Hey! At long last, here we are. The conclusion.
A very special thank you to everyone who's left a word—your encouragement, feedback, and even your pleas for updates are all so dearly appreciated. You don't know how much that can mean to an author. As well, thank you to my silent readers out there, I can't forget about you. My followers and favoriters, you're all appreciated just as much. Love y'all.
Looking back, this story lost a lot of its following due to my terrible update consistency. I don't blame anyone for dropping off as a result; hey, I would've too. I really dropped the ball, and I'm truly sorry I wasn't better at that. To those who stuck with me through it all, wow. I don't deserve you. Thank you dearly.
By the way, I may eventually get around to revising the first 20-ish chapters until I'm satisfied with their quality. Some will be completely rewritten, even. So, rereading this sometime in the future will be a much smoother experience.
If you happen to like me and my work, then please consider following or favoriting me so you don't miss anything new I'm gonna throw onto this lovely site. (Like a sequel, you ask? Well…)
I know there are gonna be some calls for a sequel to this story, but for now my answer is going to be a soft maybe. I've floated some ideas around, but the thing is, I wrote this as a celebration of the entire Zelda series, and tried to include characters, enemies, etc. from every game—therefore there's not much else to write about. Whether or not I'm really going to commit to another project like this is still up in the air.
As of now, I'm going to be dabbling in some Fire Emblem. My next Zelda story is going to be called The Law of Attraction, and it'll be a Zelda spin on Fire Emblem: Three Houses. (And btw, I can't recommend that game enough. It's become my all-time favorite.)
I'm sorry to see this go, but relieved that I got around to finishing it. I hope you enjoyed the journey, long as it was.
Alrighty, I guess that's all. Love to everyone.
—Saus
COUNTING STARS
Chapter 40: Hero
"Hey there, Princess! Remember me? Uh… Ralph?"
Zelda smiles and nods. "Hey, Ralph! Yes, I totally remember you. What's up?"
I raise an eyebrow beside her, wondering the redhead's angle. He's been known to make clear advances on Zelda right in front of me, but he was invaluable in our fight against Yuga. He saved Zelda's life, then mine. So the least I can do right now is humor him, I suppose.
"Well it's just that... you know… I hear you're royalty and all, so..."
Ralph shakes his head, then huffs.
"I want to apologize. For being a blubbering idiot. I shouldn't have been so forward with you, let alone someone of your status."
"It's okay, Ralph. Really."
"It can't be that easy. Let me make it up to you!" he says. "Magic runs in the royal family. Did you know that? That means you can learn to be a mage, like me! I can train you in the craft—that is, as long as you promise me a position in the royal guard if there were ever to be one." He grins. "So? What do you say?"
The skeptic in me wonders if this is some kind of long-term plan of his to attempt at stealing Zelda from me, but I can't deny the safety benefits of Zelda learning such a skill. She eyes me, gauging my expression, and I nod at her supportively.
"That sounds agreeable, Ralph. Thank you for offering!"
"Yes! You won't be disappointed. I'll be the best knight ever—and you! You'll be the best mage ever! Farewell, Your Highness!"
When he's scurried away, Zelda turns to me with a peculiar look.
"Are you sure you're okay with me getting lessons from a guy who once had a thing for me?…And who probably still does?"
"Absolutely. You know I trust you." I squeeze her hand. "It's not like Ralph ever really had a chance, anyway."
She giggles. "Yeah, you're right on that."
"What about you, though? You really want to take on a whole new thing to learn? You're already going to City Hall every day after school."
"Oh, I see. You're worried about these lessons taking away our alone time." She smirks.
I shrug. "I was honestly concerned for your sake, but now that you mention it..."
"Well then I've got some good news. I only have a few more weeks of those etiquette lessons, and then I'm considered 'ready.'"
"Ready," I repeat, eyebrows shooting up. "Like, to become Queen?"
"Not Queen, dingus. Princess Regent."
"That's too many syllables for my liking."
"Whatever. But yeah, only a few more weeks of lessons. My coronation won't be for another several months, though."
Smiling, I shake my head.
"What?" she asks, giving me a funny look.
"Just you. This whole thing is so crazy, and to you it's just another everyday hoop to jump through." I grin. "You're gonna do great, Zel."
"Aww. Don't get mushy on me now." She leans over and pecks me on the cheek. "Thank you though. Really. That... means a lot."
And so the school year passes by in a blur. I somehow manage to salvage my grades and bring them all up to C's and B's, which is a miracle in and of itself since I had been flunking for most of the semester. Zelda's tutoring can be largely credited for that, though I often felt guilty for taking up her time so soon after she completed her required meetings with the Hylian Council. She always reassures me that it's no trouble at all.
Summer vacation is the type of break we humbly believe we deserve. But due to class no longer being in session, the dorms are to remain closed. Of course I should have anticipated this, but with all that's been going on it went right over my head.
"You're going back to Ordonia?"
I zip up my suitcase and rise to my feet, meeting my roommate's eyes. "I don't really have a choice."
Sheik frowns. "And what does Zelda think about this?"
"She's coming with."
"Really? So we're not gonna see each other all summer?" He crosses his arms, frowning, then shakes his head. "No, that's not gonna fly."
I raise a brow.
"You two are coming to live with me."
"Huh?"
"Everyone else lives pretty close, but Ordonia's a couple hours away. We earned this summer break—we really did—and it's not gonna be the same without you two."
I ponder his proposal for a moment. We've stayed at Sheik's place before, when it was us three and Malon—that was when we discovered Zelda and Sheik had the same mother. But aside from that strange revelation, living with them had been rather fun.
"Would your mother really be okay with that?"
Sheik nodded adamantly. "She's scared to say it, but she really wants to bond with Zelda. I mean, she's her daughter, and they've been separated for seventeen years. I guarantee you she'll say yes."
"I'll see what Zelda wants to do," I tell him. "And hey… Thanks."
Sure enough, Zelda agrees quite instantly, but quickly assures me that it's nothing to do with Ordonia's atmosphere or inhabitants, just its location. She'd miss her father and friends, and also Disco. It's the right decision, no matter how awkward things might be with her birth mother at present.
Malon will pretty much live there as well, given Lon Lon Ranch's close proximity to Sheik's house, and even manages to secure us some well-paying jobs at the ranch.
The others, meanwhile, return to their homes around the same general area, none too far from the others. This of course leaves Dark utterly homeless.
"Can't you live with Midna?" Malon asks him when he breaks the news.
"Her parents are pretty strict, so they said no," he sighs. "And I can't get an apartment with my old methods, since Midna calls that 'cheating,' or something."
"I would offer you to crash on our couch, but my mom said no more than two can stay with us," Sheik explains. "I'm sorry, bro."
"Eh, it's fine. Y'know, I kinda miss my old life anyway. If I sleep in a dumpster again, no one can tell me not to sleep naked!"
Zelda cringes. "That's... one way to look at it."
"Why don't you work at my family's ranch with us?" Malon chimes. "You can make money for an apartment that way."
"Don't I need, like, an identity and stuff?"
"If you don't exist, we can pay you under the table."
Dark's eyes light up. "Tax evasion! I like the way you think, girlie. I'm so down!"
And thus begins our new lives, if only for a few months. Work at the ranch is tedious, but nothing any of us can't handle, particularly those of us who have literal goddess powers to our names. Zelda's reason for taking up this job (when her future position will net her loads more money than here on the ranch) is solely to keep her mind occupied, and also, as she puts it, "to get tan." One look at her fair skin is enough to make one wonder if that dream of hers is feasible, but I decide on keeping that to myself.
Also, Zelda has secretly requested that a significant portion of her paycheck be added to Dark's, if only to get him on his feet. She needs the money the least, and he needs it the most, so it makes sense. Yet still I find myself in awe of her generosity, as would Dark if he were aware.
Our friends come over on weekends, where we either hit the town or just hang out in the yard or the house. Mikau still bickers with Mido, but seems to have mended things with Lulu. Pipit and Karane show surprising chemistry despite being so distant with each other in the recent past. Sheik and Malon are the most down-to-earth, synergistic couple in Hyrule, while Midna and Dark are the most bizarre and anomalous combo that somehow just seems to click.
Despite all that's changed, it's refreshing knowing that we can still connect like this; hopefully such leisurely spells can continue into the future. Especially with how much change is soon to come when Zelda ascends the throne.
The summer ends after we celebrate mine and Zelda's birthdays, on the last day of August for me and the seventeenth of September for Zelda. Zelda had bought me a guitar, since I'd mentioned in the past how I wanted to learn, and also a new pair of basketball shoes. For her, I saved up most of my money from the ranch and bought a diamond crested necklace, with a sapphire stone in the shape of Nayru's emblem.
When she lifts it up out of the box, her eyes widen, and her jaw drops.
"Link..." she breathes, observing it from all angles as it turns before her eyes. "This is beautiful, I…"
She holds it close to her chest, looking up at me with teary eyes. "I love it."
My heart swells with joy, and I grin. "I'm glad. Here, I'll help put it on."
I do, then we lean over the upstairs balcony of Sheik's home, side by side. She holds the necklace out to see, her eyes fixed on the glimmering stones beneath the moonlight.
"They're real, by the way," I say, referring to the gems. "In case you care about that sort of thing."
"You know I don't when it comes from you."
"Doubtful, but sweet." I kiss the top of her head.
"Why did you spend so much?" she asks, pouting. "My gifts to you couldn't have been this expensive."
"Because I love you. Duh." I pause. "But also, this sounds selfish, but it's kind of a gift to myself as well."
"How so?"
"Well, this took a substantial chunk out of the money I made this summer, and my uncle's inheritance definitely isn't going to last. So, in a way… I guess this is how I'll get myself to narrow down a career path. You know? I'm getting rid of my financial security so I can get a move on toward my future. Does that make any sense?"
"You're a moron, Link."
"Ouch."
"Instead of this roundabout method of yours, you could've just—I dunno—talked to me about it?" She puts her hands to her hips, her eyes narrowed up at me.
"You're right. I could've. But this way I got a gift idea out of it," I counter, smirking. "And I get to see you angry. You're cute when you're angry."
Her cheeks flare up with color, and my smirk widens. It's fun to see her flustered.
"That—I—Shut up!" She huffs and crosses her arms, looking out toward the shimmering lake.
"Sorry for calling you cute," I tease her, earning a sidelong glare.
"You're a dork. Can we just talk about it now?"
"My future? Sure."
"Forcing yourself into picking a path isn't what it's all about, Link. You have to actually consider what you're passionate about. That comes first. What you're good at and what makes money always come second."
I'm tempted to bring up the fact that she's literally just been offered the most important position in all of Hyrule and therefore she couldn't have possibly been passionate about said career path, given its sheer impossibility. But that wouldn't really help anything, so I just let it go. Besides, she might not yet know it, but it's become apparent that she may very well have been made for this, anyway.
"What are you passionate about, Link?" she asks me.
"Hm." I frown, thinking. "I know I've mentioned law enforcement, but I dunno... That was just something close to my role as Hero."
"You wouldn't like to be a cop?"
"Not really. I don't really get along with cops," I remark, a rueful smirk on my face. "I like to do my own thing, anyway. Following orders doesn't sound too appealing."
"You're dating the future Princess Regent."
I laugh. "Okay, maybe I'll follow your orders. If you're nice to me."
Smiling, Zelda shakes her head. "Tell me this, Link," she says after a moment of quiet. "What do you care about most? Don't say me, either. Ideal-wise."
"Ideal-wise? Well... I guess… helping people," I answer honestly. "Protecting those I love."
"Hm…" Zelda looks at me almost sadly. "You really liked being Hero, didn't you?"
I hesitate, then slowly nod.
It's true. Something about donning that green cap and black mask and running out into the night was both exhilarating and fulfilling. I truly felt that I was doing the world some good. And while I messed up a couple of times—okay, many times—I hope I was at least somewhat able to live up to my name.
"I promise I'll help you, alright?" Zelda says, placing a hand on mine. "As long as you promise to talk to me about it along the way."
I nod. "Of course."
A week later, senior year begins.
And finally, after being originally opposed to the idea, I agree to join the basketball team. Talo is ecstatic at the news. Ever since I showed him that video of my front-flip dunk, he's texted me every day about my jump program, nutrition, and workout routines. If I were to tell him that all he has to do is acquire the powers of a god, well, he'd lose his motivation. And I don't have the heart to do that to him.
I somehow manage to convince Sheik to join the team too. He lacks the finer skill possessed by some of the other members of the team, but his raw athleticism is enough to secure him a spot in the rotation.
Needless to say, Hyrule Academy's "Big Three" of me, Sheik, and our new friend Groose ends up trouncing the competition and dominating the league. I try my best not to stand out, but after averaging thirty points per game on even my worst days and making SportsCenter with a highlight dunk every month, I'm beginning to find it difficult to stay under the radar.
Plus, when you can do a three-sixty degree double windmill dunk, you do a three-sixty degree double windmill dunk. You just can't help yourself.
Sheik, Groose, and I manage to take Hyrule Academy all the way to the kingdom semifinals. At that point, however, my guilt really starts to get to me. Playing with superpowers truly is unfair to the actual contenders, and frankly it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
After toying with the competition in the semifinals, having kept the game close the whole time, I decide to blow the game by purposefully spraining an ankle in the fourth quarter. We end up losing, and Lakeside advances to the kingdom championship, their players hooping and hollering all the way to the locker room.
The season ends then and there. Sheik and Groose are bummed, as are the rest of my teammates who I've grown somewhat fond of, but I know I did the right thing.
After my third straight forty-point performance I'm approached by an important looking man in an immaculate suit and tie, and he hands me a letter, saying I've been offered a full-ride athletic scholarship to Hyrule University.
Accepting it doesn't even cross my mind. I refuse him instantly, not even bothering to offer an explanation.
Accepting that scholarship means taking it away from someone else. Someone more deserving. It would be a slap in the face to players who work hard all their lives without the help of superpowers.
Instead, however, I guide the man's focus to Groose, a budding star center who improved drastically playing side-by-side with me. He's a big body with promising skill, and should certainly be of use at the next level of play.
Weeks later they offer Groose a partial scholarship, and Groose is very thankful to me.
The whole ordeal, yet again, gets me wondering about my future. I know that I had made the right decision, morally speaking. But what if I decide I want to attend college? Did I make a mistake?
I decide to bring it up to Zelda, but when I arrive at her dorm room she's so enthralled at showing me the new magic she's learned from Ralph that I can't bear to change the subject. It's too cute to watch her eyes light up like that when she's passionate about something.
Graduation eventually rolls by and I still don't know what my future may hold. My grades improved even more this year, earning all B's and even one A. Granted, it was gym class, but hey, let me be proud.
Meanwhile, Zelda is up on stage, delivering her valedictorian speech. I watch on proudly from my seat, and her eyes are directed at me the whole time, as if she and I are having a simple conversation. A more intelligent one, at that, given that she's the only one speaking.
We receive our diplomas, throw our caps, and that's that. High school is no more. We cheer and party all night, not waking up until the mid-afternoon the next day.
When Zelda stirs, I can finally remove my arm that's been trapped beneath her snoozing form all night. I shake it out, hoping to restore feeling in my tingling limb.
She giggles at my theatrics, then sits up, her brow furrowing. "Last night. Did we...?"
"Don't remember," I respond, rubbing my temples. "Hung over."
"Me too. Wanna do nothing today?"
"More than anything."
When we're required to move out of the dorms for good, the council gives Zelda the key to a penthouse in the most expensive apartment complex in Castle Town, giving us permission to live there until they put the finishing touches on Hyrule Castle's restoration. When that day comes, so too will Zelda's coronation.
We step inside, and our jaws drop. It's bigger than the academy foyer, with rose petals dotted atop a California king sized bed, an enormous walk-in closet, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the entire city.
"Hot damn," I mutter. "Can you, like, rule from here? Instead of the castle?"
Zelda shrugs, then leaps onto the bed. "I'll let the council know I'm never moving out of here."
Of course, fate won't have it. After a very fun night, Zelda is summoned to move into Hyrule Castle the next day.
We pack up our things and ride the limo to our new home, then get escorted up the curving staircase and down a long corridor to the royal bedroom.
It's not as big as the penthouse, but it's twice as luxurious, with the same size bed and fancy wooden furniture that is truly befitting of a queen. There's even a grand piano, which I vow to learn in order to serenade my beloved. We drop off our things, and Zelda is summoned to the audience chamber to discuss the details of her upcoming ceremony, leaving me free to explore the vast halls of the castle.
Not but one turn taken do I run into a familiar face.
"Impa?" I ask, squinting.
My old language arts teacher approaches me wearing a sleek business suit, her scarlet eyes sharp as ever. Beside her is a girl with bright blue hair, pale skin, and a cheery smile on her lips.
Impa pulls out a badge and displays it to the two of us.
"Actually, Mr. Gaiden, you may call me Agent Shadow," she says firmly, "of Hyrule's Central Intelligence Agency."
"You're C.I.A.?!" I practically shout, causing Impa to narrow her eyes even further and look around for listeners.
"Just announce it to the whole world, why don't you, Mr. Gaiden. Yes."
Huh. Crazy how someone so average can actually be living a double life behind the scenes. I truly wonder what that's like.
My eyes flick to the woman beside her, slightly uncomfortable with her incessant smiling.
"Who's this?"
"Agent Lana Woods," Impa answers for her, as if not allowing her to speak.
"Hi!" Lana greets me with a wave.
I return an awkward smile, uncomfortable with this particular spy's uncharacteristic friendliness.
Impa clears her throat audibly, commanding attention.
"We've been keeping tabs on you, Hero, and came here to—"
"Wait," I interject, eyes widening, "you know it's me? You know I'm Hero, and you didn't turn me in?"
"Of course not; look what you've accomplished. We knew you were Hyrule's only hope, so there was no way we would turn you in to those delinquents at CTPD."
I blink. "…Thanks."
"And your kingdom thanks you," Impa replies. "However, Agent Woods and I came here not to congratulate you, but to recruit you."
My mouth falls open, and I stare at her in shock. "Recruit? Me? To the C.I.A.?"
"Yes," Impa responds gruffly. "We believe you will be a valuable asset to the safety of this nation. And we hear tell of your recent interest in law enforcement."
"Wait…" I begin, squinting suspiciously. "Does your little C.I.A. have a member named… Cia, by any chance? Because I have learned a lot about these important acronyms and the poorly-hidden meanings behind them."
Lana laughs. "Don't worry, Cia isn't in the C.I.A.," she assures me. "Funnily enough, that witch-lady happens to be my twin sister."
I turn my wide-eyed gaze to her, just now realizing the resemblance.
"I was the good one," she explains with visible amusement.
"What's your decision, Hero?" Impa inquires, cutting right to the chase. She folds her arms, tapping her foot impatiently.
"What, I have to decide now?"
"We're on a tight schedule."
"Well you've got to tell me more—do I get to live here? Can I tell Zelda?"
"You may tell the princess, but only because she will soon learn the identities of every special agent." Impa pauses considerably before wetting her lips and continuing. "But nobody else. Not your dysfunctional group of friends, and especially not your doppelganger. We also cannot guarantee that you can stay here, as your duty will take you wherever your mission requires."
"Then I must refuse," I tell her instantly. I can't leave Zelda, no matter what offer gets thrown at me. That's just not going to happen.
"So be it," replies Impa. "But you're a powerful man. You do anything to jeopardize the safety of our kingdom, and we will consider you a target and be forced to eliminate you."
I smile, shaking my head.
"As long as Zelda's in charge, you have nothing to worry about."
Impa nods, then turns to leave, snapping her fingers to ensure Lana follows.
"Before you go, uh, Agent Shadow," I say with air quotes that she doesn't take kindly to, "I have one request."
"What is it?"
"Please… don't plant your little surveillance bugs in our room," I say, trying my best not to make it sound awkward. "We need some privacy, after all..."
Impa turns squarely toward me, and the tiniest hint of a smirk twitches on her lips. "Granted. I learned my lesson after the incident at a certain Stryker household."
Paling, I watch the woman turn and leave.
Lana waves, looking back at me. "Bye, Link!"
That night Zelda and I sit in front of the fireplace in our chamber, my head in her lap while she plays with my overgrown hair.
"Have you been thinking about what you want to do?" she asks gently, knowing that this is a stressful topic for me.
I shrug, keeping my eyes closed. "Yeah, a little."
"Any luck?"
"Well, I narrowed down my options to those that keep me at your side," I comment idly. "But I guess I already knew that. So no, no progress."
"I have an idea, if you're up for it."
That gets my attention. I open my eyes, looking up at her. "Really? Lay it on me."
"The council wants to give me my personal security squadron, but I told them I only need you," she says, smiling. "So, want to be my appointed knight? I'll pay you handsomely."
My eyes are wide and I sit up, meeting her eyes. "Zelda, you know I'll already be doing that for free."
"I know." She nods. "But this way you'll be getting some monetary compensation out of it, so you can attain a sense of fulfillment. That's what this was all about, wasn't it?"
"Huh?"
"You were worried that when I ascend the throne, you won't be able to provide as much as me, given how much money someone in my position inevitably makes. Does that sound right?"
It may have been entirely spot-on. "…Maybe."
"Link…" She pouts. "You know you're valued, right? Even if there are no more gangs or seemingly no more threats to take care of... I'll always need you to protect me. I don't care one way or the other if you're making lots of money. It's clear as day that being a hero is what you love. So keep being one."
I sigh, smiling sadly. She always knows how to make me feel better. I really don't deserve her.
"…Alright," I tell her, holding her hand. "I'll be your appointed knight."
"Great!" She rubs her thumb against the skin of my hand, grinning.
"You know, Zel…" I say after a while. "If I'm ever lucky enough to marry you, I refuse to become king."
"Hm? Why's that?"
"Our patriarchal society would recognize me as the higher authority simply because I'm a man. That's just wrong. I could never take your birthright away from you. Plus," I add, a smirk gracing my lips, "I'm far too stupid to rule a kingdom."
"Well you're right on that," she says, grinning again. "But thank you. Truly."
A week later Zelda formally ascends the throne. She wears a regal dress of a stunning blue hue, and a magnificent golden crown is placed atop her head by the chairman of the council. She swears her oaths to lead righteously, and gives her first public statement as Princess Regent to the Hylian public.
In spite of the people's initial grief at losing their king, they were very receptive of the fresh new face of their leader. Zelda's youth promised hope, her beauty captivated millions, and her generosity fostered good-natured deeds to spread throughout the kingdom. When the ceremony reaches its conclusion, those lucky enough to be in attendance erupt into a chorus of cheers.
Next up, as Zelda reminds me, is my own ceremony.
The day prior, we sit outside at a little cafe in the Tri District, Zelda's security warding off unwanted paparazzi as we sip our coffee.
When she notices my jittery behavior, Zelda finds my hand in her own.
"You have no reason to be nervous, Link."
"Me? Nervous? Come on."
"Your hand's a little clammy."
"It does that when I'm freaking out."
She laughs. "You'll be fine. You don't even have any lines to say!"
"That's not what I'm worried about," I sigh, and she understands.
So when I'm publicly knighted in full Hero attire the following evening, my heart is thudding heavily all throughout for what's next to come.
Zelda slowly reaches her hands up to my face, sending me a wink that those behind her cannot see. Then, in one slow, deliberate motion, she removes my cap and mask and reveals my face to the world.
Some sharp gasps can be heard from the audience, even though there's no way they know who I am. Rather, the fact that Hero, the masked vigilante, is being revealed before them is what's shocking.
It is then that Zelda recounts the various deeds I've done to liberate the kingdom from its pair of tyrants, with the help of my friends—and she lists their names, too, giving them the credit they deserve. Predictably, Zelda humbly leaves her own name and efforts out of the story, although she does mention witnessing our deeds firsthand.
At first I'm uncomfortable with my newfound fame, and wonder what life would be like had my identity been protected, but as the princess's boyfriend it'd be impossible to stay under the radar for long anyway.
Some few weeks after her coronation, Zelda got started on her first initiative. With the late King Gustaf's boundless inheritance, Zelda personally funds the creation of a K-12 school in Ordonia, naming it "Rusl D. Gaiden Academy."
Upon hearing the news, I can't help but to break down crying.
Zelda spends the night happily stroking my hair as I bury my head into the crook of her shoulder, a complete emotional wreck, but a happy one at that.
In spite of Zelda's hectic agenda, we still find time to reconvene with our dear friends. Sunday nights, the whole gang is invited to hang in the castle, where they get treated to great food and entertainment.
Mikau and Mido consistently alternate winning games of pool, betting and losing in 'double or nothing' scenarios to the point where neither of them wins a single rupee. Pipit and Karane, now attending college together, have emerged as the group's star partiers. Sheik has decided to enter the police academy, and after Midna's incessant begging he finally agrees to taze her. Malon watches on, unimpressed, as Midna thrashes about, while Dark cheers on his girlfriend from behind the bar.
Dark, who'd found work as the bartender in Hyrule Castle's tavern, proves to be an excellent server for such occasions.
"This is great, you know that?" he says, looking around the room at each of his friends. "Look how far we've come. I'm literally serving shots to the princess!"
"Hey," Zelda snaps after a hiccup. "You keep your mouth shut about that. Y'hear me?"
Dark grins. "Can do, blondie. And hey. Honestly, I think I should be knighted too."
Zelda raises an eyebrow. "Any reason why?"
"I got rid of all the bears in Castle Town."
"Castle Town doesn't have bears, Dark."
Dark uncorks the bottle of wine, nodding at her. "Yeah, you're goddamn welcome."
On other nights, Dark and I patrol the streets in our uniforms, just like the old days. As crime slowly rises back to its typical levels, CTPD's depleted numbers mean they're going to need all the help they can get. It's also much less stressful now that I don't have a bounty on my head.
"I'm so glad you didn't go to college and become an accountant, or something," Dark says while we're handcuffing a struggling burglar to a telephone pole.
"Why's that?"
"So we can do this again! Man, I missed it. Fighting crime, you 'n me! Dark Guy and Light Guy!"
"Heh." I grin as we move on, scaling back up to the rooftop. "I'm where I belong, Dark. I'm glad I get to keep doing this."
It's on a completely random day that Zelda says something that totally catches me off guard.
We'd just finished attending a series of boring meetings. My bodyguard service was required due to the presence of foreign diplomats, so my knees are sore from standing vigilantly at her side all day.
We're lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling, talking about nothing when Zelda yawns and says it.
"I love you."
My eyes widen in shock, and I scramble away from her so I can look her in the eye.
"Y-you said it!" I stammer, still not believing my ears.
Zelda giggles, her lips splayed out in a smug grin. "What, aren't you gonna say it back?"
I shake my head stubbornly. "No way—you made me wait a year and a half! This is gonna be one slow burn."
Zelda makes a pouty face.
"Okay I love you too."
I lean toward her and pull her in for a long, loving kiss, pouring all my heart into it. When I finally pull away, she's still smiling, and I swear I've never been happier.
"Does this mean you've finally forgiven me?" I ask.
"Oh, I've forgiven you long ago. It was just my way of keeping you honest."
I glare at her. "So you've loved me for how long, now?"
"Since I met you," she says. "And I never stopped."
THE END