across the kingdom. The great evil that all thought had been forever sealed by the hero... once again crept forth from the depths of the earth eager to resume its dark designs. The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them... But the hero did not appear. Faced by an onslaught of evil, the people could do nothing but appeal to the gods. In their last hours, as doom drew nigh, they left their future in the hands of fate. What became of that kingdom? None remained who knew. The memory of the kingdom vanished, but its legend survived on the wind's breath. On a certain island, it became customary to garb boys in green when they came of age. Clothed in the green of fields, they aspired to find heroic blades and cast down evil. The elders wished only for the youths to know courage like the hero of legend..."
That's how the old legend goes anyway. For generations, it had been passed down in an area of the world known as the Great Sea. In recent times though, there have emerged a select few who came to learn of how the rest of it goes. About how one day a young boy garbed in green appeared to finally carry on the will of that Great Hero. Of how he sailed the seas to save not only his family but the kingdom of the golden power from the King of Evil spoken of in the old legend. There's also the story of the final descendant of that kingdom. Born to sail the seas as a great pirate captain she was thrust into the center of this great cyclone upon learning that she was, in fact, the princess of that kingdom, and, with the help of an old childhood friend, managed to come to terms with her identity in time to help the young hero in his hour of need. In the end, the princess would decide to set sail with her hero and close friend in hopes of one day finding a land upon which to revive the ancient kingdom in a form far greater than the one with which it stood all those centuries ago.
That was four years ago.
Now we find the crew continuing to sail together on the high seas. The beginning of Spring was upon them, and as usual it was carrying a wind of new beginnings with it.
"Land ho!" the bearded pirate Zuko announced from his usual station inside the pirate ship's crow's nest.
"About time" Niko whined from on deck in his usual striped shirt and blue bandana, "The sun's been beating down on us a lot lately, and even for pirates we've gone a little too long without some time on dry land."
"Quit your complaining," the burly Gonzo chastised him from behind the helm of the ship.
"According to this that's an island known as Eagle's Nest," Mako adjusted his glasses to read from the Sea Chart in front of him.
"If I recall correctly that's a merchant island much like Windfall," the sturdy Nudge noted.
"It's outside of our usual territory so it should be easy for us to stay there without drawing too much unnecessary attention," the suave Senza added
"Four years and still nothing," Link sighed from his favorite position resting against the starboard side of the ship in his still preferred hero's tunic, "I never imagined finding a land to truly call our own would be so difficult."
"If it wasn't I'm sure somebody else would've done it by now," Nick answered from the Hero's left twirling a finger through his messy, brown hair. Over the years, the Hyrulean historian turned pirate had traded his usually bland attire for a dark blue pea coat and matching trousers, "The world's a pretty large place and we haven't even searched in all four cardinal directions. I wouldn't say it's a waste though. It's not what I expected, but we've all had a lot of fun times together."
"If you're enjoying yourself that much it probably means I haven't been working you hard enough," The captain Tetra warned him from her spot at the ship's bow.
"But the Princess Zelda I'd been researching all those years would never do something like that," Nick joked in an innocent voice, "Right Link?"
"Oh, I've long since learned not to touch that one with a ten-foot pole," the hero immediately dodged the question.
"Well I certainly beg to differ anyway," Tetra answered, "but I actually agree with you guys for once. It's been a little too blue out here lately even for me. I think stopping for a break on that island and restocking on supplies in the process really would be the best course of action for us. Everyone prepare for landfall."
"Aye aye captain!" the entire crew agreed unable to hide their relief as that took their usual positions.
"Eagle's Nest..." Nick murmured as he helped Link prepare the ship's anchor. "Why does that ring a bell?..."
"Maybe you've got relatives there," Link suggested, "I certainly miss mine."
"No that's not it..." Nick disagreed, "I'm sure it'll come to me soon."
About ten minutes later the ship would make it's landing on the soft sand of the island's beach. With the sun high in the sky on an absolutely gorgeous day the anxious crew wasted no time disembarking onto dry land for what felt the first time in forever.
"It's been far too long since I've had this feeling," Niko beamed as he set his feet down on the lush ground beneath him.
"Definitely," the others agreed in unison as they did the same and headed off into the town together.
What they found was a merchant town as Nudge said but it also seemed to be much more than that. Along with the wide variety of shops you'd usually expect from a place like this there were a large number of multicolored tents being set up almost everywhere. Merchants were hurrying around everywhere as if they were preparing for something incredibly important. What most stood out was the considerable number of people gathering around the grand mansion at the back end of the town. Closer observation noted the Ancient Hyrulian Crest being displayed on the several colorful banners and flyers that decorated the town like fish in the sea.
The crew stood in confusion as they tried to piece together exactly what they were looking at.
"Exactly what's all this stuff from Miss Tetra's kingdom doing in a place like this?" Niko whispered into Link's ear.
"Why would I know that?" he replied bluntly.
It was a few more moments before Nick's voice then finally spoke up
"It's been a long time so I've sort of lost track, but it's an even numbered year, right?" Nick asked quietly.
"Yeah it is," they all nodded their heads to confirm.
"Yeah then I think I know what's going on here..." Nick continued.
"Well what is it?" Tetra demanded with some slight impatience in her voice.
"Since it's the beginning of Spring, I can only guess that this is where they decided to hold this year's Festival of the Golden Land," Nick deduced.
"Festival of the Golden Land? What's that?" Link asked curiously.
"You all know how my parents and I are historians on the kingdom of Hyrule right?" Nick explained, "Well every two years a bunch of us get together in a festival to not only share what we've learned recently but to celebrate Hyrule in a way that even regular citizens can get in on."
"Wow," Link smiled in an impressed voice, "That's actually a really neat idea."
"The odd thing is though it usually isn't this large or busy," Nick continued, "I wonder what's so special that they've got in mind for this time..."
"NIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!" a woman's voice suddenly assaulted the group from a distance preventing the teen with the name in question from fully explaining his thoughts. Before he even realized what had happened Nick found himself being squeezed tight by a woman in a purple blouse with long brown hair running freely down her back.
The woman squealed so quickly into Nick's ear he couldn't even make out what she was saying. She continued to nuzzle up to him as he finally got a good look at her face.
"M-mom?" Nick stammered in surprised.
"So, you do remember!" she released him excitedly, "I'd thought you'd might have forgotten after all these years.
"Hey," Nick reasoned, "I've been keeping in touch with letters and pictographs when I can."
"But it's just not the same at home without our little boy around," a deep voice suddenly joined in.
Nick looked around to see a tall man with a thick beard and black buzzcut approaching him in a green flannel jacket.
"Hey Dad." Nick greeted him with laugh, "I suppose it has been a while since I was home."
"It's good to see you kid," Nick's father replied giving his son a friendly pat on the back. The soon noticed the crew still standing around them with a collective grin on their faces. As a traveling pirate crew, this type of heartwarming family reunion was a rare sight at best. Nick's parents' gazes soon fell on the blonde girl standing at the head of the group. They quickly prostrated themselves in a respectful bow before her.
"We'd just like to take a moment to express our sincerest gratitude to you for taking such great care of our son Princess Zelda," they thanked her before turning to Link who was standing next to her., "And you too Hero of Winds Link. We've already heard greats things of your courage and compassion."
A clearly flattered Link rubbed his green-capped head as Tetra signaled for them to rise politely.
"It's been no trouble at all," she assured them, "Nick's been a great friend and crewmate. No need for the bowing and title either. I'm still the same old Tetra that would knock on your door for all those early years."
"We understand," they rose, "so are you here for the Festival of the Golden Land?"
"I was thinking about it," Tetra answered.
"Speaking of which maybe you could tell me why it's so different this year," Nick inquired, "It wasn't anywhere near this extravagant in the past."
"Well you can thank the Schroeders for that." Nick's mom told him.
"The Schroeders..." Nick repeated silently before his eyes widened with realization, "That's why Eagle's Nest sounded familiar to me! This is where their estate is located!"
"Exactly," Nick's dad continued, "Their son Kevin was selected to be the lead speaker at the festival's historian conference and they wanted to make it as grand as possible for him."
"Ugh... that kid..." Nick growled under his breath.
"Know him?" Tetra asked the obvious as a formality.
"Yeah... Spoiled rotten since his parents made a killing selling the Hyrulian Treasures they found to collectors. He could never get over the fact that I was almost always slightly ahead of him in my studies and test scores."
"Sounds pleasant..." Tetra rolled her eyes.
"Well with you gone on a "long term study expedition" as we told everyone, and us keeping the truth about Hyrule's fate a secret to allow things to be more convenient for you it was no large task for him to become the youngest speaker in the conference's history," Nick's mom noted handing the crew a brochure, "A lot of good came out of it though. With their vast wealth, they really went the extra mile to make this the best festival in memory. So much so they extended the Festival from two days to three."
The crew huddled around the brochure and began to look through it carefully
"It officially starts tomorrow," Nick's mother went on, "In addition to having far more games and attractions than usual, the first day is going to feature what's going to be called the Princess' Pageant. Any girls on the island will be free to put on their best Zelda costume and princess routine to see who really is the best Princess Zelda at the festival. The winner will actually be treated as Princess Zelda for the next two days with a stay in the mansion's guest bedroom and a couple of voluntary servants to wait on her every request. On the second day, they'll hold the Tournament of Heroes where all the best swordsmen can prove which of them is closest to the legendary Hero of Time. The winner of this event will receive a perfect replica of the Master Sword as modeled and approved by the best experts at the festival. Not only that but the winner of each will also receive one thousand rupees each and be selected to play their respective character in the festival's traditional reenactment of the Hero of Time's showdown with the Evil King on the third day. Then lastly everything will be wrapped up with everyone's presentations at the historians' conference."
"One thousand rupees..." Tetra whispered under her breath with hints of avarice in her voice.
"Sounds like fun," Link beamed.
"I suppose seeing that jerk get his moment will be worth it if that's how far his family's going to spice up the festival this much."
"Whether you came here intentionally or not I think it'd be a great idea for you stay and see what everyone has to offer," Nick's father suggested, "Especially if you still plan to one day reform Hyrule as you said."
"We do," Tetra confirmed. "We'll head into town and look as I take some to think it over. Nick, you can stay here and get a few private minutes with your family. We'll look for a place to get a satisfying meal."
"Thanks Tetra," Nick waved goodbye as the others headed off into town with their captain. Once they were alone Nick's parents decided to speak up again.
"So what kind of progress have you made in searching for this new land of yours?"
"Not as much as I'd like. Every land we've found has either already been settled or is too barren to even hope of setting up anything worthwhile on it."
"We'll keep it a secret as always, but what additional information have you gotten from these years of sailing with the Princess and the Hero?"
"Not as much as you think," Nick revealed to them, "I really got almost everything I needed from my time in Hyrule Castle, and a lot of this voyage has been about writing our own adventures and lives. There is one interesting thing though..."
"What is it?" They both leaned in with anticipation.
"From time to time when we're alone together with nothing going on Tetra will occasionally try to tap into her inner power to connect with her ancestors in hopes of gaining new information for me. From what I've seen so far, the power of her Light Force responds mostly to her emotions only really flaring up the few times we've found ourselves backed into a corner, so she can't call up much when we're in a casual setting. However, we've still been collecting bits and pieces over the past four years and from what I've been able to gather in addition to the three Golden Goddesses we already know about there was a fourth Goddess whose job it was to protect the Triforce when it was first created. That Goddess' name was Hylia. In protecting the Triforce from a great but different Evil from the one that would eventually swallow Hyrule completely she suffered grave injuries and was forced to reincarnate herself in mortal form. This mortal form and all of its descendants would later become the Princesses known as Zelda."
"Incredible," Nick's father whispered. "This information alone could revolutionize all further research done on the ancient past."
"Yes probably," Nick agreed, "but as you also know this simply isn't the time to go public with it yet."
"We understand," Nick's mother reassured him, "Take all the time that you need. We're just glad to be able to see you again."
The three came together in a family hug.
"Thanks for greeting me here," Nick bid them a temporary farewell, "I'm going into town to meet back up with the others."
"See you later honey!" Nick's mom waved goodbye as her son took off into town
Upon reaching town Nick found Tetra and his other crewmates sitting around a round table outside a restaurant. The other pirates were digging into their meals Link was holding the brochure they had received earlier and was looking over it very carefully. There was empty seat for him between Tetra and Niko with a bowl of Cucco meat and noodles.
"Hey Nick," Tetra welcomed him back, "I took the liberty of ordering your favorite since this place had it."
"Thanks," he replied sitting down and taking his fork.
"So how is it, Nick?" she asked.
"Oh, the food's great?" he took a heaping spoon of rice
"No, I mean being here," Tetra clarified, "How does it feel running back into your family like this?"
"It's nice and all, but as I already said I have been keeping in touch with them. Getting all homesick is more Link's style than mine," he shot a sly glance at the hero, "I'm not going to pester you to get held up here over it."
"Well, even if you don't, I've actually already decided that we are in fact, going to stay here for the festival," Tetra announced to a collective cheer from the crew.
"And I'm going to enter the Tournament of Heroes!" Link announced boldly rising from his seat, "it'll be a chance to win some spare cash and test out how far my skills have come along."
"Yeah that sounds like a good idea. Maybe a few of us can enter too," Gonzo agreed to the nodding heads of the others."
"Woah, woah, hold on," Nick tried to settle down the group, "Even if you do want to stay here, are you sure you want to draw that much attention to yourselves?"
"On that note though I'd like to say that I've come to another decision myself," Tetra remarked with some nervousness.
"What is it, Miss Tetra?" Mako became the first to ask the obvious.
"...I've decided that I'm actually going to enter myself into the Princess' Pageant," Tetra spat out after a pause.
A swift silence fell over the stunned crew.
"Huh?"
-END CHAPTER