Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a peaceful evening by Reservoir Lake. Link and Sidon were sitting on the dock, looking up at where Vah Ruta now sat, resting in Zodobon Lake. The Divine Beast had remained inactive for a little over a month now, ever since firing at Calamity Ganon and helping bring the beast’s demise. Link was all but certain that Mipha’s spirit had finally passed on, leaving the machine without a pilot, rendering it immobile. Still, the ancient technology was rather beautiful, especially glowing in the moonlight as it now was.

Link sat with his legs dangling over the edge of the dock, too short to reach the water without lowering himself in. He was still apprehensive about even being here. Currently, Zelda remained in Zora’s Domain, speaking with King Dorephan. It was an important diplomatic mission, the details of which Zelda had spared him, figuring he wouldn’t be all that interested. In fact, that was why he was not with her now, although he had been beyond hesitant to leave her side. 

He’d only been reunited with her for a month, after all, and after everything they’d been through, everyone they’d lost... Link was anxious about letting her leave his sight, knowing he might not be able to protect her if he was not beside her, and nervous about being without her because it was the first time, in his current span of memory at least, that he’d been able to travel with someone. After so long being alone, it was odd, but nice, to be able to be with someone every moment of the day, and breaking that new routine, even for a few hours, left him feeling oddly lonely, and more worried than ever.

It had taken quite a bit of convincing on Zelda’s part that really, she’d be fine, she was with a King and his guards, and it was only a boring meeting, along with Sidon asking Link to join him for an evening stroll, for Link to finally relent and allow himself to be taken away. Not that Zelda was trying to get rid of him, but she knew he would have little to no interest in the meeting, and she didn’t want him to have to sit through it when his friend was eagerly waiting for him anyways.

Sidon now sat beside him, feet kicking slowly in the water as they conversed. Link had promised not to stray far, so the two of them were just a short walk away, on the edge of Reservoir Lake, stargazing and talking about whatever came to mind. Hylia knew that, should anything happen, Link wouldn’t hesitate to throw himself over the mile-tall wall in order to get back to the Domain, especially considering he still had his paraglider. Though, really, he likely would even otherwise. Sidon had assured him that wouldn’t be necessary, though.

The two friends spoke about anything and everything, from what had happened since they’d last seen each other, to the fight against the Calamity, to their favorite cuisines, local and foreign. Hours had already passed, the sun setting and glimmering beautifully across the lake, and now the moon began to rise fully from behind the mountains, illuminating the blue stone they were sitting upon. Eventually, as the stars trailed leisurely across the sky, the topic of sleep came up.

Sidon spoke about how the Zora needed less rest than Hylians, thanks to their long-lived nature. They could get away with sleeping only once or twice a week and remain healthy and well-rested, although a significant number of them preferred to sleep nightly anyways. The children especially so, but some carried on doing so into adulthood, and many parents did so as well to keep their children in good habits. On the other hand, Sidon knew he himself had spent many a restless night staring up at Mipha’s statue, often going a week or longer without any rest. But now, with Vah Ruta freed and the Calamity defeated, he had been allowing himself to rest more. 

Link was glad to hear it, expressing his appreciation for his friend and encouraging him to get as much rest as he needed. He had witnessed many of those sleepless nights, watching empathetically as the prince stared mournfully at the statue of the late princess. He knew all too well what it felt like to stay awake late into the night, thinking about those he had lost. 

Sidon knew it as well. The topic turned to Link’s sleeping habits, and how the prince knew for a fact that he wasn’t getting nearly as much sleep as he should. Link tried to defend that he had slept for 100 years, which was more than enough - and that really, he didn’t even feel drowsiness anymore because of it - but Sidon was having none of it. He asked Link when the last time the knight had slept was.

Link didn’t have an answer.

Sidon sighed, looking disappointedly at his friend.

“Link, you know as well as I do that one’s rest is of the utmost importance. How long do you intend to go without any rest?” 

Link looked away, not answering. Sidon sighed again.

“As your friend, I cannot allow this to continue any longer. While you’re in my domain, I will ensure that you get a full night’s rest each night.” He asserted. 

Link tried to brush it off, attempting to switch topics.

“The stars are shining beautifully tonight.” He offered, using that seldom-heard voice to try and shift the conversation away from his sleeping habits. Sidon was not swayed so easily.

“I know you enjoy the waterbeds at the inn. It would be a simple matter to return there for the night, if you would prefer.” Link seemed unphased by the offer. “I am only looking out for your wellbeing, my friend. You deserve to rest, after everything you have endured.” 

Link glanced up at his friend. He knew Sidon was right - he rarely rested at all, and when he did, it was usually in the form of blacking out beside a campfire, rather than actually sleeping. Still, he really didn’t feel tired all that often, and there was no need for Sidon to worry about him. He’d managed just fine this far, there was no need for him to sleep. Especially considering he’d promised Zelda he would be there immediately should anything happen.

Sidon seemed to recall that as well.

“I promise you, should anything occur, I would wake you at once.” Sidon glanced back, looking at the small gazebo at the edge of the landing. “Besides, there is a perfectly good bed right there. There’s no reason for it to go to waste, now is there?” 

Link looked up at him now, an unspoken question in his eyes. Sidon’s expression softened.

“I will keep watch. I would never leave my friend unguarded.” He assured, and there was such certainty in his voice, that for a moment Link believed that the world would stop spinning if Sidon said it to be so.

Link finally relented, agreeing, however reluctantly, to rest in the bed that was only a few feet away. He knew Sidon was a capable warrior, and he trusted that the prince would wake him if anything happened, if for no other reason than because Sidon was a man of his word. Link knew Zelda was likely already asleep, if the meeting hadn’t run long, and that she would be alright in the domain at least until morning - if not, she would’ve sent for him by now. So, begrudgingly, Link climbed into bed.

Sidon was kind enough not to comment on the fact that Link got into bed without taking anything off - he was fully clothed, yes, including his shoes, but he was also still wearing all of his various belts and straps, and still had his sheathes and quiver equipped - with his weapons still in them. Sure, sleeping with the Master Sword wasn’t the most comfortable, but he would be damned before he removed the sacred weapon, especially for something as trivial as sleep. 

With Sidon keeping watch, Link slowly drifted off, lulled to sleep by the peaceful sound of waves lapping away at the dock and crickets chirping in the distance.

Chapter Text

Link was running. He didn’t know what from, he didn’t know where to - he didn’t know where he was to begin with. The world shifted around him, from forests, to open plains, to endless oceans. Malice swirled up all around him, and in an instant he was swallowed whole, sinking beneath the surface as he was enveloped by the corrosive substance.

Just as suddenly as he had sunk he was spat back out on the surface, coughing the ooze out of his lungs, only to have it replaced by the smoke and ash drifting through the air. Sparks singed his skin as they floated past, and Link looked around, suddenly feeling the weight of his injuries sinking in. He had burns all over his legs, gashes and nicks across his torso and arms, and his ears were ringing as though an explosion had just detonated right beside him. As he tried to get a sense of his surroundings, he began to notice the debris and rubble all around him, smoldering wreckage covering the landscape.

A laser shot past him, and with a sinking realization Link understood. Guardians. 

Link tried to run, but his legs shuddered beneath his weight, threatening to give out at any moment. The Master Sword dragged alongside him, his arms too tired to hold it at any proper height, leaving a trail in the mud and ash as he stumbled away. Lasers continued to blast all around him, and as Link panted, clambering across the field, he felt a warm liquid begin rushing down his abdomen.

He looked downwards with horror, drawing his hand away from where it had been clutched to his stomach, and stared in uncomprehending consternation as it came away red and dripping. His body trembled as his injuries began to consume him, and the lasers only grew closer, heat searing past him as he tried to comprehend the full weight of his injuries.

Link stumbled blindly a few more feet, before fully succumbing to his wounds, sinking to his knees as the mud and ash threatened to suffocate him. As his blood began to mix with the dirt and sludge on the ground, Link heard the distinct sound of mechanical limbs rapidly approaching, clambering across destroyed structures and soft ground to reach their target. There was the whirring of an ancient machine behind him, and it was all Link could do to shift to see it, turning to face the mechanical beast that had its sight set on him. A red line appeared, targeting directly upon his chest, and Link stared in overwhelming dread as the guardian prepared to fire.

Link had mere seconds to come to terms with the fact that he was going to die, and there was nothing he could do about it. The world was ending, and he had failed. Nothing he had done had mattered - it was the end.

The laser blasted him in the chest, and his vision went white.

Link was thrown awake, looking around frantically as he tried to gather his senses. The world was dark, and his vision was bleary, shifting unnaturally as he tried to case his surroundings. Finally, a light appeared, golden and glowing from above. Red lights surrounded him now, too, pulsing eerily as Link looked around.

He didn’t know how he had forgotten - he was in the Castle. The sanctum glowed eerily in a bath of red and golden light, and the pod suspended from the ceiling shifted unsettlingly. As Link stared it burst open, dumping a flood of sludge and malice, and, in its center, a body.

A person.

Zelda.

She laid there, unmoving, in the pool of malice and sludge. Mechanical parts pulled themselves out of the ooze, gathering themselves together in an unnatural body, and Link stared in horror as Calamity Ganon drew itself up, standing over the two hylians. Link drew his sword, ready to fight, but with a start he realized that Zelda was still not moving from her place on the floor. 

It wasn’t just that she wasn’t getting up.

No, it was that she wasn’t breathing. 

Link stumbled forwards, and with sinking horror began to notice the wounds upon her body. Her dress was torn in every which way, and blood and malice were staining the once pristine white fabric. An ancient claw protruded from her back, impaling her through the chest as Link stood helplessly beside her. The Calamity roared above him, but Link was paralyzed, staring in horror and despair at the mangled corpse of his beloved princess. Blood continued to pour from her unmoving body, and soon the puddles of it mixed with malice and oozed into his shoes, staining them red with the mark of his ultimate failure once more.

Link fell to his knees, numb to the searing pain as the malice began to erode his flesh. Tears streamed down his face, and the Master Sword clattered to the floor beside him, being consumed by malice within an instant. The Calamity drew closer, preparing to strike, but Link could only stare, sobs wracking their way silently through his chest as he recognized that he had failed again. He had been too late to save her, again. The world was going to end because of his failures, again. 

As the bludgeoning blow of the Calamity obliterated his skull, Link begged Hylia to release him from this eternal torment.

Link’s eyes flew open again, only this time his surroundings did not cement themselves around him. He was in a Divine Beast, then out on the plains, then within his own home, then in the depths of the Castle, then in some amalgamation of them all. It was ever-shifting, never settling on one place, never stopping in one moment. His body flickered in tandem, injuries appearing and disappearing by the second. Blood splattered across his clothes before dissipating just as instantaneously, various states of wear and destruction consumed his equipment from moment to moment. 

He was alone, or no, he was surrounded by soldiers, within the Hyrulean Army - no, he was standing next to the Champions, descending from Mount Lanayru - no, he was comforting Zelda beside the Spring of Courage - no, he was in the Shrine of Resurrection, waking with no memories - no, he was speaking with the ghosts of everyone he had lost.

Faces flashed before him. Mipha cried out in pain, a spear impaling her as Waterblight Ganon screeched in triumph - Revali’s laugh was cut off by an arrow through his skull from Windblight’s bow, the light leaving his eyes as his body fell through the air - Urbosa’s swords clashed against those of Thunderblight, only for her body to fry as she was struck by her own lightning - Daruk grunted as the heat seared away at his flesh, the flames dancing upon Fireblight’s shield melting away the muscle and skin that had withstood so much heat before. Battalions fell before him, monsters striking down hundreds of men, natural disasters sweeping away hordes, guardians blasting away limbs and bodies. 

A grizzled man stood before him, looking at Link with disappointment as he led a charge into the fray. Smoke overtook him, and Link couldn't decipher his face, seeing only blurry hints of a beard and muscles as he fought until his dying breath. A little girl ran, reaching for the man’s hand, then for Link’s, before letting out a blood-curdling screech as a monster struck her, slumping to the ground before a building collapsed upon them both. Link reached out a hand helplessly, desperately trying to make his way to her, but just as quickly the surroundings shifted again, leaving him alone once more.

A voice called out to him, and Link saw Teba gliding alongside him, the two of them sailing through the air as Vah Medoh’s cannons focused on them. Before Link could respond, a blast sounded through the air, and Teba began to fall, charred feathers floating behind him as his body dipped further and further below the clouds. Link let go of his paraglider, diving desperately to chase after his fallen friend, but he lost sight of the Rito, clouds and smoke stinging his eyes as he lost track of his surroundings.

Lightning crackled around him, and the world shook as a green dome surrounded him. Riju stumbled, left behind by Patricia fleeing in terror as Vah Naboris trampled overhead. Link turned around, abandoning his sand seal as he tried to run back towards the Chief, but the Thunder Helm fell from her head, landing uselessly in the sand beside her as she hunched over, clutching her head. A purple light circled around her, and Link cried out, running with a reckless frenzy towards her, but he was too late. Lightning struck, and all that was left was a pile of smoldering ash where she had stood. Link collapsed, falling to his knees as a purple light began to surround him, now, sinking further into the sand as anguish overtook him. 

He sank further, falling through the sand until he was plunging into lava, half-submerged as he watched helplessly from the side while Vah Rudania rained magma bombs from above. Yunobo stood upon the path, frozen still at Link’s command, too overcome with terror to access his ancestral power of protection. He looked up as a whistling came from directly above, and Link tried to cry out as a magma bomb fell towards the goron, but smoke and ash filled his lungs. Link choked desperately, trying to fight his silence, but could only watch as the several tons of rock and magma landed atop his friend, crushing him in an instant. Link sobbed, sinking fully below the lava. 

As his eyes opened, he found himself drowning in water instead. He coughed frantically, trying to free his lungs of the water, when Sidon pulled him up, carrying him on his back and worrying over him as he tried to carry him to shore. The Reservoir Lake glimmered in the moonlight, and Link was silently grateful for the water dripping down his face, masking the tears pouring from his eyes. He hiccuped as Sidon carried him, muttering soothing words, and it was almost enough that Link didn’t notice the glowing light reflected on the water’s surface.

The pair jolted as ice struck them both, a block of cryonis shattering upon the duo with enough force to drag them both underwater. Link resurfaced, treading water blearily as panic overtook him, while Sidon shook off the blow. A trumpet roared behind them, and Link saw the reflection of Vah Ruta’s red lights in the water, bucking and sending colossal waves their way. More cryonis chunks appeared, spiked balls of ice floating in the air before flying their way at terrifying speeds, and it was all Link could do to reach aimlessly towards Sidon, watching helplessly as the ice crashed into his friend, piercing his body and crushing his bones while Link began to sink beside him.

Link thrashed about, drowning and bleeding out as Sidon died beside him, and something within him snapped. Link kicked and screamed, thrashing wildly as every fiber of his being screamed for release; and finally, finally, something answered his prayers.

Link bolted awake.

Chapter Text

It was a peaceful night. Sidon stood watch just outside the gazebo on the edge of Reservoir Lake, watching the starlight reflect off the water’s surface. Every so often, he turned, taking in his surroundings in full to ensure that nothing had changed, and that there was nothing nearby that could bring harm or disturb the peace. He remained quiet, holding in his usual barrage of thoughts and nightly mutterings, knowing that Link was sleeping nearby. His dear friend rarely slept, despite the mind-boggling amount of work he did each day, and so he would hate to interrupt the few moments of rest he did get. 

Sure, there were days that were more restful, with Link accomplishing not much more than a few conversions or friendly games, but on most days, he spent all of his effort and energy making the world a safer place. From slaying hordes of monsters, to taking on and freeing the ancient Divine Beasts, to trekking all across Hyrule to fulfill the quests given to him by the people of all nations, Link’s life seemed non-stop. He was endlessly pouring his life and effort into building a better future, and helping those around him, often without taking even a moment for himself to rest or recover. Sidon could see how much his hero needed the rest, even if he would deny it, and Hylia knew he deserved it, despite his own apprehensions on the matter.

Sidon glanced over at the bed within the gazebo, staring for a moment at the sleeping hylian. It was strange to think, staring now at the small figure hunched up on the bed, that such a tiny person had taken on such gargantuan tasks, had saved the world with nothing more than the items on his person. Especially after everything he had endured to get to that point - the friends he’d lost, the memories he’d forgotten, the obstacles he’d overcome. He had come so far, and Sidon could not be more proud of his friend, of everything he’d accomplished. He only wished the hylian could see it himself, could appreciate his own efforts as much as he appreciated the efforts of others. 

He was glad, at least, that he had been able to convince Link to rest, even if it took some persuading. Hylia knew how long it had been since he had last rested, let alone actually slept, and with such a peaceful night, he knew there was no threat or disturbance to keep the Champion awake. There was no noise other than the chirping of the crickets in the grass. There were no monsters left on any of the roads near or leading to Zora’s Domain - in large part thanks to Link’s exploits, vanquishing every foe he came across, as well as due to the valiant efforts of the zora guards. There was nothing that could interrupt the serene air that blew past them in gentle breezes.

Sidon looked back at his friend once more, smiling fondly as the hylian slept peacefully in his bed. He was about to turn back to the lake, watching the night pass by, when he noticed movement from his friend. He drew closer, watching intently to ensure nothing was wrong.

Link shifted, his expression dropping from the gentle impassiveness to a frown, his face scrunching and brows furrowing. He rolled over at first, as though in discomfort, and Sidon considered turning away, wondering if he had simply been in an uncomfortable position. It was only as Link began to twitch that Sidon realized something was truly wrong. 

Sidon turned for a moment, looking around to ensure there was nothing in their surroundings that was causing this shift in mood, but out of the corner of his eyes he continued to see Link shifting, rolling over, turning every which way, and twitching in various ways. His limbs jerked about, as though each one was flinching from different invisible foes, his fingers twitched as though itching for a weapon, one hand acting as though it wished to string a bow, while the other clasped itself around the hilt of an invisible sword, and his feet were kicking as though he was ready to get up and run at any moment.

It was rather reminiscent of a dog, actually, running in its sleep while chasing imaginary squirrels. Sidon had to suppress a smile, turning his mind back to the situation at hand. What could have Link tossing and turning so? Had something happened, some change in the air or the bed he lay upon, to put him in such discomfort? Or was it something within his own mind, some twist or turn of his dreams or thoughts that had him twitching so?

Sidon went to take a step closer, unsure if he should wake his friend - especially considering how little he slept already - but not wanting to let his friend suffer in silence through whatever demons were plaguing him. After only a single step, however, he was stopped in his tracks. Link sprung into action in the blink of an eye, a blur of motion and energy that Sidon hadn’t thought possible for someone who had been asleep a mere second before.

Link had bolted awake, leaping to his feet and drawing his sword all before Sidon could take a single breath, and now he wielded the Master Sword, slashing wildly at invisible foes before him. Sidon took a step back, not wanting to end up losing a limb in the commotion. There was a terror in Link’s eyes that Sidon had never before seen, a frenzy of panic and feverishness that drove him to swing his blade wildly. He was stood in a battle-stance, ready to fend off nonexistent foes, and it became increasingly clear that he wasn’t entirely sure where he was, or what was going on around him.

Sidon stared in horror, for a moment, trying to comprehend what was happening. The fear and vigor in his friend was unlike anything he’d witnessed from him before, the usually silent and stoic knight now reduced to trembling terror and adrenaline-fueled combativeness. Sidon could not imagine what horrors he must have experienced to be driven to such a state. 

But he didn’t have to.

Right now, what he needed was to be there for his friend. His own shock and worry was irrelevant for the moment - Link needed him. 

“Link-” He began, and immediately the hylian whirled to face him, staring up at the prince with an animalistic look in his eyes. “Link, it’s just me, it’s alright.” He pleaded, softening his voice as much as he could while still being heard.

Link stared up at him uncomprehendingly, as though he knew none of the words Sidon had just spoken. But... he stopped slashing his sword all about, at the very least. Sidon could work with that - confusion was better than unthinking attacks.

“You are safe, Link. I am your friend, not your foe. I’m not going to hurt you.” He assured, but Link seemed unconvinced - or rather, unmoved, - by Sidon’s assertion. “There is nothing to be afraid of.” He continued.

That seemed to get through to him, at least a little bit. His stance relaxed slightly, his muscles untensing ever-so-slightly. Still, he gripped his weapon tightly, eyes wild and unseeing as he stared up at the prince, as though trying to burn his image into his mind. Sidon thought for a moment, trying to understand what might be terrifying Link so. If he wasn’t afraid of himself facing harm, but he was afraid, then...

Realization began to dawn.

“I am alright.” Sidon began, watching Link’s reaction carefully. Link perked up, almost imperceptibly, and Sidon’s heart sank. 

“I promise you Link, no harm has come to me. I, along with everyone else, am alright. We are safe.” He assured, and little by little, Link began to relax. 

His grip on his weapon loosened, his stance losing the tension of someone battle-ready, and his weapon lowered, pointing to the ground rather than at his friend. His eyes were still bleary, as though, despite hearing him, Link could not truly see his friend, but that was alright. Sidon would remain by his side for as long as it took to convince him that no danger was going to befall them. 

Sidon continued uttering soft reassurances, comforting Link as he drew him gently back to reality, to the present moment and all that it entailed. Eventually, Link dropped his weapon, letting the Master Sword clatter to the ground as tears welled up in his eyes. Sidon stepped forward, trusting now that he would not end up on the wrong end of the sacred blade, and placed a hand lightly upon his friend’s shoulder, all the while continuing to utter soothing comforts. He opened his arms, and Link collapsed into him, clutching his friend tightly as quiet sobs began to wrack his body, his chest heaving against Sidon as the two held each other.

Sidon ran a hand through Link’s hair, whispering gentle comforts as his friend held onto him. A soft breeze blew through the gazebo, carrying the sounds of the waves lapping away at the dock and the crickets chirping in the distance, and the pair stood there for a quiet eternity, consumed by the emotions of the night.

Eventually, Link calmed down enough to fall silent, holding onto Sidon still but his sobs quieting as his friend continued to comfort him. After some time, Sidon fell quiet too, giving his friend the space to simply exist in silence, the two of them embracing the soothing noises of the night for a brief moment.

In time, Sidon would ask Link about what had happened, about what had driven him to such a state. In turn, Link would hesitantly open up about all that he had experienced, the deaths of his loved ones, the worries that they had left, the fears of his newfound family dying just as the others had. He would speak of the nightmares, of the agonizing feeling of dying yet again, of watching all of his loved ones die around him, of knowing it was all his fault. Of knowing that they would all be alive if it weren’t for him - whether it be due to his failure to save them or protect the world, or due to him dragging them along into his quests against the Divine Beasts. He would explain that, no matter how capable he knew his friends to be, he would never stop being afraid that he would lose them all again.

Sidon sat in silence, listening raptly as Link recalled it all. He listened in horror as he came to understand just how long Link had been dealing with it all, silently enduring the crushing weight of the world and the death of his friends, all while being expected to be a noble hero with no support. He mourned for the unfathomable amount of pain his friend had endured, for the months spent without help or support, for the friends they had both lost. He grieved for the worry and fear Link carried with him, consuming his every waking thought if he was not distracting himself with endless quests or fighting foes. He couldn’t even sleep in peace, plagued even in his dreams by the horrors he’d endured and the fears he carried with him.

Sidon apologized for pressuring him into resting, for inadvertently causing all of this suffering, but Link assured him he had done no wrong. Link thanked him, in fact, for showing his support, for expressing his care for Link and insisting he got some rest, even when Link didn’t feel he needed or perhaps even deserved it. He was still shaken from the terrors he had experienced, but he was glad for even the small amount of sleep he had managed to get, and he was grateful for Sidon’s unwavering support.

Sidon was glad he could be there for his friend, if nothing else. The two returned to the dock, sitting just as they had been the night before, and staring into the sunrise in the distance, enjoying each other’s company in silence as the morning began.

Maybe things weren’t perfect. Maybe Link would be plagued by these horrors forever, and maybe he would never be able to rest again without facing some horrific danger or terror. But he knew, now, that he would always have his friends. That no matter what, there would always be at least one person on his side, supporting him through it all.

And that was all that he could ask for.