Hello everyone… I'm back… haha. Life unfortunately got the better of me and I've just been too busy trying to survive… But believe me when I say this project isn't over. I have ideas - a multitude of them - and I'm finally in a position where I'm capable of picking this up again! So hooray, more Zelda x Link drama is in store for you!

Anyone else sad that the botw sequel is being delayed? I'm sure Nintendo is just making sure it's a real banger so I don't really mind, but it might mean I'll end up replaying botw in the meantime… Even tho I already 100% the game and have 300+ hours… I'm not the only one, right…? *squints*

Anyway, if you're still following the story and were one of my early readers from months ago, I thank you. Thanks for still being here :) I promise lots more fluff (and smut) in the near future too.

PS: Apologies in advance if the writing is a little lacklustre – I haven't been able to write for nearly a year on any of my novels or fanfics, so I'm a little rusty! I will persevere!

Chapter 7

Shrouded in a swirling storm of sand, Vah Naboris thundered across what had once been a peaceful land. It marched straight and true, with only one destination in sight – Hyrule Castle. Behind the beast, the land was left scarred with heavy footprints and dusted in a thick coating of sand. The skies were gradually polluted with smog so thick and dense that its prized blue colour had dissipated into grey. They filled the lungs of any passing animal and threatened to choke the life from their bodies. On the ground, they dirtied the veins of flowing rivers.

The air was almost too thick to breathe in, lacking in oxygen. It proved a challenge even for Rito's champion, Revali. He was a creature that existed to dominate the skies. Except today, even he was finding the atmosphere to be scathingly hostile. The dust weighed upon his feathers, the lack of oxygen suffocated his lungs, and the low visibility forced him to fly defensively through the sky. He followed the trail of desolation that the divine beast Vah Naboris had left behind, and even for the seemingly heartless champion, the aftermath was a difficult sight to take in.

As the leader of his people, he rarely descended from their village in the Hebra mountains to visit the mainland. Still, he knew where he was. He knew that below him ought to have been a lively village. It would often host a series of festivities and markets which his soldiers liked to frequent. A little further north should have been a crossroads, guarded by Hylian soldiers and serving as a checkpoint for visitors seeking to cross Hyrule Field. Their existence was survived only by Revali's memory. What he saw was something entirely different. He saw the burning buildings, the trampled crops. He heard the screaming voices of panic, and he smelled the scorched flesh of civilians. Still, he knew there wasn't much he could do to Vah Naboris alone. He would leave that task to their knight. Instead, Revali headed for Hyrule Castle.

For the princess of Hyrule, the sight of her ravaged lands was even more difficult to overcome. Upon the back of Adia, a Rito warrior, she had a new perspective of the kingdom. She recognised each of the roads and trails that etched across the grassy land. She knew where the villages were, where they used to be, where they should have been. She understood just how many lives were likely to have been lost. The tight, wrenching sensation in her heart was all she could feel. Was there even any hope left?

Zelda had experienced plenty of battles with monsters before, and she'd witnessed many an injury from her soldiers. She'd witnessed the battle of Hyrule Field, from two summers ago. She knew what death looked like. But this wasn't mere death. It was sheer destruction. The sight of it made her feel worthless. If she couldn't so much as protect the innocent…

"…Highness."

The sound of Link's voice, faint against the high winds but strong with resolution, broke through her hazy state of mind. Swallowing the lump that refused to leave her throat, Zelda tore her eyes away from her burning lands and looked up in search of that familiar voice.

Just a couple metres away from her position in the sky was the other Rito warrior, Neva. He carried Link upon his back as they flew through the skies. Only now did Zelda notice that Link's eyes, so blue and bright, were on her. How long had he been trying to get her attention for? She glanced around their surroundings again, realising that they could see Vah Naboris in the distance. It wouldn't be long before they caught up.

"Highness," Link repeated. "I will go to Naboris. I ask that you stay with Adia, who will guard you. You will be safest in the air."

It took Zelda a few seconds to process what he was saying. At first, his words hit a wall of indignation and frustration. She glanced down at the destroyed villages below them, struck with the desire to snap back at her knight. How could she sit back and do nothing? How could she call herself a princess of the lands, if she did nothing? And yet when her eyes followed the path of destruction which Vah Naboris had left in its wake, she was struck with realisation. The truth was, there was nothing which she could do at that moment to fix anything. She had no power. She had no combat ability to retake Naboris, if that was what was necessary. She had no physical ability to help. She would only get in the way, and such a thing would further put Link's life at risk. And that wasn't something she was willing to do. Losing Link wasn't an option.

Fists clenched, Zelda nodded. "Alright. Go."

The strength in her voice surprised even Zelda. But the sound of it was reassuring to Link's ears, and at her command, he turned his sight onto Naboris. They were finally close enough that Link could see the shining purple colour of its feet, glowing like parasites through the dusty earth.

"Hold on tight!"

Neva's warning came only a few seconds before he shut his wings, propelling them into a downward dive and out of their vantage position in the skies. They hurtled toward the land at neck-breaking speed, so quickly that Zelda gasped and leaned forward in panic. It wasn't long before the Rito warrior's wings were but a small smudge in the smoky clouds. Zelda strained to see them go, worried that she might see a figure falling to the ground. Instead, she saw the occasional glint of blue steel, winking at her from the distance, atop the Rito warrior's wings.

"Don't worry," Adia commented. "Neva is good at flying. He won't let your knight fall."

Zelda felt her fingers tighten on Adia's shoulders. She appreciated the reassurance, but it didn't help to dispel the worry in her heart. Adia hadn't seen what happened to Link. He hadn't seen the pain upon his face. He hadn't seen the way Link struggled to walk straight. Deep down in her heart, Zelda had a suspicion that Link saw their goddess before she sent him back to earth. It was a connection she'd never felt before, but the moment Naboris's lightning had struck Link, she could have sworn she felt him die. Like the snap of an elastic band, she felt it in her chest. And yet now… Now, she felt only the burning fire of his soul within her. Was he really alright? She would have to trust him.

"There," Neva called. He glanced over his shoulder, to look at the heralded hero upon his shoulders. He never thought he would have the privilege of meeting the knight who seals the darkness, much less carry him upon his back into battle. There was a glowing sensation of pride and honour in his feathered breast, one which made him glad to be a warrior for the Rito.

Link's head nodded. He saw the landing pad which Neva had spotted. It was a small clearing at the very tail of the great divine beast, providing a sheltered area for safe landing. He felt the changing pitch of the wind as Neva altered their speed in preparation to land. Bracing himself, Link prepared himself for battle. He didn't have any idea how many enemies were on board the beast, but he certainly knew how large the interior was. It was very much possible to fit a hundred men on board, if the Yiga were so inclined. Link could well be walking right to his death and he wouldn't know until it was too late.

"Do you intend to infiltrate it alone?" Neva asked. Link glanced down at his companion. His tone of voice, compared to that of Revali's, was calm and genuine. It was a question of concern, with no intention to patronise.

Link gave a sideways tip of his head. Given a choice, flying blind into the enemy domain wasn't an option Link would have chosen. And while Neva was not accustomed to the silent knight's communication methods, he understood well enough from Link's expression.

"Then I will provide back up," Neva stated. Link nodded, to show his appreciation. He knew they might well be the final two living beings to stand against Naboris, and to prevent the total decimation of Hyrule Castle Town.

"Are you prepared to die for Hyrule?"

Link's question, quiet and grave, caught Neva off guard. He remained focused on the task at hand, all the while thinking over Link's question. He adjusted his wings against the wind, allowing them to enter a smooth descent.

"If you are not, then I will enter alone," Link went on. "I understand if you have family."

Neva raised a brow. Did all Hylian soldiers speak so gallantly? Or was it only Link?

"I am a warrior," Neva replied. "And it is because I have family that I am willing to die for Hyrule. They are the reason I fight."

A small smile crossed Link's face. "Good. Then I gladly fight by your side."

Neva braced himself against the final buffeting wind between them and the landing platform. With a graceful twist of his body and his legs, he landed with a gentle thud. Lowering his body to allow Link to climb down, he eyed the knight sideways.

"And you, sir knight?" Neva asked. "For whom do you fight?"

He watched as Link raised his hand and grasped the handle of that legendary sword. He stood in awe as he witnessed the blue steel surface, shining and glowing with the goddess's blessed power. Link swung the sword in a small, skilled flourish, and brandished it.

"I fight for the future of Hyrule."

His voice was quiet, soft. It was a sentence which gained Neva's respect, and when Link started toward the rear entrance of Vah Naboris, Neva gladly fell in step behind him.

Link's eyes surveyed the entrance to Vah Naboris. It was larger than he remembered. More intimidating. Carefully, Link crept inside the small hallway between their landing pad and the main chamber within the beast. Inside, it was a little quieter. The distant but constant explosions of Naboris's electro attacks on the surrounding land was an indication he had to act fast. As quickly but as quietly as he could, Link went further in.

He could hear voices in the distance, of several Yiga. Still too far away to tell how many there were, Link glanced around at their surroundings. The walls and the floors, all a stony sand colour and marked with old Sheikah technology, had once been a sight to behold. Link remembered the first time he stepped foot upon Naboris. The grandeur, the power…

As they drew closer to the central chamber, Link began to see blood smeared on the floors. And then a golden Gerudo spear. A shield. Dropped and forgotten, the weapons' owner lay dead just a few feet away. She wasn't the only victim, either. The further Link and Neva went, the more bodies they saw. The divine beast had become a mere tomb for the people of Gerudo.

Fighting for the future of Hyrule.

For some inexplicable reason, Link heard his own words echoing inside his mind. Perhaps it was the dull ache of his body, threatening to affect his strength and abilities. Or perhaps it was the fear of failure. Maybe his mind had simply not quite returned from the goddess's grasp, after his recently brush with death. Whatever it was, Link felt a deep and chilling void of fear at the very pit of his stomach. He'd seen the destruction with his own eyes. At what point would it then be considered failure? They'd lost Gerudo town. They'd lost several villages in central Hyrule. And he had done nothing to stop it.

"Hey!"

The shout of an enemy voice startled Link. They'd been spotted. Tightening his hold on his sword, Link stepped out of the shadows and towards the enemy. There were many of them, almost too many to count, gathered around the central console of the divine beast. Link gritted his teeth and shook the doubt from his mind. He couldn't linger on what was done. He had to focus on what could be done. And right at that moment, it was to eliminate the enemy and regain control of the divine beast.

The distant scream of agony was the first indication of bloodshed in their battle. It was an arrow, clean and true, fired from behind Link. Neva's arrow pierced the arm of a Yiga henchman, forcing them to drop their weapon. The sound of his pained shriek caused Link's mind to click back into place. Battle was familiar to him. Even if his heart was in turmoil, his body knew what to do. He lurched into action.

His first strike was at the Yiga blademaster that came at him. Ducking an arrow that flew at him, Link lunged forward in a quick and direct attack. The swiftness of his movements took his opponent off guard, and with another upward swing of his sword, the blademaster's hand was severed at the wrist. Twisting away from the lunging attack of another Yiga, Link slammed the end of his sword into the blademaster's neck. It was just a few inches, controlled and precise, and the necessary amount of force to end his life. The large man's body dropped to the ground.

With the most imminent danger out of his way, Link took a moment to assess the scene. There were fifteen – no, sixteen – Yiga men standing at the controls. More bodies surrounded the console, both Gerudo and Yiga. Link could see that a bloody battle that had been fought, and judging from the numbers, it had been a devasting loss for their side. It was a sight that squeezed Link's chest painfully.

Another arrow whizzed overhead, striking a Yiga mid-air as they attempted to leap at Link. Wasting no further time to assess the situation, Link threw himself into battle. He focused on the men upon the ground closest to him, trusting that Neva would eliminate the archers from a distance. As bleak as the situation was, it was certainly comforting to have the protection of an ally.

Each swipe of Link's blade was carefully executed and calculated. Every arrow which Neva fired struck their target. And yet, the enemies were unrelenting. With each kill Link took, he felt his hands growing heavy. It felt as if stones had been tied to his wrists. Even with all the courage he could possibly muster, his body refused to assist him. It was at the fourth kill that he felt the enemy finally draw blood. Still wearing the same clothing from his disguise in Gerudo town, he had almost no defence against their attacks. He felt the edge of their blade, slicing past his thigh and cutting through his thin sirwals. It was a shallow cut, but it still hurt, and was more than enough to cause a trickle of warm blood.

Still, Link pushed forward. He cut down the fifth Yiga, and then the sixth. Behind him, Neva took out just as many. With each enemy death, Link was able to approach the great control console of the divine beast. And yet, just as Link buried his sword deep within the chest of his seventh kill, he spotted something in the corner of his eye. A flash of blue.

It was the colour of his tunic. That sacred shade of blue, worn only by the royal family and the kingdom's champions. He saw it peeping at him from behind the central console of the divine beast. And yet, it wasn't quite the same shade. It was darker. Almost purple. It was a sight that Link would recognise anywhere – it was the colour of blood, staining that regal shade of blue. Link felt his heart drop.

"No…"

His voice was a fearful whisper, one which he couldn't control. Shoving his opponent out of the way, he pushed himself toward the far side of the console table. And then he saw it. Motionless, lifeless. It was Urbosa, laying against the console, a windcleaver piercing through her body and pinning her in place. Her eyes were open, her mouth ajar. The scimitar in her hand was bloodied, and her prized shield had been split into pieces by her side. Wounds ran up and down her arms, as well as her legs. Blood soaked through her clothes and pooled by her sides. Even if her killer hadn't plunged a sword through her middle, she likely would have bled to death eventually.

Link had seen death before, plenty of it. He'd seen his allies fall in battle. He'd watched his own friends die before his eyes. Such was the nature of war. But to see Urbosa, a fellow champion of Hyrule, dead? The same way Urbosa's blood stained her blue champion garb, Link could feel the dark hatred of the calamity's influence begin to chip away at their kingdom. He felt it in his soul.

"Link!"

The sound of Neva's voice brought him spinning back into reality. Raising his sword, Link barely blocked a heavy swing of another enemy's weapon. The jarring impact pulsed through his hand and into his arms, imprinting pain into his aching muscles.

Grunting with effort, Link forced the enemy blade away and grasped his sword with both hands. He didn't have the strength to counter single-handedly. Not anymore. He couldn't stop the enemy from delivering yet another cutting blow to his body, either. He felt his blood begin to seep from several cuts, soaking through his thin clothing and dripping to the already bloodied floors.

"Oh, by Hylia…"

Neva's voice was soft and horrified as he too, came close enough to witness Urbosa's resting place. He didn't have any idea what had happened in the events leading up to their departure, and he'd already been preparing for the worst. It didn't help him face the death of a champion in the slightest.

"Help…"

Link's voice was hoarse, quiet. He slammed the hilt of his sword into the control panels with such force that the impact caused the surface material to crack.

"…help me destroy this."

He didn't have a clue how Urbosa normally controlled the beast. And he would never again have the opportunity to ask. But when he lifted his eyes to the windows of the divine beast, he could see Hyrule Castle drawing nearer. Every few seconds, the power of Naboris's lightning continued to cause destruction to its surroundings.

Neva shook the shock from his body and went to Link's side. Slinging his bow over his shoulder, he traced his hands over the console in confusion.

"I have bomb arrows," he said. "Would that be sufficient?"

Link scrubbed the sweat from his brow and looked down at his surroundings. He didn't care that bomb arrows would likely destroy their ability to pilot the beast in future. He cared that Urbosa was still there. He looked up at Neva and sheathing his sword, he extended a hand.

"Give it to me," he ordered. "You'll carry Lady Urbosa to safety. When you are at a safe distance, I will detonate this."

Neva retracted an inch. Carrying a champion's body to a safe place was one thing. Abandoning a living champion was another entirely.

"You can't fly," Neva said pointedly. "And I can't carry two people. How do you expect to get to safety?"

Link straightened to his full height and glared at Neva. The Rito warrior saw from those sharp, livid blue eyes that it hadn't been a suggestion. It was an order. An order which Neva knew he couldn't possibly obey.

Another explosion struck nearby, and with the lack of fighting, Link heard it clearly this time. He whipped around to face the crystal windows, noticing the new fire that had broken out nearby. With every passing second, the beast steadily crawled closer to Hyrule Castle Town. Another few hundred metres, and the most populated town in Hyrule would be at risk.

"I'm sorry, Link," Neva stated. "But I can't let you die here."

Link whirled on his heel. His mouth opened in preparation to snap back, to tell Neva that he had no intention of dying. His duty had yet to be fulfilled. His life wasn't to end there – Hyrule still needed him. And beyond even that, Link had reasons to continue living. Not that that he would ever openly admit that. Not as the knight who would seal the darkness.

Neva didn't give him the chance to answer. His wings were already opening, and with each powerful flap, he began to lift from the floor. With a silent prayer to their goddess, Neva lunged for Link. He knew that if he were to take a champion by surprise, he needed to be quick. Though he hated the idea of it, the shock of Urbosa's death would likely give him the advantage he needed to catch Link off guard. Legs extended, Neva's claws closed around each of Link's arms. He lifted the small Hylian off his feet and twisted towards the exit from which they entered. The guttural, non-verbal noise which Link elicited made Neva feel just a small touch of guilt, but he didn't have the time to think on it. He zipped through the vast internal chambers of Vah Naboris. For every obstacle they passed, Neva exerted just the minimal effort to navigate around it safely. His focus was on speed.

"Neva…!"

The shout of Link's voice was hard with anger. He struggled against Neva's talons, fighting to be released. He couldn't simply leave Urbosa like that. The divine beast couldn't be her grave. Nobody, champion or not, deserved such a cruel end.

Neva ignored Link's cries of protest and blew past the final gateway between them and the open skies. He wasn't a Hylian soldier who had ever marched with the royal army, nor would he ever gain the same respect and recognition from the king of Hyrule. But he too, was a warrior. He too, had fought battles where the livelihoods of his people depended on their victory. He knew at that moment, sacrificing the body of a beloved ally was necessary for their future. Even if it meant making an enemy out of their knighted champion.

The second they were clear of the divine beast and back in the skies, Neva released his hold on Link. He sent the knight flying through the skies, grappling to hold on for dear life, only to find thin air. The scream of his voice was high with panic.

Neva twisted his body to face the divine beast. Drawing his bow and selecting three bomb arrows, he turned his focus to the central console of Naboris. With a hunter's eye, he spared just a few precious seconds to aim. The moment he was certain of his target, he loosed.

Falling through the skies, Link felt as if time had stopped. He felt his heart struggle against the high altitudes. He felt the air being squeezed from his lungs. He could do nothing. He could only watch as Neva fired his arrows. Straight and true, they flew towards their target. And yet they flew so slowly, etching three fine lines of white against the billowing dust that continued to swell around them. The arrows disappeared into the divine beast, and for several long moments, Link felt the silence stretch on. Almost as if time itself was mocking him, as if his existence was a mere game to be played at by fate. He had no control. Perhaps he never did have any control.

The impact of Neva's body against Link's dragged him out of standstill. A mere split second later, Link felt the shockwave of the detonating bombs. He felt the burning heat engulf the air, and he heard the blast of its destruction ringing through his ears. It was an explosion so powerful that the crystal windows had been blown out, sending shards of glittering glass across the land. Shrapnel was cast from every opening available and showered down from the skies.

And yet… The divine beast continued to march. Its feet continued to glow purple, casting out an ominous light upon the earth before it descended to cause destruction. With only a final wall between Naboris and the Hyrule Castle Town, Link felt all hope leave his body.

"…no."

Neva hovered in silence, eyes wide as he watched the beast continue onward. The walls surrounding the castle down stood no chance against its heavy, destructive feet. Like a child's sandcastle on a sunny beach, the wall crumbled to pieces.

"No," Link whispered. "No!"

The screams of civilians in the distance grew louder. The crumbling of stone and bricks became a constant, background noise. The growling roar of the divine beast echoed unmistakably across the land.

Link racked his brain for something, anything. Each time Naboris's feet descended upon the earth, the houses and structures were crushed. Each time its electrifying power caught sight of something metal, it was disintegrated to ash. Would this be the end of the kingdom?

No. There had to be something he could do. The electrifying power of Naboris's ranged attacks were the same colour as its glowing feet. Link had to wonder if that was its source of power. He never did understand who the divine beasts worked, and he was beginning to regret not paying closer attention to Zelda's research.

"Give me your bow."

Up in the air and with Link perched on his back safely, Neva didn't see any reason to deny him. He passed his weapon to the champion, along with his quiver of arrows.

"What will you do?"

Link pushed upright into the wind and took Neva's bow in hand. Drawing a single bomb arrow, he slotted it into place and closed one eye. He was focused on just one of the feet, watching and waiting as it lifted into the air. He knew there would be collateral damage, if he fired a bomb arrow. And yet… He didn't have a choice.

"Hylia," Link murmured. "Give me strength."

He fired. Neva watched the arrow fly, strong and true, across the land. He wasn't sure what Link had been aiming at, but he saw it connect with one of the glowing feet. Upon impact, a sharp explosion detonated. The resultant smoke obstructed their view for a few moments, and when it cleared, Neva saw the crackling electricity surrounding the beast's leg. The purple glow of its power began to fade, and the moment it disappeared, he felt Link's hand tap him on the shoulder.

"Go. Get me closer."

Neva didn't need to be told twice.

From a distance, Zelda watched the destruction unfold. She bore witness to the multiple explosions that ensued, and was forced to watch as a recognisable figure fell from the skies. She'd seen the way Link fell, and though Neva caught him soon after, she felt as if her heart would explode from the mere anticipation. She never doubted Link's ability to take control of the situation, but at the same time, she never thought Naboris would reach the castle town. Even as the great divine beast was felled, its crushing weight took out everything it stood over. Though it had been forced to its knees at the whims of her beloved knight, Zelda knew that their success was not without casualties. She saw the burning of the front town and entrance, she saw the running civilians, she saw the destruction that had been left behind.

"There," Adia murmured. His eagled eyes, far sharper than any ordinary Hylian's, spotted his fellow Rito warrior in the distance. He saw Neva come to a land and deliver Link to the ground, where both were finally given a chance to breathe. Adia glanced over his shoulder, to check on the princess upon his back. He knew he didn't have to ask any questions. He saw that desperate, worried look in her eye. He merely turned his sights back onto the ruins ahead and flew toward it.

"That knight of yours," Adia remarked, attempting to fill in the painful silence. "He's something, isn't he?"

Even from where they were in the skies, Adia saw Link running around the ground. Blood covered his body, providing proof he had not escaped his ordeal unscathed. Still, his sword remained sheathed. He ran across the earthen ground, his gait hindered by an injury Adia couldn't see. His mouth was open as he shouted, and though Adia couldn't hear his voice at such a distance, he could see the soldiers obeying his word. They worked together to free survivors from the fallen rubble, to rescue those still alive. He wasn't fighting to protect them. Not anymore. He was fighting to save what he could.

It was only a short flight into the centre of the castle town, but to Zelda, it felt like an eternity. Even when Adia delivered Zelda to the ground, she felt her legs refusing to obey her. She broke into a run that simply wasn't fast enough. It felt as if she were lumbering from the mere effort to cover distance, where each step she took felt like kicking jelly. The billowing dust prickled her eyes, while the heat of the fires made her sweat. And yet… All she could see was Link's shadowed figure.

"…Link!"

The sound of her voice cut through the chaos like an arrow. He heard not his name, but the shrill, desperate panic of a voice he had come to love. Turning, he saw her familiar figure running toward him.

"…Zelda."

He didn't recognise the voice that spoke. When Zelda ran to his arms, he couldn't quite feel himself. The pain of his injuries gave him grief, and the warmth of her body brought him comfort. Even when he saw his arms moving on their own, to enclose his princess in a tight embrace, he couldn't feel it. He was numb to her touch.

"Link, you're hurt…!"

Tears were running down her cheeks as she looked him over, her hands trembling with fear. She saw the extent of his injuries now, scarring almost his entire upper body. When she turned her eyes to his legs, she saw the reason his gait was staggered and pained. Except those blue eyes… They were vacant. They were fixed on her face, but they didn't see her.

"…Link!"

Link's body had stopped breathing. He stared at Zelda's beautiful face. Her tears trekked lines through her dusty, dirty cheeks. Her eyes were red, and her brows were creased in an expression he'd seen too many times. He didn't deserve her tears. He didn't deserve any of it.

The touch of Link's hand upon Zelda's shoulder was a light one. Except when he pushed her away, it was like a heavy punch to her gut. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong.

"…Lady Urbosa."

His voice was so quiet that Zelda barely heard him.

"What?"

Link's hands fell uselessly to his sides. He took a step back, then another. His head dropped in shame, and his eyes were unable to face her. When he spoke, his voice was solemn.

"…I was too late."

Zelda didn't understand his words. Or rather, she didn't want to. She took a step forward, trying to close the gap between them. Link's only response was to take another step back, denying her.

"What do you mean?"

When he didn't respond, Zelda felt fear rising. "What do you mean, Link?" she whispered shakily. "That Urbosa…"

He didn't speak another word. He couldn't. His throat moved with a heavy swallow, attempting to dispel the lump that persisted. He turned away. He didn't have the courage to face her. He turned his eyes instead to the main road ahead, where he could see the aftermath of Vah Naboris's attack. There were so many civilians running about in panic. Soldiers did their best to organise themselves and help the people, but there was only so much they could do. The soldiers hadn't been immune to the attacks, after all.

When Link raised his head to look up at Hyrule Castle, he saw it standing tall. Towering far above the lowly lands from which he'd been born, it remained an ever-present symbol of hope. Only today, Link wasn't sure the sight of the castle gave him any hope at all. With each passing second, Link felt the noise of the surrounding panic quieten. It wasn't that he couldn't hear the voices, or the screams of tragedy. No, the amount of fear he felt was overwhelming. So overwhelming that in fact, he couldn't quite process it all. Somewhere in the back of his mind, the desperate urge to survive was what gave him a split second of clarity.

"…Revali."

The sound of his own voice seemed to solidify his thoughts. He whirled back around, suddenly aware he had taken his eyes off Zelda. To his relief, she was still there. She clutched her arms tightly, silently watching the chaos behind teary eyes. Link could see that the truth about Urbosa had dawned upon her, and though all he wanted was to comfort her, he knew he couldn't. He didn't have the ability. He was just a soldier, after all. What did he know of comfort, or of love? He lunged out and grabbed Zelda's hand.

"Can you run?"

Zelda elicited a half gasp, half sob as he dragged her behind him. Link had a knack for asking the strangest questions. Once more, he was the one who was injured. He was the one bleeding. And yet his concern was for her.

She scrubbed the tear from her eyes and stumbled to keep up. "Where…"

"Revali," Link repeated. "He went for the king, did he not?"

Zelda felt her toe connect with a stray piece of rubble as she ran. Just as she felt she might trip and fall flat on her face, she felt Link's other arm catch her. He pulled her weight away from the ground and led her to a smoother, safer path through the destruction.

"…I don't know."

Link gritted his teeth. When they were in the air, he and Neva had seen Revali scout ahead. If the king was safe, then Revali would have surely returned to the town to help by now. But still, Link hadn't seen the arrogant Rito anywhere in sight. Maybe he was helping at the other side of the town, or perhaps he was helping escort the king to safety. Deep down in his heart, Link feared the worst.

As if to confirm his fears, a distant explosion caught his attention. Pausing to breathe and assess the situation, Link looked up at the castle. There, in the eastern tower, was a trail of smoke. Squinting, Link strained to see where the smoke was coming from. His eyes studied the familiar structure of the castle, searching and studying the patterns. Was it the dining hall? No, that was too close. The smoke came from further away, behind the second gatehouse. The source of the smoke was obstructed from view, but judging from how far away it was, Link had a terrible feeling that it originated from the library. It was a place Zelda frequented often enough for him to have become familiar. How many times had he accompanied Zelda there? How many times had he run to the kitchens, to bring her food when she forgot to eat? But above all… Link knew the king's study was located within the royal library.

"Link…"

He turned to face his princess. He knew from the fearful look on her face that she too, recognised where the explosion had likely occurred. He felt her hand tighten on his.

"Can you run?"

This time, Link's question was softer. It shook with just the faintest trace of fear, and yet, it remained determined. Where Zelda felt all hope had already been lost, her knight continued to fight. Her bottom lip trembled in terror.

"…yes."

Both princess and knight were breathless. And perhaps for the first time, Link more so than Zelda. He felt the exhaustion threatening his sanity. He felt the pain of his injuries growing ever more persistent. Behind him, he felt the soft hands of Zelda touching him. As if her love for him alone could hold him up, he felt the warm support of her palms pressing into his back.

They stood at a standstill outside the library doors. There was a terrible groaning, metallic roar emitting from behind those heavy doors. Another small explosion, then the rumbling crash of a bookshelf toppling over and spilling its books across the floors. The smell of blood and rotting flesh escaped in small wisps of smoke through the gaps beneath the doors. Link didn't want to enter. He'd never wanted anything less. He didn't want to know what was on the other side of those doors. He didn't want to face whatever it was that stood in his path. But he had to. It was… his duty. Wasn't it?

He reached behind his back to touch Zelda's hand. Upon locating it, he gave her a small, urgent squeeze.

"Stay behind me," he whispered. "And if I fall… You run. Do you understand?"

Zelda grasped the back of Link's shirt and clutched it tightly.

"…you know I won't do that."

She expected him to argue. He didn't. Silent he remained. Beneath her hand, she felt the shuddering breath that Link took. For the first time, it occurred to her that he was scared. Was it possible? Hero of Hyrule or not, he was still just an ordinary Hylian. Did he have family? What was the reason he enlisted in the royal army in the first place? Was it duty? Was it loyalty? Or was his family starving, and he signed up out of desperation for money? Did he even want the burden he carried, to act as their saviour?

It was a barrage of questions, all without answers, and utterly useless. And yet when Link moved to draw his sword, his hand was steady. It always had been.

"…ready?"

Zelda gave his hand a final squeeze, to answer his question. Then, she released him and took a few steps back. She had to be ready, even if it was a blatant lie.

Zelda watched as Link reached out to push the great library doors open.

Inch by inch, the heavy doors gave way. A blast of heat struck them square in the face, along with a billowing cloud of dust and burned papers. Gasping, Zelda raised her hands defensively and shrunk further behind Link's shadow. Just as she felt the shockwave dissipate and was preparing to stand again, Link's hand grasped her shoulder and forced her to the ground. A sudden beam of intense heat, red and deadly, cut through the gap between the library doors. Much like the laser beam she had witnessed from Vah Naboris just hours earlier, it sliced a line clean through the wooden doors. Where it touched the bricked walls of the buildings, the laser scorched its surface with black char. Gasping, Zelda stared at it with wide eyes. It was a much smaller version of the divine beast's power, but no less deadly to their fragile existence. She felt Link shove her away from the open doors, towards a small patch of shelter behind the heavy walls.

Link had never seen such destructive power. Red and angry, it cut through just about everything in sight. And the source? A guardian. Link had seen a few of them before, unearthed from the land and studied meticulously by Zelda and her research group. But he had never seen one with red eyes. In fact, the rest of its body was illuminated with that same, parasitic shade of red malice. The metallic groaning noise came from its moving limbs as it crawled across the floor, towards him.

"Watch out!"

The jarring clash of steel upon steel echoed across the library. And the voice – it was a deep sound, one which Zelda recognised as her father's.

Link didn't have the time to see what had happened before another beam of red light came for him. Only this time, the aim was jeopardised by the king's claymore as he struck one of its many legs and severed it. With a spark of crackling red electricity, the segmented leg fell to the floor with a crash.

Upon seeing the effect of crippling the guardian, Link leapt forward. He felt his sword respond in his hand, as if craving the death of the monster. He felt the glowing blue power pulsating in his hands and when he swung forward, he watched it slice through the metallic leg like butter.

"Took your sweet time, didn't you?!"

The sharp, shrill voice was Revali's. Link stole a glance upward, to where Revali hovered in mid-air. As much as Link disliked their Rito champion, he could see Revali was in no better condition. His feathers were burned and his flesh bleeding. The sudden, blipping noise of the guardian alerted them to the glowing light in its eye. It was preparing to fire again, and this time, the light was focused on Link's forehead.

Link didn't give it the time to fire. He dove forward, arms outstretched as he threw his body beneath the narrow gap under the guardian. Even when the terrifying machine sent another laser of destruction across the room, Link didn't pay it any attention. Grasping his sword in hand instead, he twisted low and spun upon his heel. In a blazing circle of blue light, he severed the rest of the guardian's legs and sent it crashing into the tiled library floors. The weight of it splintered the marble tiles, and while the impact made a shallow crater in the floor. Fumbling to kick free before he was crushed as well, Link threw himself into a sideways roll. The moment the guardian fell to its knees, Link saw the golden shine of King Rhoam's claymore cut its head away. With a sickening crunch, the head popped off and rolled across the floor.

Fighting to catch his breath, Link propped himself up against his sword and staggered to his feet. Sweat ran down the sides of his face, though he wasn't sure it was because he felt hot. No, it was cold sweat. What on earth had they just killed? It took him another half second to look around the chaotic scene, at the other clues before him. There were a few royal guards left, standing loyally by their king. Behind them, Link saw the bodies littered throughout the library. Some were royal guards, while others were mere librarians who had been caught in the crossfire. But amongst those bodies were Yiga henchmen. Had they managed to take control of the guardians? The last Link had seen of these guardians, Zelda's research had been focused on getting them to walk. He had never imagined the guardians were capable of such destructive power.

"Father!"

The cry of Zelda's voice made the king turn around. She came out of her hiding spot, her eyes wide as she looked upon her father. He wielded his golden royal claymore in his hands, and though he was standing, she saw the blood on his clothes. Stumbling over the piles of rubble and books, Zelda ran towards the king. And yet, the king turned away from her. His eyes, fierce and livid, looked to Link.

"Why is she here?"

Link leaned his back into a bookshelf and winced from the effort of straightening up. He didn't have a particularly good answer worth giving voice to, nor did he have any idea how to speak to an angry king.

"You," King Rhoam growled, "…are her knight."

Swiping the sweat from his brow, Link closed his eye briefly. He knew that. He didn't need the king, of all bloody people, reminding him of such a fact. The distant rumbling, however, made him look up. It was a deep, sharp metallic noise that scuttled ever closer. Pushing away from the wall, he felt the deep vibrations in the floor. Whatever it was that came at them, Link suspected there were too many for them to take on.

"Your duty is not to die here."

The quiet, resolute sound of King Rhoam's voice echoed through the library. A sharp scrape sounded as King Rhoam dragged his claymore across the library tiles, etching a deep groove in its path. Turning his back to Link, he brandished his weapon.

Fighting against tears, Zelda stood at the threshold. She felt the thundering approach of the enemy, and though she wanted to go to her father, the fear in her heart anchored her feet in place.

"Father—"

"…You are the light," he murmured. "The light of Hyrule."

The king's eye sliced across to where Link stood.

"You will defend her," he uttered. "…even if it costs you your life. Do you understand?"

They were words both Zelda and Link had heard at least a hundred times over by now. Whether it be the grief or the confusion, the gravity of King Rhoam's words didn't register in Zelda's mind. She saw only the strange sight of Link sheathing his sword. Her eyes, fearful and trembling, darted between him and the king. Was there some silent, unspoken conversation taking place? Was Link giving up? Was he abandoning his duty? Was he abandoning her?

Link straightened to his full height and stepped away from the bookshelves. Crossing the piles of rubble and books, he stopped behind the king. Zelda watched in confusion as he bowed his head in respect.

"Majesty."

His voice was quiet. Solemn. And then, he turned towards her. Those unyielding blue eyes looked directly at her then, bold and unflinching. She recognised that gaze. It was the look of a knight, the knight, who understood his purpose in this world. When he began to run towards her, she felt a heavy dread in her heart.

"No."

Link's hand reached out to grab her. But this time, it was different. It was his right hand, his dominant hand, which usually wielded his sword. And this time, he grasped her wrist. It was a possessive hold, one which demanded obedience and subservience. He wasn't giving her a choice.

"No…! Father!"

Link felt her pull at her hand. When he tightened his grip, it only served to agitate the princess more. Her feet didn't move. Her voice rose in volume as she screamed for her father. This wasn't how a king should die. This wasn't how a child should be saying their final farewell to a parent. This wasn't how Link wanted things to go at all. But did he have a choice?

Zelda screamed when Link bent to pick her off the ground. She hated how strong he was. She hated how easily he could lift her off her feet, even though he was injured. She wanted to kick him, to pound him with her fists. And yet she couldn't bring herself to.

There was a surprising strength behind Zelda's resistance. He knew he could overpower her if that was what it came to, but he hoped it wouldn't be necessary. Royal decree or not, the king was right. Zelda… She was their last hope. She couldn't die here. She was the hope of Hyrule… And above all, she was his last hope.

They never saw that final wave of enemies. They only heard the deafening explosion, felt the rumbling vibrations beneath their feet, and saw the abrupt red fire that engulfed the entire library. Even if the attacking enemy died in the destruction, both princess and knight knew no other life could have possibly survived.

By the time Zelda and Link finally reached the gate of the castle town, heavy clouds had filled the skies and darkened their small world. As if the goddess Hylia herself was displeased, the skies flashed with electricity and thunder crashed in anger. First there were a few fine droplets of water. Then, the rain began to pour down. It showered over the plumes of debris and dirt, washing it to the ground and mixing with the blood that had been spilled. It felt as if the goddess was weeping for their losses, too.

"Link…!"

The sound of Zelda's voice was breathless. For the last few hundred metres, she had grown aware that Link's pace had slowed. It wasn't till she beat his shoulder with her fist that he finally set her down on the ground with a splash. Zelda didn't dare look down to check whether it was blood or water that flowed into her shoes.

"Link, why…!"

She hated that the tears flooded from her eyes. They mixed with the rain, wetting her cheeks, and soaking through to her clothes. Her hair, utterly wet and dripping, clung to her neck and face.

Link's chest was heaving breathlessly. Leaning over on his knees, he took a moment to just breathe. Zelda grasped his shoulders and dipped in search of his eyes. She needed answers.

"Why would you…! Why didn't you stay?! Saving me…!"

Zelda's voice was sharp with anger, yet breathless with emotion.

"I'm not worth anything…! Can't you see that?"

It didn't matter what anyone thought. She knew full well how hopeless her existence was in their fight against the calamity. It didn't matter that her father acknowledged her in his final moments – not when it was merely a claim of desperation. His hopes were for naught. And yet because of her, the king had lost his best chance at survival.

"You are our light, Link!"

She grasped the fabric of his wet shirt desperately, wishing he could see the truth for himself.

"You are the—"

Her words cut off into a gasp when Link suddenly grasped her face with both hands.

"Whatever it is you think I am, Zelda, I'm not…!" he exclaimed breathlessly. He shook her with trembling hands. Couldn't she see? He wasn't the hero Hyrule needed. He couldn't carry out the responsibilities of such a saviour.

"I'm not who you think I am…! I couldn't do a damned thing! My troops… My friends are probably dead at Kara Kara Bazaar – and I abandoned them. I couldn't save Urbosa, and now…! Now even the king!"

His words, spoken with such force and emotion, caused Zelda's heart to stop. She stared at her knight, too stunned for words.

Link wiped his thumbs over Zelda's cheeks, brushing away her tears gently. He'd already seen too much death that day. The death of so many innocent civilians. He remembered the way her lifeless eyes had stared at him. He couldn't bring himself to imagine what it would be like, if Zelda had been among the victims that day.

"I can't do this without you," he whispered, fearfully. Zelda shook her head desperately.

"And I can't help you fight the calamity, Link! I don't even—"

Link shook her lightly, almost angrily. "It isn't about that!" he cut in, his voice sharp with desperation. When he saw his tone scared her, he softened his voice immediately. He repeated, "…it's never been about that."

For one reason or another, Zelda fell to silence. She hadn't expected Link to say such words. All of a sudden, she felt the anger within her body begin to dissipate. It was washed away with the rain that fell upon her shoulders.

"I can't do this without you, Zelda," Link uttered again, his voice softer than she had ever heard. He dipped in search of her eyes. For the first time in her life, Zelda saw those blue eyes trembling. Bright with life, and yet shaking with fear, those eyes begged her in silence. It wasn't the strong, unrelenting gaze from a knighted hero. It wasn't the look of a man who knew his place and his duty in the world. It was merely the face of a young man who was caught in a war, with nowhere to go, armed with nothing except fear.

"…so please. Please don't ask me to."

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Chapter 8 is coming~