A/N: Hey there! Thanks to all my reviewers! I'm sorry this took forever, internet difficulties and all. Some people might think this chapter is a little too soon, Zelda accepting her desting soquickly and all,but I'm not into writing angst plus I'm not very good at it. I beg your understanding!

I have a Psychology exam in 3 hours so everyone wish me luck :)

Silverpistola

Chapter 5 – Acceptance

The stars were hidden from view by swirls of eerie grey cloud. Zelda wrapped her arms around herself as the cold air brushed goose bumps across her skin. She blinked tears from her eyes, trying to fight the familiar ache of loneliness within her heart. Despite her mysterious absence from school that day, Rosalind still hadn't called.

It felt strange that she was still perturbed by Rosalind's absence despite the truths she had learned that morning. It almost comforted her, like clinging to a security blanket. Even though she was unsure of her own identity anymore, her mind was still occupied with thoughts of her friend, her schoolwork, her hair.

Zelda became aware that she was not alone and turned to see him watching her from the open window.

She didn't protest as he climbed out the window, treading carefully as he crossed the sloping roof that covered the kitchen and constituted as Zelda's hideaway.

They sat beside one another in a thoughtful silence for a few moments before Zelda spoke.

"What happened to your faerie?"

Link looked away. "I don't know." He fell silent for a moment. "I don't even know how I got here. I remember awakening after seven years sealed in the chamber of sages and seeing Hyrule, shrouded in darkness and evil. And I can remember a strange dream before I found myself in this world, following you."

Zelda sighed, looking up at the sky again and wishing in vain to see the stars.

"Do you believe me Zelda?"

She jumped, startled by the déjà vu that accompanied his question, a question she had once asked him.

"I don't want to, yet somehow... yeah I do."

Link folded his arms across his knees, resting his head upon them and staring out across the horizon. As Zelda watched him, she tried desperately to hate him, hate the inconceivable truth that he had forced upon her, but all she could feel was the same gratitude she had felt in the courtyard.

"Impa says I should stay here with you for a few months until… until you fully understand."

"Fully understand," Zelda mused, bitterly.

"You will. It just takes time," Link told her, gently.

In mere moments, Zelda's infamous temper flared, spilling from her lips before she could attempt to control it.

"How the hell would you know? Did someone once tell you, oh, yeah, you know you think you're just a normal kid? Well, actually you're a Princess and your entire kingdom is falling into ruin!" Zelda demanded, her violet eyes burning as she glared at him.

Link's face remained expressionless, though his knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.

"Don't forget Princess, you were the one to inform me that I was the only one who could save your kingdom from falling into darkness," Link argued, quietly.

Zelda dropped her head into her hands, running her fingers through her hair. She didn't want to look at him, knowing that she wouldn't see a villain whom she might blame, but a boy just as frightened as herself.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, tasting her salty tears upon her lips.

"I'm sorry too, that life has to be like this, for either of us. But since there's no other way, we might as well support one another," he turned to face her, a ghost of a smile upon his lips, "we were once friends."

A cloud shifted, revealing one faintly twinkling star. Zelda bit her lip.

"I guess we could still try to be friends," she murmured.

Link got to his feet, retreating to the window. "I'd like that Princess."

Impa looked up as Link stepped into the kitchen. She smiled, weakly at him.

"How is she?"

"I'm not an expert at reading the emotions of girls, but I'd say she's still in shock."

"It should never have been this way. I argued with her Father, but he believed this was for the best."

Link remained silent, recalling that brief spark of hatred in Zelda's eyes. Her outburst had hurt him more than he would ever admit.

"So, Zelda's Father sent her here with you once he realised the mistake he had made?" Link asked in an attempt to distract himself from his thoughts.

"Yes. When Ganondorf gained the triforce of power he ordered me to find Zelda. We returned to the Temple of time to ensure you were safe and to hide Zelda when we were brought here, I assume by the magic of the Sages. Zelda quickly forgot the old Kingdom, believing that her Father had passed away from a physical ailment."

"The perfect hiding place," Link spoke, softly, "until the time when I awoke. Yet why have I been sent here?"

Impa frowned. "You need the Princess' aid in the next stages of your journey. I'm afraid you can no longer fight alone."

"But she is not ready. She cannot fight, she has no magical abilities," Link argued.

"Then we must work fast to train her. If she will agree to it," Impa reasoned.

"When do we start?" Zelda asked from the doorway.

Both Link and Impa turned sharply. Impa hurried over to her, sweeping her into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry Zelda. I could not tell you," Impa apologised.

Zelda locked eyes with Link as Impa still held onto her tightly. For just a brief moment she was sure she had seen him smile.

"I don't blame you Impa. Nor you Link."

Impa released her, her hands resting upon her shoulders.

"Zelda, there is no need to be afraid. By the time of your return you will be ready. I swear it to you."

Zelda managed to smile, not noticing the brief glow upon the back of her hand as her heart finally accepted her true destiny.

Zelda believed she was dreaming as her bare feet negotiated the stairs, following the distant music that stilled her heart. She silently opened the back door, allowing moonlight to spill into the kitchen as she wandered out into the garden.

He was bathed in moonlight, stood in the centre of the lawn, frozen as he held the flute to his lips. Zelda stopped as she reached the edge of the grass, swaying gently like a snake called from a basket by the hypnotic music.

Link was basking in the memories that the gentle lullaby held. Memories of chambers, waterfalls, but mainly memories of Zelda and their first meeting. The memories that he recalled in times of deepest loneliness and despair. As the music danced in the air, Link pondered the months ahead of him. He had only a month to prepare for the battles that awaited him, yet he now knew that he would not be fighting alone. Though whether that would ease or increase his burden only time would tell. He did not doubt Zelda's ability and knew that Impa would mould her into an able fighter, but he also reminded himself of the control she unknowingly had over him, evoking emotions he had long since buried.