#and how silly it would look to have Sidon acting Hylian

[kenneduck]

Sidlink BOTW AU where Sidon WANTS to fancy Link, but thinks Link will only like a Hylian, so Sidon tries to act Hylian around Link... except Sidon doesn't know much about Hylians.

Sidon just squatting and trying to act shorter around Link. Attempting to hide his sharp toothy grin and stop his tail from wagging. He's starting fires when trying to cook Hylian meals. Sidon putting on pants... incorrectly. It's really weird. Everyone in the domain is thinking the Prince is having a midlife crisis.

Sidon IS having a crisis, but it's a gay panic one.

But unbeknownst to Sidon, Link has fallen for these Zora quips. The smile Sidon flashes makes Link lose his train of thought... the way Sidon's tail wags makes Link flustered. When Sidon shook Link's hand with his two smothering strong ones, Link felt dizzy. Link is missing these quirks Sidon would show, so Link is determined to see them again!

When Link and Sidon are alone in Zora's Domain, Link purposely tells a funny story to the Prince. One he KNOWS will get him to laugh. But when Sidon turns his face from Link to "keep cool", Link gets frustrated. He grabs onto the fishy prince's face, asking him WHY Sidon is acting so differently. Sidon tries to deflect such a notion, but Link calls Sidon out on all the weird things he's been noticing... especially the pants.

Sidon cracks under the gaze of this Hylian! Link not only sees right through Sidon's changes, but Link seems to DISLIKE them, too! Sidon is embarrassed, and he deflates from the realization that Link doesn't like the prince. Sidon refuses to look at Link as he tells Link half the truth, that he wanted to be Link's... FRIEND. That he thought Link wouldn't want to be with... well FRIENDS with... a Zora. Link pauses, as he KNOWS that Sidon knows about he and Mipha's friendship, so something STILL feels off. It isn't until he notices Sidon's blushing that he understands what is truly being said.

After Link makes sure Sidon looks into his eyes, Link reassures Sidon that the things he likes about Sidon are what are truly him. His heroic grin, his playful tail wags. His champion-like swimming abilities. That Link enjoys Sidon. That he wants to SEE Sidon... all of him. Quickly, though, after Sidon lets out a flustered wheeze, Link realizes how his words came across, stating he just meant for Sidon to take off the pants! Sidon wheezes louder. Link gets more embarrassed and tries to explain he just meant Zora don't wear pants, so he'd want to see Sidon without-

It's great. They're great. They're trying.

It takes a bit more time after this convo, cause clearly the two are terrible with communication, but they reveal their romantic interests.

And they burn that infamous pair of pants.

#sidlink #sidlink hc #sidlink headcannon #I had my morning coffee I'm sorry #I just imagined insecure Sidon #and how silly it would look to have Sidon acting Hylian #even though he is a literal shark #with a dump truck #like where did he get the pants #also I know damn well Sidon would still try to hide his smile a few times after this. Cause of habit #but Link would catch his face before he hides the smile #so he can kiss his toothy grin #making Sidon wag his tail so hard it smacks Link #and Muzu thinks that the black eye Link has means they fought #and Muzu is happy #and tells Dorephan the “good” news #but Muzu doesn't realize they're hella gay #Muzu is a hater #muzu only supports gay wrongs and not gay rights

[chibi-honey-cake]

How about a drabble with Link having to adventure through cold water, and Sidon gives him a warm place to stay while travelling, said place being his belly?

Spare You The Cold- Prince Si.don x Li.nk

Okay, I put this off too long. Here's your request! TBH, I still haven't played BotW yet (because I knew it would eat literal days of my life lol) so I've been really trying hard to portray things right. I don't really know Prince Sidon well because he himself is a spoiler, but I could not avoid the internet's collective BiG fIsH bOyFrIeNd... ❤️ I really hope I got his character right, I had to look up cutscenes and dialogue. This draws a LOT of inspiration from @nom-central 's wondrous Vore Day story from this year, so if you wanna see the Sidon x Reader fic that inspired this one, click here~ Alright so I guess, here we go!

Contains: Soft Vore, Safe Vore, Half-Size Vore, Male Pred, Male Prey, Willing Prey (I'm also counting this as Protection Vore 'cuz Link needs protecting from his own silly self sometimes. XD) Word Count: 1.5K

=-=-=-=-=

Link knew he should have prepared for this outcome a bit more. Of course the waters would be treacherous when he was venturing this far north. Without protective clothing or equipment, this water would be freezing... But he needed to get beyond this river!

Stubbornness won out as the Hylian hero waded into the water, pausing to brace himself. It was already cold on his ankles and shins, let alone what it would be like in a moment. He had to do this, though. Link couldn't stop now. He took a deep breath, hoped for the best, then threw himself into the water.

Cold! So cold! The temperature was so shocking that it nearly stole his breath away. As soon as he surfaced, Link gasped and spluttered for air. This was one of his bad ideas, he realized immediately. This was not going to work! Gritting his teeth, he immediately gave up this attempt. He quickly paddled himself back to the shore, shivering and panting from the heat-sapping cold.

Well, that was a mess of a failure. Link wrapped his arms around himself, frowning and shivering as he tried to restore more warmth to his chilled skin. He needed to build a fire to warm himself before he caught cold or something.

But it wasn't more than a few seconds later that his plans changed. Apparently his splashing had drawn someone's attention. "Hello there, Link!" a familiar voice called from the river. The blond hero looked up to see the Zora prince waving to him from the water. Link's frown softened into a small smile at the sight, lifting a hand to wave back weakly. Prince Sidon grinned wide, displaying his sharp teeth as he easily swam to the shore. Water cascaded from the large Zora's body as he lifted himself from the water. Link leaned up to meet Sidon's gaze, idly noting that the cold water didn't seem to affect Sidon as much as it did him. In fact, it didn't seem to bother him at all.

"I'm glad I caught up with you," Sidon started as he approached, "You mentioned heading this way, but you traveled faster than I imagined! Especially without swimming." He chuckled, apparently impressed. But he didn't linger on the point for long, diverting when he looked over the shorter hero. "Link, you are not looking so well," Sidon noted, tapping his chin. Link's stance was huddled, his clothing was soaked, and he appeared to be holding back from shivering in an attempt to mask his problem. It clicked in the prince's head immediately. "You didn't actually attempt to swim this river, did you?"

Link winced, knowing his mistake was obvious. His frown twisted, lifting his arms with a stiff shrug.

Sidon's golden eyes widened in shock. "That was reckless!" he scolded gently, "Hylians aren't able to stand colder waters like Zoras! What were you thinking?"

Link couldn't really defend his decision, after all it was just an impulse. Just one of his 'I-bet-I-can-do-this' spur-of-the-moment choices that he always ended up regretting. He shrugged again, glancing guiltily at the ground.

Sidon sighed, running his hand over the shark-like crest on his head. "I think I understand," he murmured, thinking briefly, "You were hoping to go fast... So you figured you could make it, right?" Link agreed with another nod, thoroughly embarrassed by his misplaced confidence. Prince Sidon looked over the shivering hero once more, a mix of concern and respect in his heart. To be so determined to reach your task, even at risk of yourself... It was what being a hero was all about, they both knew that. But he couldn't just leave Link like this.

"I would offer to let you ride upriver with me but you already seem chilled, my friend," Sidon pointed out as Link rubbed his arms for warmth, "And I cannot stand by when I can help!" Sidon knelt down to Link's height, grinning sharply once more, "I can take you beyond the river and give you a chance to warm up, if you like?"

Link's gaze lifted to the Zora's as they shared a silent look between them. Link knew what he was asking- They'd already done this a time or two before. Sure, it was a little- strange, but... Prince Sidon was someone to be trusted. After all, he'd already shown that much. Link nodded in agreement, a shuddering breath leaving his chest.

Sidon's grin widened further, showing off his sharp teeth. "Perfect!" he laughed, reaching out as Link approached, "Always glad to help." The Zora Prince took no hesitation, his larger hands grasping Link's shoulders. His mouth parted wide, a mildly-intimidating sight with how imposing his figure was. But the Hylian trusted him, closing his eyes as he felt a warm breath against his face.

His broad, smooth tongue curled beneath Link's chin, guiding his head over Sidon's sharp teeth safely. His head easily fit into the prince's mouth, warmer saliva slicking his skin. Just the softer warmth of his mouth made the chill in the rest of the hero's body all that more obvious, making him wish that Sidon might go faster this time...

But Sidon paused for just a moment to taste him, his tongue sliding past his cheek. Sidon hummed appreciatively, his tongue turning to the young man's neck. He nudged Link's head towards the back of his throat and a strong swallow pulled him into the entrance of the throat.

Sidon rumbled another hum, swallowing again to push his shoulders down next. It was a good thing Zoras had adapted to being able to take live meals, though usually this method was used on fish. Thankfully their stomachs weren't very powerful, making this technique quite handy for other purposes.

The Zora prince kept his tongue between Link and his teeth, not wanting to harm his friend- and he could taste as he went, win-win. Taking more of the Hylian's torso in, Sidon noted that he was keeping still save for a subtle tremor. Considering how cold Link felt as he swallowed further towards his waist, he should probably hurry up to get the soaked hero out of the cool air.

Link held himself back from fidgeting even though the sensation was still a little strange to him. The muscles inside the Zora prince were smooth, slick, and strong- which, come to think of it, also described the outside of Sidon. His swallowing felt effortless, more of Link's chilled frame slipping deeper inside. He passing by the source of the Zora's powerful heartbeat in a hurry, massaged closer to his destination. Link let out a low sigh of contentment, the warmth of Sidon's larger, powerful body seeping into his and banishing the cold bit by bit. He felt gravity shift to aid his trip inside, limply allowing his frame to slide downward towards the warm belly of his friend.

Sidon lifted Link's shorter frame, both of them working towards their mutual end goal. Prince Sidon pushed the Hylian's legs up as he tilted his head back, the slick muscles inside making the act of swallowing merely a formality. It was over in a few quick gulps, the last of Link quickly slithering down Sidon's throat. He swallowed one last time, making sure to tuck all of the Hylian safely in his stomach before anything else.

He felt the smaller frame of the Hylian slip easily into his belly, a soft gurgle welcoming his arrival. Sidon placed his fingers to his smooth, rounded belly, pressing in slightly to guide Link's body into a more comfortable position. Link accepted his help gratefully, wriggling carefully to nestle into the crook of the Zora prince's tum. "There..." Sidon let out a pleased sigh, "Isn't that better? You'll be warmer in no time, my friend!"

Link's shivering inside had lessened; even though Sidon could still feel the chill from the Hylian's frame inside, he was quickly thawing. Even the lukewarm insides of the Zora were warmer than he had been. It would at least help warm him more slowly to keep Link safe from injury. Link didn't answer with words, but gave a friendly pat to the inner walls of his stomach.

Prince Sidon couldn't help but laugh, answering with his own soft pat. "Good then," Sidon crooned, turning to wade back into the river. He could insulate and help his friend to reach his destination without stress now. "I'll ferry you down the river, you just sit tight."

As Sidon dipped into the cooler waters, his hand caressed his warm tum gently. Another long gurgle rumbled loose as Link shifted to curl up inside. However, Link was still fairly cold... and no one said that he couldn't take his time getting there, did they? Prince Sidon hummed playfully to himself, pushing through the cooler currents with ease. Link needed rest and warmth; letting him stay inside was the least Sidon could do after all Link had done for him and his people.

#chibi writes a thing #anonymous #loz vore #extreme cuddling #v.ore #soft vore #safe vore #half size vore #male pred #male prey #willing prey #protective vore #Thanks again to nom-central for being a beta reader! #Thank you! #I was so worried I hadn't gotten his personality right

[scrambleddragonegg]

Revalink prompt: If they were a meme song which song would they be? Or them acting out a meme lmao

oh shit I- you sir have THE braincells. yes the emphasis was necessary :)

anyway I feel like they'd be that one that's like I've got God AND anime on my side but like revali is the one you can't see. lol this is gonna be a bit silly but that's what this was meant for :)))))))

also this is kinda a modern au??? I guess??? it's here. it's queer. I don't know what I'm doing.

-

Zelda has grown used to Link and Revali's chaos at this point, and avoids it at all costs. When you're practically living with them for months on end, you get tired of them dancing around each other constantly. Today, however, they've managed to cause such a racket that her father himself told Zelda to fix whatever they did. That's how she got out here.

Link and Revali are quite literally fighting with those pointers elementary school teachers use. The ones with the cartoon Mickey Mouse looking glove? Those things. It doesn't take long for things to escalate once more, and Zelda calls Mipha and Urbosa for assistance. Urbosa gets there first and only pulls out her phone to record. She cheers Link on, knowing that he has more experience with a sword and is bound to succeed in this battle. Then when the door opens.

"What in Hylia's name..." Mipha gasps, hearing the violent shouting coming from the living room.

"Link you absolute gremlin!" Revali shouts. The boy in question simply rolls his eyes and laughs, poking Revali in the ribs with the pointer.

Then Sidon runs in. He barely comes up to their waists, but is eager to join the fight. It's then when Link has an idea that some might consider brilliant.

Okay... maybe just Sidon.

He steps back, putting distance between himself and the obviously angry rito before twirling his pointer in the air for a second.

"Do you truly underestimate me so much?" Revali sneers, preparing to rush at Link.

"Don't fuck with me!" Link's shouts bounce off the high walls of the living room. Zelda throws her hands in the air with a groan of absolute annoyance. Why did she think Link would calm down in the presence of the child?

Mipha gasps, "Link! Not in front of Sidon!" Its a scolding tone that she has perfected at this point. Between Link and Sidon, she has a good reason to.

Urbosa's booming laughter only fuel the confusion written along Revali's features. What is the hylian being so loud for?

"I've got the power of God AND anime on my side!"

Link lunges at Revali with an ear piercing scream, startling the rito immensely with his odd declaration. A quick jab to the ribs where he's probably already bruised from their rough housing sends Revali to the floor, clutching the spot as his knees buckle. By the time Revali recovers, Link has darted from the room.

That little shit.

At least Sidon got a kick out of it.

[magicallygrimmwiccan]

All Was Golden In the Sky

Summary: Sidon glared, baring his teeth at Revali. “Stay away from him.” In response, Revali tilted his head back so he could look Sidon directly in the eyes, glare, and respond “Not a chance.” OR Sidon and Revali are idiots who love One (1) Feral Elf Twink, Link and Zelda are done with their shit, and chaos ensues.

Notes: This was written for my lovely fiance @theotheralya​!

Before he died fighting Calamity Ganon the first time, Revali had never quite managed to work up the courage to tell Link how he really felt about him. He had never really had the time, either, what with attempting to save all of Hylia from Ganon. Plus, Link had Zelda, Revali had always bitterly, harshly reminded himself when his romantic musings began to grow in his mind. He would not stand in the way of those two’s love.

And yet, Revali realized, now that he was alive again after being dead for 100 years, Zelda and Link had never loved each other at all. Oh, of course they were wonderful friends. No one would ever deny their deep bond of friendship with each other, even with their rocky start. However, neither had interest in the other in the romantic sense, Zelda having eyes only for Urbosa and Link having absolutely no interest in women. Revali felt immediately relieved when he learned this (he still had a chance with Link! Now he just had to work up the courage to ask him), but as soon as he realized this, he also realized something else horrible.

Sidon was in love with Link, and the prince seemed to have no issues showing it.

Thankfully for Revali, Link was an oblivious idiot who wouldn’t know romance if it smacked him upside the head. He never seemed to realize that Sidon kept asking him out on dates, always treating these meetings as just spending time with a friend. Revali was eternally grateful for Link’s lack of awareness of romance, because this meant that he still had a chance. He began to plot, planning out exactly what he would say to Link, how he would say it, when he would confess, where he should ask Link to in order to make his grand confession. His plan was foolproof and accounted for every possible factor. Of course, Revali forgot one particular factor.

Sidon.

The Zora prince seemed to be there whenever Revali tried to get Link alone. The first time Revali asked Link to take a walk with him, Sidon suddenly swooped in with a mission for Link to finish. The second time Revali tried to ask Link for a walk, Link smiled sheepishly and informed Revali that he had promised to spar with Sidon that afternoon. After the third attempt, Revali gave up on the walk idea and began asking Link to spar. That was also an issue, apparently, as became apparent when Link was dragged off by Mipha right before their first session, kidnapped by Sidon before the second, found by Zelda and coerced into helping her with an experiment during their third, and dragged by Urbosa into another sparring match before their fourth. Revali was beginning to become convinced that everyone did not want him and Link to be together, and he was beginning to get desperate.

Eventually, Revali just decided to approach Link and ask him out bluntly. He found Link in the corridor, chatting with Zelda, his laughter lighting up his whole face. Revali let out a small smile at that and began to walk forward, intent on professing his love, when he was stopped abruptly by the Zora prince.

“Greetings, Prince Sidon. What can I do for you today?” Revali didn’t really care if he sounded testy at the moment, he was busy and Sidon was disturbing him.

“You like Link, don’t you?” Sidon simply asked, golden eyes dark and filled with an emotion that Revali didn’t really feel like interpreting at that moment.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You’re very rude to him. I don’t like it.” Sidon wasn’t smiling for the first time since Revali had met him. “You insult him all the time. I don’t know why you act the way you do, but stay away from Link. You’re not good for him.”

Revali’s feathers positively bristled at that comment. “Well, you’re too soft. You don’t understand what he’s been through. You can’t help him through his panic attacks, you can’t help remind him of his life before the Calamity, and honestly, who the fuck do you think you are, telling me to stay away from one of my friends?”

Sidon glared, baring his teeth at Revali. “Stay away from him.” In response, Revali tilted his head back so he could look Sidon directly in the eyes, glare, and respond “Not a chance.”

________________________________________________

And so the war began.

Sidon would attempt to woo Link by bribing him with food and monster hunting, while Revali would try and woo Link more with pretty rocks and feathers. Link, the strange, feral Hylian that he was, did not seem to understand the purpose of any of these gifts, and instead insisted on repaying both Revali and Sidon with food. Revali was at the end of his rope, as was Sidon, yet both refused to be the first to back down. And so, they kept at their wooing war, despite the fact that the person they both wanted to woo was completely oblivious to their advances.

This all came to a head two weeks after the beginning of this Wooing War, when Zelda finally pulled Sidon and Revali into a back room to scold them for their behaviour.

“Why don’t you two idiots just ask Link out like normal people?” Zelda sighed, crossing her arms as she glared at both of them.

“He’s not going to accept both of us dating him!” Revali shot back, rolling his eyes. Honestly, Zelda was so intelligent, but sometimes she was just plain silly.

“And you know this how, exactly?”

“Well, because…” Revali trailed off, and he could also see Sidon looking just as confused. “... he’s never said he’d date more than one person?”

“Idiots, all of you,” Zelda groaned. “Just- just ask him, for the love of the Goddess.” With that, she spun around and stalked off, muttering about emotionally constipated men who wouldn’t know communication if it hit them upside the head. Revali and Sidon glanced at each other and shrugged at that. The princess had always been a bit weird.

___________________________________________________

Revali should have known that Zelda would take matters into her own hands at some point. Another week had passed since she had talked to him and Sidon, and neither had confessed to Link. Revali was planning another way to woo Link, involving bokoblin hunting, when Link approached him with a serious expression in his eyes. “Revali? Can we talk?”

“Hm? Oh, of course. What’s wrong, Link?”

“Do you like me?” Link’s face promised pain if Revali tried to bullshit his way out of this. Deciding to be smart and keep his feathers all intact as well as his life, Revali simply nodded in reply. “So why have you not told me before?”

“I was trying to figure out how to court you properly, but Sidon kept getting in the way, and I did not think it was appropriate to ask you without properly courting you first,” Revali answered, crossing his wings.

Link rolled his eyes and threw his hands towards the ceiling, beginning to pace around in clear frustration. Revali just watched, not willing to risk possibly losing a limb by interrupting Link.

After a few minutes, Link calmed down and turned to face Revali, hands clasped together and fingers resting under his nose. He inhaled before pointing both hands directly at Revali. “You are an idiot.”

“Hey-”

“You and Sidon are both idiots. You could just talk to me, you know!”

“Yes, we’ve established this. Is there another point to this?” Link made a small noise of frustration before he marched over, grabbed Revali’s head between his hands, and pulled him in for a kiss. Oh, it was awkward. Link had never kissed a Rito before, after all, and Revali had never kissed a Hylian. It was far from perfect, but somehow, that made it even more perfect. After a few minutes, Link pulled back with a goofy grin on his face.

“That’s the point,” he signed. “I love both of you, Revali, and of course I would date you.”

Revali swallowed at that. “So, are you saying yes to me, or yes to Sidon?”

Link’s face broke out into a smirk. “Revali, darling. I have two hands.”

#legend of zelda #botw #sidon x link #revali x link #link x revali x sidon #fluff #idiots in love #mute link

[g00d1uckch4rm]

Primal

Chapter 12: Intoxication By Mass Hysteria

Summary/Info Rated M CHAPTER WARNINGS: Prejudice, Violence and Persecution towards Omegas and Alphas/ Intersex/ Hermaphrodites, Murder

Previously... After capturing the escaped patient, Link; with the help of R's magic, sneaks into the quarantine camp. A risky task to hopefully uncover enough information to save the dying Hylian from whatever monstrous epidemic was festering under her skin. Information Link nearly pays for with not only his life, but R's as well.

While there is much Link still doesn't know or understand, Link believes that the true sickness Ganon's Blight is being cultivated or created by using those imprisoned there. People with traits like Link himself and M. But how or why remains a mystery.

With the Master Sword returning to his side, Link readies for the storm ahead.

Meanwhile, Dorephan and Sidon had an unusual family argument. It had begun about marriage to Yanun, but somehow twisted into something unsettling. Zora traditions, unfortunate circumstances, and foretelling? The darkness in Sidon's heart festers.

-Only obvious key points will be summarized. There are likely moments of an Unreliable Narrator or Sneaky Foreshadowing.- ____________________________________________________

It stirred up a lot more drama than he originally thought, suddenly showing up at early morning training with the Master Sword strapped to his hip. Thankfully, he already had a plan to deal with it all and... that it worked. Link was either incredibly convincing or people relied on his word far too much. 

As far as anyone was concerned, it was a symbol of the responsibilities of those wanting to take Link's place as Captain. Which in a way, wasn't wrong. Becoming the next leader was not a free ride of obtaining rank, privileges and power. With the added pressure to the candidates, it quelled many of them from acting foolishly as they did in the past month. Two birds with one stone really. 

Some of the knights even tickled the fantasy of being 'knighted'; again, to captain by the Master Sword. 

The idea was not outside the realm of possibility, but all Link wanted them to do was to take their goal seriously. There is more to the role than some of them realized, whom ever was next would be looking after the protection and safety of all of Hyrule. Well... the Kingdom of Central Hyrule. 

That had been a strange and startling realization for the young hero. 

Link had caught himself one day; after getting rather aggravated over a group of knights chatting inside the barracks, that he was confusing who he was with what he was passing on. While they spoke in pride over their kingdom's defences in comparison to the other ruling territories and their goals to keep Hyrule on the top. All Link could focus on was that it was their duty to oversee the protection of all of Hyrule, not just within the Hylian boarder. 

But... it wasn't. It was never going to be. 

Someone else was going to become Captain of the guard for the Central Hyrule Kingdom. Not for all of Hyrule. Nor as the Hero of Hyrule. That was his duty and his alone. 

But with the weight of recognizing that, while he was going or sending aid to where ever someone asked for help, Link had been neglecting the other races. He spent most of his days training the Hylians, improving the Hylian defences, teaching all useful information he gained from survival and monsters to the Hylians. The guilt that dropped onto his shoulders was heavier than any armour. 

Link tried to reason with himself that the Goron, the Rito, the Gerudo, the Zora, the Sheikah, all of them had well trained guards of their own. They all were doing just fine without his attention and guidance. That it had been the Hylians that needed him the most over the years. They had been broken, scattered across the other territories from their homeland that Calamity had destroyed and taken from them.

Yet this was not enough to ease the ache of failure, Link would have to make an effort first. Perhaps... when he has dealt with the camp, he could spend time with the other races. Make sure that they were just as well off as Central Hyrule when he was finished training the fiftieth platoon. Sidon, would understand and let him leave for a couple days at a time. Travel by teleportation was quick enough. It would be okay, right? 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

It's like holding a hand full of thistle as Link wields his blade, it stings and pricks at his hand. But it's minor in comparison to many other wounds he's had to deal with during combat and forgets about it after the first few moments. The sounds of metal running along metal and soft rings when they separate are almost rhythmic. Though it is broken by a rather loud clang as one sword bites into the other. 

“I-I'm sorry, Captain!” The young woman flinched back, knowing full well that she had damaged the blade once again without even checking. 

With an irritated huff, Link draws back, relaxing his stance and returns the Master Sword back to its scabbard. [This clearly isn't working out for you, you should return to using an axe.] 

“No, I can do this! I just need more practice, I'll even return to a training sword, please, Captain!” She begged, going as far to get on one knee. 

Link crossed his arms, looking over her with a hard gaze. This certainly wasn't the first time. Mainly do to the shear differences in fighting style, the knight couldn't quite get the habit of parrying an incoming blade. Because of this, she tried to block with her sword, worst of all with the edge. Causing it to dull and eventually chip, crack or split. By her own efforts, she had sent five blades to the smithy in the past week. From practice fighting with fellow knights and Link himself. 

It wasn't as though she hadn't had proper training prior to combat with real swords. Even Link understood that there was going to be mistakes or changes in one's confidence when going from blunt wood to sharpened metal. It was a healthy fear of any weapon that kept you on your toes after all. 

[On your feet. You're already fully trained in one weapon. This is unnecessary.] 

“But-” She began, yet didn't finish and her eyes dropped from his gaze. At first, Link believed that she had given up on the argument. However, he noticed that her eyes weren't on the ground or at her feet like so many do when they felt defeated. No, her eyes were set on the Master Sword at his hip. 

Link visibly bristled with anger and grasped the grip tightly, like someone was attempting to take it from him. The knight gave a small jolt and jumped to attention, making sure to look her captain in the eye. She knew it would be far worse if she tried to avoid his gaze any longer. The Master Sword stung in his hold, but it didn't last long as he needed both hands to speak. [Take that sword to the smithy and you are to do whatever tasks they give you. Dismissed.] 

“Yes, Captain.” After returning the chipped blade back into its sheath, she hurried off. 

Looking around the training grounds, Link noticed a fair amount of eyes on him before they realized they had been caught. Quick to return to training, like nothing had happened. But after what the young captain had observed, the sight of seeing some of the knights practising their single handed swordsmanship irritated him. Before he snapped, Link stormed off the training grounds. 

It pissed him off that it irritated him. Single handed swords were the most common form of blade and anyone could learn to use them. So why was he so upset by it? He knew that regardless of how badly someone wanted the legendary blade, it would never accept them. It wasn't possible to steal either. So there was no need for him to get so defensive over the Master Sword. And losing his composure that quickly, that easily. This also pissed Link off. It was practically childish of him. 

What the hell was wrong with him? Link knew his actions were uncalled for and unlike him, but in the moment, it was like his brain shut off. 

Perhaps the added stress from the knowledge of the camp was starting to take a toll on him. Not to mention trying to make the perfect plan for a rescue or figure out what was the goal of those responsible on top of it all. And the fact he still didn't have a clue who was behind it all didn't help matters either. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

Bazz took in a very deep breath before stepping out of the archway onto the balcony. When it had been decided that the prince needed him, he didn't realize it was this bad. “Afternoon, my Prince. I have a request that I would like granted.” 

“Hm?” Sidon slowly turned around from the railing, he seemed so lost in thought that he didn't hear. Noticing how bitter Bazz looked, he sighed as his shoulders dropped and wondered if this was about Yanun or another silver Zora. “What is the matter?” 

“Permission to be off duty for one hour, my Prince.” He stated, ignoring the question and getting right to the point. 

“... Captain Bazz, you do realize that with your position you do not require my-” 

“Permission to be off duty for one hour, my Prince.” Bazz cut him off, repeating what he just said and this time more firmly. 

Not all in the mood to deal with Bazz's oddities more than he had too, Sidon went along with it and waved him away. “Fine, fine. You have my permission, you may take you leave now.” But the smile that the black Zora gave him in reply was suspicious, he looked far too happy. Bazz then let his spear clatter to the floor, after that he tossed his helmet, bracers and chest plate to join it. “Captain Bazz...?” 

Bazz took a step towards him and then with one finger beckoned Sidon to come in closer, now grinning like he had a secret to share. This didn't sit right with Sidon at all, but when Bazz didn't move after waiting a few moments, he gave in reluctantly. “Captain Bazz, I am really not in the mood for silly games.” 

Taking a knee and leaning in as Bazz came closer, he was expecting some sort of joke that would be inappropriate to speak aloud. The smaller wrapped an arm around the other's neck and cupped his hand to their ear. 

“What on Hylia's green earth is your issue!?” Bazz yelled at the top of his lungs, making the prince wince and when he tried to get away, Bazz put him in a choke hold, using his body weight to try and keep him from standing up. “I thought we were friends! What the fuck man!?” 

“Is this any way to treat and speak to your Prince, Captain Bazz!?” Struggling to get out of the other's grip, but they were already making it difficult to breathe if he tried to stand. 

“Sorry, I don't see a captain anywhere. Maybe they're off duty. I'm just a civilian trying to get through to my thick-headed friend!” 

“You're being childish!” 

“And you aren't!? What happened to friends going to each other when they need help!? Asshole!” 

“Enough!” Despite the fact it was almost impossible to breathe with Bazz hanging off his neck, Sidon managed to stand leaving them to hang like some ridiculous piece of jewellery. “Get... off!” He demanded as he tried to pry their arms apart. 

Bazz stubbornly wrapped his legs around Sidon's arm just to make things harder to get rid of him. “No! Not until you tell me what's wrong!” 

“N-nothing is wrong!” 

“Well the Big Bad Bazz Brigade doesn't have a meeting about another member's well being for nothing! Do you know how embarrassing it is for us, for Rivan, Gaddison and I to not know why your hurting? Or for how long? What kind of shit friends does that make us, Sidon!?” 

There was no way he was getting out of this, not without one of them getting injured. As mad as Sidon was right now, he wasn't going to lose it and slam Bazz into a wall or something. That would only add-- “Alright! I'll talk!” 

Bazz eased his hold, doing more of an awkward hug now and Sidon took a deep breath of relief. “Have a seat, get comfy. I've got an hour just for you, pretty boy.” 

“Oh for the love of a'-,” The red Zora groaned and sat down with his back against the railing. His friend had found some decency and did not to simply drop into his lap, choosing to stand awkwardly beside Sidon to keep his arm in place. “What even makes you think I'm hurting?” 

“Rivan says your drowning yourself in royal duties.” 

“I've been very busy-” 

“And Gaddison said she has found you sitting on the dock of the East Reservoir Lake almost every night. Sound familiar yet?” Sidon groaned and hung his head, of course he hadn't noticed her spying on him, that woman was undetectable. Continuing on, Bazz spoke a lot softer this time. “Come on, Sidon, we all know you act like this only when you are deeply troubled or someone poked at old wounds. Tell me so I can help.” 

The prince was silent for a bit, mulling over everything that was currently bothering him. Link's possible pregnancy, the reassurance of curses, the fight with Dorephan. Carefully, Sidon picked a topic that he believed would be the least problematic and bring this to an end quickly. “I had an argument with my father.” 

“That's rare, what was it about?” 

“Marriage.” 

“Ooo...” Bazz made a pained face, that had to have sucked as he had a very good idea of how that had gone down. 

“As you can imagine, my father made the suggestion of Princess Yanun.” 

I knew it! But the king's poor taste in suitors for his son was not the issue right now. “And the King didn't tread lightly on your insecurities, did he?” 

Sidon gave a small irritated scowl in response. “Do not slander me.” 

“Look, big guy-” 

“Don't.” He snarled. “Call me that.” 

“Shit, sorry, my bad.” Guess Link's the only one that can get away with that. “Everyone has something about themselves that they don't like. It's no different for you. But if you continue to wallow in it as you do, others will too. But how you are, isn’t because you’re cursed, Sidon.” 

“I am too!” Managing to catch the knight off guard, Sidon shoved him away. “My own mother believed so as well, that's why she gave me this cursed name!” 

Pissed off, Bazz hopped up to his feet and grabbed hold of the other's ear flippers. “Oh ya!? Well, Sheil is never wrong, eh!? That's why she gave me the name Bazz, Bringer of Truth! So here's some hard truth for ya! Your mother loved you, enough that she risked her life for yours. My father; Seggin the Demon Sergeant, if he wasn't horrified by your soul, why should anyone be? You've always grown faster than the rest of us, in strength, in skill, in mind, and body. Yet you've never willingly used it against anyone to do harm, so why should anyone fear you? You were born a Low Primal, yet you avoid unwanted contact, so why should anyone handle you like a wild beast?” 

“I... I don't know, t-they just do! Everyone! Even that ridiculous fanclub, they toss around pleasantries and flattery at a distance! But the moment I get too close, they put on a mask of compliance. While constantly glancing for a chance to get away, panic if I so much as raise a hand their direction, cowering as they speak! It's nothing but a mockery!” 

Are. You. Serious. Does this man not understand how girls get overwhelmed, act like idiots and then wallow in that embarrassment, especially every time when facing someone they are completely crazy for? “You're not hearing me! Your wrong, about all of it, about yourself!” 

“Stop it! Stop trying to string me along in these lies!” 

“Oh ya? Try this one on for size! You remember the earrings that Link wore when he was here? Guess where he got them?! Ding, ding!” At the same time, Bazz rang Sidon's flippers like a bell. “The fanclub! And you really believe that Link would be a part of anything that would be against you!?” 

Sidon froze, recalling the red and white marble earrings Link had worn those days. The small man fiddling with them. They had been his colours? He thought it had been just something pleasing to the eye, not a symbol of Sidon. 

“Are you starting to understand?” Bazz asked carefully, ready to throw more Link facts at him. They seem to be very effective, far more than he was expecting. Just as big a fanboy as the fanclub girls... 

“But... why? Why do they, or any of the Zora people, why do they treat me so cautiously? What have I done wrong?” 

“Because you treat yourself like a criminal...” He let go of Sidon and sat down. However Bazz noticed that Sidon was just going to blindly accept that. For clarification, he continued. “Well, I can't speak for everyone, but it's what me, Rivan and Gaddison believe. When things go wrong, you punish yourself far too harshly, you feel at fault and take responsibility when you don't need to. Maybe people put on a face so they don't trouble you, so they don't hurt you. But I can also see how that would backfire.” 

“You and the others don't act in such a way.” 

“That's because the four of us talk to each other and are honest about what upsets us. When it comes to everyone else, you just bare it in silence and act like nothing is wrong. You think you have to be some flawless leader, no mistakes, no sins. And then we end up in situations like this, because at the end of the day, you're just a person, Sidon. Bad shit happens and there are things outside our control, but when you don't let go of it, it festers in your head just like anyone else.” 

“I know that, yet it doesn't seem to ease the tormenting in my mind.” 

“Well that's something you and Link can work on together. Don't get me wrong, the Big Bad Bazz Brigade will still be there to help you any way we can. But he's got it just as bad as you do with not letting things go.” 

Sidon gave a weak frown, Bazz wasn't wrong. But he didn't know how the two of them with the same problem could help each other. Guess there was really only one way, one of them would have to try. 

“Did I upset you?” 

“No, no, this actually helped quite a bit. Getting all of that off my chest, I don't feel so overwhelmed. Thank you and... I'm sorry for troubling you with such nonsense.” 

“Don't start again, we've been friends since you could talk. I love you and I'm here for you, no matter how small, it isn't nonsense or trouble to me. Understood?” 

For the first time that day, Sidon gave an honest smile and then gave his friend a hug. “Understood.” 

“Hey, Sidon?” 

“Yes, Bazz?” 

“Can you believe that I got swept off my feet by a Prince?” He swooned dramatically, leaning back in his friends arms. “I feel like I've become a Princess~.” 

Leave it to Bazz to goof off the moment he didn't have to be serious anymore. While Sidon rolled his eyes he dropped Bazz, before they both burst into a fit of laughter. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

“I understand that; despite we're half way through autumn, that today is a particularly nice day. But it's far too chilly to be taking a nap in the castle garden.” Zelda lightly scolded her friend after waking him, a basket under one arm and the other hand on her hip. 

Damn it, again? Link stretched and gave a yawn, they hadn't meant to pass out. [Relax, it was only for a few moments. Not like I would waste the day sleeping.] 

“Honestly, how much are you working?” She huffed and sat down next to him under the barren tree. Then rummaged around in the basket until she procured two warm bundles, handing one to Link. “If you're sacrificing your night's rest and sleeping during your breaks to make up for it. I think you need to put whatever extra projects you’ve got, on hold.” 

Link shook his head as he emptied his hands to speak. [Nothing has changed with work, this weather would make anyone want to hibernate.] 

“Is that so?” She didn’t buy it for a second and gave him a displeased scowl. 

Yet, he ignored her and unwrapped his lunch, still steaming in the crisp air. Most food from the castle kitchen wasn’t to his liking, but when it came to their hot buns, he couldn’t resist. Definitely one of his top favourite comfort foods. 

“Then your unavailability to spend time with me for these couple weeks is purely coincidence?” 

Link gave a nod as he savoured the first bite. A cream sauce with Cucco, hearty radish and swift carrots, perfectly seasoned. One of the best fillings, almost as good as bbq pork, but better than the Goron spice beef. 

Zelda rolled her eyes after seeing the expression of bliss on his face. “And has nothing to do with the fact I bribed you with food?” 

The young man groaned and took a huge bite before balancing the bun on his knee. [Why are you being petty?] 

“I’m just worried about you and the fact that you avoid me isn’t helping. Did you have a fight with Sidon or something?” 

[What? No, what gave you that idea?] 

“Well I thought it was a good thing for the two of you to enjoy each other's company after almost four years.” She gave him a pointed look, not understanding Link's stubbornness with avoiding to visit his best friend to this day. “But then you’re storming off in a hurry at the crack of dawn and your attitude seems to have gotten worse every day since.” 

When Zelda explained it all out like that, Link could see how she came to that conclusion. When really nothing has changed, Link didn't understand what she meant by 'worse'. He's the same as always, more busy these past months, sure. But just because he has less time to spend with her does not automatically make him moody, or changed, or whatever she had come up with this time. Just as he was about to come up with a cover story for why his state was 'worse' than before. Zelda added something unexpected. 

“To top that off, the Master Sword has been awfully talkative.” 

He shrugged it off as no big deal, but Link knew that Zelda had once heard them clearly. It put him slightly on edge that she had brought it up, praying that she hadn't heard the sword speaking about the unfinished business with Calamity Ganon's remains. Or something along those lines. The last thing he wanted to do was drag her of all people back into that mess, Zelda had spent over a hundred years keeping it tied down, working harder than anyone ever could. [It’s just hushed voices, it happens.] 

“Even if I do not hear clear words this time, I do not like it. The last time I heard it, you nearly died, Link.” 

Avoiding that horrible memory and what ugly roads that went down, Link said. [If it doesn't have anything to say about being used as a mattock, it doesn't have anything worth complaining about.] 

“A what?” 

[Mattock. It's a tool that is a mix of a shovel, an axe and a pick.] 

“Oh, I've never heard of it. Is it-- Wait. Are you telling me you used the Master Sword like some sort of farm tool!?” 

Link couldn't even hide his smirk behind his bun as he quickly stuffed his face. The look of shock and betrayal on her face was absolutely priceless. Worth it. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

Sidon honestly hadn't meant to wait this long, a little over two months was dangerously close. He could have written about this, but the last thing Link needed on his plate was a scandal should someone find the letter, especially if he turned out to be overreacting. But Sidon knew if he suddenly went anywhere without guards or to Hyrule Castle without political reason, it would draw a lot of attention. His station held many responsibilities now, as an adult, as an heir learning everything that went into running a kingdom. 

So the moment a gathering was being held at Hyrule Castle, Sidon volunteered to attend. At first Dorephan tried to deny it, as an ambassador or even Muzu would be enough for a such a simple task. But the prince's enthusiasm to learn eventually got him approval from the king and was able to join the small party attending the meeting. Even if it was mainly to observe. 

Even now, Sidon was nervous as he climbed onto the docks of Hyrule Castle. A servant, alongside four knights greeted them and escorted the Zora party up into the castle. Along the way being informed of accommodations, whom has yet to arrive and what was permitted after the gathering. 

All throughout the meeting, the Zora prince could not stop thinking about Link. What kind of state was he in? Was he hiding the development? Did he even understand what was going on? The Hylian was still very closed off and didn't answer any questions as to what was bothering him before their time together. 

It was just past three bells when it came to a close and the prince was free. Locating Link was simple, with knowledge of the captain tending to platoon training for the day, Sidon knew what part of the barrack grounds to find him. After spotting him, the prince requested that his personal guard wait at a distance. 

“Link!” Sidon called from afar, surprising not only the four knights-in-training, but Link himself. 

Why is Sidon here? The warrior wondered and fearing that it was a dire situation, Link slid the wooden sword into the frog on his belt and rushed over. [What happened? Where's the threat?] 

“Oh!” Realizing the absolute alarm he was setting off by suddenly showing up out of nowhere. “No, no! I just came to attend a gathering and now that it is over, I came to see you.” 

The tension rolled off Link's shoulders, but he gave Sidon a rather annoyed glance before turning towards platoon fifty. [Take five.] 

“Goodness, Link. The way they fell over...” He couldn't help but feel sorry for them, panting and weak in the knees. Even Link looked exhausted. “Don't you think that you are taking it a little far?” 

[They have to work hard if they want to become knights. I don't have time for halfhearted efforts.] 

This particular wording brought forth Sidon's worry ten fold and looked to the loose, warm tunic the young man wore. From what he recalled of Zora women, it was enough to hide any change at this stage. A week or two more and hiding it would become far more difficult. Swallowing his fear, Sidon braved the uneasy territory. “Actually, my visit today is a little more than a coincidence. You recall the events that transpired during your visit, correct?” 

Becoming both puzzled and concerned, Link gave a slow nod. 

“Well, I've begun to worry about something in particular, after the events...” Sidon flushed from the thought alone. “inside Vah Ruta. Link, by chance have you become-?” 

Link struck the prince's unguarded abdomen with the training sword, knocking the wind right out of him. With a pained hiss, the taller man fell to his knees as he cradled his stomach. The weapon shook in Link's trembling hands and when Sidon looked at him with a betrayed expression, he dropped the weapon and ran. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

An overwhelming sensation of confusion had come over him. His muscles felt tight, like his hackles were raised. Everything felt out of place, yet nothing had changed. 

What is wrong with me? Link questioned himself as he ran through the castle grounds, he didn't know where he was going. But anywhere away from his best friend was optimal, the last thing he wanted was to attack Sidon again. Why did I do that? Sure, Sidon was about to say something ridiculous and embarrassing for the both of them. But to lash out uncontrollably like that and with that much force, it wasn't warranted. Wooden sword or not, Link could do serious harm with anything given enough strength. 

Finally his feet came to a stop, unable to run anymore, Link nearly fell over. Glancing around as he tried to figure out where he ended up while catching his breath. 

“Captain?” 

Turning around, Link found Ingo was the one calling out to him. With a deep breath, Link stood up straight and tried to act normal. [Need something? I'm in the middle of training.] It was an easy lie. 

“Oh, sorry to bother you. I thought that something was wrong by the way you were running. Your pace was uneven and your direction wavered, which-” 

Link groaned and clapped his hands to cut him off. [Stop studying me, I'm not an animal. We've talked about this, you should have this habit under control by now.] 

“Right, sorry.” Ingo laughed and then began to unbuckle the leather bag he carried his hunting journal in, among other oddities. “Again, I don't mean to bother you, but while I've got you for a moment. My old mentor finally sent the bestiary, I hope that the three month wait was worth it.” 

An old, worn and faded yellow tome was then carefully placed in Link's hands. In truth, Link had been so absorbed with his usual duties on top of the camp and the medicine, he had forgotten all about it. About obtaining more of his past. It was so unimportant in the grand scheme of things, or rather it's what he tried to convince himself of now. But holding the book had his body humming, while it was likely his heart still in the process of calming down, something was off. 

“Hey, Captain. Could you be extra careful with this? They'll have my kidney if anything happens to it, their kinda of obsessed with collecting these sort of things. You get what I mean, right? But... I really do hope it helps you get your memory back, even if it turns out to be a small one.” 

With a straight hand, Link touched his lips and then dropped the hand towards Ingo. [Thank you.] He signed, even though he was trembling. With the book in hand, there was something frightening about the gesture. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

Link remained standing there for a few moments; book in hand, after Ingo returned to his duties and was weighing the options. To go and apologize fer his actions or to embrace this opportunity? The young man hated that he felt uneasy to face his friend, still wanting to hide. However Link's choice gave him time to steady himself. 

He was not letting this possible memory get away from him again. Besides, this would only take a few minutes. While making his way back, Link chose to take a roundabout way to the barracks. Somehow, he had managed to sneak most of the way back without being noticed. But that did not keep him from hearing about the rumours going around about him. 

Not surprising that attacking a prince from the neighbouring kingdom for no reason would stir quite the uproar. However, apparently no one had actually heard what they were talking about. For that, Link was grateful, it would make cleaning up this mess all the more easier. But that would come in a moment. 

As he is carefully opening one of the back doors of the knight's sleeping quarters, something smashes down on top of him and breaks. Link can feel faint cuts open and sting as his back is suddenly burning from hot liquid. He lets out a brief yelp of pain, a foul smell fills his nose makes him slightly dizzy as he looks up. He can't pin point where it came from and after inspecting the liquid, he realizes its wine. 

Some bastard is drinking in the barracks again? Link sighed, now bitter and pissed, if he ever found the idiot, Hylia help them. But he's dealt with far worse and he had more important things to deal with right now. He'll grab an elixir and be just fine. 

As he made it to his room, Link grabbed his book of hands from the nightstand and sat on the bed. Flipping to the back, he retrieved the folded piece of paper. But before he opened it, Link set the yellow bestiary down and began searching the pages for the monster. While the name had been forgotten, he recalled it began with an N. 

The picture was in far better clarity here, all the little details of the naked person with the whites of their eyes blackened, a mass of crazed people on their right and children with the same eyes on the left. Nyimaph: a female only monster. 

The pages contained an assortment of information. From it's usual pray of wolves, to cases with people, and the like. In all, it was a highly adaptable monster and very intelligent. Tricking pack-minded creatures into protecting and feeding it's offspring, even eating pack members. As well as being considered to be immortal, passing from host to host even after death, unless caught and burned before it could escape. 

Yet the only unnerving thing about this monster was the information about how to find it. 

The telltale sign of a Nyimaph in disguise is when it is breeding, base instincts overtakes their intelligent nature to blend in. While little more than an animal during this time, clawing, biting and desperately seeking a mate, they can use a particular ability to bring others under the same influence.  

This sounded familiar. Being mistaken just like Ganon's Blight. It was like the effects of a fever. 

But no memory was triggered. It was like something was missing, like a chest without a key. Link was not about to give up, there was a memory here. Returning to the piece of paper, he unfolded it. Upon seeing the contents in combination with the information he just read. Something snapped, but Link is not hit with the usual weightless sensation, the droning silence and his vision going blank. It was like a Guardian taking fire, the energy beam boring into his skull and all he saw was red with indistinguishable voices echoing in a morbid chant. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

“Ugh, I was so close this time!” She was angry at first, having been thrown to the dirt like a first year squire. But quickly began to laugh and sat up to face her little brother. “One day, Link. I'm going to beat you.” 

The hylian boy shook his head with a big grin just as their father called out from the second floor window. “That's enough mornin' exercise, get ya butts in here, food 's ready.” 

[Monsters eat last!] 

“Who's says I'm going to lose!?” She scrambled to her feet, picked her wooden sword off the ground and chased after her squealing sibling. 

Link took the short cut through their mother's work shop, rather than race around to the front door of the house. While he rolled under one of the work stations and ran for the door, his sister jumped the table to close in the gap. Narrowly knocking into her mother as she was still setting up. “Stop running in the shop, you brats!” 

Being just quick enough to slam the door behind him gave Link a few seconds to reach the stairwell. Thundering up the steps, his sister hot on his tail, both just laughing away. Reaching out their hands as they rushed down the hall to the table, touching it almost at the same time. 

“First! You're the monster, Link!” The older sibling huffed with a triumphant smirk. 

Scowling, he hurried to his seat. [No, you are. I'm sitting so you lost.] 

“That's cheating! That's never been a rule, last one to touch the table is the monster and eats last.” She grumbled and took a seat next to him. 

“You're both monsters, I was here first.” A tiny voice spoke up proudly from across the table. 

“You don't count, Misko. You've been here since papa started cooking." 

Backing up his older sister, Link agreed and stuck his tongue out. [You don't count.] 

“You're just mad 'cause I'm smarter than you.” 

Their father bellowed out in laughter and set down the last part of breakfast. “Y'all are wrong, it's your ma that's the monster.” 

“Oh really?” His wife spoke with great amusement as she made her way to the table. Ruffling Link's hair as she took a seat. 

“I think I'm in trouble.” He whispered in Misko's ear, whom covered her mouth to try and stop from giggling. 

The whole family then enjoy the large breakfast, sharing stories from days past and their plans for the day. It had been quite a few months since the family was whole. Ashei, the eldest child and daughter, spent most of her days away at the capital. They had missed her, the whole village had missed her, but it had all paid off, Ashei was to be knighted at the end of the week. Till then she was granted time to spend with friends and family. 

And Mink, well he couldn't be prouder. He had been a knight himself for a good part of his life, one of the royal guard too. While the last battle he had been in left him with one less leg and unable to continue his service. He took it rather well, returning home to care and raise his children like he had always wanted. As he had become a knight because that was the path that he had been forced to follow. But to Ashei, becoming a knight was her dream ever since she was a little girl. 

“Looks like I won't be seein' any grand-babies until Link's of age.” Mink sulked and sighed far too long to be anything but comical. 

“Being a knight didn't stop you from maken' babies with me.” His wife teased as she raised her eyebrows at him. 

“Ya, but you weren't swingin' a sword an' fightn', Agitha.” 

“I swung swords and the like every day. Some of the idiots that come by I pretty much have to fight off.” She rolled her eyes. “It an't that much different than being a smithy, Mink.” 

“Fare point. Ashei, marry Judo an' give me-.” 

“Us.” Agitha chimed in. 

“Right, us. Give us a grand-baby.” Mink corrected. 

“Knock it off already!” Ashei was beaming red by this point and it wasn't helping that her siblings were laughing and chanting 'baby'. “I am not going to be having a baby! Ever!” 

Misko giggled and asked. “But you are going to marry Judo?” To which everyone grinned as the young woman couldn't find any words and sat there trying to figure out how to get out of this one. There wasn't, she had to own it. 

“Y-yes, okay!? We just haven't picked a day or had the time-” She was cut off by an upstart of 'ooooo's and laughter. 

“Well someone has had plans to elope.” Agitha chuckled and eyed her husband. “Wonder who she gets that from.” 

“Couldn't be me.” Mink gaped at her, being overly dramatic as usual. 

“S-shut up, all of you!” 

While they howled with laughter and joked around, Ashei met eyes with her little brother. Link was still trying not to laugh as he made a fist and then tapped his thumb against his lips twice. [Secret.] 

With a shy smile, she signed the word back to him. [Secret.] 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

[JJ.] Link signed as he ran up to the young man, practically jumping him for a hug. 

Judo laughed and returned the hug before setting the boy down to ruffle the boy's blond locks. “Hey there, Link. What's got you in such a good mood?” 

Grinning from ear to ear with joy, he answered with. [I've got a surprise for you!] 

“Oh really? Another strange thing from the forest spirits?” 

“Better.” Ashei answered as she came up from behind, making him jump. 

“A-ashei, when did you arrive?” He paled at the sight of her and took a step back. 

“Last night, I wanted to surprise everyone!” She explained and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Yet something was clearly off as he looked anywhere but at her. Softly, Ashei brushed his black bangs behind his ear and cupped his cheeks. “Hey, is everything alright?” 

Judo opened his mouth and at first nothing came out. However as his eyes filled with tears and began breathing erratically, he managed to plead. “I... I need to talk to you. Alone. Please.” 

“Of course. It's okay. Do you want to go to our haven?” He gave a weak nod and she gave him another kiss before looking to Link. The poor boy was so confused and worried for his friend. “We'll be back later okay? Then we'll play a game together.” 

Still trying not to breakdown and cry, Judo felt pretty bad about this turn of events. Knowing full well that this was expected to be a happy reunion. “I'm sorry, Link.” 

[No, I'm sorry. Feel better soon, JJ.] 

After watching them leave hand in hand towards the forest below Farosh Hills, Link returned home. He had been told that he didn't have to help out in the shop during Ashei's visit, but it was a good way to pass the time. The forge was already roaring and as Agitha hammered out the glowing metal, Link pulled his leather apron free of its hook. 

“Oh?” The clinking of metal stopped. “Back so soon?” 

[Sister,] Pausing to tie the straps. [and JJ are talking alone. Said they be back later.] 

“Ditched ya, huh?” His mother chuckled. “Well, don't take it too personally. You'll understand one day when you're older and in love.” 

[How much older? I love lots of people.] 

She laughed a little harder this time and put the piece of metal back into the hot coals. “Much older than eight, that's for sure.” 

Her son became very still afterwards, possibly deep in thought. Agitha smiled and left it at that, her son was a very clever child. It would not be surprising in the least if he was thinking of a way to con his way into getting the answer she had avoided giving him. Yet no further discussion came to be, he simply nodded to himself and picked his hammer off the tool bench. 

Not much had to be said as they worked together. Both knew what needed to be done for the outcome of the tool to be finished correctly. Link swung with the strength and skill of any adult seasoned apprentice. Given how he was progressing, Agitha believed he would be a master smith by the age of thirteen. She was proud of him and believed that he was destined to be someone extraordinary, no matter what he chose to become. Be it a blacksmith, a scholar, a farmer or a knight. 

To many, Link was a very... unusual and strange child. 

Link was able to walk by the time he was six months and at the end of the following three, he had the motor skills of a two year old. So little, yet strong. He was able to cry and shout, yet left completely unable to speak. Scrapes and bruises did not bother him as much as other children his age. And any tool that he was given, took or picked up, Link was a natural with. 

The only thing that seemed normal about him was his innocence and curiosity. A truly pure spirit, Mink and Agitha believed. 

Moving from tool to tool, testing to see how much he could use. Beginning with farm tools till he found a sword he could wield. As good parents, they tried to keep him away from anything too dangerous, but it seemed inevitable. Link was a little over three years old when he held his first weapon. Simple, everyday equipment, one could get away with having a knack for. They did not require a decade's worth of discipline and refinement. However... this, there was something very other worldly about this. 

He had been caught by his father doing a demonstration for the village children behind the house. With proper form and technique of a trained knight, he went through the drills against a post. Despite many of the older kids trying to pressure Link into letting them have a go. He refused, having respect for the weapon and insisting it wasn't a toy. 

Because of what Mink saw, he did not punish his son, regardless of the outraged parents. Simply asking him to promise to never take weapons again without permission. 

Though curiosity eventually got the better of Mink, so he took the boy to the capital. Link was four by this point. And as much as many believed it to be a joke, he asked that his son be tested. 

No one was laughing when Link bested his first challenger, nor the second and the ones after that. 

Granted, he still lost many duels, he was not perfect. But Link found the difficulty to be quite enjoyable. Another bit of reassurance that he was simply a child, not some mythical being, this was simply a sport to him. Understanding of what it was meant for, but unaware of the evil one could do with it. 

After this display, Link was requested to all parts of the kingdom. Civilians, rulers and warriors alike wish to see the prodigy in person, to test the limits of his skill. Mink and Agitha allowed this on the condition that Link wanted to go. And Link was happy to, he believed that people enjoyed watching him. He was but a child wanting to make others laugh and smile. 

For a time, that was all. Envy eventually began to follow the small boy and the cruel words made him stop. 

To this day, Link still enjoys swordplay and the like, but won't do any of it outside Deya Village or around strangers. Preferring to forge in the smithy with his mother or work around the house and garden with his father. 

“Who wants hot buns~!?” The one legged man singsonged as he threw the door open and then hobbled into the shop, a basket hanging off his right arm and a crutch under his left. “We've got pork taday!” 

Link excitedly clapped his soot covered hands together and licked his lips. 

“Ha, I figured ya might need one of these too.” Setting the basket down, Mink grabbed the small cloth that had been hanging off the back and tossed it in his son's face. It made a light pat noise as it turned out to be wet. Link laughed and began to wipe his hands clean. “How did ya manage to get it on your cheek, boi?” 

Surprised as well, he rubbed the cloth into his left cheek. 

“On the right, not the left.” 

He moved to his right. 

“No, my right, not yours.” His father chuckled and pointed to his left cheek, only adding to the confusion. Link just began scrubbing his whole face. “Now ya just being ridiculous, it's all over your face!” 

But his mother was already tired of the terrible joke. “Oh, knock it off already, he didn't have anything on his face to begin with.” 

Betrayed, Link whipped the cloth back at his old man, who ducked out of the way with ease, grinning like a fool. “Missed me now ya gotta kiss me~.” 

[Come closer, I'll give you a kiss. How many do you want?] He replied, then made two fists and placing a kiss on each before holding them up. Mink howled with laughter and then wiped away a fake tear. 

“I couldn't be prouder. My baby boi 's usen' my best work. They grow up so fast.” Turning to his wife with his best puppy eyed look. “Darln'... I think I need another.” 

“I think you've had enough, I'm cutting you off. Bar's closed, go home.” 

“Woman's after my own heart, Link.” 

“Pretty sure I stole that years ago too.” 

“Too?” He laughed. “What else have you stolen?” 

At the sound of snapping fingers they turned to their son and with a smirk, Link says. [This.] Pointing to the basket of food. 

“Why you little-!!” Mink made a mock charge and Link ran off squealing with laughter. “Ah, let 'im have it. The bigger basket is just past the door way. Ya just got jipped, an't enough for seconds in there!” He shouted after his son at the end. Hylia, I love my family.  

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~ 

Link figured that with it being past noon, it would be fine to make his way to the old temple. The haven his sister and Judo used to hide their secrets from everyone. As he made his way up the overgrown path, the couple came into view. Sitting on the remains of the steps, Judo's head resting on Ashei's shoulder as they held hands. 

He ran towards them, startling them and making his sibling reflexively grab her sword. “Hylia, Link, don't scare us like that...” 

[I brought lunch. Papa's best!] 

“Hot buns?” Judo perked up at the smell of food, seeming to be in better spirits and Link was happy to see it. “What kind?” 

[Pig!] He said with a smile and handed one to Judo, eyes lighting up. Ashei reached and grabbed herself one, hungrily wolfing down the first two bites. 

Link sat, swinging his legs back and forth off the low deck next to the older boy. It was only after they had all finished eating that Link dare ask questions. [What happened? Someone bully you, JJ? Want me to hit them?] 

“No, no, I'm not being bullied.” 

“Hey, don't lie to him.” Ashei nudged Judo gently with her shoulder. 

“My father's disappointment doesn't make him a bully, it makes him a fucking asshole.” Not that Link thought this was any better, everyone knew that Mr. Zen was a mean person. 

There was apparently a time when Mr. Zen was actually a nice guy, was well loved and was their father's best friend. But that was a long time ago, since his wife died from unknown causes, Mr. Zen became obsessed with monster hunting. Believing them to be the culprit, using her to take revenge on his bloodline. The thing is, Judo's family has been in the monster hunting business for generations and they are renown as being one of the best. Even the royalty of Hyrule acknowledged and hired them for their skills. Alongside Ashei, he was the pride of their village. 

But it didn't make it right to treat his son the way he did when Judo didn't want to follow in his footsteps. 

“Ashei,” Judo began softly. “I... I want to tell him.” 

“Don't.” She hissed back, grasping both his hands tightly. “You're already upset enough as it is.” 

“Please, I'm going to need someone I can trust if your not there!” 

A heavy, uncomfortable silence fell over the small group and Link was strongly thinking about giving them time alone again. Clearly a fight had happened and Ashei had yet to apologize. But before the boy could hop down, his sibling resumed the conversation. “Alright... you're right... But if Link makes you cry, I'm going to hit him and don't try to stop me.” 

Judo gave a halfhearted laugh, he didn't have the courage to even joke about how she would lose that fight. With a deep breath and a nod, he gave the young woman a strong hug. Taking a moment to compose himself before turning to face the child. 

Though this whole situation had Link nervous and on edge. What happened? What's going on? 

“Link, your sister... your sister and I, well...” Worried thoughts began to bore into his brain as he fiddled with his shirt. “I-I'm going to have a baby.” 

To say he was surprised was an understatement, blue eyes nearly popped from his head. Unable to stop himself, Link looked down at Judo's belly and then back up at him. Yet before the young man could began to panic, there was a flash of a blinding smile before Link rushed him with a hug. Probably only lasting a second before pulling back and rocking his arms together faster than needed. [Baby! Baby!] Was all he could say, all other words lost to him. 

But it was all Judo needed and couldn't help but cry, cry from relief, from joy. This time he hugged Link, a suffocating bear like hug. “Th-thank you, thank you, Link. Thank you.” 

Giggling with utter delight, Link rocked them side to side in the embrace until Judo began to laugh as well. Only then did he break off the hug, unable to sit still, he bounced on the spot. Finally able to remember how to form sentences. [Are they moving? Can I feel?] 

“Yes, yes, of course you can. Here.” Pulling up his shirt revealed a firm and swollen belly. Even with Link's excitement cranked to the nines, he was very careful about touching. Feather light, it was almost ticklish. Though perhaps it was just right, as the baby rolled under his hands. 

“Ah!” Jolting back, hands flailing with uncontrollable joy, Link continues to point back and forth from himself. 

It's down right heartwarming and adorable to watch the boy. To have a friend to share the good news with. “What are you trying to say?” He asked as he began to wipe away the tears with his sleeve. 

[I, I'm U N C-] 

“Uncle!” Judo guessed and must have been right as Link is smiling so hard that he'll most definitely feel it later. 

[Yes, yes that! I'm that to baby! Girl? Boy? Don't know words, never had to use them, forgot!] With so little people knowing hands it really wasn't a surprise that his vocabulary was limited to what involved around the family home. He'd have to resume study lessons now, there was going to be a whole new adventure to come. 

“Ashei, how do you say uncle, niece and nephew in hands?” 

“Why would I know? Link where is your book, you always have it with you, right?” 

[Right, sorry! So excited!] Reaching behind to the leather pouch attached to his belt, while clumsy, Link manages to pull the light green book free. Un-clipping the simple locking mechanism and rushing through the pages as quickly as possible without tearing any. Nephew had been the first, followed by niece and lastly uncle, each time Link shared the knowledge. The group practised a few times to commit to memory. Honestly, he felt a little dumb as the gestures were very easy. 

[I'm an uncle, I'm going to have a niece or nephew!] But Link was far to happy to care and to finally be able to say what he had wanted, it was just perfect. 

Ashei slips a hand under her lover's arm and over his chest, then rested her chin on his shoulder. Looking over Judo's extended belly. “I'm amazed no one noticed you getting bigger.” 

“That's because I was already pudgy.” He grumbled bitterly and began air quoting his father. “Spending all my time reading or drawing or cooking, too lazy and not doing something with my life.” And then he covered up, feeling flustered by her intense staring. “I don’t exactly stand out.” 

“Sounds like perfection and you're all mine. Heart, soul,” Ashei purred happily as she groped him a little, enjoying the embarrassed squeak that Judo gave. “and body.” 

With a swift elbow to the ribs, the woman recoiled. “Ow, ow. Come on, what was that for?” She tried to act hurt, but she couldn't stop smiling nor do much to stifle her laughter. Of course she knew why he had done it, but as expected, Link didn't seem to understand and it went right over his head. Ignoring it all together. 

[This is great! How long have you been... pregnant?] Took him a moment to recall that word, he hadn't used it since their mother had been carrying Misko. 

“I'm about six months, only four more to go.” The young man was suddenly very nervous with sharing this information and runs his hands over his stomach. 

Link notices the change and is puzzled as to why. [What's wrong?] 

“I'm just... thinking about where I am going to go after leaving the village.” 

[You're leaving?] 

“He has to, Link, no one else will understand. They might be frightened and hurt Judo or the baby. We can't risk that.” 

[Then you can live here! I'll be able to come see you so you won't be lonely without sister.] With how rare it was for Ashei to come home from duty, it would be leaving Judo all by himself if he went faraway. [I can bring a fairy anytime you get hurt or sick. So no one has to worry.] 

The boy's kind words brought tears to Judo's eyes once more, he blamed it on the baby. Being pregnant threw your emotions for as much as a loop as the fever did. However, Ashei was done with mercy and promptly extended her arm to chop at her brother's forehead. 

“Eh!?” Link cried out more from being hit rather than pain and quickly covered his head incase she was going for round two. But Ashei just glared at him as if to say 'I warned you' and then began to cuddle in close to Judo as a form of comfort. 

“You're so special, Link.” He finally spoke, ignoring their actions just now. Judo's voice was soft, gentle and warm. “You're like Hylia's precious child, a fairy boy that plays with forest spirits. You're so good it hurts.” It truly did. The pain in his heart was unconditional love and freedom to live as Hylia had intended. This boy never hesitated to except Judo or Ashei for who they were, for how different they were. “Thank you.” 

How truly blessed they were. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

Link waited at the lamp post for Ashei to gave Judo her farewells for the night, a terrible excuse, he knew that they were kissing, they didn't need to hide it from him. He wasn't five, he wasn't dumb either and she was taking far too long dropping him off. But at the same time he could understand, it was exciting when a new family member was announced. Both Ashei and Link had freaked out like a pair of joyous idiots for weeks when their parents told them the news of Misko. He laughed a little at the memory. [Babies make everyone happy.] 

It made the boy wonder what it was like when the baby was your own. It was a different adventure for certain, but was it more fun? Link patted his tummy and tried to imagine what it would be like, maybe it was like the butterfly feeling. Weird, but silly enough to make you smile. [Will I be normal? Or like JJ?] A question he often asked himself after learning Judo's secret. 

“What are you doing?” A rough voice of a man demanded. It might as well been a clack of thunder on such a peaceful night. 

Link just about screamed in fright, he hadn't realized there was someone else nearby. It was passed eleven after all and most of the village was already asleep, let alone wandering around. Glancing around for the man, he did not see them until they stepped into the dwindling light. Link paled. Mr. Zen!! 

The scarred man looked like he had come back after a recent battle, his armour was in need of some repair and there was definitely blood stains on his clothes. Glaring down at the child like he was accusing him of a crime only made Link want to run away all the more. Taking a quick glance, Mr. Zen looked in the direction Link had been originally facing. “Leaving a child in the open like this, is your sister planning on using you as bait. A monster is surely to take you.” 

Now more angry than scared, Link did his best to return the glare. He didn't need his sister to look after him, he was strong enough to protect himself and others too! [I'd beat a monster!] 

Mr. Zen seemed to ignore Link and continued on towards home. “You've done enough hand nonsense, go home, boy. Innocent lives need not be lost tonight.” 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

It was the last day of Ashei's visit and the family decided to have one last hurrah by putting on a feast. Even their mother was going to be baking her secret sweet roll recipe, a treat she did usually once a year. After breakfast, Mink gave Link and Ashei packed lunches and sent them off to gather ingredients. It was just like old times, the duo off on a hunt to Hylia River. 

It was not long after lunch now, each had bow in hand and an arrow at the ready. The siblings were searching for the sixth wood pigeon, then with only a few easy herbs to find they would be off back home. 

A rustling of leaves brought Link to pause and look to his left, it sounded very close. Slowly he began to draw his bow, waiting for the movement again. 

“Ya-ha!” A Korok sprang out of the bush, making Link jump and lose grip on the arrow. Thankfully he missed the spirit and it lodged itself into the dirt. 

“Link, you alright?” Ashei was confused why he was flinching, it was likely a squirrel or hare that made the brush jump. It wasn't as though anything came at him. 

He laughed a little and retrieved his arrow. Of course she would ask that, no one else could see them after all. [Yes, just a forest spirit.] 

But thankfully Link had family and a friend that actually believed him. Unlike the rest of the village, they pretended and went along with it like he was making it up. “Oh? Well, if it has come to play, tell them to wait until after I'm gone. I want as much time as I can get with my family.” 

[They can hear you even if you don't see them.] 

“I'm not here to play today. Quickly follow me, your little sister is lost and crying for you.” They waved their little green arm at him, then popped into leaves and smoke, only to pop up a few feet away. 

A little surprised that Misko was out here by herself, it wasn't exactly the first time she had ran after either of them and got lost. Link relayed the information to his big sister and they put off the hunt to bring the little girl back home. It had only been about five minutes before they could hear her cries. Upon laying eyes on the pair, Misko ran to Ashei for comfort. 

“There, there, no need to cry anymore.” The young woman said softly and picked her up, drying Misko's face with her sleeve. “What are you doing all the way out here by yourself?” 

“They called him a monster!” 

“Who? Are some kids saying this to you?” 

“E-everyone, even ma and papa, they believe them too! I don't want him to be a monster! They're all liars, liars, liars!” 

“Misko, calm down. Who are they calling a monster?” 

“J-judo...” 

As Link's blood ran cold, he couldn't help but feel an encroaching dread. It could be nothing, just an overly dramatic fight that a four year old was having a fit over. It could be a complete misunderstanding. But yet neither Link or Ashei believed it was something so hopeful as that. He could feel the fear and anger rolling off Ashei. 

No one said another word as they raced for Deya Village. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

It was utter madness. People shouting out poison that spread faster than a wild fire. The very air felt heavy with disgust, blood lust and confusion. The sheer gazes that fell upon them as they approached the mob, it made his hair stand-on-end. Link felt overwhelmed by it all, their peaceful village has never felt like this. 

Ashei was the first to spot Mink, he was in between most of the crowd and town square. Having some sort of disagreement as he was glaring with his fists at his side, a sign he was holding back from a fight. The confrontation was with none other than Mr. Zen. 

“That bastard!” Ashei spat, taking a moment to set her little sister down before charging at Judo's father through the mass of villagers. “This is all your doing, isn't it!?” 

“Ashei, wait!” Her father moved between them before she did something rash. 

“I did try to warn you that she may be under the effects.” Mr. Zen reminded the man calmly before he caught the sight of Link tailing along behind with Misko. But Ashei's angry words drew his attention back in. 

“Shut it! What's this shit I hear about Judo being a monster. Depending on your answer I may just have to kill you!” 

But the scar ridden man didn't so much as bat an eyelash. “You have heard incorrect, Judo is not a monster. What I have informed everyone is that a monster has impersonated my son.” 

“What game are you playing here!? That's utter nonsense!” 

“To an uneducated eye and mind, I could understand how you came to that conclusion.” 

“Ashei, try to calm down an' listen.” Mink tried to reason with his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder, only for her to shove him off and turn on him. 

“Why should I!? This man is clearly gone insane! You know Judo, he isn't a monster! He is a kind and gentle man.” 

Before her father could open his mouth to reply, Mr. Zen grabbed hold of Ashei's collar and tore the neck of her tunic wide open. She did not scream, no, she seethed with rage and spun around to punch him. But with his years of training, Mr. Zen skilfully dodged, grasped her outstretched arm, twisted her around and used his other hand to pull on her long hair. In this position he was able to force her head back and keep her somewhat still. 

Angered by the attack on his big sister, Link lashed at the back of the hunter's knee with his short bow. Leave her alone! The older man shouted in pain and kicked the child in retaliation, but before Link could go in for another round, his father picked him off the ground by his belt. 

“Link, don't interfere!” Mink scolded his son and then gave a rather nasty glare at the other man. “Kick my boi again and I take that leg.” Mink might be crippled, but he was not to be trifled with, even the hunter would not make the same mistake twice. 

Continuing with his original goal, Mr. Zen examined the woman's shoulders. Upon discovering the clear scarring of a wound left behind by teeth, he loudly announced. “It appears we are too late, she has been bitten!” Stirring up the whole gathering into looking their way, listening in closely as hushed whispers flew. 

“It's a soul bond, you moron!” Ashei was too infuriated to be embarrassed about the exposure of such a private matter or how the news of their union was getting out. 

“A barbaric ceremony, having a soul bond by tearing into each other throats!? Such savagery is below us, people do not act like monsters! You have been placed under their spell, girl. One we shall hope to free you of.” 

“Where is he, what have you done to Judo!?” 

“You there, restrain her.” He pushed her away as he released her to the group and there were many hands that quickly took hold of her, forcing Ashei to her knees. Mr. Zen then turned away to walk up the brief steps of the platform that made up town square. This platform was normally used for festivities and ceremonies, often adorned with flowers and ribbon. Yet in this moment as it stood barren, it looked like an execution ground. 

“My friends and fellow neighbours, villagers of Deya. I understand that some of you may have doubts of what I am doing here today. But know that I have sworn an oath as a monster hunter, to the King himself, that I will protect each and every person from the scourge of all monsters. No matter the cost.” Mr. Zen took a moment to pause and take a deep breath, as if holding back tears. “So with great remorse, I am ashamed that I did not realize sooner. For the news of this monster has brought fear and mistrust to us. But it has also brought me great pain, as my son died because I failed to protect him.” 

As if on cue, two Hylians carried Judo onto the platform. His wrists were bound to his ankles with shackles, forcing him to sit upright on his legs. The only clothing they had left him in was a pair of pants, the last courtesy they spared for him. The young man was trembling in fear, he was exposed, his belly was exposed and they were completely vulnerable. Judo dare not look up to face the crowd till he heard his love cry out for him. 

“Judo!” The young woman's strength was renewed with vigour and began to fight off those that held her. She bit, kicked and forced herself free of one, only for two more to take their place. 

“Ashei, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!” 

“Listen well!” Mr. Zen stomped the wooden floor to regain focus on him. “Do not be tricked, this is a monster that kills other living creatures, takes on the memories and then wears their skin to blend in. For you see, they require the seed from other creatures to reproduce as they are a female only monster! Yet they made one critical, foolish mistake. For they killed and wore my son's skin. And in likely in realizing the mistake of taking a male shell, rather than give up their position, they put a spell on the village's future protector, our dear Ashei. While intelligent and cunning in securing a feeding ground for its monstrosities, they were hopeless to keep me from finding out. This creature is called a Nyimaph and it has already begun to procure offspring! If this had gone unnoticed much longer, people would begin vanishing one after another as this monster murders the village to feed its bastards!” 

“Y-your wrong!” Judo cried out as the villagers began to demand death, demand protection for their families, demand punishment upon evil that would turn against Hylia and those she watches over. “Hylia is the one that chose for me to be this way. I have been blessed like any other mother and I am proud to be having this child! There's nothing wrong with me, I am not a monster, I'm Hylian just like any of you!” 

The hunter turned on his son. “Your words fall on deaf ears, they now know what you are and nothing will save you. I would gag you, but I will hear you scream as my son must have when you killed him. Fire will be your cleanser, purging you of your power and destroying you.” 

“I'll save you!” Ashei screamed, tears burning in her eyes. “I swore to Hylia that we'd be together forever, Judo! I won't let you die, I'll save you!” 

“I believe that is quite enough.” Mr. Zen stated as he approached those struggling to keep their hold on Ashei. Winding his arm back, he clocked Ashei hard in the temple. She fell limp instantly. “When she wakes, I pray that she is freed from the monster's influence. If not, I'll spare her family the pain and put her out of her misery swiftly.” 

“Like hell ya will! That's my daughter your talkn' aboot!” Mink walks over, still carrying Link around like some angry luggage and Misko hiding in his shadow. 

“Mink!” Agitha’s voice barely carried over the noise of the crowd, as they carried out the plan they had been given, jars of oil smashed across the platform, bundles of wood and hay tossed on top. “I can't find her!” 

“The kids are all here! Help me get them home!” He called out to her, before she made her way around the villagers. Agitha was shocked to find Ashei unconscious, but was quick to take on her weight. As he dropped Link back on to his feet, Mink gave his wife a hand, each had a arm over their shoulder as they began to steadily and slowly carry Ashei. “You two better follow, none of ya need ta see this.” 

Understanding the trouble he'd have to pay, Link ignored his father's words. He stood there as his family focused on keeping their daughter from dragging in the dirt and getting home as fast as possible. He didn't really know how to feel in this moment, angry, confused, scared, affronted, it was all storming. 

“I am uncertain of you still. Hylian or something else.” Mr. Zen spoke softly; but standing right behind the boy, he might as well have whispered it into his ear. Flinching out of his daze, Link spun around and faced the tall man with a fierce glare. “However... if not for you, they might have slipped from my fingers. So perhaps this will simply do for now.” With a straight hand, he touched his lips and then dropped the hand towards the child. 

Link's blood ran cold, his heart burst with pain as the bow slipped from his grip. Mr. Zen spoke hands. Did that mean on that night a week ago... he had understood what Link had said? When did the hunter learn to speak hands? How long, how many years, had Mr. Zen been ignoring or pretending not to understand? Because of Link’s ignorance, freely chattering in the open as no one could hear and so very few understood. 

As the guilt and panic began resting on his shoulders, the world around him might as well have been mute and frozen in time. Eyes filling with tears as Link looked to Judo between the mob of transfixed villagers. Link had to do something, he had to save him, he had to make this right. As he rushed into the crowd some people called out for him, some tried to grab him. But Link ignored them all and fought pass them, the platform was just out of reach. 

But then there was a flash of light followed by scorching heat and screaming. The roaring flames took hold instantly, setting Link's sleeve a blaze and placing a wall of fire in his way. In the moment he recoiled back to put out the burning clothing, many sets of hands came upon him. All Link could do now was scream and cry as he watched the fire continue to grow as it feasted on oil and dry bundles.

Before Link could begin to beg Hylia to save Judo, an arrow struck his heart. The small boy didn't know if he should feel grateful or devastated. However, he wasn't given the privilege to make a decision as Link's short bow was tossed at his feet and then he was hoisted from the mass of hands. Embraced in a safe and familiar arm, Link gave up any thought of struggling, there was nothing he could do to change what had happened. It was over. It's all my fault. 

Mr. Zen’s outraged voice carried more fury than Link had ever heard. “Mink! What do you think you are doing!?” 

“A monster it may be, but it is still a living creature, nothin' needs die suffering.” 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

That night, Link could not sleep from what had happened, from what his words brought. He had let his guard down, not only breaking his promise to Judo, but also in turn, killing him and the baby. Amongst his dark thoughts, Link began silently crying once again, yet a sound of shattering glass made him get out of bed. 

When he opened the door, it was pitch black at first, but then a soft blue glow came from down the hall. It was Ashei standing with a broken picture frame at her feet, her soul dancing along her limbs in shapes of blue ripples and highlighting black marks of flames. 

“They use to be brown. Like your eyes.” She said weakly, devoid of clear emotion. “I'd tease you all the time about how it looked like fur. But now with you gone; not only is it dark and still, there is this gaping hole of where your soul use to be.” 

Ashei then turned and began walking for the stairway. She might as well have floated, for there was not even a creak in the wood. But she paused down in the landing when Link's hurried footsteps came to the top. Turning to look up him, she could make him out fairly well even in low light coming off of her skin. 

Link clenched his fists into his shirt, he wanted to apologize, to say something, anything. But his hands and arms would only tremble. The despair was clear on his face, the tears that continued to roll down the same path one after another. 

“They wanted a monster, but they killed you instead, my sweet Judo. I'm sorry.” Her voice just the same as before and even as she looked at him, it was like Link wasn't even there. Then Ashei continued down to the main level and left Link as he was, in darkness. 

Link did not follow after her this time and remained where he was. Glancing back down the hall where he had found Ashei and then towards his parents' room next to the kitchen. He knew that Ashei was hurting, but he did not know what he could do to help her. If he got help from mother and father maybe... but father had shot Judo. Wouldn't that only cause Ashei more pain? Her own father had put an arrow through Judo's heart. 

There was a soft click heard from downstairs and Link knew the front door had been locked. A moment later, he hadn't heard the sound, but the candle light caught his attention. 

“Link? I thought I heard your footsteps.” Agitha saw the state that her son was in and completely understood. She then asked, trying to hold back a yawn. “Why don't you join us? Misko wasn't able to sleep either.” 

He stood there for a awhile, staring at her before he took one last look at the stairwell. 

“Is there something else bothering you, a nightmare perhaps? Would you like to talk about it, dear?” 

Would it be okay? Most likely not, Link believed and dropped his hands, then went to join the rest of his family for the night. 

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

On that morning full of smoke, of the village's embers, of its peoples' corpses scattered. There was no screams nor cries aside from the only surviving family. What was left of Link's family. 

It was at town square, nestled in the ashes of the platform, that Ashei's body was found. A torn, yellow tome still slowly burning at her feet. She herself was not burned nor wounded. Yet, while now dried, blood had flowed from her eyes, mouth and ears. Her skin ghostly pale with the black marks of Judo's soul and her own. 

Mink and Agitha held their eldest daughter as they grieved over her death. It was something that Link would never forget, he refused to forget. 

For while his family and the outsiders believed that it had been too late to save Ashei from the monster's power. That she had become corrupted and possessed, bringing her to kill everyone and anything until her body couldn't take anymore. It was likely the only thing that his family could do to move on. Because Link knew that it wasn't true, the one to blame for all this death was none other than himself. 

He thought alone, quietly for many days in Ashei's room. Wondering if things would have turned out differently if he had told his parents that Ashei had left that night. Or if he hadn't spoken about Judo's baby. But Link was also no fool, there was no way to undo the damage and wrong that had been done. 

In the end, Link decided he would finish his sister's dream and maybe along the way, find a way to atone for what he had done.  

The day he left for the capital; Link took one of their family's last portraits, a picture he salvaged from the tome, and hid them in his book of hands. On the back of one in particular, Link wrote: 

Never forget.   Speaking can kill.   Silence can kill.   There will always be consequences.   Never forget.  

~~~~~~   ҉   ~~~~~~  

Link gasps and jumps away from his bed, from the items. Pain erupts from his head as the memories swarm him, the emotions threw him around like a leaf on the wind. My sister-! My father-! The village-! 

The pain seems to spread as his back feels like its being torn off, like someone his wrapping their hands around his throat. Air! I need air! 

He charges through his doorway so fast he tears the door off its hinges, nearly tripping as he makes it to the stairs and breaks another door just to get outside. Link is gasping, the crisp air feels both wonderful and horrible. 

A familiar growl brings Link to grasp the Master Sword and while it burns, he refuses to let go. For walking towards him was a Bokoblin, wearing a crooked grin, and pieces of knight equipment. These monsters were never alone and sure enough there was more to be found. There was dozens of them, possibly a hundred, everywhere he looked more and more appeared. Surrounding the barracks, scattered along the training grounds. 

The warrior's blood, his whole body boiled with rage. How did they get in here? What happened to all the knights? 

The nearest monsters began babbling and grunting to each other as they reached out to Link. But not only did they pick a poor choice of target, they caught him at a very bad time. All of Link's frustration against his knights, against the camp, against himself, it had become wrath. And these Bokoblins just gave him an outlet. 

Drawing the Master Sword, it glowed brightly in the fading light of the afternoon and burst into flames, climbing up his arm. The blue flames ate through his sleeve in seconds and began to bite at his flesh, but Link didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore, save for one thing ringing in his head. 

Attack.

<<–Previous Chapter-^-Next Chapter–>>

#SidLink #a/b/o verse #Mpreg #Primal FF #Written Work #Rated M #Rated R

[anxioussailorsoldier]

I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow...

Link/Sidon (implied but not explicit), 2400 words, rated T :) Just a silly idea I got from thinking about the different ways you can heal Link in the game.  AO3 link

The Moblins were only marginally better at aiming with their bows than the Bokoblins, and neither were a match for the Zora soldiers who leapt from the water with deadly grace. It was a small camp, and even if Link and Sidon’s troupe hadn’t outnumbered the enemy, a victorious outcome was inevitable. Link didn’t bother to draw his sword, content with using his bow to pick off any enemies that scurried too far from the battle. Sidon was in the middle of it all, unable to help himself, and Link tried to keep an eye on him. Worryingly, it seemed the prince was just as reckless as he was.

Sidon executed a spinning move that Link had seen him practising for far too long in the barracks, his spear coming around his body in one smooth thrust and piercing the chest of a Moblin. The prince was still standing in a guarded pose when a puff of dark purple and black smoke on the end of his spear signalled his success, and a look of surprised delight spread over his face.

“Link!” Sidon called, looking around wildly for his friend, the stupid grin still plastered to his face.

“Yes, I saw!” Link laughed, letting another arrow fly into the snout of a terrified Bokoblin, mainly to stop the high-pitched screeching noises it was making.

The scattered remains of the creatures littered the camp, and as the Zora royal guard finished off the Bokoblins with unnerving efficiency, Link took the opportunity to shove as many horns and guts as he could into his pack. Scavenging wasn’t the prettiest way to make a few rupees, but he didn’t mind getting his hands dirty.

Thwap.

An arrow buried itself in the back of his upper thigh, and Link reacted immediately, turning on the spot and firing off his own shot in retaliation even as he fell to the ground. He didn’t even get a proper look at what had managed to land a hit on him before it erupted into a puff of smoke.

Pain bloomed up and down his leg and all the muscles cramped as Link hissed, groping for the arrow shaft while searching through his bag for a potion that might restore his health and pride. He glanced up at the Zoras; they were pulling monster parts from the river and miraculously didn’t appear to have noticed his predicament- for now.

His fingers closed around the arrow, and he took a single deep breath before yanking it from the red and angry flesh. He managed to keep quiet, but his eyes streamed and his jaw ached with how hard he was gnashing his teeth together. Link’s bloodied fingers finally found the bottle of fairy magic that he’d been searching for, and he chugged it down just as Sidon sidled over to him.

“What an invigorating way to start the day, don’t you say?” The prince beamed down at him, thankfully not noticing that anything at all was amiss. Link sent Hylia a quick thankyou as he nodded, wiping at his mouth and enjoying the buzz of pain relief that elixirs always gave him. Sidon cocked his head, suddenly curious. “What’s that you have there?”  

The Zoras didn’t use healing potions like the Hylians, Link reminded himself. “Just a drink,” He said, shrugging, and smiled up at his friend, hoping his face was dry. “I would share it with you, but that was my last one, sorry.” He got to his feet to follow the prince back to the group, when a sharp stabbing pain flared up, in the exact location he’d been hit with the arrow. Link paused, waiting until he was certain Sidon was preoccupied with talking to his officers, then reached a hand down to the back of his pants. The skin was smooth, as if the wound had never existed, as was normal after a healing draught. But…why was there still pain? Was it just temporary, a phantom effect?

He took a step and it was like being stabbed. Had it been a special kind of arrow? He hadn’t heard of lingering effects like this though.

Maybe the potion had been bad?

Another step, another knife to the sensitive flesh where his leg met his torso. This wasn’t something he could ignore, but he hadn’t lied when he’d told Sidon it was his last elixir.

“Link! We still have much ground to cover today. Let’s move out,” Sidon called cheerfully, turning on his heel, giving a hand signal to his troops that had them marching ahead of him.

Cursing himself for his stupidity in getting shot in the first place, Link limped after them, grimacing all the way.

By the time Sidon called for a halt, Link couldn’t feel his leg anymore. Instead it was like he was trying to put weight on a pole that had impaled itself into his cheek, and even the oblivious Sidon had asked once or twice if something was bothering him. He’d eaten much of the ingredients in his pack to use all their various healing properties, but the stabbing pain persisted, and the Zoras looked scared to offer him dinner as if he might inhale the entire net of fish.

Excusing himself from the camp, he wandered into the surrounding forest, only going as far as necessary to ensure some shred of privacy. He unceremoniously dropped his pants and kneeled on the ground, and steeled himself to touch his aching backside. It was as before- the skin was healed, though extremely hot. He forced himself to prod further, trying to figure out the source of the pain if it wasn’t a gaping wound. It wasn’t like he had any bones to break there.

Link pressed his palm flat against the area and gasped, the light pressure creating more of the same agony he’d been feeling all day. Experimentally, he tried pressing from different sides of the area, thinking that it was like sitting on a large, invisible thumb tack.

Oh. Oh.

He was an idiot. A careless, stupid idiot.

If it wasn’t so embarrassing, he’d just go ask Sidon- no, that was out of the question. But…he did need assistance.  

Link bit his lip.  

“Link! There you are. My friend, I was hoping there would be a chance to talk to you this evening. I-”

Sidon was cut off as Link dragged him into the one and only tent set up at the camp for the prince. Straightening once they were alone, Sidon simply looked at Link, waiting patiently for whatever the Hylian needed to get off his chest. He waited a bit longer. And a bit longer still. Link refused to speak, but his face was becoming a marvellous shade of red that reminded the prince of a Hylian shroom.

“Link-”

“I need your help,” The smaller man said in a rush. Sidon nodded, uncertain, but entirely willing to do anything in his power to assist the Champion.

“I am, of course, at your disposal. Tell me, what do you require?”

There was another awkwardly long silence, broken only when Sidon cleared his throat. Link took a breath, looking everywhere in the tent except at the Zora towering over him.

“There’s a- there’s an arrow.”

“An arrow?”

“Yes.”

“Where is this arrow? Do we need to find it? What is it for?” Sidon pressed, his eyes sparking at the hint of an important mission. Link shook his head madly.

“No, I, uh, I know where it is. Well, where the arrow head is.”

Sidon narrowed his eyes in confusion, but said nothing more, as Link struggled to speak.

“It’s…in me.”

A blank look in response.

“What?”

“There’s an arrow head, in…me. I need to get it out.”

“What? Where?”

Link’s barely bridled frustration and humiliation manifested in the pitch of his voice, which was now several octaves higher than usual. “I- uhm,” He squeaked, and with one hand gestured roughly at his backside. He was thoroughly regretting this course of action. Maybe he could still warp to a village and wake a healer?

“That’s why you’ve been acting strangely all day,” Sidon realised, a tad slow on the uptake. “Oh, Link, I am sorry I did not realise--”

“It’s fine! It’s fine! I just- I must have only broken off the arrow shaft instead of getting the whole thing out!” Link babbled, “And then I drank that potion which healed everything around the arrow head and sealed it in! So I have been effectively ripping myself a new one with every step I’ve taken since we left Lake Hylia!” He smiled manically, his pointer teeth glinting in the low light of the tent.

Sidon’s cheeks turned an interesting purple colour, and he seemed at a loss for words. While Link was deliberating if it would be less embarrassing if he left now and tried to injure himself so badly that Mipha’s grace would erase all wounds and indeed, all arrow heads from his body, Sidon piped up softly.

“What do you want me to do?”

The purple stain on Sidon’s cheeks had only become more vibrant and moved progressively down his face.

“Please forgive me, Link, but- due to the potion you took, I think, I don’t…I don’t see anything, um, this all looks quite…uh, like a perfectly fine, uh…behind.”

The matching blush on Link’s face had spread everywhere, so that the bared flesh of his ass was a glowing pink. Sidon was conflicted; he wanted to spare his friend from as much embarrassment as possible, but obviously he was required to observe the area to remove the offending arrowhead. So, it was in his duty to look at every inch of the firm Hylian bottom that was in his lap. It was, oddly enough, the only part of Link that Sidon had seen that wasn’t littered in scars. Link, arranged over Sidon’s crossed legs, squirmed, having been too mortified to speak since Sidon suggested his idea. One arm pried itself from its place hiding the Champion’s head, to jab at a point on the lower right cheek.

“Ah,” Sidon said in thanks, but didn’t move. He exhaled, trying to think straight. This was his friend, who was in pain, and Sidon needed to be sensitive. “I’m going to see if I can, uh, feel it. Is that ok?” He received a sharp nod in immediate reply, that sent blonde hair flopping over Link’s arms. The message being, get it over with. He swore quietly, and finally brought his hands down to rest lightly on the reddened skin.

Link’s whole body tensed, which had an interesting effect on the muscles under Sidon’s hands, that he refused to think about. Trying to keep his pointed nails out of the way, he traced his fingers down the curve of Link’s rear, pretending not to notice how much they were both shaking. He reached the crease at the top of Link’s thigh, and the small man suddenly grunted.

“Here?”

Another grunt. Sidon supposed that meant yes. He tentatively pressed down, eliciting a yelp of pain, and found what he was looking for- a hard edge under the skin, where there should only be softness. Keeping one hand at the location of the arrow head, he reached over Link to fetch the small knife he’d sterilised.

“Have you got the potion?” He asked, trying to sound like a professional medic instead of a very flustered and nervous prince. Link grunted again, impatient, because they both knew that he was tightly gripping the bottle of liquid magic he’d made in a hurry with the communal cooking pot. It was undoubtedly fish flavoured.

“Right, well then. I’ll give the word.” Every instinct screamed at Sidon how wrong it was to be putting a dagger to his friend. He willed his hands to stop shaking, and tightly gripped Link so he could draw a deep line with the knife alongside the arrow head. Link drew one ragged breath and held it, stilling underneath Sidon’s touch. Blood welled immediately from the cut, dripping down Link’s thigh, the metallic scent filling Sidon’s nostrils in an unexpected headrush. He couldn’t see anything in the open wound he’d created, there was so much blood.

“I apologise for this,” He said, before digging his clawed thumb and forefinger into the gash.

“Fuck!” Link shouted, twisting in pain, his lower half held still by Sidon’s other hand. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“What you asked,” Sidon growled in reply, trying to feel for the sharp, hard edge of the arrow head. The next time Link asked him for a favour, he’d be sure to ascertain what would be involved before agreeing. He felt like he might pass out from stress; he hated to think how Link was feeling.

His fingers finally closed around the jagged metal, and Link’s pained moans reached a crescendo as Sidon ripped it from its fleshy prison.

“Drink!”

Sidon wasn’t sure if Link heard the order, as he didn’t respond for a few moments, just gasping against Sidon’s legs. But when the prince leaned down to check to see if he was conscious, Link raised the glass bottle to his lips with a shaking hand, downing the fowl-smelling liquid in one gulp. Sidon watched in amazement as the skin under his hand stitched itself together seamlessly, leaving nothing but a pale pink line, the only blemish on an otherwise flawless backside. Sidon patted it absently.

Neither of them moved for a few minutes, Link catching his breath, Sidon studying a pattern of pale freckles on Link’s thighs. How could he get freckles there? Did he sunbathe unclothed?

“Thanks,” Link finally said, his voice hoarse. He rolled off Sidon’s legs, clutching his pants and hiking them back up to his waist.

“Anytime,” Sidon replied automatically, then blanched at the idea of ever having to do anything like that to his friend ever again.

Link buckled the last strap, nodded without looking at the prince, and promptly vanished from the tent. Sidon released a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding, and looked down at his bloodied hands. It was shameful how much he wanted to lick the red off his fingers, like an animal. He wondered if Link would ever look him in the eye again after tonight. 

“I do believe that was the most I’ve heard Master Link say,” Bazz’s amused voice came from just outside the tent. It was a startling and deeply embarrassing reminder to Sidon that there had been a guard well within hearing range of the entire ordeal.

“…or moan, rather.”

#sidlink #link #sidon #botw #loz #fanfiction #sfw #ahh I haven't written in ages I hope you like !!

[altalemur]

We Have No Idea What We're Doing, But We'll Try Our Best

Cross posted on my Ao3. For @madamekoosdisco

Summary: Link and Sidon get intimate

Shit to expect: Two virgins awkwardly groping each other. Top Link. Bottom Sidon. Accurate marine biology.

"How do Hylians usually start?" Sidon was looking at Link, like he expected the Hylian to lead him to Enlightenment.

Link fidgeted with his hands, starting and abandoning his sentence a few times. "I... we... how do Zora usually start?"

"I'm not sure if much of Zora courtship would... translate well with an Hylian."

They were both blushing and fidgeting in Sidon's bedroom.

Link bit his lip, looking at Sidon's uncertainty. "Same," he signed between their gazes.

"And we're both new to this," Sidon said, and saw Link bashfully nod as well.

"Okay.... so... we'll just explain what each of us would like to do without judgement, ok? And then we can find some middle ground and work our way from there," Sidon said, gaining some of his usual bravado back. Acting brave when he needed to be strong for others was something Sidon knew how to do.

Link snorted a laugh, shaking his head in the negative. Sidon's spirits sunk before Link finished signing. "No masks, right? It's just us and truth in here. We promised."

Sidon chuckled nervously and ducked his head.

"Old habits, huh? I know how to tackle problems with a smile and diplomacy."

"We're not a problem. This is for fun. For both of us."

Sidon nodded. He gently sat next to the Hylian on the water bed, making sure not to send Link flying off the bed with displaced water, like the first time.... They'd already had a lot of things come up with platonic physical things. Could they really move on to... sex? Would it even be possible.

Link brought him out of his brooding when he scooted closer and held Sidon's hand. Hand holding was something they had in common. Sidon's was a lot bigger, but Link still found a way to entwine their fingers, wrapping Sidon's fingers around Links like a shell over a hermit crab.

Link pointed to their joined hands, calmly signing as well as he could with one hand. "This is a good start."

Link leaned against Sidon's side, where they held hands. This was what they usually did when alone, if they wanted to enjoy the silence. Sidon enjoyed this - they both did - but he had been hoping for more to happen tonight. Maybe Sidon's inexperience and awkwardness were obvious to Link, and he was putting it off for Sidon's sake! Before Sidon could start worrying about whether or not they would ever move beyond good friends, Link moved Sidon's hand to wrap around his small, clothed waist, to free both of his hands for signing.

"Cuddling is something else Hylians do. And making out." Link saw Sidon's confused face and explained. "Like... holding each other. Laying beside each other in bed. Kissing. Uh... massages. That's... 'first base' for Hylians. We do a lot of.... foreplay. Preparation. Learning the other's body until both are ready for sex. Some people take one day. Some people take years," Link's explained slowly before Sidon shouted in surprise.

"YEARS?!"

"I mean... maybe? If you're not ready to go to the next step - we take it slow. How long is Zora uh... courtship foreplay stuff?"

Sidon breathed deeply, trying to banish his anxiety. Link was just doing what Sidon had asked earlier. They can find common ground and then have a sexual courtship.

"Well... Usually one or both of them sing to each other... but it's usually the one doing the pursuing. But... I skipped that. I didn't think you'd appreciate a serenade." Link laughed, briefly signed 'Maybe later' before Sidon continued. "We do usually start physical intimacy with our hands. We do put our mouths on each other but more... um... That is... not on the other's mouth. On the other's neck and.... shoulders. And we. Bite." Sidon waved his free hand in the air dismissively. "Not that I expect to bite you! Or you to bite me! Obviously that's not something compatible between our species!"

Link stood up on his knees. Sidon's arm automatically held at Link's waist to keep him stable on the water bed. The small Hylian gently kissed Sidon's chest, just below the cravat.

"Let's start with our hands. And taking clothes off." Link stood up from the bed and started removing his Hylian clothes and light armor. Sidon started removing his own clothing and jewelry - symbols of his title. It was mesmerizing to see Link without his clothes. He was used to seeing his fellow Zora without clothes, but this was nothing like that. It was weird and exotic to see Hylians wrapped up in thick textiles. But seeing Link undress was... beautiful. Fascinating. Sidon's hands reached up to touch Link's naked chest. So supple compared to Zora skin, neither armor nor tough scales; nor was there slime that protected a Hylian's skin.

Link gasped when Sidon's nail accidentally scratched his nipples. Sidon's hand jerked away, apologizing quickly.

"Touch is good. No scratching," Link signed, "At least... not yet." Then Link took Sidon's hands, kissed the fingertips, and put them gently over his chest.

Encouraged, Sidon continued his exploration of Link's skin. Nipples were also strange, but seemed to be sensitive. He massaged his hands over them, feeling the strange pinch of the skin and the strong muscles underneath. Another strange and beautiful thing about Link.

Link climbed into Sidon's lap, straddling it. Sidon held Link's hips, balancing on the edge of the water bed.

Link enthusiastically reached up to try to kiss Sidon's mouth, which forced the other to catch them both as the water bed sunk suddenly. Link paused, then pointed higher on the bed. "You should lie down. "

Sidon smirked, "Oh really? I should be the one lying down?"

Sidon really had no excuse. It might have been spur of the moment excitement over the idea of lying in bed with Link. Or maybe he wanted to be playful and roll them so he was on top of Link. It was a good, sexy, intention. But somehow the water bed did not move as Sidon expected - he had pulled too hard on Link, or Link had over compensated for balance. They both yelped in surprise and pain, with Link now on the floor and Sidon kneed in the gills.

They both rubbed at their new injuries. Sidon held at his right gills, trying to catch his breath through gritting teeth. That would probably bruise. Looking over at Link, it seemed he had fallen awkwardly on his back. After a moment of silence, they began laughed at the situation.

It was hard not to find this all a bit silly. "Please join me back on the bed. I promise not to throw you this time."

Arms akimbo, Link playfully looked at Sidon with a doubtful expression. Sidon held up his hands in surrender, and laid back fully on the bed. Showing his teeth for once, Link grinned as he carefully made his way across the water bed, straddling Sidon's waist. Seated, Link slowly pushed his hands from Sidon's abs, across his chest, up his arms... he hesitated a moment at Sidon's wrists, quirking a playful eyebrow, before entwining their hands together.

Link had to scoot up further, and was being careful not to knee Sidon in the gills again. Link kissed Sidon's mouth, the edge of his smile, his face, and his neck. Sidon relaxed with Link's mouth on his neck. It felt good. He pulled back enough for Sidon to look at his hands, but had to snap his fingers to get Sidon's attention.

"Tell me where to touch you."

"Ah... neck and shoulders are good. And along here," his large hand moved across his forehead, wider and more prominent than most Zora. Then his hands gently traced the line of sensitive skin on the sides of his head fin, outside his arms, and his legs. Sidon's lateral line was a lot more prominent and sensitive than most zora. "But, ah... gently. Don't bite there."

Link kissed Sidon's neck again, before making his way up to the zora's forehead and head fin. He started exploring it with his hands and his mouth. It was a little warmer than the rest of Sidon's body. And when Link pressed a little harder, feeling something underneath, Sidon gasped.

"Not directly on it. Ah, massage around it..."

Link kissed the spot in apology, then massaged around the line, tracing it back down to Sidon's neck. The prince had said that zora bit each other on the shoulders and neck. He'd probably enjoy a hickie. Link kissed along the long curved line of Sidon's neck and shoulders. He could feel and hear Sidon gasp softly. Link focused on the spots that Sidon gave the most reaction, then began sucking and nibbling, to give Sidon a hickie.

The door was closed, Sidon remembered. The walls were thick. It was just the two of them. Sidon didn't have to worry about how others would see him. He was sharing this part of himself with Link alone. Something running along inside his body relaxed, and Sidon heard himself moaning and arching into Link.

Sidon's hands were mapping the lean muscle around Link's back and shoulders. Now his hands flew to where Link would have lateral lines on a head fin. His hands tangled in Link's hair and rubbed against Link's long Hylian ears.

The ear massage was clumsy, but felt very good. Link bit down where he was trying to give Sidon a hickie, where his deltoid dipped to meet the rest of the body. His own groan was muffled against Sidon's body.

Sidon suddenly bucked. The water bed shifted under both of them. Link had to catch both arms on either side of Sidon's head, and Sidon had to move his hands off Link to do the same. When the water bed stopped moving, they both sheepishly laughed at the moment.

"Hylian beds are safer, I think," Link signed.

"Well Zora don't really have sex on beds. This is safer for you than having sex under water." Sidon grinned broadly at Link. His hands idly rubbed Link's side, where gills would be if he were a Zora.

Link scoffed and rolled his eyes. Perhaps they would move to a better location next time. For now they could just take things slow. Link scooted down closer to Sidon's waist. He went back to exploring Sidon's lateral line. His hands massaged their way down Sidon's arms.

There wasn't a strong line on his sides, but it became more prominent again on Sidon's thighs. Looking down at the Prince's body, a lot longer than his, Link decided to improvise.

"Keep talking to me. Tell me how it feels and what you want," Link signed quickly. Then he shifted, straddling Sidon the opposite way, now facing Sidon's lower half. He could feel Sidon grab his hips again to keep him steady on top. Link half-turned, grinning. "And touch my butt."

Sidon's stunned look was lost on Link when he turned around. The zora looked between his hands. Link did have a very finely shaped butt. From what Sidon could tell, it was needed for all the rock climbing he did. Not to mention his thighs and back. Sidon just never had such a good perspective to observe Link's body.

Link was already massaging the sensitive parts of Sidon's thighs. It felt very good. Sidon could already feel one of his dicks growing firmer and warmer. Knowing that Link could see it, Sidon blushed deeply. But Link had wanted him to keep talking. They both wanted to talk each other through their first time.

"Yes, the massaging is good." His voice was deeper. Fuck, he could not control himself. But being exposed like this to his love felt like going with the flow of a gentle river.

Sidon's hands massaged where he could touch around Link's lower back, his hips, his thighs. There was no lateral line here to guide him to Link's sensitive spots. Sidon tried massaging Link's butt, like he had said. Link hummed appreciatively.

Link's hands shifted to the inside of Sidon's thighs, where Sidon didn't have as much sensitivity - until Link drifted closer to Sidon's dicks. Sidon made a keening, desperate noise when Link began massaging Both bases.

"Ah! Only one at a time!" Sidon threw his head back, trying not to buck Link off of him. Link's hands had stopped. "Touch the one that's getting stiff." Link's hand flew away from Sidon's flaccid dick. He sighed in relief. Trying to stimulate the flaccid one when the other dick was already erect was an uncomfortable sort of overstimulation.

It was a good sort of overstimulation when Link began stroking Sidon's dick with both of his smooth, Hylian hands. Sidon writhed but didn't buck too hard against Link.

Sidon reached around and massaged Link's inner thighs, like the Hylian had done to him before. Link moaned in appreciation, and tried spreading his legs further - a difficult task since he was already straddling Sidon's waist. Sidon met his hands over Link's dick and began exploring the Hylian as Link was exploring him.

Sidon knew basic Hylian anatomy. He knew that what was inside for Zora was outside for male Hylians - the gonads, or "balls." Actually touching them, and hearing Link's reaction to the gentle explorations, was a different matter entirely. His dick was different too, but just as hot and sensitive as Sidon's.

Sidon only needed one hand to cover Link's dick and begin pumping it. His other hand was free to massage at Link's thighs, venturing inward to cup and grope Link's balls.

Link began using both his hands to pump Sidon - it was big enough that the entire length wasn't quite covered by both Link's hands, especially now that it was erect and hot in Link's grip. The Prince's moans were more unsteady, more desperate.

"Link! If you keep doing that I'll come now," Sidon warned. Promised. Whichever. Link looked over his shoulder into Sidon's gaze. He smiled and nodded. His hands stroked Sidon's dick faster and firmer.

Sidon picked up the pace on Link's cock as well - stroking the length and massaging the tip. Link was hot and a little slick in his hands. Sidon wanted to wait until Link was closer. But he was at such a disadvantage to the Hylian, with Link's beautiful backside and ass in Sidon's view, and Link's smooth hands working faster on Sidon's dick. Not wanting to hurt the Hylian, Sidon gripped hard at Link's thighs.

Sidon shouted something that might have been Link's name, or might have been a Zoran curse. He came loudly, splattering over Link's face and chest, trickling down to coat both of their abs.

Link gave Sidon a moment to recover his breath, and stared in fascination at the softening cock and their semen splattered bodies.

"Link..." Sidon groaned more coherently this time. His hands started working on Link again. "Link, love. I want to see your face. I want you closer."

Sidon relaxed his hands as Link shifted, straddling Sidon. The prince chuckled, and wipes some semen that was dangerously close to Link's eyes.

"You're incredible. I feel blessed to look at you."

Sidon's hands traced Link's torso and went back to Link's dick. It was slicker work with Sidon's semen coating the Hylian's smooth skin.

"Tell me what you want, love. Tell me what your body craves."

The hunger that was paused while Sidon recovered was back at full boil. Link knew what he wanted. He shifted Sidon's hold onto his back, and the grip on his dick also shifted. Link had the length of his body over Sidon's torso, with only one of Sidon's hands between them. The other arm wrapped around Link's back, a comforting weight, holding him close. Link pumped his dick into Sidon's hand.

Link looked up at Sidon, their faces not far apart now. The prince was looking at Link - sweaty and covered in semen, panting and blushing with exertion - with wonder. Link couldn't possibly last long after all this. Link shouted, cumming over Sidon's hand and chest.

Sidon held Link closer as he recovered. He sniffed at Link's semen on his hand briefly before wrapping that arm to join the other around Link's back. He rubbed up and down Link's back.

They both needed to regain their breaths. They both basked in their pleasure, not wanting to move and somehow disturb the feeling. Eventually, Link did stir. He kissed Sidon's chest, getting his attention. Sidon had nearly started to drift off to sleep.

"Turn to the side? My legs are tired," Link signed.

"Ah! Certainly!" Slowly, so not to disturb the water bed with sudden movement, Sidon turned them both on their side. Link turned over again so his back was against Sidon's chest and abs. It felt like a good position to rest in. Sidon's body curled and wrapped around the Link's body. Sidon nuzzled at Link's hair, breathing deeply their mixed scents. This was bliss.

The End

#my fanfiction #legend of zelda #sidlink #sidon x link #bottom!sidon #top!link