Part 1 of my double upload. Chapter 40, the conclusion, follows this chapter.

As the main events have all but concluded at this point, these last two chapters will read more loosely. I think of them as a pair of epilogues.

Truly hope everyone is staying safe and healthy out there.

COUNTING STARS

Chapter 39: Soulmate

Disco lies on the pillow in the corner of the living room, sending me a threatening snarl every few moments. Zelda sits beside me on the sofa, staring blankly at the wall, her foot resting on her knee. I hold her father's stern gaze as he sits in the chair directly across from us, leaning forward. This silence has lasted for a whole three minutes now.

Yes, I counted.

I shift awkwardly under his gaze; Zelda emits an impatient huff. Finally, by some stroke of luck, the headmaster leans back in his chair and decides to speak.

"I believe I owe you an apology."

I blink, taken aback. I can honestly say I didn't expect that. A harsh lecture, an immediate expulsion from the academy, even flat-out murder seemed more likely than that.

"You… what?"

Gaepora wets his lips. "I… misjudged you. From the very beginning. You're not this mischievous freak in a costume wreaking havoc upon our city with reckless abandon. Well—you might be, but that's not all that you are."

"Uh, apology accepted?"

"I'm not finished," the headmaster says. "I was wrong to believe the propaganda against you. In truth, I feared the negative publicity of having a wanted vigilante hidden among the ranks of my students. I feared the reputation of our esteemed academy would be tarnished. Be as it may, however, I've grown to understand that that doesn't matter, all things considered."

I listen quietly as he draws in a breath.

"But most of all, I wish to apologize for blaming Zelda's kidnapping on you. And, well, threatening you after it happened. I should have listened to your warnings… and it haunts me to think how things might have turned out differently had I done so. But, from the bottom of my heart..."

He closes his eyes, briefly, and when they reopen they're shiny and wet.

"Thank you. For saving my daughter."

I don't exactly know how to respond to that, so I just settle on a nod. Beside me, Zelda looks content. I find myself wondering idly if she had demanded her father to apologize to me. Even if that were true, I'm still happy with the gesture.

A moment later a knock comes at the door. Disco barks like crazy, then settles down after a "Psst!" from Zelda. Her father gets up to answer the door.

"Gaepora Harkinian?" asks a man in aviators. Aviators, really. Could you get any more cliché?

"…Yes?"

The man's partner displays a badge. "CIA. May we enter?"

The headmaster turns his head to send Zelda and me a confused look before stepping out of the way.

The suspicious men march in and promptly begin removing the contents of their briefcases: mostly file folders and loose documents, one of which looking like a family tree at a glance. Disco growls but stays still.

Concerned, Zelda meets my eyes.

"Was this a setup?" I whisper to her, only half-joking.

She shoots me a glare. "No, dummy. I have no idea what's going on."

"Mr. Harkinian," says one of the men. "You were raised by your mother, Loretta Harkinian. Correct?"

"Yes?"

"Did you know your father?"

"I never met him. I never even knew his name."

"I see." The man turns to his colleague.

"Allow us to explain why we're here. As you probably know, after the passing of Gustaf Nohansen, Hyrule was left without a king. Our late ruler had no legitimate heirs."

Gaepora nods slowly, though his furrowed brow indicates he does not follow.

"However. Based on extensive DNA tests and uncovering hidden records, the interim ruling power, the Hylian Council, has concluded that the royal bloodline still lives. You are aware of Gustaf's predecessor, King Daphnes Nohansen? His marriage to Queen Matilda produced his successor that we knew, the late Gustaf. And yet recently-discovered documents confirm that he had another child, from his affair with a separate woman—"

The man shows Gaepora a sheet of paper that Zelda and I can't see.

"—by the name of Loretta Harkinian."

Gaepora's eyes widen. Zelda's eyebrows shoot up. My mouth falls open.

"Wait!" I blurt, drawing everyone's attention. I point to Zelda's father. "So that means you're—" Then I point to Zelda. "And that means you're—"

"Correct. They are royalty."

Stunned, I meet Zelda's eyes. She looks less affected by the news, but still shocked.

I shake my head, hard.

"Okay what is up with you Castle Towners and your overly complicated family trees?!" I demand, turning to Zelda. "First we find out Sheik's your half-brother, and now what—you're actually Princess Zelda?"

"Link, I'm just as lost as you. Please quit shouting."

"I—! Okay. Fine, I'll shut up. But this sounds like a very lazy write-in at the end of a fanfiction. I'm not letting this one go."

Gaepora, meanwhile, backs up and takes a seat on the sofa, his fingers held to his forehead.

"I…"

"Hyrule needs a ruler, Sir. You need not be ready to jump in right away, as the Council will help to guide you toward the ways of royalty. But for now, in these tumultuous times, what the public needs to see is a strong figurehead at the helm of the kingdom. You, Sir, fit the bill."

All eyes flock to Zelda's father. He's quiet for a long time, and were his eyes not wide open I would've thought he's fallen asleep.

"I…"

Gaepora swallowed, then finally looked up to meet the men's expectant gazes.

"No. I cannot."

The men share a look. "You're... refusing the throne?"

"I am," he says, nodding firmly. "I must remain headmaster of the academy. I enjoy my quaint life, and I'm getting old. The last thing I need is to take on the stressful life of a king."

The room falls silent once more. The men share nervous glances. "What are we to do?" I hear one whisper.

Then, against all odds:

"I'll do it."

"WHAT?"

Zelda jumps, her eyes wide as four heads snap toward her. "What?" she asks innocently. "I'm next in line after my father, aren't I? I never knew what I wanted to do when I grew up, anyway. My future will be a mess if I don't do this."

Too stunned to speak, I just stare at her in shock, jaw unhinged. She turns my way and shrugs.

It's insane, really, how nonchalantly she's taken this overload of life-changing information. If it were me, I don't know if I could've dropped everything just like that and become a leader of a country, albeit merely a figurehead at first. I suppose she really was made for this.

The two men share a look before turning back to Zelda.

"Very well. Your Highness, please accompany us to City Hall to meet the Hylian Council."

"We would be going to the castle, but—well, you know," explained the other.

Zelda's eyebrows shoot up. "R-right now?"

"Affirmative. It has been several days since the public has received any sort of statement on the state of the union, so we are under quite the time crunch to get things back to normal. Lest the kingdom fall to anarchy, it is advised that we make haste."

"Okay," says Zelda, rising to her feet. She reaches out a hand to help me up. "Come on, let's go."

"Not him," an agent cuts in, raising a halting hand. "Any and all information that will be covered in said meeting is to remain confidential."

"He's my boyfriend. He's coming with."

"Your Highness—"

"It's fine, Zel. Go on ahead."

"What?" She frowns. "Don't you want to come with?"

"I am curious, I'll admit, but I'm clearly not welcome. It's fine though. I have something to take care of in the meantime."

Sighing, she nods. "…Alright. Fine. I'll see you later today?"

"For sure." Hopping to my feet, I give her a quick peck on the forehead that Disco doesn't take too kindly to. "Be safe. And if this whole thing turns out to be a sham, you can take these goons."

Said goons frown, sharing a look.

Zelda giggles. "Relax. They're wearing aviators. No one does that willingly. They're legit."

And so we part ways, Zelda heading toward her unexpected new future, me toward the police station, and Gaepora at home wondering what the hell just happened.

"I don't know why you insist on bringing me alcohol to my workplace, Link."

I grin, setting the bottle of expensive wine down on his desk. "Oh come on. You weren't caught last time. It's the only gift people your age like, right?"

"People my age?" Shad parrots. "You talk like I'm a struggling alcoholic in his late fifties. I'm not much older than you, you know."

"Yeah, yeah. But hey, don't let it go to waste. Dark swiped it straight from the Hyrule Castle cellar. On second thought, you're pretty familiar with that place, aren't you?"

"Don't remind me, Link."

I grin. "The castle's destroyed now, you know. Just be glad I gave you one of the last Hyrule Castle wines known to existence."

Picking up the bottle, he reads its label and nods. "I am glad, thank you—wait. One of the last Hyrule Castle wines?" He narrows his eyes. "The castle imploded. Where are the other ones?"

"If you're onto me for underage drinking, you have nothing to worry about, Officer."

"Detective."

"Besides, Dark has the rest. And he's a few hundred years old, so rest assured he's legal."

Shad blinks. "I'm not even gonna bother questioning that. What brings you here, anyway?"

"Can't I just deliver a kind gift to a cherished friend?"

"What do you want?"

"Well, ahem, now that you mention it there's one last favor I want to ask of you."

Shad folds his arms, leaning back in his chair. "Alright. Lay it on me."

I pause, pressing my lips, wondering how to phrase it to avoid getting flat-out rejected.

"I want you to convinced the chief to release Vaati."

"Done."

I blink. "Huh? Just like that?"

"Of course," Shad says with a nod. "I don't know exactly what happened between you two, but Auru holds you in very high regard. Almost like he's afraid of you. I caught him earlier mumbling about how you figured out his secret and his career is ruined." He shrugs. "Frankly, I don't want to know what you discovered. But what I do know is that all I have to do to free Vaati is say 'Link wants us to let Vaati go.' And boom, he's a free man."

I snort. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Thanks, Shad."

"Of course, Link."

"Well, I gotta run. I've got a date with a princess."

"Cute nickname. I didn't know you were the type."

"Oh, I'm not. You'll see what I mean eventually."

Before stepping out, I turn back once more.

"And hey, this isn't over. Any time crime returns to this city, you and I are running it back."

"Heh. It's weird to say, but I look forward to when that day comes." He grins. "Thank you, Link. It's been an honor."

With a grin, I give him a mock salute, then make my exit.

The next couple of months fly by in relative ease. Word has spread quickly about Zelda's—Princess Zelda's—stuffy new position as figurehead of the kingdom, although her official coronation is still not for quite some time. Given that she will rule alongside the council, "Princess Regent" will be her official title when that day comes, but for now she's merely Zelda.

As such, an entourage of students swarm her at every opportunity, begging for autographs or even blessings on rare occasions. Others have taken up calling the her father King Harkinian as a running joke. Meanwhile, some of Zelda's acquaintances have become too timid to face her now, frightened by their own impropriety and her newfound status, but her core friends have remained at her side through it all, even acting as makeshift bodyguards. Other than the loss of some of her extended friends, Zelda hasn't been too bothered by the abrupt change in daily life.

Me, however... I find it difficult most days to find the time where I have her all to myself.

After school each day she adjourns to City Hall where the council grooms her to become prim and proper, offering strict lessons on proper etiquette when dining and communicating with foreign diplomats. While she won't be the only one spearheading the kingdom's decisions, she understands it's still important for the proper image of Hyrule's leader to be upheld. How she manages to learn all this new information while maintaining a 4.0 GPA at the academy is far beyond my knowledge.

I usually only get to see her in class or on the weekends, when she's permitted a break to decompress. It's difficult, but it makes me cherish the time we spend together all the more.

"Is this how it's gonna be?" I ask one late night on the couch of our dorm room, Zelda's head nestled up against my chest. "Once you live in the castle, we're only gonna see each other once or twice a week?"

Zelda looks up from the corny horror movie and frowns. "Once we live in the castle, we'll see each other every night. At the very least."

"Heyo!" Pipit cheers, disturbing a snoozing Karane in his lap. "Dub for Link. Lucky man gets to live like a king!"

"Ooh, I can't wait!" exclaims Dark. "We can bring this couch into our room at the castle, right, Your Highnesses?"

Midna flicks him. "We are not living with Link and Zelda, Dark."

Pipit grins. "Unless you want to see Link naked."

"I do every day!"

Malon lifts her head from Sheik's shoulder to squint at the goth boy. "Wha—Oh, right. You're identical."

"What does that have to do with it?" Dark pipes.

Frowning, I whip my gaze his way. "Wait, what?"

"I plead the fifth!"

"Moving on from... that," Sheik begins, shooting Dark a weird glare before turning to his half-sister. "What is going to happen to you? Are you even returning for senior year?"

"Absolutely!" Zelda says, almost offended at the idea of the alternative.

Midna sits up to look at the blonde. "Why, though? It's not like you need a career now."

"Would you be willing to listen to a princess who dropped out of high school?"

"Yes. That princess sounds badass!"

"Okay, well, you're an outlier and you know it."

"Fair."

I chuckle at the exchange, idly wondering how many more chances we'll all have to simply hang out like this. It's a bit sad, really, knowing that our carefree, leisurely days we fought so hard for are numbered.

"What about you, Link?"

Pipit's question pulls me from my reverie; I lean forward. "Hm?"

"What do you plan on doing? Just shack it up in the royal bedroom? The secret superhero gig doesn't pay much, I imagine."

Ah, right. A career. The very last thing I've thought about during my brief tenure as an enrolled student at Hyrule Academy.

"I… have no idea. Maybe law enforcement?" I shrug. "Just a thought. I'm already pretty decent at it, I guess."

"Link! That's perfect!" Dark's shouting has succeeded in completely waking Karane up. "You and me, Dark Guy and Light Guy, as superhero cops!"

"Those have never been our superhero names, and they're borderline racist."

"You, a cop?" Sheik shrugs. "I dunno. I think that'd be good for you."

"See? Zeke's behind it!"

"How long have we known each other, and you still can't get my name right?"

I sigh. "I'm not deciding anything final while I'm still a junior, guys. But I'll think on it."

And think on it I do.

For the next few weeks leading up to spring break, my future is one of the only things on my mind. I don't just want to be an ex-vigilante squatting up in the royal bedroom. It's not about the money, either.

As Hero, I felt... important. Needed. Helpful.

Now that the gangs are gone and crime has fallen to a minimum, there are far less opportunities for me to go be a green ninja with a funny hat and a shiny sword. Sure, no matter how many criminals you lock up, more will take their place. But until that time comes I need something else to make a contribution to this wayward kingdom.

When spring break rolls around, each couple in our friend group has their own plans, but we all vow to do something as a group for next year. Sheik and Malon have a lodge booked in the mountains, and as a surprise one day he flips me the key to his home in Lakeside.

"My mom's out of town for work," he explains. "I asked her if I could let you and Zel stay and watch the house, water the plants and all while she's gone. Obviously she said yes, so yeah. Surprise."

I take the key and thank him excessively, and he makes me swear that Zelda and I will stay out of his room. I readily assure him that while it would be funny to commit the heinous act Sheik's mind has certainly drifted towards, Zelda would never permit it. In his room, at least. He relaxes a bit, but still eyes me suspiciously.

The drive there is pleasant, with the sun shining and the birds chirping, giving us an early taste of summer. It's been a long, long winter, after all, so I welcome the coming seasons with open arms.

"You're a great driver, you know that?" I tell her when we arrive.

"Thanks! You're terrible at it."

I laugh, and we bring our luggage in, water the plants as instructed by Zelda's birth mother's note, and spend the evening watching the sunset in the grassy backyard.

It's rare to have this much time alone with Zelda. As it always goes, though, the week flies by far too quickly for my liking.

Some days we go out to the town to visit shops or eat out at restaurants, where a few people recognize their new princess but on far rarer occasions than at school. Generally they leave us to our business, and even those who don't are greeted with a warm smile from Zelda and treated to a brief, but dignified, conversation. She takes it all in stride, and I'm constantly impressed by how she's able to handle it so well. Impressed, but not surprised. I know she's very capable.

Other days—most of the days, in fact—are spent lazing around either in the yard or in the house. After such traumatizing and physically-demanding events, coupled with Zelda's dedication to becoming the model leader, I believe it's safe to say we've earned some respite. It's on these days where we avoid the public eye that we're inseparable, always in each other's arms.

One particularly adventurous night finds us skinny dipping in the lake's cold waters. It's still only spring, and Lake Hylia is a particularly deep body of water, so it's not much warmer than it had to be in the winter.

Our teeth are chattering as we swim around, but we're smiling anyway. Zelda splashes me whenever my eyes drift too far from her own, and I laugh.

Goosebumps cling to our skin and we shiver, holding onto the dock under the lone fluorescent lamppost. We silently hold each other's gazes, and suddenly I don't feel cold anymore. As I look into her eyes, she's shivering, her soaked locks of hair pressed onto her bare skin, and she has the warmest smile gracing her lips.

With my free hand I cup her face and pull her in, our lips and bodies meeting beside the dock. I pour all my love into this kiss, as if she'll be gone tomorrow, as if she'll never get to see me once she's ascended the throne. Zelda returns it with a hunger and passion greater than ever before, clinging onto me with all her strength.

When our lips part, my skin is tingling where hers was pressed up to, and I sigh contentedly.

"I love you," I tell her honestly, and it's the easiest thing I've ever had to say.

Zelda's lips splay out into a mischievous grin.

"I know."

Swimming quickly apart from her, I put on an offended face. "Really? I risk getting hypothermia by agreeing to your silly little idea to go skinny dipping, and you can't even say it back?"

She knows I'm joking, because I'd never pressure her into saying something she's not ready for. Still, every time I hear that 'I know,' I can't deny it stings a little.

Zelda giggles, reaching over to poke my nose.

"Just keep doing things right, and you'll hear it soon."