Living Like a Link

“So, Princess, what brings you out of the castle these days?”

Before she could answer, the green clad hero put himself between the boy and the princess and also snarled in Zalaru’s direction. The twelve year old didn’t flinch. Behind him, Zelda rolled her eyes and peaked around Link’s body. “Just exploring is all.”

’“Do not talk to him.” Zelda didn’t appreciate the way Link had snapped at her. The scowl she returned back softened his beatisly features slightly. “Really? Why the sudden venture? Castle getting too boring?" 

Zelda couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. "That’s fairly accurate.”

Right on queue, the hero of twilight snapped. “That is none of your concern, boy.”

“Link." 

Both the green clad hero and Zalaru flinched at the authority of the princess’ voice. Zelda waited for the two to give her eye contact and felt a sense of pride to see their once feral expressions changed into those of a thirsty puppy. She just rolled her eyes. Boys. "I think Saria has a few things to discuss with you.”

Link instantly opposed. “What? Why? And I’m not leaving you alone with him.”

“I won’t try anything. You have my word, hero.” Zalaru didn’t hesitate to pull the skin down under one of his eyes and ridicule Link’s title. The action was caught by the princess who corrected him with a single glare.

“Zelda, please.” He was begging her now. As much as she wanted to give in, she had to cut the tension. 

“Please, Link.”

The hero noticed the nervousness inching it’s way onto Zelda. Her hand was carefully touching her ear. It was gently, but it was enough to release the built up stress he had acquired for the time being. With a large sigh, he answered. “Of course.”

She smiled and kept up her pace. Zalaru began to speed up to catch up with the princess while Link slowed down. The two didn’t pass without caution in their face. They made eye contact saying what they needed to say in silence.

I swear to the goddesses that if you even touch her…

Ooooooh. I’m so scared.

Soon enough, the group was split into two.

Link didn’t know what to think as he watched Zalaru and Zelda walk in front of him. It didn’t help that he was distracted by the sporatic movement of the forest sage in front of him. Saria had been zigzagging her way left and right admiring the various fauna of the forest. If it had been anyone else, he would have asked what her intentions were. But considering their first impressions weren’t the best, Link held his tongue. His patience was eventually rewarded as the small sage initiated conversation.

“Spring is in full bloom, don’t you agree?”

The hero’s answer was uneasy. “Um yes, I suppose. Definitely more colorful around here.”

“Isn’t it?” At this point, Saria had decided to walk alongside Link. “Spring is always the best time to play.”

“And who do you play with?”

“The trees! The animals, the light spirits sometimes.” There was a sudden skip to her step.

For some reason, Link’s mouth suddenly ran without a filter. “And your puppets?”

He clapped a gloved hand in front of his mouth and refused to look at the young sage. The seconds felt like years. What he didn’t expect was a small hand to slip into his left. 

“You know, your great grandfather had much more control over his speech. Sometimes he didn’t talk at all.” She bent down to pick a flower. “But yes, my puppets keep me company.”

Link watched her sniff the small plant. “Why puppets? Why the mask?”

Saria sighed. “It’s mischievous. Childish. I like to be taken back to my roots.”

“Why is that?”

“The kokiri used to inhabit this forest. They lived peacefully under the great deku tree’s watch and alongside a fairy of their own. A kokiri is all I was and all I knew for a long time. Even looking at me now, you would not think of me as a sage of the forest.”

This time, it was Saria who was startled when Link gently lifted her over a puddle. Her feet came back down to the forest floor, the hero still connected to her. His tone was a combination of curiosity and sympathy. “The kokiri never age.”

“That does not mean they cannot die.”

He didn’t reply.

The young sage was experienced beyond her age. Her face depicted a child, but her body language indicated maturity. “That’s what I thought about your great grandfather as well. He always had a lively spirit.”

Link looked down at his hand that held the young sage’s hand. The triforce was a symbol of his past lives, he knew that much. But after everything that Zelda and himself had talked about in the few days, it meant so much more to him now. The collection of triangles was a sign of his lineage, his family. The blood that ran through the Hero of Time literally ran through his own body. At least Saria was able to contact a piece of her old friend, even if he was merely a vessel. He took in a deep breath before speaking. “I didn’t know him for very long nor did I know he was a hero of such great caliber, but I knew for sure that he was someone everyone gravitated towards. I’m sure he was a great friend.”

“He was my best friend.” He felt her squeeze his hand more firmly. “But you aren’t him.”

Throughout his journey, wounds were just as familiar to him as the act of walking. But hearing those words hurt more than an arrow to the shoulder. It hurt more than the twilight beasts swiping their large hands and throwing him across the field. It hurt more than the few times Ganondorf had struck him with his sword. 

But she was right, he wasn’t that Link. 

“I’m sorry, Saria.” His hand began to slip from hers. “I can never pass as being anything similar to him either.”

The hero jumped slightly when both her hands grabbed on his left. His blue eyes turned to her. She was scowling at him, her lip slightly out in a pout. 

“I never asked you to be.”

Link’s mouth opened, but closed again sensing that the small sage wasn’t done. One of her hands went back to her side but she remained stubborn on her tight grip. “We do not pick the people we start out to be, I’ve learned that much. I never chose to be a sage, your great grandfather never chose to be the Hero of Time, and you did not choose to be the Hero of Twilight. But we can grow to be the people we want to be. Your great grandfather is gone, may he rest in peace. Now I must make new friends, you being one of them.”

He continued to stay silent. 

“You will never be him, that is true. But you never were him in the first place. You are Link of Ordon, Hero of Twilight. And now my friend.”

The sage squeaked when hands suddenly came underneath her arms and she was lifted up. Next thing she knew, she was seated upon Link’s shoulders. Saria held on to the top of his head as his hands on her legs kept her in place. A blush crept across her cheeks. Her eyes made contact with Zelda’s who had looked back over her shoulder to see what the noise was about. Saria found the princess smiling before returning her eyes forward.

“Thank you, Saria. You are now my friend as well.” She could practically feel his smile.

She laid her head atop his. Saria noted how soft his dirty blonde locks were. “You’re very welcome.”

They walked through Faron woods in much more peace. Link could now hear all the creatures go about their daily activities. The leaves rustling, hooves gently stepping on the grass, and birds chirping. He missed the smell of fresh greenery flowing through his nose. Link felt very much at home in the forest and now there was no question as to why. Atop his shoulders, was what brought him comfort the most and he had to admit it did slightly dissipate the animosity he held towards the red headed child in front of him. 

There was absolutely no question that Zalaru knew how to get under his skin. His mere existence burned Link’s very core. Everything that he had worked hard for, everything he had been thrown into two years ago was for naught with every breath that the twelve year old took. Link had scars, both physical and psychological, that would be with him for the rest of his life. He had taken the past two years to finally come to terms with his destiny, not really understanding it to its true extent during the whole journey. There was no time to wait around. He had to get from one place to the next at the urge of Midna and more importantly Zelda. 

In those brief moments that Link had met with the Princess, he was drawn to her. At the time, he didn’t know if it were the dog in him that seeked the attention or if he and the Princess did share some sort of connection. The only thing that Link did know was that he had a duty to the princess. His princess. He wanted to show her that he was rightfully the hero that was chosen by the goddesses. He wanted to be her hero. 

And he did become her hero. Through and through. Link was humble, but confident in his own achievements whether it was just Zelda who knew or the whole kingdom. He finally felt he had lived up to his potential. He earned his place as the Hero of Twilight. 

Zalaru reverted him to nothing but an animal. 

Link was embarrassed, more than Zelda would ever know at the moment. Zalaru was nothing but a child. But that did not mean he would let his guard down.

“He’s not him either you know.”

Link snapped out of his thoughts at the sage’s voice above him. He felt the weight of her head lifting off of his. 

“He may have the king of evil running through him, but he is not Ganondorf. His snark is stemmed elsewhere, from experience rather.”

He tried to remain calm. “How did that boy come to be? Ganondorf was banished to the twilight realm. Yet the boy carries no twili features.”

Saria began to pick at Link’s hair as she spoke. “He is not of the twilight. I know that much. But the only information I have is the same that you have knowledge of already.”

“Do you trust him?”

“I’m not sure yet. But he is a child, just like I am. So I have no reason to carry malice when I do not know his character.”

Link swallowed a lump in his throat before he spoke again. “We do not pick the people we start out to be. I’ll believe that much.”

There was a sense of pride in Saria’s words. “You listen very well.”

“You tend to when you don’t speak much.”

Zelda and Zalaru halted in front of them and Link stopped. Looking around, he finally realized where they were and was only confused. When he looked back, he found the red head and the princess waiting for him to say something. “Why are we at the pedestal of time?”

The twelve year old boy just crossed his arms and nudged his head towards the light. Zelda stepped out of the way to allow him to walk. The princess’s eyes looked at him with the same emotion that she had when they had first met in her castle prison all those years ago. 

The water rippled as she rung the cloth out with excess. Zelda watched as her reflection dissipated into a blur. She disregarded it and made her way back. The forest temple was everything she had imagined. There was vegetation covering every wall. It was fresh and quiet with only small animal noises to fill the silence. It was peaceful, but eerie. The temple had a mysterious atmosphere, holding secrets in every crack. Nonetheless, she was not afraid. "Princess, he seems to have color in his face again." Zelda only smiled at Saria. The sage was kneeling and observing the boy as he lay against a log. "I guess those healing sessions really helped.” "If I may ask," She crossed her legs. "What was wrong with him?" The princess kneeled next to her. "His immune system is horribly low and allows him to contract sickness very easily. It seems he caught a virus and it immediately tired him." "Is he going to be okay?" Zelda patted the boy's head. "Do not fret. I have strengthened his immune system myself although the effects can only last one or two days." "Oh." The child's eyes diverted to the boy once more, slight sorrow filling them.  "I will take care of him." "Thank you, princess. He really needs you." The two sat in silence. Each of them took a turn patting the boy's head with the damp cloth. Zelda checked his vitals every hour making sure he was recovering. This routine had repeated since the time they had arrived. It was already the next day, again they continued. The only thing worrying Zelda was one thing: Link was still missing. "Saria." The child turned her head slowly. "Yes?" "Do you know of Link's whereabouts?" She tried to hide as much concern as possible. Surprising her, the sage laid her head on the princess's lap. Naturally, Zelda wrapped an arm around her.  "I visited him during the night. He is currently near the pedestal in which the master sword rests. The sword of evil's bane brings him solitude and comfort, something he desperately needs." "The sword. Its spirit still gives him reassurance." Zelda closed her eyes and thought back long ago. Saria sighed. "You did make her. You should know exactly why." "But he does not remember Fi." Zelda talked to the air. Nonetheless, Saria answered. "And he does not remember me. No matter what he tells himself." "What about remembering?" The two whipped their heads toward their patient. In front of them, the boy was ruffling his hair and rubbing his eyes. This would be the first time he would have been awake enough to talk. His voice was still high and just beginning to deepen. There was a raspy element to it making his voice something Zelda had not heard before. It was unique. "I don't know about you guys, but I don’t remember a lot." Zelda checked his forehead for a fever. "Do you remember your name?" He shut his eyes. "Let’s see, a name, a name, a name..." Zelda began to worry.  "Zalaru!" He smiled, something so unexpected. "My name is Zalaru." The princess looked towards Saria for reassurance. The sage only nodded.   Zelda sighed in relief. "Good. I do not believe you have amnesia." "Thank the Goddesses, Mom." Saria and Zelda went wide eyed. Zalaru himself followed suit and an awkward silence filled the gap between the three. "What I meant to say..." Zalaru began twiddling with his fingers. "Was thank the goddesses, man." Zelda gave him a look. "That is not what I had heard." To her surprise, the boy laughed. "I’m sorry. You just remind me of someone." "Your mother I assume?" The princess gave a slight grin. Saria had her arms crossed watching the two interact. The sage took careful note of the immediate connection the two had. Zalaru put his hands behind his head. "You are quite the listener. Your presence feels as if she is really here. Thank you." "For what?" Zelda looked at him confused. He smiled a toothy grin. "For caring for me. Although I was unconscious most of the time, I still know it was you who had treated me." Someone clearing their throat caught his attention. He turned and laughed slightly. "And of course, thank you Saria for taking care of me before that." "Well you were really passed out. I would not be surprised if you are a little disoriented at the moment." The princess found herself petting his hair down. Zalaru sighed. "That would explain me seeing two of everything at the moment." "That’s alright. No harm in that. Your body is just readjusting." She smiled. Zelda quickly grabbed some water. "Come on. Hydrate yourself." The boy accepted the offer. His need for water was finally evident to him when he drank the entire bowl. Afterwards, his breathing was heavy. "Thank you." "Now." Zelda looked at him sternly yet gently at the same time. "Do you mind telling me your story on how you got here?" Zalaru looked at her not saying a word. His eyes seemed to be observing her. She had to be honest, it was rather unusual behavior. The princess knew nothing of this boy yet he acted so casual. Then it came upon her: he had no idea who she was. "Let’s see. I was walking through the woods I had barely arrived when I started getting fairly tired. My fatigue finally got the best of me when I collapsed in front of the temple. Next thing I knew I was inside this temple with Saria tending to me." His eyes were at the wooden ceiling. Zelda raised an eyebrow. "Why were you in woods in the first place?" "Because I am brilliant." Zelda gave him a look. "That has no relevance." "Oh yes it does." Zalaru grinned. "I was in the woods because I was absolutely brilliant." Zelda refused to not be fooled. "Again, that is not a reasonable answer to my question." "It most certainly is. I will just leave it at that." The princess stared at him with indifference. Zalaru tried his best to hold in his nervousness. He knew that look all too well. Zelda turned towards the sage standing behind her. "Saria, what was Zalaru doing in the woods." "Alright! Alright!" Zalaru rolled his eyes. "Since you are so nosy, I am looking for something." Zelda used her hands. "And when you say something, you mean...?" "A necklace. It belongs to my mother. She traveled a lot through this land alongside her friend, possibly lovers at one point, but nonetheless they were practically nomads. A source told me that I would find it in a temple suggesting she had lost it when she and her companion were exploring the temples. I am here to find it as she cannot leave." The princess cocked her head to the side. "This task seems rather heavy for a ten year old boy." "Twelve actually. And I am very mature for my age. In fact, I am brilliant." Zelda only shrugged. "And how brilliant exactly?" Zalaru cleared his throat. "Clever enough to finish elementary and secondary schooling in ten years." "Hmm. Sounds a lot like me." The princess pondered on this fact silently. "And who might you be exactly?" She could not help but smile. Not to say that she was arrogant or flamboyant about her title, but Zelda had always found it interesting when people discovered her royal bloodline.  Ordon being the only exception considering the circumstances, the princess was always amused by the reactions she would receive. The princess cleared her throat. "I am Zelda, rightful Princess of Hyrule." She squinted her eyes to watch any sudden changes in the boy’s expression. Any second now, Zalaru was going to gasp or go into shock and she would not miss it for the world. She held her breath anticipating a reaction. "Wonderful name. Although, for a princess, your appearance seems rather dull." Zalaru answered indifferently referring to the cream colored dress she had on. Zelda practically heard her mind shatter. "Excuse me?" "I believe I did not stutter. Your name is beautiful." Zelda continued to push on. "Thank you. But is there nothing you would like to say? Do?" "In relevance to what?" "My title?" Zalaru let his thoughts swim for a moment. Again, the princess waited, unconsciously biting her bottom lip. "Oh yes. It is rather unwise of you to reveal your true identity like that, is it not?" The boy smiled devilishly. Zelda opened her mouth only to close it again. She had been beat. Zalaru's cleverness was infuriating, but also impressive. It was that that intrigued Zelda about his true character. The boy giggled. "Do not worry. I was only joking. I am actually honored by your presence, more than you'll ever know. I just thought you would appreciate it if I did not haggle you like others. An intuition of mine." The princess could not hold in her joy. "Thank you." "Now then. What is he Princess of Hyrule doing alone? No escorts? No army?" Zelda swallowed hard. She cursed her situation at the moment. "My escort ran off. He just needs to clear his mind is all. I’m sure he will return." "He?" zalaru grinned. The princess rolled her eyes. "He is the hero of this land. My sworn protector, nothing else." "How ignorant. Leaving a princess alone in the woods." The boy crossed his arms and sighed. "I do not take a liking to him already." Zelda pleaded with her eyes. "Trust me. Link is a noble man." "From what I can see, he is nowhere near noble. He looks like a filthy swine." Zelda gave him a confused look and found the urge to turn around. When she did, she took in a sharp intake. Link stood at the entrance of the area, soaked and covered in dirt. Zelda could only guess that the crimson patches upon his tunic were blood indicating battle. His hair was disheveled in every which way. The most fearful part, however, was the fierce expression upon the hero's face. It was a look to kill and his eyes were locked on Zalaru. "Get away from her, boy." His teeth were gritted. Zalaru only chuckled sarcastically. "Oh Goddesses! What a joke you have done choosing this idiot as a hero." “I am not an idiot! You are an insolent child! Now get away from Zelda." "Well," He stood up with all his might. Zalaru stumbled slightly but nonetheless successfully stood his ground. "It seems that you two are on a first name basis. How cute." Link growled. "Do not disrespect her." "I'm not afraid of you." The boy shrugged only angering the hero more. "You should be." Link quickly charged at Zalaru. Zelda stepped in his way. "Calm down. He has done nothing wrong." However, Link just set her aside. The harsh treatment shocked Zelda, but did not harm her.  He continued on his path towards the twelve year old. "What is your motive? Did he tell you to come here?" Zalaru spat near his boots. "I do not take orders from him. That moron taught me only one valuable thing: you are a joke. He is just as much stupid as you are." Far from the two, Zelda injected. "Who is he?" The two stood facing each other with no words spoken. At this time, Zelda finally observed Zalaru's appearance, confused at why she had not done it before. The boy came up to Link's chest but still took a strong stance. His hair was a beautiful red and was a sea of curls. Zelda admired the way a few curly strands swept over his forehead while the rest was gathered all over. Upon his face, Zalaru had freckles traveling from one cheek, over his nose, and to the other. Their eyes were copies as the boy sported the same blue violet hue. As for his attire, he wore a maroon colored tunic with brown boots to match. His hands were wrapped in gauze rather than wearing gloves, something Zelda thought as strange. Overall, the boy was cute. He was a child with a mind exceeding his maturity. "Do not worry, Zelda. That individual is disregarded as I took no orders from him." Zalaru grinned at her only infuriating Link.  The hero stepped closer. "How dare you address her by her first name." "Well, why not? You had done it minutes ago, hero." Zalaru made sure to sarcastically emphasis Link's title. Furthermore, he chuckled. "Also, you sold out her Majesty's on the spot. Did you even think of the possibility that I had not known she were Hyrule's ruler? Be lucky your stupidity had been foreseen and I had prior knowledge." "Mocking me is only getting you in more trouble. I think it is you that needs to think things through." Link sneered. Zalaru kept a straight face. "You plan to punish me without a weapon?" "Do you not see this sword on my-" Link felt the weight leave his back and a loud clank echo through the temple. The hero looked down at once instantly enraged at the sight of his weapons on the floor.  "Oops." zalaru smirked. "That's it!" Link grabbed Zalaru by his tunic and pulled him up till his feet hovered above the ground. Zalaru suffered slightly before returning to his smirk. Choking, he remained snarky. Zelda grabbed at Link's arms at once. "Stop! You are hurting him!" "He should not even exist." Zalaru clicked his tongue. "How harsh." "Please, Link. He is but a child." Her voice cracked. In her mind, she confused herself with the sudden burst of concern for the boy. The hero snorted. "That's the problem." "Daddy won’t be very happy with you." Zalaru's smirk widened to show his teeth. "Trust me. I know Ganondorf very well."