Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A/N: Why am I posting this? No clue! Probably out of boredom. It's a little self-indulgent fic I started last week or so, and there's really nothing written for it yet, but enjoy it anyways. Expect sporadic and slow updates. (and by slow I mean MONTHS between chapters at least. I'm working on like over 40 stories here, and that's just Linked Universe.

Nearly forgot the cover image. :) Made it myself (with game screenshots)

A/N: Why am I posting this? No clue! Probably out of boredom. It's a little self-indulgent fic I started a while back and forgot to post on other sites, and there's really nothing written for it yet, but enjoy it anyways. Expect sporadic and slow updates.

Sorry that I forgot to post this story here, it's been up on Ao3 for a while now. I'll go ahead and upload those chapters now (along with the ANs)

Nearly forgot the cover image. :) Made it myself (with game screenshots)

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Link sat quietly in his house, the Sword that Seals the Darkness rested gently in his lap. It’d been only two months since Ganon’s defeat, and all of Hyrule was still celebrating.

Everyone, that is, but Link.

A soft chime from the sword had his lips curving up into a sorrowful smile. “I’m sorry…” Her voice was so worn and strained. It was nearly painful to listen to, but Link found it soothing.

“It’s all right, Fi.” He stroked the blade tenderly. “I don’t blame you…”

“I will try to hold on as long as I can.”

“You know that won’t do us much good. Don’t push yourself.” He whispered. “There’s nothing to be done. The Cycle has ended. Our usefulness is gone.”

“It isn’t fair to you, Master.” He could tell she was frowning. Her guilt flowed across the bond that linked their souls.

“I’ve already died once.” He sighed. “What’s once more?”

“Linky?” Purah’s voice came from downstairs. It was soft and hesitant, so unlike the rambunctious ball of chaotic energy she usually was. He felt his chest tighten with anxiety. This situation wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t have people that cared about him.

“I’m upstairs, Purah.” He watched as she came to a slow halt at the top of the staircase, a strange look of grief and pity twisting her face into something almost painful. “Don’t look at me like that, you’ll make me feel bad.” He smiled softly. Strangely enough, it didn’t feel forced. He should be just as emotional as Purah was, perhaps moreso. He certainly had every right to be. But all Link could feel was a strange calmness and an odd sort of quiet guilt. There was… a disappointment that weighed down upon his soul, and he wondered if it was his own disappointment that he felt, or if it came from his newly opened bond with Fi.

Tears, fat and heavy, flowed down the cheeks of the Sheikah as she valiantly tried to hold back her sobs. “B-but Linky… you’re…” Her breath hitched, and Link instantly regretted having come to her for help in the first place.

At the time, he hadn’t been able to understand why he’d had these strange dizzy spells, or why sometimes he hurt so much all over that he couldn’t even climb out of bed. Other times, his fingers would go oddly numb, though he’d never lost his grip on his weapons. Some days he even found himself coughing up blood, which was when he’d decided that it was an actual issue and not something that’d go away on its own. He’d been just fine until after his fight with Ganon, so he’d assumed it’d been a complication from the copious amounts of Malice he’d come into contact with.

That in mind, he’d sought Purah’s help to understand what it was he was experiencing. It was only after that that he’d been able to hear Fi, and that she’d been able to explain what was really going on. It looked like Purah had figured it out too.

“I already know.” Link’s whisper sounded like an echo of an explosion in the silence of the house. “There’s nothing to be done about it. The soul of the Hero and the spirit of the Master Sword have been linked for longer than anyone can remember, and a soul isn’t meant to come back from the dead. The Cycle has ended.”

Purah’s eyes widened. “So because we put you in that Shrine…”

“It isn’t your fault.” Link shook his head softly. “There were other things that fed into it, I think, but the end result is the same—I’m dying. We both are.” He gently ran his thumb over the grooves of Fi’s hilt. “We’ve got… maybe two years at most. The damage from a century ago was too great for either of us to handle.”

“I…” Purah hesitated a moment. “I’ll research for some way to restore the sword’s power. If we can manage that… Since you’re both connected, then maybe by restoring it’s power… you could be…”

Link smiled softly. They both knew it was a fragile hope, but right now it was one that Purah needed. It was one that Zelda would need too, if she was told. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that even restoring Fi’s powers wouldn’t save him. His very soul was shattering under the weight of his unnatural revival in the Shrine of Resurrection. He idly wondered if perhaps Hylia had sheltered him from this agony during his journey, or if the Cycle he’d broken had acted like some kind of magical soul-glue. The thought amused him.

“Can I ask you a favor?” He glanced over towards the portrait of himself and the Champions. He wondered if he’d make it to the afterlife to see them, or if he’d simply fade away into nothingness. Could a shattered soul even move on? “Please don’t tell anyone.”

There was a moment of silent disbelief. “Not even Zelda?”

“It would be better, I think… for this traveler to simply wander off on another adventure… and disappear into legend like all the others. I don’t want their last memories of me to be tainted by this looming shadow of pity and grief. Let it be a bittersweet happiness. If Zelda or Sidon or Teba… if anyone close to me asks, you can tell them after I’ve gone. But please don’t tell them beforehand.”

Purah tried to wipe the tears from her eyes, but all that came of it was a strangled sob. “If that’s what you want, Linky.”

Link smiled.

Chapter Text

A/N: Hello! I have another chapter for you! I've been in a bit of a mood lately, and while thankfully my depression is staying rather quiet, I've been in a bit of a melancholy mood lately. I suppose that works well for you guys who get this nice little 2.5k chapter out of it. :) I hope you enjoy. Forseeing the Chain somewhere around Ch 5 or 6? Don't quote me on that, but it won't be like Hero's Spirit kind of length. XD

Link smiled softly as he strolled into the Sheikah Village. He greeted everyone with a smile and a wave. It was surreal in a sense. When he first came here three years ago, he knew only the Old Man and a handful of people at the Dueling Peaks Stable. Now he could put a name to every face, a family to every name. He knew Koko’s likes and dislikes, Impa’s favorite soup, Yatir’s hatred for all turtles. 

Everyone in the village treated him like family. And it wasn’t just Kakariko—it was all over Hyrule. The Rito, the Gerudo, the Gorons, the Zora, even the average Hylian. The Yiga found it difficult to use their disguises now because he knew everybody . There was hardly a soul in the land Link hadn’t at least passed by on his journey. He’d even met the elusive Traci who wrote the rumor mills of Hyrule. 

“Link!” Dorian greeted warmly. 

“Dorian! Cado!” Link beamed. “Ah, I have something here for you…” He tapped his Slate, pulling out some freshly baked pumpkin bread for the two. The guards grinned in glee as they accepted the treat. 

“You spoil us!” Cado laughed. “Here to see lady Impa?” 

“Of course. Paya, too.” Link smiled. 

“Well don’t forget to come by later and share this bread with us!” Dorian laughed. 

“Can’t! I’m kidnapping Yatir later.” Link chuckled as Fi chimed on his back with a small laugh of her own. 

The two snorted in amusement. “Captain ain’t gonna be too happy with that.” Dorian shook his head. 

“Like he’d care if it was Link?” Cado pointed out.

Link ignored their idle chatter as he made his way up the steps. “L-Link!” Paya greeted with a shy smile. “Y-you’re here.” 

“Good morning, Paya.” He held out a small cake he’d baked. “I know you love the exotic fruits in the Faron region, so I grabbed some for you and made a cake.” 

“Y-y-you…” Her face turned almost as red as it had the day he met her, and he held back an amused chuckle as she carefully took the offered gift. “Thank you. I-I’m going to go put this away before something happens.” She decided. Link let her make her getaway. 

“Impa? I’m here to visit.” He carefully pushed open the doors, smiling when he saw the aged Sheikah. 

“Link! And the Sword that Seals the Darkness… Always a joy to see you both.” She grinned widely as Fi chimed back in greeting. “What brings you here today?” 

“Just coming to visit a bit.” Link sat down and pulled out his cooking pot. “I wanted to make you some food today. Nothing tastes quite as good as cooking with people.” 

Impa gave a hearty laugh at that. “You know, I do quite miss pumpkin-carrot soup.” 

“It’s your favorite, right?” Link smirked. “You mentioned it once.” 

“Your memory is impressive.” She seemed to realize that her comment may have been offensive the moment it left her mouth, but Link just shook his head. 

“It’s okay. I’m… content, now. I think… I’m okay with the person I am today. I don’t need to remember who I was to live as who I am.” He explained softly as he stirred the pot. 

A handful of months ago, he would’ve flinched at her words. Would’ve argued the exact opposite of what he’d just said—that he needed to honor the memories of those left behind and he didn’t feel whole or complete without that. But ever since he learned that he was dying, it was like all the things that’d bothered him before suddenly no longer mattered as much. 

His lost memories didn’t matter as much as the people that surrounded him today . Why worry about the memories of a time long past when he could make new memories for the people he was about to leave behind? He wanted to make these fond warm memories not just for them, but for himself. This —the actions he did today —defined who he was. Not the actions of a silent knight that no longer felt like him. 

Impa stared at him oddly. “You seem like you’ve settled something within yourself.” She observed. 

“I have.” Link smiled as he dished out the soup, handing Impa a bowl and sitting beside her. “Fi and I both have.” 

“Ah… your cooking skills never cease to amaze me.” Impa sighed in contentment. 

For a long moment they simply ate in companionable silence. “Link… are you not going to lay the Sacred Sword to rest?” 

“I will rest together with Master Link. I do not want to sleep my final days away.” Fi chimed softly. 

“She and I are going to travel around together.” Link gently brought up a hand to caress Fi’s guard. “I want to show her all of Hyrule, and she wants to stay with me just a little longer.” 

Impa hummed, but said nothing beyond that. When the soup was gone and their stomachs were pleasantly full, Link finally stood. “Impa. Thank you for guiding me on this journey. I couldn’t have done it without your wisdom.” 

Something flashed in her eyes, but she ultimately nodded her head. “I will always be here when you need me, Link.” She paused for a moment as he reached for the doors. “Do come enjoy some soup with me again soon. This was very enjoyable.” 

“I will.” He smiled. He’d make sure to do this with her one last time. 

The warm spring air greeted him as he stepped out into the sunlight. He eyed the clouds on the horizon, mulling over if he should change his plans before shaking his head. They’d be fine. A little rain wouldn’t hurt much. 

That in mind, he snuck off towards the Sheikah’s hidden training grounds, spying his friend leading the mid-morning training. Yatir was one of the youngest Sheikah Captains in recent history. At the young age of twenty six he was the head of the Sheikah Attack Force. In other words, if one thought of the Sheikah as their own kingdom, he headed the military force of the Sheikah. 

Though calling the small squad of thirty people a military force was a little laughable, Link had spared with them enough to know they were a force to be reckoned with. All the people of Hyrule were, honestly. Link’s skills only stood out because he went after the bigger more dangerous monsters like lynels, hinoxes, and Guardians. But even village children could take down bokoblins and moblins so long as they were red or blue. 

“Yatir!” He called out. The Captain whipped about so quickly that his ponytail of white hair whacked him in the eyes. 

“OW!” He scrubbed at his face. “Link. You didn’t tell me you were coming!” He grinned, aqua eyes sparkling with joy. 

“That’s right.” Link grinned back. “And I also didn’t tell you I was kidnapping you.” 

“What, what?!” 

Link laughed as he looked at the poor trainees that Yatir was putting through the wringer. “Your training’s canceled! I’m stealing your Captain for a few days!”

The cheers almost drowned out Yatir’s feeble protests. “H-hey, you can’t jus—”

“We’re going on a hunting trip.” Link beamed. Yatir loved going on long hunting excursions and Link rarely had the time to do so during his journey. He’d always been moving and exploring and just hadn’t found the time to set aside a handful of days to slow his pace to someone else’s. 

He’d gone hunting with Yatir twice before, and while enjoyable it was very slow for Link, who was used to sneaking up behind deer and bears and other wild creatures in a matter of minutes. Yatir could spend days tracking a specific target, and Link just hadn’t been able to understand why the deer right in front of them wasn’t enough. 

This time, however, he was going to enjoy the slower pace. He’d spend time with his friend instead of worrying about the final result. It was interesting… when he’d had nothing but time, he could hardly find time to spend with those he cared about. He’d worried about the silliest things back then, but now… Now that he knew his days were numbered, everything became clear. It wasn’t about how much time he did or did not have, it was how he spent it . And this… this was how he wanted to spend it—with people he cherished.

“But… I thought you found my hunting boring?” Yatir narrowed his eyes. 

“I’ve calmed down a bit since Ganon.” Link grinned, smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Come on! We’ve got an entire week if you want it!” 

“A whole week ?” Yatir’s eyes glittered. “You’re sure? No take-backs!” 

Link’s grin widened. “No take-backs.” 

“YES!” Yatir didn’t even bother dismissing his men before running off to go pack for the excursion. Link smiled fondly after him, glancing at the warriors that were taking a moment to catch their breath. 

“I’ve handed some stew over to Paya for you guys.” He informed. “Should help you get back on your feet. Consider it my thanks for letting me steal your captain for a few days.” 

“We should be the ones thanking you .” Nakira—Yatir’s right hand—sighed in relief. 

He decided not to point out the obvious fact that Yatir was going to go even harder on them when he got back. For now, he’d simply enjoy the time spent with his friend.

Link silently bemoaned his luck. They were four days into the hunting trip, but Link had awoken to a soul-piercing agony and a low-grade fever that morning. He’d done his best to hide it from Yatir, who was greatly enjoying their trip, but the Sheikah had noticed something off by mid-morning. 

“Link, you look flushed.” Yatir frowned. “Are you feeling okay?” 

“Master…” 

“I’m fine.” He smiled. “Just a little tired. I’m not used to such a quaint pace.” He teased lightly. 

Yatir snorted. “Seriously, though. Tell me if you need to rest.” 

“I will.” He promised, but a crack of thunder had the two flinching. The sky had been clear all week, with the exception of a light drizzle on the first day. But now there was a humidity in the air as storm clouds loomed ominously above them; a chill swept through the wind like Nayru on Hebra. Link shivered hard. “Let’s find a cave to bunker down in before that lightning gets us.” 

“No joke.” Yatir agreed, shooting Link another frown before securing his things and dashing about to find shelter. 

It hadn’t taken them long to find a good cavern. They managed to avoid most of the downpour, but they both still got a little wet. For Yatir, this wasn’t a big deal, but for Link—who already had a fever—it was making things much worse.

Though he shucked his wet clothing off the first chance he got, and started a blazing fire to keep the cold away, he still felt a chill creep into his bones.

“Master, you need rest.” Fi reprimanded softly. “Unless you would rather fade sooner. There is a 72% chance you will become deathly ill if you push yourself further.”  

Link couldn’t help but mentally snort at that. “Fi, we’re already dying.” 

“That doesn’t mean you need to die sooner.”  

“Link?” Yatir’s sharp blue eyes glittered in the firelight as his lips tugged downwards in concern. “You look paler than earlier.” 

“I’m—” 

“I swear if you tell me you're fine while shivering like a leaf in Akkala, I’ll smack you.” Yatir glared as he pressed a cool hand to Link’s forehead. “You’re burning up. Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?” 

“I…” Whatever he was going to say was abruptly cut short by a short violent coughing fit. Each rattling cough sent daggers of pain through his being, like shards of glass being shaken within his soul. Yatir couldn’t tear his gaze away from the red that stained Link’s glove. “Dindamnit.” He cursed softly. He hadn’t wanted anyone to find out. 

“Link.” He’d never heard the Sheikah speak so seriously before. Yatir was typically a very easy going fun loving guy, which was why he and Link got along so well. To see him so serious was jarring. “This isn’t because of the trip, is it?” 

Link stared at his friend for a long moment before sighing. He let himself lean heavily into the warrior beside him, who wrapped a very warm blanket around his shoulders. “No. It’s not.” The silence stretched like the string of a bow, quivering in the winds of the storm outside. Even still, Yatir didn’t break it. He seemed to understand that which went unspoken. After a moment, he lifted his head to gauge his friend’s reaction. 

The Sheikah’s eyes widened as the gravity of the situation fell upon his shoulders. Link could see exactly when he realized what was going on, because it was in that same moment that his youthful face twisted up into agony. “No… After all you’ve done… you can’t… tell me I’m wrong.” 

“There’s nothing anyone can do.” Link let his eyes close again. He didn’t want to see the pain he was causing his friend. This was why he didn’t want anyone to know. “Please… keep this to yourself.” 

“You selfish idiot.” Yatir whispered softly. Link ignored the warm heavy droplets that fell upon his scalp, and the way the strong shoulders he leaned against trembled and shook. “You were just going to vanish without a word, weren’t you? This hunting trip… was it your goodbye to me?” 

“You know me too well.” Link sighed.

“No one should take their last breath alone.” Yatir hugged Link a little tighter. “I don’t care if you tell no one else, but I won’t let you simply vanish. At least… let me be with you when you walk through the Gates. Let me see you off.” 

A ghost of a laugh passed through his lips. “You are an amazing friend, you know that?” Link whispered. “All right. Only you. You can see us off.” 

“Us?” Yatir’s gaze fell upon the sword that chimed weakly. “So even the blade of legend…” 

“We have lived long enough.” Link’s face screwed up into pain as a white-hot agony lanced through his body. After a long moment, it passed, leaving him lightly panting. “Our battle is finally over.” He finished. 

“Is there anything I can do to help you?” Yatir looked a little pale himself. Link must not have been able to hide his pain as well as he’d thought. 

“Purah and Symin are the only two who know. They’ve given me elixirs for pain to help me manage, but I’ve run out for the moment.” 

“Is it that bad?” 

“Only sometimes.” Link felt his body relax as the heat of the fire finally started to penetrate the icy chill that’d settled in his bones. His eyes started to feel heavy, and Yatir’s arm was nice and warm. 

“Get some rest, Link. I’ll be here when you wake up.” 

“Maybe… do you think the Rito will give me a Ceremony of Winds?” 

“I’m sure they will.” Yatir’s voice was strained. “I’ll come too.” 

“Yatir… can you make me a promise?” He paused for a moment. “When I die, can you take my body back to the Rito? I think I want to be sent off with them… into the skies.” 

Yatir shook a little and there was an odd hitch in his breathing as the warm droplets fell faster. “I promise, Link.” 

“Thank you.” And with that, he let himself drift off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Perhaps it was because he and Fi were finally able to regularly communicate. Perhaps it was because their life-force was now intrinsically tied to one another. It could’ve even been because they both wanted to end their final journey together, but Link and Fi were inseparable. He refused to so much as sleep without her, and Link refused to fight with any other blade—something Fi had agreed with wholeheartedly. 

Purah had once suggested that setting her back in her pedestal in the Lost Woods would help lengthen their lifespan, but Link didn’t even need Fi to tell him that it would do nothing more than let them each die alone. Fi had been alone for ten thousand years before he’d picked her up a century ago, and he would rather fight Ganon all over again than let her fade away without someone by her side. 

It was fine if nobody understood. They didn’t need to understand. Fi understood, and that was enough. 

Though Link no longer sought after fights as he had before, he wouldn’t run from them either. Link and Fi would tackle the monsters of their homeland just as they always had. Across lifetimes… ages… even time itself. 

“Does it hurt you to fight?” He asked her as they sat beside the river. They’d just taken care of an infestation of bokoblins.

“No more than it hurts you. You are shattering yourself. I will shatter alongside you. Your pain is my pain, and though I am old and battered, I will do all I can to protect you. I will not fail you twice.”  

“Don’t be an idiot, Fi.” Link smiled softly as he gently wiped the bokoblin blood from her, taking care to clean every crack and chip. “You didn’t fail me.” He paused for a long moment, catching a reflection of himself in her worn blade. He could barely make out the tiny hairline fractures that she tried so desperately to hide from any eyes but his. “And I didn’t fail either. We gave it our all, and that’s all anyone could ask of us.” 

“I will fight beside you until our final breath. Please… wield no other blade but me until that time.” 

Link caressed her hilt lovingly. “I would have it no other way. You are the only sword I will wield.” 

Fi gave a thoughtful and grateful chime as the wind blew about them, carrying the distant essence of Farore. He idly wondered if the goddess was nearby. “This reminds me of something… from so very long ago…” Images flashed across their shared mental link. Many voices, layered atop one another, blurred faces mostly framed by blond hair of various shades, a warm fondness. There was a familiarity. “It has been so long… I can hardly recall it. I think I once went on a journey with you…”  

“With me? You mean the me a century ago?” Link tilted his head. 

“No, with the you you are now.” Fi warmed beneath his touch. “It was so very long ago. I believe I was still newly forged at the time.”

“Then how could I have been there?” Link idly wondered as he turned his gaze skyward. Fi did not answer his question. Perhaps she didn’t know either. “Hey, Fi? Can I ask you to stop calling me Master?” An almost horrified chime sounded from her, and he quickly amended his words. “Not like that! It’s just… Call me by my name. Not Master Link , just… Link.” 

She mulled it over. “Why?”  

“We’re in this together, Fi. More than master or hero, blade and wielder. We’re closer than that.” 

“You’re right… Link.”  

He smiled.

Link smiled as he warped into the blistering heat of Death Mountain. Zelda had uncovered some old blacksmithing books that Link thought Rohan might enjoy. He made sure to greet everyone that he saw, pausing when he saw an unfamiliar young Goron. 

“Link!” Yunobo came up beside him with a grin. “How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in forever!” He gave Link a hardy thump on the back. Despite the way it made his body scream in agony, he smiled for his friend. 

“I’ve been good.” It wasn’t a total lie. Aside from the massive bruise he just gained from the greeting, he’d had nothing but good days for a week. “Who’s that?” He gestured to the pebble of a goron. 

“Oh, he’s a new carvling. Just born two weeks ago.” Yunobo beamed. “His name’s Mikkoro! Kanburo and Kish carved him!” The terms flew over Link’s head, but he understood enough to know that Mikkoro’s parents were Kanburo and Kish. How, he had no idea, but he thought he once heard something about Gorons reproducing by carving their kids out of a special kind of ore. 

“I’ll have to congratulate them.” Link smiled. “I’ll make a nice rare rock roast to celebrate.” 

“YES!” Yunobo beamed. Apparently Link’s cooking skills transferred over to cooking rocks as well, because the Gorons adored Link’s roasts. 

“Is Rohan busy? I’ve got a few things for him.” 

“I think he’s taking a small break up the mountain a bit. You’ve come at a good time—he finished a new sword just this morning.” 

“Thanks!” Link whacked Yunobo on the back as hard as he could, and was pleased to find the young Goron stumble a little. It was a friendly game they had. Link, a hylian, could normally smack a Goron all day without making them wobble. But he enjoyed challenges, and Yunobo’s grin showed that he’d been doing well. 

“Keep eatin’ that gravel, Link! You’ll be bowling me over in no time!” Yunobo laughed. 

“Yeah!” Link beamed as he headed up to Rohan’s house. The schematics would hopefully allow Hyrule to start producing sharp light-weight weapons instead of cobble crushers and the like. 

When he pushed open the door, it was to see the smith sound asleep. He felt a fond smile cross his lips as he set the books down and started on a few roasts. They could speak when he woke up. For now, he’d enjoy the peace and quiet of a life he’d soon leave behind. He’d miss this, he decided, comforted by the soft chime at his back. They both would. 

Zelda sighed as she pushed the textbook away. She’d finally finished cleaning out the majority of the castle, thanks to the help of several of Link’s friends. The rebuilding efforts were going well, but the Blood Moons made things difficult. Thankfully, they didn’t affect the Guardians, so that was one plus. 

Even still, that meant the castle had to be cleaned out every month . This wasn’t a feasible long-term plan—she knew this—but she needed the books in the library. She mentally thanked whoever decided the castle’s library needed spells to protect the books from the wears of weather and time. 

“Zel!” Link called out as he entered the room. She couldn’t get over how different he was. She knew he had no memories, but he was like an entirely different person. It wasn’t bad, either. She rather liked the controlled chaos he carried around with him. The way he could laugh so freely and his delectable meals. He was always eager to explore, and never afraid to show her all the interesting things he’d found. 

It was like she had a best friend for the first time in her life. This was why she found herself bothered by the recent changes in Link. He didn’t come around to bother her as much as he used to, and whenever he did it was always to do stuff she wanted to do. He didn’t drag her off to try shield surfing anymore, nor did he attempt to take her gliding off some insanely tall structure. 

He was starting to calm down, and though she should be happy about that, the sudden maturity felt wrong somehow. “In the library!” She called out. 

The once-knight poked his head in with a large, silly grin. She took a moment to stare at his outfit. He was dressed in the traditional Gerudo Vai clothing, complete with makeup. If she didn’t know Link, she would’ve thought he was a she herself! 

“C’mon!” Link beamed beneath the veil. “We’re going to Gerudo Town! You need a break!” 

“But Link—”

“No buts! We’re going to order a couple of Noble Pursuits and shop around for stuff! Isha and Cara got in some new designs and I really want to see them!” 

How could she argue with that? “All right. Let me get ready, then.” She smiled fondly as Link cheered. 

Not half an hour later had them warping to the Shrine right outside Gerudo Cit—town. It was Gerudo Town now. Link grinned beneath his veil as he waved to the two guards. His voice was always a bit soft, but he seemed to make it even softer when he visited Gerudo Town. It really sounded like a woman’s, if one took the scarring into consideration. 

“Dorrah! Merina!” Link beamed. “How’s your shift going?” 

“Link! And Princess Zelda.” The two nodded their heads in respect. “It’s always good to see you.” 

“Is Buliara making you pull double time again?” Link frowned. 

“Ah. Perhaps a little.” Dorrah admitted. 

“I’ll bring you two some Noble Pursuits!” 

“Ah, you’re a doll.” Merina beamed. “Give Furosa our regards.” 

“Come on.” Link turned to Zelda with an excited grin. 

Once again, she was taken aback by Link’s change. He was so comfortable and confident here, even as they strolled around the town, picking up orders and greeting people that Zelda couldn’t name. Link seemed to know everybody. He asked after families and friends, talked about things that seemed to genuinely interest the individual, and even took the time to help feed the sandseals for rent. 

She watched with slight envy as he greeted the current Gerudo Chieftess—Riju. She was a young child, and some selfish part of Zelda wanted nothing more than to shove that girl off Urbosa’s throne. She missed her terribly. 

Link treated Riju so gently, like an older brother would his sister. He spoke half-jokingly about stealing her away for a ride on the sands, and even whispered that he’d try to figure out how to pilot a Divine Beast to give her a ride—something both Link and Zelda knew he wouldn’t achieve, but made the young girl laugh nonetheless. 

He knew so many people. He’d built himself a life here. He wasn’t haunted by the echoes of what should have been like she was. He was able to live his life freely—drifting from one race to the next. 

He could talk to the chiefs of each race like an equal, knew the faces and names and families of every citizen. Link had a place in this strange new world. He understood how it worked and how to survive. And here she was still trying to bring back the past. Did this land even need a ruler anymore? Were things actually okay the way they were now? 

The more she watched the man she once called knight, the more displaced she felt. How could she become part of this world like he was? She wanted it. Wanted to share in the fireside campouts and share stories under the stars with travelers. She wanted to walk into a town and greet everyone by name, and have them know her as more than some princess of a bygone era. 

She didn’t want to be Princess Zelda anymore. Link wasn’t Hero General Link in this era… he was simply Link . Zelda wanted that. That freedom; that anonymity. 

“Link…” She asked when they’d sat down with their Noble Pursuits under the desert night sky. “How do you do it?” 

“Hm?” He turned with a raised eyebrow. “Do what?” 

“Live here.” She took another swig of her drink. “I want to live like you do—freely. I don’t want to be… who I was. How do I let go of it? Of her ?” 

She could see the understanding flickering in his gaze, shadowed by a spark of something she couldn’t name. “Well, the amnesia helps.” He chuckled as she gently shoved his shoulder. 

“I’m asking a serious question, here!” She huffed. 

“I know.” He rubbed his shoulder as he gazed at the sky. “I think a big part of it is just… letting the wind guide you. Don’t worry about what people say or think. Do your own thing. You spend so much time worrying about things that don’t matter. Like your hair or clothes. People don’t care about that anymore. What matters is how you live. If you want something, go for it. Climb the peaks of Hebra, soar with the Rito, swim with the Zora. Go out of your way to talk to someone you don’t know. Ask them about what they like, and show an interest in it, even if you don’t want to. And most importantly, look for those that need a helping hand, and reach out to them.” 

“You make it sound so easy .” She swirled the ice around her drink. “I miss them.” 

Link gave her a sad smile. “I miss them too. But we’ll see them again one day. Isn’t it best to take this time and create fun stories to share with them when we meet again? I’m sure Urbosa wouldn’t want you to wallow your days away in grief.” 

“I know.” She whispered. “It’s just… so hard when her ghost is everywhere.” 

The Sword that Seals the Darkness chimed softly upon the hero’s back. “Fi’s right. The ghosts of the past… Rather, the time we have now with the people around us. Isn’t this better? One day, the people with us right now will be gone. Shouldn’t we spend the time we have enjoying their company?” There was a pause. “This moment… the present. This is sacred; we’ll never get it back again. Don’t mourn the ones long past. Honor their memories by living a life you won’t regret.”

Something about Link’s tone bothered her. Like he desperately wanted her to understand what he was saying. Though she didn’t fully grasp his message, she locked his words away in her heart. “Okay.” She took a breath. “Okay, I’ll… I’ll do what I can. You’re right. Urbosa wouldn’t want to watch me sit here and cry.” She could almost imagine Urbosa’s proud grin as she stood up and grabbed Link’s hand. There was a small festival going on in the center of the city. “Let’s dance!” 

Link grinned, abandoning his drink as well. The moon was high and the stars were bright. For the first time since the battle with Ganon, Zelda thought that maybe things would turn out okay. After all, she had Link by her side to help keep her head on.

Chapter Text

“Sidon, what happens when a Zora dies?” Link glanced over at his friend as they floated in the cool waters of the Domain. The sun was hot and bright and the swim was relaxing. Of course, Link loved any excuse to wear Mipha’s armor. 

Sidon glanced at Link with a frown. “Why do you ask?” 

“Just curious.” He hummed. “The Rito have this thing called the Ceremony of Winds. They burn the body of the Rito that died and celebrate their life for a week. On the night of the final celebration a warrior who was close to the person who died is chosen to ‘Guide the Winds’. The ashes are released along with a single feather from the person who’s gone, and the Guide will fly on Nayru’s winds all the way up to the peak of the mountain. They let go of these floating lanterns too, and the best feathers from each member of the flock. The lanterns light the way so the Guide isn’t alone in the darkness, and the feathers let the spirit know that their family’s with them. They’ll sing as long as they can until the Guide comes home. It’s said that this ceremony opens the Gates of Death so the spirit can pass on.” 

“I’ve heard of it before.” Sidon nodded. “It sounds beautiful. We don’t have anything nearly so extravagant, I’m afraid. When someone dies, we bury their body at the bottom of the lake after preparing it properly. That way the rot won’t infect the water. We use the scales from their closest friends and family to decorate the headstone. As more family members are born, their scales are added to the headstone as well. Some of the older grave markers become so beautifully decorated that the only part of the stone you can read is the name. There’s an entire section of the lake that’s set aside as a graveyard, and in the summer you can see it shimmering from the surface. The Royal Family’s graveyard is actually hidden in the Reservoir.” He whispered the last part. 

“Shouldn’t the scales be from people that knew them?” Link tilted his head. “Why add scales from people who they never met?”

“We Zora honor Spirits above the goddesses, so we don’t have a grand ceremony to send off the dead—we honor them every day of our lives. We have a holiday dedicated to those who passed, actually. So the scales on the headstones are our way of asking that spirit to guide us in our lives. That’s why they always grow. It’s like an offering left at a goddess statue, but it’s meant to last a lifetime.” 

“Really?” Link hummed. That sounded kind of neat, actually. “So this holiday… What’s it like?”

Sidon beamed. “It’s called the Day of Spirits. It’s the biggest holiday of the year for us. We offer up food, prayers, and joy to those who guide us in our lives. It’s in the Autumn—the day that the veil between the living and dead is at its thinnest.” He paused for a moment. “Would you like to see it this year?” 

Link grinned. Autumn… he should survive that long. “I would love to, Sidon.” 

“Perfect!” He laughed. 

“Hey Link.” Yatir greeted as he let himself into the Sheikah’s home. The Captain didn’t waste a moment as he poured them both some tea. “What’s up?” 

“Bit of a bad day.” Link admitted with a wince. “Happened to be nearby, and I didn’t want to teleport.” 

Yatir shot him a sympathetic look as he helped Link get comfortable on the couch. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“Distract me?” Link suggested. “I spent yesterday with Sidon in the lake, and I think I spent too long in the water.” He clenched his jaw as a wave of pain rippled through him. Fi chimed softly at his back, pulling away some of his pain. “Thanks, Fi.”

“Honestly, Link. You should take better care of yourself.” She chided. 

“You need to take better care of yourself.” Yatir scowled. 

“That’s what Fi just said.” Link gave a fond smile. “Sidon was telling me about the Day of Spirits.” 

“Ah, yes. I’ve seen it once before. A very grand colorful celebration. I enjoyed it a lot. Lots of good food.” He grinned as he passed a cup of tea to Link, taking a seat beside him carefully so as not to jostle him. “Has anyone told you how the Sheikah send off the departed?” 

“No?” Link leaned forward in interest. “I thought it was like the hylians—bury them with a headstone. That’s pretty much what the Zora do, but underwater. And they decorate the headstones with scales.” 

“The Sheikah have a long and rich history, but nobody really knows where this tradition started. Whenever someone dies, we bury them with a handful of seeds. Those seeds take root in the body, and so instead of a headstone, a tree will grow. That tree represents the birth of life from death. Our graveyards aren’t cold stones like hylian ones—they’re forests.” 

Link’s eyes glittered. “That sounds amazing.” He beamed. “I wonder… Can you plant a tree for me?” 

Yatir froze a little at that, squeezing his mug a little tighter. “I will. Do you know what kind of tree you’d like?” 

He hummed for a moment in thought. “Actually yeah. An evergreen one. Always alive and bright.” 

“Just like you.” Yatir smiled.

Link knew it had to be done. As much as he’d like to simply vanish, there were a handful of individuals he had to tell. This was why he stood by Cotera’s spring in the early hours of the morning. It was cold out—colder than he thought it should feel. Fi insisted he bundle himself up in his Snowquill Armor, so here he was. 

“AHAHAHA!” Cotera emerged with a grand laugh as she always did, grinning at Link. “It’s been a while since you’ve visited. I was getting lonely.” She winked at him, and he felt a small shiver run down his spine. He’d never forget the terror of the first final upgrade he did. “Now, what’re you here to upgrade today?” 

“Actually, Cotera… I came to talk with you for a bit.” He sat down on one of her petals, and the fairy paused. “I have something I need to tell you.” 

“Oh? Well by all means, make yourself comfortable.” She grinned. 

“I won’t be able to visit you for much longer.” He watched as her face morphed into one of confusion. “My journey is over, Cotera.” He gently pulled Fi off his back and unsheathed her. Her edges were cracked and worn, discolored from age. Large chips were gone from her blade and guard, and even next to the power of one of the Great Fairies her power felt like a drop of rain in the sea. “We’re dying.” 

Cotera stared uncomprehendingly between Link and Fi for a long minute. Several times she opened and closed her mouth before she shrunk herself down to sit beside him. He tilted his head a bit as he looked upon her smaller form. Her hair was white as a Sheikah, and her eyes glistened like rubies. Dark blue wings fluttered lightly at her back and she was dressed in what looked like traditional Sheikah clothing. It was obvious that she was heavily influenced by the people who lived by her Fountain. He was so enamored by her new appearance that he almost missed what she said next. “Why?” She whispered. “Why are you…?” 

“The cycle is broken.” Link stared at the rising sun, just barely peeking over the horizon. “Did you know? I died a hundred years ago, and was revived in the Shrine of Resurrection on the Great Plateau. The stress of the resurrection combined with the cycle breaking was just… too much for my soul to handle. Fi’s state is a direct reflection of my soul right now.” 

Cotera’s gaze wandered back to the blade with a newfound light of horror. “You mean your soul is dying?” 

“It’s breaking apart.” Link nodded. “I… Haven’t told anyone really. But since I’m the only person that comes to visit you and your sisters, I thought you should know.” 

“You’re really just going to leave your friends without telling them first?” She seemed displeased about that. 

“It’s easier this way. For them… and for me.” Link ignored her frown. 

“Come talk to me again before you go, Link.” He startled at the sound of his name. She’d never called him by it before. “I’ll talk to my sisters and we’ll see if there’s anything we can do to help you.” 

“I appreciate that, Cotera. Thank you.”

Link smiled softly as he walked through the Lost Woods with Echo. The mists swirled around them, but Echo was far too used to this to care. When Link had first told the horse of his fate—the first person he’d told at all—the stallion had thrown his head back and cried out in denial, stomping his hooves and refusing to eat for days. These days the ebony stallion would hardly go ten feet from Link. He was unbelievably gentle too. 

“Where are we going?” Fi chimed in question as the laughter of the koroks greeted them. 

“Don’t you remember this place?” Link hummed as they went through the log. “You slept here for a very long time.” 

“Ah, yes. This place. Link, if you put me back in that pedestal, there is a 110% chance I will shock you into the next century.” The dry tone of her voice made him laugh. 

“Don’t tell me that’s why you kept shocking me when I tried to draw you?” He leaned against Echo as the koroks greeted them. 

“I was… confused. Even then your soul was fractured. I could sense your spirit, but I could not understand if the soul within you was yours or someone else.” She admitted quietly. “I know now, but in all my time, I’ve never seen someone with such a broken soul. I have never seen a hero rise from the dead as anything but a shade.” 

“A shade, huh?” Link pondered what she meant by that as several children of the forest clung to his shoulders. He finally came to a stop before the Great Deku Tree. 

“Ah… You have returned.” The tree seemed pleased. “Have you come to lay her to rest?” 

It took Link a moment to understand what the Deku Tree meant. “No. Fi and I will stay together.” There was a moment of quiet as the tree pondered his words. “And… There won’t be another hero.” 

The branches shook for a moment, as if the tree had tried to flinch in surprise. “And what makes you say so?” 

“The Cycle has been broken. Ganon has given up on reincarnation, and the curse is gone.” Link smiled. “This will be… Once I’m gone, there won’t be another. Fi and I will leave this world and it will turn on its own.” 

“Link, what do you mean?” Hestu spoke up, tilting his head in confusion. 

“Yeah! You’ll play with us forever!” One of the koroks chattered happily. 

“I wish I could.” He smiled, patting the little spirit on the head. “But Fi and I… our days are numbered.” He couldn’t hide his wince as he sat down on the grass to ease some of his discomfort. Today was looking to be one of his ‘not too great’ days. 

Echo, ever the observant one, laid down behind him so he could lean against him. Link patted him gratefully. The Forest Children fell into a hush as his face contorted in pain, liquid fire rushing through each nerve as he clenched his jaw against the sensation. After a moment, it retreated, leaving him with a tingling almost-numbness that made him feel like he was made of broken glass. He cracked open his eyes to meet the stares of hundreds of concerned koroks, their gentle rattles holding a note of concern and question.

“You… are dying.” The Deku Tree’s words echoed around the clearing, stating the truth plainly for the children to hear. Link could feel the grief welling up within the playful children, and Fi’s quiet chime reminded him that it must be this way.

“A soul is not meant to be brought back from the dead.” Link explained. “And Mipha’s Grace… the ability to rise from death in the moments after… I don’t think it helped any either.” He sighed softly as the rays of sunlight warmed him. 

“You… you can’t .” One of the spirits—the one he’d nicknamed Maple—sniffled as he came up to Link’s knee. “You can’t die! You’re a spirit like us! You’ve just gotta stay here, and then—” He cut himself off when the Deku Tree sighed. 

“A spirit?” Link frowned. “I’m not…” 

“You are more like a spirit than a mortal.” He explained. “You, who have known death so intimately yet walk among us bearing the song of life… It is why you are forever welcomed by these woods. We see you as kin.”

Link tilted his head up, looking at the Great Deku Tree’s face. “I cannot tell you how much that means to me. You are all my family.” His words were met with sniffles and soft cries from the koroks, and he would’ve said something to ease their pain if his own hadn’t made itself known in that moment. 

Once the black spots cleared from his vision, he set his sights back upon the old tree. “Do you know what will happen to me? If I die with such a broken soul… will I just cease to exist?” 

Fi gave a heartbroken chime. He knew that she was just as worried about his fate as he was. He was okay with dying, but he still wanted to know… would he see the people he loved again? The Champions and the family he couldn’t remember? Would he be able to wait for Impa and Yatir and Zelda on the other side? Guide Sidon like the spirits of the Zora would? Would he even get the opportunity to have a Ceremony of Winds? 

“I… cannot say.” The tree finally answered. “I have never seen a situation like yours. I imagine, however, that your death will not be a peaceful one.” 

A sardonic smile crossed his lips. “That much I’ve already figured out.” 

“I admit… I will be rather lonely without you.” 

Link pondered that for a long moment. “Then if my soul can survive long enough to be reincarnated… I’ll find you again. Even if there’s no need for a hero, I’ll find you in whatever life I have and be your friend.” 

“I would like that, child of the forest.” The roots of the Deku Tree gently rose from the earth, softly shaking away the soil that tried to hold them in its grasp. The roots slowly wrapped around him and Echo, cradling the dying hero against him.

“I think… My friend Yatir wants to be here when I pass.” Link spoke up after a moment. He marveled at how warm the bark was beneath his touch. “I want to breathe my last here… in this clearing with you.” 

If the koroks weren’t crying before, they were bawling now. Link even thought he heard the Deku Tree sniffle. “I would be honored to watch over you and your resting place, dear friend.”

“Thank you, Old Friend.” With that, Link let himself curl up into the roots and Echo, cradling Fi against his chest, and fall into slumber.