The characters and all their elements of video game references are property of Nintendo.
Chapter 15.
The night wore on and Samus and Link slept, each with their backs to the other. Despite the warmth of their intimate moment earlier, a disturbing thought haunted their minds, preventing them from falling asleep in peace.
What would happen to their relationship once it was all over? Uncertainty hung over them like a dark cloud, eating away at their hearts. Time was running out and the thought of losing the person who had brought joy, laughter, and comfort to their lives became unbearable.
They had found refuge in each other: someone who listened to their fears, who shared their most precious moments, who transformed quiet nights into vibrant memories. The connection they had forged, though brief, seemed magical, as if their hearts had intertwined in a way that transcended time.
However, chaos reigned in their thoughts as the dawn of tomorrow approached. They both knew that this conversation could not wait; they had to face the uncertainty together.
Resolving the question of their future would be the first step to preserving what they had built. They were determined to face it, tomorrow, without fail.
Samus and Link had shared a quiet night together, filled with moments of warmth and connection, but the looming uncertainty of their future had been present, haunting their thoughts. After all the battles, the victories, and the moments they had shared, the reality of what would happen after it was all over began to sink in.
The next morning, Samus found herself absentmindedly stroking Link's hair, though her mind was far away, consumed by the same question that had kept her awake through the night: What would happen next? Link, sensing her distraction, was equally deep in thought. He turned to her and, with a deep sigh, began the conversation that had been looming over them.
"Samus, what are you going to do when this is all over?" Link's voice was calm, but serious.
The question, though innocent, took Samus by surprise. She stopped playing with her hair and blinked, surprised by how he had phrased it. She expected Link to say something about them, about their relationship, their future together, but instead, his attention seemed to be elsewhere.
"I'm thinking about resuming my work as a bounty hunter," Samus replied, trying to gauge his reaction. "And you?"
"I'm going back to Hyrule," Link said, his words flat and emotionless.
Samus' heart skipped a beat. She had expected something more personal from him, something about them. But his answer felt distant, as if he hadn't even considered how their relationship would fit into that future. Her mind was racing as the silence between them stretched on.
Then, without thinking, the words came out of her mouth: "Link, I want you to come with me."
Link's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that. Samus' request was sudden, direct, and threw him into a whirlwind of confusion. He sat up slightly, unsure of how to respond.
Link tried to find the right words. "Samus, I don't…" he stammered, feeling the weight of the situation in every syllable.
"You don't know what?" Samus asked, a hint of desperation in her voice. Her heart was already preparing for what was coming, but she needed to hear it.
"Look, Samus, I'm the hero of Hyrule," Link began, but before he could finish, Samus cut him off, unable to bear to hear the rest.
"Don't say anything, I understand," Samus said, her voice empty of emotion as she got out of bed and walked away from him.
Link quickly followed her, concerned by her sudden distance. "Samus, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…" he began, but once again, she stopped him, turning around with a serious look.
"Don't worry, Link," she said, her tone firm but cold. "I understand you perfectly." Her words were like a punch to the chest for him. The way she looked at him, as if something had snapped inside her, was more painful than any battle he'd ever fought. He stood frozen as she continued.
"Your world is your home. You are its hero. You cannot waste your time here or anywhere else," Samus said, her voice cracking slightly, though her expression remained hardened. "It is your destiny."
Link's heart sank. "Samus, forgive me," he said, his voice filled with sadness, wishing he could take the pain from his eyes.
Samus stepped away from him, her movements slow, as if each step hurt her. "I think it's best that you go. There's no need to make this more painful than it already is. You should go pack," she said in a firm voice, though she couldn't look at him as she locked herself in the bathroom.
Link stood there for a moment, helpless and heartbroken. He wanted to fix it, to make her understand that he didn't want to hurt her, but the weight of his duty and the gap between their worlds seemed too great to overcome. He glanced at the bathroom door, knowing that talking to her now would only make things worse.
Reluctantly, Link decided to leave. He knew she needed space, but each step he took toward the door made him feel like he was walking away from something precious. He had never felt so helpless. As he left the room, he felt as devastated as Samus.
The memories of their mornings together, waking up in peace and happiness, seemed to belong to a different world now. Samus sat on the cold bathroom floor, her knees drawn up to her chest and her gaze lost in front of her. They had shared amazing nights, filled with laughter and intimacy, but it seemed as if all of that had vanished overnight. The weight of it all crushed her.
She felt lost, her usual strength slipping through her fingers. As much as she projected an unbreakable exterior, inside she felt fragile, more vulnerable than ever. Ever since Link left the room, she hadn't moved from her spot in the bathroom. She didn't want to face the emptiness she had left behind.
"Did he never care about us? Did he ever think about our future?" Those thoughts consumed her, digging deeper into her mind. Each question felt like a wound, the kind that hurt more the more you tried to ignore it.
"For him, it was all just fun?"
The more Samus questioned their relationship, the worse she felt. Tears, unexpected and unwanted, stung her eyes and then began to fall. She tried to stop them, to keep her emotions at bay, but it was impossible. The sobs were small, fragile, but they came anyway, betraying the deep ache in her chest.
For the first time in a long time, Samus felt truly alone.
Link lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling utterly defeated. His body felt heavy, weighed down by guilt and regret. His mind was reeling with thoughts he couldn't control, and each one felt worse than the last. He kept remembering the moment he saw the pain in Samus's eyes, the moment he knew he'd hurt her.
"I'm a fool."
He could barely stand his own thoughts. For all his bravery and strength, this was a pain he couldn't fight or fix. Samus, the one person who stood by him through everything, the one who made him laugh and feel alive, was now suffering because of him. And it wasn't just a battle he could win with his sword; it was his own mistakes.
"She's always so strong, so serious, but… I hurt her," Link muttered to himself. His heart twisted with each insult he threw at himself: foolish, insensitive, selfish, naive… the list went on. He had never felt so small.
"All those moments, the laughter, the connection… I threw it all away."
His role as a hero, the responsibility he had accepted from the moment he took up the Master Sword, now felt like a curse. "I am the chosen one, the hero," he thought, repeating the words that had once filled him with pride but now only left him feeling empty. He clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him.
"I will always have to protect Hyrule. It is who I am. I was born for this."
But in trying to fulfill that destiny, he had failed the one person who meant everything to him. Tears suddenly welled up and rolled down his cheeks as he stared into space. "I cannot change who I am," Link whispered, the weight of his destiny crushing him.
The tears did not stop, and for the first time in a long time, Link allowed himself to cry, not just for Hyrule, but for the love he feared he had lost.
The mansion was unusually quiet. Normally, it was filled with the sounds of laughter, training, or cheerful conversation. But today, the air felt heavy as each fighter prepared to leave, packing their belongings and mentally preparing to return to their respective worlds. In just a few hours, everything they had shared would be over.
Both Link and Samus had stayed in their rooms, avoiding the inevitable goodbyes, not feeling ready to face anyone or each other. Samus had taken a long shower, hoping the water would wash away the emotional weight she carried. Now, sitting on the edge of the bed, her gaze was lost, as if she were contemplating a future she couldn't see. She had been thinking deeply, trying to make sense of everything that had happened.
"How naive was I?" she whispered to herself. "How could I have thought I could be with someone like him? Someone chosen by the gods… someone with divine responsibilities." The words were bitter, laden with pain, but she forced herself to move on. "It's not his fault." He is the hero of her world. The savior. He is the hope of Hyrule.
As she tried to rationalize it, she felt a tightness in her chest. Deep down, she wanted to believe that she could have been more, more than a fleeting chapter in Link's life. But the truth, the harsh truth, was undeniable. "I can't be selfish," she thought, her hands clenching the sheets. "I can't sacrifice the hope of an entire world just for my happiness."
But no matter how many times she repeated those words to herself, they failed to soothe the growing pain in her heart. "He's not like me," she whispered, almost as if saying it out loud would help her believe it. Link had a world to save, and she had always been a lone warrior, accustomed to solitude, with no divine mission to bind her.
Yet despite her attempts to think logically, to convince herself that it was the right thing to do, she only seemed to open the wound further. As much as Samus wanted to be strong, to act like none of this mattered, her heart still ached with every thought of him.
Link wandered aimlessly through the halls of the mansion, trying to escape the thoughts that filled his mind. He hoped the walk would help clear his head, but the heavy weight he felt on his chest followed him with every step.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to him: "Link!" Zelda's voice startled him. He hadn't even realized she was approaching.
"Link, I..." Zelda began to speak, but stopped when she saw the worry etched on his face.
"What happened to you? Have you been crying?" Zelda asked in a worried voice as she noticed the sadness in his eyes.
Link quickly tried to compose himself, forcing a smile. "No, it's nothing," he lied, although it was clear that the effort did not convince her.
Without saying a word, Zelda stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug. The gesture took him by surprise, but it was something he desperately needed. For a moment, Link let himself melt into the comfort of his friend's embrace, letting the warmth of her presence soothe his pain a little. When they finally separated, he took a deep breath and, after a long pause, began to explain everything that had happened with Samus.
Zelda listened intently, her heart aching for her friend. When he finished, she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Link," she said quietly.
"It's okay," Link replied, forcing another half-smile. "Thanks for the hug. It's good that I ran into you and not Ganondorf... that would have been awkward," he added, trying to lighten the mood with a joke.
Zelda laughed softly, but didn't let the moment pass. She wasn't convinced that things between Link and Samus should end this way, not when they clearly loved each other so much.
"You know, I think I can help you," she said, smiling again, this time with a hint of mischief.
Link looked at her, his eyes wide with curiosity. "How?"
"Just follow me," Zelda said, leading him along without offering any further explanation.
As they walked together, Link couldn't help but feel a spark of hope: maybe, just maybe, Zelda had a way to fix the mess he had created.
Samus sat on the edge of the bed, her mind a mess of emotions. No matter how hard she tried to push them away, the weight of what had happened with Link came back to haunt her, eating away at her. Thoughts of their argument and unresolved future clouded her concentration. She felt trapped, angry, and confused.
The sudden knock on the door made her jump, snapping her out of her frustrated reverie. "What now?" she muttered under her breath, irritated. She wasn't in the mood to see or talk to anyone, but the knocking persisted. "Why can't they just leave me alone?" she thought as she stormed toward the door, anger boiling over.
When she opened it, Lucina was there, smiling warmly. "Hey, Samy!" Lucina greeted cheerfully.
Samus sighed. "Hello," she replied flatly, the reluctance in her voice evident. She wasn't trying to be rude, but at the moment she didn't have the energy to pretend everything was okay.
Lucina, who was unfazed by the cold response, noticed the redness around Samus' eyes despite her calm demeanor. She knew something wasn't right.
"Samus, is everything okay?" Lucina asked softly, her concern genuine.
"Yes, I'm fine," Samus replied quickly, turning her face so Lucina wouldn't see the cracks in her facade.
But Lucina wasn't convinced. Without saying anything, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Samus in a comforting hug. The gesture took Samus by surprise. For a moment, she stiffened, not used to showing vulnerability like that. But after a few seconds, the tension in her shoulders dissipated and she let herself sink into the hug, realizing how much she needed it.
When they finally broke apart, Samus took a deep breath, feeling a little lighter. "Lucina, I'm sorry for how I acted," she said, her voice a little softer now, embarrassed by her earlier attitude.
Lucina smiled, brushing off the apology. "Don't worry about it. We all have our moments," she replied, her voice full of warmth and understanding.
The tension in the room seemed to lessen. Samus, feeling more comfortable now, invited Lucina into her room. They sat together, and slowly, Samus began to open up, telling her everything that had happened with Link, the argument, her feelings of doubt, and the uncertainty about her future.
Lucina listened patiently, offering her support as Samus poured her heart out to her, and for the first time that day, Samus felt like she wasn't alone in her grief.
"I am worse than any enemy Samus has ever faced," Link said, his voice filled with pain.
"Don't be so cruel to yourself," Zelda replied softly.
They continued walking in silence, and Link still didn't understand where Zelda was taking him or what she intended to do. Soon they reached a small field inside the mansion. To Link's surprise, Sheik, Toon Link, and Young Link were already there. His confusion increased.
"Greetings, Champion of Hyrule, Princess Zelda," Sheik said, greeting him.
"Hello," Zelda added cheerfully.
"What's going on? Why is everyone here?" Link asked.
"Today everyone is returning to their worlds or their respective eras. We just wanted to spend some time with other chosen ones of destiny," Toon Link explained.
"Chosen ones of destiny?" That sentence unleashed something in Link: an anger that he couldn't contain.
Toon Link noticed his reaction but couldn't keep quiet. "Look, Link, I know how it feels…"
"Don't even try," Link interrupted in a serious tone. "I know. This is my destiny. Nothing can change it."
"It's not like that," Toon Link replied. "I was never chosen. I became a hero to save my sister."
Link remained silent, struggling with the thoughts that ran through his mind. The weight of being "chosen" had always felt like an unbreakable burden, something that defined him. But upon hearing Toon Link's words—how he became a hero not because of fate but out of love for his sister—something changed inside him. Was his destiny really as set in stone as he had believed? Could he make decisions for himself, beyond the role of Hyrule's savior?
Sheik's voice broke into his thoughts, firm and calm as ever. "Fate may offer a path, but it is you who walk it, Link. You can choose to stray, to forge your own path. None of us are bound by fate unless we choose to be."
Link's mind drifted back to Samus. He had hurt her deeply, and he couldn't help but feel that his supposed fate was to blame. He always thought of Hyrule first, always of the hero. But what about the decisions he could make for himself… for them?
"Who were you before the sword, Link?" young Link asked again, his voice soft but insistent.
Link swallowed, his thoughts drifting back to the young man he once was, a boy who helped anyone in need, who cared to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, long before the Master Sword was in his hands. He hadn't been born a hero. He had become one, because of his actions, his decisions.
Toon Link stepped a little closer, his tone soft but firm. "We are not heroes just because we were chosen, Link. We became heroes because we cared. Because we wanted to protect those we loved. Fate didn't choose that for us, we did."
Link looked at them and saw the truth in their words. Each of them had fought their own battles, not because it was written somewhere that they had to, but because they had chosen to rise to the challenge. Maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to be limited to the path that had been laid out for him.
"Link," Zelda said, stepping forward and placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've always had the power to choose. You can still protect Hyrule… and choose what makes you happy, too."
Link's heart raced, the conflict between duty and desire surging within him. He had always considered himself bound to Hyrule, but for the first time, he realized that his destiny didn't have to come at the cost of everything else he cared about, especially Samus.
Young Link smiled, as if he could sense the resolve forming in Link's heart. "It's never too late to choose, Link."
Link nodded slowly, the weight on his chest finally beginning to lift.
"Don't worry about evil; a warrior will always rise to fight it," Toon Link said.
"Of course! We're from different eras, but we've all faced evil and emerged victorious," Zelda added cheerfully.
"Even though we're caught in a cycle of good versus evil, the light always triumphs," Young Link chimed in.
"There have been many heroes throughout history. You are one of them. You've already fulfilled your destiny as a hero. Now it's your turn to decide the destiny you want," Zelda encouraged.
As Link listened, he caught sight of Ganondorf in the distance, quietly observing the flowers. He wondered if Ganondorf was also a victim of this cycle or if he was the cause of it all. It didn't seem so; there was still a faint trace of humanity in him.
Lucina remained in Samus's room, her attention unwavering as Samus poured her heart out, recounting in detail everything that had transpired with Link that morning.
"I'm selfish, Lucina," Samus confessed, her voice tinged with regret.
"Don't say that about yourself," Lucina replied gently, a warm smile on her face.
"It's true. Link has a world to save. I can't take that away from him," Samus said, the weight of her words heavy with sorrow.
"Link already did what he needed to do; he emerged victorious, you know that," Lucina reassured her, trying to instill some hope.
But Samus was about to protest when Lucina cut her off. "Don't blame yourself for loving. It's a fundamental human experience. You're not selfish for loving someone who loves you back," Lucina said firmly.
Samus fell silent, her heart slowly absorbing Lucina's perspective.
"Look at me, Samus," Lucina urged, her eyes locking onto Samus's.
Samus met her gaze, vulnerability etched on her features.
"Even though Link is a hero, he chose to love you. No one forced him; it was his own decision," Lucina pointed out, her voice soft but resolute.
As Samus processed Lucina's words, her eyes widened with realization. Perhaps she had underestimated the strength of Link's feelings for her.
"Link may be a little lazy and clueless, but he's your lazy and clueless guy," Lucina added playfully, a hint of laughter breaking through Samus's somber mood.
Samus couldn't help but smile, a flicker of warmth igniting in her heart. "You're right," she said, a newfound lightness in her tone.
"At the end of all this, you'll see he will return, and everything will be alright," Lucina promised, her voice filled with optimism.
Though doubt still lingered in Samus's mind, Lucina's words had sparked a glimmer of hope within her, reminding her that love could withstand even the toughest challenges.
Link dashed through the hallways of the mansion, his bags slung over his shoulder as he hurried toward the designated area where all the fighters were meant to gather before returning to their respective worlds. But as he sprinted, his thoughts were consumed by one person: Samus. He couldn't bear the idea of leaving without speaking to her first.
The conversation from earlier weighed heavily on his mind. Determination surged within him, propelling him forward at a swift pace. The thought that he might have lost her felt like a knife twisting in his gut. He had left her in such a fragile state that morning, and the memory of her hurt expression haunted him.
Link's heart raced, not just from the physical exertion but from the urgency of his emotions. He needed to make things right. Every step he took echoed his regret, reminding him that he couldn't abandon the connection they had forged, even if fate seemed to pull them apart.
Samus hurried through the hallways, her suitcases in tow. The mansion felt almost deserted, the echo of footsteps reverberating in the stillness as many fighters had already departed. Yet, she wasn't ready to board her ship; there was one crucial conversation she needed to have with Link.
A wave of nervousness washed over her, a stark contrast to Lucina's encouraging words. Despite the hope they offered, a lingering fear gnawed at her. What if Link had already left? She was acutely aware of how their last encounter had unfolded—how she had inadvertently pushed him away, the sharpness in her tone, and the distance that had formed between them.
All she wanted was to see him one last time, to talk things through and clear the air. If it didn't work out, at least she would have the closure she desperately needed, freeing herself from the weight of uncertainty.
Lost in their thoughts, Samus and Link found themselves standing remarkably close, each holding their suitcases and artifacts. Their gazes locked, silence enveloping them as they absorbed the weight of the moment.
"Hello," Samus finally broke the quiet.
"Hi, Samus," Link replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Neither knew where to begin, the air thick with unspoken feelings. "I'm sorry about what happened this morning," Link said, his voice tinged with regret. "I was a fool."
"Don't worry, Link. I behaved immaturely too," Samus replied, her tone reflecting the shared heaviness of their hearts.
The silence returned, a palpable tension filling the space between them. It was difficult for either of them to articulate their feelings after the tumult of the day. "I want you to know that I respect your decision and your destiny," Samus said, her voice steady but laced with sadness.
"It was nice, what we had," she added, looking away, a flicker of pain crossing her features.
Link felt a sharp pang in his heart—was she breaking up with him? Had she already made her choice? Doubts swirled in his mind, but he forced himself to speak. "I want to go with you," he declared suddenly, his resolve igniting.
Samus turned to him, surprise etched on her face. "Link, but your destiny…"
"The only destiny I want is to be with you," he interrupted, his gaze unwavering. "I want to stand by your side."
"Link, I…" she started, but he leaned closer, gently taking her hand in his, letting his fingers glide across her palm.
In a swift motion, Samus pushed his hand away, gripping his arms instead and pinning him against the wall. She leaned in, capturing his lips in a fierce, passionate kiss. The moment felt electric, lasting just long enough to leave them both breathless.
As they pulled away, Link opened his mouth to speak, but Samus silenced him by placing her fingers on his lips. "Don't say anything, my lazy and clueless hero," she teased, pulling him in for another kiss.
After their passionate kiss, they embraced tightly, savoring the warmth of each other's presence. In that moment, all the struggles and misunderstandings of the day faded away, replaced by a comforting atmosphere that wrapped around them like a warm blanket.
Link could feel Samus's heartbeat against his chest, steady and reassuring, while her familiar scent enveloped him, grounding him in the present. It was as if they had carved out a small sanctuary amidst the chaos, a safe space where nothing else mattered but the two of them.
Time seemed to stand still, allowing them to bask in the bliss of their connection. But as the reality of their situation settled in, they knew they had to part ways. It was time to leave the mansion.
As all the fighters gathered in the large area outside the mansion, the scene was filled with bittersweet farewells. Some waved their goodbyes with wide smiles, while others quietly slipped away without a word, leaving behind the friendships they had built during their time together.
"It was a pleasure meeting you all," Ike said, flashing a genuine smile at his friends.
"I'll miss you so much," Pit said, his voice trembling as he tried to hold back tears.
"We made a great team," Sora added, grinning as he glanced between them.
"It was fun being with you guys," Link said, his usually quiet demeanor brightened by a rare smile.
Sora gave an encouraging nod. "I hope you all find success in your own worlds. Ike, I know you'll be a great knight. And you, Pit, lead your goddess's army with pride."
"I wish you the best, Link," Sora continued, giving him a friendly pat on the back. "May your new life bring you peace and adventure."
Pit chimed in, his usual enthusiasm returning, "I hope you go on even more incredible journeys! And, Link, good luck with everything ahead of you."
Link offered them a small but sincere smile. As much as he valued the bonds he'd formed, his mind was elsewhere. He turned to glance at Samus, who was just a little ways off, saying her own goodbyes to her friends. The sight of her brought him a sense of calm and certainty.
Ike noticed Link's gaze and raised an eyebrow. "You don't talk much, but aren't you even a little nervous about stepping into a whole new world?"
Link shook his head, still looking at Samus. "Not really. Being here at the mansion, I've faced plenty of new experiences. This won't be any different." He paused, his voice softening. "And I won't be alone."
The others followed his gaze and smiled knowingly. Despite the sadness of parting, there was hope for a new beginning—and Link had made his choice.
"I guess it's over," Lucina said softly, her voice carrying a wistful tone as she glanced around the nearly empty mansion grounds.
"That's right," Zelda replied, her expression a little sad. The finality of the moment was sinking in.
"Still, I don't regret meeting them," Zelda added, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Lucina nodded. "I feel the same. Samy, Zelda—it was an honor to meet you both."
Samus looked at the two princesses, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "It was... fun, in a strange way. I never thought I'd live with two princesses. I always thought you were just stories."
Lucina and Zelda both laughed, lightening the somber mood for a moment.
"You two were great friends," Samus said, sincerity clear in her voice. "I don't regret meeting either of you."
Lucina turned to Zelda, pulling her into a tight hug. "Zelda, you're someone truly charismatic, incredibly smart, and a wonderful friend. I have no doubt you'll be a great ruler."
Zelda smiled, her eyes glistening slightly. "Lucina, you're fearless and brave. Your courage knows no bounds. I believe you'll be more than just a warrior—you'll be a legend."
Lucina then hugged Samus. "Samus, you are incredibly strong, agile, and brilliant. Even though you sometimes seem cold, deep down, you're warm and caring. I wish you the best with Link."
Samus, who rarely showed much emotion, softened at Lucina's words. "Lucina, you were the first to approach me for friendship. I'll never forget that. You are a light in my life."
They held each other for a moment before Lucina stepped back, glancing toward Marth and the others, who were waiting for her in the distance. With one last smile, she waved goodbye and walked away, leaving Samus and Zelda standing together, reflecting on the unique bonds they had forged.
Samus and Zelda stood together, the quiet settling in around them as Lucina disappeared into the distance. Zelda broke the silence first.
"Samus, Can I make you a request?" Zelda's voice was soft, almost hesitant.
"Tell me," Samus replied, turning to face her.
Zelda took a deep breath before speaking. "From the bottom of my heart, I ask you to take care of Link. He's going to see new things, experience things he might not understand easily. I need to know you'll always be there for him, through the hard times. He's like a brother to me."
Samus, feeling the weight of Zelda's words, pulled her into a firm hug. "Don't worry," Samus said gently. "Link will be in good hands. I'll never leave him alone."
Zelda, unable to hold back her emotions any longer, began to cry. "I know, I know you're strong," she said through her tears, her voice shaky.
Samus held her tighter, offering comfort. "You're so kind, Zelda. You'll be an incredible leader in your world. Never doubt that."
They stayed in each other's embrace, both finding solace in the shared moment, their bond deepened by their mutual love and concern for Link.
"Link, promise me that you will take good care of Samus. As a royal knight, protect her," Zelda said, her voice soft but full of sincerity as she hugged him. "She is one of a kind. You will not meet another person like her in a hundred years."
Link, feeling the weight of Zelda's words, nodded firmly. "I will… with my life," he replied, just as Samus wrapped her arms around him, their bond growing even stronger at that moment.
Zelda took a step back, a smile lighting up her face as she watched them. "You two look so good together," she said with a playful tone. "I can only imagine what your children will look like."
Before either of them could react, Bayonetta walked by with her usual teasing smile. "Well, if you follow my love advice to the letter, you'll have those little ones sooner than you think," she teased.
Both Link and Zelda blushed brightly, and Zelda burst into laughter, unable to contain her amusement.
"Goodbye, you two. I wish you both the best of luck in your new lives," Zelda said, with a bittersweet smile as she prepared to leave.
"Goodbye, Zelda," Link said with a hint of sadness in his voice, watching as his dear friend disappeared in a bright flash of light.
Samus, sensing his emotions, squeezed his hand gently and smiled at him. It was their turn now, and together they would face whatever lay ahead.
In an instant, everything around Link was plunged into darkness. He found himself in a place he had never seen before, a strange sensation running through his body. He lost his balance and almost tripped. Looking through the nearby windows, he saw the night sky stretching out endlessly, the stars parading by at an incredible speed. The sight made him feel uneasy, tense... until he felt a soft hand on his shoulder.
"Hello, welcome to my ship," Samus said with a comforting smile.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here with you," she assured him, her voice easing the tension in his body.
With that, Link felt a surge of confidence. Her presence was enough to calm his racing thoughts.
"Come on, sit there. You might fall again if you don't," Samus teased, letting out a soft laugh.
Link carefully took a seat, still observing the unfamiliar surroundings. "What do you think?" Samus asked, curious about his thoughts.
"It's… it's very beautiful," Link replied, stuttering slightly as he looked out at the vast sea of stars, overwhelmed by their beauty.
Samus chuckled. "Hahaha, this is just the beginning. There's so much more to see," she said as she sat down beside him and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug.
Link felt safer with Samus by his side. Although the galaxy seemed huge and filled him with a sense of smallness and a hint of fear, he knew that as long as she was with him, there was nothing to worry about. With her, he could face the unknown.
To Samus, the galaxy had always been immense, an endless expanse where she often felt alone. But now, with Link by her side, that feeling of loneliness faded away. She realized that no matter how vast the universe was, his company was all they needed to face whatever challenge awaited them. Together, they could face anything the future held.
The end.
If you've made it this far, thank you—it means you cared about this story, and that truly makes me happy.
This couple has so few fics dedicated to them, and being part of a community that loves them as much as I do has been an absolute joy. Crafting this story, dreaming up its moments, and sharing it with you has been a wonderful experience. Writing is just a hobby for me, but as a longtime fan of The Legend of Zelda and Metroid, diving into this crossover was a blast.
I'm not sure yet whether I'll write more for this pairing or continue this particular tale, but either way, I'm grateful you came along for the ride. Thanks again for reading—until next time!