Link Goes To The Labs

Link suddenly shouted towards Zelda, trying to garner her attention. She turned, eagerly hoping for a solution. She was about to ask what he’d come up with, when she noticed him pointing overhead and towards a building atop the hill they had passed on their way to the beach.

Zelda recognized the building as the Hateno Ancient Research Lab, home to her former research colleague Purah. She’d neglected to stop by after the defeat of Calamity Ganon, but felt it could be awkward since their relationship had been strictly professional at Zelda’s own request.

Purah often dove headfirst into her work, often disregarding basic elements of safety in the name of science. She had played several small pranks on Zelda as a child, and treated everything with a laughing smile. Zelda knew she was the closest, and only person she knew well in town. But, she still couldn’t help feeling uneasy at the thought of going to Purah dressed as she was.

“Link I’m not sure...” Zelda began, her face flushing red. “I haven’t talked to Purah in a very long time, so showing up on her doorstep might-“ Zelda continued to speak, but was interrupted by a groan from Link. She quickly quieted, concerned. She peered over the rocks, and couldn’t help noticing his expression seemed... peeved. She hadn’t ever upset Link before, so this came as a surprise to her.

“Look, I’m sorry. It’s just that I can’t imagine anybody seeing me like this, it’s too embarrassing to even think about...” Zelda explained as she curled into a ball against the rock. Her knees were raised towards her head, and crossed in front of her chest as she sat upright.

Nobody said anything for a few minutes, and only the sounds of ocean waves crashing against the shoreline occupied Zelda’s thoughts. She had learned to enjoy silent company since first meeting Link, and fruitlessly attempting to engage him in conversation. All along their travels together he still kept his words to a bare minimum, preferring to let actions communicate for him.

Zelda heard a sudden scrambling from behind her, and turned back around to face the rocks. She was shocked to see Link walking away, towards the beach exit they had come from in all his bare glory. She stifled a laugh at the sight of his muscular behind, and crouched lower behind the rock. “Hey! Where are you going?” She called out loudly. Link turned to look over his shoulder, his hands cupped over his most private area. He shrugged, before continuing down the path.

Zelda suddenly understood he was leaving her behind, and became furious. “Don’t leave me!” She screamed towards him in desperation. He continued on as if he hadn’t heard.

Zelda called out twice more. “Link! Link! Don’t leave me out here by myself! You’re supposed to be my royal guard!”

Link disappeared from sight around the bend, and Zelda slumped against the rock she had been sitting against. She pouted miserably, and felt anger stewing within her.