Standard explanation: #This notation# is for telepathic communication.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Parallel Destiny: A Parallel Legend of Zelda
Part I: Ocarina
Chapter Two: Reunion
Link stood near the bow of the great loftwing airship, staring below in utter amazement. Fallow fields of rich red earth were interspersed with stunning bright green squares and rows of golden grain that shimmered in the mid-morning sun. Completing the set of sacred colors were rivers of crystalline blue, brief splashes igniting Link's imagination with images of Zoras diving into the air.
His eyes flickered back to Karane, who was chatting energetically with Orielle. In his mind's eye, the Zora's flowing sapphire hair turned into a long "tail" with a fin at the end. It was only for a moment, and he shook it off with a flicker of will. Link turned his attention to the ship's bridge, the massive raptor's head cutting the air before them. The skywood had been painted a brilliant crimson, with the beak shining like gold. Its eyes were the most realistic part, with amber irises around dark windows. I guess the helm's in there, he thought idly. Still haven't seen a ship's wheel or –
"There!" Zelda cried happily, and Link turned. She was pointing north, Impa nodding indulgently at her side. Link froze in place, staring in pure disbelief.
The great castle that named the city was the size of a small mountain, but it was clearly made by human hands. Great white towers topped with blue spires sprouted in every direction. They stretched to impossible heights in the heart of a city so enormous, any one of its districts could have swallowed Kokiri Park with room to spare. Great bridges stretched between the titanic towers, and buildings that would have dominated Saria City sheltered in their shadows.
The central tower was more astonishing than the rest combined. A citadel wide enough to swallow half a dozen of the other towers, perhaps as tall as Spectacle Rock itself, pulsing with so much mana Link could feel it from the airship – the legendary Castle Hyrule dominated the entire plain, even with the largest city in the world sprawling around it. "How far..." he managed to whisper.
"We should reach it in half an hour," Impa replied gently. That didn't seem too bad to Link at first. Then he remembered how fast Impa said the airship went. He gulped. "I know, lad. That's Castle City." She turned her attention to the boy, looking him over. "Hm. It won't do for you to look like that, especially accompanying the princess."
Link blushed furiously. "Forgive me, Lady Sheikah, but I haven't anything better," he said quietly.
Zelda sighed, smiling. Impa put a kind hand on his shoulder. "Oh, that's not it, Link, not at all," Impa said. "You wear that into Castle City on any day other than Harvest Eve and folk will think you're putting on airs." She glanced at Tyto, Kagerin, and Midona for but an instant, and all three were immediately around Zelda. Link nodded to himself at Midona's presence with the two more obvious guards. Thought so. Impa gently guided him below decks. "I took the liberty of purchasing a few sets of clothing for you before we left."
Link blurted a wordless objection. Impa and Proxi chuckled. "Why do you think I only informed you now, pup?" the Sheikah asked. "The deed is done. Come. Let us see you more suitably attired to attend the Queen's daughter." They reached the cabin Impa and Zelda shared. Link felt odd entering the princess' quarters, but she was obviously still watching the approach.
The young Hylian spared a cool glance for Proxi. "Tattletale," he muttered.
"Family tradition," she replied with a grin.
Link looked over the three sets of clothing on the bed, one crimson and loose, one blue and form-fitting, and one...huh. "Isn't that 'presumptuous,' Miss Impa?" he asked, indicating the short-sleeved green tunic with the white undershirt and breeches, and yellow-gold cape.
"The white is different enough from most versions of the Hero's storied garb that it's a popular choice with a green tunic. I didn't think you'd want black," she noted dryly. Proxi was suddenly nowhere to be seen.
"I like the cape," he added, looking it over. "May I?" Impa nodded, and Link gathered the new clothes and ducked behind the bed. He started changing with alacrity.
"I'm not going to peek, lad," Impa said, and Link thought he heard a chuckle for a moment.
"You're vulnerable while you're changing," he replied, then blushed. "I guess there aren't any wolfos to worry about here, huh?"
Impa laughed outright at that, but only for a moment. It was so good-natured Link couldn't feel bad about it. "It's a good habit to have," she agreed, "but you're too young to be professionally paranoid."
Link finished changing, then came back around. "I probably wouldn't have lived to grow up if I hadn't learned to be careful," he replied, then held still. She nodded gravely, then looked him over.
"You can keep your hat," she added after several seconds, "as long as you don't add a yellow or gold brim. You might get a few odd looks, but nothing you can't handle."
Link nodded, tugging at the cape for a moment. "Can we go back up now, Miss Impa? I want to see Castle City." Impa smiled and nodded back. The young Hylian ran back up the stairs, eager to see his new home.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
"Wow!" Link breathed. Zelda watched him more than the city, his face alight as they circled over the towers towards the landing dock. Castle City was fairly quiet, but High Summer would do that, even to the capitol. Still, the bridges hummed with Charm-wagons and airsleds zipped along roads both earthbound and skyborne.
Their guest's amazement didn't abate when they landed. He insisted on carrying his own luggage and at least one other bag – Zelda was unhappy to learn that Link only had the one of his own – and Orielle had relented, allowing him to take one of hers. You always overpack, the Hylian princess thought fondly. Even as they disembarked, boarded broadskiffs, and hummed towards Hyrule Tower, Link looked around everywhere. He seemed to be trying to grow eyes out the sides of his head.
His amazement redoubled once they were in the Tower proper. Zelda knew of no place more magical within the kingdom's borders. Certainly, if Faron Forest had such wonders, they were different enough from her home's enchantments that the castle interior still left Link thunderstruck. Circles of Light-runes pulsed up or down, transporting nobles and servants alike in and out. Platforms of force moved groups and cargo, particularly food for the kitchens. Those got his attention, she thought with a smile. Machines driven by Power Charms were nearly as common as the people they served. Humanoid ones carried trays, spider-like ones scuttled up walls with deliveries on their backs, and beetle-shaped ones flew through the air with all manner of tools in their jaws. Trees grew in small atriums, each with spirals of Light-script flowing around them. Tapestries that displayed moving artwork, or scrolled with the edicts of the day, adorned the great southern hall.
"You must have all the artists in the world working on this stuff," Link whispered.
"Not quite," Impa replied, voice and smile gentle.
"Hyrule's enchanters and engineers make our creations beautiful deliberately – 'by design,' so to speak," Zelda explained. Link laughed at the old joke. "The way my mother explained it to me, by making our devices and wonders artful, we are forever reminded that they, and we, are meant to exist in harmony with the world." The boy nodded.
The entourage stopped on the central platform, and Link gasped when they began to rise. He recovered quickly, stooping to gaze through the translucent floor, then craning his neck to look above them. Again the boy stared as one of the automata flew via large propeller from a higher floor to join them, clasping hands connected to his jar-like body by strands of lightning. "Your Royal Highness," he said reverently, propeller retracting into his helmet.
Zelda smiled. "Sarubo, always a pleasure," she said, nodding to the robot.
"And who's your new friend in the short pants, vrrm?" Sarubo asked more casually, eyeing Link up and down. Link grimaced, but said nothing. Zelda raised a single dubious eyebrow.
Proxi, on the other hand, flew right into Sarubo's artificial face. "You're one to talk, buster, all hat and no undercarriage," she retorted sharply. Sarubo spluttered, which seemed impossible for a machine with a pin hole for a mouth.
"Master Sarubo, Miss Proxi, please," Zelda prodded gently. Both floated away from each other, glaring for a moment before turning aside. Proxi landed on Link's shoulder, while Sarubo bowed to Zelda once more. "Did you have something to tell me, Sarubo?"
"Oh my, bzzt, I almost forgot! Yes, Your Highness, your parents have been informed of your return, and you are to attend them at your earliest opportunity!" He glanced at Link. "It was Her Majesty's order that you bring your, vrrm, guest as well. I imagine they meant Master Shortpants."
Link glanced at Proxi, who had already begun to glow more brightly. The tiny fairy flew up half an inch, but remained over the boy's shoulder. He then turned a glare on Sarubo. The robot retreated dramatically at the sight, arms windmilling. Impa, who was back in her dress, hid a smile behind her hand.
"Yes, I imagine they did," Zelda said quickly. "Thank you, Sarubo. Kindly return to your regular duties."
"Of course, Your Highness." He saluted, made an electrical sound somewhere between a buzz and a crackle, and flew off, the propeller emerging from his helmet once more to carry him up. Link gaped again.
"I'm sorry, Link," Zelda added the moment Sarubo was out of sight. "He's usually very respectful. I don't know what came over him." Link nodded absently. A few moments later, they reached the Royal Complex at the peak of the central tower. The great doors slid silently open, Proxi vanished beneath Link's hat, and Link gaped in amazement again.
Even to Zelda, the throne room at the center of the Royal Complex was enormous. Larger than most houses, the long, wide hall and multiple branching side corridors held courtiers, ministers and supplicants of every sort. The sounds of gossip, deal-making and command grew hushed as Impa led them toward the thrones, but didn't go entirely silent.
It didn't take long for Zelda's focus to shift from the halls of power to the seats. Her mother was watching them with a focus she generally reserved for casting Din-related spells. Father seemed more relaxed than Mother – he always does, of late, she mused – but observed Link with intense curiosity.
Aveil, the Minister of Justice, seemed the least concerned of the Five Ministers, which seemed odd at first. Oh, Zelda thought, realizing that six of the eight Gerudo Guard attending her parents had their eyes locked on Link. Minister of State Decole was trying not to look like he was examining the boy. That means he's doing so, minutely, she thought, hiding a grin. Luda, as ever, didn't seem to be paying attention to anything. Her impression of an unfocused seer was picture-perfect. Except she's the High Sheikah, and trained Impa. For a moment, Zelda was more satisfied than ever in her assessment. Then she realized that the Intelligence Minister was completely unreadable, even to her. What is she thinking? Din!
Eagus, as was typical for the Defense Minister, hid little. He was switching between watching Link move, and examining how carefully Impa, Tyto and Kagerin were keeping watch over him. Huh. I think he's impressed. Gaepora wasn't hiding much either, which was less typical by a fair margin. He was weighing Link carefully, the Sage's Book of Mudora held tightly in his off-hand. You're wondering if he's the Hero, she thought, almost completely certain of her reading of the Welfare Minister. I can hardly blame you. His daughter Lana peered shyly at them from behind Gaepora's tunic, her sky-blue hair vivid next to his orange robe.
Though Morsego was not officially a minister, the court's High Wizard stood in a position of equal importance. Zelda was surprised to see him smile openly at Link, before an impassive expression masked his feelings. That was interesting.
Impa stopped and knelt three paces from the throne. Zelda and the others did the same, Link just an instant behind them. Anju Davnesi, Keeper of Harmony, Bearer of the Gerudo Crown, Guardian of Time – High Queen of the Realm of Hyrule – leaned forward and turned her gaze on Link. Zelda kept her eyes on the rug, but her mind reached out and watched. Inexorably, Link glanced up, and the queen's eyes met the boy's. After a few moments, he swallowed. Kafei Harakin, Champion of the Mask and King Consort of the Realm, glanced at his wife so placidly that Zelda wasn't sure what it meant.
"Rise, daughter," Anju said, looking to her, and Zelda stood while Link let his head drop again. Whew. She did her best "royal glide" to her mother's side, placing her left hand on the armrest. Queen Anju gently placed her hand over Zelda's. Okay, all normal, that's good. I think. Mother then let her eyes slide more casually to Impa. "Rise, Sheikah." Impa stood at attention. Wait. That was too casual. Uh-oh. Zelda kept her face even and placid, but reached out with her thoughts. Impa's mind was walled off, making Zelda's stomach spawn butterflies, but Midona's opened to her. #Lady Midona, what's going on?#
#Your mother worries,# the younger Sheikah replied, carefully looking at the rug. #Some of her worries are justified. Others...time will tell,# Midona demurred, but Zelda's heart lightened to sense an ally in her friend. There isn't one deceitful bone in Link. I'd bet my crown on it.
"So who is your guest, Lady Impa?" the queen asked lightly.
Impa bowed formally. "Your Majesty, this is Link il'Kiri of Faron Forest. A trio of would-be loggers stole your daughter's flute."
"Ocarina," Zelda added quietly.
Mother's hand squeezed the princess' gently. Father hid a smile behind one hand. "Loggers," the queen said with the faintest grimace. Father's smile vanished. "With forged documents, according to your report."
"Yes. The Goron in charge was plainly horrified, as were most of the others," Impa continued with a nod, "with the criminals being the only exceptions. Young Link gave chase, retrieved the ocarina, and returned it to Her Highness."
"No middle name?" Kafei asked, leaning forward. His voice sounded sharp to Zelda, but not offended. He looked to Link then, as did nearly everyone on the dais.
"Ah, no, Your Majesty," Link replied, voice even. Though just barely, I'd bet, Zelda thought with a curiosity barely held in check. "Great Mido just named–"
"Mido," Luda cut in fiercely, her facade of distraction vanishing with Sheikah speed. "The Mido."
Link smiled sadly. "I imagine so, ma'am. There couldn't be another like him in any Realm."
There was a pause. Even the farthest corner of the hall went silent, the normal buzz of courtier whispers vanishing. Luda peered at Link closely, eyes glowing faintly. "He speaks the truth," she said quietly. Impa's jaw tightened, but the younger Sheikah said nothing. Zelda drew in breath, but Mother's hand tightened ever so slightly on her own, and the princess obeyed. If she had done that to any member of the court... Zelda fumed in her mind.
#She was confirming something that seemed absurd,# Queen Anju replied in her mind, thoughts hard and cool as steel. Her gaze did not change, but she took in Link, and his relief was self-evident from the way he exhaled and relaxed. #Her blunt response made that clear to the boy, untrained in courtly manners–#
Luda gasped suddenly, her eyes' faint glow becoming a flare of crimson light. "By the Goddess – he is the Hero!" she breathed. Zelda's eyes widened. The High Sheikah had been struck by the vision so implacably that she hadn't been able to stop herself from making the pronouncement.
It was no surprise the court erupted into near-chaos, everyone speaking at once. Link's eyes were saucer-wide. The High Queen stiffened in her throne, her thoughts vanishing from Zelda's mind with a suddenness that left her almost dizzy. Kafei turned to stare at Luda in amazement. Eagus and Gaepora gaped openly. Aveil's hands fell to her sword hilts, and she moved closer to queen and princess as if expecting the King of Evil to come on them in that very instant. Impa alone remained placid, the only hint of a reaction the beginnings of a smile taking form at the edges of her lips.
It only took a moment for the queen to recover. "Enough!" she demanded, rising. Again, the court went silent, but this time it merely reverted to its usual whispering murmur, like the flow of a gentle brook. Queen Anju paused, and though her proud, regal stance created a moment for the court to gather its collective wits, Zelda didn't need to be in her mother's mind to know that the Guardian of Time was gathering wits of her own. "The time of the Hero has come and gone," the queen said with finality. Zelda couldn't ward off a hint of a scowl. "However, this sacred land owes his soul beyond repayment, and Hyrule has ever cared for its own when they are in need."
After a moment's pause, Impa sighed. "I would be honored to take him in, Your Majesty," she said, her tone even more fatalistic than usual. Has this happened before? Zelda wondered. Impa was close to the Hero of Time, but none of his tales speak of such a thing. She considered Impa more closely. Still, this feels...natural. Right.
The Queen gestured to Gaepora, and the older man opened the great book. "By the grace of Hyrule's crowns, your service is honored. All present are released to continue that service, as court is now adjourned." The courtiers trickled out slowly and reluctantly.
Link glanced around as he stood, unsure where to go. Impa took his hand and smiled. "A moment, lad," she said gently.
Zelda hurried over to him and grinned. "Well, that settles that. Hopefully, we won't have any more drama with the grown-ups."
"Young Hero," Queen Anju said softly from just behind Zelda. The princess sighed, straightened and folded her hands. Link bowed. "Do you believe there will be a need for your...unique skills in this life?"
Link shrugged. "I'm no sage or seer, Your Majesty, but I doubt it. I'm sure you're right – kingdoms don't live and die based on the quests of lone adventurers, not any more."
Father smiled. Mother nodded. Zelda said nothing. I hope you're right, Hero, she thought. I just wish I believed it.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Link stared out the window, still stunned by what he saw. Saria City had towers, but the view from Impa's home was dizzying. The airsleds zipping by below seemed like ants, and a few personal loftwing airships flew past as he watched.
The young Hero turned his attention back to the Sheikah's apartment. It was austere, but not excessively so, with a few furnishings and a single Light Charm projector in one corner. Compared to what we've had for the last three years, it might as well be a noble's keep. Proxi spiraled around him, flitting from one painting to the next. Mercifully, only one was of the Hero, a depiction of his final battle with Agahnim. Indeed, every piece of art seemed to be unique. One was a major battle of the ancient unification of Hyrule, the knights driving back a Zora assault. Another was a Gerudo warrior courting a Sheikah scholar, the Gerudo on one knee offering her paramour a cloak of dark blue, the Sheikah looking on admiringly. A third was of a bearded sage poring over books of lore and magic, clearly driven in the search for some knowledge.
"A poor collection, perhaps," Impa said, sounding unconcerned by her assessment, "but I appreciate them."
"It looks nice to me," Link replied, looking up at his host. She was dressed in a simple lavender robe, looking at ease for the first time since they'd met. "No two are related, are they?"
The Sheikah nodded. "Good eye. In art, beauty is its own purpose, but these are also reminders of life's many facets," she said, her gaze flickered briefly to the duel between Link and Agahnim, "and the danger of assumptions."
Link nodded and sat, the chair tough as old wood at first but turning plush when he made contact. He almost smiled. "So, um, I guess we shouldn't really unpack, right?" He glanced out the window again. "We won't be a bother, I promise."
Impa chuckled and shook her head. "That was before we learned you're the Hero, pup."
"I was the Hero," Link insisted, looking down and kicking his feet gently. "A few Ganon cultists and some angry Beorcs aren't an invasion from the Demon Realm."
Impa walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. Link looked up in surprise. Her smile was fond, familiar and surprisingly gentle. "We are bound by fate and the Wheel, you and I. Whatever destiny has planned for you, I'm honored to help you meet it. You're welcome to stay here as long as you wish."
For a long moment, Link stared up at Impa, stunned. Then he bounced out of the chair and hugged her for all he was worth. Her only reaction was a slight grunt when his arms went around her waist. "All right, Link, that'll do," she said after a moment, carefully disentangling herself from him. He wiped his nose. "If I am to teach you, you must be ready to study hard and heed me well."
"Yes ma'am," he said immediately.
She chuckled wryly. "Then go unpack. I had a guest room, but it's yours now. And never you mind about guests, that's for me to deal with," Impa insisted, Link's jaw clicking shut almost as quickly as it had opened. "As it happens, the school year begins in two weeks, so you'll be able to join Hyrule society soon enough. Until then, you're old enough to begin the training. We'll start tomorrow." Link nodded. Impa waved him off, and he grabbed his bag excitedly and ran through his new home, Proxi ringing behind him like gentle chimes.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
"So really, our facility is a school like any other," Mr. Horwell explained, almost managing to sound casual. "Do you have any other questions, Lady Karikan?"
Link glanced up at Impa, but the young Sheikah held up a hand. "Everything seems to be in order, Mr. Horwell. You'll find Link quite eager to begin his studies." The Hero nodded emphatically.
Mr. Horwell looked down at the diminutive Hylian and smiled. "Such sincerity. It's a delight for a teacher to see such diligence in a child." Link forced himself not to grimace.
In his mind, Proxi laughed. #Ah, you poor decrepit thing, at the ripe old age of twelve.#
#I'm not old. I'm just not a child any more,# Link insisted. He bowed to Horwell. "I will do my best, sir."
"Of course, my boy, of course," Horwell replied. His eyes darted away, looking down the hall. "Why don't you go in while I finish speaking with your...caretaker?"
Impa nodded. "Go in, pup. I'll see you later." The two walked off, Link catching Horwell's worried, questioning use of the title "Hero" as they left.
Link sighed and went into the classroom. Only a few students were in attendance, all of them looking up as he entered. He put on his best smile, then went to the desk over which his name glowed. Most of the students were Hylian, the only exceptions being two Gerudo sitting in a corner together, one a boy, the other skinny and bespectacled. Is that bad? The court people were talking about Beorc troubles...no. This is Hyrule. He grinned. Maybe they're sweet on each other.
Proxi sighed. #Thinking gossip already? You're going to do fine here.# Link sputtered for a moment, then composed himself, sitting up straight. There was a book on his table; his mana-written name had moved to it. He picked it up and started reading. Goddess, it's magical! he thought, realization thundering through him as the first page inscribed a table of contents. It was a textbook for language, mathematics, magic, science, history, civics, and art. He touched the section for science and turned the page, finding himself reading an introduction to physics. Wow! Proxi laughed in his thoughts. #See you next winter,# she sent with a chuckle.
It wasn't long before the room was full, and the arrival of a Goron and two Zoras among several more Hylians mollified the young Hero. Mr. Horwell arrived seconds before the bell rang, but after that, the morning raced by. Brief overviews of math, science and Hylian language helped Link's confidence. I've got a few gaps, he thought when the first break came, but Mido's library covered most of this.
#Pfft,# Proxi sent dismissively. #You're being too modest. Again. You are so far ahead of most of these kids, and your strong suits are still coming. Magic? History? Civics?# She paused as they headed outside, the schoolyard filled with fellow students racing to fill every minute they had. #Mm. Maybe you shouldn't show off too much. Don't let yourself get bored, but you don't want to come off as a crystal polisher.#
Link chuckled. #You worry too much, Proxi.# He jogged towards the loftwing carousel.
"You're going to need more bullies," a boy's voice echoed with amused confidence.
"Out of the way, Dork-an!" came the vicious retort.
Link skidded to a halt. What in Hylia's name? he wondered, though the young Hero was already sure he didn't like what he heard. Dashing towards the sound, Link soon found himself staring in anger and disgust. Five older Hylians had cornered the two Gerudo from his class. Neither of the Gerudo was taller than Link; all of the Hylians were.
What really threw Link was that the boy was protecting the girl. He stood between her and their would-be tormentors, a "sword" of light in each hand in classic Gerudo style. Their magic wouldn't harm anyone they struck, but Link's mana sight indicated that the numbing force would render an undefended limb virtually useless. The boy's shocking crimson hair swirled up in a flame-like crest, his grin seemed to invite the folly of an attack, and he wore a red tunic and the breeches of a Gerudo warrior-mage. Only his flashing amber-gold eyes hinted at the outrage behind the glee.
The girl, meanwhile, was sitting on the ground, examining her glasses worriedly. She was dressed in the robe of a sage, her own hair tied back severely. Her eyes were unfocused, though that seemed to be from the lack of glasses rather than any harm.
No matter. This has already gone too far. Link strode calmly toward the uneven scene. #Proxi, go inform a teacher, please.#
#You're not going to – Farore, look who I'm talking to,# she muttered in response. #Try not to do anything too reckless while I'm gone, okay?# Proxi pleaded, then raced off into the building.
A moment later, Link had interposed himself between the Gerudo maiden and two of the boys moving to flank the duo. "Wha – are you stupid or crazy, new meat? Do you know who we are?" the gangly, black-haired one demanded.
"No," Link replied, sliding quietly into a defensive stance, "just what you are – a pack of bullies, without the least hint of Farore's blessing."
Four of the five gaped at Link, staring in a mix of outrage and disbelief. The Gerudo boy laughed. "You just became my new favorite Hylian, bookworm!" he said boisterously.
The bullies' leader glanced at Link more evenly. "Stay out of this, new kid," he said, rolling one shoulder with what he must have thought was menace. "That Gerudo sow started it."
The girl glared up at him. "Sakon started it, Talo. Your bald creep slapped me in the back of the head. I called him a creep, which was simple fact under the circumstances."
"I was just playing around," Sakon replied with a slimy grin. "You pushed me away with your freak mind powers."
Link created a stun-sword like the Gerudo boy's in his left hand, conjuring a shield in his right. "Well, it's over now," he said quietly. "You should walk away."
Talo chuckled at that, shaking his head. "Look who thinks he's the Hero," he said wryly. "You really want–"
Proxi chose that moment to return, glowing a fierce yellow over Talo's head. All five gasped, looking up at the fairy companion. "One, he is the Hero, you lout," Proxi said in a low, dangerous tone. "Two, he could have already thumped the lot of you, but he's trying to play nice. Three, I'm not a student here, so I don't have to play nice. Can any of you Moblins do that math?"
"So you are Link," the Gerudo boy said, spinning his blades eagerly.
"Word travels fast," Link replied softly.
"Eh, Minister Aveil's my mom's sister," he replied, his voice light and friendly. "Not like the whole school won't know by end of day now, anyway."
Talo snarled and swung. Link blocked with his shield, and the Gerudo stabbed with his blade, the bully's right arm going limp. "Ow!" Talo grunted. "What are you lot waiting for, fanfare? Get 'em!"
The tallest and shortest of the five each took a step back. "I dunno, Talo," the tall one said, blond hair almost hiding his eyes when he ducked his head. "What if he is the Hero?"
"Stritch, you gutless punk," Talo hissed, slapping his numb arm, "if you can't stand up to a Gerudo boy and a Hero-wannabe, don't come back." The tall boy stopped retreating.
"Crap, it's Horwell!" the short one blurted, looking over his shoulder.
Talo grunted something unintelligible, slapping his right arm again. This time it came to life. "Next time, Gerudo," he whispered, and led his gang away from the trio.
The Gerudo boy laughed again, hugging Link fiercely with one arm. "I leave spirit stuff to Naboru," he said, pointing at the girl with his thumb, "but you sure have the Hero's courage!"
Link shrugged as best he could with the gregarious Gerudo's arm around him, then banished fairy sword and shield and offered Naboru a hand. "I try."
She accepted it, and Link helped her up. Naboru put her glasses back on, the last hints of a crack fading from the left lens. "Thanks, um, it really is Link, isn't it?" she asked.
"Link il'Kiri," he said simply, the Gerudo boy finally releasing him from the bone-bending hug. "I know that most boys called Link use their middle names, but I don't have one."
"Forget it," the boy replied insistently, dismissing his own blades. "You can always get a nickname if it bugs you, but you've got a name to be proud of. Don't let those jerks tell you different." Naboru staring pointedly at him, and he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, yeah. Mine's Dorgan." He stuck out his hand.
Link accepted the offer, and they shook on it. "I guess we'd better save anything else until after we talk to Mr. Horwell, huh?" the Hero asked. Dorgan chuckled again, while Naboru shook her head in exasperation.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
"Din, Nayru and Farore," Impa swore, fingers drumming on her table. Proxi gasped. "And don't pretend to be scandalized, little one."
"I just can't believe you said that," Proxi muttered. The Sheikah felt her glance toward Link's room, then back at her. "I hope you're not mad at Link."
Impa's laugh was harsh, even as she quieted it. "That would be like being angry at him for breathing. He saw injustice, and acted. How could the Hero do otherwise?" She sighed and leaned on the table, resting her chin in her hands. "It is Fate that I am annoyed with at the moment. Apparently, it serves some purpose for the pup to have a target over his head."
"A lot of people aren't going to want to believe it," Proxi replied, landing on the table edge across from Impa. "It's not like he's going to be mobbed everywhere he goes."
"Fools in denial are not my concern," Impa said, frowning. "All who might find the knowledge useful will know the truth before the year is out." She glanced at her one tapestry of the Hero. "This has never happened before. Destiny always shrouded him until the need arose. I like it not."
"You and me both, sister," Proxi agreed, "but it's done. At least he'll get some respect this time. The real question is, now what?" The fairy folded her arms mutinously. "The queen looked ready to have kittens. That's gratitude for you."
Impa sighed. "Put yourself in her place, Proxi. Imagine being queen of a realm prosperous beyond measure, at peace since your grandmother was a child. Then, when your only daughter is just old enough for prophecy to begin touching on her, a harbinger of doom walks into your court."
Proxi spluttered, shooting up to the height of Impa's gaze. "Harbinger of – Link's saved this world a dozen times over!"
"Because it needed him to," Impa pointed out. Proxi hovered uncertainly for a few seconds, then landed with a tiny thump. "The arrival of the Hero means that evil will be undone, true...but there is as yet no discernable evil that needs undoing. If his victory is inevitable, does that not also mean that the rise of an enemy for him to triumph against is also inevitable?" She smiled sourly. "Schoolyard bullies are hardly the worst Link is likely to face."
Proxi sat quietly for several seconds more, her wings twitching occasionally. "Ganon doesn't always overrun everything," the fairy said at last, her voice soft and uncertain. "Sure, it usually gets bad, but it doesn't always mean the fall of Hyrule. I mean, look at the Ocarina of Time stories. Yeah, Ganon's forces attacked the temples and his armies hit Castle Town, but they were driven off, right?"
Impa stood, then walked to the window. "The Sheikah have a legend," she whispered, "of a world and time before ours. We call it the 'Parallel Symphony.' Then, Ganon was not defeated so easily. While Zelda and Link were yet children, he swept in and conquered Hyrule, and his dark reign lasted seven years." Proxi gasped. "Only through the Ocarina's power was his rule undone, and even then the cost was high. Even if the legend itself is not true, we know for a fact that the Imprisoning War ravaged Time itself, creating reflections of Hyrule in its wake." The Sheikah folded her arms behind her. "If the Hero's greatest triumph came at such a cost, what then does it mean for him to be revealed now, when there is no sign of threat at all?"
Proxi had no answer, but Impa had expected none. How could I, when I have none to offer?