Thank you to all for viewing and reading.
Chapter 9 was pretty hard to write surprisingly. I'm always fixing and tweaking small mistakes to give you guys the best content. ^~^ I really enjoy all my Reviews!
Enjoy~
"Wow, bulls eye. Impressive!" I walked over to the target and pulled the arrow out of the center. I turned around to face her, she smiled brightly and waved me off.
"Thank you very much, I told you I was good." I grinned and leaned on the target, tossing the arrow in my hand. She had made frequent requests this past week that I take her to the archery camp West of Highland Stable. Regardless of the fact that it was supposed to be a mounted archery camp she requested I build her a set of reusable targets she could use while on foot, to which I of course obliged. She was improving quickly and I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't excited for her amazing progress.
"Well, don't forget who your instructor is." I smirked and walked back over to her. She laughed and placed her hands on her hips.
"More like tutor." she swiped the arrow from my hand and rehooked it on her bow.
"Well I have to admit you are a natural." she nodded with enthusiasm and aimed again. This time she missed the middle and only managed to hit the center ring. "Well, yo-" before I could finish she shoved me hard. I stumbled to the side and chuckled quietly.
"Don't even!" she crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out at me. I held my hands up in surrender.
"Alright, I won't even." I smirked and she grabbed my ponytail and gave it a yank.
"We should really be going now, I'd like to visit lake Hylia since we are in the area." Collecting her belongings she started walking back up the path toward the stable. Jogging to catch up I fell into step next to her.
"I'm guessing your next destination after that would be The Spring of Power?" she slowed down and looked off into the distance, her eyes unfocused as she stared at the horizon.
"Yes, but I would like to visit Impa and Purah one more time…And I still have to visit Robbie" I paused and stared at her my brows furrowed.
"Zelda… what do you mean by that…"
"By what?"
"You said, one more time…" she glanced at me with solemn eyes and looked away before hurrying back over to the stable. I frowned and shoved my hands in my pockets. This wasn't the first time she left my questions unanswered.
Every time I tried to talk to her lately she always ran away or changed the subject. I silently hoped she would be more open to conversation once we were on the road again. There was an awkwardness in the air that I desperately wanted to resolve. Walking over to where Epona was I quickly got her ready for the long journey. Petting her head gently I quietly waited for Zelda to finish preparing herself. I watched her flit around the stable, conversing with each member and visitor with a warm smile. I leaned my head on Epona's neck and sighed heavily. "I messed up girl, I crossed such a strong line...and now she hasn't really spoken to me in a week." Neighing softly she nudged me lightly, I smiled and took a brush out and started grooming her, whispering I continued making sure Zelda was still out of earshot. "I-I kissed her...though it kinda escalated to something um...else." I could feel my face flush at the memory. "I don't know what came over me… what was I thinking? She was upset, and I-…" Looking up slightly my eyes fell on her beautiful smile and my chest tightened. Even when she was suffering she still looked out for everyone else. She was a shining light and I absolutely thrived off her radiance. "-and I love her…" I swallowed thickly and grimaced, my stomach twisting into wild knots. I bit my lip, my hands falling to my sides "And now, I'm afraid that I'm going to lose her…"
"Hey! Chin up Link! Why the gloomy face? That look won't do, what in the heavens has gotten you down?" jumping in my skin I looked up and locked eyes with her, Zelda.
"Uh ha, what?" I stood there dumbly and smiled sheepishly, I was at a loss for what to say. The realization fresh in my mind I couldn't suppress the flush that consumed my face. She stood with her hands on her hips, one of her brows raised.
"No matter then, are you ready?" I nodded and she motioned toward Epona "Well?" my eyes widened slightly.
"Oh right." pulling myself onto Epona I reached down to help her up next. For some reason I was surprised she accepted my help and it took me a second before I pulled her up, swinging her behind me. Once she was situated I guided Epona down the path to lake Hylia, waving behind me Zelda called out her thanks once more to the stable. She hit my back suddenly and I jumped.
"What did I do this time?"
"I hope you paid them, I don't have any money on me."
"Of course I did."
"Thank you." After a few moments she slid her arms around my waist and leaned her head on my back. My insolent heart decided now would be a good time to run a marathon. I winced slightly, positive she could hear how fast it was beating now that her head rested on my back. To my relief she didn't say anything and I started going over ways I could start our much needed conversation. No matter which method I came up with I kept thinking about how strange it sounded and I would lose heart. Taking a deep breath I decided to just go with it.
"Um, Zelda… can you please tell me what frightens you so much? I've seen the fear in your eyes… you can't hide it from me." A deafening silence followed before she cleared her throat.
"It's just my nightmares Link." I frowned, that couldn't be the only thing that plagued her. I've seen strange things happen.
"Zelda, there must be something else…" her grip suddenly loosened and she jumped off Epona. My eyes widened and I pulled her to a halt before jumping down as well. "Where are you going?" she pointed ahead and went running down the hillside.
"Lake Hylia!" I frowned and followed after her. 'why is she avoiding the topic? What could possibly be the reason to hide? How could I help her if I didn't know what it was?' she stopped by the water's edge and I skid to a stop right behind her, careful not to knock her in the clear waters.
"Zelda...you can't just leave this hanging in the air." she crossed her arms and turned halfway toward me looking at me through her long lashes her voice low and accusing.
"Why? You did." My stomach dropped, I did leave her question hanging in the air though I didn't even give her the chance to ask it. I just didn't know what to say and now that I was on the spot, I still had nothing to offer her.
"Oh...yea." I scratched the back of my head and took a deep breath. "Zelda I-" before I could finish she leaned forward and kissed the corner of my lips softly, lingering a bit before stepping back a sad look in her eyes.
"I'm sorry." tearing her eyes away from mine she turned back to the lake and began to discard her clothing. My face reddened deeply and I turned around. I stood there silently, had she known what I was trying to say? Did I even know? Her apology felt so much like a lock on a door. I couldn't stop the hopeless feeling that consumed me and I shook my head. What else was I even expecting?
'Idiot, you knew nothing could come of this. She's the heir to the crown, she'll surely be Queen soon. You have no right to want or even wish for such things.' I crouched and pulled handfuls of grass free from the soft soil, my chin resting on my knees. ' I know… even so. As long as she has some use for me. I'll be satisfied.' A sudden splash pulled me from my thoughts and I stood, facing the lake I scanned the area. Swimming towards the small island in the center of the lake was Zelda, her outer layer of clothing folded neatly on the hillside.
"Zelda!? What are you doing? It's dangerous…" I bit my lip and slide down the hillside till my feet touched the water. Watching her closely I unhooked my bow in case anything in the water threatened her. Figuring she wanted her privacy I sat in the grassy hillside and silently watched over her. "It seems that's all I can do… watch her from afar." I looked up at the clear blue sky and back at her small form. She made it safely ashore, scanning the waters one more time I removed the weapons from my back and laid down in the grass. I removed the master sword from its hilt and stared at my reflection in the blade, Zelda's words from a lifetime ago echoing in my mind.
"Whether skyward bound, adrift in time or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight. The sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the Hero. We pray for your protection…and we hope that- that the two of you will grow stronger together, as one." Slowly lowering her hand a long sigh left her lips before she continued, her voice void of any sincerity or hope. "Forged in the long distant past, the sword-" My ears perked at the conversation the champions were having.
"-That boy is a living reminder of her own failures. Well at least that's how the princess sees him." I grimaced 'how was I a reminder of the princess's failures? What could she possibly have failed to do? I couldn't help that the sword chose me…I never asked for all of this attention. Yet she still blamed me?' I bit my lip and stole a glance up at the princess. She had lowered her hand and was now casting a solemn gaze at her feet. Without a word she turned to leave, heading back towards Hyrule Castle. I stood slowly and followed her, casting a dark look toward the spectators at my side. How dare they throw blame at me in such a manner. They did not even know me. Keeping a respectful distance between myself and the princess my mind kept going over her attempt at a blessing. 'The soul of the hero? How many times have I gone through this ritual? How many times had I pulled the sword from the pedestal in the woods? All for what? to fulfill a prophecy that may not even take place?' Gritting my teeth together I shook my head slightly, I would not give others the pleasure of watching me struggle. With so many eyes on my back I had to make sure I performed perfectly. Looking back up at the princess I silently wondered what could be plaguing her mind. She wasn't the same girl I had met over a decade ago. No matter how I felt about the situation I couldn't bring myself to blame her.
'The sword that seals the darkness…' Even if this prophecy never came to be, I only hoped I would be able to banish the darkness that shadowed the princess.
"Forever bound to the soul of the hero huh?" I sighed and put the sword back in its scabbard before dropping my forearm over my eyes. "I'm no hero…" I glanced at the sword from the corner of my eye "How long are we going to do this?...were my other lifetimes as…" I bit my lip and shook my head 'lonesome?'I sat up angrily and threw a rock into the water. I'd doesn't matter how you feel idiot. You obviously have a duty. Your fate was predetermined…"
"Whoa! Watch it!" my eyes widened and I snapped my head up. Zelda as standing there with her head lowered, the rock I had thrown presumably flying I've her head.
"I didn't hit you did I?"
"You have impeccable aim. You would have had I not ducked in time." I blinked up at her in silence. She was already dressed again and in the middle of tying her hair up in a messy bun atop her head, loose strands hanging down around her face. Despite everything my heart still speed up as my eyes traveled up to her face.
"I'm sorry…" I frowned as the words left my lips. They were the same she had spoken just a few hours prior. Clearing my throat I stood and brushed my hands on my pants. "Are you finished?" she nodded and stretched, her fingers dancing in the sky.
"Yes, let's head on back to Hateno Village." she made her way back up the hill and stood to wait besides Epona. "So, which way would be the fastest route?"
"Well, taking you through the wilderness again would be fastest, the roads of Hyrule are forever winding." Looking at her now, she seemed so frail compared to when I first rescued her from the clutches of the Calamity. 'She's not getting any better…' taking a deep breath I turned my attention down the pathway. "I would feel much better taking you down the main roads. Even though it will take longer. It will be safer." She frowned and shook her head.
"I understand, but I want this trip to be as quick as possible. I am not helpless." she looked me in the eye for a long moment, her gaze unwavering. "Will you stay by my side despite the dangers that are sure to plague our path? Despite my thick headedness?" her voice was strong, a finalized tone garnishing each word. I nodded slowly, I knew it was pointless to argue with her. I replied quietly, my decision already decided before she even asked.
"Always." She stared at me for an instant before she turned and pulled herself onto Epona's back. Looking down at me her eyes held an almost tenderness before she blinked and it vanished from her eyes. The afternoon sun illuminated her form in a soft halo and she gestured behind her. Her voice took on a rare regal tone and she cleared her throat.
"Take me through the wilderness then, I wish to be in Hateno within the following week." I bowed my head slightly and smiled softly at her.
"As you wish." hoisting myself up behind her I reached for the reins, careful not to make too much contact with her before guiding Epona off trail and off into the direction of Angel Peak.
Upon reaching the end of Finra Woods we dismounted and Zelda continued to head up the mountain. I pet Epona's neck and gave her an apple from my bag.
"We'll be finishing this journey on foot. If you like you like you can meet us in Hateno, or just return to the nearest stable. I'm sorry we can't bring you with us." She lowered her head and nipped at my shirt. "Don't worry, I'll be careful this time. Death can't take me from her." with a final wave I hurried up the mountain and fell into pace behind Zelda.
She was silent for a long time and I felt the need to break it. She was usually so talkative, even in the darkest of times. The only problem was, I had no idea what to say. I still felt so awkward around her… if only I hadn't acted out like that at the lake. If I hadn't then I'm sure we'd be talking away by now. She always had a lot to say...I felt like laughing at the irony, recalling what she wrote in her diary that I carelessly disrespected. I never knew how hard she tried to get me to open up to her. There was so many secrets that she kept, did really even know her at all? I shook my head, ignoring the disappointment that settled in my chest. We lead such different lives, came from such different worlds. I didn't have a right to try and be a part of hers, guards were meant to stay outside. Despite that, I couldn't imagine it would be easy for me to just walk away and lead a simple common life. I trained everyday of my life to become a worthy knight, and if the legends were true, all I have ever even known was the sword. No other path was truly available to me. The stories that people passed down of the chosen hero all ended once he defeated whatever darkness infected the land. There was never really any record of what happened to him after peace was restored, he just, vanished. A sudden feeling of fear enveloped me and I shuttered, would I disappear too? My existence couldn't be simply reserved to fight demons and then just...nothing? I felt a queasiness take over my stomach and held my head in my hand. Was anything I did even my choice to begin with? Was I just the object of someone's amusement?
"Link?" I snapped my head over to the source of the voice, Zelda stood under the cover of a small cave, the world around me dreary with rain. How had I not noticed? Her emerald eyes were shadowed by her long lashes a small frown decorated her lips as she looked at me. "Won't you come out of the rain?" she tilted her head in slight confusion, I blinked and stared down at my soaked tunic. How long had I just been standing here? Nodding I trekked up the small hill and joined her inside the small cave. Squeezing as much water as I could from my clothes I sat down at the mouth of the cave, removing my weapons and leaning them against the rocky wall. I busied myself with making a fire close to where Zelda sat at the back of the cave. Once the fire was crackling with life I made her some food before returning to my spot at the front of the cave. Besides the subtle pops of the fire behind me the only other sounds were the distant rumble of thunder and the pouring rain pounding on top of the earth above us. The wind from outside sprayed misty water into my face but I didn't bother moving away. After a an hour or two I moved over to the side of cave and leaned my back against it, keeping my gaze at the surrounding landscape. Crossing my legs at the ankle I spared only a small glance behind me to make sure the fire was still alive. I didn't expect to find her staring at me so intently. The firelight danced in her darkened eyes, I felt as if I was in a trance for I couldn't look away. A strong gust of wind blew through the cave and dimmed the fire light dramatically, I wrapped my arms around myself to try and preserve whatever warmth I had left. Though the light was now near extinguished the glow of the embers was enough to keep her enchanting gaze visible in the darkness. My chest tightened with every passing moment, the silence beginning to scream in my ears. I felt a strange wave of sorrow envelope me the longer I gazed at her. Her voice cut through the darkness like a knife, every word lodging deeper into my chest and stole the breath from my lungs.
"Do you ever feel...Like no one will miss you if you died?" I racked my brain for a way to answer her. Why was she asking me such a question? Her words were laced with so much defeat I didn't know how to react. Was she truly asking me? The way she almost seemed to look past me made me second guess the fact that she was actually speaking to me. However I also felt like she was speaking directly to my soul, clearing my throat I raised my voice just barely above a whisper before responding.
"I do… it seems as if it's on my mind all the time as of late. I question my existence...my purpose..." She remained stoic, her eyes undeterred by the sudden thunder clap that shook the cave, though it caused an unnerving gasp to leave my lips.
"I feel it too." she whispered quietly finally releasing me from my trance, I quickly cast my eyes downward. An aching pain filled my chest and I bit my lip, I wanted to reach out to her but... I couldn't make that mistake again. I didn't want to break what little trust she must have in me. So I stayed where I was, turning my head back to the unforgiving sky.