Songs: Breathe Me by Sia, I'd Love to Change the World cover by Jetta

Am I dead?

Link could only see darkness. Shadowy silhouettes with gleaming red eyes appeared all around him. Their features remained obscured by the dark abyss, yet Link recognized every one. They were shadows of his past, friends he lost, others he couldn't save and enemies killed by his hand. All gone, these faces haunted Link each day and night. Where was he? Was he in hell?

"Link…"

The voice was so light, so pure and so familiar. It soothed his heart, triggering feelings and memories that had nearly slipped from his grasp. Zelda. He had to find her; to keep his promise and to keep her from joining the fallen loved ones behind him. Link anxiously searched his surroundings. At first he only came across black skies and dead faces. Then behind all the darkness he saw her draped in white, a beacon of light and hope.

Link called out her name and received no response. He tried running to her but suddenly found dozens of thick chains holding him back; chains that connected with the many fallen friends and foes weighing down his past. Yanking hard, Link strained to move forward. The weight was unbearable. His muscles faltered. Yet against all the pain, Link managed to forge ahead, one step at a time.

Link cried out, "Zelda! I'm coming for you!"

Progress was frustratingly slow. As he inched closer, Link made out more of Zelda's state. Eyes closed and arms to her side, the unmoving princess was slightly suspended in the air. Grey clouds and smoke tumbled and swirled behind her, as more figures emerged. This time, they weren't shadows of his past. Instead, they were his enemies of the present. Agahnim, Majora, Cia, all of them grinning wickedly back at him. Link's heart trembled. He had to hurry.

Then a set of hands came out and slithered onto Zelda. The hands' owner crept close and revealed his devious face. Link fumed when he saw his darker clone violate her body all over. The assault sent Link into a raging frenzy.

"Get your filthy hands off of her!" Link roared as frantically reached out in an attempt to close the gap between them.

"You're too late. Look at yourself. Soon you will succumb to your wounds." Zelda's attacker replied with a laugh.

Link looked down to find his abdomen bleeding profusely, rapidly draining his strength. The sudden realization weakened his knees as Link collapsed to the ground, catching himself with his hands. His blood covered the ground, traveling towards Zelda until it touched the hem of her white dress, soaking the fabric a deep red. It continued climbing up and claiming more and more of her dress.

"See? Zelda is already mine. I'm going to take her purity. I'm going to make her scream. Then I'm going to kill her."

"NO!"

Link tried crawling. Zelda's dress was almost completely red now. Blood and sweat trailed down his frail body yet he wouldn't give up. He couldn't give in. Not when he was so close.

"Zelda!"

Link's eyes slowly opened to darkness around him. Gradually he could make out some shapes around the room: an armoire, dresser and the bed he lay on. It was his own bedroom, simple yet a welcome sight from the earlier horrors and nightmares that haunted his mind. Upon the realization that he was not dead, Link pieced together it was merely late. He felt sharp pains coming from his abdomen, recalling Agahnim's stab wound. Yet when he reached down to examine it, only a raised scar remained. Zelda…

"She saved your life."

Telma's voice was firm. The usually boisterous bar owner sat weary and worried beside his bed. Link didn't have to look at her to know she was furious though he couldn't avoid her forever. A battle with a thousand moblins could not compare to the crushing words Telma would unleash should he choose to ignore her. Relenting, Link turned his head to look upon the riled Gerudo. Even the cloak of night and her tanned skin could not hide her flushed, swollen eyes.

"Look at her Link. She's barely breathing. Do you know why?" Telma's voice began to drop, her words rattling out from trembling lips. "She healed you at the cost of nearly losing her own life. Remember what I said before? About what all you could lose? Times are different now. You're no longer a lone wolf and you won't be able to just easily battle your way through tough situations. The consequences are real this time and at a cost you cannot afford."

"Zelda nearly…?"

"Yes Link she nearly died, for you. When it became clear Zelda could barely hold herself up while healing you, we all tried to intervene but she refused to give up. She wouldn't let go. I backed off when I saw the desperation in her eyes. Goddess knows what kind of suffering she went through to carry on. When she finally collapsed, for a moment I thought we had lost both of you," Telma interjected.

The stunned hero averted his eyes from Telma. It was then he realized the sleeping beauty resting beside him, her body tucked close with one hand softly clutching his heart. True to Telma's story, Zelda refused to let go of him even in her unconscious state. Link wondered if she could feel his heart racing beneath her touch, his feelings for her growing stronger than ever. He hoped she would awaken, locking her dazzling eyes with his. Instead, the princess remained asleep in her weakened state with light strained breaths, effects Link knew were a direct result of her desperate attempts to save him.

Telma continued, "Somehow… whether by some miracle or something else… you started breathing again. The Resistance believes it was divine intervention. I think it was due to sheer dumb luck and Zelda's sacrifices that you lived. You owe her your life and more, not to mention myself and the rest of us who carried your heavy ass up here."

Link flashed a faint smile at Telma's insult, signs she wasn't entirely angry with him. That slightly improved his position but only just slightly.

"How long have I been out?"

"Several hours. It will be dawn soon," Telma replied with a yawn.

"You look exhausted. You should get some sleep."

"No. Not until you tell me what happened."

Link closed his eyes and remained silent. His tender abdomen screamed with pain, surfacing recollections of his failed mission. It was too soon; he didn't want to talk just yet. Zelda needed to wake first so he could speak to her alone. She shouldn't have to hear about news of her father after everyone else.

"Telma please. There are some things Zelda needs to hear first then I promise I'll share what I learned to you and the others."

"Very well," Telma rose from her seat, "I'll call another meeting in the afternoon."

With Telma gone, Link turned his attention to the resting princess beside him. He gently laid his hand atop her hand, the one holding onto his heart, and leaned in close to kiss her forehead. The tender kiss was unyielding yet soft enough as to not disturb her sleep. Link then connected his forehead with hers and spoke with a barely audible whisper.

"Zelda... For years I walked this world with a hollow heart. My life nothing, my feelings empty, my future uncertain… for a long time I thought I was incapable of affection for anyone. That is… until I met you. Now my life means something, my feelings full, and my future clear. You complete my heart like no one else has before and I don't want to ever lose that. I don't ever want to lose you. The words that come to mind were some I never thought I would say… Zelda I love you. I love you so much."

Perhaps she heard him, perhaps she didn't. Nonetheless, from that point on, Link vowed more than ever to always keep her safe.

Zelda awoke to the light patter of rain against the window. She rolled to her side. The pillows and sheets smelled of forest and earth, reminding her of Link. Sitting up, Zelda looked around the room to find she was alone in his room. Even though her mind and body were still hazy, Zelda remembered Link bleeding profusely. The sight of dried blood still covering her hands confirmed those thoughs. Panic set in and shook her emotions as Zelda feared the worst.

"Oh thank goodness you're awake!"

Zelda looked up with damp eyes to see Aveil entering the room. The concerned Gerudo rushed over and sat next to her friend.

"Link! Is he alive?" Zelda anxiously asked.

Aveil clutched Zelda's arms, "Hun relax. Link is alive. He asked me to come check on you since you've been out for awhile." She proceeded to pull Zelda into an embrace to which the princess hugged back, sobbing in relief. Neither girl spoke until Zelda calmed down.

Zelda wiped away the last of her tears, "What happened?"

"You saved his life. We all rushed over to find him unconscious and bleeding while you were trying to heal him. You refused to leave his side, even though your own strength was fading. It all happened so fast. Scared us all…anyways, you should wash up. It will make you feel better. I should also mention that Link wants to speak with you when you're ready. He is up in the Cucco Tower. Oh and another Resistance meeting will be held later today," Aveil gave Zelda's hands a squeeze, "I'm glad you're both okay."

Aveil got up and left. Zelda followed Aveil's suggestion to cleanse herself in a bath. As she washed away the blood from her hands, Zelda thought of Link and the suffering he must have gone through. It was all her fault; she should have never let him go. Yet would he have listened? After all, Link was a man of his word. Zelda finished her bath and got dressed.

The winding stairs to the tower took forever, every step torturous to Zelda's weakened body. A part of her wanted to curse Link for choosing this place to meet, especially since it was still raining. She wondered how she would react upon seeing Link, her heart racing in anticipation.

As she stepped out onto the tower's balcony, Zelda spotted Link with his back turned to her, arms outstretched while firmly holding onto the railing. His head was bowed and tunic soaked, having been out in the rain all morning. It only took a moment for Link to notice her presence. Zelda's name smoothly flowed from his lips, glistening blue eyes gazing back at her. His look was unbearable, Zelda certain her heart would burst. The princess crashed into him, arms latching around his neck while burying her face into his strapping chest. Link eagerly held her close, savoring every moment despite the conversation to come.

"I'm so glad you're all right," Zelda cried.

Link brought his hands to her face. Despite the rain concealing her tears, he tenderly wiped her cheeks with his thumbs. Both breathed heavily, their foreheads touching with closed eyes. Link could feel her hands trail down and cling to his tunic, practically clawing at his chest. Her touch drove him crazy, igniting his groin and senses. Link wanted nothing more than to kiss her right then and there but it wouldn't be appropriate; not when he had to break the news about her father.

"All thanks to you," he whispered. Regrettably, Link removed her hands from his chest and held them tight. "Zelda, there is something you need to know…"

"What? Is it about my father? How is he?"

Link retrieved the King's golden ring from his pocket and placed it in her hands. He was at a loss for words. "I'm so sorry…"

Zelda's heart nearly stopped. Feeling her father's ring, seeing the solemn look on Link's face, hearing his voice crack, it was enough to know the king was dead. Stunned, upset, angry, confused, a whole spectrum of emotions flooded her mind. This wasn't how it was suppose to go. Link always saved the day. He always kept his promises. Zelda broke off from their embrace, peddling back a few steps. Knees buckling, she grabbed onto the tower for support. The rain intensified along with her tears.

"Why couldn't you save him? Why couldn't you warp back with him and let me heal him? Why couldn't you keep your promise?" Her cold words pierced harder than Link's stab wound. He never imagined her reacting like this. Gone was the caring look Link had come to love. Instead her face had become hardened and distant. He fumbled for a response.

"Zelda… I was too late. Believe me I…"

"No. Stop!" Zelda put up her hand when Link tried to approach her again. "I put my faith in you. I…"

"Zelda…"

"Please… leave me. I need to be alone right now."

Not wanting to cause further damage, Link left the tower dismayed. He wanted to be there for her, to comfort her, to hold her, yet if all she wanted were some space then Link would respect her wishes.

Zelda collapsed to the floor and cried.

The rain had finally subsided by the time the afternoon sun took over the sky. By then, most everyone had already filtered into Telma's office, anxious for what Link had to say. Link took to his usual spot by the fireplace. The group heard a soft knocking on the door, followed by Zelda entering the room. Still in a weakened state, Zelda took a seat, averting her puffy eyes from Link.

"Zelda, are you…?" Aveil began before getting cut off.

"I'm fine. Please, continue," Zelda curtly replied.

"Right. This is everyone so let's begin. Link… tell us what happened," said Telma.

Link heaved a heavy sigh. What he had to say wasn't going to be easy but nonetheless The Resistance needed to know. Link solemnly began, "The King is dead."

Astonished looks pierced the silent room, many of which turned to the princess for any sort of reaction. She remained emotionless save for the single tear escaping her closed eyes. Link wanted to embrace her and give any sort of comfort he could offer. But after their tense conversation, Zelda was likely still upset at Link so he opted to respectfully keep his distance.

He continued, "I suppose I should've started from the beginning. After the speech by the King, I decided to investigate. It was a stealth mission only to gather intel, find the King and if the opportunity presented itself, rescue him." Link eyed Zelda as he explained the mission who in turn diverted her eyes to the floor, no doubt intent on avoiding Link. "When I infiltrated the castle, I found the King locked up in the dungeons. King Daphnes was gravely injured by the time I arrived. Just before his passing, I asked what he knew about his captors. He replied with 'All of them.' So I decided to explore further. I eventually ended up in the Throne room. There I… I saw…King Daphnes…"

"Hold up. I don't understand. You just said the King is dead and now you're saying you saw him alive shortly afterwards?" Telma interjected, confused and skeptical of his retelling.

"The King is dead," Link firmly reiterated, "The man upon the throne wasn't King Daphnes, but rather a clone of some sorts. Everything about him appeared authentic save for red eyes."

"No doubt that clone probably gave the speech in the square," Shad pieced together, "Err sorry! Please go on."

"Shortly after, I was discovered and captured. Agahnim and Majora appeared… along with another," Link hesitated, "…a sorceress named Cia. The clones are her doing. I don't know how but her powers allow her to create clones."

"Goddesses Agahnim, Majora, a sorcercess and a clone!?" Aveil exclaimed, making audible the shared concern about the room.

"Two clones." Link corrected with a sigh.

"Two clones? Who is the other?" Shad questioned.

"…Me."

Link could feel their collective breath drop. Shad's jaw dropped, Telma grabbed her heart and Aveil let out a gasp. Even Zelda looked up to reveal her worried, watery eyes. What hope The Resistance had for victory likely evaporated at the news. After all, Link was their main muscle. How could they possibly take on three villains and another Link?

"Goddesses. Link, are you saying they essentially have a copy of you to do their bidding?" Telma asked.

"Yes. He looks exactly like me except darker and again with red eyes. I suspect he'll equal me in skills…" Link rubbed his forehead. He hated to bring such grim tidings to the team but they needed to know. "There's more…"

"Goddesses be damned. What else could there possibly be?" Aveil wailed.

"Someone else. I only saw him briefly before I escaped," Link's voice trailed off, "I don't know who he is…"

Shad chimed in, "I think I may know who…" Flipping to a page in the book he had been holding, he showed a picture to Link. "Did he look like this?"

Link took the book. Red hair, tanned skin, and gilded black armor, the man on the page matched who he saw in the Throne Room. He handed the book back to Shad. "Yes… that's him."

"Took quite a bit of digging to find this book. His name is Ganondorf and as history goes, Ganondorf and his reincarnations have been continually seeking the Triforce since the early years of Hyrule. He is the kingdom's greatest foe, with powers that practically make him immortal," Shad explained.

Any glimmer of hope in that room had all but disappeared at the latest revelation. The Resistance simply did not have the numbers or strength to take on all of those enemies at once. No one said a word, all lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Zelda spoke, her faint voice cutting through the somber silence.

"What of Auru and the Hylian army? Has there been any news?" she asked.

Ashei stepped forward. "The postman delivered a letter this morning from Auru. Unfortunately it's more bad news. He found the army at the border near Termina trapped in some sort of purple barrier. His attempts to break through have been unsuccessful."

"So what do we do now?" Aveil questioned.

"End this meeting," Telma responded as she got up from her chair. "We'll reconvene in the morning. Link and Zelda still need to recover, we have to open the bar soon, and we need time to come up with a new strategy."

As everyone left the room, Link stayed behind. He needed to speak with Telma alone. In the years he has lived at the bar, Telma had always provided him with sound advice and he needed it now more than ever. Telma got the hint as she closed the door and sat back down.

"Link, what's on your mind?"

"Telma… With all those enemies, I don't think I can take them all. I'm not strong enough. How can I defeat myself and four others?" Link dropped his face into his hands, afraid to show the fear in his eyes. "I'm going to die."

"Nonsense," scoffed the calm Gerudo, "Strength isn't the definition of your muscles, nor is it the caliber of your skills. Strength is all in your heart and I can't think of anyone else with as much strength as you. Your courage is unparalleled, your love for those close to you unwavering, and your resolve to keep promises is unbreakable. You are strong enough. The Link I first took in six years ago wasn't afraid of death and the Link before me now isn't either."

Link looked up at Telma. Confidence was in her nature. She believed in Link and has always make a point to tell him that. Hard times don't exist in her world and she doesn't tolerate those who give in. In a ways, she filled the role of a mother Link never had and for that he was forever grateful.

"You're right, I don't fear death. I fear the consequences of my death and what it would do to Hyrule, to Zelda…" Link replied.

"So then make sure you don't die. Think Link. You have to even the odds. Pick them off one by one. What is it that you can do?"

Getting up, Link began to pace back and forth. Only one option came to mind and he didn't like it. The risks were too great. After what happened in Termina and then again back in Hyrule, Link had vowed never to go down that path again. However, he never imagined he would reach this level of desperation. Were the stakes high enough this time to turn to such a weapon?

Link uttered just two words: "Fierce Deity."

"Are you sure about that?" Telma asked with a hint of concern in her eyes, fully aware of the consequences that could bring.

"I don't know…"

"Life is made up of tough choices Link; each choice with a different path and sometimes not easy to discern which is better. After what you went through those years ago, the losses you sustained, would you be able to live with yourself if you had to go through that again? Think about Zelda."

He was. Zelda occupied nearly every thought in his mind and now was no exception. Turning to Fierce Deity could endanger Zelda, a paralyzing fear that took over Link like a ReDead. He was already on shaky grounds with her from the death of her father and this decision could driver her further away. When Link didn't respond, Telma continued, lowering her voice.

"While you think it over, I have a task for you. As you are fully aware of the tax hikes, the false king has sent out tax collectors throughout the kingdom. I've heard a rumor one of them is Impa, Zelda's guardian. She was last seen in Kakariko Village. It's likely our enemies have her under control so I want you to investigate."

Link nodded. This was a mission he could handle with little risk. If he could get Impa on their side then perhaps their odds might improve. Conversely, if she were under some sort of control, Link would have to restrain her in some way and keep her away from Zelda. He only wondered how his skills might stack up against hers.

"Keep this to yourself. I haven't told the rest of The Resistance and I especially don't want Zelda to find out. It's nearly opening time, I should get back to the bar." Telma made for the door. "Link, go forth and have no fear. Just remember, don't do something you might regret."

Left to his thoughts, Link lingered about for a while. He visited the courtyard then the tower for what felt like hours. As the sun retired and the moon awoke, Link thought about Telma's advice and the tough choice he had to make. The choice weighed heavily on his heart, knowing everything could all come crashing down should Link fail. Too tired to dwell on the decision any longer, Link left to retire for the night.

Upon entering his room, Link immediately noticed Zelda sitting calmly on his bed, hands clasped in her lap. For a moment Link thought her purpose for being there indicated she wanted him but the signals from her stares suggested otherwise. She wanted something and Link had a feeling she wouldn't let up until she got her way. Expressing his burning feelings to her would have to wait.

"What are you doing here?" Link asked in exhaustion.

"Fierce Diety. What is it?"

Link frowned, "Were you eavesdropping? What else did you hear?"

"That you had to make a tough choice and this Fierce Diety is involved. Tell me, I have a right to know."

Good she didn't hear about Impa. Link moved to the locked chest across the room. He inserted the key and lifted the lid. Fumbling through the chest's contents, Link finally found the item he was looking for: a blue and red markings lined the eyes and forehead of the mask. Curiously, the carved face closely resembled Link, an observation that gnawed at Zelda's gut. An uneasy feeling came over her as she watched Link handle the disturbing artifact.

"Link, what is that thing you're holding?" Zelda inquired as she stood up, keeping her distance.

"A weapon from my past: the Fierce Deity Mask. It grants immense power when worn," Link's voiced trailed off, as if an unknown force lured away his attention.

Zelda backed away some more, fearful of whatever power that false face wielded. "Where did you get it?"

"It doesn't matter where I got it. My past doesn't concern you."

What Link didn't want her to know was that he acquired the mask as a teenager during his three years in the neighboring region of Termina. It was there he first encountered Majora, or rather the spirit possessing that wicked mask. It was then Link was given the option to play the game of masks: Majora vs. Fierce Deity. Good guy vs. bad guy. At the time, Link scoffed at the notion that he would be the bad guy. After all, it he was the one trying to put a stop to Majora's madness and mayhem. Little did he know the mask would eventually cost the lives of several close friends.

The usual caring light in Link's eyes began to diminish. Zelda couldn't help but notice his demeanor slowly transform the more he engaged with the mask. Zelda knew the mask possessed magical powers, but the energy seeping out was unlike anything Zelda has ever known. Its disruptive nature heightened her fear, causing Zelda to violently quiver.

"I don't like it. Put that thing away Link!"

Link ignored her plea. His darkening eyes remained engrossed on the mask.

"Link, are you listening to me? Get rid of it now!" Zelda cried. Her pleas fell silent once again.

Trembling, Zelda rushed towards the distant man. "Link, THAT'S ENOUGH!" she shrieked as she smacked the mask from his hands. The mask flung to the far corner of the room, landing with a threatening thud. The unseen shadows wielding their influence on Link receded back into the wooden weapon. With the magnetic trance broken, Link rose to his feet and looked at Zelda. Her watery eyes were red with dread.

"Zelda… I…" Link reached out his right hand as he closed in to console her.

Visibly upset, Zelda shielded his attempted touch and made for the door. She had had enough. Briefly pausing in the doorframe, she glanced back at him and spoke softly, "I know you promised to protect me… but what if you can't protect me from yourself?"

Zelda fled the room, leaving Link to further question the choice he had to make.

Author's Notes: Apologies if you were hoping for more ZeLink in this chapter. I'm pulling them apart for now so sparks will fly when they do come crashing back together. Believe me I'm dying to get to those scenes but I don't want to rush the story. I promise just a couple more chapters! :)