Chapter 49: Farewell to the Family
AN: Hi everybody. Another chapter is finished and I want to give you all a heads up. In this chapter there's a foreign dialect and at the very bottom is the English translation to each sentence in the order that it is in this story. So, anyway, thank you once again for reading my story and i hope you enjoy it.
***I don't own anything in this story, so please don't sue me.***
Samantha was waiting by the boat; sniffling and crying on the deck.
'Damn it…damn it, Sam…you let him get to you…' She rubbed her eyes and sniffled. 'He's the asshole…he wasn't there…he didn't raise me.' She walked towards the side and gazed at the horizon. 'I turned out alright. I'm a great woman raised by other great women and dad…well, fuck him.' She heard footsteps behind her and she refused to turn around.
"Leave me alone, mom." She said with a tense tone. She could tell she was still there. "Mom, I said-" She turned around and saw James McCloud standing behind her. "Uh…s-sorry Mr. McCloud."
"He was never in your life, huh?" James asked. Samantha, now embarrassed by her actions, looked the other way.
"Y-yeah…but, you know…I turned out okay."
"You won't forgive him?"
"Why should I?" Samantha asked with anger. "He didn't raise me. My parents said he was my uncle. I didn't need him then…I don't need him now."
"This is Fox's first time meeting his mother." He informed the princess. "He's never met his mother before today. He isn't upset or anything. In fact, I raised him and died before he turned ten. He's been raised by my dear friend Peppy." James said. "Just because someone wasn't in your life, doesn't mean they don't love you."
"But he wasn't there."
"Neither were we." James pointed out. "Look, you said he was your uncle, right? Let me ask you something. What would have changed if you knew?"
"What?"
"Let's say your parents told you that…what's his name? Link? If you knew he was your old man, what would have changed?" Samantha began pondering and she started realizing that he was more involved in her life than she was giving him credit for. He taught her how to use a sword, how to ride a horse…when she decided to start training for the tournament, he began training her. Every birthday and holiday…he never missed a chance to spend time with her.
"…I'm such an asshole…" Samantha admitted quietly.
"Maybe he doesn't win father of the year…but, at least speak with him." Samantha looked back at the old fox with tears in her eyes.
"I…I insulted him…t-to hi-his face…I can n-never show m-my face ag-again…"
"The thing about family…" Link chimed in as he walked towards the firstborn. "You could end up hating me for the rest of our life. I'll still love you, Sam. I always have and I always will."
"Dad…" Samantha sniffled and wiped her nose with her arm. James quietly left the boat and left the two of them alone. "I'm…I'm…su-such a j-jerk…"
"Sam, you're a beautiful young woman, you have a big heart, and you're a winner. You get that from me." Samantha laughed and rubbed her eyes. "I'm not the greatest dad in the world. But…I'd like to think I was an okay dad."
"Dad…I'm sorry…" Samantha apologized as her father walked up to her and hugged her.
"Don't apologize, Sam. I should apologize to you."
"What? Why?"
"I should've told you. The fact that I've kept this from you…Sam-"
"Dad…" Samantha's heart sank now that she felt horrible for calling her dad out like she did. "You're the best father I could've asked for." She squeezed her father a bit tighter and Link began chuckling.
"Wh-what's…what's so funny?" she sniffled.
"Have you ever asked your mom what your first word was?"
"Y-yeah…" She sniffled and took a deep breath. "She s-said it w-was mommy."
"Did she now?" Link smiled and broke the hug. "Come on, let's go back and let me ask her. There's something she isn't telling you." Link walked back and as he was leaving the ship, he turned around and held out his hand. "Samantha Grace McCloud…you coming?" Samantha sniffled once more and rubbed her eyes.
"C-coming!" She hustled towards her dad and the two returned to the diner. The group had now made their way outside and was waiting for the two of them to return.
"Finally!" Tetra threw her hands up. "Any longer, and I might've left you." Grace slapped the back of her head and she yelped in pain.
"You're not abandoning my granddaughter."
"It was a joke!" She yelled at her. "Gonzo! Kill this bitch."
"Gonzo, if you move a fucking inch…"
"Both of you, stop!" Hylia's voice boomed and both women immediately grew silent.
"Was that your little sail boat we were on? It's kind of…I don't know…small, isn't it?"
"SMALL?!"
"Lady Hylia said stop!" Zelda yelled. "I won't have anyone disrespect anyone else in front of Lady Hylia. Not my mother, not my grandmother, not anyone!" Zelda's expression turned serious.
"I do love the fact that Zelda is the first queen to happily defend my honor." Hylia chimed in with a great big smile. Zelda looked at her and gulped hard.
"Th…thank you…" She quietly stated and the group began walking towards the ship.
"Mom…" Samantha asked still weak and vulnerable. "I'm…I'm really sorry."
"For what?" Samus questioned her.
"I've been a terrible princess and a horrible daughter."
"Sam…don't say stupid things." Samus hugged her daughter. "You're not a terrible princess and you're not a horrible daughter. You're mad that I didn't tell you…and you should be."
"But mom-"
"I didn't have the courage to tell you. That's on me." Samus' expression turned serious. "I didn't want you thinking I…um…s-slept around." Her face turned slightly pink from embarrassment.
"I love you, mom. More than anyone else here." Samantha hugged her mom tightly and kissed her cheek.
"I love you too, kiddo." Samus closed her eyes and smiled. The two hugged it out for a bit longer before breaking the hug and walking back to the ship.
"So, Samus…" Link chimed in as the group walked. "You ah…you ever tell her what her first word was?"
"Mommy." Samus replied without looking at her daughter.
"Alright, let me rephrase that. You ever tell her what her real first word was?"
"Link, don't do this. I needed that moment. And you stole it from me."
"Stole what from you?" Samantha asked.
"I could show you once we get back to the Hyrule royal family home."
"We have a home up here?" Zelda asked. "This…afterlife place…it has everything!"
"How can you show something that has already happened?"
"We'll head to the fountain of memories. Recall your memory and it shall appear." Samus shook her head with disapproval before sighing.
"I really don't want to…"
"Ok…we don't-"
"Samus, no more secrets." Zelda inquired.
"Really? So are you going to tell them about…" Samus raised her fist and pointed to the back of it with her other hand. Zelda looked at Samantha and then Virginia.
"…yes. I'll…Samantha, Virginia…let's board the ship."
"Link, you and I are riding in the jeep. You've got to meet my parents."
"Serena, Marcus…" Fox called out. "What do you want to do?"
"There might be more room on the boat for us." Marcus suggested. "If it's all the same to you, I'd like to stay close to Sam."
"I…um…I think I need to go on the boat as well. I still need to speak with Zelda. Er, I mean, Queen Zelda."
"You know, Serena…if you join the royal family. That means, we will be family too." It dawned on the young woman that she would need to impress the two foxes as well as the queen.
"I-I changed my mind! I want to go with you." Serena called out and hopped into the jeep. Braixen followed her and the jeep revved alive.
"W-Wait! Serena!" Virginia called out and ran up to her fiancé. "Wh-what about-"
"We'll meet you at the fountain…thing. You know where that is, right?" Serena asked James.
"Not a clue." James shook his head.
"Tetra, go with them." Grace said.
"Me?! And leave you in charge of my ship?" She yelled.
"Lady Hylia will be with me…along with your pirates, your husband, and your sister-in-law."
"I'm not letting you take my boat. Will, stop her!" Tetra ordered.
"Look, how about I go with them and-"
"Enough!" Hylia called out. "Will, Aryll. I would ask-"
"I'll go." Grace walked towards the jeep and climbed in.
"I'll go as well." Zelda walked towards the jeep.
"Well, hang on…we don't have enough room if we take you three, plus that fire…fox…and Rodney and Virginia."
"How about you two go on the ship?" Rodney suggested. "It'll be like a cruise."
"You know what?" Vixy looked at her husband. "Let's do it. We'll join Foxy Woxy and Krystal."
"Mom!" Fox protested.
"Whatever you want, my dear." James smiled and Vixy kissed her husband.
"Thank you, honey." Vixy smiled and grabbed her husband's arm before running towards the ship.
"Well, I guess that leaves a spot open."
"I'll take it." Samus raised her hand and walked to the jeep.
"You're forcing me to sit up front?" Grace asked with a concerned look on her face. But she smiled and laughed. "I'm just kidding. It'll give me time to talk with…Rodney, right?" He nodded and she got into the front seat. The back of the jeep now consisting of Serena, Braixen, Zelda, and Samus revved up and slowly began rolling away.
"Well, we should get going." Hylia suggested and everyone boarded the ship and it took off. They began sailing towards the fountain. While they sailed, Samantha gazed upon the horizon and sighed.
"What bothers you, child?" Hylia questioned the firstborn.
"Lady Hylia…is this the end? We're supposed to lose to Tabuu and…I have so much I still want to do. I want to attend my sister's wedding, I want kids…Lady Hylia…please tell me there's a way home."
"This is not the end, Samantha." Hylia reassured her. "To defeat Tabuu, the triforce must be utilized by the hero."
"The hero? Of time? So…that's dad."
"I did not say who is the hero." Samantha pondered her words for a minute.
"Is it…me?"
"I did not say that."
"Why do you have to be so mysterious with everything? Can't you just come out and say something like 'You're going to save the world?' Or 'You're going to have a hundred kids.' Or something like that."
"Do you want a hundred children?" Hylia suppressed a giggle while Samantha's face blushed.
"W-Well…n-no…but, y-you know what I mean."
"I do. How about this, Samantha…" Hylia began and the firstborn turned to face her. "Once this is all over…perhaps you and Marcus should celebrate…alone."
"Celebrate alone?" Samantha questioned.
"Family is important, right? Whether you wish to admit it or not, you fantasize about being a mother. So, you and Marcus-"
"We're having a daughter?!" Samantha squealed.
"You are having a child…I will not reveal if that child will be your son or your daughter." Samantha was unable to gain clarification on Hylia's words.
"Hm…alright." She reluctantly agreed as they continued sailing towards the fountain.
"Will we meet the rest of our family?"
"Of course. There are many kings and queens from Hyrule that would love to meet you. From King Padraig, otherwise known…" She stopped in hopes that Samantha could fill in her sentence.
"The Gaelic Gladiator." Samantha answered and Hylia nodded with approval.
"Queen Morgana…"
"The…hold on…" Samantha thought for a moment. "The queen of the night, right?"
"Correct again." She smiled. "Let's try a tougher one. How about…Sir George Walker?"
"King of…um…wait…no, he was a servant…a butler, right? Married to Lilly."
"Very good! Lady Zelda is quite the teacher." Hylia then noticed there were more questions on the young princess' mind, but she observed her younger sister climbing towards the crow's nest. "Samantha, I know there must be plenty of questions you have for me…but you do not see the opportunities you have around you."
"Opportunities?" Samantha tilted her head.
"Observe the crow's nest." Hylia stated. Samantha turned around and caught a glimpse of her sister at the top of the crow's nest. "Instead of speaking to me, how about you catch up with your best friend." Hylia suggested. Samantha thought about how long it had been since she and her sister had a heart to heart conversation; just the two of them. "Tetra!" Hylia called out. "Call Zuko. Samantha needs access to the crow's nest."
"What? Two people can fit up there. Why-"
"Virginia is already up there. Samantha needs to speak with Virginia. Call Zuko."
"But-" Tetra noticed the expression on Hylia's face; she wasn't asking, she was instructing. "R-right. Zu-Zuko! Get down here!" Tetra yelled out and the lookout climbed down the crow's nest and rushed to the pirate queen's side.
"Yes?"
"Sam needs to talk to her sister. Stay here." She instructed him. Though he wanted to object, Zuko looked at Samantha and nodded; giving her permission to ascend the ladder. She looked back at Hylia before walking to the ladder and ascending to visit with her sister. She reached the top and, as Tetra stated, there was just enough room for two people.
"Hey." Samantha quietly replied as her younger sister gazed upon the horizon.
"It's beautiful…Sam…isn't it beautiful." Then there was silence between the two princesses. "I really missed you, Sam…I…I didn't mean to hang up on you the last time we spoke on the phone."
"What happened?" Samantha asked.
"I just thought about us in the past….I didn't want to cry in front of you…" Virginia admitted before turning around and sobbing. "Sam…I really missed you."
"We haven't really had time to just…talk. Like we used to." Samantha smiled. "So, come on. What's on your mind?" Virginia sniffled and rubbed her eyes.
"U-um…w-w-well, regardless of what happens with Serena and myself…will you be my maid of honor?"
"Of course, Ginny." Samantha smiled. "I'd be honored to be my little sister's maid of honor."
"An-And…I haven't…I haven't talked to Serena about this, b-b-but…I want kids. So, I was wondering if-"
"Not Marcus." Samantha sternly stated before thinking about it. "Actually, I kind of owe him…so-"
"No. I- I meant…um…I can't decide who…" Virginia blushed red and looked down.
"You don't know who to choose?" Samantha asked and her sister nodded. "It's not my choice to make. Follow your heart…you won't go wrong." Samantha smiled. "So…Abby."
"Do you like her?"
"I love her. She's adorable. But, you know Pixie and Vivi are going to be jealous."
"We have enough love of all of them."
"Maybe so, but I don't have enough bed space." The two girls laughed and sighed while admiring the horizon and another long silence between the women. "Virginia…come back to the castle."
"What?"
"I'm lonely. It's boring there…you and Serena can live there…just…I don't want you to leave and I don't see you for another year or two." Virginia remained silent before turning to her sister.
"How about we compromise? I'll live closer to home, but not in the castle. How about the village at the food of Death Mountain?"
"Virginia, how about in the town? We'll find you a place. Or maybe on Corneria. Marcus knows a few realtors. They can get you a pretty nice place if you're looking, or-"
"What about Kalos? You could…I don't know…move out there. Or the Alola region. They're-"
"I need to stay in Hyrule. I'm the next in line. I can't be away from the castle for long periods of time." Samantha said.
"What if…when this is all over…we all go somewhere? Like…I know this wonderful spa place in Alola. It's perfect for pokémon and people. I've even seen a few members of Kilvas and Goldoa there. It's remarkably amazing." Samantha recalled what Zelda had promised her before all this happened.
"Well, I don't know about that specific spa place. But there was one I heard of…by the foot of the volcano."
"The one by Wela Volcano? That one's my favorite."
"There's another one I've heard of. It's in Sylvarant and it's supposed to be the most relaxing place in the whole world. At least, that's what their advertisements said. I read a pamphlet when we were at the Lezareno Company."
"O-oh…w-we have…lots of options." Virginia gulped.
"You know what? Whatever we decide, we should invite everyone." Samantha placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Every…everyone?"
"Yeah. Everyone in Alola, Kalos, our parents, Jackson, Alex…who else…?" Samantha thought. "Well, in any case…we invite everyone. We have our spa day and we can tell everyone you're getting married. It'd be a really nice announcement."
"That's an incredible idea!" Virginia exclaimed with a smile. "You always have the best ideas."
"I love you, Ginny. You're my best friend in the world. No matter how far we are, you're my best friend."
"You're my best friend, Sam." Virginia hugged her sister. "Promise we'll never drift apart? We'll stay in touch and stay in each other's lives?"
"I promise." Samantha broke the hug and looked at the ladder. "Right. So I'm getting down. My legs feel like jelly." Virginia laughed.
"I forgot that you hate heights."
"And spiders." Samantha added. "Fuck all the spiders."
"I'm going to stay up here a while longer. I'll see you later." She waved and Samantha climbed down the ladder and once she returned to the deck, she collapsed and took deep breaths.
"You alright?" Vixy rushed towards the princess.
"I…hate…heights."Samantha stated as Vixy and Marcus sat her up.
"You're fine." Marcus replied and checked her vitals. "You're safe now."
"Because my big, strong man is with me?" She batted her eyes and smiled.
"No, bec-" Marcus paused before realizing what she was implying. "Yes." He replied slowly and the princess started laughing. "I'm right here."
"You're so dense." She pulled him close and kissed him.
"Yeah, but you love that about me."
"I do." She smiled once more.
"Samantha, we're almost there." Hylia stated and pointed to the place where the fountain resided. The ship pulled up and, to the disappointment of Samantha, the jeep had beaten them there.
"Took you awhile." Samus joked as the families approached her.
"We took our sweet time, dear." Vixy laughed and approached the queen. Serena looked uneasy as the others came towards the group.
"Serena…are you alright?" Virginia asked with concern. Virginia ran up to her fiancé and she leaned in next to her girlfriend's ear.
"Your mother's questions were really tough." She whispered and Virginia held her hands.
"I still love you. No matter what they say, I'm going to marry you." She smiled and Serena smiled back.
"Before we begin, may I suggest that we discuss Serena's future with our family?" Zelda noted. "If we are going to observe memories of the royal family…I believe on the family should witness those memories."
"So…you're not talking about us?" James questioned.
"You're part of the family. Everyone here is part of our family…everyone except Serena. So, as her Hyrule's standards, we will discuss and decide before we view them." Zelda motioned for her children to walk towards her. "Serena, I ask that you please keep your distance for now. We will return with an answer shortly." Serena looked at Virginia with fear. The younger princess kissed her once more before squeezing her hand.
"It's going to be alright. I love you." Virginia walked towards her parents.
"I-I love you more!" Serena called out before gulping hard.
"Wait." Marcus called out. "Serena, come with me. I'll be quick, but I still haven't talked to you." Serena followed the blue fox and the two walked away from the group to discuss. After maybe ten minutes, Marcus returned and nodded his head. "Ok, I'm ready." The family walked at least one hundred yards from Serena and sat on a grassy hill.
"Alright, we should be good here. Virginia, you know the rules." Zelda stated with a serious tone.
"Do not speak until a decision has been made." The young princess replied and Zelda nodded her head.
"Who's first?" Samus asked and Jackson raised his hand.
"She's super nice. She's like a big sister and she's really cool. She really likes Virginia and I think she's really great!" He looked at his sister who smiled at his statement. Alexander raised an arm with his pointer finger up.
"The way she sang…you could tell her heart and soul was in it. She wasn't singing for us…she was singing for her." He pointed to his sister. "There's no doubt that she really likes her. I trust her to protect Virginia."
"Sam?" Samus questioned. Samantha turned to her sister; knowing full well this could make or break their ties. She smiled and nodded her head which gave her relief.
"She reminds me of Marcus. The two of them are a bit awkward around each other, but so were we. Her love is the truth, her affection is real, and the romance is real." Samantha turned to her husband. "Your turn."
"Serena's special. It's easy to say the right things, but the things she does for her. We talked about how she's never missed your birthday, your anniversary of dating each other-"
"Shit! I forgot it's your birthday!" Samantha exclaimed before receiving a slap to the back of her head.
"Sam." Samus said while Samantha rubbed the back of her head. Marcus continued on with his speech.
"I think that's what makes it special. She remembers everything about you, and that makes her a good friend and what will make her a great princess."
"Samus?" Zelda asked.
"She's just like us…in different circumstances. But I saw us in her all those years ago. To deny them would be to deny us." Samus bluntly stated. Finally, it was Zelda's turn.
"Serena is a unique case. She is head over heels for you. She's willing to work for your love as well as earn our trust to win you over. That kind of dedication cannot be denied." Zelda smiled at the young woman. "Alright, all those in favor of allowing Serena Yvonne into the ranks of Hyrule's royal family…hands up." Everyone raised a hand and, to Virginia's excitement, meant she had the backing of her family. "That settles it. If we return home, we will need to have a ceremony for her. But her title is official. Congratulations, Virginia."
"Thank you, everyone!" She cried and hugged each of them individually before sprinting back towards her girlfriend.
"Virginia!" Samus called out and she stopped. "Traditions, kid! Get back here!" Virginia hustled back and the family walked up to her.
"Sorry, I'm…I'm just-"
"I know. You're excited…but rules are rules, kid." Samus smirked. They finally approached her and Serena's eyes locked onto Zelda's and she froze.
"Serena Yvonne…step forward." She did so and gulped hard. "It is our honor to welcome you into the Hyrule royal family. In the name of Din…" Zelda placed two fingers on Serena's forehead. "Nayru…" He hand drew an invisible line to her left shoulder. "And Farore…" She drew another line to the right shoulder before drawing one last line to her forehead. "May the blessings of the golden goddesses guide you…in Hylia's name…we open our doors and our hearts to our newest family member. Henceforth, you shall bear the name…um…"
"What's your full name?" Samus quickly whispered.
"Uh-Serena Alice Yvonne."
"Serena Alice Yvonne. Princess of Hyrule." Zelda finished her statement. "Alright, we're done."
"That's it?" Serena asked.
"Yup." Samantha said. "You're officially a princess now. I mean, there's a couple of rules you need to abide by. Don't abuse your power, help those in need, be kind…you know, basic stuff. But you're an official princess now. If you want to use the title or not, it's your call, but you can call Hyrule your second home. Welcome to the family."
"Does that mean I have their blessing to marry you?"
"Yes." Virginia smiled. "They will offer any help to cater our wedding…i-if you w-want…want their help."
"Of course I do." Serena smiled. "But…what about our maid of honor? And the bridesmaids? And-"
"We'll figure that out later." Samantha said. "Let's go see some memories!" Samantha smiled and they all walked towards the fountain.
"Samus, ask what you would like to see and it will provide." Hylia stated. Samus looked over at Link and then sighed.
"Samantha's first word." She said and the water generated an image. Samantha was sitting in pink footie pajamas playing with some plastic child-friendly blocks.
"Oh my god, you're so cute!" Serena gushed and Samantha lightly laughed. The baby was attempting to eat the block, but the block was far too big to fit into her tiny mouth. Zelda was sitting in a nearby chair smiling at her wife and firstborn daughter. Link and Malon were sitting on the couch nearby and Samus was lying on her stomach in front of Samantha.
"Sam…Sam…"Samus gently called to her daughter. "Mama. Say mama." Samus gently told her daughter. Samantha babbled some gibberish, but nothing that could be construed into actual words.
"You know what'd be funny?" Link asked.
"No." Samus replied with a smile. "It wouldn't, Link."
"It'd be a little funny."
"I have spent her entire life trying to get her to say mama or mommy. Her first word won't be dada or daddy. I'd be pissed if that's her first word." She turned her attention to Samantha once more. "Sam…Sam…look at mama…can you say mama?"
"Da…dee…" Samantha said before sucking on her block once more. Link began laughing and Malon joined him along with Zelda giggling and Samus lowered her head to the carpet with a silly grin on her face.
"Now, Samus…" Malon said while she continued laughing. "Don't be hurt by it…she just ramblin'. Her next word'll probably be mama."
"That doesn't count."
"That totally counts!" Link protested and baby Samantha started laughing. "That's my girl! Way to go, Sam!" Samantha looked at her mother before setting the block down and crawling towards her mother.
"Mama?" Samus asked with hope.
"Boobie." Samantha said before lifting both arms and indicating she wanted to be picked up.
"My child's an idiot…" Samus muttered with a smile before standing up and picking her daughter up. "It's a good thing you're so damn cute." Samus kissed the child's cheeks and she laughed.
"Ma…mee!" Samantha yawned and rubbed one eye with a free hand.
"You heard that. Tell me someone heard that."
"I did! I did!" Zelda hopped up and squealed. Samantha began crying from the excitement from Zelda. Samus coddled the young girl.
"Come on, Sam…it's ok…don't cry…" Samus quietly spoke to her.
"Sorry. I'm sorry." Zelda apologized.
"Dreams…to dream. In the dark of the night…when the world goes wrong, I can still make it right. I can see so far in my dreams…I'll follow my dreams…until they come true…" Samus sang while gently holding her daughter. Samantha stopped crying and rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"She's so cute…" Zelda quietly whispered as her wife continued singing.
"Come…with me…you will see what I mean. There's a world…inside…no one else ever sees. You will go so far in my dreams. I'll follow my dreams. Until they come true…" The image began to disappear and Samantha sniffled with a big smile on her face.
"I'm not an idiot." Samantha lightly protested.
"You're my little idiot." Samus smiled.
"You're not making me feel better." Samantha glanced at her mom and she laughed.
"Alright, who's next?" Grace questioned.
"Me! Me!" Virginia raised her hand and Zelda laughed.
"What memory should we relive?" Zelda thought for a minute. "Ah…I know." She looked at the fountain. "My dearest Virginia acting as the interim queen of Hyrule." The water shimmered again and Samantha was a bit older; probably four or five years old. Virginia, now two or three, was able to walk, but unable to climb anything; much less the throne that belonged to her mother. She tried to climb up while Samus was ensuring Samantha's safety.
"Oh…" Serena gushed. "Look at you! You're such a cutie!" The present day Virginia blushed, but moved closer to her fiancé in appreciation of her compliment. Zelda entered the throne room and gasped as she rushed towards her daughter.
"Virginia! No, no, no! You mustn't climb that!" Zelda scooped the child up and held her in her arms. "You could get hurt…mommy doesn't want you hurt." Virginia whined and reached for the throne. "Do you want to sit in my chair?"
"Yeah!" Virginia said as Zelda gently placed her on the throne.
"Well now, your majesty…" Zelda acted out in an over-the-top method. Virginia giggled at her mother's silly antics. "You can eat anything you desire. What shall we have for breakfast?"
"Ice cream!" Virginia yelled before covering her mouth and giggling.
"What about lunch?"
"Ice cream!"
"And dinner?"
"Ice cream!"
"If you eat nothing but ice cream, you'll get a tummy ache. You're such a silly little girl." Zelda picked her up and sat down with the princess on her knee. "Now, I'm the queen! And I want to eat…" Zelda pondered for a minute before smiling at her daughter. "You!" She pretended like she was eating her fingers, but the child pulled her hand away.
"No, mommy!" Virginia giggled and Zelda began tickling the child.
"Om nom nom nom…" She continued to pretend to eat her daughter while the young princess giggled and laughed while in her mother's arms. "Virginia, you're a silly little girl. Mommy loves you, you know."
"I love mommy more!" Virginia said with volume.
"No." Zelda shook her head with a smile.
"Yuh huh!" Virginia's head bobbed up and down.
"No."
"Yuh huh times affinity." Virginia hugged her mother.
"Mommy love you too, sweetie. Let's wash up. It's time for dinner." She stood up and began walking towards the door. "Samantha, darling…dinner time." The image once again dissolved away and Virginia face turned bright red.
"Sorry…m-mother."
"Don't apologize, my dear. It's one of my very best memories." The group heard arguing from the two boys of Hyrule.
"…is no way she'd win."
"Yeah she would. Mom could kick mom's ass any day of the week!"
"She could not!"
"Yes she could!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"Boys!" Samus yelled and the two turned to her. "What are you arguing about?"
"Jackson said that mom could beat you. But…there's no way that-"
"Mom would totally beat her." Jackson insisted. "Samus has strength, but Zelda's faster. And speed is better than strength."
"That's enough, boys." Zelda spoke in a calm manner.
"Yeah. We won't learn anything if I beat her to a bloody pulp." Samus laughed as Zelda slowly turned her head to her wife.
"…excuse me?" She questioned her wife with an eyebrow raised.
"Well…" Samus scoffed with a smile. "come on…between us, there's no real contest. I'd kick your ass every time."
"No real contest? You know, I have taken you on and bested you a few times. I think you've only beaten me three more times. And that was before I became a champion."
"Look, Zelda…we both know that-"
"No, I don't think we do." Zelda smiled. "I think I'd like to challenge you. Get a definitive answer once and for all. Who is the best in this family? Samantha will fight the winner and we'll have a definitive answer."
"That's why I love you." Samus kissed her wife and the two laughed. "So, now what?"
"Let's meet with the rest of our family…like, the old kings and queens of Hyrule's past before coming up with a plan. Is there anyone that can help us? Is there anyone alive?" Samantha asked and the water began to shimmer. It revealed that there were three individuals still alive; Kirby, Luigi, and King Dedede.
"That's great and all, but you need to tell her." Samus looked at her wife. Zelda's expression turned serious and she was scared.
"S-She'll…she'll hate me." She whispered.
"We'll come to that bridge when we get there." Samus reassured her.
"What are you talking about? Who's going to hate you?" Samantha asked.
"Samantha…" Zelda turned to her daughter and gulped hard. "I…um…l-listen. Your mother and I…we love you very much."
"Mom, what's going on?" Samantha asked with a more serious tone.
"W-Well…y-you see…ah…um…" Zelda looked at Samus for guidance and the former bounty hunter nodded her head.
"If I were to ask you who had the triforce right now…who has what piece?" Samus questioned her daughter.
"That's easy. Mom has the triforce of wisdom, dad has the triforce of courage, and Gannon has the triforce of power."
"You're two thirds correct. Gannon does have the triforce of power." Samus inhaled slowly before exhaling. "There was a scuffle many years ago. The triforce was recreated as all three pieces were brought together. Gannon wanted to use it for nefarious purposes so, I broke it. He regain the triforce of power. However, you and your sister are now the sole possessors of the triforce of wisdom and courage."
"What?" Samantha asked with surprise before laughing. "I get it. You're messing with me. Good one, mom. You almost…" Samantha then noted that neither one of her parents were smiling. "…are you serious?"
"We were trying to protect you. It's careless and selfish of us, but you should know the truth. I'm sorry we didn't say anything before." Samus admitted. There was dead silence in the group after her comment.
"Samantha…this is my fault. Do not blame your mother, it's-"
"Mom…" Samantha smiled with tears in her eyes. "Thank you." She hugged her mother tightly. "I have always wanted to be just like you and mom…please teach me magic. Please?" Zelda's smile grew and she laughed.
"of course, my dear. Whatever you like."
"Me too, mother. I…um…I want to learn as well." Virginia quipped.
"We must awaken the goddesses within you first." Hylia motioned for the girls of Hyrule to step forward. "Nayru, Farore…it is time to wake up." Hylia gently touched the forehead of each girl and a surge of power surrounded them for a few seconds. Suddenly, two child-sized girls walked up to each of the princesses. One had long dark blue hair with the same color irises, her skin was a light gold color and her dress was made of a light blue wavy design; like it was made out of air. The straps appeared to have the triforce symbol holding them up. The other girl had everything identical to the other one, except her color was green instead of blue and her dress looked like it was made out of grass.
"Is this her? She seems…weaker than I would have thought." The young blue girl approached Virginia and folded her arms.
"I'm n-not weak!" Virginia protested.
"Nayru, she is in possession of the triforce of wisdom. Be nice to my family." Hylia glanced at the girl.
"And this one possess the triforce of courage?" The green girl asked. "I do not sense much courage within her."
"Hey, I killed a guy before. I'm plenty courageous."
"You WHAT?!" Zelda yelled in shock. "You murdered someone? My child? MURDER?!"
"Look, mom…it was either him or me." Samantha tried to reason with her mother.
"Nayru! Farore!" Hylia's voice boomed and while everyone else was scared, the two girls casually turned to her.
"I'm not sensing it, Hylia." Nayru replied. "I don't feel like she carries the wisdom of the triforce."
"But…but mother said-"
"She carries it! They both are in possession of the triforce." Zelda stated.
"Farore?" Hylia asked.
"She doesn't have courage…well, not any that I can sense."
"I'm courageous." Samantha stated, but Hylia thought for a moment.
"Maybe…switch. Nayru, change places with your sister. Then tell me what you sense." The golden goddesses switched places and their expressions changed.
"This… she's got it. I sense it from her." Nayru smiled and Samantha smiled in response. Farore walked around Virginia.
"Well…she doesn't look strong, but I sense the triforce of courage." Farore murmured.
"It seems that the two of them received the opposite piece. Samantha has wisdom and Virginia has courage." Hylia smiled. "Children…know that if you have questions upon your newly acquired powers…Nayru and Farore will remain with you as long as the triforce remains with you." Both girls looked at their new friends and they smiled.
"This is going to be weird…" Samantha murmured.
"Yeah…" Virginia agreed.
"Now then, let's return home. Our family is waiting." Hylia returned to the ship and the groups split up in the same way and Rodney began following the sailing ship. As they sailed, Virginia cautiously approached Hylia who stood behind Gonzo.
"Virginia!" Hylia exclaimed with a smile. "I have been wondering when you would approach me. I haven't seen you since-"
"Th-thank you…Miss Hylia…thank you for saving me."
"Saving you?" Tetra questioned. "When did you save her?"
"It was on the train. You…um…I would have died if you hadn't…"
"All is well, my child. You are quite welcome." Hylia smiled and nodded her head. "I have always admired your heart, Virginia." Zap and torch ran up to their trainer and Virginia knelt down to rub their heads. However, they both leapt into her arms; knocking her down and licking her face.
"Ah! Torch! Zap! Stop it!" Virginia laughed while they nuzzled next to her. "You two are silly girls…" She kissed their heads before looking up at Hylia. "Would you like to hold one, goddess?" Virginia turned to see Farore standing near her. Her expression indicated that she wanted to pet one, but she didn't want to ask. "Um…Fa…Farore…would you-"
"Yes." She practically ran towards one, but Torch stood in front of her sister and growled.
"Torch…she's family. Be nice, sweetie." Virginia calmed down the fire pokémon. "Don't run towards them." Virginia insisted. Farore slowly approached them and knelt down before carefully reaching out. She began scratching behind Torch's ear and the oldest sister walked towards her and curled up into a ball while she received scratches behind her ear.
"She's so pretty." Farore replied while Zap walked over to Hylia and leapt on her leg. Hylia laughed and sat on the floor to allow the electric pokémon to sit in her lap.
"Virginia." Hylia spoke softly and the second born gulped hard.
"Y-y-yes?" She nervously replied.
"You will soon prove to Farore that you are indeed worthy of the triforce of courage." She gently stroked Zap's back and she smiled as she received each stroke from the goddess.
"You are mistaken. Sam's-"
"You will make me proud, princess." Hylia smiled again and in Virginia's eyes, she felt pride and she believed what Hylia said.
"As…as you wish, my goddess." She bowed her head and saw Farore's gleeful expression as she rubbed Torch's stomach.
"I have never had a pet. Do you have more?"
"Not…um…h-here. In Alola, yes. And at home, I have a few."
"I want to meet them." Farore spoke sternly.
"Isn't it...um…impossible for you to…I don't know…meet them? I'd have to kill them and…please don't make me kill them. I love them too much." Virginia's eyes watered.
"No! I mean…look, now that I've awakened, I can feel what you feel…in certain cases, I can turn away or ignore…certain…situations." Farore hinted and Virginia quickly picked up her implication.
"I may never do it again." Virginia quickly replied.
"I mean, if you pet your friends, I'll pet them too. So, I want to pet all your friends. I want to meet all your friends."
"I…I see. We'll definitely have time. But, we have a few things to go over first. Like, how to get out of here and where to go next." Virginia wondered.
"Hold that thought, young one. We're here." Hylia told the princess as they sailed up to perhaps the biggest castle they had ever seen. Hyrule's castle looked like a teeny tiny hut compared to this behemoth of a castle.
"This is where you live?!" Samantha practically yelled.
"No, this is the lobby for royal families. Our castle is to the east." Hylia mentioned as she walked towards the castle. As she entered, the amounts of royalty from all the different families filled the room.
"Look at all the places…Crimea…Ylisstol…Aytolis? What's that one?" Zelda pointed to a different tunnel with a foreign name above it.
"Gris…tonne? Weird…" Samus shook her head like she had no idea what that was.
"Grace!" Sumeragi called and like a child, Grace quickly approached the former king of Hoshido and knelt before him.
"Sensei." She bowed.
"She…father trained her?" A young girl asked next to an older woman.
"That's correct, my dear Sakura." She smiled and moved her hair from her face. "This is Lady Grace. Queen of Hyrule."
"A-Actually, mother…the current queen is-"
"Sakura?" Zelda asked.
"Zelda!" She exclaimed and rushed towards the woman. "And Samus! I'm so glad you're here."
"What happened?" Samus asked. "How did you get here? And your brother…I saw him out there."
"We were ambushed by Lord Geoffrey. Some…kind of power was controlling him and we were changed before…" Sakura looked down in shame.
"Sakura, do not hold your head in shame." Ryoma approached the group.
"Ryoma…" Samus spoke quietly.
"Lady Samus…Lady Zelda…Sam." He bowed his head.
"So if you're here, then that means-"
"Yes. Lord Xander and Lord Leo are here as well." He replied. "I've been informing my father about everything that has happened since his untimely demise."
"I'm really happy for you." Samus smiled. "Well, if I'm going to kick your ass, it might as well be where everyone can see."
"Right here? What about our family?"
"We're close enough. Besides, the guy I want you to meet is here." Grace smiled at a buff looking man. He stood roughly about the same height as Gannondorf. His beard was as reddish-orange, and he was missing a few teeth, but he hugged the Sheikan ninja and she embraced him like a brother.
"Padraig! Good to see you, again!"
"Tá mé chomh sásta tú a fheiceáil arís, Grace." He laughed and both Zelda and Samus looked dumbfounded.
"Did…did you understand…anything he said?" Zelda whispered to her wife.
"Nope." Samus shook her head. "I'm not even sure what he said even counts as words." Samus whispered back.
"And where is Aoibhe? She must meet my daughter." Padraig turned and glanced at Samus before looking back at Grace.
"Tá sí ar a bealach. An é do pháiste an cailín fionn?" He questioned. Again, both girls had no idea what he had said.
"No, Samus is her wife. My daughter is over there…Zelda Grace Hyrule." The man approached the queen and knelt in front of her.
"Mar sin, is tusa leanbh Grace agus todhchaí Hyrule, ceart?" His accent was thick and strong as he spoke to the queen. Zelda was unsure how to respond so she waited for a minute.
"…um…y-yes?" She asked. Hoping that her response would suffice. He laughed and gently patted his back; or at least, he thought it was a pat on her back. In reality, his gently tap nearly knocked the queen flat on her face.
"Croí óir, an ceann seo. Déanfaidh sí rialóir breá lá amháin." He grinned at the ninja.
"I agree. And she's the current queen. Her children are over there. The oldest is Samantha. The blonde girl, Virginia is the next oldest. She's the brunette girl with the two…uh…pokémon? Is that what they're called?"
"Yes." Virginia nodded as Grace continued.
"I believe Alexander is the next oldest or is it Jackson? The two boys over there. Alexander is the handsome fellow who reminds me of Bartholomew. You know, your great, great, great, great grandson. And Jackson is the young man with brown hair. He looks like your grandson in a way."
"Who's Bar…what was it?" Alexander asked.
"Bartholomew Francois Hyrule. The artist. You know that old picture mom has hanging in the family room. The one with the red, shack in the woods? That is an original piece done by our great, great, great, great…um…he's our grandfather from long ago."
"Oh. Neat!" Alexander smiled.
"Who is his son?" Jackson questioned. Grace was about to answer, but Samantha held up her hand.
"Wait! Don't tell me! It's…um…" she thought for a few moments before looking up. "C-Cathal? He was the Celtic Warrior, right?"
"Samantha, your knowledge of this family is second only to Zelda." Grace nodded her head. "However, we are talking about his grandson not his actual son. His grandson was Sean the wise."
"King Sean…damn it." Samantha looked frustrated that she got it wrong.
"Now, child…don't beat yourself up…you have a fight to focus on." She gestured towards her parents who cleared enough space for the two of them.
"Well, then…it'll be just like old times, my love." Samus smirked.
"No matter who wins…you'll always be my one true love." Zelda pounded her two fists together before taking a fighting stance. Her hands glowed red and she smirked as well. "When you're ready, peasant."
"Peasant? Really?" Samus laughed and charged the queen. Zelda blocked her attacks and sent a bolt of light towards her spouse. It connected with her arm, but not enough power to stop her. Samus connected with Zelda's cheek and she took a step back. Zelda charged an attack and blasted the former bounty hunter from point blank range. Samus was knocked to the ground but ran towards her wife and slid into a baseball slide towards her. Zelda jumped and avoided the attack, but Samus recovered quicker and pushed off the ground. Her legs wrapped around her neck and, with her strength, she managed to flip Zelda over her body and slam face first into the ground. Zelda rolled onto her back and covered her nose while she groaned in pain. Samus went to stomp on her, but Zelda placed her arms in an x formation and put up a shield that Samus couldn't penetrate. She fully extended her hands upward and submerged herself in light that cause Samus to back up. Zelda had fully charged a punch and threw it at her gut with all her might. It connected and Samus fell to the ground with a loud groan. Zelda went to kick her wife in the face, but Samus grabbed her foot and frog punched her thigh. Zelda hobbled backwards, but Samus punched her between the eyes and she dropped like a stone.
"Alright…ok….I yield!" Zelda held up a hand while she slowly gasped. Instead of basking in victory, Samus rushed to her side and helped her up.
"You alright, hun?" She questioned her wife. Now that it was over, Zelda's health meant everything to her.
"Yes…I'll be fine." Her wounds quickly recovered and it was as if they hadn't fought at all.
"You are not in the coliseum, so your wounds will recover much quicker." Hylia informed the two women. There was a single person slowly clapping and approaching the two of them. He was tall, with a brown beard and slightly darkened skin. Though he looked thirty years younger, the royal family knew who it was.
"Father…" Zelda quietly whispered while Samus helped her wife up.
"That was quite a battle, my daughter. You have gotten so strong since I last watched you fight."
"Were you dusted too?" Virginia asked her grandfather.
"Dusted? No I…I don't believe so."
"Then…how are you-"
"Damn it…" Jackson cut his sister off while looking at the ground.
"Jackson!" Zelda snapped, but Jackson didn't apologize or glance his mother's way.
"You're not…are you…did you…die?" He asked with his voice breaking like he already knew the answer.
"Jackson, what a horrible thing to accuse your grandfather of. Apologize to him for-"
"Zelda…" Daphnes spoke quietly. "Your son…speaks the truth." Zelda looked back as her eyes started to water.
"…n-no…father…you're lying…y-you…you can't be…please…no…" Zelda's voice began cracking while tears streamed down her face.
"I am truly sorry, my dear. I…" He didn't know what to say and Zelda began breaking down. Samus consoled her wife while Grace walked past her to her husband.
"Grace…"
"Hello Daphnes." She smiled and gave him the biggest hug she had ever given anyone. She kissed him and once she broke the hug, she slapped his cheek as hard as she could. "You promised me you'd raise our daughter!" She yelled.
"I…" He swallowed his words and nodded. "You're right…I'm sorry."
"You have quite a lot of explaining to do, dear!" She stared at him with a rage that frightened most of the other royals in the room.
"Grace, b'fheidir gur cheart duit socair a dheanamh." Padraig stepped forward.
"I will not calm down, Padraig. My child was raised by my best friend instead of her father. The man who-"
"Mother, enough!" Zelda yelled to the surprise of everyone. Her eyes were red, but there was determination in her voice. "Yes…father did not raise me, but he tried his best. And yes, perhaps he could have been a better father to me…but he was the best grandfather to my children. He gave Samus his blessing, he was there to witness to royal ceremony, he watched us ascend to the throne, and he guided us when we needed him. I love you with all my heart and I love him as well…but I will not stand by while you berate him like he did something wrong. So please stop yelling at him!" The room fell silent and Grace began chuckling.
"It's a good thing you're my daughter…I'd have smacked the shit out of anyone else who spoke to me like that." Grace smiled.
"She has your spirit, dear." Daphnes pointed out.
"Does anyone else know?" Samus asked.
"A few servants, but they were sworn not to tell anyone. I believe the plan was to call the undertaker and measure my body for a casket."
"Would you rather be buried or cremated?" Samus asked with tears falling down her face. "Dad…fuck…"
"I'm your dad." Rodney mentioned.
"Yeah, but he was my father in law. You know, now that we're all here…I have time to explain a few of these." Samus removed her shirt and left only the bra on.
"SAMUS!" Zelda practically screamed, but Samus didn't pay any attention.
"Alright, there's a song by the Dropkick Murphy's. They're a band based out of Boston and one of my favorite songs they did is called 'Rose Tattoo.' There's a few verses that relate to the canvas that is my body." Samus cleared her throat and pointed to a symbol on her left shoulder. It was the same color and the same symbol that the blue rogues used.
"This one's for the mighty sea. Mischief, gold and piracy…" She then opened her right arm to reveal the name 'Daphnes' written in a fancy cursive font. "This one's for the man that raised me. Taught me sacrifice and bravery…" She then pointed to a trophy of the tournament on the right side of her hip. "This one's for our favorite game. Thirty two then down to one…" She then pointed to her collarbone and the tattoo read 'Aran' across the front and she turned around to reveal 'Hyrule' written on the back like a giant loop. "This one's for our family name. with pride I'll wear it to the grave. Some may be from showing up. Others are from growing up. Sometimes I was so messed up, I didn't have a clue. I ain't winning no one over, I wear it just for you. I got your name written here in a rose tattoo. In a rose tattoo, in a rose tattoo. I got your name written here in a rose tattoo. In a rose tattoo, in a rose tattoo, I got your name written here in a rose tattoo." Without taking her bra off, she pointed to the rose tattoo that covered her heart. It was difficult to see since she was wearing a bra, but she continued singing.
"This one means the most to me. Stays here for eternity. A ship that always stays the course. An anchor for my every choice. A rose that shines down from above. I signed and sealed those words in blood. I heard them once, sung in a song. It played again and we sang along." Samus then put her t-shirt back on and turned to Samantha. "Now's the time, kid. Who's better? You…or me?"
"Wait, hold on. What were the words?" Samantha questioned.
"Well, that's how the lyrics go. It's a rose with the names of my wife on the rose itself, and my children on the petals.
"That's actually really sweet, mom." Samantha felt her body warm with pride.
"Just know that when I'm kicking your ass, I'm doing it out of love."
"That's reassuring." Samantha laughed and took her place in front of her mom. "Do I at least have mom's blessing?" She questioned. Zelda remained silent for a minute.
"I hope you try your best."
"You're not even backing me?"
"Samantha, as much as I love you…if we're looking at the odds realistically…your mother has a distinct advantage."
"I'll prove both of you wrong." She raised her fists and smiled. "I love you, mom."
"I love you too, Samantha Grace Aran."
"McCloud."
"You'll always be an Aran to me." Samus rushed her daughter and Samantha blocked every strike she delivered. She countered and, to the surprise of everyone, she landed the first strike. The base of her hand connected with her mother's chin. Samus kicked her daughter's leg and she fell over; grimacing in pain. She went to stomp her daughter, but Samantha rolled out of the way. Samus went for a punch, but again, Samantha countered and went for a punch of her own. Samus blocked her punch and went for a clothesline. As she did, she kicked the back of Samantha's leg so when the clothesline connected, it would connect when she hit the ground. No time for her to react, her head hit the ground quickly followed by the clothesline from her mom. Samantha tried to recover, but Samus placed a foot on her neck and applied just enough pressure to restrain her daughter's airflow.
"I win." She stated and Samantha began to tap out. Once she started tapping, Samus knelt down and coddled her little girl.
"Sam, are you ok? We're not fighting anymore…please tell me you're ok."
"I'm…I'm fine." She took a few deep breaths and recovered at the same speed as Zelda. 'Damn…I really thought I had you."
"I told you, if you and I were the same age, I'd kick your ass. I'm a mother first and a competitor second." She helped her daughter up and she hugged her mom.
"Thank you, mom…I'm really glad we did that."
"I'm so proud of you. You did well…got a few shots in and they really hurt." Samus smiled. Suddenly a short red haired woman ran forward. Her hair was messy and long; one might have assumed that this was an identical copy of Merida from the Disney movie, 'Brave.'
"Aoibhe!" Padraig exclaimed. "Thug Grace a teaghlach. Creidim go mbeidh grá agat do Zelda. Is cailín milis í."
"Cén fáth a bhfuil tú ag argóint? Is féidir liom tú a chloisteáil síos an halla." She scornfully glared at the man. She was maybe foure feet tall, if that. But everyone could tell that Padraig was quite fearful of her.
"She looks just like Merida…" Zelda whispered.
"Merida?" Serena questioned her soon-to-be wife.
"From the Disney movie." Virginia whispered back. Serena reexamined the woman and nodded her head. The two were strikingly similar in almost every way.
"Padraig, gheall tú gan argóint a dhéanamh le do theaghlach níos mó. Cén fáth a bhfuil tú ag argóint?" She asked the man in front of her.
"Nílimid ag argóint. Tá mé ag bualadh le hiníon Grace." He replied. She turned in surprise and stared at Zelda before looking back at her husband.
"Ní haon leithscéal é sin. Tá tú ceaptha a bheith ar an duine ciallmhar. Tosaigh ag gníomhú mar é." She shook her head in disapproval before approaching the brunette queen. "Tá sí go hálainn. Caithfidh sí é sin a fháil óna máthair."
"See?" Grace smirked at Daphnes. "She gets it from me."
"She gets most of her traits from you." He added and she kissed the former king of Hyrule.
"Aoibhe." Grace called out and she turned to face the sheikan ninja. "This is my daughter's wife. Her name is Samus Aran." Aoibhe walked up to Samus and raised one arm to cusp her face and examine her. She smiled and turned around to face Zelda.
"Feicim. Is í an mhatán í agus is tusa an intinn. Déanann tú péire foirfe." She replied with a smile.
"Exactly! Aoibhe, you're exactly correct." Grace laughed as the Nohrian family approached the group.
"Samantha, good news! We've come to a unanimous decision." Leo smirked. "We've decided to kill our allies. It's best if-"
"It'd be better if we turned our attention to Tabuu."
"Who?" Xander questioned the princess.
"Tabuu. It's the…ah…bad guy who took our friends away." Xander and Leo looked over at Ryoma and Sakura before nodding.
"We will find this…Tabuu…and kill it." Ryoma stated.
"And finally, our last two guests have arrived." Hylia smiled and was looking away from the group. Zelda and Samus turned to see a tall man and a shorter woman walking towards them. The man was well groomed and had brown hair, a bushy moustache, and perfect posture. His skin was fair and he wore silver framed glasses. The woman had silver colored hair, light colored skin, and her clothes left no question that she was part of clan Sheikah.
"Lady Grace!" The woman rushed towards her and immediately bowed. "I've been awaiting your-" she turned to see Zelda and she quietly gasped. "…l-lady…Z-Zelda…?" Zelda stared at the woman like she knew who she was, but she was surprised to see her.
"…Im…Impa?" she asked and the woman smiled. "Impa! It is you!" Zelda giggled and hugged the woman who served as her retainer when she was little.
"H-Hello…y-your highness…I…um…I n-never th-thought I-I'd see you again. N-Not that I didn't want to, it's just…well…you were better off without me. I…that came out wrong. You never needed me. You were always better than me. Maybe not as tough…ah! I…no, that-"
"Impa…I missed you." Zelda hugged her a little tighter. "Where did you run off to? I missed you so much. I cried when you left. I thought you hated me." Zelda broke the hug and pouted.
"Hated you? Never! I could never-"
"Then where did you go? Why did you leave me?"
"I was ashamed." She admitted as she kicked the ground.
"Ashamed?"
"Impa, I've told you before…you need to stop blaming yourself." Grace told the woman, but she wasn't listening.
"When Lady Grace was poisoned…"
"Poisoned? Father told me mother died from a blood contract."
"No, the clan died from a blood contract. It would've killed your mother, but a woman grew too impatient. Mary…um…I do not remember her last name." She admitted. "She worked for some fancy noblewoman or something." Impa began to explain. "I discovered that she had poisoned your mother's morning tea and…" She gulped hard. "I killed her."
"You killed my mother's murderer?" Zelda questioned with a surprised expression. Impa simply nodded and looked away.
"She was near Lake Hylia. I…held her underwater until the bubbles stopped coming up. I was so angry…she stole something precious from Hyrule. I spent the night crying. I am a disgrace to clan Sheikah."
"Impa, you are not a disgrace!" Grace protested. "You acted out in anger, which is understood. You looked up to me like a mentor. All of clan Sheikah is like family. Your sister was poisoned and…" Grace didn't enjoy talking about this in front of her daughter. "You need to let this burden go."
"But Hyrule lost the greatest queen it had ever had! Lady Zelda lost her mother! Lilly lost her best friend, and I…" She looked away and rubbed her eyes.
"Impa, please." Grace placed a hand on her shoulder.
"That…that doesn't explain why you left me." Zelda stated. Impa looked back at her and gulped hard.
"I felt guilty every time I looked at you. You were a blessing to Hyrule…and I didn't deserve to remain in your life. So one night, I left without saying a word to anyone. I took only a rope with me as I traveled. Far from home, I walked with no identification or ties to Hyrule or clan Sheikah…I fastened the rope to a sturdy branch and-"
"You didn't." Zelda cut her off. "Impa…"
"I couldn't live with myself, your highness. I blamed myself for failing to protect the royal family. As the last living member of clan Sheikah, I couldn't live knowing that I had failed in my duty."
"Impa…" Zelda began crying as she once again hugged the woman. "I cried over you for months. I blamed myself for being an awful friend…I prayed to Hylia to bring you back…I never wanted you to be ashamed. I loved you like an older sister." Her words caused the retainer's heart to sink.
"Please forgive me, your highness." They broke the hug once more and she sniffled.
"But how did you survive if all the members of clan Sheikah died? Mother's diary said she was the last living member of clan Sheikah?"
"The poison killed her before the curse could complete its massacre. I was in the hospital wing on the verge of death before she died. I barely survived which is probably when…" Impa looked down once more. "George and Lilly did their best to console me, but I was too far gone. I never smiled outside of your presence, my princess."
"I did all that I could, Miss Impa." A upstanding British voice called out. Zelda looked past her and saw the man whom she was with. "Sire! My lord Daphnes…it truly breaks my heart to know you are here."
"Hello, George. My time has come. I look forward to catching you up with all that you have missed."
"George?" Zelda asked and the man turned to her.
"Hello, princess…dearest Zelda." He gasped. "Be still, my heart…is it really you?"
"George!" She smiled and ran into the man's arms. "I'm so happy! My best friend and my second father." George's face blushed red from embarrassment as he laughed nervously.
"Sire, she…she doesn't mean that. It was quite an explanation if you'd-"
"It's alright, George. I know you and Lilly raised her to be an upstanding citizen of Hyrule. You raised her far better than I ever could." Daphnes smiled at the man.
"That's simply not true, sire. You were in a dark time if your life. It's understandable that you were drowning in despair. I merely wanted to raise her until you were ready. The kingdom was in peril upon the death of Madame Grace."
"Madame?" Zelda asked.
"I never did like the title of Queen…much like Samus, I preferred people call me by my name. George refused, so we compromised. He would refer to me as Madame Grace. Lilly never called me queen. She'd give me the courtesy from time to time. Your highness or your majesty…but usually, she just called me Grace."
"How is my fair Lilly?" George asked.
"She is living with us, George." Zelda responded to her former butler. "She's getting a bit older and it's tougher for her to move about, but she gets by."
"It warms my heart to know she is well."
"Actually…" Daphnes rubbed the back of his head.
"Is she alright?" Zelda's voice was full of worry.
"One of the last reports on her health…she has taken a turn. I do not believe she has much time left."
"Not Lilly…no, no, no…" Zelda began crying. "I can't do it! I need her. Lady Hylia, please-"
"Zelda, I'm afraid that Lilly's time will draw to a close soon."
"No!" She screamed in protest.
"I am sorry, my dear. I am not in control of who lives for how long…but I can assure you that you will have a chance to say goodbye." Hylia informed the queen. There was a silence from the entire group.
"Daphnes? Is that you, old friend?" Another man's voice spoke up and approached the group. He had dark green hair and warm eyes as he laughed; now realizing this was his friend. His suit was a classic black tuxedo with a long orange tie and a finely trimmed green goatee.
"Ramon?" Daphnes questioned. "My friend, how long has it been?"
"far too long! You remember Abigail."
"I certainly do. Hello Lady Abigail." The woman had lighter green hair and green emerald eyes. She was a few inches taller than him and she looked like a carbon copy of Elincia.
"You look just like a friend of mine…" Zelda sniffled and rubbed her eyes. "H-Her name is Elincia. She-"
"Elincia Riddel Crimea? She is my daughter. And you are?"
"Z-Zelda. Zelda Grace Hyrule." The couple gasped and turned to the former king.
"Daffy…you have a daughter?" Abigail asked the man.
"She is the greatest gift Hyrule has." He smiled with pride.
"How is my dearest daughter?" Ramon questioned the current queen of Hyrule.
"Crimea has flourished under Elincia's reign." She nodded her head. "Her husband, King Geoffrey and Lord Renning compete often to determine who is more loyal to the queen."
"Renning's still alive, huh?" He nodded his head. "Good...good…"
"You know what?" Rodney looked around. "I've been waiting for the right moment for this-"
"Rodney, please tell you're not going to-"
"I need a fiddle." He declared and his wife groaned in frustration.
"Please don't do this." But Hylia had flicked her wrist and a beautiful fiddle appeared on the ground.
"Thanks…Hylia. Right?" Rodney said with less confidence in his voice. She nodded her head and flicked her wrist again to bring a guitar as well.
"What's this?" Samus questioned the goddess.
"You'll see." She smiled while Rodney began tuning the fiddle.
"There's an old song that I enjoyed playing for you when you were little. I'm going to play it now." He began playing the fiddle and Samus immediately recognized it as 'The Devil went Down to Georgia.' She saw the guitar and realized that Hylia knew Samus knew this song by heart.
"The devil went down to Georgia, looking for a soul to steal. He was in a bind because he was way behind and he was looking to make a deal. When he came across this young man sawing on the fiddle and playing it hot. And the devil jumped up on a hickory stump and said 'boy let me tell you what.'" Samus strummed the guitar and he continued. "I bet you didn't know it, but I'm a fiddle player too. And if you care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you. Now you play a pretty good fiddle, boy, but give the devil his due. I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you." Samus strummed again and she began singing before her father could.
"The boy said 'My name's Johnny and it might be a sin, but I'll take your bet and you're gonna regret 'cause I'm the best that's ever been.'" Samus sang and smirked at her father.
"Johnny, rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard. 'Cause Hell's broke loose in Georgia and the devil deals the cards. And if you win, you get this shiny fiddle made of gold. But if you lose the devil gets your soul." Rodney sang while the two played together in perfect harmony. The family enjoyed the music that Rodney and Samus played.
"The devil opened up his case and he said 'I'll start this show' and fire flew from his fingertips as he rosined up his bow. And he pulled the bow across the strings and it made an evil hiss…" He pulled the bow across the fiddle and it made a sharp strain across the fiddle as he continued singing. "And then a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this." He paused for a moment before looking at his daughter with a grin. "Ready?" He asked and Samus nodded. He took a deep breath and exhaled before playing the fiddle like the devil himself. Zelda's eyes grew big while Rodney played the fiddle like a madman.
"Holy shit…" Samus gasped under her breath and smiled. "Yes! YEAH!" Samus cheered and set down the guitar. When Rodney finished he handed the fiddle to Samus.
"Finish out strong, Sammy." Samus took the fiddle and nodded.
"When the devil finished, Johnny said 'Well you're pretty good, ol' son. But sit down in that chair right there. Let me show you how it's done.' Fire on the mountain, run boys run." Samus began playing and she didn't miss a beat. "Devil's in the house of the rising sun. Chicken in a bread pan, picking out dough. Granny does your dog bit? No child, no." Samus was on par with her fiddle playing and, like her father, she filled the air with wonderful music. "The devil bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat. Ad he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny's feet. Johnny said 'Devil just come on back if you ever wanna try again.'" She turned to her father and stopped playing. Like her father, she had a smirk on her face. "'I done told you once, you son of a bitch. I'm the best that ever been.'" She began playing once more and her father picked up the lyrics.
"He played 'Fire on the Mountain' run boys run. Devil's in the house of the rising sun. Chicken in a bread pan, picking out dough. Granny does your dog bite? No child, no." Samus finished it out and when she finished, everyone applauded their performance.
"Darlin' you don't know how happy it makes me that you know that song." Rodney laughed.
"Yeah…dad…these moments…I wish we had more of them."
"Krystal!" Vixy exclaimed and she began glowing white before completely disappearing.
"What's-"
"She's going back." Grace stated. "She's returning to the land of the living."
"Fox." James hugged his son as tight as he could.
"Dad…mom…" Fox wrapped his arms around both his parents and hugged them as tight as he could as he began glowing white and disappearing as well.
"Children…say goodbye to your grandfather." Zelda's eyes were watering like she couldn't believe her father was actually dead, but she was coming to terms with that. Jackson and Alexander hugged their grandfather and both boys sniffled and held back their tears.
"Grandpa…I love you." Alexander quietly stated.
"I love you too, gramps." Jackson added and he smiled.
"I love you as well, my nephews. Jackson…Alexander…you will make fine knights. Hyrule will be proud to have guardians like you." He smiled as the boys disappeared.
"V…" Serena called out and the turned to see her fiancé disappearing. Their pokémon quickly disappeared following Serena. Link and Snake disappeared soon after that and the only four that remained were Samus, Zelda, Samantha, and Virginia."
"Grandpa…" Samantha hugged him tightly. "I love you…I'm sorry I wasn't a good granddaughter. I should've been better and-"
"Samantha, you are a fine young woman. I cherished every moment we had together. You always found a way to make me smile. Never forget that Hyrule is your home. Now, and forever." She broke the hug and rubbed her eyes.
"Thanks Grandpa…I promise…I'll make you proud." Virginia ran towards the man and hugged him while sobbing.
"Grandpa! I'm sorry I never visited. I'm sorry that this is the very last time we'll ever meet. I don't want you to go!" She wailed and he gently patted his back.
"Virginia…you are admired by your entire family. It warms my heart to know that you pursued your dreams and followed your heart. To prevent you from that would be a crime. I love you with all my heart and I'm thankful to have been a part of your life." Like her sister, Virginia broke the hug and rubbed her eyes; though unlike her sister, she was still crying after rubbing her eyes.
"Samantha, Virginia…" Hylia stated. "Nayru and Farore will remain with you. You will hear them and they will appear in your dreams, if you so desire. But your time to prove your worth is coming. Samantha…your destiny awaits."
"My destiny?" She narrowed her eyes. "I…I don't understand."
"In time, young one. In time, you will." Samantha began glowing.
"I love you all…than you so much…for everything!" She finally disappeared and Hylia turned to Virginia.
"Dearest Virginia…you will find your courage soon."
"My courage? What do you mean?" She questioned the goddess. But Hylia shook her head as the princess began to glow. "Th-thank you, Grandma Grace, Grandpa Daphnes, Grandma Virginia, Grandpa Rodney, Mr. and Mrs. McCloud, and Lady Hy…" Virginia disappeared before she could finish her speech. All that remained was Samus and Zelda.
"Mom…dad…" Samus' eyes began watering. "Fuck, I wish we had more time…there's so much I want to say…it's not fair."
"It's alright, Sammy." Rodney smiled. "You're a good kid. I'm glad you turned out the way you did. Your mother and I couldn't be more proud of you."
"Fuck, dad…" Samus began crying as she hugged her father. "I love you so much…so, so much…"
"I love you too, Sammy. More than you'll ever know." He broke the hug and Virginia approached her daughter. Virginia wrapped her arms around her daughter and she squeezed as hard as she could.
"Samus…smile, sweetie. You're an Aran. That makes you a badass. Your wife is a Hyrule. I don't know what that is, but she's pretty damn tough too. Together, you're going to do even greater things. I love you with all my heart, sweetie."
"I love you too, mom." Samus smiled as her mother broke the hug. "Grace, thanks for everything…you're the coolest former queen I've ever met. By the way…" Samus turned to her wife. "I kicked her ass when we first met."
"I let you win." Grace chimed in.
"She didn't."
"Don't lie."
"I'm not lying. I whooped your sorry ass on the dock." Grace and Samus laughed as they hugged one another.
"Take care of yourself, dear. And keep my Zeldy-weldy safe."
"Mother!" Zelda yelled with embarrassment.
"You're never going to live this down." Samus smirked and faced Daphnes. "Dad…it's gonna be weird…going home without you there…"
"Samus, you have been a wonderful daughter-in-law. I bless Hylia every day that you two found each other. I am proud to leave the country of Hyrule in you and my daughter's capable hands."
"You put too much trust in us."
"You are more than ready…your highness." The man bowed to the current queen. She blushed with embarrassment and wiped her eyes once more.
"Damn it, dad…I'm really going to miss you." She hugged the former king of Hyrule and cried into his shoulder. He continued holding onto her until she glowed white and disappeared in his arms. Finally, there was only Zelda.
"Father, I'm going to miss you so much." Zelda's voice cracked and she ran to him and hugged him like she had never hugged anyone before.
"I'll be with you, forever my dear. I will always remain in your heart and your mind."
"I'm never going to succeed like you…I am not capable."
"Zelda Grace Hyrule, do not say such things." Daphnes informed his daughter. "in the same way that Samus proudly bears the Aran family name…you wear the Hyrule name with pride. It is a name for glory and success. Each generation is more successful than the previous. You have surpassed me in ways I could not begin to imagine. Never doubt the importance you have with the citizens of Hyrule. Your mother and I could not have more pride with how much compassion you have in your heart. You are truly the greatest ruler Hyrule has ever had to date. When I speak of the greatest ruler…" he then turned to see Hylia. "Shame me if you wish, Lady Hylia. But I truly believe Zelda has surpassed even you as the greatest ruler in Hyrule's grand history." Hylia's eyes lit up and she gave the greatest grin in response to him.
"Daphnes, your words ring true. I truly believe that young Zelda is close to the greatest ruler…however, she will prove her worth in the future."
"I will?"
"Your destiny has yet to be written, young one. That is all I can say for now." Hylia bowed her head. "But know this…you and Lady Samus…your fate has already been sealed."
"Are we going to die?" she asked with worry.
"Not yet. All will die someday, but your time is not yet." Hylia stated while the queen began to glow white.
"Zelda!" Grace ran up to her daughter and hugged her tight. "My dearest daughter…I love you…I'm so glad we were able to meet."
"Mo…mommy…" Zelda cried into her mother's arms while she continued glowing. "I love you more than life itself. I'll never forget you! I'll speak to you more often!"
"You've made me so proud, princess. My perfect little princess. I love you. Your mother will always love you, Zelda Grace Hyrule." Grace's final statement echoed through Zelda's mind as the white light surrounded her and her family was gone.
I am so glad to see you again, Grace.
She is on her way. Is your child the blond girl?
So you are Grace's baby and Hyrule's future, right?
Gold heart, this one. She will make a fine ruler one day.
Grace, maybe you should calm down.
Grace brought her family. I believe you will love Zelda. She is a sweet girl.
Why are you arguing? I can hear you down the hall.
Padraig, you promised not to argue with your family anymore. Why are you arguing?
We are not arguing. I'm meeting Grace's daughter.
That is no excuse. You are supposed to be the wise person. Start acting like it.
She is beautiful. She has to get that from her mother.
I see. She is the muscle and you are the mind. You make a perfect pair.