A note from the desk of .Majesty the First...
I proudly present the 'Finale'.
The longest of chapters I've ever had to write in here, but worth it.
I'd appreciate a review to tell me if you like my angsty three-shot. :)
Oh! I've added some songs to go along in the 'intros' for each section. Check 'em out!
:::
New Fic Alert! Care to read?
I'm currently obsessed over 'Tangled' the Disney Movie...and I'm growing attatched to the idea of writing a...wait for it...Crossover FanFiction! Yay! :)
So keep an eye out for it (if you're intrested) and I'll send out the message of when it'll likely come here to .
:::
-H.V.M
Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda
…Selfless
'Don't try to explain your mind
I know what's happening here.
One minute it's love
And suddenly it's like a battlefield
One word turns into a war,
Why is it the smallest things that tear us down?
My worlds' nothing when you're gone
I'm out here without a shield -can't go back now'
-"Battlefield" by Jordin Sparks
Zelda glanced at the ring sparkling on her finger one more time before tearing her eyes away to glance at the Hero.
He stood by one of the open windows, the sunlight lending its golden glow to his face, hair, and eyes. Reaching for him, she clutched lightly at his shoulder, propping her chin on top. His scent overwhelmed her as it swirled around her giddy senses, peppermint and ocean…
"What are you thinking of?"
He turned, his smile warming her heart instantly. "You. What else?"
She giggled. "Not another I hope."
He frowned, momentarily serious. "I would never." Taking his hand, she stroked his wrist gently. "I know."
"Does the ring suit your fancy?" He asked, ruffling her hair like he did everyday.
"Not as much as you."
She was rewarded by his laughter. "Are you sure you weren't a court jester in a previous life?" He teased.
"In a previous life I was a goddess. That was what you said to me during our picnic."
"I flatter you too much."
"I don't think so." She pouted playfully, embracing him tight around the waist. "You're just too smooth, Hero."
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."
She giggled and he smiled, chuckling as he faced her completely and rested his forehead against hers.
"Are you always this witty so early in the morning?" He asked.
"If it pleases you, then yes." She pecked him lightly on the cheek, lips tingling. "You know I love you, right?"
A brief show of doubt, it flashed in his eyes, the very same one from when he proposed to her a day ago. Her heart tightened, she strengthened her hold on his hand, squeezing. He gazed behind her, expression faraway.
"Right?" She asked again, frowning at the lack of response.
"Yes. Of course." He replied, smiling. It came short of the loving grin that greeted her everyday. The ring on her finger suddenly felt cold and empty. She elevated herself on her toes and leaned forward to press her mouth against his, eyes sliding to a close. She didn't want to see the doubt in his eyes anymore; she hoped it would fade in time.
"And you…love me?" She whispered uncertainly. His lashes batted hers, the deep blue of his eyes making the butterflies flutter in her stomach.
"Of course." He answered in such a monotonous voice that she had to jerk back.
"Link?"
He pulled back as well, jumping slightly. "What? What? Did I hurt you?"
"No. It's just…" She sucked in a deep breath. "You're just…different today."
He chuckled, not seeming to notice the panic reflected in her eyes. "How so?"
"You... your eyes…" She reached for his cheek; he frowned, licking his lips nervously. "They're so… unreadable."
"I thought you liked the mysterious type." He chuckled, running a hand down her arm. She hardly blinked.
"I can read you like an open book through your eyes." She murmured bitterly, hurt by the ignorance in his tone. "Just like you can read me through mine."
"So…this is about my eyes, now?"
"No!" She fumed, spinning back, the ring now scalding hot against her skin. "No! It's- it's everything!"
His expression was clouded, yet she could see a mild exasperation…and doubt once more. "What are you saying?"
Her heart smashed against her ribcage, painfully. "This!" She pulled at the ring, amazed to see that she had actually gotten a bruise as she yanked it off, holding it before his startled face. A sudden hollow feeling collided against her as she felt the token of love –their love- slip from her finger. She swallowed, ignoring it.
"You told me it was an Affectus Ring, your emotions flow through it, like a bond between us both. Ever since…since you've proposed, do you know how it feels like?"
He blinked, unwavering. Her patience snapped.
"It feels empty! It feels cold! It feels like a mistake!" She screamed, her cheeks flushed.
Ice froze into the depths of his azure eyes; the change was so sudden that even she felt a chill pass through her. "If you didn't want it…"
"Didn't want it?" Zelda cried. "Give me a break, Link! I've been dreaming…praying for goddesses' sakes…for the day you'd somehow wake up and ask! So don't- don't even dare- think that I don't want it."
"Well, you're blind, Zelda! So blind! I know this won't last because you're just undecided. I'm a Hero and everyone's going on about how you should take me and how perfectly it would all work out. But what happens when it wears off? When I'm not a Hero and I'm just…Link?"
"No." She shook her head defiantly. "You're blind. I don't need Wisdom for me to know why I love you."
"I-"
"Feel it." She pressed the ring against his palm and Link gasped in surprise as the steely edges seared his skin with fiery hate. He felt a jarring pain in his chest, as if someone had reached in and ripped his heart out.
He pulled back harshly and the Affectus Ring clattered to the ground, the sound piercing both their ears.
Tears slid down her cheek and he turned away, disgusted at himself. "I'm…I can't do this…"
"Link?"
"We can't pretend we're them, Zelda. I'm not the Hero of Time from thousands of years ago. You aren't the Princess of Destiny from thousands of years ago. Right now, we are our own people with our own feelings."
"Who is pretending?" She cried in exasperation. "You try so hard to distance yourself from me because you think you don't really love me. But you do. You do!"
"I know I do!" He yelled, his eyes igniting with blue fire. "I just…" He faltered. "I'm so used to having prophecies tell me this and to do that. I can't…I don't know if what I'm doing is right anymore."
Her eyes softened at the uncertainty in his voice. She lightened her tone and stroked the Triforce on his hand, gazing up at him with infinite wisdom. "You don't need to follow prophecies anymore." She pressed her other hand against his chest, feeling the strong, calm beats within. "All you need to follow is your heart."
His steely eyes bore into hers, slowly melting to a gentle azure. He opened his mouth, yet no words came out. She pressed on.
"What is it telling you?"
He blinked slowly -a light shimmering in his eyes as if he had just newly discovered something- then cupped her chin. "This."
Her breath quickened impeccably.
A kiss. Soft, genuine, light...
The ring slipped back onto her finger.
They held hands.
And up above, the Goddesses sang in praise.
…Confide
'The promises we made were not enough
The prayers we had prayed were like a drug
The secrets that we sold were never known
The love we had, the love we had
We had to let it go'
-"Hurricane" 30 Seconds to Mars
He told Zelda, somewhat reluctantly, of the mysterious girl with the beautiful eyes swaddled in a heavy cloak and scarf. He told her of how her gaze had quickly enchanted him at their first meeting. How they were ever shifting, always changing…like his adventures.
He told her, gripping her hands all the while, of how he bought her the necklace from the store because it was so much like her…beauty kept simple. Hidden.
The Queen's eyes were troubled; the violet irises cloudy and he cursed himself all the more for it. What was he doing? Those changing eyes…they were merely a foolish fancy.
He told her that Marielle, whoever she was, intrigued him somehow…
Much like a puzzle. A puzzle that he had to solve.
At the end, the Queen stood from her place, eyes trained on the crackling fireplace. Her hands felt cold in his; her eyes were steel. "Go to Impa." She instructed in melodic voice, harsh and lyrical. "Go to Impa and solve this puzzle before it comes between us."
He obeyed, heart heavy, pressing a kiss against her cheek before standing.
"Wait."
Upon her call, he turned. In the dim light she looked beautiful but desolate. A carefully pieced together puzzle on the verge of breaking apart again. Because of him. "I'm sorry, Link. I know your intentions are honorable…they always are."
He nodded, swallowing.
"But please know…you cannot save everyone."
It hit him like a heavy blow. "I can always try."
"Sometimes it is better not to."
She kissed him this time before he took his leave.
She knew something…something he did not know…
...
"Marielle is a puzzle Link, that I agree with. But she wishes it to be so, for reasons all too clear." Impa's voice was curt and clipped as always. The words stirred his interest all the more.
The Sage frowned at the emotions swirling in his eyes. Reluctance and impulse warred deep inside him.
He would solve her. He had to.
But Zelda… He remembered the calculating look in her eyes, pushing back former memories into his hazy mind.
… Puzzles
'He senses something, call it desperation
Another dollar, another day
And if she had the proper words
She would tell him
But then she'd have nothing left to sell him
Say what you mean
Tell me I'm right
And let the sun rain down on me
I want to believe
Whoah, Mona Lisa,
You're guaranteed to run this town
Whoah, Mona Lisa,
I'd pay to see you frown'
-"The Ballad of Mona Lisa" by Panic! At the Disco
The Castle had not looked so intimidating as it had before. He'd fought in these rooms, clashed arms against foolhardy opponents in the grand halls, spilled blood against the marble tiles and elegant statues; all too many times they were his. The grandiose seemed to only temporarily blanket the horrors he had endured here. It was all too meaningless for him to care.
He had expected the maids to be angered by his presence. He had, after all, been the one to shatter expensive pots, spill mud and dirt on the lush draperies, and destroyed the previously flawless lawn.
If anything they were delighted at his presence. He caught one staring at him with no trace of shame as she talked to the soldiers posted on the halls. Link nodded to them politely. Abruptly, the soldier stiffened in his place and saluted, his armor jangling at the jerky movements.
Link continued on, hearing snippets of their whispering voices.
"Who was that?" The maid hissed, her voice bordering on panic.
"The Hero, Deeyana. I'm surprised you couldn't tell." The guard scoffed.
"Well, I simply though Telma was simply exaggerating about his looks. You know how she is on young men. Now I can see that she was far too lenient about his eyes. They are like…the sea…after a storm."
"Dee…" The guard began with a trace of irritation.
"Oh, Riley, he's gorgeous!"
"And what am I then? Cucco bait?"
"Oh…well, you aren't bad either, darling."
Normally, such an exchange between young lovers would have amused him, but not today. With each step he took, his heart hammered harder against his chest.
Was he here?
Truly returning to this place…?
The very place he'd fought the ancient demon…the very place his most beloved friend had almost died…?
The twilight had left him, a lingering memory and unbearable pain it left in its wake.
A glowing teardrop...
The shattering of a mirror…
The end of a legacy…
So why was he here? Did the memories call for him again? A way to remember his time with the imp or with the Twilight Princess?
No.
His heart raced uncontrollably, erratic and quick. He was back…for her.
So elusive at first, the Princess of Light, was certainly a mysterious enigma. And Link always did have a fetish for puzzles. He knew she would not be one to disappoint.
Ilia was relatively easy. A smile he'd shoot her way would send her into a blushing fit and shy giggles. She was a farmgirl, sweet and selfless. Not complex at all. Perhaps the ideal personality for any man; a woman who was beautiful enough to love and simple enough to understand. But Link was far from the ordinary man. And Ilia was too innocent; he couldn't bear thinking of being the one to place the ring on her and eventually take it away. He was much more elaborate than he had let on to the good people of Ordon. Breaking her heart would be an unforgivable crime; he'd hate himself forever if he even entertained the thought.
And Ordon was not his destiny. The same words were inscribed on his fate, his predestined prophecy.
Midna was much harder. The eyes of a wolf were keen and sharp, yet it did little to break her shell. The imp was a tortured soul who was trying her very best to purify herself of weakness. She was both selfish and selfless. Selfish because she used whatever tactic necessary to get what she desired and selfless because her desire was always fueled by the will to help all those who had suffered in silent pain. Link was entranced by the wit and fierceness she represented; a side that he hid while she showed in her own eccentric ways. They were compatible in action but the puzzle had been solved and the love struck spell she had cast over him with her amazing charm had gone. Even when she had regained her true exotic form -long slender limbs, sunset hair, flashy crimson-bronze eyes, full dark lips, and heart-warming smile- he was not swayed. Yes, she was beautiful, but her mystery had faded. The legend he followed strictly said it had to be. Midna was not everlasting, she had to go.
The shattering of the mirror reversed all that. The complexity of her mind had been solved, but it had left him feeling utterly lost and incomplete. What was he know? What would he do?
The new puzzle to solve was his own life; and it was a far bigger task than he could have imagined.
So he came here, seeking help in hopes that her wisdom would prove infallible as many had made it out to be. The prophecies and legends always wrote glowing poems of her beauty and insight.
He came also, perhaps, for a good distraction. And he had the uncanny vibe that Zelda was as good as they came.
The moment when she had looked into his eyes, the labyrinth hidden in the depths of her heavy amethyst gaze struck him. She took his hand, a new feeling spreading over him, warm and unfamiliar. Time had flashed before his eyes; he saw the past, the present, the future…and Zelda was in all of them.
He did not understand. This was good. It was a start.
The throne room sent a shiver through him. She sat in the golden chair, her shining face held the countenance of an all-knowing goddess, her deep eyes held the essence of Naryu herself. Link stood in bewildered awe and suddenly he knew.
He came because he was bewitched. She matched him in every way possible. They were both chosen, both ageless, both suffering of the same things…the only comfort they'd find was in each other. Their legend was over and they had no path to follow now.
Her face was cold, the edges of her lips lifting into a blinding grin. Her eyes were steely and hard. So puzzling and unreadable. He was hooked to her beauty, to her mysterious allure. "Welcome."
He desired, more than anything else, to relive the time of when they held each other's gazes, looked into the soul of one another and found the stunning compatibility.
Just standing before her, donned in a Hero's light and name, it completed him, given him the sense of longing that had eluded him for seventeen years. He bowed, crossing an arm over his chest, feeling the steady heartbeat within.
"Majesty, I've come to your call."
"I am glad."
…
It wasn't long before he had stolen her heart. They both knew it was inevitable.
He put his all into the delicate relationship between them; her kisses healing dark memories, his smiles spurring her simple fancy to infatuation.
"Link?"
She requested his presence at her study.
"My Queen." He greeted, appearing beside her in a flash and stealing a kiss. She blushed, looking breathless. He grinned at the impact he held over her.
This was unusual. Usually she matched his boldness with sly looks and kisses of her own. This puzzle was truly maddening.
He loved it.
"Link?" She coughed, "I'm sorry for taking you away from the soldiers. I know the tournament is approaching and your training in your main priority, but-"
"It's fine." He whispered in her ear, the scent of her hair attacking his senses.
She seemed nervous. "I've come to a conclusion today."
"Oh?"
"A very important one."
"What?"
She looked him in the eyes and he gasped as he saw the labyrinth unfurling itself with dizzying speed. The pieces were meaningless, what mattered was now. Her.
"I…" Her countenance softened. "I love you."
No. No. No!
The mystery, the chase…it had all come to an end.
He jerked up, his hand snapping to grab her arms and pull her up with him. Her eyes widened and their lips met roughly, his grip tight and possessive.
"I love you too."
The puzzle had been solved. But he would stay. The bigger picture, the art he had finished, looked far too beautiful to be a passing adoration.
Love was enough now. It anchored him to her side. He would never leave.
This distraction was so much more now. So much more…
…Closure
'Do you think I'm special?
Do you think I'm nice?
Am I bright enough to shine in your spaces?
Between the noise you hear
And the sound you like
Are we just sinking in the ocean of faces?'
-"All the Right Moves" by One Republic
Perhaps they were right. Perhaps this was unhealthy. Perhaps she should stop while she still could.
But how?
Her body had fallen into the daily routine. As she dodged each step and his in the shadows he passed, the familiar longing ran through her. She knew that she must remain hidden at all times. Exposure would lead to the end of the game.
Her body slammed against the wall of the wooden doors, night draped him like a cloak as he continued to trek across the moat with easy steps. Did he even know of her?
No. He did not. And he never would.
The fabric of her cloak billowed in the wind as she bolted from tree to tree, tracing his steps and eyes trained on his silhouette. He slowed and propped his body against the same cherry blossom tree, eyes sliding to a shut.
She crouched from the shadows, watching, and her eyes wide with a newfound fascination. He reached for his cap and threw it at the ground. Blonde hair ruffled in the wind, Sheikah earring glinted at the moonlight.
It was almost at arms length. Her fingers twitched, wanting to touch the green fabric.
Must not expose. She slithered back into place and her body trembled at the cold.
Why was she doing this?
His dark eyes were trained on the heavens above, wistful and bright. He sighed, the sound sending a shiver through her.
"I know you're here."
She froze. Her heart flipped in her chest and the blood rushed to her face. What? What?
Surely he did not mean-
"Marielle."
Her name sounded so beautiful -like a symphony of soothing harmonies- rolling off his tongue. She hesitated, entranced.
Her feet moved unwillingly, he turned, his blazing eyes piercing through the very depths of her soul. He scrutinized her gaze intently, a grimace in his lips.
He had known. For how long? How long did he know of her obsession, her dreams, her love…?
As if reading her mind, he smiled softly. "I know what you think you feel for me."
She was mortified, her limbs stiffening.
"It took me some time to realize, in truth. And now I know why you're like this." He stood gracefully, his movements swift and intimidating. Her breath left her and she inhaled sharply as he stepped closer.
The sharpness of his gaze was frightening and her pulse quickened as he smiled, not unkindly, but not warmly. It was knowing.
His hand lifted to place itself on her shawl and tug it away. She shut her eyes at the whisper of the soft fabric as it tore away; a fresh wind nipping on her scarred jaw and burnt cheeks.
His eyes narrowed as they took in every detail, his lips pursed. A wordless understanding flickered in his face.
Link leaned in close, her eyes fluttered and he grinned upon seeing the myriad of color swirling perfectly in them. "I wish I could give you what you think you wanted," his eyes bore into hers and she sucked in a breath, her throat hitching in anticipation, in excitement…
His hand was on her shoulder and her chest constricted. Was this real? Was he honestly going to do what she had been dreaming he would? Did she honestly triumph over that fallen angel of a Queen in his beautiful eyes?
The hand left her shoulder. Her heart stopped for a nanosecond.
"But I can't."
The world shattered underneath her feet but she was still somehow standing, his face glowed in the moonlight as he smiled sadly, sorrowfully.
"I will not complete you, Marielle. I've already completed her."
She blinked and let the words soak into her mind.
"You are much like a puzzle, Marielle. Everyone is. I've done my share of completing more than enough. But no one has ever completed me."
He sighed, moving back, his eyes distant.
"Not until Zelda came along."
Her eyes snapped to the ring on his finger, shimmering with something so pure, she felt as if she were tainting it with her unworthy eyes. The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could properly mull over them.
"I understand now."
The ghost of his touch sent her skin into ecstasies but she knew it was not right.
She repeated the words again, as if to make herself believe it.
"I understand."
He smiled. And her heart broke all over again.
…Wedding Bells
'He's magic and myth
As strong as what I believe
A tragedy with
More damage than a soul should see
But do I try to change him
So hard not to blame him
Hold me tight
Hold me tight
Oh, and I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
He's such a beautiful disaster.'
-"Beautiful Disaster" by Kelly Clarkson
They rang clear throughout the day. Zelda remembered it all, from the countless bouquets, to the fluster of maids, and the walk down the aisle.
His eyes sparkled like rare jewels, clear yet dark. The gentlest of smiles graced his comely features, his gaze on her filled with unabashed awe. His hand tapped against his crisp dark pants, drumming restlessly as she glided down to him.
She remembered that the urge to throw her arms around him was instantaneous but she managed to resist.
A blood red rose rested on his breast pocket, he looked striking in his wedding attire. His cutaway stroller jacket sharpened his tall posture and his white wing-collared dress shirt fit him like a glove.
What melted her though was his eyes, intense like always but with a softer light to them. It made her fall in love all over again.
The matrimonial rings were exchanged; she felt ready to float onto heaven. He grinned, taking her breath away and they kissed.
The divine tinkling laughter from the Sacred Realm greeted their ears one more.
She remembered the voices of the Holy Trio, musical and uplifting.
Their puzzle has been solved, their pieces have been joined, and we give our blessings to you Chosen Hero and Queen of Light.
She remembered scanning the crowd, feeling unbelievably content in Link's arms and catching the mournful gaze of a hooded young woman with the most exquisite of eyes staring at them intently with the saddest of smiles twinkling in her glittering irises.
Link's hand in hers was firm and gentle cradling her with warmth. The Affectus Ring felt solid and real, throbbing with shared affection and light with young bliss.
As far as she knew this was what a happy ending was.
And the distraction of her happiness –of Link- would be everlasting.
…Distractions
'All the pain held in your
Hands are shaking cold
No hands are mine to hold.
Speak to me
When all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you'll do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through'
-"Move Along" by All American Rejects
The fading twilight rays skimmed over the gentle currents of Lake Hylia. She felt the foreboding sense of the ground she sat on.
They had kissed here, under the garish light of the sun. It did not feel right to be here.
She remembered Ilia, the girl in Ordon who had lived and loved Link for all of her life. And now her dream had been crushed. Could she move on to another fantasy, or was clinging to a false one better?
Just then, she felt the presence of another and turned, foolishly hoping inside it was him.
But it wasn't. It was a girl. Tall and slender with pale blue skin and glittering bronze eyes. Her hair was the color of twilight itself. She sat next to Marielle, her expression distant and faraway, a hidden pain throbbing inside.
"I loved him." The girl said, and somehow she was not surprised to know that she meant him as well.
"I loved him too." Marielle nodded.
They gazed up.
Perhaps another would descend from above. Just to stem the flow of pain, to show them the love they could have had with him... Just for a little while…
All they needed was distraction.
!.:
Like it? I hope so.
Please review and tell me if the whole three-shot was good in general.
Oh, don't forget about my crossover fic either!
-Check out my other stories too, yeah?- ;)
Peace!
-HVM