Standing in the Forest, Link hastily looked around in all directions. His thoughts were only revolving around his friends and comrades, not to mention Zelda herself. To his relief, it was the Princess whom first caught his eyes. Instinctively, he ran up to her. “Zelda, you’re OK right?”, he anxiously asked. Initially, she looked dazed. However, she quickly regained her bearings. She then gave Link a calm smile and nodded. Of course, the trauma of the events she’d experienced in that “distorted future” was plain to see on her face. But she knew she couldn’t be distracted by her sadness. “Link… don’t worry about me. We need to make sure everyone is accounted for”. They both turned around. Impa, Holu and Darbus were also standing. Holu then ascended into the air and began flying around the premises for several seconds. He then landed back down and with a hint of relief, stated: “It seems that Sorceress’ idea worked. We are back in real time, and also, the mist around the Forest has returned”. At this, both Link and Zelda breathed a sigh of relief. But then a few yards away, there were two other figures. The Gerudo Chieftan Nabosa was gingerly sitting up. With a smile, Zelda walked up to Nabosa, who was holding her head. “I have an almighty pain in my head. Those cursed Yiga clowns did a number on me”, she stated. But Zelda responded: “I’m so happy you’re feeling better Nabosa”. Smiling back, Nabosa replied “Princess, I cannot ever express my gratitude enough. That you risked everything to come and save someone such as me. Especially given all the sins of my people towards Hyrule”. With a slight giggle, Zelda responded: “Nabosa please… don’t embarrass me like this. Is Gerudo Town not a part of Hyrule? Does that not make you and the Gerudo my responsibility to look after?”. With a sense of affection in her eyes, Nabosa simply nodded. It was the figure next to Nabosa which had Link worried. “SIDON!”, Link exclaimed whilst running towards him. Of course after his battle with Volga, he had lost his arm. But Link then kneeled down next to him. Had Keaton’s recovery spells saved him, he wondered? Suddenly, Sidon’s right hand became a fist. He then used it to slowly begin ascending to his knees. Feeling emotionally overwhelmed, once Sidon had gotten to his knees, Link jumped onto Sidon’s chest, hugging him. With tears in his eyes, he stated: “Sidon… I’m so relieved. I feared for you and thought I may never see you again”. Breathing slightly heavy, Sidon also put his arm around Link. Now laughing, Sidon replied: “Oh Link, I know I told you whilst fighting the Dragon King that it could be my final act. However, it seems like all of you and perhaps fate itself still believe in me”. He then got onto his feet, and Link dropped down to the ground. Flexing his only arm, he gave his usual bright smile and declared: “Now, I have no intention of letting fate down!”. With collective relief, everyone gathered together. Looking at one another, they smiled and collectively began laughing. Suddenly, Link’s laugh abruptly ended when a thought came to mind. “Everyone… if time has been restored by Sara and Ria, then shouldn’t that mean…”, at that exact moment, Darbus tapped Link on the back in the gentlest way a Goron possibly could. He then pointed towards everyone’s right. They all saw a sight, familiar only to Link. A girl, with long, green hair and a long green dress. She was sat on the ground, looking downwards, and both hands covering her face. With sadness in his voice, Link gently spoke: “Saria”.
In a voice that could barely talk, full of guilt and shame, Saria spoke: “It’s… all my fault”. Everyone turned their bodies towards the Kokiri girl. “I caused so much pain, pain to everyone. I… I ruined lives, I manipulated and controlled”. With her voice trembling, a sense of anger present, she continued: “I… I hate myself. I have no right to liv…”, but suddenly, a figure ran towards her. Soon, Saria felt someone kneeling down to hug her tightly. Lowering one of her hands from her eye, Saria was utterly astonished, the one hugging her tightly was Zelda herself. “Saria, please… that’s enough”. Beginning to cry, Saria responded: “Princess… you’re the one I hurt the most. Ria’s madness caused you to suffer immensely. I have no right to even look at you”, but Zelda put her hand on Saria’s mouth. With a most compassionate smile, Zelda continued: “Ria committed many atrocities. No one can ever change that. But for Ria, there was also Sara. Sara, who sacrificed everything to protect us all. Who did everything she could to oppose Ria. And most of all, she raised Agitha”. Those words made Saria’s eyes open wide. “It is correct that I was Agitha’s sister by blood. But her true sister was Sara, the sister I was never there to be. And that Sara, was you”. Those words cut into Saria’s heart like a knife. What were up to now restrained tears came out in their entirety. Now putting her arms around Zelda, she began crying heavily in Zelda’s arms. Putting her cheek against Saria’s head, Zelda then stood her up and brought Saria to her feet. She started walking Saria towards the rest of the party, when suddenly, they heard Link’s voice. With bewilderment, he spoke the words: “It… it’s… it’s you?”. Zelda then turned in the direction Link was looking. She was also astonished at the sight she was faced with. It was a familiar figure, a man in a purple cloak and yellow mask, standing before them. “Keaton?”, enquired Zelda. At those words, Saria jumped out of Zelda’s arms. Her eyes were completely fixated on the purple-cloaked mage from the distorted future. After a few moments, Keaton replied: “That is how you have known me up to now. However, the time has now come to end this charade and reveal who I truly am”. Keaton then gripped his mask with both hands and slowly removed it. Everyone looked in complete and utter disbelief. Other than the purple hair, Keaton’s face looked almost identical to Link himself. Everyone gasped. Link was understandably completely bemused. Keaton was some purple-haired doppelganger of me, he thought? However, Saria was frozen in place for several seconds. Her eyes were widened yet static. Suddenly, tears simply began flowing down her cheeks. She then rapidly fell to her knees, and with complete shock in her voice she muttered: “R..R..Ravio!”.
“Ravio?” muttered a completely bewildered Link. However, without warning Impa brought out her giant Sheikah blade and walked forward. Pointing her sword at the purple-cloaked figure, she stated: “Halt! Everyone who existed in that distorted future is no longer with us. Link’s younger sister and the little Rito upstart. Their future versions no longer exist. Keaton was also from the distorted future, and should also have been expunged from the time restoration. That, coupled with your uncanny similarity to the Champion, is rather suspicious. Who are you, and how can we trust this isn’t some sort of trick from that Majora character?”. Keaton, or Ravio as he claimed, immediately put both his hands in the air. “Lady Impa, your concerns are understandable, and your vigilance is indeed sensible. I assure you though, this is no trick, and I am not at all allied with Majora. I will explain everything should you permit”. Impa then turned to Zelda. “It’s your call Princess”, she stated. Zelda looked inquisitively at Ravio for a few moments. However, when she looked at Saria and the shocked eyes with which she stared at him, she knew that he had to be allowed to speak. How did Saria know his true name, and why was she in such a longing state of shock by his reappearance? With those thoughts in mind, Zelda stated: “You were the leader of the Resistance against Ria, and also trusted heavily by both Sara and my sister. So I have no reason to doubt you”. Ravio simply nodded and began to speak once again. “Before I speak of myself, I will speak about the terror you experienced and thankfully dealt with mere moments ago. As you know, this forest was once ruled by Fairies, and their Queen, Mallanya, was the mother of the one you and I know as Saria”. Whilst taking Saria’s name, Ravio’s voice slightly broke, as if he was about to cry. Saria just kept on staring at Ravio in a complete daze, slightly shaking. Ravio continued: “The Forest was peaceful, with all the fairies coexisting in harmony and friendship. All, except one. His name was Majora. Mallanya’s Forest was full of peace, beauty and order. Majora stood for the exact opposite. Ugliness, anarchy and chaos. And one day, he decided he would impose this on the Forest by force”. Ravio continued: “This is where I come in. Of course, you will have questions about my resemblance to the Champion of the Land Link. The truth is, it is because I am a version of Link from a different reality. The Hero of my reality. A reality similar to Hyrule. But whilst Hyrule celebrates and revers its Hero, things weren’t the same for me. Even though I was the Hero of my reality, over time, I became an outcast. Despite my efforts to protect my realm, deep down the Royal Family from there resented me. After everything we went through, their Princess betrayed, ostracised and eventually banished me from my realm. And this is how I ended up in your reality of Hyrule. For some time, I lived in the Forest alone, not knowing if this place was inhabited by anyone else. I believed that I was destined to be alone forever. Until that one day, when not only did I discover that the Forest was inhabited, but was suddenly under attack. When I went to investigate, I found a society of Fairies, in fear and terror of an attempted takeover from one of their own. Queen Mallanya was trying to fight him back whilst making him see sense. However, she was on the verge of defeat until I came in. And as the Hero of my realm, I went toe-to-toe and eventually defeated him. However, before his death, Majora mortally wounded me, and I was facing certain death. The fairies tried all their spells to save me, but to no avail. It was then that Queen Mallanya cast her people’s forbidden spell. One that could only be cast once every 100 years. It saved my life, but it had a cost. It permanently turned me into a fairy. However, I simply saw it as kindness from the Queen, and I chose to remain in the Forest and make it my home. After Queen Mallanya’s death, I promised her one thing. That I would be her daughter, Saria’s guardian and protector forever”. Saria’s eyes were in a constant state of tears. “Oh…Ravio”, she whispered whilst shivering. Ravio then looked towards Saria. His voice becoming more and more emotional, he continued: “I may have vowed to be your protector and guardian. But… but the years we spent together, the times when it was just me and you, walking through the Forest together, you know as well as me… that I became much more than just your guardian”. Saria’s shivering was only becoming more and more intense along with her tears. Ravio continued: “Our love for one another grew and grew, and the day came when I decided that it was time for me to propose marriage with you. And for that purpose, I ventured deeper into the Forest to find you the most beautiful flower I could find as part of an engagement ring. It was then that tragedy struck. Little did I know of how cunning Majora truly was. I may have defeated him when Queen Mallanya was still alive. However, he had left a fragment of his soul as a contingency in the deep forest, waiting like a parasite for the day it encountered me again. He tried to possess me, and knowing about the Master Sword, planned to attain the blade from Farore’s old abode by force. Majora tried his best to take both my mind and soul and was on the verge of succeeding. I was desperate, and I only had one option left. That was to seal the both of us inside a stray piece of wood nearby. However, it came at a major cost. The Spell of Sealing would mean all who knew of me would lose all recollection of my existence”. These words were hitting Saria like a dagger. Barely able to emit any words from her mouth, she tried to ask: “So… so you… you’re telling me…”, Ravio responded: “Yes Saria. I had no choice. To save you, the Kokiri and the rest of the Forest from Majora, I sealed myself and Majora in that stray piece of wood, and in return, everyone lost any memory of me. The piece of wood we were sealed in took the form of a fearsome face. And for centuries, our souls battled for control. Until one day, Majora won and took control”. Continuing her trembling and sobbing, Saria replied: “Is… is that why… even though my mind forgot you… my heart… my heart could not. And it sensed such a huge gap in my life?”. With a nod, Ravio responded: “The heart can never forget what the mind can. And then… Link came to the Forest. And sometimes, the heart cannot distinguish between two familiarities”. At this point, Link interjected. While looking at Saria, he stated: “That short time I spent in the Forest, when you shared your hopes and dreams with me. That was your heart recognising me as your beloved Ravio”. At this point, Ravio continued: “When Majora’s soul took control, the mask became sentient. Knowing that Queen Mallanya was long deceased, he wanted take revenge on the closest thing to her and me, and that was you Saria. But he didn’t want to kill you. He wanted to corrupt you. And seeing your heart truly feeling your loss of me through Link leaving the Forest, he capitalised, empowered the feelings of anger and loneliness within you, and expelled the light, leading to the creation of Sara and Ria. But his scheme had another unintended side effect. And that was the liberation of my soul. But as fate had it, as Ria obsessed over the one it mistook as me, Sara, your true heart’s essence, found me in that distorted future. In that distorted future, my magic energy was almost depleted from centuries of battling Majora inside the seal, so all I had were defensive spells. And at the same time, I had to conceal my identity, so I carved a mask similar to what were called Keaton Masks back in my reality. When I manifested myself into that Mask to help you Link, I truly believed that would be my final action of life. But here I now find myself”. The next second, he turned to Saria. Trembling, and with some tears now coming out of his eyes he stated: “And… after centuries…I… I am before y…”, but before he could finish his sentence, Saria rapidly stood up. She charged up to him and dived deep into his arms. Now crying uncontrollably, she exclaimed: “MY HEART… MY HEART ACHED… ACHED FOR YOU. AND I GAVE LINK, ZELDA AND ALL HIS FRIENDS SO MUCH TROUBLE. IS THAT HOW MUCH MY HEART TRULY LOVES YOU RAVIO?!!”. Crying heavily himself, Ravio was grabbing Saria tightly. In fact, the tightness with which both Saria and Ravio were gripping one another was plain for everyone to see. Ravio also exclaimed: “ALL THOSE CENTURIES OF TORMENT, ONLY ONE THING KEPT ME ALIVE. THE IMAGE OF YOU AND THAT SMILE. OTHERWISE, HOW COULD I EVER SURVIVE THAT LONG”. At this sight, all of Link’s memories of Saria in the Forest, her longing for something, her pain when he left the Forest, Ria’s pain during their final encounter, came flooding to him, and hitting him at once, made him tear up. He then looked to his right, Zelda was even more emotional than Link. She was constantly wiping her own tears with her hands. Interestingly, Nabosa had her head bowed down and eyes obscured. Impa and Holu simply stood there with arms folded and stoic face expressions. Darbus and Sidon looked on with genuine smiles on their faces. But one thing was for sure, with the moments that were passing, no one had the heart or the will to separate Saria and Ravio. Not even physical force could separate them now, that’s how tightly they were holding onto each other. When the moments passed, Ravio then held Saria’s face and kissed her forehead. “This moment… made all those centuries worth it”.
Saria and Ravio then rested their foreheads against one another and simultaneously closed their eyes and smiled. “I… I promise you… dear Saria. I will never leave you again. Ever again”. “I know Ravio… because… I will never let you go”, replied Saria. Finally, they both stood up. Suddenly, something caught the corner of Saria’s eye. She turned her head, and again, her eyes widened. It was Mido, Alsu, Fado and all the Kokiri children. Saria gave a bright smile. “Hello again, everyone”, she said. The Kokiri all began crying. “SARIAAAA!!” they collectively exclaimed, whilst running towards her. “SARIA, WHERE DID YOU GO?? WE LOOKED ALL OVER FOR YOU!!”, cried Fado. The crowd of Kokiri were basically mobbing their leader. “It’s OK everyone, all that matters is, we’re all together now, and we always will be!”, said Saria. In amongst this, Mido stepped back. With a curious expression, he looked towards Ravio and stated: “Hey. Who might you be, and what are you doing all coddled up with S…”, but suddenly, something clearly dawned on Mido. His expression completely changed. “You’re… Teacher Ravio!!”. Smiling, he shouted “TEACHER RAVIO. YOU’VE COME BACK!!”. Hearing this, Alsu and Fado began cheering. All three collectively hugged Ravio. He smiled and stated: “It’s great to see my students again, haha. And I must say, you kids have grown strong!”. Mido then noticed the rest of the “audience” standing there, particularly Link. He then made a stern face expression and walked up to Link. They both stared at one another. Mido then put out his fist. “Well, looks like you really did come back to visit”. Smiling, Link put out his own fist and touched Mido’s. “Well, I was missing my sparring rival, obviously I had to return someday haha”. But with that, it suddenly dawned upon Link. “THE DEKU TREE, WE GOT TO CHECK ON THE GREAT DEKU TREE RIGHT AWAY!!”. Everyone’s faces suddenly became serious, and they all made their way to where the Deku Tree was situated. When they arrived, a most unfortunate sight was before them. The Deku Tree’s colour had become a dark orange, and his branches were withering. He was clearly on the verge of death. Saria’s heart sank and once again, she descended into tears. “This… this is all my fault. It was my poisoning of him that’s lead to this”. But then, with the remaining strength he had, the Deku Tree replied: “No… my dear child. Those actions… were Majora’s, and Majora’s alone. He recognised me from the time of Queen Mallanya and included me in his plot for revenge”. With his voice becoming weaker and raspier, he continued: “It… it’s OK… my time was nearing it’s end even before Majora reared his ugly head. But… I… I’m so… so thankful… I lived a long and happy life… I lived amongst… you wonderful children”. That line made the Kokiri collectively cry. Saria was digging her forehead into Ravio’s ribs and almost inconsolably crying. Ravio held her tightly and rested his head on top of hers. “Ravio… you… you are… back”, continued the Deku Tree. “I’m… I’m so glad. Because now… I… I leave the rest to you Ravio. Take… take care of them… especially… my precious Saria… promise… you’ll always make her smile”, Saria’s crying became even more audible at this line. Ravio gave a steadfast nod and replied: “I promise you”. “But… I have one final act. You… you Kokiri deserve to see the world for yourselves. Now… I shall give you one last gift. If… if you ever want to leave… leave the Forest, I will manifest this one ability to bestow… bestow upon you all a new form anytime you go outside the Forest”. With that, the Deku Tree’s eyes and mouth closed. The Kokiri and Saria were now mourning in full flow. Sounds of weeping were everywhere. Ravio hugged Saria even tighter. Mido then looked towards Link. He then jumped into Links arms and burst into tears. Alsu and Fado also joined him. Link, who had such fond memories of the Forest, the Kokiri Festival and the times where the Deku Tree had guided and mentored him after his trauma of being defeated by Ganondorf, also began shedding tears. Zelda walked up to the corpse of the Deku Tree. She then took off her tiara and placed it next to the Deku Tree. “You were the Guardian of the Forest and made it the peaceful abode Hyrule needed. As the Princess of Hyrule, I honour your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace, Great Deku Tree”. With that, she gave a bow. Impa and the rest of the Champion Warriors followed suit. Ravio looked towards the Deku Tree. “Farewell Calamo… sleep tight, my dear friend”, he calmly said. However, at that point a pink powder suddenly surrounded the Kokiri. With tears still in their eyes, they looked with deep curiosity. Instantly, their forms changed. They no longer looked like humanoid fairy children. Rather they began to resemble what looked like miniature sentient trees. Fado exclaimed “W… what is this supposed to be?”. Alsu raised his right stump, and suddenly, a big flower manifested. It was levitating him from the ground. After moments of reflection, Ravio’s eyes widened and he stated: “What a noble gesture from the Deku Tree. Previously, you Kokiri could never leave the Forest”. Saria had also taken on this unusual form. Ravio couldn’t help but slightly blush at how adorable this new form of his beloved looked. But within mere moments, all the Kokiri reverted back to their original forms. Mido stared at his now restored hands. “Well… that was a rather strange form we just took on”. Ravio smiled. “Now, you can all turn to this new tree form whenever you venture out of the Forest, whilst regaining your Kokiri form on your return”. Alsu exclaimed: “I think we should give these new forms a name, shouldn’t we?”. Mido stated: “Hmmm, we’re Kokiri, so the name should be sorta similar. How about… Korok!”
Link, after clearing the last tear from his eyes, walked up to the corpse of the Deku Tree. With a melancholic face, he stated: “Great Deku Tree. For all you did for me, for enlightening me about my ancestors, and most of all, uniting me with the Master Sword. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Because of you, I was able to meet the spirit of my ancestor and the first wielder of Courage, Farore. Now, give Farore my regards in the life beyond”. Link then bowed. He then walked back over to where everyone stood. He looked towards Zelda. With a smile, he asked: “Well, shall we depart?”. Zelda smiled and replied: “Indeed we shall”. Link then looked over to Ravio. However, he noticed Saria standing behind the love of her life and attempting to hide her face whilst simultaneously trying look at him. Ravio then looked at her. Putting his hand on her head, he said: “Saria, it’s OK. go on”. Slowly, Saria emerged from behind Ravio. Shaking, she walked up to Link. Suddenly, her face went bright red. In a jittery manner, she bowed whilst uncomfortably closing her eyes. “Link… ummmmm… you… you will forgive me right?”. Link stared at Saria for a few moment. He then burst out laughing. “Really Saria? After all that? After the Deku Tree, you made my stay in the Forest so nice and comfortable. Plus, your singing was music to my ears. Now, let’s see you fill up his ears with that music, haha”. Saria bolted up. She looked towards Ravio, and began blushing even more, whilst humming in complete embarrassment. However, her mood suddenly became more sombre as she looked towards Zelda. She then walked up to the Princess: “Your Highness. For everything I did, for what happened to Agitha, I am ready to face any punishment you serve me”. However, Zelda began to smile: “What do you mean? You speak of actions which never happened in our present. Besides, after centuries, you are reunited with the one you love. What kind of monster would I be to separate you again?” Putting her hands on Saria’s shoulders, she declared: “Love and cherish Ravio until the end of time”. Slightly tearing up again, Saria simply nodded with a smile. “But there’s one thing you can do. Now that the Kokiri can leave the Forest in your Korok forms, it is time you joined Hylian society. Choose two of your people to represent you whenever you need help”. Link then walked up to Ravio. Both looked into each others’ eyes, and then extended their hands towards one another. “Well Ravio, you may be a certain version of me from some other reality. But through all your help and guidance, I am now a better man and a better warrior because of you”. Ravio replied: “Champion Link, the feeling is well and truly mutual. But, I am proud to now call you my friend. And albeit for a very brief moment, you were able to return Saria’s spark for life. For that, I will forever be grateful to you”. With a smile, Link simply replied: “I would tell you to take care of the Forest. But, I know fully well that with you, it is indeed in good hands”. Link began walking to the front of Hyrule’s posse. “Well slacker, you done with all the touchy feely mush now?”, taunted Holu. Link then turned around. Everyone was ready to leave the Forest. Well almost everyone. Because he noticed that Saria was clasping Zelda’s right hand with both of hers, and telling the Princess something which made her protrude a reflective face expression. But then, she turned towards Link, smiled and walked towards him. “Let’s go Link”. All the Kokiri began waving their hands towards Link, Zelda and the Champion posse. Ravio and Saria, standing arm in arm, were also waving. The heroes began to walk towards the exit of the Forest.
Hyrule Caste, Two Days Later
“Well well, what do we have here, ha ha?”. Back in Hyrule’s throne room, King Daphnes was looking at the two Koroks, Mido and Fado, with extreme intrigue. Those two were indeed the two representatives Saria had chosen from Kokiri Village. With a smile, King Daphnes stated: “How adorable! Little did I ever think that those mysterious woods on the periphery of Hyrule were home to an innocent band of children. However, I look forward to a bright future with you!”. The two Korok replied: “Yahaha, likewise!”. Standing next to the King, Link turned around to see the ever glorious site of Prince Sidon suddenly entering the Throne Room. However, he was walking slightly slower, but noticeably, with a vibrant blue cape on. “Hey Sidon! Loving the new look with the cape. Seems like you’ve come all prepped up ready for training later today”. At this, Sidon kneeled down and put his arm around Link: “Well Champion, as much as I would pine to train with you, that distorted future taught me things I would have otherwise never learned. I have vulnerabilities. Not just electricity, but the battle against the Dragon King Volga was particularly eye opening, but yet exciting. For so long, I thought that maybe, no one would best me. Volga put that assertion well and truly to bed. I may have almost perished, but at the same time, I was exhilarated. It taught me that if I remain complacent, then a day containing the ferocity of Volga may come again. And that I can still improve a lot. Which is why, I shall continue my journeys. Journeys where I can grow, fight my vulnerabilities and become something truly fabulous”. With a slight frown, Link replied: “You’re my best fighter, not just that, you are my sworn friend. But I guess there’s no stopping you. I’m just excited to see you again when you return”. Sidon then clenched his arm: “I think you may know by now, but Link, I believe in you!”. Sidon then walked up to the King. “Your Highness, a pleasure to once again catch up! Now, until next time my friend!”. King Daphnes gave a bright smile. “Indeed Prince Sidon. Like you already know, you are always welcome to return anytime you want and fill this place with your laughter”. With that, Sidon walked out of the throne room. Link looked towards the King. “My boy, despite it being in a different time, I offer you my deepest gratitude for once again keeping Hyrule, and my dear daughter safe”. Link kneeled down. “I’m grateful as always for your kind words, Your Majesty. But as your Champion Knight, it was my duty to keep everyone safe, and may I continue to always do so”. At those words, Korok Mido slightly chuckled: “I wonder who was kinda responsible for helping hone that skill to save everyone, yahaha!”. Link looked towards Mido and himself chuckled. He then stood up and walked towards the exit of the throne room. He began making his way towards the Knight’s Academy training grounds. Whilst walking past the Castle Courtyard, Link turned his head and stopped to be met with a most emotional site. It was Zelda and her mother, the Queen. The Queen looked like she was about to tell Zelda something, but Zelda instinctively hugged her mother tightly and cried almost hysterically. The Queen, albeit emotional herself at her daughter’s actions, was shocked at just how Zelda was breaking down before her. Zelda then rested her forehead gently on her mother’s stomach, still continuously crying. It was at this moment, perhaps symbolically, when a butterfly began to fly around Zelda, before resting on her head for a few moments and then flying around the both of them. Link simply smiled at this site before making his way to the Knight’s Academy training grounds.
Link was standing alone in the Knight’s Academy. He looked down on his tunic with pride. It looked markedly different. Along with his Green garb, he added Knight shoulder armour, but most remarkably, a vibrant blue scarf around his neck with imagery from his blue Champion tunic. “I have to say, I’m loving this new get up I’ve conjured. May even be my ultimate one he he”. He was just simply so happy to see everything back in order. But more than that, he was elated that Saria was now at peace with her long lost love, Ravio. Suddenly, a voice was heard from behind. “Well well, a nice new outfit for the Champion I see. Dashing indeed he he he”. Link turned around to see who was the apple of his eyes. The Princess. Ironic that she was talking about his new outfit, because the same could also be said of Zelda. She was wearing her same crown on the head with the red jewel on the forehead. However, her outfit consisted of a plain white dress with a long, light purple waistcoat, a blue hooded cloak and long, brown heeled boots. With a cheeky smile, Link replied: “I guess I could say the same thing about you. Finding new ways to impress me, huh?”. He followed that with a wink. Zelda then slightly bent forward, hands behind her back and made a cute poutface: “Is that all you’ll say? Not oh Princess, you look stunning!”. Laughing, Link replied: “You must know by now, it goes without saying. Otherwise, I would probably be lavishing you with praise every 5 minutes”. Smiling again, Zelda stuck out her tongue. Link then recognised Mido and Fado behind her. “Well Princess, As nice as the outfit is, it looks like you’re imminently planning to go somewhere?”. With a more sombre smile, Zelda replied: “You’d be right about that Link. Before we left the Forest, Saria gave me a special offer. She asked me to come live in the Forest for a while, where her and that sweetheart of hers, Ravio, can help me become a skilled mage”. At this, Link’s eyes opened a little wider. She continued: “Link, since these few years, I’ve been trying to figure out how, in addition to being a Princess, I can best protect my people, especially those I love so dearly. At one time, Father had me go on low-risk combat missions, however, I figured I wasn’t a warrior. Then came Impa and her training me as Sheik. It did help me, true, but Sheik is an identity which just isn’t me, or what I would ever want to become. But since awakening my Triforce power and being able to wield the bow, I felt there was another calling. And in that distorted future, when I lost dear Agitha, part of that rage and hatred that emanated was towards myself. That I couldn’t protect her. And now that time has been put right, I have a second chance. A chance to protect my dear, yet-unborn sister. So when Saria offered me the chance to learn under her and Ravio and become a mage, it clicked. With my power and who I see myself as, I want to take Saria and Ravio’s offer”. For a few moment, Link felt sad. But then, he smiled: “Zelda, I see by the look in your eyes, that you feel you may just have found you’re calling. I maybe deprived of your presence for just a little while, but all I can say is go forth”. Both Link and Zelda gazed into each other’s eyes for moments. They both put their hands on each others’ shoulders. Zelda then began to blush. She then broke out a smile. “Link…take care of the Castle while I’m gone”. Link smiled and simply nodded. With a laugh, Fado stated: “Doncha worry Link. We’ll all take good care of the Princess”. Zelda then turned around and began to walk away. After a few moments of quiet reflection, Link leapt forwards to attack the mannequins around him. Whilst he continued his training and Zelda walked away from the Castle, a very similar thought flooded their heads: “I will improve. I will be strong. I will protect all that I love. And then…” Link began to smile, whilst Zelda began to blush: “And then… I will be worthy for him (Zelda says)/her (Link says)”.
End of Arc
Epilogue One: Rito Village,
“Medli, Medli…hmmm, sorry Holu, can’t say there’s any record of anyone called Medli. A guy called Medoh is the closest match to the name”. Holu looks puzzled at these words from the Rito Civilian Registrar. “That harp girl from the distorted future. She was clearly a Rito. However, there’s no sign of her. I never recall ever meeting her in the present. And there’s no record of her ever even existing”. But then with a slight embarrassed face, Holu muttered to himself: “Well, as if I care about that annoying upstart”. Suddenly, he heard a commotion nearby. “HE’S BACK!!” exclaimed one Rito. “AFTER ALL THIS TIME AS WELL!!”. Making his way towards it, he saw the Rito crowding around someone. As he got closer, he could hear the sound of a musical instrument. It sounded like an accordion. He pushed in through the crowd to see what was going on. In the middle was a Rito. He was middle-aged, with blue and white skin and feathers, a black beak and looked slightly larger than a normal Rito. He was smiling and continuously playing a tune on his accordion. Around him, Holu could hear Rito commenting things like: “Wow, the master bard has returned after 20 winters. Welcome back, Sir Kass!”. With that, Holu’s eyes squinted when he looked back at the musical Rito. “Hmmm… I wonder”. End of Epilogue 1.
Epilogue 2: Deep under the Goron Caverns
A mini Dodongo was walking around, minding its own business, looking for a meal. Suddenly, the mini Dodongo looked up and was met with a sight which made it scream, and within an instant, ran away in the opposite direction. The source of its absolute fear was a strong and imposing figure, a warrior with red armour, a helmet with the imagery of a fearsome dragon, but the figure had a Hylian-looking face. “Well, looks like the Argorok I sent was dismantled. A difficult feat indeed for anyone to pull off”. The figure was none other than the Dragon King himself, Volga. “Since my inexplicable reawakening, I lust for a true challenge. The one who obliterated my Argorok… he may well be worth my time. I will seek him out, and see what he has to offer me in battle”. Volga then smiled and emitted a strong ball of fire from his mouth. End of Epilogue 2