Chapter Six: Painful are the memories of the past
-XX-
This was his refuge. When he was lost or feeling abandoned, this is where he came. The cool voices of the spirits who dwell there blow reassurances through his soul. To most, the sound would be described as 'eerie' or 'scary'. But to him, it never felt that way. This was a place he was so familiar with. This…is home.
Sheik said nothing, but his red eyes were drinking in the environment. The marbled floors were a rarity in Hyrule and very few places (excluding the Palace and some temples) had them. Yet, the Temple of Time was completely made out of marble. You would think that they would have used a longer lasting marble. Marble is known to wear down easily. But this is the Temple of Time and nothing ages here. Everything is the same.
Link wished it was the same for him.
"Wow…the Temple of Time," Sheik whispered, as if speaking loudly would disturb the chanting spirits in the background.
Link said nothing, standing in front of a large black door with the symbol of time on it. Old memories came flashing through his eyes.
He stood in front of the door. Navi fluttered just above his ear, "Play the melody". He grasped the blue Ocarina tightly in his hands. Shakily, he brought it to his lips, the symbol of time burning in his mind. The notes flowed easily into his hands, the song reaching the top of the temple.
When I go through that door, will I change?
What will happen to me?
The door began to open and a beacon of light was showering a metal sword. The feeling inside of him grew stronger and before he knew it, he strode up to the sword and pulled it out, the harmonizing blue energy of time running through his veins and pounding in his ears.
Will I……?
Nostalgia seldom fades, Link thought wryly, even the bad ones.
"Link?" Sheik questioned, "You okay?"
Link blinked, gave Sheik a reassuring smile and said, "Yeah, I'm okay." I hope.
He raised his hands and in a flash of multi-colored light, the three Sacred Stones appeared. Link smiled wryly as he watched them float over their designated spot on the threshold.
The Kokiri's Emerald
The Goron's Ruby
The Zora's Sapphire
Saria…Tell me, how are you? Do you still pity my sorry existence? Do you go to Mido and tell him how much you miss me? I haven't played your melody for so long…do you even remember me or has the green leaves of the Kokiri Forest finally erased me from your memory?
Darunia… You willingly sent a child into Dodongo's cave where you even feared to go. Is this how a leader operates? I never understood how you could look me in the eye and call me your friend…when you did all those things. I hope I never will.
Ruto, my supposed fiancée. Tell me, if I did end up marrying you, what would I be? A pawn? I suppose everyone seems like that to you. But I'm not your pawn. And I'll never be. I feel no regrets about breaking my pact. And I suppose, neither do you.
"I'm never going to see any of them again," Link said to himself, "After this…"
This is…my last…
"That's not wise, thinking like that," Sheik said quietly, "You might regret it. And you don't need anymore regrets."
Link was quiet and nodded, "You're right." No more regrets. Not anymore. Because they can't touch me.
I'm not their Hero anymore. I'm just Link, a guy searching for some answers.
The doors of Time creaked as they opened up. There, was the Pedestal. Link's hand automatically went towards his Master Sword, now hung by his waist. Sheik's eyes widened in awe. For the first time, Link felt complete.
No more doubt.
Link approached the Pedestal, Sheik following him. Their footsteps ring throughout the Temple.
No more regret.
Link drew his Master Sword out.
No more pain.
And the blue light enveloped the room.
No more Heroes.
-XX-
A/N: Thank you for removing the ruler option, the one useful thing you've given us. Thank you for screwing up my formatting. Please.
Be more efficient in your screwups.
For those interested to know why this chapter is so short, it's because it's a transition chapter. Pretty much.
A Random recommendation for Zelda fans. Read the manga. No seriously. It's worth your time.