Author's Notes/Disclaimer: I was a little absent minded when I posted this last night and forgot to observe protocol. This is a simple one shot describing what may have happened while Link was saving Hyrule. Even the best of us have our second thoughts. Anywho, I do not own The Legend of Zelda. It was created by the ingenious Shigeru Miyamoto and is licensed by Nintendo. I'm merely telling a story here ... don't sue me. :)


A Moment of Introspect: the Hero's Doubts

A mournful whinny broke the monotonous sounds of splashing rain upon Hyrule Field. Link gently patted Epona's neck as she continued to march across the mud and through the darkness. Navi had sought refuge upon Link's shoulder, but the tiny fairy became as drenched as her companion. Link slouched in the saddle. His hat and tunic were soaked and clung to him. His blonde hair, normally a brilliant golden hue, was now dimmed and hung stringy and wet over his eyes.

Navi sneezed and voiced a suggestion into Link's pointed ear. "Hey! Why don't you play the Sun's Song? It may drive away the rain."

"No, Navi," Link grumbled. "I want the rain."

"But you're soaked to the bone! You'll catch your death," the fairy implored.

Link ignored her words. He had had enough of taking orders and heeding advice. It seemed to only make things worse. He reached into the pouch at his hip and removed the Ocarina of Time. Link studied the finely crafted instrument and began to think of all he had endured since it came into his possession. All this started when I was summoned by the Deku Tree. I was sent to gather three spiritual stones, and now I feel like I am a freakish errand boy! He narrowed his eyes at the ocarina. How did this happen? I gathered the stones! I completed my duty! Now I'm stuck with this ting, running from temple to temple and putting my neck on the line … I didn't ask for this! Link raised his arm suddenly. Navi went tumbling onto Epona's lower back and yelped with surprise. Link brought his arm back and held tightly in his hand was the Ocarina of Time. The muscles in his body became taut as he prepared to fling the ocarina into the unknown. Link's arm shot forward and an image flashed in his mind. He saw Ganondorf bearing the Triforce and laughing as his red eyes twinkled with malice and triumph. Link tightened his fingers around the ceramic instrument at the last possible second. He heaved a defeated sigh.

I may not want it, but it is my burden to bear. I am the Hero of Time, and I must finish my quest so that others won't suffer needlessly.

Navi fluttered back to Link's shoulder and saw him bring the Ocarina of Time to his lips. He softly played an uplifting and joyous melody. Swiftly the clouds broke and the twilight before dawn began to spread across the horizon. Navi cautiously asked, "What were you doing, Link?"

Link slid the ocarina back into the pouch at his hip and answered, "Just thinking, Navi."