[ Satan listens to her words in silence, not daring to interrupt her. He's afraid if he does, she may not be able to finish her thoughts. So instead, he holds her close to him, and when she finally reaches what must be the conclusion--or at least, what he hopes is the conclusion--he remains silent for the briefest of moments. ]

I'm not angry.

[ His voice is soft, and although he still needs a few moments to get his thoughts together, he wants to at least tell her that in order to settle one fear.

Regardless of whether Zelda believes him, he is telling the truth. Hearing what she's told him doesn't make him angry, although he can see why she was afraid he might be. If he were to be angry, it certainly wouldn't be directed at her. Rather, he would focus that anger at Zelda's situation, at how such a kind soul has been tasked again and again with responsibilities that so few people would be able to meet.

But that's just how it works, isn't it? Why would a selfish, heartless person be tasked with taking on such burdens? If there are worlds out there who task saving of the world to such individuals, well... those worlds probably aren't around anymore. ]

I...

[ He doesn't know how he feels, which in fairness does irritate him. Moments like this have become a rarity these days for him, but--it's too many emotions to sort through. He'll sort through them later. ]

Like I said... you've always been duty-bound. And so, if that's the only way for you to save Hyrule... I know you'll do it. I could ask you not to, but that would be selfish of me, and you'd do it anyway. Besides, I'm sure you'd already made up your mind about it before I came back here.

[ He hugs her a bit tighter, but he can't tell if it's for her or for him. The change is absolute... and it is permanent. Those words hang over his head like a faint echo. How does she know that? How can she be so certain? There are so many things in this universe that have been thought of as impossible at one point or another. His own existence was supposedly an impossibility, and yet... ]

I obviously don't want you to. However... I think my time would be better spent challenging just how absolute and permanent it really is. Perhaps it's naïve of me to think that, but... I would never he happy with myself if I sat idly by and just let it happen. Even if I'm unsuccessful, and there really is no way to turn you back... I have to at least try to think of something.

[ How long has Zelda truly lived, he wonders. Between the Seal for the Calamity, and this... at the end of that long millennium, how many years will she have lived? Hardly even two decades, it seems. And if there truly is no other way, and she goes through with it, she won't even be Zelda anymore. And then, if there's no way to reverse it once her duty is complete.... Satan knows she'll follow through, that no amount of arguing would convince her. And even if he could somehow convince her, he doesn't think she'd be happy running away from the responsibility. ]

But I won't stop you. As much as I'd like to... I can't. I...

[ It's tragic. Her responsibilities as the Princess of Hyrule are tragic. Even if he were to somehow, miraculously, find a solution... how would he even apply it? She'll wake up someday, return home... save Hyrule... again... and be lost. ]

I'm sorry. I... I don't... know how I feel... but I'm not angry.