Musings of a Hero
This is through Link's eyes, on how he feels about being the hero. I know there are way better stories out there in fanfic land, but this is my first attempt at writing an angst Zelda thing, so be BRUTAL! I actually want flames, because they'll help me become better. Of course, if you're going to flame, don't just say, it sucks, tell me why! What needs to be worked on? TELL ME!! Thanks! ;)

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The battle trudges on, both fighters growing weary. At last, the shimmering sword pierces the evil heart, destroying the temple monster. It groans in defeat, withering into oblivion. Link staggers tiredly and slowly makes it out of the meadow. He struggles into the hidden fountain, a handful of pink orbs playing in the clear waters. He falls into the shallow end, and they quickly rush over.

The fairies heal my wounds, but not my soul.

Like butterflies, life for them is simple,

Only doing what they were made to do.

The fairies heal my wounds, but not my soul.

The sun is falling behind the horizon when he finally reaches the plains of Hyrule. A soft melody echoes through the golden twilight, and his loyal steed comes running. Epona always appears, for that he can be grateful. Link climbs on and they ride through the silent, moonlit night.

Hyrule's countryside blurs on by,

The peaceful people fast asleep.

I let my thoughts wander.

In every plan, there is a fall guy.

Someone to take the blame, to take the pain.

I suppose that would be me.

Sometimes, I feel bad for the monsters I slay. Sure, they're evil, and sure, they're hurting innocent people, but they're just doing their job. Just like me. I have no choice; I have to stop them. It's part of my destiny. But what about them? Did they want to turn Zora's Domain into an ice rink? Did they ask, "Hey, Mr. Gannondorf, can I turn everyone's lives into a living hell, just so that one day I can be ruthlessly slaughtered in the name of peace?" Maybe they were given no choice. Like me.

Sometimes, I wonder if there was another way; to deal with these monsters in a more peaceful manner. Then I see the suffering people. They need someone to stop the pain. They need someone to defend and protect them. That's when I come in. Link, the hero, Link the fall guy.

"Hyrule is in turmoil, for evils rip through the land.

I, the Hero of Time, save Hyrule from Gannon's grasp.

Hyrule is once more a peaceful, prosperous place."

But what about me? Who saves me from the turmoil? The pain of killing? The loss of innocence? The never-ending nightmares of those horrible battles¾

I don't even try to sleep anymore. I just ride Epona through the grasslands, half-asleep, half-awake. I don't think she minds, because she loves the fast pace. It's like she senses my troubles, and therefore runs faster. I know it sounds silly, but sometimes I think that by going faster, my thoughts can't keep up with my mind. But when we stop, I become bombarded by my past; the image of late battles relentlessly haunting me. The things I endure for Hyrule...

Simple, lovable, wonderful Hyrule. A place where everyone is welcomed and the people are protected by graceful walls. Friendly citizens around every corner, and strong soldiers keeping out the troublemakers. Everyone seems so cheery...but why? Don't they know about the hardships others are going through? The pain and suffering? Of course not. Why should they? It's not like it's their destiny to keep the people safe. It's mine.

Maybe I should be happy. Happy that those people don't see real evil or true pain. They didn't loose their childhood or innocence to a zillion evil creatures with the motto, "Destroy or be destroyed" tattooed to their skulls. They just live their simple, normal lives. Normal life. Such a strange word. But, I guess that wasn't meant for me. After all, I'm just the fall guy.

I was walking through the Hyrule market last week, and I heard the strangest conversation. There was a group of children playing, and they were arguing about who would play the hero! Apparently, they all wanted to be the hero and save the day. So strange... But then again, they're just children. They don't know what it's like to have to wash the blood off your sword after slaying a monster. They don't know what it's like not knowing if you're going to live long enough to eat another meal. They just don't know. All they know, is the fame of being a hero. Being praised for saving the people, the special treatment, and the honor of being a hero. They don't know the true, constant terror. The stress, the fear, the blood; it never ends. They'll never know, for the public shouldn't see a hero's torture.

We must be strong, brave and courageous, only letting our inner emotions out in private, if we even let them out. I shouldn't think like this though, it won't help me feel better. Still, my mind wanders. It won't let me rest. It pains me to kill a monster.

Even if they are evil, they're still living creatures. They feel pain and sorrow, just like I do. But that doesn't stop them from attacking me, so why should I stop attacking them? We stand on opposite sides, and I am faced with no other choice. I must protect the innocent, which is Hyrule. I must banish evil from the land. No matter the shape, size, or form.

Although I did not choose my destiny, I guess I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not even for a boring, normal life. After all, if the world's gonna need saving, I feel better knowing its in my experienced hands. Though I wouldn't mind a break occasionally, I could use some ME time. Maybe being a hero isn't so bad. It may be a lonely path, but at least I know I'm doing the right thing. Because in the end, we're all just pawns in some master plan. Good thing I'm the hero.

-Jade Smith, March 28, 2001