Just a Kid

By Dannondorf

"Blah" is talking. 'Blah' is thinking. The symbol 1111111111111111 means a transition in the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Zelda. This story is strictly for entertainment purposes and not for profit.

Author's Notes: This chapter in Link's POV is my favorite, which seems appropriate since it's the last one. It's so delightfully weird. Well, enjoy, and leave a review if you have the time. See if you can guess the ending. ;)

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Chapter 4: "Monotony"

Genre: Horror

This is crap. Someone has actually offered me a chance to relax and have a good meal, and I can't enjoy it. If they hadn't asked me to stay, I'd have already left.

I don't mean to be bitter, but I don't have time for this. There are still many other villages in danger, so many more... These people shouldn't be celebrating just because their town is safe for the moment. They're right to insist that I need rest, but the apocalypse is coming, and if I rest for too long I may not have enough time to stop it. And if that happens, everything will be destroyed, including this village I just saved.

My time would be better spent looking for the next temple. I hate this, this sitting around and doing nothing. Things always go more smoothly when I just head straight for my goal. At least when I do that, I don't always question my actions. I just do what I'm supposed to do and get it over with. No hesitation, no time for thoughts to form and weigh me down. It always gets me in a bad mood when I have too much time to think.

Thinking is what landed me in this mess. I should have turned and left when they pleaded with me to stay longer, but instead I thought it over and decided to indulge in that human part of me which has no place in my quests. Not that I don't deserve a break, but I should have ignored them, ignored the smell of cooking meat, ignored the soothing bathwater against my skin and the soft new clothes they gave me. These people may suffer in the end because of my selfishness.

My stomach rumbles to protest my inner protest against staying, and at once I realize how hungry I really am. Now that I'm sitting down, I don't think I'll be able to get back up until I've had something to eat. I clutch my stomach as it painfully eats itself, having nothing else to consume. My patience and willpower give me enough control to keep from crying aloud, but inwardly I marvel at this level of exhaustion which is beyond even my standards.

I actually punch myself in the stomach now to silence its dangerous desires. A kind woman has taken my tunic to her house to clean and repair it, but she's left it to go elsewhere for a short while. I think there are some crumbs in one of the pockets. If I want to leave for the next town right now, I can get it back and have a small meal on the way.

But fatigue prevents me from taking action, and there is no part of my body I can strike to silence that. I fall back into my chair after a rather pathetic attempt at standing and my body sinks comfortably further into it than before. Each blink lasts several seconds longer than necessary, and that's when I know I've lost. I am so tired that I have to give up on my plans for continuing today. I groan at the choice I've made, but what's done is done. The human and hero in me cannot come to a consensus about whether staying is a good idea, but I won't know for sure until the world is either saved or destroyed, so no use dwelling on it.

I only need to stay awake for a few more minutes, just long enough to let the food finish cooking and then eat as much as my small frame can handle, but my eyes and body are heavy. I need a distraction. Let's see…some kids are running around, celebrating like everyone else. They're all my age, I'm guessing, but they don't look much like me. Hmm…what else can I think about?

"Hey, are you a fighter?" My eyes fly open. I didn't even realize I had closed them. I want to roll my eyes at the younger villager, but instead I nod with a small smile, glad to be speaking with someone my age for once. "You must really suck if you couldn't keep from getting all those ugly scars. I bet Mark had to do most of the work in the temple. Was it cool watching him fight? I've always heard stories about how great he is, but nothing ever happens around here so I've never seen him in action."

There was a time when being mocked bothered me. I took it pretty hard in Kokiri Forest when Mido bullied me. We'd argue back and forth, he calling me any number of bad things and I fiercely denying it, but I learned a long time ago that it's far easier to take things in stride. Ugly? Probably. Adults are always telling me I should eat more. I haven't exactly come out of my fights unscathed, and no amount of rest or healing potions will make my scars completely disappear: there are places under my hat where hair will likely never grow again. A poor fighter? Well, that's not true, but I don't feel much need to prove myself to anyone, especially when I'm this immobile.

His next words are interrupted by a loud cheer and an announcement that the food is ready, and he immediately runs off before I can bother him to bring me some. Luckily, the adults know the state I'm in and carry over some water and a plateful of food. Everyone devours their food heartily, but no one feasts more gratefully than I do. The cup of water sits forgotten on the ground beside my chair as I wolf down my plate's contents. The water can come later: right now eating food until I explode is my top priority. It tastes so good…I don't know if food has ever tasted this good to me.

Soon Mark stands to address the gathering as he told me he would, his frame distinct among the rest of the bodies there, bloody and worn-out like mine but also tall and muscular. Everyone stops eating to listen. It amazes me how he can get everyone's attention before he even opens his mouth, but from what I've heard he's something of a hero to these people. I stop eating also to regard him.

"Grant me silence for a moment! Our town is safe again. The moblins are no more. With the help of a new companion, I purified the temple of those monsters. We are having this feast to celebrate and to thank the boy who helped make this possible. Let me tell you, folks, when he stumbled into our village yesterday I thought he was a demon! Am I right?" He and everyone else laugh good-naturedly. "Dirty and malnourished with that emotionless look in his eyes… But he's proven to be a real angel…though he is a demon in battle! He's even better with a sword than me!"

Many stare incredulously or even suspiciously at me. I also stare incredulously, but at Mark. I did not expect a comment like that. I am not used to recognition. Why is he talking about me? It's true that I outperformed him, but why doesn't he mention the incredible bravery he showed during the fight? Most of the people I've met in my travels love to talk about themselves…

"It's like he's done all this before. His actions in battle are almost automatic. There is no anger or fear, only calculating coolness. He does not look away when the blood pours from his enemies, and it hardly slows him down when he himself is injured. Some of you may not believe me, but if not for him this town would still be in evil's grip." He directs his gaze at me. "I apologize if we avoided you at first. You're clearly not from around here. I've never seen anyone who wears that much green. Well," he chuckles, "I guess it's not very green anymore!" Everyone laughs, and then his expression sobers. "Still, that's no excuse for the lack of hospitality we've shown you. You helped us in our greatest time of need. You put your life on the line for us when you didn't owe us a thing in the world, and we'll never forget that. Now we want to know: who are you? I imagine you're something of a hero where you come from. Tell us about yourself. What's your name? Who raised you and taught you how to fight? Do you plan on staying here?"

It takes me a few seconds to realize he's put me on the spot. I look around and see everyone staring expectantly. For the first time in a long time, I'm nervous. Darn it, I'm always by myself, I'm not used to this many people focusing on me! Eating all that food and having no water with it has tightened my throat, and I'm unable to speak. Where should I start? I haven't had to say anything other than a simple "can I have some food" or "which way is blah blah blah" in months, and my past isn't something I can explain easily.

The seconds tick by, and the audience looks puzzled by my lack of response. "What's the matter, kid, are you mute?" he jokes to lighten the mood. "I mean, I haven't heard you say a single word since I met you! It's okay. Don't be nervous." But I remain petrified. More time goes by, and his expression gradually becomes apologetic. "Oh my—you are, aren't you? Oh, I'm so sorry! I-I didn't know!"

For some reason, I desperately do not want to upset him. I shake my head vigorously and manage to squeak out an "I'm Link."

He sighs, clearly relieved. A smile plays on his face. "Well, Link, you seem a bit shy, but I'm sure we'll learn more about you in time. For now, just relax and eat as much as you want. You look like you need it."

His speech ends. Everyone goes back to eating merrily and a couple of people who were hesitant to approach me before cautiously walk over to strike up a conversation. A pleasant feeling wells up inside me. No group has shown me this much kindness since I left Termina. Is this what it feels like to belong? I've forgotten, but…I think it is.

Sadly, though, it cannot last. Tonight I will slip away to continue my journey. They would not understand if I told them. They do not understand that I may be the only one who can save the rest of this kingdom. But until then, I'm going to enjoy this as much as I can. If only for tonight, loneliness and hunger will not plague me.

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I am free.

The thought comes to me, shouting triumphantly against my weariness. Mentally I begin celebrating as I finish slaying this abomination, the cause of all the kingdom's recent troubles and the whole reason I've been fighting for the past month. The thought that killing it has saved this land will not fully set in until later; at the moment I only care that my last fight is over.

Tears flow freely, but not of sadness or pain. I grin broadly. I'm not stupid: I know that within a few days I'll be pulled into yet another journey, but for this moment, this one sweet, wonderful, hard-earned moment, I am free. Another trial will come—another trial always comes—but at least for a few days, there will be no pressing need to save anyone, and I will have a peaceful moment to myself. In between much-needed rest and eating, I will have time to do what I want to do, think about what I want to think about, and remind myself that I am still a person.

I collapse near my deceased opponent, still feeling triumphant even as the strength to stand leaves me. I reach for what little remains of my blue potion, and it seems I haven't even the energy to bring the bottle to my lips. The victorious feeling leaves as I'm suddenly overwhelmed by fear that I will die before I taste my freedom or that destiny will throw me into my next challenge before I muster the energy to tend to my wounds. But the feeling comes back. It always comes back, for I'm always just barely able to hold on. The goddesses still have much work for me to do before they'll let me die.

Once the bottle is emptied, I am slightly less drained and my head clears up a bit. The question of what I should do with myself now arises, and I am so happy about getting to make the decision myself that, though I still have to get back to the outside world, in my thoughts I've already left the temple behind. I think back on Mark and his village and decide I would very much like to spend some time there before I have to save someone again. Every adventure I go on takes me farther and farther away from Saria and the Kokiri, but Mark kind of reminds me of her…so honest and kind and cheerful. He's brave, too, and strong. Lately in my unguarded moments I've wondered what life would be like having him as a father figure. A silly, childish fancy, but one I want to explore now that I have time. It would be nice to make a new friend, a real friend, something I haven't had in far too long.

Backtracking through the temple is the same as backtracking through temples always is for me: progress is slow and arduous because of how tired and hurt I am, and I do not pay attention to the carcasses scattered throughout except for when I use one as a stepping stool to make climbing easier for my battered body. My eagerness makes the trip seem to last longer than it actually does until at last a bright light marks the end of the dungeon. Then I am above ground again and inhale deeply, enjoying the luxury of air that is not stagnant and doesn't smell of blood.

Everything is inexplicably serene. The bright midday sun and vivid greens of nature are very welcome after the darkness I emerged from. In nearby towns, people have probably noticed that the apocalypse has been thwarted and are hugging and celebrating. But despite the sense of universal calm, my body cries out in agony, and I resolve to travel to Mark's village and secure a bed, a meal, and a potion as quickly as possible.

The walk lasts most of the day and every step is like a new struggle, but I do not pause to give my legs a break. I keep moving so I can see the townspeople sooner and so I won't have leisure enough to let doubts of whether I even know how to be part of a community anymore crush my optimism.

It is almost dark when I arrive, but people are still out. They greet me, ask me where I've been, gawk at my physical condition, and tell me that I should rest here for the night. "And this time don't leave without telling anybody! We were all worried that a moblin had escaped our eye and taken you!"

It seems my leaving unannounced has changed nothing. Nonetheless, my instinct tells me something is off. For once, though, it's not my warrior instinct; I sense no killer intent or animosity or ill will. Everyone looks genuinely happy at my presence, but something in their words or movements or facial expressions tells me there is more to the situation. Some immensely important message claws at my mind, trying to get in through the wall of ignorance that's resulted from my having so little communication with other people. I ignore it. I do not trust this underdeveloped instinct, and fatigue makes leaving rather unappealing.

I ask for a place to sleep. They offer one but first fetch the town doctor to clean my wounds. A chair is placed beneath me and I wait. "My goodness! You didn't have all those when you left! What have you been doing?"

My voice is quiet and strained. "There were more people I had to help in other villages. I got into a few fights."

He stares in fascination at me but thankfully chooses not to pursue the topic. Then as he prepares to apply a bandage, he pauses. It is only a slight hesitation, but I notice it immediately, and then I know that my earlier instinct has been verified by my keen eye. My life has conditioned me to notice every detail, and now I am absolutely positive something is awry.

"Link," he says somberly.

"Yes?" My voice has shrunken even further into itself. There is something behind this man's eyes that is not malice but regardless tells me I should run away right now. Am I not welcome here anymore? Has something happened to Mark?

"Link," he repeats, and now I am able to identify one of his emotions as regret. "You are an incredible fighter, are you not? Mark has the utmost faith in your abilities."

"I…well, I've killed my share of monsters." Why am I downplaying my abilities? What am I afraid of? What is going on?

"I'm sorry to ask this of you, but you seem the only one capable of such of feat."

I try to stand and back away. Rushing here when I should have paced myself makes it impossible. "W-what do you mean?" My voice trembles. Please, goddesses, if you can hear me, don't make it so. Please prove my suspicions wrong. I just got here…I…I'm not ready. I want to see Mark! Tears stream down my face. I know now what is coming.

"A distant land is in need of saving, and only you can do it."

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Dannondorf: That's the end of this little saga. It was a pleasure to write. Was it a pleasure to read? Let me know what you think. Dannondorf out.