Epilogue

~Four years later~

~Link's POV~

After Nicole left, Zelda started rebuilding her kingdom. Everything is now at peace and we were able to repair the damages made to Castletown.

Zel and Sheik were married four months after she left, after most of Castletown had been cleaned up. I've never seen either of them look more happy. Zel wore a beautiful gown with yards of embroidered white fabric. She was gorgeous. Sheik didn't wear his scarf, the first day of many of its absence. But it was worth it to see his smile. He still wears it when he isn't needed as King of Hyrule. Even after four years he's still adapting to the whole "royalty" thing, and he hates having the guards follow him around everywhere. The only time he isn't being followed by them is when he's with me. As general of the Hylian Army (and not to mention Hero of Hyrule) I'm more than qualified to be his personal bodyguard. The people have finally accepted him as their king. In fact, they love him. Just like I thought they would.

It's been four years since my fight with Ganon. My life's changed pretty drastically, since I'm now called either the Hero of Hyrule or General Link. I moved in with Tanner when I was appointed a knight. But since he got married to his girlfriend, Elise, a year ago and moved out, I've had the house to myself. They're expecting a baby in a few months. I can't wait to be Uncle Link.

Mom and Dad finally got a house in Castletown, just like I know they've always wanted. Needless to say everyone was as overjoyed as us to see them alive and well. Dad's working as a blacksmith and Mom has a flower shop in the Bazaar. It's amazing to have them back in my life again. Dad and I argue every other day, and Mom is always complaining that I need to cut my hair or shave, but I love it. We're making up for 12 lost years.

Uncle Alac still lives in his cottage. He's started raising cuccos. I hate those things, but he seems to enjoy them, so I'm not complaining.

Nine months after I became a knight I became the youngest general in the history of Hyrule. General Mican had decided to retire and I was Sheik's first and only choice for the position. I love being the leader of Hyrule's Army. The feel of training new knights, having men from different countries bow to me, being called a hero. I love it. I'm pretty happy.

But even though I'm happy, there's still a big hole in my life. I miss Nicky like crazy. At 22, I'm the most eligible bachelor in Hyrule. All the girls fawn over me. It's actually pretty weird. They're all nice, of course, but they seem so... bland compared to Nicky.

I'm sitting in my living room listening to the fire. I drift in and out of sleep. It's around 1:00 in the morning, so I should be sleeping. But my dreams are invaded by Ganon. They have been for the last four years. Lately it's been getting better, this is the first night I've had the nightmares in the past month, but it used to be so much worse. I'd have them almost every night, and when I did I wouldn't be able to go back to bed. Now I can wake myself up and go back to bed with relative ease. But tonight's different, for some reason I just can't go back to sleep. Why did it have to be tonight? I have to meet with the Ambassador from Monzerat tomorrow to discuss the civil war in South Dayen. I kind of need to be awake for that.

I finally drift off, only to meet another nightmare. In this one, Ganon has my mother tied to an altar, about to sacrifice her. I try to run towards them, but the scene changes. I now stand at Sheik and Zel's wedding. Right before Sheik slips the ring on her finger, he's run through with a sword from nowhere. Zelda screams as he falls to his knees, choking on his own blood. Then the scene shifts again. Navi flutters in front of me.

"Well come on, dummy!" She yells. "Hurry!"

We hurry into the Pirates' Stronghold. There, Captain Salazar, with my blade protruding from his bloody chest. He holds up his sword, about to bring it down on Nicky. She stands motionless with blank eyes.

"Save me, Link. Be a hero." She whispers as Salazar rushes his sword at her.

I jerk awake in a cold sweat. I clutch Nicky's necklace and try to calm my breathing. I stare at the cold embers of the fire and take deep breaths. It was just a dream, I remind myself. Mom is probably asleep, Sheik and Zel are happily living in the castle, Navi's back in the forest, and Nicky is safe in her own world. I hate these dreams so much.

I check my clock. It's around 3:00. I might as well get ready for the meeting, even though it isn't for another five hours. I can tell I won't be able to get any more sleep. I think I'll go for a ride to pass the time.

I get up and change into my chain mail and green tunic. I fought hard to keep my tunic. They wanted me to change to a silver one, but in the end they agreed to let me keep it. The least they could do for the Hero of Hyrule. I pull on my pants, then my boots. After a few moments of debate I also try on my new cape. It's a deep blood-red color, with gold lining. It used to be purple, but I think the red suits me better. I strap on my sword and shield, then pull on my hat. I also fought for my hat to be part of the uniform, but I had to give in to wearing a helmet. I grab the Shadow Crystal, just as a safety precaution. Then I pick up the Ocarina of Time, step outside, and play Epona's Song. She comes running from the stable, excited at the thought of a late night ride. When the nightmares first started I would ride at night all the time, as if running away from them. It became something like a nighttime ritual, and Epona grew used to them. But now that the dreams are calming down I mostly sleep during the night. Tonight's an exception.

I walk over to her and stroke her hair. "Wanna go for a ride?" I whisper.

She neighs happily in response. I climb on her and we gallop down the road. We ride slowly and silently through Castletown until we reach the gates. There she bolts off and we fly through Hyrule Field. We weave in and out of the Lost Woods and jump over fences. The wind rushing at me seems to cut through my worries and lets me enjoy the ride. Before I know it, an hour has passed and we're at Lake Hylia. I smile as we come upon it. The Great Bridge of Hylia stands tall above us, and the lake sparkles with the light of dawn. We reach the lake and I hop off Epona to get a drink. As I sip the sweet water the light begins to change to a more goldish color. At first I think it's simply the sun coming over the mountains, but then I realize it's still too early for sunrise. I can still see the moon. At the same time my Triforce mark begins to burn. I think I know what's happening.

I lift my head to stare at the Triforce slowly spinning above the lake. I wait for a moment for something to happen then raise my eyebrow. The Triforce decides to just randomly float above Lake Hylia? I look back to Epona who stares at the Triforce as if in a trance. Seriously, what's going on?

The the Triforce explodes into a shower of color. Farore emerges from the rainbow waterfall, and I drop to one knee in a bow.

"Your Grace," I say reverently. I haven't seen her since the day I killed Ganon. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"

She smiles at me. "My Chosen. I am happy to see how far in life you have gotten. You are truly a great warrior, and an even greater man. But, you are unhappy?"

I look up in surprise. "Uhm, no, Your Grace, I'm quite happy. I couldn't ask for anything more. The life I'm living is like a fairytale I imagined as a child. I have everything I've ever wanted."

"Not quite everything." She says, eying Nicky's necklace. "My sisters and I have watched you and Nicole for the these four years. You both may be happy with your life, but there is a hole where the other should be. You are not as happy as you could be." I look at her questioningly. Does she think I don't know that? "My sisters and I have come to a conclusion." She continues. "We have decided to allow you contact, and access to each others' worlds."

I stare at her in surprise. What? After four years of forbidding us to see each other they're just all of a sudden saying that we can have unlimited visits?

"I know this seems sudden to you." She says, reading my mind. "But my sisters and I have mulled it over ever since you were parted. You love each other, it is obvious. Why should we get in the way of it? And you have faithfully served us for thousands of years, you deserve a happy ending. Yes, you were never meant to meet, but what is done is done. We can't make it any worse." The light seems to bend and two golden Triforce pendants materialize. She hands them to me. "One is for you to keep, the other is for Nicole. With it, you can travel to Nicole's world, and she can travel here. Just wish on the Triforce and it will transport you."

My head spins. "So you're saying... I can see her again. Right now?"

She pauses for a moment, as if listening to someone, then nods. "Yes. She is not currently home, but will be within the hour. I suggest you hurry if you wish to surprise her with your presence." She smiles, and then disappears into the light.

I'm shocked for a moment and can't function. I'm going to see Nicky again? We might actually have a chance at a future together? I smile and run over to Epona. "I'll be right back, wait here for a sec." I whisper. Then I clutch the Triforce pendant and make a wish on it.

Take me to Nicole.

The world explodes with gold and I'm taken away from the land of Hyrule.

~X~

I open my eyes to a small house. Although it's nothing like mine. It looks far more futuristic, with strange metal objects everywhere. It's clean and comfortable. I'm standing in what seems to be a living room, because there's a fireplace. But it's made of stone where mine is made out of wood. The couches are a chocolate-brown and look like soft leather. The floor is a lighter brown, and it's soft to my amazement. Like fur. A huge carpet. There's a huge black box on a brown wooden table. I wonder what that's for. Then I realize it must be a... what did she call it? Oh, yeah, a T.V. The walls are a cream color, and full of pictures. The artist must be the best in the world, because they're so life-like I expect them to pop out at me. I tentatively walk up to one and smile. It's Nicky. She's smiling with a boy a bit older than her, but with her same golden hair and blue eyes. I can only assume it's her brother. Many of them include Nicky and her friends and family. This has to be her house. I smile wider. It's her house.

I notice a rectangular container on the dinning table, and walk over to look at it. I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I'm on the cover. I have a serious expression, and on my other side is a portrait of a wolf. It looks exactly like me when I'm in wolf form. It reads: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. This must be one of the games Nicky told me about. I'm about to pick it up to examine it more when I hear a voice outside the front door. A familiar voice. I suck in a breath as she opens the door and steps inside.

~Normal POV~

I slide into the front seat of my car and breath in the cool morning air. Thank heavens that's over. I've been in Washington D.C. for a job interview for the last week, and I'm beat. It ends up that I didn't get the job, but at least I got to see all the sights. I stood face-to-face with the statue of Abe Lincoln and the Declaration, so it was worth it.

I finger the little Triforce on my keyring and sigh. It's been 4 years, and I miss Hyrule like crazy. Especially its hero. No amount of playing the games can give me the same feeling as being there, because I'm always reminded that it's just that: a game. The Link on the screen isn't the Link I fell for, Sheik is usually a girl, and Zelda is never quite like the one I met.

I never told anyone, not even my parents or Jason and Corri. But you can't blame me, they would've been a bit worried about me if I told them I'd just spent two and half months in a fictional land and fell in love with a video game character as he fought another video game character. If it sounds that crazy in my head, imagine what it would sound like out loud. I cried a bit the first weeks back, and Mom worried about me. I told her I was having trouble with a boy I liked at school, which wasn't completely lying.

I finished Dark Castle one month later. The goddesses were right, it was completely different from my experience. But it was a fun game. That version of Link is the one that I imagine wears my necklace.

I went on with my life, and a good life it is. I graduated from high school and am now attending college. I share an apartment with Corri downtown from the school. Her dad's the CEO of his own company, so they're kind of loaded. He didn't want us stuck in a tiny dorm, so he bought us our own apartment 5 minutes away from the school and right across the street from what is, in our opinion, the best restaurant in the world. But right now is Christmas vacation (though you wouldn't know since it's always so hot and sunny in California), so Corri is in New York with her parents. I'll be heading back home too, the minute I get back to the apartment and get some rest. David will be coming too, along with his fiancé McKenna. They got engaged about 2 months ago. I can't wait to have Kenna as a sister-in-law, she's amazing.

My phone jingles. I don't even have to look at the ID to know who it is. Her customized ringtone bounces cheerfully through the car. I answer with a smile.

"Sooo, how was it? Besides the fact that you didn't get the job," Corri's sunny voice rings out on the other end.

"Amazing. You should have come with me, you would've loved it." I start the car and maneuver my way out of the airport's parking lot.

"I'm sure I would've," She says. "You know, they don't know what they're missing out on, not hiring you. It's their loss."

I shrug. "Eh, it's okay. I'm over it."

"I still don't get why on earth they would make you fly all the way to D.C. to apply for a job that's 15 minutes from the apartment."

"Don't ask me. How's Jase doing?""

Her and Jason have been going strong since their first date in Junior year. He actually called me a few days ago and asked me if I knew her ring size, to which I screamed and crossed my heart that I would not utter a word to her.

"Fantabulous, of course." She says. "We all need to get together and do something to celebrate you not getting the job."

We continue to talk as I get closer and closer to home, laughing hysterically at things only we two would understand. Then Corri brings up a new topic. "So, I have this guy I want you to meet, he's a real cutie. I think you two would really like each other."

I bite my lip. "Um, Corri, I don't know..."

"Oh come on Nicky! You guys have so much in common, it's like a match made in Heaven."

It's not like I haven't dated other guys since Link, it's just that I've never really felt that same click again. I've even kissed other guys, but I never got those fireworks again. On every single date I've been on since Dark Castle all I can think about is how much I'd rather it be Link on the other side of the table smiling at me. It sucks epically.

Corri understands my silence as a no. She sighs dramatically. "Fine, be that way. You're gonna end up to be that old woman with 50 cats who dies alone."

"Corri, I don't even like cats."

"Then you'll have 50 dogs. Jeez, whatever that guy did to you in high school must've been pretty bad since you've sworn off men."

Actually it was just the opposite. "I haven't sworn off men, it's just that... I'm not interested in dating right now."

"Whatever Nicky, but don't come crying to me when you find out that this guy, Alex, is your soul mate and you let him slip right through your fingers."

I pull into our parking space and snort. "I won't, promise."

"Well then, I guess I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Huh? What do you mean? Aren't you in New York?"

"Nope, I'm here eating at Suzy's Restaurant. Mom and Dad had to take a last-minute business trip to Las Vegas, and I'd rather be here than rattling around their house with nothing to do."

"Who takes a business trip to Las Vegas?" I laugh.

"I don't even know. You think your folks'll let little ol' me hang around until Mom and Dad get back? They'll get home before Christmas, so I won't be there too long."

I roll my eyes as I get out of the car. "What kind of question is that? Of course they'd be happy to have you over."

"Sweet, thanks darlin'. I'll be there in a few minutes, I'm almost done. Then we can start packing. Goody!"

I pull my keys out of my pocket and unlock the door. I throw my bags inside and head for the kitchen to get something to eat. "I'm starving, that airline food was awful."

Corri snorts. "You're just noticing this?"

"And don't get me started on the guy sitting next to me. He spent the whole night muttering in his sleep about Batman. And he drooled."

Corri busts up laughing. "That's hilarious, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, I survived." I say as I pour some orange juice.

"Now I better not come home to find you playing Zelda," She warns.

"Says the girl who spent one entire afternoon playing the Captain America game."

"Hey, did you see how life-like that thing was? You could see the ripples in his muscles as he fought." She says dreamily.

"Oh, brother. What'll Jason say?" Then I turn around. I start at the sight before me and drop my glass. It shatters on the floor.

"Yikes, what was that?" Corri asks on the phone, but I'm not listening.

There's a man in my house.

I don't know him, or how he got in here, and I'm a little freaked out. I'm about to throw things at him and demand he gets out of my house before I call the police when I really get a good look at him. Oh gosh, he looks familiar. He's good-looking and wears medieval clothing with a wicked looking sword on his back, which is a bit creepy. He has blond hair with bangs that just miss falling into his eyes. His eyes. That's what I recognize most about him. I've seen those blue eyes somewhere before.

"Nicky?" Corri asks, sounding worried now.

"Nicky?" The man asks as if he can't believe it's me. His voice is familiar too. That's when I realize who he is. I see him almost every night in my dreams and nightmares.

"Nicky, are you okay? Is there someone there with you?" Corri asks on the phone.

I shake my head. "Yeah, no, I'm fine. Just turned on the T.V. See you in a sec." I end the call before she can say anything else.

I stare at the man in front of me in shock. "Link?" I ask incredulously.

"Uh, yeah. It's me." He replies. We just stand there for a moment staring at each other. He looks so different, and yet so much the same. He's older obviously. His outfit is different, that's one of the main things that threw me off. It's more official than his usual green attire, though he still has on the tunic. He seems a bit more muscular, and tanner. I don't know why I didn't recognize him right away, though. Maybe it's the fact that it's impossible that he's here.

"W-what are you doing here?" I stammer.

"The goddesses granted us access to each others' worlds." He says. "They realized that we missed each other and that after saving Hyrule multiple times I've gained the right to have what I want for once." He smiles and holds up a necklace with a Triforce pendant. I notice he has one too, hooked around his throat right along with my necklace. He still wears it? "These allow us to go from this world to Hyrule. I get one and you get one too."

"Wait I'm confused." I say. This is impossible. Is this really happening?

"I think we both are." He replies.

"You mean, we can see each other again? I can go back to Hyrule and you can come here? Whenever we want?"

"Yeah."

"Wow,"

"Yeah,"

"About freaking time you got something you wanted."

"I know right?"

Finally, the shock wears away and I'm just happy to see him. I run over to him and tackle him in a hug. He's surprised, but it only takes him a moment to regain his balance and wrap his arms around me.

"I missed you so much." He whispers.

"I missed you too, a lot." I reach up and pull his lips to mine. Oh man, I missed kissing him. He smiles against my lips and twirls me around. I laugh and we kiss again. It's like an early Christmas present.

"What's up with the outfit?" I ask when we pull apart.

He tells me everything that's happened while I've been gone. I'm sad when I find out I missed Sheik and Zelda's wedding, but when he tells me that he's now the general of Hyrule's Army I can't help but grin. He totally deserves that. I tell him what's happened in my life too. College, job, homework. Lots of homework.

"Do you want milk, water or orange juice? Soda?" I ask looking in the fridge.

"What's soda?" Link asks from his seat at the island. I had him take off his sword and shield since it probably would freak Corri out when she gets home.

"I think you'll like it," I pour him a glass and hand it to him.

He looks at it suspiciously. "Why is it bubbling? That's not natural."

"Just drink it, it's good."

He takes a sip and nods in surprise. "Yeah, it is."

"If Sprite surprises you wait until you see everything else here." I pause. "I'm guessing you don't have a room at a hotel, huh?"

"What's that?"

"Yeah, I didn't think so... Well, I'm leaving for my parents in a couple of days for Christmas, they'd be happy to have you over too. They love having guests. Especially if that guest just so happens to be my boyfriend. Fair warning, they will grill you like a hamburger."

He smiles brightly. "I'd like that. Just one question."

"Yeah?"

"What's Christmas and a hamburger?"

I laugh. "Before we go, I need to get you educated on my world. And different cloths, you look like you're on your way to the Renaissance Fair." I lean across the island and kiss him.

"That sounds like fun," He whispers, and then kisses me back.

This was way better than playing the video game.

~~~THE END~~~

Hi everyone! I'm SO sad this is over! Thank you all soo much for your reviews, they made me feel like J.K. Rowling! Even though this is over, I'm starting other books too. Be sure to check out my profile for my other stories! Thanks again!

Sincerely,

~Kenzi333 :)