A/N: Thanks for sticking around for the second chapter. Enjoy!

Thanks to those who left me reviews or sent me PM's :D


~~Sleeping In~~

Link lay draped on a bed of straw. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his eyes roved restlessly under their lids. A dark fever gripped him, and his wounds refused to close. His ribs and clavicle were snapped cleanly, and much of his body was blackened from bruises. Most of his chest was a mottled purple from the amount of ribs he'd broken. His visage had acquired a deathly pallor, and a small knot of worried friends crowded around his bed. Link had struck the final blow to evil little over three hours ago, but he slumbered on, unaware of the outside world.

"Wake up Link, it's over," Zelda whispered. She was kneeling next to his prone form, eyes red-rimmed from tears. Zelda bent down and breathed in his ear, "I know you can hear me Link ... don't give up. You have to fight it. We're here for you."

Link gave no response, and the only sounds he made were the sounds of his ragged gasps.

The sages were there too, arranged roughly in a semi-circle, each lost in their own thoughts. They all shared a common bond through him; he was literally the link between peoples. While they had originally been divided, segregated and occupied with their own troubles, they were now united against evil.

Saria sat on a small stool next to Zelda. Link's condition had not improved in the last few hours and she couldn't bear to see her oldest friend like this. Link had been through more than anyone in Hyrule and he deserved better than this. Darunia stood on her left, his face etched with worry. He had been silent the entire time, and he was so still it was almost as if he had become a rock. On the inside of his stony exterior, however, he was very worried. Link had done more for his people than any human in history, so much that Darunia had named his own son after the Hylian hero. After all the boy had been through, it didn't seem fair that he should be the one lying there, grappling with some invisible foe.

Ruto and Impa stood next to each other in the corner, concealing their emotions in the shadows. Ruto had always loved Link; he was selfless and tolerant, and he never quit even when the odds threatened to overwhelm him. In her heart she knew they would never be together, but she also knew she'd never meet a better man. Impa's expression was inscrutable, however, her mask of calm was betrayed by the single tear slowly running down her right cheek. When he'd first come to the Castle Gardens all those years ago she'd encouraged his adventurous spirit; he had the fire in him, and he hadn't let her down.

Nabooru was last of all, pacing the room. She looked stressed; the kid was a tough one, no denying that, but there was something seriously wrong here. She wasn't sure if it was more of Ganondorf's black magic or something they didn't know about, but the kid kept getting worse and worse. If his fever didn't break soon ...

Zelda wiped Link's forehead with a cloth. "He's not waking up," she said, and her voice choked on the few last words as she dissolved into further tears.

Nabooru stepped from the shadows. Despite the comforting smile plastered on her mouth, her red-rimmed eyes betrayed her true feelings. "He'll pull through Zelda. He's a strong kid, and he's not going to let a little fever beat him. He'll be okay ... he'll be fine." Nabooru wiped the corner of her eye.

Zelda knew she was trying to cheer her up a bit, but her tears didn't cease. He saved us and Hyrule. We can't lose him now, we can't… Thoughts like this drifted in and out of her head as she kneeled by his side, watching his fitful sleep through tear soaked eyes.

My fault. I made him open the Door of Time, made him go after the sacred stones, made him do everything. And he's dying because of me.

Link hadn't asked a single person for anything. He wallowed in self-pity or cried, "why me?" He did what needed done. He was like an unstoppable force; he'd fought his way through countless temples filled with horrible things, purged the kingdom of untold amounts of monstrous beings, and dethroned the evil king Ganondorf himself. Yet the hand of fate still dealt him cruel cards.

This mess was all her fault. Seven years ago, she sent Link to open the Vault of Time and stop Ganondorf from taking the Triforce. She was so eager to protect her people and her kingdom, to prove she wasn't just a kid. What a foolish child I was, she thought sadly. Instead of protecting the kingdom she unleashed a living hell on Hyrule and forced Link to take up a defender's mantle to fix her mistakes. She would not be surprised if he and all her people hated her for it.

Her eyes caught Impa's for a second. As Zelda's eyes swelled with more tears, Impa gave a small smile and a tiny shake of her head. Her message was clear. He'll be alright. Don't blame yourself. Impa had been telling her this for seven years as she masqueraded as Sheik, hiding from Ganondorf and assisting Link. She just didn't believe it.

Her bond with Link was special. Their relationship transcended simple friendship; circumstance and the goddesses themselves bound their fates together. They had not spoken extensively together, but their Triforce bond brought them to a new level of intimacy. They connected on a level that was beyond those not touched by the hand of fate.

She wasn't sure if she loved him; they'd been together for too short a time to even explore simple friendship. The feeling when they were together was electric though. Two children of destiny; the Triforce wrapped their fates together, and she felt as if she had known Link all her life. And she knew if she lost him, she would never be able to live with herself.

Just then, the door opened and one of the medics came in. A chorus of voices assaulted him the instant he crossed the threshold.

"Is he going to be alright?" "Is there anything you can do for him" "Please tell me he'll be okay" "When will my sworn brother wake?" "How's the kid doing?"

Zelda watched the medic with worried eyes. It would be beyond cruel if Link paid the ultimate price for his selfless sacrifice.

The medic held up his hands gently. "I know you're all very worried about the Hero," he said, sadness coloring his tone. "And we have to stay strong for him. His fever is like no other we've ever seen, but we will continue to try our best. The best thing you can do for him is get some rest and give him your prayers. His fate … rests with the goddesses now."


"Arise Hero. Hyrule is purged of its blight. The land has been delivered from evil by your hand. Your courage has risen above and cast down those who would have the land live in shadow. Light has once again staved off the approach of the dark."

Link twitched in his sleep.

"Wake, Link."

Link's eyes snapped open. The first thing he saw was white. The walls, floor, ceiling … everything was pure white. In fact, he wasn't even sure if there were even walls, a floor, or a ceiling. The entire plane of existence was one monotonous white, without depth or texture.

Preparing to feel pain and fatigue upon sitting up, he was pleasantly surprised to find all his injuries healed. Link stared at his hands. No longer stained with Ganon's blood, his rough palms were missing his gloves. Looking down Link noticed his tunic and tights were also conspicuously absent. He was clad in nothing save a simple white chiton and a pair of leather sandals. He stood, puzzled, searching for some sort of depth or structure hidden in the white. Finding none, he crossed his arms as he thought about where he could be.

A flash of gold lit the world. Link fell to his knees, sheltering his eyes with his arm. The light grew bright, then dimmed. A warm golden glow now cast its glow the otherwise perpetual white.

Link lowered his arm and immediately let out a gasp of astonishment. Bowing his head low and taking one knee, he searched for the right words. "Goddesses ... you honour me with your presence." Undisguised reverence filled his voice.

"Nay hero, rise. It is you who have honored us by staying true to yourself and your land," they spoke as one.

"I am merely a servant of my kingdom and my goddesses," Link said humbly, meaning every word. "Where…where am I?"

It was the goddess on the right that answered. "Trapped in the in-between. You are a prisoner of your own mind. Even now, your body struggles in the realm of the living; fighting wounds it cannot win, battling a fever it cannot prevail against. You did much, but so did Ganondorf. Your bones were broken, your body bruised, and dark magic prevents your wounds from closing. Your soul hangs precariously between life and death."

"I do not fear death," said Link boldly. "I gladly lay down my life for Hyrule."

"Do not accept that fate so easily," replied the left goddess, "For it is not to be yours."

Puzzled, Link spoke. "What is to become of me?" Link ventured tentatively.

"You have slain countless enemies of considerable power and strength," said the goddess in the middle. She radiated power and Link was immediately intimidated; this must be Din. Despite her stunning beauty he knew with a snap of her fingers he would bhe nothing but ash. He was awestruck. Her eyes glowed crimson red, and she exuded primal sensuality. Link was reminded of the Gerudo, women who were not only alluring and attractive, but also powerful and deadly.

"I am Din, Goddess of Power. When Ganondorf touched the Triforce, he chose Power as his reward. He abused my gift." A shadow of fury crossed her features, and Link saw a glimpse of why her wrath was so feared. Although she was mysterious and beautiful when she was calm, the mask of fury that passed across her face when she spoke Ganondorf's name was terrifying.

Din's voice was also exotic and mysterious. It seemed to be a multitude of voices all speaking as one; her fury, her strength, her beauty, and her power.

Calm once more, she continued, "But you… you stood against him and his army. You should be proud, Hero of Time. You did not abuse your gift as Ganondorf exploited his. You put yourself in harm's way for the sake of others; to stop further pain and suffering from being transmitted to the people. You even honored me by using my fire to aid your struggle, and bring about justice to right Ganondorf's wrongs."

Link bowed his head, still awestruck and unsure of how to reply.

"Let us not forget that you traveled the land, uniting the races, and saving them from their individual perils," said the Goddess on the left of Din, who's eyes permeated a deep blue, like the ocean.

"I am Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom. You are courageous, powerful, and wise. You explroed many temples others thought impossible, and you have discovered places thought lost to time itself. While others lost their reason in the chaos, your thoughts and your will remained ironclad."

While Din could be descriped as sensual deadliness personified, Nayru was tranquil serenity realized. Nayru was delicate and perfect, her face the picture of serene beauty. Her voice seemed to impose peace, soothing Link's ears and immediately commanding the same respect Din's powerful voice had. Despite her calm demeanour though, Link could sense the same energy coming from Nayru as from Din. Her golden hair fell about her shoulders, straight and pristine. Link was reminded of Zelda.

"You stood alone in the darkness more often than not, and you did not falter. Your light burns brightly indeed, Hero of Time."

"Um, thank you," he said shakily. "But I have only you to thank for my gifts."

Finally the goddess on the right spoke. "I am Farore, Goddess of Life."

Farore was to Link the most beautiful of all. While not as sensual as Din or as serene and perfect as Nayru, Farore was beautiful and rugged, a kindred spirit and fellow adventurer. She smiled in a soft but strong way that appealed to Link. Her golden hair was cut short in a bob, and her body was lithe and fit. Her voice had undertones of lilting music; it reminded Link of the music the skull kids played in the Lost Woods. Her eyes were a radiant green, and they twinkled brightly.

"You used my power to travel the land with speed, lending aid to others. In the face of insurmountable odds, you willingly used yourself as a shield for others suffering without fear or thought for yourself. Despite the formidable evil you faced, you did not falter. Your resolve was of iron, and even to the very end you held the line. You are more than worthy of my Triforce, and your courage is unmatched, Hero of Time."

"I only did what I thought was right," he replied quietly. "Any good person would have done the same."

At this all three spoke at once. "Your modesty is also becoming of you. Your sacrifice will be remembered for millennia, Hero. However, your job is not yet finished, and your spirit will not be content to simply rest easy. Your adventures will take you to long lost lands and whole new worlds. You will discover new peoples and liberate kingdoms you did not know existed. You are a righteous protector and stalwart defender of all that is good in our realm. You will bring balance to the world. You will eradicate the darkness from the world we have created. You are lightbringer."

"It will be as you say," he replied with a nod.

Din spoke. "Though you are not chosen to bear my power, I can think of no worthier man to place upon my blessings. Link, remember this when you are alone and broken in the dark: Din is with you." She gave Link a racy smile, her beauty radiant.

Before Link could express his gratitude, Nayru continued. "Although you are more than worthy of the title Hero of Time, do not forget that two together can achieve much more than one alone. Love, friendship, unity…these are not bonds easily forsaken, nor broken. Do not forget the bearer of my mark, and do not forget your heart. Friendship and love are the fastest ways to mend a broken land. Do not forget, hero."

"I won't forget. Thank you both." Link kneeled before the goddesses.

Din and Nayru smiled at Link. Both of them turned to Farore.

"We will take our leave hero," said Din. "Do not forget our words." Din burst into a ball of flame, vanishing, and Nayru dissolved into a fine spray of mist, leaving Link and Farore alone.

"You are the chosen hero, Link." She paused for a moment, pursing her lips. "Nay, you are my chosen Hero. You bear my mark, and fight in my name, and for my honor and glory. I would like you to know, never have I chosen a greater champion. You will be remembered amongst the people of Hyrule and beyond. You will be remembered by the goddesses forever, and you will live forever in my heart."

"You will not find peace in Hyrule for many years to come. Your heart will tell you when it is time to return. Do not ignore the call, for ancient beings are awakening and they bear no friendship to mortals."

"I will be ready," he said with confidence.

"I do not doubt it, Hero." Farore paused for a moment, her gaze piercing him. She stepped closer until they were only a few feet apart.

"You never knew your parents, for you had none. I created you from a sliver of my essence. Never before has this been done. 'Twas I who delivered you to the world, and to the Kokiri. I stayed with you for the first night of your life, and even then it was difficult for me to leave your side."

Tears flooded from the edges of Link's eyes. He had never been so happy in his entire life.

"Know that I have always been with you, and I will always be with you. You are my champion Link, and you have brought honor to my name through your heroic and selfless actions. I will heal your wounds, mend your broken bones, and purge your fever. Return to the living now, hero, and rejoice! For Hyrule has entered a time of peace for several years."

Link was still awestruck, and couldn't do much more than nod dumbly.

"However, I fear you will not find the same peace. When your thoughts turn dark and your will is almost broken, remember that we will be watching. Other lands require your aid, and I do not think you will forget them in their time of need."

"So I must leave Hyrule?" he whispered.

"One day you will return; even greater evil still lurks and one day our people will need you again. 'Tis your fate."

"I will do what must be done, my lady," he replied.

"I trust you to continue to do what is right for our people and for all the lands. Goodbye hero, and know that my love for you is limitless."

With these words Farore walked towards him and wrapped him in her arms. Her gold lips placed a kiss on his left cheek that burned like white fire and sent a warm fire racing through his blood. She placed her right hand over his heart, and light shot from her palm. Link threw his head back in a soundless howl as his very blood burnt with fire. The last thing he felt was Farore's hand on his chest. As everything faded to white, he thought he heard her whisper in his ear.

"Go, my hero..."


The mood around Link's straw was grave. It had been nearly five days since his fitful slumber ensued, and his body was withering. He face was gaunt, and his injuries showed no signs of healing. The room was a lot emptier than before. Darunia had duties to his people, and Ruto to hers. Nabooru said her people would manage for a few days, but even her hope was starting to fade. She knew Link had the strength to pull through a normal fever and she'd seen him heal from some nasty wounds, but this wasn't normal. It couldn't be. It was almost as if the fever and fits were getting worse.

Zelda had not left his side over all 5 days, much to Impa's chagrin. She knew she had duties to her people and to the kingdom, but she would not forsake the man who made the peace possible. Impa served as regent for the time being, delivering her commands to the people and setting order straight until she was ready to assume responsibility.

Her dress was filthy and torn, her hair a tangled mess, but she would not leave him. Her left hand clutched his, and her Triforce glowed brightly. Link's was still glowing, but dimly, and it was fading. An iron barrier surrounded his consciousness, allowing no entry or escape, and even her Triforce bond felt like it had been severed.

A choked sob escaped her throat.

A hand brushed her shoulder. She glanced up to see Impa.

"You really should get some sleep Princess," she said. "It's been more than a day since you last slept, and that was barely for a few hours. He would want you to be strong."

"He would want me looking out for him as he did for me!" she retorted, but she knew she was fooling herself. She wanted to be by his side. After all he had done for her, it seemed wrong to abandon him in his time of need. Not only that, but in the limited time they had spent together, she had grown close to him. Even as Sheik, it was hard not to reveal herself right there and wrap him in her arms. Coming out of all those temples, burnt, bleeding, but alive. She knew Link saw her as no more than a friend, and his Princess, and felt it was no less than his sacred duty to protect her.

Impa gave a sharp shake of her head. "He would want you to be safe, and rested. He wouldn't want you to get sick or exhausted on his own behalf."

Zelda sighed. Impa was right. Must come from being some twisted combination of her older sibling, mother, and guardian. She understood her better than anyone and could play all the right strings.

"You're right Impa, but I won't leave the room. Have a blanket brought here, I'll sleep in the corner. I refuse to leave him until he wakes or—" No. That didn't bear thinking about. "I won't abandon him until he wakes," she finished shakily.

Impa nodded and left the room. Zelda sat in silence, gazing sadly down at Link's body as he wheezed and gasped for breath in his fitful sleep.

Minutes later, Impa returned with a rug and a thick blanket. She lay the rug down near Link's straw and gestured for Zelda to lay down.

"Get some rest, your highness. I'll make sure that he's safe." With that, Impa retreated to a corner and watched from the shadows. Zelda lay down on the cot in the corner, and sleep took her instantly.


Link twisted and turned, writhing on his mattress. Zelda felt a touch on her shoulder, and immediately woke up, noticing Impa standing next to her, a look of concern crossing her features. She glanced at Link, and immediately knew why. Link was writhing in his sleep, his mouth open, crying in soundless agony.

"What is it? What's wrong with him!" Zelda cried, immediately at his side. Was he dying? He couldn't, no, he'd made it through too much. "Don't give in Link, please, Link don't give in!"

Link thrashed, foaming at the lips. His face was contorted in agony, and his eyes rolled in their sockets.

But Impa had noticed something far more promising. "Zelda, look, his cheek!" Zelda looked in time to see a long thin scratch slowly sealing shut. Her mouth dropped. What was this new magic?

She ripped his shirt open, ignoring Impa's gasp. A plate sized bruise on his abdomen was fading rapidly, and a nasty gash in his side began to—no, it couldn't be. Before their very eyes, the skin began sealing itself shut, closing slowly and leaving nothing but a pale white scar.

Zelda clutched him, tears of joy dripping from her chin onto his body. She cradled him like a baby, whispering comforting things to him that were more to reassure herself than anything.

"Impa, wake the medics!" Impa strode from the room quickly.

Thoughts crossed Zelda's mind at lightspeed. For days he'd lain asleep, and she'd been on the verge of giving up hope. Selfishly, she knew she couldn't accept he wouldn't make it, because she would never forgive herself for sending him on his quest all those years ago. She had sat at his bedside, her hope and unwavering care becoming an unceasing vigil by his side. And now, he was waking from his slumber. Tears of joy spilled from the corners of her eyes. But what caused this rapid healing?

Link suddenly sat straight up, gasping for air as if he'd been underwater for minutes without air. Despite the fact he was shirtless, Zelda was so happy to see him see embraced him then and there, holding him tightly, keeping him from falling over again.

"Zel-Zelda?" he peered at her groggily.

"Link I'm here, what is it? Are you alright? What happened?"

Impa, Saria, and Nabooru burst into the room, to see Zelda cradling a half undressed link. Link leaned up to her ear and whispered something.

Then he fainted.

Zelda slowly lay him back down on the bed, covering him with the sheets once more. She looked shaken. Shock and awe were written on her features as she slowly sat down next to his bunk. Turning to the door, she faced all the people staring at her. Hope and joy was plastered across each and every one of their faces.

"Zelda, what happened? Is he alright?" inquired Saria, her voice hopeful.

"I asked him if he was alright ... how he healed," said Zelda slowly. She was still shocked and nervous. Disbelieving.

"What did he say?" they all peered at her intently, curious why she was so stricken.

"He leant up, and whispered one word to me" she paused, unsure of whether Link was delirious and still dreaming.

"Zelda, what did he say?" Impa pressed. Her tone was kind, but a little impatient.

Zelda glanced up, startled from her reverie.

"Farore."


Closing Note: This chapter was definitely a cool one to write. Writing about the goddesses was very neat; other than a brief cutscene in Ocarina and a little bit of scattered dialogue in other games there isn't all that much information regarding them. I don't want them cropping up too often, but given that they are real entities who really do control the fate of the world I felt like they needed an active role in the story early on.

I'd appreciate it if you left a review with your thoughts :)

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it.

Cheers, Kab