Author's Note: Final installment. Thank you for reading and commenting!

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Link wraps both arms about Zelda's waist to try and cushion the fall, grunting when he lands on his back. Having taken the brunt of the tumble, the wind is knocked out of him, and pain lances up his spine, but he wastes no time stumbling to his feet and dragging Zelda towards the fort's entrance.

They are exposed, and he can hear the deadly lasers charging again. Looking over his shoulder, he sees Epona's crumpled body on the ground and Guardians surging over and around her as they pursue the fleeing couple. He refuses to let his faithful companion's sacrifice be in vain. Blinking back tears, he pushes Zelda before him, urging her past the wooden gate hanging off its hinges. Once inside the fort, he pulls her to the side, away from the opening. It is too small for the Guardians to enter, but Link does not want to take any chances.

"Are you hurt?" he asks, his voice hoarse.

Zelda shakes her head, her eyes wide with terror. "Epona," she weeps, tears trickling down her cheeks.

Link takes her in his arms, holding her tightly. "She saved us," emotion chokes him. "She was brave and loyal to the end."

They stay locked in the embrace a moment longer, listening to the sounds of the Guardians clanking outside, trying to find a way in. They may be safe now, but Link knows they cannot stay here long. So he takes Zelda's hand and trots up the road leading to Hateno.

"Where are we going?" Zelda pants, trying to keep up with him.

"Hateno," Link replies. "My father always said, after Kakariko, it is one of the safest places in Hyrule. I hope he was right."

However, as they approach the entrance to the Cliffs of Quince, Link's heart sinks when he sees the passage to Hateno is blocked by a large hoard of bokoblins and moblins. The fleeing couple is trapped, and there is nowhere to run except back the way they came. A group of moblins leading the pack, spot the two Hylians instantly and begin heading their way.

"Link," Zelda whispers tremulously. "What are we going to do?"

Pushing her behind him, Link draws his sword as the frontline of monsters approaches. "Zelda, listen to me carefully. When I tell you to run, you run and don't look back. Get back to the fort and send Kaepora to Kakariko for help. Understood?"

"You'll be right behind me, correct?" she asks, fingers clutching his tunic, hands trembling in fear.

"I'll be right behind you," Link assures her. He waits a moment longer, gauging the speed of the moblins. When he can see the ugly reds of their eyes, he shouts, "Run, Zelda!"

Charging forward with a fierce battle cry, he engages the monsters. Link had encountered dozens of these vicious creatures before and was confident in his abilities to defeat them. As he falls on the first moblin in combat, he can feel his muscles tightening with each swing of his sword. However, he soon realizes that these monsters are more skilled than any he had faced before. They move with unexpected agility, and their attacks are swift and precise. Glancing over his shoulder, Link is relieved that Zelda has listened and is running back toward the fort.

Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, the moblins close in on him, their weapons raised high. Link grits his teeth, knowing that he has to keep their attention and cannot risk them getting past him. He rolls out of the way of a swinging ax and thrusts his sword upwards, managing to impale one of the attackers.

The remaining moblins roar in anger and circle around him. Link has faced many dangerous foes as a Royal knight, and these monsters are fighting with a ferocity that tells him they will not stop until they have taken him down.

Moving quickly, Link dodges and parries the enemies' attacks and strikes back when he sees an opening. The rain was coming down harder, running in his eyes, and he had to wipe it away repeatedly to clear his vision. The ground beneath his feet was muddy and slippery, making it difficult to keep his balance. Being taller and heavier, the moblins had the advantage in this weather, planting their feet firmly on the ground and moving quickly despite the muck. Link's sword clashes with one of their clubs, and his boots slide back over the sludgy turf.

His heart pounds as he struggles to regain his footing, and the pouring rain clangs against his shield as he raises it to deflect another incoming attack from the rear. Ducking, he avoids a swinging spiked club and, leaping in the air, dodges another attack to land behind one of his assailants. Viciously swinging his sword, Link slices through the moblin's torso.

His muscles burned with the exertion, and his sword arm grew tired. But he cannot stop until the remaining moblins have been defeated. He unleashes a flurry of attacks, his sword humming through the air and striking true with each swing. He has managed to take down all but one, which wields two clubs and swings one toward Link's head. Raising his shield to deflect the blow, it rams violently against the steel, jarring his arm, and his boots slip again in the mud. A sharp blow to his other side sends him crashing to the ground, his shield clattering away. Link's vision blurs as pain shoots through his body.

Towering over him, the moblin's mouth stretched wide with an evil grin. It growls deeply as it raises both clubs over Link's head. He raises his sword to stab the monster in the gut as it begins a downward strike.

The creature falls upon the sword to the hilt, pushing Link's back to the ground with the weight. The handle's edge digs into his side, and with a grunt of pain, he pushes the moblin off. Panting, Link rises back to his knees, his body battered and bruised. He struggles to his feet, his side pulsing with pain.

Link knew he had to push through the pain. Looking up the path, the remainder of the hoard has drawn closer, and he needs to slow their course and return to Zelda. He plants his feet and charges a spin attack. With a grunt, he rapidly spins, the sword slicing through nearby tree trunks and sending them toppling across the road. It will only slow the advancing bokoblins progress, but it will give Link and Zelda the time they need to escape another way.

Link retrieves his shield and, pressing his hand against his injured side, runs back to the fort. As he approaches, he sees Zelda standing near the falconry, her terrified eyes scanning the forest. When she sees him, relief floods her face, and she rushes to him.

"I was afraid something had happened," she exclaims. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine; bought us some time," Link gasps. "Did you send Kaepora?"

Zelda shakes her head. "I haven't found his cage yet."

Link pushes past her and heads to the falconry, rushing down the row until he locates the owl. Opening the door, Kaepora immediately hops onto Link's outstretched arm. With an urgent whisper, he flings the owl in the air and watches as Kaepora careens through the storm toward Dueling Peaks. Link sags against the fort wall; his left side burns with each breath he takes, and pain radiates through his torso. The wheeze he hears when he exhales tells him all he needs to know; his ribs are broken, and a lung has been punctured.

"You are hurt!" Zelda exclaims. "Let me see." Her hands flutter over him, and he can't help the wince when she touches his side.

"I just…I just need a minute," he assures Zelda, trying to catch his breath.

After another moment, he pushes away from the wall, and moves to the entrance. Looking out over Blatchery Plains toward the stable that rests in the valley at the foot of the mountains, the grounds are crawling with Guardians, but the machines have yet to reach the building.

He turns back to Zelda. "Can you make it to the stable?" Link points to the Dueling Peaks, barely visible in the gloom and rain.

Zelda's eyes are wide with fright, staring at the swarm of Guardians in front of the ravaged fort. "It's so far. I don't….I don't know," she stutters.

Link shakes his head. "I have to get you to safety. I will clear a path for you. You stay here until I take out the ones closest to the walls. Watch for my signal to move forward."

"Link, no!" Zelda gasped, he didn't think her eyes could widen anymore, but they did. "It's too dangerous!"

"I have only slowed the hoard behind us down; they are still on their way. We will be trapped here and die if we don't run for it," Link states grimly. "The Sheikah are coming but will never make it through all those Guardians. So we have to meet them halfway. They'll get you the rest of the way to Kakariko."

"I won't let you throw your life away for me!" Zelda declares. "What about Aryll?"

"She is safe in Hateno with our grandmother. She'll be all right," Link falters, thinking of his sister and grandmother alone. He can only hope they are truly safe, but Zelda is his top priority. All will be lost if she dies. "I failed to save Hyrule, but I won't fail to save you."

Face paling, Zelda clasps her hands together beseechingly. "No! You've done everything that was asked of you and more. You have fought valiantly. It is I who have failed to unlock this cursed power! I cannot ask you to do this!"

"Zelda," Link says softly, taking her hands. "It's the only way. You are the light of Hyrule. You must survive. If anyone can figure out how to defeat the Calamity, it will be you and Impa."

"I can't do this without you," Zelda wails, tears streaming down her face.

"You can; you are stronger than you realize," Link assures her. "Believe in yourself, as I do."

She grips his hands tightly. "Please promise me you will come back to me."

"I promise," he replies, cracking on the lie. The odds are insurmountable, but he has to try. "I will always come back to you, Zelda."

He leans in and kisses her gently before turning away. If he stays a moment longer, he will lose his will. Unsheathing his sword, Link charges out of the gate and leaps on the nearest Guardian, plunging the blade deep into its eye before it can take a shot. Sparks shoot in all directions as he wrenches the weapon free, and ugly, purple smoke spews from the machine's neck joints.

Jumping down, as it collapses on itself, two more Guardians bear down on Link, charging their lasers. Standing between them, he waits until the last possible second before rolling out of the way of the blast. The lasers ricochet off the armored bodies, causing a small amount of damage.

Cursing, Link moves behind one of the monsters, slashing at the jointed legs. It takes several passes with the sword to tear through the thick armor, and with three legs undamaged, the Guardian can still move. He climbs on top of it, drawing the fire of the other attacking automaton. Its laser slashes across the head of the Guardian, taking out the eye.

Again, Link leaps out of the way before the beam can hit him, dropping to the ground with a jolt that sends pain lancing through his broken ribs. His head spins, and his stomach roils with nausea.

The remaining Guardian lurches around its fallen counterpart, its weapon charging. Panting, Link forces himself to his feet, pulling out his shield. He remembers how he deflected the blast all those years ago with nothing more than a pot lid and angles his shield toward the mechanical beast. When the whine reaches its peak and the laser discharges, it slams into the shield, pushing Link back as the beam ricochets to disable its owner.

Beckoning Zelda to follow, Link trusts she will do so and focuses on taking out the next group of Guardians. He continues advancing across the plain until there is a swath of broken and disabled Guardians lying in ruins behind them. But despite his efforts, Link finds he is in the same state as the machines he has managed to destroy. While his tactics successfully took out the machines, there were far too many with no end in sight.

With each swing of his sword, his strength was draining, and his reflexes had slowed, but the machines kept coming, and he had been unable to avoid all the blasts. He had taken several hits to his torso and limbs that burned with searing pain.

The last barrage of laser fire he had attempted to deflect had shattered his shield. The resulting shrapnel had torn across his already battered body, and the wounds were bleeding profusely. Link knows his time is growing short. The Master Sword flickers wanly, its hum growing faint in his ears.

'No matter when or how bad the wound. I hope you know that I will always protect you.'

Mipha's words echo as he tries to summon his strength. She's more than likely dead, along with the other Champions, and Link realizes he will soon follow. Perhaps he will see them in the afterlife. Zelda trembles beside him, desperately calling his name. He has to keep going and get her to safety, or she will die here, too.

He cannot stop yet, but despite his conviction, he staggers, falling to one knee and must use the sword to keep himself upright. The stable is close, but several more Guardians stand between them and the shelter. They creep over the plain, their heads swiveling, looking for movement. Link sucks in his breath preparing for the next onslaught.

"Link!" Zelda cries, pressing her hands against his shoulders. "Save yourself! Go! I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."

Alerted to their presence, a nearby Guardian swivels its menacing head and moves toward them. Climbing over stone ruins and fellow downed machines to reach them, it towers over them.

"Run!" Zelda desperately urges.

Link gasps; he has nothing to shield her from the machine beside his weakening sword and body. He pushes back against the princess, dragging his weapon out of the ground one final time to stand between her and the glowing red eye.

The insidious beeping fills the air as it begins powering up. Drawing a shaking breath, Link has to use both arms to lift the sword. His heart sinks knowing he has failed, and they are both going to die.

"No!" Zelda screams, pushing Link behind her at the last minute, and raising her right hand. He staggers backward, the sword slipping in his fingers, as a golden light, brighter than the sun, shines forth from her outstretched hand. Incandescent rays shoot in every direction, piercing every guardian left functioning and covering the entire plain in a brilliant corona. Zelda is framed in a dazzling halo, the picture of the beautiful goddess she was.

The Guardian looming above them shudders and explodes, dropping to the ground deactivated. All the other mechanical beasts surrounding them collapse, as well. Falling as easily as a child's tower of cards.

"Was that….was that the power?" Zelda asks in awe, turning her hand over.

Link feels the last of his strength leave him, and he is suddenly very tired. Black spots encroach on his vision as he crumbles to the ground.

"Link! No!" Zelda's voice sounds panicked as she kneels next to him, trying to lift him out of the mud.

It is a comfort to rest in her arms. Link tries to tell her how proud he is of her and that he loves her, but his lungs feel like he is drowning, and nothing escapes his lips except a wet gasp. He can only hope that she knows how much she means to him.

Now that she has her power, he can stop fighting, and his time on this mortal coil is quickly slipping away. He can hear the spirits of the other Champions whispering to him from the other side. Another hero will take his place and wield what was once his to help his Zelda finish what they started.

The last thing he sees is her luminous tear-filled green eyes. The last thing he tastes is the memory of her sweet, wildberry kisses. The last thing he hears is her weeping, pleading for him to stay. The last thing he smells is her honeyed apple scent. The last thing he feels is her hand on his face, brushing his rain-soaked hair out of his eyes.

Dear Aryll,

It is with a heavy heart that I am sending you this letter. As I am sure you have already been informed, your father and brother were casualties in the battle against Calamity Ganon. While I was not there to witness it, I am sure your father, Captain Banzetta, stood firm by my father's side to the bitter end. As for your brother, Link, he fought valiantly and did everything within his power to ensure my safety. He never faltered or turned from his duty, although how I wish he had.

Unfortunately, as formidable and skilled a warrior as he is, Link was no match for the onslaught of Malice-driven Guardians that besieged us, and I failed to unlock my sealing power in time to aid him.

To that end, he was mortally wounded, and I have chosen to seal him away in the Shrine of Resurrection, where no harm can befall him while he recovers. It saddens me to say it will take nearly a century for him to heal, but it cannot be helped. Neither of our work is finished, and I cannot defeat Ganon on my own. But, I can bind him within the castle walls so he can encroach no further into the lands of Hyrule. I will hold him fast until Link is strong enough to come to my aid and finish what we started…

[Zelda does not know how long she sat there weeping over Link's prone form. But no matter how much she begged and pleaded or shook him and brushed hair matted with blood, sweat, and mud from his face, he did not stir. Eventually, a weak voice broke through her keening, and for a brief moment, hope had flared that her appointed knight was finally stirring back to life. But, instead, the source was his sword, still loosely gripped in his hand. The blade was as battered as its wielder but glowed faintly, beseeching her to make haste. That Link can still be saved if she can get him to the Shrine of Resurrection.

"Princess!" Robbie's voice sounds like he is speaking to her underwater, and she looks up to see him, flanked by Purah, Carik, and two Sheikah foot soldiers. Snapping back to reality, she commands him to hurry. Link's time is running out, and she is suddenly fearful they will not make it to the shrine in time if they do not leave now. She leaned in to whisper one final command to her appointed knight.

"You hold on!" She orders in a tone recalling how she used to speak to him in their early days. "Remain here!"

She wonders if he heard, as the way his head lolls when the Sheikah soldiers pick him up to place him on a travois causes her heart to seize and her throat to constrict.

His hand falls lifeless off the side when they pick up the stretcher and begin to move; none of his controlled grace of movement or electric charge simmering beneath the surface in evidence. Even in slumber, he had never been so deathly still. She rushes after them to take his hand in hers one last time and places it gently upon his chest.

Zelda is torn between her love for Link and her duty as Princess of Hyrule. She wants to remain by his side and see him safely to the shrine. Perchance, she is dreaming, and she will feel his arms wrap around her and will awaken on her walkway with him again. But this time, with the foreknowledge of what needs to be done differently.

Instead, time moves inexorably forward, she does not awaken, and the sword still whispers instructions in her ear. Zelda does not have the luxury to stay with Link and stops to watch the entourage continue down the lane a moment longer. Turning, she trudges over the plain to another prone form she would rather not witness again.

But she must retrieve her Sheikah slate, from Epona's saddlebags, as it will be crucial to Link's recovery. If only he had been able to hear the sword's voice, perhaps all of this could have been avoided. The blade has informed her there is a terminal they never found, mere footsteps from the Shrine of Resurrection, that would power all the inactive monuments.

It will be up to Purah to find it so it can be activated when the time arises, and Zelda informs her of this as they walk toward Fort Hateno. The slate was indeed meant for the Hero, not the Princess, Zelda realizes. With her power, she has no need for its runes, which she now knows are meant to be used by the chosen hero in the trials hidden within the shrines. She tries not to think about how she used it for her own purposes and, once in a state of pique, yelled at Link when the slate failed to unlock a shrine.

Zelda tries not to look at the devastation the Guardians wrought upon Epona's body, much as they had to her knight. Averting her eyes, she digs in the scorched saddle bags until her hand closes around the cool surface of the slate. However, to her dismay electric sparks crackle behind its broken screen. She stares dumbly at the broken device in her hands.

"Princess," Purah says, approaching, followed by the court poet. Carik's eyes are filled with equal parts wonder and sorrow when he looks upon her, and Zelda cannot stand the weight of his gaze.

"It's broken," she whispers, gripping the Sheikah slate tightly. "I had hoped it would be able to aid Link when he awakens. He will need it to unlock the shrines in order to regain his strength quickly."

"Let me see it," Purah gently requests. Zelda places it in the scientist's hand, and Purah turns it over to examine the back. She pries off a section and fiddles with a few circuits within.

Flipping it over, she taps the screen, and the blue Sheikah script scrolls over the display. Grimacing, the Sheikah woman pokes the slate several more times before the data disappears, and Zelda's compendium flickers on the device.

"I am sorry, Princess," Purah sighs, tapping the screen to open the file. "Most of the data has been corrupted, and the runes are inactive. I can repair the runes, but as for the pictures and notes you compiled; I am afraid all but a handful have been erased."

Turning the slate to Zelda, Purah shows her the surviving pictures; they are only landscapes and crumbling ruins of locations visited in her travels after Link was assigned to her. Her heart sinks lower. All the pictures she had taken of flora and fauna are gone, and all her notes on the subjects, some he had helped with, were destroyed.

They already knew the devastating side-effect of using the Shrine of Resurrection, but what other choice did they have? Link will likely retain none of his own memories, and the chances that these places will spark any recollection within him are slim. But perhaps even a memory from her viewpoint will be enough. In a moment of inspiration, Zelda reaches out and uses her magic to embed her memories at the sites.

However, Purah is not hopeful when Zelda mentions her idea. "You are well aware of the risk in using the Shrine."

"We have to try, Purah," Zelda insists. "Link is the only one who can aid me."

"I will have the slate in working order by the time he needs it," the scientist promises her. "And we will hold on to faith that your recollections will be enough to spark at least an inkling of recognition within him."

If all else fails, Zelda can only hope his sense of purpose is so ingrained in his being that he will choose to take on the mantle of Hero of Hyrule again, even if he cannot remember the reason why. And if the muscle memory of his purpose remains, Zelda cannot help but hope his love for her will prevail, as well. But she must not dwell on her loss; to do so would cripple her from completing the task at hand.]

There are no words to express my sorrow for the loss of your brother. I know how much he meant to you and how painful a hole his absence has carved in your heart.

Please know that Link was a hero in every sense of the word and gave his life to protect the people of Hyrule from the threat of Calamity Ganon. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his bravery will continue to inspire us all.

I am so sorry we failed, but I promise you if given a second chance, I have the utmost faith that Link and I will prevail when we face Calamity Ganon again. We will do everything in our power to ensure that no one else has to suffer the pain of loss you and your grandmother are going through.

The sacred blade has assured me that Link will recover from his wounds. I only wish it would be in time for you to see him again…

[The sacred blade is now whispering urgently in Zelda's ear that it also needs to be placed back on its pedestal before its power completely fades. Shouldering Link's travel pack, Zelda leaves Purah and Carik and allows the sword to guide her through the Lost Woods, while not-too-distant memories of Link promising to do the same threaten to overwhelm her.

"The Deku Tree is real? I thought he was just a legend, too," Zelda exclaims excitedly, drawing Link out of his recollection.

"He is genuine and very wise. Older than thousands of millennia, maybe older than time. The sword does not speak to me with words, but it does guide me. I could take you to visit the Deku Tree one day," Link offers.

"I would like that very much," Zelda says.

Tears spill from her eyes as Zelda grips the battered Master Sword in her hand and wanders into a brightly lit and incredibly green meadow. It is as peaceful and beautiful as Link had described. A soft breeze picks up, rustling the leaves of the surrounding woods, and drawing her attention to the largest tree she has ever seen. Its wizened face observes her silently but says nothing as she approaches a stone pedestal shrouded in a golden light at the glen's center. The sword falls silent when she reaches the Triforce-shaped platform with a notch in the center the exact size of the blade in her hand.

Not ready to let the sword go, Zelda lays it across the pedestal and collapses to the ground next to it. Her work is not done, but the finality of this moment briefly overwhelms her. Tiny creatures with cute faces in the middle of leafy bodies pop up and silently watch her before one brave soul ventures forward.

"Hello! My name is Pip," the little creature announces, settling down next to her and looking up at her. "What's your's?"

"My name is Zelda," she replies, giving the funny little creature a woebegone smile. "What are you?"

"We are Koroks, the children of the Great Deku Tree," Pip proudly responds. "Why do you have Master Link's sword?"

"He's sleeping," she whispers, her voice catching on the words, the threat of more tears imminent. She clears her throat before continuing. "He asked me to bring it back here for safekeeping until he wakes and can retrieve it."

"Oh." Pip ponders her answer before solemnly volunteering his services. "I can watch over it for him."

"He would like that, I think," Zelda answers and falls silent. Resting there, staring at nothing, the green and yellow colors blur about her as her mind grows blissfully numb. She is dimly aware of Pip crawling into her lap and tugging on Link's bag. Little scamp that he is, he rifles within and pulls out a neatly wrapped parcel.

"This has your name on it, I think," he squeaks, holding the package up.

Shaking herself out of her reverie, Zelda looks down at the tiny Korok, holding a container nearly as big as himself.

Taking it from Pip and examining the wrapping, she realizes it is a small wax paper box, the kind Link used during their travels to store food, and it does have her name written on top in his nearly illegible scrawl. It was probably a snack he had packed in case they needed it during the trip to Mount Lanayru.

But she almost choked on another sob when she peeled the paper back and saw what was nestled within. A vision of what might have been swimming before her eyes:

"What do you get a girl who has everything?" Link jokes, pulling the small box from his pack. "So, I made you something."

Zelda's cheeks pink prettily as she takes the proffered package. "You didn't have to give me anything."

"I know," he replies. "Don't get too excited."

With a smile, she opens the lid, and her smile widens. "You made this?"

"Well, I guess technically - baked," he says, his cheeks flushing. "Happy birthday."

Zelda pulls out a plate that contains a small fruitcake. It is elegantly frosted, with wild berries on the top and perfectly piped rosettes along the edge. Her throat constricts as she gazes at the cake, thinking of Link's unwavering resourcefulness, determination, and, more dearly, his kind and gentle heart.

Her own heart swells with her love for him and that she had the privilege of being the one he chose to love in return. Lifting the delicacy from the plate, she takes a small bite, savoring the moist butteriness of the sponge with a hint of spice and the sweetness of the creamy frosting and berries. It is the best gift she has ever received, and surprisingly enough fills her with hope that she and Link's love can withstand the ravages of time.

The Master Sword hums weakly beside her, drawing her attention away from the dessert in her hand. Handing the plate to Pip, Zelda kneels next to the weapon and whispers reassuringly that Link will return to reclaim it one day.

"If I may be so bold… what is it that you are planning on doing next, Princess?" a deep, comforting voice asks of her.

Startled from her vow, Zelda rises and looks up at the Deku Tree. Not only had the Master Sword stated that Link's role was not yet finished, but it had also informed Zelda of the same fate.

"The Master Sword…I heard it speak to me," she says, gazing down at the damaged blade at her feet. "It seems my role is unfinished. There is still something I must do."

"I sense there is great strength in your dedication," the ancient tree states.

"Great Deku Tree, I ask of you when he returns, can you please relay this message…" Zelda begins, stepping forward and looking up at the tree entreatingly. "Tell him I…"

"Words intended for him," interrupts the wise tree, "would sound much better in the tones of your voice, don't you think?"

Zelda bowed her head in thought, hoping she would one day be able to express everything that had been left unsaid. But the Deku Tree was correct; what she wanted to say was something that should only be spoken from her lips to Link's ears.

"Yes," she agrees and turns her gaze back to the sword. She could tarry here no more, as the time was drawing near for her to return to the castle before Ganon escaped his bonds. Lifting the sword with both hands, all the while hearing it hum its thanks in her ear, Zelda settles it into the pedestal with a muffled thunk. By the time Link was ready to reclaim it, the sword would have recovered.]

Aryll, please know that I love your brother with all my heart and will do everything possible to see us emerge from the final battle with Ganon unscathed. I have learned from my previous mistakes and now know that both of us were unprepared for the challenges we were forced to face.

Please accept my condolences again, and I wish I could deliver them to you in person. But, unfortunately, my time is also growing short, and I must make haste to bind Calamity Ganon before he bursts free from the temporary bounds I have placed upon him. I wish you a long, happy, and fruitful life, and I know your brother wishes the same.

With deepest sympathy,

Princess Zelda

Epilogue

(seven years later)

Climbing to the top of the Great Plateau, Aryll pauses to catch her breath. With all the bridges connecting the plateau to Hyrule Field destroyed, only the most determined individual could reach its heights. She sits on the edge, allowing her feet to dangle, and takes a long draught from her waterskin as she gazes at the ruins of Hyrule Castle in the distance. Ugly, roiling purple and black ichor swirls in a malevolent cloud, nearly obscuring the castle's facade. Occasional flashes of yellow indicate that Princess Zelda survives and keeps Calamity Ganon at bay. Aryll marvels at the strength of will that keeps the Princess of Hyrule fighting, and she can only hope Zelda can last the many years still ahead of her.

Rolling to her feet, Aryll continues her journey up the path that leads to the Shrine of Resurrection. When she reaches the top, she shrugs her traveling pack off her shoulders and settles to the ground beneath a small tree next to the entrance of the cave. Her long honey-blond braid falls over her shoulder when she looks down to open her bag and pulls a small, stringless wooden bow from within.

"It's been seven years, big brother," she whispers. "I'm twenty. Older than you now, I suppose. Impa told me once that you are frozen in time."

She touches the bow, running her fingers gently along the curve. It's a child's bow, the wood worn smooth from use. It is the one Link had used when they hunted for blupees, and years later, she had used it when the bokoblin gang attacked Lon Lon Ranch.

"Do you remember when we hunted for blupees? It was in the forest right below this cliff. You said they were magic. I still have the rupee we found. That was a wonderful day until the end. First our mother, then father and you. Grandmother…" A tear runs down her face.

"Purah…Purah said you probably won't remember them or me when you wake up." Aryll looks up at the sky. Pooling tears leak from the corners of her eyes, trickling down the sides of her face, to drip on her bodice.

She cries for the six-year-old brother who climbed an apple tree in their small orchard to pluck her fruit from the highest branch. Sobs for the ten-year-old brother who carried her on his back when she was too tired to walk. Tears trickled down her cheeks for the thirteen-year-old brother who had grown so silent but taught her how to shoot a bow and arrow. Finally, her heart breaks in two for the seventeen-year-old brother who had sought her counsel when he had fallen in love with a princess.

She would cherish these and other memories all her life, all the while, with each passing year, more of who her brother was would slip away into the ether. Aryll wept until she gasped for breath.

"And… and it's alright if you won't remember because grief can be crippling. If…if you don't have to feel this…pain, that will make me so happy."

"Aryll."

She looks up to see Carik standing at the top of the path. His lute is slung across his back, cheeks flushed from the exertion of the climb, but his ruby eyes are filled with compassion.

He understands her grief; even if when Link was alive, the poet never cared for her brother. Carik confessed one night when they had been talking about the past outside Impa's house. His face a mask of shame, thinking his fleeting thoughts of jealous ill will towards Link had been the cause of Hyrule's downfall. Aryll had told him that no one except the goddesses had that kind of power.

When her chin trembles, Carik moves swiftly to kneel beside her. Taking her gently in his arms, he rubs slow circles on her back while crooning. "Shh…Shhh…my sweet, Aryll. My angel."

Clinging to him, she allows herself to silently cry until no more moisture is left, and her weeping turns to hiccups.

"I am going away, big brother," Aryll whispers when she pulls away and glances towards the stone door. "The memories are too painful here. Carik is going to take me to see all the corners of Hyrule. He travels for inspiration, and I to escape the ghosts. But I am leaving this with you for luck."

Opening the satchel, she reaches in and takes out a blue rupee. Finding a rock beside the tree, she lifts it up and places the gem beneath. She presses the stone back down, feeling the rupee sink into the soft earth.

"I told you I was saving it for something special," she murmurs.

She places the bow in her satchel. She may have a son or daughter one day and can give the bow to them. She thinks Link would like that.

"Are you ready, Aryll?" Carik quietly asks. She knows he is patient and will give her as much time as she needs to say goodbye.

"Play a song for my brother before we go?" she asks.

"I will play a song for him in every region we visit, for every secret we may uncover," Carik promises her. "May they guide his way when he returns.

"I have a song I can play today, but it is for you." He gazes tenderly at her, and pulls his lute around his shoulder.

Aryll smiles and nods her head, settling back against the trunk of the tree.

Carik begins playing a soft, melancholy melody, and his lips part to sing with his beautiful baritone voice:

The hero will slumber o'er 100 years

His dear sister cannot assuage her tears

Memories alone will feed her soul

The poet hopes journeys will make her whole

His love for the princess he knows was untrue

In the fair sister, he has found love anew.