Note: Some of you I'm sure have read the short BotW oneshot I posted about a week ago titled 'The More Things Change'. While that story is in no way required to understand this one, the premise of this fic is largely influenced by that one, so if you have read it, you'll probably have a pretty good idea of the direction I'll be going wth this story.

In-game, we've seen snippets of journal entries by both Zelda and King Rhoam and they gave me the idea to write a journal from Link's perspective. I've done my best to get inside Link's head here but know that my interpretation of Link may differ from yours. If you enjoyed how I wrote Link in The More Things Change, then this fic is for you. This first chapter is dedicated to the entries that cover with the events leading up to Ganon's return and each one corresponds to a cutscene from the game. That being said, it may be worth rewatching some of them for context. But do what you want, kid. I ain't here to tell you how to enjoy your fanfiction.

Soldier's Log

A tale of life, loss, and love in fifty entries.

First Entry

It has been twelve hours since I was brought before the king. The time to take up my duty has come at last. As the chosen wielder of the sword of legend, the task of guarding the princess of destiny now falls to me. It is a duty of unparalleled importance and the greatest honor, and it is one I have prepared my whole life for. From today onward, I shall accompany the princess at all times and consider her life and wellbeing before my own without exception. For the princess and for Hyrule, I will henceforth be prepared to lay down my life. May the goddesses grant me courage to carry out this sacred duty until the day my soul retires.

Second Entry

The princess is not fond of me. She never has been. I can see resentment in her eyes when she looks at me. I do not know if it is me who she despises or what I stand for, but it doesn't matter. So long as it does not impact my mission, she may feel about me as she pleases.

Third Entry

Today, I write from the inn in Rito Village, the home of the champion Revali. He is another who does not appear to like me overly much. I was warned that as the sword's chosen I would not be looked upon favorably by all who dwell within Hyrule, though I admit that it is a little discouraging to be held in contempt by the one I am sworn to protect as well as one who would be my comrade. I cannot change the hearts of those who would see me step down from my duty, but neither can I oblige them. I can only hope that through dedication and perseverance I will one day prove myself worthy of the role that I am to play.

Fourth Entry

The princess spoke to me today. She asked me if I could hear the voice of my sword. I wonder if she meant to test me or if she was in fact expecting an answer at all. People often ask me questions hoping to trip me up. I sometimes wonder if the world I am to protect doesn't want to see me fail. I said nothing. I have learned that silence is often the safest response.

Fifth Entry

We arrived in Goron City this morning. In the privacy of my own journal I feel it safe to admit that I was happy to see Daruk again. He was the first of my new comrades to extend an olive branch to me. I like the Gorons. They are a solid, dependable people with a strong sense of community. Being here, I feel welcome in a way that I haven't since I accepted my role as champion. These people…they are good. Daruk is a fine leader.

Sixth Entry

It's been a few days since I last wrote. The princess and I returned from our trip to Death Mountain and our routine has returned to normal as well. Though I am tasked with accompanying the princess at all times in order to ensure her safety, she has made it clear that she is unhappy with this arrangement. She was particularly short with me today. I wonder what it is about me that she detests so. Am I too young? Does she feel my strength is insufficient? The legends say that the first hero swore an oath to the goddess to protect the kingdom and it was because she recognized his resolve and unflinching courage that she shed her divinity. Does the princess believe me unworthy? Does the spirit of the goddess that resides within her feel that I am inadequate to take up the mantle of her hero? If that is the case then the only thing I can do is be as unwavering in my duty as the heroes of old and earn her respect by my own merit.

Seventh Entry

I understand now. It is not me who the princess considers inadequate. It is herself. All this time, I have been so wrapped up in thoughts of my own shortcomings that I failed to see the true root of the princess' frustration. It would seem that Daruk was wrong. It is not the princess who can't see the range for the peaks, it is me. Urbosa told me that the princess has been unable to command the power of the goddess. She said that the reason the princess can't stand to look at me is because I am an ever-present reminder of her own failure. It saddens me to hear that the princess believes herself a failure. I want to tell her that I don't believe that in the least. If there's one thing I've learned since I took the role of her knight, it is that she is more dedicated to Hyrule than anyone to the kingdom. Her love for this land and its people is unmatched. It is not my place to speak of such things, however. Urbosa's words to me were spoken in confidence and the princess would surely feel ashamed were I to confront her with what I learned today. Instead, I will redouble my efforts to support her through actions. Now that I know the true nature of the problem, I feel new determination toward my duty.

Eighth Entry

I am ashamed. My performance today was unacceptable. I have been charged with safeguarding the princess' life and yet she was nearly slaughtered by Yiga Clan assassins today. It is clear to me now that I have been too lax in my guard. I will keep an even closer watch on her from this point on. I will never again allow the princess to leave my sight.

Ninth Entry

I'll admit, I am confused. The princess' behavior has changed. Lately, when she speaks to me her tone has been gentler and her attitude less hostile. Today, she scolded me for being too reckless, but instead of seeming irritated with me, she instead treated me as though I were a friend. I can't think of what might have sparked this change, but it's a refreshing change of pace from our usual routine. I can't help but feel optimistic about what this might mean for our working relationship. The princess…she's actually quite nice. I'd like it if we could be friends.

Tenth Entry

Today, the princess tried to feed me a frog. According to her, ingesting this particular frog could potentially boost certain abilities in Hylians. As exciting as that is, I politely declined. All frog related misadventures aside, today was actually very nice. The princess has continued to open up to me and no longer treats me with contempt. She doesn't seem to mind me following her anymore, either. I still don't know what changed, but I'm glad. Spending time with her has become something enjoyable that I'm able to look forward to every day. I can see now why the other champions hold her in such high regard. She is not only dedicated to her kingdom, she is also clever and has an infectious kind of energy about her. I feel honored to have been given the chance to see this side of her.

Eleventh Entry

Today, I write from Zora's Domain where the princess and I met with Mipha to check on her progress with the Divine Beast Vah Ruta. It was good to see Mipha again. The princess is safe in Zora's Domain so I was able to stay behind to do a little catching up. She used her blessing to heal the injuries I received during the journey and we talked about old times. It's strange—and maybe I'm just imagining things—but I felt that Mipha was sad about something. Perhaps she fears that we will be unsuccessful should Calamity Ganon return? She has always been reserved, so it is hard to say. She told me that despite being a Hylian, I seemed to have grown up much faster than her. I disagree. Mipha has always been the more reliable of the two of us. It is because of this that her people admire and adore her. I think she will make a fine queen in the future—though considering a zora's lifespan, I probably won't live to see it.

Twelfth Entry

The princess has seemed increasingly troubled lately. I can tell that she has many doubts about herself and her ability to do what is expected of her. She has been posing a lot of questions to me of late. A few days ago, she asked me why I rarely speak. Today, she asked me if I'd still choose to be a knight even if that wasn't something I wanted for myself. I think the burden of her own destiny is weighing heavily on her. Like me, she has been told her whole life that she has a duty to fulfill. It is not something that either of us asked for, but it is a destiny we bear with honor. I have never questioned my own role, but now I find myself wondering…what would I have done if I weren't bound to the legacy of the hero? If my life had been up to me, would I be still be a knight like my father? Or would I have chosen a different path? A farmer, perhaps. Or an academic. Maybe I'd have even taken up the mantle of a doctor. I certainly get scraped up enough. But if I'm to speak frankly, I don't mind my role. Sometimes it's difficult, and it can be a little lonely, but protecting the princess and the land that I love is its own reward. The princess, however…it seems to me that the only thing her role has brought her is suffering. I wonder what sort of life she dreams about when she retires for the night. A researcher, probably. I wish there was something I could do to help ease her burden.

Thirteenth Entry

Today was…particularly difficult. It started off well—the princess' research has been progressing smoothly and she was talking very excitedly about the possibility of instating Guardians as another level of defense should Ganon return. The princess' research is one of the few areas of her life that brings her joy and lets her feel like she is accomplishing something worthwhile. However, the king is not supportive of her dedicating time to Guardian research and he and the princess argued today. She is now forbidden from taking part in any activities apart from prayer. I'll admit, it was a very difficult argument to listen to. I understand the king's concern very well, but to bar the princess from the one thing that brings her joy is a cruel decree. I'm worried about the emotional toll this will take on her. I suppose we shall see.

Fourteenth Entry

It's as I feared. I can see the princess beginning to despair. Today, we visited the Spring of Power so that she could offer prayer there. She stood in the water for hours as I stood watch but the result was the same as with the Spring of Courage. For reasons unfathomable, the goddess maintains her silence. I fear that if she does not have a breakthrough soon, he princess will lose all hope. I can already see her crumbling. Without her research, she has nothing left to keep her going but her own determination and it is wearing very thin. If I might be allowed to be frank once more—I hate this. It's painful standing by silently while the princess gives and gives and gives and still has nothing to show for it. I wanted to turn around and say, "that's enough!" and pull her out of that spring. But the princess would not thank me for it. This is her burden and a trial that she must overcome on her own. I can only watch and support her within the threshold of my own role.

Fifteenth Entry

The princess doesn't speak as much these days. I can see that she is trying to remain positive but this endless string of failures is weighing hard on her. She is starting to withdraw. There is one spring remaining. The Spring of Wisdom. Tomorrow, the princess will turn seventeen and finally be allowed to ascend Mt. Lanayru. I hope for her sake that this time her dedication is rewarded.

Aaaaaand done. I hope you liked this first chapter. I really enjoyed writing these entries. It's fun looking at Link and trying to figure out what he's thinking. The guy would make an excellent mime. Somebody get him an agent.

Starting next chapter the entries will be getting longer because we'll be leaving canon territory behind. I hope you're as excited as I am. We're all in for quite a ride.