Chapter 8

Link woke to the sounds of sharp knocking on his door. "Milord! The sun's up, and I came to wake you like you ord-"

"At ease, soldier. You're dismissed," Link groaned, forcing himself off his heavenly bed. The knocking stopped. "Yes sir!" Link could hear the footsteps receding down the hall.

His eyelids felt like sandbags weighing heavily on his face, forcing themselves closed. Shaking his head, he moved towards his basin and washed his face with cold water. Another busy day, he mused, drying his face.

After a quick, cold shower, Link changed and walked over to Zelda's room, leaning against the walls as usual. He yawned, folding his arms. He suspected Zelda wouldn't be awake for some time, but on the other hand he couldn't shirk his duties as Lord Guardian. Well, not like this was unexpected, he thought. I knew exactly what being Lord Guardian meant, so I only have myself to blame.

His left ear twitched. Someone was… unlocking the door? Wait… Zelda's awake? he thought in confusion as the noise grew more audible. Slowly, the door opened and Princess Zelda emerged, glancing furtively to the left, towards Link's room.

Unfortunately for her, Link had stationed himself on the right side of her door.

"Good morning, Zelda!" he exclaimed cheerfully, raising a hand in greeting.

Zelda jumped, startled by the unexpected greeting. "Ah, good morning Link," she said, turning and smiling at Link. "I was just… heading for breakfast."

"It's only been five and a half hours since the Ball," Link said suspiciously. "You ought to go back to sleep."

Zelda shook her head. "I feel quite refreshed actually! In fact, when I woke up, I tried to fall back asleep, but I simply couldn't! Now I just want… breakfast." She clasped her hands together, her right thumb rapidly rubbing the back of her left hand.

Link raised his eyebrow. He could have mentioned the poorly concealed bags under her eyes or her nervous demeanor, but decided to let the matter drop… for now. "Well, I'm sure there's something in the kitchens, though I doubt they've started making breakfast." He extended his hand towards the hallway, bowing slightly. "After you, please."

Wordlessly, Zelda began to walk down the hall as Link fell into easy step beside her. As they walked, Link puzzled over Zelda's behavior. Waking up this early… maybe she really wasn't sleepy. Or maybe it was something else… nightmares? Link allowed his thoughts to follow whatever path they desired, trying to decipher the clues. There were those noises a couple days ago…

When they arrived at the kitchens, the few servants waiting around immediately jumped to attention when they noticed both the Princess and the Lord Guardian stroll in. "Your Highness! Er… to what do we owe this pleasure?" one managed to stutter. "We haven't started to make breakfast yet, but-"

Zelda raised her hand. "Something small that can hold off my hunger will do for now. A sandwich, perhaps?" The servants happily made a jam sandwich for her to take.

Surprisingly, Zelda chose not to eat in the empty dining hall. Instead, she and Link wandered to the Royal Gardens. They came to a small side path, where at the end of the stone path a small bench stood, surrounded by flowers of all kinds. Zelda, for her part, promptly sat on the bench and began to munch on her sandwich, while Link stood near the entrance to the alcove, which was a respectful distance away. As Zelda enjoyed her meal in peace, he continued to puzzle over her actions up to this point. There's really no way around me asking her, he finally thought in resignation. Unless I don't really care.

But, it was the Lord Guardian's duty to protect the Princess, and Link supposed he should add emotional damage to the list of things a Lord Guardian should worry about. Most importantly, however, he did consider Zelda his friend, and he wanted to help if there was actually something wrong. It could just be nothing! I'm literally stringing two potentially unrelated things together! he debated within himself. Or perhaps those two things really are related… Gah, does it even matter?! He folded his arms. But I can't just ask her out of the blue…He continued to duel with his thoughts.

Suddenly, he caught sight of a streak of red emerging from the other side of the garden. He soon recognized Princess Mipha making her way towards him and Zelda, dressed in a much more casual dress than what she wore for the Ball. Perhaps this was why Zelda woke up so early? Because she wanted to talk with Mipha alone? Perplexed, Link nevertheless bowed as Mipha approached. "Good morning, your Highness. I assume you're here to see Princess Zelda?" He figured asking couldn't hurt.

"Er… G-good morning, Sir Link," she replied courteously. "Yes, I…" Suddenly, she caught Zelda shaking her head furiously. "…Well, actually I decided to wander the gardens this morning, and noticed you and Zelda were already here! It was a… nice coincidence," she finished, turning back to Link.

Link inclined his head, his back to Zelda's relieved nods. "My apologies. I shouldn't have assumed, your Highness." Coincidence indeed… Even she looks like she wanted to sleep more.

"N-No, really, it's quite alright," she said, slightly taken aback by Link's apology.

"Well, in any case, I'll not hold you, your Highness." With that, he stepped to the side, allowing her to wander down the path towards Zelda.

"Hi Mipha!" Zelda said brightly, patting the spot on the bench next to her. "I'm glad you came."

Mipha yawned, unsuccessfully attempting to hide it with her hand. "I really wanted to sleep longer, Zelda, so this better be important." She sat down. "Also, I thought you said we'd be alone."

"Well, I thought we would be alone," grumbled Zelda as she split her remaining sandwich in half, handing one portion to Mipha. "Unfortunately, Link seems to be awake at all kinds of ungodly hours, always keeping watch. I'd rather he not know what I'm about to tell you, or even suspect anything – though I doubt he'll remain in the dark for long."

Mipha began to chew her half of the sandwich, taking small bites. "Well, at least he's good at his job. Better than some lazy, glory-seeking hog, right?"

"Maybe," said Zelda indecisively. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Actually, he's part of the reason why I woke you so early…"

"Why are you whispering?" Mipha replied, looking back towards the entrance to the alcove. "There's no way he can hear us from here."

Zelda snorted. "Knowing him, his ears have been meticulously trained to pick up any sound in his nearby area."

This was, of course, true. But even Link's ears couldn't clearly hear what the two Princess' were discussing among the chirping birds and the general hubbub of the castle surrounding the gardens, though he did know they were, at least, talking.

"So… what is it then?" Mipha replied, whispering back.

Silence for a few moments. Then, "I've been having a recurring nightmare. I know you have experience in that area, with… Well, in any case I didn't know when I'd be free to speak with you in private like this, so I impulsively decided to talk to you today. Hence, the message you undoubtedly received."

Mipha nodded. "It was a bit jarring to see a solider knocking on the door so early, but I know you must have had a very good reason."

Unconsciously, Zelda began to rub the back of her left hand with her right. "It started four nights ago, after the… the rebel attack." She swallowed the lump that rose in her throat. "I saw Link… that day, he was… terrifying." She turned to Mipha. "You must have heard about my state when I arrived at the castle? Rumor flies so fast."

Slowly, Mipha nodded her head. Zelda continued. "That day was the first nightmare. I attributed it to the events that happened that day, but it's continued. I can barely sleep at night now.

"In the nightmare, I'm sitting in the gardens, in this exact spot." She gestured around her. "The first flower I pick starts to… bleed, I would say. Spewing some kind of dark energy. Soon enough, that… darkness spews from every single one of them, even the ones I didn't touch, and they all let out a terrible scream.

"I start to run down towards the exit," she pointed towards the entrance of the alcove, where Link stood. "But it starts to stretch out, forever. The darkness soon surrounds me, and I can barely see where I'm running… But I know something's chasing me. I can't turn around, but I hear it's heavy snorts and breathing behind me.

"Suddenly, to my right I see a burst of light, and a person silhouetted against it. I start yelling for help, waving my arms back and forth, and the figure draws a sword and shield." At this point, her voice drops even lower. "I can see who it is at that point: it's clearly Link." She points towards the entrance of the alcove. "But… he's enveloped by the darkness too. And as I'm begging him to save me from the thing chasing me, he… stabs his sword at me!"

Zelda mimicked the action, plunging an imaginary weapon into her abdomen. "But right before I'm impaled, I wake up. Sometimes I wake up with a cry, but other times I'm just paralyzed," Zelda finished.

Turning, Zelda grasped Mipha's hands with her own. "Mipha… please tell me you can help! It's… I'm terrified of falling asleep now…" Mipha seemed lost in her own thoughts.

Finally, she spoke. "…What does your… heritage say? After these nightmares?"

"It always shines brightly afterwards, for a few minutes" Zelda said immediately. "Even in the dream it's shining, though it can't illuminate anything." Suddenly Zelda snapped her fingers. "Oh! In the dream, before Link draws his sword and shield, he's reaching out to the light with his hand!"

"Was the light already there, and Link was trying to… leave, or something? Or are you saying Link… created the light?" Mipha asked, puzzled.

Zelda shook her head. "I don't know. All I remember is begging for help, really. It could have been either."

Mipha sat in silence for a few moments. "…With… with Ralis, the nightmares clearly showed how… what would happen to him," her voice hitched. "Yours… yours are more vague. But I think I might be able to help." She cleared her throat.

"Clearly, the darkness foreshadows some kind of… well, something negative, for lack of a better word. For you, or Hyrule, or for someone close to you," she began to conjecture.

"Your hand shining, but not illuminating anything, might mean you're not strong enough in some way to handle what's coming alone… Since you can't fight it, you run. As for what you're running from… it could be some unforeseen enemy, or something hidden deep inside you… I'm sorry, but it's too difficult to know for certain," Mipha theorized, letting her head rest on her hand as she thought.

"As for Link…" here she paused, ruminating for a while. "I think… well, it could mean many things. For one, if he created the light in your dream, he's key to destroying the real darkness. But that wouldn't explain why he lunged at you…

"On the other hand, if he's reaching to the light to take it or leave through it, he could be part of the darkness, trying to spread it to other places. That would also explain him spearing you…"

She seemed to be finished. "Sorry I'm being so vague, but I can't really say if Link is something to be worried about or not…" she apologized.

Zelda shook her head. "No, no… you helped very much, actually… I think I will visit the Temple of Time for more answers today. Perhaps the goddesses above can shed some light on this." Zelda raised her left hand slightly and sighed. "Even during the Ball, it was trying to tell me something…"

Mipha tilted her head. "What exactly did you feel, Zelda?"

Zelda shook her head. "It didn't really hurt. It just kept getting hotter and hotter the longer Link and I danced. And whenever Link comes around my hand itches badly." She sighed. "Sometimes, this wretched thing gets so annoying."

"Don't say that, Zelda!" Mipha scolded. "The goddesses clearly blessed you with your power for some reason… Maybe Link is a part of that."

Zelda put a hand to her head. "I know, I know. It's just… confusing. At least I have you to talk to, though," Zelda smiled. "You've always helped whenever it's acted up. Better than Father sometimes, too!"

Mipha laughed. "Well, perhaps the goddesses gave me a role to play in this story too… But yes, it's always nice talking with you." She rose from her seat, Zelda rising with her.

"…I must say, however, that I can't see Link as someone who would harm you," Mipha replied thoughtfully. "He's too dedicated to you and your well-being, to a fault even!"

Zelda smirked. "Of course you would say that, wouldn't yo-"

"Z-Zelda! I'm being serious!" Mipha replied, laughing anyways. "I really can't foresee anything bad for Hyrule with him by your side," she said, clasping her hands. "Even the Gerudo rebels can't- unless… who are they led by?"

Zelda shook her head, starting to walk towards the entrance. "No one knows. But the Gerudo would know if a man had been born in their territories," she said, sensing Mipha's heavy implication. "Even still… perhaps a visit to their land would be helpful… We'll see."

As the Princesses exited, Link stepped back and bowed slightly. Too bad I couldn't hear anything they said, he thought morosely. He followed them to the exit as they spoke of the rising Gerudo rebels, eventually bowing again as Mipha left.

"Link, I think I want to go visit the Temple of Time right now," Zelda said suddenly, turning and walking towards the stables.

Link started, taken aback by this sudden suggestion. "Er… I would prefer a little more time to prepare, your Highness," he stuttered as Zelda continued walking.

"Well, I'm certain you can manage just fine with a five minute notice," Zelda replied sharply. "In any case, it really is urgent."

Sighing, Link acquiesced to her demands. Not that he really had a choice. "Very well. But remember- any danger, and you answer to my commands."

"Anyways, shouldn't you be excited about the idea of meeting Rauru and your sister?" Zelda continued, not listening to Link's words.

"When I'm with you, your Highness, all thoughts center around your safety," Link replied automatically. He opened the entrance to the stables.

"Yes, that's what the Lord Guardian thinks," Zelda replied coolly, stepping through the open door. "But what about Link?"

Link paused, thinking. "I suppose Link from Ordon is missing his sister and father a bit," he grudgingly admitted. "But the Lord Guardian always takes over first. After all, I chose this life." As they conversed, Link gestured for a stable hand to fetch his and Zelda's horses.

"Ah yes, a life fit for a Lord. Tell me, how do you feel about the land, wealth, and title you'll soon receive?" Zelda replied.

Link glanced at her, raising his eyebrow. "…Why so sharp today, Princess Zelda? I know I didn't wake you this morning, so it must be something else."

Sighing, Zelda resorted to rubbing her eyes. "…My apologies, Sir Link. I… must have not slept very well last night."

"Now that's weird," said Link, sensing his opportunity. "Just this morning you were telling me all about how awake you were! Now, this?" He eyed Zelda suspiciously. "Something you're not telling me?"

Zelda met his gaze unflinchingly. "Even if I wasn't, would it be your business?"

Ouch, Link thought, flinching inside. She does have a point, but…

"I would argue that the Lord Guardian should protect his charge from all dangers, physical or not," Link managed to reply. "Especially if it affects your health." Yeah, you tell her Link!

Zelda snorted, a light exhale escaping her nose. "Now that might be taking this far past your duties, Link," she said. As they spoke, the stable hand arrived with their horses in tow.

As Zelda mounted her horse, Link held onto its bridle, keeping it steady. "Well, perhaps my memory is a bit faulty, buuut…" he began hesitatingly, "didn't you tell me that your Father wanted you to confide your problems with me a few days ago?"

Zelda scowled, but she must have realized the truth of Link's words since she didn't immediately respond with a cheeky comment. In fact, she didn't say anything until Link himself was mounted on his own horse, Epona. "…After the Temple, Link. Then I might."

Link sighed, but nodded all the same. "Well, that's all the answer I need, really, since it sounds like your visit to the Temple has something to do with me." He was taking a shot in the dark with that guess, but it made sense. If it's true, he thought, it's probably because of the attack four days ago. He grimaced. Of course I'm still paying the price for that. He urged Epona into a light trot, leading Zelda and her mount in the direction of the Temple of Time.

Zelda sighed. "I thought you would begin to suspect such a thing, though I hoped it wouldn't happen for some time," she admitted. "Let's just say I have… an uneasy feeling."

Link was silent for a few seconds as his thoughts were confirmed. "Well, just remember: as the Lord Guardian and your friend, you can confide in me – and if I'm the problem, all the easier to fix!" He turned around and gave Zelda a thumbs-up.

Zelda frowned. "It's… not as simple as you might think, Link. That's why I'm going to the Temple: to ask for advice."

Link nodded. "I suppose you also plan on asking Rauru some things too?" he asked. "He is The Sage, after all."

Zelda nodded in reply. "Of course. There's no telling if the goddesses will even answer today, so we may be making this trip for a while."

I wonder what about me, exactly, would cause her to head to the Temple of Time of all places, Link thought. He concealed his concern, smiling at Zelda. "Well, for now, I'll just concentrate on getting you to the Temple unscathed."

"Ah, yes. I'll be in your hands should an enemy ambush us on this open field," Zelda retorted, gesturing to the empty area around them.

Link groaned. "Duly noted. You can thank me after I save your life-"

"From what? A fallen bee hive from one of these lone trees?"

"Hey, bees can kill you if-!"

"I'm not-"

The castle quickly receded behind them as the two bickered and exchanged banter, lending normalcy to a kingdom soon to undergo dramatic change.

A/N: Yo, everybody! I wanted to finish this before Thanksgiving, but oh well.

You'll notice that this Chapter is quite shorter than usual and more dialogue heavy. This is because I'm at a crossroads, of sorts, for where the story should go, and I need your help.
A few months ago, a reviewer asked me if I had considered making Link a hero who would save the Kingdom. Back then, I told him I didn't have any plans for that, but the story could go there if my writing naturally seemed to flow in that direction.

Well, in my head now I can see a story of epic heroism unfolding, quite by accident. I always intended this story to be more about emotional and psychological struggles, but now I can see myself writing a story of epic heroism where Link saves the day from some evil. Hence, this chapter. The nightmares allow me to move in either direction pretty seamlessly, so I now pose this question for you guys:

***Do you want to see Link and Zelda embark on a quest to save Hyrule from some force of evil? Or do you like the more emotional and psychological conflicts I try to portray instead, with bits of action here and there?***

Let me know in the reviews, because you guys really do influence my writing in many ways, and I want to hear what the audience wants! Although, I will admit that ultimately if I end up thinking I can't write a story like that I'll just continue with the original plan.

Since Thanksgiving happened less than a week ago, I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to you guys. Seriously. This is my first FanFiction story ever, and without even reaching double-digit chapters we have 71 favorites and 118 followers! That's really amazing, and it's all thanks to you guys. So, thank you. I hope you guys stick with me through this journey, because when I'm at my lowest point and my writing begins to suffer, I'll rely on you guys to bring me back to my feet!

Wow, longer A/N than normal, but I had to get it all out. Now, onto the reviews!

Dr. Frankenstein: It required a lot of caffeine and determination, but THIS MONSTROSITY HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE!

reading turtle: Your words really encourage me a lot, so thank you! I'll try not to let school get me down, for sure. And if you think this story is shifting or changing in ways you don't really enjoy, don't be afraid to voice your opinion in a review, since I'm always looking to improve!

AnonymousStalkerFriend: Thanks! You've been a great and consistent reviewer, and I really appreciate that!

Crulova: Thanks!

Stylin80: Hey, short reviews are no problem at all! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far, and your words of encouragement really do wonders for my motivation.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand we're done here. 'Till next time!