Zelda took drastic measures when she and Link came back to the castle a day later. She had Leon assigned to watch over her knight. “Make sure everything that could possibly be considered dangerous or deadly, is gone. Or at least hidden away. No scrap that – I want it gone. Knowing Link, he’ll find it,” she had ordered he second best and trusted knight. At this point she considered him a friend as well. Leon confirmed this with a nod and went to work.

Link had locked himself in his room. He was tired and angry at himself for letting his emotions getting out of control. As a knight he had learned to hide his emotions, but Zelda opened the doors he wanted to keep closed. He had seen his own change; he was angry at the stupidest things, was having dangerous thoughts and of course the self harm that had slipped back into his life. Again, he couldn’t control his own emotions and it was driving him insane. A soft knock pulled Link out of his thoughts and drove away the nagging voice in his head. “Link? “ Zelda’s voice sounded through the wooden door. “Yes?” the knight replied after a brief silence. “Can I come inside?” Link let out a deep sigh and stood up to unlock the door. A concerned Zelda stood in the opening.
Zelda looked at her knight. Every time she felt a jolt of electricity shot through her when he looked at her. She saw how this new enemy was draining al of the energy out of Link. “You look awful, “ she said. “Thanks, like I didn’t know that, “ Link replied with annoyance. Zelda couldn’t help but stare into Link’s once bright blue eyes – now reduced to a dull greyish color. “Where is my sword? “ Link asked out of no where. “I have it. And it will stay that way, until I think it is save for you to have it, “ Zelda said. “So how am I your appointed knight when I can’t protect you? You are basically taking away my job and the only thing to keep myself busy! “ Link said. “Link, I am doing this, because you are under suicide watch. I am afraid that when I turn around, you’ll find a way to take your life. This is why I assigned Leon to keep an eye on you, which also means he’ll be traveling with us all the time and help us rebuild this kingdom, “ Zelda said. Link felt like someone had dropped a bomb near him. He just looked at the soon-to-be queen, while his mind was running wild. “I’m sorry… WHAT?!” he yelled. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to lose you again, “ Zelda said. She turned around and walked out of the room, leaving Link behind.
___________
A few days went by and Zelda had decided to travel to Rito village. She had Leon travel along, as she had said to Link. The nervous knot in her stomach wouldn’t go away and at one point Link sensed her tension around him. “I am not going to jump, “ he said. “You won’t be able to, because I am not leaving you alone. Not even a second, “ Leon replied. Link let out a defeated sigh; he now knew how Zelda felt when he was appointed to her one hundred years ago. “Is it really necessary?” he asked. “Yes! “ both Zelda and Leon said. Link again was quiet, finding it again easier than talking. Even that was tiring. It was also tiring to have Leon around every second of the day. It made Link claustrophobic, like he didn’t have any space to himself. It was stressful, even when he knew he was in good hands. His mind went blank for a moment, easing the thought he was having and leaving his world in a white void.

Leon was riding behind Link, to keep and eye on the knight as well as the Princess. Earlier he was instructed to call the princess by her first name. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Zelda? “ he asked. “Yes, Leon, “ Zelda replied. “Can I just say that I am happy that I can help,“ he said. “I am also glad you are helping. You are a loyal man and once this is done, your help won’t go unnoticed,“ Zelda said with a smile. Leon smiled. He didn’t want a reward, as he was just merrily doing his job, but he also knew he could not say no to a Princess, let alone a queen. His attention was pulled back to Link, who was unusually quiet – not that he wasn’t always – but now it was a silence that felt different. ‘’Link?’’ Leon asked. There was no response. Leon rode next to the knight and was faced with an unnerving sight; Link seemed to be totally out of focus. His eyes were staring into nothingness. Leon tapped Link on his shoulder, and it did the trick. ‘’Are we getting attacked?’’ Link asked, startled by the sudden touch. ‘’No, you were somewhere else with your mind,’’ Leon said. ‘’I was? Guess I am just tired. Must’ve nodded off,’’ was the reply. ‘’Since when do you sleep with both eyes open?’’ was Leon’s remark. He was slightly worried about Link’s odd behavior.
‘’I’m fine, don’t worry,’’ Link said and kept going.

‘’Alright…’’
_________________________
Link looked at the big structure in front of him. It always amazed him how the Rito were able to build this. The tough stones with the houses sprinkled around it. But the place also held the memories of the late Revali – the one who always knew how to evoke the feeling of anger. A hand on his shoulder pulled him out of his thoughts. “Are you okay?” Zelda stood in front of him with a look of concern. “I’m fine,” Link answered with a nod. “Just making sure. I know Revali has been hard on you, “ Zelda said. She had listened intently when Link showed his anger towards the Rito Champion and needed someone to vent. “It’s been 100 years. I’ll be fine,” Link said, though his feelings were telling a totally different story. It almost felt like a new door had opened and all the feelings of that day poured out. He forcefully closed it, like he had to close a room that was jampacked. He still managed to get himself focused on the task ahead, as he always did. Yet he still felt the eyes of Leon in his back. “I know you’re looking at me, “ he said. “Well yeah, that is what I am supposed to do,” Leon said.

Once they took the several wooden bridges and stairs, Zelda made her way to the elder of the Rito: Kaneli.  Link decided to go and see Teba, closely followed by Leon. “Well hello, Link. I didn’t know you were visiting,” Teba said as soon as he saw the Hylian enter his space. “I’m here with Princess Zelda, on her quest to rebuilt Hyrule,” Link said. “And who is that behind you?” Teba pointed to the soldier. “I am Leon, I am traveling along because-‘’ a single glare from Link made Leon alter his words: “because I haven’t seen any of the other places other than Hyrule castle.” Teba simply nodded. He had picked up the exchange between Link and Leon. “Well, I hope you enjoy your stay. We don’t see a lot of Hylians out here, “ he played along, making a mental note to talk to Link later. “Leon, would you mind stepping outside for a moment?” Teba said, changing his mind after all. The question caught Leon of guard. “Well, yes, I do mind, “ he said. He took his duty seriously and couldn’t keep quiet anymore. Link might kill him over this, but he hated this. “I have been assigned by the princess herself to be at Link’s side at all time, “ he said. “I didn’t know the Hylian Champion himself needed someone to guard him, “ Teba said in surprise. “It’s not that I want it, “ Link said. “I know that you don’t want this, but I don’t want to see you either jump of a ledge or whatever you are planning in that head of yours. I’m here to keep you safe and out of harm’s way, ESPECIALLY if you are that harm’s way, “ Leon said, finally speaking up. Teba watch the fight happen.

“Do you actually know how it is to fight with a head that has given up?”

After those words, Link made his way to Zelda. He had enough of Leon and him telling every goddamn person about the situation. He found her still at the elder’s place. ‘’Link! Where’s Leon?’’ Zelda asked when she saw her knight. ‘’I left him with Teba. That guy stresses me out. Outing me like it was his place,’’ Link said, furiously. ‘’I am busy here right now, but we can talk about it later, ‘’ Zelda said. Kaneli pitched in, having a different view on this. ‘’I think you should talk to him. We can continue later. You have my help with the rebuild. The details will come later,’’ he said. Zelda let out a sigh. ‘’Never mind. I see you are busy,’’ Link said. ‘’I’m sorry for being a nuance to you.’’ He walked off again, not really knowing where to go. Too many options.

Too many ledges.
__________________________
Zelda looked at Kenali. She really was conflicted with herself. She was so busy with her goal and trusting Leon on watching over Link, that she was the one neglecting him. ‘’I don’t know what to do,’’ she finally said. ‘’I don’t know what is going on, but I can see it causes you stress,’’ Kenali said.
‘’It does. And I should be helping, but know nothing of how a mind works, how it can screw up someone this bad.’’ 

She decided to go after Link. With Leon not in sight, she feared what could happen. Or couldn’t. She didn’t know. Lately she figured that every action was unpredictable.  It caused her huge amount of anxiety. She thought it was easy, but it was not. The continuing mood swings had her on edge, like something could happen at any moment. Like a silent snake waiting to attack its pray.
__________________________
Link aimlessly walked on the biggest platform. His mind was screaming at him to jump, to just end it all. But his body refused. This was a fight that was going on every day. It was present ever since he woke up in that damned shrine of resurrection and it only got worse after he defeated the Calamity. Being here evoked so many feelings. Every city where he went where one of the champion had lived had led him to go insane in some sort of way. He felt like a burden, not of use and overall an annoyance.
Sitting down and looking at the waters below were an attempt to quiet the yelling in his head. He let his legs swing over the edge and leaned against the wooden railing. He was glad that Leon left him alone for now. He knew the guy did his job, but it only made himself feel like a nuance, a burden. ‘’Can you step away from that ledge?’’ a voice suddenly spoke; it was Leon. Speak of the Devil. ‘’Hi, Leon,’’ Link said without looking up. ‘’I asked you a question,’’ Leon said. ‘’Don’t worry, it’s not that I am going to jump,’’ Link said, ‘’yet,’’ he added. ‘’I don’t like this, so I am going to tell you to stand up and step away,’’ Leon said. Link let out a sigh and stood up. ‘’Happy?’’ he asked as he walked to Leon. ‘’Yes,’’ Leon said.

‘’Look, I know you’re doing your job, but it won’t stop me.’’

These words were caught by Teba, who was standing mere feet away. He walked over. ‘’I don’t know what you are planning, but I won’t let it happen,’’ he said. ‘’Isn’t it just better for everyone? Zelda has her job as a Queen and Leon has other things to do than babysitting my suicidal ass,’’ Link said. He wanted to walk away but was stopped by Teba. ‘’Let me go, Teba, I am done talking,’’ Link said, freeing his arm and walked off.
______________________
Zelda had wrapped up her meeting and her personal talk to the Rito elder. She felt a bit better after her talk, but it didn’t take the nervousness away. She was so deep in thought that she failed to see the person in front of her and walked straight into them. “Oh, sorry, “ she said. Looking up, she was met with Leon and Teba. “It’s okay, Zelda, “ Leon said, earning a glare from Teba who was stunned that the knight was talking to the princess in such familiarity. “Princess, “ Teba said, “I am worried.” Zelda looked at the Rito. Her mind was playing all the horror scenarios that could happen. “Worried? Did something happen? Where’s Link? Leon, why aren’t you with him?” she asked.

“Link is fine, physically at least, “ Teba said. “Well, where is he? I demand to know where my knight is!” Zelda said, slightly raising her voice.
“He walked off. I don’t know where-“ Teba was interrupted by a yell. He shot up to the sky to get a better sight of what the dispute was about. He soon saw another Hylian holding down Link as they both fought for an object.

‘’Let me go!’’

‘’And let you go through with whatever you were planning? No way, buddy!’’

The Hylian on top was rather strong and had no problem pushing Link’s head into the wooden floor of the platform they were on. Teba landed besides the two. ‘’What is the meaning of this?’’ he asked. ‘’This,’’ the unknown traveler tossed he object near Teba’s feet. ‘’A knife?’’ was the reaction of the Rito. The knife just lay there, gleaming in the light of the sun. It took Teba a moment to connect the dots and the truth his him like a ton of bricks.

Link was still struggling under the weight of the still unknown persons’ weight. He finally had enough and mustered up all his strength, what little he had, to fight back. He wrapped his arm around the neck of the other person and pulled them close. He used the momentum to turn on his back, now pinning the opponent under him. Free at last, he stood up and faced the Hylian who was also standing. “I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but I advise you to keep out of my business!” Link said, with raised voice. “My name is Ishah and I will make it my business when someone is ready to straight up kill themselves! What would your family think? Are you mad?!” Ishah said.

“If I took my life today, no one would even miss me!”

Teba was shocked by hearing these words. He figured it was bad, but not this bad. Zelda and Leon soon joined, missing the conversation, but they figured what it was about. “Make sure this is gone, “ Teba said, handing the knife to Zelda without averting his eye from Link. “I don’t know what is making you do this, but it won’t happen as long as I am standing here, “ Teba continued. His mind was reeling with fear for the hero, but he needed to distract him long enough for Leon to make a move. Detaining the blonde was now the best option, even if it seemed inhumane. Zelda caught what Teba was doing and instructed Leon to make a move. The knight got it and slowly creeped closer to Link. A simple quick nod from the Rito was the sign and within seconds, Link was floored a second time. A yelp escaped from Link’s throat, before he could register what was happening. “I’m sorry,” was the only thing he heard, before Leon knocked him out with the bud of the hunting knife.
____
“I wanted you to detain him, not to knock him out!”

“I’m sorry!”

“Guys, we can fight over this for another 100 years, but that won’t help."

Hearing was the first thing that came back to Link. Shortly after came the mother of all headaches and along with them came nausea. Upon opening his eyes, he was met with the wooden ceiling. Automatically, he wanted to move his hand to his head, but found he couldn’t. Instantly aware of the sensation, he lifted his head and saw he was strapped to the bed he was lying on. What the-. Pulling on his restraints didn’t work.  What in the hell is this? Yelling was no option, as it was late at night and the rest of the village was probably asleep, save for the three people he heard talking. His vision was blocked by a curtain, but would soon reveal the face of Zelda. Her slender fingers pushed aside the heavy fabric and she looked like she hadn’t been sleeping. “Thank Hylia, you’re awake, “ was the first thing she said. “For a moment I thought Leon had killed you.” Too dumbfounded to talk, Link just looked at the princess. But his eyes said it all: he wished it was the outcome, but the gods decided to give him another day on the torture that was life. “Why am I tied up?” was the first question that came out. “What time is it? How long was I out?” He couldn’t remember what had happened, hoping that the answer would come soon. “You’ve been out for a day. And the reason you are tied up is because we had to save you from yourself again. And I don’t mean this in a degrading way. I don’t know what to do to help you,” Zelda said, defeated. It felt like she had to rediscover her holy powers again and pry herself into having Link open up to her.

“I want to help you.”

“And how were you planning on doing that? I can’t be helped.”

“Of course you can. Seeing you this way hurts. I want to do everything in my power to help, but if you won’t cooperate, I don’t know what I can do.”

The sneaky voice made it sudden appearance into Link’s head. “Of course you’re hurting her. It’s the only thing you can do. Hurting others," it said. Link tried to push the nasty voice back, but it was persistent in making its presence known. “Such a shame that you didn’t follow through. I mean, who would even bother to save your sorry ass. After your gone, the world wouldn’t stop turning, time would move on and everyone will eventually forget you. You failed the first time. But if you keep trying, you might do something good in your life. By ending it. It’s like getting rid of the trash.” Link couldn’t help but listen and agree. He vowed then and there that he would hide any sort of emotion and action. Like he did 100 years ago.
He just had to convince the people around him that he was okay and feeling better.

He eventually would end up in a grave.

Might as well dig it himself.