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Part One
My name is Zelda. I am the current queen of Hyrule. I have been so ever since the passing of my mother at a young age. Although my childhood was that of a typical royal child, I felt as though no one before me could have endured as much as I. On several occasions, I’ve heard whispers from my father and the courtiers: “She’s the one chosen by the goddesses, that Zelda.” For so long, I’ve wondered what that meant. I was always treated as an odd child, but this matter of the goddesses made it worse. The little amount of friends I had stopped playing with me, most likely on the orders of their parents. I then decided to devote myself to my studies, for there was not much else to do. My teacher was one of two people who mattered in my life at that time. Impa, a strong Shiekah woman, was my nurse, my teacher, my mother, and my only friend. She was the last Shiekah alive who had remained in the court after the betrayal of the Royal Family. Lady Impa became my ‘adopted mother’ after my real mother’s death. So, of course, I trusted her with the valuable secret that was entrusted to me: the secret of opening the gateway to the Sacred Realm. It would be a long time before I divulged that secret to another.
Strange as I was perceived in the court, I was the jewel of Hyrule’s people. Whenever my father stepped beyond the castle gates, I was there by his side. My father would also allow me to be present for the meetings with the emissaries between the Kingdom of Hyrule and the kingdoms and tribes of the other races. I knew I would need the experience for when I became queen, but we enjoyed each other’s company. I was very fond of him, but he hardly let his feelings show in the public’s eye.
I very much enjoyed meeting with the leaders from the other races. The chief of the Gorons, Darunia, was strong in character, strength, will, and kindness. I remember when I first met him…He and my father were already close friends-“Sworn Brothers,” even. When Darunia came to the court, I was intimidated by his fearsome appearance.
“Ah! Here’s the little princess! She’s very beautiful, just like her mother,” he commented. Mother was alive and present at this meeting. My parents bade me to go out and greet him, but I was afraid. I clung to my mother’s dress.
“It’s alright, Zelda,” she told me. She walked out towards him, dragging me with her. I stepped out towards him, and he scooped me up in one of his gigantic hands, setting me on his shoulder. I instantly trusted him, and he was very kind to me.
As much as I thought the Gorons were almost comical-looking, the Zora race was as elegant, with the exception of King Zora. His daughter Princess Ruto and I became fast friends, both being princesses. It was a pity that we were not able to visit with each other for long. We did meet again, however, on an occasion when Impa and I spent the day on the shores of Lake Hylia.
Then the dreams began. Out of the west traveled black clouds. When the entire sky was blackened, a single ray of sunlight poured through. In that beam was a Kokiri-a fairy-child- from the forest holding a stone of green light. I told my father about the premonition, but he said it was nothing. During this time, the entire castle was preparing for the Gerudo envoy arriving from the western deserts. Whispers of my dream spread throughout the court, causing them to shun me even further.
“No matter how loved she may be by her father, that Zelda is naught more than a strange child.”
“Yes. Only an attention-seeker.”
“I think she wants to sow dissent among the court, then to drive us out and rule alone.” After those words, I did want them gone. How dare they accuse me of crimes never committed, much less thought? When I told Impa, I felt that even she had a hard time trusting me. I felt so alone.
The Gerudos finally came, led by the tribe leader-the only male in the entire Gerudo race-Ganondorf. By the time they arrived, my father believed the lies spread by the court- that I was going insane because of these dreams, completely paranoid. Once again, I was to stand at his side during this delegation. No matter how much I refused to take part, I found myself present. Some of the women danced as a gift to please and entertain my father and the court. I stared past them, glaring at Ganondorf. An incomprehensible smile played across him mouth as the king laughed and applauded at the performance. I had no idea what would come next.
Ganondorf and the other Gerudos were allowed to stay at the castle for several weeks. Everyday there would be deliberations over Gerudo-Hyrule relations, which have always been precarious. Ganondorf’s wit was admired by much of the court, including my father. He was even invited to our private dinner. Before Mother’s passing it was always the three of us, and then only Father and me . I was outraged that Father had let someone dine with us, and the guest being….Him. Ganondorf was seated across from me, adding more to my anger and dread. Was my father arranging a marriage between us? Unthinkable! He was so much older than me, unattractive, and certainly evil. I hardly touched anything at dinner, and with his usual keen observation, my father must’ve noticed because he called me outside and excused us to our guest.
“Zelda, what is wrong with you?”
“That man is an embodiment of evil!” I pointed my finger at the dining room door. “He is not loyal to you!”
“Hush! That is complete nonsense! Your dream is only making you perceive matters with closed eyes. It is only a product of an active imagination!”
“I am not imagining! And Kokiris ARE real!” I believed in every legend that I ever heard as a young child. “ I can detect Ganondorf’s intentions! He wants the ocarina that mother gave me to get to the Triforce.”
“It is only a legend, my dear. It may have been true at one time, but it is only a legend now. All that is true will be obscured by the mists of time. One day people will hear a legend about a beautiful princess named Zelda, and it will be just a story.” He sighed. “As for the ocarina, you are the only one who knows the Song of Time. Only the women of the Royal Family know it. Not even your mother told me. The secret is safe.” The way to get into the temple was known by anyone who had entered the Temple of Time, the building that connected Hyrule to the Sacred Realm. He did not know that I had told Impa as well. Father picked me up in a hug and spun me around. “You are my only daughter, and I love you more than the plains are wide…”
“Father…one more request…May I be excused from dinner?”
“Yes, you may. “ He went back into the dining hall. I remained outside listening.
“What was that about, Your Majesty?” Ganondorf inquired.
“My daughter is weary and tired, that’s all,” he lied. But he was partially right. I was weary on Ganondorf’s presence. Sleep, no matter how troubled it was, was still an escape. The fairy-child in my dreams grew more vivid each passing night. Otherwise, the dream was always the same. I waited in anticipation for the forest messenger to arrive.
I had taken to spying on Ganondorf and my father from the window looking inside from my garden. There were bright flowers there that also brought me some peace. It was a haven to me-and once it was defiled. Ganondorf walked past the guards into my courtyard without my permission, asking if I would tell him the legend of the Ocarina of Time. He claimed that the king told him that I was an excellent story-teller, and wanted to hear my talent. Thankfully, Impa was there to force him out, almost by knifepoint. Soon after she left, a little boy with a fairy had stolen into my garden when my back was turned. Ganondorf was back In the presence of my father, where I could watch his every move. I heard a voice behind me.
“Are you the princess?” I turned around in surprise to see a blonde boy with curious blue eyes. He seemed so…scared.
“Yes….I’m Zelda. What is your name?”
He puffed up with what must’ve been self-satisfaction that he got past the guards without being seen. “My name’s Link. I’m a Kokiri sent by the Great Deku Tree to give you this,” He pulled out a golden relic set with a big emerald. My mouth was agape with surprise. He had come! For the first time in a long time, I felt at ease. Something about this boy-this Link, as he called himself-was very calming.
“Link…Strange…It sounds somehow familiar…Well then Link, since you came with that stone, I’ll tell you the secret of the Sacred Realm that has been passed down by the Royal Family of Hyrule. The Ocarina of Time!” I commenced to tell him the story of Hyrule’s creation and of the ocarina.
“The Deku Tree told us the story about the goddesses before, but I like it better when you tell it, Zelda. “ I smiled a true smile; another first in forever. Finally I had a friend my age! He was a rather quiet boy, and I noticed how much I was running on about the dream and with other matters.. Anyone would if they had made a new friend.
“I was spying through the window just now…The other element from my dreams, the dark clouds, I believe they symbolize that man in there! Will you look at him?” Link agreed, and together we peered through the window at Ganondorf, who shot a dirty glare at use once he caught us in his sight. Surprised, we instantly ducked down below the windowsill.
“Who is that scary guy?”
“That is the leader of the Gerudo Thieves, Ganondorf. Yes. I told my father about that dream. However, he didn’t believe that it was a prophecy.”
“I’ve been having weird dreams too. You were in them. I never told anyone about it, though.” He hung his head.
“It’s okay, Link.”
“The Deku Tree said an evil wind is blowing, and that it is causing nightmares to those people sensitive enough.”
“Hmm….That ties in with the wind and clouds in my dreams…” For a long while, the both of us did not speak. “I can sense that man’s evil intentions,” I said, breaking the silence. “What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce in the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it! And now…he wants to conquer the entire world! Since you must’ve seen it in your dreams too, we are the only ones who can protect Hyrule!” Link nodded in agreement. “We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it! You go find the other Spiritual Stones! Let’s get the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then defeat him!”
“Yeah! I know we can do it!” Link gave me a thumbs-up. I later regretted my last sentence, but I felt that our childish power alone could not stop him. I could tell that Link was willing to add more stones to his Spiritual Stone of the Forest. Lying to him was horrible. It left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I still kept up a smile for him. Soon, when he was ready to leave, Impa escorted him out.
“Link…please be careful…”
“Don’t worry. I’m strong and I can fight,” His words filled me with hope and made me giggle. I waved goodbye. Link beamed and did the same.
After Link’s arrival, the castle’s mood seemed tenser. I was ecstatic at the advent of Ganondorf’s downfall, and everyday at sunrise I prayed for Link’s safe return. Ganondorf seemed anxious as well. In the entire castle, only he and I knew the gravity of the situation, but I alone knew all. On several occasions he was caught sneaking around my quarters when I was absent, like the thief I know he is. Because of this I felt more inclined to stay in my room and protect the ocarina than to discover the on-goings of castle life. Link was always on my mind and joy in my heart. I continued my prayers for him, for his well-being. Days passed, soon turning into weeks. There was no sign of Link coming back. Anxiety was constantly on the rise.
One evening Ganondorf threw somewhat of a farewell party for the nobility, for he was leaving the next day. Although I attended most of it, I left because the constant drinking brought a horrible stench to life. Although none would have guessed it, Father was very fond of ale and could easily put tankards away. Someone had told Ganondorf, who challenged him to a drinking contest. It went on late into the night, until the only remaining people were that man and my father. I had a habit to traversing the castle halls at night, and I was doing so, a torch burst through a window from outside and set the rug ablaze. Several more came in from other casements and added to the fire.
“Father!” I rushed towards the Throne room where the party was to relay the news of what was happening. When I opened the double doors, the grand hall was pitch black, except for light from the blazes. Up to his throne I ran. I found him-pinned to the throne by a sword through his breast, the crown on his head gone. “Father! No! Don’t leave me!” I flung myself on his lifeless body, crying. His blood was running, and it dyed my gown. “No….please don’t go…Please…Daddy…” Through my sobs, someone emerged from the shadows in the corners of the room.
“The king is resting peacefully now…and will forever more,” they said. I turned around, the spreading flames and tears in my eyes distorting my vision.
“Ganondorf..”
“The one and only,” he grinned a malicious smile. “You knew what I was planning the entire time, didn’t you? And no one believed you…A shame you must die so young.”
“I will not. I refuse to die.” I tried to pull the scimitar that remained in my father’s body out. It hardly budged, but with one final heave, it released itself. His body fell to the floor, and my effort in pulling caused me to topple over as well. “The sword that killed my father will also kill you,” I vowed. I had no experience with swords whatsoever, and the blade was too large for me to lift properly, much less wield. Ganondorf laughed as I once again fell to the floor.
“A valiant effort, Princess. Any parting words?”
I had to think fast. “If you kill me, you will never know the song that opens the door in the Temple of Time.” He lowered his sword.
“Tell me now and I will spare you.”
“I have to get the ocarina first.”
“Lead the way.” I walked towards the direction of my room, Ganondorf following closely behind me. The fires continued to spread, but if they came near me, they were somehow repelled. Ganondorf was speaking, but his voice was inaudible over the crackling inferno. I took this moment to run and retrieve the ocarina, for I had absolutely no intention of handing it over to Ganondorf.
“You!” He pursued me but was slowed by the flames. I raced up several flights of stairs and into my bedroom, locking the door behind me. The Ocarina of Time lay encased in a treasure chest, resting on a silk cushion. Once I grabbed it, I held it very close to my body. I heard a sword and an angry Ganondorf trying to reduce my door to splinters. Before his weapon hit the door again, I opened it, the momentum of the swing making him stumble into my room. As he lay on the ground, I spoke to him in what must’ve been the strongest, sternest voice.
“The Hero of Time will surely come….to kill you.”
“‘The Hero of Time’? What a laugh, little girl! There is no hero!” He got up and began to swing wildly at me, making me back away. “It is only a legend, you fool! No one can return from the Sacred Realm!” One final swing sent me tumbling backwards over some stairs. Instead of hitting the next landing, I fell safely into Impa’s arms.
“You’re lucky to be alive, Princess,” she said as she carried me away, to Ganondorf’s rage. “We must flee the town now!”
“No! I have to go to the Temple of Time! Link will surely arrive soon! “
“I’m sorry, Zelda, but it will have to wait!” Impa saddled my favorite white horse and we rode off. As we neared the Market Town gate, Impa barked at the soldier there “Lower the gate!” It was always closed at night, but we needed to leave. I felt so horrible, so scared. We crossed the drawbridge and to the side…was Link.
“Link!” We continued to ride.
“Zelda!”
“Take it, Link! Only you can stop him now!” With all the strength I could muster, I threw the Ocarina of Time towards him, but I overshot and it landed in the moat. In a minute or so, we could no longer see Link. “Link…” Once again, I began to cry. “He’ll be killed…Just like father.” The hope that I once had for him was gone.
“That boy will make it. For one so young, he is very strong. The fact that he collected the Spiritual Stones of Forest, Fire, and Water is proof. So are you. You were strong enough and smart enough to stay alive, and brave enough to fight someone who you knew could easily kill you. I’m proud of you, my reckless little princess, but you must have more faith in Link.”
“Yes. He will live…And I know he is the one to become the Hero of Time.” Once we had reached Impa’s house, I wasted no time. Surely he had the stones, and was in the Temple of Time right now.
Link…I reached him through telepathy, a special talent that only Impa knew I had.
Zelda?! Where did you go? What happened? I heard the concern in his voice once I reached him, but I had to press on.
When you hold this ocarina in your hand, I won’t be around anymore… Zelda, please…Tell me where you are…I wanted to wait for you, but I couldn’t delay any longer…At least I could leave you the Ocarina of Time, and now this melody. As I physically began in sing the Song of Time, I knew it reached him. It had only been a week or so, but I knew he had matured more. Our hearts and minds were one, and I was overwhelmed by emotion. I finished the Song of Time.
Your voice is beautiful…
Thank you…Now Link, play this melody in front of the altar in the Temple of Time. You must protect the Triforce!
I will. I'd do anything for you. That was the last time I heard his voice.
For several days we continued to hide in Impa’s house in Kakariko Village. No one in the town had any idea w hat happened to me, much less the fact that I was there. Soon the people began to create theories of what had befallen their princess. I heard all these from the window. Some believed that I had been kidnapped by Ganondorf; others speculated that I was already in a foreign country. Although my body was never found, the last group of villagers assumed that I was dead like my father. Impa had taken much slander for being my protector, and still living as their princess lay dead. She later personally “confirmed” the rumor, saying I was slashed open as she lay unconscious by a blow dealt to her head. My body has hidden along with the secrets of the Royal Family, and any funeral or gifts would give away where the secrets were stored. People were kinder to her afterward.
Rumors spread that Ganondorf had passed through the gate in the Temple of Time. My heart froze in horror. How foolish I was not to foresee this! Since Link opened the Gate of Time, Ganondorf could go through anytime he wanted to! Link was now alone in a land of mystery, and now Ganondorf was after him. I still had a glimmer of hope, but I still continued to pray. Then one day, all became clear, clear as the Golden Power.
That day I was pacing in front of the fireplace alone in the house when I suddenly felt faint. I don’t remember hitting the floor, only the dream that followed. All around me was white, and a figure of gold appeared in front of me.
Goddess…? The golden one became more human, with long and flowing blue hair like water and dressed in garments like snow.
I am Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom. Ganondorf has laid his hands on the Triforce. However, that one so impure of heart shattered the one into three. You have much Wisdom, Hylian Princess Zelda. Therefore, I entrust to you the Triforce of Wisdom. She disappeared and a golden triangle appeared before me. As I touched it, its golden light spread and became absorbed by my body. It faded and a flicker of light created a crest of the Triforce on my left hand, with only the light of Wisdom burning.
Princess…A voice called out. Princess…! It seemed more urgent. PRINCESS! I finally woke up and Impa’s worried face swarmed into my vision. “Zelda, what happened? I came inside and you were passed out!”
I was in a bit of shock. Lifting up my left hand, I showed it to her. “Look…The Goddess of Wisdom came to me and told me Ganondorf got the Triforce, but gave me a third of it…Impa, I think we have to leave here now.”
“You can’t! It’s too dangerous! If Ganondorf doesn’t have all the pieces of the Triforce, he’ll soon be looking for whoever has it! I’m sure he would think you have it!”
“Ganondorf will be looking for a princess, but I’ll disguise myself.”
“That might work, but where will you go?”
“I’ll roam around Hyrule…as a minstrel. Would that be too obvious?”
“It might. But I’ll disguise you as a Shiekah. If any of Ganondorf’s tribe questions you, you should say that you’ve come back because you heard of Hyrule’s downfall. “
“I will tell them.”
“I’m very proud of you, Zelda.” She placed two fingers on my forehead. “I will put your consciousness to sleep. The Triforce you received will surely know when to wake you when the time is right. Now…Live as Sheik!” All I remembered was falling asleep.
Part Two
A golden flash nearly blinded me as my eyes opened for the first time in a very, very long time. When the light faded, the first thing I saw was a teenage young man standing in front of me, wearing the exact same style of tunic as Link had, many years ago. I did not think about him for a while; I was too entranced at how strange my body felt. I was a lot taller since the last time I had seen myself. Then my attention drifted back to him, and then it dawned on me.
“Link…!” Ganondorf had not touched him when Link was held in the Sacred Realm! I was overjoyed with relief! I wanted to tell him so badly that I had missed him, but…The Triforce of Wisdom had woken me up for a reason. That could only mean that the Six Sages were united, and that the final confrontation with Ganondorf was at hand. “It’s me, Zelda…” Link’s face was frozen in an expression of shock.
“You…You were Sheik the whole time?”
“I’m sorry for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from Ganondorf. Please forgive me,” I hung my head.
“No…I understand. You needed to stay safe. But it’s just really weird. I’ve known Sheik for what seems like years now, but Sheik…was you, and you’ve been gone for the past seven years.” I nodded gravely.
“I had no idea that it had been seven years. I’m sorry…”
“You don’t need to apologize.” The Temple of Time that we were standing in seemed much colder than from what I remembered as a child. Slowly, we started walking towards each other. Tears of joy welled in my eyes as we came closer.
“The Final Battle is near, Link. The Six Sages will lure Ganondorf into the Sacred Realm, and then I will seal the door behind him. Please, protect me as I do my part.”
“I will. You know that.”
“Let me give you this-it is a weapon that will pierce even the darkness of Ganondorf’s power, the Arrow of Light!” I gave him several arrows with blinding heads. Then something completely unexpected happened. The ground began shaking and I nearly lost my balance.
“It can’t be!” I exclaimed. Suddenly, with a loud crack, the ceiling of the temple ripped straight off! Ganondorf was standing where the ceiling once was, laughing horribly. The rumbling stopped.
“No!” Link ran in front of me and unsheathed the Master Sword, also pulling his shield out.
“You foolish traitor, Princess Zelda…” Ganondorf growled. “You hid from me for seven long years…But I knew you would appear if I let this kid wander around!” He thrust one hand out at me and Link was blown away by the force.
“Ahh!” A red crystal closed around me. There was a strange power in this crystal; it made me feel sick. “Link!” I gasped for breath as I leaned against the gem. He ran over to me and slammed his hands on this prison.
“Zelda!”
“My only mistake was to underestimate this kid…” I grew weak and passed out. Although I wasn’t fully conscious, I heard Ganondorf continue. “No…it was not his power…it was the Triforce of Courage! With it and Zelda’s Triforce of Wisdom, I shall be ruler of the world!”
I awoke to the sound of an organ playing a song that filled my heart with dread. Ganondorf was staring at me, grinning something evil from the pipe organ.
“So you’re awake, Princess.” I did not reply. With a flick of his hand, the levitating jewel that I was encased in floated down towards him. I simply glared. “Fine eyes, full of rage.”
“You’re after the Triforce, so why haven’t you killed me yet?” I snarled at him. He laughed.
“You’re a clever opponent. I wouldn’t want get rid of you so easily after you eluded my attacks for seven years. Also, you must suffer for not giving me the Ocarina of Time when you had the chance to save your life.”
“If I had given it to you, you would’ve killed me anyway.”
“Stop jumping to such rash conclusions, Zelda. I would never think of killing you, but torturing you, yes…” He eyed me loathingly. “I will make you wish that you had never plotted against me, never deceived me, but most of all, I will inflict upon you so much pain that you will wish you had died along with your father.”
“Stop it!” I screamed at him, tears running down my cheeks. “He did nothing to deserve such a death! You murdered him and many innocents that night, none of which had ever harmed you! You invaded my country! You killed my father!” My voice lowered to a whisper. “You have hurt too many people on your path to the Triforce. If anyone is to bear such excruciating pain, it is you.”
“Your hatred is beautiful, Princess-no-more. It was never your country, by the way. It was always mine for the taking!” He snapped his fingers and the crystal disappeared and I fell to the floor. “I am the King of Hyrule. Kneel and recognize me, and I just might grant you and Link your lives.” I staggered upright and lowered my head. “That’s it, get on your knees and grovel.”
“Never would I bow to such a fiend!” I spat in his face. Stunned, Ganondorf wiped his face off. Advancing towards me, he lashed out, slapping me in the face.
“Agh!” I fell over, clutching the cheek that had been hit and I cried.
“And never…would I let such a disgraceful wench live…” He sealed me back into the gemstone, and it rested, hovering above the pipe organ.
“If I shall die, I will die with grace like my father…” I whispered softly to myself.
Two days passed without eating, drinking, or sleeping. Every breathing moment of those arduous days were spent praying to the Goddesses for Link’s safety and my rescue. Finally, Link had come. Once he arrived, the Wisdom piece of my Triforce glowed, as did Link’s Courage and Ganondorf’s Power. The King of Evil discontinued the song on the organ.
“Heh heh heh…The Triforce pieces are resonating. They want to become one again…I shall take the two that I could not gather on that day seven years ago. I command that you give them to me!” Ganondorf then blasted a dark, evil light at Link.
“No! Link!” I called from my prison. “Stop it, Ganondorf!”
“That’s enough from you, Zelda. You need to be quiet.” Suddenly, the crystal was teleported out of the castle room, and far into the sky above. The dark clouds that always surrounded Ganondorf’s castle swirled about me. I couldn’t hear anything from the battle that took place below, much less see anything. However, I did not have to wait long. Light shone from the windows shortly before the windows themselves shattered into a million little pieces. The top roof was gone, and the gem that held me fell fast from the sky. Down below was Link, standing over the corpse of Ganondorf. As I neared the scene, with my own powers I dissolved my crystal. Link, who was splattered in blood, ran over and caught me. I looked over my shoulder and saw the Evil King’s body. Rage filled my heart because of what he had done to my family, myself, and Link.
“Ganondorf…” Every bit of my voice was filled with distain. “…Pitiful man. His malevolent heart could not control the power of the Golden Goddesses.” Once I finished, the castle began to shake violently.
“Zelda!” Link grabbed my hand.
“He’s trying to bring the tower down on us! We have to hurry!”
“You’re telling me!” He yelled over the sound of rocks crumbling, and led me down. Every time we came to a closed gate, I used my own powers and lifted it up. As we finally left Ganon’s Tower, we came across a ReDead on the bridge. When we noticed it, it was too late. I stepped closest to it, the corpse gave its horrid shriek and my body was paralyzed. It shambled closer and closer.
“L-Link…” The ReDead raised its bony arms towards me and I closed my eyes.
“Take this!” Link slashed diagonally and split it in two, freeing me from the curse.
“Thank you!” We ran as fast as we could and just in time, too. The castle collapsed on itself seconds after Link and I escaped.
“It’s finally over…” I breathed.
“I’m sorry that I couldn’t fight with you, Link!” chirped Navi, the fairy that hovered around Link’s head.
“My thoughts exactly. I wish that I was able to help you more,” I added.
“There’s nothing to worry about. I don’t mind that I fought him alone. I’m glad that we stopped him and saved Hyrule,” Link replied.
“Yes…” Soon after I finished, there was a sound coming from the debris that once was Ganon’s Manor. “What was that sound?”
“I’ll go look. Just stay here and be safe, okay?” Before I could argue, he ran off. Link neared the pile of rubble, and the corpse of Ganondorf burst out.
“Oh my-“The Triforce of Power glimmered on his hand and a strange blue light surrounded his body. As the light faded a horrible, armored pig wielding two swords stood, squealing a horrible cry at Link. The pig swung at Link, knocking the Master Sword from his hand. The sacred blade flew far away, and impaled itself into the ground, just missing me. I picked it out of the soil. “Link, take it!” I threw it back at him while this thing-Ganon-closed in on me.
“You!” Link screamed at Ganon. “Stay away from her! Remember, she is not your enemy, but I am!” The monster turned to him, puzzled. With one magnificent leap, Link plunged the Master Sword into the gigantic jewel on Ganon’s forehead.
“Now is the time! I call upon the Six Sages!” A golden orb of power appeared as I held my hands above my head. “Seal this beast into the Dark World!” Almost instantly, my plea was answered. Six streams of yellow, green, red, blue, purple, and orange lights combined into one white vortex above the battlefield. The pig had reverted back into Ganondorf, who was drawn in. Although the warp had closed, I still heard his final words:
“Damn you, Zelda...Damn you, Sages…Damn you, Link!”
Link and I stood next to each other for what seemed like forever. I looked upon the ruins of the castle.
“All the tragedies that have befallen Hyrule were of my doing,” I spoke, breaking the silence.
“What are you talking about?” asked Link
“I was so young…I did not know what would happen.” Turning to him, I continued. “Link, the reason I asked you to gain the Spiritual Stones were so that I could control the Sacred Realm and the Triforce. I was foolish to believe that I could do so. Now, I must atone for the sins that I allowed to happen.”
“No, Zelda, it wasn’t your fault!” Link protested.
I shook my head. “Link, you must lay the Master Sword to rest. In doing so, the Door of Time will close and you can no longer travel the road through time.”
“That can’t be. It doesn’t matter to me what you did in the past! I will help you to rebuild Hyrule. We’ll do it together!” Link grabbed my arm. “I didn’t come because I had to. I came because, Zelda, I…” He looked at the ground and let go. “…I don’t ever want to leave you…”
“I’m sorry, Link. Please believe me when I tell you that I really don’t want for it to be this way.”
“It doesn’t have to, Zelda. It doesn’t have to…”
“Please give me the Ocarina of Time. I will send you back home. Home…to where you should be, to the form you should have…” Link knelt down on one knee and handed me the ocarina. “Zelda, I’ll miss you…” I put the ocarina to my lips and played the Song of Time. A ray of blue light came down from the sky and pulled Link away.
“I’ll always…” Link disappeared. “…love you.”
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