Made For You | BOTW Link x Reader

Chapter 42

He held your hand a bit tightly before continuing, "Hundreds of Guardians invaded a village, and the people...their screams...I could hear it from every corner of the field. I couldn't protect them, but I remember trying so hard. Princess Zelda never left my side, but I got hit by one of their beams, and I remember feeling so weak, (Y/n)." His voice was starting to grow hushed, and the unwelcome memory caused his chest to tighten. "One of the Guardians targeted me, but I was so tired, I could barely hold up my sword, and if it weren't for the Princess... (Y/n) if she hadn't stepped in, I would've died. She protected me, and I failed her."

You saw his shoulder stoop low, and when the smallest sniffle came from him, you pulled back on Epona's reins and had him look over his shoulder to face you. "Link...you didn't fail her, you did your part."

"And yet that wasn't enough," Link whispered as he looked at your face. He felt worry build up in his chest again. "I know I've gotten stronger, but what if it's not enough? What if this time I fail to save her?"

The overbearing weight of that had been what silenced him for days, and suddenly, your divine role began to root deep within your mind as you ran a hand down the side of his face lovingly. You recalled when he had shared feeling this way months ago, but you knew it felt more real to him now than before. "That won't happen. Link, you're not alone in this. It isn't something you've had to bear by yourself," you said gently as you gave him the reassurance he needed. "You have me, and together, we'll save Princess Zelda and defeat Calamity Ganon."

Link smiled sadly and leaned against your touch. "I almost didn't want you to come with me, you know?" He exhaled and put his hand over yours. "What worries me most is losing you."

"You won't," you said with a shake of your head. "We've dealt with Guardians together and with so many other monsters that infest Hyrule, Link. We're always strongest when we're together, not alone."

"I know that, but it's always in the back of my mind," Link confessed as he looked over your face. To him, you were the most precious thing in all of Hyrule: a gift. He was so incredibly in love with you that the single thought of losing you opened a hole in his heart. He moved your hand down from his face and held it. "Promise me something."

"Anything."

"After we defeat Ganon and save the princess, promise me we'll go to a peaceful village and live a simple life together. No more monsters or fighting, or anything. I just want to have a home somewhere for you and me."

You felt your lips fall into a pout from his words. You wanted that, a life away from the constant traveling and dangers—a place where Link and you could live peacefully. "I promise," you said within seconds, and you sealed it by kissing his warm lips.

Link moved to kiss you back, and for a good few minutes, nothing but the thought of living life with you after the defeat of Calamity Ganon encompassed his entire mind.

•••

The days leading up to Central Hyrule were nothing short of peaceful. No monsters roamed the path, but the calmness Link and you had felt for the few days you spent traveling was nearing its end. You noticed that the trees around you grew sparser, and from afar, you could see the vast field that waited for you both.

"Stop here," Link told you as he pulled back on Epona's reins. He noticed the field, too, and judging from how open it was, he knew that would raise issues if Guardians lurked around, which he didn't doubt. "I don't think it'll be safe for the horses if we leave them out in the open."

"Good point," you mumbled as you slipped off Zephyr's back. Being so close to the area where Hyrule Castle resided caused the horses to grow uneasy as if they could sense the impending doom Link and you were about to head into. As your horse grumbled, you soothed her by stroking her mane and led her into the safety of the forest.