Time Cannot Erase

How can you just walk away from me,
When all I can do is watch you leave
Cuz we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears
There's so much I need to say to you,
So many reasons why
You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now,
There's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me,
Just the memory of your face
Take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against all odds
and that's what I've got to face
~Phil Collins "Against All Odds"

Chapter 5
Walk Away

At the age of fifteen Zelda was every bit the beauty Link remembered from his past. The feelings he had always known he had for her had returned in full force. Seeing her was the greatest thrill in his life. Yet, somehow, it seemed easier to battle a flaming dragon while precariously perched on a rock floating in molten lava than to find the courage to talk to her. Still, he always found strength from somewhere inside.

So it was with a certain amount of excited nervousness that he pulled back the string on his bow, pointed the arrowhead over the trees, past the Temple of Time and into the distance. He released the tension and with a soft twang the arrow sailed out of sight. Now he would wait for her to see the sign.

He knew it was difficult for her to see him, but somehow she always managed. She was a very busy and important person. Besides, her father had grown more strict and threatening on the issue with every year that passed. Link didn't even dare attempt sneaking onto the castle grounds anymore. But, rules or no rules, Zelda always managed to find a way to bypass her father's iron fist.

Link couldn't help but wonder why Zelda would risk so much for him. He knew how he felt about her, but he could never persuade himself that she felt the same about him. He returned to see her when he could, just to see her: to make sure she was safe.

For years stories had been spreading all over Hyrule: rumors of the forest boy who was playing Hyrule's beloved Princess for a fool. Every Hylian had heard of Link. Tales of the lies he had been feeding the Princess about his supposed hero's status and his ability to vanquish evil tyrants who didn't exist had spread like wild fire over the Land. It was no secret that the Princess backed his story up completely, but no one really blamed her. Since the death of her exalted and adored mother, Princess Zelda had become the sweetheart of Hyrule: dearly loved by all. It had to be his fault. He was a liar: an illusionist who was poisoning the mind of the princess.

Was he after glory? Power? Riches? The throne itself? No one could be sure, but they knew one thing: Link was a no good, mendacious, conniving, scoundrel.

Link could hardly show his face in public anymore without ridicule, threats, or worse. These days he spent very little time in Hyrule at all. There were lands beyond measure with problems, disasters, villains and catastrophes, and he was willing to help them. He hungered for adventure.

"The only way to live is close to death," he had remarked more than once. Adventure was the only thing that even came close to filling the void. He needed it, couldn't live without it.

In many lands he was a well known hero: revered and honored for the services he had provided, but not in Hyrule.

Now he only ever returned to visit old friends, and always to see Zelda. He often wondered if it were not for her would he leave Hyrule for good. As it was each time he left it took longer and longer for him to return. He knew she missed him when he was gone. He knew she wished he would stay closer to Hyrule, but there was always something pulling him away.

He had returned late the night before and entered Hyrule castle town early that morning while most everyone was still in bed. He had quickly stolen into the solitude of the courtyard of the Temple to avoid the townsfolk.

With his arrow safely at its intended destination Link had nothing to do but wait. It would be a few hours before she would see it and be able to come. He didn't mind, however. He had just returned from a fierce campaign in Kadden, destroying the vicious pack of wolfos which had been terrorizing its people. He had tracked down and killed over a hundred of the ill-tempered beasts before he had faced off with and defeated their chief. Before that it had been a sandworm colony in the desert of Narcasia, then a demon in the mountains of Ethan, a particularly nasty infestation of shell bladed muscles which had taken up residence in the Darus River and disasters beyond measure in Aritia.

Link was beat. So, he sat down under the shade of a nearby tree and closed his eyes. A familiar feeling of butterflies in his stomach came over him as he dozed, waiting for his first glimpse of the Princess in over six months.

It was past noon when Zelda emerged from the assembly room. The meeting of the King's council had begun promptly at eight o'clock, as it always did. The reigning head of the council, Count Haji had spoken for hours, and somehow managed to say nothing at all of importance. With Hyrule in the midst of a time of great peace, there was little trouble to deal with.

As a high ranking council member, Zelda had been working to promote peace treaties between the Hylians and the other races of Hyrule in an attempt to ensure peace for the future. It was not an easy task.

Though Naburoo had been working for years to solidify a position of peace between her people and the Hylians there was still a struggle between the two. The thieving nature of the Gerudos was not easily laid aside. The King and his council wanted peace, but were unwilling to take the necessary actions to stop the theives. Nabooru was doing her best, but her people were like her: strong willed and extremely independent. Still, the ongoing problems left the Hylians feeling uneasy and distrustful of the Gerudos, and no agreement would be signed.

The Gerudos were not the only problem. The Zora had an unquenchable thirst for sovereignty. Though Ruto and Zelda had met many times, Ruto's father was unbendable. He saw a treaty as a mandate of subordination, and he would not hear of it.

The kokiri had no government to speak of and were, therefore, difficult to negotiate with. Their carefree, whimsical nature made them see matters of the political nature as very unimportant.

Only the Gorons were easy to ally with formally. Darunia was a benevolent ruler, wishing only for peace. He saw a treaty with Hyrule as assurance of brotherhood in the future and a way to keep his people safe. Long had he wanted to formally restore the bonds of friendship between his people and the Hylian Royal Family.

Regardless of Darunia's support, the council was beginning to grow uneasy. More and more the council spoke of the insubordination of the lesser races of Hyrule, and of taking more aggressive courses of action to enforce compliance. Zelda was shocked at some of the ideas that had been voiced at recent meetings. She wished only for people to be free to live their lives and to do so in peace. She did not wish for Hylians to rise up and oppress the Kokiri of the forest, nor to give in and offer supplication to the bandits of the west. Being involved in politics was a draining practice.

This morning had been particularly straining. Zelda had been kept on her toes all morning, refusing to relent in her positions, much to the annoyance of her father, who promptly pulled her aside after the meeting adjourned.

"Zelda, you are on my council to learn how to rule this country," he told her. "You do not have to be contrary to everything the counselors say."

"I'm not trying to be contrary, Father," she replied. "I'm trying to help. I'm trying to make you proud."

"Well, you'll have to try harder," he spat.

Feeling like a kicked dog she had exited the hall. She had been planning on going strait to the library to begin work on a draft of a resolution for the next morning's meeting, but now she wasn't sure what to do. Somehow she had to make the council see her point and act rather than sitting and mumbling the same concerns and worries like a bunch of frightened old goats without any answers. Then again, she didn't want to disappoint her father.

Torn, she knew she couldn't silence her voice to gain his approval. Still, she wished she could make him say, just once, that he was proud of her.

Then there was the matter of the upcoming New Year. Each day brought anticipation. It was getting so close. Maybe today would be the day.

Sighing, she silently debated. In the end she couldn't refuse her curiosity, or her eagerness. Instead of heading down the main corridor she detoured, going out the back door. She walked along the eastern side of the castle. Just before the bend in the path that led to the main drawbridge of the castle stood a tree, and in its trunk was an arrow.

A smile stole across her face as she pulled the arrow out.

He was back.

With a small crack and a puff of smoke she was gone.

Zelda reappeared in the courtyard of the Temple of Time an instant later with another crack and another puff of smoke.

"Link!" she called as she materialized.

Link, who had been sitting drowsily beneath a tree, waiting, jumped up in shock, his heart racing. "Princess Zelda!" He panted. "I thought it was bad enough that Impa could do that! Now she's taught you to do it too?"

"Yes," Zelda laughed as she walked towards him. "I've learned a lot since you left. I've been practicing too."

"Well, let's see, then," Link said.

Zelda shrugged, "I didn't bring my sword."

"I always have an extra one," Link handed her a blade.

"All right…" she said slightly nervously. "But don't laugh at me!"

"I'd never laugh at you."

Zelda began showing off some of the moves she had been working on. Link smiled and encouraged her, giving her feedback and instructions as they spared.

"Good!" Link exclaimed. "Don't worry too much about how hard you're hitting. You're strength is in agility, not force."

"Don't swing so high, come in lower."

"Nice slash, try it from the other direction."

"Hold your hands lower, no, not so low. Let me show you," Link came over and stood behind her. He put his hands over hers and placed them in the correct position.

"Like this?" she asked, tightening her grip and turning to Link, whose face was very close to her own.

"There, that's right," he said, then he realized how close she was and jumped back, his face turning bright red.

Zelda felt butterflies in her stomach. A slight confusion overtook her: a new feeling she couldn't remember ever feeling before.

"Well, you've improved a lot!" Link said in a slightly higher voice than usual. Embarrassed, he cleared his throat. "You'll be able to beat me in a duel any day now."

"I don't know about that!" Zelda replied. Link laughed and the two fell into silence.

"So, what new adventures do you have to tell me about?" Zelda asked him as she returned his sword.

"I went back to Termina a while back. Oh! I brought you something from there." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a necklace upon which were dangling three shimmering pearls. "The Zora of Termina make fine jewelry from the pearls of the ocean there. I thought you might like it."

"It's beautiful!" she exclaimed. Link helped her fasten it on. "Thank you."

"It isn't much…"

Without thinking Zelda kissed him on the cheek and he blushed even more. Realization of what she had done hit her and the butterflies returned.

"What did you do in Termina?" she asked a little bashfully, as he tried to remove the look of shock form his face.

Link launched into his usual tales of epic quests and ventures. He spoke of the dangers he had faced and his amazing escapes and ultimate victories. He reminisced about slaying a dragon, saving a damsel and other matters of great excitement. Zelda tried to look interested, but as he spoke her thoughts kept returning to how she had spent the last six months. Day in and day out she had sat in meetings, discussing laws and treaties with the same predictable, pompous, stuffed shirted people.

"I spent some time in Kokiri Forest once I returned to Hyrule. It was good to be back home in the woods, and to see Saria. Then I visited Malon on my way here. She's an amazing girl. I've never seen anyone so skilled with horses. She let me stay there for a few days and help her break in the new yearlings.

"Oh, and while I was there two more foals were born: both of them sorrels. Talon says he's got so many sorrels he can't tell who's who anymore," he laughed.

"Epona sure has taken a liking to the young foals. She's such a sweet horse. I'm really glad that Talon let Malon give her to me. She keeps referring to Epona as part of her dowry, whatever that means. Sometimes I don't know what those two are talking about!"

"Her dowry?" Zelda asked in shock. This comment made her much angrier than she would have expected it to. Link's quaint and unpretentious manner usually only deepened her affection for him, but this time? How could he not know what Malon meant by her dowry?

"Yeah," Link laughed. "They're a nice bunch over there at Lon Lon."

"I see," Zelda replied. Link was oblivious to her expression.

"Then there's Ruto. She's the same as ever. I went to see her and she keeps talking about the Zora's engagement ring. Her father says things to me about it sometimes that I just can't make sense of. I guess royalty just talk over my head sometimes."

Zelda tried not to scowl. She found Ruto very endearing, but it was no secret she planned on making Link her husband.

"You went to see all three of them before coming here?"

"Sure," Link replied.

Zelda nodded without replying. Despite herself, she was now very upset.
This was what confused Link so. Zelda was usually warm and friendly, then immediately she could become distant and almost cold.

Had he done something wrong? No, he thought. She simply doesn't feel that way for me… he sighed.

"What have you been up to lately?" he asked, trying to get her attention back.

Zelda broke out of her trance. "What?"

"What you have been up to lately?"

"Oh, nothing much, just continuing my campaign to formally ally with the other peoples of Hyrule," Zelda was painfully aware of how lack-luster her response was compared to all he had done in the past months.

"That's wonderful," Link replied, always gracious.

"My father doesn't think so," she sighed.

"I think it's great. If you can get the people to stand together we can avoid another war like the one that your father led at the time we were born. So many unneeded deaths," he shook his head sadly.

"That war was not his fault," Zelda said defensively. "That war was the result of discord and anarchy among all the races of Hyrule. It was because of his leadership that the fighting finally ended."

"Not before millions had been killed," Link replied more harshly than he meant to.

"My father couldn't help that!"

"Neither could my father, or my mother: and that war killed them both!"

Zelda looked like she had been slapped. "I'm sorry, Link. I didn't know…" There was so much he had never told her. She always wished he would, but he always remained very guarded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way," Link looked embarrassed. Still, he was constantly amazed at the amount of loyalty Zelda harbored for the father that treated her with such apathy. It was a long while before either spoke again.

"Does your father know you're here?" Link asked finally, already knowing the answer.

"No. He would be furious if he knew, but I can vanish and reappear instantaneously," she said slyly. "He cannot stop me."

"Are you sure you want to risk making him mad?" Link asked sardonically.

"He's always upset with me anyway. It doesn't really matter," Zelda shrugged sadly, stung by Link's tone. It was very unlike him to speak to her this way.

"Then why do you defend him?" Link shot out.

Immediately Zelda's shields went up. "He's my father! He's just trying to keep me safe."

"Safe from what?"

Zelda didn't answer.

"I see," Link was genuinely upset now.

"Let's not talk about him. Let's go into town," Zelda suggested, once again trying to sound calm and casual. "We can go visit the shops or go bombachu bowling."

"Why, so you can show, once again, that you're better than me?" Link was fuming.

Zelda looked at him with confusion. "What? No…" she said adamantly. "Link, what is the matter?"

"Nothing. Let's go," Link turned and tromped out the courtyard and into the market. He didn't want to face the people, but he didn't want Zelda to know.
It frustrated Zelda so. Link could talk for hours about his adventures, but when it came to himself- to anything deeper- he shut off completely. She never could tell what he was really thinking. She didn't pry, though. She didn't want to be a bother.

"I haven't been to town since you were last here for the New Year festival last year," she commented as they walked. The warm, nearly spring air was still and calm. The sun was shining in the clear sky as brightly as it could. Hyrule market was in full bloom in the early afternoon hours. Zelda and Link immediately became immersed in the crowd as they meandered slowly through the market. Link slowly became aware that they were getting more than a few stares and points.

Zelda didn't notice. She had taken out a small velvet pouch and was searching for an opportunity. Link knew immediately what she was planning.

One of Zelda's favorite things to do was a little trick she called, "drop pocketing". Unlike pick pocketing, where one sneakily takes valuables from someone's pocket, drop pocketing involves putting money into someone's pocket, pack or purse without them knowing. Zelda's training in the stealth arts of the Sheika made this activity extremely simple.

Link knew what she was doing as she passed through the crowd. They passed close to a small girl who was making her way to a merchant's cart. Zelda and Link continued past them a little ways, then turned back to watch.

Link smiled as he saw the girl, and what appeared to be her little brother, stop at a food cart nearby. They were dressed in modest clothing, slightly worn and weathered looking. They looked thin and hungry. The little boy was gazing at the food cart as his sister pulled out her small money pouch. She was shaking her head despondently at her brother, but as she poured the contents of the purse into her hands her eyes widened in shock. Purple and red rupees spilled out in abundance. She looked around in awe, but, as no other solution seemed to come to mind, a large smile broke over her face. The little boy was nearly bursting now as his sister happily and used one of the rupees to purchase food for the two of them.

Zelda smiled and Link did too. This was one of Zelda's favorite games to play when she came into town.

Link loved her gentle compassion. He never saw her happier then when she was helping her people. He felt a strange tingling sensation come over him as he gazed at her now, her hair shining like gold in the sunshine, her eyes so bright….

After a moment they continued on through town.

"Do you miss Hyrule when you are away for so long?" Zelda asked, trying to break the silence between them. Link kept glancing about nervously, and acting strangely tense.

"I-"

SPLAT. Zelda turned to Link and her expression filled with horror. Red juice was dripping down Link's cheek. He put his hand to his face and wiped away a smashed clump of fruit, completely bewildered. SPLAT. From somewhere another piece of fruit came flying, hitting him strait in the left eye.

The crowd immediately broke into riotous laughter. A circle seemed to have formed around Zelda and Link as the crowd jeered.

Link wiped the mess off once more, his eyes flaming.

"Some hero you are!" someone called.

"Have you come to save us?" another laughed.

"Get out of here, and stay away from our Princess!"

Link pulled out his sword, but Zelda put a hand on his arm, "Link, don't," she whispered, then she turned to the crowd.

"Silence!" she demanded loudly.

"Princess!" someone called as the recognized her. Immediately a hush fell over the crowd.

"Princess, you should not be with him, he is a-"

"There will me no rioting in these streets. Rabblerousing will not be tolerated, nor will the harassment of one of my subjects!" Zelda was livid. "I demand that the person responsible for this stand forward."

In the commotion several palace guards had joined the crowd.

No one admitted guilt.

"But, Your Highness, that is Link. He's a no account liar. And-"

"Enough! I know who he is."

"Why do you tolerate his lies about you, Princess?"

"Link has never lied about me."

"We have heard that you believe he is a hero- that he saved Hyrule. We all know it isn't true. He's making a fool of you, Princess."

"Link has never spoken one word against me. Everything you have heard is true. Link deserves your esteem, not your condemnation."

"Link!?" the guards had made their way to Zelda and Link at this point. "You, Sir," he sneered, "are not to come anywhere near the Princess!" The guard growled and grabbed a handful of Link's shirt. With a swift jerk the guard pulled Link close then pushed him away with all his might. Link flew, landing painfully hard on the stony walkway. As he lay there, stunned, another piece of fruit came sailing through the air, hitting him in the back of the head.

"Stop it!" Zelda screamed.

A guard grabbed her arm and held her still.

"I am sorry princess, but I am under strict orders from the King. That scum is not allowed to be near you, and you are not allowed out of the castle."

"Let go of me!" Zelda demanded.

"Escort her back to the castle," the guard ordered one of his companions, then he turned to Link who was getting angrily to his feet. The crowd was jeering once more, screaming horrible insults and threats. "You," the guard called to him, "remove yourself from this town or you will be removed. You are not welcome here!"

Eyes blazing, face burning with shame and devoid of even a scrap of dignity Link gave Zelda one last mournful look, turned and marched out toward the gate.

"Come with us, Princess," the guard holding her arm said as he started to walk, pulling gently on her.

"No," she said with ever bit of power she could muster. Before the guard could turn his head she was gone, nothing but vapor left in her wake.

"Link!" Zelda called as she ran through the great drawbridge and out into Hyrule field where Link's figure could be seen walking away: his shoulders hunched and his fists clenched. "Link, wait!"

"Why!" Link turned suddenly, more upset than Zelda had ever seen him. "So I they can laugh at me? So they can throw something else? So they can humiliate me even more?"

"Link," Zelda said softly. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was like this for you. I knew they didn't believe, but… I never wanted this to happen!" she burst out defensively. "I never intended to tell all of Hyrule about this. When my father found out about the book- his guards started spreading rumors, and before I knew it everything was completely out of hand. I never wanted to do this to you. I'm sorry."

"It isn't your fault," Link was slightly calmer now. "I know you didn't mean for this to happen."

"I've never denied you," Zelda said. "They think I'm crazy. They think I'm bewitched. I've never denied what happened. I've always defended you."

"I'm grateful to you, but I wish you wouldn't. You don't have to do that. Right now I am the enemy in their eyes. You don't need to protect me and risk your own reputation. I'm not worth that."

"The truth is always worth it," she replied strongly. "Always. I don't care what they say. I just never knew how truly bad it has become, until know."

Link did not respond. Zelda could see everything so clearly now: how much Link was suffering. "Is this why you leave Hyrule- why you journey so far? Is this why you won't stay?"

Link still could not answer. The reason he could not answer was the same reason he fled from her presence time after time.

How could he possibly tell her what he wanted to say?

He was worthless beside her and he knew it. The entire town knew it. All of Hyrule knew it. Her father knew it. She must know it too.

He could never tell how she felt about him. He had never allowed himself to entertain the thought that she felt about him the way he felt about her. The only answer he could come up with was that she was bound to him by a debt of gratitude.

He didn't want her pity. He didn't want to make a burden of himself.

It wasn't fair to her.

It wasn't fair to him.

When he was near her it was unbearable. The idea that he could be standing inches from her and yet be so far away was excruciating. He knew they could never be together. Her father would never allow it.

Her father… Link knew that every time Zelda made an effort to meet him it was putting her in jeopardy with her father. He didn't want to make her suffer for his sake. Leaving was the only option. It was the only truly kind thing to do.

He had decided that it was time to break away from his fantasy. Too much stood in his way. He had loved her since he had first met her, and yet it could never be. He couldn't stay near her, for every moment of it was agony.

Now, with the added humiliation every time he showed his face in the land he had given his life to save, he could no longer bear it.

At least when he was away it was only physical distance that separated them. That he could handle. He could handle monsters. He could handle danger. He could face death without flinching, but he couldn't face her anymore.

"I can't stay here anymore," he said finally. "I just can't."

"Link, you can't let them get to you."

Link flared up again. Zelda could see him debating in his mind whether to speak or not. In the end the words burst out. "Do you know what happened when I returned to Termina last year!? They greeted me with open arms, with thanks, with gratitude. They held a festival in my honor! They called me their hero!"

Link stopped, immediately regretting his loose tongue. "I didn't save Hyrule to be a hero," he said softly. "I didn't do it for fame."

"I know you didn't," Zelda whispered. "You did it because you love Hyrule, and you are a good person with a good heart."

"I did it for…" he trailed off, looking awkward. He couldn't say it. "I don't need a hero's welcome. I don't need fame and praise, but it is hard being hated for saving them. It was just nice to be appreciated, that's all."

"They are fools, Link: blind and ignorant," Zelda burst out in his silence. "They don't know what they're doing. They think they're protecting me," she threw up her arms in frustration.

"Protecting you!" he exclaimed, "I once thought that was my duty, and yet every time I turn around there is another person saying they are trying to protect you from me!"

"Well, they are wrong. They don't know the slightest thing about me or what I need. None of them do. You're the only one who understands me. You're my best friend, and I don't care what anyone says."

"Maybe they're right."

"What?" Zelda sputtered.

"What good am I to you? The only thing I am good at is slashing my blade and killing monsters. You live safely in a castle. Hyrule is peaceful. You have already been saved."

"Link-"

"Maybe they're right," Link repeated. He stared at Zelda deeply for a moment longer, then he turned and walked away. "You don't need me anymore."

"What are you saying, of course I do!" Zelda exclaimed more emphatically than she had anticipated.

Link looked surprised, but he did not stop.

"Where are you going?" Zelda grabbed his arm and asked earnestly.

"Where I can be of use," he shrugged her off and hurried ahead. After a few steps he stopped and turned back to her. "Goodbye, Princess."

"Link!" Zelda called after him. "Link!" but he would not stop. "You can't go; the New Year festival is tomorrow. You made me a promise that you said you'd never break."

Link stopped, but he did not turn, "I won't break my promise." He would say no more as he walked away, leaving her alone.

Even with his final reassurance Zelda was not sure that Link would come. The day before Link had left on his search for Navi five years earlier he had made Zelda a promise. He had sworn to her than no matter where he went or what he did he would always come back for the New Year festival and the start of spring: and he had lived by that promise.

Now she was not sure he would.

The New Year celebration was held at Lake Hylia this year, hosted by the Zora. Not even sure she wanted to go, Zelda had arrived expecting disappointment.

The Zora had spared no expense. They had fishing competitions and games set up, diving challenges, dancing scarecrows, underwater obstacle courses and fun of all kinds. The laboratory scientist had even joined in, making exciting potions and concoctions which he was using to entertain the children. Every few minutes a great boom and a flash of colorful smoke would explode in front of the laboratory and the crowd of children would cheer.

Zelda was enjoying herself very little, though. Everything reminded her of the fun she and Link could be having. The sound of the laughter of the people around her made her angry. It was their fault Link left her time and time again.

As midnight approached she had nearly lost hope. Dismayed, she made her way across the bridge to the island in the middle of the lake. She had once met Link there, in the guise of sheik, and helped him in his quest to enter the water temple.

She shook her head, trying to forget. She didn't want to think about that anymore.

She made her way to the great tree on the island and leaned against the trunk, waiting for midnight to strike. Sighing, she wished it would all end so she could go home.

Immediately as that thought struck her someone took hold of her and pulled her behind the tree. She found herself staring into Link's face.

"I told you I would come," he smiled.

"Link," she exclaimed, her eyes dancing in the moonlight.

"I've only come just for a few minutes, then I have to be on my way."

"Do you really?"

"Yes."

"You won't stay?"

"No," he didn't hesitate. "There's nothing for me here."

"Nothing?" she said softly.

He hesitated, then replied bluntly. "Nothing."

Zelda's eyes fell to the ground.

She gave up and flopped onto the grass. Link followed suit.

Together they watched the Goron's patented firework display, its beauty amplified as the swirls of light exploded and reflected on the glassy surface of the lake. As the last one died out Link took out his Ocarina.

Zelda was through protesting. She knew it would do no good, but watching him leave was almost too much to take.

"I have to go before anyone sees me," he said.

"You'll be back soon, won't you?"

"As soon as I can," he replied. He had fooled neither Zelda nor himself with his answer.

"You will keep your promise…?"

"I won't break my promise," he assured her. He brought his Ocarina to his lips and played a few haunting notes. Before the tune ended he had vanished in a swirl of light.

Zelda felt a familiar empty feeling come over her as she turned to find Impa. Now she just wanted to go home.

"Together they watched the Goron's patented firework display, its beauty amplified as the swirls of light exploded and reflected on the glassy surface of the lake."

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