Chapter 3 - The Reunion

As promised, Link collected all three of the spiritual stones and promptly returned to Hyrule Castle. Unfortunately, he was too late. Ganondorf had already laid siege on it by the time Link arrived, just in time to see Zelda and Impa fleeing on horseback with Ganondorf in hot pursuit. He was a ghastly man who made Link's hair stand on end when he stopped just long enough to speak with the young adventurer briefly, demanding to know where the people on the white horse had gone. Link's steadfast refusal to speak only served to anger the man, but he was in too much of a hurry to waste time on interrogating the boy in a more...persuasive manner.

Before escaping, Link remembered Zelda having tossed something to him which had fallen unceremoniously into Castle Town's moat. Link soon discovered that it was her family's precious heirloom, the Ocarina of Time. After retrieving it, he held it above his head for several seconds. He was never quite sure why he always did that when he found something new...

He played the Song of Time that Zelda had taught him at the altar in the Temple of Time in order to unlock access to the Sacred Realm. However, due to an unfortunate and unanticipated series of events, Ganondorf entered the Sacred Realm as well, causing the Triforce to split into three equal parts when he touched it, just as the legends predicted.

The Sages decided to seal Link away in the relative safety of the Sacred Realm for seven years until they believed he was physically ready to fulfill his role as the Hero of Time and would be able to stand a chance against Ganondorf in battle if (or rather, when) that moment came. It could be said that this action was necessary since the ten-year-old Link could barely even lift the Master Sword, let alone use it, because of its impressive weight. The Sages knew that the legendary Master Sword was the only weapon that had the potential to defeat Ganondorf and that, like most weapons, it had been forged solely with the intention of adult use.

After waking from his seven-year sleep, Link immediately felt the greater maturity and strength that came along with being seventeen. Strangely, he felt like he had actually lived those seven years, during which time he learned new skills and trained with his sword, bow, tools and other weapons, all the while becoming a better combatant. It was a sensation similar to having a dream that was so vivid that it actually was reality for the dreamer up until the moment he awoke. Link also learned to speak proper Hylian during his seven-year rest and he was eternally grateful for that.

For these reasons, he felt prepared for the numerous challenges that lay ahead of him almost as soon as he woke up. Which was fortunate, because the moment he left the Temple of Time, he was met with the horrifying sight of the current condition of Hyrule. The perpetually bleak sky looming overhead and piercing screams of the Redead roaming the once-bustling but now deserted center of Castle Town chilled him to the core.

He made it a point to ask the people he met on his travels if they knew the whereabouts of the princess Zelda, but they invariably gave him the same response—no one had a clue where she was. Of course, it wasn't actually necessary for him to find her since he had already received instructions on how to continue his quest—to defeat the evil forces in several distinct temples scattered throughout Hyrule, many of which were in places he had already traveled to as a child. Despite this, he was still quite worried about what had happened to Zelda and hoped that she was simply hiding somewhere, safe and sound. He certainly didn't want to dwell on the alternative, less optimistic explanations for her disappearance. The distraction of worrying about her would only hinder him in combat so he had to suppress those thoughts the best he could.

Link soon overcame the challenges of the first few temples. None of them were easy but with enough courage and ingenuity, he was able to persevere. The memory of the Water Temple would especially give him headaches and nightmares till his dying day—just filling and emptying water for an innocuous bath would surely trigger flashbacks.

His next target was the Shadow Temple, the entrance of which was in Kakariko Village. That's where he met Sheik again, that mysterious person wearing strange clothing bearing the symbol of the gossip stones that he saw around Hyrule. It was apparent that Sheik was helping to guide Link on his journey—after all, he had the remarkable ability to so often be wherever Link was at just the moment when he could use some help or advice.

Using a small harp, Sheik had taught Link some new songs for his ocarina which were indispensable to him on his travels. Sheik's voice sounded especially strange because of the layers of cloth covering his mouth. Link couldn't shake the feeling that he was trying to hide something because of this...

Ever speaking in riddles, Sheik talked about Impa, the sage of the Shadow Temple who needed assistance, and then he taught Link the Requiem of Shadow. Something about the way Sheik spoke about Impa brought a memory back to Link. Although Sheik claimed to be a Sheikah like Impa, Link was starting to become suspicious of this. While playing the song, he made an error on purpose to test Sheik's reaction. Link carefully observed the way the supposed Sheikah corrected him. He looked closely in Sheik's eyes, practically the only part of him visible due to the numerous cloths covering his face and head. Now he was sure of it—those otherworldly red eyes weren't fooling him anymore.

"Zelda?"

Sheik was stunned, immediately becoming wide-eyed. After quickly looking around to see if anyone was watching, Sheik grabbed Link by the collar of his tunic and pulled him into a nearby building. It was fairly dark inside, but from a small amount of light seeping through a hole in the roof from the gray cloudy sky above, one could see that the building had been abandoned, although some random dusty furniture was still around.

Sheik pulled the cloths from "his" face and head to reveal long strands of blonde hair. The red eyes slowly began transitioning to blue.

"How did you...?" Zelda asked incredulously. "I thought my disguise was perfect! You have no idea, with an outfit this tight, how hard it was to hide my..." Realizing who she was talking to, she finished by swiftly adding, "oh, um...uh, never mind..." She laughed nervously, sweatdropping from embarrassment.

"Your disguise is good..." Link replied, speaking much more confidently and quickly than he did seven years ago. "...but the way you spoke about Impa and the way you corrected me on the ocarina...that's how I knew it was you."

So that's how he figured it out... Zelda thought. Although she was well aware that Link had been resting in the Sacred Realm for seven years, she had no idea that Link would learn things like how to speak better Hylian during the time he spent there. His voice had noticeably deepened from what she remembered from when he was ten, although she realized that was only natural for a male, of course. Even so, he hadn't completely lost that charming accent which remained pleasing to her ears.

"Let me explain, Link," she implored. "Impa thought I should disguise myself so that Ganondorf wouldn't be able to find me, at least not easily. I practiced honing my sorcery techniques and survival skills during that time. When I sensed that you were finally going to return after all these long years, I knew I had to find you and help you in any way I could, so I followed you from the safety of the shadows...but I was afraid to tell you who I really was because I couldn't risk being found by Ganondorf. I didn't want to be a liability to you if I ended up being kidnapped by him as a result. That's the only thing that kept me from telling you who I was. I really hope you understand why I did this." She looked at him anxiously, hopeful that he could forgive her.

Link nodded his head in a sign of understanding. Zelda smiled in return. She was incredibly thankful that he wasn't angry about the deception.

After pausing for a few moments, she started fidgeting nervously with her hands. "There...there's something I've wanted to do so much for so long..." She wrapped her arms around him, placed her head against his shoulder and hugged him close. "I've thought about you so much over these past seven years. It frightened me to think of never seeing you again...of never seeing you laugh again...of never seeing the funny way you sit again. I missed you so much, Link."

It warmed him deep inside to hear her say such sweet things. For that reason, when she lifted her head to kiss him, he didn't hesitate to reciprocate it. Zelda already knew that she wanted to share more than just a kiss with Link, but she was also aware that it wouldn't be appropriate to make such advances on the Hero of Time...at least, not while he was in the midst of his quest...This was hardly the ideal time or place for such a thing, for that matter. Part of her upbringing involved learning to inhibit herself in order to avoid bringing shame on her kingdom, a vital skill for her to have since she was seen as a representation of all of Hyrule. So she knew this was the right thing to do. One kiss was enough for her. No problem...right?

Wrong. After finishing their kiss, Zelda noticed that Link wouldn't stop looking at her tenderly with those ocean eyes of his. She felt her face getting incredibly hot and had to avert her gaze in order to lessen the intense emotions she was feeling.

The biggest complication came when Link put his hand under her chin and guided her face back to meet his. Once she was looking into his eyes again...that's when she knew she had reached the point of no return. Her heart was racing like a marathoner equipped with a bunny hood. She was absolutely euphoric.

He leaned in to steal a kiss and she found herself not minding it one bit. After this, he swept her off her feet and carried her to a nearby bed, never taking his eyes off hers.

"Link..." Zelda whispered. She let herself trail off, being struck speechless by the situation she found herself in. She knew exactly what she should be telling him: Hey...Link...this thing we're about to do...it really isn't a great idea. This was never foretold of in the prophecies...you know how I like to follow those to the letter...It's also pretty unsafe under the circumstances...and irresponsible...and indecent...not to mention so...typical...of hormonal adolescents...and...it's also...um...uh...what was I thinking about again...? Oh...yes...something about...uh...irresponsibility...and...um...not a good...idea...or something...

Zelda found that for the first time in her life, she could hardly hold down a coherent thought. All her reservations simply melted away as she peered into the eyes of her handsome knight, the dear friend who made her smile and laugh like no one else could, the one whose tremendous courage inspired her to be a better leader to her people. Soon, smiles for each other were the only thing they wore.

Link marveled at the beautiful rose that had only moments ago been hidden under rather unflattering Sheikah garments. He covered her face and neck with countless kisses. Before long, he was occupied with exploring her body, a thing which he did quite ravenously. Zelda was at a loss for adequate words to describe the sensation of his touch, yet she knew one thing for sure—her desire for physical contact with him was endless. She ran her hands gently and lovingly through his hair and along the curves of his back.

When Link had finished doing his part in making Zelda one very satisfied woman, she climbed into position over him to return the favor. This was when she noticed a cut on his waist that was alarmingly long and deep.

"Link! What happened here? You're hurt!" she exclaimed with great concern tingeing her voice.

"The fire dragon, Volvagia...it attacked me here," he replied.

"Oh, goddesses. I wish I had known sooner!" She placed a hand over the cut, closed her eyes, and moved her fingers along its length. This process took much longer than it had with the splinter and did not completely eliminate the wound, but it did significantly reduce the depth and appearance of it.

"Unfortunately, I'm not a miracle worker. This is the best I can do," she explained. "Oh, Link...I can't imagine how much pain you've suffered throughout your journey...I wish I could take away all of it. I can't believe how much you do for Hyrule but how little anyone can do for you in return..." She appeared dejected and downcast, as if she felt she had failed him. She had, after all, been the one to originally send him on this extremely perilous quest and it was difficult for her to not blame herself for any injuries he suffered along the way.

"It's OK," he spoke earnestly, touching the side of her face. "To be with you is the best medicine I could have."

At this, Zelda couldn't help but laugh. "Link, you big flirt!" She pushed his shoulder playfully. "I bet you say that to all the girls!" Laughing like this renewed Zelda's vigor. She simply had too much fun stimulating her lover's body and observing his amusing range of reactions.

The prophecies sure have made my dating life easier, Zelda mused. He is, quite literally, the man of my dreams...Thank the Goddesses that this wonderful boy...this man...has come into my life and changed it so much for the better. How fortunate it is that Link feels the same for me as I do for him, especially since I'm sure he has more than his fair share of admirers. He is so unlike anyone I've ever met...constantly putting others before himself and asking for nothing in return. Hyrule is so lucky to have a guardian like him...and so am I.

Eventually, they were overcome with exhaustion from their energetic antics. For a while they simply laid side by side, holding each other, enjoying each others' warmth in the midst of an otherwise cold and dreary place. After a while, Link knew it was time for him to continue his journey. As he sat up and began equipping himself in preparation to leave, he felt Zelda touch his shoulder.

"Link...I will be watching over you. I will do everything I can to protect you."

"Hey...isn't that my job?" he said jokingly, causing her to laugh.

"It'll be both our jobs. I wouldn't want to be a boring old damsel in distress, you know?"

As she was putting her disguise back on, a thought kept nagging at her. She knew she needed to tell him before he left or it would continue to pester her until she had another chance to tell him—and who knew how long that might be. She looked over at Link who already had his eyes fixed on her. He took her hands in his before making a solemn declaration. "Zelda...I love you."

Zelda could feel her heart racing again. "Link..." she spoke quietly. "Oh...come here, you..." She tugged at the collar of his tunic to bring him intimately close. "You stole my line, you know." She touched the side of his face before going on. "You have no idea how much I love you back. More than I ever thought I could love someone." They kissed for what seemed like the thousandth time, although she could never imagine growing tired of it.

She realized then that she had loved him even since the age of ten, but she had been too young and inexperienced in the ways of the world at the time to have known that what she felt for him was that beautiful, elusive thing called love. The seven years they had been apart only heightened those emotions rather than abated them. It didn't matter to her at all that they were from two very different cultures and social classes or even that they couldn't speak the same language at first. What mattered most was how good she always felt when she was with him. She could be her silly, tomboy self around him with no need to worry about getting stern reprimands and lessons on how to behave like a proper princess as a result. She just knew she could face any problem, whether trivial or monumental, with him by her side. No archaic rule on royal propriety would get in the way of her spending the rest of her life with her true love—she would make sure of that.

Link stood up and started heading to the door just as Zelda remembered something else. "Before you go, could you just explain one thing to me?"

Link turned to face her.

"Why does Ruto keep calling herself your fiancee?"

Link's face reddened before he responded at a hurried pace. "It's not...we didn't...um... Long story! No time to explain...gotta go!" He peeked out the door cautiously before beating a hasty retreat.

"Hey! Wait a minute!" Zelda pleaded. She crossed her arms out of frustration. "Hmph. Men..."