The Legend of Zelda: A Hero's Return (Book 1)

Epilogue: A Hero's New Determination

Lon-Lon Ranch was as good as new. The Kokiri had done a wonderful job helping with the rebuild. To thank the forest children and to welcome her hero back, Malon prepared a large feast. The events took place outside but as Link was still recovering, he was unable to join in the festivities. While everyone was enjoying them self, all the ladies, including Zelda brought him something and tried to help his recovery.

"I'm sorry we all bombarded you like this. We just know how important it is for you to get better. At one point, you helped us all. You lived through a lot. One failure is nothing to mope about."

Zelda looked around at everyone and knew that they all wanted to say the same thing as she just had.

"Yes, as a hero I must put my life at risk countless times to save a land in which I live in from the clutches of darkness. I cannot choose my life. It was decided for me at birth. I had high hopes but I slipped up once and failed."

Four of the girls had nothing to say to that but Zelda refused to let Link sulk. The girls watched as she jumped on top of Link and start smacking him.

"You are the bearer of the Triforce of Courage. I will not allow you to mock the hard decision of the Goddesses. Now snap out of it and get better so we can go and stop this evil before things get any worse."

All anyone could do was stare at Zelda as she smacked him back to himself. Even Link looked shocked. None of them expected a princess to act so harshly.

"You're right. I have no idea what came over me. Maybe being down in the underworld for so long affected me."

"Now that you're done sulking, you can now eat all the food we all brought up. Even Navi brought you some food."

"Actually, instead of eating in here, help me outside so I can enjoy this feast with everyone. With the soul of the Hero, and only having minor wounds, I will be good to go in the morning. Besides, I need to thank all the Kokiri for helping with the repairs."

Everyone agreed and Nabooru offered to help carry him down to the party. Night had fallen and everyone had been dancing and having fun. They threw all their cares away for that one day. With what happened and what was to come, they needed that small reprieve. Link had decided to sit out in the middle of the ranch so that he could get a good view of the whole festivities.

"Isn't it nice to see so many races come together instead of staying separated?"

Zelda knelt behind Link and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"I mean, it does make sense how we all have our homes where we feel comfortable, but we never have festivals or parties to celebrate life or the Goddesses. Being locked up for so long has given me time to think."

Link turned to face the princess and attempted to listen as the crowd went wild with the festivities.

"We were created to learn and grow together, yet, besides the Zoras, we stay separated. Yes, we know a lot about each other, but we don't know as much as we can. This land is cut and we need to change that. Please help me accomplish this goal of uniting us all in a way that some could only dream."

Link stayed silent but only for a moment as he reached back and held one of her hands.

"Trust me when I say this that we were chosen for many reasons and I don't think that protecting the land of Hyrule is the main one. I will stop the Phantom that I failed to destroy and I will help you bring everyone together. I promise to make that happen no matter what."

In a matter of seconds, everyone seemed to vanish and the night grew silent. It was then that Nayru appeared in front of him. She had been floating before landing on the ground.

"Hero, you must continue your journey at first. Now that the evil has been released and you have regained your timeline, it is only a matter of time before the Ganon of this time will begin his rise. He is currently locked away but with his powers, he will eventually be able to escape."

"I realized this as I was traveling through the underworld. Through the ages, I have been given guidance by you, Din, Farore, Zelda or anyone relating to the royal family. Sometimes, you need to put a little more faith in the Hero you have chosen. Anyways, I know to head back to the Forest Sanctuary tomorrow. However, before that, I need to make a stop back at Kakariko Village and speak with Impa. I need some serious questions answered."

Nayru figured he should have a little time to be able to do what he needed. She gave him a look of concern and sadness. She had hoped none of the reincarnations had to experience any of their past selves but at this point, there was nothing to be done. The Hero of Time was destined to travel many timelines and all she could do was watch and guide him when needed. She rose into the air and disappeared. The sound of the party returned and Zelda had been in the same position as before. It was as if time had been stopped.

"Are you okay Link?"

Zelda looked concerned. Deep down she knew what had happened but she didn't want to admit it. Having a connection to the Goddesses also gave her the ability to sense their presence.

"Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind. There is a lot I must do tomorrow and things are about to get a whole lot more difficult."

He laid back and watched the stars twinkle in the clear night sky.

"At first light, I am leaving and I must go alone. I will take Navi but she is the only one I will allow. I need to challenge myself and this is the only way I can do it."

"Well don't push yourself too hard. Unlike Nayru, I have complete faith in you. You have silently protected the Royal family for ages and no one knows your tale. Only those connected know the truth. Link, if things get too difficult I urge you to come find us and ask for assistance. Even Zad wants to help."

It was as though everyone could hear Zelda. The party had stopped and everyone gathered around Link in one giant circle.

"We are all here for you and you can stop trying to act like you should be the strongest."

"Thank you everyone. Though that isn't why I want to go alone, I appreciate everything. I assure you that I won't push myself too hard. I will try and end things quickly so we can all have a party here again."