#But you have to manipulate Ganondorf and work around his watch

[skyloftian-nutcase]

TotK DLC idea!

The screen is black. You don’t hear anything for a long time. Then, faintly, in the distance, you can hear it.

Link. Link. Open your eyes.

While the line echoes familiarity, the voice does not.

Or. Well. It does. Because while it isn’t Zelda, it’s a familiar man’s voice speaking gently, so gently you almost don’t recognize it because there’s no way he ever spoke like this in the main game.

But he is now. And instead of a golden light being the first image you see before the screen shows Link awakening… you see gloom floating in the air. The image cuts to a Hylian waking up who… doesn’t look like Link from TotK?? He’s different, still small in stature, with slightly tanner skin, platinum light blonde hair, and red eyes. But… something’s wrong with his forehead. There’s a weird line on it.

This new character you apparently are gonna be playing in the DLC blearily blinks his eyes open, clearly groggy and too weak to really move. But then that line on his forehead moves a hair, it splits apart, and you realize it’s a freaking eye, red and yellow and it’s like the ones on gloom hands and oh gosh what the hell is it doing on his forehead—

Link realizes something is off and his eyes blow wide, his hands reach for his forehead and he screams in agony and terror, only for someone to scoop him into a hug to soothe him.

And suddenly you realize why that voice was eerily familiar.

It’s Ganondorf. He resurrected you from the era of the Imprisoning War. You, who have a history with him and his family. You, who he wants to protect, who he views as his kid, who he calls a prince and says he’ll keep you safe by controlling your body with his dark magic if he has to.

Welcome to Tears of the Kingdom: Hero’s Shadow.

You have to play a long gone Hero who was resurrected. Ganondorf, who is still recovering his strength in preparation for killing the current Hero, tasks you with finding your betrothed, his daughter, as well as his wife. They’re buried somewhere in the Depths like you were. He wants you to find their burial sites so he can use his secret stone to resurrect them like he did you, and control them as well. Which is doubly bad when you realize his wife was the original Sage of Lightning. He gives you free reign to wander once you go through a tutorial (he tests you to see if you’ve recovered enough strength), because he knows you love wandering and collecting things. Your own personal objective, however, is trying to help Hyrule from the Depths, to break free from Ganondorf’s control, because Link would rather set himself on fire than let Ganondorf resurrect and control the love of his life and his mother-in-law. Your best hope is to find shards of the shattered Master Sword to try and stab the eye on Dark Link’s forehead and break the control Ganondorf has on you. Until you can, though, the monsters are your allies, you can teleport across the Depths by manifesting out of the gloom created by gloom hands (just like what Phantom Ganon does), and the world below is your oyster. If you get too close to sword shards when gloom hands are nearby, Ganondorf can see your attempt and immediately takes control of your body, and no matter what button you press Link just walks back to Ganondorf’s location and stays there until you get a chance to try again.

You start with three hearts, all empty looking like when gloom hurts you, and if you get injured they just shatter. Whenever they all shatter, you respawn at Ganondorf’s location because his gloom hands came and rescued you from dying. The only way you can get more hearts is by collecting poes and offering them to the statues in the Depths. You can communicate with the spirits of soldiers, who may give you combat tips or info about the area. If you gain enough of Ganondorf’s trust, he’ll let you command monsters, and he might even let you wander the Surface (under his supervision) during a blood moon.

You learn of Link’s and Ganondorf’s history through discovering ancient relics/texts that trigger memories. This connection between you and Ganondorf stems back to time before the war, well over ten thousand years ago. Link was engaged to Ganondorf’s daughter, but during the Imprisoning War the family fought against the demon king. Ganondorf did love his family, but he loved power more. Link sacrificed himself, letting himself get mortally wounded to save Rauru from a killing blow. Gan held him as he died, and it allowed Link to both beg him to stop and stab him in the heart with a light shard. The shard didn’t kill him, but it was what Rauru connected with when he hit him in the chest, allowing him to seal Ganondorf away. Ganondorf still wants the world, but his love for his family is still present, though now twisted, so he thinks he can control Link and everyone else with his dark magic in order to keep them safe and in line. Once the threat of the current Hero is eliminated, the world will be his, and his family will be safe. As such, he treats you, Link, the player, like a stubborn child, reeling you in, but does so in a horrific way, torturing Link by controlling him.

You have to break free of this and stop him, and the only hope you have is the distant call of a sword spirit…

[yanderes-galore]

How would yandere platonic link x maid reader x Yandere romantic Ganon hcs go especially with a reader who tends to attract danger ~  please love to see what you come up with, I Thank you in advance 💗

I assumed you meant Ocarina of Time era? Because that's what came to mind for me. I'm rusty on the details of the game's plot but I hope that does not change much. Link is tame in this as he's just overprotective.

This talks of time skips between young and adult link. You are 18 during the young Link era and 25 during the adult Link era.

If you are wondering ahout the dynamic. You and Link see each other as siblings/friends while Ganon sees you in a romantic light. Hopefully that makes sense.

Yandere! Platonic! Link with Maid! Reader vs Yandere! Romantic! Ganondorf

Pairing: Platonic (Link)/Romantic (Ganondorf)

Possible Trigger Warnings: Female Darling, Obsession, Manipulation (Ganon primarily), Overprotective behavior (Link), Possessive behavior (Ganon), Forced relationship/marriage (Ganon), Consensual companionship (Link).

Let's start with you.

You are a young royal maid working for the king.

You tend to the princess and all of her needs while keeping the castle clean.

For the most part you stay out of the way of guards and others.

You tend to gardens and on your time off you roam the castle.

You and Princess Zelda are close as you have a warm aura to you.

You do her hair and watch over the young princess like a sibling.

You don't meet Link or Ganon until later.

In fact you meet them relatively close to one another.

You meet Link, the young Hylian boy, when he's sneaking about the castle.

You catch him speaking with Zelda alone and quickly rush over to chase the troublesome boy off.

Yet Zelda stops you, explaining how he is a friend and ally.

You inquire further and Zelda tells you about her prophetic dreams.

She says she feels the boy, Link, will be a hero in the future.

While Ganondorf is a source of evil that will try to corrupt Hyrule.

You take the girl's words with a grain of salt and promise her you won't tell the king about her new friend.

Meanwhile you turn to Link and ask him about himself.

He isn't really one for words but you manage to learn that he's from the Kokiri Forest and was somehow instructed here by his fairy.

On closer inspection you can tell he's Hylian, which only makes you more confused about the boy.

Link is a strange enigma to you but you don't see him as much of a threat.

Before you leave, Zelda asks you to be careful around Ganondorf.

You recall that he is the visitor who gave allegiance to the king recently.

You haven't actually spoken to him yet but promise to keep an eye out.

In fact... you thought he made you feel off when bowing to the king.

That's how you meet Link the first time.

After that you occasionally see him visit outside the castle where you greet him and relay messages.

Overtime he becomes like a little brother to you.

You look after him when you see him just like you do with the princess.

That's the bond you two/three share.

Now here's your meeting with Ganondorf....

Eventually you're going to meet him while working at the castle.

The first time is a brief glance while he meets with the king.

You bring food and drink, only to catch gleaming eyes flash to you.

A grin appears on his face for a moment before you turn and quickly leave.

He makes you feel... wrong.

You wonder if Zelda has a point.

Yet that must just be your anxiety at work!

Afterwards Ganondorf may try to meet you more often.

When he's at he castle he often asks for you to bring him food, water, or some sort of item.

It's then he tries to initiate conversation.

You're extremely nervous yet put up with it.

Ganondorf seems like he'd be very smooth with words if he can win over the king.

He notices you don't trust him.

While he enjoys your fearful gaze, he tries to make you more comfortable.

He changes his tone and tries to be welcoming.

He's an ally of the king! Does he scare you that bad?

You poor maid... shaking in your shoes as you speak to a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Ganondorf would purposefully try to make you trust him.

He offers you to sit with him and talk over some drink.

In the halls he greets you and initiates small conversation.

In reality he's trying to remove suspicions to his plan.

However... he also finds it fun to mess with your fear.

At some point he even feels attraction brew in his beastly heart.

When he gains power he'll keep you as his own personal maid.

While Link prepares himself by gathering what's needed to open the Temple of Time, this is what's going on.

Ganondorf tries his best to charm you, perhaps even giving compliments while trying sweeten you up around him.

You fear his intentions yet still push through it to keep an eye on him.

When you manage to get away from him, you find yourself speaking with Link.

Like a big sister you ask how he's doing and if he's okay.

He can tell your demeanor has changed due to Ganon although you never tell him a word.

Zelda most likely tells him when they meet.

Link doesn't like that you're constantly pestered by Ganondorf, the supposedly evil man.

He's protective of you yet he can't do anything... yet.

Let's skip to the point of when he unlocks the Temple of Time.

This is when Link encounters two versions of you.

As young Link he sees you as the kind young maid who cares for him and the princess.

As an adult, when seven years past, he sees you as an older woman under the control of Ganondorf.

Just as he suspected, Ganon was not pestering you for no reason.

In the future Ganondorf has taken you as his (forced) bride.

This fact hurts Link.

To see the woman he befriended, the one who cared for him and the princess, forced to be with the evil lord makes him sick.

As a result, Link accepts his role as the Hero of Time.

He not only has to save Zelda and Hyrule...

But he feels he needs to save you too.

I'm going to skip around as Ganondorf's obsession over you spans over seven years.

Meanwhile Link's more protective obsession is split between young and adult Link.

Obviously the two obsessions are different.

Ganondorf intends to force you to be his wife, his queen.

While Link sees you just as family, he doesn't want you condemned to such a fate.

It can be assumed as much that Ganondorf has been trying to court you until Link opened the Temple of Time.

Once Ganondorf was able to get inside and have the Triforce, he didn't have to be patient anymore.

While Link was sealed away, Ganondorf swoops in to you with newfound power.

There's no doubt you tried to flee to Kakariko like most.

Despite this the Gerudo King still ordered you be hunted down an brought to him.

After all, he's claimed you since he saw you.

This whole rivalry would span the entire Ocarina of Time story.

Link would be going from temple to temple to awaken sages.

When he can he tries to find you as young Link to check on how you're holding up.

Link is driven to help you, it becomes a goal that keeps him going.

While Ganondorf prepares and makes you his perfect maid/queen, Link prepares to fight the final battle.

Link matures and becomes ready to fight Ganondorf and save you.

When the big fight happens, you're forced to watch.

You can only sit and hope the young boy you knew years ago can defeat this monster.

There's only two outcomes.

Ganondorf wins and you're forced to continue being his queen, watching your world suffer in silence.

Or Link saves you, Zelda, and Hyrule....

Link seems like the most tame yandere in this.

The reason being he really just wants you safe.

The moment he gets you out of Ganon's clutches, he refuses to have you leave his arms.

To you, you haven't seen this kid in years.

To him? He's seen the suffering you've had to go through.

He saw it start, he saw it end.

He refuses to have you go through that again.

Even when Zelda gives him back his childhood, Link still vows to visit you.

To Link, it feels like he's on a trip to save family.

Even as he grows up, he promises to be your little defender.

It's a childish promise but he'll do anything to see you happy.

After Ganondorf is banished, your life goes back to caring for a young Zelda and Link.

Link plans to keep it that way as he grows up naturally, in his eyes you are the closest he's had to a sibling outside of the Kokiri.

He'd do anything to keep you happy...

Even if it meant slaying what he deems evil all over again just to achieve that.

[skyloftsword]

Why Tears of the Kingdom is the Breath of the Wild I was hoping for

Alright, so before I get into my rant. I really like Breath of the Wild. It's a very fun game and the events of 100 years ago are super interesting. It just... unfortunately let me down after Skyward Sword in two aspects that I personally feel Tears of the Kingdom succeeded at for me. Story and dungeons. Also please don't tell me to watch a Youtuber on why TotK is worse than nuclear war. I make my own opinions and my take on TotK is very unlikely to change. I have done 6 playthroughs and still feel this way. Spoiler warning.

Okay, so my issue with Breath of the Wild's story is how it feels like a mess at times. The memories don't even try to tell anything coherent outside of the final few. Some of them even need journals for any payoff as well. This system also limited the Champions from getting any development or character arcs. It took until Tears for me to appreciate them because Hyrule was still grateful for them. Revali's bow being treasured by Teba, Riju prays to Lady Urbosa in her diary, Mipha got Mipha's Court and Sidon's entire character arc was about how her death still haunts him and he doesn't want that to happen ever again. Daruk... got lights added to his statue's eyes I guess. Anyways, Tears' equivalent to them is the Neo Sages. Tulin, Riju, Sidon and Yunobo. They each get their own arc and you can tell how much they have grown since Breath of the Wild. What makes them better here is that they actually are relevant for more than just the Divine Beast boarding segments. Sidon deals with fear of losing his beloved Yona just like how he lost Mipha 105ish years ago, yet Yona and Link bring him to his senses. Riju goes from being stressed out about how she's too weak to defend Gerudo Town from the Gibdos with her aim, but Link returning reassures her. Tulin goes from being arrogant and thinking he can do anything all by himself to realizing that charging ahead all on his own is a bad idea and that working as a team is the best way to do things. Yunobo goes from being a manipulated crack dealer to being cowardly again for a bit to becoming courageous and willing to fight to defend Hyrule. These arcs help me appreciate the characters a LOT more. The Old Sages intentionally aren't fully fleshed out characters and its fine because they're barely on screen (their names are Ruto, Darunia, Nabooru and possibly just Medoh for the Rito Sage). Ganondorf being an actual character really helps as well. He wants to use the godlike power of the Secret Stones to his advantage to achieve total rule of the world (in the English localization at least). Rauru and Sonia are wonderful characters that actually try to help Zelda achieve her goal of returning to her time (nice opposition of Rhoam forcing her to achieve her light powers and being harsh towards her). Unlike the events of 100 years ago, the memories/Tears in this game actually focus on telling what led to the Imprisoning War in a specific order. The events in the memories and Tears also are all relevant and side stuff was pushed to the Stone Monument side adventure. Unfortunately the game is less linear than Breath (which honestly should be the other way around and is a massive storytelling issue), however Impa at least alludes to the order of the Tears when you go to the Forgotten Temple after the first one. The Fifth Sage quest is also an incredible questline that did what BotW should have done. It showed the Imprisoning War and how Ganondorf shouldn't be taken lightly. I seriously feel let down not seeing Link and Zelda fight the Calamity and losing. Also thank god you don't have to do an absurdly tedious backtrack quest to unlock the Camera, Tears, the Champion Leathers and the Kohga fight.

Onto the dungeons. I don't get why people switched up on the Divine Beasts in a positive way. They have a great gimmick and the "fights" are cool but that's it. The puzzles are... fine I guess? The visuals are cookie cutter and so are the bosses in every aspect except gameplay (and are basically just the Calamity split into 1/4). Tears' Temples are legitimately the most enjoyable dungeons in the series for me. The atmosphere, music, puzzles having a large amount of solutions, etc. Not to mention the boss fights actually being unique and very fun this time (BotW had some bangers too like Koshia and Thunderblight) and have unique fight themes that are so, so, so good. Seized Construct might be my favorite non-final battle boss theme for me. Also the pre-dungeon segments actually feeling like dungeons for 4/5 of them really helped make me like them more. Both games also have great and bad Shrines. TotK has far less bad ones and has a much better vibe with it's Shrines.

Anyways, ramble over. Thanks for reading. The only reason I made this post was because I was pissed off due to personal reasons. I love these games and this series so please don't take this as me hating BotW.

[majorproblems77]

Taken by nightmares

TW - nightmares, Cia being creepy, warriors gets bullied by his own brain 101, warriors get his soul stolen (in the dream F), Sky gets a little present, but its not pleasant, blood

Running running running

He was running out of time

Time ticked forward. The flames rose higher. The pain in his soul turned sickly.

"LINK!"

Turning around he found a monstrous beast.

Ganondorf.

The glow of the stolen fragments of the triforce shone from his head as the beast stomped forward. But he felt frozen in place.

Impa lay still on the ground nearby. He was too late to save her.

He raised the master sword in front of him, her glow reflecting in the beast's eyes. A final light in the darkness that was consuming the world around them as it fell away in pieces. The screams of his fellow soldiers echoed through the abyss as the wind picked up into a torrent of pain and destruction.

"You have failed."

A sickening voice echoed from behind him. Female....

Cia...

Unable to move he found hands tracing up his arms as nails dug into his flesh. slow steady footsteps filled his ears as she came into view. Her eyes glowed crimson as she tilted her head and smiled.

"You caused this pain." she smiled. Plaicing a hand to his chin as she drew herself into his face. He could feel the blood rushing to his ears. "You should have given yourself to me. It would have made this so much easier..."

He couldn't speak. He couldn't get away.

Trapped.

Alone.

"My chosen one, my perfect soul. Give yourself to me."

He struggled, he cried, but no noise came out.

Let me go! Let me go!

"Your gods can't hear you now..." She giggled, as she took a step back from him, "By my guiding hand, you are mine to the end!" Turning to him she raised her staff, a dark red mist emanating from its gemstone. Stretching across from her and ensnaring him in its grip.

Gold light begain to stretch across his body, "I will manipulate you into my image. And together my hero we shall rule this world."

Nonononononononononono

Let him go!

"..nk"

He could feel his very essence being drawn from him as the darkness began to seep into his bones.

"....ink..."

Just another sacrifice for her war.

Just another one converted to her perfected image...

"LINK!"

Bolting upright the first thing he did was grab the thing in front of him. Turning it around as a scream of pain left it. Green and red filled his vision as gold joined it.

"Link it's okay!"

"NO! NO I WONT BE A PUPPET! I WON'T BE PART OF YOUR PERFECT IMAGE!" He gripped tighter. forcing the object into the green fabric. Another sound reached his ears. Another yell. More pain more suffering.

"Sky can you get free?"

Sky?

"No."

Sky? Sky... Sky...

The next thing he registered was a knife in his hands. A blade pressed against skin. Panicked voices.

"Step back. You're scaring him." A calm voice, unwavering and unafraid.

Who were they ? They wanted to kill him. They were going to kill him or take him to Cia or or or...

"Link. It's okay. The threat has passed." He pushed the steel against the man's neck. "Put the knife down. No one is going to hurt you."

Dusty blond hair filled his vision. As he registered the wrist in his hand roll slightly.

"Who do you work for?" His voice was low, and the knife pressed tightly against his neck. "You have five seconds."

"I work for Hylia. My name is Link. Like yours. I'm a hero from an age before yours." The man spoke plainly and slowly.

Other Links? Other Links...

the chain...

He moved the knife away slowly but The man did not relax. "Put the knife down, captain. It's okay..."

"Its okay... ITs okay.... Its okay..." Slowly repeating it to himself he moved the blade ever so slowly away from his neck. Watching for sudden movements.

The shift of grass from a boot...

On instinct, he turned the blade and stabbed quickly. Finding his blade stopped short of the man's neck by his own arm. Which was now dripping crimson red blood.

Pushing the man to the ground he jumped on top of him, removing the blade from his arm and trying to space it into the neck where it would be safest.

If they can't talk they can't tell. If they can't tell they can't find you.

The man below him pushed away at his arms, pain ghosted his features as he found leverage and twisted his body sending him to the ground. The man above him pinned him down, his arms placed above his head as he felt something heavy collapse across his legs.

"Warriors! It's me! Sky!" The piercing blue eyes looked down at him.

Sky... Sky....

Sky!

He let out a gasp before looking towards the skyloftian again. "Sky?"

"Yep. Thats me. You back?"

Everything came rushing back to him. He'd attacked Sky. He'd almost killed him.

Dear hylia....

"Sky?"

"You had a bad dream, that knocked your senses for a bit." The skyloftian smiled. and offered him a hand.

He offered him a hand?!

His eyes fixed to the skyloftians bracer where blood pooled around some damage. He didn't say anymore. Turning away. "I'm sorry..."

He felt a pat on his shoulder. "I'm okay." You could hear the grimace in his voice. Trying to hide the pain. "Get some rest, we can talk in the morning."

Why would he want to talk to him in the morning?

"I almost killed you!" He spoke to the air. His voice filled with shock as a hand raised to his lips.

"You were taken by a nightmare. That is not your doing." Sky's voice was unwavering and calm.

How could he be so calm at a time like this?

"I...." He tried again.

"No. Get some rest. We will talk in the morning."

Curling up on his side he spoke no more, but he would not sleep either. The threat of nightmares returning too close for comfort.

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

How would the Ganondorfs (Wind Waker, Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, Hyrule Warriors, and Tears of the Kingdom) & Demise react to facing a bewitched SO?

Like someone is out to hurt the Demon King, and the best way they figured out to do it is to possess their SO and force them to attack him.

Wind Waker Ganondorf: The Tragic King

Reaction: Wind Waker Ganondorf would initially be shocked and pained to see his SO turned against him. Having lived through his own tragedies and battles with destiny, this would feel like yet another cruel twist of fate. His first instinct would be to try and break the spell without hurting them, even if it means lowering his defenses. However, his rage at the one responsible for this manipulation would be absolute.

Scene: Ganondorf watches in disbelief as his SO, now under a bewitching spell, approaches him with a weapon in hand, their eyes blank and unseeing. A deep ache settles in his chest as they attack, each strike a blow not just to his body, but to his heart.

“I will not fight you,” he says, his voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness. His movements are slow, deflecting their attacks but never striking back. His powerful magic flares around him as he tries to undo the spell, all the while his expression darkens with every failed attempt.

When he finally manages to break the bewitchment, his fury will be unleashed upon the one responsible. His SO’s suffering would become his vengeance, and he’d stop at nothing to make sure that the one who dared to use his love against him pays dearly.

Ocarina of Time Ganondorf: The Ruthless Conqueror

Reaction: Ocarina of Time Ganondorf would react with immediate fury at the manipulation of his SO. His rage would be directed at whoever dared to possess them, but he would also feel frustrated and enraged by the situation. His SO being used against him would feel like a personal insult, and while he wouldn’t hesitate to defend himself, he would hold back just enough to avoid causing permanent harm.

Scene: Ganondorf’s red eyes flash dangerously as his SO, possessed and intent on attacking him, lunges forward. He raises his hand, magic sparking between his fingers, but he hesitates just long enough to avoid striking them down with full force. His frustration is palpable.

“You dare use them against me?” His voice is laced with fury, but his strikes against them are measured, designed to incapacitate without causing serious injury. He knows that they are not in control of their actions, but his patience is thin.

Once the possession is broken, Ganondorf will unleash his wrath upon the one responsible with a terrifying intensity, ensuring that no one ever attempts to manipulate his SO again.

Twilight Princess Ganondorf: The Calculating Tyrant

Reaction: Twilight Princess Ganondorf would remain calm and composed, even in the face of his possessed SO attacking him. His strategic mind would work quickly to assess the situation, seeking a way to end the possession without harming them. He would see this as a tactical move by his enemies, and while his fury would be cold and controlled, it would burn intensely. His focus would be on neutralizing the threat swiftly and decisively.

Scene: Ganondorf watches as his SO approaches, eyes glazed and weapon raised. His golden eyes narrow, and a low growl escapes his lips. He steps aside from their attack, moving with fluid precision.

“You are not yourself,” he states coldly, his mind racing to find the source of the spell. His magic flares as he weaves a counterspell, all while carefully avoiding doing any real harm to his SO. His composure remains intact, but the sight of his beloved being used in such a way makes his blood boil beneath the surface.

Once he breaks the spell, his wrath will be exacted on the manipulator with calculated vengeance. No one uses his SO as a pawn and gets away with it.

Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf: The Warlord

Reaction: Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf would be livid. His first reaction would be fury at anyone who dared to turn his SO against him, viewing the situation as an attack on his power and control. While he would revel in the challenge of fending off attacks, his possessiveness over his SO would ensure that he doesn’t harm them in retaliation. His anger would be focused on destroying the one responsible for the manipulation.

Scene: Ganondorf grins, a dangerous glint in his eyes as his SO, under a wicked spell, charges at him. “You think you can use them against me?” he growls, easily dodging their strikes. His prideful nature finds the situation both infuriating and insulting.

He doesn’t strike back with his full strength, only enough to knock the weapon from their hand or subdue them. His magic flares, burning with raw power as he attempts to sever the connection to the one controlling his SO.

Once the bewitchment is broken, his fury is unleashed in full force. He will show no mercy to the one who dared use his SO as a tool against him, and his vengeance will be swift and brutal.

Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf: The Corrupted Demon King

Reaction: Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf, having succumbed to darkness, would be enraged at the manipulation but might initially react with more aggression, only stopping himself just before causing serious harm. His SO being turned against him would feed his paranoia and malice, pushing him to the edge. However, a sliver of his old self—his love for his SO—would prevent him from going too far.

Scene: Ganondorf snarls as his SO, possessed and moving to attack, swings a weapon at him. His first reaction is to retaliate with full force, but something in him halts at the last moment. His dark magic swirls around them both as he barely restrains himself from striking them down.

“I will not be betrayed,” he growls, his eyes burning with malice, but his attacks are directed toward breaking the spell rather than harming them. The darkness in him threatens to consume him entirely, but his love for his SO keeps him from going over the edge.

Once the spell is broken, his vengeance is absolute. The one responsible for this manipulation will face the full wrath of the Demon King, and it will be a reckoning that leaves no room for mercy.

Demise: The God of Destruction

Reaction: Demise would be furious and see this possession as a direct challenge to his power. His immediate reaction would be violent, his instincts driving him to crush the threat, even if it’s coming from his SO. However, the bond he shares with them would cause him to restrain himself, directing his fury at the one controlling them rather than at his SO. His protective instincts would kick in, though his methods would be brutal.

Scene: Demise roars in fury as his SO, under the influence of a malevolent spell, attacks him. His first instinct is to strike back with full force, his fiery wrath blazing through the air. But as he looks into their eyes, devoid of the love they once held, he pauses—just for a second.

“You dare use them against me?” His voice is a deep, menacing growl as he grabs their arm, stopping their attack without hurting them. His fiery aura flares around him as he fights to break the spell through sheer force of will.

Once the bewitchment is broken, Demise’s vengeance is unleashed like a storm of fire. The one responsible for this attack will face the full wrath of a god, and Demise will make sure they suffer for daring to use his SO against him.

_____________________________________________________________

Bonus: The Demon King managed to slay the creature that had possessed his SO, but SO, horrified that they had been used to hurt him, is so very afraid to be near him. They love him so much, they never want to be used against him. What if they are used again? What if their husband actually gets hurt next time?

Wind Waker Ganondorf: The Tragic King

Reaction: Wind Waker Ganondorf, who has always carried a deep sense of tragedy within him, would be heartbroken to see his SO so afraid. The weight of their fear would mirror his own feelings of helplessness and loss over the years. He would understand their fear but also feel frustrated that despite his victory over the creature, the damage to their relationship lingers. His first instinct would be to console them, to assure them that they will never be used against him again.

Scene: Ganondorf watches as his SO backs away, their eyes wide with fear. The sight causes his heart to twist painfully, the once loving gaze now replaced with terror. He steps forward slowly, his voice quiet but commanding.

“I won’t let anything hurt you… or use you against me again,” he says, his voice gruff yet filled with sincerity. He kneels before them, a rare vulnerability in his expression. “You are more precious to me than anything. We’ll find a way to prevent this from happening again. I swear it.”

He would hold back his natural urge to be forceful, knowing that right now, they need reassurance, not dominance. His love and protective instincts would guide his actions, as he seeks to rebuild their trust and sense of security.

Ocarina of Time Ganondorf: The Ruthless Conqueror

Reaction: Ocarina of Time Ganondorf would be furious at the situation, but not with his SO—rather, at the fact that they had been put in such a vulnerable position. The idea of them being afraid of him would sting his pride deeply, but he would temper his usual ruthlessness for their sake. While his initial reaction might come off as cold or pragmatic, he would soon realize that they need his reassurance, and he would work to calm their fears in his own direct way.

Scene: Ganondorf stands tall, arms crossed, watching as his SO avoids his gaze, their body trembling with fear. He lets out a low growl of frustration, but when he speaks, his voice is surprisingly gentle, given his usual harshness.

“No one will ever control you again. I will see to it myself,” he says firmly. His eyes soften slightly as he steps closer, though he maintains a strong, protective presence. “You are mine. And nothing will take you from me, not even fear.”

He would reach out slowly, allowing them the space to either accept or reject his touch, a gesture that shows his willingness to let them set the pace. Once they accept him again, he would devote himself to finding a way to prevent any future threats to their bond, whether through magic or sheer force of will.

Twilight Princess Ganondorf: The Calculating Tyrant

Reaction: Twilight Princess Ganondorf would react with a calculated calm, assessing the situation carefully before acting. Seeing his SO so terrified of being near him would strike a nerve, but he wouldn’t lash out in frustration. Instead, he would use his intellect and cunning to find a solution, ensuring that they would never feel vulnerable or afraid again. He would take their fears seriously, recognizing the depth of their love and the weight of their worry.

Scene: Ganondorf watches them from the shadows of their dimly lit chamber, his eyes narrowing as he sees the fear in their gaze. For a moment, he remains still, his mind racing with possible solutions. When he speaks, his voice is soft, but full of authority.

“You fear what you cannot control, but I will ensure that no one ever controls you again.” He steps forward, his movements slow and deliberate. “You are safe with me. Always.”

His promise is more than just words; it’s a vow to protect them by any means necessary. He would use all his resources, both magical and political, to guarantee their safety, offering them a rare glimpse into his more caring side. Though he might not show tenderness easily, he would express his commitment to their safety with action.

Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf: The Warlord

Reaction: Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf would be enraged at the thought of someone daring to hurt or manipulate his SO, and he would take their fear very personally. His first instinct would be to prove his strength, showing them that nothing can stand between them and that no one would dare challenge his power again. However, seeing their fear of being used against him would force him to soften, realizing that brute strength alone cannot solve this issue.

Scene: Ganondorf snarls as his SO pulls away, the sight of their fear sparking a deep anger within him—though not at them, but at the idea that anyone would dare come between them. He slams his fist against the stone wall, cracking it as he struggles to calm himself.

“They tried to use you against me, but they failed,” he growls, stepping closer. His eyes blaze with anger, but when he sees the trembling of their hands, his expression softens, though his tone remains intense. “No one will ever hurt you again. I swear it.”

Despite his rough exterior, he would kneel before them, placing his hand on their cheek if they let him, a rare moment of gentleness for the powerful warlord. His focus would then shift to ensuring that such a thing never happens again, likely through magic or violent retribution against those who dared to harm them.

Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf: The Corrupted Demon King

Reaction: Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf, having been consumed by darkness, would struggle with the idea that his SO is afraid of him after the possession. His darker nature would make him frustrated and confused, but his love for them would drive him to push past his rage. He would feel conflicted between his corrupted self and the remnants of his love, and while his initial reaction might be intimidating, he would ultimately want to reassure them that nothing will ever take them from him.

Scene: Ganondorf’s crimson eyes glow in the dim light as he watches his SO shrink away from him, their face pale with fear. His heart, blackened by darkness, aches with a mixture of anger and sorrow. He clenches his fists, struggling to suppress the malice swirling inside him.

“They will never use you against me again,” he growls, his voice low and threatening, though not directed at them. He steps forward, his powerful presence filling the room, but he hesitates as he sees their fear intensify.

Slowly, his tone softens, though the darkness in his eyes remains. “You are mine… no one will take you from me. Not even fear.” He moves closer, offering his hand as a sign of trust, though the intensity of his emotions still lingers beneath the surface.

Ganondorf would dedicate himself to finding a way to break any future attempts at possession or control, likely through powerful dark magic or by eliminating the threat entirely. He wouldn’t allow anyone to come between them again, no matter the cost.

Demise: The God of Destruction

Reaction: Demise would react with a mixture of anger and frustration, both at the situation and at his SO’s fear of being near him. His pride would be deeply wounded by the idea that his SO, the person he holds closest, is afraid to be around him. However, his possessive and protective nature would ultimately drive him to reassure them that nothing will take them from him—not even their own fear.

Scene: Demise stands tall, his fiery hair blazing as his SO backs away from him in fear. His molten eyes narrow, and a growl rumbles from his throat. The idea that someone had used them to try and hurt him infuriates him, but seeing them afraid of him makes him pause.

“You’re afraid… of me?” His voice is filled with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. He steps closer, towering over them, but his expression softens slightly as he sees the terror in their eyes.

“No one will ever use you against me again,” he vows, his voice low and dangerous. “I will destroy anyone who tries. You are mine, and nothing will take you from me—not even fear.”

Demise would ensure that they never feel vulnerable again, likely using his immense power to protect them. His possessive nature would mean he would go to extreme lengths to keep them safe, even if it means wiping out any potential threat entirely.

[theicarusconstellation]

zelda tangled au anyone?

genderfluid link. runaway princess zelda.

imagine ganon knows only link can defeat him so he kidnaps him as a six year old and takes him to an abandoned tower in hyrule forest with the intention of corrupting him and the master sword to get them on his side. zelda has been told all her life that the power of hylia is in her, but she hasn't unlocked it yet, and the pressure is getting too much so she sets off to find the "legendary future swordswoman" who went missing years ago because "if i can't unlock my powers, maybe she can help me."

one day, she finds the master sword (which ganondorf has been hiding near the tower because he's saving it for when he finally figures out a way to corrupt it, harness its power, and take over hyrule). she's like "oh my god what if the swordswoman is around here somewhere😱."

MEANWHILE link is in the tower with their gorgeous long hair (and maybe wolf link as a sidekick instead of pascal?), and every year on his birthday, the leaders of all the villages get together and hold a little mourning/prayer ceremony for her bc signs of the calamity are approaching fast, and they're hoping link shows up soon, especially with zelda's power not being awakened yet. link desperately wants to go see the ceremony (they don't know what it's for, just that there are a lot of beautiful lights and the dragons of hyrule all come together as well), but obviously ganondorf won't let him.

THEN zelda finds the tower and scales it. link is all "HYAH!!!!!!" and the scene where eugene is trapped in the chair with rapunzel's hair plays out between the two of them except it's just a lot of link being like 😡😡and zelda being like 🤭omg this guy's reallly good with a weapon...looks a lot like the descriptions of...WAIT OMG ITS THE LEGENDARY SWORDSWOMAN🤭 link is like "i mean 1/3 woman i guess."

eventually, zelda convinces link to leave the tower with a bargain like "if i take you to the swordswoman ceremony, will you tell me about ganondorf?" (she already suspects it's THE ganondorf ykyk), and link is hesitant because zelda is telling them that the person they've been raised by is evil, but he really wants to see the ceremony, so he goes. they cut their hair to its length in totk and it really validates her gender yk? and when zelda sees how happy link is in her newfound freedom and gender expression she's like "well i have to tell him the truth about who he is"

she doesn't want to because it'll shatter link's worldview and newfound peace, and she doesn't want to put a burden on their shoulders (bc hylia knows she knows what that's like), but she does it anyway. at this point, link is beginning to get flashes of memories from his childhood and realize what zelda is trying to tell her is true, so both of them go to kakariko village to talk to impa (and they plan to talk to the champions after), but once they get there, ganondorf is there waiting in front of the desecrated former village like HEY POOKIE. FOUND YOU. MISS ME?

he takes link captive again and accelerates his plans to take over hyrule. link is trying to find a way out, and zelda is trying to find a way to help him, but it's not working out very well lmao. meanwhile zelda goes to the champions and asks for their help, relaying everything she knows, and the champions make a plan to get link and stop ganondorf. they get to the area where the tower is, but ganondorf was expecting this and takes them captive

as this happens, link doesn't know what's going on and is alone in the tower. he finds the master sword and the secret tower staircase, but it's a trap laid by ganondorf to manipulate link into joining him because link escapes the tower only to find zelda and the champions all tied up and stuff. the bargain is like "join me and i won't kill your friends when i rule, but refuse and i'll kill them slowly and make you watch" (i came up with this on the spot i know it's a rough plot WORK WITH ME😭🙏)

link being link challenges ganondorf to a duel, and ganondorf accepts purely out of amusement bc at this point he thinks "link can't defeat me yet since he's been locked in the tower; he's only a danger if he's been trained." link whoops his ass, but ganondorf harnesses the power of the calamity at the last second (which he was planning to do just to teach link a lesson in obedience and whatever). he whoops LINK'S ass, but just as link is about to get killed, zelda's powers Come To Life, and she saves him. then they all work together to defeat ganondorf and they all live happily ever after

[cutebutalsostabby]

Hi, CBAS. I have a LoZ thought I've been mulling for awhile and I'm curious about your thoughts, since you have a strong grasp of LoZ canon and LU/fanon interps.

There have long been rumors that Capcom intended the Oracle games to be sequels to the Ocarina of Time. Ninty made them sequels to ALTTP since they were working on MM. There is definitely a lot linking the Oracle games to OoT -- Zelda's appearance is much more similar to OoT than ALTTP, 'ages' and 'seasons' tie in with theme of time and its passage, the cutscene showing Link on a horse (epona), the presence of the Maku Trees (big one, in my mind), etc.

The question I've been pondering is, if we took the Oracle games away from Legend and gave them to Time (I guess the LU characters, but even broader than that if you want), do you have any thoughts on how it would affect the characters?

I think Time would be more affected, but it would take away Legend's 'veteran' status since his adventure count would be more similar to other Links. Time, meanwhile, would have had four quests, all of which would deal with time manipulation... Hmm. Maybe meeting other Maku Trees would have been good for him, though. Anyways, I'd love to hear someone else bounce the idea around with their thoughts, if you feel inclined!

Huh - I've heard of the Oracles games being connected with Zelda 1, but not with Ocarina of Time. That's really interesting!

There are a few lore things that wouldn't make as much sense that way, e.g. the whole thing with Twinrova attempting to resurrect Ganon (as opposed to Ganondorf being sealed away in the Twilight Realm) - though the fact that Twinrova are alive at all does make more sense in the Child Timeline than in the other two. I almost wonder if those games should be shifted to Twilight or Four instead. But anyway.

One thing that strikes me with those two quests is that they are LONG. 8 dungeons each, with some of the most difficult final boss fights in the series, and long enough to watch Bipsom grow from a newborn into a talkative child (or really, a grown man?? Idk. They grow up so fast). So that's a lot of adventuring experience to pass between the two. And items! You get SO many new items in those games! Suddenly, Time is the one with a tool for everything. Coolest of which is the Switch Hook, in my view. And he gets all the magical rings! Including (optionally) the one that lets him turn into Hyrule lol. And of course, the Mermaid Suit.

I'd also say that there's a lot less horror in those games compared to some others in the series? Not that there's none at all, but it feels much more hopeful than say Link's Awakening. And considering Time really didn't have much of a home once he left Kokiri Forest: maybe it would actually be really good for him? You make a lot of friends along the way after all. I reckon he and Ralph would get along. And Dimitri (lovely, sweet, Dimitri). Also, you meet Malon in Oracle of Seasons! If this is OoT!Link, then it might be the first time she meets him in that timeline, even Time already met her in a different one. And there's a mask maker in Oracle of Ages with a similar look but VERY different personality to the one from OoT and MM; wonder how Time would feel about that?

Another thought: if Time gets the Oracles games, does he also get Link's Awakening? Because I kind of like the flow of ALTTP to Oracles to the game that takes a bunch of assets and characters from those games and jumbles them up into a dream world, and so if you shift Oracles, there's an argument to move LA as well. And THAT would be interesting. Both because shifting it over removes a lot of the argument for Legend's bitterness, and that I think that quest would hit differently for Time. I mean, considering Marin is basically dream Malon, and that she's so determined for him to wake up and survive that she's willing to sing to the Windfish herself, consequences be damned: maybe that's when Time has his "oh" moment. 👀

That's all that immediately springs to mind. Hopefully it helps? Good question!

[crownshattered-moved]

GENSHIN VERSE INFO:

So. In a desert-y part of Sumeru, there’s a tribe that worships the late god Ganondorf (or Ganon for short). He supposedly watched over this village and was GOING to lead them to power and glory until his ultimate demise (well, actually SEALING) in the archon war.

Midna is the chief’s daughter. (yes, her mother is still kira’s mother). She is the princess until she is coronated, same with her usual stuff. Her tribe has VERY close connections to the Abyss and part of any child’s “trials to adulthood” is to spend a year in the Abyss, FIVE for the princess. So, Midna did

They’re against the Archons but aren’t on the Fatui’s side??? They want to work with the abyss to destroy the world and bring a new one, one with no archons save for Ganon. They also hope to revive Ganon.

Midna most likely will work with someone (possibly the traveler) while keeping her true identity a secret. She’ll manipulate anyone around her to be able to accomplish what her tribe wants her to accomplish. However…. the more time she spends with other people outside of her tribe, the more she realizes that their plans just AREN’T RIGHT. So she’ll help her people, but also try to bring about a DIFFERENT change. Over time, she’ll no longer follow her tribe’s ideals.

She doesn’t have a vision, but she has ABYSS POWERS!!!! Taught to her by those in the Abyss (through harsh training). She can do pretty similar things to what she normally can do, but her portals look more similar to the abyss portals as seen in the game. She still has her orange lightning-like stuff (she calls it Twilight). And finally, she can go into a Foul Legacy LIKE form (different, different teacher by similar technique) which is called Fused Shadow. You guessed it, it’s pretty much her just going into her fused shadow form.

idk, more tba…???

[dinfeanoriel]

Safeguard

Hey! I’ve been gone awhile, but I’m back with a little something! 

~~~~~~~~~

His face was familiar.

Then again, all of their faces were familiar because they were their own. As strange as it was to say, the resemblance between the nine was uncanny and undeniable. 

But his...His was far more familiar to Time. Something about it nagged at him. It was constantly poking and prodding, urging him to delve deep into his mind and strive to uncover, to find out, why he recognized him more so than the others. 

With Twilight, it had clicked into place they were somehow related. A descendant of his from far down the line. 

Could it be the same with him? 

Remember. 

Remember! 

But he couldn’t. He wasn’t sure what he was trying to remember. Where he’d seen his face? That was a rather pointless endeavor and would undoubtedly lead to a fruitless search. 

He recalled their first meeting vividly and both had experienced an eerie familiarity with one another for reasons they were unsure of. Time could tell from his carefully crafted expressions that Warrior recognized him also but was at a loss as to how and why. 

This further confirmed to Time that they must have met once upon a time. 

But when? How? 

Surely, Time would have been able to recall such an extraordinary event. It wasn’t everyday one met an incarnation of themselves.  

It also wasn’t everyday one met eight incarnations of themselves, and yet, here they were. 

But, Time digressed 

The resemblance between the two was striking. All of the Links had been taken aback and put off by it. 

~~~~

“Are you two related?” Wind once asked. The Sailor was sitting between Warrior and Four, constantly looking between the Knight and the Old Man across from him. 

“Thank you, Wind, for asking!” Legend expelled a breath, “I have been wanting to know for a while now!” 

Wanting but never asking. 

The others appeared to have wondered the same if their sudden interest in the conversation was of any evidence. 

Twilight was certainly curious. While he and Time knew they were related, it was always possible for there to be more relatives. 

Warrior gave a warm chuckle and shook his head, “No. We aren’t.” 

He disheveled Wind’s hair for good measure, ignoring the Sailor’s indignant cry. 

Time couldn’t help but frown at the answer. Something about it bugged him. Was it the forced sincerity behind Warrior’s voice? The frail conviction in his eyes? The bitterness and subtle scowl Warrior skillfully hid from the others? 

He never dared to ask. 

~~~~

Of course, it wasn’t only the Links who recognized the uncanny resemblance between the two. Time’s wife, Malon, had noted it. When Malon had first been introduced to the Links, her eyes were drawn to Warrior and then Twilight almost instinctively. Her eyes shuttered with something unknown, her heart tugging at something foreign yet more than welcome. 

Time had already informed her of having met a descendant of their’s. At first, Malon believed it to be Warrior, then possibly Wind, only to discover later it was Twilight. 

However, Malon appeared to be dissatisfied with something Time couldn’t pinpoint. She was overjoyed and exuberant from having learned they had a descendant. She’d been unable to quell her excitement and contagious, toothy, smiles for several days. She’d gushed to Time in a neverending stream of proud words and happiness about being able to meet Twilight. 

~~~~

“That boy reminds me of you from when you were younger,” Malon once remarked to Time, drying a plate with a hand towel. “Sixteen, I’d have to say.” 

“Warrior?” Funny how he knew exactly who she was referring to. 

Malon hummed with a nod of her head, “He looks so much like you, it’s unbelievable! I was almost convinced I was staring at a younger version of you. As the Hero of Time, I wouldn’t have doubted it was.” 

“You aren’t the first to make such a claim,” He’d informed his wife, instinctively searching for Warrior among the group of Heroes running about outside. They were indulging Wind in one of his favorite games, looking far more relaxed and at ease than Time had ever seen them. 

He found Warrior nearest Twilight and struggled to hold back a laugh when a disgruntled Cucco leaped out from behind them, angrily flapping its wings and clucking furiously. The pure and unadulterated fear that crossed their faces and the comical widening of their eyes was something Time would forever remember. 

To think a Cucco of all things was able to extract such sheer and absolute terror from those possessing the Triforce of Courage...

Wonders never ceased, Time supposed. 

He’d never seen them move so fast before. Twilight and Warrior were gone before he could blink, kicking up a cloud of dust as they bolted across the ranch to safety. Legend, Hyrule, Wind, and Four were quick to drop everything and follow their example, fleeing for their lives and leaving behind an utterly baffled Sky. 

Ever the bold one, Malon snorted, 

“I believe it.” 

Time hadn’t been able to shake those words from his mind ever since. 

~~~~

It frustrated Time to no end that he was no closer to uncovering the answer he’d been seeking. It was so close yet so far away. Almost out of reach. Time wasn’t sure how to cross the distance without alerting Warrior. 

When in the heat of battle, Time more-often-than-not found himself partnering with Warrior. The two made for an unbeatable duo who conquered the battlefield with hardly any effort. 

They worked well together, adapting to one another’s style and technique without trouble and swooping in with a killing blow when the other faltered or stepped aside. 

It pestered him. 

A strange, niggling sensation told him this wasn’t the first they’d fought together. Nor would it be the last. 

How was it possible? 

What really took the cake was what occurred that night. 

The Links were weary from a long day of travelling and exhausted from the three battles they’d partaken in. Setting up camp took longer than usual due to the bone-deep fatigue affecting each Hero. Still, Wild put together a wholesome meal for them to enjoy and the Links slipped into sharing a couple or so stories of their adventures. 

Time merely listened, his stoic gaze slipping towards Warrior every-so-often. The Old Man had noticed something about the Knight. For as much as he loved to talk, his voice filling the silence and becoming something they were accustomed to listening to, they knew next to nothing about him. 

Time mulled on this surprising fact, troubled. He sifted through a list of what he knew about the Knight: 

1. He was a Knight 2. Obtained a nasty scar from the Dragon Knight Volga 3. Fought Ganondorf and a sorceress called Cia 4. Faced Dark Link 5. Fought a war 6. Has several sisters

The more Time thought, the steeper his frown became. He hardly knew anything about Warrior. 

Why was this? 

Warrior skillfully crafted each individual conversation he participated in. He manipulated the subject away from himself and slyly shifted the topic to others. When directly questioned about his adventure, Warrior gave a simple summary, skimmed over details, and wrapped it up promptly. None of them noticed for the way Warrior would speak, how he would draw them into a fascinating tale and keep them on their toes with suspense, distracted them from recognizing how he never directly spoke of himself. 

Tonight, the Heroes were showing a few of their instruments to pass time until Wild finished cooking. 

Legend and Sky compared their harps, Wind whipped out his baton and Spirit Flute, Hyrule revealed his recorder, and Twilight allowed Four to admire his Horse Call. 

“What about you, Time?” Wind curiously asked, drawing the oldest Hero from his thoughts, “Do you have an instrument?” 

Suddenly, Time found himself in the spotlight once more. He supposed it couldn’t hurt to join in just this once. 

“I do,” Time replied, watching the Heroes perk up and look to him expectantly. He smothered a smile and shook his head, “I don’t suppose you would want to see?” 

Wind bounded forward, “Oh yes!” he cried excitedly, “I want to see!” 

Time huffed out a small chuckle, pausing long enough in his rifling through his pack to ruffle Wind’s already disheveled hair. Warrior would undoubtedly fix it later. 

“Very well. It is a rare and incredibly important instrument.” 

“Why is that?” Surprisingly, it was Legend who voiced the question. The snarky Hero drew closer, influencing the others to do the same. Before Time knew it, they had formed a crescent moon around him. Warrior sat across from him, Wind in his lap and arms loosely wrapped around the enthusiastic sailor. Twilight, Wild, and Hyrule were to their left with Legend, Sky, and Four to their right. 

“It was given to me by Princess Zelda,” Time explained, carefully shifting through his pack to find his beloved instrument, “And it helped me greatly on my adventures.” Legend nodded in understanding. 

At long last, Time felt the familiar outline of this beloved instrument and he delicately slipped it out for all to see. It was a tad amusing to see the awe and wonder appear in their eyes. Wind was especially amazed by the blue, peculiarly shaped and unfamiliar instrument. 

“What is it?” Sky asked, briefly meeting Time’s eye. 

“An Ocarina,” 

Time stopped, mouth open but no words having escaped. The answer to Sky’s question lingered on the tip of his tongue, dissipating into nothingness the instant a different voice replied for him. 

His gaze snapped to Warrior immediately. The Knight’s grip on Wind had tightened imperceptibly, his back and shoulders stiff, and disbelieving eyes glued to the Ocarina of Time. There was a strange, unrecognizable intonation to his voice Time told himself to pay close attention to. 

He narrowed his own gaze, wondering at Warrior’s unexpected reaction. There was something more to it. The familiarity in which Warrior stared at the Ocarina of Time and the shock carefully hidden behind deep pools of blue. 

Wind dropped his head back, peering up at Warrior quizzically, 

“You’ve seen one before, Warrior?” 

Upon hearing his voice, Warrior slowly blinked and shook himself from whatever daze had overtaken him. That infamous, charming, smile Warrior was known for stretched his lips and he answered,  “I have, a long while ago,” 

Time frowned at the vague response. 

“They are incredibly rare, however,” 

And there he went, deflecting the attention from himself back to Time. 

“They are indeed,” Time agreed lowly, studying Warrior intently, “To my knowledge, there are only two Ocarinas. There could be more, but I have yet to find another.” 

Before anymore could be said, Wild declared dinner was ready and the Links were up and gone in a flash. 

~~~~

Young Link sat idly on a boulder in Hyrule Field, small legs kicking in the air as he hummed a catchy tune to himself. The battle had long since ended and he took this precious little time to rest and regain his strength before they moved out once more. He knew the call to march would sound soon and sorrow swelled in his heart. Young Link had seen plenty of darkness, death, and despair. He had witnessed the world’s end many times over and struggled to rescue a land threatened by a looming moon and a Mask wielding a great and terrible, ancient, power. He’d traveled through time, back and forth and back and forth, until he’d put an end to the King of Evil, returned the Master Sword, and warned Princess Zelda of the oncoming storm. 

Now, here he was, warped into another world and whisked away on yet another adventure to help beat back the darkness poisoning the lands of this Hyrule. 

In his hands, Link gingerly held the Ocarina of Time. Princess Zelda had given it to him- claimed it might one day help him. A subtle way of telling Link he would need it someday. The thought terrified him. 

Everything was doom and gloom nowadays and it saddened Young Link to know of the evils and horrors people were capable of. Of the atrocities and tragedies many would suffer down the road. 

It was hard accepting not everyone could be saved. 

The quiet shuffling of booted feet drew Young Link from his dark, restless, thoughts and the boy in green turned his head to find a familiar Hylian approaching. His face was blurred, his figure distorted in a way to hide his identity. He could recognize the color green and blue and the blonde hair, but other than that, nothing. 

Hands rose and signed quickly, gesturing to the Ocarina curiously. 

Young Link grinned, a tinge of nostalgia slipping into the gesture, and answered, 

“This is an Ocarina. The Ocarina of Time,” He presented it freely, unafraid. He knew he could trust this stranger implicitly. 

The blurred figure nodded to themselves, and Young Link could imagine an intrigued frown twisting their lips. 

“It’s an instrument!” Young Link brightly elaborated, cradling the Ocarina and bringing it up for the other to get a better look. He knew the knight wouldn’t try to steal from him, “A beautiful one too. It was given to me.” 

“Ocarina...” The ghost of a whisper caressed Young Link’s ear and the child snapped his head up in surprise. This was the first time he’d heard the other’s voice. It was surprisingly warm and soft. Amiable and kind. 

“You should talk more,” Young Link chirped from where he was perched, startling his companion, “You’re voice...it’s...it’s nice to hear.” 

A shy chuckle echoed in his ears before darkness ringed around the edges, closing in...

“Thank you...” 

~~~~

Time blinked his eyes open drowsily, squinting when tendrils of sunlight pierced them for a blinding moment. The remnants of his dream lingered in his mind, troubling the Old Man as he pondered on it. 

It felt...familiar. 

Real. 

Like a distant memory. Lost due to the passage of time and then found again. 

He sat up, his mind foggy and thoughts whirling in confusion. He raked a hand through his golden hair, wondering at the dream. Had it been a simple dream? Or was there more to it? 

The more he mused on it, the pesky sensation in the back of his mind became stronger- telling him this was a memory he’d somehow suppressed and had freshly excavated. 

The voice...

It struck him as eerily familiar and yet unfamiliar. He’d heard it once before. 

“Old Man?” 

Time blinked slowly, raising his head to find Legend standing before him with an eyebrow raised. 

“I’ve been calling to you for a while now,” The red-clad Hero huffed, crossing his arms and inclining his head, “You were staring into oblivion...” 

Time would have smiled at the hidden concern behind Legend’s words. His extremely subtle way of expressing worry and asking whether or not he was okay. 

“I’m alright,” Time said, suppressing a groan when he drew himself to his feet. He must be getting old. His body kept protesting against movement of any kind. He was no longer as agile and nimble as he once was, but he was stronger and wiser. The older Hero clasped Legend’s shoulder and looked to find the seven other Heroes efficiently packing up camp under Warrior’s guidance. The Captain’s scarf fluttered in the strong breeze and Warrior fumbled to keep it from unraveling. 

Warrior...

~~~~

Young Link watched his friend care and wash his blood-stained scarf. He scrutinized every inch of the fabric, checking to make sure there were no rips or tears. 

“You really like your scarf, don’t you?” The small Hero stated with a small smile. His friend reminded him much of himself and how he treated the Ocarina of Time as if it were the most precious item in the world. 

It was to him, and he supposed his friend held similar sentimentality towards his scarf. 

His friend paused momentarily, sparing him a glance. His face was soft and open. There was no harshness or sternness now that the battle was over and they were granted time for respite before they would start again. 

His friend’s eyes glimmered with an unknown emotion as he regarded the scarf he held in his hands. 

“Yes,” He softly murmured with a nod of his head, “I do...It reminds me of him.” 

Whoever ‘he’ was, Young Link never did discover, but he knew whoever they were, they must have been important to his friend. 

~~~~

Time pursed his lips at the Knight. It aggravated him that he couldn’t pinpoint why he found the Captain awfully familiar. 

Legend shuffled in place, gaze flitting from Time to Warrior. The intense look on their leader’s face, the narrowing of his eyes and searching gaze... What could he possibly be looking for? 

Time hummed to himself, uncertain and curious, “I suppose a few questions are in order...” 

Legend quirked an eyebrow at him but Time said nothing more. Instead, he pat Legend’s shoulder and moved away to help Wind untangle himself from the shrubs he’d miraculously caught himself up in. 

The Sailor was a giggling mess, a fondly exasperated Warrior and amused Sky hovering about attempting to tug him out. 

“Of all things, Wind, and I just did your hair-” Warrior halfheartedly scolded the teen, 

“Come now, Warrior,” Time interjected smoothly, slipping beside the Captain, “I recall a certain incident at a particular waterfall-” 

Legend’s curiosity was piqued when Warrior turned a surprising shade of red, stuttering, 

“I-I have absolutely no idea what you’re referring to!” 

Time’s deep laughter encompassed the air, his shoulders shaking from the movement. The Links looked on with interest. It was rare for their leader to laugh so freely and with such unrestrained warmth and mirth. 

“Wait, what incident?” Hyrule wanted to know.  “Yes, do tell!” Four encouraged. 

Warrior floundered desperately. 

“No, don’t!” 

~~~~

It was when they were abruptly transported to Warrior’s world that things took an unexpected turn. 

Twilight’d thought Warrior would be thrilled to return to his home and give them a tour of his Hyrule but his keen senses told him otherwise. Warrior was displeased and reluctant. 

His confident and sure stature had wilted and his booted feet thumped against the ground a little heavier than normal. 

He plastered on a fake smile to fool the others, but Twilight saw right through it. The Knight did not appear at all happy to be here and it baffled Twilight. The forced cheer in Warrior’s voice when he would speak and the faux-prep in his step were a facade he kept tightly wound about himself. A vain attempt to convince the Links he was beyond enthused to be back. 

Twilight ambled a little behind Warrior, off to the side. He caught sight of the dark frown twisting his companion’s features and the contemplative, almost strained and hesitant look on his face. He could practically see the gears turning nonstop in the Hero’s head. His eyes had dimmed, becoming dark and stormy. 

Quickening his pace, Twilight moved to walk alongside the Knight. Warrior snapped out of his thoughts upon catching his movement and shot the Ordonian a questioning look. 

“Something you need, Twilight?” 

Twilight shook his head at the split-second transformation he witnessed steal over his companion. The amiable tone, weak smirk, and glad expression. 

“You aren’t fooling me, Warrior.” 

Warrior faltered. It was slight, not really noticeable, but Twilight noted it. His smirk faded, growing frail and crackly until it vanished completely and the grim expression from before replaced the faux-delighted one. He looked away- another sign that something was bothering him. 

It had to be something serious if it affected Warrior this much. 

“Sorry,” Warrior apologized a little gruffly, staring down the path they were on, “This road brings back some awful memories.” His demeanor visibly darkened, “And what lies at the end is worse.” 

Twilight could understand. While he didn’t know Warrior’s story, he knew how it could be. How a simple object, place, or person could dredge up the worst of memories. 

“Is there a different path we could take?” 

Warrior looked briefly surprised by Twilight’s suggestion, but shook his head.  “Unfortunately, no, or I would have taken one. But I cannot-” Warrior cut off, clenching his fists, “Will not,” He managed to say between clenched teeth, “Run from it. I was bound to face it one day. Might as well be this one.” 

Twilight averted his gaze. He was never one for sentimentality or comforting, but he darn well tried. 

“It might not be much, but we’re here with you.” 

This time, Warrior stopped briefly, lifting his head to stare at Twilight for a moment before a small, genuine, smile curved his lips and he started walking again. 

“That’s more than I could ask for,” He admitted in a quiet murmur. Twilight recognized it for the thanks it was. 

He stayed next to Warrior for the remainder of the trip and never strayed even as the sun began to fall and the moon gradually ascended. 

~~~~

He walked alongside a tall, intimidating, Dragon Knight, swallowed up by his shadow. Volga had surprisingly taken a role as his protector- though Young Link had little need of one. He could hold his own quite well, thank you. 

Their fellow soldiers were grim-faced and determined. 

This tale was drawing to an end. 

At least, he hoped. He didn’t want his friend to suffer more than he already had. He didn’t want him to experience the same horrors he himself had. If he could spare his friend that, Young Link would. It was a vow he kept close to his heart and strove his hardest to achieve. 

The road was long and dark. The roiling clouds above thunderous and ominous, instilling a sense of foreboding in the armies trudging beneath them. Already, Young Link recognized the wavering resolve in some of the soldiers and he scowled. 

Would there be more turncoats? Traitors? Those hurt his friend more than any physical wound ever could. 

Speaking of his friend... 

Cobalt blues scanned the faces of the nearby Knights, searching for one in particular. He spotted him marching up ahead, accompanying the Princess and General Impa discussing strategy. 

Without a word, Young Link bounded away and hopped to his friend’s side. He could see the steely resolve in his face- so alike his own. Young Link had no doubt that his friend would succeed in ridding this world of the Sorceress’s curse and consequently saving Hyrule. 

Hyrule was, in his empirical opinion, useless when it came to times likes these. It always fell upon the shoulders of the Hero to struggle, suffer, and strive to save her. 

There was also a look in his friend’s eyes that Young Link found he didn’t like. Ever since his friend had retrieved the Master Sword, he’d grown reckless and prideful. Never a good combination. 

Young Link feared for his friend. The upcoming battle would no doubt be the most difficult and trying and he knew if his friend didn’t snap out of it, he would wind up getting himself killed. 

Well then, Young Link would just have to stick to his side and make sure he didn’t. It would be easier said than done, but more than worth it. 

Without much thought, Young Link reached and tugged on his friend’s sleeve, drawing his attention from the Princess and the General. Then, grasping his hand, Young Link looked up to him. 

“We’re almost there,” 

His friend, Link, smiled and nodded curtly. His eyes- no longer hidden from sight or blurred- glinted with a strange light and Young Link found he didn’t like it. 

He was far too confident. Far too sure now that he wielded the Master Sword. 

“Cia’s house...” He murmured. 

Once, Young Link celebrated and reveled in the rare moments his friend would speak for himself rather than through his fairy, but now...

He wished Proxi had spoken instead. 

~~~~

“There it is,” 

It was Warrior’s solemn voice that brought Time back to the present. His brow creased from the fickle memory that had come unwarranted to him. He wasn’t sure what had triggered it, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that this road they had taken was known to him. 

The Links took in the sight before them. 

The dark, foreboding Fortress Warrior knew they would have to seek shelter in for the night loomed in the distance. Time wandered closer to where Twilight and Warrior stood on the edge of a cliff. The instant his gaze fell on the building, Time knew where they were before Warrior told them. 

“Cia’s House,” 

The aloof tone unsettled the Links and they discreetly shot looks of concern towards Warrior. From the guarded look on his face, they knew he had some kind of history with this grand and eerie place. 

And not a good one. 

Legend thought he sensed dark magic poisoning the air and the ground and wondered at it. Warrior was strongly opposed to magic- especially dark magic. Had something happened here that served to influence the fierce hatred he bore against it? 

Time frowned deeply. 

Cia’s House...The place from his memory. He’d been here once before. But when? How? Why couldn’t he remember? 

He looked long and hard at the structure as if it held all of the answers he sought. For some reason, he felt a stirring of anger, an odd coiling of fear, and fierce protection well up inside of him. 

Protect...

Protect.

Protect! 

Time winced when the word thundered in his mind, ricocheting off the walls and fading into nothingness. 

Protect? 

Protect what? Who?

A hand settled on his arm and Time turned to find Wild worriedly peerkng at him from beneath his hood. 

“You doing alright, Pops?” He asked upon recognizing the pain and confusion minutely distorting the older Hero’s features. 

“I...yes,” Time nodded slowly, a strong hand giving Wild a couple reassuring pats on his shoulder. 

Wild clearly didn’t believe him but he knew better than to press. Something was frustrating Time yet the teen couldn’t tell what. He’d been watching the Old Man closely. Lately, he’d been absentminded and earlier, when they first started down the path after Warrior, he’d withdrawn into himself, eyes far away and mind distant. 

It was as if he was recalling something- a faint memory of sorts. Wild knew that look well. He’d worn it more times than he cared to count. 

“Look after Warrior,” 

“Huh?” Wild blinked at the sudden words. Time didn’t appear to realize he’d spoken at all, instead starting forward and following the group down the cliffside to Cia’s House. “Look after Warrior..?” He repeated, bewildered. He scratched the back of his head and shrugged to himself. 

Warrior had been acting odd. Perhaps Time was concerned for him? 

~~~~

It was General Impa’s gruff cry that alerted Young Link to the fact that something was severely wrong. The genuine worry she didn’t bother to hide alarmed the small hero. 

“Link, wait- that idiot!” She tripled her efforts, her large, sharp blade viciously swiping enemies and sending them sailing in all directions. 

A sharp pang of pure, unadulterated fear raced through Young Link’s veins. His friend had run on ahead, just as he’d suspected he would do. 

The Dragon Knight Volga slammed his weapon into the ground, flames encompassing his form as fury tinged with concern distorted his masked features. He scowled, fangs flashing in the light, 

“That boy is going to get himself killed!” 

Young Link snapped his head toward the displeased Dragon Knight, eyes wide with unrestrained worry. 

Without waiting for Volga, Young Link shot off, a trail of destruction left in his wake.

“I have to find him!” 

The urge to use the Fierce Deity Mask festered within the young hero, but he valiantly quashed it. He effortlessly destroyed any enemies that got in his way- the need to make sure his friend was safe and sound feeding this newly found strength and sudden rush of adrenaline that kept his legs pumping. 

A burst of hot air slammed into his back and past him as Volga sprinted along side him, 

“You are just as reckless,” Came his guttural growl, flames brilliantly bright. 

“Link is surrounded!” Came the Princess’s powerful, reverberating, voice, and another blast of sheer terror stole Young Link’s very breath away, “There are Dark Links appearing everywhere!”

Young Link willed himself to go faster. Dark Links? As in plural? His friend had no experience facing an evil incarnation of himself! How could he face more than one? 

He desperately clung to the hope he would reach him in time. 

~~~~

When Time next stirred, it was a handful of hours before dawn. Heaving a quiet sigh, the oldest Hero drew himself up into a sitting position and turned his head to appraise the slumbering Links around him. 

Wind was curled into a tight ball underneath his blanket, Four calmly sleeping nearest him with his hands folded on his chest. Hyrule had one arm and leg cast out from underneath his thick cloak, and his head pillowed on his left arm. 

Twilight and Wild were back-to-back, the former of the Heroes having chosen not to transform for the night. They slept near identical to one another, with an arm curled beneath their heads and cushioning them from the unforgiving, stone, ground and blankets drawn past their shoulders. 

Sky was a mess of sprawled limbs. Time huffed out a quiet laugh at the ungainly sight. For such an amiable, kindhearted, and soft-spoken hero, Sky moved an unbelievable amount during the night and often awoke with his arms and legs haphazardly thrown here and there. 

Legend was lying on his stomach, his pack shoved underneath his head and an arm bent close to his face. His face was smoothed over in his sleep, the typical scowl and moody furrow creasing his brow absent. He looked young, untroubled, and unburdened. Sorrow tugged at Time’s heart. He knew Legend had experienced much- more than most of the others combined and he wondered why the Goddess had chosen to send him on one adventure after another. 

Yet, Time also held admiration and respect for the teen. Despite everything he’d gone through, Legend still persevered and pressed on. He had become almost detached to life and did his best to avoid making connections, but little by little, he was starting to open up and establish a strong, unbreakable, bond with the rag-tag group of wayward Heroes. 

A troubled frown pulled at Time’s lips. What would happen after this adventure was over? What would become of the Heroes? Would they still be able to contact one another? Or would they never see one another again, left only with memories they would forever treasure and cherish? 

He stubbornly silenced the thoughts in his mind and looked to the Knight still on watch...

Only to find Warrior gone. 

Time stiffened and turned every-which-way in search of the Captain. 

He was nowhere to be found. 

The Old Man stood immediately, ensuring the make-shift campsite was secure before heading off to find the missing Link. Where could he have gone? Why had he abandoned his post? It was unlike Warrior to do so. Even if he went to investigate something, Warrior knew better than to go alone. 

What had prompted him to leave on his own without waking one of his companions? 

Time didn’t know but he was going to find out. 

He left the campsite and turned down the vast corridor towards the main room of Cia’s House. His feet moved instinctively, knowing exactly where they would find the Knight. 

It might have been ages ago, but he still remembered...

Brief flashes and blurred images flickered across his mind the deeper into the House he went, and Time realized he did know where he was heading. 

He’d been here before...

Long ago. 

In a time long forgotten and newly remembered. 

~~~~

“He’s in trouble!” Young Link cried, bolting down the corridors and racing towards where his friend was trapped. 

Volga chased after him. They were joined by a determined Ruto and seething Midna, both racing to reach Link before anything ill befell him. 

“He’s more of an idiot than my idiot,” He barely overheard Midna hissing in displeasure.

“We can lecture him later,” Ruto peacefully intervened before the Twili could continue, “Right now, we have to reach him before the Dark Links do!” 

~~~~

Time’s lips curled back in a grimace at the paintings decorating the walls. He certainly did not miss the sight of those. 

The Sorceress had been wholly and utterly obsessed with the Bearer of the Triforce of Courage. It was disturbing. 

The Hero of Time continued on his short trek through Cia’s House, slowing to a stop almost instinctively when he reached the room he dreaded to see. 

~~~~

Young Link couldn’t describe the onslaught of emotions and feelings that took him captive when he skidded around the corner to find his friend surrounded by Dark Links. 

His heart leaped into his throat and his eyes went impossibly wide with terror when they lunged at him simultaneously. 

“NO!” The desperate, heart-rending cry ripped from his throat. 

“You IDIOT!” Midna practically screeched. 

“LINK!” 

“We won’t reach him in time-”  It was the Dragon Knight’s terse declaration that shattered Young Link’s world completely and made him understand. 

They had arrived too late. 

~~~~

Time peered into the vast chamber he knew Warrior would be in. 

The Knight stood only a few feet inside, not daring to move any further. His face was a blank canvas, carefully shielded, and eyes dark and stormy as he recalled those terrible days. 

He was silent. Grave and solemn. 

It was a sight Time had never before seen. Not with Warrior. 

He was small. Insignificant compared to the expansiveness of the room they were in. 

“I almost died here...” 

Warrior’s voice was quiet. Steady and collected but his tone shook with an unknown emotion. He swallowed thickly, a fist pressed to his chest. 

“I thought I would...”  

- The unbridled fear. The widening of cobalt blues, swimming with undiluted terror and horrified understanding- 

The Old Man was reminded of a time not too long ago in which Sky allowed Hyrule to wield the Master Sword. The words Warrior had stated so simply and nonchalantly back then lingered in the back of his mind, troubling the Hero...

~~~~~

“Just a beauty, isn’t she?” Warrior remarked as the Links watched Hyrule admire the Master Sword he held in his hands. The beauty and craftsmanship took him aback. They could recognize the awe and wonderment in his dark eyes. 

“I’m at a loss for words,” Hyrule admitted in a respectful whisper, a smile splitting his lips as he pointed the Master Sword forward. She moved with such grace and elegance. A fine blade. No other could hope to surpass her. 

“With that blade, you feel invincible,” Warrior said, wagging a finger in Hyrule’s direction. Twilight’s gaze flicked to him, a slight frown on his face, 

“That’s a dangerous way of thinking,” The Ordonian remarked, voicing Time’s thoughts aloud. 

Warrior said nothing to defend himself. 

“Almost cost me my life,” 

~~~~

“You were reckless,” Time’s low voice quietly broke the silence encompassing the room. 

Warrior didn’t startle. He’d likely sensed Time’s presence before the Hylian had spoken. A self-deprecating laugh fleetly followed. 

“I was overconfident,” The Knight agreed, lowering his head with shame, “If it hadn’t been for the others...For Lana...I wouldn’t be here.” 

Time moved swiftly, coming to stand beside Warrior. 

“Sometimes, I wonder what might have happened,” Warrior continued, lifting his gaze and staring ahead, unable to look Time in the eye, “If I had fallen- if Lana had been a second late and the Darks succeeded... what would have become of Hyrule if I had failed?” 

Time shook his head with a stern frown, grasping Warrior’s shoulder gently but firmly, 

“No one can give you an answer to that, Warrior. There is no way to know and you will never find out. Dwelling on what-ifs is a wasteful endeavor- and one that does more harm than good. Because of Lana, because of your friends and allies, you still live. You are still here.” 

“And for that, I am forever grateful,” Warrior earnestly told Time, clenching his fists, “But that doesn’t change the fact that because of my foolishness and pride, my overconfidence, I could have cost Hyrule everything.” 

Time hummed, “That is a possibility, but that is all it is- a possibility. There are things all of us wish we can go back, erase, and start anew,” The Hero smiled wanly, “But if it weren’t for those experiences, for the lessons we learned, or the struggles we underwent, none of us would be where we are now. There are regrets. There will always be lingering regrets we will never truly rid ourselves of...” Time knew this well. It was and always would be the harsh reality, “You have learned and grown since then, Warrior, and have taken to teaching the others what you yourself have learned.” 

Now Time felt he had an understanding of Warrior. 

“Almost cost me my life,” 

The simple statement that had bugged Time for months now made more sense. He was issuing a warning. It was subtle but it was there. He was telling the others not to allow the power of the Master Sword to go to their heads. He was making sure none of them would take the Blade of Evil’s Bane for granted. A lesson he had learned and taken to heart. 

“I suppose,” Warrior conceded with a slight nod. 

Time appraised him somberly. 

“Forgiving one’s self is the most difficult and arduous task we will all experience in our lifetime,” He squeezed Warrior’s shoulder, “Some will succeed and some will not, but, Warrior, though it may amount to nothing, I never held it against you. Nor did any of the others.” 

Warrior’s head snapped up at record speed. For a second, Time believed he might have given himself whiplash. Stunned cobalt blues bored into Time’s own, confusion mingled with a faint trace of hope easily recognizable. 

“You..?” 

Time released another warm laugh, “I thought I recognized you from somewhere,” He told the Captain, “But for the life of me, I could never pinpoint from where or when. During the past few days, I started to remember. That little boy in green you met on the battlefield? The one wielding the biggoron sword?”

Why on Hylia’s green earth Time had chosen to use that blade was still beyond him. It had been far too big for him then.  

Warrior could have choked, “That was you?!” Then his expression brightened and a brilliant, beaming, smile broke out. It was a most welcome sight for Time to see. The genuine happiness, shock, and relief Warrior sported meant more than the Captain would ever know, “Of course it was you! I thought- I couldn’t bring myself to believe it-” He trailed off, raking his fingers through his hair as he attempted to wrap his mind around this unexpected revelation, “The Ocarina was a dead give away but I thought it was mere coincidence you had one.” 

“That was the first time I heard your voice,” Time found himself saying. Warrior chuckled faintly, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“I can’t believe it...” Still, the smile never left Warrior’s face. “It was you all along.” 

“You would think the title The Hero of Time would have given it away,” Time mused, a hint of teasing in his tone. 

Warrior turned red and floundered pathetically, “Yes- well- I-um...” He deflated, grumbling moodily, “There is nothing I can say in my defense.” 

Time ruffled his hair. Then, without warning, he cuffed the back of Warrior’s head. The Knight cried out indignantly, leaning away from Time and shooting him a mild glare, 

“What was that for?!” 

The Knight rubbed at his head with one eye squeezed shut and the other locked on the Old Man.

“That was for being an idiot,” Time promptly answered, “I was too short to knock you on your head last time.” 

And too relieved.

But as Time listened to Warrior’s unrestrained, if a bit embarrassed, laughter and shaky apologies, the Old Man knew deep down in his heart, that he would have done anything to safeguard the Captain. He would have given anything if it meant saving Warrior.

~~~~

The instant Lana’s barrier fell and the Darks were taken care of, Young Link dropped everything he held and spun around to throw himself at his friend. His poor, frantically beating heat did not slow, unable to handle the terrible scare it had suffered. 

His friend crashed to his knees, catching him in his strong arms and crushing him close. Young Link threw his own around his neck, clutching tightly and he screwed his burning eyes shut against the tears gathering within them. 

Both refused to let one another go. 

Young Link feared if he did, his friend would disappear. What had nearly happened, the close call his friend had experienced, did not release its hold on him. He’d almost lost his dear friend. He’d almost borne witness to his gruesome demise. 

If they had been a millisecond too late...

His small body trembled and Young Link realized his dear friend, Link, was also shaking. His breathing was uneven and hitched every now and then and the boy in green understood his friend was only now realizing what the true cost of his pride and overconfidence could have been. 

“Don’t ever do that again!” Young Link fiercely whispered in one pointed ear, tightening his hold. He might be choking his friend, but he was too relieved to care at the moment. “Ever! I thought-” His voice caught on a sob, droplets of silver rain falling free, “I thought I was going to l-lose you!” 

The blue-scarfed Hero exhaled shakily, burying his face in his hair and murmuring tremulously, 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry!” 

His hands trembled violently, his body quaking and Young Link pulled back to give his friend a wobbly smile. 

“Don’t be,” He hiccuped, dragging his arm across his eyes and meeting his dear friend’s watery gaze. There was deep regret, heart rending remorse, and unfathomable guilt swimming in them and he shook his head, “I’m just...happy you’re still here.” 

He was given a similar, shaky, smile, 

“Me too.” 

~~~~

[jcmorrigan]

001 - Tales of Zestiria?

Favorite character: It's a tough call between Maltran and Symonne, and Lunarre is trailing right behind both. I tend to call them the "Heldalf Squad," but make no mistake, Heldalf himself isn't part of it. I just like his swagalicious minions. The dry and sarcastic political manipulator, the sadistic and wordy theater nerd, and the flamboyant cannibal who hates everything. Yes. LOVE. But I have to give a shout to my boy Dezel on the hero side! Angsty/stoic characters are very hit-or-miss with me, but Dezel is the flavor I love - obvious soft spots and quirks, and slowly he builds from being antisocial to showing how big his heart is. When he stops the woman from leaping off the Guinevere tower...that's one of my favorite scenes in the entire game, because you can see when the switch flips, when he realizes that he CANNOT stay aloof any longer when there's a stranger's life on the line. He's still a grump about it but a compassionate grump.

Least Favorite character: Heldalf. His backstory is really clever, and I like the curse on him. But he himself just feels like Ganondorf but more boring. I kinda hate that he's so vanilla when his three lieutenants are in my arsenal of pet villains from the vastness of fiction. Also shout-out to Chancellor BART in the opening Ladylake act, because I distinctly remember liveblogging this to a friend, and I played Zestiria *after* Berseria (I'd loved Berseria and that's why I eventually sought out Zestiria) so here I am just comparing up the corrupt church in Ladylake to the Abbey's suave rogues gallery like "Yeah no BART has nothing on Lady Teresa Linares." Thankfully BART was never seen again.

5 Favorite ships (canon or non-canon): DezeRose, SorMik, Symonne x Coco Atarashi (The World Ends With You), Alisha Diphda x Sergei Strelka, and...I swear you have to bear with me here...Zaveid x Anna (Frozen). I also kinda wanna note a couple ships I'm on the fence about for my other favies - those being Maltran x Ebony Maw (Marvel Cinematic Universe or Marvel Ultimate Alliance) and Lunarre x Arkham (Devil May Cry).

Character I find most attractive: Dezel. It is a scientific fact that guys with pointy teeth are just hotter.

Character I would marry: Maybe Dezel, maybe Sergei. I wouldn't want to take them from those I see as their wifeys, but at the same time, they are husband goals, both of them.

Character I would be best friends with: Catch me clinging to Maltran's train and she drags me along annoyedly as I yell "PLEEEEAAASE LET ME HANG OUT WITH YOU GUYS" and Lunarre is losing it laughing while Symonne rolls her eyes

a random thought: So I toyed around with basically every accessory I picked up, and I decided to put the sideburns on Rose because fuck gender roles. Well then I just got used to seeing her with facial hair in every cutscene where her 3D model was used, and now I headcanon that she does get it. Maybe nonclassical CAH intersex? Like, I don't necessarily see her as trans (but I support everyone who hc's her as such) but moreso "a cis woman, but I grow this stupid damn facial hair like a dude and I don't get why." And this is why you shouldn't let me play with customizable accessories on RPG characters because I can and will abuse my privilege to headcanon.

An unpopular opinion: That this is actually a very good game. Listen, I think I get it - the initial marketing promised something far different. And that's disappointing. But coming back to it several years after its release, after the release of its PREQUEL, when I never had that hype building up...it actually exceeded my expectations. I held off from it for a while because I thought Eizen's fate would make me too sad, but that didn't end up the case at all. I actually had just come off playing a more recently-released triple-A game that was hyped up for years, and I completed it to my satisfaction in 20 hours. $80 for 20 hours. Zestiria gave me my money's worth in comparison; it took me about 60, and I loved just how MUCH story it had to offer me. I honestly like Rose better than Alisha anyway (Rose was one of the biggest aspects that interested me about playing it in the first place). I've also seen complaints that the characters weren't well-developed enough? Which I just kinda take to mean "They didn't angst enough." Listen. There are PLENTY of games out there if you want angst and sad stories. I don't really like sad stories in my games. I like adventures where the party is a goofy foundfam that jokes around with each other and helps each other work through shitty situations, and that's EXACTLY what I got. (And Berseria really worked on me too because it kinda started at the bottom of the angst barrel, then worked its way up through "The edgy and tortured protag has gained a party of idiots and oh noooooo she's learning friendship and happiness.") Dezel's death is one of the few game deaths that just made me SATISFIED to watch instead of depressed because of the closure he got and the themes tied into his final moments and sacrifice. I loved going on this adventure, I loved the idiots who I went on it with, and I loved seeing what Glenwood had to offer me in world design the further I explored.

my canon OTP: There's not much for canon romance in this game, come to think of it. Just subtext and some flirting. So I'm blanking on if there actually were any canon couples at all.

Non-canon OTP: DezeRose! Which maybe can be considered almost-canon based on the amount of subtext, but still. It's adorable. (And it's the exact same dynamic as EiRoku except M/F and a thousand years later. I need these four to double date...the dual-wielding goofs with their edgy, grumpy Reapers...)

most badass character: Rose! Not only able to wield the Shepherd's Armatization powers, but also to be a dang good assassin on her own, able to hold her own against Heldalf before she even had her eyes opened to seraphim! Though a shout-out goes to Edna because her armatization was my favorite to play with. There's something just satisfying about bashing the enemy in front of you with a pair of GIANT FISTS

pairing I am not a fan of: RoseAli. To be honest, it was at one point something I kinda enjoyed as a third-tier ship for Rose (Dezel first, then Lailah in second). But then...Alisha's Story. I didn't actually purchase it, thank goodness, just watched it on YouTube, and it was the most grating addition that anyone could've made to this game. First of all, I can sum up the issues with Alisha's Story by reminding everyone that it canonized a secret entrance to Camlann that was much easier to get to and wasn't protected by Muse's sacrifice. But the real thing that hurt to watch was how far down they had to knock Rose and Alisha's friendship to get them to rebuild from scratch. Rose claiming she was never Alisha's friend because she's grieving Sorey? The two of them getting into a PHYSICAL FISTFIGHT over it? Nope nope nope. That's not my Rose. Even less my Rose is that whole scene where she...you know...pounces on Alisha to dress her in the silly noblewoman's dress, and it's framed like...let's just say it's really uncomfortable to watch if you don't know the punchline is just a silly outfit. Even though Alisha's Story isn't canon in my head, it still really killed any buzz I had for RoseAli. I will also say I'm not a big fan of Eizavie - first of all, EiRoku or bust in this house, and second, I have a little bit of a hard time seeing Zaveid as mlm due to how much he goes on and on about The Ladies(TM). (Though I could see Eizen as having a tiny crush on him, though. Just like "Oh no he's hot but he's connected to Aifread's disappearance help")

character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): Mostly just in Alisha's Story. I was mad about the aforementioned Rose stuff, but also...like...they undid Lunarre's original cathartic death, they did so to team him back up with Symonne and then do a whole fakeout that they had Maltran with them too, but Maltran is just an illusion and immediately after this, Lunarre and Symonne just decide "Yeah, we're not gonna work together anymore, have a nice life." Why does Maltran need to stay dead if LUNARRE somehow survived EXPLODING? And just...look to next question for more clarification:

favourite friendship: I just want to imagine that Maltran, Lunarre, and Symonne were weird evil friends. The kind who'd take artistic selfies and caption them "Murder and mayhem with my besties!". Maybe they even had a sibling dynamic. They were all pretty dang jaded, so I like to think they sat around sometimes talking about the things in this world that did them wrong. The reasons they were drawn to Heldalf. Heldalf himself wouldn't have cared, he would've kicked them around like disposable tools, but the three of them were too entrenched in his dogma to see it. Maybe if they met up again after he was off the board...then they'd sing a different tune. Realize they're all three better than this, and now they're gonna do things THEIR way, because remember when they made a three-point attack on Glenwood and Sorey was barely able to keep up with them wrecking Lastonbell AND Pendrago AND Glaivend? Remember when Lunarre and Symonne had each other's backs the night Dezel died? Now they can do what they want on their terms! And I just - I have many MANY feelings about these three.

character I want to adopt or be adopted by: Okay silly self-insert time but the thing is, Archibald Snatcher (The Boxtrolls) and Roman Torchwick (RWBY) are my two favorite parental f/o's (and also my OTP to end all OTPs), and I have this thing about how they'd be PERFECT crime dads to Symonne in particular because she's like a little, more theatrical Neopolitan. So there's a universe in my head where Symonne is basically already my little sister, and I look out for her - well, okay, she's a seraph with powerful Artes and I am a powerless mortal so really she looks out for me because "I suppose SOMEONE has to make sure you don't die" and I am grateful to her for it.

[mrauthor3ds]

SSBU Canon Power Tier fixed

-= SOME EXPLANATIONS =-

Mario, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Wario - These seven are the star children - people blessed with great power. So it makes sense to scale them with each other. Donkey Kong and Wario in particular have demonstrated feats correlating with moons, both small and big. So, it’s likely that the rest follow suit as well.

Link, Young Link, Toon Link - While Link may not have the same magical prowess as Zelda or Ganondorf, he can still hold his own against massive armies. Young Link and Toon Link, still being kids, are just a step behind him. I could put Young Link on Country-scale with adult-Link if we consider the Fierce Deity Mask, but it is a situational equip (only usable in major boss battles).

Kirby - If you ever doubted Kirby’s boundless power before, Planet Robobot straight-up describes him as having infinite power. This can well justify how he can scale up to just about ANY threat to planets or reality.

Fox, Falco, Wolf - I initially considered putting them in Peak-human, since they’re just pilots first and foremost. Then I remembered that there’s a bunch of different guns and explosives that they can use in Assault. So they get a pass in City-scale.

Ness, Lucas - These two were a couple of the trickiest to lock down. I know that Ness is granted power from the Earth itself, but we don’t see that power helping much against Giygas - so the power he received is still ambiguous. Lucas’s power was a little easier to get a grasp on, though. We know that he earns higher levels of PK Love as he unseals the Dark Dragon - a mysterious being that holds together the Nowhere Islands. They seem just big enough to be a country, so that’s the best lowball I can think of. Ness might be in a similar ballpark, since he and Lucas both contested evenly with Porky’s vehicles - and it’s implied that the one in Mother 3 is an improved model.

Captain Falcon - This is mainly based on the anime, where he seems to draw power from the Reactor Might, a cosmic fragment that he protects. While it doesn’t really make his punches planetary, the Falcon Punch we saw still gave off enough energy to suggest that his strength is in the megatons. Since Mario’s castle-punting feat has similar energy, I felt it best to put Falcon in Continent-scale as well.

Daisy, Diddy Kong, Bowser Jr. - These three aren’t star children like Peach, Donkey Kong, or Bowser. However, they’ve at least proven to keep up with the star children in their casual levels (Daisy even launched Bowser away once). So, Country-scale seems a reasonable place to put them.

Sheik - Why is Sheik in Country-scale when Zelda is in Continent-scale? Aren’t they the same? Well, yes. But the Sheik persona wasn’t just for concealing Zelda’s identity - it also concealed her power. So this is technically a self-imposed handicap on Zelda’s part.

Marth, Lucina, Roy, Chrom, Ike - Each one has led massive armies from the frontlines, and that’s besides wielding blessed weapons. It’s reasonable to believe that they can hold their own in battles against whole nations.

Mewtwo - I initially considered Planet-scale since it intended to spread a hurricane across the world. However, that hurricane didn’t spread fast enough to cause quite enough destruction, so its power is likely less than planetary.

Mr. Game & Watch - He supposedly represents all playable roles in the Game & Watch series. And most of these roles are of employed in high-risk zones - construction, deep-sea diving, even the military. While not canonically any Duon, he’s still clearly a tireless worker.

Meta Knight, King Dedede - Even though Kirby is in ?????, these two are in Planet-scale? Well, they can certainly keep up with Kirby’s own planet-busting strength and sometimes speed (Meta Knight can actually fly across the galaxy as fast as Kirby flies on his Warp Star), but they don’t have the same malleable power as he does. And, well, the day is typically only saved by Kirby’s hyper-adaptability.

Pit, Dark Pit - They’re certainly tough angels, but owe most of their successes to the powers and weapons granted by gods much stronger than they.

Pokémon Trainer - Wait, why is he ranked? Well, I figured I’d rank EVERY fighter available. And Pokémon Trainers in the main series show a great deal of superhuman stamina - falling long ways, traveling and biking tirelessly, going through very hazardous environments...No ordinary kid can manage all of that!

Sonic - I’m being kind of generous with this, as Sonic’s own strength and durability haven’t really stacked up to most other characters in the Continent tier. Though that is compensated most of the time by his Super Transformation - while it lasts, of course. Still, it can be hard to hit him when he pays attention, and he’s been able to compete neck-and-neck with Mario in the Olympics for the past 12 years. So I’d say this spot is secure for him.

Olimar - This tier was made JUST for him. And for Alph, too, but this Tiermaker didn’t have Alph, so...

Villager, Isabelle - They’re both in Peak-human mainly by how tirelessly they work.

Rosalina & Luma - The only other fighter in the ????? tier, and for good reason: Rosalina’s cosmic magic is unfathomable. She can pilot the Comet Observatory all across the galaxy, communicate with others from afar, and possesses strong telekinetic power. And that’s just part of what we know! She’s somehow lived for centuries, and together with the Lumas, they possibly have the power to restore destroyed galaxies! Her power couldn’t possibly be constrained to just planetary...!

Palutena - ...So why is Palutena in this category? Isn’t she a powerful goddess? Well, yes, but it’s implied that she’s among the weaker gods in the Kid Icarus world. We do see her capable of conjuring powerful storms and slinging around huge landmasses with her telekinesis, but nothing really suggests that her own power is planetary. In fact, all the other gods, by their own power, also rank at continental-scale at best...possibly.

Robin - Why is Robin a tier above the FE protagonists? Well, simple. Naga herself points out that Robin possesses the same power as Grima, even though he hadn’t succumbed to the Fell Dragon’s power. So, it’s reasonable enough to scale Robin’s full strength with Grima’s power - which, may I remind you, devastated the Archanean continent in the future.

Shulk - I may get some flak for this, but let me explain. Shulk used the combined power of three Monados - Zanza’s, Meyneth’s, and his own - to reshape his world. We know that much. But first, he had to combat Zanza, a being who essentially lorded over the world. Shulk’s Monado could match with Zanza’s Monado alone, sure. However, it also had the influence to neutralize the logic-manipulation of Zanza’s “godly defenses“. Still, this means that this Monado at least has the ability to bring down a mighty planetary being.

Corrin - Is it just because he’s an avatar character like Robin? Well, somewhat. It’s already stated early in the game that those that carry the blood of the First Dragons can easily handle whole armies on their own. That does sound like the other FE protagonists, but it goes further. Those with First Blood can influence the very land around themselves through Dragon Veins. Some can even wield divine weapons. In fact, Corrin’s Yato is believed to hold the power to devastate the world if misused - maybe its full power isn’t that ludicrous, but its Omega form is powerful enough to match with one of the First Dragons, Anankos (who can manipulate an entire dominion). And that’s not even bringing up Corrin’s dragon shapeshifting...

Joker - I’m gonna get a lot of hate for this, I bet...Anyway, this placement in Country-scale is based on his strongest Persona, Satanael, which serves as a counter to Yaldabaoth. However, while Yaldabaoth does merge the Metaverse into reality, we never see this extend beyond Japan. So while Yaldabaoth’s power - and in turn, Satanael’s - is great, nothing proves that it eclipsed the entire world. And even then, we only see Japan’s populace cheering on the Phantom Thieves (which triggers Arsene’s evolution into Satanael).

[aftermathdb]

DEATH BATTLE Review: Ganondorf vs. Dracula

Denizens of darkness duke it out in a duel to the death to determine who is the true duke of the dark power.

Sidenote: Really sorry if this feels blunt or rushed, but I lost the first draft and I got really mad about it.

Ganondorf′s Preview.

So, everything started when the Demon King demise wanted to destroy the world, and was stopped by the Hero and the reincarnation of the Goddess. In his rage, he cursed them to feel the manifestation of his hatred come to life.

The hero and the princess would be forever locked in battle with a being known as Ganondorf.

Ganondorf had a lot of teachers to help him out with the magic stuff. From energy bolts that would make for one intense game of tennis, to your usual dark magic shenanigans, Ganondorf has it all.

Ganondorf’s got an arsenal to boot!

From swords, to maybe two, ad sometimes on horseback, Ganondorf is skilled with a blade.

However, Ganondorf is much more famous for his piece of the Triforce, the Triforce of Power.

With this, Ganondorf gets an immense power boost… Because, you know… Power.

Thankfully, that boy in green had defeated him.

It’s moments like these that are going to make watching these two trying to kill each other in the series finale all the harder.

Thankfully, Ganondorf isn’t that invincible. Sure, you can hurt him with regular weapons, but it usually takes a holy weapon to really put him down.

It’s like Pokémon type effectiveness. Yeah, you can bring him down with non-holy weapons, but it’ll be a pain to do.

Ganondorf once survived his castle falling on top of him. By the size of it, annd accounting for a hollow interior, that equals a little over 11,000 tons.

If a castle falling on top of him isn’t enough, then a castle exploding on him would.

Using the size and accounting for Violent Fragmentation, the hosts have found that this equals

Just under 2 Kilotons of TNT.

It’s also worth noting that Ganondorf has defeated Link in at least one timeline. And Link ca dodge lasers, putting him at about 11% the speed of light.

After so may stabs, slashes, and seals, Ganondorf is onne hell of a guy to go up against, and he won’t stop until he brings about your demise.

Dracula′s Preview.

So for Dracula’s preview, we basically open with a Wiz and Boomstick segment regarding Dracula’s origin story and how God works in the Castlevania universe. Also, I’m aware that I misspelled Matthius’ name, I just can’t be bothered to go back and fix it. I was off by one instance of the letter “t”. So sue me.

No need to worry, I have it all listed down. Goth kids don’t have to worry, because I took notes for them.

Anyways, much like a certain other character whose original rival I want to see in a DEATH BATTLE, Matthius rejected his humanity, and became a vampire.

(Johnathan Joestar vs. Leon Belmont, when?)

So after becoming Dracula, Matthius spent the rest of his time being… pretty chill actually. Guy even found a woman to love and had a son… Until a rerun happened, and his wife got killed by a bunch of religious nutjobs, sparking a war he would wage against the God they worshiped.

Ad Drac doesn’t have to do it with just some bog-standard vampire powers. He gets power from Chaos himself, giving him all sorts of superpowers.

Aside from the usual set, Dracula has necromancy, soul manipulation, alchemy, and a bunch of demonic transformations. Like to the point that it can become a running gag.

Now, much like old ‘Dorf up there, Dracula also had his castle drop on top of him.

That’s the literal Castlevania, by the way. Using the game’s official artwork, that means that Dracula was crushed under over 2,000,000 tons of rubble.

With all that power, he’s pulled off some crazy things.

Not only does he command Death itself, but he’s destroyed entire towns, created black holes, and all sorts of crazy stuff.

His hubris might get him in trouble more times than not, but Dracula is one hell of a fighter.

So long as evil exists, so will Dracula.

The Battle Itself.

SFM Animators David Ficher, Doovan Hohdan, Daitomodachi, and Devil Artemis are on animation. Ganondorf will be voiced by William T. Sopp and Dracula will be voiced by Steven Kelly. The Dark Lords by Brandon Yates, and audio is led by Chris Kokkinos.

So after all this time, we finally have a fight story for a 3D battle again. It’s about time.

So, it’s your typical stuff. Ganondorf wants Dracula’s castle, and old Drac is’t having any of it.

And right off the bat, we have fanservice. Really good fanservice.

So, Ganondorf goes in for an attack, but not only does Dracula dodge, he manages to bitchslap Ganondorf!

I have a screenshot of this without the borders by the way. Check out the Deviantart page to check it out if you want to use it as wallpaper.

And Ganondorf’s face here is just so great! He just looks so incredulous that someone would bitchslap him. I never knew that Ganonndorf being bitchslapped was something that I either wanted or needed, but now I know. I got me a new running gag for the fic.

Ganondorf and Dracula have a quick back-and-forth to try to gain advantage. But try as they might, speed isn’t going to be a way to pull that off. Nor will dark magic either.

This is one hell of a Halloween episode.

And Ganondorf proves his point by just going inn for the kill in 5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

Yeesh, that’s brutal. But you want to know what’s eve more brutal?- The fact that this isn’t the end.

So, Drac goes Beast Mode, and starts dominating the fight again.

So Ganondorf responds in kind. Or rather, Ganon responds in kind.

God, this fight is just so full of fanservice.

After another quick blowout, Ganon pins Drac to a wall, and the latter just up and decides to end it.

And the castle blows up. Because it’s these two.

Yeah, (real) finishing blow in

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

Verdict + Explanation.

So, right off the bat, they were about even in dark magic. But there are a few things that set them apart that gave Dracula an edge. Like soul manipulation. Ol’ ‘Dorf didn’t really have a solid defense against that.

But the difference in durability is pretty clear cut.

Compared to Ganondorf’s surviving the castle blowing up to how Dracula can survive a meteor to the face. That’s over a thousand times the amount of force that Ganondorf could survive.

And Dracula has plenty of ways to detach Ganondorf from his power.

And Dracula has access to holy magic too.

That Holy Nuke is better than swinging a sword around, which was admittedly the very few ways for Ganondorf to net a win.

Surprisingly, Ganondorf was underpowered to the might that Dracula has. Drac has the power of Chaos, which is a whole universe. Compared to the power of the Goddesses, that’s quite a lot.

The best way (according to Wiz) is to look at it from the idea that they’re both using batteries to fuel their powers.

Overall impression.

If it took this long to get a Halloween episode, then it was worth it. This has a great blend of horror, humor, and action. Especially with that Dracula bitchslapping Gannondorf scene.

I should make a gif of that later.

Regardless, I really liked this one. The animation is gorgeous. I know I throw that word around a lot around these parts, but this is some top-notch stuff. I’ve only seen one of the animator’s prior works before this, and I can say they make some good stuff. If it means we can get some great fights like this one again, I wouldn’t mind seeing their names again.

9.1/10.

Next Time…

Sweet. Some psychics settle serious simulation of violence.

Get ready for a psychic showdown!

Is there a fight that you want me to review? - Send an ask/request, and I’ll look into it!

Do you want to read my fanfic based around DEATH BATTLE itself? click here!

Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you next time for…

A Psychic Pounding…………… Wait…

[triforceangel13]

Move to the Music Ch. 10 (A SidLink Cinderella Story Au)

Chapter 10: Saving You

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Sidon asked with a sigh as Zelda pinned the microphone on a pin and stuck it underneath his shirt as they sat in Sidon's car. A last minute decision had been made that Sidon should wear a wire attached to a device as he distracted Hilda, and also in hopes to get her to admit what her father had done to Link recently and over time if he could. Maybe if he could even get her to admit if she had done anything to him.

“It better,” Zelda said with a sigh. They needed this. This was a fool proof way to get the evidence they needed if Ganondorf tried any of his usual tricks. There was only so much they could get from Link himself if this were to work out in their favor. “I don't know what to do else if it doesn't work. This is our only shot.”

Sidon nodded his head, adjusting his sweatshirt a bit to hide the pin better from view. She was right. If they failed this they could take Link away somewhere else and who knows what they would do to him then.

“Well...wish me luck,” he sighed as he opened the car door.

“Good luck,” Zelda said to him, ducking down further in her seat. “Bring him home. Bring him to happiness.”

Sidon let out a heavy sigh once more as he approached the front door of the house. His backpack was with him, a single rose poking out of the pocket of it.

He never thought he would have to be the distraction or rather “bait” but he would do anything to get Link out of this situation. He would make sure he saw the light again and have the life that he always deserved to have.

Swallowing his pride he knocked on the door, putting on his best smile as he waited for someone to answer the door.

Thankfully the one he had meant to distract was the one to open the door, the first annoyed look on her face quickly being replaced with happiness.

“Sidon?” Hilda asked with a wide smile of her own. “What brings you here?”

“I came to ask if you could help me study. Everyone talks about how great of a student you are,” Sidon offered. That was always one way to get Hilda, give her an ego boost and she was like putty in your hands.

And she played right into Sidon's.

With a toss of her hair she fluttered her eyelashes. “They told you right. Come in.”

Zelda scoffed from her spot in the car as she looked carefully out the window. She was so easy to read and easy to manipulate.

But was it so easy that they would be able to get Link out?

Sidon stepped inside with her, closing the door behind himself. He followed Hilda to the couch where he sat down, pulling out a book and then the rose.

“For you,” he said.

“Oh Sidon. You big flirt,” Hilda said, resting her arm around his shoulders. It took all he could not to push her away.

“What can I say? You're very beautiful,” Sidon lied, taking a glance around at the living room. “Are we alone by any chance?”

Hilda's eyes seemed to light up at that. “Daddy won't be home for a few hours, so no.”

“What about your brother Vaati?”

“Oh him? He's busy doing something upstairs. Don't let him bother you. He'll stay away. He doesn't want to end up like....never mind.”

Sidon forced a smile to come across his face, making it seem like he hadn't noticed what she had just said. Now he really was glad that he had worn this wire.. The plan was working out smoothly so far and he wanted to keep it that way.

Vaati, however, was not in his room. Rather he was hovering just outside the basement door, watching every move that Hilda was making.

Sidon was doing an excellent job distracting her.

“You mind if I put on some music?” Sidon asked.

“Of course. Can we listen to some pop?” Hilda asked as she twirled her hair around her finger, watching as Sidon put on his music app on his phone and began to play some music, cranking up the volume.

As the music turned on Vaati took his chance, slowly opening the basement door and shutting it behind him as he peered down into the dark room.

“Link?” he whispered down to him, turning on the light as his eyes widened. Link was in much worse shape then he originally thought.

He should have seen this coming. This was the longest that Link had ever been down in the basement like this.

Link laid on his makeshift bed, body curled in on itself. Just by looking at him he could tell that he was severely weak. This would prove to be a problem in getting him out of there.

Thankfully this was a three man job.

“Link?” he asked again, kneeling down next to the blonde. Link turned dull blue eyes up towards him, confusion written all over his face.

“Can you stand?” Vaati asked.

A weak noise came from him but he turned to him, taking the offered hand to him. Vaati slowly pulled him to his feet, soon hoisting his arm over his shoulder.

Link struggled to stay on his feet.

“Just to the window okay?” Vaati asked. “We'll get you out of here, I promise. You will never have to spend another day down here.”

Link nodded his head, stepping weakly as the made their way to the window that Link had tried several times to unscrew to get out.

Vaati reached out, knocking on it quietly. Link gazed out the window confused, a slow gasp coming from him when Zelda's worried face came into view on the other.

“Oh Link...” Zelda said, covering her mouth with a hand as she took in just the sheer sight of him. “What have they done to you?”

Vaati took out a screwdriver from his pocket, undoing the one on the window quickly. With some pushing and pulling he and Zelda were able to pull it out.

With the help of Vaati Zelda carefully pulled Link through the window. As she got him out she pulled him into her arms, holding him close as tears welled up in her eyes. How could anyone be so cruel to treat someone like this.

But they had him. He was safe.

Step one. Done.

“We've got you. Don't you worry about anything,” Zelda said to him, wrapping him up in the sweatshirt she wore carefully. Link gazed at her weakly but a small smile spread across his face. He was saved. He didn't have to endure that again.

At least he hoped not.

“Did you call them?” Zelda whispered to Vaati.

Vaati nodded his head. “Yes, as soon as Sidon stepped inside. Now get him to safety. The police should be here soon.”

Zelda nodded her head, slowly helping Link to his feet, tucking the hood over his head. Taking his good arm she slung it over her shoulders, hoisting him up as best as she could and started walking him to the car.

Back inside the house Sidon felt extremely uncomfortable. Hilda had gotten a lot closer to him and was resting her hand on his leg, shifting it inward ever now and then. The strap of her shirt had slid down as well and she made a point not to lift it up back onto her shoulder. There was only so far he was going to let this go before he would have to shove her off. He would not kiss or do anything else with anyone but Link.

He had to keep reminding himself that this was for Link. He just needed to wait a little longer and then he could leave.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Vaati. He gave two sharp knocks and Sidon felt relief run through him. They had gotten Link out. Now they just had to wait for the police to come by and end this nightmare once and for all.

He lowered his music, snapping his text book shut with a smile on his face. “Hilda can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” Hilda said eagerly, propping herself up on her knees on the couch as she leaned in closer to him.

Sidon resisted the urge to sit back.

“Would it be alright if I ask you out?” he asked with a weak smile on his face. He had every urge not to throw up.

She launched herself to him, wrapping her arms around him. He turned his head away just in time for her to kiss his cheek.

He would never let her kiss his lips. That was for Link only. What he wouldn't give to have Link being the one to kiss his cheek right now.

But he would be. He was out there now,waiting. Sidon would be with him in just a few moments of his time.

She pulled away, resting her hands on his cheeks. “I thought you would never ask. I'm going to go slip into something a little more...comfortable to celebrate,” she said with a wink, sliding off the couch. Sidon's smile fell, swallowing thickly.

He didn't want to see what other things she was going to wear or rather not wear for him. He could go without ever seeing that.

“Hold on a moment Hilda,” Sidon said causing her to pause. “If we're going to do this down here, what about...Link?”

She frowned at the mention of the name, crossing her arms. “I told you, there is no one to worry about here.”

“Well surely he'd be done with a chore or something and walk in on us,” Sidon offered. “I don't want anyone to....ruin our moment.”

She seemed to relax at that and smirked. “Daddy took care of him. He'll be in the basement the whole time...now...forever.”

Just as she was meant to slip out of the room there was a knock on the door. She frowned, looking to Sidon who shrugged his shoulders.

“This is the police. Open the door,” the man on the other side demanded.

“You son of a bitch, you called the police?” Hilda snapped.

“And wired,” Sidon said as he showed the piece of wire sticking out of his pocket. “Now you won't get away with what you did to him.”

She stared at him with wide eyes, swallowing thickly before making a run for the stairs, getting body blocked by Vaati.

Sidon launched off the couch, quickly opening the door.

“She's making a run for it!” Sidon exclaimed, the men rushing inside.

As much as Sidon wanted to watch Hilda be taken down by those men he needed to see to Link. He had  to make sure that he was alright.

Running out of the house he looked for the car, spotting the open car door where Link was sitting, carefully drinking a bottle of water.

At the sight of him Link's eyes widened, tears seeming to spring to his eyes.

As fast as Link's weak legs could carry him Link went to Sidon, collapsing into his arms as he held onto him with his one arm.

“I've got you...” Sidon said softly, petting his hair. “You're safe now.”

Link fell into him, letting those tears leak down his cheeks as he clung to him. He was safe. Sidon had him. He could get away from this nightmare.

Sidon held tight to him, petting his hair. He kept his focus on him, whispering soft words of comfort as the sounds of Hilda yelling as she tried to fight them were heard from behind.

“My prince charming came to save his cinderella...” Link said with a weak smile as he looked up at him. Sidon smiled down at him sadly, leaning down to give him a tender kiss against his forehead, not caring that he didn't look his best.

“And I will see to that you get a happily ever after,” Sidon said gently to him.

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[thecrimsonsageofgaia]

Dissidia Final Fantasy - style quotes against the cast in Smash Bros. Ultimate (Logan’s Intro to the fighters)

Himself - “Time to see how far my training has gotten me.”

Mario -  “I hear you are regarded as a natural-born hero. I look forward to this match.”

Donkey Kong - ”You think your huge fists will slow me down? Time to prove you otherwise.”

Link -  ”You would be an excellent warrior of light with your courage and willpower this strong.”

Samus - “Don’t think your armor and attacking from a far will help, because two can play at that game.”

Yoshi - “Heh, you may not be a chocobo, but you seem like you’d be fun to ride on.”

Kirby - “You have such potential as a strong warrior, my friend. Time to put it to the test.”

Alternately - “You still require a bit of practice if you hope to master my craft you copied.”

Fox - “Don’t think your speed is going to be enough to overcome me.”

Pikachu - “Hehe, you seem to be enjoying yourself a bit, huh little guy?”

Alternately - “If you were traveling with me, I’m sure we could do much in together when it comes to shocking the opposition.”

Luigi - “You need to feel more confident in yourself. Try not to be so doubtful within your heart.”

Captain Falcon - “Huh, never knew you could spellbind your punches and kicks with fire. That’s a new one.”

Ness - “Heh, I was young once too. Keep up with your skill and you could make a fine mage one day.”

Jigglypuff - “I won’t be put to sleep that easy, I’ll just knock you away.”

Peach - “You seem like an easygoing ruler, but I won’t go easy on you.”

Daisy - “Haha, you have a pretty spunky attitude. Let’s see how this goes, shall we?

Bowser - “I’ve encountered more fearsome monsters than you.”

Zelda - “Your light and wisdom is bright, yet gentle. Much like another princess I know.” 

Sheik - “Don’t think hiding in the shadows will protect you.”

Ganondorf - “This overwhelming power... this darkness. I better tread carefully with this one.

Young Link - “Takes me back to my earlier days as a novice. You have strong courage within you... it will take you far indeed.

Falco - “Time to clip those wings of yours, and your gab.”

Ice Climbers - “The bond you two share is something to commend. It will certainly get you far in the long run.”

Marth - “Let’s see which one of us has the fastest sword-arm.”

Mr. Game & Watch - “Your very existence... it’s an enigma, and it is blowing my mind now...”

Dr. Mario - “So, I get the idea that medicine you have is not the healing kind, huh?”

Pichu - “Hehe, you shouldn’t try to overexert yourself, little one. Pace yourself, take it slow, and you will surely master it.”

Mewtwo - “Your mental powers are nothing to scoff at. Show me what you got.”

Alternately - “You are just very lonely... that is what I feel deep within your heart.

Roy - “Your bravery and pride is very befitting of you, like a young lion...”

Pit - “It isn’t often I get to fight a messenger of the gods.”

Diddy Kong - “A chimp with a wooden firearm that fires peanuts... That is something to write home about.”

King Dedede - “So... are you really of royalty?”

Meta Knight - “To challenge a knight of your skill... This will be fun.”

Zero Suit Samus - “Your suit maybe off, but do you think your agiliness will be enough to win?”

Wario - “Why do I get the foreboding feeling of dread and regret in this upcoming battle...?”

Ike - “I can tell you are a strong and dedicated leader who will be there for his allies.”

Olimar/Alph - “Strength in numbers, no matter the size, can often make a difference in combat.”

Snake - “Quite an arsenal you have there. That’ll surely keep me on my toes.”

Pokémon Trainer - “Well now, never thought I’d fight a Beastmaster here.”

Alternately - “The creatures you command... they really do believe in you, huh? The bond you four share is strong, indeed...”

Lucario - “A natural class Monk... Don’t hold back on me.

Alternately - “I wouldn’t be against have you as a traveling partner.”

Toon Link - “I sense a strong resolve within you. There are those you wish to protect, right?

Alternately - “You’re an older brother too? Do me a favor, and keep them close to your heart, no matter what.”

R.O.B. - “You look like a toy... a rather cool looking one.”

Alternately - “It is strange, but why do I feel sorrow when I’m near you?”

Sonic - “What would be better? Hastega on myself to keep up or Slowga on you to make it even?”

Lucas - “I know what it is like to lose those close to you. Just try to keep a chin up and move forward.”

Wolf - “You mean business... but doesn’t mean I can still try to clip those claws of yours.”

Rosalina - “The fact these creatures are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect you goes to show how much they care about you...”

Alternately - “Your powers... are you able to travel in the Rift too?”

Greninja - “A ninja that uses water made shurikens is rather impressive. But will it be enough?”

Robin - “Your skills in sword and magic are to be respected. You have the makings of an adept Red Mage.”

Palutena - “To be able to fight a goddess with your radiance is a true honor. I’ll show you that my light is as bright!”

Villager - “You seem like a good individual... yet I can’t help but find something unsettling about you at the same time.”

Little Mac - “Well, was it mistake to bring a sword to a fist fight, or a mistake to bring gloves to a sword fight?”

Wii Fit Trainer - “Huh, maybe I should try doing more than meditation to achieve better mind and spirit.”

Shulk - “That is very impressive blade you have there. Good thing an individual I know in the Rift isn’t here, or he would want it for himself.”

Alternately - “Even a seer can make their predictions of the future wrong.”

Mii (Gun/Sword/Brawler) - “Perhaps three more of you and I have a good party set.”

Mega Man - “One doesn’t need to know that you likely continue to fight for everlasting peace... Do what you can.”

Pac-Man -  “You have a rather strong appetite do you not?”

Bowser Jr./Koopalings - "I guess even young minds want nothing more but power.”

Lucina - “A princess that takes action head-on… much like her.”

Alternately - “Prove to me that you have the power to change your own fate.”

Dark Pit - “Well, aren’t you a real ray of sunshine?”

Duck Hunt - “Well, if moogles and chocobos are capable of battling well together, can’t see why a dog and a duck would be any different.”

Ryu - “We both appear to have wandered around a lot. Show me what you learned along your travels.”

Ken - “Heh, with your energy, I can’t help be feel fired up going against you. Let’s go.”

Corrin - “The road to conquest or the road to one’s birthright… Only you can decide what path you go, for it will eventually lead to the true revelation.”

Alternately - “You are not half Eidolon, are you?”

Cloud - “Haven’t seen you since the conflict of the gods. Let’s see how far we both have come since then.

Bayonetta - “With a skill with being able to control time, I’d mistake you for a Time Mage.”

Inkling - “Wonder how well water spells will work against someone like you...”

Ridley - “You may be menacing and intimidating, but I think Bahamut is much more of a threat than you.”

Simon - “Do you require the services of a sage for the battle against the undead?”

Richter - “With confidence like that, be wary of being manipulated against your will.”

King K. Rool - “This blade will cut through that tough hide of yours, you big lizard.”

Isabelle - “I’m sorry, but even if you are a pure and gentle little soul I can’t hold back… Forgive me, miss...”

Incineroar - “You gotta admire that strong spirit.”

Joker - “Try as you might, but I’m only one that will be stealing this victory.”

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 5

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - OH NO GANON! Or is he...? #IMeanYeahWeAllKnowItToo

WARNINGS: Suggestive themes, Teen+ recommended. Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. ______________________________

Heart of Wisdom - a Tale after Hyrule Warriors | Chapter 5 - The Building Storm

It was thunder storming the day Volga and the envoy returned from their journey to the Outlands with their news. It wasn’t good news they brought with them, but neither was it entirely bad.

Yet.

As Zelda and Link bustled about seeing to the soaked and chilled envoy, Zelda’s mind was spinning. The Warlord had agreed, at Volga’s coercion, to a Summit with diplomats from all corners of Hyrule. Messages had already been sent out, and while they had some time to prepare Zelda was already nervous.

Volga had verified that the Warlord radiated power. He had been unable to confirm whether or not the man held the Triforce, but it seemed the resemblances between Warlord Griffin and the Ganondorf they had laid to rest not long ago were unnerving even to the brave Dragonknight.

It had been agreed that Volga would return with them to the Summit as the representative of the North, Link, and Zelda herself representing the heart of the Kingdom and a sure fire way to confirm or deny the presence of the Triforce. Impa was to stay behind and guard the kingdom in their absence. She had offered to accompany Zelda for protection while the Hero remained behind to guard the palace, but whatever expression Zelda’s face had made drew a laugh from her guardian and the words, “I did have to try. But I agree the Triforce bearers should go.”

Which was where Zelda’s anxiety was rooted. It would take seeing, conversing to know for certain, but a part of her already knew.

The only respite in this she found was it seemed Naburoo and her platoon were the minority in their perceived offense of the battles with Darkness and had been kicked out of their tribe for their radical opinions. The Gerudan tribes of the South understood what had transpired, and were grateful the heart of Hyrule had vanquished the demons from their lands when they could not. They were even sending an envoy to the Summit to try and aid in the dissuasion of war from one of their own.

The Castle was nearly rebuilt, the land tended after the battles best it could be and the court in its right order. They were still drained of supplies, and the army was too small and who they did have were currently fairly untrained, but it was better than it had been. Such preparations had kept Zelda quite busy all week, dealing with the courts and settling disputes and reimbursements for destroyed lands and properties. Link and Impa had been tirelessly training the newest recruits in the hopes of bolstering the army and the soldiers’ moral. As it stood, she’d only been able to see Link as they were falling asleep at night, despite her efforts to stay awake long enough to talk.

Now, she stood on her sheltered balcony in the storm, shawl wrapped about her shoulders against the damp wind as she watched the lightning and waited. Solitary contemplation had been scarce for her, and after Volga’s report, that she was only now given the opportunity seemed cruel. Not only did her thoughts chase themselves in circles in her mind, but they inspired and collected bits of past life, dark recollection to spice the reflections. The destruction that was nearly brought to the Realm a few months prior. A time when Twilight covered the land and she was a puppet, forced to fight her hero. An Era of unending Darkness in which time had to be manipulated to fix…

...And all of it was going to happen again, for a second time, in this life alone.

It was enough to bring tears to her eyes. How was she to find the strength to endure for her people? Her Friends? The man she loved? No one should have to live through that which she and her friends had already survived… and now twice?

She tried to console herself with the thought that perhaps Griffin was not Ganon reborn, but it was futile. She felt it in the very air - Darkness had returned.

When her bedchamber door opened inside, she turned with hope that her summon was being met. Heart skipping in relief, Zelda rushed inside and into the waiting arms of Link. He was damp from the rain, as was she, but he didn’t hesitate. Scooping her up into his arms, he moved to the bed and set her down, taking the moment to kick off his boots before crawling beside her and reclaiming her into his arms.

In the intimate setting with naught but her betrothed, Zelda was unable to contain her emotional reaction. Weeping into his chest softly, Link’s hands caressing her back were a slight comfort. “Have you spoken with Volga?”

“No,” Link sighed, but he sounded angry. “He’s resting, but Impa brought me up to speed.”

Relief that she didn’t have to regale the Dragonknight’s tale again pulled a sob from her throat. “Link, what are we going to do?”

“I… don’t know. Not yet, but we... we’ll figure it out. Impa is in the library researching what she can find on the old magics, details we don’t remember. You should see those poor, terrified librarians she’s been barking at.” He chuckled, and Zelda smiled against his chest through her tears. He never failed to find a way to lift her spirits. “She also thinks we should reclaim the Master Sword before we go. Just in case.”

Zelda was silent a moment as she weighed that idea in her mind. “No. Not yet. There is still Darkness trapped there. We need not help the possible new Ganon more than we can avoid.”

“That’s basically what I said… just not as eloquently.”

Turning her face up to his, Zelda watched as a pained expression crossed Link’s face a moment before he began to wipe her tears. “What’s wrong?”

“I have just discovered that I cannot bear to see you cry and I will literally break every bone in the Gerudan man’s body for causing you this. Ganon or not.”

“You don’t mean that.”

His eyebrows went up. “Try me.”

“That’s not very good diplomacy,” she teased, feeling better in his arms and under the care of his affection.

“Well, he’s not great at it either. I think Darunia’s hammer might be more satisfying a means of expressing my displeasure with him. Darunia’s hammer directly into his face. I think that will send a pretty clear message, don’t you?” Zelda was laughing now, and while her fears were not erased, they were eased, as Link always had the gift to do. He reached up and caressed her cheek, wiping away the last of her tears. “There’s that smile I love.”

“Just the smile?” she asked, leaning in to close the distance between their lips a bit more.

“And everything attached,” he purred before his lips covered hers and there was nothing but sweet kisses until they fell asleep in one anothers arms.

***

Far to the north, a different storm raged. The blizzard winds battered the mountainside keep as Naburoo huddled inside her cloak. Ths hellish existence was far different from the warm sands of Gerudo Valley where she'd been a child. But such was exile.

Leaning into the wind, she successfully mounted the last few steps if only barely, and pulled open the large, oak double doors. Warmth and the smell of cooking boar greeted her and as the boom of the closing doors echoed through the stone hall. Letting the firelit start to warm her, she leaned against those same doors and sighed, exhausted.

He stood at the fire, one arm behind his back and the other supported his weight where he leaned against the large mantle. There was only the fire to shed light despite the many fire places, so the hall danced with dim shadows and glowing red. The man that she'd loved since she was very young had recently been plagued with nightmares, and the lack of true sleep made his headache. She worried for what he might be contemplating so deeply.

"My Lord," she called and doffed her cloak to the peg insider the door, "the Bobkins and Moblins have nothing to report. The borders are secure." Striding across the stone floor, she probably would have been warmer if she didn't wear the low cut top and hip-slung pants in the style of their people, but Griffin was more and more distracted nowadays, and she desired to be noticed.

His fingers worked against the mantle in a fidget, as his lips curled. "I'm sure they find me quite mad, as do all," he said, his deep, rumbling bass voice sending chills over her skin as she approached.

Running her hands up one of his great, muscular arms, Naburoo admired his features in the firelight. A strong Gerudan nose and fiery red hair to match her own, even the darkness and chill of the north could not pale their naturally dark skin. He was tall, over six feet and muscular. She adored and desired everything about him.

As a handful of miniblins rushed around, chattering to each other as they prepared their master's dinner, Naburoo rubbed her cheek on his arm like an affectionate cat. "Moblins, Bobkins and all other goblins are not intelligent enough to question you, Lord Griffin. You are a powerful warlock, and they recognize that power. Your dreams of invasion and your command to patrol the borders they will not question."

He stared intently at the fire still. But her words tugged a smile at the corners of his mouth. “What about the men you brought me?”

“They would not have come if they did not believe in you.”

"And you?" He asked, his golden gaze shifting to her from the fire.

She smiled up at him. "How could I question such a strong, confident and desirable man?" She asked and leaned in to kiss him.

He gave her a weak kiss back and paused before growling and turning from the fire, his long black winter coat flaring around him and sending a couple miniblins sprawling. "These dreams," he growled, "In these dreams I rule the world. Everyone who comes for me falls to my power, but it is not complete. Thousands of slaves look for something as I command, something to complete my power, but I am dead before it is found. What else could it mean? That here on the precipice of declaring ourselves a kingdom, where Hyrule has known no truly powerful king in centuries, what else could these dreams mean other than someone is plotting my death or planning an invasion?"

They'd been over this a dozen times now. Naburoo pinched the bridge of her nose, eyes crossing in frustration that was becoming familiar. "Who outside of here would want to invade the Outlands, Griffin? There's a reason this hell hole is used for exile."

"Are you calling me a fool for wanting to rule it then?" He asked, turning just his head so that she saw his golden eyes flash. He was in a dangerous mood, so she did not touch her face to her hand as she wished to.

"My Lord," she purred and sauntered forward making sure he noticed her hips, "This is but a stepping stone for you, conquering a land that has yet to be conquered," she moved behind him and reached up to remove his cloak. "Taking control of that which others used for punishment and making it kneel before you... I would never think you a fool for that, because I know it is only the beginning, the springboard to the return of the True King of Hyrule."

With his cloak off, she reached up and began rubbing his shoulders. "King Griffin," she purred in his ear, "Don't you love the sound of it?"

His eyes half-closed in pleasure. Naburoo was his most loyal subject. She had followed him into exile because she believed in what he was doing. That and her bed was warm and inviting. So he would tell her, because it would make her jealous, and he would watch her squirm a bit before taking her and reaffirming her loyalty. "There is a girl," he said softly, eyes half closed under her touch. "Hair like sunlight, eyes like the dawn. In my dreams I want her, I want to possess every fiber of her being. She calls out to me..."

Behind him Naburoo fuzzed like a wet cat, and Griffin chuckled. "But I cannot touch her. There is a light that wields a powerful sword, and keeps her from me. She is my end, my death in the dream, she and her sword wielding light."

Naburoo sneered. "I swear I will destroy any witch with sunlight hair if she comes within three hundred yards of you, milord," she growled. "Light sword or no."

Chuckling louder, Griffin turned and wrapped Naburoo in his arms before cupping her cheek in his large hand. He watched her melt and knew that she would follow him until death. "Help me forget her," he said and leaned down to kiss the woman in his arms, his desire growing hard between them as he thought of nothing but the yellow haired angel of death from his dreams.