"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day."

~Unknown~

Ancient Roots

Chapter 15: Family

The smell intensifies as I unsteadily run down the corridor, my thoughts overcrowded with so many horrible memories that I can't think straight. Wild flashes from both my nightmare and the depths of my memories of the actual event plague my mind's eye, and for too long I swear I can hear the groans of the wooden support beams before they collapse above my head.

I flinch when I hear a scream and it takes all I have to remind myself that it's a scream from the past and not the present. The stone floor sends cold sensations through my feet as I keep going down the silent hallway, uncaring who I do and don't wake up; all that matters is finding the source of this waking nightmare.

I fight the urge to slow down as I rush into the Academy's kitchen, which is already bright and warm as the early morning sunlight streams in through the slightly ajar windows. The slight breeze does nothing to ease my panic as I desperately search around for the smoke, its pungent smell stronger than ever here. A part of me notices that Henya isn't here yet, yet that makes everything worse—what if there was an accidental fire that no one knows about?

Under the assumption that the fire must be coming from the stove, I surge towards it with a firm resolve, only to skid into a halt when I spot a familiar figure.

My eyes quickly land on Link, who's crouched in front of the lit cooking spot—dressed for the day, though lacking all his equipment—looking calm and content as he checks whatever he's cooking. My heart pounds against my chest as I stare at him, the crackling and popping of his food barely reaching my ears as I try to convince myself of what I'm seeing.

Not a fire. Not a fire.

I blink rapidly, flashes of him from my nightmare—you were so still, so pale—appearing in my mind's eye at random intervals and I struggle to cope. Just the sight of him alive and well—you're alive, you're alive, you're alive—drains the adrenaline from me and I slump into the nearest chair. The sound of it startles Link and he whips his head over to find me with my head in my hands.

Through my fingers, I notice the way his hand tightens around the knife in his hand before he promptly relaxes.

"Goddess above, you scared me," he mutters under his breath. Placing the knife down, he quickly crosses the short distance between us and kneels before me, running his hands up my arms to soothe me. "What happened? Zelda, you're shaking…"

"I…" Words evade me as soon as I try to explain. I quickly abandon any attempt to explain myself and choose instead to hug him with so much desperation that he has to steady himself before returning the gesture. Somehow I manage to choke out a tiny, "You're alive…"

"I'm here," he promises. "I'm alright…"

He's alright…

"I'm sorry for scaring you," I murmur as he holds me at arm's length. He goes to protest but I shake my head. "It was just a bad dream, that's all."

He forces a sad smile, "I know the feeling." A popping sound from the stove distracts him and, after squeezing my knee, he stands and continues as he checks on the food, "I wasn't getting back to sleep anytime soon, so I thought I'd make myself useful and cook some food for us both." I frown, ignoring my own sorrows for a moment.

"You had a nightmare too? You could've woken me up."

His lips twist up into a more genuine smile, "It's fine. It was just a bad dream."

But the haunted look in his eyes says otherwise.

I let it slide for now as he plates up the food—eggs and toast—and we both take a seat at the nearest table. I take my knife and cut open the yolk, a childish glee bubbling inside me as it splits in two and runs across the plate. We sit in silence for a long time, yet silence breeds overthinking because I soon start contemplating whether or not I should press him about his nightmare. Just like Father always says: I turn into a different person when I worry for Link and this morning is no different. Momentarily putting my nightmare aside, I steel myself to speak up.

"Are you sure you're alright?" I finally ask him after swallowing a bite. "You seem a little shook up."

"I-It was nothing," he stammers between mouthfuls, though I can sense his unease. He chews at the inside of his lip as he continues eating and avoiding my gaze but, when he makes the mistake of looking back up at me and my raised brow, his expression falters. I push my plate away to show him that he has my full attention and support. I wouldn't usually push him like this, but I can tell that he wants to talk about it.

"What happened?"

He swallows thickly and avoids my gaze as he mumbles, "I dreamt about them last night." My stomach twists. I can already guess who he's on about, but I have to be sure.

"Your parents?"

He hums, then, "And Crimson too." A sigh escapes him then and I let him continue at his own pace, "I found them in the plaza; I… I think the storm left them there. They weren't moving until—" His breath hitches for the briefest of moments, though he swiftly recovers. "—my mother grabbed me and said I'd be joining them soon, just as I should've all those years ago. Everything hurt for a second and… then I woke up…"

I don't say anything at first because what can I say? He's always harboured a sense of guilt for surviving what his family didn't, and there's nothing I can say or do to change that (I've tried and failed too many times). Even though he's surrounded by friends and those he could consider family, nothing will ever change the trauma of losing his family that lingers in his shadow to this day.

I'll never forget those dark days after his family never came home. Since Link was already studying at the Academy and lived there, his family home would have to be emptied and passed on to another family—the fact it soon became Pipit's home lessened the pain, but only just. As that was prepared and the funeral planned, Link barely said a word and, because the adults saw him as too vulnerable to discuss the situation, he was mostly left alone.

The funeral had come and gone, and then he spent most of his time in the graveyard—only headstones there to tell the world that his family had once lived here. After I'd found out that he'd stayed there all night, I had stormed down there and was ready to yell at him without restraint, but of course I didn't—not after seeing him. Instead, I'd sat with him and offered him a coat, smiling when he softly thanked me.

We managed to coax him back inside, even if it was into his family home. Nobody minded at first since he was inside and presumably getting some rest and Father had told me to give him the space he needed, but everything changed when it became apparent the next morning that Link had blocked the door and refused to let anyone come in.

My father was the one to force his way inside and found Link. He'd done the bare minimum to exist—barely ate, barely drank, barely slept. He was quickly taken back to the Academy so everyone could keep an eye on him and, of course, I was never too far away.

"We're going to take care of you," I'd promised him not long after he'd been taken to his dorm. "We'll get through this together; I promise…"

It was the darkest time of his life and I was powerless to help him in any way.

"Ever since the black tornado, I started thinking about them more. If I really was destined to travel to the Surface, then the Goddess must've kept me alive so I could fulfil her wishes," he muses quietly. The corner of his lip twitches up into a dark smile and my heart sinks as I realise what he's about to say. "The Goddess pulled the strings so I could cheat death. If it weren't for destiny, then maybe I wouldn't be here right now."

"Don't say things like that," I snap with a frown. "It's understandable that you feel that way, but I don't like you talking about your life so trivially."

He shakes his head, "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make out like I would've rather died with them." He reaches over to give my hand a comforting squeeze. "It's been hard to be positive after that tornado…" I offer him a sad smile.

"I know, and it's alright. I don't know if you survived because of destiny or chance and, despite whatever the Goddess has in store for you, I just want you to know that I'm glad you're still here." My heart pangs. "So many people here love you and grieved for you after the tornado—you'll never walk alone, not with us in your heart."

But his eyes are misty and he's so lost in thought that he doesn't quite hear me. He must be thinking about his nightmare or his memories of the tragedy because he soon asks, "Do you know what my biggest regret is?" I stay silent. "They'd done everything they could to make sure I couldn't leave the house—locked the doors, locked the windows, everything—but I still managed to get out."

I remember this too, though Link didn't tell me about it until years later. His parents were adamant about him staying at home while they went to Austri, but there was (and still is, I suppose) a way out that was to be used only in emergencies. Link had tried to sleep to no avail, so he sneaked out and waited at the diving platform for his family to come home—dodging the knights on patrol as he was marooned on the island he calls home.

He always kept faith that his family would come home soon.

But no one came.

I wasn't there when the first people found him the next morning, but I was there when my father was called outside. We knew nothing for a long time until Raven's Loftwing returned to the island, riderless. It was a blur of chaos after that, but my father remained the calming presence despite the grief evident on his face. He'd taken care of Link when others were filled with unbridled emotion.

"He was there for me; I won't ever forget that," he'd told me years later. "I'll never be able to repay that kindness that he's always shown me." I'd said nothing in response, knowing how Father felt like a secondary parent to Link (and most of the islanders too).

"But enough about me," he says after a few moments. "I've done nothing but talk about myself and I'm not the only one who had a nightmare."

I shrug, "There's not much to tell. I had a dream about the fire, and then I woke up and smelled smoke. But I'm fine now."

"You look as shaken up as I feel," he observes with a frown. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I…" I immediately go to brush off his concerns, to ignore what I'm feeling and push on. But then I see the glint of worry in his eyes and I falter. "It doesn't matter; my grief pales in comparison to yours."

"Don't downgrade your grief," Link counters softly. "We've both suffered. It's a part of who we are—you've shown me that."

I hum as I lose myself in my memories. That summer (I was fifteen and Link was soon to turn sixteen) was particularly hot and stormy. Father and I had gone out flying for the afternoon to cool off in the breeze, completely unaware of what was to come at sundown. We'd heard the thunder grumbling in the distance and headed home, but nothing could prepare us for the storm that ensued.

Just as we'd landed, a bolt of lightning struck the Academy (which used to be made entirely from wood) with such ferocity that it burst into flames—this is why the Knight Academy is made of stone now. People were already pouring out of the building and the islanders were rushing to help them out, though they stayed put as some knights went back inside to aid others still trapped inside. Father had told me to stay as he went in to help and I screamed at him to stop until well after he'd disappeared into the flames.

"I hated myself for sitting back and doing nothing, but Greba was too strong and held me back," I murmur. "I saw Pipit and Groose helping people to get out, but I couldn't see you or my father… or my mother…"

I blink and I'm back there again on that warm summer's night as smoke and embers billowed up into the sky. I can almost feel the heat from the flames and the groaning of the wood as the building started to collapse in on itself. As the Knight Academy became less and less accessible, the wait became more and more agonising.

So when Greba had to suddenly care for one of the injured knights, I took my chance. Karane was the first to see me make a break for it, but she and the rest of them were too late to stop me.

"Zellie, don't go in there! It's too dangerous!"

Determined to find my parents, I clambered up to the top floor and rushed inside. Since I knew where my mother would've been when the fire broke out, I danced around the burning debris and made my way to my father's office. I can feel my eyes glazing over as I lose myself in the memories of seeing them both trapped inside and unable to escape.

"I'll never forget that moment," I whisper, my eyes full of unshed tears. "She was pinned under the beams and no one, not even Father, could help her. They told me to get out, but I couldn't move. I didn't want to leave and never see them again. But I knew I had to get help if there was any chance to save them…"

Link, having abandoned his food like I have, squeezes my hand to keep me present, "And you did. You went outside and got the help they needed."

But it wasn't enough to save them both…

He's right, though. I'd finally gotten a hold of myself and ran outside to get help, but I heard something when I came back in with the knights—a sound that I'll never forget. As the knights tried to make their way into the office, a familiar voice cried out for help and, before the knights could stop me, I flew down the stairs towards his dorm.

"I thought you'd gotten out," I breathe. "If I'd realised sooner that you were trapped, then I would've…"

"You saved me that day."

I sniff, "I couldn't let you die."

Flames roared around the two teens as the build around them threatened to collapse. Only a short distance separated the two, but it felt like miles. The way out of the boy's room was partially covered with burning debris, making it almost impossible for him to escape. The girl stood on the other side, covering her face to save herself from inhaling the smoke as she feared for what would happen if she didn't help him. There was only one way out, she realised.

"Link, you've got to jump!" she cried. His eyes met hers but all she could see was the fear raging within him. She held her hand out to him and desperately tried not to show how painful it was to hold her hand over the burning wood. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she saw the flames dance in his eyes as he tried to figure out another way. "There's no other way! I'll catch you; I promise!"

And he believed her.

He moved forwards a few steps, though he couldn't help but hesitate when the flames roared louder. She beckoned him again, determined to give him the confidence she was trying to feel herself. For a moment, both of them doubted he'd be able to make it across, but then the ceiling above him groaned and they realised there was no time to hesitate. They knew what he had to do.

Time itself seemed to slow down as he backed up a few paces before throwing himself forward with everything he had. The girl watched on with wide eyes as he barely managed to clear the gap between them, rushing forwards when his boot caught the debris and sent him crashing to the ground. She couldn't catch him, but she rushed to help him to his feet.

"W-We need t-to go!" she stammered, coughing harshly as the ceiling creaked and moaned above them. All he could do was nod as the two spotted a broken window nearby and staggered towards it with blurred vision.

Then the ceiling above them collapsed.

A cold splash against my hand draws me back into reality and I realise Link is holding me close. I sniff at the memories, "When the ceiling collapsed and I couldn't see you… I thought that was it. Even when the knights found us and taken us both outside, I didn't think you'd ever wake up."

Those coming hours were the worst of my life. Although Father had been brought outside and was at my side as we were tended to, he was so grief-stricken that he sat beside me and sobbed over the loss of my mother and I sat there and cried with him too, holding Link's hand as I silently begged him to wake up and not join my mother and the rest of his family. Tending to him was the distraction I needed, even though it would never fill the void of loss in my heart.

"But I'm right here thanks to you," he replies softly as he pulls away, stroking my cheek and planting a kiss on my forehead. And he is, recovering from his concussion and forcing himself to stand at my side as we laid my mother to rest. As the memories swarm in my mind, I open my eyes (ones I didn't realise were shut) and let his presence envelop me. "And I'll always be with you, Zelda, no matter what happens or where we end up—not even the Goddess can stop that."

I can't help but smile as I murmur, "I know…"

Reliving such awful memories, no matter how cathartic it may be, makes all the pain come back with force and emotion bubbles up in my throat before I can say anything else. I let my head rest against our interlocked hands and I desperately try to hold back a sob, though it proves difficult when his thumb runs over my hand.

We sit like this for a while as our food sits forgotten and the fire crackles on the other side of the kitchen. Our moment of silence is broken, however, by the sound of footfalls coming towards us. I squeeze Link's hand and straighten as I turn towards the source of the sound, smiling at the familiar face entering the kitchen.

"Could sleep either, eh?" Karane shrugs her shoulders, and from the fatigue in her eyes I know I'm right.

"Better than you two, apparently—especially you," she remarks, nodding to Link at her latter comment. We smile as she pulls up a seat and I give her the rest of my food. Between mouthfuls, Karane continues, "So, what's the plan then? I think we're all feeling the weight of the Goddess's plan the longer we stay here, so I guess we're heading out today?"

I nod, "The longer we stay, the less we'll want to leave. And besides, I think we're rested enough to move on. We need to stock up on potions and food, though the Bazaar won't be open for another hour at least. I need to take the tablet up to the Statue of the Goddess…" I trail off when I suddenly realise something. "Has anyone tried to go inside the statue?"

"Pipit told me the Headmaster tried to stop people, but they were too curious," she replies honestly. "He showed them inside and tried to spin it as a gift from the Goddess during times of hardship—a place to pray, I think he said—and the islanders were satisfied enough." I sigh with relief.

"Good, I'm glad."

"All I need to do is get another sword from the Sparring Hall then I'll be ready," Link says, and I realise that he lost his weapon after what happened outside the Earth Temple. I nod solemnly and he excuses himself to do just that, and I let Karane finish up her meal as I lose myself in deep thought.

After my nightmare and our conversation this morning, I can't help but feel rather drained already and the sun's barely risen. I feel a little better after talking about it, though I suppose lifting one weight only makes the other weights feel heavier—like today's journey. The thought of going back to the Surface and Link having to leave Skyloft only worsens the pain in my heart, among everything else. All I can do is pray that we'll come home quickly and safely.

So naïve, a dark voice at the back of my mind sneers; I don't have the energy to object.

Leaving Skyloft isn't the only thing on my mind either. From what Fi's implying, this "parched desert of Lanayru" sounds like the toughest terrain we'll be visiting yet and I don't know how I feel about that after everything that's come to pass in Faron and Eldin. It sounds like a vast place so I'm sure we'll be spending a night (maybe even two) there and who knows where we'll be sleeping.

We're leaping into the unknown once again. But each time we leap, I have less and less energy. However, knowing that my mood will only worsen the longer I sit here and do nothing, I push myself onto my feet and excuse myself as well. I let Karane know where I'm going before leaving her to finish up her breakfast.

As I pass by the dorm rooms, I can easily hear Groose's booming voice coming from inside his room and I feel my body tense up at the sound. His remarks from last night still annoy me, though I quickly remind myself that confrontation will resolve nothing and I won't actively go out of my way to yell at him. Right now, he isn't my concern—never has been, never will be.

After all, the last thing I'd want is for Groose to get caught up in the Goddess's mission somehow.

Sighing deeply, I collect my things from my room and start running my morning errands. Even though the Bazaar isn't open yet, I manage to slip in early as Luv and Bertie are setting up and restock my potions and take some time to chat with them, something about simple conversation bringing a sense of calm to my day.

After leaving and heading to the river to fill my canteen with water, I soon find myself back in the Knight Academy and slipping into my father's office. He beams as soon as he spots me and he fully turns away from the open window he was looking out of. "I didn't think you'd be up so early, my dear," he greets as I softly close the door behind me. I smile as he crosses the distance between us and we embrace. Once we pull apart and we both take our seats, he adds, "The villagers were overjoyed at your performance last night—both of them."

My eyes widen and I feel my face heat up at what he's implying, "F-Father, I…"

His chuckle effectively cuts me off, "Oh ho, no need to be embarrassed! We've all known something would happen sooner or later, so it was only a matter of time before the Goddess herself pulled some strings." Despite his reassurance, I bow my head to hide my flushed face. I can hear his smile as he adds, "The sun is shining a little brighter today; I think your mother is smiling down on you more than ever."

I raise my head, "How do you mean?"

"She, like the rest of us, saw the bond you both shared," he explains. "She saw what joy you brought to one another's lives and wished for the long-awaited day your friendship officially became more than just that."

After talking about my mother this morning, his words strike a bigger cord in me and my eyes well up at the thought of her, "If only she was here to see her wish granted…"

He frowns, "Link mentioned you were talking about her this morning. Are you alright?"

"I-I was, and I'm alright now," I stammer, then register the first part of what he said. "What was he doing here?"

My eyes follow my father as he rises from his chair and crosses over to the bookshelf, "It was a rather confusing visit, I won't lie—and not just because it was the earliest I'd seen him awake." I smile, though it fades within moments as he continues, "He was rather open when he arrived and made it clear that he wasn't sure when he'd next return. He asked me to watch over you if you two were separated again."

My heart skips a beat at Link's pessimism; he's never said anything like that to me before, "He really said that?" Father hums.

"I was quite surprised. After all, one of the few comforts I had about you travelling to the Surface was that you'd find each other and protect one another." His shoulders slump a little as he plucks a book from the shelf. "I understand his lack of optimism, given the circumstances, but it was all a little unsettling to hear from him especially."

I hum absently as memories of Faron and Eldin flash in my mind's eye, "Those who are searching for Link are… very adamant about finding him. They got close during our last visit to the Surface and it's hard not to think about the ramifications if they ever do find him."

He reclaims his seat and places the book down so he can address me properly, "I can only imagine what you're experiencing down there, and only a fraction of it good. And I know this will be easier said than done, but I beg you not to lose hope. Just like I'd said to Link: you must keep faith even when it feels like the world is against you."

I close my eyes, desperately trying not to be overwhelmed by emotion, "I'm trying Father… but those monsters down there are—"

"Spineless," he cuts in before I can continue. "They're spineless, my dear. Although they may seem powerful and the scales seem to be tipping in their favour, it's because of you and the others that they haven't succeeded in their aims. And they don't have what you have: the Goddess's protection and loved ones to keep them going. Please, my dear, don't let their darkness dim your light."

His words break that barrier I've been trying to hold up and I rush over to hug him tightly, now uncaring for the tears that stream down my cheeks as I hold him. The act of him smoothing my hair back is enough to calm me and, after a few minutes, I whisper, "Thank you, Father…"

He pulls away and cups my cheek, though he remains silent. I soon feel the weight of the journey ahead of me grow heavy on my shoulders and I excuse myself after another quick hug. As I step outside, the Goddess Sword at my side glows and Fi's voice echoes around my mind.

"Good morning, Dominae," she greets, then, "I have a report. Nightly monster activity levels have remained consistent during your break in Skyloft and I haven't detected any spikes in dark auras or danger levels. You and your companions are well rested and well prepared for the parched desert of Lanayru."

I nod, "Thank you, Fi. We'll set out when I take the tablet up to the courtyard."

The sword's light fades and pause as I pass by my bedroom. Link's pessimism must be contagious because I stare at my door and wonder when I'll be coming home myself. After all, we now have to contend with Ghirahim and Impa who both know the lay of the land far better than us and will easily be able to track us down.

Who knows when I'll be back and what things will have changed?

I sigh—now's the time for action, not thought. It's not like I can put off leaving and delaying the inevitable. So I ball my hands into fists and continue on my way, ready to get to the Chamber of the Sword so I can slot the tablet into place. As I step out into the chilly autumn air, however, I freeze when I hear a frustratingly familiar voice.

"So, you haven't even been here a full day yet and you're already trying to leave? You've got some nerve!" Groose's voice thunders. I rush over to the edge to find Link being tailed by Groose as he leaves the Sparring Hall, a new sword in his possession just like he'd wanted. Neither of them notice me as Groose roughly grabs Link's shoulder and spins him around, the former's expression twisted with anger as he snarls, "After all you've done to Zelda and the islanders, do you really think leaving will help? Goddess above, you really are dense!"

Link remains calm as he turns away from Groose and says as he walks away, "That's not what I'm doing."

But Groose persists, as he always does, "Then what exactly are you doing? Because Zelda's been out there searching for you since you fell off your stupid bird and you haven't been here to see the consequences of your mistakes." Link stops, hesitating, and Groose continues, "She went everywhere to find you. She's come back bleeding because of you, cried because of you, and now you're just going to leave as if nothing happened."

Link doesn't turn around and I notice how fast he's blinking—for a second, I swear his eyes turn gold, "That's not—"

Groose stomps around to stand in front of him, leaning in close as I realise how much Link is struggling to stay present and hop down to help him, "Well, something did happen. If I'd won the ceremony, it would've been me out there when that storm hit and I wouldn't have been stupid enough to fall and cause Zelda all this grief. She deserves more respect than what you're showing her, and it's up to me to tell you it! Will you finally wake up and realise what you're doing?"

"I know what I'm doing," he replies, but it's quiet and he lacks conviction. Groose huffs loudly as I pick up my pace.

"Look at you! You can't even string a sentence together without sounding weak!" Groose reaches out, but Link bats his arm away with a ferocity I've never seen before; his eyes were definitely gold for that moment. My heart stops for a second. The redhead laughs in Link's face, "Are you looking for a fight?"

"No, he isn't," I snap as I shove Groose aside and stand between the two of them. The anger on his face dissipates for a fraction of a second at the sight of me. "He—"

"Why do you keep defending him? It's not like he deserves it," he counters hotly, moving me aside so he can talk to Link again. "You need to start defending yourself and stop relying on others! You're as strong as a day-old bird but everyone's so desperate to protect you—it's pathetic!"

Link does his best to compose himself as his eyes take on a flicker of gold, "I don't want to leave; I have to. I don't have a choice here, and I'm sure you'd rather have me out of the picture anyway." I raise a brow at his tone, though I don't disagree—Groose certainly wouldn't mind it that way. "You don't understand the bigger picture and you never will, so leave us be and go back to hating everything you don't agree with."

Groose sees red, "You little—"

I move to stand between them again, but Link stops me. I stare at him, then at Groose and watch as the two glare it out before the latter glances at me and lets out a yell of frustration before storming away. The tension in the air eases once Groose disappears around the corner and I turn to Link with mixed emotions.

"Are you alright?"

He nods, "I'm fine. I'm sorry about that; I should've handled it better."

"No, you were…" I trail off, then break out into a broad grin, "You were amazing. I'm proud of you for saying what we've all been thinking." He laughs lightly as he finally catches my gaze and a chill goes down my spine when I notice that his eyes are still a little gold. "Are you…?"

"It's me," he's quick to reassure, and when he blinks the rest of the gold goes away. "I saw some things… but I didn't lose myself—not like before." I breathe a sigh of relief and draw him into a tight hug, glad that what happened in the Earth Spring didn't happen again—not completely, anyway. Pressing my face into his shoulder, I can't help but feel overcome with emotion as I think back to that time.

"Are you sure you want to leave?" I ask him seriously as I hold him at arm's length. "After your nightmare and telling my father about not knowing when you'd come home and now this… are you sure?"

He avoids my gaze for a moment before resolving, "I'm fine. I feel better now and I was only being honest with the Headmaster. What happened with Groose was… more complicated, but I'm fine now."

"More complicated because the first Bearer almost surfaced again?" I press, determined not to let this drop. He sighs.

"Yes. Ever since the Earth Spring, I've felt… his presence more. I think he's determined to protect me after what happened and I assume he wanted to protect me from Groose. But I can fight it," he's quick to add. "I had to rely on his strength in the spring, but I'm fine now. I just hope that we can work together and I can be better like he was."

"You already are," I murmur, remembering the sacrifice he made outside of the Earth Temple.

He smiles sadly, then changes the subject, "Come on. I assume you were heading to the courtyard before all this happened, right?" I nod.

"I was. You're welcome to join me. Or rather," I add with a breathless laugh. "I'd prefer it if you came with me, since I'd rather not let you out of my sight until you stop causing trouble." He rolls his eyes and lets me lead the way, though I quickly stop when I realise he isn't coming with me. I turn back to him, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just…" he hesitates, then, "I realised I didn't thank you for intervening. I'm sorry I need to rely on you all the time—Groose is right about that, at least."

I shake my head, "We look after each other and we're there for each other when we need it the most; you don't need to apologise for that." I hold out my hand to him. "We'll get through this together, Link, just like we always have." He smiles, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes, and he wordlessly takes my hand.

As we make our way towards the courtyard, I breathe deeply and pray, let us get through this together, Goddess. Don't let your mission rip us apart again… I don't know what I'd do…