Chapter 25: Decisions

Music was playing from all corners of the square. There were mixes of Zora influenced music, often reminiscent of some flow of water. There was an echo to everything that they played, as if it were bouncing off of waterfalls. The Rito sang, tweeting their music with airy joy. Kass's accordion was playing in the distance, and many were laughing in that direction. Then, there was the pounding percussion of the Gorons. It mixed well with the strings of the Gerudo, and the Hylians joined along.

It was hard to hear Yunobo over the chaotic melody, but Zelda kept her focus on her new friend, straining to hear his hushed words over the roar around her.

"And Ruta finally responded to me and went to help poor Master Link. That Talus was incredibly strong. But by the time I got to him, he'd already destroyed it, sent the pieces scattered into the lava. I-I have to work on response times."

Zelda smiled and put her hand on Yunobo's arm. "You are doing great. You have time. Hopefully, you'll have your whole life and never need to summon the Divine Beast for anything other than a rogue Talus or a small threat. Thanks to your ancestor, you have no Calamity to fight."

"That's true. Or…" he said, his eyes trailing off to the approaching Chancellor Cole, "Perhaps we could use it on him."

Laughing, Zelda nodded. "That might feel nice, I'll admit."

"Zelda!" Cole yelled, getting her attention. He was eating the last few bites of a banana, finishing off his own meal. "We are each bringing one person with us, but we're starting now. Meet by the fountain as soon as you chose your accompanier."

"Now?" Zelda said, her heart racing. She wasn't sure she was ready, but the time had come anyway.

Cole didn't answer her, he simply walked away.

"I have to go," Zelda said to Yunobo with an implied apology. She hurried back toward where she last saw Link. He was still standing with his watchful eyes darting all around him. They finally landed on her. "It's time. I need you to come with me."

He began to stutter, looking out at the new guards. "Right. I'll have someone cover for me." He looked behind her, seeing which of her guards had been tailing her and waved them over. Gaddison appeared. "Would you take my post while we all meet? The new recruits need to be watched."

She nodded with a sly grin, clearly more than excited for the task. "I used to train the new soldiers for the Zora when I was still in training. I'm more than happy to watch them."

"This sounds like a horrible idea," Link joked before hurriedly following Zelda toward the fountain.

The others were all waiting for them to arrive. Cole had a guard that Zelda didn't recognize, Riju had Buliara, Harth brought Teba, Sidon brought Muzu, and Bludo brought another Goron with him. They all went into a nearby house that had six chairs at a circular table. The house was impeccably neat, clearly a sign of a recent mover, or even that they hadn't begun to live in the home yet. There were no signs that anyone even lived there. It was as bland and dry as a newly built home would be.

"This is my new home," Cole said, sitting comfortably in his chair.

Zelda rolled her eyes. Well, it explained the cold interior, anyway. She took her seat at the table, as did everyone else, though the guards stood just off to the side of the room.

"Welcome," Chancellor Cole said as he settled into his seat. "I'd like to first start off by acknowledging that we are once more sitting in Castle Town, long thought to be doomed to the ashes. This is, in no small part, thanks to the Dowager Princess Zelda."

She turned to him in surprise. If there was one thing she didn't expect from Cole, it was acknowledgement. Of course, he had to throw dowager in there, but still, it felt like progress of some sort. She nodded her head in appreciation while he continued.

"The future of our great kingdom is looking bright, and now, as her leaders, we are gathered to decide what happens next. A kingdom that is no longer under the constant threat of Calamity cannot be floundering under the authority of a shattered government. We must decide, once and for all, who will rule. The Dowager proposes she reclaims her throne. I propose that I maintain leadership of the Hylians, as I have for many years. Now, we bring it to all of you. Your people have seen her, and you know your people."

Zelda watched everyone's reactions, but it was Harth, the Rito, who spoke.

"Are we jumping straight into this, Chancellor? I wanted to discuss new trade routes that take the new merchants in Castle Town into account. It would be nice to have fish from Lurelin without flying there ourselves."

"And a new tax will need to be considered," Cole said pensively, turning to Boss Bludo. "How are you doing with the ore mining? Is it slowing or not?"

"We could use some new weapons," Bludo said to Harth.

Zelda took a deep breath. She didn't know the current taxes, nor the trade routes. Who was the most adept tradesmen, and who were the new merchants in town. She looked to Link, just needing a moment of peace. His eyes were on her, and it was as if he could sense what she was thinking. He couldn't help her, not with this. She tried to remember the books she'd read. Well, Lurelin was the fishing village, Hateno was the hub of Hylians… Gerudo were warriors. All of the important information was slipping, though she fought to recall it.

"We all sent clothing merchants, food, and our primary exports to Castle Town," Sidon said, leaning close and whispering to her. "The Zora have already established our own travel route between here and our home to ensure any freshwater fish don't spoil. Lurelin has done the same with saltwater. The others don't have to worry about timed travel, as we carry the products that are most likely to spoil. Lady Riju has fruit, but it lasts quite some time. Harth and Bludo deal in inedibles."

Zelda let out her breath. "Thank you."

"Of course," he said, sitting back up.

She listened, trying to take it all in as everyone but her contributed. She had no people. None that she knew this well.

"Well, Dowager," Cole said with decidedly less venom than usual. His smugness was overpowering his hatred for royalty. "You've been awfully quiet. Are you feeling well?"

"I'm fine, thank you," Zelda said quickly, though the information she was still trying to process was making her nervous.

"Perhaps we should return to a topic you can actually participate in. Your marriage? If you intend to take the throne, your royal duty," he spat, "is to marry."

"I believe this is unfair," Riju said suddenly. "This rule is still as archaic as when we first mentioned it at our last gathering. She's seventeen."

"Too young to rule, some might say," Cole laughed. "Though, Dowager, was your own grandfather not told to marry when he was even younger than you are? Tradition is what will keep this kingdom sane, should we wish to return to an age of monarchy and tyrants."

"My family have never been tyrants, Chancellor," Zelda grumbled. "And I understand the need for tradition My entire life has been based around it. I've chosen to marry."

Sidon perked up beside her, but Riju stood up, her eyes darting quickly between everyone. "I'd like to propose a marriage candidate, Princess."

Zelda gave her a warning look. They'd already discussed this.

But Riju was determined. "I propose Master Link."

The room quickly fell into a mute hush. Everyone's eyes turned to the wide-mouthed knight against the wall. It was clear that he was as surprised as the rest of the room.

Riju decided to fill the silence. "Master Link is one of the Champions of Hyrule, the Goddess' Chosen, Vanquisher of the Calamity, Undying Master of the Ancient Sword. Who else has proven themselves more worthy?"

"Are you spitting on all of our kingdom's traditions because you are a child, or because you disrespect them?" Cole balked.

Harth turned to Link. "Link? What do you have to say?"

He faltered, stuttering nonsense in a tongue-tied moment before clearing his throat. "I will do whatever Her Majesty believes is best."

Zelda hid her hands beneath the table, wringing her fingers anxiously. She could see him giving her a slight smile, one that was so subtle, it could only be read by those who knew him. It was in his eyes.

And here was her solution to an impossible situation. She didn't have to marry Sidon. She could marry her best friend, her closest confidant, someone she trusted with her life. And more than that… after a hundred years, she might finally feel comfortable voicing her true feelings.

But Cole's harsh laugh broke through her fantasy. "See? Even now, he is little more than a Knight. You want this soldier to be King? He will be little more than a puppet or a figurehead. We cannot afford to leave the kingdom in the hands of someone who does not know what they are doing. Link is her Appointed Knight. He gave up many of his own freedoms when he chose to do that. He was born and bred to kill, not to rule."

Sidon looked at Link with a solemn glance, a truly apologetic look on his face. "If we are speaking of returning to a time of tradition, there is no way we could have anyone other than a Prince marry a Princess. I'm sorry, Link."

"The people would choose Link, Sidon," Riju tried again. "They all know him as the man who saved Hyrule. To my people, you are the Prince of the Zora's. You are not our prince."

"Put it to a vote, then," Cole said. "Should the Dowager become Queen, would Master Link be considered a suitable candidate for her consort? I say no."

"Yes," Riju said quickly with a nod to Link and Zelda.

Boss Bludo turned around to Link. "I'm sorry, but I'm old. We like tradition because we know it works. I have to say no."

Link nodded quickly to him, and the room turned to Harth. He cleared his throat, the universal sign of discomfort. "I believe that Chief Kaneli would agree with Boss Bludo, however, I have been given permission to make decisions as I see fit for my people. I am the next Chief, and my decisions are as respected as Kaneli's. I say yes, Link should be considered."

Though the news was positive, and the vote tied, Zelda felt her heart sink when she turned to Sidon. It was written all over his face. His father would want Sidon on the Hylian throne.

"No," Sidon muttered, unable to look anyone in the eye. "My proposal still remains."

Zelda sank back into her chair, all of her swelling hope shattered. She nodded. "I accept."

"Princess," Riju tried, but she sat back down when she realized it was over. There was no going back. She turned to the slouched Sidon. "My youngest warriors have more courage than you. You choose yourself over the good of others. You're despicable, Zora."

"Lady Riju, please," Cole scolded.

"I am not a child, Chancellor. I am the Chieftain of the Gerudos, and my voice will be heard. You all desire to move Hyrule into the future, but you are stuck in the past."

Cole rolled his eyes, though he had tried to disguise it as a yawn. "We must proceed, Lady Riju. Will the Dowager become Queen?"

Zelda had to keep her eyes on a plate that rested on a counter along the far wall. It was perfectly round at first glance, but then she saw a chip in the glass that revealed the harder undersurface, what hid under the decorations. It was rough, grainy, and it didn't look like it would be fun to touch. But the plate was familiar in at least one way: the blue patterned swirls wrapped around her own royal family crest. It was a plate from the Castle. An heirloom from Cole's ancestor who'd lived in the Castle.

As soon as she took her eyes from the plate, she could feel the sting behind them, the threat of frustrated and angry tears that longed to spill over but couldn't. She felt like she was in the Goddess Springs once again. The Goddesses had taken everything out of her as she desperately tried to unlock her powers, but they gave her nothing in return. She had become empty. And now, she still gave everything for her kingdom. She lost 100 long years as she tirelessly held on to Ganon. But happiness escaped her grasp. Her life as Princess was doomed to one of eternal sacrifice. And it was high time she accept it. There was no more fight in her. She was tired. So tired.

"I still have yet to meet with Harth's people," Zelda admitted, though her voice was monotone and dull. "And only Link has met with Boss Bludo. I'd like time before we come to that final decision so that I can visit with all of the major towns. I want everyone to have an understanding of who I am before they decide whether I should lead or not."

Cole glared at her. "You wish to postpone it once again? Dowager, correct me if I'm wrong, but you are stalling. Either you want to be Queen, or you want to stand aside."

"If I were to let this vote happen now, I don't know how Harth or Boss Bludo would be able to accurately vote without having met me. I'm asking for time, nothing more."

"You keep asking for time."

"I'll allow it," Bludo said. "I'd love to meet you in Goron City. It's always an honor for our Brother to visit, and to have you would be twice the honor."

"And we would also cherish a visit from you. Kass speaks highly of you, and I know Teba would most likely enjoy bringing you to see Medoh."

Zelda turned to Link. "We can first head for Rito Village after the celebration."

Link nodded, but said nothing more.

"Well," Riju said. "If there's nothing more to discuss until the Princess returns, I'd like to enjoy the music outside. It's so rare that I get to hear the Zora's melodic scraping of fishbones against one another."

"Lady Riju," Sidon tried, but she ignored him and left the room before anyone could say another word.

"Well," Cole scoffed. "I suppose we will meet again after the Dowager returns."

Harth shook his head and stood up. "The last title she held was Princess. At least afford her that respect, Chancellor."

Cole smiled with venom. "She's not a Princess, nor is she a Queen. She's a former princess, or if you'd like to challenge that, she's a former Queen. She is a Dowager."

Zelda stood up and placed her hand on Harth's wing. "It's fine, thank you."

She hurried from the room out into the fresh air. It was less stifling outside. Just being away from Cole was enough to allow Zelda to breathe again. Link was beside her, his face stoic and unreadable.

"Zelda," Riju called. Zelda followed her voice to where she and Buliara stood. "I'm sorry; I tried."

"I know. Thank you."

Riju looked between Link and Zelda. "It's not fair. Nothing about those old bags is fair! They need to look at the future. You shouldn't have to sacrifice anymore." She stopped and took a breath. "I'm sorry for dragging you into it, Link. I had to."

"I understand."

Riju's face grew redder. "You're both going to just lie down and take this?"

Zelda tried to focus on the music in the distance. It almost sounded like Kass. "I don't have a choice. My destiny has been set in stone. I see that now."

Riju held up her hand. "I can't. I'm sorry. Just… just go enjoy yourselves before you both become trapped in a life you never wanted."

As they watched the two Gerudo leave, Zelda sighed. "She's being a child."

"She's an idealist. Who doesn't want that?" Link said, leaning against the building with a heaviness that suggested he had the world resting on top of him.

Zelda moved next to him, too close. "What's your ideal world, Link?"

He shook his head as he thought. "One where you aren't threatened any the Yiga. One where you can have your perfect life."

Zelda's heart dropped into her stomach. It hurt to want to be with someone so badly.

"There you go again," she joked, "trying to score some points with me for when I'm Queen."

She could see his smirk, but he didn't say anything. From where she stood, she could see a long-since faded scar on his neck. His blue eyes were staring straight ahead, distant and aloof. But when his senses started to itch from being stared at for so long, he turned to Zelda. Those aloof eyes immediately lit up, intense and attentive as they bored into her green ones.

Zelda slid her hand into Link's. At first, his fingers didn't close around hers, too unsure, but they did eventually, and they held her tight.

"Link," Zelda whispered as she felt her heart breaking again. "I wish it was you."

He gripped her hand tighter.

"You used to be sick of me standing outside your door. There's no chance you'd have lasted with me inside."

She couldn't find any humor within herself anymore. Not now.

"Those were my favorite nights. When I would sit out in the hallway with you and we'd talk for hours. You'd tell me to go do something more interesting, but there never was anything I preferred to do. I'd tell you to sleep, that you didn't get enough rest. You were always there when the Yiga haunted me."

"Princess…"

"I don't want to be with Sidon. And I'm not capable of running a kingdom. I didn't understand in there. There's so much I don't know. But then, I think of my father. I'm his greatest disappointment, and if I abandon the throne, there is nothing about me that I can think he'd be proud of."

"That's not true."

"I'll have let my entire lineage down. I have to do this."

"Hey," Link said, stopping her. "We've been in this together since the beginning. I'm not leaving you now. We'll go to the Rito and the Gorons. It'll give us time to find a solution where you are happy."

"If we're in this together, Link, you have to be happy too. There is no joy for me knowing that there's no happy ending for you as well."

Link nodded. "Do you know what will make me happy?"

Zelda waited skeptically for his response, but instead, he just held out his hand.

"One dance."

A/N: I almost didn't get this chapter posted today! I've been out of town and left my laptop at home! What a disaster! But it's here and boy, that was a political chapter! Not usually my kind of thing for a whole chapter, but necessary! I'm pretty pumped for the next few chapters though, so as Mario would say, LETSA GO!

REVIEWS! LoTwilight: Thanks! Definitely got more to write so don't worry there! Poor Link makes me sad too if that makes you feel any better, which I doubt it will, but you're not alone anyway! Shanysch: Ugh! Thank you! I hate when I do that! But I fixed it! Imagine if this was all a hallucination from the Sacred Realm and she's finally seeing glimpses of real life like Revali's family in the real world below?! It's not, but that would actually be pretty fun! GammaOmega: Thank you! Honestly, I'll take that as a big compliment because I know how important commuting stories are to me! Bladeofthebookworms: This will sound bad but I love that this chapter made you sad! Hahaha! I really tried to give it a mix of a happy setting over a sad mask. Sidon is coming in hot in this chapter, so Link better do something soon, or else she'll totally end up with Sidon because I enjoy ruining characters' happiness! MUAHAHA! Also, I saw the pic! I don't know how to use DeviantArt so I'll just tell you here that it's so good! I love it! The whole thing is epic! I LOVE the different colored scars! I'm going to stop now because I'm an art junkie and could just go on and on and on… but I'll stop! Poudunha: Hahaha! Maybe maybe! Midnaisbae: Thanks! Glad you liked the first one! Link frustrates me in this story (which is on purpose since I'm writing it haha) because he's a character you want to hit upside the head often and sort of yell FOOL to make you feel better! I did take him standing outside her door into consideration; I just think it makes the sacrifice of each other more difficult for them. But yeah, the heir thing is big. I used Sidon mostly because he's a prince in the actual game plot with less consideration into hybridity. I already created a few characters, and I'm not big on bringing too many OCs in, especially when it messes with the established world in-game, so I stuck with the prince they gave us. On top of that though, I also don't think Zelda's have to come from a direct line. I feel like a lot of them probably died young or got killed or couldn't have kids, things like that. It would suck to be a Zelda if your one job in life was to breed future Zeldas. Plus, if the world needs the three Triforce bearers, I'm sure the Goddesses would intervene, lore-wise. But yeah, shorthaired Zelda is life. Honestly, the most important two-part question of all is when will that sequel come out and is there a time machine I can borrow?

Fosco21: Wow! Thank you for writing such a long review, firstly! Get ready to scroll because I'm responding to all your points and you get your own epic paragraph hahaha! I definitely understand where you're coming from with everything. The main thing with Sidon being a candidate is that he's a prince who comes with a whole 'realm' of his own who would be her allies as she's rebuilding. She needs money that she doesn't have, so she needs his support. Originally, I wanted it to be more like you suggested with it being a Hylian noble from a surviving family, but there was no mention of other royals or even who Rhoam was before he married into the royal fam, so I didn't want to create too much from the dust. Riju was a candidate, too, because she was the only other person with a fairly independent area, and the Gerudos are usually pretty solo in all the series. So I was thinking less about her needing to pass on the power or race hybridity and more about who is suitable in terms of the power structure that's left. Also, I was thinking about how Link doesn't have to be the direct bloodline to be the hero (though he can be), so neither does Zelda, like you mentioned with the cousin. I said this above but in case you don't read the other paragraphs, I'd think that a few Zelda's probably died young or in battle since a few of her reincarnations have been warriors to some degree and wouldn't have had kids. You beat this chapter to the Link thing. His station as a Knight of Hyrule was always going to be the thing that kept them apart in the past, so it only made sense to me that that value was still stuck with him and the older ones, and it was still a taboo or even unlawful for Zelda to marry Link or for him to become king. Sidon's the oldest, so it would be big in his mind to have royalty marry royalty. I also tried to look again at real monarchy history and see what changes within 100 years, and tradition seemed to stick; those who broke it were usually the ones who made history for being the odd ducks. But I would totally say Link's done enough, in my own opinion. I just don't think their culture was given time to change over that time, and not now when they're trying to get back to normal. Her memories of the past were definitely big in the previous story. She did see past Zelda's with past Link's which confused her, and Link is struggling with that in this fic. I thought the last time there was a proper Link and Zelda was 10,000 years ago, since this is the most recent game in the timeline and there was no Sheikah tech in the other games. Correct me if I'm wrong though, this game's placement is weird and I don't totally follow which timeline it ended up in since they only said it was 'the most recent'. But yeah, you're totally right about the points you brought up with Sidon. Total topic jump to your other point though, how did the game just brush over Purah's aging the way they did?! 'Yeah, I took a potion, I'm a kid, but whatever. It's not a big deal.' That's a plot I always wanted to know more about.