The Legend of Zelda: Transient (third book in the Timeless series)

Chapter 23

"What is this?" Link asked, looking down at the blade in front of him.
"Your sword, sir?" The general said with a confused expression,
"I know that. I meant why did you want to show me a sword?" He said while rolling his eyes,
"We've stayed here for too long, sir. The spirits are still plaguing this land and we need your help to banish them." He explained for what seemed like the millionth time,
"I've told you before, I don't know how to fight. I'm sorry, but I'm not the guy you need." He said, taking a step backward,
"I know you don't remember, but before the attack you were our King, and the Hero of Hyrule. You are who we need." He insisted, a tone of desperation creeping into his voice. Link sighed,
"Maybe I was, but I'm not anymore. I don't know how to even hold a blade, let alone save a kingdom. I-I can't be a hero." He turned and left the house before the man could begin to respond.
The town they were residing in was small, containing only a few houses and a shop or two in its entirety. The kingdom was clearly a poor one, with the people all clothed in handmade attire, and depending entirely on farming to provide for themselves. The residents were friendly enough, but the constant feeling of being out of place kept him from creating relationships with any of them, though one girl in particular had caught his attention,
"How did it go?" Midna asked, looking up at him as he approached the bench she sat upon. He shook his head,
"All they can focus on is trying to get me to continue being their King. Me, a king. As if." He said with a scoff, plopping down next to her. She was quiet for a moment,
"You don't remember anything?" He shook his head,
"Nothing besides what they've told me. It's all a bit much to take in though, so they haven't said much," He said with a shrug. She took a deep breath, looking out at the villagers attending a field,
"So what's your plan, Mr. Hero?" She asked with a smirk. He threw a look her way, and she giggled,
"I have no idea." He said, running a hand through his hair. She didn't respond for several moments before she suddenly turned to him,
"Well, as usual, I do," She said with a grin. He glanced over at her, raising an eyebrow. She shifted towards him, grabbing his wrist. His eyes widened in surprise, but didn't resist, "There's a reason for the pressure they're putting on you. I've read about it before. This." She pointed to the mark on the back of his hand,
"They're badgering me because of a mark?" He repeated with doubt in his voice,
"It's not just a mark, dummy." She retorted, rolling her eyes, "It's a symbol. The books said it was a sort of tether, one that binds you to a predestined fate. It's what makes them so dependent on you to save them."
"Are you agreeing with them? That I should try and fulfill this destiny of mine?" He asked bitterly, looking forward,
"Don't get all pouty. I wasn't finished." She said with a pause, "Whoever you were, you're not anymore, and everyone deserves the choice of who to become. Predestined roles be damned." He thought he detected a twinge of sadness in her voice, but she was continuing before he could question, "But I know of someone who could help you."
"What do you mean?"
"There's a benevolent sorcerer that lives about a day's journey from here. It is said that he has the power to cut the bind you have to that mark. Then, you can be whoever you want, without the pull of destiny and blabbering swordsman to hold you back." She said with a smirk, "You can start over." He remained silent for a few moments as he thought.

"I'm in."