Zelda felt her knees give out beneath her. She collapsed to the floor, catching herself with her palms. Her fingertips curled against the cold, hard stone as she let out a sob. She had finally met the spirit of Hylia face-to-face. The radiant light she emitted and the sound of her voice were almost too beautiful and pure for Zelda to bear, and yet Zelda found herself caving under the weight of what was being asked of her. The floor below her was wetted by large, warm, and bitter tears.

"I can't do this, Your Grace," Zelda's voice quaked. She shook her head and bowed her face, feeling that she could no longer look upon the Goddess' presence. "I have faithfully done all you've asked of me, but there must be another way."

"Courage, Zelda," Hylia replied, sorrow resounding in her own voice. "You must have courage."

They had been in each other's presence for what felt like ages. As Zelda had stood in front of the Goddess, she felt the power within her growing like a wildfire. And yet, the Goddess' presence also filled her with a sense of peace and tranquility like she had not felt before. However, when the Goddess began to reveal the next steps in her plan, Zelda became deeply fearful and grieved in her heart. With each word, the weight of the Goddess' request grew heavier and heavier, until Zelda could bear it no longer. She fell to the floor, tears streaming down her paled face.

As Hylia's call to courage sank in, Zelda's heaving breaths quieted and slowed. She pursed her lips to hold back more cries. Taking in a deep, shaky breath, she lifted her face to meet Hylia's glorious gaze once more.

"What is the fear inside telling you?" Hylia inquired.

Zelda could sense that the Goddess already knew. Still, she drew in another uneven breath.

"That this will destroy him," she replied. "And I can't hurt him again."

"This is my doing, Dear One, not yours," Hylia said softly.

"But he is going to be the one to bear the burden!" Zelda cried back, almost aggressively. "He doesn't deserve this!"

A few moments of tense silence passed between them.

"Zelda, my child," Hylia began, "permit me to enter into the depths of your mind. There is something I would like to show you."

Taking a moment to collect herself, Zelda nodded and let out a sigh. Channeling the power within ger spirit, she rose up to a kneeling position and bowed her head, clearing her mind to allow Hylia in. Her consciousness was then taken to what felt like a world made of dreams. Time itself seemed to slow down as she found herself surrounded by people. Men, women, and children were gathered around, all of them with the gladdest of smiles Zelda had ever seen. Though she had never met any of them, Zelda was smitten. In fact, she felt overcome with her love for them. It welled up inside of her to the point where all she wanted to do was dance and shout for joy and take every last person into her arms and hold them there forever. She suddenly knew their names, she knew their histories, and she felt insurmountable adoration for each and every one.

The sounds of their joyous laughter slowly echoed away. The people faded into darkness, leaving Zelda feeling emptied and grieved at once. She was overcome with a sense of loss and fear, unlike anything she had ever felt before. It made her wonder if her heart was about to be torn from her chest. Where were her people? Where were those whom she loved so dearly?

The earth shook ominously beneath her feet. She felt herself raising her strong, radiant arms towards the sky, and with them came the earth itself. Colossal pieces of rock emerged from the ground and began a slow ascent. On them she saw the people, all looking on in confusion and worry. The children cried, and the adults held them close, fighting back their own sadness. As they soared further and further away, Zelda felt her breath becoming heavier and heavier, as if her chest was collapsing in on itself. She watched as the people and the islands of earth vanish into the sky. Then, by her will, a thick barrier of cloud separated them, and she felt completely alone, as if not a single soul existed besides her own.

Though she was not alone for long. Next, she saw the fiercest, brightest lightning she had ever seen. It illuminated a dark, horrifying figure standing before her. His hair was like a burning flame, and his eyes were as red as blood. Half of his body was covered in thick, dark scales, and the other half was made of dark skin that appeared to be a blend of deep green and gray. He charged at her with the most terrifying sword she had ever seen, yet she felt herself fighting back valiantly with all she had. This battle raged on slowly before her very eyes until suddenly, the figure's blade of malice pierced through her chest. Pure light spilled forth from her as she became paralyzed by pain. All she could see was the bloodthirsty, evil grin of the other figure. She could not bear to look upon him any longer, for every moment drove her further and further into consuming darkness. She closed her eyes, and to her relief, felt her consciousness returning to her.

With a gasp, her eyes opened, and she found herself alone with Hylia once more. The Goddess' face was downcast.

"At the creation of the world," she began sadly, "I was entrusted with two things: The care of the people who inhabited the early world, and the Triforce, which housed the collective power of the Goddesses Din, Farore, and Nayru. For many years, I loved and served the people of this world. They were mine, and I was theirs."

Zelda felt a knot in her throat, rising alongside the grief in Hylia's voice. Hylia continued.

"One day, a being from another realm entered our land. His only desires were to harness the power of the Triforce and to make my people his eternal slaves."

Her glorious eyes met Zelda's.

"His name is Demise. He is the embodiment of evil and malice."

Zelda swallowed dryly. Hearing his name sent a shiver down her spine and put a sick feeling in her stomach.

"To protect the people from ever knowing his horrors, I sent them to the sky, separating them from the surface and from Demise with the cloud barrier you know so well. There they established their own civilizations, one of which became Skyloft. Without their knowing, I also bestowed upon them the Triforce, knowing that its power would protect them from Demise if I could not."

"Then you fell to him," Zelda said, her voice catching.

"Yes, Dear One. I was wounded terribly, and much of my power was drained from me."

Her look suddenly grew stern. Angered, even.

"This transpired only a short time ago."

Hylia opened her arms, revealing the gaping hole of light, which was growing dim, deep in her chest. Zelda's own chest stung at the sight of it, as though she bore the injury herself.

"With what remained of my strength, I did two things: First, I forged the Master Sword and bestowed upon it a faithful spirit who I named Fi. Then, I destined two children, neither of whom had yet been born, to carry out what I could not do alone."

For the first time, Zelda felt a sense of gladness and fondness in her heart. A gentle smile crossed her lips, as she began to fill in the next parts of the story herself.

"You were the child destined to wield my spirit, that together, we might keep Demise sealed away until he could be vanquished for good. Link, the one who you hold dearest in this world, was the child destined to wield both the Master Sword and the Triforce."

Suddenly, a rumble came forth. Zelda rose to her feet, stumbling slightly as the quake waned. It felt just as it had in the dream before Demise appeared. That same ominous sense of doom filled the space. The Goddess looked more serious than Zelda had seen her yet.

"Time is running short," she warned. "My body is broken, Zelda. By housing my spirit within your body, now purified through your work and dedication, together we can seal away Demise for the next thousand years. In that time, Link will find the Master Sword, take the Triforce, and with it, banish Demise from this world."

Hylia came closer and lifted Zelda's chin, from which another tear fell.

"I know the pain of being separated from the ones you hold most dear," she said sincerely. "I did not think I could live after sending my people away to the sky. Yet I could not let them fall to Demise and his evil intentions."

Tears welled up in Zelda's eyes. She was beginning to accept what the Goddess was telling her.

"Zelda, if we do not do this, Demise will break free, and there is no telling what he will do to the world above or the surface below, but one thing is certain: He will find Link and kill him. By protecting him from the pain of losing you now, then he will be damned to a death that is far worse. I know, because I am experiencing it myself."

"This is why you tested me in the Earth Temple," Zelda said, her voice shaking once more.

Hylia nodded. Another quake came forth. Both could sense that Demise was drawing near.

"What will you tell him?" Zelda inquired.

"The truth," Hylia replied.

"Will he be okay?"

"I chose Link because of his unbreakable spirit, my child. He will hurt, terribly. But he will rally. I am certain of this. It is his destiny."

Zelda paused.

"Will it hurt to have my spirit leave me?" she asked. "You know... will it feel like I've died?"

Hylia offered a gentle smile.

"To you, it will be the most peaceful sleep you have ever had. Your dreams will be eternally sweet, and for as long as I live, I will protect your spirit in the next realm."

"You've brought me this far and have not led me astray," Zelda said softly.

Hylia smiled brighter with a confidence that gave Zelda strength.

"And that will not cease now. All I ask is for your continued trust."

Two tears streaked down Zelda's cheeks. One for her father, and the other for Link. Imagining the sadness and pain they would feel knowing her spirit had gone from them hurt her deeply, yet if this is what it would take to save them from Demise, then she would be willing. With every bit of strength and courage she could muster, Zelda nodded and drew in a deep breath.

The last thing she saw was Hylia smiling down on her. Then, she slept.


Link and Fledge landed at the Sealed Grounds. The cool, moist air was easily breathed in after the dry, unbearably hot desert, and the sounds of nature were most inviting. Link was pleased to see that the Imprisoned was still sealed. Fledge immediately marveled at the lush plants and the towering trees.

"Why, these are almost as tall as the Goddess Statue, I think," he said.

"Wait until you see the mushrooms," Link chuckled. "Some of them might be taller than you, even."

Link's brow suddenly furrowed. Something was different. Surrounding the grounds was a circle made of smooth and polished wood, on top of which was a track of some kind. Down near the Sealed Temple, Groose stood fumbling with some sort of device on top of the track, talking to himself most proudly.

"What's going on here?" Link drawled.

"Ah, took you long enough," Groose said, turning to greet him.

The brute's eyes widened and his jaw dropped at the sight of Fledge standing beside Link.

"Surprise?" Fledge quipped, hunching back a bit.

A string of nonsensical sounds escaped from Groose's mouth.

"I needed some help," Link admitted.

"Yeah, I see that," Groose managed at last. "What's with the arm?"

"I'm still wanting to know too," Fledge added. "You said you'd tell me."

"And I will," Link replied. "I'll tell both of you, but we've got to get to Zelda first."

"Real quick, let me show you this," Groose said excitedly.

With a wide smile crossing his thick lips, Groose threw his muscular arms into the air and gestured most dramatically to his invention.

"This is the Groosenator!"

Groose's baritone voice echoed through the area, only to be met by the sounds of some distant birds chirping. Link and Fledge said nothing. It was not quite the reception Groose had hoped for, and he put his burly hands on his hips in protest.

"You could at least say 'wow' or something," he grumbled.

"What does it do?" Link inquired.

"I thought you'd never ask," Groose scoffed, seeming to forgive the former offense.

He stepped up onto a small platform of sorts. On it were two levers. Pulling the first, the machine suddenly sped to the left, gliding along its track with impressive agility. He continued with a loud laugh until he had spun around the circumference of the grounds multiple times. Fledge gripped his stomach and grew pale.

"Makes me dizzy just looking at it," he said.

Groose finally came to a halt in front of them. Then, pulling the second lever, a large spoon-like arm shot upward, though nothing happened after this. Fledge and Link stood quietly, still trying to make sense of the contraption.

"Did you guys have your brains melted, or something?" Groose asked, annoyed. "It's a catapult, to help when that Imprisoned thing comes back."

"That's... quite genius, actually," Link drawled.

"Don't act so surprised," Groose growled, though he quickly rallied, excitement evident in his face once more. "And come get a load of this."

He led them a little way down the path, where there had formerly been a large thicket. Groose had cleared it away, revealing a bomb flower almost as big and bulky as he was.

"With this and the Groosenator, I'll be able to help you take down that big, ugly beast. He won't be getting near the temple next time."

"Groose, this is amazing!" Link exclaimed. "Really, really good work."

"Ah, it was nothing," Groose replied, stretching his arms and subtly flexing them at the same time. "Granny-sitting was getting a little dull, and I needed a workout."

"Looks like you found one," Link chuckled.

"Now come on, you stragglers, let's go get Zelda."

Groose led them up the path back to the Sealed Temple. Link glanced over at Fledge, noticing him fumbling with his hands nervously.

"What's up?" Link inquired quietly.

"Groose is a bully!" Fledge replied in a harsh whisper. "I'm waiting for him to turn around and force me to eat dirt, or dangle me over the edge by my shirt, or-"

"I think those says are behind you," Link said confidently. "Give him a chance. I know it's hard to, but he wants to help."

The Sealed Temple was just as mossy and quaint as Link remembered it. Beams of golden light seeped into the room from the holes in the ceiling, and underneath one of the beams stood the elder woman.

"Welcome back, wielder of the Master Sword," she said, a smile crossing her thin, wrinkled lips.

Link simply nodded, becoming antsier to reach Zelda by the moment, which the older woman could sense. Her expression grew stern and serious. The corners of her lips moved, as though she wanted to say something, yet she stopped herself short. Her head was also bowed down more than usual, hiding more of her face under the shadow of her crimson hat.

"Is something wrong?" Link asked. "Are you unwell?"

"I am fine," she replied, almost sadly.

Link's own brow furrowed as a dull pain began to form in the pit of his stomach. The woman gestured to the tall, etched stone standing before them.

"You know what to do," she said.

Link nodded and stepped up to the platform in front of the rock. Groose looked on excitedly while Fledge slowly back-stepped further and further away. Drawing in a deep breath, Link closed his eyes and imagined Zelda greeting him on the other side of wherever he was going. It was a sweet image, and yet, something about it was also bitter. Link could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. Perhaps he was sensing Zelda was in danger. At this thought, he summoned a skyward strike. With the Master Sword, it charged almost immediately, and shone so brightly that the teal blue light reflected off of everyone in the room. With a shout, Link sent the energy into the stone pillar, which then began to emit its own blue radiance.

Out of nowhere, small stones began to appear and hovered in the air, all twisting and rolling as they came into being. They slowly began to gather in front of the stone pillar, and before long, all could see that the stones were forming something, slowly being fused together by some otherworldly power. Progressively, a circle formed. On it were humps of rock, which eventually made it look like a gear in a clock. With a sudden, strong burst of light, the gate fused itself together entirely. As the light faded, the gate itself began to turn, filling the room with a deep, satisfying soung. In the center was what appeared to be a dark, gaping hole, which itself also rotated. Everyone stood in quiet awe for a time, deeply admiring the Gate of Time now opened to them.

"Well, let's go get her," Groose blurted.

"I think," the elder woman interjected, "that Link should go in alone."

Groose drew back, not wanting to defy Granny, especially considering how solemn and serious she sounded. Link turned back also and gave her a look of confusion, after which she said nothing.

"Oh, okay," Groose said finally, sadness evident in his tone. "Just bring her back safely, alright? Think you can manage that much?"

Link nodded and turned his gaze back to the gate. With a sigh, he slowly unraveled the sling that held his arm, letting the cloth fall to the floor.

"Link, should you leave that on for another day or so?" Fledge asked. "You know, until it's healed the rest of the way?"

"It would worry her to see it," Link replied plainly.

With another deep, chest-filling breath, Link stepped into the gate, walking into the long, dark, spinning tunnel, unsure of what he would find on the other side.


To his amazement, he wound up right back in the Sealed Temple. He wondered if he had gone anywhere at all until he saw Impa, the Sheikah warrior, standing nearby, right where the elder woman had been previously.

"I've been expecting you," she said, her voice deep and alluring.

"Where is Zelda?" Link asked, his nerves mounting.

Impa gestured behind her, where there was an open room. Previously, this had been covered by a stone wall etched with many strange images. Yet now, Link could see Zelda in her white gown, standing with her back to him, and a beam of light illuminating her most gloriously. Link took a brisk step toward her.

"Link," Impa uttered.

He paused, looking deep into her dark eyes. He was not certain, but it looked as though tears were welling in them.

"I hope your spirit is as unbreakable as Hylia says it is."

"What?"

His heart fluttered terribly. He could feel his muscles tensing painfully as his fierce eyes returned to Zelda. He stepped into the room, brow furrowed and fists clenched. This should be a moment of pure elation, he thought, and yet it was shrouded by grief, evident in both Impa and the old woman. Something was wrong, even the way Zelda stood facing the other way seemed off.

"Zelda?" he called plainly.

She turned to him, and he was immediately caught by her eyes. Their normal striking blue, which he oft found himself lost in, was now stormy gray. Instead of shimmering with brightness and joy the way he knew, her gaze now looked mournful and distant. She didn't look like she recognized him at all, and he was beginning to recognize her less and less as the moments passed. Her brow curved upward and her lips formed a smile, yet it was the type of smile one would give right before breaking out into a cry. As her long, bright, blonde hair draped over her shoulders, she shook her head slowly.

"No," she replied, voice faltering. "Your Zelda is not here, Link."

The point in his neck rose and fell as he swallowed dryly and harshly. Was he dreaming? Was this another trial? Had Ghirahim somehow cloned Zelda as he had himself at the first Gate of Time? All of these questioned roared into Link's mind, but were abruptly silenced when a familiar feeling gripped his body. It was the same as he had experienced in the Earth Temple after Zelda had left, and he had been left staring at the image of the Goddess who ordered her away. It was also the feeling that had nearly overtaken him when Nayru unveiled that the Goddess had used Zelda to trick him.

There was no denying it.

"Hylia," he growled.

"Please, child," she said, "know that I do not fault you for the way you are looking at me in this moment. I know the rage in your heart, and it is warranted."

"I don't care!" Link fired back. "Where is Zelda?"

"She is safe."

Link's mouth fell agape as words escaped him.

"Only a short time ago, I, Hylia, engaged in battle with a lord of darkness from another realm," Hylia began. "I was wounded. Much of my power bled out from me, and my physical form would soon succumb to the fatal injury inflicted upon it. Still, I harnessed enough strength to seal away Demise, and to keep him sealed, for lifetimes to come."

Link's chest rose and fell bitterly as he listened.

"However, I needed a physical form, one that was pure and faultless, to perform this ritual, and to keep the seal closed. This was done just before you arrived. Demise is gone, for now, locked in the void between realms. However, if he is to remain locked away until the appointed time, then I, and my host, must enter into a thousand-year sleep. This is the final condition of the incantation to seal him away."

"You used her," Link drawled through gritted teeth. "You used me, and you used her!"

"That is correct, Dear One," Hylia replied, her face lowering to the floor. "I understand your resentment toward me, and I do not ask you to forgive me, for I do not deserve it. I only ask that you try to understand."

Link exhaled sharply through his nose. He wanted nothing more than to bark back. However, something halted him.

"Zelda's spirit, the one you love so dearly, is locked away in a distant realm, where Demise may never reach her, no matter how hard he tries. Should we fail, her spirit will be eternally safe. And for as long as he is sealed, the world which you know and the ones you care for are safe from him too. However, as you have experienced, the seal is slowly peeling away in your time."

"The Imprisoned," Link uttered shakily. "It's Demise, isn't it?"

"Yes, Dear One. You have gathered well."

Link felt his stomach grow hot, as the muscles in his arms and shoulders began to squeeze tensely. The burning sting of tears rose up in his eyes, though he held them back as diligently as he could. He lowered his head, hiding his eyes underneath the bangs of his hair. His task of vanquishing the darkness, which he had denied for so long, was now coming full circle, and he could not deny it any longer.

"How?" he asked. "How do we defeat him for good?"

"Oh youth," Hylia recited, "guided by the servant of the Goddess, unite earth and sky and bring light to the land."

Link grunted. He remembered Zelda singing those words so sweetly the morning of the ceremony. Now each syllable stung in his mind like a knife.

"I don't know what that means!" he shouted.

"The Triforce," Hylia replied quietly with a nod. "The Triforce will show you the way. You must obtain it and restore balance to the world."

Suddenly, the outline of her body began glowing with a golden light.

"Link, the incantation is taking effect, and I will soon begin my thousand-year sleep to keep Demise sealed away,"

"No..."

"Find the Triforce, that we may awaken again. And please know that I am eternally sorry, to both you and Zelda."

Beams of glorious light filled the room, enveloping Zelda's frame. Without thought, fueled by pure pain and desperation, Link sprinted toward her as quickly as his legs could carry him. His boot struck one of the stone stairs, causing him to fall to his hands. A short, gasping cry escaped him as he scrambled back to his feet. Not even the agony of landing on a still healing broken arm would stop him from reaching her. She was no longer visible in the overwhelming radiance. Link barreled forward until he collided with something solid and warm that felt like glass made of amber. Through it, he could see her eyes closing. He began pounding his hand against the barrier, his raw rage splitting the skin of his knuckles with each hit. In the other room, Impa's lower lip quivered as she heard each one of Link's impassioned screams, which progressively turned from furious wailing to howls of mourning. She lowered her head, closed her eyes tightly, and bit down on her lip. Link's incessant screaming made her feel sick in the pit of her stomach, as she could hear every bit of agony in his voice.

As Link slowly realized that his efforts were for naught, he pressed his forehead against the glassy barrier and gave it one last weak hit, before he closed his eyes and wept, burning hot tears streaming down his reddened face.

"Zelda," he managed through his sobs. "Please."

He peered into the barrier one more time. She appeared to be sleeping. He took in every feature of her face. It made him think of the final time he saw his mother's face after she had died, when he knew he was never to look upon it again, and the way he felt in this moment was no different. Link turned and planted his back against the seal which held Zelda. His hands rose up to take in fistfuls of his hair, and he wept until he had no strength left. His voice grew hoarse and his throat burned terribly, and at times he thought he might wretch and be sick. When all had left him, he felt as though his chest cavity had been crushed. His red eyes were agonizingly spent.

After a long time of silence, Impa heard the echoing taps of Link's boots on the cold, stone floor, followed by the massive stone door rumbling to a slow close. Link looked as though he was ready to collapse in exhaustion and hopelessness. She wanted to console him, but the words did not come. Quietly, a tear streaked down her tan face.

"I will remain here... for as long as it takes," she said, though in her own heart she doubted that it would ever come to be.

Even the faithful Sheikah warrior felt all hope seeping from them. Link mustered a curt nod before turning away and staggering to the portal.

Fledge and Groose had been pacing and commenting on how much time had passed when finally Link emerged. Their hearts leapt at first, only to fall into the depths of their stomachs when they saw that Link was alone and looking more disheveled than ever. Shakily, he looked over at the elder woman, standing in the exact spot where Impa had been. With her braided pendulum slowly coming to a stop, she simply bowed her head, saying nothing.

"Link?" said Fledge.

"What happened?" Groose asked.

Ignoring both, Link made his way to the etched wall. It was then Fledge and Groose noticed what appeared to be a crack in the stone that they had not seen before. Whatever it was, it drew Link's attention. He stood in front of it, fists curled and breaths heaving.

"What is-" Groose asked, as he and Fledge both stepped toward Link.

The elder woman placed a hand firmly on Groose's arm, halting him at once.

"Please, leave him be," she said solemnly, much to their displeasure. "Come with me. I will explain what has transpired."

Link was left alone for a time. Fi eventually emerged from the sword, though she knew there were no words that would bring comfort in the moment. She silently looked back and forth between Link and the wall he peered through. When Fledge and Groose returned, both were red in the face and fighting back their own emotions.

"Zelda..." Fledge drawled, trying not to let Link hear him, "is gone?"

"That damned beast," Groose added, thumbing away an escaped tear as he tried to maintain his tough exterior.

They slowly approached Link, who was now sitting against the wall, eyes looking off as though he were in a trance. Groose and Fledge took turns peering into the rift in the wall, in which they could see the amber chamber that held Zelda's sleeping body, though they knew her spirit was departed. Without a word, they sat down near Link, though no one dared to speak. The sun began to fade, casting dark shadows in the temple. For a time, they sat in near complete darkness, until the room was graced with moonlight. One-by-one, they each fell into a slumber on the cold, hard, mossy floor as the elder woman and Fi kept watch nearby. As he slept, Link dreamt of Zelda and one of the last times they had spoken.


The moon and stars shone down on Skyloft, reflecting off Link and Zelda's eyes as they laid in the soft grass. The crickets were at their loudest, with their song resounding across the whole island, loud enough to drown out the day's stresses and usher in the evening peace. Zelda and Link both needed this. The Wing Ceremony was only two days away, and it was unlikely they would see each other again before it, as both would be busy preparing for their respective roles. Zelda would be busy putting the finishing touches on her ceremonial outfit and Link would be practicing with his Loftwing. They rested side-by-side. Much of the evening had been spent without speaking, with the two soaking in the evening's sights and sounds, as well as one another's cherished company.

"Link?" Zelda asked quietly.

Link's brow curved upward. He tilted his head sideways some, enough for the soft grass to ruffle beneath him. By this, Zelda knew he had heard her and was listening intently, waiting to hear her thoughts.

"Do you think I was chosen because I'm the Headmaster's daughter?"

"No," he replied plainly.

"I just don't want to be given special treatment, you know? I mean, this is an incredible honor, and I don't want to have received it unfairly."

"Zelda, you're the top student in your class. I think the only people on Skyloft who have researched the Goddess more than you are the professors and your father. Everyone sees that."

He briefly rolled over onto his side to catch her gaze. A twinge hit her stomach as his handsome green eyes bore into hers, and she quite enjoyed the sensation.

"You've been given this honor because you've earned it."

Zelda offered a gentle smile and nodded her head, after which Link returned to his back.

"How are you holding up?" she asked after some time had passed. "And please be honest. It worries me that you keep your true feelings bottled up."

Link drew in a breath and remained quiet. Zelda waited patiently, knowing that it sometimes took Link time to articulate what he was feeling. While she waited, she began counting stars, pointing her finger at each one as she went. Link could see the movements of her arm at the top of his vision, and he playfully joined her in pointing at the stars.

"Some moments are easier than others," he said finally.

"Can you tell me what that means?"

Another brief silence passed.

"I feel great when it's just me and my Loftwing flying and practicing," he began. "I feel free, completely unburdened. But these last couple of days have been hard. I know others would be eternally grateful for everyone who has wished me well or told me they're hoping for my victory. Yet for me, it's just... heavy."

"Like everyone's expectations are coming down on you at once," Zelda added.

By her tone, Link knew she understood what he felt.

"Exactly that."

They paused to enjoy more of the cricket's song. Occasionally they could hear a distant door closing, or the scraping of a broom as a towns person swept their front porch as the village prepared to wind down for the night. Zelda suddenly sensed a tension coming over her, though it did not come from her. She felt as though Link had more he wanted to say. They continued to count stars. Zelda waited patiently and prayed that Link would have the courage to speak his mind.

"Hey, Zelda?"

She surprised a sigh of relief. Her heart quickened.

"Yes?"

"Do you think it will change things if I win?" he asked. "You know... between us?"

She wanted to scold him right there for asking such a question, and yet, the question rang most beautifully in her ears. Although they had been fond friends since their early youth, Zelda had been cherishing Link's companionship more than ever recently. She felt complete comfort in his presence, and yet at the same time, her stomach fluttered like a field of butterflies whenever he was near.

"Why would it?" she inquired.

"I don't know," he sighed, a hint of frustration in his tone. "I've always been just Link, and I don't want to be anyone or anything but just Link. Winning and moving up to the next class, one step closer to Knighthood-"

"Are you not excited for that?"

"I am. I feel like people always change when they move up to the next class. They become pompous and arrogant, and they forget about their friends in the lower classes to keep up their image."

"You won't do that."

Link grew silent. Zelda's confidence in this stilled his heart some. Zelda ceased pointing to the stars, and instead slowly, gracefully, twisted her arm around Link's. After giving him a moment to adjust to this touch, she loosely wrapped her fingers around his. Together, they each held an arm to the sky.

"Nothing is going to come between us," Zelda said, as eloquently as she could. "No matter your title, you will always be Link, and I will always be your Zelda."

Link's breath caught in his throat. His Zelda? Did she really mean to say it that way?

"My father always tells me that, when people really care about one another, they leave a piece of themselves with the other. Whether they are separated by time, distance, or even death, they will still have that piece of the other to hold onto and cherish forever."

"That sounds nice enough, I suppose."

She suddenly rolled over onto her side, and now it was her fierce, blue eyes sinking into his. Link's breath caught once more, as Zelda was nearly on top of him. Her chest was near his, so close that he could feel the tension in the space between them.

"I think we can withstand you becoming an upperclassman," she smiled.

They peered into one another's eyes for several long, quiet moments.

"But if you dare to become pompous or arrogant like the others," Zelda warned, "then you will have me to deal with."

"You know," Link said, his tone alluring, "you're quite frightening when you're angry. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of your wrath, is what I mean."

"Consider this your warning, then."

With a giggle, she rolled onto her back once more. Both felt a good deal lighter, knowing they both cared very much for the future of their friendship.