As the two heroes made their way to Hyrule Castle, the snow beneath their boots crunched with every step, and the cold wind whipped around them, biting at their faces. The journey from their camp had been quiet, but it had given the Hero of Time a chance to reflect on everything that had transpired, everything that had happened with the Hero of the Wild. He'd seen Wild Link at his lowest, at his most vulnerable, and yet, there was a strength within him that could not be denied. A strength that had pulled them both through countless challenges, both physical and mental.
When they finally arrived at the gates of Hyrule Castle, the towering walls seemed to loom above them, a reminder of the power and history that lay within. The guards greeted them, offering respectful nods as they opened the gates. The Hero of Time was already familiar with the path inside, but the Hero of the Wild, though he had spent time in the castle, couldn't help but feel the weight of it all—the history, the memories, the legacy of the Hylian kingdom.
The two walked in silence, the castle's corridors eerily quiet as they made their way to the Hero of the Wild's room. It was a modest chamber—nothing too grand, but enough to provide him with a sense of comfort and privacy. The room was sparsely decorated, with a few personal items scattered here and there—trinkets from his journey, a few books, a weapon or two tucked into the corner. His bed, though simple, looked inviting after the long journey.
Wild Link stepped inside, his shoulders slumping slightly as he closed the door behind him. The weight of the world seemed to settle back onto him, though he tried to shake it off. He'd been through so much, and sometimes, he needed time to process everything. To just be alone for a while.
He dropped his pack by the door and sat down on the edge of his bed. For a moment, he just stared at the floor, letting the silence of the room wash over him. His thoughts drifted to the past—his family, his battles, his past life in Hyrule. He remembered his father and sister, the loss he'd experienced. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness in his chest, even though he was surrounded by family now—new faces that had become so important to him.
He stood up and walked over to the small window in his room, pulling the curtains back to look out at the snow-covered landscape of Hyrule. The view from his window gave him a sense of peace, though the thoughts swirling in his mind were anything but peaceful. He had become something different since meeting the other Links. He wasn't the same hero who had died a hundred years ago. His journey had changed him. And maybe that was okay.
He exhaled a heavy breath, pushing the thoughts away, then walked back to the bed. He took off his boots, lay back, and stared up at the ceiling. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for sure—he wasn't alone anymore. He had family, friends, and the other Links beside him. No matter how dark things got, he would face it all with them.
The door to his room creaked open, and the Hero of Time stepped inside, a knowing look on his face. "Everything okay?"
Wild Link glanced up at him and gave a tired but genuine smile. "Yeah. Just... thinking."
The Hero of Time nodded, understanding. "If you need anything, we're all here. Don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks," Wild Link replied, his voice quiet but sincere. "I'll be fine. I just need a little time."
The Hero of Time didn't push him. He understood the need for space after everything they had been through. With a nod, he turned to leave but paused at the door.
"You know," the Hero of Time said with a smirk, "it's not all bad, right? You've got us. You're not alone in this."
Wild Link couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Yeah... I guess you're right. Thanks, again."
With that, the Hero of Time left, closing the door behind him.
As the castle fell quiet once more, Wild Link settled back into his bed, his body finally starting to relax after the long, exhausting journey. His thoughts drifted again, but this time, the feeling of belonging lingered. It was a rare, fragile thing, but it was enough.
And for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to rest, knowing that, no matter what came next, he wasn't facing it alone.
