Chapter 35: Rebirth
AN: Hey everyone! I got the next chapter ready to go, so enough small talk! Enjoy the next chapter.
***I don't own anything in this story, so please don't sue me.***
In her dream, Zelda felt alone. She was in the Temple of Time without a soul around her. Zelda knew her surroundings and she looked up at the giant triforce on the wall.
"Hylia…" Zelda closed her eyes and quietly sobbed. "Hylia, please help me. I have no other answers…I have no other options…I am not strong enough. Please…I need strength in this time of darkness. I need hope, for all is lost. I have always believed in destiny, but I would offer my life for that of Samantha's. Please…I don't want to lose her." Zelda fell to her knees and sobbed a bit louder. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up. The stranger who stood next to her was unknown to the Hylian queen. She was a bit short, but her hair was platinum white, if not blonde. Zelda knew the name of every citizen of her city…but this girl…she was a stranger to the queen.
"My dear Zelda…we finally meet." She spoke with a soft tone.
"Who…who are you?" Zelda rubbed her eyes.
"I am a guiding spirit of Hyrule. I have watched over you your whole life."
"B-but…you do not look like…like mother." Zelda sniffled.
"I am not your mother, my dear. But I know you quite well."
"How?" Zelda stood up without taking her eyes off the stranger. "How can you know so much about me? No, what do you know about me?"
"Zelda Grace Hyrule. I know many things about you."
"Examples." Zelda sternly stated as she stood up and rubbed her eyes once more. "A stranger approaches me and claims to know me? My full name is public knowledge. I require information that is not known to the public." The stranger looked annoyed, but she sighed.
"Very well. All your sexual partners within Hyrule…Samus Aran, Lady Camilla of Nohr, and the man you refer to as Snake." Zelda's color drained from her face. "You also spent a night with the goddess Palutena at the hotel by the stadium."
"How…how do you know this?" She whispered. "Who are you?"
"In time, my dear. You need to know that Samantha will be alright."
"I demand a name! Who are you?" Zelda yelled with anger.
"Such a fire in your soul…you are almost identical to your mother."
"Who the fuck are you? Give me your name you goddamn bitch!" Zelda screamed with rage in her eyes.
"And now, you are exactly like her." The stranger smiled.
"Are you refusing to answer me?" Zelda's teeth clenched.
"Zelda, you need to breathe. Please calm down."
"Not until I know your name."
"You are quite persistent." The woman sternly said as she folded her arms. "Listen to my words…your daughter will be fine. You will see this through and we will meet again."
"It would be unwise to make an enemy out of me." Zelda warned. The stranger placed a hand on Zelda's head. "When the time comes, I will reveal myself to you. Awake." Zelda opened her eyes to the night sky. She looked around and Samantha wasn't around her.
"Samantha! Samantha!" Zelda called out, but there was no response. She saw two bird men speaking with Ranulf nearby and Lethe. She made eye contact with Ranulf and he nodded his head. The two birds turned and approached the Hylian queen.
"Lady Zelda. I bring news regarding your daughter." One man said. He stood tall and his wings were brown. He had black hair and a red band around his head and another one around his waist. The other man was in all black including his wings. The only thing that wasn't black was his hair which was blue.
"Tibarn, Naesala…where is my child?" Zelda pleaded.
"Perhaps if you batted those beautiful green eyes, I'd-" He felt a swift punch to the shoulder. "Aargh…it-it was a joke. Tibarn, lighten up."
"Would you be joking if the same thing happened to Corbeau?" He asked as his ally went silent. "In any case, Lady Zelda, I bring news."
"Good news, I hope." She waited in anticipation.
"Samantha's memory has mostly returned." Zelda cheered and squealed with joy. She paused during her mid-celebration.
"Wait, you said mostly. What does that mean?"
"We questioned her about Genny and she still doesn't know who that is. And her abilities with weapons…"
"She can use them, right?" Zelda questioned as both men remained silent. "…r-right?"
"The important thing is she knows her status and her family. So…there's that." Naesala scratched the back of his head. Zelda felt disappointed with their words. "Look, it's better than nothing. We also think maybe she needs a moment to piece things together. I may know of someone who might be able to help."
"Who?"
"Some child that lives in…" Naesala put a hand to his forehead. "Ozette, I believe it is called."
"Ozette?" Tibarn raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a distance away. Who are you referring to?"
"Presea." Zelda spoke quietly. "Presea Combatir. You think she can help my daughter?" The raven king nodded.
"I have heard she makes charms. Granted they are quite large, but given the circumstances, she might make one for her and…assist her with regaining her memories." Naesala suggested.
"Naesala…thank you." Zelda hugged the man as tight as she could.
"Nngh…sh-shut up, stupid woman. I have a reputation to uphold." He broke the hug and dusted himself off. "I can't let people know I have one of those things all humans have."
"A heart?" Zelda questioned, but it was more of a joke than a serious question. Tibarn gave a hearty laugh before patting his friend on the back.
"She's quick." He smiled.
"She's also stupid." Naesala glared at the Hylian queen. Zelda gave him an innocent smile like she had done nothing wrong. "In any case, your daughter is in the first door on the right as you enter the castle with Reyson and Rafiel. Leanne is reading bedtime stories to the children." Tibarn offered a hand to the queen and Zelda hopped up. She kissed Tibarn's and Naesala's cheek before walking inside the castle and towards the room they were speaking about. Before walking in, Zelda froze and thought it better to enter as Sheik so her daughter didn't see her mother in tears. She quickly changed and entered the room. Her presence caught the attention of the other three. Samantha was sitting on the edge of the bed while the two brothers were discussing something a couple of feet away from her.
"Excuse me…who are you?"
"I…I am Sheik."
"Sheik? If you are here to kill Princess Samantha, I won't allow you to do so." Reyson put up his fists, but he was incapable of fighting.
"Reyson, focus." Rafiel spoke softly. "She is not here to harm the princess."
"How can you tell?" He asked his older brother. Rafiel smiled and the two exchanged a look. Reyson looked back for a few moments before approaching the ninja.
"St-stay back. I…I don't want to hurt you." She nervously warned the heron. Reyson shook his head.
"Your heart has deceived you. You will not bring harm to any of us. It's not in your nature to harm anyone…" He now stood in front of her. "…Queen Zelda."
"You're such a jerk. Reading my emotions without my permission." Sheik scoffed and rubbed her eyes. "Is she alright?"
"Her memory is…mostly back."
"Mostly?" She squeaked.
"She has retained her knowledge on the kingdoms and her family. She knows her family, Tibarn, Naesala, Caineghis, Skrimir, Elincia, Lucia…she knows us." Reyson explained. "However, she seems to have lost the ability to use weapons, or retain any new people she may have met recently."
"So, Genny? And Serena?" Reyson shook his head. Sheik sighed with frustration, but she smiled. "May I speak with her?" He stepped to the side and motioned for her to approach her.
"Perhaps you should change to-"
"It may be too much. I'll…I'll see what she knows." Sheik walked up to the princess who looked at her with worry and a slight hint of fear.
"Samantha?"
"Yes…who are you?" She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.
"My name is Sheik. I am the last living member of Clan Sheikah." Samantha scoffed.
"Fuck you. Clan Sheikah died out years ago."
'Well, at least she's consistent.' Sheik thought to herself.
"Seriously, I've never heard of you, so whoever the fuck you are-"
"First off, watch your tongue, young lady." Sheik spoke sternly. "I am Queen Zelda's only retainer. I watch over her from the shadows."
"Oh yeah?" Samantha folded her arms. "How come I've never heard of you?"
'Now, let's see what you know.' Sheik thought to herself.
"The fact that you've never heard of me means I've done my job well. Zelda knows me, Samus knows me…I'm to watch over all the children."
"You mean Virginia, Jackson, Alex, and myself?"
"Who else would I be referring to?" Samantha paused for a moment before nodding.
"Alright, I guess you know your shit."
"Language!" Sheik's voice boomed. "I will not have the firstborn use such vulgar language."
"You sound like mom." Samantha scoffed and shook her head.
"I am close to Lady Zelda."
"Are we going home?" Samantha questioned the ninja.
"Would you like to go home?" Samantha thought about it for a minute before smiling and nodding.
"I want to see Jackson and Alex again. And Lilly and grandpa…would you mind?" Samantha asked. Sheik nodded her head.
"As you wish, my princess." She offered a hand and Samantha took it. "I will take you home, my dear. But for now, you need to rest. We will leave when the sun is up."
"I want to leave now." Samantha spoke with aggressive in her voice.
"I will bring you home when the sun is up. I have just enough magic to-" Sheik paused as she noted the look in her eyes. "You…you really want to go home, huh?" Samantha nodded. "Fine. But let us say goodbye to our friends first." She grabbed Samantha's hand and nodded her head.
"Thank you, Reyson…Rafiel." Samantha bowed her head.
"Of course, my dear. Be safe." Rafiel smiled and waved at the princess.
"Are you sure you want to leave?" Reyson questioned the princess, but Samantha nodded. "We will visit you in Hyrule soon."
"I will inform the guards upon my arrival." Samantha smiled. "Where is Leanne? And Corbeau? And Elena?"
"They should be upstairs. I believe Leanne is still reading bedtime stories to the young ones." Samantha hugged the heron and quickly ran upstairs to see Leanne as Sheik followed her out.
"Zelda." Rafiel called out and the ninja turned around. "Have you any idea what is happening to the world?"
"You've seen it too?" Sheik asked.
"Elincia is not aware of what has happened to Lady Micaiah or Lady Tanith. Sir Pelleas has gone underground and Tibarn is convinced it is some kind of demon, but…I am not convinced it is as he claims."
"I've been gathering what I can. So far, there have been rumors of a…Master Hand?"
"Master Hand?" Reyson questioned. "What is a Master Hand?"
"A fable from many millennia ago." Rafiel stated. "A magical hand that is said to use living beings as dolls."
"Such a thing doesn't exist." Reyson exclaimed in disbelief. "It…it can't."
"It is a fable, brother. Fables do not exist."
"Rafiel, Reyson. Forgive me, but I must stay with my daughter. Farewell…I will inform father of your visit. And I'll be sure to have rooms prepared for you." Sheik bowed and took off in the direction that Samantha walked. She ran upstairs and found Samantha talking to a young man. He had black hair with a pink streak in his hair. He was wearing all black with sliver trim and the only other color he had on his body was his eyes which shined an emerald green; a trait he inherited from his mother. She giggled and grabbed his hand.
"Hey Sheik, Corbeau wants to take me flying…is that alright?" Sheik nodded.
"Of course, go have fun. But…be safe." She said with a hint of warning.
"I promise to ensure Sam's safety." Corbeau revealed his black wings and carefully made his way out the window. He held her hand and once she was out, he held her close to his body and took off in the sky. In secret, Zelda always desired to fly through the sky as Samantha was, but she was happy that Samantha was experiencing a joy she had never felt.
"Excuse me, but…who are you?" A young girl questioned the ninja. She was maybe four feet ten inches in height, golden blonde hair like her mother, her clothes were while with gold trim and she was barefoot.
"Elena…" She said while watching her daughter and the raven prince flying through the night sky.
"How do you know my name?" She questioned the ninja. "I will scream if I must."
"Elena, if I said I was Zelda, queen of Hyrule…would you believe me?"
"You…Queen Zelda?" Her eyes grew big. "But…you're…you're so…ugly."
"What?" Sheik's eyebrows rose. "Y-you think I'm ugly?" Sheik pouted on the verge of crying. "Th-that's so mean…"
"I-I didn't mean it." She protested. "I'm sorry." She quickly apologized. "But…Lady Zelda isn't a ninja. She's the most beautiful princess outside of Tellius. And you…you're a mangy old ninja." With a flick of her wrist, Sheik transformed back into Zelda and left the young heron girl red with embarrassment.
"…oops…" Elena quietly squeaked as her mother appeared in the hallway. Like her daughter, she was also barefoot and her outfit was also white with gold trim. They were identical in every way except one; Leanne had bright green eyes while her daughter had jet black eyes.
"What is the meaning of this?" Leanne questioned before seeing Zelda and her daughter. "Elena, are you causing trouble for Lady Zelda?" Elena eeped and refused to turn around and face her mother.
"She is fine, Leanne. It's been too long since I have seen Corbeau and Elena." She smiled as she walked towards Elena.
"How is dear Samantha? I am hoping she is unsick once more."
"Un…unsick? You mean healthy?" She questioned the heron girl.
"I…please forgive me. I am still learning the language of the beorc. There is…much to be learned."
"You have come a long way, Leanne. I am so very proud of you." Zelda smiled and walked over to the heron. "Thank you for saving my daughter."
"We are friends, are we not? I consider you to be one of my closest girlfriends."
"I consider you to be a valued friend as well." She smiled as she heard the cries of joy from the window. She turned and watched Samantha flying through the skies while Corbeau held her close.
"It's such a wonderful feeling…to fly among the clouds." Leanne sighed with content.
"Yes. It looks so peaceful." Zelda smiled.
"Do you wish to fly?" Leanne questioned the queen.
"I'd love to. But, I could never-" She felt someone grab her hand. She turned to see Tibarn. "Tibarn?"
"Let's go outside."
"I…no, I…I can't ask-"
"Fine." Tibarn leapt out the window while holding Zelda's hand. They made it out in one quick motion and he soared into the sky.
"Tibarn!" Zelda screamed as he soared faster and faster through the sky. "As soon as we land, I'm going to kill you!"
"I'd like to see you try." He grinned while he went into a nose dive towards the ground.
"Go up! Go up!" Zelda covered her eyes as screamed as she fell. But before she hit the ground, Tibarn pulled up and dashed against the ground.
"I'm serious! You're going to die when we're finished!" She said with an aggressive tone. After a while, he quickly zigzagged through the forest and he flew high into the sky.
"Faster! Faster!" Zelda cheered and laughed as they flew higher and higher.
"Whatever happened to your death threats? I miss hearing those empty threats."
"Shut up and fly." She ordered the hawk king. He laughed and took off. He finally reached a view that overlooked all of Gallia. He flapped his wings and held the queen in his arms.
"Wow…it's so pretty." She looked in awe.
"Now, tell me…what about your death threats. Where did that queen go?"
"I still plan on killing you…but I want to enjoy myself before I hurt you."
"I could drop you, you know." He warned her and her attitude quickly changed.
"…please don't."
"I wouldn't dream of it. Not only would I endure the wrath of not only Hyrule, but Corneria in addition to Samus, Fox, Krystal, Marcus, those pirates...the Blue Rogues, I believe is their name."
"Quite a list of people." Zelda said while admiring the view underneath the moonlight. "Alright, I think I'm ready to go back, now."
"Let's see if your threat was real." Tibarn carefully returned her to the entrance of the castle. Samantha and Corbeau were waiting for them.
"Mom? When did you get here? Hey, did you see that ninja? Sheik, I think was her name?"
"Uh…hi, Samantha. I was…um…just passing by. Y-you said Sheik was here? Weird…I think I ordered her to go home." She laughed nervously.
"You think you ordered her to go home?" Samantha raised an eyebrow. "You mean, you don't remember? Wait…was that a spy? Or an assassin?!" Samantha exclaimed. "We need to send someone to kill her. Do you know anyone who might-"
"Samantha, Sheik is…ah…she's a very dear friend of mine. We don't need to send anyone to kill her. She told me that you wanted to go home, shall we get going?"
"Well, I suppose. But I'd like to say goodbye to a few more people. Where's Elena?"
"She was upstairs last I saw her." He motioned up and descending from the sky was Elena and Leanne. Reyson and Rafiel exited the castle along with Naesala.
"Where's everyone from Crimea?" Zelda asked.
"They're asleep. Would you like me to wake them so you can say goodbye?" Tibarn questioned.
"No, I just…have them call Hyrule when they wake. I'll explain to them why I left."
"That won't be necessary." Elincia walked towards them. Before Zelda could reply, Elincia slapped her in the face.
"Everything we've been through and you think you can just walk away? Zelda Grace Hyrule…I won't let you ruin my birthday."
"Elincia-"
"Be silent. I am speaking." She glared at her ally. "Zelda, I love you like a sister. We've been through so much together. I brought you and your daughter here, I'd be insulted if you didn't say goodbye. You owe me that much, Zelda."
"Elincia…" She smiled and hugged her dear friend. "I do not deserve such kindness. I crashed your party, I ruined your plans…"
"If anything, you saved me. If I had to see her regress any further, I'd have to purchase diapers."
"Wait, what?" Samantha questioned the Crimean queen. Both women laughed while Samantha was confused.
"Lucia will want to say goodbye too. Renning spoke to us while you slept. It seems that Gannondorf indeed believes that the fable Master Hand is real. That scoundrel, Waluigi, has told us as much."
"Where is Waluigi?" Zelda asked.
"He is in chains awaiting punishment in Gallia's dungeon. Skrimir is waiting to hear from Toadsworth. He will not let what he has done go unpunished. It seems that he retrieved a kind of dark magic from Gannondorf. An altered version of a dark spell created by an old enemy of ours…Izuka."
"What kind of dark spell?" Zelda questioned.
"The same dark spell that created feral ones."
"What?!" Tibarn questioned with rage. "Damn that monster…even in death, he still haunts us." He cursed the man. Elincia turned and motioned for her allies to join her. Lucia, Renning, Bastian, and William all walked forward and joined her.
"You didn't think we'd let you leave without a proper goodbye, did you?"
"This is not the time, nor the place to celebrate like old friends." Zelda stated. "Perhaps when all is done…we could catch up properly in Hyrule…my treat." Zelda insisted. "I'll throw the biggest party for all the kingdoms to celebrate. All will be invited and we'll properly celebrate when it's all over." Zelda smiled. Samantha walked up to William and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you, William." Samantha smiled with warmth in her voice and a smile on her face. "I could never repay you for the kindness you have shown me."
"It is alright, Lady Samantha." William smiled. "I wish we could have spent more time together…as friends. Not as…ah…well, you know." His cheeks lightly blushed.
"I'd like that." He laughed and smiled. Zelda finished her goodbyes and waved as she and her daughter began walking home.
"At this rate, you won't get home for a while." The group turned to see the young prince of Goldoa and his older sister and princess of Goldoa.
"Prince Kurthnaga! Princess Almedha! Did we wake you?" Zelda looked concerned for their well-being.
"No, we were having a discussion. We've never seen such chaos and destruction before. We've lived through two wars and never have we seen this much pain across all kingdoms." Kurthnaga said as he transformed into his dragon form. "Allow us to give you a ride back to Hyrule."
"We would appreciate the offer." Zelda nodded her head. They got on the dragon's back and he took off towards the kingdom of Hyrule. Samantha was back to normal, and though she had a few gaps in her memory, she was back. And to Zelda, there was no greater joy than that.