Disclaimer: I don't own Skyward Sword or any of the characters in it.

A/N

It's been a long time and for that I'm sorry. I am ashamed. I have this chapter and one more that I will upload and then I will say that it is finished because despite having plenty of idea I cannot force myself to write something I no longer have the desire to. I'm sorry!

I hope that despite this sad news you can still enjoy this chapter c:

A/N

Charlie Brown - Coldplay

When they smash my heart into smithereens
Be a bright red rose come bursting through concrete

Age: 15

A punch sent me reeling onto the floor, dizzy and completely unaware. I fought to get back up but two hands pushed me back down. I focused and found myself face-to-face with Groose.

"Had enough yet?" He asked, as though I'd actually answer.

I had done it again. Bested him in class, showed everyone I knew more than him. It was obvious that he didn't like that. As a child, I grew up in fear of Groose, despite him being the exact same age as me. Zelda was the one who stood up for me because I was too scared to do it for myself. Now I wanted to stand up for myself, it seemed like Groose didn't like this.

Groose made a face and then pulled me up to his level. He was taller than me and so I was pulled off the ground, hanging in midair.

"Listen to me, coward," he slammed me against the wall, "I'm the better one here. You don't deserve any attention from Zelda. I do. Zelda is mine."

Now this, I got mad at.

"Zelda isn't anyone's." I blurted out in my sudden uncharacteristic anger.

Groose eyed me before dropping me on the ground. I was jarred with the impact and once again I tried to get up but his fist collided with my face.

"Zelda is mine." He said, enunciated every syllable as if I couldn't understand what he was saying.

Behind him, I saw Cawlin and Stritch come up and Stritch tapped Groose on the shoulder.

"Zelda's coming."

Groose's eyes widened but as soon as he turned to me his eyes narrowed. "Don't say a word or you'll be in bigger trouble."

The three scampered away, leaving me alone in the Academy's hallway.

I lay slumped against the wall, knowing full well that Zelda was coming but knowing that hiding my wounds or avoiding her would only make it far worse. I'd get in enough trouble as it was.

"Link!" I heard her voice from the staircase.

I looked up to see her running towards me, a mixture of concern and anger etched on her face. She knelt next to me and helped me to lean up against the wall. My entire back was sore from landing harshly on the ground a few times and having been punched in the face. I knew that it wouldn't be pretty.

"What happened to you?" She asked, but clearly knowing exactly what had happened.

"Nothing." I responded, having had done this routine many times before.

Zelda narrowed her eyes. "Again? How many times this month?" She shook her head. "Can't you just tell me? I know it's Groose."

I looked up into her eyes but quickly turned away.

It wasn't that I was afraid Groose would punch me again, I knew that he'd do it anyways. I kept the truth from her because I knew not only would she be hurt by Groose's words but that she would go straight to Groose and tell him off. I didn't want something to happen to her because of some stupid thing between Groose and me. She didn't deserve to get messed up in this.

Zelda sighed. "Come on, let's get you fixed up."

She helped me to my feet and we went to my bedroom instead of to one of the professors. Zelda knew that I needed to keep it a secret and I was thankful for that.

Once we got into my bedroom she set me down on the bed and began to clean the obvious black eye I had gained. She finally got a bag of ice and gave it to me to put on my eye.

"It's because of me, isn't it."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement. I didn't look up to meet her gaze and instead stared down at the ground.

"Link, you don't have to stand up for me. I can do that perfectly well myself." Zelda gave a small smile.

I smiled as well. "I know that."

"Then why do you do it?"

"You haven't heard the things he's said about you!" I exclaimed, looking straight into her eyes.

She looked startled but she settled down quickly. "They're just words. Who cares?"

"I do," I muttered under my breath.

"I know I can't make you stop, or Groose for that matter," she continued on, not hearing me, "but can you at least try to work this out or something? Groose bullying you like this isn't right. Talk to one of the professors or even my father."

I shrugged. "I guess."

Zelda sat down on the bed next to me. "Look at me."

I turned and met her eyes.

"Promise me."

I paused for a moment, hesitating. "I promise."

She smiled, her beautiful smile reaching her eyes. "Thank you, Link."

And with that, Zelda left my room and I was left along with a promise. One that I intended to keep.