Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda, its characters and locations are all property of Nintendo. Any and all OCs and original locations belong to me unless specifically stated to belong to someone else.

Soul Remnants

Epilogue

The throne room was silent and shrouded in the half-light of the dying afternoon, already growing dark since the sun was hidden by the clouds, which covered up the ruined sky beyond like a lid. No candles, torches or gaslights had been lit today, nor had they for the past month. Thirty days of mourning had been imposed upon Lumina after the announcement of the King's death, and the throne room had been sealed off for the time being.

It was for that exact reason that Rial found himself there, standing by the windows that lined one of the walls, facing into the gardens behind the Royal Palace. Out there, a legion of black-clad nobles, officers, servants and a lucky few other commoners were gathered, watching as the silk-wrapped body of Victor was carried inside his family's crypt, to be laid to rest beside his father. Rial watched it too, feeling empty, trying not to remember the last moments he'd had with the late King of Lumina.

It was so unfair. Only a few seconds were afforded to them, and while they were some of the happiest seconds he'd ever experienced, it wasn't enough, and now he only felt cheated. By Fate, by the Goddesses, by everything.

Outside, the doors to the crypt were firmly locked and the gate lowered, ensuring that no one could break into the tomb. Then the never-ending parade of nobles who insisted on saying a few words about the deceased monarch began, and Rial was not surprised to see that Lady Ise, Patrician of Caldhaven, was first in line. Her speech was short and concise, it seemed, for her mouth only moved for about half a minute before she left the podium. Then came the opportunists who were out to make a good impression on the populace. They would definitely need it in the future.

For a moment, Rial wanted nothing more than to storm that damn podium and give a speech about Victor himself, but he knew that he would not find the words when the moment came. No, watching this from afar suited him just fine.

There was a change in the air in the throne room, and he suddenly knew that he was not alone. He did not turn, knowing there were only three people in Lumina City at the moment that could sneak up on him like that. He was curious about how they'd opened the door since he'd locked and barred it firmly behind him after breaking into the throne room.

"I had a feeling I would find you here," the intruder said, and the timbre of her voice was unmistakeable. Princess Zelda came to stand beside him, wearing simple mourner's robes. "Shouldn't you be out there?" she asked. "First in line?"

Rial smiled wryly. "I was politely asked to stay away. Apparently, there are certain factions within the populace who still believe that I started the civil war along with my aunt and that we only converted to fighting for the King in the latter stages of the war. My appearance at Victor's funeral would be in poor taste, according to them."

"I'm sorry, general," the princess said, sounding earnest. "I cannot believe they treat you like this, after everything you've done."

"Say what you will about Feror...or Rehm, as he was at the time, but he was damn good about spreading lies and disinformation," he replied, shaking his head slightly. "Brainwashed half the country into hating me and those who fought for me from the beginning. Not that it matters, really. I said my goodbyes to Victor when he was still alive...and on the airship. I'd rather not be surrounded by the false sentiments you can be damn sure they're exhibiting down there. Bunch of hypocrites..."

The princess didn't say anything for a while, watching the proceedings below.

"What happens now?" she finally asked. "If the King had no heirs..."

"The noble family with the closest blood ties to Victor's house will be chosen to succeed him," Rial answered. "If none can be found, or there are several people with the same right to claim the throne, an election will be held. How they're going to do that and who will be eligible to vote, I have no idea, nor do I particularly care."

"How come?"

"I'm not planning on sticking around for long afterwards," he admitted. She was the first person to know; he'd made his decision the night before, after drinking more than his fair share of wine. He wanted to claim to have considered all details carefully, but truth be told he just wanted to get away, and it didn't matter to where. "They only need me to stay to keep the peace until after the new royal family is chosen, after which they will most likely force me into retirement with a very generous pension."

"Retire? But you're in your prime, and you have proven that Lumina needs people like you in its military," Zelda said, surprised.

"They don't trust me with the position, nor do they like what could happen if the election does not go well," he replied, shrugging. "I'm the only remaining general in the country, and there are very clear guidelines to the chain of command during times of war and martial law." When he'd found out, he'd nearly fainted. The princess was listening with interest. "When Eggard surrendered the city to our forces, I was, technically, within my rights to declare myself the supreme ruler of Lumina...at least until the war ended."

"So...for the two days between Victor's death and our return to the city, you were in charge of all of Lumina?" Zelda asked, smiling slightly. "That is...interesting."

"Mortifying, in my opinion," Rial said, chuckling. "If I'd known I would have demoted myself on the spot. I suppose they're afraid that I'll seize power if I disagree with the outcome of the election. A more ridiculous notion I will never hear."

"I don't think I've ever met a man so afraid of taking power," Zelda said, looking at him. "Some would laugh, but I find it admirable. It is easy to be seduced by it."

"I never wanted to be a general either," he said. "I was perfectly happy as a captain, and I would gladly have gone back to the rank once the war ended and Victor was rescued, but..." He sighed. "But here I am, High General of the Royal Army of Lumina. It makes me shudder just to think about it."

"I read or heard a quote by someone once," she said. "I cannot remember it exactly, but it was something about people having greatness thrust upon them rather than seizing it themselves. I'm tempted to think they were right."

"They can have it back, I don't want it," he said bitterly.

"You said you were leaving after the new royal family has been chosen?" Zelda said, quickly changing the subject. "Going home to your family?"

He laughed at that, but it was a hollow, humourless laugh, and it clearly made her uncomfortable, for which he felt slightly bad. "What remains of my family wants nothing to do with me," he told her.

"What?" she asked. "Why?"

"Rehm," he said simply. "They're part of the population who still believe that I'm a traitor. A very strongly worded letter was sent to me about family legacy, following my traitor aunt's footsteps and so on and so forth. I guess I could try and send a letter explaining things to them, but if they were willing to believe what Rehm told them to begin with I don't think it will help, so..."

"I'm sorry," the princess said again. "I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be rejected by one's own family..."

Not that she has any family left to be rejected by, Rial told himself, but kept his mouth from forming the words, feeling guilty. It wasn't her fault that his reputation had been so utterly ruined. He'd managed that perfectly fine on his own.

"I would do it all again, though, if it meant I could get a second chance to save him," he heard himself say.

"I have no doubt," she said, patting his shoulder. "Given any thoughts to where you will go when you leave?"

"Not really," he admitted. "I've never left Lumina, and I have no idea what awaits me out there. Maybe I will just travel for a while, see what I can find."

She nodded. "That certainly sounds like fun. You can ask Sheik and Link for ideas of where to go, as I hear they've visited quite a few places after the war in Hyrule. Speaking of which, if you should ever decide to settle down again, there will always be a place for you in my kingdom."

He looked at her, surprised. She owed him nothing. If anything, he owed her more than he would ever be able to repay. She noticed his expression and chuckled.

"Surprised?"

"A bit," he said. "I'm not really of much use—"

"Most of my senior military officers were killed during the seven-year war, general," she said. "I've been trying to replenish the ranks since then, but experienced leaders are hard to come by, and many of the lower-ranking officers have turned down their commissions when I've offered them. I could use someone with your experience and skill set."

"Won't the people be suspicious of a human suddenly taking a high position of command in the Hyrulian army?"

"Not when I tell them exactly why I appoint you," she replied. "Given the current state of the world, they will gladly accept it. They also know that I do not trust easily, and I have no intention of allowing any of Rehm's lies to flourish within my own borders. My people will know your story and that you are an honourable man."

He felt overwhelmed by the offer and her support, and it was very tempting to take her up on it. "Thank you, but—"

"Like I said, you are always welcome in my kingdom," she repeated. "Take some time to think about it—years, if you must."

"Thank you," he said, suddenly speechless.

"You're welcome," she said, patting his shoulder once more and turning towards the door. "I should leave. My presence will be expected at the funeral, and I'm sure Tira is beside herself with worry looking for me."

"She doesn't know you're here?" he asked.

"I like to keep her on her toes," Zelda said, winking. "In more ways than one."

He blushed. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Certainly."

"How did you get in here? I locked the door and barred it."

She looked thoughtful, then pulled up the hood of her robes and covered the bottom half of her face with her hand. "Sheikah secrets," she said, laughing. As she unbarred and unlocked the door and left the throne room, Rial could definitely see the resemblance to Sheik in her disguise.

Smiling faintly to himself, he turned back to the funeral. He felt more...confident about the future now, though he knew he had many hardships left to face before he could leave it all behind. He spotted Princess Zelda emerging from the palace, closely followed by her bodyguard—who seemed to be fussing over the princess...or possibly scolding her—to join the service.

Taking a deep breath, he looked to the gated crypt, smiling softly.

"Goodbye, Victor. For real, this time."

"I still think this is a bad idea."

Lor's protests had fallen on deaf ears ever since they'd left Lumina City in the middle of the night, much to the former assassin's chagrin. He was all in favour of the idea of leaving Lumina behind, especially after receiving a threatening note from what remained of the assassin's guild, which said that vengeance would be visited upon him for his part in the burning of the guild hall in Ironhill, but he was more in favour of waiting until Ard had healed completely.

His arm was coming along just fine, especially after Lor had tried his hand at healing magic once more, but the collarbone had proven...difficult. In the end, Angen and Agneta had concluded that as long as they left it alone and Ard avoided physical exertion that could do more damage, he would be fine within another few weeks.

That was why they didn't gallop along the highway, but took it at a slow trot. They had left in the middle of the night, and it was late afternoon now. They had been slowed down a few times due to the highway being in a terrible state in several places. Feror's attempt at reforming the world had taken its toll, and they were seeing the effects almost everywhere.

Fissures and crevices had opened all over Lumina, some as large as canyons. Countless villages had burned in fires from the lightning strikes, and some had simply...disappeared, swallowed by the earth itself. The fine weather that had greeted them upon emerging from the Hall of Silence several weeks before had been a unique occurrence, it seemed, for the sky had been hidden from view ever since by yellow-grey clouds, and black rain filled with ashes had begun to fall intermittently, staining the places it fell. Whenever a break in the cloud layer appeared, there was no sunlight that filtered through. The sky beyond was a sickly green. Whatever Feror had done, the ramifications would be felt for a long time. They could only hope that the world would recover with time.

And yet here they were, on their way to the border. Ard had left behind a letter for Rial, which explained that they had left to find somewhere more tolerant of mages and warlocks than Lumina. Lor had wanted Ard to say goodbye to the general and the others in person, but the silver-haired teen had simply shaken his head and continued packing.

Personal grievances aside, it felt good to finally be on their way after discussing it for weeks. As they had told each other so many times, there really was nothing left for them in Lumina. The world-ending threat may have been defeated, but that would do nothing for the hatred for magic that Feror had sown for so long. There was no escaping it, and with the threat of the assassins looming over them, it only made sense.

Not to mention the fact that it felt like they were both moving on after the deaths of those they cared about. Lor would never forget Jeryd, and Ard would never forget Erd or General Riveth, but staying in Lumina would never allow those scars to heal.

They stopped by a river crossing and rested a while. Seeing no one nearby, Lor took the chance and used his magic to light a fire, and they had a very late lunch. No conversation took place. Lor had learned quickly that Ard only spoke these days if he absolutely had to. On the other hand, words were no longer needed.

Something had happened in the Hall of Silence. Combining their magic and skills to activate the Nexus had done something to both of them. It was like their powers had been...intertwined, and a strange sort of connection had formed between them. It was subtle—they could not read each other's minds or predict their actions, but they could...feel each other. It was like a comforting presence in the back of each other's minds, reassuring.

Whenever they used magic, even when separated by several rooms, they knew exactly which spell and how powerful it was.

Even better was the fact that now that their powers were apparently combined, so did their skills. Slowly. Ard was learning to control his magic far better than he could before, without any instruction, and Lor was able to draw much more energy than before. Ard was still like a beacon in that regard, but being able to unleash far more powerful spells felt wonderful.

Their skill with weaving magic wasn't the only thing affected by the connection either. Their relationship had changed. Suddenly, everything they did together felt a thousand times more intimate, and something as simple as a kiss could generate sparks between them, both literally and figuratively. Lor could only imagine what would happen once Ard had healed enough for them to do something more... He blushed at the mere thought.

Their eyes met by the fire, and the blush that was staining the visible parts of Ard's face behind the mask told Lor that he'd either been thinking the exact same thing...or sensing it through their bond. Grinning, Lor leaned over and gently yanked the mask down and planted an innocent kiss on Ard's cheek.

Back on their horses, they continued towards the border. It would take them at least a week or two to reach it, but what lay behind it was worth the hassle. The most important thing of all, in fact, for the two of them. Something they had been denied for as long as they could both remember.

Freedom.

"You saved her," Sheik said.

Kafei scowled, like he'd just been accused of an unsavoury crime. He ignored Elenwe's laughter. She tried to make it subtle, but after taking a look at his face it had turned into an outright cackle. He continued packing his equipment and weapons.

"I never thought I would see the day."

"It was an accident," Kafei said, glaring at Sheik. "I just wanted to be back on the offensive. The fact that she happened to be in his clutches at the time was a mere coincidence."

Sheik remained seated on the large shipping crate he'd perched himself on. He'd found them both in one of the many warehouses in Lumina City, getting ready to move on. He'd suspected that the two assassins would attempt to leave in the night sooner or later, like Ard and Lor, but he would not abide his cousin disappearing again without a proper farewell.

"Keep saying that," Sheik said, "but I know what I saw."

"And what was it you saw?" Elenwe asked, deciding that she was going to be of no help to her lover in this discussion.

"I saw Kafei the Sheikah hurling himself at a mad god to save Princess Zelda of Hyrule from his clutches." It was much too fun to see the conflicted anger on Kafei's face. "How does it feel, saving someone you claim to hate so much?"

"I don't hate her," Kafei said, removing his hood. Sheik was surprised to see that his cousin's hair had been cut short, and that Kafei had decided not to dye it anymore. Now the top of his head was a dark, golden blonde again, like it'd been back when they were both being trained by Impa. Kafei didn't notice the frown that grew on his cousin's face when his thoughts had turned to Impa, and continued speaking, "I just never liked her. You may have been content with your life's path being chosen for you before you were even born, but I wasn't, and she presumed far too much."

"She was a child," Sheik said quietly, trying to regroup. He'd been trying not to think about his aunt or the other Sages ever since they had returned from the Sacred Realm, and had been relatively successful up to now.

"No excuse," Kafei said. He scratched the scarred side of his face and turned to face Sheik. "What's the matter?"

"I just...thought of Impa," Sheik said.

"She'll be fine," Kafei said firmly. "You of all people should know that. They'll find a way to open the gate to our world again, sooner or later."

"I know," Sheik said, nodding. "It's just...difficult, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," his cousin replied. He said no more, disinterested in speaking of his aunt at any length. She may have allowed him to leave all those years ago, but it would never make up for the fact that she had murdered his parents. Still, at least there weren't any outright hostility to be heard from the elder Sheikah this time, neither about Zelda or Impa. It was a step forward, he supposed.

"Where will you go now?" Sheik asked after watching the two pack in silence for a few minutes. He'd hoped to be able to persuade them to come back to Hyrule, certain that Zelda would grant them amnesty, but now the thought seemed silly. Kafei was finished with Hyrule, and Elenwe seemed to have no desire to go there either.

"Wherever there are bad people in need of killing," Elenwe replied, grinning up at him. "We're going to be a bit more...careful about which contracts we take from now on, though. We'd rather not start another war."

"No royalty unless they are utter bastards," Kafei supplied.

"Preferably slavers and the like."

"I see," Sheik said. "Will you at least stay in contact?"

"I will write when I can," Kafei said, stopping to give his cousin a smile. "I have no intention of losing you again."

Sheik returned it, nodding. "I'll make sure Kaiza knows how to track you."

"Make sure she knows not to peck out my eyes as well, please. I'm rather fond of them."

They laughed, but it felt hollow. Sheik didn't want them to leave, didn't want his last blood relative in the world to disappear again. Yet, he didn't want to be selfish either. He knew Kafei would never be able to settle down in any traditional way, at least not for a long time, and especially not in Hyrule. He was simply too...well, damaged felt like a terrible term to use, but it seem to fit. At least Elenwe was with him to keep him grounded. Kafei was truly happy with her, and for that Sheik was grateful.

"There's something I've been meaning to say," Kafei said suddenly, fishing around in his pack for something. "I guess you're technically the head of the clan now, but you can't do on yourself, else it'll look stupid."

"What are you talking about?" Sheik asked, jumping down from the crate and stalking over to his cousin. Once he saw what Kafei had been looking for, he paused. It had been such a non-issue for so long that he'd forgotten about it, but seeing them now was a reminder that he was missing something very crucial in his role as a Sheikah.

Where Kafei had gotten the earrings from, he didn't know, but they did look to be of the right metals and sizes. There were three of them. One bronze, one silver and one gold.

"I guess it goes without saying that you've come of age and gone through your rite of passage as a true Sheikah," Kafei said, pointing at the bronze ring. "Great deeds...well, you've performed more than enough of them just in Hyrule, but I feel you've gone over and beyond the call of duty here in Lumina as well," he continued, indicating the silver ring. "And...with Impa being a Sage and myself having rejected the ways of our people, the burden of leadership falls to you, even if it's only symbolic at this point," he finished, picking up the golden ring. It shone in the lamplight. "So...which one would you like first?"

By the time they emerged from the warehouse several hours later and Elenwe and Kafei were saddling their horses, dawn was approaching. The layer of clouds was as thick as ever, and it looked to be yet another dull, cold day. Still, Sheik was beaming as they headed for one of the smaller city gates, leading the horses. His ears stung where Kafei had pierced them. The bronze and silver rings hung from his left while the gold one that denoted him as the current leader of the Sheikah hung from his right. He had almost resigned himself to never receiving the symbols given the state of their people, and had tried to convince himself that it didn't matter...but now that he had them, he finally felt...complete? He struggled to find the words to describe how he was feeling.

The time it took them to reach the gate was far too short, and Sheik found himself wishing he'd had more time with both of them. Kafei went ahead and cleared their exit with the guards, who opened the gate.

"Someone's happy," Elenwe noted, putting an arm around his shoulder, careful not to accidentally jangle his newly acquired ornaments and hugged him close. "Been wanting these for a while, huh?"

"More than I thought," Sheik admitted. "Gives me a sort of...closure, if that makes sense."

"I can see it that way, yes," the Gerudo said, kissing his cheek before mounting her horse, ignoring Kafei's attempt to help her up. She swung herself into the saddle with little difficulty, looking every bit as strong and full of grace even with her injuries and missing arm. "Hero's gonna love 'em, I think. They go well with the other jewellery," she said, referring to the ring on Sheik's finger. "When did he ask, anyway?"

"Just before we crashed, more or less," Sheik said, fastening one of her saddlebags while she did the other. "Seemed as good a time as any to accept, given how uncertain we were about our survival. He was quite awkward about it, but sweet."

"How cute," she said, smiling. "I can only hope my own proposal will match it." There was a pointed look aimed at the eldest Sheikah, which was promptly ignored in favour of something apparently very interesting in his pack. "Eh, maybe we'll do it the other way around."

Kafei finished fastening his bags and did one last check of their packs. Then he walked over to Sheik, and the two stared at each other for a little while, each studying and memorising the other's features. Neither of them knew when they'd see each other again, if they even would, and they wanted as much to remember them by as possible. Then they smiled and embraced each other tightly.

"Be safe out there," Sheik whispered.

"You too," Kafei whispered back. "Love you, cousin, despite everything."

"And I you."

They parted, and Kafei climbed into his saddle as Sheik stepped back to give them space.

"You take care of him, you hear?" Sheik told Elenwe. "Don't let him do anything stupid."

"I'll try," she said with a shrug. "Can't guarantee I'll be able to stop him every time, but I'll make sure to fish him out whatever trouble he gets himself into."

"That's all I ask," Sheik said, grinning.

"And I shall obey, oh great and wise Master of the Sheikah," Elenwe replied, saluting. "I could say the same to you about that Hero of yours. Take good care of him, he's one of a kind." She dug her heels into her mount's side. "See you around, Blondie!" With that she was speeding through the gate of Lumina City, kicking up dust and grey snow in her wake. The two cousins exchanged eye-rolling glances.

"Like she said," Kafei told him. "See you around, Sheik."

"See you around, Kafei."

He watched them through the gate until he could no longer make them out on the highway, and turned on his heels, heading back towards the palace. The place still showed signs of having been prepared for a siege, and the garrisons were still full of rebel soldiers, where they were intended to stay until Rial disbanded the army after the election. Still, it was relatively peaceful, even with increased traffic in the streets as vendors and merchants began to prepare for the day.

By some miracle, the city had been spared any of the destruction that had swept through large parts of Lumina. The only sign of trouble was a wide crevice that had opened in the plains to the north of the city. Otherwise nothing else had happened. No fires, no nothing.

It was nice to be able to walk through the streets again, remembering the last time he'd been there. He'd been a fugitive, accused of assassinating King Robar. They'd barely escaped, he and Link, and had gotten separated. Bad memories, which he tried to forget.

He arrived at the palace and entered the building directly across from it. The hotel still stood, and they'd been given the same room as last time. All the officers and dignitaries from Hyrule had been housed in the hotel after the palace had been closed once Victor's death was announced. It had been opened a few days before in order to proceed with the King's funeral, but closed afterwards. It would remain locked until a new royal family was chosen.

He climbed the stairs and stole inside his and Link's room. The Hero was snoring in the bed, and Sheik chuckled to himself as he undressed and climbed in, deciding that he could get a few hours of sleep in before they had to get up. He was freezing, he realised, and tried to keep to his side of the bed so he wouldn't disturb Link. No such luck, as the Hero stopped snoring and turned to face him, his arms snaking around Sheik and pulling him close. Link was so warm it felt like he had his back to a fire. He shivered as the Hero placed feather-light kisses along his shoulder and neck.

"They left?" his gruff voice, laced with sleep, asked.

"Yes," Sheik replied, feeling guilty for not informing Link. He hadn't even considered it at the moment, and now he just felt selfish.

"...wish I could've said goodbye," the Hero mumbled against throat.

"They were in a hurry," Sheik tried to explain, unable to keep himself from gasping and hissing when Link suddenly found the new earrings.

"What're these?" Link asked, the haze of sleep clearing up a little. "They're pretty."

"Kafei gave me them—ah," Sheik said, biting back a moan. His ears were so tender and sensitive, and it was painful and...surprisingly enjoyable at the same time when Link played with the rings. "Bronze for adulthood, silver for a great deed, gold for leadership. I am the clan leader now, after all."

"I see," Link said, leaning up so he could kiss Sheik on the lips. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Sheik said, smiling up at him. He was about to kiss Link when his body rebelled and decided that yawning was a far better use of his time, and his eyes suddenly felt very heavy. "Not to be a bore, but I'm tired," he said. "Can we—"

He was back to being spooned by Link before he could finish the sentence, and was slowly being warmed by Link's body heat. Yawning again, Sheik snuggled back against his husband (it still felt strange to refer to Link by that title) and closed his eyes, and quickly fell asleep.

For the first time since the Water Temple, his dreams were not haunted by shadows.

Zelda and her army were preparing to leave Lumina City and begin the long march home. The area around the main gate was pure chaos, with soldiers wandering everywhere and columns beginning to form. The inhabitants of the city unanimously celebrated their departure, though they were divided in half on whether or not they were thankful for Hyrule's interference in the war. There were no violent incidents, however, and there were many who came to see the soldiers off, thanking them for their efforts.

Zelda was overseeing the last preparations from atop the city walls, mentally noting that they were far fewer in number than when they had first stormed the border. It saddened her, knowing that so many had given their lives...but on the other hand, it had been for a worthy cause. What life is more honourable than one given to save the world?

"When are we leaving?"

She looked behind her, spotting Sheik and Link emerging from the staircase, both clad in simple travelling outfits. It was going to be a long ride, and the key to making it a pleasant trip was to wear comfortable clothes. She had put her role as princess aside that day and was wearing similar clothes herself, because why shouldn't she be comfortable too?

"An hour, perhaps," she said. "We are still waiting for a few stragglers in the city. There were celebrations last night, apparently, and quite a lot of ale and wine was consumed. I daresay a few of the whorehouses were raided as well." Tira, Link and Sheik all balked when said the word, to which she rolled her eyes. "I refuse to act the princess when we've got weeks and weeks of marching ahead of us, and that means I get to say things like that. I get to curse, too! Fu—"

"Okay, we get it!" Link interrupted her.

"We're just not used to hearing such language from you," Sheik said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. His earrings were very noticeable, even after having a full week to get used to seeing them on him. She was glad that Kafei had stepped up and given Sheik the recognition he deserved, even if there were only two Sheikah left in the world. She shook her head, trying to get her mind off the eldest Sheikah.

It was difficult, trying to bury the dislike and outright hatred she'd felt for Sheik's cousin for so many years. She could not blame him for leaving, especially not after learning the truth of his parents, but the near-death of Sheik...still unacceptable. She felt she showed great restraint when she did not point out to anyone that Kafei was the true assassin of King Robar, instead letting him go about his business and leave. It would have upset Sheik as well, if Kafei were arrested, so that was another point against the idea.

"Get used to it, then," she said, smiling at her two brothers before turning back to watching the preparations. The smile vanished soon after.

The people down there...none of them knew what had truly transpired a month and a half before, the night when the earth had opened up and lightning set fire to the world. Many seemed to think of it as freak weather, while others said the Goddesses were angry. Everyone agreed it had been horrifying, however, and that the entire world had been affected.

None of them can know, she thought. She was still feeling the effects of the revelations that had come to light during their conversation with Feror and Rauru, the knowledge that everything she had been taught about the Goddesses was wrong.

They were dead. Gone. Non-existent. Feror had now joined them, leaving the world with no gods of any kind to watch over it, alone and unprotected. If such knowledge became commonplace, chaos would break out. The assuring feeling of being protected by divine beings was a security many sought to, especially in these dark days of black rain and no sun. Scouts had been sent in all directions from Lumina, many reporting back that things looked just as bad in the neighbouring countries. People needed hope and assurance that they were being watched over now more than ever, and no matter how guilty she felt for hiding the truth, she had to endure it. The greater good was a term she was loath to use, but in this case it was the only right one to use. It truly was for the world's greater good that it went on believing that there were gods out there to protect them.

She did not wish to imagine how badly Hyrule had been hit. She would have to dispatch a carrier bird once they got underway.

She spotted Link's easily recognisable horse on the ground, along with Sheik's...and their offspring between them. "How is Epona and her family?" she asked, wanting to get her mind off the depressing subject.

"Just fine," Link said. "I'm not sure what Feror did, but that veil he put up to prevent the Sages from spying on him seemed to have affected the magic in Epona's Song as well. I think she couldn't hear it, and have been searching for us this whole year." He peered over the wall, smiling down at the horses. "I thought I'd never see her again."

They chatted about that for a while, waiting for the army below to get ready.

Sheik found himself staring up at the ugly clouds above them, wondering if they would ever clear up. He'd spoken with Jedistern a few days earlier as the man had prepared to go back to his workshop near Ironhill, and the engineer had theorised that the many fires that had burned all over the world that night had affected the weather to a very significant degree. He could not be sure, but he believed that, given time, it would clear up. Sheik hoped it would.

The memory of that night brought many images to his mind, but the one he'd been unable to forget lately was that of Speil, watching him forlornly as he went through the portal, leaving the Shadow stranded in the Sacred Realm with the Sages. If Speil had truly changed, as he claimed, then Sheik might one day be able to forgive him. If not...well, the Sages would surely take care of him. Still, that one mental image haunted him, and he found it difficult to not think about the Shadow at least a couple of times a day. Link wasn't happy about this at all, but he made an effort to understand why, and did not try to interfere or make him forget. Having saved the world, he supposed Speil had earned a few of his thoughts every now and then.

"Where are you going?" Zelda suddenly asked, having noticed his silence and lack of participation in the conversation.

"What?" he asked.

"When we leave," she clarified. "I am taking the army home to Hyrule, but I'm not sure what you two will be doing." When both of them looked uncertain, she laughed. "I've a good mind to lock you both in a tower to keep you out of trouble, but I have a feeling you'd just be grateful for the privacy, so my plan won't work." She was becoming proficient at making her adopted brothers blush these days, much to their annoyance. "So? Where are you heading? I can't make you go anywhere you don't to, after all."

Link and Sheik had discussed this earlier that week, and it had not lasted long.

"We're going back to Hyrule with you," Link said.

"We have been gone for a long time," Sheik added. "It would be nice to see home again."

"Maybe take a look at some of the drafts for the Sheikah manor I have had made?" she suggested. Sheik's expression turned sour immediately, much to her delight. House Sheikah was now a noble house in Hyrule, and it needed a seat for its head. Sheik hated her for doing that to him, but she was damn well going to do her part to preserve the heritage of his people, one way or another. "Come, Sheik, you will have to take a look sooner or later."

"Fine," he sighed.

"As for you," she said and turned to Tira, who suddenly looked panicked. "What are you going to do?"

"Princess?" the warrior asked. Did she think Zelda was going to send her away?

"Well, your appointment to my bodyguard was a bit of an improvised happening, as well as what happened after... I spoke with your captain a few days ago, and he says he misses your sword in his ranks. I told him that you had a choice to make concerning this, and I am giving it to you now: will you stay on as my bodyguard, or do you wish to go back to your friends in the infantry?"

It was unfair to put her on the spot like that, Zelda knew, but the princess wanted an answer straight away. She'd grown very attached to Tira, and if she wished to go back to the regular army and leave Zelda's side, then the princess wanted it over and done with as fast as possible to minimise the hurt.

To her credit, Tira simply took a look at the army, and then at her, and said "I have sworn to protect you with my life, and I will continue to do so...if you will have me."

"Of course," Zelda said, standing up on her toes to kiss Tira chastely on the lips. "Thank you."

"Am I interrupting something?"

They all turned as one and found Rial standing awkwardly by the stairwell, looking very uncomfortable.

"Not at all, general," Zelda assured him, giving Tira a smile that only enhanced the redness of her cheeks. "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing," he said. "I was just hoping to bid you proper farewell. I owe you a large debt of gratitude for helping us in the war."

"Well, technically, I came here for those two," she said, pointing at Sheik and Link. "I didn't come with the intention to fight in a civil war."

"Nevertheless, I am grateful, and so is Lumina, even if it doesn't seem like it. They'll realise it sooner or later. And that goes for the rest of you as well," he said, looking at the other three. "Without you, this war would most likely have gone very differently. If there is anything I can do to return the favour, ever, do not hesitate to let me know."

"As long as you promise to come to Hyrule when you judge the time to be right," Zelda reminded him. "We'll be waiting."

That farewell was short as well. Rial had never been a man of many words to begin with, so he simply shook their hands, kissed Zelda's and disappeared down the stairs again. Some time later, a horn was blown to signal that the army had finished assembling and was ready to move at any time.

They rode at the very front of the long, long column of soldiers and wagons, which took up the entirety of the highway, heading straight for the border. They were antsy, like they could not get out of Lumina fast enough. Or so it felt, anyway.

In his quarters, Rial picked up the letter from Ard, read through it again for the umpteenth time and put it down. He'd let the boy down, he knew, and the guilt would stay with him for the rest of his life. He was happy, though, for at least Ard had gotten away from Lumina now, and Lor was with him. If anyone could make it out all right, it was them. He wished them both long and happy lives.

There was a knock on his door. Angen and Agneta entered, carrying bottles of an indeterminate alcoholic beverage and a pack of cards. They spent the next few hours drinking, reminiscing and trying to fleece each other. It had become a tradition for them to do this at least once a week. It dulled the hurt that Rial felt whenever he was alone, allowing him to focus on the important things.

"So," Angen said, swaying slightly in his seat. "How'd that ship crash, anyway?"

"Long story," Rial told him. He was pleasantly absentminded at the moment.

"We've got time," Agneta said, shuffling the cards and dealing them out. "Now, let me show you the quickest way to get your opponents naked..."

It felt strange to set foot outside of Lumina again. It was like a weight had been lifted off Sheik's shoulders as they passed through the massive border gates and sat foot on the plains outside. The only thing in sight was the wide, open world as it opened before them. Even while scarred, it was beautiful, in Sheik's opinion. He and Link looked at each other, smiling. They had survived. A thousand words passed between them in that one look...and nothing needed to be said out loud.

"Come on, you two," Zelda said, some distance ahead of them. "Let's go home!"

The End

And there we are. Finished. Soul Remnants is finally finished. Over three years in the making, and ending on, if not a positive note, then at least a hopeful one. I would like to thank everyone who has been reading this story from the beginning and those who have jumped on since then. Thank you all for bearing with me on my admittedly slow progress, and thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. Without you this story would never have been finished!

I hope you enjoyed this epilogue, because I sure enjoyed writing it!

Until next time,

-Andy