"A Clash of Cultural Understanding"

Part 3

As the disagreement escalated, Zelda's voice rose to a crescendo, her words piercing the air like a thousand daggers. "How could you subject Link to such a terrifying spectacle, Ayumi? He's still shaken, and it's all because of your thoughtless choice of film!" Ayumi scoffed, her expression unyielding. "Oh, come on, Zelda! It's just a movie! Link's being a bit of a wimp, if you ask me." Her tone was laced with amusement, which only fueled Zelda's indignation. Zelda's eyes flashed with anger. "You wouldn't understand, Ayumi. As a Hyrulean, Link is more... sensitive to the energies of the world. Our people have a deeper connection to the natural balance, and it makes us more susceptible to the darker emotions that movies like that evoke." She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing. "You see, Hyruleans are attuned to the Triforce, a powerful artifact that resonates with the emotions of those around us. This connection makes us more empathetic, but also more vulnerable to the intense emotions depicted in films like the one you chose." Ayumi snorted, rolling her eyes. "Sensitive? Wimp? You're not making any sense, Zelda! Link's a hero, for goodness' sake! He can handle a little fright." Her laughter echoed through the room, grating on Zelda's nerves. The princess took a deep breath, trying to explain the nuances of Hyrulean psychology. "It's not just about being a hero or not, Ayumi. Our people have a unique physiology that makes us more prone to emotional resonance. We're not like the Holodrumians, who seem to have a more... robust emotional constitution. Your people are more likely to view frightening movies as entertainment, whereas for us, it's a visceral experience that can have lasting effects." Ayumi's grin faltered, and for a moment, Zelda saw a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "Go on," she said, her tone softer. Zelda seized the opportunity to enlighten her guest. "You see, when Hyruleans experience fear or anxiety, it's not just a passing emotion. It can affect our entire being, making us more... receptive to the darkness. That's why it's so important for us to be mindful of the media we consume. We can't just dismiss frightening images as 'entertainment'; we have to consider the impact they have on our very souls." Ayumi's expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded slowly. "I think I understand what you're saying, Zelda. But doesn't that apply to Link as well? I mean, he's not just a Hyrulean, he's also a hero. Doesn't his... heroic nature make him more resilient to fear?" Zelda's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications. "Actually, it's quite the opposite. As a hero, Link is even more susceptible to the darker emotions. His bravery and selflessness make him more attuned to the emotions of those around him, which can amplify the effects of frightening media. That's why I was so concerned about him watching that movie with you." The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two princesses. Ayumi's face was a picture of contemplation, while Zelda's eyes still blazed with a fierce protectiveness towards her friend. For a moment, it seemed as though the argument had reached a stalemate, but then Ayumi's face broke into a mischievous grin. "Well, I think it's hilarious that Link was so scared. And I still think it's funny." Her laughter echoed through the room once more, sending a shiver down Zelda's spine. The princess's eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "I'll have you know, Ayumi, that your amusement is precisely the problem. You Holodrumians have no concept of subtlety or restraint. You barrel through life with your eyes wide open, never stopping to consider the consequences of your actions. But I'll tell you this: when it comes to Link, I will not stand idly by while you terrorize him with your... your cinematic abominations." The air was thick with tension as the two princesses locked eyes, their disagreement far from over. The sound of Link's quiet sobs echoed from the corner of the room, a poignant reminder of the consequences of their argument.