Link's POV

The others entered the clearing. Like they were drawn there.

Sky smiled sadly at the master sword in my hand.

It wasn't as perfect and uncracked in my hand, then in his.

It made me self-conscious and want to put the sword away, to distract Sky from his old friend who probably won't make it another hundred years.

We gathered around the Deku Tree. He had been awake the whole time, just decided to watch. The Koroks had hid in his branches from Astor.

But now they were re-emerging.

Wind laughed and started to play with them.

"Great Deku Tree." Zelda's voice rang out. But there was something off about it-something I can't quite put my finger on.

"All is well." The ancient spirit assured us. "The sowrd you hold us the key to defeating the Calamity-to sealing the darkness."

I looked down at the sacred sword. As the tree kept talking, a heavier and heavier weight seemed to press down on my shoulders.

"Young hero, you have been chosen by the sword to wield its power and vanquish the Calamity."

The sword glowed gently, as if welcoming me. I looked back up at the Deku Tree.

"And you, Princess." The Deku Tree said after a short pause. "Do not lose hope. The path will open for you soon."

"I see…" Zelda sounded desolate and I wanted to console her, but I couldn't. But that didn't mean Wind couldn't abandon his new friends, and hug her waist.

Zelda looked surprised. But melted into the hug with a slight chuckle.

"Forgive me." The spirit said. "A deep slumber beckons, and even I cannot refuse. you have all that is needed to face whatever destiny awaits. Hyrule's fate… Is in your hands…"

And with that, we bade the Deku Tree and Hestu goodbye, and we left the forest.

Time and Twilight had to drag Wind away from the Koroks.

Twilight carried Wind on his back on the way back through the Lost Woods.

The Young Hero's ankle had healed nicely since he wasn't allowed to do much fighting.

—

Zelda's POV

We walked along the path. The sun starting to set behind the distant horizon.

I watched Link unsurely from behind him.

I stopped on the path. I covered my head in my hands.

The little robot beeped up at me, it's eye pulsing in something resembling concern.

"How can I…" The small army stopped.

"If I am unable to awaken my inner power…"

Four came up to me, his grey eyes flashed red. "You will be able to protect your kingdom." The hero of the Four Sword said gently. "Trust us."

I tore my eyes away from his gentle, caring gaze and looked toward the ground.

The robot began to whistle a familiar tune.

I gasped. I looked at it as if for the first time.

I held out my hand toward the guardian in awe and remembrance.

"That song…"

I was pulled into a distant memory.

I was six. A little robot was whistling a gentle, calming tune to me.

"Nighty-night." I said, drifting off to sleep.

"I remember you."

"Enemy ahead!" Warriors shouted.

The five champions, eight heroes, and few dozen soldiers, readied their weapons.

I couldn't do anything but inhale and exhale as I pushed aside memories of a past life.