Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies. Fairy tales of yesterday, grow but never die. I can fly, my friends! The show must go on. The show must go on. I'll face it with a grin, I'm never giving in; on with the show! I'll top the bill, I'll overkill, I have to find the will to carry on. On with the show.” - The Show Must Go On, Queen

It was over. Calamity Ganon was dead. The spirits of the Champions had moved on.

So what happened next?

A lot. A lot happened next. The following six months were a whirlwind of activity: meetings, journeys, rebuilding, shrine hunting, monster hunting…

But first, Bazz gave Zelda and Yuki the password to the Big Bad Bazz Brigade.

“Welcome aboard,” he said with a wink, and told them to pass it onto Yunobo (for Bazz, Rivan and Sidon were strictly told by Link to stay out of Eldin unless the lava finally cooled), Riju and Teba. The last one was mostly because Bazz wanted to see how Teba reacted to being brought into what was essentially a childhood secret club. 

“...Can I tell Barta and Ivy?” Yuki asked, not quite looking at Bazz.

“Of course!” Bazz laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “The Brigade will finally span all of Hyrule.”

Zelda still looked sleepy. After following Link to Ruta, she fell into her bed and stayed there for an entire day, Impa sitting at her side as she snoozed. Link said she snored. Zelda threatened to throw a bomb at him. 

“What do we do now?” Paya asked, biting her lip. 

“I suppose…we do what pleases us,” Zelda said, looking mystified by her own answer. Slowly, she began to smile. “Yes. Yes, I think we do what will make us happy.”

“Good,” Dorephan said, smiling warmly. “I like that idea.”

What would make them all happy? They had time to figure it out now. Zelda knew what she wanted to do: her list of people to meet, the places she wanted to see. Link wanted to find the remaining shrines and journey in peace and quiet. Rivan wanted to take a vacation with Dunma and Trello, and simply spend some quiet time with his family. Bazz informed them of his own plans: to spend more time with Seggin, to take a break before he went back to work as Captain of the Guard. Sidon seemed undecided. Did he want to follow Link or stay home with Dorephan?

Just do what you want, Link signed. He had to stand on tip-toe to poke Sidon’s chest, just under Mipha’s sapphire necklace. You deserve a break.

Sidon smiled and lightly tugged on Link’s ponytail. “I’ll think about it,” he promised.

Paya wanted to continue her training and look after Impa. Impa wanted to ensure Link and Zelda were safe and sound. Purah and Robbie wanted to continue their research. Yuki wanted to, in his own words, “I dunno, just have some fun, I guess? Maybe I’ll throw more boulders around.”

Zelda wanted to retrieve whatever she could from Hyrule Castle. She wanted to write down every vision she’d been granted while stuck in that strange in-between and let all of Hyrule know about the history they’d lost. She wanted to meet people, to see the continent. She wanted to research. She wanted to help organise monster hunting crews, she wanted to help rebuild. 

She did not want the throne. 

As the days passed, the thought became stronger, louder. She did not want the throne. Hyrule had survived for one hundred years without her family. She loved Hyrule; this beautiful, vast, sprawling and wild land was a part of her and always would be. But she didn’t need to be a Queen to love it. She didn’t need to be a Queen to protect people. She could work among them as equals. 

Queen Zelda Sonia Naydria Hyrule. No. She was simply Zelda. 

All her life, she’d been told she would be Queen. She was told she must be valiant, steadfast and strong. She must be a holy icon, a protector, a solemn warrior. She must be above reproach. She must embody hope. 

She wondered what her parents and grandmother would think about her decision. She hadn’t outright told anyone she wouldn’t be claiming the title of Queen or restoring the castle to live in, but she’d have to soon. The question would inevitably come up. The thought of living in the castle made her want to wretch. Although there were things she wanted to claim (such as raiding the library and her old rooms, finding belongings of her mother, helping Link clear out his and Mipha’s old chambers) she couldn’t imagine living there again. Even if they somehow restored the castle in her lifetime (unlikely) she couldn’t imagine peacefully living in the place she’d been trapped with Ganon. A place she’d been unhappy in ever since Hespera died. The castle where so many of her people met their unfair and untimely end. Could she even enter the Sanctum without seeing the vision of Rhoam and the Kingsguard overtaken by waves of malice? Could she enter the Sanctum and not spiral into terror, waiting for Ganon to try swallow her whole? 

No. She would not live there.

She would not be Queen. She would aid Hyrule as Zelda. 

Scholar, friend, archer, adventurer, scientist. Those titles suited her better.

A mere week after Ganon’s defeat, a new title was suggested. Some of the Zora healers could not find childcare for the day and so Zelda stepped forward, shyly offering to keep them occupied for the afternoon. When the healers came to Zelda’s room to collect their children, they found the little ones sitting in a half-circle before Zelda as she read from a history book and quizzed them on the chapters they’d already read. The children eagerly raised their hands for attention and called out answers. One of the little girls called her “Miss Princess” and the other children called her “Miss Zelda.”

Healer Celeste sought her out, smiling. “You know, Highness, you’d make quite the teacher,” she said.

“Me?” Zelda stammered. “I…Truly?”

“Yes. The little ones adore you. Pearl was telling me her boys haven’t stopped talking about you. They said you made history fun.”

Scholar, friend, archer, adventurer, scientist…teacher? 

Zelda smiled to herself. Well…It was worth considering.

(That night, she, Link, Yuki and Sidon burned her prayer gown. Up in the hills, they built a campfire and Zelda tossed the loathed gown into the flames. She stood there, glaring, tears in her eyes, as the gown crumbled into ashes. Sidon handed her the fruitcake that Link made, and Link told her he was proud of her. When Yuki expressed the wish that he could have burned his old Yiga uniform, Zelda drew the Yiga symbol on a sheet of paper and Yuki burned that instead. They stayed up in the hills all night, watching the fire burn on, watching as the sun rose.)

When Zelda first saw Alcmene, two weeks after defeating Ganon, Link thought she was going to cry.

“Oh,” Zelda breathed, reaching out to gently stroke Alcmene’s mane. “Oh, she’s beautiful…”

Yuki had already clambered atop Valerian. Epona nudged Link’s forehead with her nose, whinnying. He stared at the little braid in her mane. The braid Mipha did. 

He’d need to undo it one day. Soon, most likely. 

Mipha did that braid. She’d tied that green ribbon. It was her handiwork.

Link swallowed the lump in his throat and climbed into the saddle. The braid could stay for now. It would stay for as long as possible.

Today was all about practice. Zelda needed exercise and she hadn’t ridden a horse in a hundred years; she was worried she’d forgotten how. So they were going to do a few slow laps around Kakariko and say hello to Cotera. Dorian, hand in hand with Koko and Cottla, bowed as they passed. 

There’d been no blood moons yet. It seemed like everyone held their breaths when the sun set, waiting for the worst. 

There was no blood moon tonight either. Or the night after that, or the one after that.

(When the third month with no blood moon passed, Sasan reported that every village and stable he passed seemed to be celebrating. Three months of no blood moons and lower monster numbers, and it seemed to truly be sinking in for people that Ganon was gone. There’d been no word from the Yiga Clan. Their hide-out was empty, utterly deserted. Wherever they’d gone, they’d completely disappeared.)

But before that third month, the first two months went like this: Link killed the Lynel atop Ploymus Mountain. He explored more of Lanayru with his friends in search of nearby shrines that he'd missed before. Zelda adjusted; she slept for an entire day and had to be reminded to eat. Ivy followed Yuki everywhere. The Zora guards reported a drop in monster numbers in the surrounding area. Link wrote to Riju, asking permission to visit with Zelda and the answer came winging back; Riju was eager to meet Zelda and stated that Link, Sidon, Bazz, Rivan and Yuki were welcome whenever they wished, no disguises necessary. A second letter arrived from Barta, addressed to Yuki, expressing her hope that he was well and that he’d visit soon. 

Impa, Paya, Purah and Robbie wrote regularly. Purah was beginning research into an age rune again, hoping to restore herself to an adult.

Not an OLD adult, she’d written. I don’t fancy being an old lady again any time soon! I’m thinking somewhere in my twenties again, maybe my thirties. That’s if I can figure this out! Fingers crossed I don’t blow myself up. If I do, Robbie gets my guidance stone, Zelly gets my notebooks, Impa gets my diaries, Paya gets my jewellery and Linky, buddy, you can have…My glasses? My prototype jetpack? What do you want, I’ll put in my will. Anyone who wants Symin, speak now or forever hold your peace. Still working on the Master Cycle, but that’s yours and Zelly’s anyway.

Zelda and Yuki’s rooms in the palace were finally starting to look like theirs. Zelda’s was full of books, her desk overflowing with research papers, notebooks and more ancient texts. The sheets on Yuki’s bed were black; most of the decorations in the room were dark. Alto and Vesper had put together a little bed for Ivy and placed it on Yuki’s bedside table. Ivy was utterly delighted. 

Everything feels lighter, Fi said. More peaceful.

It does, Link agreed. And what a relief that was.

Riju waited anxiously at the gates, fiddling with her bracelets, resisting the urge to pace. Link was coming today, bringing Princess Zelda with him. Naboris was still where Auntie Urbosa left her, standing vigil, utterly silent and empty now.

Riju had been utterly amazed to realise Naboris let her inside now. The day after Ganon’s death, Riju had gone to Naboris to pay her respects one last time, only to find the hatch on her stomach lowered and open. She honestly hadn’t expected entry; she’d expected the door to slam shut, for Naboris to rumble in complaint and move away.

Instead, Riju had been permitted entry. She’d wandered the silent, deserted corridors and chambers, taking in every last detail with awe. Divine Beast Vah Naboris, the great weapon of Urbosa and her tomb. What would they do with her? Ganon was gone but…Well, the Divine Beasts had been compromised once. Who was to say it wouldn’t happen again?

She’d have to bring it up. She prayed she wouldn’t sound suspicious or cruel when she did. 

For now, she eagerly awaited her friends- and hopefully her new friend. Buliara was at her right, Barta at her left. Merina and Dorrah stood guard at the front gates as always. 

And there, hurrying across the sands…Yes, she recognised those Zora and the two Hylian boys. But the girl, with long blonde hair, was unfamiliar. Princess Zelda, no doubt, the girl Auntie Urbosa loved as a daughter. 

The urge to run to them and hug her friends in greeting was strong, almost impossible to resist. Riju bounced on her toes, grinning from ear to ear, as they stopped before her and bowed.

“Hi!” little Ivy cheered, waving eagerly. 

Barta marched forward and pulled Yuki into her arms, hugging him somewhat gruffly. Riju took that as permission to hug Link and the Zora. She hesitated before Zelda before holding her hand out to shake.

“Hello,” she said, feeling ridiculously shy. “I am Chief Riju. It’s an honour to meet you, my lady.”

Princess Zelda grinned at her, eyes sparkling. She shook Riju’s hand. “The honour is all mine,” she said, and she sounded so earnest. “You look so much like Lady Dara!”

Lady Urbosa had said the same, that she resembled her grandmother. Riju doubted she would ever tire of hearing it. 

Once they were in the throne room, Link summoned the Scimitar of the Seven and the Daybreaker shield from his slate. He held them out to Riju with a soft smile.

“They’re still in one piece,” he promised. 

“You used them against Ganon?” Riju asked, reaching out to take them with due reverence. 

“Well…” Link’s smile widened into a grin. “Rivan did.”

Rivan chuckled sheepishly when all the attention turned to him. 

“This is a story I have to hear,” Riju said.

They told her everything. The entire battle from start to finish. Calamity Ganon and his monstrous form, made of malice and Sheikah tech. Dark Beast Ganon, the great boar demon. The spirits of the Champions, Urbosa, coming to their aid. And the spirits of their loved ones, helping the Champions move on.

Riju sat on her throne and clutched her great-aunt’s scimitar and shield to her heart. Riju didn’t have long with Urbosa, but she’d miss her desperately all the same. She was family. She’d been so kind to her, so welcoming, as eager to know Riju as Riju was to know her. 

But as Zelda, giggling, whispered a certain password to her, Riju’s heart lightened. She looked at the large group around her. Her dearest Buliara, always at her side. Link, Sidon, Bazz, Rivan and Yuki…And Zelda too. Even sweet little Ivy. And Patricia, of course, her beloved Patricia, the last gift from her mother.

She still had a family. 

That evening, after dinner, Riju went sand seal racing with her friends. Sidon nearly fell off twice, Rivan actually did fall off. Zelda screamed the entire time, but Link sped around at break-neck speed, ignoring Buliara barking at him to be cautious. Yuki was even worse, going so fast that he was practically a blur, whooping and laughing all the while.

Riju looked up at the emerging stars, trusting Patricia to steer her right. Taking a deep breath, Riju snapped her fingers and lightning streaked wildly across the darkening sky. Her lightning strike was uncontrolled, too large, to spread apart, nothing like Urbosa’s might, or even her own mother’s…But it was improving. It felt steadier than before. It felt… Brighter. Like all she had to do was reach out and grasp her power in both hands, like it was just waiting for her command and control.

She would work on that control. 

Tomorrow, she would discuss the Divine Beasts with Princess Zelda. She would show Urbosa’s diary to Link and Zelda, which discussed them both so fondly, and spoke of both their mothers. 

Tonight, she let herself have fun with her friends, and simply be a twelve-year-old.

Paya stood by her grandmother, listening to an old argument. Olkin and Steen were at it again. Their argument, the old “offence versus defence” had gotten so out of hand that they’d struck each other; the scuffle ended with Pikango’s easel getting knocked into the pond around the Goddess statue. Razu and Orenji had separated them and, much to the mortification of Mellie and Trissa, dragged the two men to Impa.

Absolutely no one in the village was surprised.

“What am I going to do with the two of you?” Impa sighed tiredly, rubbing her forehead. “You’re old men, not teenagers! I expect at least basic manners from you both!”

The two men hung their heads in shame, blushing to the tips of their ears.

Impa turned to Paya. “What do you suggest, my dear?” she asked.

Paya’s eyes widened. “Me, Grandmother?” she asked, pointing limply at herself.

Impa’s eyes sparkled. She smiled at Paya and nodded. “You,” she said.

Impa had tried to get Paya to give advice or suggest appropriate punishments before, but Paya’s nerve had always failed her. Each and every time before, she’d simply mumbled that Grandmother should do what she thought was fair and just, and made an excuse to leave. 

Paya had changed. Although she felt a stab of anxiety, although she felt nervous to have Grandmother, Razu, Orenji, Olkin and Steen looking at her expectantly ( and shame-faced in Olkin and Steen’s case) she didn’t feel sick with dread. She didn’t feel the need to run. 

Paya felt braver. Smarter. She felt like she was starting to truly understand who she was.

One day, she would lead this village. She longer felt like that was a truly terrible idea. It was daunting but…But maybe she’d actually manage it.

“You knocked Pikango’s easel into the pond?” Paya asked, drawing herself up to her full height. “I hear the painting was ruined and the easel itself took some damage?”

“Yes, my lady,” Steen mumbled, blushing even more.

Paya nodded. “Then you will both apologise to him and replace whatever was damaged. The easel, his paints- whatever it was. You will apologise to each other right now and…And if you cannot get along, if you refuse to, then you must stay away from each other. W-we cannot have you causing fights in the middle of the village. As today proved y-you…” Come on, keeping going, keep speaking. “You don’t just hurt each other. You hurt other people when you do this. Mellie and Trissa are upset, as is Pikango. What if you’d knocked a person into the pond? What if it was a child?”

That seemed to get through to them, at least a little. They both looked horrified by the thought. 

Impa’s smile grew. Paya could feel herself blushing. She wrung her hands together and bit her lip, but she kept her head high and didn’t slouch. Her great-grandmother’s kunai hung from her belt, as they always did now.

“...I’m sorry, Steen,” Olkin sighed.

“Me too,” Steen mumbled. He held his hand out and they shook hands, neither of them quite looking at each other. Razu and Orenji seemed relieved, maybe even a little stunned.

Truthfully, Paya was a little stunned. She’d expected more push back.

She doubted those two would ever be friends, or even truly cordial, but hopefully they’d follow her order to stay away from each other.

Her order! Hers! How utterly bizarre. 

Paya supposed that, like everything else, she'd get used to it.

Three months after Ganon’s defeat, Yuki was at Wetland Stable with Karson. Link, Zelda and Sidon had spoken with the owner, Lawdon, about housing their horses here. Right now, the roads to Zora’s Domain still weren’t passable for horses; everyone still had to teleport with the slate or travel on foot. But the Zora were working on it. Fronk and Ledo were overseeing the project, trying to make new, safer paths.

But until that was done, they couldn’t just leave Valerian, Epona, Aryll and Alcmene in Cado’s garden. Well, they probably could- Cado seemed sad to see the horses go- but it was hardly fair on the guy. Cado wouldn’t even take rupees from them. Weird guy. 

So, yeah, they needed somewhere for their horses, somewhere close enough to the Domain. Lawdown agreed to house them. Karson offered to build new pens for them. Valerian especially needed the room. 

Yuki had a badass giant horse. He loved him so much that it was almost stupid. Who else had a giant black horse with a fiery mane and tale? Who else had a giant horse at all? No one, that’s who. 

“Pass me the nails, kid,” Karson said, perched atop the pen’s roof. Yuki passed them up and went to feed their waiting horses, tied to the fence around the stable and waiting with a surprising amount of patience.

That was when he spotted some familiar faces by the cooking pot.

A man and a woman sat there with three children and a baby. The baby was probably a year old- Yuki could never be sure when it came to kids that little. The other kids…The oldest couldn’t be more than five or six. They were all tiny. 

The woman had black hair and red eyes. The man…His hair was a dull auburn with silver showing at the temples. No more black hair dye. There were still shadows under his red eyes, but not as deep as before.

Holy fucking shit, Yuki thought, as Corien looked up and spotted him. He had one of the kids (or should he be saying toddler?) on his lap. The woman held the baby, who looked half-asleep. The other kids were all eating bowls of stew. The baby had black hair, so did two of the kids. The third kid, the one on Corien’s lap, had brown hair. 

Corien stared at Yuki. Yuki stared at Corien. 

Yuki uncrossed his arms, making sure Corien could see his hands were free of weapons. Yuki nodded briskly and hurried over to the horses. Maybe turning his back on Corien was stupid. He wasn’t sure which woman was with him. Obviously not Sakura, it wasn’t Gail either. She was obviously fully Yiga judging by her colouring, but Yuki wasn’t sure of her name. He didn’t know her well enough. Kaede? Keeli? 

He’d never seen Corien hang around any of the girls long enough to be…Running off with her and some kids. 

Holy shit, they deserted, Yuki thought, leaning against Valerian. 

“Are you alright?” Corien asked, suddenly far too close, and Yuki jerked away, two kunai already in his hands and the earth began to crack at his feet. Corien rapidly backed up, hands up in surrender.

“Don’t fuckin’ sneak up on me,” Yuki snapped. “Are you stupid? That’s training 101.”

Corien grinned wryly. “It is,” he agreed. “My bad. But…” His smile fell. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Yuki said. He frowned and put the kunai away. Valerian seemed to pick up on his mood, because he scooted closer, moving forward a little, like he was trying to hide Yuki behind him. Clever horse.

“I’m fine,” Yuki repeated and was sometimes still stunned to realise he meant it. “...You?”

Corien smiled. “I’m fine,” he said quietly. 

“Yuki?” Karson hurried over, hammer still in hand, eyeing Corien warily. “You okay, kid?”

“All good,” Yuki said. “Dude just needed directions.”

Karson looked dubious. If he’d seen Yuki drawing his kunai he surely would have sounded the alarm. Yuki either looked even more frazzled than he thought, or Karson was just really smart. 

“I did,” Corien said. He smiled at Yuki again. “Thanks for your help.”

He turned away, walking back to…His friends? His family? The woman looked worried until Corien sat back down with her. The kids didn’t seem to have a care in the world. 

“All good?” Karson checked again.

“All good,” Yuki confirmed, tossing one more carrot to Alcmene. 

Life, Yuki decided, was kind of insane. But maybe that was okay. Yuki was a little insane and this entire goddess-damn family was a little insane too. 

Ivy, who’d fallen asleep inside the stable, came toddling out as Karson put the finishing touches on the new pen. Yawning, they climbed up Yuki’s leg and all the way up his torso, then flopped into his hood. Yuki reached back to pet their head as he surveyed Karson’s work.

Not bad, he decided. Not bad at all. That was one thing to check off the endless list of things to do. 

What next? Yuki had no fuckin’ clue. But that was part of the fun. 

The lava was cooling. Yunobo woke Link and Zelda up, feeling like a flustered mess. They’d arrived yesterday to return Grandpa Daruk’s Boulder Breaker and tell him everything about the battle with Calamity Ganon, and he told them all about explording Rudania (Rudania actually let him in! It was crazy!) and he’d nearly fallen over, tripping over his own two feet, as he greeted them both. Two of Daruk’s friends! And they were his friends too. Yunobo actually had a lot of friends now and it still felt crazy. 

But anyway- the lava was cooling. Like, rapidly cooling. 

Death Mountain stopped erupting last night. It had been four months since Ganon’s defeat. Boss Bludo stared at the volcano warily, a stone smasher strapped to his back. He led the way across the Bridge of Eldin and, together, they all walked to Rudania’s resting spot. Princess Zelda wanted to explore him later, to check on his controls and see if Daruk left anything behind, and she promised to give it right to Yunobo if she found anything.

But right now they climbed Death Mountain. No more Skywatchers, thank goodness. No more huge earthquakes and magma bombs and fiery rocks. It still wasn’t an easy climb, but it was way better than before. Link and Zelda needed to wear Flamebreaker armour, but they seemed okay. 

The lava pouring down Death Mountain had slowed to a trickle. Chunks of lava way down below were already beginning to solidify.

“Is this normal?” Bludo asked Zelda and Link gruffly. “Was it like this before?”

Link looked mystified. Princess Zelda studied the area around them closely.

“There was always some activity,” she said. “Smoke pouring from the crater, some lava flow- but never any true large-scale eruptions, no earthquakes…So, yes, this is actually looking a little more like it did one hundred years ago. It seems the volcanic activity is slowing down.”

“So it might stop entirely, goro?” Yunobo asked. “We could…We could maybe reopen the mines? O-or make new ones?”

“Hopefully, yes,” Zelda said with a smile. “We can’t be certain, of course, it’s far too soon…But with any luck, it will be safe up here again.”

Bludo sighed in relief, tugging on his beard. Yunobo grinned at his friends.

“Maybe we’ll ask those construction buddies of yours for help,” Bludo said to him. “If things get safer.”

His construction buddies. The Gorons he’d recommended to Hudson and Hudson himself. Hudson was starting his own company soon; he said Bolson was retiring at the end of the month and was “passing the torch” to Hudson. 

Gorons and Hylians working together again. What an idea! Yunobo hadn’t expected them to work so well together. Honestly, he thought the other Gorons would laugh at his suggestion, or that they’d race home as soon as Tarrey Town was finished, but…

But it was going well. There was already talk of working together on more projects.

When they went home, Yunobo stared at the Boulder Breaker. All his life, he’d wanted to make his family proud. Da, Grandma, Grandpa Daruk. He wanted to be like them: strong and brave.

Link said he was brave. Even Boss Bludo called him brave lately. 

He…He hadn’t exactly realised how much things had changed until now. How the other Gorons listened to him. Not just the ones he told about Tarrey Town, but the ones still in Goron City. 

Hudson wanted to keep working with them on different projects.

Maybe…Maybe it was time for Yunobo to start some projects of his own.

Teba honestly thought that Kass was going to cry when Link, the Zora, their Hylian kid and Princess Zelda showed up. They came from Eldin with the news that Death Mountain was starting to quieten down for the first time in a century, to tell the tale of Ganon’s defeat, and pass on messages from Hyrule’s other tribes. Another unheard of event; everyone had stuck to themselves for a hundred years, and now King Dorephan and Elder Impa were passing on their regards.

He definitely saw Kass wipe at his eyes when Kaneli read the letters aloud to the whole village.

Sap, he thought fondly. Kaneli insisted on throwing a banquet (very hastily put together and Saki fussed that she didn’t have enough time to make as much fish pie as she wanted) and Kass’s little girls all sang together.

Kass performed a song that old Harper wrote. The Song of the Hero, he called it. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Kass worried about a performance. 

The Princess (“Please just call me Zelda,”) looked a little stunned. Maybe even a little misty-eyed.

“It sounds like he really changed,” Teba heard her say to Link. 

Tulin was utterly beside himself with glee, talking rapidly at Link and the others. He climbed right into Link’s lap as he narrated the past few months for their guests.

“And then- and then- the sky got super dark, and BOOM! There was all this light and it was super pretty, then everything was normal again,” Tulin said. “Was that really you guys? Mommy and Daddy said it was you.”

“That was us,” Prince Sidon said with a laugh.

“We had to say bye to Master Revali,” Tulin said sadly, drooping. He flopped against Link, his head against the Prince’s chest. 

“We did too,” Link told him. “He really liked you, you know.”

“He did!?” Tulin instantly perked up, eyes shining.

“He did,” Zelda said, gently ruffling Tulin’s feathers. “He said you’ll surpass him one day.”

Teba couldn’t keep the proud smile off his face. Revali had indeed been fond of Tulin and Molli. He wondered when the Champion had said this to Link and Zelda. Was it when he joined the battle against Ganon? Or during those strange telepathic talks? Either way…Pride didn’t even cover it. Their legendary archer and warrior, their Champion, really thought Teba’s little boy would surpass him one day. 

It was oddly humbling. 

Teba was going to miss that kid. Medoh let everyone inside now, but Elder Kaneli sternly ordered the village not to explore the Divine Beast, not until he got the chance to speak with Link and Zelda about it. 

Revali had been a good kid. Full of swagger and sass, cheeky, funny, and surprisingly kind. He’d been brilliant with the hatchlings. He’d seemed surprised by all the visitors he received, and that had broken Saki’s heart.

When they realised Revali was gone, Saki cried all night. 

The moon rose high in the sky, full and white. No blood moon. No shrieks and cheers from monsters. Just music and laughter. Teba could get used to this.

Although, there was one more thing he wanted to mention to the Brigade…

“Oh, oh, check it out!” Tulin scrambled off Link’s lap, flapping his wings and-

“Tulin Tornado!” With a burst of air, his son flew into the air (thankfully not very high at all) and was knocked forward, almost falling back into Link’s lap.

“Holy shi-” Bazz clapped a hand over Yuki’s mouth. The kid glared at him. 

The Brigade gawped at Tulin. A lot of party-goers stopped to gawp at Tulin. Saki giggled, ducking her head, trying and failing to hide it. Teba just grinned wryly and shrugged.

“Yeah,” he said. “There’s that.”

“Oh my goodness,” Zelda gasped.

“Tulin, you’re amazing!” Link cheered. Tulin laughed in glee, climbing back onto Link’s lap and throwing his wings around Link’s neck.

“Someday,” he said. “I’m even gonna master the Great Eagle Bow!”

“You’ll have to convince Link to let you borrow it,” Teba chuckled. 

Link beamed, hugging Tulin close.

“We’ll see,” he said while Tulin giggled. “Maybe when you’re bigger, buddy.”

“Mr Deku Tree!” Skull Kid cheered, running into the forest. “Everyone! We’ve got guests!”

Oh, this was such a good day! Hestu gave a happy gasp and ran to his friends. Skull Kid brought Mr Hero, Miss Princess, Mr Zora Prince, Mr Zora Captain, Mr Zora Knight and Ivy! Ooh, was that Mr Hero’s Friend Yuki? Ivy went to look for him ages ago!

Grandpa gave that warm, happy chuckle he always gave. His smile was kind and gentle, reminding Hestu of a warm hug.

“Welcome back, little Hero,” he said. “Welcome back, Princess.”

“Great Deku Tree,” Miss Princess said, bowing. “It’s good to see you.”

Hestu tackled Mr Hero into a hug, knocking them both into Mr Zora Prince. Mr Zora Prince laughed loudly, striking his happy pose, and hugged Hestu hello.

“Ivy!” Maca cheered. “Ivy’s back!”

“Hi everyone!” Ivy said happily. They patted Mr Hero’s Friend Yuki on the head. “This is My Friend Yuki.”

“Hi, Ivy’s Friend Yuki!” everyone echoed. 

Ivy’s Friend Yuki looked very confused.

“...Hi,” he said.

“Hi!” everyone sang.

“You’ll get used to it,” Mr Hero said. Ivy’s Friend Yuki did not look convinced. That was okay. Hestu would convince him! He was very friendly. 

“You have succeeded,” Grandpa said and he had his Serious Voice on, so solemn and grown-up. “Hyrule is at peace once more.”

Miss Fi chimed on Mr Hero’s back. Mr Hero smiled at his friends and at all the Koroks. 

“We couldn’t have done it alone,” he said. Hestu puffed up his chest, giggling with pride. He’d helped! They’d all helped! Yes, he was very grown-up indeed. 

“Can Link do the shrines around the forest?” Skull Kid asked Grandpa, holding Mr Hero’s hand. 

“You wanna do the Korok Trials, shoko?” Hestu gasped.

“Korok Trials?” Mr Hero repeated, eyebrows raised. Hestu could not raise his eyebrows, because he did not have any. He wished he did. 

Chio, the Korok Elder and a True Grown-Up jumped off his tree stump and walked over to Mr Hero, leaving little patches of daisies behind him.

“The Korok Trials,” he said importantly. “Are trials that all Koroks undertake to prove we are True Grown-Ups. There’s an old shrine at the end of each trial- but we can’t get inside, so we pass the trials if we reach the shrine. But they’re your shrines, Mr Hero, so of course you can go inside if you pass our trials.”

Miss Princess, the Zora and Ivy’s Friend Yuki looked very amused. Skull Kid giggled, still holding Mr Hero’s hand.

“Sure, I’ll do them,” Mr Hero said and everyone cheered.

“I’ll go with you!” Skull Kid said. “So you don’t get lost.”

It turned out that Mr Hero was a True Grown-Up; he passed all three Korok trials in an hour. Skull Kid re-enacted the Trial of Wood with extra excitement for them all, putting emphasis on how many fire arrows had been shot at them by Stalkoblins. 

Hestu wasn’t sure what Mr Hero meant when he said that monks gave him Spirit Orbs, but he was happy that his friends were happy. And Grandpa was very happy! The evil pig monster was gone, Miss Princess was back, Hestu’s friends were safe and sound.

Yes, this was the Best Day Ever.

Dorephan smiled as Ledo presented plans for the new park atop Ploymus Mountain. The designs he’d drawn up were beautiful. Even the sketches were true works of art.

Ledo had always been a visionary. Dorephan just hoped the poor man was getting enough rest; even as he designed the new park, he oversaw the new roads. 

Once upon a time, Ledo had designed Link and Mipha’s memorial statue, when he was only an apprentice himself. Dorephan trusted his work. 

“All parks need a name,” Muzu said.

“That’s where I’m stumped,” Ledo admitted. 

Sidon opened his mouth, but quickly closed it again, looking conflicted. 

“Sidon?” Dorephan prompted. “Do you have an idea?”

It had been five months since Ganon’s defeat. The new roads were underway. Monster control crews had been assembled; only a few so far, but certainly better than nothing. Link said a friend of theirs, Hoz, was overseeing the monster control crew in Akkala. Zelda and Link had travelled to Hateno, to interview a man named Gralens, who wished to join and hopefully lead another such crew. 

Rivan was still spending time with Dunma and Trello. Bazz and Seggin had gone to Hateno simply to enjoy the beach. 

“I was thinking…” Sidon looked at the park’s designs again. The pools shaped like the Zora sigil, the pool atop the highest point of the mountain, the beautiful staircase, the flower beds. It promised to be a lovely, peaceful place, with a spectacular view of the Domain and surrounding areas.

“What about…Mipha Court?”

Dorephan had to close his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply. Oh, Mipha. His jewel, his wonderful daughter. She was at peace as she deserved, yet Dorephan knew he would never stop missing her.

Muzu nodded gruffly, hands behind his back. Ledo smiled at Sidon.

“A wonderful idea, Your Highness,” he said gently. And then, right there and then, he began a new sketch: a statue of Mipha in the middle of the pool, overseeing all of the Domain. A similar design to the statue in the square, but just Mipha alone this time. Mipha, holding her trident and smiling, dressed in royal garb and her bracelet from Link.

“Beautiful,” Dorephan said firmly. “Most fitting.”

New roads, a new park, a new statue. Two new statues, if Sidon and Link’s admirers had their way; there was talk of another statue, to be placed at the reservoir, honouring his sons and their battle against Vah Ruta. And, of course, once the roads were (eventually) completed, they would be making their own mini-stable for Link, Zelda and Yuki’s horses. Healer Celeste had come to Dorephan, to explain her idea of Zelda teaching the young ones. Dorephan would be sure to let Zelda know he thought it a wonderful idea- but he must emphasise it was up to her. No more orders. Let the child decide her own fate. 

There still hadn’t been a blood moon. 

Last night, he wandered Vah Ruta for the first time. Although the offer had been made months ago, he simply hadn’t the strength- or perhaps the bravery. Perhaps both.

But he went. Alone, he went to Vah Ruta and slowly wandered the Divine Beast. He sat in the control room and wept for his daughter yet again, but he felt strangely lighter after he had.

He needed to see it. He didn’t realise how much he needed to see it until he’d done it.

They were moving forward. Step by step, day by day. Perhaps Hyrule would never again be what it was…But it could be something new. Something better. 

United, Dorephan and his family would work towards a brand new future.

That same day, a letter arrived from Yona. A long letter. She spent three pages scolding Sidon for running off without Dorephan’s permission and another three praising his bravery and loyalty. She reacted to each and every event Sidon told her about, no matter how small. She didn’t overlook any details. 

And then, the best sentence of all: I have spoken to my parents. We shall visit at the end of next month (with your father’s permission, of course) and I expect you to tell me everything again in person. I hope you know how vexed I am that I missed all of this! 

Sidon rolled his eyes, smiling fondly.

Don’t roll your eyes at me, Yona wrote.

How did she do that?

If you rushed off without warning then you cannot scold me for saying I would have gone with you, my friend. I look forward to seeing you again, and to meeting Prince Link again, and Princess Zelda. Give Dorephan my fondest regards.
Love from,
Yona

Grinning, Sidon rushed to find his father. Yona was coming! Finally! 

Hateno hadn’t changed much, Zelda was stunned to realise. It was smaller, the village’s walls were higher, but the layout was the same. 

Bolson was, as ever, a total delight. 

“Check it out!” he said, laughing, leading them to the Hallow family home.

He’d planted a sign in the garden. Vacation Home of the Big Bad Bazz Brigade! It was painted in pink, with quite a few flourishes and surrounded by little flowers. 

And when Zelda pulled him aside and quietly asked him about building a school house, Bolson lit up like the stars, eyes brimming with tears.

He was retiring. He intended to settle down in Lurelin. This would be his last big project.

Maybe Zelda would not be here in Hateno (not permanently, she would stay with Link) but…But Healer Celeste got her thinking. Formal education had fallen through the cracks for most of Hyrule. Schools were a thing of the past, except in Zora’s Domain. Even then, most parents tutored their children at home. But here in Hateno, in Rito Village, in Kakariko and Gerudo Town? (And no doubt in Lurelin too.) Schools didn’t exist anymore. Maybe Zelda could help bring them back. Symin seemed excited at the idea of teaching. Purah thought it was a good idea. Link had smiled at her and said, “It suits you.”

Maybe Zelda could be a teacher. 

They had dinner with Mayor Reede and his family; her, Link, Bolson, Symin and Purah. Karin kept pulling Purah away to play and Zelda tried not to burst out laughing. Oh dear. She hoped Karin wouldn’t mind her play-mate suddenly being an adult soon. 

Soonish. As soon as the rune stopped sending out sparks and smoke. 

Link had snatched it right out of Purah’s hand and hid it for the evening, refusing to tell her where it was until she promised not to try to use it until the sparks stopped. Purah pouted but agreed in the end. 

Some things didn’t change. If it hadn’t been for the smoke and sparks, Zelda didn’t doubt that Link would have sat back and let Purah run wild. 

The next day, she and Link explored for more shrines. Then it was off to Akkala to visit Jerrin and find more shrines. Robbie had gone to the Great Plateau to study the tower, Shrine of Resurrection and shrines there. 

And to clear up the Guardians.

They still didn’t know what to do with the Divine Beasts, but one thing was certain: the Guardians had to go and they had to go as soon as possible. The Guardians were the greatest source of fear in Hyrule, now that Ganon was gone. No one wanted them around. Zelda saw Purah flinch and tremble when they were brought up. She saw how Impa’s eyes went vacant and how pale she got. She saw how Robbie shuddered and always kept his ancient arrows close at hand.

She saw how Link twitched and reached for Fi, how he bristled, but looked so terrified.

As for Zelda herself…Well, the first time she got close to a Guardian after Ganon’s defeat, she had to run away and throw up. 

It felt like being robbed. She’d spent her childhood and adolescence fascinated with the Guardians. She’d wished to study them as much as possible. She’d adored them, and now she was deathly afraid of them. Utterly petrified.

They’d killed millions of her people. They’d killed Link right in front of her. She’d never look at them with fascination and adoration again.

In Akkala, she and Link stared out at the strange building in the sea. Robbie and a crew from Hudson Construction had already cleared the place of Skywatchers. They said it was some sort of labyrinth and there was a shrine in there.

Zelda held up her paraglider.

“Shall we?” she asked.

Link eyed the building warily, curiously.

“This shrine better have a good reward,” he muttered.

Together, fighting against the biting cold wind, they flew out to the labyrinth. 

Bazz and Rivan returned to work on the same day, amazed to walk in to cheers and applause. Rivan hadn’t gone far, mostly staying in the Domain, but spending quiet time with Dunma and Trello, after their travels with their friends were done. Bazz had taken Seggin to Hateno, to make use of the beach and, to Bazz’s surprise, the Hallow family home, now the Brigade’s “vacation home.”

The down time was sorely needed. Both Bazz and Rivan agreed that their fathers finally seemed to be enjoying retirement instead of railing against it. Dunma returned to work with a spring in her step and a smile on her face.

Bazz was still slightly reeling, he must admit. How do you just get over saving the world? Once the nightmares stopped, the shock remained. A happy sort of surprise, a lingering disbelief.

They were okay. They were all okay. 

Gaddison bounded over and flung her arms around each of them, giving her usual throaty laugh.

“Welcome back,” she said. “It’s not been the same without you.”

“Saviours of Hyrule!” Numien teased.

“The new Champions!” Resco laughed.

“Don’t you start,” Bazz warned them, jabbing them with the butt of his spear- but he couldn’t hide his grin. He looked around at his soldiers, his friends, all of them smiling and full of energy. A weight had been lifted off everyone’s shoulders. A weight that Bazz had become so used to that he hadn’t noticed it anymore, not until it was gone.

They were okay.

“It’s good to be back,” Rivan said softly.

“It is,” Bazz agreed. He cleared his throat and stood tall, knocking his spear against the ground. “Alright, everyone, back to work! We have a Domain to protect.”

His friends all laughed and teased, but they got back to work, guarding their home.

A home at peace. True peace. And oh, what a wonder that was.

Six months after Ganon’s death, Link sometimes still felt like he was dreaming. He wondered, sometimes, if he’d dreamed when he was in the Shrine of Resurrection. If he did, he couldn’t remember.

Hudson Construction was starting to clear out Castle Town today. They were going to collect the bodies. 

Yunobo and Teba offered to go with the crew exploring the castle, to begin to gather some of Link, Mipha and Zelda’s belongings. Link took them up on that offer with relief. Just a few more shrines and then they’d go to join their friends in the city.

Another crew was in the middle of clearing out Akkala Citadel. They hadn’t alerted Link about finding Papa or Uncle Duncan yet, but Zelda told the crew what to look for: Roland’s wedding ring, engraved with his and Irma’s initials and their wedding date. An amber pendant that Duncan always wore under his armour, a gift from Link.

Link remembered buying that pendant in Kara Kara Bazaar. He didn’t remember that Duncan always wore it. 

There were so many funerals. He hadn’t expected so many funerals. Maybe that was stupid of him, short-sighted…But he hadn’t thought of even more loss. 

But it was only fair. The people of Hyrule deserved to be put to rest. Everyone had lost someone. 

A large part of him still wanted his family’s home to be torn down, once Mama, Aryll and Nana’s bodies were removed. He couldn’t stand to look at it. 

The entire city was going to need to be rebuilt from the ground up. As for the castle…Well, Zelda didn’t intend to live there. No one did. No one seemed to know what to do with it. 

“It’s a historical landmark but what do we do with it?” Paya had asked, looking bewildered, as bewildered as Link felt. He didn’t have an answer for her. Even Impa and Dorephan didn’t seem sure. 

They found the last shrine deep within the Forgotten Temple and Link ran past all the decayed Guardians, his heart in his throat. Zelda ran to catch up with him and grabbed his hand, her eyes wide and wild. 

Hand in hand, they raced for the shrine.

“Everything okay?” Karson called after them. They kept running.

Link entered the shrine and was relieved to see it was a simple blessing.

Welcome, Chosen, the monk said. I am Rona Kachta, the creator of this shrine. You have done well to reach me. Please come forward.

Link collected a Great Flame Blade from the treasure chest in front of him and stepped forward to tap on the shield surrounding Monk Rona Kachta. The shield dissipated into tendrils of blue light.

It is an honour to serve you, Chosen, Rona Kachta said. Allow me to bestow this blessing upon you, in the name of Goddess Hylia.

The last of the Spirit Orbs flew into Link’s chest and he was flooded with that familiar warmth.

May the Goddess smile upon you always, Rona Kachta said, and disappeared.

When Link exited the shrine, a new voice spoke.

Hylia’s Chosen Hero, a man’s voice whispered. You have conquered all of our shrines. Return now, to the Shrine of Resurrection. We have one last gift for you.

The monks always spoke in his mind, but only when he was in a shrine. The only times they had spoken outside a shrine had been Eventide Island and the Typhlo Ruins, both very odd places indeed. Zelda had not been pleased to find her bow and arrows missing on Eventide, or that their clothes had lost the Great Fairies’ blessings. She’d been even less pleased when Link climbed onto the sleeping Hinox to steal the orb from its necklace.

In his defence, it worked.

So Link told Zelda what this final, mysterious monk said, and she looked just as confused as Link felt.

“Well, I suppose we must go,” she said. 

They bid Karson and his crew farewell, and teleported to the Great Plateau. Straight to the Shrine of Resurrection.

Link still hated this place. He wanted to smash it to pieces.

“Hey, kids,” Robbie said as soon as they appeared. He didn’t seem surprised, fiddling with the odd tub that Link had woken up in so many months ago. Nearly a full year ago now. Six months of travelling Hyrule to free the Divine Beasts and destroy Ganon. Six months of peace. A new year, a new era.

“Heads up, we think something weird is gonna happen,” Link told him.

Robbie snorted, continuing to tinker. “Kid, I’m an expert in weird,” he said. Which…Yes, true enough.

Welcome, Chosen, the monk said. Please place your slate back in the terminal where you found it. The way forward shall reveal itself.

When Link placed the slate in the terminal, something weird happened. The entire room began to lower itself, like the elevation pedestals in the shrines.

“Link!” Robbie shouted, clinging to the tub for dear life, though they were moving slowly. “What the hell did you do!?”

“Why must the monks always be so mysterious?” Zelda sighed. All the same, her eyes were alight with curiosity. 

They ended up in…It wasn’t quite a shrine. Not really. It was a huge open room and the walls seemed to be illusions of the sky at dawn; growing light and full of clouds. 

A monk knelt within a shield, more elaborately dressed than any of the other monks. He was, like all the others, mummified and his hair was long and brittle. A mask covered his entire face; he wore a large gold necklace, bracelets and anklets, and there were gold lines on his large, pointed hat. Before him lay three treasure chests.

Welcome, Chosen. Welcome, Princess. Welcome, fellow researcher. I am Monk Maz Koshia, the leader of the Sheikah monks. Long have I awaited this day. A prophecy of ruin is undone; light returns to this land. 

“Holy Hylia,” Robbie breathed. He gave a clumsy bow, adjusting his goggles and gawking at the monk. 

“Oh my…” Zelda stepped forward hesitantly. “Link, is it always like this?”

“Not at all,” Link said, looking around curiously. Holy shit didn’t even begin to cover it. What made the walls look like the sky so perfectly? Where were they? Had Maz Koshia been watching them? He wasn’t the least bit surprised to see Link wasn’t alone.

Hylia’s Chosen, please come forward and accept these final gifts from me, Monk Maz Koshia said. To Link’s amazement, the ancient monk reached out, beckoning Link forward. He'd never seen one of the monks move before, except for faint smiles- and even then, he wasn't entirely convinced those weren't a trick of the light.

The first chest held a strange set of bracelets: all gold and thick, and shining with blue light.

The Bands of Enlightenment and the Bands of Truth, Monk Maz Koshia said.

The second chest contained two swords made from unfamiliar material and five thick tomes.

My own swords and my life’s work, Monk Maz Koshia said, an edge of fondness in his solemn voice. May they serve and teach you well.

Link froze, staring at the weapons and books. He heard Zelda give a strangled gasp and held them out to her, so she could put them in the slate. Robbie continued to gape. Hesitantly, Link slid the golden bracelets onto his wrists. They fit perfectly. The one on his right wrist gently clinked against Mipha's gold and pearl bracelet.

The third chest contained the strangest set of clothes Link had ever seen. A large hood and purple wrappings that would cover his face, except for eyes. A somewhat baggy tunic, grey and purple, thick gloves, and boots and gaiters. All of it was grey and purple, all of it was embroidered in gold: dragons and unfamiliar beasts.

Zelda gasped again. When Link looked at her, she was staring at the clothes in shock, like she recognised them. Were they royal artefacts? 

These belonged to your past self, Monk Maz Koshia said, much softer now. He placed his hand firmly against the shield surrounding him. The Hero I knew and fought beside. Little Lord Iah, the Hero of the Calamity. 

Link nearly dropped the tunic. He had to sit down, suddenly dizzy. 

Zelda saw a vision of the Ancient Hero. Iah. She said he was an unfamiliar species, dressed in…dressed in grey and purple. In baggy clothes that completely covered him, decorated with gold dragons.

Iah had been a child when Zelda saw him. These clothes looked like they’d fit a teenager. How old had Iah been when Ganon struck? How did that battle end? How did Iah react to the King’s persecution of the Sheikah? 

Would Monk Maz Koshia have chosen these clothes to pass on if Iah had turned out to be an enemy? Surely not.

“Thank you,” Link said hoarsely, still clutching the tunic.

Oh, Iah, Fi said softly, sadly. He was kind. He was young.

That…Didn’t bode well for Iah's fate, did it?

Release me now, Hylia’s Chosen, Maz Koshia said. So I may join my fellows. My mission is complete.

Link wanted to say no. He wanted to talk with this ancient monk and get more answers. The Sheikah were sworn to Zelda’s family and Link’s incarnations, surely Maz Koshia would stay longer if they asked it of him?

But did he have that right? No. No one did. Monk Maz Koshia was asking to move on, and Link did not have the right to keep him here against his will for a moment longer.

With a shaking hand, Link reached out and placed his hand atop Maz Koshia’s. The shield broke apart and the monk’s hand clutched Link’s.

It has always been an honour to serve the line of Hylia and Her Heroes, he said firmly. This day has been well worth the wait.

Monk Maz Koshia slowly turned into light.

Good luck, he said. May the Goddess smile upon you all.

And then he was gone, mere minutes after learning of his very existence. 

Link and Zelda sat on the edge of the cliff outside the Shrine of Resurrection. Robbie had left them alone, wandering off in search of Jerrin, Purah and Symin in the Temple of Time. 

They sat and stared at Hyrule. That beautiful, wild landscape, slowly stitching itself back together.

“This day can’t possibly get any stranger,” Zelda whispered in awe. Link had placed all of Maz Koshia’s gifts into the slate, except for Iah’s tunic and the bracelets; he still wore the bracelets and was still holding Iah’s tunic.

I can tell you about him, Fi said. If you wish. But I do not know what happened after his passing. I was returned to Korok Forest the day of his funeral by Princess Zelda, as soon as the ceremony was over.

There were so many Heroes that Link wanted to know more about. He must have quizzed Fi about them once; he couldn’t imagine himself ignoring his own curiosity, no matter how much he’d been suppressing his emotions. 

But how much had Fi told him? How much had she stayed silent about, whether because of her own grief, or because the smaller details were forgotten over time? Had Link ever asked her the names of the Heroes, the ones that history didn’t remember? She told him the Hero of the Skies was indeed named Link, so he must have asked at some point. Fi wasn’t one for idle chatter unless Link initiated it; then she turned into a quiet, factual little gossip machine. 

I’d like to know about him, Link said.

Then I shall tell you.

The landscape didn’t look that different. When Link first woke up, he’d been stunned by the beauty of the land around him, infinitely curious and desperate to explore. That hadn’t changed either. The biggest change was how peaceful everything was without Ganon swirling around the castle.

“We’re making good progress,” Zelda said. She looked over Hyrule Field with a smile. She looked much better than she had six months ago: a sparkle in her eyes, colour in her cheeks, no shadows under her eyes. She didn’t flinch with every step anymore. 

“And still so much to do,” she added with a small sigh, her gaze locked on the distant ruins of Castle Town. Link wondered how Hudson and his crew were getting on. He wondered how Teba and Yunobo were doing in the castle. They should go join them soon. “And so many painful memories we must bear, but…I truly do believe that, united, we can all restore Hyrule to peace and prosperity. It will not be the same kingdom, but I think that’s a good thing.” She kicked her legs into the open air, grinning freely. “Who knows what Hyrule will become? It doesn’t need to be a traditional kingdom to be something wonderful. But it all must start with us.”

“So no calling you Queen?” Link teased, nudging her.

“Absolutely not. Just Zelda, thank you very much.”

Link nodded, smiling out at Hyrule. “We’re off to a great start if you ask me,” he said. He put Iah's tunic into the slate, and imagined how much Purah and the others would lose their mind when he showed them Maz Koshia's gifts.

Find what makes you happy and hold onto it.

Helping people made him happy. His family made him happy. Travelling and exploring made him happy. 

This, all of this, made him happy. 

I’m doing it, Mipha, he thought. I’m going to be okay. We all are. 

And when he saw Mipha again, he’d have a lot more stories for her.

“Hey!” Yuki’s voice cut through the quiet. He was sprinting up the hill, hair windblown, Ivy clinging to his shoulder.

“Yuki?” Zelda scrambled to her feet, hauling Link with her. “Darling, what’s wrong?”

“Ruta’s stopped working,” Yuki said quickly. “She just- she shut off, her lights are off, her door’s shut- fucking lucky no one was in there, but she’s off. ”

“What?” Link asked sharply. He looked at Ruta, still and silent in the distance. He wouldn’t be able to see her lights from here anyway, but something did seem different. His eyes darted to the other Divine Beasts and he wondered, with a stab of worry, if they’d shut off too. Or if they were about to.

But why? How? Why now?

“Dorephan and Sidon asked me to get you,” Yuki said. Ivy nodded in agreement, making a determined little hum.

Zelda’s eyes were blazing with determination, with curiosity. The look of a stubborn scholar.

“Then let’s go,” she said firmly. “We must let Robbie and Purah know too.”

She began to lead the way down the hill, head held high, fists clenched as she marched along.

And then she hesitated.

“There’s something I must say,” she said.

“Zel?” Link poked her shoulder. Zelda was fidgeting with her hands. Yuki had his arms crossed, eyebrows furrowed.

Zelda looked at Fi sadly.

“I can’t hear her anymore,” she said, voice cracking slightly. “Not since two months ago. I asked her not to tell you until I was ready. Even before I stopped hearing her, she sounded so quiet to me…I…I suppose it would make sense if my powers dwindled after a hundred years of non-stop use.”

“Oh, shit,” Yuki said, surprisingly soft.

A hundred years ago, Zelda would have broken down or shut down. She would have had a panic attack or locked herself away in her study. 

Not now. Now she held her head high and, to Link’s surprise, she giggled. She tossed her hair back, arms held open as she shrugged.

“I’m surprised to admit it,” she said, grinning broadly. “But I can accept that.”

There it was. That large, somewhat goofy grin that she hardly ever gave a century ago. His best friend was happy.

And Link…He was getting there. 

He missed Mipha. He always would. He missed everyone, but he wasn’t alone in that. He wasn’t alone in missing Mipha either.

Right from the start, he hadn’t been alone.

Smiling, Link hooked his arm around Zelda’s and Yuki’s.

“Come on,” he said fondly, pulling them along with him. “Let’s get back to work.”

They needed to fetch Robbie and Purah, who would no doubt insist on coming to Ruta with them. They would need to send someone over to Castle Town, to apologise for their absence today. He needed to stop at Hylia's statue in the Temple of Time and let her claim the last Spirit Orbs, for him to claim that last burst of healing energy from Her.

And then…

Well. They had a Divine Beast to investigate and a continent to rebuild. It would start with them, but not finish with them. Hyrule would continue to grow and so would they.

I’ll be okay, Mipha. I love you.

I’ll see you later.

“Just trust me, you’ll be fine. And when I'm back in Chicago, I feel it. Another version of me, I was in it. I wave goodbye to the end of beginning. (Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.) You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man. You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man. You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man. You take the man out of the…And when I'm back in Chicago, I feel it. Another version of me, I was in it. Oh, I wave goodbye to the end of beginning. (Goodbye, goodbye.)” - End of Beginning, Joe Keery/Djo