Princess Zelda stood in the middle of the ruined courtyard, arms crossed, foot tapping with the kind of precision that could probably summon another calamity.
Across from her, Link stood perfectly still, holding a chicken.
A very angry chicken.
"…Link," Zelda said slowly, "why is the kingdom on fire?"
Link blinked.
The chicken clucked.
Zelda pinched the bridge of her nose. "Let me rephrase. Why were you in the middle of town, spinning in circles, screaming, while being chased by thirty cuccos?"
Link raised one finger, as if about to explain.
The chicken flapped aggressively.
"…No," Zelda cut him off. "Actually, don't explain. I don't think I'm ready."
Link shrugged.
Zelda gestured wildly behind her. "The bakery is gone. The fountain is gone. The fountain, Link. Do you know how hard it is to replace an enchanted fountain?!"
Link slowly held up a small, slightly burnt loaf of bread, and Zelda stared at it.
"…You robbed the bakery." Link nodded, proud.
"And then the chickens retaliated." Link nodded again.
"And instead of running away—like a normal person—you ran through the entire city."
Link gave a confident thumbs-up.
Zelda's eye twitched."You are the Hero of Hyrule."
Link saluted."You have defeated ancient evil."
Link puffed out his chest."You have saved me countless times."
Link beamed.
Zelda leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper.
"…and yet you were nearly defeated by poultry."The chicken pecked Link. He flinched.
Zelda turned away, muttering, "I'm putting 'advanced chicken diplomacy' into your training schedule."
Link gave a determined nod.
The chicken immediately attacked his face.
Zelda didn't even turn around this time. "You deserve that."