Surprise Post! - Rewritten Scene (Patreon)

Hi friends! 

I have a rewritten scene from Chapter 29 for you today. For a memory refresher, Chapter 29 has the battle at Kakariko with the shadow beasts. We see Link pushed positively beyond his limit and nearly fail, only to be saved by Ren accidentally unleashing the power of the Fused Shadow. In the final version, Link returns to the inn to check on Ren, but my initial idea went like this:

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Link blinked heavily. He made one last feeble attempt to get up, but it was futile.  

“If we can get you to stand, Shad and I can help bear your weight to the inn,” Ashei said. 

Link said nothing and made no move. 

Midna spoke for him, “You’re too tired. Let’s just sleep here.” She laid down beside him on the dirt and snuggled into his side. 

Ashei and Shad exchanged looks. 

“I’m sure you’d both be more comfortable inside, yeah?” Ashei offered. 

Midna looked at her with a content smile, “We’re used to sleeping wherever our bodies give out. We’ll be fine. Go get some rest.” 

Ashei looked at Shad who had a warm smile on his face. He nodded that it would be okay and Ashei gave in, following him back into the inn. 

Midna laid her palm on Link’s chest and felt his heartbeat. Slow and steady, it grounded her. She felt the rise and fall of his breath. Deep and even, it reminded her every up had a down, but so, too, did every down have an up. 

There was naught but silence for a long time, and Midna thought Link had fallen asleep. Then his strained, quiet voice filled her ears. 

“I’m sorry.” 

She tilted her head to look up at him, “For what?” 

He gazed down at her through weary slits, “I failed today.” 

“Hm... Did you?” Midna said seriously, “I must have missed that part.” 

“I couldn’t play my part,” he spoke through sandpaper, “I couldn’t defend everyone... I failed.” 

“Are you alive?” Midna asked. 

Link looked slightly confused but answered, “Yes.” 

“Am I alive?” 

“Yes.” 

“Is Ren alive? Zelda? The others?” 

Link sighed, understanding, “Yes.” 

“Then there was no failure today,” Midna whispered, “We survived another day. Now we can rest.” 

Link closed his eyes and breathed deep. She felt him relax into her presence, and she smiled. 

“Want another bedtime story?” 

Link smiled, too, “I’d love that.” 

“Remember that time you defeated the most powerful evil being to ever exist?” 

Link chuckled, “Vaguely.” 

“Well, there was this super important hero. He was strong and brave, and he could do anything. Whenever he fell, he got up again. He had a pretty cool companion, too. He met the doofus Ganondorf head on. Mr. Pig never stood a chance.” 

Link laughed and Midna softened her voice just so. 

“He proceeded to save the world, forever a staple in Hyrule’s history. A hero for all his days, he did things most people would never dream of . . . .” 

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While cute, I didn't like the timing. It came across feeling very final, in a way. I also found it too important an opportunity to pass up for Link to show how much he worries/cares for Ren. As soon as I realized this was the perfect place to set up more of Link's and Ren's relationship, changing the ending was a no-brainer.

I hope you enjoyed this peek at what could have been and some of my writing process! Love you all to the moon and back!