Chapter Text
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The Upheaval ended roughly a year ago. The scars left on Hyrule were healing, but slowly. Not only was the Yiga clan still sticking around but there were still monsters. Under Hyule castle, gloom still seeked out. Although Ganondorf was eliminated, the gloom he left behind persisted. It would slowly seep out of the chasm for a few more years. The power of the Demon king was nothing to scoff out. Instead of returning to flesh, each blood moon the gloom would produce more monsters. In turn, the gloom would be depleted in the process. Once the gloom was fully depleted, Hyrule would be fully restored.
Despite the people of Hyrule being in better spirits, the monsters had been showing up in more places recently. This happened from time to time. It was almost like the land of the kingdom was trying to purge itself of this plague. Zelda decided it was time for a more direct approach. If they could learn more about her light power then perhaps they could get rid of this darkness sooner. Any adventure Zelda went on, Link was kindly at her side.
The two broke through the fog of the lost woods and approached the Great Deku tree. Koroks floated and laughed around them. Zelda smiled, and stood behind the pedestal holding the master sword. It glowed in the sunlight, and made its familiar ring sound to acknowledge the presence of the hero and goddess. Link took a step onto the platform and steeled himself. Pulling the sword was always painful. The sword always tested its bearer as it was created to do. Zelda and the great Deku tree watched as the hero continued his trial. Just like each moment before, Link pulled the sword and raised it to the sky.
“Great Deku Tree, thank you so much!” Zelda smiled. “The master sword looks like it finally healed that scar the Demon king left on it. I’ve no doubt it was only able to recover under your supervision.”
The Great tree laughed “Princess, the sword was only able to heal so quickly due to the power you poured into it. It has also allowed your hero to grow stronger.”
Link looked up at the tree surprised. Zelda spoke in his place. Link couldn’t see her face but she sounded happy. “Oh no. Link had this power within him the entire time. He’s come to my aid many times before he was chosen.” Zelda glanced at the hero, then swiftly back to the Deku tree “The Master Sword picked a worthy and courageous hero.”
Link kept his gaze on the Deku tree. He was appreciative of the comment despite not visibly reacting to it. He practiced a swing, the put the sword in its sheath.
“A worthy hero indeed. The connection between you two has transcended time. As the chosen hero and goddess, treasure this relationship. There will be nothing able to stop you.”
“Y-yes! Of course.” Zelda nodded. Link and Zelda made eye contact for a second, then he gave her a nod. Of course he would remain by her side. It was instilled in him during his knight training. Yet, he knew the deep bond between them was due to something else, not because of their destiny. A hero fit for protecting the Zelda, this land, and destroying all evil. Honestly, Link thought it was fun to take on such a strong role.
“Now, my great slumber calls to me once more.” The Deku Tree yawned. “You two grow stronger with each other. Even beyond the path set for you.”
The tree finally nodded off. Link thought about what he said. It’s true that he felt stronger within her company. But now, he wasn’t sure it was because of her powers. Link looked back at Zelda to see what she’d like to do next. The princess looked to gather herself, her face was a little less red than before.
“Um..so…” Zelda started soft but warmed up quickly. “Le’ts go to Look out Landing and find out what Purah has learned about the bow of light. I’ll finally be able to fight by your side!”
Link's eyes widened a little. He knew of the bow, and was surprised to learn that Zelda herself planned on using it. He always had fun with his friends by his side. Maybe Zelda wanted to feel more involved in that way.
“Is it..shocking?” At this point, Zelda had become accustomed to Link’s lack of speech. At this point, she could practically read his mind. “I don’t want to stand on the sideline forever. With that bow, I’ll be able to shoot concentrated arrows of light to purge this evil. I was trained in archery in my time growing up, so I’m an excellent archer!”
That part was true. He’d witnessed her with a bow recently. Captain Haz set up a training ground for her to practice. Link had been impressed by her arm and speed. It would be good to have an archer with him again. Though, her trying to sell the idea of fighting alongside him was funny. It was silly to think he’d leave her behind for any reason.
“What is that smile for, I’m not joking!”
Link snapped out of it. Somehow, he didn’t realize he was smiling. He shook his head with his hands up. Zelda squinted at him, then turned to exit the forest. “Alright then. Let’s be on our way.”
Out of the misty woods, Link walked slightly behind Zelda and kept a vigilant eye for creatures. Every once in a while, the two would stumble across a bokoblin or lizalfo, but it was nothing Link couldn’t handle swiftly. With his signature moves, the flurry rush and spin attack, even enemy camps were no match for him. Each time, Zelda checked to see if he was hurt. It was very sweet on her part and Link was happy to have such a caring person with him.
The journey to the nearest stable was also filled with fun moments too. Zelda would get excited about something they’d seen in the wild which led to her telling him about her studies. This was also sweet. He picked something up and put it in his pouch for safe keeping. As night fell, the woodland stable appeared in front of them. Although they did not journey on horses this time, it was still a great place to rest. Link watched Zelda interact with the stable workers, and socialize with the other guests. Link ultimately ended up having dinner by the campfire. One of the stable ladies were nice enough to cook for everyone that night. By the time Zelda sat down, Link was on his second bowl.
He reached out to hand the bowl to Zelda since he’d yet to take a bite. The princess smiled and held the bowl in her lap and a spoon in her left hand. Sometimes, Link didn’t realize how fast he ate until he was with her and other people. After grabbing another bowl for himself, he noticed Zelda giving him a puzzling look. He returned the gaze.
“I was just thinking…you could have traveled all night, couldn’t you? Your stamina is incredible.” Zelda smiled a little sad. It would have been a nice compliment if she didn’t sound so sad. Link set his empty bowl aside. Zelda, now losing her appetite, set hers aside as well. “I..I know I’m holding you back, still.”
The hero was surprised again to hear her say such a thing. He didn’t know she felt like a burden. It certainly wasn’t true either. Her companionship and strong personality made being with her so effortless. Link scooted a little closer and leaned forward to see her face head down.
“I know I can be more useful if I just had that bow.”
The princess was already useful. Her unwavering wisdom saved them time and time again. Even to strategize raiding expeditions or research countless things. She was flourishing now more than ever before. He considered himself lucky to have a front row seat watching her grow. Link sat up a bit, wanting to make her feel better. In his pouched, he reached for what he picked up earlier,
“Oh! Wow, where did you find this? On our way back?” The silent princess had its glow at night. These rare plants reminded Link of Zelda, and he thought of her each time he saw one. She gently took it from him, and smiled at it. The hero's gaze was fixed on Zelda’s reaction. The fire made her cheeks look rosy as ever.
“Thank you, Link.” A phrase he’s heard from her before. It never got old. “Maybe I am being a bit hard on myself. I just want to do whatever I can but…I know I can count on you.” Zelda put the silent princess in her hair. She smiled widely at the hero. “What do you think?”
The heat to his face came from within. This wasn’t the first time it’s happened, although very rarely did he lose control over his expression. Zelda was a beautiful girl to begin with. Moments like these were just a sharp reminder of that. Link gave the princess a small smile, hopefully conveying the message. As usual, she understood him well. She resumed eating now that she was in better spirits. The two had a long journey ahead of them. The hero was just happy to continue being at her side.