I debated if I really should post this story or not. I wanted to make something light, and well...not dramatic. But yeah, scratch that, haha. Every idea I get with these two, it always ends up with something like...this.

So welcome to my next story! I hope you'll like it!

It's possible that there will be many questions at first...although I'll answer them all in time. I think. Maybe. Probably, haha.

Oh yeah. In this story - Dark Link is a bit different - He can walk through the sunlight. [you can imagine the plot from RoalS has happened already, with an other sacrifice than Saria.] This in turn influences his behavior and personality he is creating for himself.

The song I chose [and the only one I'll ever use; I honestly hate it if characters sing a song in a fanfiction - all the lyrics is in the way] is Synchronicity by Vocaloid. It inspired me to write this story greatly and I only altered it a bit so it fits better.

And it already explains a lot in my opinion...hopefully.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, nice Holidays and a happy New Year!

Onwards to the story!

"A sacred Voice"

"At the end of an old place called paradise…" A light voice rang through the empty cathedral like a birds call. "…deep, deep hidden beneath the prison of the world." A young girl spread her arms while her eyes were closed peacefully. "I am fated by the chains of destiny to sing my holy prayers…" A soft sigh escaped her lips.

"And I will sing them all alone…" Her head sunk low for a second and her hands clung to her chest. "A past had found no road to escape, so now I am the one who threads a new pattern of history." Her voice echoed back and forth between the tall and proud walls which were made out of white expensive stone. "Until the repeating of a tragedy..."

"My soul has been chosen by the golden gods." She sang suddenly so quiet that someone could think she had faded completely from the scene. But instead her voice returned in a loud and forceful manner. "Being kept in a golden cage; I have nothing else than these melodies anymore." She opened her eyes; a mysterious blue stared at the precious stone floor beneath her feet. "A symphony for the sky." She lifted her left hand towards the ceiling. "A minuet for the night." Her right hand followed suit.

"An orchestra of a requiem."

"At the entrance of the secret paradise…warm hands were offered for my suffering soul." With a sudden cough; the girl felt harsh pain. She could feel something steal her energy; darkness desired her life and a faint light of blue and gold left her arms and legs. Magic was stolen so easily it hurt her lungs and heart. Even though of this agony she continued to sing, it was her fate after all.

"But they couldn't reach me in time…"

She closed her eyes once more; silence touched her ears so coldly like a ghost. Her legs trembled weakly but she was not alone, her mind chanted. There were whispers who lend her courage, so faint that it could be her imagination however she was sure that they were telling her to continue, even though it hurt them as much as her.

Five voices. Five whispers.

Please continue to sing…

"A kingdom is dying day after day." She found her strength back and ignored the burning in her mouth. "The prayers I sing are your healing." With determination she stared into the empty air. The tension was so thick it stole her breath like a selfish child. "With a soft voice I'll bring you slumber soon." She clamped her thin hands together tightly. "To the long forgotten past you belong to." She had to gasp for air; the burning in her lungs became slowly unbearable. "I'll change my despair into new hope of this golden land."

The girl could feel a liquid in her mouth; the taste was disturbing, a mix between metal and something else. It was bitter and brought tears to her eyes. Her voice disappeared into nothingness while her legs gave out and forced her to fall onto her hands and knees.

She coughed painfully until blood stained the previous marvelous stone floor beneath her and her whole body felt weak and vulnerable. Trembling like newborn infant she stayed there to regain slowly control of herself again.

It took her more and more energy, every single time she had to seal the realm again. The sage in her mind reminded her of that fact once more. Soon, soon she wouldn't be able to save this land anymore. The hero had vanished long ago; he disappeared from this kingdom because his spirit had been nearly broken by fear and horror. Even though she could relate to his feelings, even though she wished to do the same – she couldn't. She had to fulfill the task which burdened her shoulders all alone now.

"Lady Saria?" A voice echoed carefully towards her small form, it was deep and polite. "Are you alright?" And still, still so fake.

The girl sat up and rubbed her mouth with her ash colored sleeves. The grey smooth cloth turned into a reddish glint. As if she was about to cry she hid her face in the palm of her hands and took a few shaky breathes. It was fine, her mind chanted. It was over. Her attire clung to her body suddenly so heavy that she had to force her strength back into her limbs.

"The majesty awaits you."

"Yes…" Her voice cracked obviously into a weaker tune however she was sure that this man would pretend to not notice it.

No one would want to accept the fact that she could be hurt, that she could be dying. No, she must always be fine. 'She was a Kokiri after all, she lives forever and ever.'

And still. Her blue eyes glanced down at the uncomfortable grayish dress she wore. Where was the green? Where was the beloved familiar color from the forest? It was not here, not in between the white and grey; the golden thin pattern on the brim or the silver bracelets around her wrists. Slowly she stood up and with trembling legs she turned towards the exit, leaving a small puddle of blood behind. Her thin leather boots made no sound as she walked over the marvelous stone floor and the man; the royal soldier stood stiffly at the great tall door.

Saria walked passed him; her head hung low.

Where was her beloved home?

He sat in the bar and let the alcohol burn in his throat. He had really returned to this god forsaken kingdom and couldn't believe it himself. He had seen other lands, mountains, deserts and the great sea – and still. Still he returned to the so called roots. After all these years this kingdom had developed and became larger. When did he leave? Was it ten years ago? Or maybe already twenty? The walls of the castle became taller, the town expanded and the people became more rude, he thought.

Everybody appeared to be so greedy and filled with selfishness.

A small dry grin tugged at his lips. How wonderful his origin had become. A true beauty.

He strained his ears to listen to the conversation of his sit-neighbors. The topic appeared to be their queen and how she took over her father's place after his death long ago. A magnific cold rose who ruled with a calm hand and breathtaking smile. Oh what irony; it had been his master who killed their former king. Everything had been falling into the pool of madness and pain until this blond coward appeared in his dirty green armor and saved this land from doom.

It was amusing as the rumors started to spread soon after. Their great hero had disappeared into thin air – and because of what? Because of silly nightmares and fears which haunted him, he heard! A true hero, oh, a true hero he was indeed! He had seen worse than this weak piece of an excuse and he was still as sane as a being of darkness could be! Or should he call himself 'former'?

A low chuckle escaped his lips before he handed the barkeeper a few rupees. He merely wondered if those people were even thankful for what had happened back then. How they all did nothing but pray to those non-existent goddesses whilst a youngster was forced to face the evil. To face him. Alone. It had been nothing but luck, that his other self won the fight against him. A bitter memory he would like to get rid of if he could.

Slowly he stood up and turned to the exit. Now where he returned, well rested and stronger than ever…what should he do, he wondered.

What was a former shadow to do in a golden kingdom like this?

"Saria." The queen breathed before a sigh escaped her lips. "You're back."

Zelda stood up from her throne and signaled the soldiers who escorted the Kokiri to leave them alone. Even though so many years had passed already, it really didn't seem to affect the blond beauty, Saria thought as she stood there on the red carpet – waiting patiently. Her hair had become longer, more golden and her icy blue eyes were calm and collected. They had always been like that, the young girl thought. They always had this cool touch…since he left.

Finally she remembered where she exactly was and immediately the greenhead bowed her head.

"Your majesty."

"Oh, no don't." Zelda shook her head lightly and walked towards her. "You don't have to do this, please."

The girl hesitated before she looked up once more. It didn't matter how often they met, every single time it was a heavy and difficult feeling which claimed her small heart. She stood in front of the very queen of this kingdom who had ruled this land for already fifteen years; she had been so young back then…

"…did everything go well?"

Ah, it was the same tune. Even though she knew Zelda and all her responsibilities and most of her worries…it didn't feel like friendship but forced companionship and all that only, only because of this fake tune.

This bittersweet worry filled with selfish curiosity…however she had no other choice. Right? A whole kingdom was balanced on the palm of her hand; she had to be this way.

Saria looked at the crimson colored carpet beneath her feet and nodded dryly.

"Yes." The sage sighed. "Although it becomes harder…year after year." It took her a bit before she was able to look into Zelda's eyes once more.

"Soon I won't be able to seal it anymore. Since the triforce of courage left this kingdom…your majesty, it's only a question of time when it will break…"

Saria saw the swirl of emotions in her eyes. The little self hatred, worry and fear of what awaited them if the hero of time would not return. Or at least a replacement chosen by the goddesses appeared suddenly out of nowhere…

But he won't come back.

She, the Kokiri, the sage of the Forest, his best friend must knew it better than anyone else after all. Saria hadn't seen the horror he had faced as a ten year old spirit. But she met him in the middle of his journey and accompanied him at the very end. Her beloved friend was nearly broken; she had seen his tired and weak eyes which had been filled with life before. His scars; deep and ugly. They still had pained after their bleeding had stopped long ago. Link wasn't able to neither take it nor to return to his 'innocent childhood'.

He escaped everything and left the golden kingdom behind.

And that caused all this…this off-balance of powers.

Zelda rubbed her forehead in frustration and shook her head. "How about dinner, Saria? You must have worked hard."

"Well…to be honest, your majesty-"

The Kokiri was interrupted before she could have exclaimed her wish; Zelda waved her off and turned to one of the doors to her side which led further into the walls of the proud castle.

"Let's talk over it while we eat something, alright? I'm sure you will not regret it, our cook is the best."

Saria closed her mouth slowly and found herself staring at the red carpet beneath her once more. The queen must know that she wanted to ask again. That she wanted to return to her home; Kokiri Village…and like every single time before today, she didn't allow it.

The young girl knew that her 'mission' wasn't comparable to what Link had done for this kingdom. But…she could already relate to her beloved friend who wanted to escape all this as quickly as he could. It wasn't possible to just go back in time and play hide and seek again. Not anymore, not ever.

Not if you were chosen.

"…yes your majesty."

The dinner room was big and the fancy table long. The girl couldn't count all the different meals which were placed on the firm surface and awkwardly she thanked the maids who came and went once in a while to refill her glass over and over again. She wanted to help although of course she wasn't allowed to do that, too.

The blond woman on the other side of the table took a small bite and chewed quietly on it. It felt like she wanted to avoid any eye contact with the sage until finally Zelda found the strength to look up. The silence of the empty room was heavy and it took her an attempt or two to finally say something.

"I…we need to protect this kingdom. These people, Saria."

"I know." The Kokiri bit her lip. "However you can't look away, your majesty."

"I'm not looking away." The queen put the silverware down forcefully and glared lightly. "I'm not."

"Your majesty, it takes me more and more energy-" The Kokiri started to argue but she was quickly interrupted by the blond haired woman.

"You'll make it!" Zelda replied stubbornly.

"It's not as easy as you-"

"Then we'll throttle the visits concerning ill citizens who come to you for help." She became louder and her right hand formed a fist. "That way you can save your energy for the ritual."

"Your majesty, you can't just-" Saria became frustrated and clung to the table for support.

"We need to keep the seal-"

"I'm dying!" The green haired girl stood up angrily and hit the table with her fists firmly.

The plates and bowls rattled and clinked loudly with the silverware from the sheer force and finally Zelda became quiet and stared with her cold blue eyes in disbelieve at the girl in front of her. That was something she hadn't heard before. A Kokiri, a sage who died in such a moment…

Suddenly the door opened and a maid glanced confused at the tense scene in front of her, she held onto another plate of colorful fruits although as Zelda looked at her for a second and shook her head, she knew that she should leave immediately. The door fell back with a thud and silence returned fast. Saria didn't beg down and stood her ground. Her fist trembled and her dark eyes glared at the queen in front of her who still hadn't uttered a single word.

"I'm dying." The sage finally repeated once more, her voice cracked softly. "Year after year it pains me more. Year after year it burns my guts more. Year after year I spill more blood."

The green haired girl sighed and buried her head in her small hands. "Your majesty…Zelda."

Slowly, the Kokiri looked up again. "We need another way, another solution. Because even if I want to, even if I continue as long as I can…the seal will just...die…with…me together."

She fell silent and let the remaining words hang in the air. She couldn't hide that from the queen of Hyrule or from herself. She may look young; she may look vital and portrayed in many eyes the very picture of immortality. But this seal was killing her, time after time she felt how it sucked on her life energy and soon even her Kokiri roots will not be able to protect her anymore.

Zelda stared at her a while longer before she leaned onto the table with her elbows. Her face became paler than it had ever been and for the first time after a long time she saw pure distress in those icy blue eyes. Just like back then…as Link left Hyrule…only…even worse.

Maybe finally…she opened her eyes and witnessed the misery which will meet them soon.

"Saria…" The queen breathed heavily. "…just give me some time…alright?"

After all these years Zelda finally looked like the thirty-four year old woman she was. The few wrinkles on her forehead became visible and the pale taint made her look a lot more fragile than before. A problem the Kokiri never had to face up until now and probably never will…

"Yes…your majesty." The young sage answered carefully whilst she pushed the expensive chair with her legs away. "Tomorrow…I have a few appointments with citizens who do not feel well…after I dealt with them…I'll seek you out."

Zelda nodded once but did not look at her anymore; the plate in front of her received all her attention instead.

"…good night…"

Saria turned towards the door and left the room quietly. The few maids who sent her a curious glance were ignored and the few questions the counselor asked her weren't answered. The Kokiri wanted nothing more than a bed…and the familiar moist scent of her beloved forest she missed so dearly.

At least, after she reached the room – Zelda had prepared for her nearly twelve years ago -, she was able to sleep.

And maybe she would dream of the wonderful forest she hadn't seen in so long.

The next morning was surprisingly hot and noisy. A few servants and soldiers prepared the carriage which would take the young Kokiri to Kakariko, the village her fellow sage Impa had left behind many years ago. In this season many children suffered from an illness there similar to a cold, Saria had been uncertain if it was related to a natural play by Mother Nature or if to her dismay maybe even the weakened seal was the cause.

Although her mind hadn't made up yet which was the more reasonable theory, she knew that it was her duty to leave this early for the people who awaited her arrival attentively and to offer her help nonetheless. Saria watched the men clothed metal silently who still exchanged harsh words about their route and short journey whilst her small hands played with the brim of her dull colored dress. Next to the thoughts concerning her duty and the ill children she would meet soon, she couldn't help but wonder about what she would say to the queen after her return.

It took her a great forceful step to finally tell the blond woman what really was going on and to not let Zelda escape once more.

However now, she didn't even know herself what could be done.

The sage realized long ago the off-balance of powers in this kingdom since the hero of time left it behind. But she didn't know how to solve this problem as well. To send her with quite a share of power from her fellow sages was only preventing the worst. They needed a solution, quickly before her body couldn't take the pressure and stolen energy anymore. Or at least before a catastrophe threatened to demolish the land of Hyrule…

"Lady Saria, we are ready to depart." An older man said, his helmet clenched between his arm and rips.

The green haired girl looked up and observed his deep brown eyes for a second before a weak nod was her answer. For now, the poor people in need for help were her first priority. After that she had enough time to dwell over the dark fate of this kingdom, she thought quietly.

The rather fancy carriage made its way out of castle town together with her and three soldiers who escorted her. The Kokiri leaned into the cushions uncomfortably and stared out of the narrow window which was nearly covered by a red colored curtain. Like a picture book would look like did the scenery remind her of a fairy tale filled to the brim with people, colorful clothes and flags and the laughter of little children chasing each other happily in between their mothers who gossiped about the recent news.

Only that she was one of the few ones who actually knew which shadow haunted the blessed painting. Saria furrowed her brow and frowned softly as they left the lively town behind and crossed the tall wooden bridge which led them to the great Hyrule fields. The green grass and chirping birds were like a slap into her face, she thought. Too peaceful and fake. So fake like everything else here was…

Finally the girl asserted her eyes and clung to her grayish dress in silence.

It was a horrible fairy tale with no happy end.