Author's Note: Hello! I'm new to fanfiction and this is my first work! I stick to mainly older Legend of Zelda games and am proud of an endless list of other fandoms. Feel free to check my profile for more!
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Introduction
Legend has it that a boy from the forest was chosen by Hyrule's Three Goddesses to epitomize Courage. He mirrored bravery and surmounted evil to every degree. The boy remained firm against faces of pain and grief and represented to many others what it is to become a leader in one's own self-sacrifice. This grand Legend of the Hero of Time passed on for generations upon generations. The Kingdom of Hyrule would forever hold in its archives justice one man brought down onto the Demon King.
However, nowhere in its versions speaks of diligence or effort through his perspective.
A selfish heart would believe the Hero of Time accepted this as a vain attempt to be worshipped. The opposed would see his success as a holy surrender to save thousands of lives. Scholars quarrel endlessly over questions unanswered; nevertheless, time in consensus is but a curse. The flow of existence through past, present, and future holds more than the simplified measurements of minutes, hours, and days. Each second brings on a new possibility and fresh experiences. Time flourishes into relationships and memories. An ocarina with capability to manipulate this balance can either give or steal precious remembrances.
A child overcome by this fate could be catastrophic.
Standing before Princess Zelda is no longer the boy of legend, but a proud warrior. Link was prepared to be stripped of a title he labored for and the catalyst to this tale sits between them, glistening in pure light.
"Link." Her Royal Highness breathes, "I must make up for my own mistakes. I need you to close the Door of Time and lay the Master Sword to rest. It is then the roads between time will shut."
And without hesitation, Hyrule's Hero obeys. She painfully expected him to. Passing the Ocarina of Time to its original keeper, his thoughts focused on the silk gloves against his calloused hands. Both princess and warrior realized seven years did a plethora to their weary souls.
"…As a Sage, I can return you to your original time."
Link nods, surprised upon noticing the princess had not removed her hands over his own.
"Regain what was lost. Home, where you are supposed to be, the way you are supposed to be."
It was out of the question; they would share their last moments reminiscing. Time spent together was very short compared to their time apart. Princess Zelda still had her allure to her, and Link, his innocent curiosity. Returning to their original timeline would mean a new adventure without fear of persecution. They share a saddened smile with one another. At last, peace.
Link loses his footing to the notes played by the holy instrument. He drifts unconscious.
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