#look me in the eye and tell me Link wasn’t just completely awed by Zelda just taking out the Calamity | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

attllhak · 3 years

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I 100% blame @kagrenacs entirely for this. This is your fault. You gave me Ideas.

Also, @tortilla-of-courage I promised I’d tag you in this. Here’s that crack fic I talked about where Mario is Malon’s step-father.

Behold, a crack fic.

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Link had been dating Malon officially for about three months when the letter came.

Link had arrived at the ranch about the same time as the postman left, having just got back home from another adventure trying to help clear out a temple that had been invaded by monsters that the regular soldiers were struggling with. He went so Sheik wouldn’t, as apparently Zelda was needed at the castle for something else.

Malon was waving goodbye at the postman as Link and Epona trotted up, the boy leaning to the side of the saddle to blink at his girlfriend.

Epona snorted and nudged Malon’s head to get her attention.

“Oh what, Epona!” Malon laughed, reaching up to stroke her hand along the mare’s face. “And that means,”

Link waved at her with a smile.

“Link!” Malon grinned, coming around Epona’s side to meet him. “You’re home!”

Link nodded as he leaned down to kiss her hello, feeling much better now that he was back at the ranch, even if he was still bruised and achy and very possibly bleeding. Malon almost made him feel the way the forest did, like he was home.

He swung over and dismounted the horse, smiling as Malon pulled him into a hug.

Malon then pushed him away and spun him around. Link was confused for about one second before,

“Are you bleeding?”

Link shrugged, not entirely sure himself.

Malon made a strangled noise and then she was dragging him inside. “Honestly, Link. What part of ‘be careful’ do you not understand? You know, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t show up here bleeding sometimes,”

Link just smiled at the back of her head, not affected by her berating in the least. She’d lectured him on this before, and would do so again in the future, and he knew she wasn’t as mad as she pretended to be. At this point her yelling was as much standard fare as her patching him up was.

Link hopped up to sit on the kitchen table, watching as Malon dropped the letter on the table next to him before digging out the first aid kit she kept stocked in the room.

In lieu of anything else to look at, Link glanced down at the letter next to him. There was a red seal on the back, not dissimilar to the ones Zelda used when writing letters, though instead of the Hylian crest this seal had the image of a mushroom on it. Flipping it over saw words in neat curling letters in an alphabet Link didn’t recognize. This wasn’t surprising, as up until a year or so ago he still struggled with written Hylian. He set the letter down when he heard a door open in a different part of the house.

“Malon!” Talon shouted through the house. “Did you know Epona was out front? I thought Link had taken her,” he stopped when he turned into the kitchen and saw his daughter standing up with a first aid kit and the mentioned adventurer on his table. Link waved. “Link! You’re back!”

Link nodded, smiling at Talon as Malon opened the first aid kit on the table and started sorting through the contents.

“Link just got back a minute ago,” Malon informed her father as she had Link pull off his tunic. “He’s bleeding still, so I’m going to patch him up before he fills us in on his latest adventure,” she paused, then picked up the letter that she’d received when Link arrived. “Oh, and we got a letter from mom,”

She handed over the letter to her dad, Link watching the paper with curiosity. Malon’s mother? She’d never mentioned her mother to him before, and he’d never pried. He assumed her mother was dead, since she wasn’t around and no one talked about her, but he was also pretty sure dead people didn’t send letters. Pretty sure, not totally sure. Considering what he’d already seen on his adventures, he wasn’t ruling it out as a possibility.

Talon grumbled as he opened it, Malon pulling Link’s attention to her as she went about patching him up as best she could. A few minutes passed, Link occasionally hissing as Malon applied a disinfectant, and then Malon declared him patched up, wandering over to look at the letter over her father’s shoulder.

“What does it say?” She asked, crowding him as Link shrugged back into his tunic.

“It’s an invitation,” Talon handed it to her to read herself. “Some kind of Star Carnival or something, happens every couple of years. She’s invited us to come,”

Link slowly raised his hand, then waved when he noticed no one was paying attention to him. Talon looked up, then nudged Malon to get her attention. Link waved his hands at the letter then at the two of them, then threw his hands up in confusion. True, he could have signed, but he only thought of that afterwards.

“Oh, right,” Malon bounced over to sit next to him to hold the letter where he could see it. He looked at it, then at her. Malon scoffed. “It’s an invitation from my mother to come to the Star Carnival in the Mushroom Kingdom,”

Link blinked, then sighed ‘Mushroom Kingdom’ back at her with his face twisted up in confusion.

Malon blinked at him, then snapped her fingers. “Oh right, I never told you about my mother, did I? She lives in a neighboring kingdom off to the west, and her and dad had a bit of a falling out a few years after I was born. Dad and Ingo moved to Hyrule, and mom remarried. I have a half sister over there now,”

Link nodded slowly, then waved at the letter again.

“Oh, mom will occasionally invite us back for festivals and stuff. It’s her way of keeping up with us, while respecting that dad moved away for a reason,” she paused, then her head snapped up and turned to him so quickly he had to lean back in order to not get hit. “You should come with us!”

Malon blinked at him, wide eyed and grinning. Link couldn’t possibly say no. He nodded.

Malon made a giddy sound and wrapped Link in a hug, then slid off the table to hand the letter to her father. She came back to grab his hands and pull him off the table too.

“Oh, you’ll love it, Link! The Star Carnival is great, there’s all sorts of games, and events, and everyone comes out for it,” Malon chatteled off, dragging Link with her so she could keep talking at him while she finished up her chores.

Link completely forgot he was supposed to tell Zelda about the temple.

About a week later Link found himself next to Malon in an oddly mushroom shaped carriage her mother sent to collect them for the carnival. Apparently this was normal for these trips, but the fact the carriage had nothing to pull it but still moved confused Link. According to Malon this was how most things worked, but he wasn’t convinced he liked that.

The trip was uneventful, except how Link kept jumping every time the carriage bumped. The little mushroom person (“He’s a Toad, they’re the race that makes up most of the Mushroom Kingdom’s people,” Malon told him) kept up a steady stream of talk, pointing out everything he saw. Link was very glad he’d managed to convince Malon to let him take one of his swords and the mirror shield with him, he felt much more comfortable armed.

His discomfort was overshadowed, however, when the site of the carnival came into view. A big red and white striped tent, with booths and stalls set up throughout the whole grounds. There were people streaming all through the area, humans, toads and some other things as well. Link found it incredible, and Malon had to pull him back into the carriage before he fell out the window.

Eventually, the carriage came to a stop at the entrance to the grounds and the three Hyruleans stepped out. There were a few long moments as Link looked around in awe, and confusion, at some of the things he was seeing. There were moving paintings positioned around the grounds showing some guy who was mostly hat and blaring his voice across the area. Malon called these moving paintings ‘video screens’, and that they were looking at something happening in a different part of the carnival. Link didn’t understand that, but they were moving along fast enough that he didn’t linger on it.

He was snapped out of looking at some star shaped pastries at a loud squeal, head snapping up and on alert. He relaxed when Malon laughed and waved in response.

“Malon!” A higher pitched voice called, belonging to a taller woman with bright blonde hair wearing a very big pink dress and long white gloves. She had a crown on her head. “You made it!”

“Of course I made it,” Malon laughed as she hugged the other woman. “Why would I miss this?”

Malon then switched to hugging and greeting another woman closer to her age, also wearing a crown but dressed in blue, her hair covering her right eye. A little chubby star creature floated next to her and waved.

Link blinked and watched the exchange, hovering off to the side.

“Oh!” Malon abruptly remembered him and turned to tug him up. “Link, I want you to meet my mother, Queen Peach, and my half sister Rosalina. Mom, Rosy, this is my boyfriend Link,”

Link managed to get himself out of his ‘Malon’s mom is queen???!?’ confusion loop long enough to bow, trying to be polite.

“Oh no, please don’t. No one has bowed to me in a very long time, and it’s weird to see now,” Queen Peach giggled lightly as Link straightened up, the tips of his ears turning red. “You didn’t mention you had a boyfriend,”

“Uh, surprise!” Malon waved her hands as she gave her mother and sister a sheepish grin. “I have a boyfriend! His name is Link,”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Rosalina extended her hand, and Link took it to shake.

Link nodded and grinned, then signed back ‘it’s nice to meet you too’ at her when she dropped his hand. Both women blinked at him and for a second he thought he’d done something wrong. He slowly lowered his hands and blinked at them too. Maybe they didn’t speak Hylian sign? He’d never encountered someone who couldn’t understand him, but outside of Hyrule it wasn’t impossible.

“Oh,” Malon jumped in, waving at him. “Link is mute, so he uses sign to talk. I should have mentioned that,”

“Oh,” Queen Peach brightened up again. “Of course. Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Link. I hope you enjoy the carnival,” she signed as she spoke, and Link blinked at her, then matched her grin.

Link nodded happily, letting her know it wasn’t like anything he’d encountered before, but that he was enjoying things so far.

Queen Peach offered to show them around, which Malon accepted for them, and they went about walking through the grounds while the queen pointed out different attractions. Most of these involved events she called minigames, though a few featured other attractions. Apparently minigames were part of a big event called a Party, which was a competition people could compete in for prizes. Malon had very quietly dissuaded him from participating, as apparently she was worried a few of the minigames might mess with his trauma if he were to play them. Also, apparently Hylians weren’t as durable as the people of the Mushroom Kingdom.

“Oh!” Queen Peach bounced over to one of the video screens and grinned. “It looks like a Party is starting!”

Wandering up to join the toadstool queen, Link blinked up at the moving paintings on the screen, still confused as to how that worked. The man who was mostly hat introduced a group of four, a stout man in red with blue overalls with a very big mustache named Mario, a brunette woman in a yellow dress named Daisy, a stal-like creature that resembled the creatures Malon told him were koopahs who was introduced as Dry Bones, and a tall lanky man in purple who introduced himself as Waluigi. Queen Peach was grinning, and Malon was laughing a little at this.

Link tapped Malon’s shoulder and asked her who those people were.

“Oh, well Mario is mom’s husband, and Daisy is his brother’s wife. Dry Bones is a friend, I think, and Waluigi just shows up for events like this,” Malon explained to him, pointing as she did. “It can be hard to keep track of who’s friendly and who isn’t all the time, things change so often,”

“They don’t change often,” Queen Peach giggled. “The only time anything changes is when Bowser kidnaps me, then we’re briefly enemies, but we go back to being friends when Mario comes to rescue me,”

Link blinked at her, face scrunched up. She talked like this was normal. Apparently, this was quickly explained to him, it was. It was just the relationship those three had. Link wasn’t sure he’d ever understand that concept, but was willing to push it aside for the moment.

They stood and watched the Party, and Link was glad Malon had encouraged him not to try any of the minigames. She was right about a few of them not meshing well with his trauma. He’d actually had to turn away during one because of how much it reminded him of fighting Volvagia in the Fire Temple. It was pretty easy for Malon to work him down again, and he was ever so grateful for her and her patience with him, but they didn’t turn back until after the minigame was over.

Once the Party was over, Queen Peach eagerly dragged them over to something called a warp pad in order to greet her husband when he got there. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one.

Already waiting at the pad was a very large individual. He looked vaguely like a koopah, but was much bigger, and his shell was studded with spikes. Helpfully, Link’s mind supplied him with the theory that the koopah might be like the Zora, with the ruler being much bigger than the rest of their people, and so this might be their king.

He was right, he’d soon learn.

What had him stopping dead was the man next to him. Almost eight feet tall, bright red hair, black armor. The man was distinctly Gerudo, and looked identical to Ganondorf. Link reached out and grabbed Malon’s arm, pointing out the man to her and signing as fast as she could keep up. Malon had his shoulders in her hands, and was trying to talk to him slowly, the same way she did when working him down from a panic attack or a spike in anxiety. Maybe he was freaking out, he certainly didn’t feel calm. But Ganondorf shouldn’t be here, Zelda’s father had him executed. He shouldn’t be alive, let alone here.

“Is something wrong?” Queen Peach popped up in Link’s peripheral vision, but he was too busy trying not to panic to respond to her.

Thankfully, he had Malon.

“Kind of, Link’s had some, uh, adventures that have messed with his head a little. Bowser’s friend over there happens to look like a man named Ganondorf who tried to kill him more than once, with quite a bit of effort,” Malon rubbed Link’s arms as she spoke, glancing back at him every once in a while. “He’s a little freaked out to see someone who looks so similar, even if this can’t be Ganondorf, since Queen Zelda’s father, the late king, had him executed for trying to kill the royal family and steal Hyrule’s crown about ten or so years ago.”

“Oh, I hadn’t realized,” Queen Peach paused, glancing back at Bowser and maybe-Ganondorf, then back to the two of them. “If you’ll give me a moment,”

She ducked out, and in the meantime Link managed to wrangle his breathing under control. Eventually, he felt confident enough in himself to not immediately try to stab maybe-Ganondorf, but he did pull the mirror shield onto his arm. He felt better when he had it out.

Link specifically kept his shield between himself and maybe-Ganondorf as they approached, Malon keeping a hand on his arm. The conversation petered out as they made it up.

Maybe-Ganondorf clapped his hands together, which had Link pulling up the shield and tensing. The maybe-Ganondorf paused, then spread his hands.

“I understand that someone who looked like me tried to hurt you in the past?” The man, who even sounded like Ganondorf, asked. Link was then hit again with the fact that in this timeline Ganondorf never actually tried to kill him, and even when he had it was both his past and future for a while. He nodded, not willing to dwell on the details of his seven year sleep and subsequent return to childhood. The man grimaced. “I am truly sorry then. My name is Greg, I am a good, friend, of Bowser’s, and I can assure you I am not the same man who wanted to see you come to harm,”

Link narrowed his eyes, but did peek a little further over his shield.

There was a long, tense moment where Link just looked over Greg, trying to decide how he felt about him. After several heartbeats where Link found nothing but honesty, he nodded and lowered the shield some. He didn’t put it away however.

Greg grinned, nodding back.

“You can probably put the shield away now,” Queen Peach offered gently.

Link just tightened his grip on the reflective defense and pulled it closer to himself.

“I don’t think that’s happening,” Malon said gently, squeezing his arm some. “It’s just, well, I’m sure it just makes him feel a little better, what with the situation and all. I wouldn’t be surprised if he never got better around male Gerudo,” she tried to laugh.

“What’s a Gerudo?” Greg asked.

Link dropped the shield to his side and made a face.

(---)

The rest of the day was spent being introduced to a few others of Queen Peach’s friends, and then later avoiding Greg as best he could, and even watching Malon play some of the minigames with her sister.

Link felt a little bad about avoiding Greg, but he looked so much like Ganondorf that he really didn’t trust himself not to hurt the man. Better to just avoid him.

They were invited to spend the night at Peach’s castle, after which they’d return to the carnival the next day.

Somehow, between meeting Mario and crashing for the night, the plumber convinced him to agree to a race.

Link didn’t know how to use any of the racing machines they had.

He spent a great deal of time, at length, bemoaning his impulsivity to Malon, who eventually got tired enough with him to track down her stepfather and get him to teach Link to use one of the machines. Mario, to his credit, was surprisingly understanding and more than helpful.

It didn’t take long to decide Link would do better on a bike than in a kart.

Link also needed to help repair a wall later.

These are related.

“Alright,” Mario rubbed his hands together as he coached Link through the basics. “This-a thing here? That’s-a the brakes. You pull on-a those to slow down. This-a piece you twist, and that makes-a you go! You see?”

Link nodded slowly, pulling on the lever for the brakes and twisting the handle.

“Okay, let’s-a do one lap around the track, and-a see how you do,” Mario nodded back waving at the track. “Let’s-a go!”

Link gave a sharp nod, taking a deep breath as he did. This would be his fifth try at this.

Malon gave him a pair of thumbs up from the sidelines, grinning at him. He was glad she was more confident in him than he was.

He slowly twisted the handle, the machine puttering to life (a phrase Link was distinctly uncomfortable with) and eased forward gently. After a few moments he was increasing speed around the oval track, getting more comfortable with using the bike. He avoided the jumps he could, but managed to not wipe out on the ones he couldn’t. Slowing to a stop in front of Malon and Mario, he felt distinctly proud of himself for not crashing.

Malon jumped up from where she was sitting, clapping happily as she bounced over to hug him.

“You didn’t crash that time!” She grinned. “You’re getting better!”

‘I am,’ Link grinned back, a group of bees set loose in his chest alongside the happiness.

“You’re-a doing so much better! Now, let’s-a maybe think about getting better with the jumps, hm?” Mario clapped as he approached.

Link nodded, signing his response slowly. Mario knew Mushroom Kingdom Sign, but not Hylian Sign, and the two had some differences. This meant communication was slow going, which was partly why Malon was there.

They spent a few more hours, and a lot more crashing, practicing the jumps. Apparently there were a lot of jumps in these races.

By the time they decided to take a break for lunch, Link was covered in bruises but could also reasonably be trusted to not crash every time he attempted a jump, which was much better than he was when they started.

“Oh my! What happened to you?” Peach gasped, looking over the group as they arrived to join the queen and the rest of the family for lunch.

‘Learned the jumps,’ Link signed at her, grinning maybe a bit wider than he needed to.

“The bruises were self-inflicted,” Malon told everyone, dragging Link over to sit between Talon and Rosalina with her. “He’s gotten very good at crashing. And at not crashing, but that skill’s taking longer,”

Rosalina started giggling. “Well, it seems we all have a type,”

Link looked at her in confusion while he let Malon set up plates for them.

“What do you mean?” Peach asked.

Rosalina pointed at her mother. “You married dad, who is prone to extreme spots. And turns sports that aren’t extreme sports into extreme sports. I have never seen someone make golf a full contact sport other than him,” she turned her finger to Malon. “Malon has brought home a boy who is firstly more than willing to participate in said extreme sports, and, Mal you said he works for your Queen, right?”

Malon nodded. “He’s technically part of the royal guard, but really he’s just sent out to go deal with monsters when Her Majesty can’t do it herself. He comes back bleeding a lot,” she sent him a halfhearted glare. He smiled innocently in response.

“Right,” Rosalina nodded. “He’s prone to come back bleeding. And the last time I saw Sammy, she was also bleeding and bruised because she got in a fight with a robot that nearly kicked her, erm, butt,” she cleared her throat and paused until she got a nod from her mother, then continued. “Right, so, my point is we have a type, and it’s the same one,”

“And that type is?” Malon asked.

“People who are prone to getting hurt,”

Link felt mildly like he should be offended by that, but Malon was just nodding along so he decided to drop it. It wasn’t like he could argue, after all.

“Oh, is your girlfriend coming?” Malon asked, handing Link a plate but focusing on her sister.

Link didn’t know what some of the things on his plate were, and lightly poked at one of the mushrooms. This is why he decided to let Malon grab food for him.

“She should be, she told me she’d try at least,” Rosalina nodded. “But, well, you know how busy she can be sometimes. Her job doesn’t allow her a lot of free time,”

Malon nodded. “I get that. It can be hard dating someone who spends so much time away getting in fights,”

She gave Link a side eye and he paused halfway into a bite. Was she mad at him? Or was this one of those joking jab things? He couldn’t quite tell the difference yet. She didn’t seem like she was mad at him. Maybe she was trying to relate to her sister? Wait, what did her sister’s girlfriend do that he’d be a comparison?

He figured he’d ask.

Apparently Sammy was a mercenary (“She fights things for money,” Malon told him. “Kind of like you do, but you work for the Queen and she works for herself,”), and that meant she spent a lot of time away and then coming back injured. Like Link did.

“You’d probably get along with her really well,” Malon offered, subtly adding more of the thing he’d already cleared off his plate to his portion. “You can bond over killing things and getting hurt and worrying your girlfriends about the fact that you’re out killing things and getting hurt all alone,”

Link frowned at her and narrowed his eyes. The worst part was that he couldn’t even argue, she was right. He did spend a lot of time killing things and getting hurt and worrying her, and he did do most of it alone.

That thought sort of made his chest ache. He wouldn’t be alone if he still had Navi, but he hadn’t been able to find her yet. He didn’t want to sour the atmosphere though, so he pushed that thought to the side and shoved Malon’s shoulder in retaliation.

Malon shoved him back, laughing, and Link didn’t bother fighting the grin on his face. It was moments like this that made the trauma and the longing easier to deal with.

They spent some more time practicing the jumps for the race Link had gotten himself roped into and introducing him to the ‘power ups’, and then wandered around the festival grounds until dinner, where they retired to the castle. Link found out quickly that the power ups were made with people way more durable than him in mind. A conversation started about finding an item or something that might help protect him a bit.

Malon had pulled out a health potion she insisted Link drink to heal up the bruises he’d acquired when they heard the, whirring? Link didn’t know what to make of that sound, but he did know he should figure it out.

Which is how Link ended up carefully crossing the entryway of the castle, eyes on the front door, Malon frustrated and following behind him.

Rosalina came barrelling down a stairwell just as Link got to the door, startling him.

“Don’t mind Link,” Malon rolled her eyes. “He’s just never heard the sound of a ship landing before,”

Ship?

“So that was her ship I saw!” Rosalina pushed past Link, who made a strangled noise as she did, and ran out the door.

Link followed, hand on his sword, just in case, and froze.

Someone was standing on the bridge to the castle, wearing dark orange armor and standing easily as tall as a gerudo, maybe taller. Link couldn’t make out much more from that, since the armor covered them head to toe, and their helmet covered their entire head and face. It also looked shinier than any armor he’d ever seen before.

This person caught Rosalina when she threw herself at them, lifting her up and spinning them both around. A sort of mechanical laugh came from the armored person.

Link turned to Malon.

“That’s Samus, Rosy’s girlfriend,” Malon explained. “Come on, let’s go say hi!”

Malon headed down the bridge to where Samus had set Rosalina down. Link stayed where he was, the Luma that followed Rosalina around coming up to float next to him. Luma yawned, and Link offered it a small smile. They must have been getting ready for bed when Samus arrived.

“Link!” He turned at Malon’s shout, seeing her wave at him. “Come meet Samus!”

Samus had pulled off her helmet, revealing tied back blonde hair and pale skin. So, not gerudo, just tall.

He offered Luma a sympathetic shrug and wandered over.

“Link, this is Samus,” Malon waved between them as Link came up. “Samus, this is my boyfriend, Link. He’s mute, so he speaks using sign, but he can hear you just fine,”

“Hello, Link,” Samus offered him a smile, signing in very choppy Hylian Sign as she spoke, and then offered her hand to shake. “It’s nice to meet you,”

Link signed slowly as he replied, figuring Samus might appreciate it, and then accepted her handshake.

They didn’t stay standing there for long since it was already getting quite dark. Link offered to help Samus move in some of her things, since she was apparently staying for a few weeks between jobs, which is how he found himself pulling on his golden gauntlets to pick up a very heavy suitcase to carry inside. Samus had the other very heavy case, and Malon and Rosalina helped carry in the rest of it.

Once Samus was settled Malon resumed her crusade to get Link to drink the rest of the health potion.

(---)

The next time Link ran into Samus was right before his race. They hadn’t found something to help with the power ups yet, though he did receive a racing suit to wear in case he crashed.

He stopped mid-sign as something heavy dropped round his neck.

He turned to look down at the item, some kind of medallion on a chain. There was some kind of bird on it, and some kind of writing he couldn’t read, though he didn’t expect to be able to. It didn’t feel magical, but it did sort of, hum in his hands.

He turned around to blink up at the person who dropped in on him. Which turned out to be Samus.

She wasn’t wearing the armor, instead wearing just a skin-tight blue outfit that showed off her abs and the muscles in her arms. She had a lot of muscle. Link started doubting his conclusion that she wasn’t somehow part gerudo.

“I heard you were worried about being durable enough to compete,” Samus explained when Link made a confused motion at the medallion. “That should help,”

‘How?’ Link asked.

“It’s an old bit of tech I picked up but haven’t needed in a long while,” Samus explained.

Link spent a moment finger spelling out that word and trying to remember where he heard it before.

“It’s like magic, but not magic,” Rosalina appeared to lean behind Samus, who towered over her even when she was standing straight. “Sammy you need to remember they don’t even have video screens in Hyrule, you’re going to confuse him,”

“Oh,” Samus blinked, looking between them. “Uh, sorry,”

Link waved her off and assured her it was fine, and then asked for more clarification on the item she just gave him.

“I figured it would solve your durability issue,” Samus explained. “For the race,”

Link nodded, turning it over in his hands for a minute. He tucked it under the suit, the metal oddly warm despite having only just put it on, and thanked Samus for the help.

She promised to be cheering him on, which was met by a huff and light shove from Rosalina, who was also racing.

The medallion did help. It didn’t quite put him on par with the native residents of the Mushroom Kingdom, but it did keep him from getting seriously hurt by some of the more extreme power ups.

Seriously, some of them were just insane.

He didn’t win, but he did come about middle of the pack, which he was quite proud of.

Samus let him keep the medallion, since he could probably get more use out of it than she would, and then Rosalina dragged them all out to get some star pastries to celebrate the fact she won.

Samus ended up far more confident in her Hylian Sign by the end of the day, mostly due to her and Link being dragged about the faire by their girlfriends as they competed in a few minigames. Samus had asked for some help practicing when she noticed Link was a bit uncomfortable with some of the minigames.

Link decided he liked Samus.

He especially liked it when their girlfriends got back and Rosalina had fake-whispered to Malon “Oh no, they’re teaming up!” and all four of them started laughing.

They stayed for a week, the length of the carnival, but they did have to get back to Hyrule. It didn’t help that Sheik had likely tried dealing with everything himself, and as such the kingdom had to deal with the Queen slipping out to fight things.

Once they’d said goodbye, with promises to write between Malon and her family, they climbed back into the little carriage thing they’d arrived in and Link turned to Malon immediately.

‘You’ll bring me with you next time too, right?’

Malon laughed, and agreed to bring him with the next time they were invited.

Neither of them had fully expected Link to get a letter a few weeks after they got home, but sure enough, it was his name written in the alphabet used by the Mushroom Kingdom.

It was decided that they should probably teach him how to read that alphabet after that.

The small package he received from Rosalina a few years later with her and Malon’s grandmother’s engagement ring after he’d proposed with a little note that the ring he’d found was way too flashy was probably to be expected. Even he and Malon had agreed on that the day before. They did switch out the rings, and though the old Queen’s ring was still a bit fancy for a farm girl, it wasn’t going to accidentally blind someone.

He figured he’d pass off Queen Peach’s offer to plan their wedding to Zelda, who had also already decided she wanted to plan it.

Let people who actually knew what they were doing plan it, he’d focus on making sure he was mostly uninjured come the day of. He’d just help with the invitation list.

This, he learned later, was a very smart call.

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bokettochild · 3 years

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I just finished reading The Ties that Bind, and I love it! I have a small suggestion, one that you could completely ignore if you would like. Will Fable, Legend’s Zelda, meet Sky? Or Sky and the rest of the chain? I feel like that would be fun. But this is just an idea that I had, I’m not pressuring you do to anything.

I'm sorry it took so long to get to your ask, Anon! I've been thinking about this for a while, and the truth is that, while I would LOVE to have Sky meet all of his daughters at some point, I don't know if it will happen in the main plot of the story itself.

Currently in the story, they are in Legend's Hyrule, so there is a good chance of it happening, I just don't know if it will.

Considering this came along with various fic requests, I did end up writing something where they 'meet' but.. I'm terribly sorry, it's entirely crack, and I took way too many liberties with it.

I hope it will do to hold you over until Fable can make an actual appearance in the story!

“So, we finally get to meet your sister?” Hyrule asked, following as Legend led their group down the halls of Hyrule castle.

“Yes.”

“Yes!” Wind pumped his fists. “The only Zelda we haven’t met! I wonder what she’s like?”

“Kickass.” Legend smirked, stopping before one of the opulent doors and turning to face them. “I’d watch yourselves.”

There were a lot of things the Chain was expecting to see when they walked through the doors, but Warriors wasn’t expecting to see a young woman who looked quite ridiculously like Legend, if not for the haircut, spinning around to see look at them before having a wide smile break over her face.

“Z?”

“Link!” And the princess was running, running forwards with feather soft, tinkling laughter into the arms of...Wild? “Oh, Link! I haven’t seen you in ages! Why, look at you! Growing your hair out I see.” Another giggle drifted into the air as the girl brushed a hand through the Champion’s messy bangs.

Wild flushed slightly, much to the shock of all present, but especially to Legend, who stared between the two with his mouth hanging open.

“Everyone’s missed you so terribly, especially after you disappeared so suddenly! The Master was absolutely furious.” Fable added with a nervous laugh, smacking Wild’s arm lightly. “Thank goodness I can tell him all is well and you didn’t get killed or something, we thought he’d oust Robin for good when we couldn’t find you!”

Wild winced, nodding slightly. “I’m on another quest, but maybe I can send a letter? The mail system is working pretty well, for some reason.”

“Not out of Hyrule unfortunately.” Fable pouted, seemingly taking no interest in noticing the rest of them for the moment, instead continuing to stand in Wild’s personal space, neither having quite let go from their unexpected and rather startling hug. “Without you, the Master has closed all contact with Hyrule; I don’t think he wanted anything else to happen, especially since Mother would have been furious if someone else had gone missing.”

“Wait,” Warriors turned to see Wind staring at the- couple? Duo? “Zelly?”

“Tune!” Fable squeaked, pulling away from Wild and darting over to hug the second smallest hero. “My goodness you’ve grown! Are the two of you on an adventure together then? Wonderful!” Ocean blue eyes trailed up to look at the rest of their gang and Fable brightened even more. “Why, all of you are here!”

“All of us?” He couldn’t keep confusion from his tone as he spoke, quirking a brow.

“Well, nearly all,” Fable frowned, setting Wind down to gently stroke her chin. “And here I hoped to see Young Link again.”

Warriors was going to lose his mind. “Young Link?” His eyes turned to Time, who smiled with a light flush, raising one hand in a nearly shy wave.

“Hey, Zelly.”

The princess gasped, hands flying up to cover her mouth as she stared upwards to meet Time’s gaze. “Young Link? My. Goodness! Look- Oh my! You’re all grown up, aren’t you? I declare, you get even more terrifying than half of the others!”

“Legend,” Sky was grinning as bright and warm as the princess, eyes sparkling in the same manner and erasing any doubt that he was the young woman’s ancestor. “You didn’t tell us your sister was The Princess Zelda!”

Legend stared up at his ancestor in disbelief before shaking off Sky’s hands and throwing up his own. “That’s it,” The vet spun on his heel and turned towards the door. “I’m gonna go bang my head against the wall for an hour, toodles.”

“Well,” Fable turned to Sky with a bright grin. “It is wonderful to see you again, Link. Good heavens, how on earth do all of you handle being ‘Link’, it was bad enough having you all switch out, but now you’re all together at once! How do you handle it?”

“I go by Sky,” The Skyloftian replied with a fond smile. “He’s Wild, Wind, and Time. We use our hero titles.”

“Oh! That is clever! Sheik and I both have different names, so I suppose had it easy, I’m surprised no one thought of that before, what with how you all switched out so often- oh!” And the princess was spinning around to look up at Twi. “We’ve missed you too of course, but I must ask, since you’re all apparently time-traveling or some nonsense, could you give a message to your Zelda for me? I haven’t seen her in ever so long, and I do miss being able to talk over things with her.”

“I’ll pass it along.”

“You too.” She turned to Time, brows furrowing lightly. “Sheif is so terrible about writing to me, and I’ve missed being able to ask for advice with my fighting skills.”

“Understood.” Time grinned, earning a mirror expression from the princess.

How the heck was everyone taking this all in stride? Was Legend’s sister...dating Wild or some shit? How did she know Wind and Time? How did she know Sky? How did she know any of them?

“So,” Twilight cocked a hip and stared down at the princess with a warm smile. “They let you stay around, even after switching out all of us?”

“Yep! I am, apparently, quite the favorite. As is L- I mean Wild.” She sent a warm smile towards said hero, who flushed with pleasure. Ew.

“Should’a known it, he's a good kid.”

“He says you mentored him, so I suppose that can be attributed, in part, to you!”

“Aw, thanks, Zelly.”

Warriors would like a drink now please.

“Wait,” Four stared at the princess, eyes slitted and brows furrowed in a way that revealed he was clearly having a headache as well. “You’re- good grief- you know all of us, don’t you?”

Warriors really needs a drink. Seriously? Four too?

“And who are you?” Fable cocked her head.

Four flushed, ducking his head. “Hero of the Four Sword.”

Like a switch had been flipped, recognition sparked in Fable’s gaze. “Oh! That- that makes sense! I had forgotten, I suppose, how you all- well-” She waved her hand vaguely, and while none of the others seemed to understand it (thank Hylia he wasn’t the only one), Four apparently did. “You don’t think it’s weird?”

“Heavens no!” Fable drew back, looking mildly offended. “Link- my Link- or rather, my brother- Good heavens, what on earth do you all call him?”

“Idiot. Pain in the ass. Veteran.” Warriors listed off, making sure his displeasure with being left out of the conversation was made very clear.

“Legend.” Hyrule answered, shooting a glare Warriors’ way.

“Legend, my, that fits,” Fable shook her head with another tinkling laugh. “Does the same thing, albeit in a different manner and without the use of the Four Sword.”

“Heard that!” Legend shouted from just outside the room. “Stop telling them things!”

“Then come in here and make me, you sissy!”

The vet stormed back in, cheeks red and brow looking considerably more bruised than it had been ten minutes previous. “Not a sissy.”

“Yet you only appear on occasion, and never fight?” The princess snarked, hands on her hips.

“Do I look like I have the time to be fighting?” Legend returned, mirroring her pose with enough attitude to match the blue flames of the princess’s gaze.

“Well, if you have time to play dress up-”

“Necessary for a mission, miss ‘I fight duels in my regalia’.”

“I win duels in my regalia, thank you very much.”

“Heck yeah you do.” And was that- pride in the vet’s voice? “You scare the shit out of all of them.”

“I always was the better of the two of us at doing that, you just spend your time talking to cuckos and wearing my clothes.” The princess smirked.

Legend didn’t even have the decency to flush, crossing his arms with a smirk of his own. “You have to admit, I look better in it than you do.”

“Yes.” Fable beamed. “Yes, you do, and I hate it.” Her smile said the opposite but the conversation seemed to be over at that, the princess turning to continue conversing with the other heroes only to spin around again and clap her hands. “Oh! You're off exploring and adventuring, so you drop a message for me! Tell Peach and Daisy that I’m awful sorry I missed tea last time, we’ve been trying for weeks to get around to it, but with L- Wild having disappeared, the Master simply won’t give me the free time and Mother’s been just as strict.”

Legend pouted. “Only if they’re the only ones home, if I have to see that insufferable plumber’s face again I think I might just punch him.”

“Please do.” Fable spat. “He used that stupid hat of his to mind control me and make me kick the crap out of my team.”

“He mind controlled my sister?” Legend hissed.

“Yes, that dumb hat of his is sentient now, and he can force us to do things.”

“I hate that thing.” Wild scowled.

“Same.” Several others echoed.

Sky looked between them all. “Are we talking about Mario? Because if so, Legend, I will totally join you in punching him in the face, that guy is a pain!”

“Oh, him!” Hyrule scowled. “I don’t like him; he grates on my nerves like nobody's business.”

“He’s worse than Tingle.” Wind added, face screwed up in distain.

“Seconded.” Twilight and Time called out together.

“Third, Fourth, Fifth and sixthed.” Four added.

“Just because your name is ‘Four’ doesn’t mean you get four votes.” Warriors groaned, staring at his companions in irritation. “And who the heck are you all talking about? How do all of you know him? Is he immortal?”

“Hylia, I hope not.” Nine voices groaned at once.

“Neighboring kingdom.” Legend replied. “The Mushroom kingdom’s own hero is an idiot plumber by the name of Mario. His twin isn’t bad, but he’s a piece of work. I’ve had to deal with outbreaks of monsters from their kingdom on multiple occasions because he can’t keep them contained. Add in there that their princess is captured every other Tuesday because the guy can’t up and beat her kidnapper for good, and the kingdoms a mess.” Legend paused, frowning. “Wait, I just agreed to go there, didn’t I?”

“Yep.” Fable chirped. “But don’t worry, Bowser is hanging out with his kids this weekend, so he shouldn’t be causing problems while you’re all here.”

Warriors groaned, this time, loud enough that all of them heard him. “Bowser? Are you on a familiar enough standing with some villain that he tells you his weekend plans?”

“Yes.” The twin siblings answered, Fable bright and cherry while Legend deadpanned.

“We even play sports with him on occasion.” Fable added.

“And who,” Warriors tacked on, absolutely done and uncaring for the fact that apparently Legend and Fable played golf or something with their neighboring kingdoms greatest threat. “The heck! Is Mario?”

Nine pairs of eyes stared back at him for a moment, blinking in confusion.

“You know,” Twilight stated slowly. “Has anyone actually ever seen Wars at an event?”

“Come to think of it,” Fable tapped her chin. “You are the only one I’ve never seen before.”

“The only one?” Can Warriors please get a drink?

“I’ve met all of the others, be it in racing, sports, fighting matches, any number of things, but I don’t think I’ve ever even seen you, much less heard of you. Who are you?”

“That,” Legend smirked. “Is the Hero of Warriors. And I don’t know if I should laugh or feel bad that he was never popular enough to get selected for the games.”

“You weren’t either.” Wind hissed.

“Mom said I was on bed rest from being struck by lightning.” Legend waved him off. “I’ve had my time in the Mushroom kingdom, and if they ever do invite me back, I’d burn that Smash invite so fast the Master would think it never arrived.”

That’s it. He’s done. “Legend, I’m stealing your thunder-”

“Please do.”

“I’m going to go bang my head against the wall until the world makes sense again, or until I black out, Bye.” And with that, Warriors left.

(This entire fic was inspired by @tortilla-of-courage, her blog had a stint of asks about the boys knowing each other from Mario Kart and whatnot and it set my brain spinning. I blame her that this was the only thing I could think of when trying to write Sky meeting Fable. Thank's Tortilla!)

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lorelylantana · 3 years

Text

A Blindsided Engagement Chapter 2: Engagement

Chapter 1

Chapter Rating: G Overall Rating: G

Ava Vanguard was surprised to see Link return to Hateno a full month ahead of schedule. She was a bit disappointed when she read that her husband and son would assist in clearing the damage of Calamity and it would be some time before she could see her family again, but the relief that they survived was enough to keep her content. News that her family still stood was all she could ask for as a military wife and mother. She was just sitting down to lunch when none other than her son walked through the door.

Link seemed well, better than she’d ever seen him, in fact. He was dressed smartly in boots she recognized as standard issue for the Royal Guard and the Champion’s tunic he was so fond of. Ava was a bit perplexed at the circlet gleaming on his forehead, but shrugged it off. After slaying Calamity, her son no doubt received gifts of all kinds. Link carried a garment bag in his hands, which he hung on the hook by the door before hugging her tight.

“Hi, Ma.”

“Let me look at you,” she said, taking his face in her hands. She was glad to see a quiet joy in his eyes that she hadn’t seen since he drew the sword that hung over his shoulder. It made her happy to see bits of the son return to her after he walled himself off. “Tell me everything.”

Link managed to explain the story of Calamity’s downfall between bites of their split lunch, which is how Ava knew he was nervous. Now that Calamity was soundly defeated, there were very few things that Ava could think of that would cause such reticence.

Did her son find a significant other? Had he come to ask for permission to bring someone home?

“You're earlier than expected,” she prompted, gauging her son’s reaction, “Is there anything you wanted to tell me?”

Link cleared his throat, hand coming up to the back of his head.

“I’m engaged.”

Well, she wasn’t that far off.

Ava gasped, “I had no idea you found someone special! You should have written!”

“It was really sudden,” he admitted, “Honestly, I’m still shocked she said yes.”

Ava laughed, made euphoric by relief. She was aware of and lost countless night’s sleep over the walls her boy had put around himself. Her heart broke to see that forced apathy in his eyes. Yet here he stood, joy written in every line of his face, no sign of restraint in sight.

It was a shame she couldn’t stop to admire it, as not a moment later her son straightened.

“I have to go, the wedding planning’s been keeping me busy. I thought I would invite you to the engagement feast personally, but I have to be getting back,” he nodded toward the garment bag, “I thought you could wear that to the banquet. A tailor in the castle can alter it if it doesn’t fit.”

With a hug and a kiss to his forehead, Link was gone. Vanished out the door, and once again she was alone.

For a moment, a bittersweet moment, she was still. Her little boy had grown up, and she didn’t get to see it. Still, the melancholy thought was drowned out with the elation that came with the knowledge that her son, amid the chaos, found a safe harbor to bare his soul to.

Ava shook her head and moved to the garment bag. She had a nice dress, so she didn’t know why he gave her a new one.

At least, that’s what she thought before she opened the bag.

She had never touched a fabric so fine. Her fingers glided over deep velvet and silk, gazing in awe at the gold detailing along the sleeves. A dress fit for royalty.

Ava smiled to herself. Her son was always such a sweet boy, though perhaps she should scold him. There was no need to spend so much money on her.

It’s not like she could wear such nice clothes very often.

Captain James Vanguard wasn’t really surprised when he received an invitation to a banquet and instructions to wear his dress uniform. He’d been expecting it. His son was the Hero of Hyrule, of course he’d be invited to the victory celebration. He was taken a bit off guard when the footman informed him that said celebration would be held that very evening, but James Vanguard was a soldier through and through. It took him a quick thirty minutes to change out of his armor, scrub the day’s grime from his body, and slip into the red and blue suit that had been issued upon his knighthood and he was ready for the grand occasion.

Despite his quick response time, the party was already in full swing when James entered the Sanctum, lit up by blue flame, giving the ancient hall an ethereal glow that was at once new and old. For a moment he was silent, letting the fact that they were at peace sink in at long last. Perhaps now he could retire without the guilt of letting his country down. Spend his days holding his wife instead of just thinking of her.

The King’s approach snapped him out of his reverie. James bowed, “Your Majesty.”

“Good evening, Captain! Are you enjoying the festivities?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the occasion. More than I expected, to be frank.”

The King threw his head back and laughed, “I can imagine. You must be proud of your boy, hm?”

“Of course. He’s exceeded every hope I had for him. That said, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried for him.”

James had lost many nights’ sleep thinking of how his little boy seemed to curl under the weight of his destiny. In his more fanciful thoughts, he’d believe that the burden would be lifted, but his years as a soldier had taught him that it wouldn’t be so simple.

He knew that the physical scars were the easiest to overcome.

King Rhoam hummed, “I can imagine, but I’m sure our children will pull through. We’ll be there to advise them after all.”

And with that, the King was gone, off to speak with the other guests. James shook his head. This was a happy time, and he was told Ava was here. His energy should be spent towards finding his wife.

Ava looked around, completely unprepared for the grand scale of the celebration before her. She was told her husband would be in attendance as well, so she searched for him, feeling like a fish out of water.

“Mrs. Vanguard, it’s so lovely to finally meet you!”

Ava turned to see none other than Princess Zelda herself, walking towards her in a fluttering violet gown the exact same shade of the coat her son now wore. The Champions likely coordinated their attire. Ava hurried to curtsy the best she could, but the Princess merely waved a hand.

“Oh there’s no need for that, please. I’ve been eager to finally speak with you. You must be so proud of Link, I certainly am.

Ava blinked, pleasantly surprised that the Princess held her son in such high regard. Eager as she was to finally discover who her son’s bride was, Ava wasn’t about to refuse a request from the Golden Princess, so she talked for hours about her favorite moments of Link’s childhood.

“You must tell me what Link was like as a child, and spare no details!”

Ava wasn’t about to deny a chance to relay some of her fondest memories, especially at the princess’ request. They talked for what seemed like hours. She wasted no time telling the Princess about Link’s childhood escapades. She was just about to explain how five year old Link rode a bear through the village street in nothing but shorts when Princess Zelda was called away for a speech.

Ava sighed, alone once again. Perhaps she could spot her son in the crowd?

“Ava!”

She turned, a smile growing on her face and her husband’s arms wrapped around her. She kissed him, alight with affection and relief at seeing James and feeling his beating heart against her chest.

The war really was over.

“I missed you,”

“I missed you too.”

As blissful as the moment was, it was cut short by the King addressing the crowd.

“I hope all of you are enjoying the evening. I can’t think of a better way to mark the end of the Calamity’s reign than with an engagement, and so we gather to-”

Confused, James leaned into his wife’s ear.

“Who’s getting married? Anyone we know?”

Ava turned to look at him with that expression she wore whenever he said something stupid, which he thought was unwarranted for once given the situation.

“It’s Link, James.”

“What?”

“What did you think this party was for? It’s to celebrate Link’s engagement!”

“His what?”

“Our son is getting married,” Ava said, “Since he’s one of the Champions, the royal family was kind enough to celebrate with him.”

Vanguard was reeling, “Who’s he getting married to?”

Ava tutted, “He didn’t mention her name, I was going to ask him tonight, but Princess Zelda wanted to talk and I’ve been sidetracked all evening. She really is such a lovely girl.”

Before he could ponder this revelation further, King Rhoam commanded the room’s attention.

“I would like to thank you all for celebrating this wonderful occasion with us. After such dark times, it gives me great joy to hold this feast in anticipation of a union I have no doubt has the support of all Hyrule-”

As the king spoke, the Captain scanned the Sanctum, trying to spot his son’s mystery bride. Could it be Mipha, they had spent some time together as children, and he wouldn’t be surprised if it grew to something more. James thought better of it as soon as he spotted the Zora in question. She was beautiful, dressed in her Champion blue, but there was an air of melancholy about her that was impossible to ignore. Captain Vanguard hoped his future daughter in law wouldn’t look so forlorn at the engagement party.

“-and now, without further ado, I ask that you all join in as we celebrate the upcoming nuptials of my dear daughter, Zelda Lana Hyrule, and her loyal Champion, Link Vanguard!”

Wait a minute.

His son’s name was Link Vanguard.

Captain Vanguard blinked as the room erupted with applause, looking up to the man standing beside the Princess and king.

Well, there he was, standing where the Princess’ fiance was supposed to be with his arm linked with. Before he could process the implications of these observations, a butler came by to guide James and his wife to a private banquet hall. They sat down next to each other and were told to wait. It was strange, to be sitting at a table he’d spent countless hours guarding. James shifted in his seat.

“To clarify,” James began, “Our son’s going to marry Princess Zelda?”

Ava nodded, “I think so,”

Link and Zelda walked smiling through the door, and the room descended into chaos.

#Zelink #zelda #botw zelda #aoc zelink #botw link #botw zelink #fanfic #A Blindsided Engagement #LantanaLore

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fatefulfaerie · 3 years

Text

A Century Apart Part 1/2

Kakariko without the stench of blood in the air was frankly sickening to Zelda’s lungs.

She had trouble breathing in the air that took so long to clear, that had forgotten the war of a century prior, that was normal to an entire country of people that had become accustomed to a post-apocalyptic Hyrule.

When she had first arrived here, Link draped as best as she could manage over his horse, she was frankly overwhelmed with nausea, some of it due to her worry at Link collapsing moments after an unanswered question, some of it due to the blood caked on his tunic, and some of it due to her terrible, terrible, stomach twisting guilt for making it here alive.

It was night now, and the twelve hours that Link spent recuperating in his slumber had felt to Zelda like an entire week. She tossed around a circular slice of orange carrot as she sat with worry twinging her heart. Normally sitting on the floor to eat as the Sheikah were accustomed to would have made her back hurt, but she paid little mind to her back.

Impa cleared her throat, and so Zelda looked up and across the table. The noise was so familiar that she almost expected to see the Impa she knew, in her twenties and incredibly agile.

Yet this Impa had eyes that had aged, eyes that had faded from a red as bright as cranberries to a hazel, a common side effect of Sheikah aging.

“You’ve hardly touched your food,” Impa said, wrinkles and all, her face more spotted and much more round nowadays. “I know the carrots aren’t your absolute favorite but you always used to love when I made Seafood Rice Balls.”

Zelda nodded, and faked a small smile, although it came off as a simple pursing of her lips.

“Yeah, I…I remember,” she muttered quietly as she tore away her glance, looking back down at her plate. The scientist within her knew that she was, in fact, hungry and needed food to sustain herself, yet the princess with her wasn’t quite ready for such indulgence, for such luxury.

She began with a carrot.

It was soft, obviously well-cooked as her teeth bit upon food for the first time in a hundred years. It was buttered and salted and spiced with something she didn’t recognize, something they wouldn’t have typically served at the castle.

She almost forgot how to swallow as the chewed-up orange mush threatened to trail down her throat, but she gulped the single slice of carrot down nonetheless.

It felt strange, eating, and it felt strange that it felt strange.

She could tell Impa was watching her eat, especially as she dove the chopsticks into the Rice Balls that, over a hundred years, she forgot she missed.

“When was the last time Link was in Kakariko?” Zelda asked, reacquainting herself with the texture and taste of the white rice, the seasoned fish on top of it, the leafy seaweed around it. She didn’t dare to meet Impa’s glance.

“About a week ago,” Impa said. “He came to restock, as he does occasionally. It wasn’t a long visit, though. I suppose he had places to be.”

Zelda nodded, using the cloth napkin on her lap to wipe away any stray particles of food from her mouth. It was almost an instinct, the way she was trained to always be proper, the way her back was straight were she sat, the way she refused to let herself be and just put her elbows on the table. Paya obviously had no problem with it when she ate earlier. Zelda envied her casual manner, living decades upon decades away from a kingdom.

Zelda didn’t expect Impa to reach out and grab her hand, and thus she almost ripped her hand away she was so unaccustomed to it. Zelda looked up.

“He is going to be okay,” Impa insisted slowly and calmly with eyes aged with wisdom. Zelda had no choicest to truly trust them. “He pushed himself very hard to save Hyrule and to bring you back. I would wager he hasn’t slept in days…and the injuries he ignored, well, it’s about time they caught up to him.”

“S-sorry to interrupt,” Paya stammered. Zelda didn’t even hear her come back down the stairs. “It…it’s Link.”

“What’s wrong?” Zelda asked standing up completely panicked. “Is he okay?”

“Oh gosh I shouldn’t have phrased it like that,” Paya said. “He’s fine, he’s just stirring. You said you wanted to be there when he woke up?”

“Yes,” Zelda said, nodding, her hand lightly fisted at her chest. “Y-yes, of course. Please lead the way.”

He didn’t look any different when Zelda finished the last steps of the stairs, Link coming into view. His face was still terribly scratched up and bruised. The only difference now was that Paya had-and she would have to ask later how a Sheikah could be so stealthy as to wrap a person’s chest without waking them up-dressed Link in bandages to brace his broken ribs. There was a fair amount of blood on the bed from the gash on his leg, but it seemed to be well-sewn up now, the wound cleaned and covered with a fresh bandage. There was also a half-empty bottle of a familiar dark purple elixir, a common painkiller among Hylians. Zelda used to use it for headaches.

She could she the way his blue eyes had begun to shine through eyelids. The room was dark, lighted only with candles that smelled of lavender and honey. It seemed so long ago that they had brought Link in, Zelda suggesting they keep the main lanterns in the room doused so that Link could perhaps sleep sounder.

“Link?” She asked as she stepped forward, the combination of her lack of stealth and her thin brown sandals making the wooden floor creak.

She knelt at his bedside and repeated her query.

“Link,” she said. It was now a whisper, like she was pretending to be the lover she never was to him.

The fatigued hero hummed as he blinked open his eyes lethargically.

“Zelda,” he said, softly in his half-awake state with a small smile. The former princess assumed it was because he knew of her presence before his head rolled over to her and he flipped out with wide eyes. It was as if someone had put smelling salt underneath his nose, the way he bolted upright.

“P-princess! I…” Zelda watched with equal parts awe and glee as he ignored the extremely likely pain in his ribs to fix his messy bedhead. Not to say he was in any way successful. “I’m sorry, I…”

“Link,” Zelda said, in such a soothing way that Link froze immediately. It may have also been because she placed a hand on his cheek. Zelda gently guided him back down to lay on the pillow.

“You look fine,” she assured him. “And you are in no condition to do anything but rest.”

Link’s icy blue eyes pleaded for something Zelda couldn’t place. They looked at her, studied her in a way Zelda wasn’t used to.

“Princess, I…” he began, but his words faltered, as if his intended sentence just walked off a cliff, accidentally ran out of room on the ledge and was now falling and forgotten. “I would like to call you Zelda,” he finally said. “Is that all right?”

Zelda nodded, and had to keep from tearing up.

“Yes,” she said, water making her green eyes shine like emeralds. “I would actually prefer that.”

It looked as if Link had something else to say, and yet he hesitated with a hitched breath. Zelda hesitated too, not what to say, but whether or not it was fair to reveal that she could read him like a book. It was a byproduct of their time together a hundred years ago, a time he may not have any recollection of at all, a time he may even be scared of. It was for those reasons that she demonstrated her patience instead, taking his hand and fooling herself that she was conveying her care with her eyes.

“I remember you, by the way,” Link said.

Zelda shifted slightly. There were so many memories between them and so many things that could be assumed between the memories that she couldn’t help but fear what story he had construed.

“I remember you not liking me,” Link continued, Zelda sighing, opening and closing her eyes with a slight cringe. Of all the things for him to remember.

But he didn’t stop there.

“I remember you warming up to me and us becoming friends…at least I think.”

Zelda had looked down at her hand, the way her thumb ran up and down his palm.

“Do you remember anything else?” Zelda asked, tilting up her head. Link seemed genuinely out of answers and that’s what broke her heart the most.

“Is there something I should remember?” Link asked. Zelda shook her head.

“No,” Zelda said quietly, detaching her hand from Link’s. “It’s nothing of consequence.”

She moved her hand to his forehead, brushing aside a lock of his dirty blonde bangs.

“I’m glad you’re recovering well, Link,” she said softly. “I’ll leave you to your rest. We can talk more later if you’d like.”

She stood up to leave but didn’t get far, Link’s hand grabbing her wrist and seizing her heart.

“Wait,” was the word he spoke to explain himself. Zelda turned her head to look over her shoulder. She couldn’t help but be surprised that Link had indeed, meant to grab her, was entreating her with those soulful blue eyes, deep as an ocean and filled to the brim with conflicting emotions.

“There’s more to it than what I remember,” he said. “There’s…well there’s how those memories make me feel.”

“What do you mean?” Zelda said, turning her body but refusing to kneel at his bedside, her cautious heart already shattered enough to not risk being broken even more.

“Whenever I remembered something that happened between us,” Link began. “I would try to draw you, would try to capture your beauty, but the image of you was always fleeting. Sometimes I forgot whether your hair was truly blonde, whether your eyes were brown or green, whether or not freckles dotted upon your nose, your cheeks, what the shape of your face was. But each time I tried to draw you I felt like I was getting both closer to and farther away from perfection.”

“Link,” Zelda said as she shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“I didn’t either at first,” Link continued. “I didn’t understand why I was so enthralled by your beauty, why the sound of your voice twinged my heart, why the thought of your touch made me feel the warmth of my blood.”

Zelda knew what he was describing, and she knew it well. It was for that reason that she couldn’t believe his words, that she searched within her lungs for the ability to breathe.

“Link,” she said breathlessly, finally kneeling down. “A-are you saying…?

She couldn’t even finish her question but Link nodded nonetheless.

“Once I realized it was a crush,” he said. “I tried to ignore it, telling myself that nothing in my memories indicated anything more than an obligatory friendship, that it was disrespectful to think in such a way of someone who was royalty, but…” He bit his lip. “No cliff was as easy to descend as the one that dictates love. I fell quickly and I fell fast. It felt familiar too, like something was in ruins inside me but this time, it was simple to salvage, to rebuild and to…” Link chuckled. “I can’t think of another word.”

Zelda was speechless, her mouth slightly parted and her eyes frozen. Link didn’t expect his declaration of love to be so paralyzing.

“I-I guess I,” Link said, continuing in the absence of Zelda’s words. “I kind of got the feeling that you also have similar…” Link looked for another word, but it didn’t exist in his brain “…feelings…” He inwardly cringed. “So I figured I would bring up the subject...but maybe I...shouldn’t...have?”

Zelda was quiet, almost too quiet, before she stood and finally said five words, five words that left Link in the dust of such an anticlimactic response.

“You never talked this much,” she said, before shooting him with green eyes filled with conflict and pity and turning around to walk back down the stairs.

#zelink #botw #breath of the wild #you ever write something and think it's really good #and then you read it and you realize it's actually crap #well that's happened #I felt like I was finally back as the fatefulfaerie you know and love #but alas #I'll write a part two if you guys like this #not like as in physically like but #you get the gist

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sapphic-loser16 · 3 years

Text

I just realized I never explained what Chiaroscuro is. (Or even posted the first chapter lol) For those of you who get wildly confused when I drop random chapters of a story I never talk about otherwise

This is my baby, Chiaroscuro. This story has been rattling around in my head for the past six months, and it is a coagulation of my maladaptive daydreams and headcanons that I spew onto the page. It follows the next hero in the reincarnation cycle, as well as a host of other original characters. Since I’m getting into the habit of being more active for my followers I thought I should drop this here. Please go give it a read, I’ve worked really hard on it!

(Chapter one below the cut )

The rain feels like fire on his back. He runs, faster, faster, faster. They can’t catch him, Hyrule will fall if doesn’t get away. His mind is blurry, the world is blurry. The only thing that registers is the pain that courses through his body like lightning and the golden light thats pours from his left hand. He tries his best to push through the pain and mental fog. One thing is clear though; whispered words spoken to him only hours ago, as a guard unlocked his bloody chains

Run.

Run as fast you can.

Hope is not lost.

The resistance has a base in the Lost Woods.

They will help you.

Now run, and save us all.

The rain pours down even harder. Lightning flashes as he skids to a stop. The magical woods loom in front of him. Mist swirls around the branches, beckoning him into their safe embrace. He hesitates. The legends say that any who dare step into the sacred forest shall be lost to time. A sharp stab of pain interrupts his musings. The scars on his back have split open. Blood cascades down his back. If he doesn’t make his choice soon he will die steps away from freedom. The woods whisper to him, call him into the trees. The golden light on his hand pulls him foreword ever so slightly. His choice is made, then. He breathes a quick prayer, and limps into the fog.

___

A cheerful voice rings in his ear.

“Get up ya lazy bones!”

Not now, Wind, Sky thought, rolling over. It’s too early for this.

He jammed his sailcloth into the side of his head to try to block out the youngest Link’s chipper voice. A kick on the the back of his knees sent a jolt through his body.

“Up an ‘attem bird boy.” The sailcloth was ripped away by Legend’s blurry hands blinding Sky in the morning sun.

“Pinky’s right,” called Warriors from his side. “You slept through an entire switch.”

Wait, what?

Sky bolted up into a sitting position just in time to see Warriors receive a sound slap to the back of the head courtesy of Legend. He slept through a whole switch? He rubbed his eyes to clear some of the morning fog. He could see the others packing up their things and Twilight dousing a campfire.

“How you do that is beyond me, and I slept for a hundred years,” smirked Wild, throwing him a bun, apparently the leftovers of breakfast.

“Who’s Hyrule are we in?” Sky asked.

Wild responded with a shrug.

“Don’t know. It’s not any of ours.”

“And that means new people, new Zelda, and new hero,” Hyrule said.

He stopped packing his bag and turned to face Sky.

“Are you ok? He asked softly. “You seem a bit dazed.”

Sky rubbed his face again. That dream was like something he had felt only once before. If history was any indication, the group needed to know.

“I think I had a dream.”

“So?” Legend scoffed. “We all dream, bird brain, nothing new here.”

“Hush,” Twilight said, pushing him away. “It must have been bad if its bothering you this much. What was it about?”

Sky pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to force the details back.

I-I don’t know, its all a bit hazy. I don’t even know if I could call it a dream, more like vague impressions. It was raining hard. I couldn’t even see any They were running…away from someone, I think. They were injured badly.” He looked up. “I could hear their thoughts, something about a Resistance.”

Twilight’s eyes went stormy.

“A Resistance?” He asked in a hard voice.

“Yeah, they were told the Resistance would help them,” Sky said, intrigued by Twilight’s sudden intensity. One last detail swam through his mental fog.

“They had the Triforce,” he said quietly. “Hyrule would fall if they didn’t get away, I think.”

The quiet rustle of the camp stopped. The Links shared looks with each other. That clearly wasn’t a good sign. The Triforce could only mean one thing.

“A new hero,” Time mused.

“Did you see where they were going?” Four asked from the far aside of the camp.

Sky thought hard. As he was the first in the timeline, his Hyrule lacked most if not all of the landmarks that made some of the others stand out. Heck, he hadn’t even known there was land below the clouds until a year and a half ago.

“Some sort of forest,” he started, trying to call back the details of the fast fading dream. “There was magical mist, if that helps.”

Wild thought for a second, then snapped his fingers.

“Lost Woods is what they were running to, no doubt. Magical mist keeps people with ill intent out. In my time, the Master Sword rests there. They could have been going to pull the sword.”

“That could be why the Resistance has a base there,” Warriors spoke up. “The Lost Woods offer protection, and they are able to protect Hyrule’s most powerful weapon.”

“But that still doesn’t explain the need for a resistance,” Twilight said, a bit on edge.

“Either way we’ll find out eventually,” Four said. Our best move would be to go to the nearest village and get a map.”

Time nodded, and motioned for the rest to pack up the remnants of the camp. Legend adjusted the last of his things and started to walk out of the woods they had landed in.

“Lets go before Hylia smites Sky with anymore visions.”

—

Wild had to admit, the land was beautiful. They had dropped into a forest at the top of a huge valley. As they walked down, he could see villages clumped together. A river ran through the valley, and the afternoon sun bathed the whole valley in a golden light. In the far distance beyond the valley, a castle loomed. His fingers jumped and twitched at the thought of exploring a whole new land. He bounced up to Hyrule, who was practically vibrating. They made excited eye contact. Twilight caught sight of the exchange and sighed loudly.

“No, you cannot go wandering off,” he admonished to the two wanderers. “I am not taking the chance of loosing y’all in a land as big as this.”

Wild stuck his tongue out in Twilights direction.

“You’re no fun,” Hyrule huffed playfully.

In truth, Twilight was a bit on edge. The last time he had encountered a resistance things had not gone well. He leaned over to Time, who had been quiet amongst the chatter.

“Do you think it’s…” Twilight didn’t dare finish his sentence, as if the very name could summon him.

Time closed his eye, and nodded,

“We have to be prepared for every possibility,” he said quietly.

It shouldn’t be possible, Twilight thought. He had killed him. He remembered every detail of that awful day. How could he forget? Twilight hated admitting it, but every now and again he would wake up screaming, reliving every single agonizing second of the last battle.

“Pup?” A soft voice pulled him out of his thoughts. They had arrived at a bustling town. Time’s eye softened.

“Are you ok?”

Twilight considered it for a second.

“I think I’m ok. Just a bit overwhelmed.”

Time nodded sagely.

“Cub,” he called to Wild

Wild looked up from the intense conversation he was having with Hyrule.

“How’s our supplies?”

Wild’s head dipped down for a second to take inventory on his Sheikah Slate.

“Food wise we’re all set, but we need more potions,” he called back.

Time touched his protégé’s back.

“Go with him, and clear your head. It will do you some good. The rest of us can get for directions.”

Twilight huffed.

“You just want me to make sure he doesn’t burn down the town.”

A sly look passed across Time’s sharp features for a moment as he herded the rest of his boys to a bar to find someone to tell them where the Woods were.

Twilight sighed and let Wild drag him to the nearest potion booth halfway across the square. It was a good think they were stocking up now, Twilight thought. The last monster battle had completely blown through all of their medical supplies, with Hyrule having to resort to his magic.

“Excuse me, could we buy some of your potions?” Wild asked the shopkeeper, who’s back was turned.

“Just a moment sir,” the shop keeper said, tidying up in the corner of the booth. She dusted her hands on her apron.

“What can I get for y-“ she stopped abruptly, eyes wide.

Twilight shared a confused look with Wild. Wild, just as confused, stared back. He turned to look at the shopkeeper. The woman was opening and closing her mouth, like she wanted to say something but couldn’t get the words out.

“Ma’am?” He asked softly, reaching out to touch her. “Are you okay?”

She flinched at Twilight’s attempted contact. Her hands shook as she pointed to Wild’s weapon.

“Y-you’re Yiga.” She gasped.

Wild flinched. Him, a Yiga? There were Yiga here? Admittedly that probably should have been his first thought. They should have been in the future, right? This couldn’t have been the era of the hero before him, there were no Divine Beasts. He killed Kohga, the Clan should have died out. This couldn’t be the future, right? Wild’s hand absentmindedly went to the handle of his Windcleaver.

The woman’s frantic voice yanked him out of his thoughts.

“Please, please sir,” she whimpered, eyes downcast. “ I-I didn’t know, I never would have put you off like that. It wont happen again, I swear it.”

Wild’s eyes went wide. He quickly dropped his hand back to his side. What in the name of Hylia was she talking about?

“Ma’am,” he tried, reaching for her again.

The shopkeeper gave a small scream and stepped back so quickly Wild thought she would fall. Tears were running down her cheeks. Wild could feel small ones prick at the sides of his vision.

A small touch on his shoulder. “We need to go,” Twilight murmured in his ear

Wild stood rooted to the spot. He couldn’t just leave, the poor woman was terrified of them. Plus, they were still in desperate need of medical supplies. Something was definitely wrong here, and Wild was going to try to fix it.

A puff of smoke appeared behind him. He could feel Twilight stiffen. From behind him walked a Blademaster.

Twilight’s eyes went wide. The woman whimpered even louder. The Blademaster strode between them and leaned over the counter ever so slightly, hands planted on its rough-hewn surface.

“This filth bothering you?”

It took a minute for Wild to realize the cult member was talking to him. How did they get here so fast? What in the world was happening? He could feel his hands shaking and his breath getting quicker. He didn’t dare look over the Blademaster to Twilight. The Yiga apparently took his silence as a positive answer. He tutted and shook his head back and forth.

“Oh, Maira,” he said, faux sadness dripping from his voice. “What a poor decision you have made today.”

The shopkeeper, Maira, was shaking now, tears pouring from her eyes. Her hands were clutched close to her chest.

“I-I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “I didn’t know.”

The Blademaster shook his head again. It had occurred to Wild that the village had gone completely silent. He could feel the eyes of the villagers bore into the back of his head. Where were Time and the others?

The Blademaster leaned even closer to Maira, their foreheads almost touching.

“You know the punishment for detaining a soldier of the crown,” he growled. Quick as lightning, he grabbed her wrist and slammed it down on the counter. She screamed and tried to pull away, but the Blademaster was to strong for her. Using his other hand, he drew a wickedly sharp Windcleaver and set it at her wrist. He lifted it high, the blade glinting in the sun.

The blade never made it down.

The soldier was thrown back with a clash of metal on metal. Twilight lowered his weapon down to his waist . He took slow, deliberate steps and planted himself in front of the stand and Wild, never breaking eye contact with the soldier. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the rest of his friends exit a bar. He caught Time’s horrified eye as his gaze went from Twilight to the Blademaster. Twilight claimed a fighting stance, daring the soldier to make a move.

The Blademaster considered Twilight for a second, then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Twilights tense shoulders sagged.

“Lets go,” he whispered with gritted teeth. Wild didn’t need to be asked twice. Twilight started towards the rest of the group.

A cloud of smoke bloomed in the corner of his vision.

Someone screamed Twilight’s name. (Was it him, or Time?)

Twilight wasn’t fast enough. The Yiga drew his sword, and thrust it through Twilight’s torso. A wet gasping noise escaped his lips as he fell to the ground. A scream ripped through the silence. Time, sword drawn, charged at the Yiga. Their swords clashed, and all silence was shattered. Screams filled the air as more Yiga materialized in puffs of smoke. The rest of the group drew their weapons and plunged into battle. Wild snapped out of his own stupor. He made a beeline to where Twilight laid crumpled on the ground, blood pooling below him.

“Twilight,“ he gasped, voice barely audible above the din of battle.

Blood trickled out of the side of his mouth as he tried to speak. Wild put a hand to his mouth.

“You need to save your energy.”

Twilight could only nod weakly. Wild screamed for Time, who was currently fighting off tow foot soldiers at once. He was loosing blood too fast, they would never be able to save him at this rate.

“Wild!”

Wild turned to see Warriors behind him, parrying a soldier with his shield.

“You need to get Twilight out of here,” he commanded. “Go back to the place where we started. Four and I can cover you. We’ll meet you there.”

Four, who was fighting at Warrior’s back, gave a firm nod, violet eyes locking with Wild’s blue.

Wild could only nod numbly. He wormed one arm under Twilight’s and pulled him up. A small scream escaped his bloody lips as his wound was stretched. His head lolled against Wild’s neck. He half dragged, half carried Twilight to the entrance of the town. To Four and Warrior’s credit, not a single Yiga engaged them on their way out. We’re almost there. Wild thought. Just a few more feet Twi. You have to stay with me. The going was slow considering Twilight was a good six inches and seventy pounds heavier than he was. Finally, finally, Wild was able to drag Twilight into the woods. He threw a quick look behind them to make sure they weren’t followed. He laid Twilight down on the dirt, trying to make him as comfortable as possible.

‘Cub,” Twilight coughed wetly, forcing his eyes open. “I-if I don’t make it, could y-.“

If Twilight wasn’t so close to death Wild would have slapped him across the face.

“Shut up,” he said through gritted teeth. “You are going to be fine.”

He gave a weak laugh, then fell silent.

Wild set to scouring his slate for something, anything, to help him. To his horror, he only had one fairy and a few bandages in his entire slate.

Stupid stupid stupid. This is all your fault. Thats all you’re good at, killing your friends. If you hadn’t equipped that Windcleaver like an idiot Twi wouldn’t be on death’s door in a foreign forest.

Tears gathered in Wild’s eyes. He would not be responsible for any more deaths. He had already caused enough to last a lifetime. With grim determination he set to work tending his brother’s wounds. The fairy from his slate tinkled with healing magic. Wild surveyed the damage after the fairy worked her magic. The wound was no longer immediately life threatening, but without proper medical equipment he would succumb to his wounds. All he could do now was wrap his wounds and pray for the best.

“Wild.”

He whipped around, hastily wiping tears from the corner of his eyes. Time, Sky, and Legend stumbled into the clearing.

“How bad is it?” Shy whispered, holding his shoulder.

Time ran a critical eye over his protégé’s still body.

“He’s alive. Barely.” Time murmured.

The bushes rustled again, this time producing Wind, who was lugging a very unconscious Hyrule.

‘He used too much of his magic,” gasped Wind, blood trickling from a cut near his hairline.

Sky moved to take Hyrule from the sailor, who promptly collapsed.

“Where’s the captain and smithy?” Time asked while looking Wind over.

“They were right behind me,” Legend said, trying to hide the obvious concern in his voice. “They should have made it out, right?”

A tense silence filled the clearing. No one wanted to acknowledge the possibility that two of their comrades hadn’t made it out alive.

“I’m sure they’re fine. Warriors and Four are both capable swords men who can hold their own.” Sky reassured. “For now, we need to focus on Twi. Does anyone have any more healing items?”

To the group’s collective horror, the only thing they could produce was half of a red potion, courtesy of Legend. Wild took it and held it to Twilight’s lips. He drank all of it in one gulp and a sigh, and closed his eyes. A hand touched his shoulder.

“Let him rest, cub.” Time said, voice soft. “He’s going to be fine.”

Wild tried to ignore the blatant lie and let his shoulders slump. There was nothing more anyone could do now. The others were trying to busy themselves with menial tasks, like resetting the camp and gathering wood, anything to distract them from Twi’s shallow breathing. Legend had taken to pacing around the camp, mumbling to himself. No one had the heart to stop him. Almost an hour had passed before the bushed rustled again. A very dusty Warriors limped into camp with a bloody Four in tow.

“It’s just a surface wound, don’t worry,” Four said, trying to reassure the group. “It looks a lot worse than it is, trust me.”

Warriors let out a sigh as he plopped down in front of the fire Wild had started. Legend stopped dead in his tracks and whipped around so violently it gave Wild whiplash just watching it.

“You aren’t going to say anything, Pretty Boy?” He screeched. “You were gone for an hour, and thats all you have? Damn it I thought you had died, you cant do that!” He stomped. “Where were you and Four?”

He looked up, eyes blazing. “What do you want me to say?” He bit back. “Four and I were fighting those bastards so you could get away. We let Twi get run through by an insane cult member. He’s on the verge of death, and you’re suddenly concerned about me?”

Legend’s eyes went wide. “Well fuck me for being concerned about you,” he sputtered. He turned to Wild. “I though the Yiga were supposed to be gone,” he yelled. “You killed their leader. Why are they here?”

“I don’t know!” Wild exploded back jumping up from his sitting position. “I don’t know. I just stood there and watched like an idiot. All I could do was watch, Legend!” He screamed. Legend flinched. “All I could do was watch and now he might die. Because of me. All I can do is kill people.” Wild took a shuddering breath and hid his face in his hands, tears flowing.

Silence once again settled on the group like a thick fog. The only things they could hear were Wild’s muffled sobs and Twilight’s shallow breaths.

“Excuse me?”

Wild’s head snapped up, hands flying to his sword. The rest of the group followed suit, forming a circle around Twilight and Hyrule, who was still unconscious.

‘’Who’s there?” Four called out. If Wild didn’t know any better, he could have sworn the trees themselves were speaking. Given that he only knew one talking tree, that seemed highly improbable. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once.

“Oh gods, I’m sorry,” the voice said. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I just thought that given your situation you could use some help.”

Well that was unexpected. Wild and Four shared a confused look.

“Why would you want to help us?” Legend called.

“Isn’t it obvious?” The trees answered back. “Your friend isn’t looking so hot. By my estimate he’s got a good thirty minutes before he and Hylia have a face to face. And besides, I think you could help me.”

“Why would you want us to help you?” Time scoured the trees for some kind of indication of a speaker.

“Well given all the shit that just went down at the village I think you guys are pretty capable fighters.” The voice laughed. “And your friend Wild claimed to have killed the Yiga leader. Which, by the way, is completely incorrect. But still, that claim has to have some merit, and I’ve never seen a normal person have the courage to impersonate a Yiga, much less stand up to one. That takes guts. Stupid guts, but guts nonetheless.”

How did the tree voice know his name?

“You were there?”

The voice laughed again.

“Of course I was there, how would I know about it if I wasn’t?”

“Are you a healer?”

This prompted a laugh so loud the trees shook.

“Oh sweet Hylia if I was a healer, I would kill someone. How ironic would that be? A healer killing someone? I’m not a healer, but I know a really good one. 150 percent care garunteed. If I’m going to help you though, I’m going to have to ask you to put away the swords” the voice almost sounded apologetic.

Wild weighed the options in his head. On one hand, they could let the crazy tree voice who somehow knew his name help them. On the other hand, they could watch Twilight die. Putting it like that, the answer was more than obvious. He looked over to Time. He gave a slight nod, motioning to the others to put their weapons away.

“Excellent.”

With a rustle of leaves, a green-clad hooded figure dropped out of the trees in front of them. A mask covered the lower half of his face, accenting blue eyes that sparkled in the twilight. He took quick steps to where Twilight laid. Gloved hands rummaged in a bag at his hips, producing a vial of a pale looking liquid, bandages, and red potion.

“See, the first mistake you made was not carrying antidote with you.” He said. “A Blademaster always coats their sword with poison before a fight. Thats why your fairy didn’t really work.”

The implications of those three sentences worried Wild. Firstly, it meant Twilight had been poisoned. Second, it meant that the tree voice had been around when he used that fairy almost three hours ago.

The figure uncorked the bottle and tipped Twilight’s chin up slightly, pouring the contents of the vial into his mouth. Twilight gulped the unknown substance, apparently unaware a complete stranger had fed him it. The tree boy then went soaking the bandages in red potion, rewrapping Twilight’s wounds. Satisfied, he stood back and admired his handiwork.

“And there you go,” he said cheerily. “Now he wont die of poison.”

“You mean he might die of something else?” Legend practically screamed.

“Well, I mean yeah. Do you know how many things out here could kill you?” He started listing things off his fingers. “He lost a lot of blood, he might die of exhaustion, and spontaneous combustion is always on the table. Do you know how terrifying that would be? One minute you’re here, the next your body gets relocated to the Sacred Realm via a fiery demise. Honestly, how are more people not worried about it?”

That was an unexpected tangent, but Wild had to admit, he could see Twilight breathing quite a lot easier. He turned to the tree boy.

“Do you have a name?”

He laughed merrily, blue eyes dancing.

“I sure hope so. I’m Link.”

Shit.

Shit shit shit.

Legend honestly didn’t know what he had expected. Hylia just loved throwing them curveballs, and a crazy tree person who happened to have a whole infirmary’s worth of medical supplies at the exact time they needed it could have only been a Link.

They were all sitting around the campfire now, crazy tree Link included. He was wiry, but small, barely grazing Time’s shoulder. Wild golden curls tumbled down his back, secured with a band. Some ringlets escaped to frame a face containing the most freckles Legend had ever seen on a living person. Link had explained to Wild that he had followed him out of the village because he wanted to help. He stayed in the trees because he couldn’t figure out if they were hostile or not. Thats how he was able to figure out his name. Satisfied with that answer, Wild hade made them all soup, and he was happily slurping it down. Hyrule had woken up a while ago, and was wildly confused at the sight of another person who definitely hadn’t been there when he passed out. Time had explained the whole strange situation. Twilight had also woken up thanks to the pale potion and bandages, and was sipping soup slowly with the help of Sky.

Warriors cleared his throat.

“So, Link,” he said, putting emphasis on the name. “ Can you explain to us what the hell happened back at the town?”

“Well there’s not much to say there. You guys pissed off the Yiga and they retaliated. Honestly, you guys need to be more careful.”

Warriors sighed.

“Thats not what I meant. I mean why were they there.”

“Thats also pretty self explanatory. You waltzed into a Yiga occupied village. Are you guys ok? How do you not know any of this?”

“He means why are they here. In Hyrule. Now. How long have they been here? And why hasn’t anyone done anything about it? Shouldn’t the princess know about this?” Wild leveled an intense stare at Link.

He set his spoon down, staring down into his bowl.

“Wow, you guys are really far behind,” he said quietly. “The Yiga have been here for almost twenty five years.”

“Twenty five years?” Wild gasped.

Link nodded. “They took over when my parents were kids. From what I can piece together, a powerful warlock invaded Hyrule and all the major settlements with the help of the Yiga Clan. A lot of people were killed, including most of the people who were in the castle,” he finished quietly. “They’ve been here ever since.”

Ganon. Legend thought. That bastard pig was at it again. It was becoming clearer by the minute why they had been called here.

Wild started hyperventilating.

“No, that cant be right. They were supposed to be gone.”

“What about the hero?” Sky asked. “Surely they should have done something.”

Link’s eyes went stormy. “You think the ‘hero’ could possibly help?” He said with an edge to his voice.

“The hero, if they exist, was probably killed twenty five years ago. And if they are alive, they’re a coward. I’ve been in this fight since I was practically born, and they haven’t even made their supposed existence known. The hero is only a bedtime story for people who have lost hope.” Link finished with a growl.

That did not bode well. Where was the hero? Could he be dead? That wasn’t possible. They’re had to be a hero, right? Maybe the kid in front of them was just a Link by coincidence. Hell, he didn’t even believe in the hero. Legend started to wonder how many of the people in this Hyrule shared the same sentiment.

Now Sky was hyperventilating along with Wild.

“But someone should have taken up the mantle. What about the Master Sword? Surely someone should have pulled it by now.” Sky’s voice trembled.

Link finally looked up, eyes dark.

“Wow.” He whispered to himself. “You guys must live in a hole.”

“What do you mean?” Time said, voice grave.

Link locked eyes with Time, eyes just as serious.

“The Master Sword doesn’t exist. It was shattered twenty years ago.”

#linked universe #chiaroscuro fic #sapphie writes

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zelinkwrites · 3 years

Text

A Mother’s Love

post calamity aoc timeline. started writing this, accidentally deleted it you get the gist here we go

Rita sat underneath the apple tree in her backyard, watching her daughter Aryll play with the stick she found.

“Mom! Mom! MOM! Look! Watch this!” yelled Aryll as she threw the stick in the air and caught it after it flipped once. “Mom, did you see that!”

“Yes, sweetheart that was very cool! I’m very proud of you.”

The little girl smiled at her mother’s praise and ran with her stick into the front yard.

“Aryll, do not fall into that pond! I don’t want you to catch a cold!” Rita, understanding her rest time was over, stood up and began making her way around to the front yard to make sure her energetic young daughter didn’t get herself into some trouble. For just a second she wished just one of her children had been born with a quiet and serene personality. Oh, but she wouldn’t change either of them for the world.

Speaking of her other child, Link had written home not long ago saying he intended to visit within the month. It had been so long since she had seen her son, what with his having been busy at the castle. She thought about her son, about the muddy, rowdy little boy she raised and how he had grown into such a handsome, mature young man. Oh she was so very, very proud of him. She’ll never forget the look on his face when he came home from a trip with his dad with a new sword strapped to his back, one almost at tall as him. The same sword that would grow to become such a burden to him. Rita had pledged one thing then: be as big a comfort and confidante for her son as he needed. Such is a mother’s love. Anything Link thought, he could tell her, unashamedly. Such is a mother’s love. Whenever he needed someone to hold him as he cried, she would be there. Such is a mother’ s love. Whenever he got hurt and needed someone to clean his wound and comfort him, she would be there, bandage in hand. Such is a mother’s love. As she rounded the corner of their home, she looked out at Hyrule, thanking the Goddesses for protecting her son while he protected the kingdom.

Aryll ran up to her mom, panting from the rigorous lap around the house she just made. “Mom. Mom, when is Link gonna be here? I want to show him my stick trick.”

“I’m not exactly sure, love. Any day now, you know Link has always been timely.” She smiled at her daughter’s impatience and patted her unruly dirty blonde hair down into a more manageable shape. “But don’t worry, he’ll be here soon enough and I’m sure he’ll be sooooo impressed with your talents.”

She watched as her daughter smiled ear to ear, and noticed, as if her words summoned him, blue fibers of light gathering in front of the shrine across the bridge from their house. Aryll followed her mother’s line of sight and yelled as she saw her big brother materializing at the shrine. She sped across the bridge, as fast as her little legs would carry her, and got halfway across the bridge before her brother was there, jogging to meet her, picking her up, upside down, much to his sister’s delight, as evidenced by her maniacal giggling. He continued across the bridge but only after turning behind him to see if his surprise guest was following him. He walked up to his mom, still holding Aryll by her ankles.

“Put her down before you drop her on her head.” Rita admonished before hugging her son and kissing his cheek. “Have you gotten taller since you were here last? I think you have...”

Link cleared his throat before stepping out of the way and letting his mother see who he had brought with him. Behind him was a gorgeous young lady with long golden hair, wearing a blue blouse with black trousers. Her hands were crossed in front of her and she looked very nervous, almost as if she felt she didn’t belong here.

“Well, who is this?” asked Rita, although the answer was glaringly obvious.

“This is Zelda, even though you probably already knew that. She said she had never been to Hateno and asked if I could... take her.”

“Well, hello Princess, it’s a pleasure to meet you!” Rita said, slightly bowing, mostly for show.

“Oh! Please just Zelda is fine, really! It’s fantastic to finally see this village. Link has told me much about it, and you too.”

“Oh is that so? Well come on in, I’d love to hear what else my son has told you.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The visiting pair settled in, Link making a show of giving Zelda his bed and volunteering to sleep in a completely separate room (aw, showing propriety in front of his parents, how knightly).

Rita knew her son well, though, being one of the only people in Hyrule who could read him like a book. She knew he was hiding something. And she was confident in her ability in getting to the bottom of it. She noticed it first in the way he really had to work to separate himself from the princess. He made sure he was always about five feet away from her. Next, she noticed the blush that stained the princess’ cheeks whenever their hands brushed over dinner, passing a plate. Third, she noticed Link’s stare lingering on Zelda for just a moment longer than was really necessary. The thing that cemented her theory, however, was the beautiful necklace that slipped out of the princess’ collar one day when she was helping her in the garden. It looked strikingly similar to the one Rita’s mother had given Link before she passed away many years ago. Interesting.

She decided to corner Link one day and force the answer out of him. After all, such is a mother’s love. She saw the golden opportunity when Zelda was outside watching Aryll’s “stick tricks” as she called them. She slipped in front of her son right before he opened the door to walk outside. “Soooo...”

Link’s eyes got wide and he immediately started turning red, just like he did when he got caught doing something he shouldn’t have been as a child.

“The princess seems really nice.”

“Uh, yeah, yeah she is.”

“And she’s so gorgeous, also. Those ballads really weren’t lying!”

“Ahaha, yeah I guess so...” Link said, ruffling the hair on the back of his head.

“That’s good for you!”

“Yea- er what?” Link said, reddening even more.

“Well that means you won’t have to guard her through that courting stage for too long. That happened to your father you know. He still talks about having to guard the late queen when she was courting the king. Having to stand there while they make heart eyes at each other, obsess over each other’s looks, try to impress the other, oh your father hated it!”

Link’s face got somehow even more red as he heard his mother talk about the princess courting someone. Rita definitely did not miss that look he got. “Oh, uh yeah. That-that’s... good.” Link was looking everywhere except for his mother’s eyes.

“However that beautiful necklace she’s got on means maybe she already has a suitor. Wouldn’t that be something?”

He’d been found out. He told Zelda it was a bad idea to wear the necklace. He told her he wouldn’t be offended if she left it at the castle. But no, she just had to wear it. He can’t stay mad at her though. Link stayed silent, still not looking at his mother as the blush creeped into the tips of his ears.

“How long has it been going on?” asked Rita, smiling slyly.

Link sighed and said under his breath, “About four months.”

“Oh my goodness! My little boy has a girlfriend!”

“Mom...” said Link, who was madly scrambling to put away the smile that was on his face. Rita grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him over to their couch.

“Ok tell me everything.” And he did. Starting with his appointment, to the assassination attempt, to the end of the calamity, ending with current day, Rita shrieking whenever he recounted something particularly cute.

“Oh I’m so proud of you!” Rita grabbed her son and embraced him so hard he had to tap out to breathe. Then she got an impish little smile on her face and leaned in and whispered, “Have you kissed her yet?”

“Mom!” he exclaimed, the blush coming back to his face. She jabbed him in the belly and after they both calmed down Link quietly, almost too quiet to hear said, “yeah”.

“Link!” Rita playfully admonished her son, shoving his shoulder, pushing him onto the couch a little bit. She wasn’t strong enough to really push him over so she knew he did it for show. “Well, just know I like her a lot. Really.” she leaned and kissed her son on the cheek again.

“Me too.” Link said, a fond smile on his face. “We’ve been through a lot together. She’s had a lot of issues with her dad and, you know, with her mom dying when she was younger. I’m just glad she feels... comfortable here.”

Rita smiled and traced little circles on her son’s back as they sat in comfortable silence.

“Well, I should probably go out there before Aryll makes her fight her with a stick or something.”

Rita laughed and watched her son walk out and greet Zelda with a kiss on the cheek. Right then she made another vow: to extend that same amount of comfort to Zelda, as well. Such is a mother’s love.

extra content !!!

Aryll gaped when she saw her brother kiss the princess. It prompted a lot of questions in her mind. “Are you guys dating? Link do you like the princess? Does she like you? Will I be a princess if you guys get married? Will you be king? Does mom know? Oh my goodness does dad know? He’s gonna kill you Link. I won’t tell him don’t worry. Are you guys gonna get married? Can I be the flowergirl? Can we live in the castle?”

Link and Zelda both stood there, in awe of the stream of questions being produced from such a little brain. Link looked at Zelda apologetically, but also in a “I told you so” type of way. Zelda giggled and cut off Aryll’s questions. “Aryll, how about you show Link that trick you showed me earlier!”

“Oh yeah, Link, you’re gonna love this!” She got in her position to throw the stick and Link looked at Zelda nodding his thank you.

#loz #tloz #zelda #princesszelda #link #zelink #fanfic #fic #linksmom #aryll #bigbrotherlink #newrelationship #cute #botw #lozbotw

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syilcawrites · 3 years

Note

Angry confessions,,,like accidental angry confessions,,,confessing angrily,,,

a/n: hello it’s been a while but I finished!! I kind of based it off of “are you in the clouds or the rocks right now” hope that’s okay huhu.

summary: Link.exe stops working because Zelda accidentally confesses to him in the midst of a heated conversation :~)

ao3

a carved heart on the back of your hand

Link hates the rain.

It wasn't supposed to rain today, but it did, and now everything is ruined.

Zelda wrestles her wrist from his grip once they stop at a nearby run-down house; his right hand is still trembling and it feels like his muscles and tendons have been ripped from his left arm. It's better than feeling nothing at least—he can still feel the fabric of his sleeve against his skin. Link rolls his shoulder slightly, wincing. It's not broken.

She sighs out with an irritable huff, and he hears the Hylian Shield he gave her earlier clatter between them.

"Why did you do that."

He shrugs as he stares at the broken stone wall in front of him. He can't stop shaking his leg. "We should wait," he says quietly.

"I'm ready. You even said I was ready!"

"Why do we have to rush this?" He braves a glance back at her, and it's just as bad as he thought—she's fuming—face red with her chin held high and her lips twisted into an angry frown. She wants to rush back into things—rush back into correcting Hyrule, to make up for all those lost years. He gets it. Of course he gets it; it's exactly how he felt when he first woke up. There was a sense of duty he knew he wanted to follow through with even though he lacked any of his memories.

"There's a centuries' worth of responsibilities I have to catch up on. And to survive in this Hyrule of today, I need to learn how to carry my own weight." Zelda looks away from him, her frown deepening as she crosses her arms. She squeezes her eyes shut for a brief moment before she glares up at him. "And you—" The anger returns to her face as she takes a step toward him. He flips around to face her completely, holding up his hands in slight defense. "Do not jump in front of me like that again. It was completely irresponsible of you to rip the shield from my arm."

It was dangerous, even he will admit that. He knows she's capable—her precision with parrying is nothing short of amazing—but Guardians who could still slither around were different from the ones who were immobile.

And when it crawled on top of an empty body of a decayed Guardian, it aimed down directly at her forehead. Which isn't anything new, no. It always aimed for the head. That's how it usually goes, and he knew that. He knows that. But what if the Guardian slipped because of the rain? And then just like that, it could've hit her in the chest, arm, leg—whatever. It could've hit her.

Last-minute parrying is probably one of his least favorite things to do, but his legs were already moving through the sluggish mud and his mind was trailing too slow behind his feet.

Guardian, rain, Zelda.

Those were the only three words chasing each other in his mind at that moment. And the next thing he knew, he had the shield in his arm, the Guardian had toppled over, and Zelda was yelling at him.

He doesn't regret doing what he did.

"It was the rain's fault," he says. The rain got into his eyes, his ears, his nose.

"What rain?" she asks, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion. "It wasn't raining."

"It was raining," he trails off, unsure now.

Was it raining?

"Link, you know that I love you, but for Hylia's sake!" Zelda exclaims, narrowing her eyes as sharp as knives. "What you did was extremely, unfathomably—and might I add ridiculously—reckless and dangerous."

Love. Not loved, but love, as in a I love you right now kind of love.

"Wait, really?"

"Yes really!' she exasperates, groaning as she rubs her temples. "Sure, Calamity Ganon is gone and the Guardians are a bit weaker now, but that doesn't erase the high threat that they still pose."

"No that's not—" Link quickly averts his gaze to her feet. Wait—he's supposed to be the triforce of courage. He shifts his gaze back up at her, and it takes every inch of his strength to maintain eye contact. He's been through death—he almost lost his head to a laser beam about five minutes ago—so this isn't… it shouldn't feel worse, but it does.

He gulps.

"You love me?" His stomach flips. He wants to drag the words that he has haphazardly thrown out into the wild back into the deepest parts of his mind, because now she's looking at him with a very, very weird expression: mouth twisted, eyebrows strained, nose scrunched.

And his voice sounded scratchy, so scratchy when he said that. He needs water, but there's no water near them because they drank the last of it early afternoon before they made their way to Hyrule Field. Outskirts Stable should have some… or maybe—what was closer? Riverside? But Akkala has the best water, so maybe he should go there instead. She did say how it tasted cleaner than other areas. It would be quick, in and out within two seconds tops if he used the Sheikah Slate. It's Autumn and the days are shorter and—

Link pats his hips frantically.

The Sheikah Slate is attached to Zelda's hips. They've been switching off, and of course, of course she has it today.

Link exhales. This is a-okay, shrug it off. It's not like she'll bite his fingers off if he asks for it—the both of them are probably really parched right now anyway since they just ran for who knows how long. And he knows Zelda, she'll definitely realize how perceptive and practical he's being with his proposition, and let him go swiftly without much argument.

"Are you thirsty?" he asks confidently, breaking the suffocating silence between them.

"Excuse me?"

"I can get us some water in East Akkala Stable, if you give me the Sheikah Slate."

"Well, I suppose so…" She unhooks it from her hip slowly, fumbling with it a little when it catches onto the metal of her belt. "Oh—!"

Link quickly reaches out for it before it can hit the ground—but Zelda does too, and then their hands touch. Link draws back immediately, and the Sheikah Slate smacks against the face of the Hylian Shield before bouncing off onto the broken pavement they're standing on. Link almost slaps his cheeks—their hands always brush against one another. Why'd he react like he got shocked by an Electric Wizzrobe?

"I'll be right back," he says quickly, swiping the Sheikah Slate up. His fingers hover over the screen as he licks his lips—how does he turn on the screen again? Tap it once? Twice? Five times? If Hylia is out there can she help him remember, please?

"Three times."

"Huh?" Link snaps his head up.

"Tap the screen three times to open it up," she mutters as she picks up the Hylian Shield from the ground, her eyes still on him.

"Thanks," he says, staring back down at the blue-lit screen. Akkala, upper right. Click the glowing icon and press yes. He looks back up at her, and she's situated herself under a part of the broken house, with the shield resting against her legs and a hand placed against the sheathed dagger attached to her hip. "I'll be quick," he promises, as the blue light begins to eat away his vision of her.

Zelda's face scrunches up like she's about to burst into tears.

He blinks, and instead of seeing her torn face, East Akkala Stable sits in front of him. And now he's definitely sure it's raining because this time he can feel a light, cold drizzle pelt against his skin. "Idiot," Link whispers as he tussles his bangs with frustration.

He just needs to be away for a second—it's hard thinking clearly when he's with her for some reason, and it's even harder trying to mask his emotions around her. In all of those memories, he was as stiff as a plank of wood. Even he couldn't read his own expressions when he remembered them. And sometimes he can manifest that part of him back, but with Zelda…

If he lingers too long in that feeling of emptiness, he knows he might stay like that forever. Most of those memories were filled with quiet conversations and sad smiles—he doesn't want to create more between them.

Link pulls out both of their water pouches as he nears the nearby spring reservoir, opting to avoid the stable altogether—he sighs again as he crouches down, sticking them into the water. The bubbles rise and burst with that awful glugging sound. He pointed out how weird it sounded to Zelda one time, and they both watched the pockets of air float and pop to the surface of the water as if it was the greatest thing in the entire world. He figured that the simplicity of it mesmerized the both of them. It seemed like she appreciated it when he pointed out random stuff to her—it's what initially drew her out of her half-dazed stupor for weeks after they defeated Calamity Ganon.

He sits by the water for an extra twenty minutes after he finishes filling up the water pouches, just soaking in the light drizzle dripping down his hair; leaking into the seams of his clothes, until he can feel it soaking into his skin. The rain washes away his thoughts.

He really hates the rain.

When Link returns, he finds her stabbing into the edge of some random piece of log with her dagger, a little ways away from the worn-down house. He can't tell if she's stabbing it out of anger or out of pure concentration. He raises an eyebrow as he comes closer, noticing that she's not actually stabbing it, but carving something.

"Zelda?" he calls out. She jumps at the sound of his voice but doesn't turn around.

"You're back already?" she asks, briefly glancing over her shoulder at him after a heartbeat. If she thought he was quick with his water trip, then she really was in the zone. "Wait—don't come closer."

He pauses about ten lizalfos' away from her, holding both of the water pouches in his hands. He watches with growing curiosity as she continues to stab and jab at the piece of wood a couple more times before she sheaths her dagger back. She rips something out of the log—hard enough for her to fall down onto her bottom, and Link instinctively takes a step forward with an arm slightly outstretched to her.

"Hm." She stands up as she looks back at him again, her expression troubled. "Why are you drenched from head to toe?"

"It was raining," he says, pressing his arm back to his side, "actually raining this time." He jogs over to her to close the distance between them. A humorless smile quirks upon her lips as she turns around with her arms behind her back.

They stand there awkwardly for a few moments.

"Well?" Zelda eyes his hands.

"Oh—" Link almost hits her arm as he quickly extends his hand out to her.

"Thank you," she says, grabbing it. She stares at the lip of it before holding out her other hand to him. "You said you lost that rock during the fight with Calamity Ganon?"

Link furrows his eyebrows together.

"The… that one rock you found on Death Mountain. The heart-shaped one. You called it your good luck charm?"

Oh, right. Somewhere in the midst of flying up in the air and running everywhere like a madman around Calamity Ganon, his heart-shaped pebble had fallen out from inside of his Champion's Tunic.

"Well," she says, tightening her fist, "I'm sure this is certainly not the exact way it looked. A craft such as wood carving takes years and years of practice, so this is the best I can manage." She still hasn't opened her fist—in fact, her knuckles have gone white. "You know that I always put my best efforts into whatever I am doing."

Link nods, waiting for her to drop the object into his palm. "Everyone knows you put your all into everything you do."

With a sigh, she opens her hand, and the small object falls into his palm with a light thud. It's a crudely carved heart-shaped piece of wood. It looks more like a weird hexagon, but at a certain angle he can see the heart in it. It looks nothing like the heart-shaped pebble, and that's exactly why he loves—

A short laugh escapes his lips before he realizes it.

"I'll make a better one once I get more practice!" she insists as she puffs out her cheeks. "I don't want your luck to run out, so just keep it for now."

"No," he says, running a thumb against the unevenly rough surface of it, "this one's perfect."

"Perfect? You insult me Link," she scoffs. Wisps of hair escape from her carefully pulled back braid, framing around her cheeks. Absentmindedly, she brushes it away from her skin, but it keeps falling back into the same position.

He wants to cup her cheeks, but both of his hands are occupied.

"I—" They both begin, pausing. Zelda purses her lips, but she keeps her gaze level with his eyes.

"I love you too," he blurts out before she can say anything, and presses the wooden heart against his fluttering chest. Red blooms onto her cheeks immediately—it's faint, but there. Maybe it's from the cold, since the wind picked up two minutes ago.

Her surprised expression melts into a soft smile—a smile with her lips slightly parted, carrying a sort of gentleness that is usually masked by the weariness of the world.

It's one of his favorite smiles.

#zelink #botw #breath of the wild #my fanfics #hope you enjoy it!!!#ty for sending a prompt to lil ol me hoho #i hope i didn't miss anything... i have a feeling i have LOL #enduracarrotchips

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agoldengalaxy · 3 years

Text

The Silent Knight

read on Ao3

Zelda hears Link speak for the very first time.

Zelda remembered meeting Link all those years ago, filled with a wide range of emotions - some nerves, some fear, some anger - but mostly confusion. To her younger self’s surprise, it was Link’s father who had done all the talking, while the boy stood close, staying in his kneel far too long before his father brought him to stand again.

“Link is an incredibly capable warrior, Your Highness.” The man - whom Zelda vaguely recognized as one of the royal guards - assured Rhoam with a kind smile. “But you see, he…” he paused, looking to his son. Link dropped his gaze to the floor, and the knight continued. “He does not like to speak. Why, even I have only heard him utter but a few words in his fourteen years with me. But I assure you, he will be a great soldier.”

While Rhoam had thought over the offer, Zelda found herself looking curiously at the boy. Doesn’t like to speak? Who didn’t like to talk? She was certainly the opposite, having her handmaidens often tell her to be more ladylike and allow others to speak every now and then. Link looked up and found her staring. His eyes were almost piercing in their blue color - she’d never seen anything like it. Feeling heat rise to her cheeks, she looked away.

The king rose from his throne, stepping down to their level, looking to the soldier. “You’ve served me for many years. Of course I trust your judgement, however…” his gaze fell to the boy, who swallowed and looked up to meet it. “Link, was it? Perhaps you’d show me what you’re capable of, first.”

Smiling, the man put a hand on his son’s shoulder, nodding. “Of course he will.” All of a sudden, the boy’s face hardened, and he nodded. Perhaps he was up for the challenge.

And with that, Rhoam guided them outside, and Link grabbed a training sword. Soldiers willing to participate ran at him, though they seemed to take it easy, at first, due to his young age. They learned very quickly that his age would not stop him. He took on hoards of Hylian soldiers without help, with loud cries of exertion and speed that Zelda had never seen before.

She just couldn’t look away. It was like he was a completely different boy from the mute one she’d only just met. He really was amazing - and as his father had promised, the boy came out on top, breathing hard as the soldiers lay on the ground, breathless. Rhoam, of course, was impressed - how could he not be?

Two years passed before she was told that Link would become her appointed knight. Some part of her was almost happy for the chance to get to know him better - perhaps he might even open up a little. She’d seen him laughing and smiling with other soldiers before, but other than that, he was stoic and silent. It got worse when he received the sword that would seal the darkness. He never smiled when he was around her, he barely showed any sort of emotion. She knew it was because he had the same amount of pressure on him that she had on her.

And yet, she still couldn’t help but be angry. She shouldn’t need her own knight to protect her - she was trusted with the Goddess’ power, she should be able to protect herself, to protect everyone around her. But there was Link, standing in front of her at a moment’s notice, not thinking twice about his own well-being. And he didn’t ever seem to have any trouble.

She took it out on him often. But he just stared blankly, just like he normally did. She didn’t ever seem to have much of an effect, considering no matter how much she shouted or said awful things to him, he still came back to save her, to help her, to occasionally make her laugh. And she was beginning to feel something more for the silent knight, even though he’d never said a single word to her.

“Hey, princess! Snap out of it!”

Zelda blinked out of her memories, finding Impa standing beside her with a hand on her hip, a small smile pulling at her lips. “Impa, I-I apologize, I...got lost in my thoughts for a moment…” she trailed off, her gaze fixated ahead of her.

The sound of Link’s yells filled her ears, something that had become rather familiar, and she sighed softly as she watched. He was training with Mipha and Daruk while Revali stood off to the side, most likely making snide comments to anyone who would listen. Urbosa, of course, waa most likely not listening. Just as he had that day, Link didn’t seem to have much problem fighting. That sword of his...they really did work well together, didn’t they?

“Pardon me for being so blunt, Your Highness, but you seem to get lost in your thoughts a lot while watching Link. Care to divulge?” There was just the smallest hint of smugness in the Shiekah’s tone, but enough to make Zelda’s cheeks grow pink.

She cleared her throat and shook her head. “It’s nothing.” That was true, of course - before, it had all been jealousy, but now it was a mix of jealousy, determination, and...and something she didn’t really want to think about. “I’m going to the Spring of Courage to train,” she decided, mostly because she didn’t want to continue having this conversation, but also because she might as well continue trying to awaken her power. Link and the Champions weren’t giving up, so why should she? As Impa tried to argue, the princess just shook her head. “I’ll be fine, Impa. I promise.”

And with that, she mounted her horse and rode off. To her knowledge, no one knew of her leaving. She hadn’t wanted to break Link’s concentration, and it wouldn't be fair to interfere with his training. So she went alone.

But as she stood in that all-too-familiar cold water, staring up at that stone statue that had never offered her anything no matter how hard she prayed, the distant sound of hooves grew closer. And she sighed, but she smiled, too. Her knight, always coming to her rescue.

She was learning now to be more...empathetic. To understand that he was under pressure too, that he was only carrying out his duty to protect her. It wasn’t his fault. Really, her anger should be directed toward her father, but...that was out of the question for now.

Quiet steps signaled his entrance, and she took a deep breath, then straightened up a little, turning around to face him. Perhaps he’d been expecting an outburst, but she simply greeted him. “Hello, Link. I apologize for running off without telling you. I simply didn’t want to interrupt your training with my own.”

His face was as blank as ever, though she wondered if she imagined the slight twitch to the corner of his lips. Still, he shook his head, which she knew to take as It’s alright.

“I haven’t been making it easy on you, and I apologize. I’m just so…” she trailed off, a gasp escaping her as her arm flung forward in a point. “Link, look out!”

Behind him, a Lynel roared - somehow it had gotten so close to the entrance, it had fit itself through the archway. Link gasped, turning around, and immediately unsheathed the sword. Though she couldn’t see his face, she could imagine it clearly - the way that his eyebrows furrowed and his gaze hardened, just like the day she met him.

All she could do was stand beside the statue, feeling useless, watching as Link hopped around the stone, ran through the water, waiting for an opening to strike at the monster. It charged, and he tried to dodge but moved a moment too late - he was flung across the room, tumbling to the ground without so much as a noise. Zelda filled that empty space with a cry of her own, which caught the attention of the Lynel. Snarling at her, it struck its hooves upon the ground, then charged. Covering her eyes with her arm, she bent down, waiting for the impact -

But there was a quiet grunt and the sound of a sword hitting those tough horns, and she looked up in surprise to see Link standing in front of her, shoulders heaving with how heavy he was breathing but protecting her nonetheless. Glancing over his shoulder, he nodded once, which she knew meant she had to get out of the way. Moving backward, she hid behind the statue and peeked out from behind it, watching him take a deep breath and spin the sword around, earning a pained roar from the Lynel before it fell to the ground, unmoving.

The only sound that filled the spring was his breathing, matched with her own. The sword was sheathed, and he stumbled a little on his feet. “Link!” she cried, racing to him, placing her hands on his shoulders to keep him steady. “Are you alright?! What’s…” she trailed off, noticing a trickle of blood trailing down his right temple. “Y-You’re hurt.” Her voice was small and broken, and she didn’t like it. “We...Let us get you to Mipha. She can help.”

Link nodded, though the action made him wince. She felt even worse. Placing his arm around her shoulders, and one hand on his chest, she guided them both out the door. She would return later to get his horse, but for now he was in no condition to be riding. Helping him up onto her own, she grabbed the reins and headed back to the castle.

Her thoughts raced as the horse galloped. Link lay his head on her shoulder, his grip tight on the saddle. All she could do was murmur, tell him that he was going to be just fine. But she couldn’t help but think it was all her fault. All of this was her fault. It always was.

When they reached the castle, she found the rest of the Champions exactly where she had left them. “Mipha!” she exclaimed, pulling the reins of the horse, feeling her eyes burn, “There was a monster, and I-I...Link hit his head rather hard, please, please help him…”

Urbosa and Daruk exchanged a look, and even Revali was silent for the moment. Mipha nodded, clenching her jaw. “Daruk?”

The Goron nodded, stepping forward to gently take Link from the horse, cradling him carefully so as to not hurt him further. “Easy does it, little guy.” Link’s eyes were half-closed, and Zelda felt her heart break at how small and vulnerable he looked in Daruk’s arms. Almost like that boy she met two years ago.

Sliding off of the horse, she moved to step closer, but Urbosa stopped her. “Give Mipha some space, little bird,” she said gently, though her gaze stayed forward. Even she looked worried - but then again, each of the Champions had taken a liking to Link, besides Revali. And even he looked a little uneasy.

It took awhile, but eventually Mipha stepped back. “He will be alright,” she assured them, her gaze falling upon the princess with a small smile. “He just needs to rest for a little while.”

Zelda felt herself let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, and nodded. “Thank you, Mipha.”

Daruk took Link into his arms again, and she guided him toward her own room - after all, he deserved to rest properly in a bed, didn’t he? She thanked the Champion once more before he left, then found herself alone with her knight yet again.

The blood had been cleaned up, though he still looked quite pained, even in sleep. She swallowed, trying to push away her guilt as she stepped forward, gingerly pulling the blankets up to his chest. He didn’t move, and she found herself sitting in the chair beside him, just...watching. The pit in her stomach felt heavier by the minute, and she let out a shaky breath as she leaned forward, gently brushing some hair from his eyes.

What kind of a princess was she? She was supposed to be the one to protect everyone, but people...but Link would keep getting hurt for her.

She sat there for a long while, not sure how much time had passed before a soft groan escaped him and his eyes fluttered open. Immediately he tensed in the unfamiliar environment, and she placed a hand on his arm, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s alright, Link. You’re safe. You’re just in my quarters.”

He blinked up at her, then tried to sit up, his ears reddening at the statement. She knew how unprofessional it was for her own knight to be residing in her bed, but no one would know. Besides, it was perfectly reasonable. She shook her head.

“Please, take it easy. You’re alright. Just lay down, Mipha ordered you to rest.” Upon realizing she wouldn’t take no for an answer, he sighed quietly and lay back down. “Do you remember what happened?” Thinking it over for a moment, he nodded slowly, a hand coming up to touch the temple that had been bleeding earlier. Her guilt resurfaced and she nodded. “Yes, you...saved me again.”

She had to look away, feeling her eyes burn. Closing them so he would not see, she pulled her hand back from his arm and let out a shaky sigh.

“You must be tired of it, Link,” she continued, her lower lip quivering. “Coming to my rescue day after day. Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if you simply walked out on my father one day. I’m so sorry I can’t...I can’t do what I’m supposed to do. Everyone’s paying the price for it. I’m just...I’m so useless.”

Staring at the wall, she found herself holding back tears like a child. How she wished things weren’t so difficult - she knew her studies wouldn’t be enough, but…

“You’re not useless.”

Three words, said in a voice she didn’t recognize. Her eyes widened and she gasped, looking over at him. His eyebrows were furrowed and he’d propped himself against the headboard. “Link, you...you spoke !” Now that she thought on it, his father had said something - that Link only spoke to those he was most comfortable with. Did that mean…?

He swallowed, nodding. “It...will be alright.” His voice was soft and pleasant, though scratchy without use. All she could do was stare. “It will come. And I won’t leave.” There weren’t many words to go on, but she could tell they were sincere. And her eyes filled with the tears she had been holding back this whole time, leaning forward to rest her forehead on his shoulder.

She felt him tense beneath her, and hesitant arms came to wrap around her. Hearing words from her silent knight may have been what she needed, after all.

“Thank you…” To know that Link believed in her was good enough for now. He wouldn’t leave. He’d always be there for her.

And she was going to seal Ganon away for good.

#the legend of zelda #zelink #botw #breath of the wild #age of calamity #aoc #tloz #zelda #link #tw blood #I just think They're Neat #I finished age of calamity so now I have brainrot #im sorry it's not ace attorney #anyways #enjoy #my writing #agoldengalaxy #my post

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eventid1ngs · 3 years

Text

[ F e v e r . ]

A Post-Calamity Zelink Oneshot

Rating: T

Word count: 2500

Zelda blew out a breath that puffed her cheeks. She felt flushed and uncomfortable, and frankly, quite over the whole situation if she was being honest with herself. It hadn’t taken her long to decide that the Eldin Region, in its entirety, was her least favorite amongst the whole kingdom. At least the Gerudo’s persistent hot weather was of a drier character; the climate closer to Death Mountain was dreadfully humid and the princess was not enjoying it at all.

Quickly, she changed out of her travelling clothes and into more comfortable clothing suitable for sleeping. She did not have the energy to walk to the bathhouses to change, and Link had gone not too long ago to bathe, so Zelda took the liberty to change within the current privacy of their room at the Foothill Stable Inn.

Afterwards she lay on her side of the bed (Following a week or two of debilitating nightmares, Link had agreed to sleep nearer to her, for both her protection and her comfort. She hadn’t had a nightmare since), focusing on doing as little as possible so as to avoid using the energy she felt she didn’t have due to the heat. Rather idly, she scrolled through the Hyrule Compendium on the Sheikah slate, making mental notes of the missing entries.

Even breathing felt like a chore. Zelda missed the comforts of more temperate climates and looked forward to leaving the next morning now that her and the knight’s work there with the Gorons was complete.

A half hour or so passed before Link returned. Zelda jumped when the door opened, having been so absorbed in her reading material. Her eyes met the knight’s as he entered. He nodded to her and offered a small smile before closing the door behind him and motioning towards the mirror by the dresser. He wore a clean white shirt and short pants. His wild hair was wet from his bath.

Zelda continued to read as Link brushed his hair into a duly ponytail. He approached the bed.

“Will you be up for a while longer?” he asked.

“Yes, I would like to finish this book. I am almost at the end. It is quite fascinating! Did you know that…” But Link had stopped listening, not out of any disrespect but because of sheer exhaustion; that fight with the hinox brute earlier had left him more tired than he realized. As Zelda discussed the contents of her book, Link moved the candle from the nightstand on his side of the bed to the one on Zelda’s.

“...Amazing. There are so many things to learn about this Goddess-forsaken region.” The princess finally took a break from talking.

Her knight chuckled. “Goddess-forsaken?”

“I must admit to you, Link, that I have been most uncomfortable since our arrival here.” she explained, sitting up and leaning against the headboard. “Tease me if you must, but I am not at all accustomed to this climate and it does not suit me in the slightest.”

The other refrained from the teasing. “Can I do anything to make you more comfortable, princess? I could fetch you a cooling elixir.”

Zelda wanted to accept the offer, but shook her head. “No, I will be alright. You need your rest. I will be quiet now.”

“Being of service to you is not a bother--”

“Thank you.”

“...Do you need anything else, princess?”

“No. Thank you, Link.”

He nodded and proceeded to lie down, on top of the covers. His left hand rested on his stomach and the other above his head on the pillow. His typical sleeping position.

“Goodnight, princess.” he muttered, his eyes already closed.

“Goodnight, Link.”

Sometime later, after Zelda had finished her book, she sat it down on the nightstand and lay down on her side, facing the candle. She watched the flickering flame for a long, long while.

It was too hot. Too humid. And for the life of her, the princess was unable to fall asleep. She turned over, facing her knight. A weird sense of desperation came over her that she would not sleep at all that night and that have a terrible day tomorrow, and she wanted to wake Link so he could go and acquire a sleep tonic for her. But she couldn’t. She wouldn't.

So she just stared at Link, half comforted by the sight of him sleeping so soundly, half incredibly envious of the fact that he had already been sleeping for two or three hours and she hadn’t slept a wink.

Then she felt awkward, watching him like that.

Was it proper that she and Link shared a bed, if only to sleep? It hadn’t even crossed her mind before. She had been so immensely relieved to be cured of her nightmares that she hadn’t considered anything else. Besides, most evenings, both Link and Zelda were too exhausted from the various activities of the day to let their minds wander where they, perhaps, should not be. Everything was mechanical. And if otherwise, the two merely went over the next day’s plan on the Sheikah slate until they were too tired to continue.

The princess shuddered at the thought of her father finding out about the bedsharing, although, surely he knew somehow, from his place in the afterlife. It was a somewhat harrowing thought that Zelda pushed from her mind immediately.

But tonight, on account of her sleeplessness, her thoughts went somewhere it had only dared to graze over before.

She watched the slow rise and fall of the knight’s chest as he breathed. He snored softly, which was followed by a sort of contented moan that caused something in Zelda’s insides to stir. She had no explanation for that strange feeling, at the time.

She sighed. He is enjoying his sleep. Blessed be the Goddesses.

Suddenly, Link woke, and stared at Zelda with a confused expression and sleep-smeared eyes.

“...Princess? Are you alright?”

Zelda hesitated.

“What is wrong?”

“The mere fact that I bathed just a few hours ago and I already feel that I need to bathe again.”

Link scratched at his hair. His cheeks were visibly flushed. “It is hot in here.” he agreed, “I’ll open a window. Maybe some air flow will help.” He got up and did so. Before returning he acquired a looser, short sleeve shirt from his pack to replace the one he was wearing. He quickly switched the shirts with his back facing Zelda. She hadn’t been looking until one of his shoulder blades glinted in the candlelight and she glanced over a mere second too late to see anything else.

Did she want to see anything else? The sudden notion puzzled her.

When he turned, the two locked eyes.

“I’m sorry that you’re so uncomfortable, princess.” he said, approaching again. “Are you sure there isn't anything else that I can do to help?” He couldn’t stop the yawn that followed his offer.

“I just can’t sleep. Perhaps I will just try again tomorrow night when we’re back in Necluda.” She meant for this to be a joke but it came out more bitter than she had intended.

Link stared at her for a moment, thinking, before sitting crossed-legged on the bed and reaching for the Sheikah slate. It had been resting against the footboard. The bed dipped as the knight sat down and the princess had to readjust her own sitting position.

“...What are you doing?” she asked, curiously.

“Making note of something I just thought of.” was his answer. Zelda didn’t feel like prodding him to tell her what that something was, so she laid back down instead, feeling no less irritated. Link typed on the slate for less than a minute before setting it back down where had been and then lying down. He finally noticed Zelda glaring at him.

“What?”

“...Nothing.”

He wasn’t convinced, and they didn’t break eye contact. Finally, the princess’ expression softened.

“I was just thinking, Link…” she said quietly. “...and, please, be honest with me--”

“I’m always honest with you, princess.”

She paused, taken aback that he had interrupted her. He had never done that before. “...Just for the sake of my curiosity… Have you ever thought about… I mean… Have you ever wondered what we… If we…”

“Yes.”

“I...what?”

“Of course I have, princess. I’m not dense.”

“I… I was not at all suggesting that you were! I’m just genuinely curious…” Zelda pressed her lips together. She hardly understood these words that were, frivolously, escaping her lips with her voice. And yet, somehow, Link understood? It couldn’t be a coincidence.

“Our questions will find their answers in due time, princess.”

“I know that. I have always been rather impatient, though, and I can’t help but wonder... But I apologize for this silly conversation. Please, go back to sleep. I have said too much.”

The moment of silence that followed, without any sort of closure from either party, proved to be far more uncomfortable than the hot weather.

The princess shut her eyes, feeling as if she had done something awful, and it took considerable effort on her part not to start crying. A line had been crossed and she wished that she could erase the past five minutes.

But Link moved beside her and before she had a chance to look at him and assess the situation, she felt his lips on hers.

It was soft.

Gentle.

Earnest.

Still, Zelda gasped from surprise. In doing so she opened her mouth slightly, which her knight took as an invitation.

Something was being set free. It was raw, unadulterated...wild. Something, perhaps, that had been waiting over a hundred years to come to the surface, having lay dormant all that time.

“Link, wait-- I-- There is so much more-- that I need to say--” But he was stealing away her breaths, and the words stopped materializing in her brain.

“Later.” he said. His lower lip dragged up her chin and briefly cupped hers before resuming the kiss.

“Oh-- I--”

He paused and they stared at each other for a few seconds. “...Do you want me to stop?”

“I… No--”

So he didn’t. Zelda sighed out the last bit of her resolve and allowed her mind to drift away amongst the sea of her inner consciousness.

His hands were on her; one on her hip and the other supporting her behind her back. She put her hands on either side of his face, daring to touch him for the first time. Their kisses became less tableau and more mindless; a feverish tangle of swollen lips and forceful breaths. They fell to the bed eventually and his mouth travelled from hers to along her jaw and then her ear.

She felt his warmth--impassionate and searing--seeping out from him, through his clothes and then through hers before entering her through the very pores of her skin.

...If she had been hot before, she was on fire now, having become one with the very pools of flame that flowed under the Great Eldin Bridge.

Link nuzzled against her neck, somehow finding new places to plant more kisses. Zelda felt that if this continued for much longer, she would surely implode.

“...We should stop…..” he said, his voice low near her ear. His breathing had syncopated with hers.

“Then stop...” was her response. It sounded like a dare.

“...Do you want me to stop, princess?”

The word princess made Zelda open her eyes. She stared at the textured beige ceiling above them as she tried to catch her breath. “...I’m afraid, Sir Link...that I simply don’t have the courage...to answer that question...as we are, now...”

At that, he retreated, removing his limbs from hers carefully. Zelda’s skin mourned the loss of his touch. She searched for his face but he refused to meet her eyes. She watched him swallow, hard. Her brain rebooted and had begun to replay what had just occurred over again in her mind like a slideshow. What...was happening? The princess tried to make logical sense of this new onset of feelings and emotions, but her body betrayed her with exhaustion and a yearning ache for more of his kisses.

“I’m sorry. That should not have happened.” Link said, finally, swallowing his breaths in vain attempt to calm himself down. “It is not my place to initiate such things. I’m ashamed of my behavior."

“But, Link--”

“I can’t share a bed with you anymore, princess. Please understand me. I… can’t.”

Zelda panicked, remembering the nightmares. “You can, and you must. Please! I need you to. You know this.”

He made no response. Instead, he got up with a vague gesture of distress.

“Wait--”

“I just need a few minutes to myself, princess. Please excuse me.”

Zelda nodded her permission and Link put on his cloak and boots before heading out into the night alone.

“It’s fine.” she reassured, a bit later, after he had returned.

“No. You barely opened a door and I shoved myself across the threshold. That is not fine, princess.”

“Maybe I wanted--” Zelda began, but she stilled her tongue.

Link stared, not realizing that he was holding his breath.

The princess swallowed her previous sentence. “...It’s my fault, then. For opening the door.” she said instead, feeling her heart sink, meanwhile.

That was not what her knight wanted to hear, either, and it was obvious in his expression.

“At any rate, I’m sorry...” he said, too late.

The princess was exasperated. The lack of sleep was making her eye sockets hurt. “Please don’t apologize for--”

“..For disturbing the peace between us.”

“--something that I started.” They had both spoken at the same time. There was a long, pregnant pause. It was then that they both realized that neither would be the same from that night on. Later that became a terrifying though exciting prospect; a new adventure to embark upon and a new world to explore but in that moment, it felt like both of them had lost something very precious and they felt its sudden absence very, very keenly, in their own ways.

“Link, let’s forget about this for right now. I am so very tired and I know that you are, too.” She patted his vacant spot on the bed. “Come and sleep.”

“I shouldn’t--”

“Come and sleep.” she repeated. It wasn’t a request.

He swallowed again. “Yes, princess.” He rejoined her on the bed, maintaining distance. They both lay down on their backs, both staring at the ceiling.

Zelda reached out and took Link’s hand. “I trust you, you understand that, right?” she said quietly. Her eyes were closed. “It is myself whom I do not trust just yet.”

“I understand.”

“Goodnight, Link.”

“Goodnight, princess.”

The night finally consumed the two--the Princess of Hyrule and her appointed knight--and they slept peacefully, long into the morning.

END.

#zelink #botw #fanfic #postcalamity #oneshot #for those of you who prefer to read on tumblr #i gotchu fam

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quillandink333 · 3 years

Text

Like Birds of a Feather

BotW Link X Zelda ~ Modern AU

Rating: T

Word Count: 3.2k

Summary: Link, the owner of a small bakery in the middle of the big city, and Zelda, one of his most frequent customers, spend the holidays together.

Masterlist

It was nearly a quarter to eight, when the eastern horizon was just beginning to brighten with the rays of the early winter sun. The Patisserie on Lynel Avenue was decked with bows of holly from one end to the other, and sleigh bells were sounding from the stereo. The holiday season, one of my busiest times of the year, had arrived.

It had yet to start getting really busy—only one or two customers had come and gone so far—but my employees and I were prepared for them to start flooding in as soon as the clock struck nine. I was behind the counter, getting the last of today’s freshly baked goodies behind the glass. I had nothing against Christmas time, of course. In truth, I loved the cheerful atmosphere it brought about, and I had a lot of happy childhood memories of it. But I had to admit that the sudden spike in demand that came with it had me at my wit’s end on occasion.

There was one aspect of my life acting as the oil that kept me running smoothly, however, aside from the rise in income. Since three or four months back, I wasn’t really sure how long ago, but there was one customer who’d been coming in more regularly than any other customer that I could remember. All I knew was that it was some time after we’d started serving coffee and tea and the like. I hadn’t taken much notice of her the first two or three times she’d stopped by. The times after that was when she’d started to grab my attention.

She was rather unassuming in appearance, not boasting too many features that stood out. She seemed like the academic type, judging from her cutely oversized glasses and the way she was always carrying some textbook or another under her arm. The thing that endeared me to her most of all, though, was her insatiable sweet tooth. Every time she dropped in, she’d order something different. And every time, as she took her first bite of whichever one of my treats she’d picked that morning, she’d get this look of complete and utter catharsis, like all of her worries were all at once melting away. To sum up, I was smitten. She seemed to be made up of all the right things one needed to win me over without even having held a full conversation with me.

It wasn’t just these things that drew me to her, however. Every time I looked into those viridian eyes of hers, I was overcome with a striking sense of déjà vu that I couldn’t for the life of me explain. I had no belief in such things whatsoever, nor did I consider myself a spiritual person by any means, but it was truly as though I’d known her in a past life, or something along those lines. I was certain I’d never heard the name ‘Zelda’ in my life before I’d taken her order for the first time. Yet when I looked at her face, I couldn’t help but feel like she was someone important to me. Even though my memory had the tendency to fail me at times, there was no way I could’ve forgotten someone who was seemingly so significant.

It was for these many reasons combined that I found myself so inextricably charmed by her, counting the days between each of her visits to the bakery. They were also the reason my heavy heart became weightless when I saw her smiling face come through the door that morning. She gave me a friendly wave as she walked up to the counter.

“What can I get you today, Ms. Zelda?” I joked. Her little laugh was music to my ears as she looked over the menu and what there was out on display. It turned out she could be rather indecisive about her order at times, which was something I could tell she was conscious of as she grew more and more fidgety the longer she stood there. “No rush.”

She nodded with a small and ashamed smile. “Thank you.” I decided to start counting up yesterday’s earnings while she was deciding. “Uhh... Okay. I think I’m ready.” I closed up the cash register. “I’ll take a tall peppermint mocha...”

“With whipped cream and extra chocolate, I’m assuming?”

“You probably knew what I was going to say before I did, didn’t you?” she huffed in false frustration. “And, well, the orange scones and the eggnog brownies both look delicious, so since I can’t decide, I’ll just have one of each.”

“You got it.”

Once she’d paid and had her order in her hands, I expected her to say a quick, “Thank you!” and walk away with it. Instead, when I handed over her drink, she stuck by the counter, looking as though she had something else on her mind. It wouldn’t be long before I’d find out what that was.

“So, Link...” I turned back around to face her. She must’ve read my name tag at some point. She was twirling a lock of golden hair between two dainty digits, glancing around the soon-to-be bustling café area. “Have you got any plans for Christmas? Anyone you’ll be spending it with?”

“Not really,” I shrugged. “I haven’t got family.”

The corners of her lips fell. “Oh. Are they out of town or something?”

I shook my head. “They all got into a bad accident about seven years ago. Both my parents and my sister.”

“Oh...” A look of deep, genuine sympathy found its way onto her face. “I’m sorry.” A short moment of silence passed between us. Then she broke it, saying, “Me neither, actually.” I looked up from the cash register. “My mother passed away when I was really young and then I lost my father as a teenager.” It was difficult to process what I was hearing. I’d never imagined she’d have that kind of story just based on our handful of previous interactions.

“Hey, boss, want me to take over?” offered one of my few employees, pointing at the machine from beside me.

“Oh sure. Thanks.” He nodded, letting me step aside and out from behind the counter. When I met eyes with Zelda again, however, my mind drew a blank. “I’m sorry,” I laughed. “What were we just talking about?”

“It’s okay!” she reassured. “I was just going to say again, I’m so sorry about your family. That’s awful.”

I wasn’t really sure what the appropriate response would’ve been, so I simply said, “I’m sorry about yours.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind of you.” It quite frankly broke my heart just seeing her with anything but a smile on her face. “So what are you going to do for Christmas? Are you just staying home by yourself or...?”

“Pretty much.”

“Yeah, same here.” The silence returned for a short while as she took a cautious sip of her coffee until she quietly said, “Would...you maybe want to hang out? With me? On Christmas...?”

Her suggestion sent my thoughts into overdrive. The image of getting all cozy and warm by the fire with her in my arms and maybe even sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe gave me a sudden rush of glee from head to toe. But then, maybe she didn’t have that exact scenario in mind. Maybe that was too much to ask.

“You’re not going to be working or anything, are you?” she asked, making me realize I was taking too long.

“Oh, no!” I cleared my throat in embarrassment. “That would be lovely. Were you thinking, like, one of us would go over to the other’s place for dinner or...would that be too soon...?”

Her face flushed as she stuttered out her answer. “That’s—I mean, I-I’d be happy to do that as long as it’s okay with you.” Then her shoulders shook with laughter as she added, “Let’s not go to mine, though. I have a flatmate who’s... Well, she’s a bit eccentric, as it were.”

“Mine it is, then,” I chuckled. “We could go out and do something else beforehand too, if you’d like.”

“That sounds perfect! Uh, where should we meet?” she pondered. “Oh! How about the park on Nayru Street? At...three o’clock?”

“I’d like that.”

When Christmas day arrived, it brought with it devastatingly low temperatures and a snowstorm overnight. So when I spotted her upon arriving at the park, I hadn’t expected her to come wearing nothing but a mini skirt, some sheer leggings, and a thin sweater with what looked like a button-up shirt underneath. Honestly I hadn’t really been expecting her to come at all. Nevertheless, there she was, waving at me from the opposite corner of the road.

“Hey, I’m so glad you came!” she chirped once I’d gotten within hearing range. Her pale pink, knitted hat with the pompom on the end, along with the pleats of her skirt, made her look like a cupcake. A shivering, frostbitten cupcake.

“Aren’t you cold?” I inquired.

“What? No! Not at all,” she scoffed, teeth chattering.

I stepped toward her and held out my hand without thinking, then stuffed it back in my pocket. What could I do? There was no chance she’d last more than an hour out in the icy December climate wearing that. I wanted to be a gentleman, but it wasn’t like I could give her my trousers to keep her warm.

“Link, don’t worry about it,” she insisted. “I’ll be f-fine.”

This didn’t do much to ease my concern for her, but I shrugged it off, trying my best not to worry.

A few hours went by remarkably quickly. After meeting up at three, we’d spent a little while in the park, sharing stories and learning more about each other’s lives. I told her about my experience with starting my own business, and she told me of her aspirations to become a groundbreaking tech engineer. Then the sun began its decent. While we went to grab hot drinks (which seemed to help warm her up temporarily), she had the idea of touring some high-end neighbourhoods to see all the lights and decorations. But by then, it had started snowing again, and she was shaking so much, it looked like her legs could’ve given out at any moment.

My heart lurched when I saw her stumble on the way up a particularly steep incline. I rushed to her side, even though she’d mostly managed to catch herself on her own. She was starting to look pale. “Okay, yeah, you’re definitely not fine. Let’s get you inside.”

“Yeah...” She nodded shakily, steadying herself on my arm. “Okay.”

The trip back to my flat lasted around half an hour, which was still longer than either of us would’ve preferred. The busses weren’t running due to the ice on the roads, so we had to go by train. At least now she was sheltered from the raging blizzard outside. The poor thing was shivering the whole way, albeit slightly less. I was doing all I could to protect her from the cold by rubbing up and down her arms, which she didn’t seem to mind, even leaning back into me a couple of times.

“I’m so sorry about tonight,” she frowned as she followed me through the front door once we’d arrived. “I honestly didn’t think it would be this cold, and I just wanted us to have a fun night out together. I didn’t mean to—“

“It’s okay, Zelda,” I hushed, turning on the fireplace and sitting her down in front of it. “We can still have fun here, can’t we? We can do whatever you want once we’ve eaten, your choice.”

Her frown turned into a shy smile. “Thank you,” she sniffled.

I nodded, stripping off my snow-covered jacket and hanging it up. “Would you like something a bit more comfortable to wear maybe...?”

“No, that’s alright,” she dismissed, noticing the—one might say ‘minimalist’—tree I’d set up on the mantel next to the television. “Thanks, though. I just need a minute here to...regain my body heat, I think.”

“Well, if you need anything, just ask.”

And with that, I made my way to the kitchen to get started making dinner. Once she’d recovered for the most part and some colour had returned to her cheeks, she took it upon herself to help me with cooking. It wasn’t a very traditional Christmas dinner, but she enjoyed it, as did I. The highlight, however, was yet to come. After filling our stomachs and having a bit of light banter, we sat down on the sofa to watch some shabby Christmas films together by the fireplace.

“Hey, so...” She turned her attention to me when I paused the movie abruptly. “I heard somewhere that you like cake.”

She straightened up, eyes dilating like a cat who’d been offered a saucer of cream. “There’s cake?”

“There is indeed,” I laughed, rising to my feet. “Would you care for some?”

“Oh, would I ever.” She sprung up and followed me back to the kitchen, where I’d already put my seasonal masterpiece out on display. She gasped. My concoction consisted of two layers of black forest cake frosted with and separated by white buttercream. To top it off, I’d lined the circumference with black cherries and, as the centrepiece, created a miniature forest scene using artificial evergreen trees and some powdered sugar. “Link,” she gaped as I observed her awestruck reaction with pride. “I... You shouldn’t have.”

“But I did.” I was beaming from ear to ear as she took her eyes off the tantalizing treat to look back at me. Picking up the knife and positioning it at the edge of the cake, I tried to ask, “How much do you have room for?”

But then she cut me off with an alarmed, “Wait!”

I halted, leaving only a millimetre or two between the cake and the edge of the knife.

“I mean...” she stuttered. “Sorry. It just looks too perfect. You know?”

Eventually she came to terms with the fact that she quite literally couldn’t have her cake and eat it too. So once I’d served us both a slice, she pranced back to the living room with me just a few paces behind. As “A Charlie Brown Christmas” resumed on the screen, I watched her take her first bite out of the corner of my eye. “Wow,” she garbled around a mouthful of rich, chocolaty goodness before swallowing. “Link, you’ve truly outdone yourself.”

I blushed, the sounds from the TV fading into white noise in the background. “You can have my cherries if you want.”

A gleaming grin lit up her face. “Oh my god, really?” She scooted closer to me so that I’d be able to roll them off of my plate and onto hers with my fork. Any further and her thigh would’ve ended up right up against my own.

Once she’d cleaned off her plate, she set it down on the coffee table in front of us and relaxed into the back of the sofa, which nearly swallowed her up with how deep it was.

“Damn,” she smiled to herself, making me turn my head. “Now I feel bad for not getting you a gift or anything.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I put my plate down next to hers. “Just spending the day with you has been wonderful.” She looked at me with not a trace of dismay in her gaze, eyes warm and filled with nothing but contentment. “Honestly, I can’t think of anything that would’ve made me happier. Thank you for today.”

Her gaze landed in her lap, a dusting of pink settling on her cheeks. “I should be thanking you.”

I hadn’t noticed, but as time had passed from that point, she’d been gradually reclining in my direction. The moment our mutual acts of platonism fell apart was the moment her head made contact with my shoulder. I couldn’t help but give in and let my arm drape itself around her. An upward curve settled into the corners of her lips briefly before they drooped sleepily back down. I took a glance at the clock hanging by the kitchen—it was half ten already.

Zelda’s eyes were all but closed, lips parted just so, and some of her hair had scattered across her face. I tucked it back behind her ear, trailing my fingertips along her downy hairline in the process. They wanted to keep going down her face, once they’d reached her ear, to discover whether those lips were as soft and warm as they appeared. “Zelda?” I murmured her name, not wishing to disturb her in her peaceful disposition. She gave me a sort of hum in delirious acknowledgement. “C...can I...?”

She hummed again in almost the same way as before, perhaps not having realized what I was about to say. Then again, her cheeks did seem a slight bit rosier now. I leaned in, thumb coming to rest on her jawline. She tilted her head up, eyes fluttering the rest of the way closed.

But I still hesitated. About to play out before my very eyes was the scene that had been running in the back of my mind ever since the first time I laid eyes on her. Ever since the first time I’d witnessed her indulging in one of my creations. Her lips and tongue would taste of sugar and strawberries if all my fantasies were to realize themselves. But what if they didn’t? Or even, what if they did? What would we be after today? This would change everything between me and her, and there would be no turning back.

Lazy fingers curled around the back of my neck, and before I could give it another thought, her lips and mine had met.

She did indeed taste sugary and sweet, as one would expect from someone whose last thing they’d eaten had been a slice of cake. Yet that wasn’t what stood out to me, made me melt into a useless puddle on the floor. It was the way she leaned her weight into me, trusting me to catch her with no questions asked. The way she made me drape my arms around her waist, wanting to feel as close to her as my corporeal being would allow. She was so warm and so soft. It had been an age since I’d known the feeling of home. Was this it?

I’d soon have my answer, as the moment her lips began to disappear from mine, I felt a sudden surge of homesickness swelling up in my chest. My heart pleaded for her not to leave, and she must’ve heard it, because no sooner than when I opened my eyes did she press her lips to my own again.

It would be a while until I’d be able to tear myself away from her long enough to ask her the question I had burning on my tongue. “What would you think,” I muttered, “about...spending the night here?”

“That...” Her eyes squinted. “That doesn’t—” She was interrupted by a yawn, which she covered with one hand. My breath went still. “...sound so bad actually.” I exhaled in relief, seeing her droopy eyes filling up with warmth. “Is it too late to accept your offer from earlier? About comfier clothes?”

“Not at all.”

#my writing #fanfic #botw #zelink #botw zelink #zelink botw #botw link x zelda #botw zelda x link #link x zelda #zelda x link #zelink fanfic #zelink ff #modern au #link pov #happy holidays everyone!

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cyraclove · 4 years

Text

Higher Pursuits

BOTW Grad School AU

“...so, if you do decide that you’ll be writing a thesis in lieu of the comprehensive examination, I’ll be the one you’ll need to speak with.”

Zelda scribbled furiously in her notebook as Dr. Kaneli continued to speak, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose every few minutes like clockwork. He’d come to Dr. Teba’s diagnostics lecture that morning to speak about research opportunities, accompanied by several of his current research assistants.

“No need to decide right this moment, of course,” he said, “but we will be needing your name and thesis topic by the end of your first year if you do select that track.”

Thesis by end year one, she scrawled onto the paper.

God, a thesis. She’d dreamt of this moment.

Had Zelda ever wanted anything more than to write a thesis? What greater pleasure was there than to delve so completely into research that you know every facet of it like you know the letters of your own name? The plethora of potential opportunities was exhilarating, her mind running rampant at the very notion of selecting one.

A hand suddenly covered hers, causing her pen to scratch to a halt.

She glanced up to see Link staring at her, an eyebrow cocked in her direction.

“What?” She whispered, “I’m taking notes.”

‘Just listen,’ he signed, ‘You don’t have to write down every word he says.’

She felt a smile tug at her lips as she rolled her eyes. “We’ll see who’s coming to who with questions in a few weeks.”

Link grinned brightly, waving a hand at her in dismissal.

“My personal field is neurological disorders,” Kaneli explained, recapturing Zelda’s undivided attention, “and if you have any interest in my research, do let me know. I am always in need of hardworking graduate assistants. It’s not easy work, mind you, but we do have fun.”

The professor then paused to smile at a young man seated amongst the other second year students In the front row.

“I’m sure you can attest to that, Mr. Medoh,” he teased cheerily. A few of the others around him chuckled lightly.

From where she and Link were sitting in the lecture hall, it was impossible to see his face. Even when craning her neck a bit, Zelda could only glimpse locks of raven hair that dusted the man’s shoulders, several strands pleated into delicate braids while some was piled atop his head in a haphazard bun.

Medoh, she wrote hastily in the margins.

Link tapped the table to get her attention before furrowing his brow and asking, ‘Why?’.

She shrugged. “Might be good to have second year connections. And quit reading over my shoulder.”

Link’s face took on a sly expression as he eyed her curiously. With two fingers, he gestured a circle around his face before pointing to the man in the first row.

“Handsome?” Zelda scoffed, “How can I think that he’s handsome when I can’t even see him? You hush.”

He waggled his brows at her. ‘I’m not talking,’ he signed.

“You know what I mean,” she said. “You can make that joke all you want and it still won’t be funny.”

“Ah, does someone there in the back have a question?”

Zelda’s face prickled hot as nearly everyone in the room swiveled around to look at her. She froze, damning her immoveable tongue for not immediately coming to her rescue with a response. She barely heard Link sniggering beside her as she stared blankly at Dr. Kaneli, an expectant look on his face.

Her gaze was drawn downward to a pair of green eyes staring up from beneath thick, dark lashes.

The young man that Kaneli had called Mr. Medoh was now looking directly at her, incredulity marring his brow. His sharp, almost bird-like features gave him a stern appearance, the strong cut of his jaw curtained by wisps of hair. The striking emerald of his irises was offset by the deep, rich tone of his bronzed skin.

Oh. He was handsome.

Someone cleared their throat.

“Ms. Farore,” Dr. Teba prompted from his seat in the corner, “did you have a question or didn’t you?”

“Oh, no. Uh, sir. No, sir,” she stammered, “I didn’t...um, no. Sorry.”

Teba pursed his lips and hummed his disapproval, but said nothing more. He instead encouraged Kaneli to continue, apologizing for the interruption. Zelda’s pulse thundered in her ears as she caught a hint of a smirk on the dark-haired man’s face just before he turned back around.

She wanted to die.

And, maybe, smack Link.

The remainder of the lecture went quickly, though Zelda registered only a quarter of anything that was said. She still felt hot with humiliation, her embarrassment taking the uncomfortable form of sweat; she could think only of how badly she wished she had a stick of deodorant and a new blouse.

When Kaneli and Teba finally concluded and announced dismissal, Zelda slumped down into her chair and covered her face with her hands. She sat amidst the shuffling of papers and zipping of book bags, letting the rest of the class file out until she and Link were the only two left in the large hall.

When she finally peeked through her fingers at Link, she saw him looking just as remorseful as he could, signing ‘sorry’ on his chest.

Zelda sighed. “Oh, don’t look at me that way. I’ve already forgiven you, you know that.”

He beamed at her, and she suddenly remembered why it was impossible to ever be cross with him in any capacity. He stacked his fists then, twisting one atop the other as he raised his brows in question.

“Yeah, coffee sounds good. You’re buying.”

The Café Bar was bustling with students just being released from class, flocking in from outside to escape the chilly October air and scrambling for a place in line. Others stood idly by and scouted for empty tables, often to no avail. Though there were several places to go for coffee on campus, the little, locally-owned coffee shop that sat just near the university was by far the most popular.

The gentle hiss of milk being steamed and the pleasant gurgle of fresh coffee brewing could just be heard above the sound of light jazz mingling with idle chatter. Cups and saucers clinked as they were cleared from tables. Zelda inhaled deeply, the comforting scent of espresso a welcome respite.

“I have a vanilla latte with extra whip on the bar!”

She nudged Link with her elbow to get his attention. They had managed to procure their favorite spot; a small circular table over by the large bay window that sidled right up to the window seat. He looked up from his phone.

“That’s you,” she said. He nodded and stood with a smile, lightly touching her shoulder and giving it an affectionate squeeze as he slipped behind her. Zelda smiled to herself before returning to the article that she’d been perusing, a clinical research study on the affects of naturalistic treatment protocols on aphasic patients. She’d not even read five words when she heard her name being softly called from across the café.

“Zelda, over here.”

A petite, red-headed young woman came striding towards her, her arms piled with books. Zelda hopped up from her chair to lighten her load, carefully taking a few of the books off of the top.

“Oh, Mipha, let me help you. Where’s your--wait, here, set them on the table.”

She thanked her profusely as she plunked the remaining books on the tiny table, making it wobble sadly on its narrow legs. She slid onto the window seat, shrugging her blue sweater from her shoulders. Her cheeks were a pretty, wind-bitten pink as she smiled warmly, releasing a sigh of relief.

“I thought you’d already gone home,” Zelda said, “And what are all of these for?”

“Oh, these are my textbooks for this semester. I’ve just been to the bookstore to pick them up,” she explained. She screwed up her face. “They didn’t have the one I need for my biochem class, though. I preordered that one, too.”

“You need all of these?” Zelda asked, brows raised in awe as she mentally tallied the books.

Mipha nodded resignedly. “Yes, all of them. That’s what I get for deciding to get my master’s in marine biology, I suppose. I’m on my way to the apartment, but I thought I’d stop and grab a latte or so—” she paused, copper eyes shifting their attention from Zelda’s face to just behind her. “Oh, Link, hello.”

Link nodded cheerfully at Mipha with a mug in one hand and a plate holding the largest muffin that Zelda had ever seen in the other. She kicked out his chair for him with her foot and he sat, gingerly placing his coffee on the table. He signed ‘thank you’ with his free hand, the other still absentmindedly clutching the plate as his eyes swept the café. Mipha and Zelda gave one another a quick, knowing look.

“Sidon’s still at the rec with Bazz,” Mipha mentioned, a smile in her voice, “He told me to tell you ‘hi’, though.”

Zelda watched Link’s jaw visibly clench as he sucked in a breath through his nose.

‘He did?’

Mipha nodded.

Link bit the inside of his cheek, and then quickly shrugged and focused his attention on making a dent in the mountain of whipped cream on his coffee.

‘That’s cool,’ he told her, ‘Tell him hey, I guess.’

The redhead turned to Zelda for a translation; she was with the two of them so frequently now that she’d been able to pick up quite a bit of ASL, but still needed occasional help. Zelda found that Link was particularly difficult to understand when the subject of conversation was Sidon, simply because his hands moved twice their normal speed.

“He said to tell Sidon that he’s the most handsome man he’s ever seen and that he’d love to go on a date sometime,” Zelda answered casually, unlocking her phone to open up her article again.

Link nearly choked on a piece of muffin.

“I have an americano with cream on the bar!”

“Be right back,” Zelda chimed as she got up to get her drink, looking back briefly to see Link signing ‘wrong’ on his chin repeatedly. She chuckled inwardly and turned back around, only to collide with an oddly familiar looking green cardigan.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said, backing up, “That’s my fault. I wasn’t even paying attention.”

“Evidently not.”

Zelda’s eyes flicked up at the foreign voice, her heart leaping into her throat as she realized with whom she was speaking.

Oh, shit.

Handsome braids guy.

“Uh, hi. Again,” she muttered, hopelessly lost for anything else to say.

He gave her a queer look. “Again?”

“Um. I mean, yeah. You were just in Dr. Teba’s lecture? You came with Dr. Kaneli. For the, uh, research. Thing.”

The corner of the young man’s mouth quirked up ever so slightly as he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. “Right. You didn’t have a question.”

Zelda felt her cheeks burn at the very mention of the incident, her chest tightening at the memory. The man raised a brow at her, an irritatingly amused expression on his face. She felt her eye twitch.

“Yes, well. If you’ll excuse me. Sorry, ag--”

A barista interrupted.

“Americano with cream to-go!”

Green cardigan stepped up to the bar to accept the coffee, thanking the woman who’d handed it off with an actual smile. Zelda watched him, dumbfounded, as he hoisted his messenger bag up onto his shoulder and glanced in her direction for a fraction of a second before heading for the door.

“Wait!”

The words had flown out of her mouth before she’d even had time to register them. Perfectly annoyed, he stopped to turn and face her, his eyes on her in silent query.

“About Dr. Kaneli’s research lab,” she began, “are there still spots open for new assistants right now?”

His demeanor changed at the question and he adopted a defensive, almost territorial stance. He studied her closely, eyeing her with an uncomfortable thoroughness; as though he were sizing up a rival.

“Yes,” he drawled, “Why?”

“I’d like to apply,” she responded, maybe too quickly.

He sucked his teeth. “Interesting. Well, come by the office at the clinic if you want an application. They’re due in a week.”

Zelda grinned, nodding excitedly. “Oh, that’s excellent. I’ll definitely be by, then. Thank you, um...” she paused, chewing her lip, “Sorry. What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t.”

Making for the door once again, he left Zelda with her mouth partly open, staring after him in quiet disbeleif. His fingers brushing the handle, he hesitated, looking back over his shoulder.

“It’s Revali,” he said, and was gone.

Zelda stood in place for a while until he was completely out of sight, her mind fumbling with the entire interaction. Her stomach had twisted itself into a squirmy knot, a feeling with which she was unfamiliar. She felt like she’d somehow been both insulted and praised at the same time.

Revali, she thought to herself.

What a dick.

I hope you enjoyed this completely self-indulgent drabble of a Grad School AU that I’m considering. The more I think about this ship the more I like it. Thanks for reading! @botwrareships

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loruleanheart · 3 years

Text

Desired Fate, Chapter 15

Read on FF.net

Read on Ao3

King Rhoam had to collect himself, letting out a huff of defeat, grappling with whom he should be most angry. The thought occurred to him that he was partially to blame. What if his stern treatment of Zelda had stunted her ability to unlock her power, or worse... had chased her into the arms of that man? He feared it was true, but he couldn't let it show. This was one of the worst possible outcomes coupled with one he never would have imagined. It was a lot to take in, but he felt - no knew - that as King his immediate concern was the Calamity. Finding a fitting punishment for that man would have to be considered later - if there was a later, which was unlikely without Zelda's fully realized power. But Rhoam knew if he had the chance he would be willing to break her heart one final time if it meant that man was dealt with appropriately. In time, she would move on and she would thank him someday.

Rhoam surveyed the Champion's shaken expressions. The wind silently sent the tall grass rippling, giving an unsettled atmosphere in the wake of what had been witnessed. Rhoam turned his back to them, focusing on the beast that was encircling Hyrule castle. There was a long pause before he spoke. "Champions, it is time to take to your Divine Beasts. Although we may lack the means to seal Ganon away, we must continue to defend Hyrule until the very end."

Impa took in the expressions of the Champions and spoke. "Wait, Your Majesty. If I may… Astor gave a warning regarding the Divine Beasts, and considering that Ganon has already taken control of the Guardians I think we should listen. We must be prepared for anything Ganon may throw at us."

Rhoam turned. "Are you seriously suggesting we listen to the ramblings of that insane man calling himself a prophet?"

"But, Your Majesty… What other choice do we have?"

"Not a chance! I'm not going to hearken to anything that man has to say. By the goddesses, he's going to need someone holier than Hylia when I find him!"

The Sheikah woman shifted uncomfortably but stood her ground. "But, Your Majesty..." This time, Rhoam could detect the tiniest hint of disapproval in her voice, perhaps even veiled disgust, a tone that believed he should be begging Zelda's forgiveness for humiliating her and treating that prophet with such disrespect since it was so painfully obvious Zelda cared about him for some reason Rhoam couldn't comprehend. "What about Princess Zelda? I'm worried for her."

"You think I'm not?" Rhoam said, irritated.

"We can't be so quick to give up on her, nor can we discount the effort she has put in. If we take extra precautions we can still use the Divine Beasts to locate her. I choose to remain optimistic and believe she will access her power very soon."

Rhoam was at a loss. Impa was too much like a friend to Zelda, not the advisor he had appointed her to be. He was baffled at how she did not at all seem angered by Zelda's shameful display and complete abandonment of her duty. Rhoam was about to rebuke the Sheikah woman when the four champions and Link gave a nod of agreement at Impa's words. The King stood silently as the group began to devise a plan to oppose the blights, should they appear.

oOo

Zelda opened her eyes and looked around, assessing the place Astor had taken them. It appeared to be an area of the Lost Woods she was unfamiliar with. Yet there was something distinctly different about this place from those dreary woods. There was an abundant amount of Silent Princess flowers everywhere, more than Zelda had ever seen in one place. She knew immediately that there was something otherworldly about this place.

"No one will bother us here," Astor said calmly. Zelda could tell he was growing more accustomed to her touch. He was not as eager to let go of her as he had before. The shoulder of his robe was damp from her tears. The prophet took notice but mercifully said nothing.

"Where are we? It looks a bit like the Lost Woods, but… It's just so beautiful." She looked up, seeing stars dimly giving their light through the canopy of the trees. Was it always night here? A beautiful, illusionary realm where time remained still?

Astor gave Zelda's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's a place of respite I think. I found this place after I cut ties with the Yiga Clan. And I think for you, rest is well deserved."

Zelda dropped her gaze. "How can I rest when everyone is facing the Calamity, while I am here in relative comfort and safety? Already, Father has accused me of running from my duty… And he has no reason to think otherwise… At least from his perspective. I..I'm so ashamed. I can only hope that with your words, the Champions will be safe." Zelda said, tensely, still trying to recover.

"He's an ignorant old fool with neither the blood of the goddess or the gift of prophecy. As a prophet of the Calamity, Ganon impressed its fear of your power upon me, sending me visions of things to come, so I know you will awaken to your power soon. That is fate's true course that Ganon seeks to upend. And, I'm not unaware of how hard you've tried. I have watched your pains to unlock your power for some time now." And it was true. All those years he had watched with calm assurance that Calamity Ganon would rise and bring Hyrule to its knees, she trained by praying in freezing cold water until she collapsed and bore the brunt of her failure that only stung more as the years rolled by.

Zelda gave a small nod of acknowldgement, although she was too broken down to take much comfort in his words. She wanted so much to touch his face and tell him how much she loved him, but she held back, not wanting to feel any more vulnerable than she already did. She was afraid she might hurt him on account of the fresh bruise he had received. It was clear that her father had struck him. "I was so afraid of what Father might do to you. I'm so sorry for asking you to accompany me back to the Castle". H-he's a mean old man…" Zelda sniffed, breaking into a relieved but slightly tearful giggle.

Astor smirked slightly, finding Zelda adorable in her moment of catharsis. "You managed to abide that man for seventeen years? I see that you are stronger than I would have thought. And don't be sorry. There's nowhere else I need to be except by your side."

Zelda smiled a bit at his words. It was such a relief to see her smile again.

Astor continued. "I never thought it possible, but you were able to pull me back over the threshold and away from Calamity Ganon. No one has given me the amount of consideration you have."

Zelda's lovely green eyes lit up and Astor knew those dark days serving Calamity Ganon were finally over, and most surprising to him, he hadn't realized how awful those years had been until now. It was disorienting, like waking up from a distended dream. And he couldn't resist her any longer. No one had ever held to him or looked upon him in the way she did. He couldn't be the one to help her unlock her power, he knew that, but he wanted to at least pretend.

"How can I help you unlock your power…?" There was a sensual note in his voice, as he cupped her cheek, still damp with tears. Zelda's breath hitched in anticipation as he dipped his head to meet his lips to hers. She gave a small sigh of happiness, trapping his lips with hers, wishing she could savor the moment for all time. A single tear slid down her cheek, feeling a sense of release, drinking deeply of that kiss. She pulled down the hood of his robe, being careful to avoid the bruises on his hollow cheeks as her fingers grazed his pallid skin.

"Take all that you need from me," He breathed between kisses, taking her in the most intimate embrace before grabbing her under the ass and hoisting her up with some effort. Zelda gave a surprised but pleased sound.

"Exquisite..." Astor complimented, giving it a squeeze.

Zelda giggled and kissed him again, slowly, intensely, though she wobbled a bit, Astor struggling to support her weight. An intoxicating warmth spread throughout her whole being, her body yearning for his undeniably. But a dim feeling of sadness began to creep in as she wondered if they ever truly had a chance to be together that wasn't in secret. Would anyone ever accept them when there were so many reasons they would object? He would likely be put to death, and she'd have no say in the matter. Yet she couldn't stop herself from loving him.

If I can't realize my power, there might not be life after the Calamity, Zelda scolded herself.

Astor gave a pleased laugh. "Alright, Your Highness. You're breaking my arms." He set her down, with an apologetic look.

Zelda uttered an almost involuntary whimper of longing, reaching out for him again, her anxieties starting to overtake her again as doubts plagued her more than ever. "Lay down with me while I fall asleep?"

Astor gave her a stunned, blank expression for a moment.

"Hey, don't make this difficult." Zelda teased, pulling at the strings of his robe.

"Y-yes, Princess" Astor laughed as they kissed, carefully taking off his gold belt, the string of beads around his hips, and collar that hung over his shoulders. He helped her remove his robe, which was held together with hidden clamps. Astor draped the robe over her shoulders, and Zelda wrapped it around herself like a blanket, taking a moment to enjoy its softness and the warmness of it.

Zelda's gaze moved over him, admiring his silhouette. Under the robe, he wore a high-collared crimson shirt and a pair of black riding pants that did not appear ancient and worn like his robe.

They laid down together on the moss-covered ground. Astor slid his hand under the robe which was draped over her, sliding his hand over the curve of her hip where the folds of her pure white dress gathered. His name escaped her, softly. Zelda raised up slightly to lean on his chest and kissed him vehemently. Astor greedily wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing back with savage abandon.

Zelda drew away slowly, pushing his braided lock of hair away from his eye absentmindedly, noticing the fine lines under his eyes he hid under dark makeup. His dark brows tensed as he smiled a bit, giving her an affectionate but pensive gaze

Zelda sensed there was something he was keeping from her. Like there was something haunting him. Was something going to happen to him that he knew about? He was a prophet after all. She couldn't imagine the heavy emotional toll that came with glancing one's own future.

Zelda could barely keep her eyes open. It wasn't long before she fell asleep in his arms.

"Happy Birthday, Princess…" Astor had waited such a long time for this fated day, the day Ganon would rise. Yet, he was not spending it as he would have originally envisioned. He could barely comprehend that he was lying next to the Princess of Hyrule, helping to comfort her on her darkest day. And for the first time in his life, he understood what it was to love and be loved.

#Astor #Age of Calamity #Zelast #fanfiction #sorry for the wait!!!#I live

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queenof-literature · 4 years

Note

Hey! Your writing is superb! May I request angsty Time being scared out of his wits by Wild and Twi being reckless in dangerous situations?

Hi thank you for the request and the kind words! I’m so sorry for the slow updates I hope you enjoy!

At this point in his life, Time expected the unexpected. Time travel? Fine. Magic masks with spirits trapped inside? Okay. Meeting his descendant? That sent him for a loop but he supposed it made sense when looking at the big picture. Coming to be the leader of eight boys who gave him at least one heart attack a day? Even he still got stumped when he thought too much about it.

It was his protege and his protege’s protege that truly scared him more than anything. He cared for all his companions more than anything, and felt personally responsible for every single one of them. They were all loving in their own ways, and selfless and kind.

But there was just something about Twilight and Wild. He knew that with Twilight it was because they were family. Not just by bond like with the others, but by blood as well. He supposed that with Wild, it was because his pup and taken him on as a protege.

No matter how it ended up this way, these boys made his heart stop far more than was healthy.

Wild wasn’t anywhere near stupid or incompetent, but his name fit him perfectly. He was untamed and although he cared deeply for his Hyrule and loved his Zelda, he was a free spirit. A free spirit who jumped off cliffs, dived into water for Korok seeds, rode deer and bears, and was overall a ‘feral gremlin who should not be allowed near fire’ as Legend put it. Wild always made sure to serve everyone dinner before himself, sleep with the rest of them even though Time knew he was used to sleeping in the huge trees of his Hyrule, and put up a huge fight about having a bed when others in the group didn’t at stables and inns.

Twilight thought that Wild was bad in the pushing himself too hard department, Time always failed to see how Twilight was any different. The amount of trips Time had taken to trek into the woods and drag Wolfie back from scouting was astounding. Time would have to force him to go to bed when one of the others was injured, especially the younglings of their group. That’s just how Twilight and Wild were. And he loved them both for it.

It was Malon who taught him after the Kokiri that love hurt sometimes, but it was worth it. It hurt, but the moments of happiness helped make life what it was.

He had dreams sometimes. Simple dreams of the boys spending time on the ranch, sometimes with their loved ones from their worlds. after their quest. It left a bittersweet ache in his chest everytime.

Time found himself praying for the first time in so long, that it would all come true. That he and his new family would not be separated forever. He wouldn’t let Hylia do that to these boys. Not after all they had been through alone and together. He would keep them alive, and he would keep them safe.

Although Twilight and Wild were certainly making that difficult. Pushing each other out of the way of danger, taking hits for the others, as far as Time was concerned neither of them could bitch about the other being too reckless. They had calmed down slightly after Time had talked to them, but they were still reckless in protecting the others.

They had been separated in the middle of the night. Again. At this point Time wasn’t sure if Hylia had any control on where they went, because separating them was a surefire way to get them all killed. Time was completely alone in a wasteland covered in snow. He didn’t know what Hyrule, he didn’t think it was anyone’s in the group. All he knew was he hadn’t seen a trace of the others yet. He hoped beyond anything they were in groups and safe. Whenever they were separated, they would usually at least end up in the same area or kingdom. This was convenient most days, but now Time was desperately worried the others were stuck in this weather and far worse off than he was. Time at least had his bag, the others might have been separated from theirs. It had happened in the past. They were sucked into a portal and separated without their bags. It turned out that all the bags had gone with Hyrule and Four. Their stuff was always around at least one person, sometimes those people just got mixed up. Epona somehow always ended up safe somewhere, something they all were extremely grateful for.

Time continued to stumble along in the deep snow. His bag fortunately had some things to keep him warm. Not enough to stave off the cold completely, but he had some coats and a pair of pants to at least help him continue on. The best option with him being alone was to find some shelter, start a fire, and hope the Master Sword would lead Sky to everyone. He had seen what looked to be a cave etched in a small mountain. He would search for the boys until he physically couldn’t anymore, then take a break in the hopefully animal free cave.

Time stopped. He heard something, he swore he did. He listened more carefully. There it was again! He couldn’t tell what it was yet, but he cautiously moved towards that direction whilst unsheathing his sword in case it was an animal of some sort. Once he got further, he noticed a speck in the distance. Soon enough, he noticed the speck was a creature of some sort. Growing closer still, Time’s heart leapt in hearing the sound again, louder now.

“-body!” The rough cry was drowned out by the cold winds. Time rushed as fast as he could towards the now confirmed Hylians in the distance. The first thing he noticed when growing closer was that the two figures were stumbling through the snow, leaning against each other, desperate for balance. The second thing he noticed was his protege’s fur wrapped around the taller figure. The third was the shorter figure’s long blonde hair.

“Pup! Cub!” Time shouted, finally close enough to see their faces. Both faces were as pale as the snow below them, bodies quivering and shaking. Twilight was leaning heavily on Wild, unfocused eyes opening only once in a while, although he looked relieved to see Time. Looking down, Time’s heart stopped once again at his pup’s bent ankle he could see even through the man’s boot. Wild’s wide and frantic eyes landed on Time, brain finally realizing who was there.

“Time!” Wild cried out in relief. Looking at the cub, Time noticed he was missing his cloak, realizing it was peeking out from under Twilight’s pelt. Wild himself looked awful as well. Dull blue eyes stood out even more against his sickly pale skin and deep dark bags from exhaustion. When they went to bed last night, Wild was wearing a thin shirt with short sleeves to counteract the slightly hotter region they were in. Wild’s bare arms clutched desperately to keep his mentor standing. Wild’s legs shook under the weight and stress his and the pup’s bodies were under. Both boys were soaked to the bone.

“What happened?” Time asked hurriedly, rushing forward to help support his protege. Upon putting one of Twilight’s arms over his shoulder, Time saw the cut on the back of Twilight’s head. It was bleeding substantially, but head wounds did that most of the time. It didn’t seem overly deep. Wild’s back, however, was a whole other story. The cub had deep slash marks across the whole of his back, the backside of his shirt was covered completely in blood around the holes.

“We l-landed near a-a river.” Wild stuttered out, slurring his words together slightly. “A-a beast, I d-don’t know what it was.” Wild struggled to get his words out between the cold and the bloodloss. “It… it p-pushed me in. Twilight broke his a-ankle. Don’t know… what h-happened. P-pulled me out. Hit his head… I-I-” Wild trailed off more and more, eyes becoming unfocused by the blood loss by the second. Time needed to get them back to the cave. Right now.

“Help me get him on my back.” Time demanded in a strong voice, hopefully covering his fear for his boys. Wild’s weak and shaking hands tried to help, but Time did most of the work getting his pup situated. Time wished more than anything in that moment he could carry both boys to the cave, but together they were both too heavy. Time wasn’t sure Twilight even knew what was happening with that head injury of his, not even mentioning how awful his ankle looked, so he was the one that had to be carried. Twilight was pure muscle. Time guided Wild’s hand to his shoulder that didn’t have Twilight’s head on it to provide at least a little support.. “There’s a cave not far from here. Just a little further, Cub.” Time encouraged as they kept walking.

Time thanked every God there was that Twilight and Wild were still shivering. They weren’t in the far stages of hypothermia yet, but they certainly weren’t out of the woods.

The trek back to the cave was much slower than Time appreciated with two injured Links that severely needed medical attention. Time went as fast as he could with a protege on his back and snow up to his knees. Glancing at Wild once again, once frantic eyes had become complacent as Wild shuffled along. It seemed Wild was keeping himself going on mere adrenaline before, desperate to get his mentor some help. Time was supporting as much of Wild’s weight as he could, but the boy was still trying to walk almost completely on his own. He tried to hide it, but Time could see the slow oozing of blood on Wild’s twitching back.

Finally, Time could see the cave’s opening in the distance. Wild had slowed down to the point of looking half asleep, and Twilight’s hold had tightened over the journey. Wild stumbled again, hand slipping from Time’s shoulder as he fell into the snow.

“Come on, Cub, only a little more to go.” Time leaned down as much as he could and pulled Wild to his feet. “Look, it’s right there.” Time’s hand guided Wild’s chin to the opening of the cave. Normally the boy would rush towards their new shelter and start preparing a fire, excited to cook their meal. Now though, Wild’s dim eyes just lit up in recognition for a moment, before shifting over to check on Twilight once more, just as he had been the entire trip over here.

Finally, after their long trek, they made it to the mouth of the cave. It was relatively shallow for a natural cave in a mountain. Time could see the back of the cave clearly from where he was standing. There were thankfully no creatures within that would harm them. Time gently crouched down and deposited the pup against the wall. Twilight groaned softly and Time felt a pang in his heart.

“P-p-otions?” Wild murmured, sitting next to Twilight’s ankle.

“No, Cub. I’m sorry. We really have to pack at least one in all our bags, yeah?” Time joked wryly.

“B-bandage?” Wild asked, gesturing to Twilight’s ankle. Time rolled his eye.

“That we do have, but you’re laying down.” Time ordered sternly. Wild and Twilight would ignore their wounds for days if it meant putting the group first. Wild huffed, but did as he was told with no argument. Now that had Time worried. Wild bit back a whimper as his back stretched, before finally settling on his stomach, still aggressively shivering.

“Why did you give Twilight your cloak?” Time asked, taking an extra coat from his bag to drape over the boy.

“H-he… wasn’t responding. His head. I could r-rub m’ hands together n’ stuff. He couldn’t.” Time sighed, hating how right the cub was. He stayed quiet. Not wanting to lecture Wild for protecting his brother, but not wanting to exactly say it was okay to give up his cloak either. Time reached to lift the coat and take care of Wild’s back. The sooner he was able to cocoon the boys in anything warm they had, the sooner they would hopefully thaw out.

“Him first.” Wild slurred, not even having the energy to open his eyes.

“Wil-” Time began to lecture.

“No. H-his ankle. Bone needs to heal right. And head wound. M’ fine.” No matter how nervous Wild’s injury and lack of coherent words scared him, Time knew he was right about Twi’s injuries.

“Don’t fall asleep yet. We need to get you warm first.” Wild hummed in confirmation of Time’s order, which was probably the best he was going to get. Time gently laid the coat back on Wild, trying to ignore the hiss as the fabric brushed against the wound on his back, before turning back to his pale protege.

Twilight’s bones thankfully hadn’t shifted enough to require his ankle to be set, so Time just steadied it with a tight bandage. Twilight whimpered and winced at the manhandling of his injured ankle.

“Sorry, Pup. Almost done.” Time reassured the younger. Time wanted more than anything to take Twi’s pain away in that instant. Getting a monster club to the chest was less painful than seeing one of these boys hurt from their quest. Satisfied with his work on Twi’s ankle, he moved on to his head. The wound was just as minor as he thought, just requiring a bandage and good cleaning for now. It was enough to do him in if he was alone out here, but now he would just need sleep and potions. Thank Hylia Wild was with him… Wild! He needed to stay awake!

Time hastily finished checking his pup’s injuries, deeming him out of the woods for now. Time whipped around to face Wild, still laying with his back facing the cave ceiling. His eyes were still closed, and his breathing was still uneven as shivers wracked his body.

“Wild? Wild you’re still awake yeah?” Time asked in a steady voice, not even being met with a noise from the boy. “Wild? Wild!” Time snapped louder. The body beneath him jumped slightly, a noise of indignation rising up. It was then Time noticed Wild’s hand tucked underneath him.

“Wild, let me see your hand.” Time demanded. Wild either didn't hear him or didn’t listen. “Wild, Cub, I need to see your hands.” Time said far gentler, reaching under Wild’s body to grab one of his hands. Instantly, Time felt his own hand grow colder, even under his gloves. Wild groaned at the loss of support under him that caused his back to twitch.

Looking at Wild’s hands, Time was struck with the realization that Wild wasn’t wearing any gloves. How could he have not noticed? Internally Time was yelling at himself for being so foolish. Glancing over at Twilight, Time barely resisted the urge to bang his head on the cave wall. Idiots! Both of them! He recognized the dyed blue edge of Wild’s warmest gloves. Why were they even out without Wild’s slate? How? Time resisted the urge to groan in frustration. He would have to ask Wild later.

“Why did you give Twilight your gloves?” Time almost yelled in frustration.

“Coun’n stop fross-frosbite like m’. Needed gloves.” Time rolled his eye.

“Awful, the both of you. You’re the same person I swear to Hylia!” Time staed gruffly. “I need to move you to take care of your back, then we’re taking care of your hands. I have an extra pair of gloves in my bag.” Time explained, pulling Wild’s upper half into his lap as gently as he could. Time winced at the groan Wild let out against his will.

“Cub?” Twilight murmured, bleary eyes opening a sliver.

“He’s fine, pup. I’m taking care of him now.” Time reassured him, reaching out and placing a hand on his protege’s forehead, the way he did when Twilight was hurt or feeling under the weather. It always helped to relax him.

“Needs me?” Twilight struggled and fought to stay awake.

“No, Twi. Wild is fine. Just needs some bandages and warmth. Everythings okay.” Twilight let out a hum and finally succumbed into sleep once more. If Time said it was okay, it was okay.

Time began to bandage Wild’s wound, managing to clean it with the few supplies he had, at least until the others found them. Wild tried to hold in his shivers and hisses of pain as Time cleaned and wrapped his wound. Finally, the wound was dressed.

“Okay Wild. We need to get you warm again.” Time stated softly before lifting Wild into a sitting position. Wild let out a low grunt of pain shaking hands twitching in the direction of his back. “Sorry bud. Almost there, then we can get you warm and you can rest.” Time picked up the spare coat and wrapped Wild carefully and tightly within it. Wild finally seemed able to relax, snuggling closer to the warm fabric. Time felt his lips twitch as he carefully extracted Wild’s hands from within the coat, closing any gaps in the fabric this motion caused.

Time rubbed Wild’s frozen hands within his own, creating friction and hopefully enough heat to prevent frostbite before he gave Wild his extra pair of gloves. ild winced slightly in pain before relaxing further into Time’s side. There was nothing Time could use to make a fire, so this would have to do.

“Wild. I need you to tell me the truth. Are your feet or toes or anything else cold?” Time questioned.

“No. Good boots.” Time huffed out a small sigh of relief. He knew Twilight had good boots for the snow, but with all of Wild’s items and what he wears and doesn’t wear around camp, it was hard to keep track.

“And your legs?” Time eyed the thin pants Wild wore, already knowing the answer.

“Fine…” Wild was an awful liar when he was out of it.

“Wild, I need both you boys warm while we wait for the others or there will be trouble later.” Time chided, causing Wild to huff.

“A little cold…” Wild murmured. Time huffed a small laugh before using one hand to reach into his bag and pull his last spare blanket. Time managed to wrangle it under the legs of Twilight and tuck it under the legs of Wild, sticking him in the middle. As much as he wished one of the boys were in the middle to receive the most warmth, he needed to have easy access to both of them to make sure they were warming properly. Falling asleep with a body that was too cold might lead to never waking up…

Time felt Wild’s hands again, deeming them warm enough to put into the gloves. He double checked that the boys were warm enough before wrapping an arm around both of them. Wild and Twilight curled further into him, breathing peacefully. Time made sure to stay awake, continuing to check the boys for shivering, frostbite, and any other signs of hypothermia. At some point the boys had locked hands over Time, as if assuring themselves the other was okay. These boys constantly gave him heart attacks by being reckless and putting others before themselves, but in this moment, Time knew they would be okay.

Plot twist: Time is literally just as bad as Twilight and Wild and this entire fic is him being a hypocrite.

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mavda · 4 years

Text

When Wisdom sleeps

Ch.1 | Ch.2 |

Ch.3: The Festival

Colonel Auru Po'hra glanced at the document in front of him, nodded and signed it without a second thought. Link Arwyn, 18 years old, son of the late Colonel Arwyn and nephew of Captain Arwyn was a bright young soldier who had been climbing ranks like nothing. Most people were already taking notice of him and Major Auru Po'hra -who had the pleasure of having Link under his care- was beyond elated at his growth.

Po'hra raised his head, pushed the piece of paper towards Link and offered his quill. "Captain Arwyn," he greeted and Link saluted back.

"It is an honor, Colonel."

Not only was Link an extremely skilled individual, but he worked flawlessly with other people. His way with the sword and shield were unparalleled and Po'hra was sure not many knew that Link was also exceptional with every other type of weapon available.

"Guess you'll have to get promoted as soon as you can so people don't get you confused with your uncle, huh."

It was meant to be a joke, taking into account how young Link was and how unlikely it would be to receive another promotion so soon. But Link had looked at Auru with purpose and Auru's laugh died on his lips. He couldn't deny he rather liked people with goals. But even he wasn't expecting Link to say, "I would appreciate it if you were so kind as to direct to my company difficult missions."

Auru cocked and eyebrow, "You have yet to meet the rest of your new, company," Auru stressed. "Link, it's commendable to see you so eager to do good for the Kingdom, but there is a fine line between being eager and being reckless. You should keep that in mind."

"Sir."

Yet Link stood still and didn't leave the room, and Auru could feel a mix of annoyance and awe. "What good is gonna do you to have your company get injured?"

"I will do my best to prevent that from happening."

Auru looked to the side in displeasure and searched through his papers with irritation. "People more experienced than you have not been able to take on this one. Take into consideration that I am giving this one to you just because you asked and just because I know you, I still think you're being reckless and I am half wanting to see you lose because really," Auru frowned at him, "this attitude needs a little fixing."

Link remained stoic and only thanked Auru as he received his new instructions.

"Why do you want to garner so much attention anyway? You are already in the public eye, you're our youngest captain ever." Auru kept to himself all of the female attention Link had also gotten because of his looks. "I don't want you burning out because you somehow feel you need to climb ranks just because."

"I don't, sir. I just... I would like to do better for the Kingdom."

Auru rolled his eyes because he didn't buy it. Link was a great asset to his regiment and although Auru wouldn't bet his life on it, he was pretty sure Link only had the Kingdom's best interest in mind. "Fine, do what you want, just... don't die out there."

Link saluted and turned around. It had been a rumor at first, unbelievable and overexaggerated to most, how was one supposed to believe the people who came back from missions with Link telling that the man himself took care of the most ferocious beast, the most cunning of monsters all alone? Auru could only shake his head and snort in disbelief. But he was proven wrong, statement after statement, mission after mission, everyone said the same.

Link was unique. And although Auru couldn't understand what the boy was trying to do by putting himself out there, by gaining so much recognition but never using it, by shouldering so many things by himself, he could understand one thing. And that was that Link was good at what he did and that Auru was seeing the making of a legend.

Maybe Link had greater ambitions. Maybe his desperate need to find the Princess had been bound by greed -hard to believe, but possible- and seeing that that had ended in failure maybe he had decided to earn power in other ways. Link was not yet one of the most influential people in Hyrule, but boy, Auru could easily believe he would get there someday.

If Link really ended up at the top... Auru wouldn't mind. And Auru played with the quill in his hand as he pondered over that realization.

⁂

Link was neck deep in paperwork and while he signed papers he tried his best to wash away the nagging feeling in the back of his head that urged him to leave. It was already june and his work didn't seem to diminish. Which meant he was being sought after, which meant he was gaining recognition, which meant he had more power and a whole lot more responsibilities.

He was glad and annoyed and although he had checked time and time again with Ashei the answer was the same, "You are not free to go yet, sir." Both Ashei and Guile had been promoted by Link's request and although Link could have had asked for more people to work under him as lieutenants he had been hesitant to do so. He trusted his lieutenants completely and he didn't know whether such a bond could be formed with new people out of nowhere, he much rather have Ashei and Guile have close aides and even recommend people. This had put a heavy strain on his friends though, if Link's work had doubled then Ashei and Guile's had tripled. And although Link wanted nothing more than to leave and keep his promise with Zelda he didn't have it in him to leave his lieutenants -who had agreed with everything he had decided without a peep- and leave.

That, and Link was determined to deal with the mission Auru had begrudginly shown him this year. He decided to stretch his legs and take a stroll through the training grounds, fighting always calmed him somehow and showing his face usually helped keep the morale in his now regiment. Link decided to go and oversee the training of the new soldiers and as soon as people noticed him they started poking the sides of the ones beside them. Link bowed his head as greeting and received salutes in response.

The training grounds bustled and the sound of wooden swords striking each other reverberated around Link. He searched around and walked towards the tallest readhead around. "Loran," he greeted.

Loran turned and gave a lazy greeting, "Sir." She was Guile's aide and although her attitude was lacking to many, Link found it incredibly entertaining. It was refreshing to see someone not care about anything, specially when people with high positions came in here to flaunt their power. "Need a sparring partner, sir?"

Link pondered for a second, and although he did want to stretch and fight a little he wasn't sure it was the best idea to do so now. "Maybe later."

Loran rolled her eyes, "You'll give the new ones a show and you'll help me get done with this day sooner. I am begging."

Link had to control his face so as to not smile, and then gave the slightest of nods, half wanting Loran to let it slide, but she was smirking the next second and walking to the ground while taking her coat off. She didn't say a word, but the people around her made space and someone brought her a wooden sword without her asking.

Link followed behind and although someone offered to take his coat away Link declined them as politely as possible. He could feel the blood rushing through and as soon as the sword was in his hand he spinned it a couple of times and caught a couple of newbies opening their mouths in surprise. Link smiled.

"Whenever you're ready!" Loran taunted. Link now couldn't help the snort that overcame him and he gave a step forward. And Loran walked towards him with stomps.

Loran's fighting style was aggressive and relied on her build. Taking into account that she was taller and bulkier than most people Link could understand why she had taken that approach. He parried a couple of attacks and dodged the rest. He did this not only because confronting her head on was not a wise strategy but because this usually made Loran get angry pretty quickly and that meant she would start putting more strenght behind her attacks, making them heavier, tougher, and wider.

They moved around in a wide circle, making people retreat farther and farther away, and it looked like Loran was controlling the situation. Link crouched, jumped backwards and parried strikes that otherwise seemed to be sure hits. Loran took advantage of a wide dodge Link did and decided to twist her whole body to do a broad sweep. Link, instead of jumping backwards got closer to Loran and crouched under her sword and then stood to his full height, put strenght on his legs and hit her side with a diagonal swing with all the momentum of his body. Loran howled as she brought her hand to her ribs.

"Fuck that!"

Link laughed, "I've told you already that you can't just rely on your strenght."

Loran grumbled, "Oh, shut up."

The people around them started to buzz and a clear voice interrupted, "All right, all right, move, everyone, time to keep on training!" Guile's black head moved through the sea of people with little head bows and soft words, and walked towards Link and Loran with his hands on his hips. "I told you to train them, Loran!"

"I did," she growled, "but then sir boss here graced me with a fight, and I couldn't refuse."

Guile looked at Link with a face full of fake hurt, "Sir boss," he admonished. Link raised his hands in defeat and then Guile shook his head, "If you have free time you can help us oversee training, sir."

Link spinned his sword and hit his heels with it, "Count me in."

"We can always spar again and use that as teaching material," Loran tried, but Guile gave her the stinky eye and she looked away immediately, "or not. Whatever."

⁂

At the end of August, by the time the new recruits were stationed on their own teams and things had started to calm down for Link's company, Shad entered into the office with a stack of papers related to Auru's mission.

Shad was a man who would rather have a fight with wits than with swords, soft-spoken but hardheaded, with gelled down brown hair but always with one strand resting on his forehead that Link always wondered how it got there, and circular glasses that he usually fixed when nervous, Ashei's right hand man and terribly uncomfortable with Loran. Shad bowed to Link and let his papers fall in Link's desk.

"We have everything ready to depart whenever you're ready, sir."

It had been a surprise for Link to see Ashei drag from the ranks this one man who seemed so opposite to her, but Shad had always been thankful to her and his work always excelled when it came to planning. Ashei had been giving him more and more work and Shad had taken the challenge head on.

"The scout team arrived, then?"

"Yes, sir, no casualties. There were two with slight injuries but they went directly to get them treated, as you instructed."

"Good. What do we know then?"

Shad hurried to find the paper he needed and then moved it towards Link as he started to share the scouts' information. They had discovered the hiding place of the monster, its usual routine and movements, and there were even some sketches done with charcoal. Link squinted his eyes at it. "Ah."

Shad stopped talking and waited for Link to talk, but he never did. "Sir?"

"Nothing, go on."

Shad continued but Link's attention was elsewhere. Captain Link was a strange man, he was unexpectedly young for a man with his experience and attitude, and Shad couldn't help but wonder whether the Goddesses had bestowed upon Link some kind of wisdom and strength they had denied the others. It was the only explanation he could come up with as to how Link seemed to know things that should be beyond his understanding and seemed to act in a way beyond his years. Shad finished his explanation but as he had come to expect, Link nodded and didn't ask questions, as if he had seen this situation before.

"Well, time for me to go then."

"It's... almost night, sir, wouldn't it be better to leave tomorrow?"

Link grabbed a satchel from under his desk and grabbed a cloak, "Nah, see ya. Tell Ashei I already left." Link squeezed Shad's shoulder as a goodbye and closed the door behind him.

When Shad walked back to his room Ashei ran up to him and knew before she could even ask that Link had left. "That man, can't believe he left already."

"Needed something from him, ma'am?"

"Nah, just wanted to let him know Guile and I had everything checked for him to leave."

Ashei sighed to the sky and Shad shifted in place, "Are you ever worried he won't make it?"

Link Arwyn had the bad habit of doing major missions alone or with as little people as possible. It had proven useful when he had been part of a team or when his subordinates could be counted with his fingers, but even after leading a hundred people, he kept at it. Ashei and Guile were used to it and mainly helped by keeping things in order when he left. Shad had seen Link overcome grueling tasks like nothing and although dirty and bloodied and tired, he always came back alive, but as he had started to take on more difficult missions he couldn't help but worry...

"Nah, he's good. He's a one man army, Shad, you don't have to worry. Let's go grab dinner, yeah?"

...but if Ashei, one of Link's closest aides trusted him this much, his worries were surely unfounded.

⁂

Whenever they sent a party to scout a monster Link always made sure that one person was good at drawing. Sometimes information was hard to come by and even with a few days of scouting there wasn't much to gather, but they could always see the monster and make a sketch. And with a sketch and only with that Link could know what they were facing. His memories were riddled with monsters and how to fight and defeat them, and although at first he had hated them because it sure wasn't fun to have so many nightmares back when he was a child, now it had become one of his biggest assets. Ashei and Guile had learned not to ask questions and by extension no one else had done so, Link was glad because he was sure trying to explain himself would only make him look more sketchy.

Link always asked for a full report and read them, but since a while ago he only scanned the documents because nothing had changed from his memories. And as with his enemies, the way to defeat them was also the same. Back when he had been younger and had travelled all around the Kingdom looking for Princess Zelda he had come across every little weapon or item he would ever need and he had made sure to write their locations down. He had though about taking them with him, but he had nowhere to hide them and he wasn't even sure he would need all of them, so whenever need arose he would go and fetch them, most of the time no one noticed and Link would put them back without trouble.

Link walked to the stables and glanced again at the sketch -the only paper he had taken with him- and grimaced. A black hand hovered over the ground without anything attached to it and Link could only remember the dark dripping caves that he had had to meander in order to find that monster. Bongo Bongo, they called him, and Link wasn't thrilled to fight him again. It was a monster with an invisible body that could only be seen with the Lens of Truth and Link had to control the shiver that ran down his spine. The monster's hands were detached from the main body and its weak point was its head... which was its neck, or what was left of it, it was a nightmarish monster somehow worse than the others that, as if that weren't enough, liked to hit the ground at a rythm that made it difficult to maintain one's balance.

"Fun."

The Lens had been forgotten a long while ago and Link found it in a town four days away from Bongo Bongo. It rested in a chest in a hidden room in a run-down temple that was filled with spiderwebs and dust and everything that screamed abandoned. The Lens of Truth was intact and Link brought it to his eye. Nothing changed here and Link put it inside his satchel. He usually took his time when dealing with monsters alone, mainly because it was already suspicious for him to beat these monsters on his own and he didn't need the added notion that he was somehow unusually strong. Those rumors where already making their rounds but Link tried his hardest not to fuel them too much.

Bongo Bongo hid inside a cave at the end of a decently sized village. Link would rather keep his profile low but since this was a pretty notorious mission he went directly to the chief. Before leaving Link had told Guile to give a notice to Auru regarding Link's departure, but the chief's knowing look was enough for Link to know that Auru had given them information beforehand.

The chief was accomodating and told Link that anything he needed he would arrange. Bongo Bongo seemed to have affected the village hard enough for the chief and the people to look haggard. The chief explained the sudden deaths, disappareances and the fear that had installed itself in the people's hearts. And thinking about how Bongo Bongo looked like a nightmare Link only nodded in agreement.

Link usually took his time, as long as the monster could be kept under control and no one would come in harm's way. But since this case did not fall into that category Link just went straight to work. The cave was -just as he remembered- moist and wet and dark and cold and Link's senses screamed for him to leave. It wasn't only that the monster was gross and the place was uncomfortable that made this fight annoying, it was the fact that Link had to use the Lens of Truth to actually see what he was fighting before actually hitting. Link very much preferred monsters he could see, thank you very much.

The cave was filled with lesser monsters like babas, keese and bokoblins. As he walked through the dark cave he had to scan every little crevice and every little tight corner, babas hid in the most inconspicuous of places and only emerged from their holes when prey was right beside them, their gnarly teeth would try to grab whatever they could but thankfully Link had muscle memory down to a t and his sword found either the carnivorous plant's head or their stem rather quickly. Babas, although annoying, at least could be avoided if Link could pinpoint their location, they took root in place and couldn't move afterwards and although they would try their best to stretch themselves towards Link, he could just keep on with his business.

Keese, on the other hand, were small, flying creatures that resembled bats and who followed wherever one went. Unrelentless and loud, they would squeak till Link either lost them or struck them. They were as weak as a baba, but they usually moved in groups and Link could feel his patience waning every time he had to face them. Link didn't even waste arrows on them, he always had his slingshot with him and the keese would go down with a well-placed rock in their one, yellow, big and gross eye.

Darkness was annoying though, and Link had to let the keese get close enough to let his lantern's light wash over them before letting go of the rock. The odd bokoblin came at him, but they were loud, barely got to his hip, and weren't particularly smart so Link slayed them without much thought.

The more into the cave he ventured, the tougher his enemies got, bokoblins were now accompanied by lizalfos who would keep their distance and jump with their reptile legs away from harm whenever Link got too close. They would wear rudimentary shields and grab the bokoblin's weapons if Link disarmed them. They would quack at him and although it took longer, Link could either overpower or outsmart them, he usually went with the latter, making a feint and hitting at their unguarded side.

The fact that Link did not encounter any other type of monster was welcome, but knowing that he had Bongo Bongo at the end of the tunnel made him uncomfortable anyways. The water dripping all around him and the way his lantern played with the shadows gave him a sense of deja vú so strong he had to stop for a second and catch his breath. This had ocurred heavily in his younger years, memories and feelings so overwhelming he had at one point doubted his own sense of self.

He called it deja vú now, but they were memories, real memories he could conjure with crystal clear clarity if he tried hard enough. He didn't. He would remember, he would accept it, but he would not dwell more than necessary on them. He had doubted himself far beyond what he should have and now he feared what would happen if he remembered too much.

He was too mature and too smart and too brave and too nice and too much many things he didn't know if he would have been without these moments in his head. Link shook his head, calmed his breathing and kept on walking. What good would do him to overanalyze something he could do nothing about.

The shadows around him grew thicker and more menacing in a way that only he -with battle senses honed beyond normal- could sense and as soon as the ground beneath him started to rumble Link exhaled one short breath and brought the Lens of Truth to his eyes. Bongo Bongo's neck oozed a thick, yellow liquid and Link knew where to hit.

"Who knew I'd end up happy to see you, huh."

Bongo Bongo slapped the ground and Link crouched in an attempt to keep his balance, the ground shook and the walls grumbled and Link ran towards the monster.

⁂

Zelda had to stiffle a yawn as she walked back to her house. It was the middle of December and Mira was a bundle of excitement over the Summer Festival next village that was to come. Mira had been down about Link not making it in time for them to go to the Winter Festival, but her optimism about them going to this one was contagious and Zelda didn't have it in her to say otherwise.

Zelda believed in Link, but she also knew he was busy and probably had more than their promise to care about and although she wondered about what he was doing and where he was going and who he was hanging out with, it was too embarrasing to share and she barely talked about him to her dad or Mira. Hopefully she got to see him this year. It was pretty unlikely, taking into consideration they were already entering the latter half of December, but maybe he did care about their promise and maybe he would come. Maybe he would come right after new year's. In the end, Zelda had to come clean and accept that she just wanted to see him.

The implications of that she would rather not dwell on too much.

She stepped into the clearing to her house and immediately her eyes glued to the horse that was grazing around. "Epona." Her chest tightened and her legs rushed to her house and she felt excitement tingling all over her body.

The door opened with strength and both Ganondorf and Link turned around from the dinner table and looked at Zelda. Link's brows had gone up by the surprise but seeing Zelda made him smile and crinkle his eyes.

"Link!" Zelda wasn't sure what she wanted to do, she wasn't thinking much, to be honest. She just ran to him, and Link -almost by instinct- rose from his chair and caught her body. It took her half a second to realize how suspicious her actions must look so Zelda pushed her hands on his shoulders immediately after and tried her best to control her smile. "When did you get here?" She worried her voice was too high-pitched due to her excitement, and that maybe flinging herself towards Link wasn't the best course of action, but her father -thanks the Goddesses- promptly interrupted her line of thought.

"He got here like an hour ago, child, let him go and come give your father," Ganondorf stressed, "a hug, and with the same amount of excitement, you hear me?"

Zelda's laughed filled the room and Link made fists of his hands. Ganondorf was as smooth as ever, thank Hylia. Zelda clung to her father and Ganondorf crushed her body with love. "He's staying with us for a while, don't make me get jealous."

Zelda snickered back and soon turned her attention to Link again. And the three of them got up to date. Link had basically worked himself to the bone. Zelda looked worried at the amount of sleep he would get and the monsters he would fight, and Link did his best to downplay everything he talked about. Her father squeezed every detail out of Link and Zelda could only snicker at the seriousness on his face regarding Link's achievements. After a while, Link's face tightened, he didn't look tired, he looked even more focused, and Zelda knew that he was putting a front, so she pushed Link out of his chair and onto his bedroom to prepare himself and told her father he could keep on questioning Link the next day.

Ganondorf had laughed aloud and had shrugged his shoulders, and as soon as Zelda heard the bathroom door close, she turned to her father, "Dad," Ganondorf had hmmed as an answer and Zelda asked, "Is Link famous?"

Ganondorf's eyes shone and he sat straight, "Is he isn't famous yet just give him a couple of years."

And Zelda was kept awake that night imagining Link traversing the world and defeating monsters and helping people.

Her father always looked more relaxed whenever Link was with them. Zelda had wondered about this and had thought that maybe she had made it up. But third time's the charm and her father was now looking refreshed and calm and she loved seeing him like this. Her father talked in a hushed voice and served her eggs with bread, "Let's Link sleep till he wakes on his own, 'kay?"

Zelda nodded and sat at her chair. Maybe today Link could share more of his adventures with her, maybe Zelda could ask him more in depth questions about how he defeated the monsters, rather than his father's fixation with how Link was being promoted. Maybe she could share with Link the new books she had been reading, maybe tell him about the time Mira had almost started a fire in the village. Zelda washed her plate and grabbed a book to read on the carpet. Maybe Zelda would ask Link what he wanted to do, he worked so hard, she wouldn't mind doing whatever he wanted and let him unwind. Maybe he just wanted to rest. The could take a nap out in the garden, they would have to take cover since the sun shone brightly, maybe they could do a picnic of some sort.

The bedroom door opened and Zelda turned her head to see a disheveled Link coming out. His smile was lazy and he bowed his head at her, and her book was left on the floor as she started following him again. Her father served Link breakfast and sat on the couch. And Zelda couldn't help but feel gratitude towards Link and his presence. She had wondered whether to bring up the issue regarding the festival, but the more she thought about it, the more she felt it didn't really matter to her. If her father was happy, if Link was happy, who cared if Link forgot.

"It's good I made it in time for this festival, huh."

Ganondorf slapped his thigh, "Right! You had talked about it!"

Zelda kept quiet but looked at them in turns. Link frowned, "You remember that promise I made you, right?"

Zelda had to control her feelings and she nodded, "Yes! I remember."

"Is Mira going too?"

"Yes."

"Excited?"

Link chowed on his food and looked at her with a familiarity that made Zelda smile. Her father looked at her with glee and Zelda knew he had kept quiet out of consideration and not because he had ever forgotten, and Zelda nodded and started talking about Mira's plan regarding the festival. Mira and her family had been going to both the Winter and Summer festival for a while now, and Mira at this point was only eager to go because it would be Zelda's first time. Mira had not only made a schedule for their activities but she was also doing her best to persuade Zelda to match their clothings.

Link's eyes brightened and he was so happy he had thought of buying gifts to them. After finishing breakfast he went to his room and brought a couple of parcels to Zelda, she opened them and as Link told her that one of her dresses matched with Mira's, Zelda squealed and started laughing uncontrollably. Ganondorf towered over Link and stretched his hand with a sugestive look. Link scoffed and went back to his room to bring Ganondorf's presents.

Zelda pressed her fingers against the hard covers of books Link had brought her, she eyed her dresses and her father's crinkled eyes as he shook a vial in front of him. Link crossed his arms over his chest and scrunched his face trying to remember something regarding the vial her father had asked.

"When's your birthday, Link?"

Link looked at her and squinted his eyes. "You don't have to give me anything."

Zelda's eyes remained unmoving and when Link glanced back at Ganondorf for help, Ganondorf could only shrug his shoulders. "December 3rd," Link relented, "but, really, you don't have to get me anything."

Link could sense immediately Zelda's burden as she realized his birthday had been only a couple of weeks back. "Did you celebrate?"

Link grimaced as he tried to remember, "Loran did get me a cake, and they did sing me a happy birthday, but we went straight back to work after."

Zelda's face was somber and Link hurried to add, "I had a great time, though."

Zelda gave another look to the gifts that surrounded her and looked back at him, "Thank you for the gifts."

"You're welcome."

⁂

It had taken them a couple of days to get everything they needed in order for Link's belated birthday party, but Mira's unmmeasurable love for Link made her use every favor she had garnered over the last few months and she had not only covered every ingredient Zelda had asked for, but she had also secured a couple of small fireworks she was sure at least uncle Gan would appreciate. Lloyd had joined on the plan the moment Zelda had asked but he had kept a serious face whenever possible. Mira teased him that the easiest way to get along better with Zelda was for him to get chummy with Link but Lloyd had blinked at her as slowly as possible and Mira had laughed out loud before leaving.

Although Zelda had tried very hard to remain unconspicuous, Link had realized soon after that she was preparing some sort of party for him. Ganondorf had sworn secrecy, but he also sucked at it. It had fallen on Link's shoulders to make as if he didn't realize what was happening in that house. Ganondorf would ask Link to help him with a bunch of uneventful activities and Zelda would practice in the kitchen to make a cake.

As much as the reason for their escapades was built in letting Zelda alone, it had proven really useful for Link and Ganondorf to catch up on anything that they would rather hide from Zelda's ears.

It mainly entailed Link's work in the Castle and any and all information regarding the Kingdom. Zelda's survival was still a mistery and the princess' existence was still a faded memory. Link's name was doing its rounds across the Kingdom and as soon as he went back he was to make a trip to Death Mountain and help the Gorons with a nasty pest of lizalfos. Link talked about his fights and adventures and Ganondorf's attitude was enough for Link to realize that his friend was envious of him. Well, freedom was something one took for granted.

In one of their outings, out of nowhere, as they were foraging for mushrooms, Ganondorf talked as if talking about today's dinner, with the nonchalance of certainty. "I started having the dreams."

And Link's hairs stood on end, his breathing quickened and he was sure his face looked horrified, "Are you-?"

"Fine, yes. For now. For a while, I guess. I've had dreams that are memories, bad dreams, but when I wake up, I know they're dreams. No fuzzyness, no confusion, no anger, I just wake with a start and remember my daughter and get on with my day."

"How many?"

"A few. More than 3, less than 10? Maybe. I'm sure I've forgotten some, it's like as if when I wake I know I dreamt about them but can't remember any details at all."

For a while they remained silent and Link concentrated on counting the mushrooms he picked up. "It's different." Different than last time, different than most times.

"Yup."

There wasn't much else to say. Both remembered lives in which Ganondorf lost himself in these memories, grieved with his memories as if they had happened yesterday, howled in pain and anger and lashed out at anything that had ever wronged him. Sometimes it was very easy for him to fall back and let his anger take control, sometimes he just gave in with the slightest of pushes, seldom he tried to fight it, and although his fight would make a difference, before long, by divine providence, he would lose his sense of self. Whatever made him, him, whatever separated him from the beast that resided inside him dissappeared and in turn chaos would take over. And Link and Zelda would try to take it down.

"I would like to think that this, somehow, means whatever pushes me to seek destruction is weakening. That I, somehow, have won this battle over my mind, but," how is one supposed to believe that a mere mortal can win over providence? How is one supposed to believe than somehow, this one time, one was free to do what one wanted? How is one supposed to believe..., "I just don't think it's gonna happen."

"How long do you think-?"

Before leaving the forest, at the edge of the clearing, Ganondorf turned. His dark skin glowed against the sun, his red hair billowed behind his back and Link had to blink and remember that this was a time different than many others. No swords involved, no broken bones and bloodied skin and stinging wounds. A father.

A father... a father that had somehow killed the King and Queen of the Kingdom and had kidnapped and hidden the princess and heir to the throne, a man that had thrown into chaos a Kingdom and-

"Dad!"

Both Link and Ganondorf startled and Link recognized the disdain and the loathing in Ganondorf's eyes, and he knew his face must have reflected the same type of feelings towards Ganondorf, because what Link saw next was pain.

"I think," Ganondorf whispered, "the clock has started to tick."

Zelda trotted towards them and both Ganondorf and Link shook their feelings away immediately, buried them with the certainty of knowing they both had inflicted pain to the other in almost equal amounts, with the knowledge that this time they were not enemies, with the hope that they could spare Zelda of this.

"Are you done with the mushrooms?"

Ganondorf raised his basket, "We sure are!" he then turned to Link, "Come on, let's go back."

They didn't talk about that episode after reaching the house. And although in the following days they talked about Ganondorf's situation, they didn't touch upon that split second in time when they saw each other as enemies. They were ashamed of it, scared of it, they feared thinking about it, talking about it would give it power. Link also understood that such feelings were unfounded, as time and time again they had been reminded that whatever happened with them and their memories was mostly out of their control. He would like to be able to talk to the Goddesses and ask some questions, gather some truths. But he also knew no words would be able to leave his mouth if given the chance.

"Link?" Zelda looked at him and Link realized she had been calling for him for a while. He immediately straightened and focused on her. "Yeah?"

"Dad is calling for you."

Link left the book he had been looking at on the shelves near the chimney and went on another scavenging hunt with Ganondorf, who was waiting for him fishing rod in hand. "Thought we could spice things up with this."

Link frowned, "Were did you get one?"

"Bought it with your money, buddy, I'm still not good at it though. Thought now was a good time to get some classes from a pro."

Link hadn't had the time to indulge in many of his hobbies. And with an expertise he never learned in this lifetime, he took the rod and could feel his hands itching to move. It was unsettling whenever something he never had tried had such a response from him. He didn't ponder on it too much.

If he had been alone, Link was sure he would have had at least some trouble realizing Mira's and Lloyd's arrival. But he was with Ganondorf, and the man stiffened whenever a new presence arrived at the clearing. Ganondorf's body was taut and although Link acted as if nothing had happened and kept on explaining to Ganondorf how to use the fishing rod and where to put one's hands, the obvious troubled attitude Ganondorf was giving made Link silent.

"Will you be okay?"

Ganondorf blinked and pressed his hand to his face, "Yeah, don't mind me, it's just... It puts me on edge and then I remember why it puts me on edge and I just spiral into shit I don't want to remember."

"Zelda will be happy with your presence, you don't need to force yourself to like... mingle."

"'Kay."

"I would think it a victory if you just stood brooding from afar and let them have their party."

"Your party," Ganondorf corrected.

"I mean, yeah, mine."

"I can't help but wonder if she could be better, happier, somewhere else... with someone else."

Link patted Ganondorf to let him know he was ready to throw the fishing line and the bigger man moved his arms with mechanical movements. The bait fell sad a few meters away from them but Link congratulated Ganondorf anyways, giving him advice in between.

"Don't you think about it?" Ganondorf pressed.

And Link had to breath in deep, "Of course I do, but nothing I can say will make you feel better."

"I actually want to feel bad, so give it."

"Listen, we are about to celebrate my birthday, Zelda is doing this to make us happy," Ganondorf opened his mouth to stress that the party was for Link, but Link raised his hand and gave him a look, "yes, even you, you dumbass. You are her father, stop acting like you're some kind of monster," Link had to power through that word, "let's just have a good time, all right?"

"I love her, I really do, which is why the more time passes the more I realize what I took from her."

"Stop it."

"Sometimes I lay awake at night hoping I had just left her there, or to have been struck before entering that damned room-"

"Ganondorf."

"- other times I just wish you had found me sooner, without memories, a clean death and a hero going back to the Castle with the Princess in tow."

Link grabbed Ganondorf's arm and turned him to face him, "Listen. Grieve, repent, feel bad, I will listen and shut up, but now, please, let's fake it. I need you to fake it today, please."

Ganondorf blinked hard, realized where they were, "You've always been better at this."

"Ganondorf..."

"No, you're right. Thanks."

Both men turned as Zelda came walking towards them. Link sucked in a breath, but Ganondorf patted him in the back as he walked before him, "I got this."

Link's birthday party went without a hitch. Zelda made a cake everyone loved, Mira filled the air with laughter and Lloyd was a silent presence that remained polite. Ganondorf stood a little away, kept to himself, but nodded to Zelda whenever she looked at him and congratulated her on a job well done. Link received a paperweight made of wood with the form of a horse's head. Zelda looked nervous and Mira looked anxious, and Link said, from the bottom of his heart, "Thank you."

As everyone left and Ganondorf retired mumbling under his breath about being tired because of having Hylian interaction, Zelda looked at Link and clasped her hands together, "Did you have fun?"

Link gave her the sweetest smile, "Yes. I appreciate the effort you guys made for me, thank you."

Zelda felt her anxiousness fading and filled with the day's exhilaration she blurted, "I'll learn how to bake better cakes, bigger cakes."

Link chuckled and cocked his head, "You really don't have to."

And Zelda had to gulp down her nervousness, "I want to, I will. I'll celebrate your next birthday, too."

And Link couldn't help but remember Ganondorf's words and how their decisions had taken away from this girl. They could feel bad all they wanted but if she remained this full of life, full of love, who cared about them? If Link could protect her innocence for as long as he could, if celebrating a birthday made her this happy. "I'll be looking forward to it, then."

⁂

The Summer Festival was celebrated in between the last 3 days of the year and the first 3 after new year. It wasn't unusual for people to spend all those days at the Festival, but most people gathered just before new year and the days after.

"By then it sucks, because there are too many people," Mira complained. And as Zelda had no way of knowing whether it was true or not she just nodded along.

Mira's family usually went together and celebrated the whole stretch, "but then we go around the village, not at the heart of the festival," she then pointed to the crude map she had drawn before, "there is a forest here that has a beautiful lake, and then there's a huge cliff over here," she moved her finger around, "over here there's a ginourmous botanical garden -you'll love it-, over here there's a river and here," Mira stopped and added suspense, "the biggest library you have ever seen!"

Zelda's eyes opened like saucers and both girls looked at Link, who was unsure of what to do and looked surprised for a moment before nodding along and furrowed his eyebrows to appear certain, "I bet," he added.

Mira nodded, happy with his interjection and then proceeded to repeat the tour she wanted Zelda to make. Zelda's excitement was palpable, and Link and Ganondorf did their best to keep it that way. Mira's family was taking Zelda along to this year's Festival and Pattrick had already come to talk with Ganondorf regarding their plans as to where they were staying, how many days they were going and what was the overall schedule for their trip.

Ganondorf had looked forlorn at one point in time and Link had elbowed him immediately. "It's just a week." But Link somehow understood that Ganondorf was worrying about other things, so aside from preventing Ganondorf from showing obvious signs of sadness he left him alone.

The day Zelda was to leave, she hugged her father hard and told him she would bring him a souvenir. Ganondorf had snorted and replied that the best gift she could give him was to come back happy and unharmed. Link took Epona with them and left Zelda in Mira's house, the family was busy moving their bags from their house to their horses and Link took advantage of this and slipped a bag full of rupees to Zelda.

Zelda took notice immediately of Link and squinted her eyes at him, "Dad already gave me money."

Link gave her an innocent smile and ruffled her hair, "Have fun, all right?"

Mira called Zelda over and Zelda breathed out a shaky breath, "Just... take care of dad."

"Count on it."

Zelda stared back at Link and pursed her lips. Link bent his knees slightly to get to her level and patted her arm, "Don't worry about anything but having fun out there, all right? I'll take care of everything over here."

As the horses left and Link waved his hand goodbye, he noticed Zelda turned back several times before getting lost in the distance.

⁂

Zelda wasn't used to people. And the amount of people she saw now was enough to make her dizzy.

"This isn't even much!" Mira laughed, and Zelda couldn't fathom more people around her. Although Zelda had promised herself that she would have fun and she would not think too much about her father or Link, this new environment, this amount of people, this amount of buzz made her miss her house immediately.

Mira took Zelda's hand and gave a squeeze, "Don't worry, I'll be right next to you." Zelda squeezed back and tried to enjoy being surrounded by so much movement. Uncle Pattrick and Aunt Lenora were talking with the innkeeper, trying to find their reservations and Mira had taken Zelda out to the street to let her see what was going on outside. "If it ever becomes too much we can always come back to the inn," she shared, "if you don't enjoy the festival we can always go to the library," she then remembered she didn't like reading very much, "or the garden!"

Zelda laughed at Mira's attempt at making her feel at ease and that was enough to make her feel more comfortable with her surroundings. Mira's hand didn't let go of her and Zelda remembered that she should also try to enjoy herself for her friend's sake.

After leaving their bags in their rooms and leaving the horses to the innkeeper, they walked to the village's square and had a look at this year's stalls. Mira, Uncle Pattrick and Aunt Lenora talked about which stalls they remembered, which had changed and which they would rather not visit again, Mira pointed towards a vending stall and wrinkled her nose, "Daddy ate there once and it was not pretty, I tell ya." Zelda lost herself in between the talk Mira had with her parents, the people coming and going all around her, the colours and the singing and dancing and the sellers shouting and the children shrieking and-

Mira squeezed her hand and when Zelda looked at her, Mira pointed up towards the sky, "Look! Isnt' it pretty!?"

Zelda raised her face and looked at a wooden statue of the three Goddesses gracefully posing to hold a golden Triforce. The statue was big and looked intrincate and hard to carve, the Goddesses wore satin looking clothes that billowed behind them and the Triforce -although obviously painted- somehow gave off an awe-inspiring feeling.

"Some people say it's the real Triforce," Mira shared and both giggled because it was obviously made of wood. "At night it's even more beautiful, just you wait."

Their walk back was even more packed and Zelda could still not believe more people were to come. After eating dinner at the inn Zelda though they would go to sleep, but Mira talked something with her mother and after receiving a nod she hastily took Zelda and walked outside. "Let's go explore."

Zelda frowned but ended up walking right behind Mira. They circled the inn and then circled the roads near the inn, although they were some ways away from the square the number of sellers was still quite large and Zelda couldn't help but buy some of the sweets they were offering. At some point Mira grabbed Zelda's arm and pointed to a group of children playing on the road, it was enough for Mira to look at Zelda to know what she wanted. Although nervous, although anxious, although restless, Zelda couldn't deny she felt excited, so she nodded back.

Mira did most of the talking. And they were accepted immediately into the group, as most of the children were also from neighboring villages and were eager to make more friends. As they presented themselves to the group, one kid opened his eyes like saucers when Zelda told them her name. The child stepped forwards, did an exaggerated motion with his hand and then bowed deeply.

"Princess!" he exclaimed, and there was a second of silence before a couple of other kids did the same, one girl giggled as she curtsied and Mira had to stiffle the laugh that overcame her.

Everyone else followed suit and after a while, Zelda joined in too. She remembered, Zelda was also the name of the lost princess of the Kingdom.

That was funny.

#the legend of zelda #zelink #linkxzelda #fanfic #fanfiction #link #zelda #ganondorf #when wisdom sleeps #ch.3 #Onwards we go!!

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