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Thanks to Zelda’s sacrifice, Midna was now immune to the light realm’s searing properties. This however, did not translate into comfort being outside of Link’s shadow. Midna felt exposed, not only to the previously burning sun, but also to things like monsters and even other light dwellers. It was a terrifying prospect, being noticeable. Especially in confined spaces like dungeons or caves. Though Midna knew Link would prefer her to stay out of his shadow, as he said when the two could first communicate. The least she could do after putting him through hell was respect one of his only requests.
Eventually, Link noticed her discomfort, because that was the kind of person he was, way too caring to others, especially her.
“Midna, you okay?”
“What? Why wouldn’t I be okay? You’re the one who’s acting strange! Let’s just keep moving!”
“So you acknowledge you’re acting strange?” Link said, raising an eyebrow, “‘Cause I didn’t say anything ‘bout acting strange.”
Midna sighed. Caught by her own statement, of course.
“I’m really fine, I just…” Midna thought about how to say this without upsetting Link, “I just am a little freaked out about all the bugs in here.”
It was a good lie, as it was partially true, the two were in the arbiter’s grounds, which was old, abandoned, and infested with all kinds of creepy crawlies, dead and alive. Link looked at her as she said this, his eyes turning into those soft puppy eyes that Midna hated so much. They made his face way too cute, and it should have been illegal for anyone to look like that.
“Midna, if you’re freaked out, you can hide in my shadow.”
“But I can be out here now! I should be helping you! Besides you said–!”
“I said? What did I say and when?”
“You said you didn’t want anything in your shadow!” Minda looked away from Link, unwilling to see his stupidly cute face.
“Midna, that was when we first met. I didn’t know you. Things are different now.”
“But I’ve been awful to you! Please let me make it up to you.”
Link put his hand on Midna’s tiny shoulder, turning her to face him. His face was sad, which Midna hated even more than his soft empathetic face.
“Midna, you don’t have anything to make up for. You may have been a bit abrasive at first, but we were both dealing with awful situations. And you’ve helped me way more than I’ve helped you. If this is really about making things up to me, you can do that by helping yourself first.”
Tears welled up in Midna’s eyes at Link’s declaration. She really didn’t deserve him, he was too nice, too strong, and too perfect. Meanwhile, Midna was just a failure of a princess who hurt everyone she got close to. Link suddenly pulled her into a hug and Midna couldn’t help it. She buried her face into Link’s face and bawled.
After a while of the two standing there, Midna finally pulled away and nodded, before returning to the cool, comforting embrace of Link’s shadow.