Curate, connect, and discover
HIS HAND CURLS INTO A FIST OUT OF IMPOTENCE. He already knew it wouldn't be an easy task to convince them. That he would most likely be refused, as his words would fall on ears too resolute to waver. And yet, knowing did nothing to lessen the sting of it. FOR IT WASN'T AS IF HE HADN'T PROVEN HIMSELF. He had grown; he had fought and overcome many challenges; he bore the blade of legend meant to vanquish evil. . .So why ? Why do they still have to treat him as though he were a clueless, defenseless boy ? It makes his blood boil beneath his skin and he has to tighten his jaw, breath hissing beneath his teeth, in an attempt to keep his emotions in check. But standing there, while they make the decision for him, he finds the silence unbearable ❝ Still. . . ! ❞ the words burst from him in a short-lived protests because, before he can utter another word, the sheikah's voice cuts through the air once more.
For a moment it's able to shut him. It has been a long time since he learned to see beyond their harsh tone, to recognize the worry hidden beneath their bluntness. If all of it was because of the person or the hero, it didn't matter to him. However, he cannot recall a moment where they had ever spoken it so plainly. And that, more than anything, is what only encourages him to continue with his tantrum. Despite their intentions likely being the opposite ❝ That's precisely why I want to go with you ! ❞ he says, refusing to let what may very well be the last opportunity he has before they turn away slip through his fingers ❝ You've always been the one caring for me, the one to be there when I needed it ❞ the quiet figure in the shadows, a steady presence at his side that doesn't leave him alone. Not truly, even if there were things he had to face by himself ❝ let me be the one to help you, if only this once ❞ and there, all the frustration, the stubbornness, the determination he has felt softens, turning into something fragile. A plea.
❝ Fate always finds its way no matter what, right ? ❞ like an immovable force, unshaken by the desires of those caught in its tide. It would not shift, not if they cursed it, not if they clung futilely to the hope that things can be different. Fate offers no escape, no other path but the one that had already been carved long before he had taken his first breath. Creating a story where every role must be played and where he was no exception ❝ Then, if mine is to defeat that man and restore peace, it will happen eventually ❞ be it that very same day, the next one or in a hundred years. If it is meant to be, it would be. Inevitability being a constant looming over those chosen to walk this circle like a curse. The weight of that certainty keeps his voice steady as he holds their gaze, searching for the smallest crack in their resolve ❝ So, do you really think the gods will mind that I accompany a friend along the way ? ❞
❛ why is it safe for you & not for me ? ❜
the eternal balance can only be tipped so far before it gets upset. if the hero is to walk a path of his own choosing, all possible roads need to have been walked at least once by someone else. it is either the shadow themselves or someone else, even one of the kokiri would suffice, but the path needs to be trodden and it needs to be known to the land of hyrule as a possible line from one point to another - a journey can only become one when it has been noted as such, the archivist in them knows it too well. then there is the part of them that has been made to know sorrow intimately, not only experiencing it but also inflicting it upon the malice of this world if only with the fringes of the dark as their witness. there would be no danger in this land they don't know about, which is not something they'd ever say to link directly, so they accept his sulking and swallow it like they swallow everything else he'd throw at them. they'd suffice with his blood too, though they do their most valiant not to; he is just as danger-prone as a fern in a heavy thunder storm.
a katana and smaller knives, foregoing the paper sigils they know impa enjoys to employ when facing possible enemies - there is nothing their hands couldn't do at the end of the day. link may beat them when it came to swordsmanship, as they made sure of early on and his spirit took care of the rest of the day as he would for times to come, but there is no one to rival the sheikah warrior when it came to close range combat, without any weapons, or to simply shroud the world in a dark veil to dispose of whoever may cause harm to the kingdom or the hero. another thing they would not say. instead they turn to link once he finally vocalised what caused his face to suffer such terrible furrowing, and they clasp his shoulder with a sure hand. " because i am older, and i am more experienced, and because you have other tasks to do. not everything can be safe, but one can gamble how ready they are to step out of their own front door, " they do tell him, a round-about way to signal they are aware of his desire to be useful but more aware of caution to not let him be thrown into a potential blunder all because they couldn't keep watchful eyes. that would never happen.
a thin smile, barely there but kind, is etched onto their face. " do you think i'd let you just charge at anything because you think you can? i'd never invite the chance for you to get hurt into my vicinity just to amuse your idleness. " then they pull the black haori from where it is secured over the back of a low chair and put it over their armour, making sure to appear as inconspicuous as they could be. stopping by link's side again, their gaze softens. " next time. this is nothing you should deal with. it is an matter for the sheikah. "