I don't want to lose you
chapter 9
Zelda's words are a hope in my heart

Link smiled as he looked down on the quiet town. The sun was going to rise soon... the third day was almost upon Link and the cuccos were fast asleep in their pen. Finally, after fighting three of his close friends, defeating two of them, He could check on the beautiful princess Zelda. He had worried about her all this time and wanted nothing more than to see her face...

Link stopped suddenly, the declining track from Death Mountain was nearly at the town gates and suddenly a fear grabbed him. What if she was getting worse? He had seven days when she first fell sick and the sight made him feel helpless...2 days have passed what if she was getting worse? Could he really see her like that?

Some think the hardest thing is dealing with a slow painful death... But the truth is seeing someone you love die a slow horrible death is the hardest thing, the most torturous thing anyone can go through.

Link slowly walked again, his legs heavy and his back beginning to ache. A cold rush ran through his body and his heart felt like it was covered in tar... He hated this. He was only a few feet away from Impa's house and he was torn about seeing his beloved Zelda.

Should he keep walking by and just hurry to LonLon Ranch? Maybe he shouldn't see her till after this is all over... but what if he fails? He would never have a chance to see her again, to tell her... I love you. He told her what he loved about her, they had kissed! But all he wanted was for her to hear those 3 words from his mouth. No. He had to see her, to tell her.

Link had stopped again; he was directly in front of Impa's house and looking through the old dusty window. All those horrible thoughts that were only just circling his mind disappeared as his mouth fell open. There in the main room was Nabooru, sword in hand and free hand on her hip, shaking her head. Impa and Saria lay unconscious or even dead on the floor.

"LINK WHAT HAPPENED?" Navi practically shouted as she hovered over his shoulder. Before he had a chance to hush the talkative fairy Nabooru turned her head harshly and suddenly as her eyes focused on Link himself. Link grabbed his sword and ran into the house, horrified to see Zelda's bed empty. His anger burned and his sword was aimed...

"LINK WAIT!" Nabooru called out as she dropped her sword. Link's sword hit something and as his anger subsided Impa came in view, holding a stool in front of her and Nabooru as Link's sword was imbedded in it.

"Y-you're okay." Link sighed as Impa smiled, lowering the stool and Link's sword with it.

"Sorry to startle you. I fought Nabooru and freed her, also Saria came to visit and we were so tired watching over Zelda we fell asleep..."

"ZELDA? Where is she?" Link suddenly fell into a panic and Impa once again became the family Link needed to calm him; both hands holding his arms firmly as she spoke soothingly,

"Link. Zelda is outside getting some fresh air."

"She's awake?" Link's shoulders relaxed and his voice was once more relieved. Impa smiled warmly,

"Yes. She has been doing a little better with every person freed. When Nabooru was freed she woke up, when Saria was freed she could sit up, and I am guessing you freed The Goron king as she could walk a bit now. Nabooru just helped her up the watch tower for some fresh air." Impa let Link's arms go and walked over to the kitchen to make some tea.

Saria ran up and gave Link a rose,

"Why don't you go and get Zelda for us huh? Also I must warn you; although Zelda appears to be getting better Dek-Deku said she will get worse the more time that passes, even if you have freed us all. Don't let your guard down."

Link nodded and ran out the door and down the empty streets, the tall wooden tower came closer and closer, a lone figure was sitting up on the very top and Link's heart began to pound even more so.

He could feel the old wood rails in his hands as he desperately climbed, mask pulled down and rose in his teeth. He climbed faster and faster until the last rails came into view.

Link heaved himself onto the top platform of the watchtower, panting lightly as sweat beaded on his forehead. Zelda turned her head slowly; she now wore a female Sheikah outfit, probably because their friends that were still mind controlled would have recognised her in the male one. Her long hair was tightly braided and her blue eyes were dull and almost lifeless. Her skin was pale and her hands trembled, but despite this she smiled; As soon as her eyes focused on Link her warm and loving smile over ruled any signs of sickness.

Her steps were slow, unstable but she still managed to walk up to Link and slowly, gently dove into Link's arms. She embraced him as tightly as she could and buried her face into his chest.

"Are you okay Link?" She quietly asked as Link's arms wrapped around her and gently hugged her back. Slowly he lowered himself to his knees, Zelda doing the same. Link smiled as he took the rose from his teeth. She always thought of others before herself.

"Am I okay? Are YOU okay? Are you feeling any better?" Link asked, not wanting to let Zelda go, thankfully she was quite content to just remain in his strong arms.

"It hurts... It hurts to breath." She whispered, hating herself for telling the truth for as the words escaped her lips Link became ridged and stiff, his grip tightened ever so slightly and she could feel a wet tear trickle from his cheek and onto her neck.

"N-No Link, its okay!" She hurryingly said as she pulled herself away from his chest, her hands on his shoulders and that warm smile aimed right at him.

"Link I feel a lot better than when I first fell sick. And I am more worried about you."

"Me?" Link asked as her smile became contagious and he soon found himself smiling back.

"Yes. While I lay here you have to fight your dearest friends. You don't act like anything bothers you when you go on missions but I know your heart is big and everything that's happening is cutting your heart deeper than any sword could."

Link sighed and pulled her into his arms once again, stroking her hair as he looked out at the rising sun. It did hurt. It felt horrible, every time he saw a friend he felt sick.

"But you know what Link?" Zelda said as she resumed hugging Link. "You will save all our friends. Because they are dear to you. I think the master underestimated you. If you weren't that close they would have no chance...and neither would I."

Link hugged her tighter but no words would exit his mouth. If they did he was sure he would lose control and cry. A hero crying was not the coolest image for all his fans to recall.
He wanted to say thank you,
he wanted to tell her how happy he was to hear that she had faith in him,
he wanted to say I love you. More than ever he wanted to utter those words.

"Looks like the love birds are back. Took 'em long enough." Nabooru smirked as she watched Link approach, Zelda riding him piggy back with a rose in her hands.

"Link." Zelda whispered.

"hmmm?" Link replied as he paused to listen to her. Zelda's lips brushed his ear as she tried to whisper as quietly as possible, Link blushed a slight shade of pink at this slight touch.

"It was romantic... You looked so dashing when you reached the top of the watchtower with a rose in your mouth." Link went bright red and for the first time seemed to notice the female Sheikah outfit gave more room for certain female assets which were currently pressed against his back.

"HIS BLUSHING! COME SEE! HURRY!" Nabooru teased as she ushered her friends out of the house. Saria giggled at the sight and Impa gave Link a warning glare.

A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the late update, it's been a while. I had to have another sweet chapter for Link and Zelda but not to fear for all you adventure seekers out there! Next chapter is action and adventure once again! Thanks for reading and I hope you are enjoying this fic so far. :D

Look out for the next chapter: Malon mistress of the night-mares. Malon seems so sweet but Link is seeing another side.