There and Back Again

Book 2: Brothers

Chapter 7: Tomorrow

"It seems you two are wiser than I anticipated." The old man rose from his seat on a ruined pillar and walked towards us. His tired face bore an expression of content. "While I do not agree with your intentions, it is not for me to decide."

I glanced over at Zelda. Never in my life had I seen her face look so determined. Who could blame her? After months of struggle, she was about to learn how to reach the one she loved.

After a long sigh, Rauru looked to us again. "If you wish to follow Link on his journey, you may do so."

Zelda opened her mouth, ready to speak. However, she was interrupted. "But be warned… if you are to follow the hero and go to the past, it is imperative that you do not act as a nuisance."

A nuisance? Why the hell would we be a nuisance?

"In your time searching for a way to reach him, you seem to have forgotten why he went there to begin with."

Zelda stepped back, then forward again. Visibly distraught from the comment, she argued with the sage. "With all due respect sir, the one thing that's kept me going has been knowing what he must be going through."

"But you do not know what he is going through. None of us can truly understand his struggle. If you are to go back, you must only be an asset, or keep your distance."

If you don't trust us then why even agree to help us?

"Do not be the reason he fails."

Son of a-

"We understand, sir. If we cannot help, we will remove ourselves and allow him to continue his journey without us by his side. All I want is to have the opportunity to live in the same time as him again." Zelda was bowing to him. She must have thought that showing respect would help to ease his worries.

Tch. Screw that. I'm not bowing to somebody who has so little faith in us. We solved you little trial within a few days, didn't we?

"Very well. I shall arrange for a Time Gate to be opened tomorrow. In the meantime, use this respite to read about the time period you will be entering… and…" He looked between the two of us with a melancholic smile on his face.

"Do take the time to say goodbye to your loved ones."

Not a chance. My parents won't even notice that I'm gone. What would they be missing out on? Me not driving up the cell phone bill?

Dad will just buy another bottle of alcohol with the extra cash.

While I had no worries over leaving this time, Zelda seemed to be significantly more impacted by the sage's suggestion, and I couldn't blame her.

She had a father who truly loved her.

With a deep breath, she composed herself and nodded. "Thank you, Rauru. Where and when would you like us to meet you tomorrow?"

From his pocket, he removed a paper map. "At 6 PM, you two will make the leap where Link took his. I am unsure of who hopefully found him, but it would be best to keep all time travelers in the same place." He looked to us and smiled lightly.

With a small giggle, Zelda nodded again and thanked him.

For the remainder of the day, Zelda buried herself in books Rauru had collected over the years. I guess this is where all the real information on the legendary heroes went. She probably wasn't allowed to, but I saw her slip two or three into her bag. I had no reason to snitch, so I kept it to myself.

I'm not much of a reader, so I left that to her. For the few hours she was occupied, I poked around the ruins. If Link were in my position, I'm sure he'd be taking notes to compare the past version of this place to how it is currently.

Not me. If he hadn't gone and jumped off a cliff into a spiraling portal through time, I never would've bought any of this. Whenever Link went on and on about the legends of the heroes of Hyrule's past, I shut my mouth and kept my opinions to myself. Why argue? Let the guy enjoy his passions.

Being here was surreal. Not because we were standing in a ruined magical temple where the heroes drew the sword that could destroy evil, nope. It was surreal because he was right. Such a ridiculous fantasy was actually the history of our country.

That history buff's faith never faltered… and now he's off trying to save the world from something he doesn't even understand.

Thinking about what Rauru said, about us getting in the way…

"Ok, Sheik! Ready to go?"

Huh? Oh. "Yeah, let's get outta here."

Gah, whatever.

Both of us were pretty quiet on the way back. Zelda continued to read and I focused on driving.

She closed her book and stashed it in her bag.

"Hey, Sheik?"

"What's up?"

"Do you want to go to Link's house tonight and sit on his roof with me? I really don't want to go there alone."

I looked over to her, seeing that she wouldn't face me. Her eyes veered towards the floor with her hands clasped in her lap.

There was no way I was going to say no to her. What else was I going to do? Hang out with my parents all night? Screw that.

"Sure. We can use that time to explain things to Rusl as well." I'm sure that was a significant part of why she didn't want to go alone. Rusl was definitely going to try to talk her out of it. There was nothing he could do to stop her, and I'm sure she knows that, but facing your boyfriend's guardian about such a touchy subject couldn't be easy.

Zelda nodded her head and quietly thanked me. More than anything I'm sure she's terrified of telling her dad. From what I've gathered, she's his entire world. How is she going to explain that she's leaving and might not return?

That was the other major issue. We've been so confident since we solved Rauru's trial that we keep overlooking the main problem.

We have absolutely no idea how we're supposed to get him and we back to this time. Maybe Zelda read something in one of those books, but even Rauru stated on several occasions that there's no way to use a Time Gate to go forward in time.

What we need is a miracle.

I dropped her off and went home to get ready for tomorrow. She called Rusl and let him know we'd be coming over for dinner. Although his voice was muffled, he sounded ecstatic. Zelda had only seen him and Aryll a few times since Link left. I made sure to hang out with them from time to time. It was mostly an excuse to leave my house, but I needed to spend time with them anyways. For them and for Link.

Now in my room, I couldn't think of what to bring. Even the clothes I had weren't suitable for the time period we were going to. Anything "futuristic" would just be confiscated by Rauru.

Whatever, I won't bring anything. I'll show up with my standard clothes. I bet my life that Rauru has something prepared already.

"Sheik! Where have you been? I told you to mow the lawn this afternoon and it's nearly dinner time."

Oh, screw off. "I'll do it tomorrow." The man chastising me was none other than my wonderful father. To be honest I'm surprised he's not drunk yet.

"No, you're doing it right now. We have friends coming over tomorrow and I don't want this place looking like a pigsty." He finished his sentence and took a swig from the flask in his hand.

Ahh. There it is.

"I'll get up early and do it before they get here." Refusing to make eye contact, I continued to fiddle with the empty bag on my bed.

He let out an irritated sigh. "Fine. Make sure it's done right this time." With that he shut the door and his footsteps faded down the hall.

Without five seconds even passing, I heard him coming back. My shoulders dropped and I waited for whatever he was going to complain about.

The door flew open for the second time. "And what's with the bag? You goin' somewhere?"

"I'm staying at a friend's house tonight." He laughed. "You have friends other than the one who went missing? What's his name… uhhh… Link? Oh and what about the lawn?"

It took every ounce of my energy to keep from losing it on him, but it wasn't worth it. "Yes, and I told you I'd get it done tomorrow morning. Don't worry about it."

He shook his drink and scowled. "Whatever. Oh, and make sure you get out of the house after that. We don't want you embarrassing us in front of our friends again" He turned and shut the door, this time for good.

Don't you worry, jackass. I'll do more than leave the house tomorrow.

I took the bag and threw it in my closet. With nothing but my wallet, keys, and they clothes on my back, I left the house to pick up Zelda.

Instead of going to the door, I texted her and told her I was waiting outside. She could be dropping the bomb on her father at any moment and I didn't want to interrupt that.

Thankfully she appeared to be fine when she got into the car. "You let Rusl know we're coming, right?" She nodded her head. "Yup. He probably went out of his way to make something nice for us."

Typical Rusl. That man would treat anyone like family if given the opportunity.

When I first started visiting them after Link left, it was easier than I had expected. Both were glad to have me and we often played games, almost like a family. No matter how much either of them smiled, though, it was clear that there was something missing. Rusl put up a strong front to hide how he truly felt but the more I visited, the more Aryll would struggle. It was common for her to stay up in her room or lose interest in what we were doing. Seeing me had to have been difficult. All memories of me were associated with Link and all that brought her was pain. Tonight would be tougher on her since we'd both be there.

You have to promise her.

You will bring her brother back.

Zelda rang the doorbell and was greeted by Aryll. The girl jumped and threw her arms around her, similarly to how sisters might greet each other. She did the same when she noticed I was there as well. Rusl greeted Zelda with a hug and me with a handshake. He led us to the dining room and told us to eat before talking.

I tugged on Zelda's shirt and whispered to her. "You told him why we're here?" She shook her head quickly "No, no. Just that we needed to discuss something with him at some point in the night."

Knowing Rusl that was enough to tip him off.

We caught up a bit, heard about how Aryll was doing in school, and ate like a family did every night. It made me wish we had done this more often, but that would've been impossible considering how Zelda was for months.

Rusl's job was going well. Financially the two seemed to be stable, which will be a big relief for Link. Aryll talked to us about her classes and how she enjoyed history the most. I almost mentioned how she was just like her brother but decided to keep it to myself. I'm sure she already knew.

After dinner, I helped Rusl in the kitchen while Zelda spent some time with Aryll. After we finished, Rusl called Zelda down to the living room. She and I were chatting happily about something Aryll had shown her when Rusl decided to interrupt.

"So, when are you two supposed to go back?" Zelda and I looked to each other, our faces white.

Dammit, I knew he'd figure it out. I hesitated for a second, so Zelda spoke up. "W-we… have been looking for details on what time period he went to for a while now… and-"

"We're going tomorrow. We know what he said but we have to go see him." The words flew out of my mouth. "We are going back in time and there's nothing anyone can do to stop us."

Rusl stared into my eyes for a few painfully long seconds. His cheerful demeanor now gone, he was ready to dissuade us. He hadn't said anything more but I could just tell.

After a few more moments, his mouth opened slightly and his eyes dropped. Confused, both Zelda and I turned around to look behind us.

"You two… are leaving?"

Goddesses, why? Zelda had said she was going to stay in her room.

"You're… going to where my brother is?"

Placing my fist over my mouth, I was at a loss for words. Explaining this to Rusl was going to be hard enough… now we have to tell Aryll why we're also leaving?

"Aryll… it's not an easy thing for us to do… but we have a reas-"

"I'm going."

Rusl sat up in his seat. "Now, Aryll, you don't understand what this mea-"

"I understand what it means. Why should they get to go see my brother while I sit back here and miss him every single day?"

Never in my life has I seen this girl get angry with anyone. Outside of childish temper tantrums, she'd never acted in such a way to anyone. Tears were flowing down her face despite her struggle to stop them.

Rusl cleared his throat again. "Aryll, let's allow them to explain themselves before we jump to conclusions." Without nodding, she looked to us for answers.

Zelda took the challenge. "Ok… it's a lot so I'll try to simplify it. Basically, Sheik and I have been given permission to go back to when Link is. The man who tasked him with his quest approved it and thinks that it could be beneficial. With that said, the real reason for us going isn't just to see him and be with him… It's to bring him back home."

Aryll's eyes softened momentarily and Rusl stood up. "And how do you plan on doing that? Didn't Link say it was impossible? You can't go forward to a time that hasn't been written yet."

"We don't have any ideas yet, but I'm sure we can think of someth-"

"Actually, Sheik, I did find something… it's vague but there might be a chance." We all looked between ourselves. Aryll wouldn't take her eyes of Zelda.

"Well what is it? You never told me any of this."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "One of the books Rauru had was about the unknown history of Hyrule. I assume books like these were removed from libraries and such to avoid having their contents become public knowledge."

Well that's interesting. "So basically a conspiracy to hide historic events long forgotten?"

Zelda thought to herself for a moment. "Well, when you put it like that… I guess it does sound like a conspiracy. Regardless, that isn't the point. The book on occasion mentioned a secretive event known as a Campaign. What actually happened in these Campaigns wasn't in the book, but it mentioned something about it being connected to miracles."

What the hell was she talking about?

"So what, we somehow go on this Campaign, are granted a miracle, and use it to bring us all back to the present? Zelda, come on. That sounds ridiculous."

"The Triforce."

Oh you've gotta be kidding me.

She must've seen my face because she bounced back immediately. "Everything else about these legends has been true so far, why would the Triforce be any different? Anyone who obtains it can have their wish granted."

Well, she's not wrong about everything being real up to this point. But the Triforce? The wish granting device that could create miracles?

"So you would hope that this Campaign is taking place during the time you get sent to?" Rusl seemed to be buying it more than I was. Makes sense considering his past with history.

"Yes. My hope is that this Campaign thing is referring to a quest to get the Triforce. After Link finishes what he needs to do, we can take on this Campaign."

The room was quiet. I know I didn't buy it, but what else do we have?

"You two understand that if you are unable to return, you're effectively throwing your lives away? Not to sound like an arrogant uncle but Link was chosen to do this. You two were not."

Neither of us spoke. We expected a fight but he brought up a good point. We weren't chosen to do anything.

"Zelda, you have a father. A father who loves you more than anything in the world. Sheik, you have parents who-"

"Do not bring my parents into this."

Rusl stopped and sat down. He knew he pushed too far. "I'm sorry, Sheik. It's just that you two have lives here and leaving could mean the end of those lives. The past is a far more dangerous place. Technology is scare, medication has not advanced nearly as far as it has now… This is no joke."

Every point Rusl made was fair. What we're doing is not logical or even reasonable.

"Rusl, I know what you're saying is right. I really do understand... However…. I can't sit here and do nothing while Link is risking his life to save ours…." She stood firmly, keeping eye contact with the older man. "...and we will find a way back."

Rusl stroked his chin and looked to the floor. "Look, I know that I can't doing anything to stop you. Your lives are yours and yours alone. Choose to live them as you please." He took a deep breath and looked up to us. "With that said, I do not believe this to be a good idea. Even if Link saves the world, his journey will never end. He will continue to live in that world until death unless you find a way back. Every one of us has been told it is not possible. This will be an immeasurable risk."

"That risk will be worth it. These past months have gone by so excruciatingly slow. Listening to old classmates give their condolences… listening to people telling me to let go… I can't do it. Knowing that he's out there, right now, doing everything he can to keep this world from changing…" Zelda clutched her chest. Nothing more needed to be said.

"Rusl… this may be the stupidest idea we have ever had. We all understand that." I turned and walked over to Aryll. Kneeling beside her, I looked into eyes that bore pain like no other.

"Aryll… none of us here are capable of feeling the hurt that you are. You are Link's closest family member. You are his little sister. The both of you have been through everything together. You grew up together… he was there for you when your parents were taken from you… you were there when he set up on his heroic journey…"

She looked into my eyes. Looking back, I could see emotions that neither Zelda, Rusl, nor I could possibly be capable of. "Do you know how often Link spoke of you? How much he loved you?" She shook her head. "A day did not pass when he didn't mention you. I didn't think much of it at the time, but in the final days, he brought you up countless times. He asked me to always look out for you. He made me promise that I would always be there for you… to always guide you when you needed help…"

This decision could make Link hate me… but it's what I believe is best.

"Aryll… you have to stay here." She opened her mouth to protest but I continued. "Aryll… Link would never forgive me if I brought you to such a dangerous place. I would never forgive myself." Tears fell down the face of the girl.

"You must live and do your best here… I know it's asking too much, but you have to wait a bit longer."

"Sheik…" My head snapped up to meet her eyes. No longer were they full of sadness, but now with determination.

"Bring my brother home."

Taking her hand into mine, I clutched it as if I would never let go.

"I pro… I will do everything I can. I can promise you that." With a small smile, the young girl embraced me.

"Please tell him I love him."

With a short nod, I let go of her and stood to meet Rusl.

"Sheik, Zelda… believe in the power each of you hold. Before anything else, you must have faith in yourself in order to accomplish your goals."

He took us both and wrapped his arms around us. "Now… go bring my son home."

Before leaving, we sat on the roof for a short while.

"You know, this is the first time I've been up here since he left?" She was looking to the moon with a soft smile. "I remember when he fell off this roof and I got to meet his family for the first time. The look on his face when he saw me playing with Aryll is what drew me to him."

I decided not to speak. She needed this moment. This time up here was for her. I was merely here as a tagalong.

"I remember him helping me escape from my relationship with Ravio. Seeing him the night after it all happened… when he apologized for the skit he and Malon put on to expose that guy… that's when I fell in love with him. I wasn't aware of it at the time, but I know that it was at that moment. The way he spoke to me… the way he put me before himself… it was something I had never experienced before… being cared for unconditionally by another."

I clenched my wrist.

"With all that's happened… I thought that losing him was render me helpless and reduce me to what I was before he broke the shackles on my hands… but I was wrong. I haven't lost him. It is because of him that I can look to the sky and have hope again."

Her love for Link was truly unshakeable. Bringing him back wouldn't just be for Aryll and Rusl… it was for her too.

"Oh, and you Sheik."

What?

My head turned to see her smiling. "It's also because of you that I can have hope again."

I smirked and looked to the sky. "Hey now, give yourself some credit too. You're the one that never stopped believing in finding a way to find him. We did this together… and tomorrow we are going to begin our own journey."

"Our journey to bring Link home."

Although I wasn't facing her, I could tell she was smiling. Zelda was happy. For the first time in months, she had hope.

You hear that, Link?

I did something right.

"Oh, we should probably get going. You still have a bit of a drive to get back home and-"

"I'm not going back."

No surprise, Zelda was a bit taken aback by how quick I responded.

"But we're leaving tomorrow. Don't you want to say goodbye to-"

"No. I have nothing more to say to either of them."

I could tell she wanted to ask more. Zelda was the type of person who wanted to help others when they needed it.

I don't need help though. I'll be helping myself by walking through that gate tomorrow.

"Well… then do you need a place to sleep tonight? You can use one of our guest rooms." It was a kind offer, but there was no way I could intrude considering the circumstances. "Zelda, you're going to be talking to your father about this tonight or tomorrow, right?" She looked down and dropped her shoulders. "It's not my place to be anywhere near the two of you during that conversation. I can sleep in my car. I'll need to get used to roughing it out every night anyways. We won't be guaranteed beds every night, if at all."

Zelda clearly felt bad about the situation but knew she wouldn't change my mind. "Ok… thank you for giving me the space to talk to my father…"

"Zelda, when you have the conversation, remember why you are doing this. If, in that moment and any moment from here on out you feel as if you can't go through with this, don't. I will still go. Link will still have someone there."

She began to speak but I interrupted her. "And I'm not saying this to make you mad. I'm saying this because this decision will change everything. I've made up my mind… but my situation is different. Make the decision that is best for you."

The conversation ended after that. We got off the roof and parted ways for the evening. I took my car and drove to the base of Death Mountain. Once I arrived, I grabbed the blanket and pillow from my trunk and laid down across the backseat.

Once my head hit the pillow, a near infinite amount of thoughts raced through my mind.

Tomorrow, everything will change.

Tomorrow, I will begin my journey.

Tomorrow, I will be free.


A/N: Sorry for the long wait for this one. Good news is that I have the entire next book outlined thoroughly. We are nearly at the end of book 2. Yes, it has been a short one but I believe it has served its purpose. Thank you for reading! Please review if you enjoyed or disliked this chapter. Your feedback helps me become a better writer. Please look forward to the final chapters of Book 2: Brothers!