Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Not Safe

I ignore him. I can't let fear dictate my choices any more. Malice needs help and I will not turn my back on her. "We will keep her here, and I'll take care of her," I assert, making the decision myself. "Cado will keep intruders out while we take care of her. Mipha doesn't have to be part of it. I just need to know how to take care of Malice properly, that's all. And we can find out if Ganon has been released from Prison. Everything will work out."

Mipha glances briefly at Link, as if seeking his approval, before returning her gaze to me. "I can try my best to help. But I am not a doctor yet, and my knowledge is limited."

"Thank you for being willing to help," I say, now looking at Link for his answer. Even though my mind is made up, I want him to be on my side and understand where I'm coming from. If we turn our backs on Malice, she might not make it...

But Link doesn't see it that way. He is clearly not on board with this. His arms are crossed and his eyes reflect his clear annoyance with the situation. "It's too risky," he says.

"Link–"

"It's not safe, Zelda!" His voice is assertive and a little desperate. "For once, stop treating your life like it's less important than everybody else's!"

"I have to stop?" I question his logic. "You're one who should stop placing my life on a pedestal above everyone else!"

Mipha remains uncomfortably quiet, trying not to stare at us while we bicker.

"My life is not any more or less important than any other life," I tell him, pointing at myself. "I want to help Malice, just like I would help anyone else in that situation. We can't abandon her, especially if she's running from danger."

Link knows that I won't back down on this, and I can see him struggling to reconcile his protectiveness with the desire to support me.

"Let's work together to keep her safe," I say.

"I can gather some supplies and take care of her wounds," Mipha offers, eager to leave so Link and I can sort this out. "Keep a close eye on her in the meantime, and..." Her eyes briefly skip to Link, who's shaking his head at Mipha with an angry expression. Despite feeling guilty for disregarding Link's plea, she continues on, "Keep her hydrated."

The moment Mipha leaves, he shares his concerns with me. "I thought we were supposed to be a team."

"We are, Link." I understand his perspective even if it seems confrontational. My intentions are not to oppose him but rather to ensure Malice's well-being is not overlooked. "I know this is going to be difficult and maybe dangerous as well, but I can't do it without you by my side. I value your opinion. If you genuinely believe it's better to take Malice to the hospital or the police and distance ourselves from her, I respect your judgment. I want us to face this together, as a united front."

Link studies me for a moment, his eyes softening. "You're so stubborn," he says and sighs as he pulls out his phone. "She's only staying if it's safe. I'll call the prison to ask aboutGanon. If he's still locked up, she can stay. If he's on the loose, then we gotta find a different place for her. Okay?"

I smile, knowing that Link and I will get through this. I don't stop him when he walks into my bedroom to make the phone call.

While Mipha and Link go on their quest, I do my part and monitor Malice closely, waiting for her to wake up. 

I keep my distance, sitting closer to the door than to the bed. I left the door wide open in case I have to escape from her again, and I also removed all sharp objects in reach. It's just a waiting game now.

...

Mipha returns before Link does. I wonder what's taking him so long, but for now I'm glad that Mipha is back with some supplies. She places the plastic bag on the nightstand and guides me through her thought process.