ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (by the sword we seek repose under liberty)

- motto of Massachusetts / couplet attributed to Algernon Sidney


Panting, Link dropped the hammer. He spat blood, falling onto his bottom. "I need a vacation." He turned his head. "How ya doin', Bruce?"

The Zora trudged through the snow, his head still bleeding.

"How's your head?" asked Link.

"I have a headache...and with a head that has a tail, that's no joke."

"Ha..." The snowstorm subsided. "Y'know... I thought he killed you."

"My head's almost as hard as yours, Link. I should have spent my childhood rolling my head into walls than swimming in rivers."

They chuckled, then noticed Luna and Kibou.

Link's face showed regret. "Oh, Luna... I'm...sorry you had to see so much violence...again..."

Luna's expression softened as she raised Link's sword up to him. "It's OK, Link. Please don't keep feeling bad for me. I've already..." Seen so much worse in another timeline...

Link nodded, sheathing the blade. "You are a very brave woman, Luna."

"Of course she's brave," Kibou chimed in, "with me as her guardian fairy, she won't be anything less!"

Link smiled. "She kinda reminds me of...me...when I was her age."

Luna blushed, pushing her fingers through her frosty hair. I wish I could be just like you! She blankly looked at the Zora.

Bruce's mood dropped. He picked up the Dane ax, glaring over yonder. Link and Luna turned their heads.

Erik crawled out the rubble, mail coat smeared with soot. He used his sword as a crutch to get back up, his abdomen bleeding onto the snow.

Bruce snarled, approaching the wildman, Dane ax glimmering.

Link stood. "Bruce?" He stood, following the hateful Zora.

Luna held her breath, little fists balled.

Link sighed. "I can only imagine how much good your kind could do, if only they had different beliefs."

Erik grunted. "I am sworn to avenge the death of my companion." He weakly readied his blade.

Link shrugged. "Do you really think you can still win? It's over."

"I fight for honor, even if I stand alone."

Link's eyebrows furrowed. "Your determination is impressive, though you barbarians are of murderous hearts."

"We are not tame," Erik assured. He gestured to Bruce. "Nor are we animals."

Bruce huffed. "The Zora did nothing against you. Your kind had no justification to raid and murder, yet you mock us as animals despite your cold-hearted ways. Do you not feel anything for spilling innocent blood, or stealing our eggs to eat? I lost my children because of your kind."

"Everything is part of a cycle, hafmeyjan. As wolves kill sheep, so we were wolves. Only then did you finally fight back."

Link felt deep pain in his heart. I can only imagine what Ruto would do if she heard him say that...

Bruce clenched his fists, his eyes shiny. "How would you feel if we took away your children before they were born!?"

"If our newborns are weak, we leave them in the forest to pass away."

Kibou coughed. "A real charmer, this guy..."

Link thought about the mother he never had, a precious woman he would never know. She went through so much to save him, yet there were people who had no regard for unwanted babies. "Your ways are beyond redemption."

Erik was nonchalant. "We defend our womenfolk with our lives. Though if you are born weak, nature does not need you, and is better off without you."

Luna blankly stared. "Does that also apply to you?"

Erik smiled at her, revealing his bloodied teeth. "If I can't survive, then nature doesn't need me, and is better off without me. We come from nature, and to nature we return."

The pale maiden hid her confusion.

"Don't you know your own path, little valkyrie?" asked Erik, seemingly sensing Luna's discomfort. "I know mine."

Bruce was ready to pounce. "Your people are embedded in violence and culling as a way of life. You are no better than the worst criminals."

"Nature is the final judge. Show me your answer." Erik swung with what strength remained. Bruce backhanded, his fin parrying the flat of Erik's sword. The Zora kneed the northman in his pierced bowels. Erik grunted, falling to his knees, dropping his sword.

Link sighed. "So that's it, then..."

Erik raised his chin, grinned, and thudded his fists against his chest. "Valhalla!"

Bruce swung his ax.

Erik fell over, blood spraying from his forehead, spattering across the snow.

Bruce breathed deeply. "Don't come back from wherever that is."

Luna lowered her head, closing her eyes, her breathing shaky.

Bruce exhaled heavily, falling onto his knees. "Benjo, Kizan... Fenau and Reiko...I did it, but..." He slumped, teardrops pattering onto the snow. "Poppa, I...couldn't find...your eggs. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Link stepped over, resting a hand on Bruce's shoulder.

Luna felt something wet touch her hand—Skǫll's nose. He sat, staring attentively despite his many injuries. Luna smiled. "Ohh, yyyou..." She stroked the fluffy boy. Other Snowpeak Wolfos returned, bruised and bloodied, but curious and alive despite their discomfort.

The smoky debris provided some warmth, the remaining embers and smoldering wood sizzling underneath endless snowflakes.

Groaning, someone crawled out the destroyed building. Coughing, he sat up, clothing and hair charred, skin reddened from burns. Bruce grunted, wiping his tears then walking over.

Link disapprovingly sighed. "Isn't that enough?"

The Zora raised his ax...

"Wait!" Luna went between Bruce and the Norseman, her arms up, eyes big and pleading. "He was nice to me. Please let at least one of them go. Please..."

Frowning, Bruce lowered his ax.

The Norseman weakly stood, then nodded to Luna. "Ha, thought you looked familiar... Yet, you allied with your enemies?"

Luna guiltily sighed. "The Zora never attacked me at the river, Aakesson. That was a misunderstanding but... Well, not that I made much of a difference. I just want...the killing to stop."

Bruce grunted. "They brought it on themselves."

"Such is fate," Aakesson commented. "If luck ran out of Erik, and there is no change of fortune, so be it."

Link walked by, crossing his arms. "Luna gave you some luck."

The Norseman nodded. "I surely see how she can influence hamingja. Her purple fylgja is evidence."

Bruce was unimpressed. "If we let even one go, they will return in greater force."

Luna looked at the man she saved. "Will you listen to me, please?"

"We respect women's intuition."

Luna sighed with relief. All she could do was smile.

Aakesson leaned, looking over yonder.

Everyone turned.

Limping through the snow was a wildman, body and face matted with snow, his knee injured.

Link's eyebrows raised. "Well, there's the guy who fled the icy lake."

"Where the hell have you been?" Bruce asked the limping barbarian as he arrived.

The injured fellow brushed himself off. Rather irritated, he replied, "I got stuck under the snow by the cave. The avalanche then got in the way."

"I'm surprised the Wolfos didn't dig you up," Kibou remarked.

"Speaking of which," Luna said, "it's time we go. We got one Spiritual Stone..."

Link nodded. "Let's see if we can get the Goron's Ruby before Ira does." He and Luna took their leave.

Bruce gave one last glare at the two northmen. "Your lucky day, vermin."

Few by few, the Wolfos poked their noses from the snow. Coast clear, they emerged. Link and Luna patted scruffs, they and their friends starting the long trek back towards Zora's Domain, the remaining barbarians heading off the opposite direction.


They reached the Snowpeak Howling Stone, weather improving.

Hati carried the wolf hide in his mouth, placing it over the Howling Stone. He dug a hole by the statue, burying the skin. The Wolfos gathered around, heads low, eyes closed. To pay their respects, they howled the Song of Healing, wind carrying their notes afar as the rising sun beamed through the clouds.

Luna wiped her eyes, head low. "Please rest in peace, Angrboða."


Upon reaching the icy lake, the Wolfos sat.

Link noticed. "Looks like it's time to say goodbye." He, Bruce and Luna patted the Wolfos, showing their farewells. Skǫll especially wanted attention, getting lots. Hati stayed back, looking away with a huff, uninterested.

Luna finished hugging Skǫll, wiping her eyes. "Farewell, precious. I hope that, someday, I can run free with you again."

Kibou crossed his arms. I wish she could be like that to me.

The beasts parted ways, soon disappearing amid snowfall.


Lord Jabu-Jabu slept well into the noon, his chin resting atop the edge of the lake, snoring away.

"Hey, wake up," Bruce tapped his ax against the guardian's big nose. The fish's eyes fluttering open as Link and Luna climbed up him. Bruce dove into the lake, Lord Jabu-Jabu turning then swimming across Zora's Fountain, Kibou flying along.

Link leaned over Jabu-Jabu's eye, getting his attention and pointing over yonder. "Can we go that way? I would like to see an old friend!"

The guardian heaved, obeying Link, swimming over. Link hopped off, landing at the side of the lake, where the water wasn't deep. Up ahead was a cave.

Bruce jumped out the deep water, he and Luna landing by Link. "An old friend?"

Link smiled. "You'll see!"

Luna noticed the Gossip Stone, unchanged and plain. She sighed with relief.

Link entered the cave, everyone following.

The darkness led to a white marble chamber. Two torches atop pedestals flanked a pathway leading to a large bath, flames bright green. The bathwater always rippled yet never overflowed. The walls seemed made of blackness, magic rainfall slowly pouring from them.

Link went upon the Royal effigy and withdrew the Ocarina of Time. He played an iconic lullaby, a purple aura swirling around him...

"Uhhih hhih hih hih-hih...

AAAHHHH HAH-HAH HAH HA ha ha ha!"

Her laugh always came off as creepy.

The Great Fairy was a fit, voluptuous, happy woman wearing knee-high boots, her swimsuit and headdress made of ivy vines and leaves. Her hairstyle had three immense ponytails, slowly fluttering on their own. She held her hands behind her head as she emerged from the fountain twirling, sexy pose accentuated by her half-naked body dripping water. Levitating, she lay sideways comfortably.

"Welcome Link! I am the Great Fairy of Magic! It's been so long since you've last visited me!"

Link rubbed the back of his head. "It's a long story..."

"I can see that battle has made you and your friends weary. I also sense that a new evil resides within you... Allow me to soothe your soul!" She levitated upright, arms open as golden magic flowed from her.

Link, Bruce and Luna got dizzy, slowly wobbling as green magic emanated around them. Their wounds healed, stamina returning.

The Great Fairy was pleased. "I am going to enhance Farore's Wind. Receive it now!" She levitated into a loose, crawling position, a mass of green magic appearing then releasing a flash.

Link smiled wide open. He turned, raising his hands at his new gift.

"Now warp towards danger! With the enhancement of Farore's Fury, you can now propel yourself with great force!"

Link faced the Great Fairy, nodding his thanks.

"Link, I cleansed your soul, but this new evil pervading Hyrule will eventually find you again. When such evil has made you corrupted, please come back to see me or my sisters..."

"I'd see you any day, babe," Kibou assured.

"AAAHHHH HAH-HAH HAH HA ha ha ha!"

She twirled into the bathwater, shrinking then vanishing with a flash.

Reinvigorated, Link and his friends exited...


King Zora waited at the shrine.

Jabu-Jabu docked, heaving water upon the altar. Link and Luna hopped down as Bruce leapt out the lake.

"We got it!" Luna chirped, showing the Zora's Sapphire.

King Zora smiled. "Ho, ho! Look at that! You saved us yet again, Link. All of Zora's Domain is in your debt. Ruto would have been so proud of her fiancé!"

Link smiled, bittersweet, eyes low. "Yes, she would have been..."

Bruce rested his ax on the ground, shaft vertical, hands overlapping the axehead. "So, what are you gonna do now?"

"We're heading to Death Mountain. I need to get the Spiritual Stones once again to save Hyrule."

Bruce put his ax over his shoulder. "I'm coming."

Kibou pulsated. "Are you, now?"

The Zora nodded. "You need my help. Besides, as Mr. De Bon said, we're in your debt."

Link shook Bruce's hand. "Welcome to the team. I need all the help I can get." Their handshake tightened.

"We'll win this."

"I feel it, too. After I restock at the shop, we're heading to Death Mountain."


Epona slept by the shortcut aqueduct. Her ears twitched. She raised her head...

Link leapt through the waterfall, Luna and Bruce next.

Epona stood, nickering eagerly. She trotted over, Link caressing her. He and Luna mounted Epona, Kibou hovering nearby.

"Meet you at Kakariko!" Bruce leapt into the waters, swimming with the current, Epona galloping and jumping her way down the valley...


Epona cantered across daytime Hyrule Field.

Luna winced. What should a hero be? Exactly not what I am… She leaned over. "Umm, Link?"

He looked back. "Yes?"

"I really hate myself for being so...so useless. You are the Hero of Time. Could you... Could you teach me how to fight?"

"Luna!" Kibou squeaked, "Fighting isn't for someone like you! Too dangerous!"

Luna rolled her eyes. "Kibou, do I really look like a helpless baby?"

A few seconds past, Epona's hooves thumping.

Link smiled. "When we get to Kakariko..."


Bruce leapt out the waters by the geological falx near the Kakariko entrance. He shook water off, looking over yonder. Epona galloped along the river, then up the slope, and jumped over the fence, landing near Bruce.

Hooves clopping, fishy feet scraping, fairy wings flicking, the heroes went up the stairs, the windmill seemingly waiting for them. After the two fleets of stairs, Kakariko Village came to view, the entrance upgraded to a wooden gatehouse.

Epona trotted over. Link dismounted, Luna hopping off, Bruce's ax casually over his shoulder as they approached the gatehouse.

The gate guard briefly raised his chin. "Ding, dong, ding, dong! I'm a clock soldier of Kakariko! The current time is: 11:56."

Luna was unamused. She whispered to Link, "Why is he pretending to be a clock?"

Link gently nudged her. "Shh."

"Hello there, friends!" greeted the guard.

Link nodded. "Didn't you promise me this place would one day become as busy as the castle town?"

The guard needed a few seconds. "Oh, Link? That you? Ha! I didn't recognize you with that beard! Where'v you been, son?"

"Ahh, a long, long story... But I'm back to save Hyrule again."

"Oh, really? Sounds good."

"Do you have any word from Hyrule Castle?" Luna asked.

The guard shook his head. "Nobody's came or left recently, that I know of, anyway."

"Did you see an aged man and a dark child riding a white horse?" asked Link.

"No."

"If you do, don't get in his way. He's dangerous," Link warned.

"Don't let anyone return to the castle, either," Luna added. "Everyone's gone."

"Big stuff's happened, apparently," Kibou said.

"Really? What happened? Were you there?" Clock Soldier asked.

"Yes, I was there...with Sheik and Princess Zelda, too. We narrowly escaped strange monsters emerging from rips in reality. Demonic arms grabbed people, pulling them out of this world."

The guard needed a few seconds. "Well, that sucks... What about the queen?"

"She's safe," Link answered, "and I plan to keep it that way."

The clock soldier sighed with relief. "At least there's that. When Ganondorf almost sprang his attack all those years ago, I thought nothing else would happen."

"Yeah, I know what you mean," Bruce commented. "When Zora's Domain finally thawed, we all thought that would be the end of our problems. Afterwards, barbarians swooped in, raiding everything. We recently dealt with them, and next is dealing with this new evil."

Kibou chimed. "That's right!"

"Well, then, I better not bother you!" The clock soldier tapped his spear against the ground; the gate slid open. "I'll...guard the gate, make sure no evil goes after you from behind. If anyone leaves the town, I'll warn them of what happened at Hyrule Castle. Farewell, friends!"

In they went, Epona following then neighing.

"Link stroked Epona's muzzle. Easy, girl, easy..."

While Link comforted Epona, Luna looked ahead. Several purple pixels flew out of the town well. The small mass of purplish things swerved overhead some people, passing a man in blue being laughed at by a man in red. Luna opened her palms, the pixels flying into her hands.

"Hm? What was that?" Bruce asked but lost interest, Link preoccupied with Epona's outburst.

"Yeah, what is that?" Kibou asked, flying closer.

"An old friend," Luna replied.

"What do you mean?" the fairy asked, though Luna did not reply.

"Well, we're here," Luna commented once Link got a hold of Epona. "Will you train me to fight?"

"Good girl!" the Clock Soldier called from his gate.

Link led Epona to some grass, Bruce leaning against the cliff side. The Hero of Time withdrew something from his tunic, passing it to Luna.

Luna stared at the small sword, having a wooden hilt and a red crystal at either side. She put the sword-belt around her waist and then unsheathed the little thing. She saw her reflection in the blade and smiled. "The Kokiri Sword."

"There's only so much you can learn from some training," Link warned.

"Experience is the best teacher," Bruce said.

"Luna..." Kibou hesitated. "Please just be careful." He flew to the side, giving room.

Her mind flashed with many scenes of violence. The alignment of weapons, positions of feet, when to move, where to hit, dodging... "Oh, don't worry, Link. I have all the fighting I've seen burnt into my mind. I just need some guidance." She looked at her left palm, pixelated shadows swirling. "You will allow me to learn from your thoughts, right?"

Link hesitated from the odd question. "Certainly."

Luna closed her hand, pixels fading.

Link withdrew his sword. "I'll be quick, so pay attention. Basically, intercept the top half of your foe's blade with the lower half of your own blade."

He raised is hand, blade back. "You can also raise your sword up while it's pointed backwards to guard. It's hard to parry with short blades, so instead use a shield or attack your foe's forearm."

He pulled his sword back to himself. "If your opponent parries your attack, quickly pull your sword back and defend yourself. If you see an opening, go through it and don't hold back. When you attack, don't just hit him—imagine you are going through him. This works in hand-to-hand also. To disarm your foe, if you are stronger, turn the weapon to the outside until they lose it. I hope you got all that..."

Luna made a snarky smile. "Oh, I certainly do Link."

They extended their arms and tapped their swords together...

Link swung slow; Luna intercepted the incoming tip with the base of her blade, pushing her sword arm up. Link's blade slid down the Kokiri Sword, gently hitting the crossguard. He smiled. "You did pretty good."

Luna pushed her sword sideways, slightly realigning Link's blade then she lunged—he stepped back.

"Oh, nice! You're picking this up really, really fast!"

Link and Luna exchanged a few swings, parrying each other's attacks. Luna never missed, face nonchalant, sometimes pointing her sword into Link's forearm after deflecting.

"You're gonna have to pick it up, old man!" Luna teased.

"You heard that, Link?" Bruce called. "I think the next bearer of the Triforce of Courage is in line!"

Link grinned. "Hah ha! Let's see..." He unleashed a flurry of jabs, expecting to startle the girl; Kibou rang aloud.

Luna put her left hand behind her back, bent her knees, and always parried the snappy tip, sometimes rolling her shoulders.

Link stopped, eyebrows raised. "That's...really impressive."

Luna's smile dropped. "Well, you are being nice."

"You have one big weakness," Link cautioned.

"Oh ya?"

Link lowered his sword, pointing at Luna's legs. "With such a short sword, you can't defend your legs."

Luna paused. "Good point..."

"Never underestimate footwork, it can save your life." He cut low; Luna backflipped. He lunged, Luna skipped aside.

Kibou jingled. "Way to go, Luna!"

Link raised his blade then feigned; Luna did likewise, parrying Link's next thrust.

"Your body possesses youthful energy and agility, yet you have the mind of an adult..."

Bruce positioned his ax across his shoulders, arms over the shaft. "There's no way she never practiced fighting."

Luna looked at the Zora. "I never did, actually. Though..." Memories from times that no longer exist sure help...

"Hyyaahhh!"

Luna spun around from Link's surprise Jump Attacked. She rolled around Link as he landed, hopping onto his back and holding the Kokiri Sword over his throat.

"Whoa!" Kibou cried, Bruce also mildly surprised.

Grinning, Luna whispered to Link's ear, "If you can't hit your opponent, it doesn't matter what sword you use."

Link's eyebrows furrowed. "Did you...know Impa?"

Bruce and Clock Soldier applauded Luna's performance.

Luna dismounted, sheathing her sword. "Thanks for teaching me how to fight, Link."

He chuckled, shaking off his interest. "Shouldn't I be the one learning from you?"

She cocked her head, clasping her hands behind her back. "No." Several purple pixels swirled between her fingers then faded into her palms.

Link sheathed his blade. "You were very impressive, Luna." He knelt, removing his earring. "This is a coming-of-age ritual for Sheikah men, but..." He handed his earring over. "I feel Impa's gift to me can now pass onto you."

Luna stared at the blue earring in her palm. "Oh, my old..." She slid it through her ear.

Kibou hovered upside-down, clapping his wings. "Cute! Looks great on you! Never knew you already had a pierced ear, tho."

"I never would have guessed, either," Bruce remarked.

Luna smiled. "Link...thanks."

He nodded. "Now, let us continue." He, Epona, Bruce, Luna and Kibou moved on, Clock Soldier returning to his post.

Some upgrades were done to Kakariko Village, the carpenters running around working all the time. Most buildings had at least two stories, the guy on the roof staring at Death Mountain as always. Only the windmill was unchanged.

Nearby a tree, a man in red laughed at a man in blue desperately trying to explain things.

The man in blue anxiously moved his arms about. "I tell you, I saw him last week! A ReDead wearing fine red clothes emerged from the graveyard, covered in glowing green stuff!"

The man in red could barely stand. "I can only imagine where you've gotten all these crazy ideas past ten years! Wah ha ha ha ha ha!"

Luna frowned. "People are kinda weird here..."

Link looked at her. "Shh."

Several Cuccos scurried over, feathers fluttering. A lady chased them, wearing a brown vest over a pink shirt, her skirt blue. The Cuccos saw Luna then jumped and squawked about, Bruce shielding himself with his fins, Epona rearing, Kibou whizzing about as a few tried pecking him.

Link grunted, having an urge to kick the dumb birds. The Cuccos stopped nearby, glaring.

"What's with these chickens?" Luna asked.

"Oh, sorry!" the lady said, rushing over. "I was juggling my Cuccos but then they suddenly ran away."

The Cucco Lady apologetically bowed. "But at least I don't get goosebumps from juggling Cuccos anymore."

Luna just stared. "You used to get goosebumps...from juggling chickens?"

"It's alright, Anju. Also, I'm surprised you recognized me after so many years!"

She smiled. "How could I forget the cute boy who rounded up my Cuccos?"

He smiled back. "How's Kafei?"

Anju made a quizzical look. "Umm, who? What do you mean?"

"Oh, sorry. Wrong Anju..."

A Cucco called, Epona's ear flicking; a little blue head emerged from the lady's pocket.

Link smiled. "Nice to see you again, too, Cojiro."

Anju pet her blue friend. "He never forgets a nice Cucco Keeper."

"What about your brother, anyway?"

"Oh, you looked for him? Well, he never came back, but... Since Cojiro returned and is happy, my brother must have found what he was looking for, somewhere, out there..." Her face saddened for a second. Hands together, she slightly leaned towards Luna, smiling warmly. "Hey dear, my name's Anju. May I ask yours?"

The pale maiden wasn't amused. "Luna."

"That's a very pretty name, Luna. I am so pleased to meet you! You're the second fairy child I've met." She turned to Link. "Is she your daughter?"

Link briefly blushed. "Uh, no, a friend. Kokiri remain children forever."

Luna's clenched her fists, knuckles whitening.

Anju nodded, then faced Bruce. "Hello, sir, it's rare to find a Zora in town! It's nice to see someone so different."

Bruce nodded. "Thanks for your warm welcome, milady."

Kibou wobbled mid-air. "I don't mean to be rude, but we're on a dangerous mission. We mustn't waste any time."

Anju bowed. "I understand. I won't take any more of your time. Oh, and Link..." She slightly tilted her head, eyes partly closed, face relaxed. "It's so good to see you and Epona again."

He smiled back, nodding. "Thank you. Have a good day, friend."

Link guided Epona, the heroes moving on while Anju rounded up her Cuccos. "The Death Mountain Trail is just up there..."

After ascending the first set of stairs, Link heard someone yell his name. He turned, a dark-haired teenaged archer excitedly rushing out the Shooting Gallery. "Oh, hey Alf. You remembered me?"

"How could I forget the man who saved me from his own shadow? Ha ha!" The teen put away his bow.

Epona nickered.

Bruce chuckled. "Everyone's quite happy to see you, Hero of Time."

"Definitely, Mr. Zora!" Alf agreed. He eagerly looked at Luna. "Are you from the forest?"

Luna's eye twitched.

Kibou hovered in. "You'll have to excuse her, she's very stressed out lately."

"Oh, OK, sorry... Anyways, Link...where have you been? It's been, like, ten years!"

Link scratched the back of his head. "A long, long story... Too much to explain, but my ten years of effort kinda failed. I'm not stopping, tho. I'm here to destroy this new evil that pervaded Hyrule."

Alf nodded. "I won't disturb you any longer. But still, it's so great you're back! When you're here to protect us, we have no evil to fear!"

"A young warrior should be brave even when alone," Bruce said.

Alf withdrew his bow. "You're right! I'm not gonna be afraid of anything!"

"Now that's how a man talks!" the Zora complimented.

"Don't worry Link! I won't let any evil sneak up on you!" The lad scurried off.

"Alright, time to pay the Gorons a visit," Kibou remarked, everyone approaching the gate.