Author's Note: As I mentioned before, this is a post-OoT story WITH SPOILERS. You can even consider this as an extended ending adaptation of OoT. I know I lot of you fans got their hands on the 'cube version of The Ocarina of Time/Master Quest. So this note is especially for you guys: read this fic only if you've finished the game!

I'm using the lyrics of 'Somewhere I Belong' by Linkin Park, and 'Right Here Waiting' by Richard Marx in conjunction with this fic.

Disclaimer: Nintendo owns "The Legend of Zelda".

"Somewhere I Belong" is owned, written, and composed by Linkin Park.

"Right Here Waiting" is owned, written, and composed by Richard Marx.


Legend:

[Times New Roman]...... means third person counter perspective.

Times New Roman.... indicates song lyrics.

Times New Roman....means normal narrator perspective.



Prologue I: Master Memories

He sat alone in a wooden chair; a candle illuminated the room with its small, red flare. He was gazing at the ground emotionlessly, deep in thought; so deep that he could drown in his own world of memories and emotions, never to feel the world around him anymore.



I had nothing to say,

And I get lost in the nothingness inside of me (I was confused)


Why?

Why did I have to pull that damn sword and start all this?

Link remembered his first quest as a child. He had entered the temple of time, where that damn sword slept undisturbed. The sword of the evil’s bane, the Master blade, was the key to defeat evil, the only way to slay Ganondorf.

The magical sword was embedded in a pedestal at the center of the time chamber. Link remembered his child-self approaching the sleeping sword slowly as thoughts circulated in his mind:

[I can’t do it…the fate of Hyrule lies beneath my hands…I’m only a child…what can a child like me possibly do?

He stopped in his tracks, looking at the remarkable sword, and then lowered his head to face the marbled ground.

Be brave Link. You’ve gone far enough into this quest by collecting the magical stones and helping the tribes of Hyrule…you can’t stop now.

He lifted his head, gazing at the resting blade again, and started walking towards it once more.

Why me? I’m just a Kokiri boy with no parents…this is too much for me…what if something happens to me? What if I wasn’t the chosen one? All I’m doing is letting Hyrule down by trying…Letting Zelda down…

He stopped again, picturing princess Zelda in his thoughts. She was a beautiful girl indeed; her silky golden hair, her smooth pink skin, and her azure-blue eyes…everything in her was just stunning. He liked her…he loved her. He was confused; he didn’t exactly realize his feelings for her until now.

Does she love me too?

He dashed to the embedded sword, until he found himself face-to-face with its crystal blue hilt. The blade almost surpassed the height of the green-clad child.

If I don’t try, I’ll let people down…I’ll let Zelda down. She’s counting on me…that frightened look she gave me while getting away from that strange desert man…she knew that I was her only hope…I have to try…

The lad continued to gaze at the hilt. He almost thought that this sword had eyes. Suddenly, he broke his stare and looked over his shoulder as he heard a tinkling sound.

It was his guardian fairy.

A pink glow with wings tinkled again as she flew around in circles, sparkles of fairy dust trailing her. Navi was the fairy’s name. She flew to Link’s pointed ear and whispered in a gentle, feminine voice, “No matter what happens, I’ll always be here with you.”

Navi was not only his guardian fairy; she was also his true friend. Those words she whispered echoed in Link’s mind. They were words of love no doubt. Link wondered if she really cared about him this way…if his fairy really did love him.

I’ll do this for all the people who love me!

He brushed his thoughts away as he nodded to her, turning away and facing the Master Sword. Gripping the hilt with his two hands, he pulled with all his might. To his surprise, the blade slid out of the pedestal easily. The swishing sound of the sword echoed throughout the temple of time as Link and his fairy were engulfed by a blue aura, which disappeared in a matter of seconds.]

Prologue II: Breaking Up

In an abyss above the clouds, a couple floated…and a parting was taking place…the words ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Sorry’ were not said, for these seemed to be the hardest words in this sad farewell.

Link outstretched his arm, revealing a crystal-blue ocarina resting on the palm of his gloved hand. Zelda placed her palm upon the ocarina and took it from him. Instantaneously, the pale princess clutched his palm with her free hand. They gazed at each other’s azure eyes in silence as their fingers clasped briefly - only beyond the second joints of their fingers did their skins touch, since the dashing hero was wearing leather car-gloves. Link almost melted on her touch; he couldn’t believe how smooth and silky her hand was. He wanted to hold her forever…but sadly, all good things must come to an end.

Little by little their clasp weakened as she walked backwards step by step, until they stood apart…

Her arm was still wide open, as if she begged him to pull her back…to clasp her fingers one last time.

Her azure eyes were still locked on him, noticing his tears…his sadness.

Her feet were still carrying her away, making her more distant from him.

She stopped, shifting her gaze towards the magical wind instrument. Shutting her eyelids tightly, she reluctantly placed the ocarina between her lips, tears flowing freely on her cheeks.

It was now or never…

She loosened her eyelids, while still keeping them shut, and started playing her most treasured melody - As the charming notes of Zelda’s lullaby echoed around the lifeless void, momentarily filling it with vigor and meaning, a golden aura surrounded the green-clad man…and she just stood there like a statue, petrified, her eyes still closed.

She released the ocarina from her lips and opened her eyes slowly, only to see nothing; he was gone. And yet, she could hear his voice calling her name. Why now? Why hadn’t he spoken to her when he was here?

His voice reverberated, and she couldn’t stand the torment anymore…she yelled his name with all the power she had left.

“Liiiiiiiiink!”

Sinking down to her knees, she covered her red, tear-stained face, and sobbed.

“…L-L-ink,” she rasped between the sobs. “Goodbye…I’m sorry.”

Too late…

She had to do it; she had to send Link back, for she was responsible for the loss of his childhood. She stole his life, and now she would do anything to give it back to him, even if love’s the cost…even if she had to lose him in the process.

Little did she know that she had stolen something else from the baby-faced blonde; she had stolen his heart.





Oceans apart, day after day,

And I slowly go insane,

I hear your voice on the line,

But it doesn’t stop the pain.

Part 1: A Hero’s Curse and Treasured Recollections – Which is Heavier?



I was a fool, a fool to think that things would get better, but as a matter of a fact, things got worse…for me.

Ganondorf tricked me…Awaking the Master Sword from its eternal slumber opened the gate to the Sacred Realm, where the golden relic rested in peace - the legendary Triforce…

…And I was the one who led the way for the desert man.

I woke up seven years after, only to find that Ganondorf had taken over Hyrule and imprisoned the Seven Sages. I was a child’s soul streaming through the veins of a man’s body. I was someone I didn’t want to be.



And I live it all out to find,

But I’m not the only person with these things in mind (inside of me).


I fought, I fought with all my might to end this charade; my childhood was what I wanted…I wanted my life back.

I was so close, so close to my goal, but she had to turn my life against me... I helped her, rescued her, and loved her from the bottom of my heart... What had I done to deserve this pain? Was this the curse of a hero, or a curse of many heroes that had donned upon me?

After defeating Ganon the tyrant, she had sent me back to my childhood, yes…but in the worst possible way. She played with time and erased all the events that had happened in my quest, and as a bonus, she erased me from existence…

I roamed around Hyrule; combed the fields, swam the rivers, climbed the mountains, and wandered the deserts. My happiness was darkened as I realized what she had done to me…

Nobody remembered me.



When all the vacancy the words revealed

Is the only real thing that I got left to feel, (nothing to lose)?

Just stuck, hollow and alone, and the fault is my own and the fault is my own.


Malon, the redheaded ranch girl, didn’t remember me. But Epona, my faithful steed that helped me in my quest, amazingly did. I was happy…at least she remembered me. The astonished Malon was so kind as to lend me the horse once more, even though she didn’t remember me. But apparently she trusted me, after looking into Epona’s eyes, into her soul.

[A beautiful singing voice had young Link memorized as he entered Lon Lon Ranch. He senselessly followed where his Elvin ears led him - to the corral.

There she was standing in the center of the corral, petting a young mare lovingly. So she was the one who was singing, Link thought calmly while approaching her. Such a nice voice Malon has.

History does indeed repeat itself; the first encounter of Link and Malon fourteen years ago -seven years forward, then seven years back again- in Link’s ‘alternate’ childhood was unfolding again. In fact, up to now, it was unfolding perfectly.

Link knew that Malon was the one singing; Link knew that she had such a nice voice, since he literally went through this encounter fourteen years back, so why was he playing dumb?

Link approached Malon and her youthful steed.

“Hey Malon,” he said, grabbing her attention.

“Howdy,” she answered in her hillbilly accent.

“Don’t you remember me? It’s me, Link.” He knew she wouldn’t remember; yet he gave it a shot.

“I’m afraid not. I don’t remember you…sorry,” she said with a smile.

“Not even…ugh…fairy boy?” He simply hated that ‘title’.

“No, not even that,” she giggled.

There was a moment of silence, as Link sighed and stared at her for a while.

“Um, Link, is something-”

“Don’t worry about it, I must’ve mixed you up with someone else,” he cut her off quickly.

“It’s okay,” she smiled. Another moment of silence followed.

“How did you know my-?”

“Met your father on my way in; he kept talking about you none-stop,” the blonde boy interrupted her yet again. But this time, he tried to come up with a grin.

“That’s my dad for you; always bragging about lill’ol’me,” she joked. “Pathetic, isn’t it?”

“Nah. I think it’s far from pathetic. It proves he loves you, and that’s what matters, eh?”

“Yeah, I reckon you’re right.” Silence…again.

“So what’s the horse’s name?” He knew its name.

“Epona, and it’s a she,” she answered, continuing to rub her affectionately.

“May I?” Link asked as he gestured.

“Oh, you mean pet her? I don’t recommend it; you see, Epona doesn’t like-”

Suddenly, Epona broke free from Malon’s soft grip, and walked towards Link. When she finally reached the confused lad, she started licking him on the face.

“Hey! Hey! Cut that out girl!” He laughed, trying to fend off Epona’s licking.

“-Strangers.” The ranch girl’s jaw hit the ground; she was thunderstruck.

The faithful steed stopped licking when the green-clad hero was able to scratch her behind the ears – Epona’s soft spot.

“Hey Malon, since Epona’s saddled up and all, can I ride her for just awhile?” Link asked.

The flabbergasted female nodded twice.

Thus, the cheerful champion hopped on top of Epona in a flash, and off they went.

A few laps later, Link returned Epona to the stable, where Malon waited patiently.

“Well, it’s been fun Malon, but I have to go,” Link said, as he turned his back on them, preparing to depart. He expected at least a farewell from Malon, but nothing came. The sudden stillness made him curious, so he turned back to face them…gazing at each other.

The puzzled Link stood his ground, observing quietly, though he couldn’t take it any longer – the situation was getting awkward, and he was getting impatient as the moments passed. He did what he had to do: clear his throat and break the silence.

Much to Link’s delight, Malon regained her senses…for a short while. Her chocolate-brown eyes were in a trance once more. But this time, she wasn’t staring into the jet-black eyes of Epona.

She was drowning in the ocean-blue eyes of Link.

The lad immediately felt the aftereffects of the adrenaline hormone; his heartbeat rate was at the speed of light, his stomach was filled with butterflies, his cheeks were red, his forehead was sweaty, and his mind was jumbled with thoughts.

Oh God, please don’t let it be that look.

She seemed to be getting closer.

O-kay, it’s official; it’s definitely that look.

And closer…

Oh no.

Even more closer…

She’s going to confess!

“Link,” she whispered.

She has a crush on me!

“Y-yes,” Link muttered.

“I-”

I’m doomed; she loves me…

“-Want you to take Epona.”

WHAT?! All this freaking out over nothing?! “Come again?”

“You heard me, I want you to take Epona.”

“That’s all?! For the love of God woman, you freaked me out! For a moment there, I thought you were going to confess your love!”

“I’m sorry. Guess I got a little too caught up with the moment,” she stammered, blushing furiously while backing up a few steps.

“Whoops, did I say that out loud?” the blonde boy asked dumbly, as he began scratching the back of his head.

“Look, Link, we’ve just met. But don’t you think we’re too young for this ‘lovey-dovey mumbo-jumbo’? I think you’re a very cut- I mean nice guy and all, but it’s just too early to start a relationship; after all we still have a whole lifetime left to know each other-”

Oh no, she’s giving me ‘the speech’. I just can’t take it…must…stop…her. Note to self, before I make a fool out of myself next time, remind me that I’m not seventeen anymore.

“Okay, okay Malon. I understand what you’re saying,” Link quickly interrupted.

“You do?”

“Yes. Now look, let’s start over and pretend that none of this ever happened, deal?” He grinned and extended his hand.

“Deal!” the redheaded ranch girl shook his hand excitedly. “So as I was saying, I want you to take Epona.”

“Are you serious?”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life. She’s happy with you, Link. And I want her to stay happy.”

“I don’t know what to say. I’m…honored to have her.”

“Well then, she’s all yours!” She smiled.

“Thank you, Malon. You don’t know how much this means to me,” said Link as he mounted the brown mare joyfully.

“You’re welcome, Link. But before you go, I have a question to ask.”

“Yes Malon?”

“Have you…met Epona before?”

The Hylian hero took a deep breath before answering. “Once upon a dream, Malon…once upon a dream.”

The cool late afternoon breeze puffed on his face as he rode off into the beautiful sunset, heading to his next destination – Kokiri Forest.]


Surprisingly, my Elvin Kokiri Brothers barely recognized me - hardly remembered, but remembered nonetheless.

I hadn’t see Navi since I was sent back. Even she, my best friend, had abandoned me…

[…Flash…Temple of Time…flash…The sound of the Master Sword slitting into the pedestal echoing…flash…Navi suddenly heading to the window, trying to fly out of the temple…flash…Young Link crying after her, but to no avail…flash…Link could hear another sound reverberating, fading away gradually as his fairy flies further and further away…flash…

The green clad lad could’ve sworn that…

…It was a weeping sound…

…Flash…]



Saria, my beautiful green-haired friend, was nowhere to be seen also. She was the Sage of Forest, and that title obviously meant a lot more to her than me. Memories of her started to haunt me…a tear rolled down my cheek…I dedicated that tear to my long lost childhood with her.

I remembered when Saria used to make breakfast for me. She was terrible in cooking, but I ate…just to see her smile, to see her green eyes brighten with joy.

I remembered when we used to play jokes on Mido. Boy, there was one time - we put honey on his pillow while he was sleeping. He tossed and turned, sticking most of his face and hair with the honey. He woke up mad, and I think he had to wash his hair for half an hour or something.

I remembered…the first time we kissed. It was that day when I was too scared to tell her that I was leaving - in this damn quest of saving Hyrule. Somehow, she knew that I was leaving. I felt sorry for her as she stared at me with her saddened emerald-green eyes, for I promised her not to leave her ever, and here I was breaking that promise. We both stood there on top of the wooden bridge leading to the outside world…speechless, motionless, just like rocks. I couldn’t take it anymore; tears started shading my eyes. She then did something I never expected in a million years; she pecked me on my lips. A few moments it lasted…then she backed away and I saw her…smiling… wiping away my tears of sadness. I couldn’t resist it…for I found myself pressing my lips against hers…a long passionate kiss it was; a moment I will never forget.

I hadn’t heard from the rest of the Sages either. I was alone in the world…I cried, I called, I begged… No, no one heeded the call of a hero. I was trapped in a never-ending void, depressed, shattered, and tired.



I wanna heal, I wanna feel, what I thought was never real,

I wanna let go of the pain I’ve felt so long (erase all the pain till it’s gone).



Indeed, this was the curse of a hero. I didn’t understand…the people I had saved turned their back on me.

And it was all her fault…

Hatred started to weaken my thoughts and emotions, as if there was poison flowing in my blood, consuming my body little by little. Zelda…augh! The mention of that name stabbed my heart…why had she done this to me? No wonder Hyrule castle was the only place I hadn't visited; to befriend or even face the person who literally stripped the life out of me was just preposterous!

This was too much pressure for a mere nine-year old. I was starting to go insane. I walked in circles inside my tree house as I started tearing at my belongings, wrathfully ripping them apart while screaming maniacally.

The pain I felt was overwhelming. Emotions blended, thoughts deepened, memories echoed…I was going to die from this ‘pain’. I curled up my body and lay down on the smooth lumber, mentally hurt…an injury that could take forever to overcome.

I cried and cried, still waiting for a reply to my distress signal, the call of a hero, and that was when I heard the soothing, yet deep voice of the protector…

Yes, it was the voice of the Deku Tree, protector of the forest and its inhabitants. Long have I waited for a hero to save a hero. It was happening at last, I was saved.

He told me to come to his lair right away. I responded with a mad dash out the door, followed by a dare-deviling jump from my tree to the ground.



I wanna heal, I wanna feel, like I’m close to something real,

I wanna find something I’ve wanted all along,

Somewhere I belong…