The next morning, Hateno Village lay wrapped in the soft glow of dawn. Link stood outside his house, gazing at the horizon, his thoughts still lingering on his family. Remembering them had stirred a mix of emotions—sorrow, pride, and a newfound strength that he didn't quite know what to do with yet. He took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill his lungs, steadying him for the day ahead.
The Hero of Time joined him shortly, stretching as he walked up. "You're up early. Didn't expect that after all you went through yesterday."
Link smirked. "Guess I couldn't sleep in, not with this view."
The Hero of Time chuckled, glancing around at the peaceful village that had become Link's home. "I get it. This place is different than the Hyrule I know—peaceful, a bit more settled. Makes me wonder what life might've been like... without so much war."
Link nodded. "I wonder that too." He paused, a question lingering on his mind. "What... is your Hyrule like?"
The Hero of Time's gaze softened, his eyes filled with memories of his own world. "Hyrule's always been in turmoil," he began, his voice steady. "I never knew a time of true peace there. It was always about protecting it, fighting against something darker that threatened to take everything." He looked at Link, a sense of kinship in his expression. "But there were always friends to fight for—those moments in between that made it worth it."
Link listened intently, struck by how similar yet different their paths had been. "I think... maybe that's what kept me going too."
They were silent for a moment, sharing an understanding that only two heroes could.
Just then, Zelda approached, smiling as she saw the two of them standing side by side, both lost in thought. "Good morning. You two look like you're scheming something."
Link grinned. "Just sharing stories, I guess."
Zelda's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Well, I'd like to hear some of those stories myself. But first—are we still heading to the Korok Forest today?"
Link perked up, a sense of excitement filling him. "Absolutely. The Deku Tree and the Koroks... I think you'll both like it there."
The Hero of Time's eyes brightened. "The Great Deku Tree... It'll be like seeing an old friend."
They set off toward the forest together, following the familiar paths through Hyrule. The Hero of Time was captivated by this version of Hyrule—the sights and sounds both new and comforting. As they approached the entrance to the Lost Woods, the faint sounds of Koroks rustling and giggling reached their ears.
Link led them through the winding forest paths, and soon the towering form of the Great Deku Tree came into view, its ancient branches stretching high above. The Deku Tree's eyes opened slowly, a warm, knowing gaze falling upon them.
"Ah, Hero of Time... and Hero of the Wild. It's been some time since I've seen such a gathering." His voice resonated with a deep, almost musical quality that seemed to calm everything around them.
The Hero of Time stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully. "It's... an honor to see you again, Great Deku Tree."
The Deku Tree's smile widened, his bark creaking as he spoke. "And it brings me great joy to see you both—two souls who have given so much to protect Hyrule, each in your own time."
The Koroks emerged from the trees, their tiny faces lighting up as they recognized Link. "Mr. Hero! You brought a friend!" one of them chirped, peering up at the Hero of Time.
Link laughed, reaching down to pat the Korok on the head. "Two friends, actually."
Zelda smiled warmly at the Koroks, charmed by their playfulness. "It's lovely here," she said to Link. "Thank you for bringing us."
