The next day, Link and Zelda left for the Spring of Power in the Akkala region. She had decided to dedicate herself to her training, just as her father said. But with every day, Link could see her happiness fading more and more.

Their travel north was rather quiet, as the princess usually had been lately. Then, out of nowhere, she said something.

"Do you remember when we first met?" Link looked at her. For the first time in a long while, he remembered the day that he rescued the princess from the Lost Woods. She had been so frightened, alone, and cold.

"I do remember."

"How strange that was... and we had no idea that fate would bring us together then." Zelda thought back to that one day. It was so distant that it felt like a dream. She could clearly recall the fear she felt, though. And how, when Link spoke to her, it had nearly vanished.

That caused her to start thinking about Link. He was always there for her, and he had been ever since this all began. Even when she didn't want him around, when she scolded him for helping. And what did she do for him? Zelda realized how selfish she was. Everything always seemed to be about her, and she resented that.

"Link... I... I don't deserve you. I'm sorry that you... you've been so wonderful to me and all I have been is selfish. I don't know what to do about it... I wish it weren't like this." Link frowned.

"That's not true, Zelda... You're the only person I can speak freely around, and the only person I put my trust in, because I know I can trust you. Without you, I would still be that silent shell of a person I was. But I'm not anymore... because of you." She smiled sadly. "And.. we have no choice but to focus on you right now. There's an important matter that we're taking care of. In the future, it will be different. Please don't be sorry." The princess's eyes grew watery, but she willed herself to stay strong.

"Thank you, Link."

They continued in silence for most of the way. Eventually, the two of them reached the spring. Zelda quickly put her sacred white dress on. When she emerged again, Link looked at her with wonder. He had nearly forgotten how breathtaking she looked when she wore it. She looked like she belonged with the divine goddess Hylia. She was not of this world.

"Why are you looking at me that way?" She asked. Link smiled.

"I can't help it." She looked at the ground and grinned, her face pink. Then, she turned and headed for the spring entrance. Link stayed behind.

As she was walking, she turned back and frowned.

"Why aren't you coming?" Link looked puzzled.

"I thought it was private." Zelda shook her head.

"I had forgotten. I only said that before because I didn't want you to see me like..." She trailed off. "Just come with me. I'd feel better if you were there." So, Link followed her into a secluded area.

There was a goddess statue standing in a spring of water. In the moonlight, the water sparkled with a cool glint. There were trees that grew as well, and some flowers were floating around in the water. Zelda waded into the water and the picture was complete. She was so beautiful and ethereal.

Link turned around to keep watch and give her at least some privacy. After a few moments of silence, the princess began to pray.

"I come seeking help regarding this power that has been handed down over time... Prayer will awaken my power to seal Ganon away... Or so I've been told all my life..." He knew where this was going. He could hear her tone change as she spoke.

"And yet... Grandmother heard them-- the voices from the spirit realm. And Mother said her own power would develop within me. But I don't hear... or feel anything! Father has told me time and time again, he always says, 'Quit wasting your time playing at being a scholar!'... Curse you...." She dropped her arms back down by her side. She felt so angry, frustrated, and defeated.

"I've spent every day of my life dedicated to praying! I've pleaded to the spirits tied to the ancient gods... And still the holy powers have proven deaf to my devotion." She hugged herself, trying to keep her brave face on.

"Please just tell me... What is it? What's wrong with me?" Link could hear the sorrow in her voice. He turned around to look at her. She merely stared at the water in front of her. A few silent tears ran down her cheeks, but she ignored that.

"Zelda..." He finally said, and she looked back at him, sadness in her eyes. He put down his sword, hurrying over to the princess. Without even waiting, she tightly wrapped her arms around him. She cried softly into his chest. "Hey... hey, don't cry." He carefully put his hand on the small of her back. "There is nothing wrong with you. It could happen any time. And it will. Okay?" She sniffed, pulling herself together. She stepped back, Link's hands on her shoulders. She looked directly into his clear blue eyes. His gaze was reassuring, and a smile smile crept onto her face. She nodded back at him.

He took her hand and led her out of the water.

"Let's keep searching, then."

~

I just realized how short this one is lmao. Well enjoy anyways ;)