Zelda awakens to the rude blaring of her alarm, and she hazily slams the snooze button. Dragging herself out of bed with a sigh, she slips on her bedroom slippers and starts the dreadful journey downstairs. As she makes her way down the stairs, she begins to think of how inconvenient it is that Link will be following her all day. Perhaps, this "all day" thing excludes breakfast, she reassures herself. However, Zelda approaches the kitchen, and in it awaits her greatest dread—Link.

Except he isn't waiting for her; rather, he's doing the last thing she'd expect: he's cooking. With a swift hand he flips an omelette filled pan, and to his side lie a platter of pancakes, fruits, and a warm bowl of cinnamon oatmeal. Zelda instinctively wafts the warm aroma to her nose, taking in all of the wondrous smells. Link, heavily engrossed in his breakfast-making, doesn't seem to notice her for some time. He hums a song to himself as the eggs sizzle. When he does notice her, however, he offers a half-smile and a soft "good morning."

Zelda almost renounces her cold demeanor towards the boy when she spots the bowl of oatmeal; however, she remembers the circumstances and instead begins preparing her own oatmeal.

"That oatmeal is yours," Link calls absently over his shoulder. He sprinkles something on the omelette.

"Thank you," Zelda says briskly, warming her own oatmeal in the microwave. She taps her fingers against the countertop. "While I do appreciate your gesture, I am capable of making breakfast own my own. You are just my bodyguard, are you not? Then do not trouble yourself by being my chef as well," she stares at him momentarily, allowing him to process her words. He doesn't move. She offers a quick nod and a frown, taking her own bowl in her hands to eat in the dining room.

As Zelda silently eats her meal, she still hears the soft simmering of the stove and smells the lovely warm scents of breakfast from the kitchen. She sighs. Why is he cooking? Does he think I can't do anything on my own? He infuriates me. Losing her appetite, she shoves the bowl away and discards the dish in the dishwasher, skirting past a quietly content Link. He sits at the counter eating quickly, cleanly, as his fork scrapes the omelette (still warm on his plate); and he offers a neutral look to Zelda.

"I'm off to take a shower, bodyguard. If I happen to need you—which I strongly insist, I won't—then I shall call you. But otherwise, you may take your leave and head onto school when you wish," Zelda announces, her head held high. She glances at her watch, which reads 6:20. It isn't likely he'll need to go to school soon. I'm an imbecile!

Zelda silently curses herself as she returns to her bedroom. "What is he to do now? Wait until it's time for school? What will he do until then?" She slaps a palm to her forehead. "I swear, if he presses his ears against my bedroom door to monitor my every move I'll—forget it."

Zelda sighs, continuing her morning with her usual shower. The warm water feels smooth down her back, a comfort especially in the lingering autumnal season. Afterwards she applies her usual makeup and blow dries her hair before slipping on her school attire.
By the time 6:55 rolls around, Zelda silently parts her door to scan the hallways for him.

To her surprise, Link isn't plopped outside of her door nor is he waiting upon the bridge between their rooms. The hallway is devoid of anyone! Zelda, smiling to herself, walks across the corridor to her piano practice room. She fetches her music books and thumbs through the sheets to find a piece to practice. Rhoam expects her to play difficult pieces; however, feeling no obligation to fulfill Rhoam's request, Zelda selects a fast-paced song called the 'Song of Storms.'

Her fingers fire up and down the piano, dancing in a light yet bold pattern of staccatos. The melody rises and falls in mischief, and Zelda enjoys the piece. She loses herself in the wild melody, her mind drifting away...

Until she senses a presence at the door.

She slowly turns to the door, her fingers tensed and still upon the piano keys. A figure's shadow casts across the doorway.

"Bodyguard..."

Link silently steps into the doorway, his golden hair tied in a damp pony tail. He smells of crisp pine and ocean.

"I'm practicing piano, as I assume you know my schedule, and I have absolutely no need of your presence in this house! I'm safe here! Why can't you see that?!" Zelda shouts, tossing her piano books to the side.

"But Miss, your Father—"

"I don't care what he said! I don't need you trailing behind me inside this house!" Zelda slams the piano shut, and Link's eyes do not falter from her own.

Zelda narrows her eyes at him one final time before stomping out of the room. She yanks the door closed and locks it, flopping onto her bed in distaste. Although usually she practices playing her violin at this time, she ignores the dull thing and resorts to writing in her diary. The habit helps her vent her feelings.

Entry 1: September 18th

I'm so infuriated at Father. Recently, the
Yiga gang has attacked our citizens, yet he neglects to do a thing about their feats. I know he is reluctant to take action because of what happened to Mother. However, Mother wouldn't want Father to sit by while innocent people continue to fall. She would want us to fight to vanquish these evil men.

But Father does nothing. He sits and waits and insists that everything is under control, but it is not. I believe that he has lost his mind. Yesterday, he assigned me a bodyguard. It is absolutely absurd!

I don't even want to get started on that bodyguard. He follows me absolutely everywhere. Even around home, it seems he is my shadow! It's unnecessary!

I'm angry, but I suppose I should allow myself to cool down. I'll write more later.
- Zelda

Zelda sighs, placing her diary into her vanity drawer. The time is 7:30, and she realizes she still has empty time to fill. So she absent-mindedly fetches her phone to text Mipha and Paya.

Zelda: It seems I have a new shadow. 😒

Paya: ?

Zelda: The new boy. Link. Father actually assigned him to be my bodyguard.

Mipha: What? Ur complaining?

Paya: tbh I'd let him guard me any day😍😊

Zelda: You both are no help at all...

Mipha: Zelda, Link's so charming...❤️

Zelda: It's not charming being followed everywhere I go!

Paya: u have lost ur mind, Z...get on to school, or else get Link's number for me!🤗

Zelda: I am not talking to him. And I'll see you both at school!

Zelda shuts off her phone and rolls her eyes. So her two best friends are merely Link fan girls. Just great, Zelda thinks to herself.

Well...it's not that I haven't noticed the way his golden hair glints when the sun's rays hit it just right, or the way his sapphire eyes glint when the light shines upon his tanned face—

What in Hylia's name am I thinking?!

Zelda slaps her face for even thinking such rash things about her nemesis and rushes out the door to school. She doesn't even bother telling Link that she's leaving.

"Zelda, curse you for even thinking a thing like that! What are you, a hormonal teenage girl? Get yourself together and quit writing love poems in your head! He's your bodyguard, and you're mad at him for following you like a puppy!" She murmurs to herself, practically sprinting down the sidewalk to school. "Stupid girl! Stupid!" She doesn't even consider the fact that other people could be listening to her ridiculous monologue and continues her trek.

When she arrives at school, she greets Mipha and Paya with crossed arms.

"So, did you get his number for me?" Paya squeals, taking Zelda's hands in her own.
Paya acts as if Link is a pop star and Zelda got his autograph for her.

"No...Paya! Why are you excited about this? He's my bodyguard!" Zelda groans.

The three girls begin walking to class.

"Why, Zelda," Mipha, who is usually quieter, pipes in. "I think this is great. You've got a handsome, talented boy to follow you around! Why are you complaining? It's a great opportunity for you to get a boyfriend!" Mipha chirps. She pulls a pop culture magazine from her book bag and begins reading rubbish from the pages. "See! Page 7 talks about 'How to Flirt.'"

"Boyfriend?! Mipha, you're being ridiculous! He's...he's not a friend, let alone will he become a boyfriend!"

"Well, Z, if you don't snag that boy up, someone else in this school will!" Paya points out, and Mipha nods, her head still tucked in the magazine.

The two girls have a point; Castle Town High School rarely receives new students, so when a new, handsome, polished, Skyloft student plops in, he is bound to be snatched up by the greedy hands of the Castle Town girls! But what does Zelda care? She doesn't want a thing to do with him!

They reach Mrs. Naboris's class and take their seats, continuing their intense conversation.
Zelda, with reluctance, takes her usual seat between the two Link fans.

"I just feel like this is an opportunity to do something for yourself, Zelda," Mipha smiles, brushing her long red hair aside. "If you don't want him as a boyfriend, then it would at least be nice to have a new friend to help you around. You're always so busy, occupied with schoolwork and music and—"

"I know, Mipha," Zelda sighs. "It's just so obnoxious to be treated like a child. Father thinks I am incapable of protecting myself, and he couldn't be more wrong. You both know Impa's skills are engraved in my mind!"

"Grandma is the best," Paya pipes in.

"Yes," Zelda continues, "and it's just...so strange to be followed around. It makes me so angry!"

Zelda's voice rises, and Mipha and Paya exchange nervous glances.

"And I don't want anything to do with Link!" Zelda shouts, slamming her fist upon her desk. It rattles beneath her.

The other students snap their heads toward the fuming blonde, eyes wide. Mipha and Paya look away quickly.

Zelda tenses as she realizes everyone's eyes are upon her, furrowing her eyebrows. Why are they all staring at me? This isn't their business!

Her fists are clenched, and everyone gradually reverts their gazes. But Mipha silently whispers something about 'he's right there', and Zelda freezes. In horror, she turns her head to see...

Link.

He walks past her nonchalantly, his eyes not meeting her gaze.

Crap. Crap. Crap! He most likely heard me! Oh, Hylia...

Zelda turns her gaze forward, burying her face in her hands.

"Alright, class, turn to page 120..."

Zelda prays that she'll disappear.

***

When lunch period arrives, Zelda practically sprints to the school's courtyard. After her incident in first period, she has kept her head low all day, avoiding everyone—even Mipha and Paya!

"I'm horrible...I can't believe I said that..." Zelda sighs. She walks across the courtyard, a thick blanket of green grass and random clumps of trees and benches. The courtyard is practically empty besides a few other school outcasts. Zelda selects a bench by a pond and sits in silence.

She sulks, watching a duck wade in the water. "I guess he really won't be following me now. Why would he want to guard me after I said that?" She murmurs. The duck offers a quack, quack. Zelda turns around, scanning the area for that golden-haired of his. Link is no where to be seen.

In her purse, her phone buzzes. Zelda pulls it out to reveal texts from Paya and Mipha.

Paya: Hey Z. Where are u? We saved u a seat.

Mipha: Are u okay?

Zelda: Thank you both. I'm not hungry.

Paya: I'm sorry Z. we were gonna warn u but he was right there!

Zelda: It's quite alright. It's my own fault for being like that. But I feel terrible.

Mipha: I understand why ur mad. Don't be so hard on urself, Zelda!

Zelda: I guess he won't be following me anymore.

Zelda shuts off her phone with a sigh. It's not that she's sorry for being angry about him following her—truly, she hates the fact that he's her bodyguard! But the words she had said...that she didn't want anything to do with him...

"I'm so stupid," Zelda groans.

As she sits in guilty silence, she realizes that she is hungry after all. She digs through her school bag to search for her lunch, but finds her attempts fruitless; she had forgotten to pack a lunch because she was busy avoiding Link. She mentally slaps herself again.

"Whatever," Zelda murmurs, standing to begin the walk back to her next class. "Please, Hylia, Just let me disappear..."

***

To Zelda's relief, the day is almost over. To her suprise, she hadn't seen Link once after first period—not that she has a problem with this. She supposes that Link's following her around proved to be fickle, and that her father's wish is unfulfilled. I'm completely fine with that, Zelda thinks to herself. It was a ridiculous plan in the first place.

The school bell rings, and the students flood out of their classrooms, hurrying to leave school. After a day of hiding, Zelda is ready to leave this place as soon as possible!
After her lunch in solitude, she took the long way back into the school, practically traversing the entire campus just to avoid the curious eyes and gossip of those around her. However, on her way to sixth period, a few girls caught her in the hallway and asked about a rumor that she slapped Link. She quietly dismissed the rumor and stormed away as quickly as possible.

Zelda, who presently fiddles with the books in her locker, closes it in silence. I just want to go home, she thinks tiredly. Praise Hylia that it's Friday.

"Hey, Zelda?" A soft voice interrupts her reverie. Zelda turns to face the sweet red girl.

"Mipha," Zelda forces a smile. "I'm sorry I didn't show up to lunch..."

An awkward silence falls in between them. Mipha adjusts her fins and skirt.

"No, Zelda, don't apologize. I know you're upset, and you have a right to be. You didn't mean what you said about him."

Zelda hesitates. She did mean that she didn't want Link to follow her around everywhere. That she didn't want him nailed to her. Mipha is right; Zelda has every right to be upset! But did Zelda mean what she said? That she didn't want anything to do with Link?

"I..."

Zelda fumes to herself. She remembers that he made her breakfast and assumed she couldn't do it herself. She remembers he eavesdropped as she played the piano. She remembers him obeying the orders of her blasted father!

Of course she wants nothing to do with him! But the fact that he heard her say it aloud is killing her! Why do I even feel guilty at all?!

"Zelda, it's alright," Mipha smiles, noticing Zelda wrestle in silence. "I'll see you next week, okay? Go home and get some rest."

Mipha gives Zelda's hands a squeeze and then places something in her palms.

"The pop magazine?" Zelda frowns, but Mipha laughs.

"Just in case!" she chuckles, leaving Zelda to stand alone with advice on 'How to Flirt.' Zelda rolls her eyes and almost throws it away, but for the sake of Mipha, she stuffs it into her book bag.

Weekends in Castle Town are Zelda's favorite, primarily because her tasks are not as heavy. Fridays and Saturdays consist of buzzing streets and happy people. Adults walk hand in hand with their children who speak eagerly of the movie theaters and ice cream stores, and teenagers chat and loiter around the streets. Zelda herself usually resorts to her room with a good book or a sketch pad. Zelda dreams of her comfortable, secluded room as she begins her walk home. A pleasant breeze passes through her hair, and for a moment, she feels at peace.

Her walk home is only three minutes, so she relaxes in her steps. Really, she rolls her eyes, I don't need a bodyguard. As she turns another corner, she notices something moving in between two alleyways.

What's that? she thinks to herself. Zelda halts her footsteps, turning to observe a moving box.

"Strange," She murmurs to herself. She jogs over to the box, cautiously lifting it off the ground. Beneath the box sits a mewing kitten!

The kitten, which boasts of a soft, calico coat, simply meows at her. Zelda squeals in delight. "Oh, my! Hey there, kitty," Zelda coos, scratching the kitten under its chin. It purrs in response.

"What are you doing here alone, kitty?" Zelda asks, petting its back. The kitten just meows in response, its back fur levitating in prickles upon her hand. "You're quite adorable," she grins.

"You're quite adorable too, Princess..." says a gruff voice.

Zelda quickly stands, jerking her head around. "Who's there?" She demands. The kitten scampers off.

[Author's note: Violent actions preceding! This includes gun usage, violence, & attempted assault. If any of these things make you uncomfortable, then please do not read!]

Suddenly, a tall, built figure wearing a hood prowls toward her. Zelda's eyes widen, and she squares her arms before her. Her heart races in her chest, and she backs away slowly. The shadows begin to close in, and Zelda realizes in horror that there is no exit behind her but a wall.

You can fight, Zelda. Remember what Impa taught you. You're fine. You're fine. Stay alert.

"What's the princess doing all alone?" The voice breathes. The man inches closer to her, but Zelda isn't backing down.

"I'm walking home, and I'll be on my way now, if you'll excuse me," Zelda retorts, stopping her footsteps. She raises her eyes and her arms up, bracing herself to punch this guy if necessary.

"You won't be goin' anywhere, cupcake," the man grins and takes a step closer to her. The shadows no longer cloak his face, and in horror, Zelda realizes that this man wears a mask.

A red mask with a red eye upon it.

"You're...from the Yiga gang..." She gasps, and quickly attempts to cover up the fear in her voice. This is her chance to prove her father wrong. This is her chance to fight.

"You disgust me! You Yiga are cowards who only wreak havoc across Hyrule! Fight me, I dare you," Zelda hisses, reaching for a book in her bag. She arches her arms to whack the Yiga member with it.

"Hit me then, darling," the Yiga purrs. Zelda narrows her eyes, cursing under her breath. She leaps deftly to kick the man, but her kick never lands: someone else grabs her from behind. Her blood runs cold.

The book clatters to the ground, and a new figure yanks Zelda against the wall, squeezing her neck so she can barely breathe. Her legs dangle helplessly.

"L...let me...g-go!" she's breathing heavily now, struggling for breath, kicking and thrusting her legs as hard as possible, but the man is larger than she is. He releases his grip on her neck but takes her cheek in his hand.

"You wanna live, little girl?" He growls, his face only inches from hers. He smells strongly of liquor. Zelda's skin burns in the rough grip of the man, and she wrestles beneath his weight; yet her struggles are useless. He forces her to look at him. "Then shut up."

"Whaddya think we ought to do with her?" chuckles the first member. "Boss'll be proud of this. We got the President's daughter! I'll bet we can bribe the Pres to give us money or her head will be ours!"

Zelda is trembling beneath the man, closing her eyes now. So this is it, Zelda thinks to herself. I'm just another victim now. I could've hit that man, but there were two! He surprised me! And...and now...because of my foolish error.... She swallows the cry in her throat. I don't want to die. I don't want to die.

"Eh, she's pretty cute," smirks the man holding her. "I kinda wanna have a little fun with her," he whispers, rushing his free hand up her thigh.

"Get off me!" Zelda screams, thrusting her knee into his chest. The man ignores her, pressing his alcohol-stained lips onto her face. He yanks her tiny figure against him, his hands holding her roughly. The tears begin to fall down her cheeks.

So this is how I die. I don't want to die like this. I don't want to leave my friends. I don't want to let down my mother...I don't...I don't want to die...

"P-please..." Zelda cries. She thinks of her mother.

"Get the hell off of her!" A sudden voice chides in.

Two gunshots ring.

Then follow shouts, cries, and echoes.

Zelda closes her eyes and feels herself fall, the heavy body cast across her own. She hears only a monotonous ringing, and she feels the weight of the man. But it isn't holding her down.

She's free.

But she can't move.

Zelda is suddenly pulled from beneath the now lifeless Yiga member, her hands trembling and her throat dry. She stiffly lifts her gaze.

She meets a pair of sapphire eyes.

"Miss Zelda, are you alright?" Link is looking at her, his eyes wide in urgency and concern. "Are you hurt? Did he do anything to you?"

Zelda numbly looks at her now torn skirt. Her tattered school uniform. She presses a hand to her face and winces; a bruise, she supposes.

She shakes her head.

"Please, Miss, are there any injuries? Can you walk?"

Zelda doesn't say anything. Her body is numb.

Link sighs softly, cursing underneath his breath. "I called the cops and reported this. Don't worry, I'll get you out of here before they arrive."

Before Zelda can say anything, Link scoops her into his arms. She closes her eyes, and the tears slowly fall.

"I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner. I...didn't want to bother you. I know you don't want me following you around, Miss..."

"Zelda. Y-you...can call me Zelda."

Link hurries down the streets, practically sprinting. Thankfully, no one is on the streets to stare at the scene. The breeze is crisp, and the sun sets slowly as they continue down the street. They arrive at the mansion and still Zelda doesn't speak. Link takes her inside, carrying her upstairs without a word. He rests her gingerly onto her bed, leaving her alone for a moment.

"I'm going to get ice for your bruise," he says.

Once she is sure that Link is gone, Zelda buries her face in her hands and cries. She was almost killed. Taken advantage of. She recalls the cold, deep feeling of facing death and the uncertainty of her fate. She recalls the rough grip upon her, the unwanted touch. The incapability to breath or move at all.

But Link was there. Link saved her.

And he would've been there sooner if it wasn't for her petulance. He didn't want to bother her, so he stayed far enough away from her so she wouldn't be annoyed.

"I'm such a fool..." Zelda cries to herself, curling her legs to her chest. "I could have fought one Yiga by myself, but I let my guard down and then there were two...and...now look at what happened to me..."

"You are not a fool, Mi—Zelda. What happened to you isn't your fault. It's those disgusting Yiga," Link frowns, pressing the cold cloth to Zelda's cheek. Zelda doesn't say anything. He places a bowl of ice on her bedside table.

"I'll be off now. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you."

"N-no!" Zelda gasps, grabbing his wrist. "Please...I...I don't want to be alone," she whispers.

Link turns slowly, returning to stand by her bedside.

"Link...I'm sorry for...for pushing you away just because you...you were doing your job," Zelda whispers. "And...for telling you not to follow me around the house. I know it's just because my Father instructed you to do so..."

Link doesn't say anything but lifts her hand to observe the skirt.

"He didn't do anything," Zelda's voice is shaky. "I...I just need a new uniform..."

Link's gaze softens. "I hate the Yiga, Mi—Zelda. I'll make sure they pay for this."

Zelda sighs. She looks to Link, into his deep blue eyes. "The thing is, I want to help end this...this Yiga mess," Zelda begins.

Why am I telling this to Link? Well, it doesn't matter. Perhaps...perhaps he agrees with me.

"My Father...my father is reluctant to do so. It's because of...well, something happened to my Mother and now all he wants to do is cower away in fear. But...but our people...our people are at risk. I want to stop this, Link," Zelda pleads. "Father does nothing...and his own daughter was affected."

Link says nothing but nods.

"I got lucky because...well, because I had you. But others might not be so lucky. Not everyone has a bodyguard," she continues. "I think we need to do something about it."

Link closes his eyes for a moment. Zelda counts five seconds that he is still.

"You need to rest. Tomorrow, you can convince your Father to take action," Link says.

Zelda sighs. At least Link had listened to her. It was soothing to vent to him about a burden she had been carrying, although she had vented to Mipha and Paya about it before. But something about Link's reaction makes her believe that he will help her.

Her mind is in a whirl.

Link had helped her already.

She had brushed him off time and time again and told him to leave her alone. She even shouted in front of her whole class that she didn't want a thing to do with her!

And despite her attitude, he saved her.

I...I'll never forget this.

Zelda finally falls asleep, and somehow, despite feeling conflicted and hurt and tattered, she feels...safe.