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aurathian · 3 years ago

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Life in a Dead World

My submission for @zelinkweek2021 day 5, prompt Domesticity: Family.

read it here on AO3!

When she gazes at the castle for the first time in one hundred years, when she takes her first good look at it in forever, she sees nothing but despair. Loss. She sees nothing but memories she once held dear, long dead and buried under the rubble. She sees nothing.

He is her guiding hand through this new, foreign world in which she is blind. The way he takes her hand ever so gently and leads her across the stepping stones of the future is comforting, but her steps are uneasy still.

“Zel,” someone calls. “Wake up.” A gentle shake rumbles her shoulder and she turns over to face the voice.

“I’m up,” she manages to say, though hoarsely, and wrenches her eyes open to meet Link’s face. He swipes a finger across her forehead, brushing back stray strands of her sunshine hair. Taking his time studying her face, his blue eyes dart around before settling on her lips. He places a chaste kiss upon them.

Most mornings spent in their house in Hateno Village were like this. She’d be woken up by him saying her name softly, like it’s a prayer, and he’d kiss her before rolling out of bed. He’d make them breakfast, something simple like eggs and rice, and then he would head out to the fields for work. She’d stay curled up inside, reading books on their bed and tinkering with whatever ancient scraps Link found on his adventures.

Zelda doesn’t really like the mornings. The sun rises and casts its bright rays on everything ugly in the world and the daytime forces her to face it. She remembers her last sunrise before the Calamity, though the memory is blurry and faded now. It was a quiet morning when she was sent on her way to the Spring of Wisdom to offer her final prayer to the Goddess Hylia, full of apprehension and fear—fears she fulfilled.

On this day, however, he makes pancakes topped with berries he had picked after work the day before. He serves her orange juice in one of the fancy glasses they reserve for company—though they never get visitors anyway—and sets the table nice, with placemats and flowers in the center.

“What’s the occasion?” she asks, finally lured downstairs by the sweet smells and clattering utensils. Sliding into the chair across from him, she takes up her fork and digs in.

“Nothing special,” he replies nonchalantly with a raise of his brows, but she can feel his gaze on her as he takes a sip of his own juice. Zelda is able to indulge in a few more bites of soft, buttery pancake before he speaks again.

“Will you come into town with me today?” he requests, his hand drifting across the table to gingerly grasp hers.

“That’s what the occasion is, then,” she mumbles bitterly. Her appetite is lost and she sets the fork down. “You know I can’t.”

The few times she stepped foot into Hateno Village, the few times she saw the faces of the men and women and children walking through town and living, she turned around and went back to their house on the edge of the village. Link would follow suit some time later and find her gripping the photo of them and the Champions, staining its glass cover with tears.

The village is bright and lively. He tries to make her see the good, but she is blinded by memories.

“Why not?” he prods, taking a step into where he’d never dared to go before, opening the door to her heart just a little more.

“You know why.” Her voice is shaky now. “When I look at them—when I see their faces, they… they remind me of the people I killed all those years ago.”

“You didn’t kill anyone.” His tone is the opposite of hers; certain and sure, and his foot is planted steady in the doorway now. Though his memories are few, they are vivid with color and life and they feel real each time he relives them, whether in his dreams or by traveling to the places he uncovered them in the first place.

“Killing isn’t just about who you strike with your blade, Link,” she scolds. “It’s about what you fail to do that causes their deaths.” Her hands rest now in her lap, leaving his empty and open atop the table. “In my case, I failed to awaken my power in time.”

“But they’re not the people you killed.”

“They look like ordinary citizens. People, innocent people, going about their lives. The very people affected by my incompetence.”

“But—”

“There is no reason for me to go into the village anyway.”

Link sits back in his chair. “Why?” he breathes. The door is closing and he’s fighting to keep it open now.

“Hyrule is dead,” Zelda says plainly. “It died long ago, with all those people. When I looked upon the castle, when we were traveling back here through ruin after ruin, I saw no life.”

“There’s life right outside our house,” he counters.

“We have experienced two different kingdoms, Link.” She stands from her chair and wanders to the stairs, fingers lingering over the banister. “You do not remember my Hyrule. In comparison, this land is dead.” The conversation is over. She walks up the stairs without a word and he can hear her shuffle into bed. Then, it’s silent.

—

He tries again the next morning. This time, he coaxes her outside with the promise of a morning spent picking the flowers growing in their yard. It’s peaceful and they can’t hear the sounds of Hateno Village from their quaint house across the bridge, and he watches her face as she plucks the white flowers from the ground. Her eyes are lidded and mouth curved into a small smile.

He wishes he could show those grass green eyes the beauty of the Hyrule he knows, from its snowy mountaintops to its humid jungles; wishes she could meet the people who helped him along his journey, the people he considers Champions of this new age.

When he’s accrued plenty of flowers in his basket, he calls out to her, “Hey Zel, come here!”

She crawls over, bringing her own basket alongside her. “What?”

“What do you want to do with all these flowers?”

She hums, then says, “I don’t know.” Pulling one out of her basket, she twirls it around by the stem.

“I was thinking we could go into the village and give them to the children,” he offers, standing up and holding out his hand.

“Is that what this was all about?”

“Well…”

She scowls, taking her basket and marching toward the house. He winces as the front door slams shut behind her.

Link, however, is persistent, and if he has anything, it’s the audacity. Every day he tries something new to get her to go into the village with him—getting water from the river, buying a new dress, even visiting Purah at the lab—but each attempt is turned down by her.

“I can do my own research right here from my bed,” she argues when he suggests visiting Purah. Never in his lifetime did he think he would witness Princess Zelda of Hyrule, ancient Sheikah tech extraordinaire and science nerd, turn down an opportunity to go study at a laboratory.

Then, one day, something strange happens. He leaves the house to go work in the fields like usual, bringing along a pitchfork and his lunch. He lets Zelda stay in the house to eat her breakfast and read her books. As he’s walking down the trail from his house, over the bridge and into the new developments that continue to creep ever closer to them, a hand grabs his sleeve.

“Zelda?” he asks when he sees her. “But I thought…”

“I don’t appreciate how often you tried to trick me,” she interjects, “but I did some thinking, and I want to try.”

He’s looking at her like she’s crazy, one eyebrow up and his mouth popped open.

“Please?” she begs.

Taking her hand into his, he nods, and together they walk into the village.

—

Zelda finds a comfortable spot on the edge of the well, legs dangling off the side and face shielded from the bright sun. She sits there, watching the children of the village run around and play, swinging at each other with sticks and throwing pebbles, while Link is off working in one of the farm fields. There are women behind the well gossiping a little loudly for her liking, but after a few hours she manages to tune them out.

One of the children approaches her grinning, missing teeth and all. Zelda’s world stops for a moment, forced to recall the faces of the children she aided in killing. She remembers running through Kakariko Village, drenched and dirty, and seeing the agonizing faces of the village youth while she desperately searched for Impa. She remembers the bodies—Goddesses, the bodies—both young and old, strewn across the cobblestone streets of Castle Town. Of all the memories she can visualize the best, it has to be that one.

“Hello, miss,” the child greets with a slight lisp.

Her world unpauses and she swallows hard, forcing herself to look into the child’s eyes. “Hello,” she replies.

“What’s your name? I’ve never seen you before.” There’s a booger under the child’s nose and a leaf in his hair.

“My name is Zelda.”

She’s staring at this child she’s never met before, with his big round eyes and missing teeth, and she pays special attention to the sound of his breath and the rise and fall of his chest. This child is alive, she knows, yet she can’t help but think of all the children whose blood stains her hands.

“Woah!” His eyes widen and his mouth drops open in shock. “Like the princess?”

“I suppose,” she sighs. In reality, she hates the title. It stings like a thorn even when it’s just an echo inside her head. Hearing the word forces her to recall the countless tales and rumors spread about her through the castle halls one hundred years ago, of her failures and incompetence.

“My mom has told me all sorts of stories about the princess! Like how pretty and nice she was.” Scowling, he crosses his arms. “Though my mom wasn’t alive then, so I don’t know how she knows that.”

“What are some other stories she’s told you?” Zelda raises a brow and leans in curiously. Does her memory survive on a different breath in this new Hyrule? For all intents and purposes, she doesn’t recognize herself from one hundred years ago as truly her. When people speak of the princess, they speak of a woman long dead.

“I don’t remember all of them, but she’s behind the well you’re sitting on. You could ask her.”

She glances back and winces. “Um, I think I’d rather have you tell me.” Zelda hops off the edge of the well and kneels down in front of the child. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Nebb,” he says. “Say, I don’t remember much about the princess, but I can tell you about this one guy I know.”

“Sure,” she replies, sitting on the ground next to Nebb.

“There was this traveler who came by our village a lot,” he begins, “and I asked him to show me a ton of weapons! I don’t know how he was able to find all of them, though. I think he lives in the old house outside of town.”

Zelda hums, resting her head in her hands. She thinks of Link, of the various weapons on display in their house, and there’s no doubt in her mind that she knows exactly who Nebb is talking about.

“I might know him,” she says.

“Really?” Nebb shouts. “He’s so cool, isn’t he? I’ve seen him totally demolish the Bokoblins that come too close to the village before.”

“He’s very cool,” she agrees, trailing off as a little girl approaches them. “And who is this?”

“I’m Narah!” says the little girl. “This is my brother.” She gestures to Nebb and he groans before running away to go play.

“Well, Narah, I’m Zelda.”

“I like to talk,” Narah states. “Ask me some questions!”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. You’re the one asking them.”

Zelda can’t help but laugh. It’s a bright and healthy laugh, one that enraptures Link as he approaches her, sweaty from a day in the field.

“Someone’s enjoying herself,” he chuckles, helping Zelda stand from the ground. Narah gets bored with the attention no longer on her and chases after her brother.

“The children are very sweet,” Zelda admits. “Apparently people share stories about me.”

“They do,” he says. “They’re nothing like the stories you heard all those years ago.”

“What do you mean?”

Her steps as they walk back to the house are more confident, and her grip on his hand is sure.

“I know how people talked about you back then, Zelda. I figured it out through my memories.” He pushes the door open for her, setting his pitchfork against the outside wall before stepping inside. “But these people… they look up to you. You’re a beacon of light to them.”

“But I didn’t do the one thing I was supposed to,” she argues. “They don’t look up to me. They look up to the princess of a century ago.”

“They know you as that princess—that princess who valiantly sacrificed herself to the Calamity to prevent it from reaching their homes. You are what kept Hyrule alive all this time.”

“I’m not a princess anymore,” she mumbles, climbing up the stairs. “It’s just Zelda now. Besides, they don’t even know I’m her. We are two different people now, Link.”

He says nothing, only steps up to the kitchen counter and rummages through the cupboard.

“What do you want for dinner?”

—

She ventures into Hateno Village with him every day now, sitting at her usual spot along the edge of the well and talking to the village children. They are healing, she finds, with their wide smiles and innocent, naive eyes. After some days, she starts playing with them, chasing them around the village and tossing balls back and forth.

She would give anything to go back in time and have the childhoods they have. To frolic in the outdoors, to have both parents, to play and wish and dream and be a child. If Zelda wasn’t so wary of the statues of the Goddess Hylia, she would pray at them once more, pray for a real childhood.

One day, she finally talks to the mothers behind the well. Or, rather, they talk to her.

“Miss,” one of them prods, “why do you come watch our children everyday?”

“Oh, um.” Zelda fiddles with her fingers. “They’re very sweet.”

The women exchange strange glances. “You’re not trying to snatch up my little boy, are you?”

“No! Of course not, no,” Zelda hastily replies. “Nebb introduced himself to me. I enjoy playing with the children.”

The women still aren’t satisfied, and she can tell, so she asks, “What’s it like to be a mother?”

“Oh, it’s something, alright,” the woman with her brown hair tied up groans. “Every day is a struggle. Wake up, get ready, yes, you do have to finish all your veggies!”

Zelda smiles a little but wonders if it is really so much of a struggle to gossip behind the well every day.

“But there are times where I relish it,” the other one pipes up. “My children gave me a purpose when I had none.” A dreamy look casts itself upon her eyes. “They are my pride and joy, as difficult as they can be. My guiding lights, so to speak.”

And something clicks inside Zelda’s mind.

Link picks her up again at the well, sweaty and hot and tired as he normally is after a long day of moving hay and harvesting crops, and as they walk over the bridge to their house she stops him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looks over to her, frowning with concern.

“Link, I want a child,” she states, and his jaw drops.

Normally, he would try to keep her out of bed for as long as possible. That night, however, he wastes no time in helping her into it.

And so their life continues on exactly like that—days spent working or playing with the village children, rubbing her belly in the hopes she may have one too, nights spent panting in bed, kissing, hot and sweaty and intimate. They’re not strangers to making love, but they are new to doing so with a purpose.

Zelda is suspicious when she misses her period, but what solidifies her hypothesis is when she wakes up one morning with a sick feeling in her stomach before leaping out of bed and rushing outside to dispose of last night’s dinner all over the grass. Link awakens only moments later, finding her outside hunched over and gripping one of the house’s posts. He holds her hair back while she retches some more.

“Zelda…?”

She can only look back at him and smile, nearly laughing with joy, before jumping up to hug him.

“I still don’t get it,” he says while she peppers kisses all over his face.

“Link, I missed my period a while ago,” she explains, finding her footing on the grass. “And feeling sick in the morning, throwing up… do you not know what it means?”

His face contorts in thought, eyebrows furrowed and nose scrunched. His blue eyes drift off to something in the distance as he racks his brain for a possible conclusion.

Zelda whispers into the ear of her lover, “I’m pregnant.”

She can’t see his face light up because he hugs her so tight she’s struggling to breathe, but she lets it happen. Her wish, her one prayer she had ever bothered to offer to the Goddess after the defeat of the Calamity, comes true.

—

The nine months go by like a breeze, her bump growing week by week, having to stay home and rest more often because of it, but she’s happy. She spends her evenings in the rocking chair Link constructed for her, singing to her belly as she rubs it with her soft hands. Her cravings get weirder, too. One week, she’s asking for delicious fruitcake, and the next, she’s asking for soup but instead of meat, it’s monster parts.

Still, Link obliges, going out and picking (or slaying) whatever he needs to to satisfy her. Eventually, the doctor they visit in the village has to start coming to them when it becomes too backbreaking for Zelda to walk, and by some will of the Goddess, the doctor is present when she goes into labor on a rainy autumn morning.

Even as she’s pushing and screaming and grunting, Zelda thinks Hylia must be apologizing, because according to the doctor, it was one of the easiest deliveries he’s ever assisted with. He hands Zelda her baby, wailing and wriggling, small and pale, with a head of soft, thin hair, colored like Link’s. The doctor leaves them alone, lingering downstairs in case anything else needs to be done.

Link kneels by the bedside, watching as Zelda coos at the baby and pokes at her tiny hands. “What will we name her?” she asks him.

“Do you have any ideas?”

She hums, but her eyes never leave the baby. “I would like to name her Impa,” she says.

“I think that’s a great name.” His voice is a whisper now, quiet and hushed as he marvels at the sight of Zelda and their child, and for the first time in a long while, his beloved’s green eyes shine once more.

She smiles down at her baby, because even in a Hyrule she thought long dead, new life still prospers.

#zelink week 2021 #zelink #botw #zelda #link #breath of the wild

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oceanera12 · 4 years ago

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Linked Wilderness (Part 3)

Part 1

Part 2

Wild get’s the present of his sister. And then she gives him a present.

Alright! This is the last focus on Wild I SWEAR. You are not the only boy I need to make suffer.

It was a week since her brother and traveling buddies had left, when she got the letter. How she got said letter was a mystery in itself (mail had been a bit spotty since the Calamity), and she had no idea how it was coming through time but there it was!

The letter was short and sweet.

“Rhea, Wind told me that I need to start writing you. I told him I do not know if these will even find you, but the postman hasn’t failed us yet so here we go. Things have been pretty quiet with us. Killed a few moblins, but nothing too major. I hope you are well. Wild Link”

Rhea felt like jumping for joy. She hurriedly wrote a response.

...before realizing she had no idea how to mail it to him.

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Wild was surprised when the postman arrived with two letters for him. One was from Flora. The other was Rhea’s. Wild opened it very carefully, Twilight on one side and Wind on the other.

“Dear Link, Normally, I would ask how a letter from you reached me here. But with everything I heard during your visit, I suppose it is not the craziest thing I have heard. Or seen. I am doing well, thank you for your concern. The neighbors brought me an apple pie yesterday. I shared it with Epona.”

Twilight scoffed. “You two spoil that horse.”

“And you don’t?”

“Just read, cub.”

“I found myself wandering outside the village the other day. Do not worry, I stayed away from Guardians and hid whenever monsters came by. I know how to take care of myself. It was quite peaceful. I see why you enjoy traveling. I am placing this note on my doorstep, along with a baked apple. However your letter arrived, I hope this one will find its way to you. Rhea.”

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“Rhea, Twilight is very disappointed in you for sharing the pie. I cannot say the same because I would do the same thing. Wind wants me to ask about any embarrassing stories from my childhood. I would prefer to hear the not so embarrassing ones. Link.”

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“Dear Link, To prevent Wind’s temper, I will share one of each. When you were five years old, you climbed a tree as high as you could. And then you were too afraid to climb down. Father would not help you down. He told you that you had to conquer your fears. You were stuck up there until the sun started to go down. And then you jumped out of the tree with a korok leaf. To this day, I still do not know how you did not die, or even break a bone. The first time you ever taught me to cook, you showed me how to make baked apple. I had difficulty with it and ended up burning most of the apples. By the end of our lesson we had one “good” apple. The rest were a dry, burned, lump. We ended up sharing the good one. I thought I would tell you that monster activity has started to go down the past week or so. Not enough for people to travel, but enough to notice. So whatever infection is spreading through the monsters, it does not seem to be here. Rhea.”

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“Rhea, Your last letter earned me a scolding from both Time and Twilight about my reckless nature. Wind and Legend could not stop laughing for ten minutes. Wind would like more stories. I am resigned to whatever my fate is. I am happy to hear you do not have to deal with the infected. They are rather a pain. Link” P.S.- The postman will arrive soon so I do not have a lot of time. I finished this letter last night. In my dreams I remembered baking apples with you. You used to wear a bright pink dress, right? It had a white flower design.

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“Dear Link, Yes, I did wear a pink dress with white flowers. I must admit, when I read you remembered something about me, I felt very happy. I know you cannot control what you can and cannot remember. But I cannot stop the hope of you remembering more. Call me selfish, but I want you to have a family you can remember. If not ours, then the current one you are in. I do not know if you remember Fenton, your old Knight friend. He was a year or so younger then you and wanted to be a knight in the service to the king. But he was born with one leg twisted so badly, it is impossible for him to walk long distances. You still taught him the best you could in swordplay and archery. The reason I bring him up is he just got married this past week. The girl is not from Hateno so no need to worry yourself on her. I went hunting and found a deer for their wedding feast (and also my present to the happy couple). Your sister, Rhea.”

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“Dear Rhea, You must be wondering why I have not written in over a month. The answer is complicated. To keep it short, let’s just say I am having quite the adventure. My dreams have been a lot of memories lately. It took a bit, but I remembered Fenton... at least, I remembered a memory with Fenton. I remember teaching him archery and thinking he was quite good. If only the army had let him try, I am sure he could have made an excellent archery captain. Then again, it is probably for the best he missed the war. The likelihood of him surviving the Guardians would be very low and then we would not be talking about his wedding. I remembered something with you, a few nights back. You woke me up from my dreams because of a nightmare. I let you sleep with me so you knew that the monsters would not get you. It felt familiar. Did that happen a lot? Your brother, Link”

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“Dear Link, Yes, I had many nightmares and you let me sleep with you when I was afraid. I am embarrassed to say that I still wake up afraid. I have the remains of an old cloak of yours and use it as a blanket, during those nights. It is falling apart now, but I cannot bear to throw it away. The monster’s are increasing again. I had to take out a few that came too close to the village. Fenton helped from a distance. He still in an excellent shot and one of the best archers in town (excluding me, of course). Your sister, Rhea”

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“Rhea, I remembered mother last night. She was showing me how to make bread in the coals of a fire. She was also coughing a lot. Link. P.S.- I am sending you another one of my cloaks to replace the old one.”

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“Dear Link, Mother died from an illness the doctors did not know how to treat. She was sick for the last year of her life, with the last few months being bedridden. She loved you very much and would be proud of you today. I know that I am. Thank you for the cloak. I will take it with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life. Love, Rhea.”

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“Dear Rhea, This letter has a surprise for you on the next page. I hope you like it. Four, Warriors, and I almost burned down a forest yesterday. Time and Twilight were not happy. It helped me remember that time I almost burned down the house. Father and Mother were not pleased with me. Or you. You had something to do with it, didn’t you? Love, Link.”

“To Rhea, Sister of the Champion We never got to meet, to my deepest regrets. I am writing to thank you for your sacrifices to the kingdom of Hyrule. I am sorry that I was unable to stop the Calamity from claiming your brother and father from you. I am also sorry you will never get to see the land free from the Calamity. I am sending a picture I have of your brother from the Sheikah Slate. It is not much, but I pray that having an image of him will help you remember him for who he is. Link mentioned that he ran into you on his current adventure. It is fascinating that these portals not only travel between different worlds but also times. I wish I could study them, but alas, Link has forbade me from getting near them. Apologies, I got off track. Along with the photo, I am sending 500 rupees. Link is not happy with this gift, but I insisted upon it. Please use it for whatever you wish. Rhea... you did make a difference to Link. I am grateful for your help, past and future. I thank you for your devotion to the kingdom. At your service, Princess Zelda”

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“Dear Link, Please thank the Princess for the letter, photo, and the rupees. I confess, I was actually in dire need of some. My bow is getting old and I know it is going to break soon. Weapons are not cheap in these times. And before you get any ideas, you are not sending me any of your bows. I already bought one from a traveling Rito. The remaining rupees I gave to Fenton and his wife. He confided to me that his wife is expecting. I am very excited for them. As for almost burning of the house down: I have no idea what you mean. I certainly had nothing to do with it. And nothing will get me to say otherwise. Link, I am leaving you something under the floorboards of the house. Consider it a final gift from your little sister. All my love, Rhea.”

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“Dear Rhea, I do not know when I will be home in my time again, but I will be sure to stop by the house. I look forward to seeing your gift. I remembered something. I think it was the last day we spent with Mother and Father. We had a picnic outside. Father carried Mother to the blanket and we spent the day playing games and making food. When night came, we looked at the stars and we fell asleep hugging Mother. When we woke up, she was home in the sky. Love, Link”

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Dear Rhea, It has been a week since my last letter and I am still waiting your response. But I thought I would share with you that I remembered the last time I saw you. Before the Calamity. I will not remind you of that day’s events. But I will tell you that I was very sad to leave you and Father. I hope Hylia will unite us again on the journey. If not, then I am grateful I was able to see you again. Love, Link”

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Dear Rhea, It has been almost a month since your last letter. Is everything alright in Hateno? Last night, I made everyone Mother’s stew. I remembered the recipe... or at least most of it. Call it my version, I suppose. Wind would like me to ask you for more embarrassing stories. Please write soon. Love, Link

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Rhea, I am getting worried. You still have not written back. It has been over a month now. Please let me know that you are okay. Link

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Dear Rhea, The postman has informed me that my letters have not moved from the porch of the house. He has returned them to me, with the promise that he is looking for where you are now. Rhea, I am scared. Please let me know you are okay. Your brother, Link.

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The moment Wild’s slate began to ping, Wild pulled it out and quickly tapped a few things. “I’m teleporting to Hateno. Any objections?”

No one did. Time pointed at the nearby stable. “We’ll stay there for the night. If you are not back by morning, we will be coming after you.”

“Agreed.” Wild tapped a few more things before vanishing in a trail of blue ribbons.

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The house looked exactly how he left it. Wild didn’t know why he expected any differently. It took him five tries to find the right floorboard under the stairs. A dried flower laid on top of a sealed envelope. The now familiar handwriting had scribbled, “To Link,” across the front.

Wild sat back right there on the floor and tore the seal off.

“Dear Link, If you are reading this, then I am not here. Truth is, I will not be coming back to this home. Most likely for the rest of my days, however long that may be. I have been thinking a lot about you. Ever since the Princess’s letter, my thoughts have been drawn to you. More specifically, where you are in my time. Right now.”

Wild stared at the page, his dread starting to grow.

“That is why, tomorrow morning, I am leaving Hateno.”

“No...” Wild gasped aloud. His grip tightened on the paper.

“Fenton and the others are more than capable of protecting this place. I am sure that the Shrine of Resurrection is guarded well, but I would feel much better if I was there as well. In a few days, I will be finding my way up the Great Plateau. Perhaps I will see the ghost of the King. Perhaps not. Either way, when you wake up in a hundred years, I will be near.”

Wild let out a broken sob. Tears began to fall onto the paper, blurring both his vision and ink.

“You protected me all of my life. Now it is time for me to protect you.”

’No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,’ Wild shook his head, praying this was just a bad dream.

“Besides, you have to find an empty house when you wake up. Otherwise, you will not find this letter.”

“Rhea, please don’t...” Wild begged, despite the fact this had happened a hundred years in the past. Nothing he said could change it.

“You may never remember me. You may never remember our family. But always remember that I love you, big brother. That is something that I will never forget. All my love for all my life, Your little sister, Rhea.”

Wild flipped the page over, desperate for more. He searched the floor boards for another note that might have been left. Nothing.

He bent his head and wept.

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Personally, I think Rhea survived on the plateau for at least five years. She probably got killed by the Lynel. And if you thought this would be a happy ending-- HA! Hylia was nice enough to let Link remember his family. She’s not kind enough to let him keep it.

And if you thought that was sad, just imagine Rhea wrapped in her brother’s cloak, clutching her broken weapon, and facing her death. Her last thoughts are to the comatose brother that she was hoping to see one last time. But she knew he would see her. And that was all that mattered to her.

Up next: Uh... Sky is the plan but Four is starting to scratch at my brain so we’ll just have to see.

#linked universe #lu au #linked universe wild #wild linked universe #wild #link wild #link #wild link #fanfic #wild's sister #link's sister #technically angst #eh #not super happy with the ending #but it was getting long #and three parts is more than enough #sorry wild!

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loruleanheart · 4 years ago

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Desired Fate, Chapter 11

Read on FF.net

Read on AO3

Fireflies glided through the air like green-yellow orbs of light. Zelda was grateful for the comfortably humid evening air of Damel Forest, welcoming it against her skin.

She, along with Link and Impa, approached the entrance to the Spring of Courage, which was marked by the wide-open maw of a stone dragon, carved by an ancient tribe in the distant past. Zelda pushed ahead of Link and Impa, ascending the stone steps and moving towards the spring at the end of the walkway, eager to get this whole ordeal out of the way.

Fallen leaves floated in the ankle-deep, crystal clear waters of the spring. Zelda looked back momentarily at her companions. Link had stopped some distance away and had his back turned to them, guarding the two women should monsters encroach on Zelda’s duty at the spring.

Impa gestured for Zelda to get in, giving her a reassuring smile. “Everything is going to work out.”

Zelda hung her head slightly. She made her way over the last bit of the walkway where it started to space apart, carefully balancing herself as she navigated the stepping stones. She began her prayers aloud, watching the water ripple out from her as she waded through the water.

“I will do whatever I can, as I am right now. Even if all I have to give is my faith that things will work out. This is the thread I have been following all this time.” Zelda hated the worn-down quality of her voice.

She came to a stop, directing her attention to the towering Hylia statue in front of her, and she absentmindedly wondered which had been carved first: the monument to the dragon Farosh or Hylia.

She stared up at the goddess statue. It had a simple smile carved onto its face, and Zelda couldn’t help but feel a tinge of irritation. It was almost like it was mocking her, as silly as that sounded.

She was already quite exhausted just from the journey itself. And there was a terrible ache in her heart, weighing her down.

What's wrong with me? Am I not enough or am I just a joke to you?

And Zelda can almost hear the statue whisper back. “It’s because you’re not trying hard enough... You’ve got a poor attitude... It’s because you’re wrong. It’s because you’re impure, not holy like all the royal girls of the past. You’re a stain…”

Every real or imagined slight she’s ever endured came to mind and she broke. Zelda unclasped her hands, letting them fall to her sides. “I can’t… I can’t do this…”

“Princess Zelda?” Impa’s concerned voice called out from the edge of the spring. “Why don’t you take a moment of rest before you continue.”

“But we just got here…” Zelda replied, a little embarrassed that she had lost her composure so soon.

The silent knight turned to give Impa and Zelda a pitying look but said nothing.

Impa clasped her hands, a look of resolve dawning in her eyes. “Okay, I want you to try this. You say whatever’s on your mind and know that there is nothing you can say that will make us think less of you. You can get whatever it is off your chest, and then you can try again with a clear mind. Need to scream and rage? Want to gush about something you love? Anything. No judgment.”

Zelda gave Impa a strange look. This was the most unorthodox suggestion.

“It works for Purah when she gets stuck in her research.” Impa nodded for Zelda to at least give it a try.

“All of the research into the relics - if I cannot awaken to my power -will have been in vain. Impa, you are carrying out your duties with such grace, just as much as Link and the Champions. I am the only one who cannot live up to her own potential...”

“I didn’t ask you to self-flagellate, and there’s no need to butter me up. I’m asking you to air your rawest and darkest thoughts and emotions. Come on, give the goddess a confession that will make her proud.”

“I don’t have anything to confess.” Zelda choked out defensively. If she didn’t know any better, she would have thought Purah had used a glamor spell to impersonate Impa. Zelda bit her lower lip, knowing there was no use trying to fool her closest friend and royal aide. “Well, I…” She took a steadying breath. “If you must know…. I can’t help but -”

The Princess’s expression went lifeless, being frozen in place as she was enveloped by a transparent dome characterized by a familiar feverish pink glow and constellations.

“Your Highness!” Impa yelled, noticing with alarm that Zelda’s eyes were glassy, the irises a faded green as if they were viewing something beyond their perception. Her lips were slightly parted as if in surprise.

Link quickly closed the distance between him and Impa, helping the Sheikah woman in her attempt to dispel the magical barrier holding the princess, but it was no use.

Impa pressed anxiously against the dome. “Is this the power? Please tell me it’s the power…” Impa’s voice went up an octave, although already knowing this was a ridiculous conclusion.

Link shook his head, pounding on the barrier with a look of desperation in his eyes.

Zelda’s eyes focus on the Prophet of Doom. They are both standing within an expansive luminous pink dome with its constellations creeping across its surface. Outside the dome, there is nothing but darkness. He’s not facing her, but he looks like he’s waiting for her. Zelda gives a sigh of longing, relieved that he is still alive. He is the one who consumes most of her thoughts. He was the first person she thought of when she woke up in the morning and the last she’d think about before she fell asleep. He had summoned her for some reason, and her heart skips a beat wondering what he could want. He’s not facing her, but he looks like he’s waiting for her.

“Good evening, your Highness...” There’s something about the tone of his voice that sets her at ease. It’s far less antagonistic.

Astor turns to her, and she’s not sure what to make of his expression, but it’s different from the way he looked at her before. She can feel his eyes on her, and she doesn’t move to cover herself, letting his gaze fall over her. His pale complexion does nothing to hide a massive bruise on his cheek, and Zelda’s hand goes to her chest.

Astor’s fidgeted with his hood, trying to hide his face from her. “Oh… You’re wondering how I came to be in such a sorry state? A certain Princess ordered her champions to attack the Yiga Hideout and Kohga’s right hand took exception to that…”

“I did no such thing! I was trying to protect you. I begged you to stay, but you wouldn’t listen.”

“Hmph! It is not befitting for you to fear for my safety. I have seen the future and you have not. I am far more powerful than a mere Yiga footsoldier. Ganon would not allow me to fall, for I have his resurrection and victory to ensure.

Zelda recognizes doubt in his voice, she has heard the same pained inflections in her own prayers.

“Ganon’s chosen or not, you are mortal. I can’t imagine Ganon to be a merciful master who would revive you if you were to fall. Did Ganon even punish those who did this to you?”

Astor didn’t answer, her point having landed.

“So… What are you going to do now?”

The question catches Astor off guard, but he responds with what comes naturally and makes him most comfortable, not ready to feel disloyal to Lord Ganon. “Continue my purpose without them, of course, and when the Calamity returns the Yiga Clan will face the full brunt of Lord Ganon’s wrath.”

“Just tell me… Does my seventeenth birthday mark the return of Calamity Ganon? Is it true?”

Astor nods, giving her a taunting smile, “It is fated by Lord Ganon himself, so you won’t awaken your power in time to stop the Calamity.” He doesn’t know why he persists in torturing this poor girl; not being able to help but fight against Hylia’s plan for him, set in his devotion to Ganon.

“Then… I’ll just have to go to the Spring of Wisdom early. I don’t care if I get in trouble or what happens to me as a result - if my father wants to punish me, that's fine. At least no one could say I didn’t try… not even him.” Zelda thought back to what Impa said, but she wasn’t confessing her most personal thoughts to Hylia, she was telling them to Astor.

“Naughty Naughty... Breaking Lanayru’s decree, are you? Nice try, Your Highness, but you don’t stand a chance of holding back the Calamity, even by going up to Mount Lanayru prematurely.” Astor couldn’t help but admire her devotion to her duty. Perhaps she wasn’t that different from him.

The princess sighs. “Maybe you are what’s wrong with me.” A sad, introspective expression crosses the princess's features. “You… being the reason I can’t find my power… Does that give you some satisfaction?”

Astor blinks. Was she even listening to him? It is like she is in her own little world as she looks at him… And Astor knows he has already lost to her. He is overcome at how vulnerable and beautiful she is at that moment, and he is stunned into silence by her admission. He had summoned her to shake her companions to the core and make a show of his power, or at least that is what he convinced himself of to not feel like a failure before Lord Ganon for wanting to see her so badly, but it is the princess who breaks down all his defenses with her words and her gaze. He can see the weariness and desire in her eyes. A Desire for him?

“What do you want from me? Why did you bring me here?” She asks.

“I- I don’t know…” He says, sounding… afraid? Zelda’s heart melts. Was she actually getting through to him?

“Astor… I hope you will allow me to give you what Calamity Ganon cannot…”

The seer panics, losing all control of the illusion, and the dome that held them shatters violently. Zelda screams, shielding her eyes as she reaches out for him.

Zelda blinked a few times and then looked to Impa and Link with surprise. “Oh…”

“Your Highness, you’re not hurt are you?”

It takes her a moment to fully come to. “Oh no, I’m fine,” she said, managing a melancholy smile. “I… I think I’m ready to continue.”

Link and Impa exchanged suspicious looks.

“Wait a minute. Aren’t you going to tell us what that was?” Impa demanded.

“Oh… That was… Astor.” Zelda said, trying to keep her voice serious in tone, although not being able to hold back a dreamy look in her eye.

“What? That was him? He didn’t hurt you, did he? What did he say?”

“Calm down, Impa. I’m fine, really,” Said Zelda, gently.

They stayed for about an hour more. The Princess eventually grew increasingly exhausted from her training and the group returned to Hyrule Castle.

After a day of rest, Zelda proceeded to the Spring of Power in Akkala, once again going through the motions of what was expected of her.

Her seventeenth birthday was closing in. She was growing more and more disillusioned by the day, although not willing to give up.

Zelda recalled when she’d first began her training at the age of seven. Urbosa had accompanied her to this spring during the winter months. The idea was to push her mind and body to the limit by standing in freezing cold water, and she had done just that for hours growing weaker and weaker. Urbosa had rescued her when she noticed the young girl begin to sway. Zelda had become very ill from that incident.

Now she stood in that same spring nearly a decade later, although thankfully it was a much warmer time of year.

Would prayer really awaken her power? She was questioning it more and more these days.

She thought of her mother, trying to recall memories that were growing dull with age.

Mother promised that her own power would develop within me… But she was wrong…

It was becoming harder and harder to return to the castle unsuccessful, mostly because her father was looking at her like she had disappointed him.

When she returned from the Spring of Power, King Rhoam issued the decree to evacuate Hyrule Castle Town, instructing his citizens to take shelter in villages that were furthest away from Hyrule Castle.

Zelda went to her chambers and collapsed into her bed, quickly falling asleep.

Zelda looks out over what she assumes to be the Spring of Wisdom, which is completely taken over by gelatinous red-purple matter... Malice. And she sees the eyes, like the one she saw in The Lost Woods; like the jewelry Astor wears to signify his role as Calamity Ganon’s chosen, that stare up at her as she calmly steps into the malice, wading through the waist-deep, undulating plasma.

She stands there a moment in silence, just accepting the state of things, and then she perceives a light growing above her. She looks up to see the goddess… Or at least the same woman from her dream before, the same one she had seen playing a harp and singing silently, as Zelda could not hear her voice.

The goddess was looking right at her, trying to speak to her, but again, no matter how urgently she spoke the goddess was silent. Zelda focused, trying to read her lip movements.

“Wake up” or “Don’t give up.” That was what she seemed to be saying. “Go now!”

#Astor #Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity #Age of Calamity #HWAOC #Zelast

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nolongerapileofashprobably · 6 years ago

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After the hero and the princess reunite (or after they really don’t?)

Zelda was pacing in Impa’s home. The elder sat on her pillows, and seemed to be amused with her nervousness.

But Zelda couldn’t help it. After she and Link defeated Ganon and sealed him away, they had merely embraced before departing to Kakariko Village. When she asked if he remembered her, he simply smiled and hugged her.

But that wasn’t an answer, right? He would say something to her? She’s watched his journey since he woke up, so she knows he’s much more talkative now than he was. Perhaps it was her? Maybe he didn’t miss her, but rather assisted her so Ganon’s impending victory would never become a reality? Everything could have been to fulfill his role. He had no reason to stay with her now, especially with all his new friends across Hyrule.

Maybe being the Princess’ knight wasn’t what he wanted anymore. Maybe being her friend wasn’t something he wanted. Maybe this was all out of professional courtesy. He was the hero of legend. She was the princess with the Goddess’ blood running through her veins. They didn’t need to talk, let alone be friends. As long as they did what fate has already spelled out for them, everything else didn’t matter.

But she wanted to talk to Link. She wanted to tell him of everything, talk to him about their past, discuss the possibilities of a future. She wanted to get everything off her chest, apologize for making him sacrifice himself for a girl who couldn’t access her powers in time.

But as they rode to Kakariko Village, he was silent. He seemed to have reverted back to the stoic knight he had always been. She couldn’t tell if he missed her. Or if he remembered her.

Oh Hylia, what if he never even remembered her? Never remembered the nights they shared after a long day of scouting. Talking softly around a cozy fire, sharing the single blanket since they always seemed to forget the second one. Or the time he lectured her on not blaming herself, that day at the Spring of Power. The time where he took her hand and squeezed it before she went to the Spring of Courage. The time he held her tightly after she broke down in tears after her father had scolded her. The time he guided her to show how she should calm her horse, soft words in her ear explaining that Storm has to trust her first.

Perhaps he forgot the day in the field, where he had burst out laughing after she tried to get him to eat that damn frog. Or the night after the Yiga attack, where they stayed up until the odd hours of the morning talking things out. Or the day near Death Mountain, when he finally opened up to her. Or the journal he had personally decorated and added fun little quotes in every page. How he handed it to her on her birthday, right before they left for Mount Lanayru. How she almost cried when he did, making her hug him right outside her bedroom doors. Or the nights he spent whenever she was staying up too late studying ancient texts.

Maybe he didn’t remember that day. That dreaded day where everything changed. How he screamed her name when he realized he couldn’t win without the Divine Beasts on their side. Or how he found her in the library, clutching her father’s body. How he knelt down for the first time, took her face in his hands, and told her that he was going to get her out of this alive. How he kissed her forehead and apologized for everything. How she numbly got up and took his hand. How they miraculously made their way out of the castle and through Hyrule field.

Maybe he didn’t remember when she fell. When he decided it was more important to help her emotionally than keep running for their lives. When he held her for those few, precious moments. When he whispered reassuring words and told her that he wouldn’t give up. When he told her that she shouldn’t either. Or when they were in that blasted field. When the Guardians were swarming around them. When her power finally awoke. Maybe he didn’t know that her love for him is what triggered her power to finally activate.

She wanted to talk to Link. Her best friend. The boy she loves with her entire heart. The one she clutched as she thought he would die. The one she sent to the shrine, giving every last ounce of hope that he would hang on until he had arrived. The one she waited 100 years for. The one who conquered the Calamity.

He was different now. She knew that. But aren’t they both? Hadn’t they both been through so much that the mere thought of themselves 100 years ago doesn’t mean the same thing?

“My dear, for someone who just restored peace to Hyrule, you seem a little tense.”

Impa’s calming voice broke her out of her thoughts, bringing reality back to the frame. She smiled at the elder, but they both knew it was forced.

“I don’t think Link remembers me,” Zelda confessed, her tone distraught at the mere thought. “Or if he wants to. Impa, what if Link doesn’t want to be near me? I am the reason all of our friends are dead.”

Impa sighed, shaking her head slowly and beckoned her closer. As soon as Zelda did so, she held out a fragile hand, letting Zelda to take it gently.

“My sweet girl, you were always too hard on yourself.” Impa told her, and when Zelda opened her mouth to respond, the old woman shook her head. “Now, now, you know it’s true. I remember the day that boy walked in here, without a memory to his name. Did you know he was committed to saving you and hearing your instructions immediately after I told him of them? One of the first things he did was try and remember you. I told him that he may remember things if he went to those locations on the Sheikah Slate. He came back a day later. I know your insecurities get the best of you, but believe me when I tell you that remembering you was the first thing he wanted to do.”

Zelda smiled, but she still couldn’t get it to be genuine. Impa wouldn’t lie to her, but what was the actual truth? Only Link could tell her and he hadn’t spoken to her since they defeated Calamity Ganon.

Right now, he was with Cado and Dorian, apparently keeping back a bunch of people from bathing into the home.

Maybe people were excited she was back, after all this time.

She looked at the double doors, her lips settling back into a frown as she thought about the one person who didn’t seem excited.

Maybe his time in the Shrine of Resurrection really did it’s toll. Maybe Link had his memories but any feelings he had from 100 years ago never came back. He shouldered so much back then, so maybe her presence brought back the need to stay quiet.

Oh Hylia, she hoped that wasn’t it.

“Just go talk to him, Zelda.” Impa told her, the exasperation clear in the elder’s tone.

Just as Zelda opened her mouth to respond, thinking about how it wasn’t that simple, the door opened to reveal both Link and Paya. The latter seemed to be out of breath, while Link watched her with a raised eyebrow.

He caught her stare, but tore his eyes from hers to look at Impa.

“I don’t know if you realized, but the crowd of Sheikah has turned into an entire mob out of citizens.” He informed Impa, opening his mouth to say something else but Paya stood up straight and beat him to it.

“Grandmother, there are Zora’s and Gerudo’s gathering, as well.” Paya said, taking another deep breath before continuing. “Link swears he saw some Rito in the hills. They aren’t listening to anyone. We had to fight our way back up.”

All three of them turned to Impa, who was chucking and shaking her head. Was this funny?

“My dear princess, it seems the world is awaiting your return.” Impa said, smiling wildly. Zelda blanched at her next words. “I’ll go warm them up for you. Paya, can you help your old grandmother up?”

“135 is not old.” Paya told her firmly, but nonetheless helped Impa up. As the two made their way past her, Impa winked at her, as Link held the door open. 100 year later or not, he still had manners.

“There aren’t that many people out there, right?” Zelda asked, eyes wide with realization. She had spent the last 100 years fighting the embodiment of evil. Even though that fight was over, she still had to take on the task of rebuilding an entire entire. One she helped destroy.

Link nodded, shutting the doors, before actually looking at her. The fear must have been clear on her features, because his softened as he actually spoke to her.

“Hey, don’t be scared. These people already idolize you, all you have to do for right now is show them you’re actually alive.”

Her lips were pressed in a thin line, as she focused on the door. “Even if they think I’m an impostor? How do you know they even remember me as the Princess who saved Hyrule? My cursed powers are the same reason it fell in the first place.”

He took a step towards her, and she noticed he had changed from the Champion’s Tunic into a more basic, white travelers garb. When did he find the time to change? “If I can remember who you really are, after having my memories completely wiped, I think Hyrule will too. For the most part, they see me as the Hylian Champion, not a knight who failed to do the one thing he was destined to do. Well, in that time at least.”

Zelda’s breath hitched in her throat, hearing Link’s words. “You remember me? Not just Princess Zelda? But me?”

Confusion spread across his face, until he realized what she was asking. He walked towards her, a small smile spreading across his face. Taking her hands into his own, he squeezed them gently, not noticing that Zelda had stopped breathing in anticipation of his words.

“Zelda, how could I ever forget you?” He questioned, shaking his head but the smile widening on his face. “You hates my guts, then decided I was worth talking to. And then you tried to make me eat a frog, and turns out? They do have the capability of augmenting certain abilities. I’ll show you my cookbook later, you’ll love the elixirs section. But how could I forget the girl who loved an endangered flower so much that she converted an entire lab into figuring out how to breed them domestically. Or the girl who always had faith that I would come back and finally take on Ganon. There is no way I could ever forget you. The real girl underneath the crown.”

She breathed out a sigh of relief, joy spreading across her features as a weight lifted from her shoulders. She took her hand from his, but only so she could throw her arms around his neck and hug the poor boy until someone pried her off him.

Link remembered her. Not just the story. But her. And if he was by her side, like he was right now, she could handle the rest of Hyrule.

____________________________________________

Thank you @the-spockicorn for this prompt :) im sorry its late, really. I ended up rewriting it because tumblr wouldn’t let me post the original draft and it deleted all the edits i tried to make on it. :( So I am very sorry but I hope this was sorta worth the wait??? Adore ya <3 (I’m also working like 40 hours this week alone and last week I worked about 45 so im exhausted and if it sucks that is the most likely answer!

This was written with the idea that it can be applied to the canon-verse, so Zelda and Link would not have an established relationship, but Zelda is still in love with Link and he’s beginning to be very open about his feelings. so proud.

#do yall understand how many times i tried to post this #i had a draft saved but when i tried to post it tumblr wouldnt let me #how rude right #or should i say #how rude write #LOLLLLLLLLLL im hilarious #zelink #botw zelink #zelda #link #botw link #botw zelda #zelda and link #my precious children #which i can say because I am older than them #but anywayyyy #theyre two precious kids that i love

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katedoesfics · 5 years ago

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Shadows of the Yiga | Chapter 38

It had been over twenty-four hours since the Champions had found a chance to sleep. And though they were anxious to get Link to the spring as soon as possible before they missed their chance, they knew they would not have the energy to defend themselves should they be ambushed in the process. Begrudgingly, they agreed to set out in the morning, and one by one, their exhausted bodies quickly succumbed to sleep.

It was late when Mipha found Link, sitting alone in the living room. Except for the glow from the tv, the room was dark. She sat on the couch beside him, pulling her legs to her chest and letting her cheek rest on her knees. Link was staring at the tv, but wasn’t really paying attention to it, but simply spacing out. The news anchor was still talking, the volume too low to hear what was being said, but based on the footage on the screen, Mipha was sure that there was speculation about Zelda and Link. She caught a glimpse of the words scrolling across the bottom of the screen: Hyrule's Hero and Queen – Traitors? – Missing in Action.

Mipha turned her gaze to Link, but he was looking off into the darkness. She moved closer to him, pushing his leg to the side until she was able to lay against his chest. She sighed softly and closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. He leaned against her head and breathed her in. She listened to the beating of his heart. It felt like years since she had been this close to him, feeling his chest rise and fall with each breath, reminding her that they were still alive. Those days in high school felt like a lifetime ago, and here they were, back in the hopelessness of war.

Mipha turned her face up to Link and pressed her lips softly against his. He was hesitant, but after a moment, his body relaxed against her as he deepened their kiss. He pulled away just slightly, meeting her gaze. He searched her eyes, saying nothing for a moment. He closed his eyes and let his forehead rest against her. Mipha moved her fingers across his cheek, then pressed her palm against his skin.

“Will you promise me something?” Link finally spoke, his voice soft and hoarse.

“Of course,” Mipha said. “Anything.”

Link pulled away and met her gaze once more. “Take care of Aryll.”

“No,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “No, Link. You'll be here for her.”

He looked away from her, staring into the darkness once more. “You don't know that.”

“I do,” she said, her voice cracking. “You can't give up, Link. We'll fix this.”

“I'm not giving up,” he said, his brows knit together.

Mipha sat up. “Then what?”

Link turned his gaze to her again, but said nothing.

“You know I will,” Mipha said. “But I won't have to, okay? Promise me that?”

“I can’t make promises like that,” Link said. His brows furrowed. “I have no control over what happens to me. You need to understand that. If we don’t find a fix for this, I’ll be gone. That’s the reality of the situation.”

Mipha blinked through her tears and pulled her gaze away. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying you have to accept it,” Link said.

“Accept it?” Her voice shook. “Accept your death as an inevitability?”

“There’s a chance I won’t come back tomorrow.”

She turned back to him. “I won’t accept it. You think you can prepare us for this, but you can’t. I can’t watch you leave tomorrow and be okay with the fact that you might not return. I won’t say goodbye!”

Link pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Then don’t,” he whispered against her lips. Despite thinking he had accepted his fate, he so desperately wanted to stay alive. To stay with Mipha, and Aryll, his father, and his friends. He wanted a chance. Just a chance to make everything right. With his father back, he was so close. It was all just out of his reach, and he wanted it more than anything else.

“We need you,” Mipha whispered against him. “You are not a tool. You are so much more than just a hero. You have not outlived your purpose, Link. Hylia… she wouldn’t reward her Chosen Hero like that. She won’t let you die.”

Link hesitated. “How can you be so sure about that?”

Mipha smiled at met his gaze. “Because I have faith in her.” She shrugged. “And I’ve seen some pretty crazy and unexplainable things over the years. Things that prove what she’s capable of. Proof that she won’t just dispose of you like that.”

Link was quiet. She wasn’t necessarily wrong. He desperately wanted to believe her; to have as much faith as she did. But even in that moment, he could feel the darkness hovering in his mind, ready to take over in an instant, threatening his entire existence. Still; they had one more trick in the bag. If Hylia really was on his side, the spring would be just the solution they needed. If they made it in time...

*****

Link hadn’t seen his father at all after he had stormed in the house. He knew from Aryll that he drove off shortly after, and no one seemed to have seen him since. So when morning came and they were preparing to leave, Link tried one last time to find him.

Rusl was lighting a cigarette when Link did find him, standing at the gate of the back pasture. He looked up briefly over his cupped hands to regard his son, then back at the ground as he returned the lighter to his pocket. He was busy destroying an ant hill with the toe of his boot when Link reached his side. He put his cigarette to his lips before he spoke.

“Heading out?”

“I guess so,” Link said.

His brows furrowed and he sighed through his nose. “Do you remember when you broke your arm?” he asked after a moment.

Link watched as he continued to flatten the ant hill. “Barely.”

Rusl smiled. He took a moment to inhale his cigarette. “It happened shortly after your mother died. Knocked yourself out cold.” He flicked the tip and ash fell to the ground. “I never expected to win any father of the year awards, but I figured I was doing good if I could at least keep you alive.” His brows furrowed again. “Two damn seconds I looked away and I thought you were dead.” He glanced at Link. “Unfortunately, you didn’t come with an instruction manual, and I was too stupid to know how do it alone.” But he laughed lightly. “Dorian was around so much, I’m pretty sure people thought he was my husband.”

“Like you could land a Sheikah,” Link muttered.

“I don’t even know how I landed your mother,” he said. He inhaled his cigarette. “I swore to myself - I swore to you - that you’d have as normal a life as possible. But after that, I realized I couldn’t avoid it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t prevent your future. I couldn’t even keep you safe when you decided to climb a damn tree. Unless I wrapped you up in bubble wrap and stuck you in a bunker underground, you were going to get yourself into trouble.” He hesitated. “All I wanted to do was keep as much of the pressure off your shoulders as possible. I couldn’t lock you away in a bunker, but I could at least prevent trouble from finding you. I at least owed you that.” His voice softened regretfully. “But I looked away again. And this time, you won’t walk away with a cast for Aryll to draw all over. You won’t walk away from it at all.”

Link shrugged. “Then I crawl.”

Rusl glanced at him.

“Hell, Daruk and Revali will drag me out if it comes down to it. Either way, I’m getting out.”

“You weren’t so confident earlier.”

“Yeah, well.” He hesitated. “Can’t let all your efforts go to waste.”

Rusl dropped his cigarette and put it out with his toe. “I fucked up,” he said. “It’s my fault this happened.”

“Shut up,” Link growled. “It’s no one’s fault.”

“I did everything -”

“I know!”

Rusl pressed his lips together and glanced at his son. He put a hand on his shoulder, then pulled him into a hug. “I love you, Kid.”

Link wrapped his arms around his father. “Yeah. I… I love you, too.” He sighed. “I’m coming back,” he said in an attempt to reassure not only his father, but himself as well.

Rusl pushed away and squeezed his shoulder. He forced a smile. “Yeah. I know. I’ll see you later, then.”

They made their way back to the driveway where the others waited beside Daruk’s SUV. Daruk was leaning against the driver’s side door, shaking his keys impatiently.

“Let’s go already,” Revali sneered at Link.

“Shotgun,” Link called as he made his way around the vehicle.

“Bitch,” Revali muttered. He stepped after Link, freezing when Mipha gripped his arm.

“If you don't bring him back alive,” she hissed. “I will kill you.”

Revali pulled his arm out of her grip. “Yeah, I know,” he grunted. “Don’t worry, I won’t put up a fight.”

Mipha frowned. Her brows furrowed as she watched them climb into the vehicle, then they turned down the driveway and out of sight.

“So,” Link started conversationally. “What’s the plan when we get there?”

“Assuming we find it,” Revali muttered.

“I’m not sure,” Zelda admitted. “I don’t exactly have experiencing cleansing the evil out of people.”

“You’ll be a pro after this,” Link said.

“You,” Revali sneered. “What’s up with you? Why are you like this?”

Link glanced at him over his shoulder. “Like what?”

“You’re…” Revali made a look of disgust. “Cheery.”

“I’m sorry,” Link started. “Would you like me to get pissed off and go Hulk on you and kill you?”

“I’d find that much more tolerable, yes,” Revali said, folding his arms across his chest and turning his gaze out the window.

“So, we have no plan?” Daruk asked.

“Do we ever?” Zelda said with an exasperated sigh.

“And Paya didn’t have any ideas?”

“No,” Zelda started. “She doesn’t even know where exactly the spring is.”

“Impa must know.”

“Perhaps,” Zelda said. “But as it stands, I’m still not entirely sure who we can trust.”

“Impa wouldn’t be against us,” Daruk said slowly. “Would she?”

Zelda sighed. “I don’t know anymore.” She paused. “Right now all we’ve got is ourselves. That’s all we need.”

“I beg to differ,” Revali said. “It would actually be really great if we had more people on our side. An entire army of Sheikah would be swell.” He rolled his eyes.

“Well, we don’t,” Zelda snapped. “Are you gonna keep bitching about it?”

“Yes,” Revali said with a frank nod. “We could have a long trip ahead of us. I’m going to make you all miserable by complaining about this whole fucked up situation.”

“Sounds about right,” Link said. “You complained all through high school. Why should now be any different?”

“Watch it,” Revali hissed. “I am not in a good mood. Would you like me to end your life now before we have a chance to get to the damn spring?”

“Jeez, what’s got you?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Revali said loudly. “Maybe the fact that you want me to just shoot you in the fucking face if this doesn’t fix anything. And if it comes down to that, I have to go back there and deal with your crazy ass girlfriend who will kill me herself. So, I guess really, it’s not so bad. At least I’ll die before all the real shit goes down. Good luck to you fuckers, Link and I will be checked the fuck out.”

“Oh,” Link muttered. “Is that all?”

“This is nice,” Daruk said. “Why don’t we do this more often?”

“Why?” Revali hissed. “Why me of all damn people?”

“I’m sorry.” Link rolled his eyes. “Who else was I supposed to ask?”

“Uh, how about Steroids? Or the bartender? I’m sure Dorian would get his rocks off ending your life. You know, assuming he’s not working with the Yiga.”

Link turned to Daruk. “Hey, man. If this goes down hill, will you do me the honor of blowing my head off?”

Daruk frowned. “Is that really the only option?”

“Someone’s gotta do it!” Link barked.

They fell silent. Revali crossed his arms and turned his gaze back out the window.

“Remember when our road trips didn’t involve murder?”

“I don’t care who does it,” Link muttered. “As long as it gets done. You can’t let the Yiga win.”

Zelda sighed loudly. “Anyone have any ideas on how to find this spring, anyway?”

“You’re the reincarnation of the Goddess,” Revali said, still sulking. “Shouldn’t you know?”

“It’s somewhere in Faron Woods,” Zelda said through her teeth in an attempt to keep from snapping at him.

“Those are some big woods,” Daruk said.

“Yeah,” Revali started. “I’m pretty sure people used to call them the Lost Woods. I’m guessing there’s a reason for that.”

“Do people get lost?” Link asked dryly.

“It’s sheer size isn’t completely to blame for that,” Zelda said. “There’s belief that there’s a power in those woods. I once read it was once the home to the Master Sword. Some even believe that in its depths, there’s a secret entrance to another realm entirely.”

“Sounds like people go in there and do a lot of drugs if you ask me,” Revali said.

“It would make sense for the spring to be in there, somewhere,” Zelda said, ignoring him.

“That still doesn’t explain how we find it,” Daruk said.

“I’m hoping Link or I will have an edge there,” Zelda said. “A little hero intuition, maybe.”

“Great,” Revali said. “We’ll die in there.”

“Let’s just get there,” Zelda said. “We’ll figure out the rest then.”

#loz #botw #legend of zelda #breath of the wild #fic #fanfic #soty #shadows of the yiga #soty38

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zeldahijinks · 8 years ago

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A scenario where Revali and his hylian s/o has a kid? Like a hybrid of the two? How would that look like?

[A/N: Alright, I went overboard and this kept me up til like 3 am last night, I was thinking of this in a semi-realistic manner. It was difficult for a bit because the persona I used to pair Revali with is basically an empty slate. I adorn them in clothes if I do draw them so I don’t have specific features to write, and others can incorporate themselves in it. But I figured to write this I used the persona I nicknamed, Yeurni, for reference. I am sorry it’s a lengthy read, but it’s just how I see this hybrid happening. Considered this an AU of Flock Together. You can thank Admin Quincy for the goblin nickname above in the picture. Admin Quincy loves them regardless. ]

When Revali and you decided that it was time to start a family the probability of having a child was extremely low. Neither you nor Revali knew how you could conceive given the difference in species and more. Thus you two sought out many shamans, healers and all turned up with nothing. You were beginning to think that perhaps adopting would suffice, but deep down you and Revali wanted to have an actual child together. At least, in hopes to see what your genes could create. However, the research was turning up empty and hard as you tried not to; you were beginning to lose hope.

It wasn’t until one day King Rhoam came to you with an offer.. He heard of your plights, and given that Revali was making his way to be Champion, he would one day want the Rito to protect his future child. In turn for Revali’s service, King Rhoam wanted to present the two of you with a gift, and the gift was at a chance of an actual child. Even though Revali made his concerns and was highly skeptical, he eventually conceded for this last chance. King Rhoam took you to his castle and there introduced you to Marin, a kooky scientist and shaman. Marin was ecstatic with the opportunity and when her child, Purah, ran to her side, was more than happy to go the extra mile.

Marin, for a few days straight, took hair follicles, feathers, DNA, and what have you; all the while teaching her daughter science and magical properties. It was amazing to say the least as you watch Marin be a wonderful, if not weird, mother. You hope that if a child came from this you could be as good as parent as she was.

As the days went by you and Revali were talking about what your child would possibly look like. Each of you thought they would be a perfect combination of you two, and strongly hoped that there wasn’t any scorn between your hybrid of a child. However, Revali had some days where he would scare himself, and talk himself into thinking that their child would be a freak of nature. He would tell you his fears at night, and would cry at the prospect of the child possibly dying from the mix genetics. As hard as it was, you tried to stay strong for the two of you while waiting for the results.

The day finally came when a tired Marin, and her daughter, Purah, came out from their lab. Within Marin’s hand was a large soft egg encased within a sapphire orb. “We did it!” Marin, exclaimed and handed you the delicate egg. It took every ounce of strength not to burst into tears and Revali was completely overwhelmed, he had to go outside for a bit.

Marin knelt beside you and placed her hand on your shoulder, “Now, I was able to combine you two the best of my ability, but this is also magic infused. I used particles from an ancient relic that was said to be once touched by Hylia. I do not know how this will fair, but I can guarantee you have a child in there.” She smiled sweetly while you tried to find the words to thank her, but she knew from your look alone what you wanted to say. “Congratulations.” Was all she said.

In your shared home the egg was placed on a pillow, the sapphire orb around it glowing brightly. It was hard to believe, but you and Revali were going to be parents. Excitement bubbled in your stomach and you would spend hours staring at the incubating egg. Revali would often scold you, “Darling, penetrating the egg with your stare is not going to have them hatch faster.”

“You don’t know that. Maybe they can feel it.”

He only shook his head and laughed under his breath, “Yes, instill our child with peer pressure already. I am sure that will work wonders in our favor.”

“Hey!”

Several months had pass and your precious egg hadn’t hatch, but it certainly was enlarging. The sapphire orb around it was beginning to diminish, and it was just an indescribable feeling knowing your child would soon be born. The only issue is that neither of you had decided upon a name, and the days until your baby would hatched were closing in. Revali picked up the egg and gently caressed it all the while murmuring sweet nothings to it. You smiled from your spot at the fire, preparing dinner.

Revali was pacing around the home mindlessly telling the baby stories of his feats and, of course, how you two met. It was in the midst of his sentence when he suddenly paused and let out a sound of eureka. “Skali!” He exclaimed and you only looked at him puzzled. He whirled around and gestured to the egg, “How does Skali sound?”

You blinked in question, “What does it mean?”

“I haven’t a clue.”

“….And you want to name our child that because?”“….It sounds nice.”

So, Skali it was for a very simplistic reason, if not a tad odd.

And the eve of morning, you and Revali noticed that the blue orb was gone. For a moment panic arose between both of you, fearing the worse had happened. However, before Revali could grabbed Skali to take them to Marin, the egg began to wiggle about. Revali made incoherent sounds in excitement and you were frantically pacing the room.

“Is it happening?!” You yelled.

“Possibly?!” He squawked.

With great anticipation you two watched Skali break through the shell. Little by little the baby exposed itself and broke free; remaining shell clung to them as the peeped. A cry clogged your throat as you gently picked your baby up. They were completely featherless, but you could tell that Skali would later developed them. Your baby girl was a sight to see with a top beak and normal bottom lip. Her skin was tough, bumpy and a deep mocha. She did not have a tail stub, and Revali figured she would not develop tail feathers. She was odd looking, but to you she was the most beautiful thing you ever laid eyes on.

The first few years was a struggle learning how to take care of a child of mix breeds, but eventually you learned what made her tick. Also, the wonderful Marin and her daughter were there to help.

Her feathers were sporadic, mostly lining her under arms and her ring finger and pinky were merged together and covered in feathers. Her facial feathers collected under her chin, and three large, powder blue feathers adorned her head. She was lanky with long arms, a small torso, and an odd mixture of human feet and bird claws.

Skali wore hoods and cloaks to cover herself, not at all comfortable with her appearance since she was the only one in existence. Although Revali and you loved her to the end of the Earth and back, you could not protect her from the prejudice you both had feared. You two did the best you could to make sure she was well loved even if the world didn’t see the beauty you saw in her.

Revali did his best to be the best father he could be for her, and taught her all she knew about archery and fighting. Her flight skills were nonexistent given her torso and wings were too small to carry her, but she had the ability to glide short distances. Skali did her best to please her father in all sorts of fighting techniques, and had become formidable with throwing knives. Her long arm were perfect in projecting small weapons.

Skali didn’t make many friends as she was too shy and nervous around other children. However, she did find solace in King’s Rhoam’s daughter, Zelda, who was just a few years younger than her. They became close friends and spent a lot of time together. Zelda protected Skali from the other children and encouraged her. It warmed yours and Revali’s heart seeing Skali breaking out of her bubble. Zelda gave Skali the confidence she had trouble seeing in herself and you knew those two would be best friends for life.

But it was not easy for Skali growing up despite all the support she had. As she was reaching early adulthood it became abundantly clear that she could not bare children. It was hard to hear at first, but she came to understand she could still become a mother by adopting.

Which brings us to the crisis of Revali and you having a hybrid for a child. Skali struggled silently for years accepting what she is. It was also difficult understanding the limitations and issues that she would not have if she was a full-blooded species. She never wanted to trouble anyone and embarrassed by her odd speech impediment, Skali choose to not speak. It was concerning as parents, but you two did not want to force her. You had to come to your own conclusion she was fighting a war within herself, but it was hard to choose whether or not to interfere.

This would, in her teenage years when she was experiencing growth spurts, caused her to lash out. And with her having to deal with some prejudice at the same time made her withdraw into herself. Eventually, now in currently being nineteen, she had learned to find peace within herself and to love what she is. She knows she is a product of love even though people have whispered her parents were playing Goddesses, she felt blessed to be given the opportunity to experience life.

#revali #botw #revali x reader #hylian #reader insert #oc insert #revali's child #hijink's writing #hijink's scenario #Skali #hijink's art #marin oc #purah #king rhoam #*took so many liberties* huehuehue <<;;#long post

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katedoesfics · 5 years ago

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Shadows of Hyrule | Chapter 58

“Mom,” Mipha started, her hard gaze on her parents. “Dad. I -”

“Enough.” Mipha's father stepped forward. “Under no circumstances will you continue this, Mipha.”

“I won't let my friends -”

“Friends?” he sneered. “You are finished with them. I won't see you near Link again.” He turned to King Roham, letting his angry gaze pause for a moment on Link first. “This ends our alliance.”

King Roham's angry glare disappeared as he turned his attention to the man beside him. “Please understand -”

“We had an agreement,” he hissed. “You dragged my daughter into this and broke that agreement.”

“Dorephan, I offered you and your family nothing but safety -”

“And sent my daughter into a war that has nothing to do with us!”

“This war,” King Roham growled, “has everything to do with you. If Ganondorf succeeds, there will be nothing left. He will destroy Hyrule, and then Termina, Labrynna, and Holodrum. He will destroy the entire world.”

“That is the difference between you and I, Roham,” Dorephan said. “This war of yours – it's all based on legends. When war threatens your lands, you wait for your Chosen Heroes to come to your aid. If your Goddess Hylia is as real as you Hylian's believe her to be, surely she wouldn't have let such a curse befall the kingdom. That curse is your burden to bear, not ours. My daughter will have no part in these foolish affairs. Our time here in Hyrule is over. We will return to Termina. Do not ask for our aid any longer.” He turned his gaze back to his daughter. “We're done here, Mipha.”

Mipha stared blankly at her father, her mouth open slightly. “No,” she started. “What are you talking about? This is our home!”

“Our home is in Termina,” Dorephan said sharply. “You are no Hyrulean and should not be concerned with what happens here.”

“What?” Mipha hissed. “How long have you been lying to me?”

“Tell your daughter the truth, Dorephan,” Roham said. His cold gaze rested on the man beside him, but Dorephan did not turn to him. “She deserves to know the truth.”

“She cannot possibly understand -”

“Don't condescend me!” Mipha shouted, her hands balled into fists at her side.

“This is not the place,” her father hissed.

“I won't go with you,” she said sternly. “I won't abandon Hyrule. I want the truth, and I want it now.”

Her father hesitated. He turned his gaze from Mipha, to Zelda, then to King Roham. He knew she would find out one way or another. There was no sense keeping the secret any longer.

“When you were born,” he started, “We were approached by Dorian, one of the Sheikah. He told us that you had a special power that would catch the attention of Ganondorf's followers, and that they would try to use that power to strengthen Ganondorf's forces, and Ganondorf himself.” His gaze moved briefly to King Roham before continuing. “I have never trusted the Sheikah, but I trusted my friend. King Roham offered us protection in Hyrule. In exchange, a promise. A promise that he would not drag us into any future wars with Ganondorf. A promise that was made long before we came to lead Termina.” His angry gaze narrowed on the king. “You promised to protect my family, and yet even in your protection, she found herself in Ganondorf's very hands. You've broken our agreement – your promise. You've broken our trust.”

“He had nothing to do with that,” Zelda said. “No one did.”

“Then how did she end up kidnapped?” Dorephan hissed.

Zelda tore her gaze away and said nothing. Her brows furrowed as she tried desperately to put the pieces together.

“The Sheikah were the only ones who knew of her power,” Dorephan said.

“The Sheikah are loyal to us,” King Roham said fiercely.

“Then a traitor lies among them,” Dorephan said simply. “We are no safer here than we were in Termina.”

“If you return to Termina,” King Roham started, his gaze hard, “I cannot offer our protection.”

“You can no longer offer us protection,” Dorephan said. “Your words are empty.”

“No,” Mipha said. “I'm not leaving Hyrule. They need me here.”

“This war has nothing to do with us,” Dorephan said sternly. “You will have no part in these affairs.”

“This war has everything to do with us,” Mipha said, her voice raising. “If Hyrule falls, so will the rest of the world. Our armies don't stand a chance. Whether you believe it or not, there are only two people who can end this war. It's because of them I'm alive. It's because of them this world will survive. Hyrule is counting on me – on us – to save it, just as heroes have done thousands of years ago. I've seen the truth – I've seen Hylia – with my own eyes. I see the power of Hylia in Zelda. I've seen the Triforces mark their hands. You can deny it all you want, but I can't. I won't. I belong here, and I will help save Hyrule.”

“Mipha,” King Roham started. “Your father is right. I don't believe you should leave Hyrule, but I cannot stand by and let you fight our battles. Ganondorf will do whatever it takes to take advantage of your power. In his hands, it could prove to be very dangerous. It could very well put all the effort Link and Zelda have done to waste. I can promise that the Sheikah will keep you safe within my boundaries, but I cannot see to your safety beyond Hyrule. Regardless, you should have no part in this war. For the safety of you and your family, for the safety of Link and my daughter, and for the safety of this world.”

Mipha stared blankly at the king. Her brows furrowed after a moment, and she turned her gaze to her friends, then to her father. “I won't leave Hyrule,” she said, but her voice softened. “If you want me to stand down, I will stand down.”

Zelda held her careful gaze on Mipha, but said nothing.

Dorephan was quiet as he looked upon his daughter, seemingly debating his options and the consequences of each.

“Your hesitance suggests that you know I am right,” King Roham addressed Dorephan. “Termina won't be any safer than Hyrule.”

Dorephan turned his gaze to the king. “Perhaps we should discuss these matters in private.”

King Roham nodded his head once, and without a word further, he lead Mipha's parents down the hall. The Champions fell silent, watching as they rounded the corner. They waited until their footsteps disappeared before speaking.

“What in the actual fuck,” Revali said.

“So, that's it?” Urbosa said, turning her attention to Mipha. “You're going with them?”

Mipha hesitated, her gaze on her feet. “What choice do I have?”

“Well, you could not go,” Revali said. “I'm sure you can have sleepovers with Urbosa. And pillow fights. And -” Daruk elbowed him hard in his ribs and he gasped for air. When he caught his breath, he sneered over at Daruk, but said nothing more.

“You're not safe in Termina,” Zelda said, her gaze hard.

“In their defense,” Daruk said, “she's not any safer here. None of us are.”

“Maybe they'll decide to stay,” Revali said with a shrug.

Mipha stared at the ground. She genuinely did not know what she would do if they left Hyrule. She couldn't bring herself to leave the only home she ever knew. She couldn't abandon her friends who were risking their lives for the world. She couldn't leave Link. She turned her gaze to him, but he was looking down the hall, his hands shoved in his pockets as he always did when he was deep in thought, which seemed to be more and more often lately.

“I guess all we can do is wait,” Urbosa said. “Wait and see what they decide.”

Mipha shook her head. “I won't go. I don't care what they want.”

“You're a minor,” Urbosa reminded her. “I don't think that will be a decision you can make so easily, and they won't leave you here.”

“Well, sure, if you want to be logical about this,” Revali said. “But she's not a child, either. If she's old enough to fight against the forces of evil, I think she can make her own decisions as to whether or not she remains in Hyrule.”

“Let's not open that can of worms,” Urbosa said. “That's not exactly flying well with anyone, either. No one under the age of eighteen can join the army. Those rules don't exactly bend for us, regardless if its in our destinies or not.”

“My father will figure this out,” Zelda said. “He and Dorephan respect each other. They've always got along. I'm sure they will come to a reasonable agreement.”

“And what if they don't?” Daruk asked. “What's the plan, then?”

“My father will see to their safety,” Zelda said. “All we can do is move forward in our original plans; close the portals and stop Ganondorf.”

#legend of zelda #breath of the wild #fic #fanfic #loz #botw #shadows of hyrule #soh58

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katedoesfics · 5 years ago

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Shadows of the Future | Chapter 71

It was late in the evening when the air snapped and Paya appeared in the drive where the Champions had gathered in drink and conversation. They turned to her as she appeared and grew quiet.

“Nice to see you, Paya,” Revali said dryly. “I’m guessing you’re not here to hang out?”

“No,” she started sheepishly. She briefly met Rusl’s gaze, then pulled away uneasily to address the group. “Actually, I’ve got orders from Zelda.”

“Finally,” Daruk said, punching his palm with a fist. “Let’s fuck up some Yigas.”

“You will,” she started. “But we need to get to the shrine, first, and destroy it.”

Daruk’s shoulders slumped, and Paya smiled apologetically.

“Queen’s orders,” she said.

“Destroy the shrine?” Urbosa repeated. “What for?”

“It’s of no use to us,” Paya explained. “It won’t help Link. But it could be useful for the Yiga Clan, and that’s the last thing we need.”

“Then shouldn’t we try the spring?” Riju asked. “I mean, we’re kind of pressed for time here, aren’t we?”

“And if I’m gone before the shrine is destroyed, you’re all fucked,” Link muttered.

Rusl turned his gaze to his son, but Link ignored him. His brow furrowed as Link’s words echoed in his mind.

“We don’t need you to destroy a shrine,” Revali hissed.

“I can’t believe we’re going to destroy a shrine,” Mipha muttered, shaking her head.

“Zelda’s right,” Link insisted. “We do it now. And then we fuck up the Yiga Clan.”

“And how do you expect to destroy this shrine?” Daruk asked with a raised brow.

Link grinned.

“I don’t like that look,” Aryll muttered.

Link moved to the car and threw open the trunk. The Champions gathered behind him, staring at the C4.

“Where the fuck did you get this?” Revali said.

“I know a guy,” Kit said with a grin.

“The fuck does that mean?” Daruk muttered.

“We weren’t interrogating anyone,” Kit said. “We were stocking up.”

“For Link’s suicide mission?” Urbosa said, her eyes narrowed on Kit.

Kit threw his arms in the air defensively. “Hey, I knew nothing about that.”

“You know,” Daruk started. “Roham already wants your ass. You’re not exactly in good standing with the kingdom. This doesn’t help your case.”

Link shrugged. “What have I got to lose?”

“I like it,” Revali said with a grin. “This is the most ballsy thing you’ve ever done. Let’s blow some shit up.”

“From hero to anti-hero,” Riju said excitedly. “Chaotic good. I like it! Kicking ass, escaping the law, and still saving the day!”

“The Yiga Clan will be expecting you,” Paya said. “They’ll be waiting for you. You cannot let your guard down.”

“Even better,” Link said.

“What’s your plan?” Rusl asked, narrowing his gaze on his son. “Waltz right in and hope some meeseley C4 will work?”

“Do you have a better idea?” Link sneered.

“Of course he does,” Daruk said, crossing his arms. “He’s trained for this. We’re not.”

“I’m trained,” Link said. “Trained to kick ass and take names.”

“You swung a sword around and hoped for the best,” Revali said.

“It worked, didn’t it?”

“You got gutted twice,” Mipha reminded him.

“Well, obviously,” Riju said. “It wouldn’t make a very good story if there wasn’t a little drama. Just wait until this hits the big screen!”

“Really, Riju?” Urbosa said in an exhausted tone.

“Link needs to get paid!”

Link nodded. “Yeah. I have yet to see any benefits from my heroic actions.” He crossed his arms. “This kingdom is ungrateful. Maybe I should let the Yiga Clan bring Ganondorf back.”

“You’re a wanted criminal,” Daruk said. “You’ll be lucky if you don’t see jail bars for the rest of your life.”

Link rolled his eyes.

“Is this how you idiots work?” Rusl chimed in. “For the love of Hylia, it’s a miracle you were able to stop Ganondorf in the first place.”

Riju nodded. “They do more bickering than anything else,” she said. “It was way worse in high school.”

“Ganondorf would have this world in chaos if it weren’t for us,” Revali said. “Link would have been dead a long time ago without us.”

“That’s not true,” Link muttered.

“Do you know how many times I’ve had to save your ass because you were careless?”

“You think so,” Link started. “But if you weren’t around being a pain in the ass, I bet we could have even taken out the Yiga Clan.”

“And you would have been gutted a third time.”

“No, but I would have let them kill you.”

“And without me to save your ass, you’d be dead. Again.”

“Oh, yeah? Well then why don’t you do all the hero work, then, since you’re so fucking good at it?��

“If I was the hero, we would be far better off. But unfortunately, Hylia didn’t seem to appreciate my worth.”

“Because you have the spirit of an arrogant jackass.”

“At least I don’t go running around on suicide missions and getting gutted!”

“I’m gonna kick your ass!”

“Let’s go, Hulk! I’d like to see you try!”

Urbosa sighed loudly. “Stop it!”

“Holy fuck,” Riju muttered. “You both have big dicks now simmer down.”

“We’re all gonna die,” Rusl muttered.

Mipha turned a helpless gaze to Daruk, and Daruk grinned.

“You mean you didn’t miss this?”

“Are we going to blow shit up or are just keep acting like sixteen year olds?” Kit said.

Link slammed the trunk closed. “Yeah, grow up, Revali.”

Revali grinned but said nothing further.

“So, what’s the plan?” Daruk asked. He turned to Rusl expectantly.

“No way,” Rusl said, putting his hands up. “You fuckers are on your own. I want no part of this messed up group of heroes.”

“Well, that’s encouraging,” Mipha muttered.

“Link will get us all killed if you don’t talk some sense into him,” Revali pointed out.

“What’s your plan, then?” Rusl asked his son.

Link shrugged. “Walk in and blow it up?”

Rusl pinched the bridge of his nose. “For fuck’s sake,” he muttered. “I should have been the one staying home and sent you into the army instead. Maybe you’d be a little damn smarter.”

“I certainly wouldn’t have had to fake my own death,” Link muttered.

“No, but we would have had to come rescue you,” Revali said.

Aryll raised a hand in the air. “I did it. I rescued Link from the Yiga. Just putting that out there.”

“Can we not start this again?” Urbosa muttered.

“Look,” Rusl started. “The Yiga Clan will be expecting you. They’ll be waiting for you. You’ll be lucky if you even get near that shrine.”

“So, what?” Daruk asked. “There’s only one way in. There’s no getting around that.”

“Urbosa and Revali will be your best options for the front lines,” Rusl said. He turned his gaze to Daruk. “And you protect your healers. And Hulk. The Yiga Clan may have already gotten their hands on him, but if they see an opportunity to get at him again, they’ll take it.”

What about me?” Riju asked. She jumped up excitedly. “Do I get to be on the front lines, too?”

“No,” Urbosa hissed. Riju frowned.

“Ha, ha,” Kit teased.

“You, too,” Rusl said.

Kit pouted. “What? Why?”

“You’re useless.”

“So are you!” Kit pointed out.

“Yeah, that’s why I’m not getting involved.”

“You’re the only one who knows what the fuck they’re doing,” Revali said. He shook his head. “Nice try. You’re not sitting this out.”

“Link’s useless, too,” Riju said. “Why does he get to go?”

“Because there’s nothing anyone can say to make him stay,” Rusl said with a sigh. “You should know this by now.”

“So, what’s your excuse?” Revali said. He crossed his arms. “Shouldn’t you be willing to fight and defend?”

“The difference between you and I,” Rusl started, “is I use my damn head. I know when I’ll be useful and when I won’t be.”

“And if shit goes south, you’ll have a much better plan to get us out alive than we could,” Daruk said. “Besides. I won’t let your ass get fried. Not this time, anyway.”

Rusl shrugged. “It’s not my call. I don’t run this circus.” He turned his gaze to Link, but he was looking down at the ground, his brow furrowed. He knew his son wouldn’t want him involved, and he was prepared to step aside if that was his call. In truth, he would be useless without his power, and he wasn’t ready to admit to Link what he was capable of, or draw any more attention to himself so closely to the Yiga Clan. He was sure they could handle themselves as long as Kohga didn’t interfere, and if he knew any better, Dorian would be leading the ambush, which meant that they would have a slight advantage. If Rusl were with them, however, he was sure Dorian would be content to leave them to die.

“I don’t care what you do,” Link finally said. He met his father’s gaze. “But if you have no faith in our abilities as heroes, then maybe you should tag along on the fun.”

“Alright,” Revali said, clapping his hands together. “Enough wasting time. Let’s do this!”

#sotf #shadows of the future #loz #botw #legend of zelda #breath of the wild #fic #fanfic #sotf71

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