A Hero's Ballad

by ArtemisPrince006

A Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild story. This will be a trilogy. The first book takes place 100 years before the start of Breath of the Wild. There will be lots of action and adventure and things will get pretty dark, however ultimately it's a story of how two unlikely people come together to overcome incomparable odds, terrible loses, and find love.

23. The Power of Fire

Warning: The end of this chapter gets pretty heavy.

Shuffling out of bed, I grabbed my normal outfit and pulled it on, then clasped my armor into place. Yawning, I walked to the door, ready to meet Daruk to train on the mountain. It had been late evening before I headed to sleep - time passing by quickly last night with all the festivities. Thus I had slept in; it was probably late morning or early afternoon by now.

Walking into the small hallway in the underground residence of Goron City, I was surprised to find Link exiting his room too. I stared at him for a moment. "Did you just wake up?" I asked, dumbfounded. Link seemed to always get up at the crack of dawn.

Link covered his mouth while he yawned. "If you're asking if I slept in, I did. But I've been up for a while. Most of the Gorons were still sleeping when I got up, so I passed the time reading."

"I see." I said, not as mystified now. Although it was reassuring to know Link did sleep in on occasion. "Let's go find out if anyone is awake." The two of us continued on our way, drinking a Fireproof Elixir before we left. When we got to the surface, the City wasn't as busy as normal, but there were still a fair amount of Gorons going to and fro.

The City itself looked utterly chaotic. Where last night it had looked like a dazzling city of fire and light, today it looked like a storm had gone through it. Empty mugs were laying all over the ground. Heaps of steaming coals were scattered about - the only remains of the fires. The lights that had been hung were sagging or had fallen down, and metal ornaments were strewn throughout the streets.

Many Gorons were busy at work picking up the remains of the Feast, slowly putting their town back to normal. "Ah, well if it isn't the two lovebirds!" A deep and cordial voice cried. I turned to see Daruk and Donos walking towards us, a few Gorons behind them. Daruk caught my eye and winked at me, which made me blush profusely as I recalled what had happened last night.

I had hugged Link, holding him tight to me in the middle of the Feast, for all to witness. Link, being the kind and considerate man he was had hugged me back... which had made me so very happy... until I was painfully reminded that we weren't alone. Daruk and Donos had seen us, whooping and cheering, which caused other Gorons to notice us. Eventually all the Gorons around us were cheering for us, Daruk coming over and slapping both of us on the backs.

By then Link and I had parted, both of our faces burning. Link and I had kept an awkward distance between us the rest of the night, hoping to subdue the Gorons. However by Daruk's comment today, it appeared they had not forgotten or relented.

"Sensei." I greeted, smiling rigidly.

"Oi!" Daruk pointed behind him to the Gorons following him. "Here are your training partners Link. Make sure you don't take it easy on them. They need a challenge."

At my side, Link nodded, his lips twitching upward at the thought of training. "Have fun." I said.

Link grinned at me and then walked over to Daruk, who introduced Link to his Goron lackees.

"Hear you and Daruk are going up to Death Mountain." Donos whispered so Link wouldn't hear.

"Yes." I remarked, my gut twisting.

Donos chuckled, "Excellent training up there. Ah, I need to venture up the mountain soon. Test my heat tolerance."

"Indeed." I responded, not sure what else to say. The Goron fascination and reverence towards Death Mountain was confusing to say the least.

Looking back at Link, I saw him wave to me as he headed out with several Gorons. I gave a slight wave back praying that nothing terrible would happen while he was away and I was on Death Mountain with Daruk.

Daruk smirked as Link and his Goron friends disappeared. He winked at me, "Should be safe to make our escape."

I sighed.

Here we go. I silently thought to myself.

It did not take long for Daruk and I to make it to the base of the mountain. We carefully crossed the bridge, the magma bubbling underneath, too close for comfort. I gulped and scurried across behind Daruk.

"Ha!" Drauk exclaimed, "Just breathe in that good ol' Mountain air."

Air? I thought, more like smog.

Daruk turned to me, grinning from ear to ear. "Been a long time since we've trained Zelda. I missed you. Haven't had a chance to really talk to you since you arrived, but how have you been?"

I felt the tension inside me ease at his concern. "Well..." I started, uncertainty filling me. How did I answer that question? There was just so much going on... it was like a whirlwind and I was trying to sort it all out. "It's been... overwhelming." I said truthfully, knowing my Sensei was one of the few people I could be completely honest and open with.

"Hmmm." Daruk stroked his beard. "You carry much on those tiny shoulders. Why not tell me what's going on. I know Calamity Ganon must be on the forefront of your mind, and finding your champions... but I'm sure there are other things they weigh on you." He didn't have to say it, but we both knew what he was referring to.

"My powers are as nonexistent as ever." I swallowed bitterly. "And father grows even more distant."

Daruk didn't reply for a bit, taking in what I had said. Finally, "I'm sorry Zelda." Daruk scratched his forehead, contemplating. "I know everyone has pounded it into you since you were young that you had to master these sage abilities you inherited... but would it really be so bad if you didn't?" Daruk asked sincerely, "I think you're just fine as you are now, powers or not."

His words made me smile, providing me with some comfort, however it did not last. "Most do not think so, for this power is supposed to be utilized to vanquish Calamity Ganon. Without it, the legends say we cannot win."

"Ah, what do these legends know?" Daruk replied flippantly. "They're thousands of years old. And what worked back then, doesn't mean it will work now. Doesn't stuff... Oh what's that thing you talked about..." Daruk wracked his brain, "Evolve!"

I stared at Daruk, surprised he recalled some of the science I had mentioned. "Yes." I answered him, contemplating his words. "Yes, life does evolve. Calamity Ganon has changed over the millennia as well." The Deku Tree had clarified that. "However I believe since Calamity Ganon is a being of utter evil, it will always be susceptible to the power carried via the those with the Goddess's blood."

"Hmmm." Daruk mused, "I suppose that makes sense. But that doesn't mean that's the only way to defeat it."

"Perhaps not." I replied, hoping his words were true. "But it is an awfully big gamble to take."

"Eh, what's life without a few risky gambles?" Daruk laughed, trying to reassure me. "Besides, it looks like you are taking extra precautions. That's got to count for something."

"I hope so, Sensei." I glanced up the mountain, feeling unease churn inside me. The mountain always had an ominous tone to it.

We fell quite for several minutes, trudging over the rocky terrain, making our way along the winding path. "So..." Daruk began, a hesitancy in his voice. "King Rhoam... he's been..."

"As usual." I answered before he could finish. The subject of my father always was a sore topic. Just as sore as my powers. "Although he did accept my idea of gathering champions and allies to prepare for Calamity Ganon. That's the most reasonable towards me he has been in a long time."

"I'm sure he sees the reason in your plan. It would be foolish not to." Daruk added.

"Yes, although normally he doesn't think my ideas are relevant or worthy... At least that's how it seems."

"Nonsense. You're so smart Zelda. Even your father must see that. I'm sure he has his reasons. Although I'd certainly like to know what his reasons are." Daruk frowned.

I sighed, not wanting to talk about my father. "Then the two of us do not understand each other at all."

"Yes. You're right. But that doesn't mean he doesn't care. He did assign you a skilled knight."

Surprisingly, I laughed at this, startling Daruk. "I actually was upset with Father when he first assigned Link as my personal knight."

"Sounds like you." Daruk replied, "Bet you gave Link quite the hard time."

I glanced downwards, recalling the first few pieces of Link and I's journey. "I did. Initially. But then I got to know him... And he's become someone I rely on, more than I care to admit in fact." I wasn't sure why I was telling Daruk this, however it felt nice to talk to someone about these feelings stirring inside me for the blue-eyed knight.

"I can see that. It's been a long time since I've seen you look so comfortable around someone else. I'm glad you have him as a ... friend." Daruk put extra emphasis on the word friend.

"Well, yes." I replied, slightly chagrined. "He has become my friend."

Daruk wiggled his bushy eyebrows. "Just a friend?"

I bit my lip, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "We are just friends." I answered diplomatically. I paused for a moment, feeling the urge to continue and share my feelings with someone. "However... I... well I'm not sure how I feel towards him exactly."

Daruk laughed. "For someone so perceptive, sometimes the most obvious things are oblivious to you." Daruk patted my shoulder gently with his colossal hand. "It is plain to see how much you care for him. You wouldn't hug just anyone in the middle of a celebration looking as if you hadn't a care in the world."

I looked sideways, feeling my ears burn with embarrassment. "I suppose not." I muttered. Frowning, I turned to Daruk, the two of us stopping in our tracks. "But Daruk, I'm a Princess and Link... he's a knight from a commoner family. It doesn't matter how I feel because nothing can happen between us."

Daruk scratched his forehead, "Is it that big a deal?" He shrugged his broad shoulders, "So what if you're a princess and he's a knight. He makes you happy."

I sighed. "I'm sure my father has a list of potential suitors for me, all of whom are noble born. If I were to be with a commoner, my father would be furious. Not to mention, Link is honor bound to be my knight. Nothing more. And to even think he would feel the same way..." I crossed my arms and shook my head, "It would be foolish to think he would feel anything more than duty and mild friendship towards me."

Daruk remained silent for a moment, his eyes locked on me. "Do you really think that?" Daruk asked me, making me look up at his impassive expression. "You're the sharpest person I know, yet sometimes... well to put it bluntly, you can be kind of dense."

"What do you mean?"

Daruk gave me a penetrating look, "Any one looking at the two of you can see how much you both care about each other. Link cares for you very much, and just as you are, he's probably keeping his feelings to himself."

I stared in stunned silence at Daruk, trying to comprehend his words. Could Link really...? The mere thought made my chest swell.

Regaining my composure, I mumbled, "Even if that were true, that doesn't change the fact that I'm the Hyrulian Princess and he's a knight."

Daruk shrugged, "You'll never know unless you take the plunge. But you have to decide for yourself if you're willing to take it. Every decision has risks and consequences. You just have to decide if the benefits of your decision outweigh those potential risks and consequences."

I stared at Daruk, my mouth falling open. "Sensei, when did you become so astute?"

Daruk laughed, "Come now Zelda, every now and then I say something inspiring."

Joining Daruk, I laughed too. What Daruk said was true. And now I needed to decide if what I felt for Link was worth pursuing. For some reason, it felt as if I already knew that answer.

"Perfect!" Daruk praised as my punch landed in his palm. We had found a decent place to train on the mountain, a river of boiling magma on either side of us, but the ground was fairly level here. Once situated, Daruk and I had started our training, going over old moves and sharpening my technique. Now I was practicing my moves on Daruk, his burly hands and bulging forearms substituting for pads.

I smiled and took a step back, sweat beading at my forehead. "That was quite the workout."

Daruk beamed, "And you conquered it like a champ!" He gave me a slap on the back.

We had been training for several hours and I knew we would have to be leaving soon, before the effects of the Fireproof Elixir wore off. I glanced down at my bandaged hands, the bruises faded from deep purple to murky yellow. The healing ointment had helped them heal nicely since the surprise encounter with the Yiga. And the workout actually made them feel better, chasing away the soreness. They would be completely healed very soon.

"We should probably be heading back." I informed Daruk, who nodded.

"Not a bad plan. Let's get going. Want to get back before that knight of yours does anyways."

"Right." I had forgotten about the little deception Daruk and I had done on my knight. But so far nothing terrible had happened... yet at the same time I hadn't given Daruk his power yet either.

Daruk and I turned to leave, however as we did so, the mountain gave a terrible and frightening groan. The ground beneath us began to shake, causing me to fall backwards. I landed on my back and clawed at the ground, grabbing a holding in the rocky terrain as the earth rumbled.

Soon the ground grew still, and I cast terrified eyes towards Daruk. His expression, filled with worry did nothing to reassure me. "What happened?" I shouted to him.

Daruk's eyes flicked to the top of Death Mountain and he said solemnly, "The Mountain is active. We need to get off it now."

Link quickly parried away a blow, then stepped in and struck, tapping the Goron lightly on the side with the practice sword he had been given. The practice sword was bigger and heavier than the one he normally wielded, requiring two hands to use, which slowed his movements down considerably. However the blows were much more potent when they landed.

"Daruk was right!" The Goron bellowed, setting down his practice sword to lean on. "You really are quite good. Although tiny, you're speedy. Hard to catch and get a clean blow on."

Link nodded, uncertain how he felt being called tiny. It was true he wasn't the tallest person, however he expected the Gorons called most everyone that wasn't a Goron tiny.

"How about another match?" Another Goron stepped forward, taking his giant practice sword from his back.

"I think it's about time for a rest, Kardam." The Goron Link had just been sparring with said. "Besides Daruk and the Princess are probably back by now."

Link arched an eyebrow. "Back?" As far as he knew, Zelda was spending the day in Goron City with Daruk.

Both of the Gorons stared at Link with wide eyes. "Way to spill the rock roasts, Gelo." Kardam narrowed his eyes on his Goron companion.

Gelo, a nervous expression on his round face, mumbled, "Right, I wasn't supposed to say that."

Link, confused and a growing feeling of apprehension growing in his gut, looked between the two Gorons. "Where is Zelda?" He asked, cutting to the chase.

"Funny you should ask..." Kardam gulped and glanced down at the ground.

Before either Goron could answer, a loud groaning sound echoed. A small tremor rushed through the rocky earth, causing Link and the Gorons to lurch forward. Link quickly gathered his footing and looked at the Gorons. Gelo was holding onto his sword for stability, while Kardam had taken a knee. Both Gorons had their eyes fixed on Death Mountain.

Link turned to the mountain, his eyes widening as he saw bright, glowing lava spew from the mountain's peak, shooting into the air like a firework. "What's going on?" He asked, concerned by the mountain's behavior.

"The mountain's active." Gelo breathed in disbelief. "It hasn't awoken in centuries.."

"Is it bad?" Link asked, trying to judge the severity of the situation.

"Well it can be a little dangerous, the lava coming from the mountains can increase the level of our magma lakes, and sometimes boulders will rain down causing damage. But it generally isn't dangerous as long as you keep your distance. However, it is a bad omen." Kardam explained.

"So best to avoid it." Link surmised.

Kardam nodded although his face suddenly twisted in worry. "I just hope the Princess and Daruk made it off the mountain."

"What?!" Link exclaimed, probably the most emotion he had put into a word in years. "Zelda's on the mountain?"

"Daruk and her were going to do some training on the mountain. He wanted us to... well... Distract you since the Princess told him you probably wouldn't let her go out alone."

Link closed his eyes and drew a hand to his forehead. And with good reason. Link thought. She's drawn to danger like a Rito is to wind or a Zora to water.

Link shook his head. Now was not the time to dwell on this. He needed to make sure Zelda was safe. Hopefully she and Daruk had finished their training and were safely in Goron City. Yet the churning in his abdomen fueled his fear that Zelda was still on the mountain.

"I need to make sure she's safe." Link set his practice sword down and turned in the direction of Goron City.

"You're going to the mountain?" Gelo said, startled.

"I have to." Link answered. "Zelda's there."

"She could be in the city." Gelo reminded him.

However Link shook his head. Some instinctive feeling inside him told him Zelda was on the mountain. And he had to get there as soon as possible. "I'm going." Link said with finality. He did not wait for the Gorons to reply. Instead he took off, running as fast as he could. He wasn't sure what he could do once he got on the mountain. It wasn't as if he could fight off lava, but he knew he had to find her.

I felt my jaw drop as Daruk said this. "What do you mean the mountain is active!" I shrieked, fear bubbling up inside me. I glanced up at the maw of the mountain, terror seizing me as a wave of magma was spit up into the air. The magma fell down and began to slide along the sides of Death Mountain, burning everything that it touched.

"We have to leave." Daruk said, his voice serious. Tearing my gaze away from the peak, I followed Daruk as we bolted down the mountain. I knew Daruk wanted to curl up and roll away, but if he did so, he would leave me behind. He could make it down the mountain easily, however I had to go much slower, making sure I didn't trip over the rugged terrain. Thus our pace as well as our escape was painstakingly slow.

The heat coming from the mountain seemed to intensify, and despite the protection of the Fireproof Elixir, my skin was starting to feel very hot and uncomfortable. I glanced behind me, checking to see how far the magma had traveled. As I did so, I tripped and stumbled forward, sliding down the path. Luckily I caught myself.

"You alright?" Daruk called from ahead of me, his face serious.

"Yes." I called back, my voice shaky. Quickly I hurried onwards, paying close attention to where I put my feet.

Another tremor cascaded down the mountain, jostling Daruk and I from side to side. I clutched to a large rock, wrapping my arms around it. The tremor was worse than the one before it, as if it was trying to shake me off into the pools of lava below. When the mountain finally calmed, Daruk and I spared a quick glance at each other and then hurried on, picking up our pace.

However the tremors had made the mountain unstable. And as we were making out way down the mountain, the ground between Daruk and I began to split, slowly widening, magma filling in the crevice. I stared in horror, realizing I would be trapped.

"You have to jump Zelda!" Daruk cried, making me glance at him on the other side of the growing crevice. "Do it now before it gets even wider."

I gulped, my eyes fixing on the chasm, the bottom now filled with lava. I knew it was the only way across and if I didn't I surely would die. Thus, steeling my nerves I ran for the chasm and once at the end I pushed off, praying to Hylia I would make it. I saw the ledge on the other side approaching and new I would miss it by mere inches. I clawed my hands out, hoping I could at least catch the edge, however before I could, strong hands grabbed me and pulled me to safety.

I let out a rattled sigh as Daruk spun around and set me down. "Than-" I was cut off as the rock Daruk was standing on collapsed, sending him falling. "NO!" I screamed, watching as my beloved Sensei fell towards the magma. However his hands were able to catch the ledge at the last second, keeping him suspended above the lava.

"Sensei!" I knelt down and grabbed his oversized forearms, trying to help pull him up. However he was much too heavy for me to pull.

"Zelda." Daruk said, his eyes sorrowful. "You need to go."

"I won't!" I refused.

"Zelda-"

"I'm not leaving you." I screamed, leaving no room for debate. Focusing myself, I tried once more heaving Daruk up over the ledge, calling all my strength forth. It was then I felt the heat escalate even more, almost as if my blood was on fire. A deep, rumbling cry echoed through the air, almost deafening.

The blood inside me seemed to be boiling and it felt as if a cloud of heat was surrounding me. I chanced a glance down at Daruk, whose face was scrunched shut as if he too was feeling the same intense heat I was.

The mountain gave another shudder and the baritone cry of some colossal beast sounded again. I felt my grip on Daruk slipping and let out a pained whimper as a the heat inside me exploded outwards. A wave of fire suddenly appeared around us and then it descended, swallowing us. I cringed and closed my eyes, prepared for the burn, however it never came. Instead my blood began to cool back to normal.

Cracking my eyes open, the first thing I noticed was several wafts of black smoke. Then I saw the black imprint of a lizard on Daruk's hand, as if it had been branded into his skin.

"The Power of Fire." I whispered in awe.

Suddenly, I felt Daruk's muscles spasm beneath my fingers. His other hand shot upwards and grabbed ahold of a small rock sticking out of the ledge. His skin felt hot and it seemed he was bursting with newfound strength. I regripped his forearm and began to pull again. Daruk quickly pushed himself over the ledge, letting out a sigh of relief as his feet met solid ground again. His eyes landed on the scorched tattoo on his hand. "I'll explain later." I said, the magma still approaching us.

"Right." Daruk said. "Whatever you did, it gave me strength I never knew I had."

We continued on our way, following the path as best we could. The mountain continued to shake and shudder as we ran, causing us to stop and try and get our balance before we fell into a river of lava.

As we descended the mountain and neared the bridge, I spotted a flash of blue in the distance. I did a double take, thinking my eyes were playing tricks on me. Yet there Link was, running towards Death Mountain as if he had no fear for his life. Link reached the bridge as another tremor seized the mountain. I stumbled forward into Daruk, who held me steady.

As the tremor stopped, a rumbling sound started and I looked up to see boulders rolling down the mountain. I stared in horror, frozen in place. The boulders picked up speed as they crashed down the mountain, two headed straight for Daruk and me. There was no time to escape, the boulders were on us in seconds, catapulting into the air as they rolled of a ledge.

Daruk suddenly took a step forward so he was positioned in front of me, his chest forward and face set in a determined scowl. The boulders fell towards us and just as I thought they would squish us, an orange wall of fire surrounded Daruk and I. However this wall emitted no heat and as the boulders collided with it, they broke into tiny pieces of rubble and fell lamely to the ground.

Once safe, the protective layer of flames receded and disappeared. My surprise turned to relief. This must be the Power of Fire.

"Zelda!" My eyes found Link, who was still running towards us. Reaching my side, Link seized my arms in his hand. "Are you alright?"

I gave him a weak smile. "I will be once we're off this mountain." With that the three of us set off, the bridge within view. A few more weak tremors went through the mountain, but thankfully no more boulders fell from above. The magma had slowed it's pace, thus no more obstacles blocked our way.

We crossed the bridge and all three of us let out big exhales, happy to be off the mountain. Now that the immediate danger was over, we slowly made our way back to Goron City.

Clearing my throat, I said, "I need to explain that power to you, Sensei." Daruk merely nodded, surprisingly quiet. Quickly I informed him of my dream and how I was to give each champion a certain power. His was the Power of Fire.

"Well it came in the nick of time." Daruk said as I finished. "And it seems mighty useful. I'll make sure I put it to good use."

I smiled slightly. He had taken everything in stride, much like Urbosa had. Daruk suddenly walked over to Link and patted him on the shoulder. "And sorry about the deception, little guy. I never would have guessed the mountain would be active now."

"Is there a reason why it did?" I asked.

Daruk shrugged. "Who knows. Although it generally is a warning of bad things to come."

The three of us didn't have to say anymore to understand what caused this. Surely the imminent approach of Calamity Ganon was behind this; the mountain foretelling that death was coming.

Entering Goron City, Donos and several other Gorons came rushing to us. "Thank Hylia you're ok." Donos said, the anxious expression on his face melting away. "I never would have thought I'd see the mountain active in my lifetime."

"Bad omen." One Goron muttered behind Donos.

We all fell silent, the weight of what happened and what was to come heavy on our minds. "I'm going to return to my room." I finally said, breaking the silence. The heat and the near death experience had drained me. "I'll see you for dinner if you are still up for it." I turned to Donos and Daruk.

"Yes, of course." Donos said understandingly.

Daruk gave me a quick nod and a surprisingly gentle pat on the back. Waving goodbye I made my way towards the guest quarters. Link followed slightly behind me.

As we entered the underground area, I stopped. The coolness of the specially built area felt delightful, but it did nothing to quiet the guilt seeping inside me. "I'm sorry." I said to Link.

I heard Link sigh. Curious, I spun around to look at him. His face was a mask like normal, however after spending so much time with him, I could see the inklings of anger mixed with relief in his eyes.

"Do you not trust me?" Link asked softly.

I shook my head, "No, it's not that."

"Then why didn't you tell me?" Link asked, the anger he was trying to hide coming out in the tone of his voice.

I shrunk back, not used to hearing his wrath. "I just..." I looked away, unable to take his intense leer. "Sometimes it feels like you think I'm a child. That you always have to watch me because I can't handle things." I said, not realizing until I said the words that this is what I had been feeling.

"Zelda." Link said deathly serious, "I'm your knight. It is my job to make sure nothing happens to you and you're safe. I don't think you're childish or incapable. However, you need to let me do my job."

Anger flared inside of me at his words, "I'm perfectly fine on my own! All those times - with Urbosa, Revali, and Daruk, we made it out just fine without you around."

Link narrowed his eyes, "In each of those instances you came back injured, except for this time now, surprisingly. And what about the incident with the Yiga? You would have died if I hadn't come."

"Well maybe you should have let me die!" I yelled, growing defensive. "I never asked you to protect me. And if I'm nothing but a nuisance to you, then maybe you shouldn't even bother with me."

Link gave a pained expression making me instantly regret my words, yet the insecurities inside me made me hold my ground. "Zelda," Link started, his voice calmer than before, "I'm your knight-"

As soon as he said the words, it was like a trigger, letting the rage inside of me out, lashing at whoever was around me. "I know you're my knight!" I screamed. "I know that all too well. And all I'll ever be to you is a burden!"

Tears threatened to pool from my eyes, but I refused to let him see me cry. Spinning on my heels, I ran back to my room and slammed the door, locking it behind me. I slumped against the door and stared at my hands, wondering where all that anger had come from.

I let out a sad little laugh then. "Stupid Zelda." I muttered to myself, "It's just so much easier for you to be angry than actually deal with what you're really feeling." I told myself. Curling into a ball, I let the tears silently fall from my eyes, a feeling of worthlessness consuming me.

Things had been better since I started my journey with Link. I had been in a good place mentally yet I should have known it wouldn't have lasted. All the insecurities inside me wouldn't just disappear; they were always there, lurking and biding their time, waiting for a moment of weakness to swallow me up.

To think that Link would ever feel something beyond duty towards someone like me. There was nothing special about me. I was a failure and a burden to everyone around me. I was a disappointment to my father and all of Hyrule. And now I had cast my failures upon Link, who would have to face Calamity Ganon with just the Master Sword.

"Stupid Zelda." I muttered to myself, my head in my hands. "Stupid, stupid Zelda." Tears splattered onto the floor, yet they did not help the emptiness inside me. "I hate you." I whispered. "You're pathetic. You can't do anything right and you're just a burden to everyone." I brought my knees to my chest, wishing I could just escape myself, that I could just stop being me for a little bit. "I just hate you so much."

Link stared after Zelda as she ran away, a pang in his chest. It was unusual for him to lose his temper; However he had thought he had lost Zelda, terror had clouded his mind and once he had found her, the relief that swept through him was unimaginable.

He wasn't mad at Zelda. If anything he was mad at himself. He should have been there. But it wasn't just that. He knew Zelda trusted him, but she also still hid things from him, namely when it came to going off without him. His protectiveness for her didn't come from him thinking she was defenseless; however it could be interpreted that way. Which he had never intended.

He shook his head. It was his job to protect her, yet it was beyond that now. He cared about her and wanted to keep her safe. Her going off without him had resulted in several deathly experiences... however as Zelda had said... she had made it out of them alive. Perhaps he did need to give her more credit...

Link sighed, not knowing how to remedy this; Link wanted to protect Zelda, however she required some freedom to do as she pleased. He needed to somehow reach a compromise with Zelda... to at least have an open line of communication with her. Perhaps once they established that, they could work on a compromise.

Link had thought they were getting to that point, yet it appeared after today he had miscalculated. And it didn't help that he let his anger get the better of him. Zelda had also gotten angry, yelling at him and then storming off, however he could see that there was more to it than just rage. While on the surface she looked angry, in her eyes there was a glint of something else, as if the anger was just a façade to hide what she really felt.

Link let out a long exhale as he walked to his room. There was still so much he didn't know about Zelda and the things she hid deep inside. Although she wore a tough face and confident pose, he knew there was a lot she hid deep within her. He had hoped one day she would share that with him, and he had gathered glimpses here and there, however there was much he didn't know still.

After today he doubted she would want to talk to him for a while. He had seen the walls go back up around her, closing herself off.

And now he wasn't sure what he should do. He wanted to help Zelda, more than anything. But he just didn't know how. Furthermore, whatever plagued Zelda he knew she would have to defeat it herself, but that didn't mean she had to go it alone.

Link sat on his bed, lost deep in thought. His mother had once told him that sometimes all people needed was a hand to hold, to get them through the darkest hours of their lives. Because alone they couldn't find the strength or worth, but with someone at their side, they could continue to fight.

Thus at the end of the day, Link wanted Zelda to know that he would be there for her. Whatever battle she was going through, he wanted her to know that he would be there to support her so she needn't suffer in silence, for he saw just how amazing she was.

Link shook his head. He really messed up. But now he felt an even deeper resolve to make sure Zelda knew that he would be the one to hold her hand throughout it all.

I didn't intend for this chapter to get so heavy, but as I was writing it I was like, I need to address this. I know I've been putting in little things here and there to show Zelda's got some unresolved issues, but we haven't really seen the extent of it. When I first started planning this story out, mental health was something I really wanted to touch on in this story. While playing Breath of the Wild, I really related to Zelda because I understand what it's like to not meet your parents expectations. Obviously they couldn't really get into the effects of that in the game, but that's something I want to flesh out and focus on in this story since I think it's an important aspect of who Zelda is and how she will grow.

So apologies for how deep this got all of a sudden. And I'm going to level with you all for a moment. Writing always has been an outlet for me since I've never been very good at communicating emotions. I've been to some pretty dark places and after a long time I've finally gotten to a good place where I can talk about these feelings and hopefully by writing about them people going through similar scenarios know that they're not alone. I know it seems like you are, but I've been there and I understand. Hopefully stories like these can help.

And one other, I guess, theme I wanted to have in this story is how powerful it can be to have someone at your side. I know everyone always says 'You have to love yourself before others will love you.' And I've kind of always hated that saying (No dig to those who do love themselves or have risen from the ashes on their own - kudos to you!). But as someone who's hated themselves for years its hard to suddenly find anything you like about yourself. For me, it honestly took others loving me to show me the good things about me. And I don't think that's invalid.

For anyone who's watched Fruit's Basket (If you haven't I highly recommend it - but prepare yourself for a bumpy ride) Yuki Sohma had this one quote that just resonated with me: "The whole reason we hate ourselves is because we can only see the parts we hate. So, forcing ourselves to find 'good points' feels hollow, like we're making things up. I think that it's only when someone says they love you that you're able to start loving yourself. I think when someone accepts you, that's when you start feeling like you can forgive yourself a little and start to love yourself."

It just feels very real to me and also very validating. And that's something I wanted to show in this story with Link and Zelda. Anyways, I've rambled long enough. As always thank you very much for reading! Your support is so very appreciated :)