Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Not Safe

After carefully examining Malice, Mipha takes a moment to gather her thoughts before relaying her diagnosis to us. She steps away from the bed, giving Malice some privacy even though she's still asleep.

"It's evident that Malice has been through a lot," Mipha begins, her expression reflecting concern. "Her body shows signs of prolonged substance abuse and malnutrition, which has left her in a weakened state. Her skin is pale and dehydrated, and there are needle marks and bruises on her arms."

I listen attentively, my emotions a conflicting mix of concern and frustration. It's like trying to help a stray dog, after it snapped and bit your your hand when you offered it food. I still can't believe she actually stabbed me. 

"We don't have all the resources of a hospital here. I advise you to seek professional medical attention," Mipha concludes.

I know Mipha is right about Malice's condition and it's clear that she needs help, but I can't help but worry about what might happen if we take her to a hospital.

"Seeking professional help is always the wise choice to make," I nod, then I step closer to Mipha and lower my volume as if Malice could hear us. "But what if that wasn't an option? Could we help her from home? Without having to take her to the hospital?"

"Her body is in withdrawal from the drugs, and the effects could worsen without proper care." Mipha frowns, sensing that this is not what I wanted to hear. "I know you want to help her, Zelda, but she needs more than we can provide here."

"Are you sure there isn't anything we can do?"

"Zelda," Link cuts in. "Let's just take her to a hospital."

I turn to Link, my heart conflicted. "Remember what she said when you were holding her back? She was scared that somebody paid us and that we'll turn her in or something."

"She's probably running from the cops," Link suggests.

"I don't think that's it... I think she ran away from Ganon."

"Good for her," Link responds. "But why is she living on the streets?"

"You don't understand. Ganon's house is where she used to live," I reveal.

There's so much I want to tell them—about the lock on her door, the fear in her eyes and the terrifying sound of Ganondorf's voice when he stepped into the room while I was hiding in the closet—but I hold back, unsure of how Link would react to finding out I broke into that house while he was in a coma. He already eyes me suspiciously.

"How do you know that?" He asks me.

"She once told me that she didn't feel safe at home when I asked about her bruises," I say and turn my attention to Mipha before Link can ask more questions. "Taking Malice to a hospital could put her in danger. If Ganon is looking for her, being in a hospital would make her an easy target."

"Ganon is in prison," Link says.

"But what if he's not?" I counter.

Mipha looks concerned, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see your point, Zelda, but we need to consider her health and safety as well. Without proper medical care, her condition could worsen."

"I know. But there has to be another way. We can't risk her getting arrested or worse."

Mipha takes a moment to think. "Perhaps we could find a way to support her recovery from here."

The glimmer of hope in Mipha's words lifts my spirits slightly. "Really? You'd help us?"

"No way," Link steps in. "We're not dragging Mipha into this! Especially if Ganon is out of prison and looking for Malice, we'd only be putting everyone at risk by keeping Malice here!"