The Light of Hope
Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing of Zelda * sniffle *
A/N: Okay, this is my first fan fiction ever, so I ask you to keep this in mind! The first part is a recap of the end of Ocarina of Time, but seen through Zelda's eyes. It will continue on form there into the story. Please review!
An excerpt from Zelda's Diary:
I don't know why all of this has happened, least of all to me. I have not written for seven years. Seven years! It seems laughable that I return to writing in my diary now that all is supposedly safe. I imagine that if you could talk you would stare at me in shock and say, You choose to write now?
Yet so much has happened that I feel compelled to record it all. The good and the bad, the sweet and the bitter. Perhaps I shall feel better after doing so, but that too is laughable. I don't know if I shall ever feel better again.
As you know from when last I wrote, I had to run from the castle with Impa to escape Ganondorf. I left the Ocarina of Time behind for Link, praying that all would be well. Unfortunately, it was a fool's hope. Everything went from bad to worse, my world crumbling before my very eyes. My father had been murdered, Link had vanished, and Ganondorf had entered the Sacred Realm, seizing the Triforce. There was one small shred of good luck in all this.
When Ganondorf took the Triforce, it split into three parts: Power, Wisdom, and Courage. Only the Triforce of Power remained in his possession for that is the force he most believes in. Imagine my surprise while in hiding when there came a fierce burning on my hand, and a small Triforce symbol appeared there! I had been chosen to bear the Triforce of Wisdom. I was but ten years old, still a child. However I knew my destiny, knew who held the Triforce of Courage, knew what I had to do.
I waited seven years, seven long lonely years for the time I knew that Link would return. And return he did. In the Temple of Time, a pillar of blue light appeared, bringing with it a small fairy and a boy I knew. It was Link, changed by the seven years he had spent sealed away in the Sacred Realm. He was no longer the child I had known. He was a man now, the sacred Master Sword in his hand.
I stepped from the shadows, disguised as a Sheikah. I introduced myself to him as Sheik, hiding my true identity. I told him of matters as I could, explaining what he must do and where he had to go. I sent him off to find his friend Saria, who I knew to be the Sage of the Forest Temple. I also taught him a melody that would allow him to return there in the blink of an eye.
As he vanished into the temple, I wondered about what I was doing. Ws it right to hide my identity from him? Yet if I revealed myself as Princess Zelda of Hyrule, Ganondorf would have sensed it at once and would have come for me. Though it ripped my heart to shreds, I kept my silence, continuing to guide him as Sheik. I felt my feelings for Link change in a way that I cannot explain. He had been my only friend, my best friend, but now I felt that he was becoming something more.
Link did not know, din't even guess at who I was. He believed me to be dead or still in hiding. He did not even know that I was alive until he awakened Princess Ruto as a Sage. She freed him from marrying her, as that would have been impossible. Then she told him that she sensed I was alive, at it heartened him.
I never asked him, but I wonder if he began to suspect who I was. Every time I would appear to him, he would attempt to come closer. I could not allow him to, fearing he would see through my disguise.
Then came the time I had both longed for an dreaded. Link awoke Nabooru as a Sage. Raru, the Sage of Light, directed him to go to the Temple of Time, were I was waiting for him. He entered the temple quietly, his bright cobalt eyes darting about as he searched the shadows. I appeared behind him, still in my disguise, and began to tell him all. I told him of the splitting of the Triforce and what it meant. He listened in silence as I related the legend. I told him that he was the one who held the Triforce of Courage.
My fingers began to tremble as I spoke my next words. And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom, is the Seventh Sage who is destined to lead them all. I held up my hand, and the Trifoce symbol shone so brightly that Link had to shield his eyes. I could see his shock when he looked up, realizing the truth at last as he saw me for who I was. It is I, the Princess if Hyrule, Zelda.
I begged for his forgiveness at my deception, which he did without hesitation. After telling him of my own fate and what we had to do, I presented him with the arrows of light. But then my deepest fear came to pass.
Ganondorf came, snatching me away in a pink crystal that served as my prison. He took me to his castle and there we waited. My heart was full of fear. I half hoped that Link would come to rescue me and half hoped that he would flee to safety elsewhere. I had never felt so alone as I did in those moments. I did not allow myself to cry. My hope was gone, I was afraid, but I would not allow Ganondorf satisfaction at my tears.
Then the doors of the tower were flung open. Link strode inside, his faithful fairy Navi following behind him. I watched helplessly as he fought Ganondorf, never backing down. I was filled with confusion as I watched the horrid scene below me. Why? Why had Link come for me?
Lin delivered one last blow, and Ganondorf collapsed in defeat. The crystal holding me lowered and I was released. I ran towards Link, but my joy was short lived as the castle began to collapse around us.
Quickly I led Link from the tower, guiding him down into its depths. While I used my magic to open the sealed doors, he fought the monsters that threatened us. At one point I stumbled, but he was there at once, slipping an arm around my waist to help me. I'll never forget the kindness and concern I saw in his eyes during that brief moment.
We managed to escape, though it was a narrow one. The tower collapsed in ruins behind us. I turned to Link, feeling a relief that felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It's over, I whispered, hardly daring to believe my own words. It's finally over. That was sadly far from the truth.
No sooner had the words left my mouth did Ganondorf come bursting out of the rubble, holding up his hand with the glowing Triforce symbol. I realised my mistake at once. He could not be killed that easily. Before our horrified eyes, the Evil King transformed into his true form as a huge, ugly hulking beast called Ganon.
This didn't seem to fase Link. He drew the Master Sword, boldly walking out to face this nightmare. Ganon shrieked and a wall of flames sprang up, cutting me off from them. Then the evil monster sent the sword spinning from Link's hands. It flew through the air, embedding itself in the ground beside me. Link didn't even blink, simply drawing another sword form his pack and resuming the battle.
I had to watch yet again as Link fought, unable to do anything. I did manage to pull the Master Sword from the earth as I watched anxiously. Link took so many blows, causing me to scream in fear sometimes. I was afraid each time that he would not rise. But he always did. After a few moments, Ganon was thrown off balance, falling to the ground. His power faltered and the wall of flames fell.
Link the Master Sword is here! Hurry!
He came running to me, accepting the sacred blade from my hands. What do I do Zelda? he asked, sweat dotting his brow.
Destroy Ganon with the Master Sword, I replied simply. Then I whispered words that surprised me. Be safe.
He too looked startled, but squeezed my hand briefly. Link then turned back to the battle, and the fire came up once more. Yet the Master Sword was doing it's work, each slash cutting Ganon to his very soul. At last the beast fell, his hideous body quivering. That was when I took my turn. I raised my palms, and a beam of golden light shot from my hands, striking Ganon. Link stared at me in wide-eyed disbelief.
I'm using my power to hold the Evil King! I cried out. You use your sword and deliver the final blow! I crumpled then, my hands coming up to my chest, my head bowing. I had never used so much power and was severely drained.
Out of the corner of my eye. I could see the Master Sword glowing brightly. Link leapt, slashing Ganon ruthlessly. I began to whisper frantically, calling forth the last of my strength for one last act, bringing my hands to clasp together at my breast. Then came the final blow as Link's blade went through the monster's mouth into his very soul. Ganon's screams of agony echoed across the barren wasteland, and it was then that I acted.
Six Sages, now! I straightened, throwing my hands upward to the heavens, a ball of golden light forming as I sent my frantic call. Then, my strength spent, I fell to my knees.
The sages had been waiting and responded at once. The sealed door was opened, sending Ganondorf spinning into the depths of the evil realm. Yet I heard his screams, his curses, his threats of revenge that still echo in my mind.
After a chance to recover, I took Link and myself to a place high in the sky, somewhere where we could be alone. I thanked him, still holding back the tears that threatened to come. I admitted that all of the destruction had been my doing because I had not understood the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm. I hated what I had to do next, dreading it from the very moment he had returned to me.
Princess, what's wrong? Link inquired gently.
I have to make up for my mistakes, I managed to reply. You must lay the Master Sword to rest and close the Door of Time. However, by doing this, the road between times will be closed.
Link stared at me in shock, understanding what I meant. He shook his head slowly, his eyes pleading with me not to do what I knew I must. Please do not look at me like that Link,' I begged inwardly, already struggling with what I had to do.
Slowly I held out my hand. Link, give the Ocarina to me. As a sage, I can return you to your original time with it. The words flet like daggers, shredding my heart to ribbons.
He pulled the blue Ocarina from his pack looking down at it briefly before placing it in my hand. Yet Link did not remove his hand, staring sadly into my eyes. Slowly I placed my other hand over his, not wanting this to happen, not wanting to let him go. It seemed so cruel, to have him suffer so much, then send him back and expect him to live a normal life. Despite this, it had to be done. I couldn't take those seven years away from him. In his heart, Link was still a ten year old boy.
When peace returns to Hyrule. . . it will be time for us to say good bye. . . My voice broke and I couldn't go on. After he left, I would be all alone again.
I don't want to go Princess, Link whispered. I wish to stay here.
I shook my head, my eyes bright. You have to live those seven years, but away from Hyrule, promise me? He nodded reluctantly, clearly not wanting to. I looked down at our hands, speaking again in a trembling voice. Come back, when the seven years are gone.
As you wish Princess, Link replied, his voice gruff. He knew the time had come, and he took his hand from mine, his eyes still begging me not to do this.
Now, go home Link. Regain your lost time. Home, where you are supposed to be. The way you are supposed to be. Nayru, give me the strength to do this!' Slowly I raised the Ocarina of Time to my lips, though it cost me dearly, and began to play the Song of Time that would take him home. A blue light engulfed him and Navi, taking them away from me. At last the tears that I had been holding back poured down my face like rain.
Thank you Link. Good bye, I called to him as he was lifted away.
After the spell had been cast, I began to hum the song of the royal family, singing him home. Finally I knew that he had reached his proper time, feeling the Master Sword being replaced in the Pedestal of Time. Link looked towards the rafters, as if he could see me.
Good bye Princess Zelda. Until we meet again. With those words, he turned, striding out of the Temple of Time, the door sealing behind him as he went.
I am alone now, simply waiting for the time when he will return to Hyrule, yet I wonder if he ever will. I cannot bear the wait; I long for him to come back. Link is my only friend left in this world. - Zelda, Princess of Hyrule
*~*~*~*
Zelda set down he pen with a soft sigh, rising to look out her window. She rested her forehead against the cool glass, trying to fight the tears that welled up. She chided herself angrily; she who had never cried as a child now sobbed at any given moment. That was not who she was.
She had never been considered a proper princess. Zelda had always been a bit headstrong, even with her father. Insistent, she had learned to ride at a young age, convinced that she might need the skill someday. She had even tried to learn how to fence, but her father had found out and made her stop. As much as Zelda hated to admit it, she despised being helpless, which was exactly what she was.
A young maid poked her head timidly into the room, her eyes uncertain. Dinner is ready, if you wish to eat now. She was wary around the Princess, who seemed so different from the bright giggling child she remembered.
Yes, thank you, Zelda answered quietly, smiling at the maid. She rose and followed the timid woman down the hall.
She couldn't help but wonder what people thought of her. Zelda knew that she had become a legend to her people, just as much as Link had. Not only that, she was the last surviving member of the royal family. This caused her to be special to them, as always, the symbol of her people's hope.
Ironic, she thought with an inward sigh. I symbolize hope when I have all but lost mine.
The dinner was a silent affair, with all the nobles present. They watched the Princess who sat at the head of the table, awe and fear in their eyes. It was thought that she had not noticed until she looked up, a soft smile on her face.
Feel free to talk, Zelda urged them. There is no need for such reverent silence.
Slowly conversations began, and the Princess felt relieved that the attention was off of her. Her sapphire eyes moved around the room, stopping on a portrait of her with all of her family. There she was, sitting on her father's lap, beaming brightly. Impa stood at her side, though the attendent was not technically family. Cousins, aunts, and uncles all with equally happy expressions beamed at Zelda. She sighed, shaking her head. All were gone. Except for me and Impa. But I am the only one who remains in this world.
She had not seen this picture for seven years, ever since she had been driven from her castle on that stormy day. Ganondorf had destroyed Hyrule Castle, but when Zelda had returned and the Evil King was gone, she had restored the castle, the grounds, the market, and the protective wall. That had been six months ago.
My Princess, you look particularly lovely tonight.
Zelda looked up to find Count Reglin standing beside her. She gave an inward groan. This was one of her suitors from when he father had still been alive. Thank you. I hope you enjoy yourself With a dazzling smile, she rose and swept from the room, heading for the gardens.
My lady? I know you have had much hardship, but. . . a young maid began awkwardly, you should not be alone Princess.
Thank you for your opinion, she replied with a trace of irritation as she dismissed the maid.
She watched her go, then turned and began wandering through the gardens. The Princess had always been fond of green growing things. Despite the fact that it annoyed her, Zelda knew the maid was right. She should be thinking about marriage, yet she could not allow herself to.
Alone, as she always was, Zelda understood that her people found it strange. A bright, beautiful, titled lady such as herself should be mingling with the courtiers, contemplating future kings. Perhaps that could have been her life once upon a time, but no more. The seven years had changed her in ways that she did not understamd. During that time, the young Princess had always been alone. It was in her nature now to seek solitude.
Zelda closed her eyes, tilting her face towards the bright crescent moon in the sky. There was no one who understood that. Except perhaps for Link. He too was the same, a loner by nature. It was now her fate as well. Zelda wondered where he was now, if he missed her as she missed him.
A chill went down the young woman's back, causing her to shiver. At first she dismissed it as nothing but the cool air until it happened again. Zelda's eyes narrowed, and she raised her hands to the air, whispering soft words. Instantly she found herself in the Temple of Time where it was easiest for her to contact the six Sages in the Sacred Realm.
Raru, do you call me?' Zelda called, her azure eyes closed, her breathing deep.
Princess Zelda, we do call you.'
In her mind;s eye, Zelda could see the Chamber of Sages. She stood in the center, surrounded by Raru, Saria, Darunia, Ruto, Impa, and Nabooru. They looked drained and weary, eyes fearful.
Zelda felt a deep terror rising within her, somehow knowing what they were going to say. For what purpose have you summoned me?'
It was Impa who answered, her reddish brown eyes sad. The seal is broken Princess. He will return.'
The vision ended shortly there after, and the Princess sank to her knees before the alter, tears slipping down her pale cheeks. She whispered, her voice trembling. Nayru, please no.