So I've been on a bender with trying to write new stories outside of my usual Pokemon series and I have been having fun. So as I was writing for my Fate story, I figured I should write about my all time favorite gaming franchise, The Legend of Zelda. As I recently completed Breath of the Wild, I feel as if it's the story that lends itself to more creativity, so I chose to give my interpretation to what comes next. I'm aware of the fact that Breath of the Wild 2 has been announced, so I'm just going to write this story as if that never happened. I'm having fun and it would be nice to write something that isn't just action all the time and I don't have to continuously create OCs for. So for now, please enjoy the story.

The light of the morning sun filled the sky above Hateno Village, signaling to all the cuccos in the village to begin their daily chorus. The calls of the cuccos caught Link's ears, stirring him to wake from his slumber. He groaned and rubbed his eyes. He noted to himself that he would have to find a way to get rid of the cuccos without having them destroy him. Man, he hated those things. He sat up and slowly opened his eyes, trying to rub the sleep from them and adjust them to the light of morning. His world came into focus and he looked around, remembering that he was sleeping on the ground, though he couldn't remember why. He picked himself up off his bed of blankets and pillows and walked over to the steps that led to the second level. He made it near the top and looked around, seeing the sleeping figure of a person asleep in his bed. Stepping closer to the figure, he could make out their figure and could see long golden locks poking from the sheets.

It all returned him; all the synapses in his brain connecting to help him remember the events of the other day. He defeated Calamity Ganon and saved Zelda and finally ended all the strife of Hyrule in the process. He was still sore and beat up from the struggle and figured that he had fallen asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. Looking back at the bed and at Zelda's sleeping form. He remembered finally seeing her again once Calamity Ganon was defeated and he could recall that she had grown faint after a short exchange of words with him and a visit to see the ruined castle. All that time of her holding Calamity Ganon back must have drained her and exhausted her energy. He used the Sheikah Slate to teleport them to Hateno Village and carried her back to his home, setting her to sleep on his bed.

At a moment like this, he was glad that he had his own home. It would have not been wise to let her rest out in the wild, where the Yiga Clan could possibly find her. Both of them needed to rest and she needed a bed to sleep. The first time she had probably slept in over a century. He sympathized with her plight and knew that her struggle outmatched his own. Sure, he fought the greatest evil his people knew about, but Zelda was in a constant struggle with the same beast for a century without ceasing.

He sat down at the desk near the bed and looked at Zelda for a moment, glad that the cuccos had not woken her. To him it was unbelievable. Seeing her again was unbelievable. With his memories restored and all the memories that he had made in his journey, he had so much he wanted to tell her and he wanted to spend the entire day speaking with her. Though he had to admit that sitting and watching her sleep was quite the creepy way for her to find him if she woke up. Despite that, he couldn't break his gaze. He had missed her and was more relieved that she was alright than on what she thought of him.

Leaning back slightly on the chair, he figured what he should do with her when she was awake. He had planned to save her, but now he was improvising each move he made. He figured that he should take her to see Impa, since she would have the most to say and it would make her old heart leap with joy to see her old charge once more. Yeah...he should take Zelda to her, he thought. After that, he figured that Impa would want to keep Zelda with her. Link was in no position to argue with that logic. The Sheikah were sworn guardians of the royal family and they would be best suited to protect her and prepare her to take the throne once more. He couldn't understand it, but there was a knot in his chest from the notion of having her elsewhere.

Sighing, he stood from the desk and walked back down, going to wash his face and prepare for the day and cook something. Afterall, Zelda would most likely be hungry as much as he was. He sure was thankful that he learned to cook during his time out adventuring, but he wasn't sure if he knew a dish that was adequate for a princess.

Walking into the washroom, he looked at himself in the mirror. He had not noticed the bruises on his body from the battle. If he wasn't so physically tough, he would have been more severely maimed by the cursed beast. His face was scratched and he dared not look at his back. With a deep breath, he turned and looked to see his back as a map of scars, cuts, and bruises. Reaching back, he touched one of the injuries and hissed in pain. He hoped that he would never have to fight a battle so intense ever again and would try to live in peace as long as he could. While there were still threats, the worst of them all was finally gone and he could focus on rest and recovery. His thoughts returned to Zelda. Would she even need him anymore now that the threat was over? Hope in him told him that she would, but he was prepared to no longer be needed. If that did happen, he was ready to live out his life in peace in Hateno Village. One problem, how was he supposed to do that? All he knew was being a knight and fighting the forces of Calamity Ganon. What was he supposed to do if he was out of a job as a knight? Become a farmer, a hunter, or something else? What would happen to Zelda without him?

Link splashed water onto his face to try to not entertain the thoughts any longer. The water that was in the bucket was cold and served to snap him out from his thoughts and push away any lingering exhaustion. He still had a job to do and could not delay any longer with lingering thoughts. But…

On the second level of the house, unbeknownst to Link, Zelda stirred, flipping over on the bed and laying with her face facing the ceiling. She slowly opened her eyes and waited for her vision to come into focus, finding herself in a home. Sitting up, she took in her surroundings, but could not recognize where she was. The last thing she remembered was walking away from the ruined Hyrule Castle. Then everything went dark and she collapsed. She got to her feet, a bit shaky at first, but quickly regained her strength. She walked over to the railing of the second level and looked down, seeing a very modest den down below and many weapons, bows, and shields on the walls.

Tentatively, Zelda walked down the steps and down into the living area. Finding a counter on the far wall and a table at the center of the room. She kept looking around, until her eyes were drawn to a pile of sheets and pillows on the ground, which raised her confusion further. Was someone else there with her? Stepping forward, she investigated the makeshift bed and could see something poking from underneath a sheet. She lifted the sheets and her eyes opened wide when she saw the Master Sword next to the sheets.

"Link?" She asked herself, trying to piece everything together.

She lifted the sword by its sheath and cautiously drew it out, lifting it in her hand. It was heavy, but the damage it had when she placed it in its post before the Great Deku Tree was gone and it had returned to full power. Returning the blade to its sheath, she began to think to herself. Here was her knight's sword, but where was her knight? She looked around and could not see him anywhere. Did he leave the house? She doubted it, as Link would go nowhere without his sword. She again looked around and could see the weapons on the walls. She stopped when she saw them and approached them. They were the weapons of her champions. Mipha, Urbosa, Rivali, and Daruk. She reached out and placed a hand on Urbosa's scimitar, feeling the cold steel. Urbosa...Urbosa...The only words on her mind as she looked at the Scimitar of the Seven. The memories of the woman who pretty much became her mother after her real mother passed away flooded into her mind as tears poured from her eyes. She was gone. All of the champions were gone and only Link remained. All because she was so inept in her duty and failed them all. She could never atone for the loss of those that trusted in her. Holding back the urge to collapse and weep, she walked over to the table and sat down, placing the Master Sword on top of the table, as she dried the tears that streamed down her face.

A door under the stairs opened and Zelda jumped in surprise. She gripped the Master Sword, just in case she needed to defend herself, though she didn't draw it because she had her suspicions she knew who was about to come into view.

Link walked out of the washroom and turned, seeing Zelda sitting at the table. The two looked at each other and stopped for a moment. What was he supposed to say to her? At least he was happy to see her up and about. After a moment, Zelda wordlessly stood from her seat and walked out from behind the table. Link wasn't sure what he was going to do, but waited for anything as she got closer to him.

Zelda stopped close to him and asked, "Link?"

Link nodded in response and slowly replied, "Yes."

Zelda suddenly lunged forward and wrapped him up in a tight hug. Link was surprised and didn't know what to do. After a moment he slowly wrapped his arms around her as she held onto him.

Zelda choked out, "You're real. Not just an illusion to mess with me."

The two remained silent for a while, with Link letting Zelda have the moment to herself. It didn't last too long as she separated from him. She looked around again and asked, "Where are we?"

Link explained, "This is actually my home. I bought this house a few days after I woke up from the Shrine of Resurrection. Currently, we're in Hateno Village. It survived the Great Calamity and has been doing well. It's where I am when I'm not out in the wild. I like it here. It's peaceful and the people are nice."

Zelda replied, "It's a little small."

"It is. However, it's comfortable and if I need something, I just have it commissioned. When I first moved in here, there was no washroom and the chimney was in the shed. I had to pay to add more rooms. So it may seem small to you, but you need to explore a bit more. Still, now I'm just boasting." He chuckled to himself and asked her, "How are you feeling? You suddenly collapsed on me when we met up again."

"I'm alright. It feels odd to not be holding back a great force of evil, but I welcome the freedom and I'm glad to see you again. You don't seem to have changed much in the last one hundred years."

"I could say the same about you."

"More talkative than you were before, that's for sure."

Link smiled at her and said, "Well, when I woke up, I didn't know who I was and what had happened. So my personality was a bit different. I had to speak with others and make friends to get by. I'm not really the old stoic Link you're familiar with. Still, we'll speak later. You might as well go wash up and then we'll eat. We have to go to Kakariko Village and meet with Impa."

Zelda was surprised by that, "Impa? She's still alive?"

"I know, right? I was just as surprised as you are right now. Still, if there's anyone who would like to see you and deserves to see you, it's her. She's the one that set me on the path to save you. She needs to see you. So, again, we'll speak as much as you want later, but for now just wash up, and we'll leave."

"If I recall, Kakariko is a day or two's journey from here."

Link again chuckled to himself, "Believe me. We'll be there before noon."

"What?" Zelda asked in confusion.

"Enough questions, princess. Go get ready. I have to figure out what to cook."

Zelda gave him a coy smile and asked, "You can cook now?"

"When you live in the wild and by yourself, you have to learn how to feed yourself that does not involve just catching something and munching down on it."

"Have you done that?"

Link was quiet for a second before replying, "I refuse to answer that question. Now go. I'll be here if you need me. By the way, the washroom is the room I came out of."

"That much I figured. Thank you."

Zelda walked off and walked into the washroom, as Link went to the kitchen he had built and tried to come up with a meal.

[Later]

Link and Zelda exited the house, with Zelda squinting as her eyes adjusted to the light. When they came into focus, she gazed upon the town. She marvelled on how untouched it appeared and was happy to see a community of Hylians living peacefully.

Link said to her, "There's an entire kingdom's worth of places that you should see. I promise that I'll show you as many of them as you want at a later time."

"How about when we get back?" Zelda asked, excited to explore.

Link muttered under his breath, "That's if you get to come back here."

Zelda stopped and looked back at him suspiciously, "Why wouldn't I come back?"

Link cleared his throat and asked, "You heard that?"

"For a guy that was more quiet than air, you did a poor job whispering that. Now talk! Your princess commands it. Why wouldn't I come back?"

Link sighed and ran a hand through his hair, wondering if he should tell her. He ultimately figured that hiding information was a poor decision from her and told her, "You're the princess. You'll most likely find that being around the Sheikah is a lot more suitable than being in this town with me."

"Isn't that my decision?"

"Actually, it's more Impa's decision, since her job is to make sure that you're safe and to put you on the throne."

"Why would she want me on the throne? The kingdom of Hyrule is no more. We can't just rebuild a castle and tell everyone that I'm their ruler now."

Link walked up to her and said, "It's your right to rule. Now that Calamity Ganon is gone, we can rebuild the kingdom. I'm sure the other leaders wouldn't object to seeing you on the throne and having everyone united once more."

"You can't guarantee…" She stopped herself and said, "Let's go to Impa. I want to speak with her and see what it is that she wants to do." She looked around and asked, "Do you have horses for us to take?"

Link nodded and replied, "I have two horses in the stable next to the house. Despite that, we're not taking horses."

Zelda raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Are we walking?"

"That would take too long."

"Then what are we taking?"

Link smiled and took out the Sheikah Slate, "Do you remember what this is?"

Zelda's eye opened wide, "You still have it!" She took it from him and accessed the files, "Sorry about just snatching it. Still, you managed to catalogue so much of the land. I need to take a day and read through all the entries."

Link took back the slate and said, "Some other time. For now, we need this to get to Kakariko."

Zelda looked at the slate and asked, "How?"

"There are two ways. One would be to take the Master Cycle Zero."

"No idea what that is."

"The second option is to transport ourselves there."

"What's that second option?"

Link blushed for a moment and said, "Well...for this one, you'll have to hold onto me."

"Alright." Zelda walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him, "Now what?"

Link fidgeted with Sheikah Slate for a moment and then told Zelda, "Press that button on the screen."

Zelda reached a hand over and pressed the option on the screen. She then saw as she and Link began to take on a blue hue and then begin to fragment into lines of light. After a brief second, they reappeared away from where they were before and their bodies were restored.

Once she was reconstituted, she scrambled to check herself frantically, wondering if there were any parts of her missing.

Link told her, "Don't worry. You're whole. The Sheikah Slate can transport the user to whatever Sheikan structures they activated with the slate." He pointed behind them and showed Zelda the shine that they had transported to.

Zelda ran up to the shine and inspected the console that was in front of it, "This is incredible. There is such a wealth of knowledge that we can gain from further studies."

Link walked over and tapped her on the shoulder, "Easy there, princess. I get that you're excited, but try to focus. There will be plenty of time for you to investigate."

"Right. We have to get to Kakariko Village."

"Actually, we're already here." He led her over to the edge of the cliffside and showed her the town below. He then pointed to a large home and said, "That's where Impa is."

Zelda stood there, speechless at what she was seeing. It had been so long since she had seen Kakariko and it filled her with joy to see it in one piece and untouched by the Great Calamity. Link took her hand and pulled her alongside him as they descended from the ridge and down to the town.

Link said to her, "I need you to stay with me and not to stray. No one here knows you outside of Impa."

Zelda nodded and walked next to him as they walked down the maid road of the town, seeing so many buildings and people that she did not recognize. She remembered visiting the town many times before with Impa and her father. She loved the architecture of the Sheikah and how they lived in the town. Now it was different with new people. It was figured that was to be expected after a century, but nonetheless it was astonishing.

As they walked, she noticed the many eyes of the residents trained on her and Link. They were obviously outsiders and curious ones at that. They probably knew Link, but she was completely alien to them. It made her nervous and uncomfortable, so much so that she held onto Link's arm for some sense of protection or support. Link didn't protest, but he was not expecting such an action from Zelda.

Soon, they reached the archway to Impa's home, where the guards were keeping watch. Zelda was immediately intimidated, but Link appeared comfortable and greeted the two guards. One of the guards said to him, "Great to see you, Master Link. It's been some time since you've come over. We heard of your victory against Calamity Ganon and Impa has been expecting your arrival since then."

"I'm glad it's over and I have someone with me that Impa would love to meet with."

The guard looked at Zelda and asked with wonder, "Is this...Princess Zelda?"

"Yes."

The guards quickly bowed and did not speak a word, keeping a stoic reverence in the sight of the princess.

Zelda quickly commanded, "Please stand! No need to bow. Is Lady Impa here?"

The guards stood and one replied, "Yes, your highness. She is awaiting Link's return and now she will be glad to see your return as well. Please, go see her."

Link motioned for Zelda to keep going and told the guards, "Thank you."

The two walked up the steps to the home and stopped at the door when Zelda asked, "Link? What should I expect?"

Link thought for a moment and said, "A lot of formality and a probably a lecture."

"I see."

Link gave her a moment and then opened the door, where they saw the elderly woman sitting in her usual place. She raised her head and looked at the two that stood before her.

Impa rubbed her eyes for a moment and then produced a smile on her face, "Your highness! You have returned to us, my dear!"

Zelda quickly dashed over and embraced the old woman, beginning to weep quietly. Impa hugged her back and stroked her hair, "It's alright, my dear. No tears. Everything is alright. Come on. Let me look at you."

Though still silently weeping and with tears falling from her eyes, Zelda let go of the old woman and faced her. Impa held her hands and smiled up at her, "Just how I remember you being. Still very pretty. Though, you would be prettier if you would smile."

Zelda couldn't help but giggle at her words, "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm so happy to see you again."

"I know, my dear. I know. You've returned to us and that's what's important. It's time to move forward." She turned to Link and said to him, "You have done well and all of Hyrule is thankful for your service and all your sacrifices, hero. Once the harvest is reaped, we will have a great feast in your honor. Calamity Ganon has been defeated and now it is time to rebuild our home."

Link nodded but remained quiet, wanting to see what would happen next now that his quest was over.

Impa looked at Zelda and back at Link and asked, "However, why didn't you bring her immediately after saving her?"

Link was about to reply, but...he didn't know. He could have taken Zelda to Impa instead of his home, but did not do it. Why didn't he? He sighed and replied, "I have no idea. I panicked I guess."

"You panicking?" Impa asked, suspiciously. "That's a new one. I have never taken you for someone that panics. You're brave and stoic. Oh well. It doesn't matter. The point is that Princess Zelda is here with us now."

"That being said, what do we do now?" Asked Zelda.

"The only thing we can do. We restore Hyrule with you as its rightful queen. It is your right as the princess."

With her words, all of what Link had told her came true and into perspective for her. Impa wanted to restore her to her original power and bring back Hyrule. Yes, she loved her home and would love to see it restored, but she knew that it was nowhere near as simple as Impa was making it sound. There was so much work to do, so many people to bring back under the banner of the royal family, borders to secure, and an army to employ. There was no way that everyone would be in favor of it and many would not just bow down and accept Zelda. Also, somewhere in her mind and heart, she didn't want it all to return like it used to. She spent her entire life fulfilling a duty that did not allow her to be herself and she knew that if she were to take up the mantle of queen, that would be the only identity for her. Queen Zelda would be the person everyone knew, but no one would ever truly know just Zelda. Then, to her mind, came the question of what would happen to Link.

She asked Impa, "What about Link?"

"What about him?"

"What would happen to him and what role would he have in this?"

"He can do whatever he wants, but his service to you is pretty much over. He was to be your retainer until Calamity Ganon was defeated. As far as everyone is concerned, he succeeded and fulfilled his duty. He is no longer bound by his word and can now live in peace, not as a knight, but as a man. We are grateful for him and he can help rebuild the kingdom, but his work with you is over. From this point on, the Sheikah clan will be your retainers."

Zelda suddenly blurred out, "I refuse!"

Everyone in the room fell silent for a moment at Zelda's sudden outburst. They stood in an awkward silence, which was soon broken by Impa, "Excuse me?"

Zelda elaborated, "I don't see a lot of need for us to reform the kingdom. Everyone has moved on from it."

"Princess, it is your right to rule. The royal family has always been in power and on watch for the return of Calamity Ganon. You and your bloodline must continue to rule to make sure that peace may continue. You need to bring order to the land by ruling. You can organize the disorganized kingdom."

"I want to see if it's true that everything is disorganized as you claim it to be."

Impa sighed, shaking her head, "There's no point. We will commission the rebuilding of Hyrule Castle so you can have a home that matches your status."

"I don't want it."

Impa looked at her confused, "Why not?"

"I've been trapped in there for over one hundred years. I saw my kingdom crumble from there and saw as the Calamity ravaged my home. It's a prison to me now. Not a home."

"So where will you live? All the royal properties have been destroyed as well."

Zelda quickly replied, "Link has a home that I can stay at and his duty is only over when I say it is."

Link was surprised and looked at Impa, as if to say I have nothing to do with this.

Impa quickly rang out, "Absolutely not! You may be the princess, but there are things I must put my foot down on. You will not stay with Link and you will not be anywhere without adequate protection. Besides, Hateno Village is completely beneath you."

"No one will suspect me being there. The first place they would expect me to be is right here, where all those sworn to my protection are. Besides, no one even knows who I am. Just you...and now your guards."

"My issue is the continuous threat of the Yiga Clan."

Link chuckled and said, "I kinda took care of that. They're disorganized right now. They're kinda pathetic now and the Garudo are currently in the process of destroying them because of what they did to them. Any Yiga members that remain are most likely going to be too weak to do any real damage. So I will say that they're pretty much neutralized."

"I'll have to corroborate what you're saying."

Zelda walked back over to Link and said, "Link will continue to be my knight and I will stay with him. Besides, it's his job to protect me."

Impa shook her head, "Gracious. I fear that your brain has gone soft in that castle. Look, we'll discuss this later. For now, I think you should try to relax and take a nice bath. Also, a change of clothes will do you well as well. I'm sure Paya can find you something appropriate."

Zelda asked, "Paya?"

"My granddaughter. She should be upstairs." Impa took a breath and called out, "Paya! Come down here, please!"

After a moment of silence, the young Sheikan woman walked downstairs and stopped to look at everyone, "Umm...hello?" She saw Link and smiled, "It's...umm...It's great to see that you're well. I...I heard that you defeated Calamity Ganon. Is it true!?"

Impa waved to get Paya's attention, "I want you to meet someone that is of critical importance." Impa turned back to Zelda and said, "Paya, this is Princess Zelda."

Paya's eyes shot open and she scrambled to quickly bow to show reverence, "It...It's an honor to...umm...meet you. I'm sorry, I'm really nervous. Forgive me...umm...Princess Zelda."

Zelda said to her, "It's nice to meet you too, but I don't want anyone to bow to me. Also, just call me Zelda."

Paya stood and replied nervously, "Y...yes. As you wish, Prin...umm...Zelda."

Impa said to Paya, "My dear, please take Princess Zelda to the springs to bathe. Also, find her some good clothes, please."

"Yes, grandmother." She turned back to Zelda and asked, "If it's alright with you, could you follow me?"

Zelda nodded and followed Paya as they left the house. Impa quickly clapped her hands and two female Sheikah warriors appeared from the shadows. Impa ordered, "Look after the princess. Make sure no harm comes to her."

The two warriors bowed their heads and vanished as quickly as they appeared.

Link sighed and made to leave the house as well, but Impa quickly stopped him by calling out, "Where are you going?"

Link replied, "Home. It's clear that you don't want me here anymore. I've used up my usefulness. Or at least, you don't want me near Zelda anymore."

"Don't misunderstand me, Link. I didn't say those things because I don't want you near Zelda. I simply feel that you have completed your duty and have earned your rest and peace."

Link turned back around and asked, "So what do I do now that I can't be her knight?"

"Return home and live your life the way you want. Gain a profession, find a nice girl, and start a family. You're free to do whatever you want now. Still, we do have a small issue to deal with."

"And what might that be?"

"The fact that Zelda seems to be wanting to move in a different direction than she should."

Link groaned, figuring that it had to come up again later, "Can't she do whatever she wants? Don't you think she's also earned that?"

"What I think…" Impa stopped to consider her words. With a deep breath she said, "I agree with you that she has earned to do what she wants. However, you fail to understand the responsibility that she still possesses. You defeated Calamity Ganon, you did not destroy it. It will return and only the women of the royal family can stop him. That's why we need her."

Link was about to reply, but stopped and thought about what Impa had said. It was true, every bit of it. Calamity Ganon wasn't dead, just sealed away. There would need to be someone to hold him off if he were to ever return.

Link asked, "So what do you propose?"

"As I said, you should return home and live out your life in peace. All the planning will be done around the princess. Because of your service and your close relationship with the princess, we won't deny you visiting her. You are always welcome here and will always be a hero to Hyrule. As for Princess Zelda, we will have to find a way to rebuild Hyrule. I'm sure some of the other rulers would not be opposed to once again coming into the fold. For now, go rest and return here tonight. We'll have a dinner prepared for you. Not quite the banquet I want to prepare for you, but take this as a momentary show of gratitude."

"Would you mind if I just stayed in town and wandered until then?"

"Of course not. Go right ahead. I'll have cooks begin cooking in a few hours. So don't try yourself too much."

Link shot her a smile and walked out.

[Hours Later]

Kakariko was lit with the orange glow of the torches that lined the roads. The night was quiet, aside from the roar of the wind that rolled through the mountains and valleys. Within the home of Impa, laughter and chatter created a dichotomy with the outside silence. Within the home, a table was laid out with an assortment of food, with Link, Zelda, Paya, Impa, and select Sheikah sitting around it. The mood in the home was mostly jovial with everyone speaking and Link telling tales of his adventure.

Zelda sat next to Impa, watching Link tell his tales to the listening Sheikah. A lot had definitely changed with him and the kingdom itself, which she could gather from the tales he was relaying. He was no longer the deathly quiet and stoic Knight she remembered him being. Here he was sociable and even somewhat voracious in his ability to devour food. She welcomed this change in him, at least it made him more interesting to speak to, in the brief moments they have had to speak. She wondered how much of his memories he truly had and what he had forgotten. Did he remember his childhood days, his days training, or maybe even his parents? These thoughts swirled through her mind as she had to remind herself that, despite all appearances, he was broken in a sense. Perhaps fractured would be a more apt way to describe what she believed his mind was. Then again, if he regained all his memories, if he had not reclaimed them as of yet, would he go back to how he was the century prior? She didn't know and it picked at her brain.

"Zelda?" A timid voice called out to her, snapping Zelda out of her thoughts.

Zelda turned to face the originator of the voice and looked at Paya, "Yes?"

"I'm...I'm sorry. Your mind appeared to wander and I just wanted to make sure if you were alright."

"Oh I'm perfectly fine. No need to worry about me. Just thinking about all that's come to pass as of late. I have so much to catch up on."

"If you would like, I can get you some books on the land's history since the Great Calamity. I'm sure they will help you learn at least a barebones amount of information on Hyrule as it is now."

"I would love that. Thank you very much, Paya!"

"No need to thank me. I'm just doing my part as a sworn servant of the royal family. I can have them sent to whatever room grandmother has prepared for you."

Two things in what Paya said troubled Zelda. True, the Sheikah were sworn guardians of the Hyrule royal family, but as far as she was concerned, they were free of their oath, as the kingdom was no more. Also, she did not want others to think they were beneath her because she was the princess of a bygone kingdom. Secondly, Impa was truly intent on keeping her there? She understood why, but she knew that if she did she would be pampered and not allowed to explore the kingdom, as she had wished to do. It would most likely be life under the oppressive watch of her father. A gaze and life she wanted to escape from but never could.

Zelda turned to Impa and asked, "Where is it that you wish for me to stay?"

Impa finished her drink and replied, "Here of course. We will prepare you for your duty and watch over you. So this place will be your home until we have Hyrule Castle restored."

"You honestly want me to rule."

"As I have said many times before, it is your right to rule."

"And what if I don't want to rule?"

Impa looked at her sternly and said, "My dear princess, do not be ridiculous."

Zelda angrily stood up, causing everyone in the building to cease their festivities and stare at her. Link paid close attention, wondering what was ailing Zelda.

Zelda looked at Impa and said, "There's an entire world I was deprived of exploring. I was told to devote all my waking moments to unlocking my power and it consumed my life. Now that I'm free from that and have another chance to do what I want, I want to do just that. I honestly don't care about ruling. I want to go explore, study, and enjoy my life for once."

Impa looked at her sternly, "You have a responsibility to your people. It would suit you to not waste your time playing at being a scholar."

Zelda was now burning red in anger and clenched her fists, trying hard to not lose her temper. Link walked over and asked, "Zelda, are you alright?

"I'm fine." Zelda replied, before turning her attention back to Impa, "My father once told me something similar. He forbade me to do as I like, commanding me to only focus on my duty. He never allowed me to do what interested me and learn about the world. It was suffocating and I resented him for it. Never again. I'm living as I wish to live. That does not mean that I will not fulfill my responsibility to seal away the calamity, if it returns. I will answer the call whenever I'm needed and any of my descendants after me will carry the responsibility." She took a deep breath and said, "One year."

Impa asked curiously, "One year?"

"I'm asking for one year. One year to do as I wish and explore the land. I want to live one year as a normal person for once. For one year, no one will know that I'm the princess and I will be free to do as I please. That's all I'm asking. After that, I'll do what I must. Just let me have one year and a chance to feel normal."

Impa was silent for a moment and leaned back on her chair and began to think. The room at this point was as silent as a grave, no one daring to intercede in the conversation. Link stood next to Zelda surprised by what she was asking and waited to hear Impa's answer.

After a long moment of contemplating Zelda's request, Impa replied, "Very well. I will allow you a single year to live as you wish to live. While you're doing that, we will be making the proper preparations. It's summer right now, so, to make it a bit more fair for you, you have until the next harvest in autumn. However, where will you be staying?"

Zelda pointed to Link, "I'll stay in Link's home. He lives in a town where no one but your sister knows me. As long as she can watch her tongue, I'm sure I'll be fine."

Impa groaned at the prospect, but soon sighed in defeat, "Very well. I guess his job IS to protect you, anyways. It would also be nice to have someone I can trust with your protection. Someone who has proven himself to be a capable warrior. Do as you wish. Remember, you have one year."

Link was surprised and made a mental note to buy a second bed for the house the following morning. He looked over at Zelda and saw her curve her lips to a slight smile, content to get something that she wanted.

Zelda said to Impa, "Thank you. That's all I wanted. For now, I think I've had my fill for the day. Thank you for the hospitality, the meal, and the clothing. In fact, I have to thank you and your people for much more than just that. I know I've sounded so ungrateful, but believe me when I say that I owe you and your people so much."

Impa raised a hand to stop her and said, "There is no need for that, dear. We swore an oath to your family and to Hyrule. We gladly perform our duty."

Sufficiently satisfied with the situation and her hunger, she grabbed Link's hand and began to drag him out of the building, "Thank you so much. We'll come visit soon, but now it's time to rest and prepare for a full day tomorrow."

Impa waved back, "Take care and be wary to not do anything that you'll regret."

"I'm free for a year. I'm going to enjoy everything I couldn't."

"Within reason and responsibility."

"Sure!"

With one last pull, she managed to get herself and Link out of the home. She then told Link, "Quick! Before she changes her mind. Get us out of here."

Link unhooked the Sheikah Slate, located Hateno Village, and pressed the option to teleport. Zelda quickly held onto him and the two dematerialized and floated away into the night's sky. Within a moment, they appeared in Hateno Village, right at the town's shrine.

Upon materializing, Zelda let go of Link and took a deep breath, saying silently, "One year. One year of freedom is what I get."

Link put away the Sheikah Slate and asked, "Do you even know what you want to do?"

Zelda turned to look at him and shook her head, something Link somewhat expected, "I have no idea, but isn't that the point? I've never been allowed to do whatever I've wanted before. I don't know what to do with this freedom." She stopped and thought for a moment. She soon returned with, "How about we just stay here tomorrow and I'll try to see what a normal Hylian life is like. So that means no more referring to me as Princess anymore. I'm just Zelda."

"How about just calling you Princess Zelda in private?"

Zelda shook her head, "No. I don't want you referring to me like that again. I'm pretty sure we're close enough to just speak to one another candidly. I'm just Zelda. I don't call you Sir Link, so don't call me Princess Zelda."

Link considered what she had said and soon relented, "Very well then,...Zelda."

"Good!" She grabbed his hand and began to drag him along, "Let's not stay here. The night is cold."

Link followed behind, wondering what this next year would be like. All he knew was that he still had to protect Zelda, even though many of the threats against her were gone. He was still her knight. That much he was sure about.

I wrote more for this chapter than I thought I would. It's a work in progress and one that I'm happy to write more for. The next chapter will be out within the next couple of weeks, as I now have three active stories to worry about, but I'm regaining my love for writing. So let me know what you guys think and I'll see you all next time.