Winter in the Summer

by Graymalkin1

Raychel and her friends enjoy a new life in Endiness, but after a night of surprises, they realize they must return home to Hyrule. However, Nevis has gained control in Hyrule, and is ready for a battle. Can Raychel and her new allies save her homeland?

2. New Allies, Old Enemies

Winter in the Summer
By Graymalkin

"Raychel! Raychel!"
Raychel let her eyes flicker a little before she opened them and recognized Alanzo next to her.
"Raychel, are you all right?"
"Alan...where are we?"
"We are in the city of Bale, the country of Serdio, the continent of Endiness."
"Bale? Serdio? Endiness? I've never heard..." She looked around. She was resting on a comfy white bed, and the room was large and made of gray stone with green and yellow curtains, fine wood furniture, and a green, yellow, and white carpet.
"You must rest, Raychel."
"WAIT!" She suddenly sat up. "Those people! They had wings! They were flying! They saved us! Us? Where is everyone? Where's Michael? Zach? Sofie? Nairobi?"
"Raychel! Please my friend, calm down and rest. We are all safe and well."
"Not until I see them! Where are they!? Who were those flying people and where are they!?"
"My, you are a very strident young lady."
She turned to the doorway to see a man, probably in his late twenties, she guessed, with long light brown hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. He wore an elegant green shirt and dark beige pants with brown boots and gloves, a silver and gold belt, and a flowing dark green cape. His eyes were small, almond shaped and almond colored. He gave her a charming smile as he walked over to her. He stood before her and bowed.
"Your name is Raychel, yes?"
"That is correct."
"Then I welcome you to the city of Bale in the great country of Serdio. My name is Albert, and I am the king of this land."
"The king..." Raychel bowed her head.
"Now, my dear, there is no need for that."
She shot a look of desperation at him. "Is it true that you can fly!? You were the one I saw before..." She looked at him more closely. "You look almost like my father!"
"Well, my child, if I recollect, you did say 'father' before you fainted."
"Maybe...but...you flew! I wasn't dreaming! I saw you FLY!!"
"Raychel, you shouldn't shout at a king," said Alanzo frankly.
"Oh...forgive me..." She bowed her head.
Albert laughed. "You are an enlivened youth, Lady Raychel. But I'm sure before I answer there are some people you wish to see, yes?"
"Michael!" She jumped off of the bed and stood pleadingly before Albert. "Where is he?"
"Follow me."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Albert led Raychel and Alanzo to an outdoor courtyard. Everything here, from the sky to the ground to the leaves to the water, seemed to have a gold-like feeling to it, like it was sacred.
"Michael!" Raychel ran up to her brother, who was looking at the sky, and embraced him heartily. "Are you all right, brother?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm feeling good."
"Your back..."
"It has a scar, but not a deep one. It will heal completely in a couple weeks."
"Oh, I'm so relieved..."
"Raychel!"
She turned around and Sofie hugged her tightly. "Raychel! I'm so happy your okay!"
"Sofie. Are you all right?"
"Uh huh!"
"Where's Zach?"
"Right here, Raych."
She turned again to see Zach before her. She stared at him a moment, then hugged him, sighing with relief. "I'm glad you're safe."
"So am I." He pulled her away and looked into her eyes.
"Where's Nairobi?"
Zach gestured his head towards the tree. Raychel looked and saw Nairobi sitting under it, almost in a trance. She ran over and sat beside her.
"How are you, Nairobi?"
"Hmm?" She turned her head to Raychel. "Oh, Raychel. You're all right."
"Yeah. I just fainted."
"Well, at least you're not hurt." She looked out into nowhere again.
"What's on your mind?"
"Adrian. I hope he's all right...I heard that from a few sailors here that there was an attack at Portland..."
"Oh no..."
"It wasn't serious. No one got killed, I don't think. But..."
"I'm sure he's fine."
"I hope you're right."
"Raychel? Nairobi?"
They looked up to see Michael.
"Um, his majesty Albert would like us to meet them."
"Them? The ones who could fly? The ones who saved us?"
"Yes."
"Hell yeah! Let's go!"

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel and the others entered a large room with a long meeting table. The table and chairs were made of heavy oak and the cloth was green and trimmed with yellow. At the head of the table was King Albert. He stood up and greeted his guests.
"Welcome, dear visitors. Please, have a seat."
After they had sat down, there were a few moments of near silence as Albert looked at each of them, nodding.
"Well, I must say, I've never had such a diverse group of people in this country before. Please forgive me if that sounds rude, but it is true."
"No, your grace. We understand," said Raychel, nodding impatiently. She wanted to meet these flying people!
Albert smiled, as he seemed to read her thoughts. "Well then, I would like to introduce you to my dearest of friends." He signaled for the guard at the door to open it. One by one a group of people walked in. First to enter was a small lady with platinum hair held up by a big blue bow, red eyes, and an extravagant blue-and-gold dancer's outfit. Next came an old but strong, healthy man with silver black hair donning a dark violet and gray tunic and pants. Following him was the woman who saved Raychel and Michael. Her dark blonde hair flowed down in a wave-like manner over her knee-length white and orange dress and dark gray stockings. Her accessories were ornamented with crescent moons. After her came the giant, with his brown Mohawk, barbaric uniform, and piercing white eyes. The last two were a young couple. The lady had slightly long, layered brown hair pulled back and beautiful brown eyes. She wore a neat, sleeveless white tunic and shorts, both blue trimmed, and a large belt made of gold. Beside her was a young man with fiery blonde hair, blue eyes, and lightweight red armor with black pants. To his side was his sword. Across his forehead was a band of red. He reminded Raychel of...
"My guests, these are my most trustworthy and honored of friends. Meru, Haschel, Miranda, Kongol, Shana, and Dart. We are a group of people known as the Dragoons."
"Dragoons?" asked Michael. "Aren't dragoons heavily-armored cavalry men?"
"By the book, yes. However, we are a bit different."
"You FLY!" Raychel jumped out of her seat. Feeling herself blush, she quietly sat back down.
The one named Shana smiled in the friendliest of ways. "Don't be humiliated, dear. We don't mind if you are excited. But please, tell us your names and where you come from, if you don't mind."
There was something in Shana's voice that made Raychel feel at home...Raychel smiled back. "My name is Raychel."
"I'm Michael, her younger brother."
"My name is Alanzo, but many call me Alan."
"My full name is Zachariah, but I prefer Zach. And this is my little sister Sofie."
"Nairobi. These children are..." Nairobi looked over at Raychel who shot her a "don't you dare" look. "They are from the land of Hyrule, as am I."
"Hyrule?" The king looked at his friends. "I have never heard of Hyrule. Has anyone?"
The others shook their heads.
"It's probably very far away from here, I imagine. What are the names of the sovereigns?"
Raychel and the others looked at each other with shock for a moment. "Ah, um, the queen's name is Zelda and the king's name is Link." she answered very quickly.
"Queen Zelda, King Link...I can't say I've heard of them," responded the one named Dart.
"And are they the rulers of each of you, even though you look so different from one another?" asked Miranda.
"Hyrule is divided up into several regions, each race with their own territory. But the majesties are the rulers of all," explained Nairobi.
"Each race may have their own chief, but we all follow the law set by Queen Zelda and her husband," finished Alanzo.
"I understand. And what race are your monarchs?" asked Albert.
"Hylians. Like Michael and I. We aren't really "predominant", but we live in the northern region of Hyrule, the same area the castle is located."
"I am a Goron. We live up in the mountains to the northeast."
"We're Zoras that inhabit the far-east river and the lake in the south."
"I'm a Gerudo from the western desert."
"There's also a rumor about a race of "fairy people" living in the southeast, but we've never seen any of them," said Sofie.
"There are also the Sheikahs..." Michael started.
"But there are only two Sheikahs in Hyrule," finished Raychel.
"You all seem quite young. Do you have parents?" asked Shana.
Raychel and the others took a deep breath. She caught Nairobi staring at her, but stayed silent.
"It's okay," said Shana as silence passed. "You don't have to answer."
"Well on the lighter side, Hyrule sounds like a really cool place!" shouted Meru in a cheery voice. "I wanna go there! I mean look at you guys! You look so cute! You've got those cute elf-like ears, and his purple eyes are just adorable! And you two look really awesome with your blue skin and beautiful fins, and you've got a great tan!"
"Forgive Meru. She acts like this all the time," said Haschel with a smile.
"Do NOOOOOT!!" she whined back.
"Yes, Meru, you do." said Miranda frankly.
"Whaaaaat?"
"Kongol says stop whining before Kongol do something not nice."
"Huh!" Meru sat down and pouted sarcastically. Everyone smiled and laughed.
"That beast you saved us from..." started Nairobi. "Was that a Choro?"
"A Choro? Not fully, Nairobi," responded Dart. "It was a crossbred between a Choro and a Dragon."
"And to think we thought all Dragons had died..." sighed Shana.
"They might still be dead," assured Dart. "After all, we don't know how old that thing was."
"Well, let's just hope that they are all dead," said Miranda. "We all know how dangerous dragons can be."
"Well, we are being a little uncouth to our guests. I'm sure they'd like to know a little bit about us Dragoons," said Albert.
"Yes!" said Raychel loudly. "Please?"
"Of course. Hear now, the Legend of Dragoon..."

* * * * * * * * * * *

The next two weeks were the best of Raychel's life. Never before had she felt so alive! The people of Bale were modest and friendly, and the Dragoons were the greatest people she could have ever met. She had gotten a job as a waitress at the Red Fox Inn, the town's restaurant/tavern. Michael had taken up a job there, too, as the leading entertainer. He felt he had to work extra hard to make up all the practice he lost on the piano. Michael had gotten much better after being sick on the ship for so long. Alanzo was working with a shipping company, and Zach and Sofie were hired as tour guides for the waterway tour beneath Bale. Nairobi had taken up Miranda's offering as an assistant with the doctor of the town. Besides this, they spent as much of their free time with the Dragoons as possible. The leader, Dart, had offered Raychel techniques in swordplay that she had never even thought were possible! And his lover, Shana, was someone with the purest of hearts she had ever seen. There was something about her that always made her feel at home and in caring arms. Sofie especially had a fondness for Shana, and she was always so patient with the energetic little Zora. Meru, too, was very kind to Sofie and acted like a big sister to her, even though she was almost as feisty as Sofie was. Nairobi and Miranda had become very good friends. They not only had their jobs in common but other things such as archery, horses, and attitudes. Zach had taken up lessons from Haschel, who, though old, was a magnificent and disciplined instructor of martial arts, and Kongol, the largest of men with the largest of good souls. Alanzo and Albert had spent much time together talking about philosophy and the moral and ethics of life. It seemed as if once they got started they never stopped! But Raychel simply smiled through it all...
"Life is good." She looked at herself in the mirror as she laid her head down on the dresser and grinned. King Albert had been kind enough to let them stay at the castle until they could afford a place of their own. "I never want to leave this place, these wonderful people. I've never felt like this before. I'm so...relieved. Relaxed. This is the life I've always wanted...my dream has come true..."
There was a knock on her door. She sat up and found her voice. "Come in."
A messenger opened the door and bowed. "His majesty Albert wishes to see you, my lady."
"Thank you." She got up and followed him up stairs to Albert's courtroom. Along the way, she saw Nairobi coming up to her.
"Raychel, I must talk to you. It is very important."
"Um, I have been called by King Albert. Can you please wait?"
Nairobi sighed impatiently. "Yeah, but it's pretty big news."
"Thank you." Raychel stayed behind the messenger until they reached the third floor.
The king was seated on his throne reading a letter. He looked up as Raychel kneeled before him. He smiled at her in his usual enchanting way.
"Arise, dear Raychel. You do not need to do that, you know."
"I feel as though I owe it to you. You have not only saved my life but those I hold dearest to my heart. And you continue to show the greatest of kindness every moment we see you, even though we will never be able to repay you in anyway that you truly deserve." she responded as she stood up.
"You are an elegant young lady, Raychel. And that is why I am honored to invite you and your friends to a celebration in three days."
Raychel widened her eyes. "Your majesty?"
"Now, now, there is no need to be surprised, my dear. You and your friends shall be our honored guests at the Commemoration of the Moon. Do you remember that legend we told you of?"
"I will never forget such an astonishing story, your highness."
"Well, that happened exactly three years ago in three days. To celebrate, we annually hold a festival at Fletz in the country of Tiberoa, the homeland of my wife Queen Emille. She is there right now helping prepare for the celebration."
"Your grace, I am deeply honored. Again we have done nothing to deserve such distinction among those much more important to you."
"You are visitors from a far away land, one I have never heard of. I will continue to treat you and your friends with this admiration no matter what the circumstances. You have come here to experience life and I, as the king of Serdio and Tiberoa, feel it is my duty to make sure you live through the greatest of events this world can offer."
"You are too kind." She kneeled and bowed her head graciously.
"You are very good at that, you know," he said with a little laugh. "Now, go and tell your friends. I'm sure they will be most delighted."
"I'm certain that they will."
Raychel happily left his chamber and looked around for Nairobi. She found her in an empty hallway looking out a window.
"Nairobi? You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, I did. Come here."
Raychel walked over to Nairobi and looked out the window. It was getting dark.
"Raychel, I have great news."
"So do I, Nairobi."
Nairobi looked at her with wide eyes. "What is your news?"
"Well, I just talked to his Majesty Albert, and we have been invited as the guests of honor for the Commemoration of the Moon."
Nairobi stared at Raychel. "When is it?"
"In three days."
Nairobi looked out the window, lost of hope.
"What is it?"
"Raychel, there's a ship going to Nissel first thing tomorrow morning."
"Nissel?"
"Nissel is Cridalio's sister country."
"Portland..."
Nairobi nodded. "We can go back home starting tomorrow."
Raychel almost smiled, but then remembered all that had happened here. How free she felt... To go back home would mean giving up this life she loved. And the people she so quickly became fond of...what would Albert say if she declined his offer? After all he had done for them...
"I can't."
"Raychel, what are you saying?" Nairobi asked quickly.
"I can't go home."
"Why not?"
"I'm...not ready."
"You're saying you don't want to, is that it?"
Raychel opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She bowed and shook her head. "It's..." She looked back up at the Gerudo. "I love it here. I love my life now. Everything's so perfect. This is the life I want to live."
Nairobi slapped her across the face, then grabbed her collar and pinned her against the wall. She looked at her straight in the eye and spoke quietly but sternly.
"Have you forgotten who you are? You are the princess of Hyrule, Raychel. It is your duty as the princess to learn about your country and to lead its people, not abandon them for your own pleasure."
Raychel breathed deeply as Nairobi came closer.
"And what about your parents? Did you even think for a moment what kind of hell they're going through right now? By Din's fire, Raychel, you are their one and only daughter. You mean more to them then anything else on the face of this god-forsaken planet. And you are merely playing with them and their emotions by wandering around, lying, and finding every excuse to just leave them in the pits of the underworld. As a daughter, you are to respect your parents and be ever grateful for the sacrifices they gave up just to care for you. Is this what you were taught, Raychel? To not only abandon your duty as princess, but a daughter as well?"
"I love my parents, Nairobi."
"No you don't, Raychel. If you did, you would not have given my offer a second thought."
"Right now I'm doing what I feel is best for me. Isn't that the point of life?"
"Have you looked in the mirror recently?"
"...Yes..."
"Did you even recognize yourself?"
Raychel stayed silent, gazing frighteningly into her eyes.
"I didn't think so. I don't even recognize you now." She loosened her grip. "I can't stop you, Raychel. I'm going on that ship tomorrow. I pray to the goddesses, for your own sake, that you'll be there. But so help me Raychel if you abdicate, I will never forgive you." She turned and left.
Raychel watched her disappear from view, then slumped down against the stone pillar. For some reason, she didn't cry, and didn't know why. It was like she couldn't cry. Now that she realized it she hadn't been thinking about her parents much. She wondered what they were doing right now...

* * * * * * * * * * *

Zelda looked down the hallways. There was no one.
Good. She pulled the hood of her black cloak over her head and went down the hallway, then outside and into the rain. These past few weeks had been strange. It seemed as if every few days someone else was disappearing. Buy why? And who was doing it?
But that wasn't the most important thing right now. She took out the Ocarina of Time she hid in the sleeve of her cloak and kneeled down in the corner of the eastern garden. Using her knife, she dug a deep hole and placed the Ocarina in it, then covered the mound so it looked like the ground was never disturbed. Looking around her again, and seeing that no one was watching her, went back into the castle.
"Zelda!"
She turned to see Link approach her.
"Zelda, were you outside? What were you doing?"
"I can't go outside and enjoy the rain anymore?" she snapped back. She turned around and started to walk away, but then stopped and sighed. She turned around and gave her husband an apologetic hug. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what's happened to me lately..." She sighed again.
"I understand." He took a deep breath. "I have news from Takuya..."
"What kind of news?"
"...Bad."
Zelda backed off and looked him straight in the eye.
"A ship was attacked and sunk by a sea monster a few weeks ago. It was a ship that carried slaves to Midlake. It left from..." He paused. "It left from Portland, on the same night our children left Portland." He paused again, taking a deep breath and looking away from Zelda. "There were no survivors." He looked at her again, her large eyes still staring at him.
There was a long moment of silence. Zelda slowly turned her head away from Link's, than closed her eyes, forcing tears to fall down her cheeks. Link took her into an embrace and closed his eyes, trying to shut out his own pain.
"So, your children are dead, it seems."
They opened their eyes widely and looked at the doorway. A silhouette of a man leaning against the wall stood up and walked towards them, footsteps echoing in the hallway. "That's too bad. I was almost hoping they'd come back."
"Nevis..." Zelda sighed. "Why are you here?"
"To claim what is rightfully mine."
"There is nothing here that is yours."
"Stubborn, as always. Why do you fight me, Zelda?"
"You make me."
"No, you choose to."
"And you have just chosen your death, you bastard!" Link drew his sword.
"More killing, your majesty? Do we need another death in this family?"
Link stopped, looked at Zelda, then back at Nevis. He reluctantly sheathed his sword. "You have already taken the lives of our children, what do you want now?"
"As I recall, your highness, I did not shed a drop of your children's blood. However, I am still persistent in making this mine."
"You really don't care, do you? They were your children, too," said Zelda sternly.
"I didn't know them enough to care."
"You are just like your father. You will do anything possible to get what you want."
"I use either force or symposium. The children, all though it cost them their lives, were too clever to let me use force. Now all I want is a negotiation."
"There is nothing here I'm going to offer you, and you hold no threat against me. If you do not leave within three minutes I will have you captured for trespassing."
"And who will capture me? All your guards are out looking for your dead children, so it is you who hold no threat against me, dear cousin."
Zelda widened her eyes, realizing he was right.
He started to slowly walk towards them. "But I am not here to threaten you, Zelda. Unless, of course, you impose me to. I said earlier that I wished to negotiate with you." He stopped. "I will let you keep Hyrule, though you have no successors, under your rule if..." He held up a finger and grinned. "If you give me the Ocarina of Time."
"And what will you do if I say no?"
Nevis snapped his fingers loudly. A legion of his men came in, including a giant, beast-like human. They quickly surrounded Link and Zelda, leaving them marveled and speechless. Nevis laughed under his breath.
"The guards..."
"They are out looking for your dead children, remember?"
Zelda gave him an evil look and shook her head.
"You seem surprised, dear cousin. You shouldn't be, though. Would you expect anything else from me? The way I see it, Zelda, you are breaking a Hyrulian law made many years ago. 'When the high monarch dies the throne is to go to the next oldest sibling. If there are no siblings, then the throne belongs to the next eldest family member.' That would be I, Zelda. You cannot deny that."
"You are not getting this kingdom. Law or not you cannot barge in here demanding such nonsense."
"But I told you Zelda that you can have your pathetic kingdom if you give me the Ocarina of Time."
"That will never happen. Even if you are a member of the Royal Family, you do not deserve to know its secrets."
"But I already do." He smiled.
"What?"
"I already know its powers, Zelda. And I know what happened to you almost thirty years ago..."
Zelda stared at him with wide eyes. "Who told you that?"
"It doesn't matter. But I will use the same strategy to get what I want, if necessary. You can make this a whole lot easier on yourself if you just tell me where the Ocarina is."
Zelda thought for a brief moment, keeping her eyes on him. She brushed the stray hairs from her face and answered him frankly.
"Never."
Nevis smiled. "You'll regret that."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Nairobi paced back and forth along the dock, banging Hard Blade on the wood every now and then. It was very early, around five-twenty-five in the morning. The ship was to leave in five minutes.
Nairobi looked down into the streets of Bale, but didn't see anyone. The streetlights were still lit, making the town seem a little eerie. She turned her head and walked back down the dock.
"Nairobi!"
She turned around excitedly, but sighed when she saw it was Miranda.
"Nairobi, where are you going?"
"Nissel."
"So you're just leaving, just like that? You're not coming to the celebration?"
"Can't. Don't have the time. I should have told you..."
"No, if you must go...I'm going to miss you. You were very helpful."
"Thanks."
"Aren't your friends here?"
"No." She turned away.
"They didn't even come to say good-bye?"
"They have no reason to."
Miranda looked at her sadly.
"Last call! All aboard!"
"See ya, Miranda." Nairobi looked down the street again before boarding the ship.
"Bye..."
"Hey, Miranda?"
"Yeah?"
"Take good care of them. All of them. They're good kids, maybe a little messed up in the head, but they've got pure hearts."
"I promise."
"Seriously. Take good care of them." Nairobi walked up the ramp and onto the ship.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Raychel?" Michael knocked on her door.
Raychel was sitting down and staring blankly into the mirror.
"Raychel?" Michael opened the door a crack.
"Go away!"
"Raychel..." He opened the door and slowly walked into her room.
"I told you to go away, Michael."
Ignoring her, he walked up to her and embraced her.
"Michael...who am I?"
He didn't answer, but stared at his own reflection.
"I'm feeling so strange, brother. I look into any mirror and I no longer see myself."
"Who do you see?"
"A stranger."
"Then it must be a stranger looking into the mirror as well."
"Am I a stranger to you, Michael?"
"The question is, are you a stranger to yourself?"
Raychel sighed. "I am."
"Now are you really a stranger, or are you becoming a new self?"
"New self?"
"One who is taking a new perspective of life, but going too quickly for the mind to catch up."
Raychel stayed silent for a moment.
"Remember Raychel, the most knowledge lies within. You will always be Raychel with the same knowledge, but you will gain different views of that knowledge. You are stumbling upon yourself now, Raychel. It takes knowledge of inner being to get back up."
Raychel widened her eyes a little. "That's what grandfather told me before he died..."
"Right now you are reaching for hands that aren't there. You have to get up yourself."
"But how do I get up? Michael tell me!" She turned to him with a desperate look on her face.
"I can't Raychel. You have the strength within yourself to get up by yourself, you just have to muster it."
"How?"
"I can't tell you Raychel. It's a journey that we must all go alone." He looked at himself in the mirror again. "Life is like winter in the summer."
"What?"
"It seems...we all live a life that is never satisfied. We all look for paths that can't be found. It's like we're only born into a world where we only live to die. It seems to make life unnecessary and worthless..."
"So how do we know what to do?"
"Look into the mirror again."
She did so.
"Don't deny yourself Raychel. If you spend too much time watching the world go by, it will. It's unnecessary to travel through life, but instead of just standing around, make the best of what's given you. You will learn so much that way. Everything will come in time. You just have to look for that higher ground. Those ways you thought could not be found."
"Like winter in the summer. It's unnecessary, I mean we can just watch the world go by, but if we don't, if we experience life, it teaches us so much."
"Also...it would probably never happen."
"Now what do you mean?"
"Well, it will never snow in the summer, will it?"
"No. I don't believe so."
"So we shouldn't wait for it to happen."
"So we shouldn't wait...for...what?"
"Think. What shouldn't we wait for?"
"We shouldn't wait for...something...that will never happen."
He nodded. "We shouldn't wait for the world to come to us. Rather, we should go out there and search for life."
"We should go out and make it snow in the middle of the summer."
He nodded again. "It will never happen unless we make it happen."
"Michael...you'd never leave me, would you?"
"...Never."
Raychel looked back into the mirror. So many people told her she looked like...
"What do you think is happening to mother and father right now?"
Michael raised his eyebrows a little. "Have you thought about them a lot lately?"
"No. Have you?"
"Do you miss them?"
"I...miss missing them."
"I see." He licked his lips. "I have thought about them much lately."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Do you miss them?"
"Raychel, I'll...There's..."
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in," said Raychel quietly.
The door opened and a messenger came in. He bowed, than said, "His majesty's court is leaving in ten minutes, and his highness wishes that you come along with him."
"Thank you."
He bowed again and left. Raychel stood up and forced herself to smile at Michael. "Are you ready?"
Michael smiled and nodded. "Let's go."

* * * * * * * * * * *

The ride to Fletz was a most memorable trip. The Prairie was breathtaking and the people they came across amiable. It wasn't until the eve before the celebration when they arrived, but they were greeted with the highest of honors. All the lights in the town were lit and people crowded the streets, cheering and bowing as they walked by. The castle in Fletz was called the Twin Towers, and was gigantic but absolutely astounding. The castle, as well as nearly the entire city, was made of white marble and had blue roofing. The stream that ran through the city went behind the ocean the castle was sitting on.
Raychel and the others had to remember to breathe when they went inside the castle. The rich plush carpets complimented the blue-and-gold banners that hung across the doorways and balconies, and were either decorated with suns, moons, or stars.
"This way." A guard got their attention and led them to the Sun Chamber in the center of the castle. As they entered the room Albert was having a conversation with a young woman with blonde hair and a red dress. He turned to them and smiled.
"Here they are, my dear." He motioned for them to come closer. They did so and bowed.
"How precious," the lady spoke in a kind voice. "You may rise. My name is Emille, and I'm the wife of Albert and Queen of Serdio and Tiberoa. You must be Raychel, Michael, Alanzo, Zachariah, Sofie...and where is the other? Nairobi?"
"Um...Nairobi...won't be joining us," Raychel replied sadly.
"Oh, that's too bad. She'll be missing a great celebration."
"Yes, but...she had other things."
"Well, we won't let that stop us. I am very honored to meet all of you. You say you come from Hyrule?"
"That is correct."
"Hyrule...I've never heard of this place."
"It's very far away."
"It must be. But, let me get Libria to show you around and to your rooms. If there is ever anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. We would be gracious to make your stay here as delightful as possible."
"Thank you, your majesty." Raychel nodded her head.
"Libria!"
A few moments later an elegant middle-aged lady came into the room.
"Libria, these are our honored guests. Please show them their rooms. They must be completely exhausted."
"Yes, your grace." Libria turned to the children. "Come. Follow me."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel stretched and yawned as she walked out to the balcony overlooking the ocean. It was a little late in the morning, the bright sun rippling the water with its light. The previous evening she and her friends were treated to a fabulous dinner and tour of the castle. The castle reminded Raychel of a fairy tale, it all seemed so magical! Like a dream...
"Raych?"
"Huh?" Raychel turned around and smiled. "Oh hi Zach."
Zach walked up to her and looked out at the ocean with her. "What are you thinking of?"
"Hmmm..." she sighed dreamily. "Someone."
"Who?"
"Oh...someone kind, soft, upright, elegant, handsome, intelligent, funny..."
"Well, thank you."
Raychel chuckled. "Not you! His majesty Albert."
"Albert? Why are you thinking of him?"
"Well, why not? He's very charming. And sweet," she swooned.
"He's married."
"I know that! But...he's so..." She only smiled brightly.
"Sounds like you have a crush on him." He rolled his eyes.
"Well, only a little schoolgirl crush maybe. But I can dream, can't I?" She laughed.
He sighed. "Have you thought about your parents recently?"
She lost her smile. "To tell you the truth, not really. Have you?"
"Last night, I had a dream about my mother. She was crying, like the world was ending." He shook his head. "Sofie...Sofie misses mother very much. Being with Shana helps her a lot, but it's just not the same."
"I guess no one can really replace a mother, or a father, for that matter."
There were a few moments of silence as they both stared at the rushing ocean below. Zach drew in a breath and spoke.
"I never thought I'd miss Hyrule so much."
"This place...it does seem a lot like Hyrule. There's a enchanted essence here that reminds me of home."
"Maybe it's the water...do you want to go swimming?"
"Zach, it's a little cold." She rubbed her arms under her robe.
"Maybe. But, we haven't swam together in a long time."
"That's true." She smiled. "Well, I promise that the first thing we do when we return home, as long as it isn't too cold, is jump in the lake...together."
"Alone?"
Raychel stared at him, losing her smile. "Zach...there's something I have to tell you."
"Then tell me." He stood up straight in front of her.
"I..."
"Excuse me? Lady Raychel?"
Raychel and Zach turned to the doorway. There stood Libria.
"I'm sorry. I hope I am not interrupting anything, but if you would like a dress for the party tonight I need to take some measurements."
"Okay." Raychel went over to Libria.
"Raychel?" asked Zach.
"Later." She departed with a small smile and left Zach standing outside, alone and annoyed.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel sighed as she walked through the hall to her room. Libria had taken a much longer time than needed to take her measurements. She kept stalling and asking questions about her and her other friends, especially Zach. Why did she want to know so much about her? Sure, she was new to the land and the people, but Raychel felt Libria was a bit too nosy.
"Guess that's what caretakers are like..." she said as she approached her room's door. She was about to open it when she heard someone talking across the hall, from Michael's room. It sounded like a woman...Raychel turned around and eavesdropped.
"No, Rose, it's not time yet!"
"It is, my child. If Tuvula is near..."
"NO! I don't want to leave! She still needs me!"
"You have done all that you can, Michael. She must finish from here. You must leave before it is too late."
"Please, Rose. A couple more years! I don't want to leave her hanging like this."
This was too much! Raychel swung open the door. There was a fluttering of wings and Michael quickly spun around from his seat near the window.
"Whom were you talking to?"
"No one."
"Don't lie to me Michael." She quickly walked up to him and stood in front of him. "Whom were you talking to?"
"I said no one. Do you not believe me?"
"Ears like these do not deceive Michael. Now answer me."
Michael stood still and silent. Finally, he looked up into her eyes. "I cannot yet."
"What are you talking about, Michael? What did she mean "before it's too late"? Who is Tuvula? And more importantly, who are you?"
Michael didn't answer.
"Michael, please! Just answer me!"
He turned around.
"Michael..." She pulled up his shirt, looking at his scar he got from the whip. She licked her lips. "It's healing well."
"But I'm not..." He began to breath deeply.
"Michael, what's wrong?"
"I'm...I'm..." He suddenly stopped breathing. A few moments later he started coughing harshly. He bent over and spit out blood. He fell to his knees and continued coughing severely.
"Michael!" He got down to his level and put her arm around him. "Help! Someone! He needs a healer! Quickly! Help!"
Shortly after she called two people came. They picked Michael up under his arms and in the blink of an eye took him out of the room. Raychel went out into the hallway after them, but they were gone.
"Michael..." She shook her head. She turned around and slowly went the other direction.
Then she heard it.
A singing voice. A soothing, melodious voice. Raychel followed it. It reminded her of...
Memories flowed into Raychel's head. Her mother...she sang songs like that to her before she would go to sleep. So many memories of her mother... Raychel opened the door to Shana's room. She looked up from her painting and over at Raychel, pausing her singing.
"Hello, Raychel," she greeted with a smile.
"My mother used to sing like that to me."
"Dart taught me that song. It was a song from his mother, Claire. Who was your mother?"
"I...don't know...I can't seem to remember. But that song..." Raychel buried her face in her hands. "My brother is sick."
"I'm sorry, Raychel."
"He'll be all right, Shana." She paused. "I hope."
"I'm sure he will be. Your brother is a strong boy." She got up and walked over to Raychel.
"I don't know what's wrong with him. He's been acting so strangely lately." Raychel tried not to cry.
Shana gave a small smile as she warmly embraced Raychel. Raychel let out a calm breath. She suddenly felt very safe. There was something about Shana that made her feel so at home. No wonder Sofie loved her so much. Shana's presence made her feel so welcomed, like she could share her deepest, darkest secrets and Shana would understand everything. She reminded Raychel of...
"Mother..."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Zelda calmly opened her eyes and looked up through the cell at the staircase. Footsteps echoed louder as she stood up and brushed off her black cloak. Nevis slowly came down the steps and stood in front of her, staring blankly.
"You're not going to tell me, are you?"
"No."
There was a silence.
"Well, just to let you know, your little kingdom is under my command now."
Zelda sighed.
"It's grown a lot since I was last here. Everyone seems so happy. That is, except you. The queen. Not happy with her little kingdom I so kindly brought under my burden."
"You've infected it with your burden."
He smiled a little. "What can I say? I'm sure I could fix everything if I had..."
"You're not getting the Ocarina, or the Triforce."
Now it was his turn to sigh. "This is why I wish your children were still alive. They'd see how little you care about this kingdom. If you gave me the Ocarina, I'm sure everything would be fine."
"You're not getting it."
"Well, we'll see. We'll see." He went to leave but turned to her again. "Do you want me to tell your husband anything?"
Zelda tensed up. "Don't you dare hurt him."
"I won't...yet." He smiled and went upstairs.
The door to the Temple of Time crept open. Link breathed heavily as he kneeled in front of the altar, guards to either side of him. Nevis signaled for Link to face him. Link watched impassively as he came up to him.
"The Hero of Time, are you?"
Link didn't answer. He only coldly stared into Nevis's eyes.
"Well, that should be, were you. You were the Hero of Time. Not anymore, is that correct?"
"Where's Zelda?"
"Oh, she's fine. Very well. For now."
"Where is she?"
He smiled. "You don't need to worry about that. If I were you, I'd rather worry about my own fate."
"What have you done to her?"
"I have no intention of harming her yet."
Link took a deep breath.
"She's being very stubborn. She's always been like that, don't you agree?"
He didn't answer.
"You seem very lost. Then again, you have lost a lot. Don't make it any more." He turned and left.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Never had so many people gathered in one place at one time! The streets of Fletz were filled with people from all over Endiness celebrating, and the castle itself was just as bursting with laughter, love and song.
"Do you think it's time now, love?" asked Emille as she was watching people scurry about.
"I believe it is." King Albert stood up and raised a hand. A few moments later all became silent and eyes turned on him.
"Dear citizens of Endiness, today marks the third year since we defeated Melbu Frahma and destroyed the Moon that Never Sets!"
A cheer rose up. King Albert silenced them after a few minutes.
"Now, once again, I would like to honor those who risked their lives in doing such a selfless deed. Dragoons Dart, Shana, Miranda, Haschel, Kongol, and Meru!"
The crowd shouted happily again as the Dragoons took their places on the stage, Albert among them. After several long moments of recognition, the king silenced the crowd again.
"But tonight we have yet another surprise. Several weeks ago a group of young ones were found on a ship to Midlake. After they had been recovered, they told me that they came from the land of Hyrule. Now, personally I have never heard nor seen Hyrule, but they are kind and beautiful children that I have welcomed to Endiness with open arms. I would like to take the time to introduce you to the children of Hyrule!"
"That's our cue." Zach quickly shook his head and walked from behind the curtain. Raychel smoothed her hair, which was pulled back into a bun, and straightened her sleeveless white dress. Alanzo was next, and next to him was Sofia. Michael simply stood in his blue tunic and gray pants. He didn't bother to dress up. Zach went out first; the others followed him, Raychel last. King Albert proudly presented them. There were a few unbelievable stares, of course, but many people seemed to be enjoying their presence.
After several moments, the partying resumed. Michael, as a member of the entertainment committee, went over to the piano and simply awed people with his talents. Alanzo stayed with Albert and talked, as usual. Sofie was with Haschel watching Meru dance, which she was very good at. Miranda and Kongol seemed to be by themselves, talking with serious looks on their faces. Dart and Shana introduced Raychel to many of their friends.
An hour of this went by, and Raychel was already exhausted. She sat down in a chair and watched as people had a good time. She wasn't sitting long before a hand was held out to her. She looked up at Zach.
"Care to dance?"
Raychel smiled. "Why not?" She took his hand.
They stayed silent for a little while hardly looking at each other, but when they did it was a dreamy moment.
"Are you having a good time?"
"I'm sorry?" Raychel jumped back into reality.
"I asked if you were having a good time."
"Oh, yes, I am. Except I'm worried about my brother."
"Michael? What's wrong with him?"
"I'm not sure. Earlier today I'm positive that he was talking with someone or something alone, but he denies it. And he's been coughing up blood a little." She shook her head, then looked over at him playing the piano. "I wish I could do something. Anything to help him."
"I'm sure I would feel the same way if something happened to Sofie."
"Yeah, you would." She laid her head on his chest.
"Emille, my dear, look." Albert pointed at Raychel and Zach. "Look at how beautifully they dance. Had I not known, I would have guessed they were a prince and a princess!"
"Yes, I see that. You know, all these children are very courteous and elegant," said Emille.
"They are, aren't they? The way Raychel bows to me is so perfect, I wonder where she learned it from..."
"And the way they talk, hold themselves, and their manners, as well. It's all very exact."
"Yes, very much so..." Albert scratched his chin.
"Well, that was very nice, Zachariah." said Raychel as the song ended.
"Zachariah? You haven't called me that in a long time."
"Hmm..."
"Well, thank you." He let go of her hand and left.
Raychel smiled, but noticed suddenly the slip of paper in her hand. She opened it cautiously.
Balcony where we met this morning.
"Oh Zach..." she whispered.
"Raychel?"
She hid the paper and spun around quickly. "Your Majesty Albert." She bowed.
He laughed. "My dear, there is no need for this."
"Oh yes there is, your grace. I feel like I owe you so much. More than I could ever repay."
"Well, I would be honored if you danced with me." He held out his hand.
She nearly fainted with delight, but caught herself. "Oh, of course. I would be honored myself." She nodded and happily took his hand and danced. Albert silently studied her movements and steps until the short song ended.
"That was very good, dear Raychel."
Raychel shuddered. "Thank you." She bowed her head.
"Now, please tell me, who taught you to dance like that?"
"Was there something wrong?"
"Absolutely not. In fact, I thought it was very perfect. But I would like to know how you became so graceful in nearly everything you do. You act almost like a princess."
Raychel took a deep breath, shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "I don't know. It's natural, perhaps."
"Perhaps." He eyed her for a brief moment, than smiled. "Well, I do hope you enjoy the rest of your evening. Dinner will be ready shortly, so don't wander too far." He winked and left.
Raychel sighed with relief, than went out to the balcony to find Zach.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel looked outside from the doorway. Zachariah was already there, looking up at the stars. Raychel put on her shawl and took a deep breath before going outside.
"Zach?"
He turned his head. "Hey Raych."
She nervously approached him and looked up at the sky. "There are so many stars."
"Mm-hmm."
There were a few more moments of uneasy silence, neither of them even looking at each other. They both only looked up at the stars.
"You know, Raych, loving someone that doesn't love you back is like reaching for a star. You know you'll never get it but you have to keep trying."
"And maybe some day, that star will come shooting out of they sky and right into your heart."
He looked at her for a few moments, then back up at the sky. Raychel spoke.
"Have you ever wondered which hurts the most, saying something and wish you had not or saying nothing and wish you had?"
"The most important things are hardest to say. Words diminish feelings, Raychel."
"Have you ever loved someone and they had absolutely no idea whatsoever?"
"Too many of us stay walled because we are too afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care as much, or at all."
"Why is it so hard to let go of someone you never even had?"
"No one is worth your tears. And the one who is won't make you cry."
"You shouldn't fall in love with someone you can live with, but someone you can't live without."
"I can't live without you, Raychel."
They caught each other's eyes.
"Raychel, I love you."
Gazing at him was her only response.
"Do you love me?"
Raychel stayed silent for a few moments longer, staring into his beautiful blue eyes. "Zach...words diminish feelings, remember?" She closed her eyes.
The next thing she knew she was in his arms and his lips upon hers. It was a piercing yet gentle feeling, both bitter but sweet at the same time. Though it only lasted a moment, it felt like an eternity.
When she looked into his eyes again, a new feeling swept her. She felt sad, and almost started crying.
"Raychel..." Zach reached a hand over and pet her face. "What's wrong? Did I make you feel uncomfortable? Please tell me if I did."
"No, Zach. It's...you don't understand...It's like winter in the summer."
"Are you okay? Do you feel you're not ready for this?"
"No, but...you don't understand."
"Tell me."
"Zach, I..."
"Um, excuse me?"
They both suddenly looked over at the door. A messenger stood there, completely unaware of what was going on.
"Pardon my interruption, but dinner is ready."
"Thank you," said Raychel. The messenger left. She looked back at Zach and smiled. "Hungry?"
"Not really." He leaned to kiss her again. She placed a finger to his lips and stopped him.
"Well, I am." Smiling, she took his hand and went downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"My, this is quite a feast, your grace." Raychel delicately lifted a piece of cabbage into her mouth. She and the others were seated on the king's right side down a rectangular table, and his wife and the Dragoons seated on his left. With them were the patricians of other countries from Endiness. There was Queen Theresa, the High Priest, and the three Sacred Sisters from Deningrad, the Mayor of Donau, Emille's father Zior and sister Lisa, the Mayor of Furni, Shana's father and the Mayor of Seles, Plos, Ancestor Blano from the Wingly Village and Charle from the city of Ulara. There were also several other people, perhaps old friends of Albert.
"Well, Raychel, my dear, a party like this comes only once a year!" He smiled as they continued eating, than turned to Emille and whispered.
"Again, my love. Even their table manners are highly sophisticated."
"They are indeed. Maybe they come from a noble family."
"Then why were they on a ship to Midlake? Surely no one of aristocratic lineage would be going there to be sold as slaves."
"That is true."
"And the way that young boy, Michael, plays the piano so magnificently for his age. He must have had strict lessons."
"And we all know how expensive lessons are."
"If you've ever heard Alanzo talk, he sounds as if he puts his whole life into his study. No commoner would have enough time for that."
"Albert, dear..."
"Yes, I know it sounds bias but you understand, right?"
"I do understand. Perhaps we should wait awhile before we intrude on their personal lives."
"Until then, we toast." King Albert stood up, silencing everyone. He lifted his wine glass. "My friends and citizens, tonight joining us is a group of very special young people, hailing from the faraway land of Hyrule. I wish to make a toast to our guests, to prove to them that they are always welcome in our country."
"Here here!" A few people shouted and cheered. Raychel and the others simply smiled.
"Very well then." Albert raised his wine glass. "To our friends from Hyrule, I hope you have been having a wonderful time being here as I have getting to know you. May the rest of your stay here be a time of remembrance in your future years." He drank, and everyone followed.
"And I would like to make a toast to you." Raychel smiled shyly as she stood up. "You have shown much kindness to me and my friends, more then we deserve. And saving our lives is something for which we will always be in debt towards you and the other Dragoons. Therefore, I would like to take this time for you to recognize our gratitude for you and your friends. You have treated us with much respect, and for this we will always be grateful. Here's to King Albert, Queen Emille, and the Dragoons, for their everlasting benevolence." She drank, as did the others.
"Very nice, very nice," responded Albert as Raychel sat down.
A few more moments of silent eating went by, but when they were nearly finished King Albert turned to Raychel.
"How is everything?"
"It's fine. But this whole story about the moon...it reminds me of a tale my father used to tell me. It was about a world with a falling moon. Do you remember that one, Michael?"
He nodded. "The one with all the masks and giants in it?"
"Yes. That's it."
"Remarkable. You'll have to tell me it sometime. How's your food?"
"Oh, it is wonderful, your majesty." Raychel suddenly began to miss the food from home.
There were a few laughs throughout the rest of dinner. As Raychel put her plate aside a messenger urgently entered the room and walked right up to Albert and whispered something. Seeing the desperate look on the messenger's face, Raychel listened in.
"Your highness, please pardon my interruption, but I have imperative news."
"Very well, speak."
"It seems we have more guests from the land of Hyrule, sir. It is a group of guards that have come by looking for their two princesses and three princes missing from their country. Shall I let them in?"
"Did you say two princesses and three princes?"
"Yes, your highness. They were kidnapped about a little over a month ago, and then ran from their captors. This group among many others has been searching frantically for them ever since. They wish for audience, sir."
Albert eyed Raychel, who slowly turned away and closed her eyes. "Yes. Let them in." The messenger went to the door.
Raychel buried her face with her hands. Everyone else sighed and looked sadly at one another.
The door opened and a few moments later Takuya and five guards came into the room. Takuya immediately saw Raychel and went over to her and King Albert.
"Please, you must excuse my rude barge in on your celebration, but my name is Takuya and I lead the Hylian Guard. I have come to return Princess Raychel and the other children of Hyrule's Royal Families back home."
"Princess Raychel, is it? I do know of a Raychel, but not a princess Raychel."
"I am Princess Raychel of Hyrule," she admitted, not looking at him.
"Prince Alanzo of the Gorons."
"Prince Michael of Hyrule."
"Princess Sofie of the Zoras."
"Prince Zachariah of the Zoras."
"Hm. Well..." The King sighed. "And you have a connection to them by...?"
"I am Princess Raychel's sworn guardian."
"Is he?"
Raychel hesitated. "He is...not my guardian. He's only a squire!" She stood up and faced him angrily. "Why? Why must you follow me everywhere I go?"
"Princess, we have been desperately searching for you and the others for the past month!"
Raychel lowered her head.
"I see." Albert paused. There was complete silence for a brief moment before he continued. "Well, do what you must..."
"Your majesty, please," Raychel kneeled next to him. "Please, I must tell you, I am so very sorry for lying to you, to all of you. I have taken advantage of your hospitality and kindness, and all I have done is given you falsehoods about myself and my friends..."
"Dear Raychel, that is not true. By your attitudes and manners, I could have very well guessed you were of royal lineage."
"Please forgive me, and my friends."
"I think I need an explanation, first."
Raychel and the others told their story.
Albert stayed silent for a few moments, looking down at her. He placed a hand on her head and rubbed it, making her look up. He smiled.
"My child, you know what you must do."
"I love it here in Endiness, King Albert. I want to stay here with you. You and the Dragoons have been so wonderful to us."
"But you know what you must do, Princess."
"Don't get me wrong, your highness. I've never had a better time in my life. Ever since I met you I've loved everything that's happened here."
"Princess Raychel, we must return to Hyrule as quickly as possible. Your mother and father are worried."
"Stay out of this Takuya," she snapped.
"Raychel."
She turned to Michael and stood up.
"Raychel, it's time to go home."
"He's right," said Alanzo. "We should go home."
Sofie nodded. "I want to go home."
"Raychel," said Zach. "We have to go home."
Raychel looked down at her friends, a brief glance at Takuya, and then the king. "Forgive me."
"I do forgive you. You are always welcome here, Princess Raychel, and your friends. If you wish, you may stay here the night and leave in the morning."
"I have lied to you. Why do you still treat me with such kindness?"
"Because I understand you, Princess Raychel. I know what it's like to grow up in a royal family. I know the pains there are, the dangers there are, the risks taken. I have been in your shoes, Princess."
"I will never be able to thank you enough."
"You can thank me by returning to those who love you more than anything."
"My parents..."
King Albert nodded. Raychel looked at everyone present.
"Again, I'm so very sorry for lying."
"Raychel, dear," Shana stood up and walked over to her, than embraced her. "We understand. The best thing to do is to return home and take responsibility. You are who you are, Raychel, Princess of Hyrule, and no one can change that. I see a wonderful person in front of me, both kind and intelligent, and deep down she knows what to do."
"Shana, I will miss you, and everyone."
"We will miss you, too."
She backed out of Shana's arms and looked at her friends. "We'll go home..."
CRASH!! SHATTER!!
An arrow flew through the glass window above and landed in the middle of the table. This was followed by eccentric yips and yells from outside, getting louder by the moment.
"The castle is under attack!"
"By whom?!"
"Bandits!!"
"Bandits!? Them again!?"
"There's a horde of them!"
"This is not good." King Albert stood up. "Everyone find a safe place to hide."
"Let's go Dragoons." Dart got up and held up a small silver ball.
Right before their eyes, Dart, Albert, Meru, Miranda, Haschel, and Kongol transformed into their flying counterparts and went outside.
"Follow me." Shana gathered everyone and went through the castle halls. As they were fleeing, however, a group of bandits jumped out and began to attack. Takuya and the other warriors did their best to hold them off, but in the confusion everyone was separated. Takuya stabbed a bandit with his sword and looked around. Not seeing anyone familiar, he ran through the hallways, stopping every now and then to kill a bandit. He heard a scream from a nearby room and ran to investigate it.
Upon entering the room, he saw Raychel holding a sword in her hand, but she was obviously scared because it was shaking. A bandit looked at her menacingly as he swung his knife and easily knocked the sword from her hand. He raised his knife at her.
"Yah!" Takuya moved quickly and pierced his sword into the bandit's side, almost pinning him to the stone wall. He pulled his sword from the body and turned to Raychel.
"Takuya! I was fine!"
Not commenting, he fiercely grabbed her arm and hastily dragged her with him.
"Where are we going!?"
"We're getting out of here."
"NO! What about my brother!? And my friends!?" She tried to struggle loose.
"Raychel, stop it!" He tightened his grip.
"That's Princess Raychel to you! Now let me go!"
"I hate to do this." We swiftly lifted her up and carried her.
"What the hell are you doing!? Stop it! Put me down!"
"I have to get you to safety!"
"No! I want my brother! What about him!?"
"He'll be fine."
"No! MICHAEL!!"
"Shut up!"
By the time their quibbling stopped, they were outside. There were people fighting everywhere, and the grass a bit stained with blood. Takuya tried to avoid all contact with the bandits, but tripped on something, causing him to nearly drop Raychel.
"Takuya! What are you doing?" She tried to get free of his grasp, but it was still too strong. Again he pulled her alongside him until they came to his horse Sherry.
"Get on, Princess."
"Not without my brother!"
"Just get on!"
"No!"
"Princess!" An arrow zoomed closely right behind him, causing their eyes to light up in surprise. Without another word, Raychel got on the horse and Takuya mounted behind her. They could hear the battle yells getting louder as they mounted, but quieted as they rode away. A few arrows flew past them, causing Takuya to shudder a bit. Raychel breathed deeply as she tried to remember what happened, but the only thing she could see were the zooming trees in the moonlight.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Can we stop now?! I think we're far enough away!"
Without a word, Takuya slowed his horse down to a halt. Raychel immediately dismounted and looked around her. She shivered in the cold night's air and wrapped her shawl tightly around her. Angrily, she turned to Takuya and started yelling at him.
"Where are we Takuya? Answer me!"
He didn't answer, but closed his eyes gripping Sherry's reigns.
"Great. We're lost. It's your entire fault, Takuya! We should have stayed in Fletz to help fight, but all you care about is getting to safety! You didn't care about my brother, or my friends, or any of the other needy citizens! By Din's Fire, you creep, all my friends could be dead right now, and you wouldn't give a damn! All you care about is getting me to safety?! I would rather die with my friends then live with someone like you!"
He dismounted his horse and fell to his knees, showing his back to her. Two arrows were imbedded near his left shoulder blade, and the back of his armor had gouges and there was blood dripping out of them and down his shirt. Raychel nearly gasped.
"Oh my goddesses..." She ran to him but he held up a hand. She stopped. Takuya slowly got up and limped over to a large tree, then slowly sat down.
"You can hardly walk..."
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not." She walked over to him and sat down next to him. "Let me see your back."
"Don't touch anything."
"But the arrows..." She put a hand over them.
"Leave them."
"No, Takuya! Your wounds need cleaning!"
"Leave everything alone."
"NO! Takuya, listen! It'll only get worse if we leave it alone! Let me help you, please!" She almost started crying.
Takuya gave her a look of confusion. "Be gentle."
"All right. Give me your knife."
"It's in my boot."
Relieved, Raychel reached over and pulled out his knife.
"This is Impa's knife..."
"She gave it to me. What's your point?"
She used it to cut only the ends of the arrows off, because her father taught her it was harmful to remove them all together.
"I'm going to have to take off your armor vest."
"Fine."
Raychel moved in front of him and unclipped the leather bands that held the vest together, than gently slipped it off, trying not to disturb the wounds. She placed it aside and looked at his back again. His shirt was torn in several places and blood was still trickling out, staining it.
"We're going to have to take off your shirt as well. I'll have to tear it, okay?"
"Whatever."
Raychel took the knife and cut his shirt down the middle, then gently peeled it off, lifting it over the arrows. He clenched as she did it. Any cloth that had formed a dressing on the wound was being ripped off, making it bleed even more.
"Oh my goddesses..." There were a couple deep gouges and many cuts on his back. "What happened...?"
"We were attacked several times. You couldn't have noticed..."
"I was in front of you. You tripped..."
"Strained my ankle."
"You would stumble..."
"Slashed and stabbed by knives..."
"You would startle while we were riding."
"Arrows."
Raychel tore off some off her dress that was still clean and pressed it against the wounds, trying to stop the bleeding. Takuya felt a drop of water on his back.
"You're crying."
"This is all my fault."
"Why are you crying?"
"Takuya please don't die." She wrapped a strip of her dress around him.
"I won't."
"No, Takuya, I don't want you to die."
"Why?"
"It wouldn't be fair. This is my fault. I shouldn't have argued with you. It's because of me this is happening. I should be the one scarred, not you."
"A few moments ago you said this was all my fault."
"I didn't mean that."
"So you lied to me?"
"We tell lies because we are afraid."
"So you lied to me on purpose?"
"We tell lies because we are afraid of what we don't know."
"Awhile ago you said you'd rather die with your friends than live with me. Why don't you want me to die, than?"
She didn't answer, but tears still streamed down her cheeks as she finished dressing his wounds.
"Raychel," He sounded impatient. "Why are you crying for me? Why all of a sudden do you care so much?"
She still didn't answer. "Your wounds have all been covered." She went to get up and walk away, but Takuya quickly turned around and grasped her shoulders, forcing her to look at straight in the eyes.
"Why are you acting like this Raychel? Five minutes ago you hated me! I want to know what all of sudden made you be so kind to me! If it's because I'm hurt that's a lame excuse because I've been injured in your presence many times before and you haven't given a damn! If it's because you lied to me you have lied many times before and hardly request forgiveness from me, let alone be regretful for the lying! So why are you so depressed now!?"
Raychel shuddered, her eyes showing with fright.
"Why!? Answer me! Why do you care!?"
"I LOVE YOU! Now shut up!"
Takuya heightened his eyebrows for a moment. She freed herself from his grip and got up, turning her back to him.
"You admit it. You love me."
"It's true. I do. I always had."
"You seemed so afraid of me before."
"I was afraid you were going to hurt me...by rejecting me." Raychel's eyes lit up with her memory of what Impa had said. She now realized what she had been talking about. She looked down at the knife. "Impa..."
"What?"
"Impa knew I was in love with you. That aura I always felt when I was around you, it was love, but I wasn't ready for it. She knew that. She said I had to solve this on my own, and I'd do it when I felt I was ready."
"You feel you are ready now?"
"I've always loved you. Since the day we met four years ago. But I never wanted you to find out. That's why I always treated you so cruelly. I denied my feelings for you because I was scared refusal would be too hard to handle. But every time I lied that fear grew bigger. It got so bad...that's when I started thinking you wanted to kill me. By then I was just so afraid of you, and how you'd react if I told you I loved you. No wonder every night I would look up at the stars and ask myself why I had to wish on all of them to get you to notice me when all you have to do is smile or talk for me to notice you."
"You never wanted me around you."
"It's hard to tell my mind to stop loving when my heart does. A day has never gone by since we met that I didn't think about you. Even these past weeks I've thought about you everyday."
"You never wanted me around you because your mind told you not to love me?"
"My heart always had though. Your heart decides whom it likes and whom it doesn't. You can't tell your heart what to do. It does it on its own, when you least suspect it, or even when you don't want it to."
"Have you ever not wanted to love me?"
"At times your mind doesn't want you to be in love but deep down you know you are."
There were a few more moments of silence.
"Do you love me?"
"I've put up with you all these years, Raychel, because if I could be anything it would be your tears. I'd be born in your eye, live down your cheek, and die on your lips."
She turned around to see him smiling.
"I love you too, Raychel."
"WHAT!? Why didn't you ever tell me!?"
"Kind of the same reason you never told me. But I also wanted to wait until you were ready."
"NO! This game is too easy!"
"Love isn't a game, Raychel. There should be no players."
"Then what it love?"
"Falling in love is exactly like falling. You have no control over it. And it hasn't been easy, Raychel. We've been torturing ourselves for four years."
"Now I look back at it all and ask myself why."
"You shouldn't look back anymore if it brings you pain."
"Takuya..." She kneeled down next to him. "Go to sleep. You are in pain right now."
"I can't sleep."
"I'll watch over you."
"Raychel..."
"You must be cold." She took her shawl off and wrapped it around him. "Let me do something for you, for once."
"You love me, that is all I could ever want."
"Don't lie to me."
"I'm not."
"Promise?"
"I swear it."
"It's late. Go to sleep."
"As you wish."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel gently brushed Takuya's hair with her fingers. She wasn't lying when she said she'd watch over him. She couldn't fall asleep that night, for fear of losing him.
"Why am I still afraid, my love? We are in each other's hearts and I'm still afraid to loose you. Why? Surely the heart is the safest place...it's like winter in the summer. This strange love is unnecessary but we learn so much from it...so much..."
"Hearts can be broken," he said as he woke up. "If you love someone you should put their name in a circle, because circles last forever."
"I started drawing that circle when I met you. Now I've completed it, and am back where I began."
"But you have gone through the circle. The difference is you admitted to love. That's what brings you back to the beginning, or makes the circle even larger." He began to get up. "The arrows...you removed them?"
"Yes. I know I shouldn't have, but they annoyed me. It started bleeding a little but I redressed it."
"My shirt..."
"I mended it."
"You did that to my life, too. But you did it with love."
It started to rain.
"Are you thirsty?" he asked.
"Why?"
"Just a minute. Stay here." He slowly got up.
"No, Takuya..."
"I'm fine." He disappeared behind the tree. Raychel got up and followed him, but didn't see him.
"Takuya?"
"Heads up."
"Huh?" She gasped as a flood of water came down on her head.
"I warned you!"
She looked up in the tree to see Takuya smiling at her.
"Now, open your mouth."
She did so. He tilted a leaf filled with rainwater and poured it into her mouth. She tried not to laugh as she swallowed it.
"That's neat! Where'd you learn that?"
"Your father."
"My father taught you a lot of things, didn't he?"
He nodded.
"You know, I was always jealous when you were with my father."
"Why?"
"He just...you learned so much from him."
"He taught you much of the same thing."
"But you were good at it! I just...I loved spending time with my father, but nothing I did ever pleased him."
"That's not true, Raychel."
"But you...you always were the one that impressed him. It was never me."
"No, Raychel. You did impress him."
"But it was never in the same aspect as you."
"Why should it be?"
"I...I don't know."
"There are many ways to impress people, Raychel. Find out what your good at and show it to other people. They'll learn from you that way."
"I'm not very good at anything."
"Your good at loving people, no matter who they are."
She half-smiled.
He slowly climbed down. When he put his feet on the ground, he winced.
"Takuya..." Raychel walked over to him. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah...ahhh...it just hurts a little."
"What does?"
"My whole body."
"Should we go back now?"
"Yeah."
"Your leg..."
"It's fine."
Raychel got up and mounted his horse, then helped Takuya up.
"Are you going to be all right?"
"Yes."
"Takuya?"
"Yes?"
"You've always done everything I've asked, even though I've acted like I hated you. I'm very thankful and very sorry. And I love you."
"I know." He held her close as they slowly rode back to Fletz.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Someone's coming!"
"Move, let me see." The guard moved out of the way and let Dart look through the tower window. "It's Raychel and Takuya!"
"What!?" Albert rushed into the room.
"It looks like Raychel and Takuya."
Albert looked out the window. "It is they." He turned and quickly ran down the stairs. The other Dragoons followed him outside.
"King Albert!" Takuya halted his horse and let Raychel jump off. She ran up to Albert and into his arms. "I'm so glad you're safe, your majesty."
"As am I, princess."
"But Takuya!" She looked into Albert's eyes desperately. "He needs a doctor quickly!"
"Yes, Albert, get him one immediately," Dart said as Kongol helped Takuya off his horse.
"I'll get one straight away!" Miranda quickly vanished into the castle.
"Where is my brother? And my friends?"
"Your brother is in his room. Your friends are in the courtyard," answered Albert.
"Thank you."
"C'mon, follow me!" Meru gestured Raychel to follow her.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Meru stopped at Michael's door. "Ya know, the poor kid's been worried sick about you. He's always staring at the piano."
"Has he played it yet?"
"Not since last night."
"Thank you." Raychel opened the door and went in, closing it behind her. She saw Michael in a trance in front of the piano.
"Michael..."
He spun around. "Raychel!" He ran up to her and wrapped her in his arms.
"Oh, Michael." She held him close and smiled.
"I've been so scared, Raychel. I was afraid I'd never see you again." He began to cry.
"I'm all right, Michael, I'm all right. You can stop crying."
"No, I can't."
"But I'm fine, Michael. Honestly."
"Raychel, I'm not feeling very good..."
She looked at his face and felt his forehead with her palm. "You're not warm, and you look fine."
"I'm so tired."
"Then go to sleep."
"I can't, though..."
"Michael, enough of this. What is wrong with you?"
"Listen." He went back over to the piano and played a familiar song nearly perfectly. Raychel was awed.
"That song..."
"Raychel, that was Serenade of the Mystic Fish in A Minor by Hona Yoppu." He turned to her. "I haven't played that song since before this all happened, and I never memorized the whole thing before."
"So how can you be playing it nearly perfectly right now?"
"I don't know."
A white crow flew into the window. It cawed several times, than flew away. Raychel noticed it had purple stripes across its wings and back.
"I think...I should go to sleep."
"That's what I said before, Michael."
Without a word, he went over to his bed and lied down. "Raychel?"
"What is it?"
"I love you...very much. More then anyone, I think."
"That's sweet. I love you too, brother."
He closed his eyes. Raychel smiled and left.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel had changed into her normal clothes before going out to the courtyard. She immediately noticed Alanzo, standing in the rain in deep thought. She ran and jumped in front of him, beaming.
"Hello!!"
Alanzo opened his eyes widely and shuddered. "Ray...Raychel!?"
"Yeah! It's me! Who else?" she mocked sarcastically.
"Oh, thank the heavens you are all right!" He gently hugged her.
"I'm relieved that you are fine, as well. What happened?"
"Well, we were attacked by bandits..."
"Besides that! What else?"
"Well, the best thing I could do was curl up into a ball. I really don't like to fight."
"Fight? Where are Zach and Sofie?"
"In the courtyard with the small pool."
"All right. Again, I'm glad you're safe."
"So am I, but you should talk to Zach."
She stared at her friend for a moment, than nodded. "Yeah." She left.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Zach? Sofie?" Raychel walked into the courtyard.
"Zach! Sofie!" She walked over to the pool and looked down in it.
"Raychel!"
Raychel turned just in time to catch Sofie jumping at her, but got knocked back into the grass.
"Raychel! You're alive! You're alive!"
"I'm very much alive, Sofie!" Raychel said happily as she sat up.
"I'm so happy now!" Sofie embraced Raychel with all her might.
"I'm happy too, Sofie." Raychel hugged the little Zora back. "Where's your brother?"
"Right here."
Raychel looked up at Zach and changed her expression.
"Hey Sof, go see if Meru or someone needs help."
"Do I have to?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
"I don't always listen to you."
"You will now."
"I wanna be with Raychel."
"Sofie! Go!"
"Why should I?"
"I already told you."
"Only if Raychel comes with me."
"Sofie...!"
"Hey, Sof, I'll catch up with you, okay?"
She smiled at Raychel, than turned to her brother with a disgusted look. "I'm only going because Raychel is, too, so there!" Sofie got off of Raychel and ran into the castle.
"Sorry, Raych, she's been a little antsy lately." He reached out a hand to help her up.
"She just wants to go home." She took his hand and stood up right in front of him.
"So do I." He leaned to kiss her.
"Zach." She backed off a step, feeling humiliated.
"What is it? Is there something wrong?"
She only looked away from him.
"Raychel?"
"Zach, I...I..." She swallowed.
"What?"
"I...want you to know something."
"Anything. Just tell me." He walked up to her and embraced her. She began to breath unevenly. "Are you nervous? Did something happen last night?"
"Ye...Ye...Yes."
"What? Tell me. Please." He put his hands on her cheeks and looked deeply into her wide eyes. "You look scared."
"I am. Zach, I've never been so afraid before..."
"Raychel." He embraced her. A few moments later she backed away from him again, still looking at him.
"Zach I..."
"Excuse me?"
They both turned to see someone in the door.
"I'm sorry, but his majesty Albert would like to speak with you, Princess Raychel."
"Very well." She took a breath and began to leave.
"Raychel, wait..."
"I'll tell you later." She quickly left, leaving Zach in confusion.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel quickly walked up to Albert and bowed before him.
"Princess, do get up. There's no need..."
"Your grace, I will never forgive myself for lying to you." She almost started to cry.
Albert put a hand under her chin and forced her to look up at him. Smiling, he wiped any tears away and motioned her to stand up. She reluctantly did so.
"You're a beautiful girl, Princess."
"No I'm not. I lied to you. I lied to everyone."
"And we all lie, your highness. But admitting to your lies and asking for forgiveness is something that not everyone does."
"I would not have told you who I was."
"I would have guessed. You're not a good actress, Princess Raychel." He laughed quietly. "Then again, I guess I know a princess when I see one."
"You're very clever, King Albert."
"But you're going to promise me that you'll be going home right away tomorrow."
"If we can find a ride..."
"The Queen Fury."
"The Queen Fury?"
"Our ship. It will take you to where Hyrule is. Takuya said he knew the way."
"Yes. I'm sure he does." She shook her head. "I'm so sorry, but I do not understand your kindness for someone who has deceived you."
"I believe that deep down you are a wonderful person, Princess Raychel. Adolescence is the hardest part of anyone's life, and although we make the most of it on our own, we need as much help as we can get from others."
"It's almost like a paradox...like winter in the summer."
"It is, dear, very much so. We learn so much about ourselves by making so many mistakes. And that is what we are afraid of, Princess. We are afraid to make mistakes because we are afraid of what others will think. And then we try to run away from our mistakes by lying about them. When we lie, we only run farther and farther away. But when we turn around and look at them, we see that there is really nothing to be afraid of at all. And that is what takes the most power, wisdom, and courage."
"You remind me of my parents."
"What are their names again?"
"Zelda, my mother, and Link, my father."
"The Queen and King of Hyrule...I'll have to meet them someday."
"You will always be welcome in Hyrule, King Albert."
"Well, thank you Princess Raychel."
"Please, just Raychel is fine. I don't like to called a princess."
"Very well then, Raychel. Now, I suggest you tell your friends about all of this so that they can prepare for the journey."
"Again, I will never be able to thank you enough." She nodded.
"Seeing you back home would be good enough, my child."
Raychel smiled, bowed, and left.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel turned down the hallway and opened the door outside to one of the courtyards. It was still raining, so she shielded her eyes with her hand as she walked briskly through it. About halfway across she ran into someone.
"Ahhh....ouch...ahhhh."
"Oh...Takuya! I'm so sorry are you all right?"
"Yeah..." He rubbed his left shoulder, wincing with pain.
"I didn't even see you. Here." She turned him around and moved his shirt to look at his dressed wounds. "They did a nice job."
"Aaahhh...Don't touch it."
"Sorry! I'm sorry." She removed her hand. He straightened his shirt and turned around. She stared at him forlornly.
"Takuya, about last night...what did you think?"
"Think?" He slowly scratched his head.
"Oh come on! You had to be thinking of something!"
"I thought...about how lucky I was."
"Lucky? You thought you were lucky?"
He shrugged. "Yeah? Who wouldn't?"
"Why do you think you were lucky?"
"I'm glad someone was there when I needed them. I was hurt, and I probably wouldn't have survived if no one was there."
"So you're glad I was there for you."
"It could have been anyone with a heart as pure as yours."
"So it could have been anyone?"
"No."
"Takuya stop playing games!"
He laughed at her impatience.
"What's so funny?"
"You."
"Seriously, now. Takuya, what did you think about last night?"
"It was beautiful. The most beautiful night I ever had."
"I didn't sleep."
"I thought so."
She gazed deeper into his eyes. "I have some questions..."
"Shoot."
"Why...why did you let me slip away from you so many times before?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you know, I would tie up your horse so you couldn't follow me, or I'd put sleeping potion in your drink. You know, things like that."
He gazed back at her.
"Well, why? You let me get away with it every single time. Why?"
"Because I trusted you."
"Really?"
"Who do you think threw the stone at the stable hand so he wouldn't catch you?"
"That was you, wasn't it?"
"Yeah. I never wanted to ruin your fun, Raychel. I do care about you, very much, and I always have, but I knew you could take care of yourself too."
"What about the time in the forest? You knew I was down there in the cave, right?"
"Why didn't you come and get me?"
"We would have been caught. About ten minutes later we came across an attack from one of Nevis's parties. It was too risky then, with everyone searching for you."
She stared at him. "Do you love me?"
"I told you I did."
"I don't believe you."
His tone formed a question. "Why?"
"You have to prove it."
"How?"
"Takuya, when we return, we may not be able to stay like this..."
"What makes you say that?"
"Think about it. You're my guardian. What kind of a relationship would that be? What would people think? What would my parents think? They'd freak."
"And you're letting that stand in the way?"
"Why not? They're my parents!"
"You love me, but you're still afraid of it." He paused. "Raychel, no matter what happens, I'll always love you. I don't care what anyone says. I don't care what you're parents say, even. You should love for love, not anything else, and let nothing stand in your way."
"You're right. My parents would agree with you. So now prove that you love me."
"How?"
"Kiss me."
He raised his silvery eyebrows and widened his eyes. "What?"
"You heard me. I didn't stutter."
"Should I believe you, though? Can't I prove my love to you without kissing you?"
"You're afraid, aren't you? You're afraid to kiss me because of what others will think. Of what my parents will think! That's it! You're afraid of what my mother and father will say if they found out you kissed me. Right?"
"Actually, I'm afraid of myself doing it."
She gave him a disgusted look.
"I've never kissed anyone before. It might...I don't know...It just seems so strange to kiss someone..." He turned his head and scratched it. He stood staring into nothing for a while.
"Oh just stop thinking about it and kiss me, damn it."
"Fine." He smiled and pulled her into his arms, gave her a thoughtful gaze for a moment, than quickly kissed her cheek.
"You idiot!" She kissed his lips. For a moment, she had forgotten her dignity. Everything that had happened before just seemed like a dream, and this was the reality. She wrapped her hands around his neck and intensified the kiss. He soon pulled away, breathing. For a few moments he stared at her face. Any droplets that touched it looked like tears. He moved the wet stray hairs away from her face and kissed her gently, combing her hair as she played with his own.
"Hey Raych! Ray...!"
Raychel and Takuya pulled away from each other, but it was too late. She widened her eyes as she saw Zachariah staring at both of them. She slowly looked up at Takuya, then back at him. He had the most painful of looks on his face. It seemed like forever had passed before anyone said or did anything. She saw Zach saying something, but couldn't understand.
"Zach..."
He closed his eyes and quickly left, shaking his head in sorrow and disbelief.
"Raychel, what was...?"
"Takuya, I'm so sorry." She began to cry.
"What happened? Tell me."
"It's a long story, and a terrible one. I've done such an awful thing..."
"What did you do?"
"...I broke...a heart."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel slowly walked up to Zach's door. She stared at it for a little while, taking deep breaths. She opened it slowly and walked in, then closed it behind her. His back was to her as he looked out a window. They didn't say anything for at first, but Zach eventually spoke.
"You love him."
"I do."
There was another long pause; the only sound was their breathing.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I tried to...I wanted to..."
"Why didn't you!?"
Raychel straightened up at the sudden rise in his voice. "I couldn't..."
"Yes you could have. I would have rather find out that way."
"I'm sorry..."
He turned around, holding a knife in his hand. Raychel widened her eyes.
"Zach...no..."
"I said I couldn't live without you Raychel."
"No! Don't be an fool!" She ran up to him, but he held his knife out at her. She gasped. He lowered it, than bowed his head.
"Raychel...why did you kiss me that night?"
She looked down at the ground. "Because I felt..."
He gazed up, as did she.
"...Sorry for you."
There was another long pause.
"I gave you my heart that night, Raychel."
She closed her eyes painfully.
"And you just threw it right back at me."
"I do love you."
He gave her an evil look.
"Just not the same way you love me." Tears flowed down her cheeks as she opened her eyes.
He walked past her and left, dropping his knife. She kneeled down and picked it up. It had a long triangular blade, angled in such a way that it would glide in smoothly. Perfect for stabbing someone...or committing suicide. Thankfully, there was no blood on the blade.
"Raychel?"
She turned to see Shana enter the room.
"Oh, Raychel, what happened? Why are you crying?" She knelt down beside her and embraced her.
"Shana...how do you fix a broken heart?"
"With love."
"What if love isn't good enough?"
Shana brushed away her tears. "Nothing is stronger then the truth, Raychel."
"I did tell the truth. But even that wasn't good enough. Zach wanted me to love him with everything, but I couldn't do that..."
"Love is when you take away the feeling, the passion, and the romance in a relationship and find out that you still care for that person."
"I still care for him, but...I...I did such an awful thing. I should have said something before..."
"The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past. You can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches."
"He just doesn't understand. Shana he almost killed himself...because of me! His best friend!" She fell into Shana and cried as she held her warmly.
"You must show him that you still care."
"How?"
She pulled Raychel away and looked into her eyes. "You'll know how. And if he still cares, he'll know how to forgive."
Raychel slowly began to smile with Shana. She quickly got up and left, but peered back into the room, ran into it and hugged her. "Thank you!" She turned around again and went outside into the rain.
She ran as fast as she could down to the beach, getting several surprised stares from people. But she ignored them. She just kept running towards the ocean. She stopped near the water's edge, huffing out breaths that formed small clumps of fog. She scanned the water impatiently, running along side where the ocean met the sand. Finally, she saw Zach floating on his back about fifty feet into the water.
"ZACH!!"
Startled, he flipped onto his feet and stared at Raychel. As he did, she ran out to him, not caring at all if her clothes would be drenched. She kept trudging through the water towards him, keeping him still in wonder. When she was within arms reach, she jumped at him, wrapping her arms around him, leaving him no choice but to catch her.
"Raychel, what...?"
"Zach, I'll be there when no one is there for you, and you think no one cares. When the whole world walks out on you and you think you're alone, I'll be there. When all you need is a friend, someone to catch your tears, I'll be there. So you see I'll be there until the end. This is a promise I can make. If you ever need me, just give me a call and I'll be there." She backed off a little. "But will you be there for me?"
He stared at her a moment, then slowly grinned and nodded. "I'll be there for you."
Alleviated, they embraced. Then, jokingly, Zach dunked her head under the water. She wrestled free of his grip and pushed him around. They continued playing like they were children again for a while...
Takuya and Michael looked at them from a top the balcony. Takuya smiled.
"She is a brave person, just like her parents."
Michael looked up at him.
"She doesn't love one person any more than another. Maybe in different ways but she doesn't rate love on a scale. That takes courage."
"You really love my sister, don't you?"
Takuya turned to him surprisingly. "Is she really your sister?"
Michael opened his mouth, but said nothing. He quickly turned and ran back inside, feeling suddenly sick. He began to slow down as everything became fuzzier. He grabbed his head and shook it, then tightened his grip. He stumbled into a pillar, and holding onto it for support, he began to sweat and breath heavily. He slowly fell to his knees. Taking even deeper, slower breaths, he looked up at the ceiling, than screamed.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"What happened? Where is he?"
"He fainted, Princess Raychel..."
"How and why?"
"We don't know."
"How is he now?" She looked at the doctor as she followed him to Michael's room.
"He's...you should see for yourself."
Raychel briskly opened the door to Michael's room. The two doctors hovering over him looked at her.
"Out," she ordered.
Obediently, they quickly gathered their belongings and left. Raychel closed the door and walked over to Michael, who was lying on his side in his bed. She sat down on the edge of his bed and started combing his hair with her fingers.
"Takuya..."
"What about him? Did he do this?!"
"He has eyes...that see the truth...He knows the truth Raychel."
"What truth?"
There was a pause and Michael swallowed. "Go over to the piano."
Raychel got up and walked over to it.
"Place your fingers on it."
She did so.
"Now, try to understand my language..."
Raychel breathed deeply and closed her eyes. She could almost feel Michael's hands on her own as she played a song. It was a sad song, but one that overwhelmed her soul, as if purifying it. She felt calm but revived. After it was over, she opened her eyes and looked at Michael.
"The Song of Healing..."
"What?" She walked over to him and sat down on the edge of his bed.
"Raychel, it is time..." He turned his head and looked up at her. "I am not your brother."
She gave him a confused look and shook her head. "Yes you are."
"No...I'm not even a Hylian."
"Don't be silly..."
"Don't you believe me?" He rubbed his ears with his hands. They had changed into ears that looked like the people's ears on Endiness. Raychel widened her eyes. "Michael...I don't understand. What's going on? Is this a nightmare?"
"It is as real as you perceive it to be." He lied back down. Raychel slid off the bed and kneeled down next to him.
"Michael, what's happening to you?"
"I'm dying..."
"What?"
"My life in this world is over..."
"Stop talking like that."
"Raychel..." He suddenly widened his eyes. "She is coming. You must let go of me."
"No! Who is she?"
The white and purple crow flew into the window and landed on the backboard of Michael's bed.
"Rose..."
"It is time to go, Michael," spoke the crow.
"Who are you!?" Raychel yelled in awe.
"You have heard of me, Raychel. Rose? From the Legend? Yes?"
"You...yes, I recall. But you died!"
"I never die."
"Rose, please, a few more years," begged Michael.
"Michael, if Tuvula is near we must leave! Besides, look at yourself! You are sick and vulnerable! I must take you back with me before we all lose you!"
"No one's leaving until I get an explanation!" shouted Raychel, as she turned to Rose.
"You remember the Black Monster and the Moon Children from the Legend?"
"You were the Black Monster."
"Yes, I know."
"And you lived during the Dragon Campaign."
"I had a lover."
"Zieg."
"We had a child."
Raychel gasped and turned to Michael. "No..."
"Michael is our son."
"No!" Raychel pulled Michael into her arms. "He is my brother!" She began to cry. "He is my brother!!"
"Raychel..." He began to cry as well.
"Why...why didn't you tell me...?"
"I gave birth to him before the Dragon Campaign. When Zieg was lost to me and I had to take my role as the Black Monster, I could not take my son with me."
"So he's been alive for the past ten thousand years!?!"
"Yes. However, he stayed in Ulara with Charle. There he was taught the ways of the Winglies, though not a Wingly himself. His teacher's name was Tuvula."
"Tuvula," muttered Raychel, recognizing the name.
"Correct. As of lately, however, she has been thinking of him as her own son. After the Moon Child was gone for good, I went back to Ulara to take him home with me. However, before he came with me, he wanted to live a life down on earth, and chose Hyrule, and chose you. But now he is sick, and Tuvula is using this opportunity to take him from me. If you don't give him back, he will die."
"I will never let him go! He is my brother!"
"Do you not understand, Raychel?! He is not your brother and he never was! And if you do not give him up he will die for not only you, but I, his mother, as well!"
"That's not true! Whether he is or is not my brother I loved him as one, and I always will! I will never give him up!" She hugged his body tightly. Michael could only stare at Rose and cry.
"That's the spirit, Raychel."
She gasped and looked up at a woman with braided black hair and a black dress.
"Tuvula!" Rose cawed loudly.
"Shut up, feather head."
"Stay away from him, you witch."
"What are you going to do? Lay an egg?"
"Who are you?" Raychel demanded as she pulled Michael away from her.
"You don't know me? Michael never told you about me?"
"How do you know my brother?"
"I was his teacher. I taught him so many things. I raised him, because his mother was too busy..." She eyed Rose with an evil smile. She cawed loudly. "Rose abandoned Michael and let him live all by himself. Fortunately, I found him, and I taught him the ways of magic, but he wanted more. Oh so much more." She giggled.
Rose cawed again. "He wanted to come back to me!"
"And he wanted a life!" Tuvula smiled. "I allowed him to live in Hyrule as the life of a Hylian child. I see you love him very much Raychel. If you want, I can heal him for you, and he will be with you forever."
Rose cawed. "He is my son! I want my son back! He will live if he comes back with me!"
"But he will also live, with you, Raychel, if you let me heal him."
There was an odd silence. Michael gripped Raychel's hand and closed his eyes.
"Raychel, Michael depends on your choice now," cawed Rose as she dipped her head.
"What do you mean?"
"My son's fate is in your hands now, Raychel. But you must do something quickly before his earthly sickness kills him like a mortal!"
Raychel shook her head.
"He is not your son, he is Raychel's brother." Tuvula turned to Raychel. "Isn't that right?"
"He is my brother!"
"Raychel..." He closed his eyes.
"He is your brother. You would never leave him, right?"
"No, never!"
"Then if you give him to me, I will save him." She held out her arms.
"If you give Michael to her she will take him!"
"Don't listen to her, Raychel. He is your brother, and you'd do anything for him." She frowned at Raychel. "You wouldn't want him to die at such a young age, would you?"
Raychel shook her head.
"Then give him to me."
"What will you do that will save him?" she asked.
"I will cure him, of course."
"There has to be some catch. You want something with him, I know."
Tuvula eyed her with annoyance. "You are clever."
"What are you going to do with him after you heal him? What do you want with him?"
Tuvula tensed her face up. "You are indeed very smart Raychel. You're right; I do want something from him. I want his spirit."
"His spirit?"
"His spirit is quite powerful. I could use a spirit as strong as his."
"What will you do with it?"
"I will use him to do whatever I want."
Raychel gasped. "If you do that, it'll be like you taking over his body and mind!"
Tuvula growled, but smiled. "He'll be living with you, though. If Rose takes him you'll never see him again."
Raychel looked back and forth at Rose and Tuvula, then down at Michael. "Michael, what do you want...? Your teacher who takes away your freedom or your mother who takes away your life?"
"I want...to go home..." he said it so quietly.
"Home...where is your home?"
"With...you...wherever...you are...I...will be there...I will fly..."
"Michael, I can't let you go..." She pulled him in close and cried.
There was more fluttering of wings as another crow flew into the window. This one was also white, but had red stripes on its back. It landed next to Rose.
"Zieg..." said Rose.
"Girl, listen to me," said Zieg. Raychel looked up at him. "With the Song of Healing Michael gave this decision to you instead of Rose and Tuvula because you have a true heart that can understand anything. You know what he wants...he told you before Rose or Tuvula even came here!"
"That song..." She looked down at Michael again. "He wants to be healed..." She gently rubbed his face and hair. "He wanted to go home...for me to let go of him..."
"Never let him go, Raychel!" shouted Tuvula. "He can be with you again if you give him to me!"
Raychel continued staring at Michael's face. He breathed slowly, gradually closing his eyes.
"You must do something quickly!" yelled Rose. "Before we all lose him!"
"You will fly, Michael, with me, everywhere I go?"
"Everywhere." He opened his eyes slightly.
"I love you."
"And I will always love you, no matter where you go. I'll always be there. I promise...remember...life is like...winter in...the summer..."
Raychel leaned over and kissed his cheek. Little by little, she began to let go of him. She closed her eyes and tried to erase his image from her mind. She stood up; releasing him from her arms, she took a few steps back. She opened her eyes to see Michael smiling at her with his eyes and mouth. He closed his eyes and his body went limp.
"Aahhh!" Tuvula, angered, disappeared.
Raychel saw through her misty eyes Michael's body beginning to glow a bluish color. The light gathered into a small dark blue sphere, than left out the window. Rose spread her wings and flew off behind it. Zieg turned to Raychel.
"Thank you. I have waited ten thousand years to become a family again." He flew out the window. Raychel walked over to the window and looked out, but all she saw was the white moon overlooking the ocean. She turned around and looked at Michael's body on the bed. She walked over to it and looked down.
"Whether you were really my brother or not, I will never forget you. Thank you so much for what you gave me. You gave me..." Tears formed in her eyes as she collapsed to her knees and wrapped him in her arms. She whispered in his ear. "You gave me hands to reach out to when I stumbled upon myself and had to get back up. You were my hands, Michael...I now know what I must do, and it is all because of you..."
She held him in her arms the rest of the night.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel stared out into the gray ocean as the Queen Fury sailed. She had been all morning. Even before she got on the ship all she did was stare at the ocean. They had found Raychel asleep - fainted, for Raychel never remembered falling asleep - kneeling beside Michael's bed with her head next to his, and her arms around him. Raychel didn't tell anyone anything, and the healers assumed he had died in his sleep. Only she knew exactly what happened. The only other person who had the faintest was...
"Raychel?"
She continued to stare out at the ocean as Takuya slowly walked up to her. He went in front of her and looked down at her, but she continued staring like she could see through him. He began to touch her face gently with his fingertips, but after a few moments he got the message that she wanted to be left alone.
She had been like this the majority of the trip. Alone, staring into nothingness. No one, not even King Albert, could get a word out of her.
"All right. That's it. I'm sick of this," said Zach as he went to go talk to her.
"No, Prince." Takuya reached out and grabbed his arm.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Zach turned to Takuya and looked at him straight on.
"She needs to be left alone. Do you know what it's like to loose someone?"
"Hell yeah!"
"Like your sibling?"
Zach drew in a breath and looked over at Sofie, who was sitting on a crate looking at the ground.
"I don't care." Zach turned back to Takuya. "Right now she needs us, her friends, and especially you, Takuya, more than anything. She needs to know that someone will be there for her, no matter what. We're her closest friends, and what have we done to help her through this? We've done nothing!"
"She wants to be left alone," said Takuya.
"You may love Raychel, but you don't know her very well. She's crying out for us now, Takuya. She wants someone to be there." Zach went over to Raychel and talked to her.
"He is right." Takuya turned to Alan. "She needs us now, Takuya. It's the toughest of times you need your closest of friends." Alan walked over to join Zach and Raychel. Sofie jumped off the crate and went to join Raychel and the others. Takuya watched her leave, then sighed, shook his head, and went back inside the ship.
"How is she?"
"Sir?" Takuya turned to King Albert.
"How is Raychel?"
Takuya took a deep breath. "She's so depressed. She may not talk for awhile."
"Maybe she'll cheer up if she finds out we'll be docking in Hyrule tomorrow."
"Are you serious, your majesty?"
"Very much so."
Takuya nodded. "I'll tell her that. Thank you."
Raychel did not speak to her friends, and wasn't present for any meals. Takuya had grabbed an extra apple and taken it up to her after dinner. She still stared out at the ocean.
"Raychel, eat something." Takuya went up to her and held out the apple. She ignored it, but for the first time talked.
"Takuya, did you know Michael's secret?"
Takuya licked his lips and looked down at the floor. "I never knew he was your brother."
"How is that? You've known us for four years."
"I am a Sheikah. I have the eyes of truth."
"What did you think our relationship was?"
"He was adopted into your family. That's what Impa told me."
"So she knew, too..."
"It was none of our business. We could not have told you."
"My parents..."
"They adopted him when you were two years old, and told you he was your brother."
"Did they know he was not a Hylian?"
"I don't know."
There was a moment of silence.
"Takuya?"
"Yes?"
"I didn't want to let him go. After his spirit left I held on to him. I talked to him, like he was still alive and could hear me." She paused. "Have you ever noticed that the worst way to miss someone is when they are right beside you and yet you can never have them, when the moment you can't feel them under your fingertips you miss them?"
Takuya nodded.
"That helped me realize...I have to return home. The reason I never missed my parents is because they were never there next to me. I couldn't see them or feel them, nor understand their pain, the pain that I brought them. Michael's death brought me so much pain, I have to go back home and fulfill my destiny."
"What is your destiny?"
"To be as much a daughter and princess as Michael was a brother to me."
"If you realize this, then why do you still stare at the ocean?"
"It reminds me of him. I feel as if he is still here with me when I look at the ocean."
"You can't take the ocean with you. But you can take his memory wherever you go."
"The good times, and the bad..."
"They will always be with you. That's what keeps him alive in you." He paused. "We'll be in Hyrule tomorrow."
Raychel nodded. She lost track of her surroundings and of time. At some point Takuya kissed her, and Meru and Shana had brought her into her room, and she fell asleep.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Hyrule..."
"We made it. We finally made it."
Raychel and Zach looked out across the and into the entrance of the desert.
"So, this is Hyrule?" asked Albert as he walked up to them.
"Part of it. It's not all desert," explained Raychel. "I wonder if we'll see Nairobi?"
"Who knows? I just want to go back to the Domain," said Zach.
"Well, what are we waiting for then?" asked Alan. "Let's go home!"
After a few cheers, they mounted their horses and rode across the sea of sand, leading the Dragoons behind them. After a few hours of riding they came to a huge building. The Dragoons stopped and stared up at it.
"Raychel dear, what is that?" asked Albert as he pointed to it.
"That," said Raychel with a smile. "Is the Spirit Temple. My father used to tell me stories about that place. He said it houses the life of the desert. This is also where he first met Nabooru, the present leader of the Gerudos."
"The Spirit Temple," sighed Albert. "What a wonderful, meaningful, and surprising name. Have you been inside it, Raychel?"
"Oh, no one's been in it for years. My father says it brings back too many sad memories..."
"I see." Albert and the others looked up at it for a while. "Well, shall we continue?"
"Yes! We are almost at the entrance to the Fortress. Beyond that is the canyon, and after that we're home free." They put their horses into a canter and rode through the desert, following the red flags to the entrance.
Upon reaching the gate, Takuya suddenly rode up in front and galloped ahead.
"Takuya!" Raychel hastened her horse's pace to catch up with his. When she found him he was under the gate, looking up at it. She looked up at it with him. "What's wrong?"
"It's not supposed to be open."
She looked up at it again. "Why not?" She looked over to see Takuya already riding into the fort grounds. She rode up to him. "What's wrong? Where is everyone?" She rode through the fort and didn't see anyone in sight. It was like a ghost town.
"It's not supposed to be like this..." Takuya looked around cautiously.
"Maybe they're all inside? Or out exploring?"
"The gate was open. Almost like they were expecting us..."
"Maybe Nairobi said something?"
"Where's she?"
"I dunno...But hey. Let's just go back home. I want to see my parents. Maybe they know something."
Takuya looked at her and nodded. They went back down to the others and led them to the canyon overlooking...
"The river!" Sofie jumped off and ran up to the edge of the canyon and looked down at it. "Look, Zach! Zora River! We can go home right now!"
Zach smiled. He looked over at Raychel. "Don't forget to visit. As soon as possible."
"I won't. Good-bye, Zach. Say hello to your mother for me."
"So long, Dragoons. I'm sure we'll meet again before you leave."
"Take care, Prince Zachariah, and you too Princess Sofia," said Albert as he nodded.
Zach dismounted and went over to join Sofie. He took her hand and jumped off the canyon wall with her into the river below. Raychel rode over to the edge just in time to see them splash into the river and swim downstream. She led the others across the bridge and into Hyrule Field. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply the air of her home country, something that she hadn't breathed for so long...
"You seem relaxed," said Albert as he rode up to her.
"We're going to ride to the castle like the wind." She turned to the others. "We're going to fly there!"
"No."
"Takuya...?"
Without a word he rode up towards the hill, then halfway back down. He signaled for the others to join him, but to be quiet.
"What is it?" Raychel whispered as she came up to him.
He pointed towards the castle. "That's what you would have flown into."
Raychel turned and gasped. All around the castle's outer gate were lines of tents. They were the same tents that belonged to Nevis!
"What happened?" asked Raychel.
"I don't know. It looks like...the castle was attacked by Nevis."
"But how? Our army could crush his in an instant!"
"If we had an army."
"What do you mean?"
"Almost all of the guards were out looking for you and the others. It left Hyrule almost unprotected."
"But why!? Why would my parents make such a risk!?"
"I'm sure they have their reasons. There must be something here that Nevis wants instead..." Takuya gasped. "No, not that..."
"What, Takuya?"
"The Triforce...the Ocarina of Time. That must be it!"
"The Ocarina of Time?" asked Raychel. "What's that?"
Takuya eyed her a bit surprisingly, but nodded to himself. "That's a question for your mother. I'm sure she intended to tell you when you inherited the Kingdom Ring."
"When I turned fifteen." She looked out at the tents again. "So what do we do now? I want to be with my mother and father."
"If they're still alive..."
"Do not say such a thing! Of course they are alive! They have to be! I lost my brother but I will not lose them!" She desperately rode off towards the castle.
"No, Raychel!" Takuya went off after her. He quickly caught up to Raychel. As soon as he was even with her, he jumped at her, causing them both to fall off their horses and roll down the hill. He grabbed her and dragged her behind some bushes near the stream.
"What the hell were you thinking!? The minute they see they're either going to kill or capture you!"
"I want my parents, Takuya. I'll do anything to make sure they're safe."
"Well, getting yourself killed isn't the smartest way!" He looked at her a moment, then brought her into his arms. "You're lucky. I don't think anyone saw us."
"I'm sorry. I just want to be home..." She started to cry. "With my parents..."
"Ssshhh...We will be home soon." He looked into her eyes.
"But how?"
He bit his lip and looked up in the direction of the castle. "I don't know. We will find a way, though."
"We've come too far to give up now. There has to be a way."
"There always is, Raychel. You must never give up hope. Even when none seems to be there, that's when we find it in each other." He looked up at the sky. "It's getting late. We should stay here until the morning."
"Will we know what to do then?"
"Perhaps. Even if we don't, we'll figure something out."
She reached out and touched his silver hair. "Your hair has grown. It almost reaches your shoulders, even with that headband on."
"You've grown too."
"Kiss me."
Without a second thought leaned in and kissed her lips deeply as day faded into night.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Mother...father...I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry for all the pain I've given you...and after all you've done for me. For some reason apologizing isn't good enough...I want to be in your arms again...I want you to know that I am safe and well, and I want to know that you're safe and well. Oh, why does life have to be so difficult now? It seems like everything is within hands reach but every time we go to grab it someone or something hits our hands, and we can never have it...It's like winter in the summer...
Mother...
"Mother..." Raychel moaned as she opened her eyes. She looked up at Takuya, who was sleeping next to her. She sat up slowly, so as not to disturb him. She examined her hands and clothes. They were full of grass stains and dirt spots. She went to take her hair out of its ponytail, but all she got was dead grass and a few leaves. She looked at Takuya. He, too, was covered in dirt and stains. Her hair tie was intertwined among his fingers. She smiled.
"We weren't that playful, we're we?" Raychel reached over and combed his hair with her fingertips.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha..."
"Hee heh heh hehe..."
Raychel stopped and turned. She stood up and saw the tip of one of the tents over the hill.
"That laughter..." She cautiously made her way up the hill. She peered over it, making sure no one was nearby. No one was awake yet, so she crept up to the tent until she could hear the people inside talking.
"That was a wonderful night. The best I've had in years."
"For me too. I wish it had never ended. But now I have to go..."
Raychel gasped. That voice! I know that voice!
"You don't have to..."
"Our son, Maseru. I have to make sure he's all right. You should come with me. You have yet to see him."
"I can't, Yaren. I cannot leave or I may be killed."
"You are so loyal, Maseru. But does this army come before your family?"
"If I want to keep my family alive, yes."
"You haven't seen your family in so long you've forgotten what they look like."
"Our son..."
"You must see him. It would delight him to know what his father looks like."
"What did you name him?"
"Adrian."
Adrian!!? Without thinking, Raychel stuck her head and shoulders beneath the tent.
"Nairobi!?"
She swung her head. "Raychel!" Quickly Nairobi grabbed a blanket and dove at Raychel, covering her head and chest, and dragged her into the tent.
"MMmfff! Ohmmfff!"
"Just stay quiet Raychel," said Nairobi as she still grasped onto her. "You may want to get dressed, Maseru."
"She called you Nairobi? And isn't she..."
"I know! Just get some clothes on!"
A few moments later Nairobi took the blanket off of Raychel. She gasped for air, looking at both "Nairobi" and Maseru.
"Yaren...is that your real name?"
The Gerudo looked at Raychel deeply, up at Maseru, than back at Raychel. "Yaren is my real name."
"Adrian, he's really your son?"
Yaren nodded. "He is."
"But that means you gave birth to him when you were only..."
"I'm twenty-three. I had Adrian when I was eighteen."
"So he really is your son..." Raychel looked up at Maseru. She saw features in him that she saw in Adrian. The hair, the eyes, the nose, the mouth. The only thing that Adrian inherited from Yaren was his skin color. "So you lied to me..."
"Yes, I did."
"Why?"
Yaren paused, than looked up at Maseru. "Can you leave, please?"
Maseru nodded and went outside. Yaren turned to Raychel.
"So you decided to come back?"
"Michael died."
Yaren bit her lip and nodded. "The others?"
"Zach and Sofie went home already. We were about to enter the castle, but..." She looked up at Yaren. "Are you involved in any of this?"
Yaren took a deep breath. "I think I have a story to tell you."
"Tell it."
"I told you I was one of the four that guarded the Grand Thief Nabooru. That's not a lie. I was indeed one of her guardians." She paused. "I was off-duty once, so I decided to enter that forbidden forest to the north, see if I could scavenge some sap walking through there. Well, I kinda got lost. Me, a Gerudo, getting lost. Such a thing is unheard of in my culture. I wandered for a week, not knowing where I was headed. I eventually found Portland. I went into the town and heard about their crisis. The Choro, you remember? I promised to kill it for them, if they gave me all the valuables they had in return. It was a deal. I killed the Choro. They had a little boy give me what all they had. What they had could barely fill a sock the town was so poor. But the boy... I will never forget his face." Yaren shook her head. "He looked so lost, like I once was. But he was lost of hope. It was like I was taking away more then treasures, I was taking away his freedom. That boy was Tyler."
"Tyler...Mira's younger brother?"
"And Maseru's."
Raychel quietly gasped and widened her eyes. "Maseru...he is Regina's son?"
"Yes. Her eldest child."
"So what did you do?"
"I turned Tyler away. I realized that I could not take away such things as hope and freedom. We Gerudos have a code that mercy is for the weak. I took mercy upon them not because they were weak, but I was weak. I knew then and there that this was not the way I wanted to live my life. When I killed the Choro the look on the peoples' faces was so bright, it shined into my heart. A new feeling swept me. It was a feeling of...love. It's what had been missing within me all my life. Instead of the treasures, I only asked the people for their forgiveness."
"That must have taken so much courage."
"It did. But I felt like a new person. I felt much cleaner, and I decided to stay in Portland for a while and help these people. And, eventually, I fell in love..."
"With Maseru?"
"With Maseru, yes. I could tell, too, that he loved me. But..."
"What?"
"He was already engaged."
"To whom?"
"That woman...in the blue armor...Merida."
"To her!?"
"She is from Portland, as well. But, it was predestined. Merida loved Maseru, but he did not love her as much. So, one night, at our own risks, we slept together. That's how I became pregnant with Adrian. A few days later Maseru and Merida were married and left to join this army together. I stayed in Portland. I gave birth to Adrian. After a year or so after that, I knew I had to return home to my duties. But before I left," She pointed at Hard Blade. "That was given to me."
"By whom?"
"Maseru wanted me to have it. He said that one with a heart of love could summon its powers."
"So you didn't really lie about that. You do have a heart of love."
"Guess so."
"Did the people of Portland know Adrian was Maseru's son?"
"I did tell them, before I left. They were shocked, of course, but agreed to take care of him, mainly because of what I had done to the Choro. But it hurt Mira most of all when she heard about Adrian. She was a friend to Merida."
"Yeah, I saw that. What happened when you got back to the Fortress?"
"I was forced to tell my story." She paused.
"And?" Raychel leaned in and looked deeply into Yaren's eyes. Was she crying?
"And...they threw me out."
"Why?"
"Because I loved."
"They threw you out because you loved a man?"
"Because I loved a man. It's against Gerudo law. I also broke the code by taking pity on those people, and on myself."
"That's horrible. And Nabooru allowed this?"
"She wasn't there."
"I don't think someone like her would have allowed that."
"If I had taken Adrian with me, they would have killed him. And, I would have been reminded of Maseru every day." Yaren shook her head. "I came back to Hyrule just the other day. I wanted to be with Maseru again."
"So what were you doing those past four years?"
"Scavenging, but this time for people in need. Too bad no one really excepted my help..."
"Because you are a Gerudo."
Yaren nodded sadly. "I did help people. I helped a lot of people. No one was really grateful, though."
"Because you are a Gerudo."
"Because I am a Gerudo."
"Like winter in the summer...so how did you get caught that night we met?"
"Well, I also made trips back and forth from Portland to Hyrule. When I came back to Hyrule once I was surprised to find this army here. This was the army that Maseru and Merida joined. I wanted to find Maseru, but I was caught. I was so careless..."
"What were they going to do to you?"
"Kill me. Merida was to do the honors."
"Didn't Maseru know?"
"Merida would not have let him know. Besides, Maseru is only a messenger. He could not have known." Yaren looked over at Raychel. "That was the night I met you."
"You saved us. You really helped us that night."
"You know, I don't think anyone else would have been as grateful as you guys were."
"Really?"
"I think you and your friends are the first people from Hyrule that have trusted me; that I've actually called 'friends'. I don't blame you if you don't think so anymore. I lied to you about almost everything. I told the people of Portland to lie to you about my name. I just didn't want you to know my real name, because I felt ashamed of it. I'm very sorry."
"But you admitted to your lies. I think Nabooru, and the other Gerudos, would be proud of you." She reached over and hugged Yaren. "You feel better now?"
"I do. Thank you for listening." She hugged Raychel back.
"When I talked with you the morning after you saved us, I could tell you were hiding something. But that only made me want to get to know you better."
"I'm glad for that. I needed to tell someone, and I could not have picked anyone better myself." She wiped away a lone tear.
"Come back with me."
"What?"
"We're going back to Gerudo Valley."
"Who are we?"
"Me, Alanzo, Takuya, and the Dragoons."
"So, they came along, too?"
"Yeah. Hey, do you know why the valley is abandoned?"
"I think...it's because they are afraid."
"Afraid? Afraid of what?"
"Afraid of..."
"Yaren!" Maseru came back into the tent. "Everyone is waking up. You need to leave now." He turned to Raychel. "Aren't you...?"
"Quiet, Maseru. Don't tell anyone she is alive and here."
"I promise. But you must leave, Yaren. I don't want to see you, nor her, getting hurt."
"Ready Raychel?"
"I'll lead the way."
They both stood up and went over to the side of the tent. Yaren quickly went over to Maseru and kissed him. "I love you."
"And I you. I'll try to visit Adrian soon."
She kissed him again before she went over to Raychel. Raychel cautiously led her down the hill over to Takuya, who was still sleeping.
"Takuya! Wake up!" She kicked his thigh.
"Aaahhh..." He rolled over and looked up at her.
"Quit moaning. We're going back to the valley now."
"Who's she?" he asked as he stood up.
"This is my friend Nairobi. Uh, that is, Yaren."
"Well, which one?"
"Yaren is fine," she said.
"No, I mean, there are two of you..."
Raychel and Yaren looked at him oddly. The Gerudo noticed his dusty, grass-stained clothes and asked, "Did you get a lot of sleep last night?"
"Um, let's just go back to the valley," said Raychel impatiently. She took Takuya's hand and led them up the hill.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"So, the big question is, is what do we do next?" asked Alanzo.
"Do you know of a secret entrance into the town?" asked Dart.
"No, I don't." Raychel turned to Takuya. "Do you?"
"No. I don't think there is a secret entrance into the town."
"You..." Raychel looked at the Dragoons. "You could fly in!"
"Don't you think we'd be spotted?" asked Miranda.
"Even if you were, they would not be able to catch you. When you fly, you are fast and strong. You have an advantage."
"But Raychel, then we would be using their abilities for our own use," said Alanzo. "Right now you are just demanding their help without even asking them. They would be putting their lives at risk for nothing that is good for them."
Raychel looked at Alan. "You're right. I am being selfish." She turned to the Dragoons. "I'm sorry. I should have asked you to help us first."
"Raychel, dear." Albert went up to her. "You are a friend. And friends are always there for each other."
Raychel looked at him with confusion.
"Of course we're going to help you, Raychel."
She threw her arms around him. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"We just need a plan." He looked at everyone else. There were a few long moments of thinking. Raychel turned to them.
"Remember that every second wasted is a second closer for some innocent being to meet death. Maybe if we put our heads together we can think of something."
Uttering words of agreement, they all sat in a circle and discussed a plan.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Okay, to review," Raychel took a deep breath as they sat next to a fire, their plans written in the sand in front of it. "Dart, Miranda, and Meru, you are going to go up to the camp and create a distraction of some sort. Meanwhile, Albert and Haschel will get Takuya, Yaren, and me into the castle town, while Kongol will take Alan to Death Mountain so they can get the Gorons together. And from there..."
"We get Nevis," said Albert.
"One of us has to see him," said Haschel.
"You guys," said Takuya. "I don't think this will work."
"So what do you think we should do?" asked Raychel in an annoyed tone.
"Play it by ear."
"Improvise!? Takuya, this is a battle we're fighting!"
"Yes, Raychel. And in battles something seemingly small can screw up everything you planned. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. And because we are a small group that can mean death for all of us."
"He is right," said Dart. "Your enemy can throw something at you that you aren't expecting. And he can do it at anytime."
"So now what?" asked Meru.
"We should sleep on it." Miranda slumped down in the soft dust. Everyone nodded. It was very late, and they were all exhausted. Raychel sighed and went over to Takuya.
"My parents..." she said as she lied down in front of him.
"What?" He already seemed half asleep.
"They're not dead. I can sense it." She studied his blood-red eyes. "If we have children, do you think they'll have red, blue, or purple eyes?"
He smiled. "Getting a little ahead of yourself, don't you think?"
"I just want children. I want my parents to have grandchildren. They're not ready to die yet..." She looked up at the stars. "My parents and I used to spend summer evenings looking at the stars." She turned to him again. "What about your parents?"
"Never knew them. My grandparents raised me. When my grandfather was killed, my grandmother died of a broken heart soon after. Then Impa found me and took me in."
"Do you think there are other Sheikahs alive? Or do you believe you are one of the last that remain in the entire world?"
"I believe that they are alive. Somewhere. It's my dream to find them."
"So why are you training to be a knight over here? You should be out looking for your people."
"I didn't want to go alone."
Raychel looked over at him. "You're never alone. Not anymore."
He reached a hand out and petted her face. "Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed how adorable you are?"
"I won't have to, if you keep reminding me." She leaned over and kissed him.
"Stop making so much noise! People are trying to sleep here!" yelled Haschel.
Raychel and Takuya smiled at each other, than fell asleep.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel squinted her eyes opened. She could hardly see anything because fog was everywhere. She clicked her mouth and sat up.
Rustle clank clank rustle...
"What?" She turned her head to the rock behind her. "Who's there?"
No one answered.
"Hello?" She turned to Takuya and nudged him with her foot. "Wake up!"
"Uhhh..."
"Takuya, someone's here."
He sat up next to Raychel. "Who?"
"I don't know." She pointed to the rocks. "It came from behind there."
"Stay here." He stood up and drew his sword. He slowly made his way to the rock, then put his back against it. He crept his sword along the rock until the tip of it was on the other side, than quickly spun in front of the rock, keeping his sword forward. He smiled to himself when he saw a young calf standing in front of him.
"What is it?" yelled Raychel.
"Come and see for yourself." He sheathed his sword.
Raychel got up and ran over to him. "Aww, poor thing. I wonder what it's doing out here?" She reached out to pet it.
"Who knows?" He looked at the creature for a moment, but blinked his eyes and stood up straight, than turned around.
"Takuya, what is it?"
He didn't answer, but took out his sword again.
"Takuya?"
"Sshhh...Stay quiet." He walked ahead. The calf suddenly turned away from Raychel and trotted away behind another rock and bellowed. She stood up and walked over to it.
She screamed.
"Raychel!" Takuya quickly turned around and ran over to where she was.
"Don't move."
Takuya stopped, but held out his sword. He lowered it a little as he saw Lesotho come out with a knife next to Raychel's throat. Behind him were a group of his soldiers, Merida among them. He heard clanking behind him and turned to see that guards had surrounded him.
Albert, Alan, and the others quickly came into the scene, but stopped with wide eyes.
"No one move." Lesotho paused and looked at them. "Surrender your weapons!"
Takuya sighed and lowered his sword, than dropped it. The others took out their weapons and did the same. Lesotho signaled his men to shackle the others. Merida smiled as she walked up to Yaren, pulling out a knife. She raised the knife to stab her, but instead punched Yaren in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.
"Enough, Merida."
"Lesotho, sir..."
"Save it."
Merida growled as she saw Yaren being shackled. She bent to the ground and picked up Hard Blade. She smiled as she studied it, than spat at Yaren before she turned and followed Lesotho back to the camp.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel breathed deeply and unevenly as she was dragged through the camp. Many of the men stared in awe as she came through, but she tried to ignore them. They came up to a large pavilion Lesotho signaled for all the guards except the one holding Alanzo to stay outside the tent.
"Lord Nevis."
He looked up and widened his eyes when he saw Raychel. He quickly went over to her and examined her face. "Back from the dead, I see. My you've grown."
"We found her and some others, including the Goron prince, in Gerudo Valley, just like he said."
"He?!" yelled Raychel. "Who is he!?"
Lesotho pointed over to General Madrid and Colonel Comoros.
"Zach!!"
"They were going to kill Sofia unless I told them! I'm sorry, Raychel, I'm so sorry...they had a knife to her throat! I had to say something!"
"Zach..." Raychel shook her head.
"I'm sorry, I'm so very sorry..." He almost began to cry. "They're holding my mother hostage, Raychel! They have control over the Domain!"
"What!?
Alan opened his mouth. "The city..."
"We have that, too. All the races are now under my control..."
"Sir!" yelled Lesotho. "You promised not to..."
"I didn't harm them, Lesotho."
Lesotho began to look uneasy.
"Why are you all so sad?" asked Nevis with a smile as he looked at the children. "I'm relieved that you're all alive. Now I can carry out my plan." He looked up through the tent flap. "Who are they?"
"We found them with the princess."
"They are the mighty Dragoons from Endiness! They are heroes of their land and will help us rid you from Hyrule!" shouted Raychel.
"Mighty heroes, you said? All the better! Now I can show these people how mighty I am, in case they wish to challenge me."
"If you do you will regret it."
"Don't you have a brother?"
Raychel closed her eyes and hung her head.
Nevis laughed to himself. "Well, you'll have to do then."
"What should we do with the others, sire?" asked Lesotho.
"Cage them for now. All I need is Raychel."
"Alan! Zach!" She turned and watched as they were carried out. She quickly looked back at Nevis. "Don't you dare hurt either of them!"
"I promise you, Raychel, that when I kill one of you I'll kill you all at the same time. You've been enough of a hassle for me and I don't need any stranglers."
"What do you mean, 'when' you'll kill us?"
Lesotho turned and watched them for a moment before he left.
"That's for your mother to decide."
"My mother!!? What have you done to her!? Where is she!? And my father!?"
"Would you like to pay them a visit?" He signaled two guards to come in and take her with Nevis into the town.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The place was a ghost town. No one anywhere. The gray sky only added to its eeriness. Nevis led her to the building in the corner of the town.
He opened the creaky door to the Temple of Time. A ray of light was painted across the dark floor as he walked in the door. He took Raychel's arm and pulled her in. She gasped as she saw two guards holding their spears at Link, who was kneeling in front of the altar, hands tied behind his back.
"Father!!"
His eyes lit up as he went to turn around, but only met the sharp tips of the spears. Nevis motioned for the guards to yield their weapons and untie him. That done, Link stood up and turned around, holding his breath when he saw Raychel.
Nevis shoved Raychel forward. She quickly ran up to her father and jumped in his arms.
"Raychel!! You're alive! You're alive!!" He kneeled down with her as he embraced her tightly and cried.
"Father...I'm so happy...you're all right..." She cried as she laid her head down on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry for everything. I'm so sorry..."
"Raychel..." He couldn't catch enough air to say anything else. He looked at her face and took a few deep breaths. "You've grown. You've grown up so much..."
"Father, Michael is dead."
He looked at her sadly, than brought her back in his arms.
Nevis watched them for a few moments, than nodded his head to the guards. Immediately Raychel was torn from her father and brought back over to Nevis.
"NOOO!!" Raychel screamed as she was dragged away.
"Raychel!!" Link went to go after her but was held back by the guards and tied up again.
"Father!!" She tried to reach out to him, but was taken out of the temple.
"I just thought you'd like to see your daughter one last time...at least on this earth." Nevis smiled as he shut the door.
"RAYCHEL!!"
"Father! Father..." She cried as she looked at the Temple doors. She shook her head as she saw Nevis coming. "Why?! Why are you doing this!?"
"Don't be so sad, my dear. You still have one person left to visit." He looked up at the castle.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel stumbled as she was brought downstairs into the castle dungeons. She was weak and not feeling very well at all. Everything was foggy and swirling. She could barely keep her eyes open.
Nevis signaled for the guards to stop, than continued down the stairs.
"Wake up, cousin. You have an unexpected guest." He signaled for the guards to come down the stairs.
Zelda slowly stood up and grasped onto the iron bars. She gasped. "Raychel..."
"Mother..."
Nevis signaled the guards to let her go. Raychel went up to the cage and reached through the bars to hug her mother.
"I'm so sorry, mother. I'm so sorry!"
"Raychel, thank the goddesses you are alive. Oh..." Zelda cried as she stroked her daughter's hair. She looked into her face. "You've really grown up. Look at you..."
"Mother, Michael died."
Zelda shook her head and brought Raychel into a tight embrace again, kissing her cheek.
"Mother, I'm so sorry..."
"Quiet, Raychel. Don't say anything else."
Nevis nodded to his guards, who took Raychel away. Zelda reached through the bars.
"No! Raychel! Give her back!!"
"Now, Zelda, where were we?" He took out his falchion and held it up to Raychel's throat.
"No!!"
"The Ocarina of Time, Zelda. Where is it?"
Zelda looked at Raychel, but didn't answer.
"I don't think you realize the severity of this issue!!" He punched Raychel in the stomach, causing her to slump over. He grabbed her hair and brought her right in front of Zelda, still holding his falchion up to her neck.
"The Ocarina of Time, Zelda! Where is it!?" He pricked Raychel's neck with the tip of his sword. Zelda gasped as she saw a thin stream of blood trickling down her skin.
"The northern garden! It's buried in the far corner!"
He shoved Raychel back into the guards. "Send a group to the northern garden." He eyed Zelda, then at his guards. "Then send one to the south, east, and west gardens."
Zelda tensed up.
Nevis looked at her. "For your sake, as well as your daughter's, it had better be in the northern garden." He signaled the guards to take Raychel away.
"Where are you going with her!? Bring her back!! I want my daughter!!"
"Until we find the Ocarina of Time she stays with us. Don't worry, my men will take good care of such a pretty lady." He turned to Raychel and wiped away her hair and tears. She only cried more and quietly shook her head.
"NO! You're so disgusting!! She's only a young girl! Raychel! Raychel!!"
He smiled wickedly. "I promise you that you'll only be away from each other for the rest of the day. After that you'll be together for all eternity, with the rest of the Royal Families after the massacre." He turned and left.
"Mother! No! Don't let him do this! Mother!!"
"Raychel!!" Zelda reached her arm out of the cage as she fell to her knees. Knowing it was no use, she brought it back in and grabbed onto the iron bars, crying. She felt completely helpless when her daughter needed the most help.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Zach laid his head against the wooden board in the back of his cage. He blinked slowly several times, than closed his eyes.
"Zach?" Sofie crawled over to him and wrapped herself around him and started crying.
"Oh, Sofie, don't cry."
"But you're crying."
He embraced her. "Goddesses, Raychel. I'm so sorry..."
A few seconds later they heard laughter. It sounded like a little girl...
"Zach, who was that?"
"I don't know..." He slowly leaned to look over the edge of the cage. The laughter was heard again.
"Zach, it came from below us!"
"Quiet, Sofie." He looked between the bars and down at the ground. Suddenly, a smiling head popped out from below.
"Hi!"
Zach gasped and threw himself away from the bars.
"Zach! Zach! Who was it?"
He breathed deeply. "I...I don't know!" He went over and looked down again, but she wasn't there.
"I'm over here!"
Both Zach and Sofie looked at the front of the cage. There stood a small girl with green hair, bright blue eyes, and a small fairy.
"A fairy!?" Sofie gasped in amazement. "You must be one of those fairy people from the forest!"
"Who are you?" asked Zach.
"My name's Saria. I'm an old friend of your mother's."
"What?" Zach shook his head in disbelief.
"I'm sure she'll tell you later. Right now I have to get you out." She took out a small twig and began fiddling with the lock.
"Hurry! Before someone sees you!" snapped Zach.
"Don't worry. These are magical sticks, called Deku sticks. There." The lock opened up. Zach looked around him and jumped out.
"What did you say your name was again?"
"Saria. I know your mom, and I know Alan's dad, and Raychel's parents, too." She smiled. "I know a lot of very important people!"
"But how...?"
"There's no time to explain. I'll save your friends while you find Raychel."
"Take Sofie with you. Make sure she stays safe."
"Okay. Come on, Sofie. If you take my hand, no one will see you!"
"But how come we can see you?" asked Zach.
"Well...you might want to ask your mother that. It's really a secret!" She giggled. "Forest magic!"
Zach shook his head. "Sofie just go with her." He embraced his sister before heading out to find Raychel.
"Let's go, Sofie." Saria took Sofie's hand and went to find led her to the other cages.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Do what you want with her. Just don't kill her yet." Nevis took Raychel and shoved her into someone's arms. Raychel took a deep breath and looked up.
"Well, hello again flower. You remember me?"
Raychel gasped. It was the same creep as before. "Oh no..."
Grinning, he roughly threw her into a nearby tent. As soon as she landed she reached for a knife and held it out.
"Funny." He pulled out his sword and knocked the knife out of her hand. He threw his sword to the ground and sat down on top of Raychel. He leaned over and looked into her eyes. "Now where do we start with you? The top down? The bottom up? Or right in the middle?" He began to fumble with her belt.
"STOP IT!!" She went to punch him, but he caught her hand.
"Don't scream like that!" He slapped her into silence. He lied down and began to bite her neck and tear her tunic.
"Stop..."
The man gasped and lifted his head. He looked at her with wide eyes, breathing deeply. She saw blood stream down from his mouth. Then he was lifted into the air and thrown to her side. She looked up to see Zach with blood on the tip of his fins.
"Zach..." She got up and hugged him, crying. "Oh Zach..."
"Raychel, are you all right?" He rubbed her head and back.
"It was awful. It was so terrible. I was so scared. Zach..."
"You're fine, Raychel. You're okay now."
"Zach, my parents!" She looked at him in the eyes. "Nevis is going to kill my parents! He's going to kill all the Royal Families! We have to stop him!"
"But how? How do we get into the castle town?"
"I don't know. We'll think of something." She straightened herself up.
He nodded. Raychel went over to grab a sword and followed Zach.
"We need to be careful." He peeked through the tents. "Damnit! There are guards everywhere!"
"It's okay. You can go out."
Both Raychel and Zach turned around to see Lesotho looking at them.
"You..." Zach went up to him.
"No! Don't hurt him!"
"What...?"
Suddenly the small green-haired girl appeared and grabbed Lesotho's hand. "He's my friend."
"Who are you?" asked Raychel.
"My name is Saria. I'm a good friend of your father's." She smiled.
"But there are so many guards out there! Why do you tell us to go out?"
"Because, Princess, we have a plan."
"What plan?"
"I couldn't stand Nevis's ideas. He tried to kill this race of young children after he promised me that we wouldn't harm them. And he was going to kill you all as well. You're so young and innocent. I hate seeing people like you get killed, so I...betrayed my lord."
Raychel and Zach looked at each other with suspicion.
"Just trust him." Saria smiled again. "He has a good heart. He really did save us, but...Nevis has the Emerald...and the other Stones too."
"He does, little one. We could not stop him there."
"What do you mean?" asked Raychel. "What stones?"
"The Spiritual Stones. They open the Door of Time."
"Door of Time? I don't get it."
"Your parents will tell you." assured Saria.
"My parents..."
"Where's my sister?"
"Safe in the forest."
Zach and Raychel turned to each other, than back at Saria and Lesotho.
"I trust them," said Raychel.
"Than I do, too." They opened the tent flap and looked outside.
"There they are!"
"What? Get them!"
Zach and Raychel gasped.
The Dragoons and the others rushed out of their cages and transformed. People stared at them as they did so. Saria took Raychel's hand.
"Come with me!"
Without a question, Raychel and Zach followed Saria towards town.
"Where are we going?" asked Raychel as she ran behind her.
"I know a secret entrance!"
Raychel and Zach kept running, avoiding all the fights they could. Raychel looked over at one of the battles and stopped.
"Alan!!"
He was trying to avoid swings from a beast-man's axe and put in a few punches of his own, but it wasn't doing any good. The man was twice his size and twice his strength. Raychel went to rush over to him.
"No, Raych! Let me! You save your parents!" Zach ran over to Alan.
The beast-man raised his axe and was about to slice it across, but Zach jumped in front of Alan. He widened his eyes as he felt his skin rip across his back.
"Zach..."
"I...owed you one..." He turned around and watched as the man raised his axe again.
"Koror kill all!"
"Move, Zach!" Alan pushed him out of the way.
"That fool...I can't believe she left it there!" Yaren dodged several swipes and punched a guard. "Hard Blade!"
Immediately the scimitar flew into her hands. Yaren dodged a sword swipe and hit the guard's back with Hard Blade. She turned around to see a line of guards running at her.
"Wind Blade!" She raised her spear up and twirled it. As she did a magical cyclone appeared. She threw her scimitar forward, sending the tornado at the guards. It lifted them high into the air as she raised the blade. She quickly dropped it, causing the cyclone to disappear and the men to fall to their death. She bent down to pick up, but as she did she noticed someone standing in front of her. She stood up and looked at who it was.
"Merida."
"Time to die for all the pain you've caused me, wench."
"Don't you think it's a little ridiculous to be fighting over a man?"
"We're not fighting for a man. We're fighting for his love!"
"Just give him up. He doesn't love you."
"He would have if you didn't show up. You took him away from me!" She held out her sword.
"He's never loved you."
"Enough!" She attacked.
"Well, you're alive too?"
Takuya withdrew his sword from the man's ribcage and turned around to Colonel Comoros. "Hey, if it isn't the chicken disguised as a cow?"
"You'll pay for those insults. Won't he, big brother?"
Takuya whipped around again to see General Madrid.
"Oh yes he will." Both Madrid and Comoros held up their swords and attacked. Takuya charged at Comoros and blocked his swipe, then turned to clang swords with Madrid.
"Where are we going?" asked Raychel as she saw Saria jump into the moat.
"Just follow me."
Raychel looked around her, than jumped into the moat after Saria.
"Hope you can take a deep breath." Saria gulped in the air and dunked her head under the water. Raychel did the same and followed Saria under the water.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"You lied to me Zelda." Nevis said as he held the Ocarina of Time in his hands. "You told me it was in the northern gardens. My men found it in the eastern one." He opened the door to the Temple of Time. "Move him!"
The guards roughly picked up Link and moved him to one side. Nevis signaled for Zelda to be brought up in front of the other. He stood to her side and held out the Ocarina.
"Because you lied to me, I'll make sure I give your daughter a long, slow, painful death, right in front of your eyes."
"No..."
"I warned you. Now, I really don't want to start this massacre early, but I may not have a choice." He looked over at the guards holding Link. They drew their spears and held them to his chest. "Now, play the Song of Time."
"You fool...you need the Spiritual Stones before you can do anything."
Nevis smiled as he looked at the empty altar. "Ah, yes, the Spiritual Stones. Let me see..." He reached into his cloak and pulled out the small stones. "You mean these?"
"How did you get those?"
"The same way I got the Ocarina of Time from you. I have all the children, you know."
"You're insane."
"And you never helped me at all. Now you are going to feel the same way I felt when I was torn from this family." He set the stones down on the altar. "Now play." He gave her the Ocarina of Time, then pointed to her husband. "Or else he dies."
Zelda looked at Link nervously, than brought the Ocarina to her lips...

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel coughed and gasped for air. "Where are we?" She coughed again.
"We're in the back streets. It was the easiest way in you know." Saria reached for the edge of the sewer and pulled herself up, with Raychel following.
There was a sudden boom. Saria and Raychel gasped as they looked up at the Temple of Time. There seemed to be a golden light shining from it.
"Oh my goddesses what's happening!?" Raychel got up and stared at it.
"I think your parents made another hasty decision." Saria looked up at Raychel.
"What do you mean, 'another'?"
"Well, that's a question for them. Wouldn't want to spoil a surprise now, would I?"
There was another boom.
"I'd go help them before it's too late." Saria shrugged her shoulders.
"Thank you Saria." Raychel ran off to the Temple.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Koror kill all!!"
"Watch out Alan!!"
Alan rolled forward just as Koror slammed his axe into the earth. Zach quickly ran and jumped on Koror's back and began to stab him, but his skin was like armor. Koror threw his arm back and knocked Zach off, sending him onto the ground with a loud crash.
Zach let out a painful scream and grabbed his arm.
"Zach!" Alan quickly went over to him and kneeled beside him. "What happened?"
"God damnit! I think I broke it! Shit!!" He breathed heavily.
"Koror kill all!" The giant raised his axe in front of them. Alan pushed Zach and rolled out of the way.
"Eeii-yaah!" Yaren blocked a swipe from Merida. She retaliated with a swing of Hard Blade. She missed and had to duck to dodge a decapitating slice from Merida. She rolled forward and quickly turned around to guard against an overhead slam. Merida took her chance and kicked Yaren in the face. She raised her sword to stab Yaren, but the Gerudo quickly rolled out of the way.
Takuya fell to the ground.
"Kill him together, big brother?"
"Double the blood, double the fun!"
Comoros and Madrid raised their swords over Takuya.
Before anything else happened, however, the tip of a spear went through Madrid's heart. Comoros looked behind his brother and stared.
"YOU?!" yelled Takuya.
"Don't be afraid! I'm here to help you!" said Lesotho.
"You TRAITOR Lesotho!" Comoros charged at him. Takuya picked up his sword and shoved it into Comoros' back.
"Now you are with your brother." Takuya whispered as he took out his sword. He looked up at Lesotho. "I see good in your heart. I think I trust you."
"Your princess, she's in the Temple of Time, and her life is in grave danger. The front gate should be rather clear of guards by now."
"She's inside the town?!" Takuya turned around and looked at the castle. He turned to Lesotho again. "Thank you."
He nodded. "Now you must save the ones you love the most."
Takuya turned to the castle gate and ran towards it.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Now it's your turn, Hero of Time."
Link stared at the Master Sword in front of him. Nevis went up to him. "Draw it."
Link continued to stare at it.
Nevis laughed quietly. "Are you asking me to kill Zelda?"
Link looked over at Zelda, held by a guard with a sword to her heart. He looked back down at the Master Sword and slowly placed a hand on it. Gripping it, he pulled out his knife and grabbed Nevis. He quickly spun around to the guard holding Zelda.
"Drop your sword. Let her go." He edged his knife into Nevis's throat. "Now!"
Seeing Nevis nod, the guard let his weapon fall and released Zelda. She took a few steps away from him and looked at Link. She noticed Nevis put a hand on his falchion.
"Link! Watch out!"
Link looked at her, but it was too late. Nevis managed to stab Link's side with his falchion. He gasped and bent over. Nevis hit his face with the back of his hand, causing Link to loose his grip. He turned around and took out his falchion. He moved to stab Link, but he regained his senses and dodged it.
The guard watching went forward to help Nevis, but Zelda picked up his sword and charged at him. He turned around and used his knife to slice Zelda's arms, but also just in time to see Zelda pierce the sword through his armor and into his chest. She quickly withdrew the sword and watched him fall to his death. She looked up to see Link still dodging Nevis's swipes.
"Link!" She slid the sword across the floor to him. He quickly snatched it up and used it to block another swing. Link backed up and led Nevis out of the Master Sword chamber.
"Now, Zelda!"
"NO!" Nevis turned around but only met Link, who continued to push him back from the Door of Time.
Zelda ran over and picked up the Ocarina of Time. She knocked over the Spiritual Stones on the altar, than played the Song of Time to close the Door. After that, she collapsed to her knees. She looked at her arms and noticed a flood of blood running down them from where the guard had cut her. She looked over at Link, holding his side with one hand and fighting with the other. She wanted to help him, but felt so weak...

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel raced up the stairs to the Temple of Time. She stopped suddenly when three guards in golden armor jumped in front of her. She unsheathed her sword.
"Looks like the little girl wants to dance!" one of the guards yelled as he drew out his own sword.
"I think so. We could use some lessons," said another.
"Then allow me to teach you some." Raychel smiled as she held her sword steady by her head. The guards charged at her.
"Crush Dance!!" Remembering what Dart had taught her, she swung out and wide, striking the first guard, then quickly spun and slashed the second guard, then brought her sword over her head and swiped downward, slitting the third guard down his chest. She looked up at the Temple of Time and than ran in the front door.
Nevis slashed his falchion, hitting Link's sword so hard it flew out of his hand, than punched Link in the face. He stumbled back and landed next to Zelda. "Some Heroes of Time you are. Or should I say, you were? You two are nothing now." He raised his falchion.
"STOP!!"
Zelda and Link drew in a breath. Nevis slowly lowered his sword and turned around to the door. Raychel appeared as a silhouette, her shadow running across the floor in the light.
"Are you coming here for death or to see your parents die?"
"I'm bringing death, to YOU!!" She held out her sword.
"Raychel..." both Link and Zelda said quietly.
Nevis laughed. "So you think you can kill me?"
"Why not? You are made of mortal flesh and blood!" She walked into the Temple.
"Raychel!" yelled Zelda.
"You're mother's worried about you," Nevis teased.
"At least she has someone to worry about! You, on the other hand, don't know love!"
"That's rather untrue, Raychel. I loved this family once."
"You are no longer part of this family."
Nevis smiled. "We'll see. Maybe when I'm through there won't even be a family left?" He raised his sword.
Their fight began...

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Koror kill all!" He raised his axe above the exhausted, helpless Goron and Zora below him.
"SHIT!!" yelled Zach as the axe came down. He braced himself.
"Kongol not like this fight." Kongol held up his own axe to block Koror's. Kongol took to the air and raised his axe. "Grand Stream!"
The earth below Koror began to shake. Quickly a wave of sand surrounded him, than sucked him into the ground.
"Big man, but little heart." He turned to the boys. "All right?"
"Behind you!" Alan pointed at the ground. Koror began to rise from the earth. Kongol raised his axe and smashed it into the beast-man's head.
"You saved us," said Alan.
"You hurt. Kongol get you to safety." He picked up Zach and Alan and flew into the sky.
Yaren continued blocking Merida's constant swipes. However, with every thwart, she grew weaker and fell back farther. She lost her grip on Hard Blade and dropped it when Merida hit it. She then punched Yaren, and kicked her to the ground. Merida kneeled to the ground beside her and raised her sword.
"Time to die!" She swung it.
"Noo!...ugh..."
Maseru fell into Yaren's arms, a slash up his chest.
"Maseru!" Yaren held him close.
"Maseru..." Merida looked at her sword, coated in his blood. She gazed back at both of them. "If you want to die..." She looked down at her sword. "You can die together!!" She raised it again.
An arrow shot out and pierced her heart. She dropped the sword and fell backwards.
Yaren and Maseru turned around. Miranda lowered her bow and walked over to them.
"Jealousy is a woman's worst enemy." She kneeled. "Are you two all right?"
"Maseru needs a healer."
"Then let's go!" She aimed and shot at another guard.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"You're not bad! Not bad at all!" Nevis and Raychel clashed swords fiercely. "You've learned a lot on your little journey, haven't you? You've become quite a swordswoman. Like I said, not bad."
She rushed forward, and he stood out of the way.
"No!" Raychel knew what was coming.
Unable to stop her momentum, she went to do a swing as she turned around, but Nevis hit the sword out of her hand and held his falchion to her throat.
"But not good enough."
She breathed heavily as he pinned her to a wall. Nevis turned to Zelda. "Remember that long, slow, painful death I promised your daughter, cousin?"
"No..." Zelda went to get up, but fell back down, weak from blood loss.
Nevis turned back to Raychel and gripped her neck tightly. He lifted her off the ground and showed her to Zelda. "Look, Zelda! Look at your daughter now! And watch as she becomes part of the next world!" He punched her face and dropped her to the ground. He put a knee on her throat and hit her several times. Raychel tried her best to block them, but only felt more and more blood flow down her skin and into her mouth.
"Stop..." Link and Zelda tried to move, but could barely breathe when they did.
Nevis halted and looked down at Raychel's beaten face. He took one of her hands and laid it on the floor, than looked over at Zelda.
"It's only just begun." He raised his falchion to cut off her hand.
Suddenly a white bird flew in and began attacking Nevis. It was small, but still had sharp talons. He tried to hit it with his hand, but it was too quick. Raychel squinted her eyes open.
"White crow...blue stripes?"
Nevis managed to knock the creature away, sending it soaring out the door. Nevis, face completely cut and bruised, raised his falchion again and sent it down.
CLANG!!
He looked over to see Takuya, his sword raising Nevis's falchion.
"You...you're face..." Nevis stood up and stared at him. "I know your face."
"You knew my grandfather's face as well."
Nevis widened his eyes. "Your grandfather...was the Sheikah who ratted on my father!"
"It was all true. We Sheikah have the eyes of truth. Your father set up the plan to kill his father, though he was not physically involved."
"And your cowardly grandfather waited ten years to tell!"
"That's because your father's men threatened his life. He did eventually get the courage, and paid with his life to send your father to justice. If necessary, I will do the same to you."
"You think so, boy? Why waste your life?"
"Because it is my job." He looked down at Raychel, than angrily back at Nevis. "You will die today. I can see it."
"You must be looking in a mirror then. Prepare to join your people!" Nevis charged at Takuya.
Takuya concentrated as he studied Nevis's moves. Takuya quickly gazed outside and noticed the rain. He tried to push Nevis outside.
As soon as they were outside, Raychel carefully got up and stumbled over to her parents. They caught her as she nearly fainted.
"Raychel, oh Raychel." Zelda and Link held her close.
"Mother...father...I'm so sorry..."
"Quiet, Raychel." They hugged each other tightly.
Breathing quietly, Raychel turned her head and looked outside. She could barely see Takuya and Nevis fighting, the fog and rain were so heavy. They disappeared all together a few moments later.
"Takuya..."
The rain made the stone very slippery. Takuya slowly backed up from Nevis's swings, being careful not to slip. The rain hindered his vision a bit, so he wanted to stay further back than usual. They continued to clang swords, seemingly evenly matched. Takuya was younger and a bit faster, but Nevis had the advantage of experience. They fought all around the Temple courtyard, Takuya trying to force Nevis onto the stone, but Nevis had obviously figured that out and tried the same to Takuya.
Takuya thought up another plan. He quickly but carefully set foot on the stone stairs and backed away, forcing Nevis to follow him. He did so, but realized that Takuya, being below him, had the advantage. Takuya swung at Nevis's leg but he blocked the swipe. Now Nevis forced Takuya off the stairs and onto the stone road, where they both were even once again.
The rain became a downpour, the fog a blanket. Both could barely see what was in front of them. Takuya decided to use this to his advantage.
"FLASH!" He threw his hand to the ground and disappeared.
"What the devil..." Nevis spun around, looking for his opponent. All he heard was the rain hitting the ground and the thunder rolling.
"What are you, afraid!?" he yelled. "Come out and fight!" He held out his sword as he backed up. "Come out!!"
Takuya jumped out and swung his sword down hard and fast. Nevis expertly blocked the swipe, but the friction caused them both to drop their swords. Nevis ran up to Takuya and punched him. Their sword fight became a physical fight. Takuya ran up to punch Nevis's stomach, but faked him and punched his face instead.
Again, the fighters we're evenly matched. Takuya was faster, but Nevis apparently had more experience. Nevis ran up to hit Takuya again, but he took Nevis's arm and threw him over his shoulder. Nevis landed feet first and spun around, tripping Takuya to the ground with his foot. Nevis reached over and grabbed Takuya's neck, trying to choke him. Takuya brought his feet up to Nevis's stomach and vaulted him off. Takuya tried to stand up but the ground was too slippery. Nevis managed to get to his feet and quickly kicked Takuya's face. Nevis reached down and pulled Takuya up by his hair, then punched him again. He picked up Takuya by the straps of his armor vest and held him in the air. Takuya kicked his foot in Nevis's thigh, but Nevis seemed to ignore it.
"You think you Sheikahs know everything? That you can see everything?" Nevis threw him into a wall of stone. Takuya tried to grab onto to something for support, but fell to the ground.
Nevis reached over and picked up one of the swords. He went over to Takuya and held his blade to his forehead.
"I'm actually surprised," he said as he wiped blood from his nose and mouth. "I thought you could do better than that. I thought all Hyrulean soldiers could."
Takuya squinted as he prepared for death. "I learned from the best warrior alive. Our King, Link, is the greatest combatant to ever walk this land."
"The best?" Nevis said with a laugh. "Well, I hope in the next world you continue taking lessons from him. Don't be so scared, he, and his family, will die soon after you do."
"You cannot kill him! Or his family! Or any of the Royal Families! They are the legendary Heroes of Time! They will do anything to keep the legend alive!"
"Soon the legend will die! And you can do nothing."
Takuya gulped. Nevis tightened his grip and brought the sword back, ready to thrust it into his head.
He stopped, eyes wide, and looked down at his chest. The point of a bloody sword was all he saw. He turned his head around as the fog lifted to see Raychel, the handle of the sword in her grip.
"I am the princess of this kingdom, and I say the legend will live on."
She stood there for a moment, than withdrew her sword. Nevis stumbled forward trying to slash her, but she easily dodged him. As he turned around Raychel stabbed his heart again, this time pushing him back with it. She took her sword out again, spun around quickly and did an uppercut, sending his blood flying. He fell hard onto the stone walkway. Raychel went up and stabbed his heart, trying to push it in as far as she could. He spat up some blood, but soon his head fell to one side, limp and dead.
Raychel looked at him for a moment, than backed off, breathing unevenly. She stared at her bloody hands, shaking. She looked up at Nevis again, and tried to run backwards. Takuya stopped her and held her in his arms.
"I killed him...I killed a man, Takuya...a man from my family..." She looked at him and the stream that the rain made with his blood.
"He was not a part of your family."
"I killed a man..."
"You saved a country."
Raychel widened her expression. "Like winter in the summer."
They caught each other's eyes. Breathing deeply, they came together and kissed, holding on to each other tightly.
Zelda and Link held onto each other for support. They both stood at the top of the stairs looking at Raychel and Takuya.
"Well, I think she has a story to tell," said Zelda frankly.
"You bet she does! And I want to have a talk with that boy before he takes my daughter anywhere out of my sight!"
Zelda smiled at her husband. He smiled back and kissed her. In each other's embrace, they looked back down at Raychel and Takuya.
Raychel opened her eyes to see her parents staring at her. She quickly took a step back from Takuya, and he turned around and widened his eyes. Zelda and Link simply shook their heads and looked at each other.
Smiling, Takuya shouted, "I love your daughter!"
"You're not allowed to unless you talk to me first!" Link yelled back.
Giggling, Raychel went into Takuya's arms and kissed him again.
Zelda smiled as Link rolled his eyes and looked away.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Run! Cowards!!" Meru flew and swung her hammer at the army running away. She missed them all, but was having a good time chasing them.
"Get out of Hyrule you losers!" yelled Zach.
"And never come back!" finished Alan.
They and the Dragoons laughed and cheered as the army was retreating.
Yaren held Maseru close to her face. "You're all right, my love. Everything will be all right."
"I believe you, Yaren. I always have. You'd fight for me. You'd risk your life for me."
She kissed him, than looked up and widened her eyes.
"What is it?" asked Maseru.
"Oh my goddesses," Yaren said as she set him gently on the ground. She stood up and looked at the entrance to the castle town. "Hey everyone!"
They quieted down and looked at the town gate. Slowly, through the thinning fog, the figures of four people came, seemingly holding onto each other for support.
Zach blinked his eyes and tried to see. "Raychel?"
"It is Raychel! With Takuya and the King and Queen!" shouted Yaren.
The others quickly went over to join Yaren as they saw the four come from the fog. Albert walked up to Raychel and smiled.
"King Albert," She took a breath. "These are my parents."
He looked at Link and Zelda and nodded his head. They looked out at all the other Dragoons that were looking at them. They turned to Raychel.
"I think you have some explaining to do," said Zelda.
Raychel shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "I guess so."

* * * * * * * * * * *

"The land of Endiness? I don't believe I've ever heard of it," said Link as he gently leaned back in his chair so as not to disturb his bandages. He, Zelda, and the other Dragoons were talking at a table in the healer's room.
"Well, I've never heard of Hyrule until your daughter and her friends came over." King Albert looked back at Raychel. She smiled as Impa was cleaning her cuts and wounds.
"Ah, shit! Can't you be more careful!?"
"Please, Prince Zachariah, do not move!"
He winced in annoyance as the healer stitched the slash on his back. Sofia went up to him and looked in his face.
"Does it hurt?" she mocked.
"Just be quiet!" He reached out to smack her head.
"Please, Prince! Do not move!" said the other healer working on his arm.
"Aarrgh! Be gentle!"
"Zach, enough," his mother Ruto warned him. He puffed angrily.
Raychel changed her expression as she looked out the window.
"Raychel?"
She looked up at Alanzo.
"Hey, buddy. How do you feel?"
"I have a headache. But not really anything other then that."
"You Gorons are pretty tough." She smiled sadly.
"Is something wrong?"
"I just, thought I saw..." She shrugged her shoulders. "Nah. It was nothing."
She caught a glimpse of Takuya, being healed across from her, smiling at her. She looked back out the window.
Suddenly to door to the healer's room burst open. Nabooru looked around it angrily, than spotted Yaren holding Maseru in her arms. She briskly walked over to her.
"Who is he!?" she demanded. Yaren tensed up.
"Uh, Grand Thief, this is, Maseru," she stuttered.
"Hi," he dared to say.
Nabooru gave them both an evil look. "And what is your relationship with HIM?"
Yaren stood up. She was taller than Nabooru by at least a foot. "I love him."
"What!?"
"I said I love him. I've loved him for the past six years."
"Excuse me? But, you know what you should do with him now?" she said in a bratty voice.
Yaren took a deep breath.
"Marry him, you idiot! Sheesh!!" She threw her arms in the air.
"Grand Thief..."
"Don't start with me Yaren! I'm in a good enough mood as it is! I demand that you marry him as soon as possible!"
Yaren stared at her for a moment.
"That's an order!"
She brought her hand to her head. "Understood, ma'am!"
"That's my girl!" Nabooru patted Yaren's back.
"Hello everyone."
The room fell into hush again as they looked at the door.
"Saria!" shouted the Sages simultaneously.
"Hey, it's that green kid who helped us," said Zach. There was a brief silence.
"Link, everyone, I want you to meet my new friend."
Slowly and cautiously, Lesotho entered the room. Saria grabbed his hand and smiled. "He saved us."
There were several moments of exchanged glances and whispers.
"He saved us, too," said Raychel as she looked at her parents.
They nodded slowly, than smiled at him.
He smiled back as he rubbed Saria's hair.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Later that day, Raychel and the others told their parents the entire story. It took several hours, and it brought back so many memories...
Meeting Nairobi/Yaren...the adventure in the forest...arriving in Portland...Adrian...Regina and her family...the ship ride...the Choro-Dragon and the Dragoons...life in Bale...the celebration...the bandit attack...the hate that divided them and the love they shared...Michael's death...and the trip back home. By the end they were exhausted.
"Well..." Link let out a sigh. "You had quite a journey." He looked at Zelda.
"Yes. They've all grown up, though." Zelda and the others agreed. There was a prolonged silence. Finally, Zelda stood up.
"And now, I think we have a story to share with them."
The others nodded.
"What story, mother?"
"A legend."
"A legend?"
"A legend held dearly by the Royal Families of Hyrule." She looked at the children. "You must promise to never tell this story to anyone. It is told only within the Royal Families."
They nodded.
"Very well. At first, Hyrule was nothing but a world in chaos. Then the three mighty Goddesses named Din, Farore, and Nayru fell from the heavens to cure our land..."

* * * * * * * * * * *

"In sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Maseru lifted the veil from Yaren's face. Smiling, he held her close and kissed her.
Everyone cheered. People not only from Hyrule, but Portland and Endiness showed up as well. Even Mira was there, seeming to have as good a time as everyone else. The wedding was so large that it was held outside in the valley. Though the rest of Hyrule was approaching winter, the valley stayed warm, perfect for the wedding.
"I'm so happy for you, Yaren," Raychel whispered as she watched.
"I think we all are," said Alanzo.
"Yeah! Way to go Yaren!" shouted Zach.
"You see that, everyone!?" shouted Nabooru from on top of a high rock. "That proves we can love, and will be loved!!" The Gerudos cheered.
Yaren looked up at them, than back at Maseru. She kissed him again as the shouting continued.
The party continued far into the night. Raychel could never remember having so much fun. All the talking and music made her so dizzy, she nearly fainted. She danced with all her friends she hadn't seen in so long, like Kaity, and all the new ones she made during her adventure. If Michael was here, she thought he'd have a wonderful time. She went home happy that night, feeling as alive as she had during her trip. She realized that this was her home, and these were her people. Her family...

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel and Takuya rode into Gerudo Valley a week later. They wanted to surprise Yaren, but as they went in, they were surprised themselves to see Yaren, Maseru, and Adrian packing things up.
"Yaren!" She rode out to her friend.
"Hello, Raychel, Takuya."
"Yaren, what are you doing? What's with all the bags?"
"We're going back to Portland."
"What?! Why?"
"Maseru and I think it would be better for Adrian."
Raychel looked out at the young boy helping his father. She looked back down at Yaren, than got off her horse.
"I don't know what to say, Yaren. Good-bye isn't good enough..." She tried to hide her tears as she hugged her.
"You don't need to say anything." Yaren embraced her back. "It is I who need to thank you. You were the first person from Hyrule that I've been able to trust and call a friend. That is something I will never forget."
"When are you leaving?"
"Tonight."
"Tonight! Why? Can't you wait until after my birthday?"
"When is that?"
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" She looked over at her family and smiled. "I think we can squeeze in one more day here."
"Thank you!" They hugged each other again.
"Anything for you, Raychel. Anything."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel slid her fingers across the piano. She played a few chords, but not really anything in particular. She stopped and looked at the black and white keys for a moment.
"Happy birthday."
She turned her head and saw her parents and smiled.
"Mother, father." She turned back to the piano. "As a request, tell me about Michael again." She turned back to them.
They looked at each other a bit surprised. Her mother spoke. "Raychel, we've told you that story so many times."
"It's my birthday. And I like that story."
Link and Zelda shook their heads and looked at Raychel.
"We found him in rainy weather, by the gatehouse." said Zelda.
"We had been coming back from a hunting trip," added Link. "You were only two years old at the time. We wanted you to have a sibling, and thought that this would be a wonderful opportunity."
"He was so small. Not even a month old."
"However, Impa looked at him and told us that he was not a Hylian. He was a magical child from another land. But we didn't care. We took him in."
"We told you he was your brother. You believed us, of course."
"You two loved each other like you really were sister and brother. You were always there for one another."
"We couldn't tell you the truth."
Raychel nodded.
"When he was about five he had a knack for practicing the piano."
"It seemed to be his way of communicating."
Raychel looked at the piano behind her.
"As the years went by, we almost forgot about the truth."
"But he didn't."
"He always tried so hard to please you, Raychel. The piano was just one of his ways."
"He took care of you when you were sick."
"He taught you things you would have never known otherwise."
Raychel smiled. "He did teach me a lot. I just wished I had realized it sooner." She wiped away a tear. "I will never forget him. Ever. I did love him like my brother, even when he was being taken away from me and back to his family." She smiled to herself, than up at her parents.
"Hey Raych." Link signaled her to follow him. "You should look outside."
She got up and followed him upstairs. She gasped with joy.
"It's snowing! It's snowing so much!" She held her hand against the window.
"Like always. Every year, this day, is the first snowfall," said Link.
"Even the day you were born. One of the happiest days of my life." Zelda hugged her daughter. Raychel smiled in her mother's arms as she continued to watch the snowfall.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"By the Din's mighty power, Nayru's everlasting wisdom, and Farore's immense courage, you, Takuya, are now a knight of Hyrule, sworn to defend this kingdom and its people and let life nor death stop you."
Link raised the sword from Takuya's shoulder. He looked up at the king and then got to his feet. He let out a deep breath and turned around to see and hear the people present cheering. Though it was a rather small crowd - the Dragoons, the Royal Families of Hyrule, and a group of old friends and nobles including the Sages and Lesotho - they all we're as proud and joyous as could be.
Raychel went up to Takuya as he came down the stairs and embraced him. "I'm so happy for you."
"Eh hem. Raychel?"
She looked up at her mother, who motioned for her to come forward. She took a deep breath and went up in front of her mother.
"It is time," she whispered to her. She turned to the crowd. "In case you didn't know, today is our daughter's fifteenth birthday."
There was a small cheer.
"And, for the princess of Hyrule, it is a most special day. She is now seen as ready to inherit the Kingdom Ring and establish to everyone that she has not only proven herself as a princess, but a daughter as well." A servant came up to Zelda and held to her a jewelry box on a scarlet pillow. Zelda took the box and held it out to Raychel, than opened it. Raychel took in another deep breath as she gazed at it. It was an elegant golden ring, engraved all around with the Triforce and leaves. Zelda took the ring out of the box, and was actually held on by a golden chain. She gently slipped it around her neck and looked into Raychel's eyes. Zelda put her index and middle fingers together and pressed them gently on Raychel's forehead.
"You know the dominance of the Triforce, my daughter. Let Din's power keep you strong," She placed her fingers on Raychel's right shoulder. "Let Nayru's wisdom keep you judicious," She placed her fingers on Raychel's left shoulder. "And let Farore's courage keep you valiant." She smiled at Raychel and raised her voice. "My people and guests, Princess Raychel has officially been certified to inherit this kingdom!"
Raychel turned around to the people. She looked down at many familiar faces.
"Congratulations, Raychel!" shouted Alanzo.
She thought about his dream. Now so many people, including her, looked up to him as both a philosopher and a hero.
"Yeah, Raychel!" cheered Sofie.
Raychel thought about Sofie's dream. Maybe it was coming true...
"Way to go, Raych!" yelled Zach.
She smiled. His happy family was with him always in his heart, like he hoped for in his dream.
"Great job, Raych," said Yaren as she smiled at her.
Raychel nodded. Yaren had proven that there's more to a person than who they are on the outside, just as she had dreamed.
She peered up at the Dragoons and smiled. She had found her dream...a place where people can fly. It can be anywhere you want it to be...
"And now, Raychel will play for us a song on the piano." said Link loudly.
Raychel widened her eyebrows and turned to her father.
"Well, you've been practicing."
She smiled wryly as she went over to the piano and sat down.
"Michael..." She closed her eyes and played the Song of Healing. He was right; music is the universal language. She felt so many memories return to her. Those about Michael...when she first met him...the good times...the bad times...the fights...the love...the travels and adventures...his death, and what he taught her, which only seemed to bring them closer together.
She lifted her hand off the keys. The crowd clapped as she stood up and bowed. Raychel smiled, but something caught her eye. She looked up at a windowsill above and lost her smile for a moment.
On the sill were three white crows, one a smaller than the other two. They seemed to be looking down at her, and directly into her heart. Two of the crows, one having purple stripes and the other red stripes, flew off into the snowy night. The last one, the smaller one, stayed for a bit longer, always looking at Raychel. It chirped, then turned around and spread its wings. Blue stripes were painted across its back.
Raychel gasped quietly as it flew away. She quickly ran outside to look for it, but the snow made it a little hard to see.
"Raychel?"
She turned around and saw Takuya come up to her. He put a shawl than his arms around her. "It's cold out here."
"Yeah..." She looked up again and began to walk forward, looking up at the sky.
She turned around and smiled at Takuya. "Let's go back inside."
He put his arm around her and they went back into the castle together.
The white crow with the blue stripes looked down at them from a tree and spoke.
"I am with you always, Raychel my sister. As I promised." Michael looked up at the moon and took to the air.


THE END