Chapter 25

"Link, I can't believe you're alive after all of that," exclaimed Zelda in a surprised manner. Link smirked weakly.

"I don't go down that easily," stated Link, barely above a whisper.

"I'm so sorry, Link," started Ganson, on the verge of tears again. "This is the second time I nearly got you killed. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry..." Link forced himself to sit up and pulled Ganson into a hug, comforting him and letting his older brother cry into his bandaged chest.

"Ganson, none of this is your fault. Ganondorf probably would have gotten out again regardless of your actions. He's done it before. As for what happened to me...I'm going to get better, and I will destroy Ganondorf once and for all. Not just for Hyrule's sake, but for yours as well, and for the sake of my friends." Ganson's crying slowly stopped as he looked up at his younger brother, gazing into his weak but gentle eyes. "You shouldn't blame yourself for what happens to everyone. Ganondorf's the one to blame. He started this whole mess all those years ago with his thirst for power."

"I don't get it...how can you be so strong after all the physical and mental abuse you've been through?"

"I have to be...for everyone's sake." Before Link could continue, the king cleared his throat and stood up, with everyone else in the room looking at him.

"Ladies, I think we should leave the brothers alone and give them time to talk to each other one-on-one," explained the king. Zelda and Impa nodded and stood up as well.

"Let us know if you need anything," spoke the princess.

"The guards and I will wait outside of your bedrooms just in case Ganondorf comes after you two again," explained Impa. And with those words, Zelda, Impa, and the king exited the room, shutting the door behind them. Link started feeling weak again and leaned into Ganson and closed his eyes, still conscious, though. Ganson tensed up a bit, startled. He then held onto Link, hugging him gently and shutting his own eyes.

"Do you know...what it feels like," asked Link weakly.

"What what feels like," asked Ganson with concern.

"Helplessness...that's what I felt when I was chained to that pole..." Ganson frowned.

"I know that feeling, but it must have been worse for you. I mean, you're a hero. You're used to helping others, and you're used to getting yourself out of tight spots."

"I couldn't get out of that one..." Ganson felt Link's body tremble after speaking. He looked down at him and his eyes widened slightly in shock. Link was crying. The last time he saw Link cry was when he was a baby, but he'd never seen him like this. Ganson pulled his little brother closer to him and rubbed his back gently, careful not to injure him further.

"Shh, it's okay, it's okay. Everything's going to be all right. Nobody's going to hurt you here. You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you like that ever again. I promise."