Disclaimer: GrimGrave does not own any of the characters of their respective franchises; Metroid and Legend of Zelda belongs to Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo, while Soul Calibur belongs to Namco Bandai. GrimGrave does not make money for writing fiction.

Surprise! Didn't expect an update so soon, did you? This is the last stretch – are you ready?!

A Hylian's Harem

Chapter 19

Together with You

It was the second day after the festival, and everything was still, like the day before, quiet. Only the necessary shops were open for a few hours, but no-one was out in Hyrule Field.

None save for the Royal Guard, the Hero, and a sorceress in shackles. The guards followed at a safe distance from the Hero to give them privacy, but close enough to interfere should, the Sorceress attempt anything.

"So," Link began. "Are you going to tell me?"

The apricot-haired woman glanced over at him, expressionless. "Tell you what? That you are a fool?"

"You know what I mean," Link replied. "I felt it when you possessed me, Veran. It was brief, but we were as one. There's something there, isn't it?"

"Depends what that ´something´ is, boy," she said. "I do not know what you are talking about."

The blonde furrowed his brow. "I felt your feelings, Veran."

The Sorceress of Shadows halted and for a moment, her expression was that of shock. But just as quickly as she had let it slip, she masked it.

"What nonsense are you referring to now, fool?"

"You feel something for me, don't you?"

The turquoise-skinned woman scoffed. "Who knows?"

"You possessed me in order to drive the others away. If you wanted to take my life, then you would have done so right on the spot," Link argued. The sorceress avoided eye-contact. "I believe you want to give up on your evil ways, Veran, but you don't want to show it – you believe it to be a weakness if you do." He paused and studied her; she stood still, but refused to meet his gaze. "Now that you exposed yourself to the others, you're too ashamed – afraid even – to show that you harbour feelings towards me."

The Sorceress of Shadows – to Link's surprise – burst out laughing.

"Little boy thinking he's got me figured out," she answered with a sneer. "Even if I did harbour … feelings for you, what's the use? I attempted to murder those pathetic fools… my master has been defeated… I might as well disappear, or have you kill me."

Link didn't say anything at first.

"…Are you really going to refuse any chance for redemption? You were rather adamant in having me for yourself. Why the change?" He paused. "You can't live in Hyrule anymore – that's for certain. And yes, you did try to kill the princess and my friends. For that, perhaps I should take your life."

Veran looked back at him, visibly taken aback by his honesty. She smiled solemnly.

"But if you live outside of Hyrule's borders, you have a chance to live a normal life. If you promise to give up your evil ways, and –" He quickly fell quiet. "…I don't know where I'm going with this. I think it's a waste if you were to give up so quickly after having shown that you are capable of –"

"You really are twisted," the sorceress interrupted. "Are you listening to yourself? Just how far are you willing to go, despite that I almost had this land's princess killed?" She laughed – airily, loud, and mockingly – and clutched to her sides. "Are you that infatuated with me? Perhaps I didn't have to possess you; you're doing a good job trying to woo me on your own."

"It would've been better if you hadn't possessed me, yes," Link admitted. "And I'm not turning a blind eye to your crimes. But I know you are capable of redemption, and it's already proven that I can stop you're trying anything. Perhaps I am too soft-hearted when it comes to you, perhaps I am a fool… but you, who claims to be my enemy, have feelings for me. What does that make you?"

The Sorceress of Shadows scowled and looked away.

"Well?" he pressured.

Veran glanced back and sneered, startling the young man.

"Honestly," she then said. "You must secretly be a masochist. Why else would you be so desperate to bed me?"

The Hero of Time flushed red. "I a-a-am not-!"

She guffawed. "It makes little difference. You brought me out here for some alone time and talk about ´redemption´ as if I was a mere criminal. Then again…"

Veran sighed and tapped her chin thoughtfully. She studied the young man. "If I ever want a ´normal´ life, I suppose you are the only man who'd tolerate me…" She scoffed. "I will think back on this conversation, boy."

"Very well," he replied. I will talk to you later, then –"

Soft lips quickly pressed against his own, – and lingered for a second longer than necessary – before the older woman pulled back. The apricot-haired woman sneered.

Then she laughed. "Look at how red you're getting! You truly are innocent!"

Link scowled. Taking that as his cue, he motioned for the guards to return Veran to her cell. He, too, had much to ponder.

But when no-one was looking, he traced his lips with his tongue. It tasted oddly sweet.

X.x.X.x.X

A week passed. The blonde warrior sat outside in the castle's garden, enjoying some quiet-time. The palace gardens had always been secluded and were the favourite spot of both the princess and Link.

"I thought I would find you here," the young ruler of Hyrule stated. She walked up to the Hero and took a seat next to him, her smile reassuring. "You have been absent of late, Link. Are you still pondering?"

The young man nodded. "I need as much time as possible. I can't make a decision on a whim; this is both my future and one of theirs, after all."

Zelda nodded. "Naturally. However, are you prepared to make a choice right now? You need time, I understand, but you cannot make them wait forever."

"It's only been –"

"I know," she quickly cut him off. "I am merely letting you know."

Right; he didn't have all time in the world. Everyone had waited for a long time so it'd be selfish of him to demand more. Link thought back on the last couple of days; the time spent together, the horse-back race, the swimming in Lake Hylia, the festival…

These weren't strangers. Link knew them from before and shared memories – good and bad – with them all save for the sorceress.

They were all good women who each had their own unique and charming qualities. Link cared about them and had since way back wished them the best in life, but to decide on whom to marry meant that only one of them would end up happy. The others would cope, but the initial heartbreak would forever burden him and remain an unhappy memory for the others.

"I am certain," Link began. "That I want to make a decision soon. But I don't know whom to choose. I mean, I feel a connection with each of them. I want to pursue a romantic relationship with them, that's what I feel."

The female Hylian giggled. "You think it's time? You were rather adamant about not settling down earlier."

He sighed. "I know. But after spending time with all of them and hearing them out, I began to think things through. I know these people; I trust them, and I perhaps spending my life with one of them won't be so bad. It's not like we're jumping directly to marriage, either!"

Zelda nodded, the smile on her face showing how understanding she was being. "You are right, Link. I will leave you for now, but promise me one thing."

"And that is?"

"Don't make a hasty decision. Whoever you choose, I'm certain the others will understand." Her brow furrowed. "…With perchance the exception being that vile sorceress…"

Link chuckled. He already knew, but it was good to hear the princess say it anyway.

"Thank you, Zelda."

The princess offered a curt bow as she rose up. "You're welcome, Link. I hope you find your answer."

Once again alone, Link stared absentmindedly up at the sky and contemplated. Was he really ready to enter a relationship – and further down the line, marry – one of his friends? It still felt surreal to envision himself as a father and husband but, at the same time, it made his heart swell with cheerfulness.

It felt right.

Link's mind wandered back to Sophitia; the Grecian had been the first to plant the thought of marriage in his head and the Hylian, while hesitant, had been given it some thought. The swordswoman seemed like she would be a good mother with her caring demeanour and gentleness that was as natural as breathing air for her.

Each of the ladies had traits as that, and no matter whom he'd choose Link knew he would be a happy man. But who amongst them truly pulled his heartstrings?

The Hero chuckled to himself. ´I am a lucky soul to have such caring friends…´

He would need to reflect on this some more.

X.x.X.x.X

Three weeks later. During this time, the Hero and the women had spent a lot more time with each other and grown closer than before. Whether it was reminiscing about memories, having a simple picnic out in the field, or even go swimming in Lake Hylia, Link had deepened the bonds between him and the ladies.

He hadn't had that much fun in a long time.

Link strode down the hallway, determined. His hesitation was gone; his contemplating had finally reached a satisfactory answer and he couldn't wait to finally reveal it.

It hadn't been easy. He truly felt a connection with each and every one of them but, in the end, there was only one who had stolen his heart – someone who stood him closer than the rest, a union of the soul and mind. There was no doubt left in Link's mind.

He wanted to give that woman a chance, and he was equally ready to take the brunt of the other women's spite and heartache, as terribly as it felt. His mind was set, however, and it was time to finally give his suitors his answer.

Link came to a halt before the door. On the other side was the main hall where the ladies were gathered and waited. He could hear them chatting, though it was muffled. Even Veran's voice was heard, though assumingly heavily guarded if she had been allowed outside of the dungeons.

The Hero's heart raced and his pulse quickened. This was it.

All eyes were immediately upon him as he pushed open the doors, the wooden frames groaning loudly upon his entrance. It became quiet – likely thanks to the princess' intervention to keep the peace – and Link strode towards them, his head held high.

"Hello, everyone," Link meekly began. "I… I really don't know what to say. Or rather, I don't know where to start. You are all very dear to me – close friends whom I have been very fortunate to meet. We've been through a lot together, some less than the others, but these recent weeks have been… an eye-opener, if you will."

He paused and averted his eyes; this was nerve-wrecking.

"The festival, especially," he continued. "I saw each of you in a different light – perhaps the same light in which you've seen me and let me deeply apologize for keeping you waiting – and for not realizing your feelings earlier – like this. No words can express how ashamed I am for being so oblivious. But I have thought things through."

The ladies brightened. It was obvious that they wanted to say something, but perhaps thanks to Zelda, neither said a word.

Link swallowed hard. "I am a fortunate soul to have you as my friends. I truly am. I've had so much fun these recent weeks, and I appreciate how patient you have been with a guy like me. I wish it didn't have to be this way, but recently… there's someone I've been thinking about – someone who I have felt a strong connection with as of late. Please believe when I say that I have been thinking this through thoroughly, and I speak from the heart when…"

He fell quiet. His pulse was steadily rising and his cheeks were hotly red. His gaze turned to the one, meeting hers.

The silence was deafening.

"I'm going to take the next step and see what the future holds. I want to give it a chance… and I want to walk that path with you."