A/N: Another update that is later than I'd like. Work has been picking up due to it being the end of season, so I literally have no life. On top of that, I found out a little over a week ago that I need to find a new place to live. Due to circumstances that are totally out of my control. So, yeah. I just haven't had the time to commit to the story lately. I appreciate those who are patient and support my work despite the time in between updates. For those who bail, I get it. Such long times in between updates can cause disinterest for a variety of reasons.
Enough about that though. You're here to read what I am making, not hear me rant. Enjoy the chapter.
"You okay? You look like you've seen a ghost," pointed out Zelda.
Impossible... How am I back here? How is she still alive?
It didn't make any sense. No matter which scenario he came up with in his head, he knew that he should be dead.
I... couldn't have imagined everything, right?
The jewller snapped his train of thought, "What's the matte, little vai?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. Lost train of thought. Then, we have a deal," he said before moving the items inside the shop.
This doesn't make any sense. How am I alive?
He vividly recalled the feeling of his flesh being torn apart by the sandstorm; if he could even call it that.
It was more like the manifestation of someone or something... I could feel all of their emotions when inside, like I was experiencing them myself.
"Where to next, Link?" asked Zelda.
Her calling his name made him flinch.
His eyes were forever burned with the images of her time in the breeding grounds, and what entailed afterwards. There was just no way she should be alive. He delivered the blow himself, and watched her disintegrate afterwards. There was... it was impossible.
"You don't... recall anything happening to you recently have you?"
He had to ask.
Her expression became quizzical, "What do you mean?"
I should've thought that one through. Of course she wouldn't know what I mean.
"What has the day been like so far?"
"We left Kara Kara Bazaar for Gerudo Town, and got changed in the shrine; which we're going back to after by the way, then it's just been a bit of running around.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay? Maybe ingesting the elixir isn't good for you after all. I've been known to make errors with my research."
He shook his head, "You don't remember anything?"
"How am I possibly going to know the answer to that? And why do you keep asking if I remember something happening to me? You're not making any sense."
She doesn't remember? Or maybe... it never happened.
He immediately dismissed the thought.
No, that felt all too real. It definitely happened. Question is, why am I the only one that knows what's going on around here?
"You haven't spoken to Riju yet?"
"No, Link, I've been with you this entire time. You're starting to worry me."
What the fuck happened to me?
"But I watched you- arghh!"
Link dropped to his knees, clutching his chest in pain.
What is going on? This doesn't make any sense!
It felt as if someone was gripping his heart, ready to rip it out in at any second.
"Link! What is it? What's going on?"
Zelda was now knelt down beside him.
"I..." he took a moment to catch his breath, "I... watched... you- arghh!"
He could feel the grip tighten around his heart. Taunting him, tormenting him, reminding him that it's there, and that IT is in control.
He wanted to pass out.
After a few seconds the pain went away. What remained was the lingering feeling of having something where it shouldn't be.
Once he collected himself, Zelda voiced her concern.
"Goddesses, Link. You scared the Hylia out of me!"
"Sorry, I was jus-" he could feel it once again. There but not there, real but not real. Instead of grabbing his heart, it caressed it. A warning.
"You were what?"
The sweat trickling down his cheek caused him to double back, "Feeling nauseous in the moment. It went away now. My apologies for unsettling you."
"You could've said something. Seeing you like that... concerns me."
"Why?"
"I don't know what to do when you're like that. I feel helpless, afraid, like I should be doing something."
Her presence was calming if not anything else. He was just glad to have her back again. Seeing what became of her was... much harder to witness than he would've imagined. Link had come across some disturbing scenes in his travels, and never flinched. Some of them could be considered worse than what happened to Zelda. However, the fact that seeing her in such a state broke him, spoke volumes.
"You're doing more than enough, Zelda. Thank you."
She clasped her hands together. He wouldn't be able to see it, but her smile couldn't have been brighter.
"I suppose we should get this over with," she said. Her smile now faded into a slight frown.
He nodded, feeling the same way as she did.
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"I can recognize those set of blue eyes anywhere. Link, it's been a while," said Riju from atop her throne.
He gave a slight nod in respect.
"And it seems that you've brought company."
Once again he nodded, "Yes, it's the lost princess, Zelda."
Riju and Bultra exchange glances, "Mother did mention of you, and Urbosa held you in high respect. Welcome to our humble abode, Princess."
She bowed in thanks.
"Riju!" bellowed the commander, "You cannot trust so easily. Anyone can claim to be the princess."
She shook her head, "Look at who's brought her here. Link would not bring her if he thought otherwise. I trust his judgment."
"You trust his judgement a little too much, Chief."
Riju put a hand up, "We will not banter in front of our guests. Excuse me, Princess. What is it that you came here for?"
"I request an audience with you, Riju, Chief of the Gerudo. In hopes that we can rebuild Hyrule, now that the Calamity has been sealed away."
Riju rested her cheek on her fist leaning against the arm of the chair, "Interesting... and what makes you think I'd want to do that?"
"Well, I think discussing it with less ears liste-"
"If you're not confident enough to speak it here, then what would be the point of discussing it at all?"
Zelda took a breath to recollect herself.
"I want to unite all the provinces."
"What?"
"Hyrule has been disconnected, scrounging for the scraps that Ganon tossed under his tenure. Each and everyone one of you has worked diligently to ensure your people's survival. Now that Ganon is gone, it's time for Hyrule to rebuild itself into a new age of peace, and that starts with people like yourself, Riju, willing to help lead the way."
Riju pondered Zelda's words carefully.
"I've changed my mind. Come, we will discuss the details in my private quarters. Just the two of us."
Zelda glanced back at Link, and the look she gave him was the same one he felt last time.
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It was a little over two hours before Zelda returned.
"How'd it-" he cut himself off when he turned to her.
Not again.
"Zelda, what-"
She sniffled against him.
He didn't say anything, there was no need.
"Link, it's been far too long. Why don't we catch up? I think the princess wants some time alone," said Riju as she descended the staircase.
He considered his words for a moment, "Unfortunately, time does not allow me such a luxury."
"Just go. I'll be fine," whispered Zelda.
Yet, the tightening grip on his clothes, and crack in her voice spoke otherwise.
"Surely you have time to share a cup of tea? I'm afraid I don't have coffee this time around."
Why was he being forced to choose between the two? Why was Riju so insistent that he leave Zelda for her, and why was Zelda encouraging him to leave? Was it so wrong to catch up with a friend?
He didn't think so, but knowing what happens to Zelda afterwards...
"Another time, Riju."
As he and Zelda headed for the main entrance, he could hear her muttering nonsensical things against him.
"You should've gone. Just leave me be. Please, just go."
"We'll be fine," he said to try and reassure her.
But something was telling him that he should've stayed...
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They were close to an hour away from Gerudo Town, and another 45 minutes from the bazaar.
"Link, I'm sorry," muttered Zelda.
"For what?"
"I didn't gain the support of the Gerudo. We came all this way for nothing."
"Not for nothing. Can't expect everything to go right. A minor setback, yes, but one I'm sure we'll overcome."
However, there was something still bothering him, and he couldn't put it off any longer.
He stopped to face her, "Zelda, what-"
His eyes caught movement in the sand.
She looked over to where he was looking, confused, "What is it?"
So, this is what happened to her.
"I know you're there," he said as he unsheathed the Master Sword, "so, don't waste my time."
A few seconds would pass before three Lizalfos jumped out from the sand to attack Link. He parried all three of their attacks simultaneously, using his special ability afterwards to immediately negate the threat.
The other four slowly emerged from their hiding spots within the sand, but something was off with one of them.
A Gerudo working with the monsters?
Link didn't have time to process it, as he was already being swarmed with attacks.
Pulling out the Sheikah Slate, he used magnesis to yank the sword from one of the Lizalfos, and embed it in another's neck. One of them tried to attack from behind, but Link was quicker to react using stasis to freeze it the moment before it struck him. He then baited the last Lizalfos by feigning an opening. Once it fell for the bait, Link kicked it over to where the other Lizalfos was. Still in its follow through from the moment it got stuck in time, the Lizalfos was unable to stop its momentum from stabbing the other fatally once stasis had ended. An arrow pierced through its skull before it had time to process what happened.
"Well done!" the Gerudo applauded. "You handled those Lizalfos with ease. Colour me impressed!"
"Last I remember, Monsters and Gerudo weren't exactly on the best of terms," he said. Putting himself between her and Zelda.
"We have a... mutually beneficial relationship at the moment."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I won't bother wasting my time explaining it to someone about to die."
She snapped her fingers, then disappeared.
"Where did she go?" asked Zelda, her voice shaky.
"I'm not-"
The land began to shake, violently.
"What was that?!"
Link searched for the cause of such deadly tremors, and it wasn't long before he found his answer.
Coming from the far south of the desert were three behemoth beings; at least five times the size of the Divine Beasts. One was coloured yellow, with lightning crashing down all around it. Another red, with flames rising along its back and eyebrows. The last blue, looking similar to that of the red one, but covered in ice.
"T-Those are supposed to be extinct. How are they here?"
"You mean, those are Leviathans?" He was just as shocked as she was.
"Yes, and if that's the case... Link, what do we do?"
Did that woman summon them? What kind of power does she have to make this possible?
"Aren't they supposed to be docile?"
Gerudo Town becoming decimated seconds later answered that question.
"T-They're coming right for us! Link, we need to run!"
She turned to try and run, but Link grabbed her hand.
"Where can we go? Zelda..." he simply shook his head.
Her eyes became misty, "It's not supposed to be like this."
That was a question he didn't know the answer to. He was having trouble understanding everything that's been going on recently. Wasn't she supposed to be taken to a breeding camp? Wasn't he supposed to be dead in the first place?
How was he supposed to anticipate this?
"I'm sorry, Zelda. I failed you, again."
She shook her head and smiled, "If this is how it ends, then I'm glad it's with you. I'm so happy we got to spend this time together, however, brief."
He looked over to the three giants. Death couldn't be more certain.
If only I had done things differently...
"Seeing as this is the end, there is something you need to know," said Zelda.
When looked to her, she cupped his cheek.
"Link, I-"
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"For what you're offering, I can give you 24,750 rupees."
"Don't make her repeat herself, Link."
That voice...
"Zelda?"
"You okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
No, no he wasn't okay.
"My apologies," he said to the jeweller. "We'll do the the deal."
Once he finished his business with the jeweller. He asked Zelda if it was alright if they could rest for a few minutes.
His face was covered in sweat, and he was tired, very tried.
How long has he been up for anyways? It was hard to keep track of considering that he now should have died, twice.
Which made him wonder.
Can I return by death? Is it a viable possibility?
Considering what he's gone through and experienced twice now... Anything was well within the realm of possibilities.
If that's the case, why do I keep getting sent back to this point in time? What am I supposed to do to stop these events from reoccurring?
"Link, are you sure you're okay?" asked Zelda, who was idly tending to herself.
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"You seem... off. I can't quite describe it, but you feel disconnected, disengaged. It's not something I'm used to seeing from you."
Is it that obvious? I guess constantly reliving a nightmare would generate such adverse effects.
"I'm fine. I don't mean to worry you."
"It's refreshing."
He looked over at her, clearly puzzled by her words.
"I mean... when it comes to other people's problems. I generally don't have an issue being supportive. However, when it comes to my own problems, I can't seem to apply that aspect to myself.
"Yet, whenever I seen you come across your own troubles. You've always been able to face it head on, and figure out a way forward. Didn't seem to matter what it was, there was always an answer. I guess what I'm trying to say is, that I'm glad you're human like the rest of us. Is it selfish of me to think like that?"
He chuckled.
"What?"
"You have an interesting choice of words. No one has all the answers, but that doesn't stop some from trying."
"Don't wear yourself out trying to do so, though. Sometimes the toughest looking problems, have the simplest solutions."
Had he been overthinking things this entire time? Was it that easy to change fate itself?
She let her hand rest on his forearm a moment before standing up to stretch.
"I'm going to look at a few things that caught my eye earlier. Meet me back here in an hour?"
"Sure," he said before handing her a few silver rupees. "Just in case you want to get yourself something."
Link watched Zelda disappear into the crowd before deciding to make a move of his own. Which led him to sit atop the roof of the chief's palace.
Things are going much differently this time around. Why is that?
"I decided to get away for a while, and look who I find trespassing on my secret spot," said a voice behind him.
"It's been awhile, Riju."
He had forgotten that it was Riju who had showed him this spot before he left the desert the first time.
"What brings you here? Come to visit?" she asked while taking a seat next to him.
"Something like that."
"Either way, it's good to see you again," she smiled at him. "I often find myself wondering when the next opportunity for our paths to cross will come."
"Riju, I-"
"You don't need to say it. I know Hyrule needs you. No doubt that is what brought you here once again."
"You're not wrong. I've actually brought another with me."
"Oh? It's not like you to travel with others."
"She is... an exception."
Hugging her knees together, Riju averted herself from his gaze, "She?"
He nodded, "Yes. I'm sure you've heard stories of the Calamity, and how a knight and princess were destined to work together to stop it."
"Of course. Mother would often tell me of such tales. She, along with the rest of the Champions were to work together to stop chaos from reaching the land. Considering the state of each region beforehand, it was a marvel to get everyone to cooperate. Though, I had heard that her and Lady Urbosa were quite close."
"That's the reason why we're here. The woman with me is, Zelda. We're here to ask for your help in unifying the provinces once again."
"She's alive? I thought she perished long ago."
He shook his head, "When I... died before. She was the one who decided to put me in the Slumber of Restoration before facing Ganon by herself."
"Herself?"
"With the other Champions already gone, it was simply to by time. She hoped that I would recover, and pick up where I left off 100 years ago. Things... didn't necessarily go as planned."
She looked over to him, "Your amnesia."
"Right, between that, and the heavy burden of being told that the land was on the brink of annihilation... It was a lot to take in. I didn't know who I was or what I was doing..."
"Yet, you still found a way," she leaned back on her palms, letting her feet dangle over the edge of the roof. "I guess I should be thanking her in some respect. Without her, I would've never have gotten the chance to meet you."
"That's one way of looking at it."
"So, this plan of yours. Tell me about it."
"With Ganon gone, we need to focus on rebuilding Hyrule. Not just the infrastructure, but the way things are governed too. That's something that not one person, or race should decide."
"If it's you, then I can honestly tell you that I feel the same way. My people still harbour a grudge towards Hylians. Not as bad as the Rito or Zora, but..."
"Enough where they'd start asking questions."
"But seeing what you accomplished here has changed my initial perspective. And you've won the hearts of the people too. 100 years is too long to hold a grudge, and considering the circumstances, unwarranted."
"Your people were right to be angry, but as I'm sure you've figured out."
"It doesn't solve anything to take it out on everyone."
She shifted towards him, "You really think you can convince the other races to unite?"
He shrugged, "I'm going to do what I can. It's all I can do. I can't make any promises that we'll be successful."
"I suppose you're right. For what it's worth... I believe that if anyone can pull it off, it's you, Link."
What came next was unexpected. A pair of soft lips leaving their mark on his cheek.
When he looked at her, his fingers lingering where she kissed, she smiled, "You have my support, Link. When you're ready, bring the princess inside, and we'll make it official."
Link remained on the roof for a little while longer after she left. He looked into the desert; which the longer he looked at, the more ominous it appeared.
Hard to believe the things that happened here. Part of me still thinks that it's all in my head, but...
That lingering feeling in his chest told him otherwise.
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"Hey!" called Zelda. Her hands waving about to make sure that Link could see her in the crowd.
"You find anything of interest?"
"There were a few things, but I don't want to show you, yet."
"Oh?"
"You'll just have to trust me."
She paused, looking away from him before speaking again. "W-When the time is right, I'll show you."
"Promise?"
"What?"
He held up his pinkie finger, "Promise me."
Zelda giggled, "I didn't think you'd be into something so frivolous."
He shrugged, "It'll be something just between us. So?"
Wrapping her pinkie around his, she said, "Promise."
"Well, lets get this over with. Riju is waiting for us."
"Yes, hopefully things go well. I'm kinda nervous."
He patted her on the shoulder, "You'll be okay. I've got a good feeling about this."
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"A very interesting proposal, Princess," said Riju from atop her throne.
She held her hands close to her chest, "Together, we can rebuild Hyrule into one we can all thrive in."
Riju looked past Zelda at Link, smiling before returning her gaze back to the visibly nervous woman.
"On behalf of the Gerudo, I accept your proposal. You're right. With everyone united, we can strive for things much greater than what our ancestors ever could. Our people have had a... tender relationship with yours. While the wounds may heal, the scars never fade."
"Absolutely. I can't condone the actions of my ancestors; even going back as recent as my father. Nor would I ever expect you to simply forgive and forget..." she paused, clenching her fist as she looked up at Riju with vigour. "But that's why I'm doing this."
"Then let us celebrate this friendship built on newfound bonds. Tonight, the streets will be filled with all the pomp and grandeur we can muster!"
Zelda looked back at Link, and all he could do was shrug. There wasn't any way to back out of it.
"Thank you, Riju. It means a lot to have your support."
"It won't take long to get this place ready. We're used to such occasions," she smirked. "I expect to see you both here after dusk."
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"That went well," said Zelda after they stopped at a place to eat.
He nodded, "I'm glad."
In more ways than one. It seems that whatever he did this time; whether intentional or unintentional, altered both he and Zelda's fate. For the better.
Zelda mentioned how tired I looked, and she couldn't have been more accurate. This one day has felt like weeks, and in a sense, it has. I'm still trying to process everything, but what I do know is that there is a tomorrow in store for both of us. I'm grateful for that.
The server brought the two their respective meals.
"I'm a little surprised you didn't want to cook, Link," commented Zelda.
"One of those days I guess. Besides, can't have you getting sick of my cooking."
If he was being frank, the reason why he didn't cook was that he wasn't hungry. The only reason why he was eating at all was for Zelda's sake. It didn't happen often, but there were times where even he lost his appetite. Considering recent events... It wasn't a surprise.
She pointed her fork at him as she spoke, "I could never get sick of your cooking."
"You keep saying that, but..."
"But nothing! Your cooking is the be-" she paused when realized that her voice was carrying over a little too much.
Clearing her throat, she restarted, this time in a lower voice, "Your cooking is the best out of everyone I've known. And a lot of different chefs have been allowed to grace my palette."
"You're getting pretty worked up about this."
"You better believe I am! I wish you'd stop-" she paused once again, then pouted when she realization set upon her. "That's not funny Link."
"You only have yourself to blame."
The two finished their meals, and decided to head back since it was already after dusk.
"She wasn't kidding when she said she'd go all out," said Zelda.
This could rival some of the festivals we host at the castle.
"Ah, you two are here," said Riju amidst the crowd of people. "I've got something set up for you, Zelda. Hope you're not afraid of large crowds."
Grabbing her hand, Riju led Zelda to the top of her balcony where the entire town could see them. Link meanwhile, took to the crowd to watch the event unfold.
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Riju gave a big speech about Zelda's proposal. She went on about how it was time for the Gerudo to move forward, and help make Hyrule a better place for everyone. It all seemed a little by the book where Link was concerned, but the reception was well received. So, who was he to say otherwise?
The next few hours of Zelda's time were spent with Riju. Engaging in all kinds of festive activities in between the meet and greets with all the people. Whereas, Link's time was spent observing the spectacle from afar.
He didn't mind, besides, pomp and grandeur was nonsense where he was concerned.
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"Goodness!" exclaimed Zelda.
The exhaustion was overwhelming, as she had to be piggybacked by Link on their way back to the inn.
He helped her over to the bed. It was close to sunrise by the time they reached the inn.
"Have fun?"
"Of course! I just wasn't able to keep up with them."
"It takes a special kind of talent to keep up with a Gerudo."
"Still, I'm glad that things turned out this way."
You're telling me.
After tucking her in, he heading for the door, "Get some rest. We'll be heading out some time later in the day."
"Okay."
As much as Zelda wanted to keep celebrating this victory. Link was right. There were still three leaders that they needed to meet with. The quicker they could accomplish this, the quicker they could go back to the life she wanted for the both of them.
Link took one last look at her before leaving her for the night.
When he reached the roof of the chief's palace, he let out a deep sigh.
As much as I enjoy Gerudo Town. I can't stand to be here another minute longer. I never want to go through that again.
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I'm going to leave my tumblr below, so I'd appreciate a follow on that. I post my updates on there, and is generally the best place to reach me apart from the comment section. I know some people like to remain anonymous.
Leave a like if you haven't already, and make sure to reblog and share the story if you do happen to follow me. Thanks again guys.
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See you in the next chapter.