Author Notes:

Story: Legend of Zelda: The Fading Triforce

Chapter: Mysteries of the Scroll

Rating: PG

Genre: Action, Drama, Romance

Summary: Zelda contemplates the scroll and learns of the what element the seventh sage is of.

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The prophecy. The one that spoke of the six sages. . .The one that had always fascinated me when I was younger. I was always reading it when I was a child. I still don't know why I read it so much. Maybe it was because I was simply fascinated by it, or maybe it was because there always seemed to be something missing.

Like there should have been a seventh sage. . .

Light. Rauru.

Forest. Saria.

Water. Ruto.

Fire. Darunia.

Spirit. Nabooru.

Shadow. Impa.

Those are the six sages, but it doesn't seem like enough. Maybe something is missing, or maybe someone. Six elements seems like enough, doesn't it? You have the basic elements. . .but still. . .

I can't help feeling like something is wrong. Not there. Missing. Taken.

Yes! That is it! Something was taken! It couldn't be that something was merely missing, but taken. Yes, that is the way it has always been in my life.

Everything always goes wrong for one reason or another, be it the intentions of another or the silly mischief of a child.

Either way, the prophecy tells of another. . .sage. The prophecy said that the sage was to be one of the always changing currents, never set in stone. . .The prophecy also said that the sage would bear incredible gifts and rise above those of her fellow companions. . .except for one. . .One she would be equal to, the one that could bring her back from her gifts' controlling desires.

The Hero of Time.

Link!

He is the Hero of Time, he is the one to help this sage. Like he helped the others? But, he awakened the other sages by cleansing their temples. . .this sage is said to have to cleanse her own temple. Rid it of the evils placed there by another. How would she do that without being awakened? Without having her full powers? That doesn't make sense. Why is there such a silly prophecy?

Because it isn't silly. It isn't just some silly prophecy. It doesn't tell of fairy tales. It doesn't tell of senseless dreams written by an unknown hand. It tells of the truth.

The truth that has been set in stone since the rays of the first dawn set onto Hyrule. I know that. I don't know how, but I do. I also know that the prophecy is as true as the aging scroll it is written on.

Why does life always do this? Once you think you finally have something figured out - guess what happens? It's not what you thought anymore. Damn life's nasty ironies.

And there are so many of the blasted things! For instance, I was standing quite contently next to Link, marveling at our success at destroying Ganondorf, and then he pops up again, bigger and stronger. Does life think that is funny? Surprising us like that. . .It was awfully rude. But I got even with it. And I still remember how furious it was at me, striking me with a cloud over my soul. Odd. . .I never really recovered from that. I still feel it. Like something is shielding my heart. . .

Anyway, after Link defeated Ganon, I felt a calling deep within me. Even as I looked into those cerulean eyes, and I knew what I was supposed to do: send Link back to his childhood, his lost years.

But I couldn't. Not with the words he spoke to me, with the way his eyes bore into me. I saw the unchecked passion of his love in his eyes shine for me. For me. . .Nothing in my life had ever been solely for me, but the moment I saw his eyes. .I knew they were for myself and no one else. Neither of us would allow his eyes to set upon another.

And as I stared into his blue depths, I asked for the ocarina. I had to do it. . .destiny was telling me so. His gaze remained fixed on me, he extended his palm with the ocarina shining in it. I remember how I reached so unsurely for it, despite the knowledge of knowing that I must, and then he swept me into his arms. And kissed me.

I remember the fire of our passions colliding with such tremendous force. And then he broke it off so abruptly. He left me longing for so much more. . .and he did it on purpose! But, despite his intents, I didn't mind. Not the least bit. We both finally recognized how much we needed each other. And I knew I couldn't send him back. No matter what the consequences destiny would force me to suffer, it would be worth it. To just be by his side. . .that was all I ever wanted.

How come my thoughts always lead back to Link? Do I really need him so much that I can't even contemplate the future of Hyrule without thinking of him?? Figures. Men. They are a nuisance whether or not they are around.

I chuckle. But they sure are a lot more fun to have around. . .and destiny certainly made me suffer to be able to keep him. And, even though he is gone right now, I still don't regret anything. Yes, maybe he should have had his stolen childhood. Yes, maybe I should have sent him back to it. Maybe. . .but why do feel so sure that this is the right path? Destiny. . maybe it was wrong? Or simply trying to deter me from a fate no one wanted? Either way, I can't go back on my decision. Not now. Not when I saw his eyes smile when I didn't take the ocarina. Not after he has embraced me so many times. Not when I love him so much.

Er. . .Wow. .I certainly can get off topic, ne? That prophecy. It just confused me so much that I wished not to think about it much more. It's just. .so. . .disturbing.

It says that the prophecy isn't fulfilled. That only half is done. There is still a seventh sage. The sage, it said her powers were incredible and only the Hero of Time stood a chance in aiding her to control her powers. Perhaps the seventh sage is more of a mage. . .

But the scroll specifically said that. . .that. . .

Wait!

All this time I have been referring to the seventh sage as a she. How can I know that? The scroll never said so. . .I do have prophetic abilities. Maybe I just know because. .well. . .that is the way it is supposed to be?

Why does this always happen? Why does life always throw me so many unexpected turns and puzzles? It gets tiring, really. . .it gets more and more difficult to deal with each time.

I break into a sudden run. I find myself sprinting across the bridge that leads out of the forest. I find myself dashing through Hyrule field. Oh goddesses. . .where am I going? Is this okay? Please, don't do this to me. I need. . .I need. . .

I stop running suddenly. At my abrupt halt, I sway slightly.

I need to figure this out!

There is a connection. . .Why didn't I see it before? It was so obvious. So pathetically obvious. That seventh sage. . .her element. . .it is time.

The prophecy did say that the sage was to be one of the always changing currents, never set in stone. . .Time always seems to be changing, despite what we would like of it sometimes. It is so unpredictable.

Life can't exist without time. It is so completely and utterly necessary. And the reason why Link is the only one who can help her is because he has traveled through time before. He is acquainted with it. He knows how to handle it. That must be why he is the one who can help her with her gifts.

But, now, I have to find this Sage of Time. Where could she be? Could that be who Link is helping in the distant land? It would explain why he has been gone for so long. But I thought there was something of a war there?

Distant land. . .where is this distant land? He never did tell me. He only told me that he was leaving to help a distant land.

I have to find a way to him! I know he is helping the last sage. I can feel it. I need to go to him. For some reason. . .I think he will need my help.

Link, I'm coming. Please wait. I will be there soon!

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AN:

I know, crappy ending, right? Oh well, I just wanted to kick this story up. It was getting so boring, having her go through all those motions. Actually, I never had the intention of her figuring out that the seventh sage was the Sage of Time. That wasn't supposed to be for a while *grins* But you guys don't mind, do you? Wait until you see the next couple chapters, things are going to be picking up pretty quickly. I'm not sure when I will have the next chapter up, but expect soon after I update Of Earthen Royalty.

Side note: I know there are seven sages in the game, but for the sake of the fic, I'm going to put it as she thought there were only six.