"Hold on!" I called back to Link as I veered off the road. It had been two days since I had initially talked with Purah and Robbie. Within the past few days I had spent most of my time at the lab with the two researchers, discussing various things such as how the guardian research was fairing, other technologies that could benefit us in our fight against Calamity Ganon, as well as the new research lab.

The three of us had been so enamored with research that I ended up staying at the research lab the past two nights, crashing on a makeshift bed that I had constructed with several pillows and blankets I had found. Robbie wasn't used to company and had only one spare bed which Purah had already claimed and I refused to take it from her.

Link had stopped by in the evenings when he was done with training and cooked the three of us dinner, much to Purah and Robbie's delight. Although they could tinker and put together the oddest of machines, when it came to combining ingredients, they hadn't a clue... Which made me feel a little better since my cooking skills were basically nonexistent as well.

After a few days though, the three of us had gone over pretty much everything we needed to until I returned to the castle. By then, both Purah and Robbie would be fully moved into the new research lab and spend most of their time there and at the castle. It was something I was looking forward to: having fellow researchers around. There weren't many others at the castle that shared my passion, thus I felt alienated. Being a Princess was alienating enough as not many dared approach me.

Thus with all of the necessary discussions out of the way, it was time for me to move onto the Spring of Power. However before I went there, Link and I decided to take a little trip through Akkala... actually I had decided and did my best to convince Link to obliged. It didn't take much. He seemed fine with the idea, probably because he knew how much I was dreading going to the Spring of Power. However he seemed less on board with the idea after Robbie had offered us the Master Cycle to use. I accepted with jubilation, however Link did not seem as enthusiastic.

Link's arms held onto my waist tighter as the cycle hit rough terrain rather than the smooth road. I had turned northwards after we reached the Eastern stables; apparently there was a lake in the northern regions of Akkala that Robbie had said was pretty... in a rather dismissive manner. To him, taking in natural beauty was probably a waste of time. However I thought it a nice reprieve before I spent several days fruitlessly praying to the Goddess.

It was late morning and the weather was perfect - not a cloud in the sky and there was a nice breeze. The scenery around us was beautiful, the grass so rich and the colorful trees so astounding. Continuing along, a patch of forest appeared, a mix of orange, yellow, and red. Just beyond that were strange rocks, much paler than normal rocks.

Slowing down, I weaved through the forest, being mindful of all the obstacles. I could feel Link's grip around me grow tighter, nervous that I would hit something. While he seemed to lack confidence in my ability to drive the cycle, I relished riding it. Horseback riding was something I always liked, but this... I loved this. It was a shame such technology had been lost.

As the trees flew by, we approached the ashen rocks, a tunnel cut out so we could travel through. Besides their odd color, the rocks also had strange grooves in them. But I did not spare them much thought, paying more attention to where I was going. As we passed through the tunnel, trees appeared on either side of us, and there were ledges and spires of pale rock pointing out above us. Not to far away was the lake, tall columns of weathered ashen rock rising from it. The lake was surrounded on all sides by high cliffs; perhaps at one time the water had been much higher.

I stopped the Master Cycle and turned it off with the flick of my finger. Link quickly got off, grateful to be on solid ground. I smiled at him with glee as I swung myself off the cycle. "It wasn't that bad."

Link gave me a dull look. "You weren't on the back."

I laughed. "If you want, you can drive it on the way back..." I offered half-heartedly, feeling I should at least give him a chance to try it out.

Link gazed at me skeptically, "Why do I feel like this is a trap?"

I folded my arms, "I was just being nice. If you don't want to, that's fine." I quickly added.

Link sighed, "I'll pass. Maybe I'll try it some other time."

"Perfect." I grinned and then walked over to the lake. The water was clear and with in the lake were the tall columns that reached towards the sky as well as some flat islands. Upon the lake there was an array of flowers growing, soft pastel colors. Most were white, but there were a few with faint hues of purple and blue. Slipping my boots off I waded out into the water, seeing that it dropped off quick.

Link joined me, splashing through the water until he was standing next to me.

"It's neat. A very strange place, but it is quite pretty like Robbie said." I stated, observing the place.

"It's kind of creepy." Link voiced.

I arched an eyebrow, "Cause it's called Skull Lake?"

Link shrugged, "Just makes you feel kind of isolated."

"This is creepy and isolating while the Lost Woods was fine?" I asked him, recalling how calm he had been as we made our way through the Lost Woods.

"It was just a little bit of fog."

"A little bit of fog?" I repeated. "We could barely see in front of us. And," I raised a finger, "If you had been able to see all the spirits, it would have made the experience terrifying."

Link scratched the back of his head and gave me a meek smile, "That's fair. Although I do wonder why it's called Skull Lake."

"Apparently when you look at it from a bird's eye view, the lake is in the shape of a skull, hence the name." I informed, recalling what Robbie had told me.

"That's... reassuring."

I rolled my eyes, "Well since we're here, we mine as well explore a little bit."

Link nodded as I walked further into the water, rolling up my pants and holding the flaps of my qipao so they didn't get wet. I stopped when I was knee deep, gazing out onto the lake. The water felt nice, slightly cool, but refreshing nonetheless. Going back to shore, I began to strip my armor and clothes, neatly folding them as I took each article off.

I stopped when only my sports bra and pants remained. Quickly I grabbed the only pair of shorts I had brought with me and found a rock to hide behind so I could change into them. Once finished, I ran back to the water and dove in once I was deep enough. The water encompassed my body in a cold rush, and I quickly broke the surface with my head, giving a quick shudder. It was always jarring when first jumping into a body of water.

Once acclimated, I swam to one of the islands. The ground was rough under my feet and there were a few wiry shrubs growing on the islands. I turned my head up to look at the blue sky, a few wisps of cloud present.

The water sloshing brought my attention to my right, and I saw Link trudge out of the water onto the island to join me. He had shed most of his clothing as well and replaced them with shorts. My eyes glanced at his well defined form, his chiseled abs and sculpted biceps.

"It's so calm here." I stated, trying to distract my mind from how handsome Link was.

Link nodded. "The water feels nice too."

"Do you like swimming?" I inquired.

"Yeah." Link replied, "I would go swimming a lot during my time in Zora's Domain."

That made sense. There was plenty of water in Zora's Domain and if he had spent a good chunk of his childhood there, then Link was probably an adept swimmer.

Walking back to the water, I stopped when my feet were just submerged, the water lapping at my ankles. I wasn't sure if it was just me misinterpreting the situation, but it felt as if there was an awkwardness between Link and I. I didn't know if things were different now after our fight, or if it was something else. It probably didn't help that we hadn't seen much of each other in the past few days and now we were alone in a very secluded area.

It was then I recalled what Daruk and I had talked about on Death Mountain... a conversation that had long been forgotten after the mountain had almost swallowed us and then Link and I's argument. I bit my lip, wondering if I should listen to Daruk. If this was a risk worth taking... my stomach felt queasy thinking about it. I shook my head; perhaps it was best Link and I remained friends. Would it not lead to trouble in the future anyways? But that didn't mean I still couldn't feel the way I felt. It's just nothing could come of those feelings.

It was the way things had to be.

I let out a long breath. "Everything all right?" I turned to see Link walk over to me, his eyes curious.

"Just lost in thought." I replied and smiled at him. As he stopped by my side, I reached out and grabbed his hand. "Thank you Link." I said. Link's eyes darted down to my hand which had ensnared his. "Thanks for listening. And for understanding. It means a lot that you're still here."

Link met my gaze with his soft blue eyes, so endearing and lovely I felt my heart melt. "Of course." Link replied, squeezing my hand back. He gave a little grin then, "Although I suppose I don't have much of a choice."

I laughed as he used my line on me. "I guess we are stuck with each other." Perhaps it wasn't what I hoped for, but that didn't mean I couldn't enjoy my time with Link. "Come on!" I exclaimed and pulled him into the water.

"What are we doing?" Link asked when we were waist deep in water.

"Let's just take a break." I told him, "From being a princess. And from being a knight."

Link arched an eyebrow at me. "Ok?" He replied hesitantly as if he didn't know what that entailed. I didn't really think I did either, so I was winging it.

"Just have... fun." I stated, the word suddenly coming to me. The I smirked at him and before Link could react, I struck at the water with my hand, splashing Link. He looked at me in pure surprise which caused me to burst into laughter.

"Got ya." I proclaimed. It was as if my words had triggered the competitive nature in Link and his wide eyes turned into a smirk. He pulled his arm to the side and as he swiped it across the water, I ducked under. With on hard kick off from the ground, I swam over to Link and grabbed his ankle. As my hands clasped around it, I yanked, causing Link to plummet backwards into the water. With that done, I retreated and resurfaced, inhaling deeply.

Link, not too far away from me, had righted himself and his hands wiped water off his face. His eyes found me and I smirked at him. I splashed in his direction and he splashed back at the same time, water flying in every direction. I gave a high-pitched laugh and turned away as water sprayed in my face.

As the water settled, I looked back at Link only to find him gone. Before I could search for him, I felt arms wrap around my thighs and I was hoisted up into the air. Link then popped out of the water, holding me around my legs. Using his momentum, he then tossed me into the air. I gave a little shriek and then flopped into the water. Eventually my descent into the water stopped and I kicked towards the surface. Resurfacing, I began to tread water as Link had thrown me in a deeper part of the lake.

I spotted Link and began laughing, finding I was really enjoying myself. "My turn!" I exclaimed, earning a look of disbelief from Link.

"You think you can throw me?"

"Sure." I responded as I swam over to him. "Probably not as far, but I can at least throw you a little ways.

Link chuckled and then gave me a smug look. "First you have to catch me." With that he dove into the water, backstroking away from me.

"Oh, but that's so unfair!" I pouted as he out-swam me. "You're a better swimmer than me."

"Since we aren't Princess and Knight right now, I can't give you special treatment." Link called back.

"A handicap would be nice." I retorted as I swam after him, the distance between us growing.

Link laughed and glanced back at me, "Would you even accept a handicap?"

I pondered that for a moment, "Princess Zelda would never. But regular Zelda actually wouldn't mind a handicap."

This made Link laugh harder. "You're ridiculous."

Link had slowed his pace some, allowing me to catch up. As he came within reach, I lunged at him, my arms reaching for his body. But just at the last minute, he swam away and I fell into empty water. I growled in frustration as Link swam circles around me, chuckling.

"Close." He cheered.

I leered at him, although deep down I was actually enjoying myself a lot.

I swam at him again, but once more he eluded me. We continued this for a while until I was panting and starting to run out of breath. I stopped chasing him and began to tread water, conserving my energy. Link glanced over at me, "You alright?" He called, concerned in his voice.

He swam closer to me and I suppressed a smile. "Fine." I breathed. "It's been awhile since I swam this much."

"Perhaps you should head back to shore. Rest for a moment." He said, swimming alongside me.

"That's probably a good idea." I replied. Just as Link closed the distance between us, I kicked my legs and propelled myself towards him. My arms extended and latched onto him, wrapping around his shoulders. Link gave a startled noise and I gave a victory cry.

"Caught you!" I exclaimed proudly.

Link frowned at me, displeasure in his eyes. "That was a dirty trick."

I smiled at him, his face so close to mine as my arms were locked around his neck, our bodies brushing against each other underneath the water. "Since I'm not a princess right now, I figured playing dirty was an acceptable thing."

Link rolled his eyes, "You better start swimming, otherwise I'll catch you and throw you again."

"I thought my rewards was I got to throw you." I protested.

"Not if you use dirty tricks." Link reasoned.

"Now you're making up rules!" I scowled.

Link didn't waver. "Better get swimming."

Releasing him, I said, "You better give me a decent head start!" And then I began to swim away as fast as I could.

The water remained calm behind me for several seconds and I had managed to distance myself from Link. However it did not last long, and soon Link was pursuing me. His speed in the water was truly remarkable, only a Zora could swim faster. I bit my lip, knowing Link would catch me soon.

Quickly I turned towards shore and swam as fast as I could, putting everything I had into one last sprint. As Link closed the distance, my feet finally touched ground and I began to run towards shore, the water making it harder to get away.

"Cheater!" Link shouted from behind me.

"There are no rules saying I can't escape to land!" I shouted back.

"You know I can outrun you too, right?"

I didn't reply, knowing that was true. I hadn't even left the water completely before Link caught me, his arms snaking around my waist.

"No!" I yelled, which turned into laughter. Link's arms wrapped themselves around me and then I was whisked off my feet and found myself cradled in Link's arms, his smug eyes looking down at me.

"Caught ya."

I folded my arms. "Fine, you win."

Link laughed and set me down. I felt my heart flutter as he did so and a sharp sense of longing briefly coursed through me. I merely looked away, the feeling passing. "Let's make some lunch." I said, knowing a task would distract my mind. "There's probably some fresh plants and fungus I can harvest in that forest. In the meantime you can prep a fire."

Link nodded, his eyes lingering on me, a smile still resting nicely on his face. I couldn't help but be drawn to him, the urge to move closer to him all consuming. Link and I's eyes met and for a moment, it was as if I could see the same longing mirrored in his blue orbs.

"Alright." Link replied, his voice soft.

However it was enough to break the moment between us, both of us taking a step back. "Right." I said stiffly and then proceeded to walk towards the nearby forest. Link followed soon after, although we kept to ourselves as we tended to our individual tasks. My assumption about the woods had been right, and I ended up collecting a plethora of vegetables as well as some herbs and mushrooms. I returned to Link, who had built a big fire, with arms full of goodies.

I assisted Link with chopping the food, however once that task was done, I left him to it, knowing I wouldn't be much help. Instead I returned to the water, shuffling around in the shallow part. My eyes spotted a white rock and I picked up the smooth rock. Flicking my wrist, I threw the rock out at the water, watching as it skipped twice upon the clear waters before it ultimately plummeted into the depths below. I smiled, happy I had remembered what Link had taught me all the way back at Hateno Bay.

I continued to meander on the shore, picking up flat rocks every now and then to skip them on the water's surface. Eventually Link finished cooking and we both gobbled our meals down as if we only now realized how famished we were.

We continued to relax by Skull Lake for several more hours. Link explored the nearby forest while I swam around in the waters. Eventually Link joined me, but before either of us realized it, the day was growing long, and the entirety of Skull Lake was cast in shadows as the sun sank in the West.

Link and I packed up, changed into our regular clothing, and rode out of the Skull Lake area on the Master Cycle. As dusk came, I found the Master Cycle had a light on its front end, between the two handlebars that made it easy to see during the night. I marveled at how ingenious it was.

Heading for the quarry, I drove the cycle southwest, until we reached the colossal crater in the earth. I drove around it, going to the south end where there was a gradual pathway that led to the bottom. I drove down it cautiously, my hand completely off the throttle and positioned over the brake as we slowly rolled down. The pathway was wide since horses and carts had to make their way up and down all the time to transport the ores. Yet it still was a little nerve-wracking. When I reached the bottom, I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Link must have felt similar since his hold on me loosened slightly when we reached the bottom.

I wove my way through the quarry, heading towards the Spring of Power. As we neared, I found a place to park the cycle, making sure it was out of the way of the goron workers. Link and I quickly went to work, setting up the tent. The remainder of the night was uneventful and the two of us kept to ourselves. Link was reading a book while I was lost in thought, hoping desperately that I would find out something at the Spring of Power.

I walked through the tunnel, exiting into the small alcove where the Spring of Power was. Dressed in my prayer clothes, I took several steps forwards, my feet tapping lightly on the stone underneath my feet. Before me was a small, water-filled grove, a rim of water falls all around pouring more water into the alcove. A goddess statue rested near the center, her hands folded eternally in prayer. Several trees grew around, flourishing in the rich environment. On the water, there were lily pads and patches of flowers. The Spring of Power was a beautiful place. Many traveled here to clear their heads as well as pray. It was far more frequented that the other two springs.

Link walked to my side, his eyes on me. We stood at the edge of the stone platform that was a part of a Hylian built archway, otherwise the entire area would be submerged in water. "What will you do?" I asked him, knowing there wasn't much for him here.

Link shrugged. "I can go back into the Quarry and train. They don't seem to be working on this side of the Quarry, so I won't be in anyone's way."

I nodded. "There is a small settlement near the center of the Quarry. Could you let them know I'm here? They will gladly welcome you. And if you need any basic supplies, they will be happy to lend a hand."

Link nodded, "I will let them know. Otherwise I'll be training, so if you need anything, I won't be far away."

I gave a brief nod, my thoughts going elsewhere. "Understood." My eyes were focused on the goddess statue.

Seeing my resolute focus, Link left me, walking back through the tunnel and into the quarry. I closed my eyes and exhaled, letting all the air leave my body.

"It's time." I whispered.

A little over waist deep in water, my head was bowed as I continued to pray to the Goddess. My mind ached from the intense focus and my lips softly whispered the ancient prayers I had memorized when I was a small child.

Another chill ran through me, the cold coursing through my body becoming harder and harder to ignore. Although the water had felt nice at first and during the peak of the day, after standing in it for hours, my body had begun to shiver.

"Zelda?" A voice called. So intent was my focus, I wasn't sure if the sound was coming from my surroundings or perhaps it was a voice finally answering my prayers. Concentrating harder, I waited a few more moments, hoping it had been the goddess.

"Zelda?" The voice called again. Now that I was listening for it, I instantly knew who it was: Link. Dropping my folded hands back to my sides, I turned around to find Link standing at the entrance of the tunnel. Although I was happy to see him, I couldn't help but feel the sting of disappointment in my chest.

"Let's take a break." He said, his eyes softening. He must have seen in my eyes how unsuccessful my days worth of praying had been. I stood there for a second, about to refuse. However, dusk was approaching and it would soon be dark. There wasn't much more I would accomplish, even if I stayed up all night as I had done previously. It didn't seem to matter how long I prayed. At this point I felt like I was just doing it because I didn't know what else to do.

Quietly I made my way over to Link. My dress clung to me, the fabric much heavier now that it was saturated with water. Stepping out of the water and onto the stone platform, I folded my arms, shivering. "You're cold." Link rushed to my side, his eyes concerned.

I merely nodded, my mind still elsewhere. "Come on. I have a fire going back at camp." I complied and followed Link, reaching camp within a few minutes as it was just on the other side of the tunnel. I stood next to the fire, staring at the flames as they lapped at the pot of stew cooking on top of it. Steam flowed from my dress as the fire evaporated the moisture. I watched the lazy tendrils of steam fly off into the air, thinking I should change into something else.

Yet I continued to stare at the fire, lost in my thoughts.

I felt a weight on my shoulders suddenly, warmth flowing from it. Surprised, I found Link had draped his doublet over me. I pulled it tighter around me, the warmth feeling nice. "Thanks." I murmured.

Link quickly returned to cooking and as he did so, I finally managed to drag myself away from the fire and changed clothes. However I kept Link's doublet draped over me.

Soon Link and I were eating. I took a few bites, and then stirred the hearty stew, staring at it blankly. Although it looked and smelled delicious, it was as if my tastebuds were numb - everything tasted bland and subdued.

Still I continued to eat, recalling what Link had said to me while at the Spring of Courage. Eventually I set the bowl down, finished with the meal. I felt Link's eyes on me, and knowing I should make conversation, I asked, "Did you find the camp?"

"Yes." Link reported, "I let them know you were here."

"Good." I said.

It was a moment before either of us said anything again, the song of the whippoorwill filling the night. "Zelda." Link ventured, "How long do you plan on staying here?"

I sighed, "We can leave in four days. I think that's long enough here." Although I didn't even want to stay that long. Nothing but disappointment and silence awaited me.

"Ok." Link replied uncomfortably, clearly not sure what to say.

Instead of letting the awkwardness carry on between us, I rose and declared, "I'm going to retire for the night. I will need a fresh mind tomorrow." Neither of us said anything more.

For the next few days, I continued to pray at the Spring of Power. Link trained and explored the quarry, the Gorons all too happy to show him around. By the evening of the fourth night, I had grown increasingly frustrated, dejected, and withdrawn, hardly speaking to Link at all. I kept to myself, not in the mood for talking.

I let out a long breath, opening my eyes to glare at the Goddess statue, my fist clenched. "What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice rough. "What is it that I need to do? I've tried everything that I can think of!" I threw my hands down at the water, creating a loud splash. My body was tired and cold, and my mind was tired and frustrated. "Please." I begged, "Just give me something."

Nothing was my answer.

As always.

Closing my eyes, I let myself sink into the water, the coolness chilling me further. But I didn't care. I let the water claim my body, sinking all the way in until just my head stuck out. Taking a deep breath, I then sunk all the way under, disappearing in its depths, just wanting to disappear.

Everything felt surreal under the water, as if I was in a bubble far away from Hyrule, alone. I let my body drift downwards, my knees hitting the bottom. My body then folded in on itself, curling into a tight ball at the bottom of the Spring.

Please. I pleaded to whoever or whatever might be listening.

For the first time in all my life, my prayers were answered. However, not in the way I had hoped for.

My grasp on reality quickly blackened, my senses and consciousness fading away. That was when the visions started.

Blood everywhere. Destruction... Mayhem... Corruption... it was as if the kingdom was infested with it. Villages were burning, people were murdered in cold blood, and choas reigned. The castle was in shambles, walls and statues nothing more than rubble now. Blood decorated the castle pathways and stone walls, dead bodies scattered about. A black, pink goo had taken root throughout the castle, seeping vile energy everywhere. If one were to touch it, it would suck the life from them... slowly and painfully.

The prominent towns and cities throughout Hyrule were in no better shape. Kakariko Village was in disarray, the mountains and rugged cliffs around the village had collapsed, pouring rocks down onto the quaint village, crushing buildings and civilians. Dust filled the air - suffocating. The Sheikah were dressed in their war garb, most wearing grim expressions with smears of dirt and dried blood on their faces.

In Gerudo Town, a sandstorm raged. It swallowed the town, subjecting all to it's ferocious winds and downpour of sand. The water in the troughs had dried, and everyone had taken shelter, trapped inside. On the outskirts of the town, were Yiga, who fired flaming arrows at Gerudo Town, setting anything burnable ablaze. Children were screaming, terrified.

Meanwhile, Rito Village was in a panic. Rito Warriors flew frantically about, trying to rescue whoever they could find in what remained of Rito Village. Devastation had stormed the village, completely wiping away the topmost part of the village, taking the homes and any Rito in them away. Malice seeped down the sides of the giant rock pillar on which Rito Village was built around. At the top, a towering tornado hovered, unmoving, as if it was a beacon, daring anyone to challenge it.

Just East of Rito Village was what remained of Goron City. Death Mountain howled in anger, lava and smog spewing from it's maw. Magma rushed down the mountain, consuming all. Everything just below the mountain and in shallow ground was consumed, burned and scalded away. Little remained of Goron City, the lower parts flooded with lava, while only the highest parts remained somewhat intact. Death Mountain rumbled, shaking the entire Eldin region. Rocks broke free and were thrown from the mountain, crashing down all throughout Eldin and crushing whatever they landed on.

A similar fate had befallen Zora's Domain, the beautiful domain flooded by torrential rains. The entire palace where the Zora lived had been consumed by water. The entire domain was flooded, only the highest peaks still visible. Zora took refuge on these peaks, beaten and wary. Their somber faces reflected how hopeless they felt. Their home gone and so many lost.

As all this happened, malice broke out over the land, spreading evil and killing whatever life it touched. It took root in abandoned villages, in burning forests, on crumbling mountains... It fed of despair and fear. Then in a tumultuous crash, a dark, evil entity swirled around the broken castle. What appeared to be the head of the monstrosity resembled a wild boar with dark horns and glowing eyes. It whisked around the castle, letting out a terrifying scream, as if it was claiming the castle and all of Hyrule for itself.

It was then the image of the entirety of Hyrule faded away, focusing on several distinct, haunting images. Vorel, the leader of the Sheikah, lay crumbled on the ground, a sword protruding from his back, his eyes blank. Urbosa, the fierce chief of the Gerudo, was sprawled on the desert floor, her body lifeless and charred, as if she had been struck by lightning. Revali, the greatest Rito warrior alive, whose body was mangled and broken, bones protruding from his feathered flesh, laid in a lifeless heap. Daruk, the strongest Goron, was unrecognizable, his body burned and blistered and crushed under a pile of rocks, unmoving. Then the image of King Rhoam appeared, his body slumped on the stairs that lead to the sanctum, his body beaten and bloody. Lastly, a knight clad in a blue tunic was resting on the battle-torn earth, his body mangled, burned, and cut. His limp body was held by a girl in white prayer robes, tears streaming from her eyes.

"This is your fate Zelda." An ethereal voice echoed out. "The fate of all Hyrule unless you can awaken your powers. As I have told you before, the answer remains right in front of you."

Realty came crashing back - hard. My lungs burned and when I opened my eyes the world around me was dark and blurry. I clutched my neck, unable to breath, a scream lodged in my throat. Was this another vision? My head pounded with pressure, feeling as if it might explode.

I felt something grab me and I wrenched free, terror seizing me. However, whatever it was latched on again, holding me tightly. I struggled against it, yet my world was beginning to fade and grow fuzzy as my body cried out for oxygen. I felt myself beginning to slip...

Suddenly air flooded my lungs as I broke the surface of the water. I took several ragged gasps, my mind grasping at straws as I tried to sort out vision from reality. The pain in my lungs began to ease and slowly the world became crisp and clear again. Water dripped from my face and hair. The pain in my skull still pulsed inside, waves of pressure beating at my brain. Looking up, I saw the goddess statue, its face sculpted into a peaceful expression. It was then I recalled where I was... at the Spring of Power. And the vision... it was the Sight of the Goddess again... and the Deku Tree had been correct. It was getting worse.

I shuddered to think how bad it was going to get if I didn't awaken my powers...

My powers...

"Zelda!" A voice whispered fiercely next to me and I turned to see familiar blue orbs. Link's arms were wrapped around me. They were what had latched onto me earlier and what had pulled me to the surface. Yet my mind didn't focus on that fact for long. Instead an image of Link's still body rose in my mind, covered in blood. What I had seen while under the Sight of the Goddess came crashing back to me, filling me with newfound horror.

"Link." I whispered, my voice breaking. Tears grew in my eyes and I flung my arms around him, holding him tight to me, as tight as I could. He grew still as I did this, stupefied by my actions. Images continued to surface in my mind, making the pain in my mind increase... a destroyed Hyrule, a topple castle, all my friends and family brutally slaughtered, and Link...

Sobs wracked my body and I collapsed, exhausted after everything I had seen. Link's arms caught me, supporting my weight. I heard him call to me several times, his voice filled with worry, however I couldn't find any words. So instead, Link lifted me into his arms and waded out of the water. He took me back to our camp and gingerly knelt by the fire as if to set me down. I clung to his shirt, my hands making fists in the wet fabric of his tunic. "Please." I whimpered. "Don't go."

I looked up at him and whatever he saw in my eyes made him lean close and hug me. I melted against him, wanting - no - needing him to chase away the images that haunted me. Was that really the fate of Hyrule if I was unable to access my powers? Was it all riding on me?

"Zelda." Link's voice whispered, "What happened?"

I shook my head, unable to voice what I had seen. Seeing as I wasn't going to say anything, Link gently patted my back. He pulled back, his eyes finding mine. Nothing but sympathy, worry, and kindness reflected in them, making my heart ache. "It's ok, Zelda. You can tell me when your ready. But for tonight, let's dry off and I'll make us some food. I even went into the Goron camp and bought some tea. That should make you feel a little better."

I nodded in response, my voice tight. I feared if I said the slightest thing that I would break down. The enormity of what rested upon my shoulders... it all felt so... heavy. As if I would be crushed.

I begrudgingly released Link, pulling my hands back to my chest. It was then I realized how cold I was, shivering despite being close to the fire. Link quickly changed into dry clothes, and in a daze I followed his lead. Once finished, we left our wet clothes to dry around the fire. Link began to boil some water while I sat and gazed at the fire, putting all my focus on the orange glimmer of the flames. My headache had begun to subside, although there was still a dull ache in my frontal lobes.

"Here." Link handed me a mug of tea, which I took gratefully. Just having the warm cup of liquid in my hands felt nice. Soon Link had dinner ready, although he made less than normal, probably knowing I wouldn't have much of an appetite. He was right. He gave me a bowl to fill with food, but I merely set it aside, the thought of eating right now was highly unappealing. It made my stomach feel queasy.

Instead I sipped on my tea, the heat from that and the fire warming me up. Link and I didn't talk much, he let me be for most of the night, although I was sure he didn't know what to say. Something had clearly upset me yet he had no idea what. It surprised me how patient he could be.

As the darkness descended, the sky became aglow with starlight. Link had finished packing most things up, getting ready to depart for tomorrow's journey back to the stables and then on to Lanaryu. After he completed this, I heard his footsteps approaching and then he was next to me. My cloak suddenly dropped down on my shoulders, and I pulled it around me. Link sat down next to me, his gaze shifting from me to the fire.

He didn't say anything, for at this point words wouldn't help. Instead he simply sat next to me, as if he was a pillar in the darkness. I dropped my head to my knees, closed my eyes, and reached a hand for Link's. He took mine easily, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

What did I need to do to prevent such an awful fate from befalling Hyrule and all those dear to me?