Disclaimer: GrimGrave does not own any of the characters of their respective franchises; Metroid and Legend of Zelda belongs to Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo, while Soul Calibur belongs to Namco Bandai. GrimGrave does not make money for writing fiction.

A Hylian's Harem

Epilogue #9 (Bonus!)

Destinies Entwined

"Please believe when I say that I've been thinking this through thoroughly, and I speak from the heart when…"

He fell quiet. His pulse was steadily rising and his cheeks were hotly red. Never in his life had he thought it would come to this – never in his life had Link even believed this would happen, and with her of all the women he knew.

And yet, it made sense. Since the day they had first met – children who knew little of their destinies – had she remained his friend. They had been through much together, and saved their homeland from ruin and shadow. Together, the two of them had forged a strong bond, tested by time and space, and proved unbreakable.

Perhaps Link had known from the very beginning where –and whom – his heart belonged to. She had been there for him, supporting him in his hour of need and was kinder than anyone he had ever known. She had grown up to be a beautiful young woman and Link would be lying if he had ever said that he felt nothing for her; if anything, he felt comfort, strength, and elation whenever she was near.

Somewhere along the way, she had managed to steal his heart without trying. And perhaps that was what silenced Link; these feelings were potentially one-sided. But what if they weren't? He couldn't lie to himself and choose someone else, he had to tell her!

In silence, he prayed to the three great goddesses for at least a glimmer of hope.

His gaze turned to the one, meeting hers. Her expression changed; she appeared confused, then startled when realization sunk in. A soundless gasp escaped her lips as Link refused to look away, the gravity of this action becoming clear as daybreak when he stepped towards her, afraid yet determined.

"I'm going to take the next step and see what the future holds. I want to give it a chance; and I want to walk that path with you… Zelda."

The quietness that followed was painful. Everyone in the room dared not speak, and yet a thousand thoughts raced through their minds as the green-garbed hero extended his hand towards the princess.

"Long have we known each other, princess, and longer, still, have our fates been entwined. It is with a lot of thought put into it that I say this; I love you. The more I mulled things over, the more I realized that I kept coming back to you, who I have known the longest out of everyone here. I care greatly about you, princess, and…"

He fell quiet. Courage had helped him face monsters and obstacles near impossible to overcome in the past, but this moment proved to be far greater than any challenge he had faced prior.

"I am aware – painfully so – that these feelings are not mutual. You were the one who supported me and gave me your blessing in eventually taking one of my friends as a bride, but… as I said, my mind kept returning to you. There is no-one else whom I would rather spend the rest of my life with than you…as egoistic as it may sound. So I'm asking you, princess Zelda; if your heart holds the same emotions as mine, will you…. W-will you take my hand in marriage when the time comes? Will you walk this path with me?"

Zelda uttered not a single word. All eyes were on her, most filled with spite and awe, and she was clearly uncomfortable. Link realized his error, but it had to be now in front of everyone. It was important that they all knew how he felt.

Just as things began to look bleak, it happened; thin trails of tears rolled down the princess' cheeks and a small smile began to curve pink lips. Her gaze was averted from his, and then returned, and her voice was heard through a whimper.

Then without warning, she leapt into his arms.

x.X.x

3 years rolled by. It was summer, when the sun stood high and the trees were in full bloom.

Twin azure pools witnessed the gathering crowds from behind the window. The plaza was packed with citizens not only from the town, but gorons, zoras, and even the Gerudo had arrived today. The leaders of each race stood out, highly anticipating what was about to happen.

Zelda smiled for herself. Her heart was racing and her pulse quickening. Today was a special day – an important day.

"You look beautiful," someone said and she spun around, her flaxen hair a gold curtain. Her eyes met his and her smile broadened.

"Thank you… darling," she replied and blushed. "But what are you doing here? We are not supposed to see each other before the wedding…"

"I couldn't wait." Link strode forward and kissed her. "I want to walk down the aisle with you."

"Silly," she commented with an airily giggle and gave her hero a peck on the lips. "But in truth, I was kind of hoping for that as well. Is everything ready?"

"All that is left is for us to make out way to the plaza. I think they even started playing the music." He chuckled. "Our wedding aside, the people is looking forward to your coronation, Zelda."

"Yes…" She blushed and tucked away loose threads of hair behind her ear. "As am I. I will make my father proud. … Hey, Link? Thank you. If you hadn't told me that time, I… well, I am glad that you did."

"As am I," he replied and gently squeezed her hands. "And thank you. For always being there for me."

"Through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, I will always stay by your side. I always have." She leant in and kissed him. "Now come. We need to meet the people."

X.x.X

That day was marked as the beginning of a new era for Hyrule; with the Blood of the Goddess and the Spirit of the Hero together, the land saw peace for many, many years.

The princess had always harboured feelings for the boy from the forest but never acted upon them – instead burying them in order to carry out her destiny, for not only hers, but Link's sake as well. With his confession, however, Zelda vowed to herself to never keep her emotions hidden from him.

The records tell of how queen Zelda ruled justly and wisely with her husband by her side. Link never took up the mantle as king, out of respect for his own lack of experience as a leader. But nevertheless did he stand a beacon for his people, inspiring hope and courage to all.

The two would eventually sire children who, while paragons for their people, did not leave any noteworthy marks in the pages of history. Their lineage did not die however, and future legends tell of the blood of the goddess, Hylia, and the spirit of the hero of Legend saving Hyrule once again.

Link and Zelda lived a long, joyous life together until they reached a ripe old age. Their love for each other was unrivalled, and historians and scholars notes how similar records exist of previous princesses and heroes exists.

But those are better saved for another time.


A little bonus, just because.

I'm sorry for my lack of updates. I've got two new jobs that I'm altering between, and it has left me with little time to write, and less energy to do so. But I'm gradually finding energy and time again, so updates will come... eventually.

Until next time!