The next day, Link was once again sitting on his bed, staring into the blade of the Master Sword. He hoped that the image might have changed.
Predictably, it hadn't.
Link and the others had spent the morning and most of the afternoon preparing for their journey into the Sacred Realm. The task was made simpler by the fact that they would not need to pack any provisions; According to Kaepora, once their bodies traveled through the barrier between realms, they would essentially become as spirits, with no need for any earthly requirements. As such, they were able to spend their time gathering weapons and mentally preparing for their journey. Link had no problem with the former; all he needed were his sword, longshot, bow and arrows, and bombs. However, he found it increasingly difficult to gather his thoughts.
Though no one had said it out loud, he knew that many of them were expecting him to be the leader. Link had never felt comfortable giving orders, and it frightened him whenever his decisions affected the lives of others. He would gladly throw himself into danger if it were required to save lives. He couldn't ask others to do it for him.
"Rupee for your thoughts."
Link looked up at the soft voice. Queen Ruto stood in the doorway. She walked over to the bed and sat down beside him. He gave her a small smile and lowered the blade. "I don't think that's an investment you'd want to make. I thought you'd be with Zakro before we left."
"I was, but he wanted to be alone for a while. Something about getting into the 'warrior zone'. He does it before every battle."
Link nodded, and they sat in silence. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the wedding," he said. "I had business in the west."
"I know," she said. "I missed you, but I understand. Besides, I don't think Zakro was to sorry to see you couldn't make it."
Link smirked without any trace of humor. "He still hasn't forgiven me."
"No," Ruto confirmed. "I love him dearly, but his pride can sometimes be a nuisance. That's why he is still mad at you, I think. You wounded his pride when you managed to defeat the serpent in Lake Hylia when he couldn't, and wounded it even further when you spared his life after his challenge, despite your age difference."
"A lot to live down, apparently. I'm sure our history hasn't helped any."
Ruto couldn't help but smile. "Yes, and there's that. You and I both know what happened with that. I was young, and believed I had just fallen in love with the boy who had just saved me. A childhood crush, nothing more. And I think Zakro understands this as well. He just can't handle that you were there to save me and he wasn't."
"I've tried to smooth things over," Link explained, "But you're right, he can be difficult sometimes. It's something we're going to have to put aside for this mission."
"That's one of the reasons I came to see you," Ruto admitted. She took a deep breath, as if what she was about to say required great effort. "I fear he may see this as an opportunity to regain his lost honor. He will not put himself ahead of the mission, but he may take needless risks. I want you to watch him, make sure he doesn't do anything too rash. Essentially—and I know I shouldn't ask this of you—but I am putting my husband's life in your hands."
Link sighed a little. "Of course I'll watch him, Ruto. But I doubt anything I say or do will have much effect over him. I can only promise to do my best."
"That is all I've ever asked of you Link." She placed a webbed hand on his shoulder. "That is all anyone's ever asked of you, despite what you may believe. Just remember: this time, you won't have to save the world alone."
* * *
"So, Numaru," Mattalla said to his companion. "What is your assessment of our quest? How do you think we will fare?"
The powerful Gerudo woman was testing the pull on her bow. "Honestly? I believe our chances are slim to none."
Mattalla frowned as he strapped his heavy war hammer to his back. "Truly?"
"Truly. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't attempt at it. Slim is better than nothing."
"Indeed. Why is it that you feel this way?"
Numaru had moved from her bow to her wide scimitar. "For starters, we know next to nothing of our field of battle, nor what enemies we may encounter. We will have no help whatsoever once we get there. And as for our companions…"
Mattalla looked at her sharply. "What do you mean?"
Numaru sighed as she sheathed her sword. "We are soldiers, Mattalla. Warriors born. Look at it from that viewpoint. You and I have seen many years of battle. The rest of our companions are young, untested. I know Link is probably the deadliest creature in this land, but he is full of guilt and inner turmoil over what has happened, diminishing his capabilities as a leader. Then the problem between him and Zakro, while himself a capable but youthful fighter, is something that could quite possibly spread dissension through the group. And nobody except Link has ever seen this Shrike in action; we have no idea of his capabilities. And Malon…"
"I have vouched for Sister Malon, as has General Link…"
"Don't get me wrong," Numaru said quickly. "She is a stout hearted young woman. We have only talked a couple of times, but I can tell at least that. But you and I both know that the ability to defeat an enemy and the ability to stay cool under the most trying circumstances are two different things. On this journey, I am certain we will come across dangers that will make even your flesh crawl."
Mattalla 'harrumphed', but did not disagree. "I'm not saying you're wrong, Numaru. But should anyone else ask you the same question, perhaps it would be wiser to deliver it with a little more tact."
Numaru laughed. "It is against the nature of Gerudos to hide their feelings. But still, I will take your advice."
"That would be wise. Though we travel to the holy realm, I get the feeling faith may be in short supply."
* * *
"You wanted to speak with me, your highness?"
Malon stood in the doorway to Princess Zelda's study. She had just finished packing for the journey when the messenger had come to her with the princess' summons. As such she was outfitted in her new armor, which had been designed for her several days ago, at Mattalla's request. Over a padded leather tunic with short sleeves, and equally tough leather slacks, she wore a silver breastplate, shoulder pads, thigh and calf guards, and the Silver Gauntlets Link had given her.
Zelda was standing with her back to Malon, gazing out the room-high window. She turned at Malon's voice. "Please, come in Ms. Lon."
Malon did as she was told and shut the door behind her. "You can call me Malon…if you wish, that is, your highness."
Zelda smiled at her. "And you can call me Zelda, Malon." Both young women relaxed a bit, as if dropping the formality lifted a burden from their shoulders. Malon walked up to the window and stood beside Zelda. "Have you heard of your father and the ranch?" Zelda asked.
"Yes. Shrike brought me news with his last report. When the mercs left the area they also left the ranch. My father and Mr. Ingo and all the other hands are still there, though, keeping the ranch open as kind of a refugee center."
The princess nodded her head, and Malon realized Zelda already knew all this. "Forgive me for asking, but how is the king?"
A cloud of sadness crossed Zelda's face. "There's been no change, for better or ill. He just lies there. It's frustrating; I have all this power, both royal and magical, and I can't even save my father."
They stayed silent for a while. Finally, Zelda said, "You're wondering why I asked you here."
"The thought had crossed my mind." It probably wasn't the most proper thing to say, but Zelda seemed to appreciate her forwardness.
"First, I want to thank you for telling me what you and Link found out about our heritage," she held up a hand to stop Malon from interrupting. "And I know Link wanted to tell me himself. He doesn't blame you. Regardless, it's given me a lot to think about. I've started rethinking some of my choices. Especially those considering Link."
Malon looked at her, a confused expression on her face. Zelda saw it and smiled. "Though Link tells the story of our first encounter with Ganon very well, he left out a few minor details. Mostly that I manipulated him and used him for my own gains."
"Your…I mean, Zelda…"
"Let me finish. I didn't do it purposely, but I did it nonetheless. In my arrogance, I believed I was smarter than Ganon, that I could outwit him and get the Triforce myself, to help Hyrule. I had Link do all the dirty work, face all the dangers, in that goal, while I stayed here in the castle, waiting. Again, when he returned from his seven year sleep and I masqueraded as Sheik, I did not reveal myself to him right away, because I feared that if Ganon discovered me before Link awakened the other Sages, then everything would be for naught. So I once again threw him to the wolfos, let him face the danger. He says he never blamed me for anything, and I believe him, but still, I can never forgive myself."
"I understand," Malon said, and she did. "But he's forgiven you, Zelda, even if he never even blamed you. And believe me, I know that may not mean much, considering he's a hard guy to offend. But you did what you thought was needed at the time. And you regret it now, meaning you recognize your mistakes. And like my dad says, that's almost as good as never making them."
"On some level, I suppose I realize that," Zelda said, "Which brings me to why I asked you here. Every other time Link has gone off on Hyrule's behalf he has been alone. This time there are six of you. What I mean to say is, I want you to take care of him."
Malon was slightly taken aback. "I don't think that will be a problem, Zelda. Chances are he'll be taking care of us."
"I know, and that is the problem." She smiled at the confused expression on Malon's face. "Because he is so used to be alone, he will try to take on every threat by himself. That, coupled with the guilt he feels, could very likely lead him to try the impossible by himself. I want you to temper him, to make sure he doesn't get in too far over his head. He is much more important than he realizes. To me, and to all of Hyrule."
"Darunia said pretty much the same thing." Malon straightened her back and stood tall with determination. "I'll do what you ask of me, Zelda. If Link is being too stupid, I'll do my best to smarten him up."
Zelda couldn't help but laugh. "That is all I ask, Malon. That is all I ask."
* * *
Several hours later, the seven Sages and the six companions stood in what had once been the Temple of Time. An area around the Master Sword's pedestal had been cleared of debris, ready for the companions to begin their journey.
They were in the midst of last good-byes, husband with wife, student with teacher, brother with brother, and sister with sister. Link, Malon, Saria, and Zelda all stood together. Link knelt down so Saria could wrap her arms around his neck. "We seem to be doing this too much lately," she said.
Link smiled and held her close. "Don't worry, Saria. Everything will turn out right. It always does."
"If you say so."
He then turned to Zelda, who had just embraced Malon, whispering something in her ear. When the farm girl then stooped down to embrace Saria, Link couldn't help but smile. The woman he loved had become friends with his sister and his best friend.
Zelda brought him close in an embrace. "Take care of them…and yourself." Then she added, "My brother."
"Don't worry," Link assured her. "I've been on more difficult journeys before. We'll be back in no time."
"It is time," Kaepora said. "Sages, if you would take your places." At this, the Sages stood in a circle around the pedestal, in the spaces they would have occupied in the Chamber of Sages. "Brave heroes who travel for the sake of us all," Kaepora addressed the companions, "From this day forward the peoples of Hyrule are in your debt. You travel into uncharted territory with none to guide you. We are thankful for courage, and wish the goddesses' blessings upon you."
With that, the Sages lifted their arms, and auras of light surrounded them. Link placed the Master Sword back in the pedestal and awaited his cue. When the different lights of the Sages met above the Sword, they combined into a single pillar of light, engulfing the sword and the companions. Link withdrew the Master Sword once more, and when he did, a tear in reality took it's place. With Shrike in the lead, one by one they entered the door. Link was last in, and he turned to face the Sages. With a smile and a wink, he stepped into the breach and was gone.
The Sages dropped their arms in exhaustion, and the room returned to it's normal form. "Well," Nabooru said after she recovered her breath, "It is done."
Ruto nodded her agreement. "Now we must turn our attention to the battle here."
"Indeed," Darunia said. "Ganon will not stay put for long, and he has no doubt sensed what we have done here."
"Darunia is right," Zelda said. "Without a doubt, Ganon sensed the magic we used, and is already planning for it. We must put our worries for Link and the others aside, for now. For all intents and purposes, we are Hyrule's only hope. For better or for worse, the Chosen are on their own."