I don't think keeping the dragon here is safe. Who knows if he's telling the truth.
Link believes him, and so do I.
Your Highness, need I remind you the damage he has caused to our troops-
His attacks weren't his own. Link and Proxi have proven that. Come now Impa, let us turn in for the night. It isn't very often we're able to get a good night's sleep. Let's take advantage of that while we can.
Yes, Your Highness.
Volga's eyes twitched under closed lids. The comforting warmth and smell of flames reduced the further and further away the two went. He breathed in deep, sudden feeling every inch of his body ache. His chest hurt most of all. It was a deep pain; icy almost. The memories began rushing back to him all at once. Cia's magic, his role as a puppet and Link's blade in his heart. By all accounts, he should be dead. But here he was; sitting- no, lying down, his armor gone, and his mind his own again. Volga slowly opened his eyes.
He was in a rather large tent, one for the wounded judged by the smell. Night had fallen and the only light streamed in from the moonlight outside. There were other cots dotted around all occupied with the ones wounded in battle. Volga stared at them, wonder why on earth he was alive and in the middle of Hyrule's camp. Very slowly, Volga pushed himself up onto his forearms. He winced in pain and reached for his heart. He looked down and saw himself wrapped in fresh bandages; upon further inspection he noticed a pile of bloody ones on the floor. He sat up fully, swinging his legs over the side. the conversation he heard, it must have been the princess . Zelda and her guard, Impa. He sighed. Of course the Sheikah didn't believe him. He'd never heard of dragons getting along well with the tribes.
At least he was free from Cia.
Volga glanced around, trying to see if anyone was awake. He wanted his exit to be as quite as possible. As fast as his injury would allow, Volga stood and gathered his belongings. Thankfully, his armor and weapon were all sitting together. He piled them onto his cot and made a makeshift pack out of the sheet. Time to go.
"You shouldn't be walking with that injury." The voice startled the dragon, making him jump ever so slightly. He hissed in pain. "Sorry- I um didn't mean to make you, do that… here you should sit down…" Volga felt a hand on his shoulder but quickly shoved it off.
"Thanks, but I don't need your help." He spoke gruffly without even bothering a glance at the stranger.
"Your wounds, they still need time to heal-"
"I need to leave."
"Sit down you stubborn ass." Volga finally turned and was shocked to see the Hero standing behind him. He looked different than before. He wasn't wearing his green hero's garb; just a loose white tunic haphazardly tucked into his pants. His hair was wild without his normal green hat hiding the lot. Volga felt a weird squirming in his stomach at the sight of the Hero. He suddenly became very aware at the fact that the only thing covering his chest was a few thin bandages. He needed to recover his confidence.
"Huh, never thought the golden hero would use such language." He huffed, a playful little smirk on his lips. Link disregarded the comment and took the dragons armor out of his hands. He motioned for Volga to sit and replaced the sheet. The dragon stood for a moment, hesitant to accept help from a Hylian, regardless of the fact that this one saved his life. Although seeing his current condition, there wasn't much he could do. With a huff he slowly lowered himself down back on his cot. "This is ridiculous…"
Link shoved a cup of water in his hands as a response. Volga sipped the drink, feeling the cool water trickle all the way down to his belly. He didn't see the point of this kindness, bit was grateful all the same. He muttered a thank you.
"Princess Zelda would like to speak to you. She's curious about your ordeal." Link spoke with his back turned to Volga, seemingly preparing some kind of food.
"Is that so? Well I don't think I'd like to relive that tale just yet-" his hand crept to his chest; the physical memories too strong.
"It can wait till morning." The boy responded, handing Volga a hard bread with some sort of meat laid on top. Volga's sensitive nose wrinkled at the smell, but he ate all the same. He was absolutely starving. A thought occurred to him.
"How long have I been here?" Volga asked, a little weary of the answer. Link looked the dragon straight in the eye and held up four fingers. Volga noted the touch of concern in the Hero's eyes."Not too bad, all things considered…" Volga sighed. He tried to seem alright with the news, but it was troubling. "Tell me what's happened. What is your troops standings? What about Cia-"
Link held up his hand and stopped the dragon from speaking any further. "We'll speak more in the morning. Rest." The Hero gently pushed on Volga's shoulder, urging him to rest. The dragon did as he was told and laid back down. Link smiled ever so slightly and turned to let the dragon sleep. Volga tried to get comfortable, but since he had to keep his chest perfectly still there weren't many options. He sighed and turned his head, just in time to see Link limping over to his own bed here in the infirmary. A pang of guilt struck the dragons heart. If had known the boy was hurt, maybe he would have sat earlier- or something. Then another thought crossed his mind, why would Link help him in the first place?
"It is an honor to meet a dragon knight." The young princess bowed deeply. "I am Zelda. Crowned princess of Hyrule. My I ask your name?"
"I'm called Volga. You needn't be so polite. I haven't exactly shown the same kindness to you and your kin." Volga sat propped on a chair in the infirmary, the princess and her body guard standing in front of him. Link sat off to the side, a medic treating his own wounds carefully.
"I have heard your actions weren't your own. You have no need to feel guilty about your past actions." He smile was so sincere and so sweet, Volga could help but feel comforted by her. "Link tells me that there was a dark magic inside you? Could you tell me more perhaps?"
He couldn't say no to such a sweet girl, so he told her all he could. Cia's attack on his domain, her magic laced throughout his body, his overwhelming urge to destroy. He recounted everything he could, but some of the details seemed lost in his cloudy, bloodlust. Zelda sat intently, soaking up every bit of information she could. After he was done, she sat in silence for much longer than expected. Volga glanced at Impa, the Sheikah seemed slightly less tense but he was sure that she was still far from trusting him. Zelda finally spoke.
"I am so sorry you got caught up in this war." Her eyes were full with regret, like it was her fault he was brainwashed.
"You- you people keep saying that." He glanced over to Link who looked a little flush. "It was Cia, not you who dragged me into this. And because of that, I intend to finish this war. On the opposite side, of course. " Both Zelda and Impa perked up at this comment.
"Volga," The princess started, hesitant. "Does this mean that, you will fight with us?"
"If you will have me in your forces, yes. I would like to serve you for the time being." Even as the words left his mouth, Volga couldn't believe what he was saying. But it felt right. These people, however brief their time together was, they were far more honest and sincere than anyone else had been in his life. Looking around at wounded, it was clear they needed all the warriors they could get. This felt right. Volga stood, a little shaky, from his chair. He knelt in front of her, one hand on his chest and bowed his head. "My fire and spear are yours, Princess."
"Rise, Volga; and thank you. Now rest, your wounds were great." Zelda helped him up and back to his seat. Volga waved his hand, disregarding her words.
"Thanks you, but I'd rather hear about the war. Tell me, what has happened since my defeat." Impa pulled up a chair for her princess and Zelda sat and explained the events of the past week. Volga listened intently, curious to hear about things without him. Although he clung to every word, his eyes began to wonder. He rested on Link, the medic finally done with binding his wound. The Hero was smiling… a shy, secret smile. Volga felt his stomach twist again and hoped, more like wished, that that smile had something to do with him.
this is getting way too fun XD