With the crew finally all together, the pirate ship was at last set to sail off into the unknown. A favorable wind pushed the vessel along as the crew members gathered in a circle on the top deck. The veterans of the crew all stood in a circle surrounding the group's three younger members. The blonde haired, tan skinned pirate captain stood in the center with her arms crossed before two other boys her own age. One with blonde hair and dressed in the green Hero's clothes and the other with brown hair in a white button-down shirt. She gave each of them careful inspections as they did their best to stand up straight and look presentable.

"And what just what do we have here?" Tetra asked the pair with a smirk.

She first turned to Link who looked like he was starting to strain himself from puffing himself up so much.

"On the left here, we've got Link. Mr. Hero himself," Tetra announced to the others drawing some playful snickers, "With no prior sailing experience you're just the type that charges into everything without a second thought, yet he somehow gets every miracle he needs to stay alive and just keeps going until he gets what he needs. Kids like you are good in a pinch and make remarkable story telling material, but are also a major pain overall to have to work with."

Link's pose deflated slightly upon Tetra's somewhat harsh analysis as the other could only shrug with a sigh. He was still more used to this than the young hero was, and he knew what was coming next.

"And then on the right we have the bookworm Nick," Tetra continued while turning her attention to the other boy, "The encyclopedia. If there's a piece of info you need this is just the type of guy you want around to get it. However, we're on the high seas now. Not at one of your Hyrule history studies. Brains alone won't be enough to get you by on this ship. You're going to have to learn a thing or two about survival. You can't just go along hoping for everyone else to bail you out if you find yourself in a tight spot. Not only that, but over these past few days you've shown that you aren't completely immune to "heroic" impulses either."

Tetra then turned her back to the pair as they continued to stand in attentive silence

"Quite frankly I don't know which one of you is worse," Tetra added further before turning back around to face them again. This time, though, it was with a soft smile on her face, "However, one way or another, you're both part of this crew now and that means, as your captain, both of your lives are now as important to me as any pile of treasure. You've each got your share of problems like I just mentioned, but you've both got plenty of strong points too and it's now officially my job to find a way to get the most out of them. As much of a nuisance as it sounds like it's going to be part of me is actually looking forward to it. Either way we're crewmates now and I'm happy to have you both along for the ride. Welcome aboard you two."

The crew engaged in a friendly applause as Tetra wrapped up her welcome speech. Link had returned to his usual posture and was now rubbing the back of his head with a blush on his face as Nick simply chuckled and gave another shrug.

"Now listen up!" Tetra ordered to interrupt the cheering, "For the rest of the day I want each of you inspecting everything on the ship to ensure that everything is in top shape for this journey. There's no guarantee we'll be seeing land anytime soon so we can't afford even a single mistake, and as for Link and Nick, you two will be in charge of give this entire ship a good cleaning from top to bottom. As much as you've been through these past few days the fact is our ship's rules still have any new crew members start out as swabbies, and Niko, it'll be up to you to keep an eye on them. Go get them the tools they'll need to get the job done."

"Aye aye Captain!" Niko complied with a salute before heading off into the ship to get the necessary cleaning supplies

"The rest of you know what you're usually in charge of. Now get to work," Tetra concluded before heading off into her own cabin.

The crew split up and went to carry out each of their assignments as they were told until just Link and Nick were left alone on the deck. Link shuffled around nervously taking in his surroundings until he felt somebody tap him on the left shoulder.

"Okay I'm ready..." he turned to his left expecting to find Niko with a sponge. Instead he noticed the strange kid standing next to him with a hand outstretched to him.

"I never got to properly introduce myself to you throughout this mess," Nick offered him a handshake, "The name's Nick. It's a real pleasure to finally get to talk to you."

"Uh yeah sure no problem..." Link shyly accepted the handshake.

"It's lot to explain at this precise moment but I really owe you big for what you've done over the last few days, and I'm talking about more than just saving the world."

"Oh, it was nothing..." Link rubbed the back of his head again.

"I really am indebted to you but I'll explain more about it later," Nick finished up after noticing Niko coming back with a three sponges and a bucket.

"Since both of you did so much to help the captain I've decided to help you out for your first day aboard the ship," Niko announced with a friendly grin.

"Wow. Thanks Niko," Link politely accepted before turning back to Nick, "Just how do you know Zel- err Tetra anyway? What did you do that you decided to come along?"

"Relax it was nothing compared to what you've been through," Nick modestly waved him off, "Like I said I'm the one who really owes you. Right now, we've got to deal with the work in front of us as much of a pain as it is. We can swap stories later though."

Even with the three of them working together cleaning the whole ship turned out to be pretty much an all-day job with the last speck of dirt not being taken care of until the moon was high in the sparkling night sky. Nick and Niko each found themselves having to shake Link awake after he fell asleep a couple times while working. With the day finished Link and Nick joined the rest of the crew minus Tetra in the group sleeping cabin.

"Okay!" Gonzo announced to his crewmates who were each preparing to call it a day in their beds. "The only thing left is to decide who's going to take care of lookout duty for the night. As a warning for the new guys, the sun going down doesn't mean you're safe in the least in this life. You have to be ready to jump into battle at any moment. Who are we going to be sending up there tonight?"

"I'll do it!" Link suddenly shot up his hand up with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.

"So, the new guy thinks he's up for it on his first day. How interesting," Senza remarked.

"If he's going then I'll go too," Nick suddenly added in, "With rookies two heads are probably better than one."

"If it means a full night of sleep for the rest of us I guess I can't complain," Nudge chimed to the approving nods of the other pirates.

"Well then I guess you're both up then," Gonzo agreed, "Good luck."

Link quickly exited the room to take his lookout position in the deck as Nick followed behind him. The quickly climbed the rope ladder up the mast to take seats on opposing sides of the Crow's Nest.

"What's on your mind?" Link curiously asked the boy sitting across from him, "Why'd you feel the need to volunteer alongside me?"

"I thought it'd be a good chance to get to know each other since we're essentially going to be living together from now on," Nick politely replied, "Plus I've already seen you're habit of falling asleep on the job firsthand."

"I guess you're right about that one," Link laughed nervously.

"So why were you so anxious to take this job yourself?" Nick questioned him.

"I guess I wanted some thinking time alone. A chance to enjoy the nighttime scenery."

"What were you thinking about?"

"My family. I've got a sister and my grandma back home. I started my adventure with the intent of saving her from Ganon, yet before I knew it I got pulled into this crazy tale of heroes, castles, and princesses."

"Speaking of which why don't you go and tell me your story. Just what kind of heroic journey did you go on?"

Link complied and told the Nick the story of celebrating his twelfth birthday party right up until to his final departure from Outset Island.

"The Hero of Winds huh?" Nick noted, "hmmm... Catchy, I like it."

"Well thanks," Link politely accepted the compliment, "I guess I could get used to the title."

"Leaving your family like that definitely isn't an easy decision," Nick added, "I can relate. For all you know that could end up being the last time you see them."

"Indeed, it is," Link agreed, "Really tough for me. Speaking of which I think it's only fair for you to take your turn to tell your story now. Just what compelled you to make the tough decision to leave home like I did."

"Fine. It is only fair, but can you keep a secret?"

"A secret?"

"Some of the stuff I'm about to tell you would probably get Tetra upset if she knew I told you, but after all you did for not only her but Princess Zelda I think you have the right to know."

"Okay, my lips are sealed." Link promised.

Nick went on to tell the story of not only his search for Princess Zelda, but the events that led to him becoming best friends with the pirate girl known as Tetra and the kind-hearted young lady that existed below her scruff exterior.

"That really is something else," Link noted in light laugh, "Talk about irony. I guess it really is true what they say. The best place to hide something from someone is right under their nose."

"Well thanks..." Nick replied awkwardly unsure whether to take Link's remark as a compliment or unintentional insult, "Really though I need to thank you for showing her up and getting her out of Ganondorf's hands. Tetra was right. I can't go on relying on somebody else having to fight my battles. I really should've found a way to at least put up some resistance. I really owe you a ton for cleaning up after my mess."

"You didn't have to hide from me though," Link continued, "I wouldn't have found you to be all that suspicious."

"Well thanks again."

"On another note though I guess I do need to thank you as well,"

"No, you don't. The Light Arrows were nothing. That was all Tetra's arduous work that created those. I just read her a few spare notes."

"I don't think so Nick," Link disagreed with him, "but that wasn't what I had in mind."

"Then what?" Nick inquired.

Link paused for a moment with a solemn expression as if he was wrestling with some guilt himself.

"...I really shouldn't have just left her all alone like that," Link finally admitted.

"Don't get torn up about that. I know now that it wasn't your idea. You really didn't have a choice in the matter at the time."

"I know but I still should've said something. I should've known that it just wasn't right to abandon someone after lumping so much on them."

"You couldn't have known just how torn up she'd be over this. You didn't know anything about her personal history or her true feelings."

"Yeah, but I should've sensed it. In fact, I think I could already sense it and just did what I could to ignore it. Her eyes when I bid her that final farewell in Hyrule Castle just weren't right. Sure, she treated me like garbage when we first met, but as she gave me what I needed to get to Jabun, got my sister home for free from Forsaken Fortress, and even came back to help me take on Ganondorf I could tell there was more to her than she let on to most people. I should've taken her with me and vowed to protect her from Ganondorf with my life. Instead I left her behind to fend for herself against all that pain. That was my mess that you wound having to clean up. Thanks for being there."

"I was just doing my job as a friend and historian. It was no trouble at all. I suppose Tetra was right about you after all."

"What do you mean?"

"You are a bit too rash. If you would've taken her with you all it would've done is gotten you killed by Ganondorf's hand. In the end, I suppose all three of us learned what it feels like to be powerless. It sucks."

"Yeah."

"But then again... In the end, we each managed to be where we were needed when we were needed. When one of us wasn't available the other showed up to finish the job, and I think that's what we're going to need to do if we're going to make it through this journey. Let's just be grateful that we have now have each other to count on. No point in having regrets."

"Sure thing, pal," Link smiled giving another handshake to Nick.

"While we were down there though she was thinking about you a lot. It was a lot of her inspiration in drawing out the power she needed to help you take Ganon down."

"Really?" Link asked with a furious blush.

"Yeah but she was really embarrassed when I forced her to admit it. I think she might really like you man."

"Well thanks..."

The duo remained silent for a few seconds after this as Nick took on a smirk.

"You like her, too don't you?" Nick questioned mischievously.

"Well of course. She's one of my best friends," Link answered innocently.

"Come on Link. Drop the innocent routine. I mean do you like her? Get it?"

"Oh..." Link murmured as his face once again took on a shade of red, "OH! No! I mean not like that! I mean I don't know!"

"You're just as bad a liar on this subject as she is. Come on. Just admit it. The Hero and his Princess in a perfect fairy-tale ending."

"and what about you?" Link fired back attempting to turn the situation back on Nick, "You're the one who had all that alone time with her in the castle. I'm sure you're think of making a move as well."

"I've known Tetra since I was a toddler and had been searching Princess Zelda for nearly as long," Nick calmly answered, "I take pride in my work. To find Zelda and then use it as an opportunity to date her would be terribly unprofessional."

"Of course, you are," Link replied sarcastically.

"Then again who really knows what'll happen on this ship," Nick continued in a smug voice, "Maybe I will try asking her out after enough time on here."

"No!" Link suddenly panicked prompting Nick to start laughing.

"I knew it," Nick announced in victory, "Relax buddy. You don't have to worry about me. I'll let you take as much time as you feel you need. There is one thing we both have to admit to though."

"And what's that?"

"There is definitely something about that girl. Whether it's the pirate Tetra or Princess Zelda the two of us, probably the two guys on the ship closest to being what you'd call normal, both felt compelled to drop our lives just for the chance to sail the world under her."

Link could only nod his head in agreement.

"Just what is it though. Why do we sail? Friendship? Love? Knowledge? Family? Power? Money? I suppose each of us is going to have to come up with an answer before this is over."

Thinking over the other boy's powerful questions Link began to feel some courage. The type of which he hadn't felt since he had finally defeated Ganondorf. He worked himself to give an answer.

"I-" Link began before suddenly stopping when he noticed a gigantic structure off in the distance where the ship was headed.

"Take a look at that!" Nick exclaimed, "It's that tower that led to Hyrule!"

"From personal experience, I can tell you that it really is something else to have to go all the way up it from the inside."

"Interesting to know."

The two continued to stare at it as it grew larger and larger on the nighttime horizon when their attention was suddenly shifted when they heard a door opening back down on the ship's deck.

"I wonder who's up for a late-night stroll?" Link whispered to Nick.

"Or probably just a toilet break," Nick whispered back getting a few snickers.

They were both taken by surprise when it turned out to be a fully dressed Tetra emerging from the ship's interior.

"What's she up to at this time of night?" Link asked quietly, "and what does she have in her hands?"

Nick leaned slightly over the edge of the crow's nest to get a better look.

"It appears to be some kind of flower and... the Ocarina of Time?"

"Ocarina of Time?" Link repeated.

"It's a mystical flute that was once a major tool for the legendary Hero of Time himself," Nick explained, "but just what is she planning to do with it here?"

The pair continued to watch in curious silence as Tetra made her way to the left side of the ship. Their eyes were tightly locked onto the blonde girl below them. She wasn't showing any signs of crying, but her face was one of solemn sadness as if she was in mourning. Her eyes quickly took a stern focus on the Tower of the Gods that the ship was now passing by. After a few seconds, she gently dropped the flower into the water. It fell gently into the sea as the young pirate then clasped her hands together as if in prayer.

"What in the world is she doing?" Link whispered to Nick confused.

"I'm really not sure," Nick replied just as confused, "I'm far from an expert on this subject but it's almost as if she's performing a burial at seal. But for what?"

They continued to watch in silent awe as each tried to piece together the not only strange but out of character ritual taking place before them. Link continued to watch Tetra's odd, prayer-like pose as Nick's focus moved back to the Tower of the Gods that she seemed to be concentrating on. As she then lifted the ocarina to her lips the clues were suddenly beginning to pile up in Nick's mind.

"Could she actually be..." Nick began to contemplate to himself before being pulled out of his thoughts by the incredibly moving notes that were now pouring out of the magical instrument being played by the pirate princess.

"I've never heard this song before," Link noted, "but it's so... beautiful, touching, yet also tragic."

It only took a few seconds for Nick to recognize the familiar melody that was being played for them.

"Yep," Nick confirmed, "It's Zelda's Lullaby?"

"And what's this now?" Link asked him again, "I guess I should do some research myself."

"Don't worry about," Nick comforted him, "The song she's playing is an ancient melody passed down in the Royal Family of Hyrule. It was used a sign of connection to the royal family, but for all Tetra didn't know about her heritage it still managed to survive within the family until today as a lullaby. With this though I think I finally figured out what she's doing."

"What is it?" Link questioned anxiously, "Don't leave me in suspense."

"I think she's..." Nick began to explain before bringing his sentence to a screeching halt when his gaze nonchalantly shifter back to Tetra, "No way..."

"No way?" Link repeated unsure of what he meant.

"Just look!" Nick instructed Link to which he obliged. With one glance, he came to understand what Nick was talking about.

As Tetra continued to play her family's signature song a faint glow began to envelop her body. With each note she let out, it only seemed to get stronger and stronger with each glow. A few more seconds it soon became bright enough to shield entire body from view before bathing the entire ship in its glowing with a single blinding flash.

"What just happened?" Link groaned as he was shielding his eyes after being caught off guard by the flash.

"I don't know" Nick answered as he pulled himself back together and leaned back over the side to see just what happened to Tetra. He and Link found themselves greeted by a now familiar but still shocking and awe-inspiring sight.

With a beautiful, pink dress, long, white gloves, soft face, and flowing golden hair Princess Zelda had suddenly returned.

Link sat with back with his jaw agape and face red as Nick hunched himself further over the side the crow's nest with his eyes wide as they watched her begin to take in her transformation with what seemed to be just as much surprise as them.

"Incredible..." Link whispered to himself.

"What in the world?" Nick wondered to himself continuing to lean even further in shock, "How did that happe-WHOA!"

Nick suddenly found himself tumbling down to the deck with a thump as he lost his balance and was forced to grab onto the rope ladder to slow his fall. Link hurried down the ladder himself to help his new friend as Tetra whipped her head around clearly startled by the noise.

"Who's there?" she exclaimed in surprise.

"I think we're the ones who should be asking you that Princess Zelda," Nick replied with a weak chuckle as Link helped him off the floor.

"Tetra er- Zelda..." Link stammered, "You're a princess again!... I mean not that you ever weren't a princess but..."

"I know what you mean Link," Tetra assured him.

"But how?" Link continued, "I mean what were you doing up here?"

"I didn't plan on this happening!" she explained, "It's just as I was playing that song I suddenly felt some strange power coming up from inside me and I just went with it and this is what happened. As for what I was doing up here I was just... uh... well I was..."

"Paying your final respects to Hyrule?" Nick finished for her still rubbing his injuries.

"...Yeah," she confessed after a pause, "I just wanted a few moments alone to give it a proper farewell. It was still my kingdom, and I was a bit sad to see it go."

"I understand," Link smiled to her, "It really looked like it was an incredible place."

"Still I didn't want to turn into this," Tetra added, "I'm just not being ready to go back to being Zelda... yet."

"It really seems there's a lot more to Princess Zelda than the Triforce of Wisdom and what my research would indicate," Nick noted, "If I had to guess this will be temporary since it was last time too, but it's clear my studies are far from complete."

"Okay," Tetra sighed in relief, "You usually know what you're talking about on this stuff. I'll trust you on this."

"More than that though," Nick continued, "You definitely seem to be more torn up about this than I would've thought Tetra. Even with what you said back at my house I never imagined I'd being seeing Princess Zelda again so soon let alone all of this."

Nick then turned back to Link

"It's like I said earlier," he went on, "We each need to truly figure out why we're here. Just where we want to go and why we want to do it. If I had to answer right now I think it would be this. After finding what I had been looking for for so long I think this is now my chance to take it even further to see it to the absolute end that people have been waiting for with the return of the Kingdom of Hyrule. Not only that but with my closest friend heading up the journey I have to keep my word that I gave to her years ago to be ready whenever she might need me for whatever reason. I simply have too many promises to keep to even think about staying behind or failing."

Nick and Tetra exchanged friendly smiles as Nick finished up his explanation.

"So, tell me Princess," he then added further, "Do you think you have yours figured out?"

She paused for a moment to think it over.

"I think I do," she then announced.

"Then let's hear it," Nick encouraged her as Link gazed at her with anticipation.

"I want to establish the best future I possibly can for those I care about most. Yes, the King's wish is still very important to me hence why I felt the need to give him my own private sendoff, but I think there's something else I want more. As much as we are crewmates since I was little this crew has been the only family I've really had. Link, Nick, since you agreed to come with me I now consider you part of the family too. For all those who once placed their faith in the Princesses before me and for those who place their faith in me now I want to do everything I can to give you all the life and home I truly feel you all deserve. It's the very least I can do."

"A vow truly worthy of Princess Zelda herself," Nick nodded again before once again turning back to Link, "and then there was one. The legends of old always told how the hero vanished after defeating the Evil King. As we can plainly see that isn't the case with you. As such I'm curious to see what you've come up with to truly separate yourself from the Hero of Time. You were about to say it to me earlier. Let's hear it."

Link tried to get himself to speak as the other two pirates waited patiently. Though Link did indeed have his answer still on his mind having Tetra in the audience now seemed to have caused him to lose his nerve. He began to blush in tremble as he tried to talk.

"It appears he's really feeling the pressure," Nick noted with a laugh, "Or perhaps he's just nervous about speaking in front of his sweetheart."

"Would you stop that already?" Tetra scolded Nick before placing a reassuring and on Link's shoulder, "Come on. You can say it."

"I... I..." Link began to stammer, "I guess I really... want to be at your side Tetra..."

An awkward silence fell over the trio as Link and Tetra shuffled in embarrassment as Nick took on another smirk

"There we go. Now we're getting somewhere," Nick declared triumphantly only to get slapped in the face by Tetra.

"I told you to stop it!" Tetra snapped at the still chuckling Nick before signaling Link to go on.

"Well you see I guess I've really come to admire you," Link continued, "I mean I've only known you for a few days and yet you've already done do much for me. You helped me find Jabun, you saved my sister, and even after all Nick here told me you still found the time to think about me and help me out against Ganon. Despite all the responsibility that's been placed on you through all this you actually decided to follow through on your promise to the King and so many people you've never even met when you probably could've easily just carried on with your life as if nothing happened. I just can't help but feel drawn to take this journey with you just in case you ever need me. I just... want to see you succeed Tetra."

As Link continued his speech Tetra's expression soon changed to nearly match his, blush and all. With each word, the two became more and more transfixed with each other. They gradually stepped closer and closer to one another until their faces were mere inches apart. Afterwards all they could do was stare at each other in silence. Each feeling to flustered and confused to really know what to do next until a familiar voice once again took it upon itself to shatter the moment.

"Fairy-tale ending! Fairy-tale ending!" Nick began to chant as he now appeared to be shuffling around his pockets looking for something.

"For the love of Nayru what will it take to make you stop?" Tetra yelled at Nick with a punch to the back of the head.

"Fairy-tale ending," Nick repeated again with a grin.

Tetra took a look at Link who need had his hung in what seemed to be disappointment. Feeling somewhat sorry knowing what he was probably expecting she placed a comforting arm around him.

"Don't let him bother you Link," she consoled him, "He's just joking around."

"Maybe, but that doesn't change how obvious it is that both of you want," Nick quickly responded.

Taking one more look at the still depressed Link Tetra let out a sigh. With all that was going on it was becoming harder and harder for her to deny that the urge was creeping up on her if at least partly because of her desire to cheer up Link and shut up Nick. Looking up into the sky and back to her dress she figured that there probably weren't going to be much better chances to do it on this crowded ship.

"If I do it will you stop making cracks about it?" Tetra questioned

"I promise. At this point I see it as inevitable even if I say nothing," Nick agreed.

"Then come here Link," she cooed to the young hero turning to him and placing both of her hands on his shoulders. He lifted his head up slightly only to be completely taken by surprise as she wrapped her gloved arms around him in an instant and buried her face into his.

Link could only stand wide eyed as the princess crushed her lips against his own. Even Nick was left speechless as he watched Tetra close her eyes as she became fully comfortable in the embrace. It was even as if the Great Sea itself couldn't believe what was going on as the winds seemed to pick up in that moment. Link eventually relaxed in the kiss as she held him tight for upwards of a minute before releasing him. Link could only stand in a lulled daze in disbelief of what just happened to him.

"Happy now?" Tetra turned to ask Nick who was still absolutely speechless at what he just witnessed. For two whole minutes, the only sound that could be heard was the wind continuing whip its way around until a voice finally came out.

"AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Nick finally burst into explosive laughter

"Yeah har-har. Just get it all out. I still don't see what the big deal is." Tetra sighed

"Are you kidding?" Nick continued to explode, "When I said fairy-tale ending I meant something like that kiss of the check you gave me or a peck on the lips at most. You went full wedding day on the kid. Don't even try and tell me you didn't enjoy it!"

Tetra's face was now as red as it had ever been at any point in her entire life.

"I was just doing it to ensure it was good enough for you!" she snapped

"You mean good enough for you," Nick laughed back.

"Whatever! Just don't count on ever seeing me do that again!"

"I wouldn't be so sure about that."

"What?"

"Never mind. Don't worry about it. Just savor the moment!"

"The only thing I'm going to savor is your punishment when morning comes! Now go back to your bed and get to sleep!"

"Aye Aye Captain," Nick complied with a playful salute as he headed in, "Good night and congrats!"

Nick waited until he was out of sight inside the ship to pull what appeared to be a miniature pictobox out of his shirt sleeve. He opened it up to take out a pair of pictographs of the Hero of Winds and Princess Zelda locked in their embrace

"It's good thing I stopped by Lenzo's place before hopping on board," Nick grinned to himself looking them over, "This smaller model may only be good for two pictures but two is definitely all I need! One as a keepsake and for future pranks. Maybe I'm a better pirate than I thought I'd be."

He then hopped into his bed gleefully and went to sleep as satisfied as he had been in a long time. Meanwhile Tetra and Link were finally left to themselves on the ship's deck.

"Link just turn in for the night," Tetra instructed him, "I'll take care of the rest of the night shift on lookout."

"Oh thanks." Link finally snapped out of his daze though still clearly flustered

"Don't let him get to you. He's just a terrible fool."

"No, I don't mind," Link assured her, "He's just the kind of guy I'd expect you to want to have along. A bit crazy but well-meaning deep down. I don't mind him but it's just... "

"But what?"

"It's just well..." he paused again working up his courage.

"Just what?"

"It's just that... YOUKISSNICE..."

Left wondering if her face would turn permanently red from blushing so much in one night Tetra could only squeak out, "What?"

"...You kiss nice," Link worked up the courage to repeat, "...I... I liked it. I wouldn't mind if we could do it again another day."

The two stared at each other for a few moments wondering if the other was feeling as embarrassed as they were. In fact, neither could even recall a more embarrassing moment in their entire lives.

"Well thanks..." Tetra smiled quietly, "I did... kinda like it too... Well... Good night Link..."

"You too... Princess," he called back before heading down into the ship himself.

All alone now Tetra managed to work up what energy she had left to get herself up into the crow's nest. The dress that still hadn't disappeared made it somewhat more difficult than it would've normally been for her. Upon reaching the top she simply slumped her back against the side of the nest with the day's events running though her head.

"I thought the six I already had were bad enough, but those two might really be the death of me," she laughed to herself.

Thinking about all that had happened in one mere night and then letting her thoughts shift to all that lie ahead for them terrified her, and yet she had never been more excited for anything in her entire life.

THE END

Sequel up: s/8374623/1/The_Festival_of_the_Golden_Land