End of an Era

Chapter 6

"What do you mean he's gone a-gone?"

"Hey doc, calm down, he's just kinda vanished for the moment,"

"Well, I have to see him a-now!"

"But he—"

"Oh, Zelda, there you are." I look up as I enter the Lounge, having kept my eyes down most of the way. Marth smiles at me as he makes his way over; he has a bruise forming under his right eye, and seems to be limping ever so slightly.

"Are you alright, Marth?" I ask, looking over his beaten up appearance. He gives a small laugh and waves away the concern.

"It's nothing, Roy and I simply weren't prepared for the explosives in the Green Greens arena, that's all." He explains, "I came out the victor, but Roy isn't doing so badly, he's in his room right now getting some rest."

"Congratulations," I say, ignoring the fact that I'm not entirely sure of everything he just told me. "You must be quiet the swordsman."

"You just need to calm down…"

"Calm-a down? I'll-a show you calm!"

"Uh…" Marth says, glancing over his shoulder as Doctor Mario and C. Falcon continue their very vocal argument. The smaller man red in the face while the Racer seems to be quite cheerful.

"Speaking of Swordsmen," Marth continues, turning away from them, and pulling my attention back to him. I can't help but wonder what could have gotten the Doctor so excited, "Do you know where Link might have gotten to?" He asks,

"Link?" I ask, blinking slowly at the question. Marth nods and I don't know what to say exactly. I suppose it's best to simply be honest though "I don't know," I tell him, Marth frowns slightly before shrugging again,

"If you don't mind my asking, is something wrong?" I question, not exactly sure why I want to know, after Link walked out I have done nothing but stay in my room. Taking extra care to keep my key with me at all times.

"The doctor has been trying to find him for almost an hour now," He explains, taking my arm gently and leading me away from the lounge, and the noise of the argument. "Have you spoken with Link at all today? You do not have to answer that if you do not wish to." Marth adds the last part hurriedly as we walk down the quieter passage, my eyes falling to the thick red carpets as we make our way towards the dining hall.

"Yes actually…" I admit, "When I returned to my room after lunch, I found it locked and didn't have my key. Link noticed and let me in through his door."

"And…?" Marth isn't trying to be rude, I can tell. But he is pressing me for answers now.

"We ended up arguing," I feel almost ashamed to admit it, the feeling makes no sense, but it's still there, as if I'm embarrassed by the fact that I let emotion control my words and actions.

"I am sorry to hear that," He says quietly as we step into the hall, a large amount of noise and activity going on from behind a swinging door on the opposite wall, where the kitchens are.

"Why?" I ask as we make our way outside to where we ate lunch.

"According to Link, the two of you were good friends as children;" Marth says in a philological way, "It is sad when circumstance puts people at ends with one another." I'm only now beginning to notice how choppy his speech is, as if this isn't his first language. I don't know why I'm realizing this now, until I make the connection in my mind that Link and I were not speaking the common tongue earlier. We had slipped into formal Hylian sometime while arguing, I hadn't even noticed until now.

"Marth, may I ask you a more personal question?" I ask, the other royal regarding me for a moment as we continue walking past the tables, the chairs put up for the moment, and continue down and onto the gravel paths.

"I do not see why not, Princess." He replies lightly, having long since let go of my arm. I remain quiet for a moment as we continue walking down the trail. They turn into mulch and woodchips in the direction of the trees and thicker gardens, out in the open they are crumbled rocks, crackling underfoot as we walk; an odd dome-like building off in the distance.

"Have you earned the right too return to your home?" I ask at last, looking back up at him, hoping he is not insulted by the question, "Can you go back to Altea?" Marth frowns deeply at my words, looking away from me as a touch of sadness enters his cobalt eyes.

"I'm sorry," I say, not having meant to offend or hurt him. An image flashes through my mind of what happened only an hour or two ago; a similar look of pain across Link's face as I threw his failures and short-comings in his face. Since when have I become so heartless?

"No, do not apologize," Marth says, shaking his head, but unable to reclaim his smile. "I am still new to the Mansion, Zelda. The Hands will not accept a challenge from me yet, soon though, I will concur my fears, and once again see my lands." He does smile again now, looking down at me with calm assurance written all across his face.

"If you and Link are able to settle your differences, I am positive Link will help you in any possible way to defeat the Hands." He chuckles, I blink at the statement though in surprise.

"What makes you say that?" Marth takes on a more knowing look as we continue on,

"Link is one of the more skilled Smashers," He says brightly, "He is more than capable of taking on the Hands in any level of combat." The other noble's enthusiasm fades though even as he speaks, "But… because of his injury…"

"The Hands will not allow him to leave," I finish, it is Marth's turn to look surprised as we pause for a moment in front of the large pond on the grounds. "As I said, Marth, Link and I had words…" As we remain where we are, looking over the water, I pull up my left hand and unknowingly begin rubbing the skin over top of my Triforce.

I am no longer wearing the ill-fitting gloves Peach gave me, or the dress for that matter. Upon returning to my rooms, I was shocked to find an entire wardrobe prepared in the style of my older clothing. Everything from a winter coat and boots to delicates and jewelry provided, all of which in the Hylian style. The blue details along the gloves provide an accent for the pale blue of the gown I'm dressed in, the silver circlet and earrings I found in the jewelry box matching perfectly with the outfit.

"Even hearing what Link has to say, you are still mad at him?" Marth questions; breaking the silence between us as I continue rubbing the relic in my hand.

"I… honestly don't know what I feel towards him at the moment," I admit, keeping my eyes away from Marth. "I know his reasons; and his pain now. But I don't know if he can be forgiven for everything which has come to pass because of him…" Marth gives a small huff and crosses his arms underneath the impressive breastplate he wears.

"In my personal opinion, Zelda, Link is not at fault for anything." He says flatly, sighing soon after and allowing his arms to drop. "Master Hand is the one who injured Link so horribly, and now denies him any chance too return to Hyrule. Link has done absolutely everything in his power, but it has so far not been enough. He suffered so terribly once the Triforce of Courage was taken from him that—" Marth's eyes suddenly go wide, and he clamps one hand over his mouth.

"What did you say?" I whisper, stepping away from him before turning around, eyes wide as my voice remains hushed. Shocked, I feel almost as though I have just been slapped.

"I- Well, Princess- you see it—uh…" He looks almost lost as he trips over his own words, mumbling something in what I would guess is his native tongue before slipping back into the common one, his face painted with a look of utmost regret. "Link made me swear not to tell anyone, I cannot believe I said it outright like that."

"When?" I demand, my voice still quiet as I keep my eyes locked on his, "And who else knows of this?" Marth at first looks as if he would rather not tell, but I need say nothing more as he slowly caves the rest of the way,

"Only myself, Doctor Mario, and now you, Zelda. Mewtwo may learn sometime soon though, if he becomes curious; it would not be difficult for him to learn of what happened." He explains, "And it was the same day Link's challenge to the Hands was refused. He was so ready to fight again as soon as his arm recovered, and he was shattered when they told him they simply wouldn't let him go home. I have never seen anyone so crushed Princess, his hope died right there as that glowing woman carried the Triforce away." Marth's voice is hushed as he looks up and down the gravel path, as if afraid someone may be coming at any moment.

"What glowing woman?" I ask, Marth shakes his head at me though; apparently thinking he has said too much. "Marth; please."

"No, Zelda," He says flatly, shaking his head at my request. "I made an oath that I would not tell, I have said far, far too much already. In fact, if it were possible, I would ask you to forget everything I mentioned to you."

"But you have already broken that oath," I argue, "What good will come from keeping the last parts from me?" Marth looks appalled at my words,

"Zelda, I have already showed that I am terrible with secrets; but now that I am more aware, you cannot ask me to willingly go against my word!" He says in a disgusted tone, and I can virtually see myself falling a few rungs in his mind. Nayru, now I'm slipping so low as too disgust people? What has changed me so?

"In yet another argument; Princess?" A new voice comments, calm, controlled, and very self assured. Turning to face the voice, I cannot help my eyes from widening substantially at the sight. A giant, white-gloved hand floats over to where Marth and I are standing, nothing past the wrist visible as it continuously flexes its thick fingers.

"Master Hand," Marth says, going somewhat pale as the Hand does not reply immediately. Yes, it would have been foolish to assume that this is anyone other than Master Hand. "Is something the matter, sir?" He must be worried about having the Hand hearing what he has to say, although I get the feeling that it knows just about everything which occurs in it's mansion.

"Nothing which concerns you directly, Prince Marth." The Hand replies stiffly, it's voice doesn't seem to have a center, no mouth visible with which to speak, just as I don't know how exactly it can see without any eyes. Regardless, I can all but feel its piercing gaze as I stand there.

"Princess..." Master Hand's voice is taught for all that it is just there. For some reason, I feel myself go stiff, suddenly not wanting to be near this thing, and feeling my teachings as a Princess taking hold. Turning to face the Hand, I feel every inch the Royal I know I am, the contempt I feel quickly finding root in Marth's words. Even though I am still upset with Link, I cannot deny the fact that the source of our troubles lies with this Being.

"Ah, you are quite the angry one, aren't you?" Master Hand questions, stretching his fingers in and out as he speaks. "Well, I cannot say that I am not deserving of such a cold shoulder, Princess, but I still have something very important to discuss with you."

"In what regards?" I question, keeping my voice calm and level.

"I do not need to answer any questions posed by the likes of you at this time." Is the curt reply, and it takes a very strong show of will to keep my eyes from widening at the Hand's tone. "You will both come with me now." He orders, turning away from Marth and I, and floating back in the direction of the mansion.

Never have I been spoken to so rudely. I stand there fuming for a moment before Marth tugs on my arm to follow. I want to yell at him suddenly at the idea of doing what that-that thing says! It revered me as if I were some lower being, not showing any form of respect for my blood and status! I do not expect to be treated better than other people just because of my family, but when someone approaches me while I am in the midst of something, I expect them to be a bit more polite!

"Come, Zelda." Marth pushes, still tugging on my arm as I finally swallow my pride and start moving, "It would not be wise to make Master Hand angry,"


In ancient Hylian Legends, the Goddess Din of Power carved out the world, fires keeping it alive from deep within the mountains... Nayru of Wisdom, broughtwater to keep Din's fires from spreading, and imposing Law to protect harmony from the seas, lakes, and rivers... And Farore, the Goddess of Courage, brought life to the world her sisters created. Bringing the winds upon which news travels, and giving strength to the Beings she fostered, keeping them safe within the forests and wilderness...

And here, I'd thought Farore had forgotten me... She punished me for losing strength when the Hands refused to let me challenge them again, when I gave up hope... Having just seen her, am I still at a loss?

It's been years since I last saw a Fairy… The small being dancing around my nose, her delicate clothing and gossamer skin glowing slightly as she sprinkles white dust across me. A cool chill running through me, and working away the pain of my fall, as well as the aches from the cold. I close my eyes slowly as the small creature flutters off, too fast for me too follow it's movement. Wherever I am now, it's dark, the lights to dim for me to see anyways, I'm lying flat on my back somewhere, but nothing at all is clear just yet.

I fell, that's the only thing I can really remember. I touched Farore's hand, and instantly I was falling, it was almost like when I had been taken to Hollodrum and Labraynna, suddenly plummeting from a great height and slamming into the ground hard. But, unlike those other times, something was different. There was nothing but deafening noise all around me for a large portion of the fall, then suddenly, I was encased in iciness. Water chilling me to the bone as I never slowed down. It's likely that it is only because of my Zora Tunic that I didn't drown along the way. But just as suddenly as the water came, it was gone, and I can remember dropping yet again, before finally landing, and blacking out in the process.

It's all deafeningly quiet at first, I can remember the violent noises from before, but now everything is silent. Wait... no, I'm wrong, there's something... It's so faint though; a sound of dripping water in the distance, the crackle of a fire closer, and footsteps, and voices, echoing off of stone walls.

I'm dreaming... It's sad but that's the only explanation for what's happening. Farore vanished with my portion of the Triforce the night I truly stopped believing in its power, and in the possibility of ever seeing my homeland again. Why would she have appeared so suddenly? No, it was all just a dream, my own wishes to be sent back bringing up memories of my earlier adventures, making me think I actually did fall from outlandish heights and been aided by a fairy... To many times I've imagined this same chain of events in recent months for it to be coming true now. Just like that time a few days ago, I'm allowing my imagination and memories to alter what my senses are taking in, making me think that I am once again inside a Castle...

"How can you be so sure though?" the voice comes as a surprise, echoing down the halls of this dream. The amount of detail digs away at me; my memories even bringing the Hylian tongue into things. I keep myself still so as not to wake up more, attempting to cut off anymore thoughts and allow this dream to continue, wanting to believe for just a moment, everything I've given up hope on.

"Pardon my saying so; but this is ludicrous..." The accent is exactly the same as the one I heard all those times in the busy city around the Castle as a child. The words coming out so smoothly, sounding so completely normal with the gruff voice of the person speaking. The footsteps becoming louder as the voices near, oddly sounding all the more clear as continue waking up. The exact opposite of what they ought to be doing in a dream...

"Pardoned, but only for now." a very self-assured voice responds, this one carrying the slight edge of those who come from the slopes of Death Mountain. Before being taken to the Mansion, I probably wouldn't have known or cared about the different accents found in each region of Hyrule. But, after seven years with only memories of my World, I have attempted to re-live every conversation I ever held along my travels.

Defiantly not easy, but when you can't sleep at all, night after night after night for fear of nightmares and premonitions, it's really all you can do. It, always made me feel guilty for Zelda; those seven years when I was asleep and she had to live her life under an alias, and then this second time around when I was at the Mansion, she had to live with those same dreams with no respite. Now I loath waking even more, I simply won't be able to look her in the face after yesterday. Of all things, I had the audacity to complain about visions of destruction, and it isn't anything like what she has always had to deal with...

"It... is him..." Oh yes, I'd forgotten about the voices for a moment, now I'm wondering why I can still hear them; hasn't this dream come to an end yet? Normally once I realize it isn't real, I wake up, but that isn't the case n--

"Majesty,"

"Leave..." There is the sound of someone moving rigidly, before footsteps echo back down the way they came. "You as well,"

"Highness," This voice is the one from the Mountains I heard, closer and without the echoes of the stone, it sounds to be a woman's voice. There is a sound of deep regret in her voice as, again, I hear footsteps begin too retreat.

It's so quiet again once those footsteps are also gone, I feel tense where I'm lying as I just wait to hear something to shatter this illusion of sleep. Someone knocking on my door, or shouting down the hall at someone else, even an explosion, something is bound to happen, and pull me from this dream. Not that I want that to happen; too return to a place where I can be of some use has been one of my greatest wishes for so long now, and, even if it isn't real, I don't want to give that up. But... I don't want to be plagued with the idea of being so close to helping; and only then to awaken...

What a coward I've become, to quite before I even start... How could Farore have chosen me at some point in time? I'm a Fallen Hero if there ever was one...

"You dream..." A low, commanding voice says softly, clearly a man's as, half-asleep, I feel a large hand over my forehead. It feels so real but-- "Of shame...Punishment..." He continues, slowly droning out my own thoughts as the person continues speaking to me. The tone he uses almost what one would use if describing something to a person who can't see it, the words coming slowly as he takes in more details.

"Confinement; that is what you dream of as well. Sorrow, fear and hatred; held deep within your heart as you cannot escape this... cage..." I don't know how exactly, but I can sense a frown across the man's face. The hand is removed, but the man remains where he is, standing by my bedside.

"It is fear which keeps you still now; not sleep." He states calmly, "Rise, Hero." Responding to dreams is the shortest path towards waking up, but I cannot keep my face from moving as he calls me... that.

"I am no Hero..." I murmur, I meant for it to be clearer, but my tongue feels thick for just having woken up.

"Perhaps not anymore," is the low reply. There is a tight undertone to his voice as he speaks, apparently not quick to contradict me. I have mixed feelings about this...

"So," I say quietly, "Have I truly returned this time? Or is this yet another cruel dream...?"I don't understand what's happening, expecting my mind to finally start waking up as I open my eyes slowly.

The room I'm in is dark, cramped, dank, and cold. The air hanging stagnant in the confined space, a single torch shedding light across the stone walls, floor, and the woolen covers of my bed. A large man standing at my right, it's hard for me to pick out many details in the poor light aside from his eyes, both of the focused on me where I lay, as well as the large beard the aging man sports. Slowly though, I am able to recognize the bright red of his expensive, now stained and tattered, robes, and see the glitter of gold reflecting from the spokes of his crown. My heavy tongue now feels twisted as, even though we have never truly met before, I am in the presence of the King.

"Hero--" His Majesty cuts himself off as I visibly flinch at the title, closing my eyes again, I hear him take a deep breath before trying again "Hero..." That's right, I was introduced to him as the 'Hero of Time', his majesty probably doesn't know my name. "If it is a dream, then we both sleep. You have been gone for a very long time, and much has happened. I know not of what has happened to you these past years, but as long as you protect Farore's Power and the Sword of Evil's Bane, you are indeed the Hero we have long been searching for."

"Your Highness," I cut in, sounding a bit chocked as the King himself allows his words too drop. "Farore no longer sees me fit to protect her relic, and I can barely hold that sword anymore." Thankfully, because Hylian itself is a formal language, I do not have to watch my words very carefully. There are only so many ways of saying the same thing, the only slang terms I know, per-say, are in the Common-tongue. The same language spoken widely across Hyrule, the Mansion, and apparently most other Worlds. Opening my eyes once more, I look up at where His Majesty is still standing nearby. "I have already spoken at length with the Princess Zelda; although it is rude, I do not wish to explain myself again. I am no Hero, and I have nothing else to say on the matter..."

"The... Princes..." His Majesty's eyes almost appear to mist over as he stands there. For a moment he loses that air of power and control, walking slowly to the foot of my bed and sitting down slowly, showing his age and stress as he stares into the flames of the torch. "So, Hero..." He whispers, not looking at me as his voice sounds hushed, "You spoke with... Zelda... before she..." I was confused a moment ago, having pushed away that nagging voice in the back of my head, the one telling me that this can still end up as nothing more than a dream, and watching the King closely. Then I make the connection; Zelda was pulled from a raging river by Master Hand, so to the people of Hyrule she would be considered--

"The Princess lives," I say quietly, seeing the completely lost look in the King's eyes. There is so much suffering it seems, both when I spoke with Zelda, and now her father. Farore... that I know it's all my fault is what's killing me...

"My daughter..." The King murmurs, "Was claimed by the waters which... have claimed my lands..." My eyes are adjusting much better to the light now, and I spot my sword, shield, resting against the end-board of the bed, and my blue Tunic folded on the covers behind his Majesty. I push myself up into a sitting position, no longer needing to think about being careful with my left arm, the precautions having become second-nature over the past few months. I allow His Majesty a few more moments to collect his thoughts in silence, before speaking again.

"How long have I been asleep, Highness?" I ask quietly, waiting patiently for a reply,

"Only... only a few hours..." His voice sounds hoarse as he just continues to sit there, watching the fire. "I was never... never the greatest father..." I frown deeply at his words; when a parent outlives their child, no matter whether it's true or not, it is almost impossible for them to continue. I met Zelda's father once, perhaps twice, years ago, that he cared for his daughter was never questionable, but His Majesty has always been very busy with the running of his Kingdom.

"Then, Majesty, if I may be so bold," I say, keeping myself quiet as I bring my knees up under the covers, wrapping my arms around them and looking over the cramped room again-- it was once an old utilities closet I think... "If I have been here for only a few hours, then it was only a few hours before that, when the Princess Zelda and I were in the midst of a... conversation, I suppose you could say." the King stands up quickly, moving to block the light from me, and suddenly looking livid.

"How dare you," His voice is ever-so-slightly above a whisper, "You who runs away, you who gives up hope; how dare you jest in such a way. "Something flickers in the back of his eyes, I don't know how light can be reflecting from them with his back to the only source of light, but it is still intimidating "Were you not the one person who can wield the Master Sword, and salvage that which remains of my Kingdom, then mark my words I have been pushed too far to hesitate now in demanding an execution."

I'm not an idiot, not cracking a smile or mocking him in any way. Instead, I don't say anything to His Majesty, having no way of truly proving that Zelda is indeed alive and kicking at the Mansion. I pull back the covers of the bed and stand, finding myself wearing only what is normally under my tunic, my white trousers, shirt, and second brown top. Careful not to turn my back on the King, I walk over to my other belongings and pick up the rough Zora fabric.

"As I said, I've explained myself once, and I do not wish to again." I say, pulling my head through the top of the Tunic, before smoothing it out and reaching for my gloves. I notice bandages around my left hand and scowl slightly, but just tug on the thick gloves without a word, "But, if I really have managed to return to Hyrule, something, Majesty, I have been attempting to do for quite some time. Then I should at least learn of what it is the Gods expect of me, shouldn't I?" I secure the straps across my shoulder from which my Shield and Sword hang, and look over at where the King is just watching me, an odd, almost confused look in his eyes.

"You... have changed..." He states softly as I finish getting ready, making sure my cap is in place as our eyes meet.

"Yes," I reply, now standing here, waiting for him to show me the way. The King doesn't take his eyes off me as he slowly begins making his way towards the open arch-way, a long corridor stretching off into darkness, shadows only ever broken by the occasional torch. No windows, we must be underground a ways, or deep within some kind of building. "Time has a nasty habit of doing that to people."


Review?