Chapter One: The End Begins

Courage and self worth were never really my strong suit. I drove around the city, uncertain of where I was headed or really needed to be. Thoughts about my own worth began to steam again. After my sister's accident, I jumped on the wagon to be in the back so no one noticed while tending to any need requested. Two years after, and I'm further away than I had ever wanted to be.

I pulled the car over into the gas station and just sat at the pump. Could I really do it? Would life pick up? Things seemed to grow worse each day that passed. But how can I say it? My therapist thinks I have the courage, but from where does it appear?

My phone buzzed. I picked it up to hear Midna. "Hey, bro! What's happening?"

"Getting gas," I grumbled.

"Cool. Just figured I'd let you know that I finished coalescing the search database into a uniformed system! Took me forever!" As she cheered, I followed suit, even though I wasn't sure what she had done. "Thank you! Thank you. Now, you texted me first. What did you need to talk about?"

I froze. I had planned this, but she was acting like it was another casual conversation. How can she be so calm?

"Link? You there? Hello!"

"Yeah, um… I just…" My mouth dried.

"You want to come over? We can celebrate the 'world's destruction' while bumming around."

"Ha. Yeah," I said, jumping at the chance to start over.

"Right. Come on by then. Bring tacos!"

"See ya." She had already hung up.

Midna; always full of energy. How can my sister of all people be excited about the end of the world? Well, prophesized 'end of time.' Great, now my thoughts are scattered. I'll never be able to talk straight with her now.

After taking a few breaths and suppressing the urge to breakdown, I got out and began to fill my car. While the gas flowed, I grabbed a squeegee and cleaned the windows. The bitter cold tore away at my coat. I scraped off a chunk of ice covering the model name; EP one. Midna just calls it Epona. She's a good car, treating me well over these past few years since I first started driving. At least she doesn't judge me, or turn away. Least, I hope no one else does.

By the time I make it to Midna, it's close to midnight. With a bag of a late dinner in hand, I knocked on her door in the desolate apartment building. "Come in!" a speaker replied. I opened the door and stepped into her home. Almost immediately, I tripped over the wires covering her floor. I know she's a wiz when it comes to computers, but starting up her own cloud in this building was insane!

I lifted the tacos as I entered her bedroom. She was propped up in bed, a computer on her dining tray. She pushed it out of the way to better greet me. "How's it going?" she asked as we hugged.

"Um, same old, I guess. You?"

"Well," she began, pulling the computer back in front of her, "I've managed to condense much of the data into a singular form where I can acquire the world's database far more quickly than any other search engine." She continued on as I hand her some food. I sat back and listened quietly. Much of what she goes on about is far over my head, but I'm just glad to hear her enthusiasm.

"Right, enough about me. What was it you wanted to talk about?" she asked as she bit into the greasy food.

"Um, well," I spotted a clock, "It's almost midnight." Dumbass; avoiding the subject.

"If you think about it, it's already been midnight several times around the world. If it didn't end during any of those, who's to say it will end now?" Sure enough, the seconds hand joined the other two and struck '12' all at once. A small chime announced their union.

The world did not end.

"Right. Enough distractions! What did you want to talk about?" Midna placed her food on her computer and pushed it out of the way. After, she turned and looked at me fully.

"I, uh…" Nothing seemed to escape. I have hundreds of thousands of thoughts, yet I can't seem to get one out. Before long, ten minutes had passed, and still I haven't found another word. This is a moment I have thought about countless times. Coming out to anyone would be helpful, especially my sister of all people! She's the most caring person in the world! She has to support me!

"Well, um," I start again, "you see, uh," and get lost. Again. After a deep breath, I suddenly found a miniscule fire ignite in my stomach. Courage? "I've wanted to come out and say these things for quite some time. Since I was young-"

BOOM! RUMBLE-RUMBLE-RUMBLE!

The room shook violently and I fell back against the wall.

"Earthquake!" my sister yelled. Small items about her room tumbled to the floor.

BOOM!

A flash of light pressed against window. I staggered to my feet and opened the curtains. The blinding light appeared from the city. A bomb? It was a blue light; no bomb I could think of. A terrorist attack? Of all places, why here?

The light died back, but there was a distinctive blue glow. My body pulsed with a fire once more while the earthquake ceased.

I fell to my knees, clutching my chest.

"Link! Are you hurt?"

I shook my head, but another spasm gave me up anyway.

As the pain returned, I was acquainted with another feeling; familiarity. Senses, ideas, visions, impulses; I was flooded with a particular vibe of… clarity? Purpose?

When the pain subsided enough, I opened my eyes to find a dull light emitting from the back of my hand. It was three triangles, but the bottom left was a far brighter gold. That's when I heard Midna beginning to cry. Her face was buried in her hands.

"I'm useless! I can't do anything!" she sobbed.

"Midna-"

"You're hurt and I can do nothing!" She flopped back in her bed, pulling the pillow over her face.

The electricity flickered for a moment before blinking out. The room was bathed in a blue hue. In the darkness, I can see the blue light easier. It's definitely from the city. However, a smaller light is skittering about. I turn to help Midna when I hear a knock on the window. Looking back, the small light was bobbing just outside. Even Midna stopped to look.

I approached slowly and lifted the window. The light bounced inside!

"I've found you! I can't believe I found you!" Did the light just speak!? "Best to send the signal." The light grew brighter for a moment, and then the voice sighed as it dimmed. When the light faded, I realized it was a very small person with wings.

"What the fuck are you?" Midna asked, stealing my question.

"Me? What kind of question is that!" the tiny person responded. I could see that it was a young woman. "I'm a fairy. Haven't you seen fairies before?"

We both shook our heads.

"Right. This is a bad start."

Another light suddenly burst into the room! I shielded my eyes. Once it was gone, the bedroom was left with sparkles of light floating about a life-size young woman. She wore a fancy dress and tiara. What's more odd is I feel a sense of 'bad memory' when I look at her.

"Thank you, Navi. I had not expected the Hero to be so close." She looked at Midna with a nod and smiled. Then she turned to me. "You're the chosen one?"

I felt dumb looking behind me, but it was such an odd question, I didn't know what else to do.

"Me?" Her smile retreated a bit.

"Yes. Your name is Link, correct?"

I nodded unconvincingly.

"Hm. Let me see your left hand." When I didn't move quickly enough, she reached for it. This strange woman stared at the glowing triangles on my hand. "I don't believe it. I had expected a more… skilled man."

I felt my face warm. Who is this woman? What the hell does she know!

"Who are you? What's happened?" I asked, yanking my hand from her.

"Of course, my apologies. I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule. The time grows short. Your world has been locked from magic for many millennia. A great and powerful evil has awoken in Hyrule and plans to conquer the entire world. You are the one chosen by the Goddesses to fight and destroy this darkness!"

Did I hit my head? Did she?

"However, it appears you are in no condition to fight. Have you a sword?"

I didn't move.

"A shield? Weapons of any sort?"

I looked to Midna.

"Are you certain this is the Hero?" Zelda whispered to the fairy.

"Yes. He has the gene."

The princess stared at the carpet. After a moment, she faced Midna. "Not you?"

"Me?" Midna asked. "A hero? In my condition? How dare you!" When Zelda seemed to not understand, I saw something I never hoped to see again. Midna reached down and lifted her covers, exposing what remained of her legs. Zelda seemed horrified, not by the sight, but her own foolishness.

"My apologies! I am so sorry!"

"Princess! We're running out of time!" the fairy bobbed frantically up and down. "Any moment longer and evil will spread."

"Give me a moment of peace. I have to concentrate." She stared at the carpet for a long while again. The fairy flew to the window.

"Are there more-"

"Shh!" Zelda snapped. I closed my mouth. She looked up at me. "There is only one option; we must withdraw."

"And leave their world defenseless!" The fairy frantically bounced around Zelda's head.

"It is all we can do. Should he fight now, even the smallest of minions would defeat him. Look after the girl." Zelda walked over to me and grabbed my hand. Sparkling lights began to surround us when-

My eyes struggled to open amidst the bright light surrounding me. As they adjusted, I realized something was… different. There was neither sky nor ceiling. Around me was nothing but air. I felt the ground. At least there was something to stand upon.

Zelda leaned over me. "Awake?"

I shook my head. "What happened? Where is Midna?"

"There is much to explain. But for now, I will say this before you become distracted. We have left your world and entered a dimension between the two; a space where we may train you to become strong enough to fight the Great Evil."

"But what about Midna? The rest of my family! You kidnapped-" When I sat up, I felt the 'different' oddity again. I looked down, thinking I would find something small when I saw I had breasts under my shirt. After a moment, I reached up and poked one. As it turned out to be my own flesh and blood, I leaned further over and looked to my crotch. The jeans hid anything, so I cupped myself down there.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I laid back down, my head feeling very light.

As I came to, I was disoriented by the endless space above. Could that have been a dream? It felt so real.

I lifted my head up to find the breasts still there. Zelda came into view.

"Will you faint again?"

I shook my head. There were thousands of questions buzzing through my head, but all that came out were tears. I rolled to my side, curling up.

"I am so sorry. But the chromosome you received from your father is marked with a tracking spell. It's the same gene passed through countless generations of your male ancestors. I had to replace it for the time being. In your world, I cannot sustain enough magic to conceal both you and I. Although I would be proud to be in your place with an altered body, I would not be able to sustain a well enough barrier whilst you venture out to fight.

"For now, you must train yourself. Grow stronger. You'll come to tolerate your changed body." She placed a hand on my shoulder. "The chromosome is not lost, just hidden. When you are strong enough, perhaps we could replace it."

I stiffened. "No."

Her hand pulled away. "I'm sorry?"

"Please, don't." I turned over to look up at her. "I'm- I was- am…"

"It's going to be alright." Zelda leaned down closer to me.

I'm not sure what came over me, but I bounded up and wrapped my arms around her, embracing her fully and bawling into her shoulder.

"It's fine. You will return to your normal self in time-"

"No! You don't understand!" I could feel the fire of courage build in the pits of my stomach. "I want this. I've always wanted this! Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a girl." Did I say that or think it? "I was just a moment away from telling my sister when the earthquake struck and you appeared. But I never thought-"

"You wanted to be a woman?" Zelda pushed me back some to look in my face. It was hard to read her with so many tears.

"Yes. I'm transgendered. I had already begun therapy and hormones, but was getting ready to out myself to my family and friends so I may soon reveal myself full-time. But here, just because of a fluke, you gave me what I've always missed! The thing I thought impossible since I was a child, and feared others would hate me or hurt me if they ever found out."

"I had no idea. I've never heard of a chosen one going through such difficulties." Zelda hugged me again, rubbing my back as I wept into her shoulder. I didn't realize until then that I had this crazy grin on my face.

"No matter who, or what, you are, I have faith in you to be a true hero and save our worlds."

Over time, I trained with Zelda in swords, bows, horseback riding, and other various things she thought a hero would need. It was hard to tell how many days passed as there never was a change between night and day. She explained a little about my own lineage and soon to be faced destiny, but kept quiet over herself or her homeland. Another important bit of information was that Navi, the fairy, was looking after Midna and protecting the both from evil's reach. One more thing Zelda came in handy with was my new body. She had indeed changed out my chromosome, giving me a fully-fleshed woman's figure and body in whole. It was embarrassing the first time I had to speak with her about my period, but I could tell she was embarrassed just the same.

Many other things came up, such as the Goddesses of the Triforce, the Great Evil, and a bit history over Hyrule. It was interesting to hear so much about a reality I thought impossible. My own mission was to close the gate to my world. With the gate sealed, the Earth would be protected from the Great Evil. I insisted on helping Zelda deal with the Great Evil in Hyrule, but she refused, saying, "Our worlds are different. Magic must defeat magic." Eventually, the matter was dropped as I concentrated harder on my training at hand.

I sat down, the virtual sword of magic I was holding disappeared. Zelda walked over, holding out a hand. "You've gotten much stronger. I want to say you're ready."

Grasping her hand, she helped me to my feet.

"You really think so?"

She smiled. "It's your decision. You've trained for some time and seem willing enough." A virtual moblin appeared. "There will be many more, with real swords that can seriously hurt you if you're not careful." The moblin ran towards me. I rolled out of the way, jumped, and kicked the back of its head. Drawing a virtual sword, I slashed the moblin, making both things disappear in a spray of glittering lights.

"If I wait any longer, more people could be hurt. It's been too long as it is!"

Zelda sighed before nodding. "There are a few things that we need to discuss. The first is a gift. Since you feel prepared to begin this journey, there has been a customary outfit the Heroes of Destiny have worn. And I now present them for you to bear." She motioned her arms, summoning sparkles that engulfed my body. For a moment, I felt naked as a warmth spread over my body. The pleasant feeling was quick to leave when I felt my chest being compressed. Just after, the lights faded and revealed my new garbs.

There was a thick forest-green tunic with short sleeves on top of a brown long-sleeved shirt. I sported khaki pants with a heavy density as well as worn leather boots that went past my ankles. A hat sat on my head with the same color as the tunic. It seemed more like a flaccid dunce cap. Around my waist rested a dark brown belt with a small pouch attached on one side. When I opened the pouch, I stuck my hand in only to find… well, not find the bottom.

"That Adventure Pouch is a special item all the heroes before you wore. It has what is called the 'Hammer-Space,' an infinite storage capacity resting in the smallest place. Simply reach in and feel with your heart the item you wish to summon."

"Wow!" I said, still reaching in, almost to my shoulder. As I did, I felt that terrible constraint on my chest again. Ignoring the pouch for now, I felt my chest to find that my breasts had shrunk!

"That is the other thing we must talk about. You cannot let anyone know you are now a woman."

"What! You're turning me back into a man? How could you!" I felt my face warming.

"That's not what I said. You will remain a woman. However, if the Great Evil ever got wind of your change, they may come after your family to figure another way to track you down. At least with this, they remain under the idea that you have a magical barrier protecting you from their tracking spells."

"This just feels so weird," I mumbled as I mull over everything.

"You will have to keep up this rouse until after the gate has been sealed."

I nodded. If that's what is required of me, I think I can wait a while longer before coming out fully to my family and friends. At least when I do, I won't have to have surgeries or take anymore hormone pills. I smiled to myself as I thought of all that money I would be saving.

"Do you have any other concerns before we return to your world?"

My attention drew back to Zelda. "I'm ready."

Zelda took in a deep breath. Waving her arms in a particular matter, a portal of blue light appeared. "Shall we?" she asked as she stepped through.

A final shiver of hesitation washed over before I followed suit.

When the blue light faded, it was dusk. I was looking over the city draped in darkness. There were the occasional fires, but the only actual lit structure was the gate. I could see now that it was using the Arch as a frame. Some buildings were visibly damaged even in the dark. This was the city I was born in, raised in, and planned to live in until my own death. This is my city. This is our city.

As the vigor subsided, I realized we had appeared on the rooftop to my apartment. Zelda moved towards me, but I quickly ran to the door for the stairs. My feet glided over each step, until I was at my front door. Without thinking, I reached for the hidden key and unlocked my home.

It was dark inside. There was a thick coat of dust and webs in the corners. How long have I been away? A few months at most. There was no electricity, but I opened a drawer to get my Maglite. With a bit of light, I felt more comfortable exploring my own home; a strange feeling. As I passed the kitchen, I could only imagine what the foul odor could be or rather had been. In my bedroom, I felt a sudden sinking feeling. When I sat on my bed, a cloud of dust burst from the sheets.

So this is real? I had a reservation that it was all some dream or long coma. Unlike a dream, I have a real sense of touch and memory. There are smells that never appear in any of my dreams. Do I really have to embark on such an adventure? I was fretting over my gender only a few months ago.

"Link?" I could hear Zelda from outside. She has been so nice to me. Just like Midna.

Midna. Mom. Dad. They have to be safe.

Creak!

I lifted my head to see Zelda in the doorframe. "Are you okay?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Right. Grab your sword and let us leave quickly."

"Sword?"

"Do you not have a weapon?"

I shook my head.

Zelda inhaled quickly and loud. "We need to find you a weapon with haste. If we are to venture out and begin this journey, you'll need a sword at the very least. Or some kind of technological weapon your world possesses."

"Well, my downstairs neighbor has a sword collection. Perhaps we could use one of those?"

"Splendid! With sharp steel at your side, you'll vanquish those standing before you."

"Well, actually-"

BANG!

I froze.

"That was fast," Zelda whispered with a touch of worry.

"Cavalry?"

"There will be no cavalry coming. We are all there is."

Creak.

Creak!

I swallowed hard, picked up the maglite, and looked into my apartment. Nothing. As I approached the living room, another creak echoed. And then a snarl.

I turned around, but nothing was there. Looking back to the door, I saw it open. A moblin walked in; face sneering, covered in rags, and holding a spiked club.

My breath caught.

"Link!"

The moblin rose the club and swung it down to strike me, but I quickly roll to the side. I had a moment of hesitation, but a fire burned in my body that quelled those reservations. Remembering my training, I got to my feet and thrust my foot towards his head. However, the moblin easily dodged and punched me away, making me drop the maglite. I crashed into my couch, a cloud of dust concealing me. As I rolled off the couch, the club smashed into the cushion, spitting out another cloud.

I heard the moblin sneeze. From behind, I jumped onto his back and wrapped my arms around his neck. The club swung back to miss me and instead got stuck in the wall. With one arm holding tight, I began to punch the moblin's head. His hands grabbed my collar and flipped me over. I was smashed onto my coffee table. The dust irritated the moblin, making him sneeze again. And again.

While holding my breath, I got to my feet and pushed the moblin backwards. He stumbled and smashed through the window. I looked out in time to see him smack the ground, turning into a cloud of black smoke.

I heaved a sigh. Zelda came behind me clapping.

"Well done."

"Sure. Thanks for the help."

"If you become at all reliant on another, you'll find yourself dead soon enough," she huffed. Zelda walked over to the front door, checking for any others. "Are you coming?"

"Give me a sec." My heart was racing, my body covered in a cold sweat. What have I gotten myself into? "Why did he… poof?"

"The creatures of our world are comprised of an evil mist concocted by the Great Evil. When they die, they return to the mist."

"What happens if I were to die?"

"We all die," she responded coldly.

I snagged the maglite and then headed out of my home. I led Zelda downstairs to the apartment below. It was locked. For a moment, I considered knocking, but figured that he had to be far away by now. At least, I hope.

After running back to get the club from the moblin, I use it to smash off the doorknob. This apartment was also extremely dusty. I shined the light around just to be certain we were alone. No body; that's good news. In his room, I found all of the swords still in their place.

"This really is some collection."

"Yeah. It's just too bad they're not sharpened."

"What?"

"Right, what I meant to say before the moblin attacked was that they are display swords. All of them are real, except none are sharpened for safety reasons."

"I see. We'll have to find a blacksmith to perhaps sharpen one for us."

"Good luck on that. Our worlds really are very different," I chuckled, picking off a sword.

"Choose a good one."

The first was a huge bastard sword; too long and heavy. Next was a basic sword; no thanks. I picked off the samurai sword, starting to feel a connection. However, its handle was made of plastic. That wouldn't last. A dagger pair seemed okay, but needing to get that close to use would place me in more danger of making an error.

Off towards the corner was an elegant double edge sword with a beautiful hilt. When I picked it off, I was surprised by how light it was. After testing a few small swings and jabs, I had made up my mind. I began to feel more confident with the Dull Display Sword.

"A fine choice," Zelda agreed. "But we must hurry. If the other moblins realize they're missing one of their friends, we will be swarmed."

I tried to think of how I looked from Zelda's point of view. A young woman, born a man, was now turned into a woman and pretending to be a man to go out and protect their world from a Great Evil. This will be… interesting.

Hello! iamonlyatest here! Figured I'd let you jump into the story before talking. Anywho, this legend comes from a mix of things, but much of the inspiration come from random sparks of electricity coursing through my brain. That and I wanted to have fun with the "End of the World According to Mayans" thing. At any rate, have fun! Enjoy the winter season as we dive head first into the cold. Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah and Happy Festivus!