The Day Hyrule Wept (A BOTW AU)

Balancing Act

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I looked for Buliara in the barracks. She was talking with a group of warriors in the center. As I walked over, I realized how much taller Gerudo women really were compared to Hylians.

I held up my hand in the middle of the group, causing the women to look down at me. "Hi there. May I speak with Buliara?"

"What do you need, Hylian?" It must have been Buliara.

"I'm Princess Zelda, and I need your help with information regarding the Yiga clan. Chief Riju sent me."

"Very well," the tall woman gestured to the corner of the barracks. "What do you need to know?"

"Well, pretty much everything. They've stolen the Thunder Helm and I need to know where to go to retrieve it."

Buliara nodded. "We actually have a warrior that is currently being held by the Yiga. If you find her, release her and she may help you."

She described how to find the hideout, and that I should go prepared to be sneaky. "Fighting all the Yiga clan at once is certain death. Sneak in and out if you can."

"Sneak?" I hadn't practiced much with that before.

"Sneak. There is armor out there and food one can make that can help with that. That's all I know." She finished.

"Very well."

The sunset's colors were all across the sky by the time I reached the inn. It had been a long day, fruitful in information and boots.

As I sat on my assigned bed at the inn, I couldn't help but hesitate falling asleep.

Would Link be there? What do I say after last time? He may not even show up tonight.

I couldn't help but hope he would show up, even still.

I was under a large tree in what seemed to be the middle of Hyrule field. I was dressed in my normal gold and blue top, but with black pants and fancy royal boots. My hands were covered by fingerless black gloves, ideal for grip. My hair ran the length of my back, some braided along my crown. Two little blue clips held back hairs that didn't want to listen to the braid.

Wild flowers surrounded me, the shade of the large tree shading the spot I sat in. The air was soft, gently caressing my hair and face.

"Welcome back, Zelda."

He showed up. Relief was clouded by guilt.

I turned to find Link leaning against the large tree trunk, his eyes closed and arms resting behind his neck. He was dressed in his classic blue tunic, but this time his hair was flowing freely in the breeze, no longer held back by a band.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" Link only opened one eye, and briefly.

"I think that one's obvious...for being short with you last time. I think the heaviness of all this is starting to wear at me. The fact that you're...and I..."

"Shhh. It's all good. Come relax with me." Link stayed where he was, but I moved to join him against the tree trunk. "Can you do me a favor, Zelda?"

I looked at him, with his eyes still shut. "Probably."

"When you dream, let's try and let you relax. The waking world seems stressful enough as it is."

I smiled. "Understatement of the year. That sounds like a good plan."