Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

(Cover art that im very proud of :3)

He entered his house, opening the door very slowly. He did his best to not step on the creaking spots in the wooden floor, he quietly made his way through the house.

No matter how hard he tried to be the son his father always wanted, the wild called to him. Spending time in the forest, chasing after deer. And giggling, as he caught a frog was something that made him feel whole… made him feel complete. It was much better than training sword fighting, he was never a fighter .

Of course, he wasn't the best at sneaking. His mother sighed as he froze in place and smiled awkwardly when caught..

The next few hours he sat with his knees to his chest, as his mom carded through his hair gently. Pulling out all the leaves and twigs, brushing out all the clumps of tangled hair.

His father came in when he got back from work with a slamm, making Link flinch. 

“I cannot believe it! You're avoiding the training I set up for you! Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep covering for you in front of the General?!” He walked into the living room, and Link just shrunk in on himself as his father just stared incredulously.

“Wha- AGAIN!?” 

Link’s mother nodded, pulling out more twigs gently “Yep.. he was in the forest all day, haven't seen him since breakfast.” She said,

“For Hylias sake” His father rubbed his forehead, annoyance clear on his face.

Link tried to sneak off but his father spoke up “Tomorrow, you are being escorted to the castle grounds. First thing in the morning, you are going to work with me”

Link’s eyes went wide “W-what?! No- i-i can go by my self-”

“No, no you can't. Each time you say that, you end up ditching and going to the forest instead !” His father snapped.

“W-well I don't want to train! I want to stay here! I want to help mom make cheese-” He said, his tone one of a pouting child.

“That is enough!” His father slammed his fist down, making Link jolt back. His mother put a hand on his shoulder, to keep him from running off or getting scared more.. It was hard to tell.

“You will be a Royal guard, you will be a knight. Because I said so . Is that clear??” He looked at Link with that glare, that glare Link hated most. The disappointment in the man’s eyes always made Link sick.

“Crystal” Link said in a tone that meant that he was not happy about this and he would not pretend he was. 

“Now go to your room.” His father said, and Link stomped off. Holding back tears.

He slammed the door and bit back a sob. He ran his hands through his hair, slumping down on his bed and curling up.

He was woken up by a harsh slamm. Jolting awake, with wide and scarred eyes.

“Im not going to wait longer than 5 minutes. Breakfast is on the table, I expect you to be there ” his father said and stomped off.

Link glared at his father and slumped down, his groan muffled by the pillow. 15 minutes later or so he was in the dining room, it was connected to the kitchen. To be quite honest, he was here only for the food, he loved food.

But when he got there, there was no food. He froze in his tracks as he saw his father holding a crossbow and finishing a mug of coffee.

“W-where’s the food?” Link stuttered.

“In the forest” His father said, tossing the crossbow to Link who barely caught it “You are going to catch your own food.”

Link was not happy in the slightest, outside it was cold, dark because it was 5 am. And it was also cold because of the morning rain.

He struggled to follow his father through the mud and foliage, tripping over his own feet while he carried the WAY too heavy crossbow.

“Walk faster” His father said “The animals won't wait forever.” He reloaded the crossbow with a loud click , it made Link flinch.

His hands shook as he held his crossbow, the idea of killing something that was alive, and had a beating heart just like he did. It was so wrong to him, his wet palms struggled to pull the string over the wooden hook that released the arrow once aimed.

“Can't even load it?” His father asked, but was cut off as in the last moment he heard a click . “Huh..” He didn't say anything more.

Link sighed with relief, but it was short lived as soon, they were close to a clearing. Where a Doe and its baby cub were feeding on the grass. 

They didn't sniff them out, because Link’s father was a skilled hunter and Royal guard. He knew that you have to position yourself against the wind current and not with it, so the wind would go past you. And blow your scent away from the prey.

Link’s father laughed under his breath “There we go..” He crouched down behind a stone formation.

“Well what are you standing there like an idiot? Come here” His father beckoned, Link snapped out of it and crouched down next to him.

His father kept on going on about killing and hunting the deer. He made Link flinch as he grabbed the boy's arms and guided him.

“Come on… shoot it,” His father said. Link tensed as he heard his fathers voice in his ear.

“I-i don't want to-” He stuttered out.

“Do it” His father said sternly. Link got startled and let go, triggering the mechanism. To his horror, the arrow was sent flying, and then there was an ear piercing screech that made his breath catch in his throat.

No no no no- Despite his fathers protests, he sprung up to his feet and started to run forwards. His eyes frantically searched all around until they caught on to the red blood.

He ran forwards, leaning down to inspect the wound. His eyes watering, it was a mother…a doe, he orphaned a baby. The feeling was so heavy he felt he might throw up.

He jolted, almost falling over as His father patted him on the back. “Ha! Good job, that's my boy!” He pulled him into a side hug, the pride coming off of him in waves.

But Link felt nothing except shame, his heart and throat clenching. “Isnt it beautifull?” His father said. Yeah.. it was beautiful. “Now you're going to eat your first hunt!”

But Link wasn't hungry.. for the first time in his life. He wasn't sure if he would be able to look at food..

Chapter Text

Link followed his father, his head filled with dark thoughts. He kept his eyes down, because his father was carrying the dead doe on his shoulders, and that was the last thing he wanted to see right now.

The castle town was buzzing with life, as they entered Link shrunk in on himself. He always hated how many people were all in one place, all the voices, the noizes.. the smells.

His father opened the door to the pub, and walked in. Greeting the friend that stood behind the bar, working as a bartender. “Look what my boy hunted!”

He said proudly, holding Link close and ruffled his hair. Link shied away, blushing slightly at the praise, still looking sulky from the whole accident.

“Wow! Linky caught that?” The friend behind the bar asked.

“Yep! All by himself! His aim is perfect. He probably has it after me!” His father joked, laughing with his friend. 

Link just stood there awkwardly, listening to his father boast about his great feat that wasn't even that great. He looked around, all the people in here seemed pretty shady to the young boy.

“If you keep it up, maybe I will buy a crossbow for your 16th birthday!” His father said, giving Link a sharp, manly back pat. Link almost fell over and stumbled at that.

He stuttered weakly “W-well… i-i was thinking..”

His father and the friend looked at him, making him even more nervous. “W-what if i could get a jurnal…?” He mumbled, he didn't say what he needed it for. Because if he did, his father would probably scoff and complain.

He stood there, watching his fathers eyes. Would he get the thoughtful look of contemplation or the look that is given when he messes something up. He sighed a sigh of relief as his fathers gaze was soft and thoughtful. But the relief was short-lived at the words his father spoke.

“hm…That is an idea. That way you will be able to document your days as a guard”

Link’s heart sank “W-what-”

Before he could utter another word, his father handed the doe to his friend, telling him to skin and prep it. As he put a hand on Link's shoulder, leading him out of there. Link looked over his shoulder, making eye contact with the dead doe.

He felt like crying as he was pulled away, going outside. He tried to pull away as his father led him to the knight outpost. “Oh no you dont-” His father held him, he whined like a pouting child.

The castle was imposing in front of him, his eyes went wide as he saw it. It was huge, hundreds of windows, dozens of entrances. And about twice as many people walking around, and working for the King. The staff members carried different objects, from food to clothes and books. Dozens of Royal Guards stood or walked in that stiff manor Link hated so much.

Normal Knights were right in the training grounds, where Link was being taken to right now . He pulled at His fathers wrist “P-please, don't take me there-” His eyes wide and glossy.

“Hey, hey! It's alright buddy, you're going to like it there. I promise” His father patted his head. Link leaned in to the touch but still eyed his surroundings with the sorrow of a scared and shy child. Keeping close to his father and not letting go even for a second.

That day, Link was signed up for training. Despite his begging, his father left him there. The first hour, he stood in front of the entrance… because maybe he would come back.. But he didn’t.

Link was unpleasantly surprised when he saw the timetable on the wall. But flinched as an Older Knight walked up to him.

“Ahh! The new guy! Are you one of those special boys who came to Hyrule to train for the calamity?” They asked.

Link's heart dropped. For the first time, he regretted sitting in the forest most of his time. He completely didn't know what the other was talking about. “W-what-”

He was cut off as they put an arm around his shoulder, making him stumble. Why was everyone so touchy ?? They really had to stop doing that.

“Let's break you in.” He led him, and Link walked stiffly. When the day was over, Link was dead tired.

He thanked the boy who led him to the barracks and took his place in one of the bunk beds. It felt incredibly soft and comfortable after the tiring day, he fell asleep pretty quickly. He didn't know how much his life was about to change.

In the morning, it was his first time to experience the drill wake up. The banging of a pan against a metal rod, he almost hit his head on the bunk above him, sitting up with the other knights.

The training was harsh for a bunch of 12 year olds, the hours of running and sparring. The veigue meals.. Despite what his father said, he didn't like it here one bit.

He thought about how his father was a Royal Guard… How could he.. do this? He never thought of being a knight in his life.. Meanwhile his father trained since he was a teen. Link just didn't get it.

Through his days as a Knight, Link had to learn to keep it down. He couldn't express himself in ways he was used to, and speaking loudly was taken as being ‘impolite’. 

Any time his thoughts would start to spiral, he would look out into the wild and the forest. His personality slowly being pushed back by all the training that was being drilled into him, leaving him awkward and stiff.

Not to mention all the times he had bumped into one of the most important personas in all of Hyrule. Princess Zelda, whenever she was around. He felt a strange cold feeling around her, just kind of shut down.

Her cold green eyes seemed to be always on him. Like when he guarded the big dining hall.. when the King invited important people to a big dinner. He always stood outside in the hallway, and yet…even there, he couldn't seem to get rid of her looks.

It didn't seem to be helping that his father was the King's lap dog, which annoyed him to no end. Because every time there was someone who should guard Zelda, it was always him. To Zelda’s dismay. It was starting to annoy him, how both his father and the King seemed to be ganging up on him.

And Zelda? She looked soft and delicate as the flower of the Silent Princess on the outside. But on the inside, she was as sharp as the best weapon in the training room of the Royal Guards. Her tongue was, at least. She never passed up on an opportunity to tell him how she was better off on her own.

Link didn't know that it could get any worse, and he was hoping it wouldn't.

Several weeks before he turned 13, he decided to have a little break from all the knight stuff. To just… be in the forest, in the wild.

The strings of fate had guided him to the forest, and through it. He peaked out from behind a tree and froze as he saw the glint of metal in the center of the forest clearing… It was the Master Sword.

Chapter Text

He approached the glistening blade, for the first time in months, he felt as if he was where he should be. A strange sense of calm as he walked closer, it was.. incredible.

Each step he took felt as if he was intertwining himself with the sword, his fate forever changed and braided in with the glistening blue strands of the magical sword.

When he looked at the sword, finally he seemed in control. Nothing scared him… his father seemed less scary, and being a knight wasn't that big of an issue anymore. 

He walked closer, his hand reaching out. But flinching back when a small ‘Master’ rang out in his head, making his eyes widen. That word.. it felt so so familier… His eyes glinting with joy he hadn't felt in months, he gripped the handle.. slowly pulling.

It was stuck in there good, he used both hands, with each pull it would come out just a little bit, until he finally got it. He almost fell over at how heavy it was.. a new purpose settled in the pit of his stomach. 

But nothing that's good can last very long. When he brought the sword home, to show it off to his parents like any 12 year old kid would. Instead of pride… he saw.. fear in his mothers eyes.

His father couldn't keep his hands off of the sword, constantly having to hold it. His eyes glinted in ways Link did not recognise.

He never saw his parents argue, and this was the first time.. he was curled up in his room, flinching at the loud yells. Wondering if he did something wrong. Several days later, Link heard loud thuds outside.

He looked out the window, and his eyes blew wide as he saw a whole caravan of Royal Guards. It was confusing and scary, he didn't know what was happening.

Once down stairs, he found himself sitting at the table. His mother was holding him protectively, glaring at his father. Link was scared, he pressed closer to her as she carded her fingers through his hair.

His father meanwhile was caught in a heated conversation with a Captain of the Royal Guard’s. His eyes blew wide as he saw them shake hands, and the Captain rolled out a scroll for his father to sign.

No matter how much his mother begged, his father always said that “it's fine”. And “Just for a bit”. Link didn't know what's happening, and when he asked his mother what's going on, she didn't answer.

Then, his father did something really strange. He got on one knee, grabbing Link’s shoulders and looking him dead in the eyes.

“My boy..” He smiled sadly, Link's heart clenched. “You are so brave… Can you be brave for me?”

Link nodded.

“Good..good.. You see that man right there? They are here to take you to the castle” His father said.

“W-what?! Why??” Link looked almost panicked.

“You will be trained to be a Royal Guard” Link’s heart sank at his fathers words.

“W-what?! No no! I don't want to! I don't want to be a guard! Dad you promised-” Link was on the verge of tears.

“But don't you want to make me proud? Hm?” The way he said it to Link made him feel even more betrayed.

“N-no! I-i can't leave, i want to stay with Mom! I don't want to go!” He started to cry.

But his father pulled away, his mother couldn't even get to him. He wanted to hug her, but she was being blocked out by the guards. The sight made him angry.

The Captain of the Guards grabbed his shoulder. And Link squirmed.

“Oh come on, behave. You're acting like a brat,” they said.

“No! Let me thro! MOM!” He squirmed, kicking.

“Stop yelling-” The Captain covered his mouth with his hand. But Link was acting like a scared cornered animal. He bit the guard in the hand, making the other curse loudly.

“You little-” He growled and shoved Link. Making him stumble and fall to the ground on his hands and knees. Link panted, tearing up. But the other guards grabbed him, clearly going by the training that was drilled into them. Anyone who hurts the captain is an immediate threat.

Link's eyes went horrified as they brought out a freaking muzzle, as if he was some rabid dog. He struggled, but they secured it over his face, it was humiliating and messed up, so wrong on so many levels. He tried to pull it off, but they cuffed his hands together, as if he was someone dangerous. When he wasn't.. he was just a kid.

The Captain grabbed his chin and jaw, making him look up. Link was trembling and crying.

“You want to act like a wild animal? Then you will be treated as one. Take him away!” They yelled and Link squirmed, whining through the muzzle as they took the master sword.

The metal contraption held his lips tightly shut, preventing him from biting and talking. He was tossed into the back of a cart, trembling and squirming.

He could hear his mother calling out, and it hurt more than anything that he couldn't answer. Making him squirm harder, he had no one but himself to blame. If he just wasn't so…wild.. if he didn't bite the guard, maybe then they wouldn't treat him like this right now.

As the sound of the hooves persisted in the background, he watched his house getting further and further away as the cart he was in the back of continued on. Making him think.. would he ever see his parents again? But…they gave him up, was this how good parents act?

It was almost like everything and everyone wanted to suppress who he was, for the sake of the sword. To make him into someone he wasn't, he sobbed and trembled in the back of the cart.

He cast a cold glare on the castle in the distance, he didn't belong there. He belonged in the wild… in the forest.

Once he was in the castle, he was brought to kneel in front of the king. King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule walked up to him, tilting his chin up.

“Untie him” He ordered, and Link was freed.

“From now on, you serve us. The Royal Family. You are our protector, our prosperity, and our last hope” The King said.

Link stared up at him with wide eyes, as the Guards put the master sword into the slot on his back. The fate of Hyrule resting heavily on his shoulders.

“You have no parents. You aren't a kid. From now on, people shall refer to you as the Hero. Tell me.. Hero.. what's your name?”

Link stared for a moment, before speaking quietly, still in shock “I-im Link-”

The King nodded “Very well.. Link. You will now work at my side to protect Hyrule, do you understand?”

Link was still in shock, he could barely nod.

“Hand me the Sword.” The King said.

Link trembled, intimidated and scared as he took the sword from his back, handing it to the king.

“Kneel” The King ordered and Link had to do so.

Link kept his eyes on the floor, shaking. He felt as if this was the end of the world.

“I Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, in the name of goddess Hylia. Name you a Knight and the Hero of Hyrule who will seal the darkness away. Raize Hero.. and Bring peace to Hyrule. Wield the sword, and lead us.. to Victory .”

Chapter Text

3 years later, Link turned 15. The Preparations for the Calamity were all in, and Link was right in the middle of that. 

Trained by the best specialists, a prisoner to his own destiny. The Hero of Hyrule. As always, Link was following King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, walking beside him in the Royal Guard outfit he had strictly picked out. Amongst other Royal Guards, he was the shortest.

Zelda, as smart as she was, had some childish elements. Link would call them bratty, and that she had the ‘princess-syndrome’. Any time she would speak in that posh tone, he had to hold back the urge to roll his eyes.

It wasn't that he didn't like her! She was… unic? But.. she complained, alot . Especially after an argument with her father the King. You wanted to get close to either of them? Yeah, good luck with that. The two would walk all bristled up in that posh, royal, way of theirs for at least a few hours. And besides.. he couldn't really say much, since she didn't treat him well in the first place.

He had no idea what it was that she had. But her eyes always seemed to grow cold whenever she looked at him, or rather… thro him. She never saw him, but the cursed sword resting on his back instead.

He caught her many times, her eyes wandering towards the hilt of his sword that peaked out from behind his shoulder. He wished she would look at him with the same warmth in her eyes as she looked at the people of Hyrule.

But so far, it was not going to happen. Especially not today. Since Zelda, thought it would be a great idea, to spite her father right now.

As he was busy, immersed in the strategy of setting up the military outposts of the knights around Hyrule. In ways that would benefit the land, securing and protecting it from the possible side effects of the calamity that might occur. The waves of monsters became stronger and larger, creatures that were thought extinct came to life, such as Hinoxes and Lynels. 

He had a lot on his head as you can imagine, and he wasn't a.. ray of sunshine to be around to begin with. 

And yet, the princess thought it would be a great idea to spite her father today, she left, without telling anyone but Impa. And made her way towards the ruins located in Akkala.

So Link, as the property of the Royal Family. And the most reliable Royal Guard the king had, was sent out to make sure Zelda was safe. And accompany her.. sounds easy, right? Well.. not when you are the Hero fated to wield the foretold sword it seemed.

Once he got to Akkala, he did what he was asked to do. Approaching the princess, who looked up from her work. Her green eyes grew cold as her face shifted to a childish pout.

“It's you!” She glared “I told you I am in no need for a personal escort. I was just researching, I'm fine .” She huffed like a child.

In all seriousness, Link wasn't even mad. He just… couldn't take her seriously. He stood there, looking her right in the eyes. He wasn't going to move, and she knew that.

Zelda groaned, muttering under her breath “For Hylias sake , unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable .”

He peaked over her shoulder, watching her work. It wasn't hard to notice that she felt her best when she worked at the ruins with the Royal Archaeologists and Sheikah scientists.

The Life of a princess seems to..tire her. Or at least that's how it seemed, but what did he know? He was just a knight.

His interest peaked, his dead eyes lit up as he saw the princess brush off some dust off of a piece of stone. But it didn't look normal, he crouched down next to her protectively. Letting her work.

“Intresting, i have read about such relics in the Royal Library. The blue prints from the Sheikah ancient labs say that this used to be a very big archive. The Sheikah used to store all of their resources inside before they were friends with the Royal Family.” She muttered to herself, upon closer inspection the piece of stone was very square. Almost too perfectly.

Link soaked up all of the information Zelda spoke under her breath, watching as she talked. He really liked to listen to her talk.

She noticed him staring and blushed, giving him a glare. But it faded as she went back to looking at the strange stone..

“That is strange. I have never seen a stone like this before-” She was cut off as a piece of the sand fell off, revealing a screen of sorts. Her eyes went wide as she gasped.

Link's hand went to the sword, before he calmed down and came closer, looking over Zelda’s shoulder.

“Incredible..” she muttered under her breath. “We have to secure it and bring it to the Sheikah lab.”

Link gave a stiff nod and accompanied her, to her visible annoyance, right to the new and freshly built atop a hill right in the very corner of Akkala region, with an amazing view of the ancient maze. 

The green meadow filled with strange metal parts sticking out of the ground. Link watched them for any movement out of habit, according to what Zelda told him, those could be the remains of the ancient technology and structures the people of Hyrule left behind thousands of years ago.

He held the door open for Zelda, as they walked to the lab. But she didn't even look at him.. She never looked at him to be completely honest. But he was used to it.

He closed the door, as Zelda walked to the front, talking to Purah and Robbie.

“We found this relic while examining the ancient archive. There seems to be something… off.. about it, i was wondering if you could help me with it.” She handed it to Purah, who snatched it and instantly began to use a brush to dust the sand off.

Link was at Zelda’s side, watching curiously as Purah worked like a hyper active kid on candy. Zelda watched confusedly.

“Oh-Yeah!” She lifted it above her head with both hands as she finished. Turning to face them “Check!” She said as she finished, showing it to Zelda.

“That’s no stone, princess! That is one of the ancient Sheikah tech left from the era of Zonai!” Purah yapped on.

Zelda's eyes lit up “Fascinateing” She muttered to herself. “Is there any chance this will help us seal away the calamity?”

Purah shrugged “Dunno, gonna have to ask my sister about it. She is way more into the ancient protection sealing stuff then I am.”

“Right.. so.. will you do it right now?” Zelda asked.

“Sorry, princess. Impa is extremely busy. She’s on the frontline, fighting in one of the outposts.” Purah explained.

Zelda’s eyes went cold again “Oh.. I suppose.. that makes sense..”

Link instantly took notice of the change in Zelda's behavior, eyeing her carefully.

She clenched her fists and turned around, Link walked out right after and Purah stared after them confusedly.

As they did leave, Link tried to match her stride, but it was as if she was purposefully walking faster. He caught up to her, with great difficulty, and when he did, suddenly Zelda started to speak.

“I wish to be escorted to Central Hyrule, to help in defeating monsters” She said.

And Link just blinked twice, pausing mid walk. She wanted to do what now?

Chapter Text

Link stiffly walked besides Zelda, this was not a good idea. The protectiveness he felt made something in his stomach ache, a signal for him to stop Zelda. To stop the princess from going on to the battlefield.

And yet, that didn't happen. His feet obediently carried him after Zelda, he was scared… not only for Zelda but also… for himself.

There was something nobody else knew about, something only he, and the General knew about. And that were his punishments, to get Link to be this obedient and soldier like he had to be punished for slip-ups. It was messed up, and it shouldn't be happening, but the King wanted this.

He wanted his best guard to be as well trained as possible, which meant brutal training. If he let Zelda on to the battlefield… he would have to kneel for hours again.

The thought of having to do that sent a shivver up his spine, even a brave knight such as him was scared and that said something.

Zelda walked oblivious, her stride was posh and confident. As she walked, she noticed Link was not trying to keep up with her, instead he was lagging behind. It was unusual for the overprotective guard.

She brushed it off, glad that she could finally walk freely. She heard a loud thud and an explosion, her eyes went wide and lit up. A cloud of dust swirled above Fort Hateno. Finally something was happening!

Link perked up, a hint of panic sparked in his eyes. No no, this was bad. This was really really bad. He ran after her and right as Zelda ran in, wide smile and bright eyes- Link heard a familiar sound, of flint cutting through the air.

His blood ran cold and he paled significantly, it was as if everything slowed and the whole world stopped. Right in that very moment, Link quickly grabbed a stray pot-lid and threw himself forwards.

Standing right in front of Zelda, he took on the arrow, as it slammed into the wood, bits and splinters flew back against Link’s face as he shielded the princess with his own body. A fully big piece of wood slammed into his jaw, leaving a cut in its wake.

Link was in shock for a second, panting… how.. How did he do that? He looked at the pot-lid he didn't even remember picking up, he had not a single clue how he did this so fast.

Just pretend this was meant to happen -

He told himself, as a bead of sweat rolled down his face. Zelda meanwhile was thrown back as Link was suddenly right in front of her, how did he get there so quick?!

She then saw the arrow stuck in the pot-lid. She faltered, her ears tinted pink as she let out an awkward chuckle. “Uh…that…was close…too close..oops?”

Link just turned to face her with an incredulous glare as if to say are you serious right now ? 

Zelda seemed to realize her usual posh and princessy behavior would not get her out of this. “W-well i hope you will not tell my Father about this, right?”

Link just started to walk, ignoring Zelda. He was silently fuming he let himself get dragged into this. Zelda quickly followed him.

“H-hey-” She wanted to say ‘I commend you to listen’ but realized this wouldn't do right now “Listen! Is there anything I could do for you to not tell my Father?”

Link huffed and kept walking, stubbornly keeping his eyes forwards. Zelda was getting desperate at this point, the thought of having to be lectured and not allowed to leave the castle or go to her study was overpowering.

“Please Listen! I-i’ll do anything..”

Once Link heard her say that, he turned. His eyes were questioning. Anything ?

She looked at him pleadingly, giving a quick nod. Her hands in fists, held in front of her in anticipation.

Link turned to face her… actually.. There was something she could do for him.

Zelda pouted with her arms crossed as Link locked her in the safe area of the Fort, she tried to wrench the lock open but it was locked tight. She groaned and slumped back down, this was so boring.

Link meanwhile sheathed his sword, walking through the fort, to investigate the source of the explosion. He got there and grabbed his sword as he heard a klick.

He got in a stance, it was a monster attack. His eyes went wide as a group of knights fought the monsters.

“Link! Where in Hylias name were you?!” They yelled, clearly angry.

“What are you standing there for?? Need a special invitation??” One mocked.

It was clear, Link was not liked by the Knights. The Royal Guards treated him like an equal, but the Knights thought he was privileged. That he got his job for nothing, just because he pulled out the sword. Many envied him.. if they only knew how it really felt .

He tried to ignore their words, to not let it show that they did bother him. Using the fated sword to kill the monsters. He slashed at the last monster as it exploded into a dark purple cloud.

All of the Knights put their weapons away, talking to each other like old friends. Link stayed back, watching them go. He wished he too, had a friend that could be there for him when he needed it most.

“It was a miracle you reacted so quickly. I'm grateful.” The King said, sitting on his throne in the big throne room. 

Link was on one knee, eyes down. Taking in the king's words, a shiver went up his spine as he heard footsteps behind himself. It was the General, standing right behind him.

“But.. I am curious… What were you doing in Fort Hateno with my daughter?”

Link’s heart sank, and he looked up. He got up, and felt the General's hand on his shoulder.

“I did tell you, she is not allowed to be there. Did I?” The King said.

“I think he needs some night time training, don't you agree, you're highness?” The General said.

“Yes, I really do think so…”

Link’s heart sank lower and lower with each word. He could not imagine what sort of ‘training’ they meant. A slight bitterness and annoyance towards Zelda was born in his heart… he was doing everything for her. Yet she could care less… he wasn't even sure if she knew his name.

Chapter Text

Link’s eye was bruized… he held ice to it with his head leaned back. He breathed slowly, it was so late. He was so tired..

He sighed, curling up in his bed. His dorm was quiet.. he hated the thought of having to go out there. And stand outside Zelda's Bedroom hall, but he had to. It was his job.

He wrapped up his eye, patching up the bruised skin. Out of sight, as it wasn't very Royal Guard-like to have his pretty face messed up.

Once out in front of the big and intricate door, he was on watch. Alone of course… he heard a…concerning sound coming out of Zelda's room.

She was crying, his heart clenched. But it was hard to feel empathy, when the ache on his face was still stinging and very much present. He clenched his hands into fists at his sides… This was going to be a long night.

When the morning came, loud noises of crunching stone and roars of strange creatures were heard all over Hyrule. It turned out the creatures were the divine beast. Freshly dug out from under the stone.

“The discovery is truly remarcable… I can’t believe it was me who found it…” Zelda muttered under her breath, holding the Sheikah slate. The one that just yesterday was a fossil covered in stone.

Link listened to her, though not as attentively as usually. He was still bitter, still aching.

Zelda was surprised to find out her father called her over. And so was Link, he followed her to the throne room, keeping his head and eyes low.

“You wanted to see me, Father?” She asked, standing in the very center of the stone circle with the triforce engraved into it.

“We have discovered new technology. Did you read the books I have left for you?”

“Y-Yes, yes i did” She responded.

“The prophecy foretold this, it requires the Divine Beasts to have their own pilots. You must fulfill your duty . You have to bring the people of Hyrule together. Do you understand?”

“Yes Father… I understand” Her tone was light, and barely above a whisper. It was clear her fathers words hit close to home.

Link noticed her sadness, she always got like that when they spoke about the prophecy. He watched her, making sure she didn't notice.

“We must bring the Pilots together before the calamity. You understand that, I assume?” the King spoke to Zelda as if she was a bratty child.

Zelda’s eyes were downcast “Yes.. I understand, father..”

Not long after he was following Zelda, as Impa joined them. Their first destination was the trusted friend of the Royal Family.. Lady Urbosa. She was the first one Zelda would trust.

Once they got there, something strange happened. The Yiga were all over the place, Zelda got cornered and started to run away, but fell right near the lake at the Kara Kara basar.

A Yiga appeared out of nowhere and spun his weapon around with an evil laugh. Zelda made a terrified sound.

Link was fighting, but the sound made his heart clench. He turned, and saw Zelda in danger. He darted over as quickly as he could, and blocked Yiga's weapon. His eyes focused on the Yiga who didn't look so sure anymore, he slashed his sword at them.

Anger flaring in his eyes, he waited till they tripped and fell to the ground. They tried to back away, but Link pointed the sword at the Yiga's neck, about to end their pathetic life. But Zelda screamed “NO!”

Link whipped around… and stared at Zelda with confuzion “...dont..dont kill them..” She said, He had orders from the king, but for some reason the way Zelda said.. he couldnt… he couldnt do it. He flinched as he heard the Yiga member teleport away..  His grip on the handle of his Master sword grew tighter.

He took a sharp intake of breath.. Zelda got up and stood next to him.. he turned away, his eyes locked in a harsh glare. He motioned for her to follow, and marched off towards the Gerudo town..

Impa runs over, quickly checking on Zelda “Princess? Are you alright?”

“Yes… I think so..” Her eyes followed Link as she remembered she should follow, she quickly did so, picking up her pace. 

Once they got to the gates, Impa and Zelda walked in but Link was stopped, for obvious reasons. He glared up at the Gerudo Guard, who glared right back.

“Men are not allowed in here” She said coldly.

Link was really struggling to hold it all in, it was angering him. Couldn't they make an exception?! He was the princesses personal guard! He huffed, crossing his arms firmly. He was not going to move.

“What are you standing here for? Go away .” She said,

Link fumed silently, he wanted her to eat that spear of hers and shut up. Then, something he didn't expect had happened.

“Link, there you are” it was… Zelda ? Links eyes widened.

“I forgot you can't pass without proper introduction. This is Link, my personal royal guard… i…was just thinking, could he pass…today? He helped fight off the Yiga attack from earlier?” She explained, Link stared in bewilderment, why was she helping him ?

He followed her inside once the Guard allowed it, but she did it reluctantly. Clearly not happy about letting a man in. He kept closer to Zelda, guarding her and looking around for any Yiga.

Her eyes were cold and distant once more,  he was lucky today for her to perceive him like a person. He inhaled deeply getting ready to enter the great throne room of the Gerudo.

He let Zelda walk first as they walked up the stairs…

Chapter Text

Link stood outside of Urbosa’s study, guarding the door. Giving her and Zelda the privacy to talk about the divine beasts. 

While he did so, he watched as Vah-Naboris stood to the side of the desert. Motionless.. he wondered how could something so huge be piloted… and how could it even fight something such as the calamity.

It's not that he didn't believe in the divine beasts, but he didn't trust them. The only thing he put his whole trust into, was his Master Sword… the Curse that trapped him in this life of pain and battle.

He watched it, analysing it. Would it get out of control like the Guardian a month ago? Did they even know what they were doing? Or was it just all dictated by that profecy… it should all save them all.

But so far, it was just ruining his life. His, and Zelda's too… She wasn't happy either. He was pulled out of his thoughts as Zelda exited the study with Urbosa.

“So that is Vah-Naboris?” Urbosa asked.

“Yes. That is why we think that you would be a suitable person to pilot it” Zelda said.

“Fair enough… Can I get a closer look at it? I need to see what I'm working with.” Urbosa asked.

“Of course!” Zelda started to set something up in the Sheikah Slate.

Link followed them, after an hour of talking. Urbosa agreed to pilot the divine beast Vah-Naboris, Zelda looked relieved…. And Link couldn't help but think…that maybe, this would all work out in the end.

With one champion down on the list, Link felt a lot more calm. He sorted out his stuff in the Gerudo Guest room, folding his uniform into a neat square. He was wearing just his pajamas, and when he was done, suddenly Zelda barged in.

“Can you believe it?!” She said loudly.

Link just watched her stalk around like a very angry princess that she was, he sat down on his bed. Watching her.

“He blocked my time table! I won't be able to study and help Purah anymore!” Then she went on about how unfair it all was tears gathering in her eyes.

Link sat up straight, his deadpan expression giving way to incredulity. Her father did what?? But that was the only thing that kept her sane- he couldn’t imagine how she would behave without things that bring her comfort.

And she was already unstable, how did he expect her to function like that? Link laid in bed, thinking about this. He couldn't sleep, for some reason the look in Zelda’s eyes was engraved into his memory. It made something in him ache. Why.. why.. 

In the morning it rained heavily when they walked through Hyrule, and Link followed Zelda like a good knight should. The escort of other knights was struggling with the mud and the heavy rain.

Zelda was miserable in such weather, she stumbled and then froze as she heard the pitter patter of the rain above her head.. she looked up and saw that Link was holding up his shield over his head… not even looking at her as if he had done it instinctively.

He didn't look down, helping her get up. And leading her to a safe location. The stable was packed and the rain was heavy.

He could hear the mutters of people. Talking about…Zelda? What was the deal with that… and…oh…suddenly it made a lot of sense.

Zelda was cold, wrapped up in a blanket…. She trembled next to Link. She had a look of determination, trying to stay strong but it was clear that the words of the others and the cold were getting to her.

He couldn't stand her just being childishly stubborn. He sighed and pulled her into his side, she yelped and stared at him.. but relaxed as he started to comb his hand through her hair.

“You don't have to do this… if my father saw you… he wouldn't be too happy…” Link listened to her say that, and his blood boiled… he denied her everything..

He combed his fingers, scratching her scalp. Despite him thinking she was childish and had a princess complex… She worked hard. And her father never even praised her… he knew more than anything how that felt.

As she began to doze off, he fulfilled his sworn duty. Protecting her and staying awake, holding her close. Making sure she was warm and alright.. 

He gave all the Knights who were too loud a glare, making sure it was quiet and that she wouldn't wake up.

The next day as she woke up, he saw her ordering people around once more. And as they walked she talked his ear off, complaining about her father. And this time he didn't roll his eyes, watching her talk and listening.

From what he gathered, her father was going to all the extremes to help her unlock her sealing power. Her down cast eyes and the way she couldn't look him in the eyes.. it made his heart clench.

As they made their way back to the castle, they bumped into the king himself.

Link got on one knee, while Zelda came face to face with her father.

“Did you manage to get the first pilot to agree?” His eyes narrowed.

“Y-yes, Father.”

“Good. I have a new task for you. You have to go and pray to the Goddess statue in Akkala. Your power hasn't even given a sign, and you must get in contact with Hylia”

“B-but father-”

“This is not up for a discussion, Zelda”

“..Yes, Father…”

Link’s fists clenched as he listened to this.. How dare he-

“And you, Knight. You have not trained with the Master sword. You will do that at once..”

Link tensed up, giving a stiff nod.

Chapter Text

After the training, Link sat in one of the beds of the hospital wing. Due to the lack of healers, because most of them were sent out to help on the battlefield, Link was sitting alone.. in the quiet hall.

He held his injured arm, looking at the wall out of boredom, and probably to stare at something so the pain isn't as prominent.

His eyes flicked to the side as the clicking of shoes on the floor told him someone was coming, and that someone was Zelda. He watched her walk up to him.

“I really have to do everything in this castle, don't I?” She muttered, carrying a small container of morphine.

Link usually didn't let anyone handle his injuries, but for some reason, he trusted Zelda.

He watched her pull out the bandages and tweezers.. as she hooked up his shoulder to the morphine bag.

She began to slowly pull out the pieces of wood out of the wound, being careful and gentle…

“Where did you learn to do that?” Link asked, his voice slurred and quiet.

Zelda’s breath caught in her throat… She rarely heard Link speak, if he ever did it. It was to high ranked generals, and to her father the King… but..not her…

“I.. uh…read in a book. About how morphine alleviates the pain, I had the Sheikah help me by adding it to the hospital wing pantry.” She answered.

“Mh….you do alot.. It's kinda… admireable.. I would have broken a long time ago..” He muttered.

Zelda blinked twice “You think so?”

“Mhm… you…you…constantly talk… about what bothers you… you speak your mind… I can't do that..” His eyes glossy from morphine, downcast as he watched her work on his wound. “...with…all of this…going on…I’d rather stay silent and take it…”

“I see…” Zelda said “Is that why you always stay silent?” She asked.

“...” Link nodded.

“That's ok.. you can stay silent if you want. It's a nice change from all the talking..”

Link’s eyes lit up inocently… as he untensed slightly, feeling..better. They sat in comfortable silence..

Chapter Text

After Zelda's father demanded her to go and pray at Hylias Spring, Link was going to assist her.. a cloth was hung up at the entrance where she changed clothes in privacy.

Once he saw her in the very revealing maiden dress, made specifically for her when unlocking her power.. a blush spread on his face.

His eyes went down, cast at the ground, if the king saw him now… he would get at least a month of punishment for just blushing at the princess…

He could only hear her… as she stepped into the water, he could only hear her… He turned his back on her, leaning on his sword.. staring straight ahead.

As the hours went by, he could hear the shake in her voice get worse and worse from the cold water… something inside him was cracking. He couldn't stand her getting cold and hurt..she sounded so…tired.

Despite him not liking her very much, because of her constant insults directed his way, and the posh attitude when she always thought she was always right… Something about her not getting any recognition striked a coord in him.

He almost jumped on his spot when he heard a loud splash.

“Oh curse you…” he heard her say..

“All of my work… all of it is for nought… I have been trying…for houers..”

“...And yet… you haven't spoken a word to me.. Why won't you answer?? What is wrong with me?!” Once her voice turned to a choked down sob, Link realized she was crying.

He turned, putting the sword away on his back, and stepping into the water. He almost recoiled at how cold it was, with chattering teeth he approached the grieving princess, letting her cry into his shoulder..

That's what was important.. the princess, her suffering was known by everyone. Everyone, like Urbossa or Impa knew about her suffering…and they supported her. But was there anyone who supported Link?

Link walked down the steps of the cliff that led to the temple that was newly discovered in the big ravine next to the Hebra region. The temple that was long forgotten.. erased from the memory of everyone. He walked silently with downcast eyes.. he had no one to cry on.. because he wasn't allowed to cry.

As he looked up at the huge temple, he was led inside. The tall halls, the tall pillars. The ancient feel of this place..

And at the end… the shrine that was clozed… his hip felt empty without the Sheikah slate, but Zelda never let him have it.. she didn't trust him. After all, he was just some boy with a sword..

He would never be able to enter the shrines, Zelda didn't let him do it anyway..

The big statue of Hylia was shifted to the side, revealing the room behind it… He was led inside, where a Sheikah prophet waited..

He looked confused as the prophet brought him up to an old grave..

They raised a finger… pointing it at the grave “This…is the Queen that died… do you know why?”

Link shook his head no, feeling a weird and strange sense of nostalgia. As if he saw this before.

“She is…the first Queen of Hyrule.. Sonia.. she.. she had been killed. By the Calamity.” The word Calamity rolled off of their tongue like a curse. “Because her Eras Hero could not protect her..”

The strings of beads clicked together as the prophet with the large hat turned to face him “And one of you is going to die… only you..decide which one of you will..” the leaned closer “Will you let The Princess die?”

Link listened, growing pale as his eyes turned wide. If he didn't complete his duty…Zelda would…die? It felt as if a new weight built up over his heart..

As he got to a secluded spot, his limbs were trembling… what.. what was happening to him- His arm hurt and his heart was hammering in his chest.

He couldn't steady his breathing, he got to his knees, gasping and panting. His eyes glossy, as he pressed his forehead to the floor. He couldn't stop, his eyes tearing up at the sheer thought of Zelda dying. His panic grew, and he couldn't breathe.

When he was laying in his bed at night, he was completely drained and tired.. staring at the ceiling. It felt as if he had the whole Hyrule castle on his shoulders, his eyes dead and tired. He was the only thing, stopping Zelda from dying.

He had to protect her at all cost.. he had to.. All the Heroes before him, heard the voice inside the sword.. yet he has never even seen it blink.

What was even more frustrating, was that Zelda told him she heard it… she heard it speak to her… yet he didnt. How could Zelda hear it? Why, why couldn't he hear it?!

He groaned into his hands and pulled the pillow over his face, letting out a muffled yell…

If fate wasn't working, he was going to help it. And he already had a plan for it..

Chapter Text

Link was sitting in the castle side library, usually Knights and Guards came here to study. And that was exactly what he was doing.

He picked out all of the Hero books, about the Heroes from the past, and the ancient times. He propped up all the stacks of books on a desk and sat down, starting to read.

He was in a haze of learning, time passed quickly. He picked out a book about the master sword, finding it frustrating at how nothing happened. He read the book while holding the master sword… sleeping with it.. working and doing chores, all while the sword was with him.

He jolted awake as he was informed about the new champion proposition. General Revali of the Rito, he was called to escort Zelda to Hebra.

His eyes widened, Hebra? You mean the coldest region in all of Hyrule? Several days beforehand, he began to pack. To his annoyance, Zelda didn't even start packing. Did she even have any winter clothes?

After a close inspection of her wardrobe he found out that there were only Royal Clothes for serious occasions, and her champion clothing she traveled in. But that would not be enough, she would be too cold.

Through the months of him standing next to the king, he never once heard them mention a set of clothes Zelda would wear in such cold weather.

He made sure to inform the Royal Designers about this but the letter he got from them shook him to his core… They said that the king did not even give them resources to work with.

His fists clenched around the letter, he really had to do everything on his own.

Once he started preparing to make the clothes for Zelda, he noticed that she was in one of her moods. She was really pissy, and made comments about everything he does.

That made his work even more frustrating. He went to his home town, Hateno. And sneaked off to look at the sheep. He watched if there were any farmers around, and when he saw that there was none.. he snatched the wool and bolted off as fast as he could.

He then took some cloth, and had to pick the specific one that would be good quality but also keep her warm. And it was not cheap, he wasn't the richest either. So he had to make a deal with the merchant, and to afford this he had to gather 50 stacks of wood. Tomatoes and cheese. And give it to the man, who just ended up baking pizza from it.

Link was slowly losing his patients and sanity, so he went to the color dye shop. Rubbing his temples and breathing deeply.

It turned out that to dye the clothes, or even make a reservation. He would have to have samples of white objects, and he was close to banging his head on the wall.

He decided to go to Lanayru mountain, because white chuchus were there- but defeating them was awfull. He got frozen more times than he has friends, and by the end of it he had to sit at the top of Lanayru mountain in the spring of wisdom. He started a campfire, and sat there…

He looked up, the snow fell from the sky. As he looked up at the statue of Hylia… maby…no, it was stupid. But… He got up slowly, and kneeled down in the water… putting the sword in front of himself.. the water was so cold… his teeth chattering as he put his hands together just like he saw Zelda had done.

He didn't even know what he was praying for.. he waited for a bit.. but soon he was getting extremely cold so he decided to get this over with.

“..uh…hello? …” He mumbled.

“I-i don't even know why im praying.. you probably wont even answer..”

He looked up, the stone of the statue stayed as silent as ever. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of the wind blowing all around..

“Of course you won’t.. What did I even expect…” He paused before walking away “You know… for a goddess of Love and Light… you’re pretty cold..”

Once he got down off the mountain, he was in a pretty bad mood. And that mood got even worse as he delivered the resources to the Royal dezigners… he was tired… so.. so.. tired.

Chapter Text

Zelda was wearing the winter clothes the Royal Designers made for her. Link followed her through the snowy Hebra region.

The snow storms here were ten times stronger than the regular ones. The snow never melted, and it was the first best place to watch the northern lights at. It was the second most important mission, finding the second champion who would lead the divine beast Vah-Medoh.

It was snowing heavily even right now. He asked Zelda to stay back, as there was a snow storm. His knight armor did little to protect him from the cold, but he grit his teeth so they wouldn’t chatter. As he walked he noticed the Rito flying about, guarding the terrain. But they didn't look friendly, or like they were expecting guests.

He heard the familiar sound of a bomb arrow and his eyes went wide, he looked around but as the Rito flew, they stayed under the cover of the snow. His reaction time was restricted and much…much slower. His eyes went wide as he saw the arrow, rolling out of the way at the last second.

Why were the Rito soldiers attacking them?? They weren't monsters- He ran across the field, avoiding the bomb arrows. He pulled out his shield, deflecting the blow. Pulling out his bow, and shooting down the Rito who was aiming at the safe space where the Princess was waiting.

He avoided more shots, and took shelter behind a rock formation. The strength of the blowing wind, the snow that fell into his eyes and the cold was unbearable. But he wasn’t thinking about that, he waited till the Rito soldier fell like a dead star, and pinned him up, pressing up the Mastersword to their neck. Pressing it into its feathers, making sure the Rito felt it through the thick layer of fluff.

“Why are you attacking?” He growled right into their face.

They glared “I’m just doing what i was ordered to”

“Who’s the one in command?!” Link snapped.

Moments later, he was walking. A pissed off expression on his face as he skillfully dodged the arrows, and the soldiers fighting the Rito archers. He spotted a figure on one of the Rito balconies… arms folded and a stern expression. It must be General Revali.

He pulled out his sword, walking up the stairs, but as he got there… It was empty. His eyes went wide, but then he heard the familiar sound of a bomb arrow behind himself. He quickly deflected it, and a fight broke out.

He was slammed up, against one of the wooden pillars that held the roof. He kicked the General in the chest, getting him off. He panted, out of breath, as he went to pull his sword out. But the bomb arrow was once again aimed at him, right at his eyeball.

He froze, going a shade paler… He gasped with relief as Zelda’s voice rang out “No- STOP!”

The arrow fell to the floor with a clatter, not enough impact to explode… rolling on the floor, and bumping lightly into Link's shoe. Link panted, eyes wide, sweat beading on his forhead…that was close…too close.

After that whole experience, he was very…very tired. A guest room was given to him, so he took it. Laying down on one of the beds with a groan… the warmth of the sheets was amazing in comparison with the cold outside.

He felt a strange distrust for the new champion.. He couldn't possibly foresee what that will cause in the future.

Somehow, Zelda did convince Revali to pilot the Divine beast. Link could only wonder how she did that…

Chapter Text

Link was in His Royal Guard Uniform. He was standing in front of the door to Zelda's bedroom, making sure nothing would happen to the princess he had sworn to protect.

He heard footsteps and saw the Rito Champion. Revali cocked a brow “What’s this? Didn't know you work in the castle.” He looked down at Link.

“I thought you worked in the kitchen, honestly.” Revali said condescendingly.

Link's eyes narrowed. But he said nothing, staying perfect and deadpan.

“I wish to see the Princess.” Revali said. He raised a brow when Link didn't step aside. “Didn’t you hear what I said?”

Link just glared, he took a shuddering breath and spoke.. “No one is allowed to see the princess right now.”

Revali stood there for a moment, not used to being talked back to in such a way. He scoffed, “And why is that?”

“She's praying, and studying. It's her cleansing day, she has to be calm and stable to go and pray at the spring of Courage.” Link said, starting to get impatient.

Revali cocked a brow “And why would she be doing that? Is she a priestess or something?-”

“Clearly. You don't know what you are talking about. She is training to unlock her power. So maybe instead of being ignorant, you would actually learn something about the princess before meeting her.” Link said, trying his best to keep his cool. But it was visible that it was getting harder.

“How dare you.. I wont let some snot nosed brat, insult me. I am A General. I face wars you never did, how dare you speak to me with such disrespect-”

Link cut in “Well I seal away the darkness. That's my fate and yet I don't go and boast about it to everyone.”

Revali froze, his ego clearly bruised. He scoffed and after a moment of glaring he turned on his hill, and left. Link sighed with relief… but something was telling him… this wasn't the end..