Free to Love - A Zelda x Link Fanfiction

LIV: Blind to Blood

Link's Perspective:

I couldn't help but find myself stealing glances at Zelda, as she tucked her dark hair behind her ear, smiling softly. I couldn't stop thinking about this morning: Hylia, it was fantastic.

I've never been one to dwell on past activities, especially something like sex. It's not like I've had an over abundance of women in my bed, so much so that I've become desensitized to romance. It was more like I've never felt this kind of closeness before.

All my other past girlfriends, I've been affectionate towards, of course, but I never spent most of my time thinking about them. It's not like I hadn't cared for those past women, because I did.

But something about Zelda... she always dwelled on my mind. And since this morning, I couldn't stop thinking about her underneath me as the warm air clung to our skin, her nails biting into my back as she clung to me. I still had the marks on the back of my shoulders as a reminder.

I could feel her eyes glance over at me a few times, hidden behind strands of hair. I smiled to myself and pretended not to notice, instead daydreaming about our future couple's endeavors. Maybe it was because of that, I didn't notice the sudden sharp chill in the air.

I didn't hear the footsteps crunching around us or sense the shadows behind, until Epona brayed and shook out her mane, just enough to subtlety tell me something was wrong. I glanced up suddenly, returning my attention to my surroundings, just in time to hear the sharp snap of tree branches behind us.

"Hold on," I said suddenly, and Zelda glanced up, eyes flitting around the surroundings. She didn't say anything, but her eyes were wide with fear and concern. I prepared to pull out my bow, other hand sliding towards my shield. I pretended not to notice the shadows around us, observing their movements as they ducked behind trees.

There.

I jumped up, pushing my feet from the stirrups and launching myself at the arrow that was aimed at Zelda's heart. She yelled sharply in fear when she first saw it, then again when she saw me flying towards it. I pulled out the shield quick enough to block the arrow, ducking into a roll, so I could land quickly on my feet. I saw the shadow, red and black suit catching the light.

Not fast enough. I was kneeling, but that was fine enough. I already was grabbing an arrow from my quiver and the bow at my back. I barely had to aim, it was such second nature. Shooting an arrow was just part of my muscle memory at this point.

"Close your eyes!" I demanded loudly, voice deep enough and commanding enough that she didn't even argue. I glanced over to see her eyes screwed shut, already hyperventilating. I let the arrow fly and and I knew I couldn't be merciful with this attack. So my arrow pierced the Yiga's throat dead on and he gurgled, freezing in his track, blood beginning to gush from his mouth as he choked in his blood, falling.

I didn't have time to witness the rest of the man's death, as I leapt forward again and pulled out my shield as the second shadow rushed forward. The sickle made an awful ringing noise when it made contact with my shield, and I heard Zelda yelp again behind me. I didn't have time to see if she still had her eyes closed, as I drew my sword, ducking underneath the sickle to slash across his stomach.

The man screamed in pain, hand flying to his abdomen. I could already see the red beginning to soak through the fabric, and what I could only assume were his intestines. I cut pretty deeply. I didn't think about it, the man howling in agony and I threw all the force behind my sword to cut through his neck. His head landed with a sickening thunk on the ground. The body followed, slumping, torso-first and then the entire body flopping over like a dead fish, blood quickly beginning to pool from the neck stub.

Maybe it was the magic in the Master Sword's blade that made it so easy to wield. The blade was sharp, so sharp, it could cut through brick like smooth butter. It never dulled and it never grew run down. I considered what to about the blood on my sword, deciding to slip into my sheath carefully.

"Zelda?" I asked softly. She whimpered behind me and I turned. She had her face buried into Storm's mane, gasping sharply for air. She didn't respond but I knew she heard me. "Zelda, it's me," I said, voice soft. I placed my hand on her back and she flinched a bit at the sudden touch but didn't move away after, only settling into my comforting touch.

"Don't open your eyes yet," I warned. I knew she couldn't stand gore. "Storm is gonna begin walking, okay? I'm right here next to you and I'm fine. I just want to get you away from here."

Again, she didn't respond but her hand shook as it reached out towards the origin of my voice. I held it, squeezing a bit and her breathing calmed a bit. Storm began walking slowly. I walked alongside and glanced behind us only once.

I couldn't help but wonder: Why did it seem like the amount of Yiga attacks has been increasing lately?

~~~

I'm sorry this is late. This is my first week at college and I got preoccupied. I'm not gonna delve into the details and frankly, I'm tired and I haven't eaten dinner (the dining halls closed before I got anything) so I'm just gonna leave this here. Good night!