The Hyrulian Valhalla Saga: Side Stories
By Queenie Z

Reunion

Stretching out the hair tie with his fingers, Time reached back and fastened a stubby blond ponytail. He then sighed a little, anxiously brushing through his bangs with his fingertips. He never was an expert at grooming himself, though that fact had never really bothered him until today, when he had resolved after some nervous hesitation to finally meet the parents he never had in life.

He turned away from the mirror and towards the clothes he'd laid out on his bed. They were both nice choices - handsome, but not too formal - and it was hard to decide whether the outfit with the burgundy vest or the grey button-up jacket would leave a better first impression. Of course, what he wore shouldn't matter - it hadn't mattered when he'd reunited with his own children - but he had literally no idea how his parents would react to him, having never known their personalities or even their names.

He lowered his head to his palm and shook it in frustration. How ironic, he thought, that after all he'd been through and all he'd seen the one thing that still unnerved him was seeing his mother and father for the first time.

"What's taking so long, Time?"

Time lifted his head towards the doorway, behind which stood Sky, holding a familiar set of green clothing in his arms. "Oh, Sky..." he said, scratching the back of his head. "I-It's nothing, I just can't decide what I want to wear, that's all."

"Then wear the green," said Sky as he let himself in and handed his successor his trademark outfit, "they'll want to see you as the Hero you've become."

Looking down at the clothes pensively, Time slowly took them. "Are you sure, Sky?"

The elder Hero nodded. "They're proud of you - they're proud of everything you've done. Trust me."

"You mean, you've met them?"

"I'm the one who told them about our line and how you were a part of it." Sky chuckled bashfully. "Mini said I'd be friendly enough to lay the heavy news on them."

Time unfolded the tunic, sliding it on over the long underwear he'd already been wearing. "So you know who they are."

"Would you like me to tell you about them?"

He nodded. "...Maybe I'll be less nervous if I know a little more about them. I'm not like you guys - I don't even have any memories of them, and I don't know what to expect."

"I understand, Time." Sky sat down on the bed. "...Your parents were nobles who lived in Castle Town during the time of the Civil War. They were good and generous people who used their status and wealth to help others." He smiled warmly. "Your father was a boisterous man who made many friends and loved to laugh. He was loyal to his country - almost to a fault - and enlisted to fight once the fighting began."

Time froze, his face falling at Sky's explanation. "...He died in battle," he said quietly, "didn't he?"

"He died trying to secure a future for his wife and unborn son."

The younger Hero bit his lip, looking down at his feet. "...And my mother?"

Sky continued. "Your mother was graceful and warm, but she also possessed a hidden courage and strength of will." He tilted his head at Time. "She showed that courage when she took you to the forest. After waiting until the last possible moment for her husband to return, she threw herself into the line of fire to take you somewhere safe."

Time remained silent, shutting his eyes and attempting to swallow back his emotions. At this, Sky stood again, took the hat from Time's hands, and placed it on his head.

"...They loved you so much that they gave their lives for you," he said softly, "they're going to accept you no matter what."

The forlorn Link opened his eyes slightly. "...Even after I've kept them waiting for so long? It's been over two centuries, Sky, and I - "

"Time, it's okay," interrupted Sky, placing his hands on the other's shoulder, "they've been looking forward to meeting you since the day they got here." He grinned and lowered his hands. "Now get your boots and gloves on - let's not keep them waiting any longer, all right?"

Time swallowed, then grinned back timidly. "All right," he said, walking towards his cabinet drawers and fishing around for his gloves. After slipping them on, he turned back to his elder. "You've been helping me out every step of the way since I got here," he said. "Thank you."

"Save it," laughed Sky, taking Time's boots from their spot by the door and tossing them gently at him, "we need to get going!"

Time stumbled to catch the boots. "Okay, okay, I'll hurry," he chuckled as he pulled his left boot over his foot, readier than ever to accept the family he never had back into his life, thanks to his newest friend.