A Link Without Zelda [COMPLETE]

1. Ghost In The Fog

"I'm not really sure why you're bringing all this up now. The portal to Hyrule has been closed for months now. I've accepted all that," says Link. He is standing with his arms folded and a pout is plastered on his face. This isn't the same hero from several months ago.

 Back then, Link had a purpose; to protect the lands and the princess. That's a well known story as this cycle has been seen across lifetimes. But no one talks about what happens after Link has served his purpose. After the kingdom has been restored, the princess continues ruling the lands. A purpose that she will take with her until she takes her final breath. But what happens to the hero when everyone is safe?

Ownis, the village priestess, has been wondering that since the day Gannondorf was sealed away and the triforce was back with the princess. Usually when something as monumental as this happens, it is to be expected that people involved will be at peace. Maybe even happy. And that seems to be the case, expect there is one person that feels differently but refuses to admit it. And when you really think about it, it makes sense that Link would be the only person at unease.

"Just because you accepted it, doesn't mean you're happy that you are in Elrule," says Ownis.

"I'm not looking for happiness," says Link, his voice a whisper as he gazes at the tomb stone that once served a portal between Elrule and Hyrule. He puts his hand on for a moment and you can see that there is something behind his sullen face. Ownis isn't sure what but it seems like hope. He runs his hand down over the monument and then suddenly hits it with the palm of his hand, signaling the end of the hope and also this conversation. He gives Ownis and nod as he walks away.

"What you said to me the other day has me worried," she says, stopping Link.

He shakes it head. "Just forget it. I was having a bad day."

"You said that some days you feel like you aren't even yourself," she says emphasizing the word days but dragging out the s. "I think that implies you have been feeling this way since before yesterday."

"Well maybe I've had several bad days," he says sharply, followed by a silence. His body softens after a moment. "I swear I can hear her sometimes. Just now before you came here. It's like being in a fog and then you hear a voice but you can't distinguish the direction it's coming from. Almost like she's a ghost."

"Maybe that's all she is. A ghost in the fog, never to be reached."

Link is standing with his back to Ownis. She can't read his expression. When he doesn't respond she continues. "Princess Zelda said those words herself. That the portals will close and we will be unable to move between worlds. We know you're the reincarnation of the hero but... you are a human being too."

"I know damn well that I don't live just for the princess. And her name is Adel," he says before he leaves the shrine heading back to the village.

"That so? Then why do you come here every day?" says Ownis to herself.

Link spends his days travelling from his house (which he refuses to call his home) to the shrine. Everyone knows what he is hopeful for. He is hopeful that the portal will open and he will be able to get home. But why would it? It opened so that the princess and hero could fulfill their duties. But that has been fulfilled and as far as everyone is concerned, the portals being closed is a good thing. Elrule and Hyrule exist in a different time and space. It cannot be reached by foot or any mode of transportation. It is not necessary or wise for both places to be accessible. 

Despite that, Link still waits...

Ownis sighs and then touching the monument says, "I hope you and Arth are well, Princess."