#also this is not about zelda wanting to not be princess and leave hyrule stop projecting that onto marin 🗣

[piraprin]

"that sure must be nice, to be able to leave here and see the world..."

"hm? what? errm... no, nothing! dont worry about it!"

[skyward-floored]

I'd like to hear about your hw rewrite ideas 👀

- hero-of-the-wolf

*cracks knuckles* gladly!

I mostly just have notes on fleshing out the story, changing a few characters, actually fitting the game and other era stuff in with canon in a way that might make sense and things like that. And I only really have stuff about the base game since that’s the one I own, so I’m not going to go into dlc/definitive edition stuff as much. I’m going to focus on the three different displaced eras mostly in this post just because that’s what I’ve mostly got fleshed out the most :)

But first I also have to mention a couple other things first:

Kid Link has been upgraded to story mode character, instead of merely unlockable in that one mode. Sheik has a much more legitimate reason to exist and Impa realizes much earlier that this random Sheikah warrior is actually the missing Zelda. Cia still looks suggestive, but has clothes that look more like clothes and not just underwear. She and Lana have the same skin tone. And I’m sure there’s more I’m forgetting but that’s the main stuff. Moving on!

Skyward Sword

I’m placing this one about... hm. I actually have two ideas here about that.

The first is to have this take place a few hundred years before skyward sword, and be only a distant history lesson by the time sksw itself rolls around, which would make sense but for the fact that Skyloft looks a little too much like it does in sksw to be that far off.

The other idea is to make it be fifty or so years before sksw, and be part of the reason Skyloft isn’t all that populated. The bit of war that touched them took out a fair amount of the population, and Gaepora was a kid around when this all went down, which inspired him to start the knight academy when he was older. Both have their pros and cons, though I think I’m leaning towards the second.

That’s the biggest thing I’m changing for this era, though I will address the Groosenator paradox, being “how can the Groosenator be around to stop the imprisonef if this is before Groose is even born”. Well you see, canons in loz have two names: canon, and Groosenator. The army from hw brings their canons along with them when they go to sksw’s era, and they call them groosenators because they’re from an era after they were invented. Bam.

Ocarina of Time

Placing the time for this one is tricky, since Ruto is an adult, but I don’t know if she’s like... gone through oot..? Is this the mm/tp timeline where Link is still around? Is this the ww timeline where Link left? I do not know. And I don’t know which makes more sense.

Aside from the Sheik stuff I’m largely leaving this bit untouched. I think it would be fun to include more sages, maybe even oot Zelda, but admittedly I haven’t thought this one through quite as much (except for the sheik stuff).

Twilight princess

I’m placing the era of twilight in this game as happening after tp itself. “But Peggy where’s tp Link then” he’s either on vacation so far away he didn’t realize what was happening until it was too late or Cia accidentally yeeted him to botw as a wolf. Don’t worry about it.

Anywho this part begins with Lana heading to twilight-era Hyrule, finding it absolutely covered in twilight, and later meeting Agitha and Midna. In my version I’m kicking out Agitha as a main playable character, because out of all the cool characters in twilight princess they picked her?? The bug girl?? She’s nice and all but no. Sorry. She can still be around as part of the story (saving her makes a good level mechanic), but not as a major player. She can even be playable still, but not as a major person.

I’m replacing her with the Resistance. Lana gets to the era of twilight and finds Rusl, Shad, Ashei, and maybe Auru (don’t know if he’d be active enough to want to fight) trying fruitlessly to protect Kakariko, figure out what the heck is going on, where the huge influx of monsters came from, and how the heckin twilight is back. Lana explains about the monsters, but can’t tell them much about the twilight. Somewhere in here Midna shows up on her hunt for Cia, furious at being an imp again, even more furious about the twilight spread over Hyrule again, and especially majorly furious that Zant is somehow back. The game never explains this, but I’m saying that Cia somehow brought him back. Or he was secretly not dead and laying low. One of those.

The Resistance goes along with Lana (and Midna once they convince her they’re on the same side) to stop Zant (Zelda maybe shows up for a bit, but she’s holding down the fort in Hyrule, so after a quick “oh crap Midna’s here that’s bad”, she’s not around as much). I figure the Resistance members are all one “character” in that each combo is like, a different one of them or something. Or they’d all be different lol idk. This is getting really long and I’m running out of steam haha.

But yeah those are my thoughts on those parts at least— I have more thoughts about character interactions and some other random things, but like I said this is really long XD hopefully that answers your question at least a little :)

[tokiro07]

Still thinking about past Zeldas getting their own games

Obviously not all of them have enough going on to really warrant their own games, though that shouldn't stop anyone from giving them something to do, but which ones lend themselves to getting new stories the best?

Ocarina of Time is a pretty easy one with a seven-year gap for her to train herself up as Sheik. Sheik is extremely popular and has a lot of demand for her own game, even getting optioned for one by Retro once, so it's both the easiest to pitch and seems like the most likely to happen

Wind Waker's Tetra is similar, being super popular and having a large gap in her history that could easily house any number of adventures. Tetra spent who knows how many years at sea, and could easily have fought all kinds of monsters or discovered all kinds of treasures. We could even get her and Link finding the land that will become New Hyrule, defeating some kind of evil before its founding, like Malladus perhaps

Skyward Sword also provides ample opportunity with Zelda going on her own adventure one step ahead of Link at pretty much all times, though literally "Skyward Sword's levels but playing as Zelda" doesn't sound like a very worthwhile story. If they can find a way to keep it fresh, I'm all for it, but it may be better to have her exploring the Surface after the people of Skyloft begin migrating down to it

Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom has a gap between games, while also having the events of the Imprisoning War, though neither seems much like something they're interested in continuing to explore since we got to see so much of it already. It might be easier to just continue exploring the Depths or the lands surrounding Hyrule to get a deeper understanding of the Zonai's culture and historical impact

Pretty much all of the other Zeldas weren't very active in their own stories and don't leave a lot to the imagination, so any stories involving them would definitively have to be post-game rather than mid- or pre-game. Of these, the most interesting candidates would likely be:

Twilight Princess's Zelda investigating the Twilight Realm and looking for a way to reunite Link and Midna to repay them for their help in saving Hyrule. This could give us an opportunity to see more of the Twilight Realm and understand its ecology and culture while also giving us more insight into Midna herself. Personally I'd rather have a Midna game than a Twilight Zelda game, but I have a harder time seeing that pitch going through

Link Between Worlds, same thing, but Hilda and Lorule; Zelda may go back to check on how reviving their Triforce worked out and may end up facing some new villain who's trying to steal it. Again, I'd like to play a Hilda (or Ravio) game, but I'll accept any excuse to spend more time in Lorule and expand on its history and it's version of the Triforce; does it symbolize different traits, does it have its own goddesses, what?

Adventure of Link's Zelda I is definitely not a well-remembered or beloved character, but I think that the story angle of a princess waking up after countless years to find her descendant has taken the throne provides an excellent opportunity for characterization. Perhaps she feels out of touch with her kingdom having been away for so long, or maybe she feels unneeded since there's already a reigning princess? A search to find herself and possibly a confrontation with the spirit of the wizard who cursed her would make for a great plot, especially if they can find a way to incorporate the other Zelda like having the player control both with different abilities to help differentiate them. Unlikely, but certainly the most novel and the one I personally want to see most

Spirit Tracks's Zelda returned to her body in the end, presumably removing her ability to control Phantoms, so it's harder to see how she'd get to go on further adventures. However, it was stated that Byrne would reincarnate sooner or later, so that would at least provide a story opportunity even if new mechanics would be necessary

Minish Cap, Four Swords, and Four Swords Adventures don't really give Zelda much reason to go on an adventure post-game, but again, neither did Link to the Past, and if I'm right Echoes of Wisdom is branching off of a hypothetical ending where Ganon took Link with him as he was defeated, so I'm sure any number of excuses could be given for them

Minish Cap's Zelda had the most personality, but FSA's story is a little easier to see continuing, since Vaati or Ganon could well be revived again afterwards. Still, they're both pretty weak as inspirations for new stories, even if more Vaati content would be wholeheartedly appreciated

It's not very surprising that the biggest name Zelda games have the clearest routes for expanding on their stories, but since the opportunities still exist in all of the others, I would hope that Nintendo would try to do more than just the most obvious options

Or they might just make up new Zeldas and eras entirely without any regard for the timeline or previously undeveloped story segments, that seems like something they'd do

[adrift-in-thyme]

Ok so how about a post-totk where it’s time for Link to rest the Master Sword and Zelda goes with him to say goodbye? I’ve been dying for something like this if you want to give it a shot!

Tysm for the prompt anon! I really enjoyed writing this! Zelda's perception of the sword and how it might have changed post-totk is very interesting to explore

This fic contains major spoilers to Tears of the Kingdom

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

The fog hangs heavy over the woods as usual. 

Zelda has the urge to attempt brushing it aside, as though it is a curtain that she can push from her line of sight. She has never much liked plunging forward with little knowledge of where her feet will land. The concept is so unlike science with its firm rigidity and ruled boundaries. Here is the unknown, the unbridled and fierce. Here, dark things lie. 

But she has her chosen knight with her, she thinks with a smile, looking over to where he strolls along beside her. His eyes are ever moving, searching for stalcreatures or wolves that could attack from the clouded space.

When he catches sight of her gaze upon him, however, he returns her smile. His fingers find hers, entwining between them. He squeezes her hand. 

“I’m glad you’re with me, Link,” she says, quietly. It feels like if she speaks too loudly, she will shatter something precious. 

Shattered…like the sword was. The Master Sword. 

Her gaze drifts to it where it sits upon his back. A sheath of royal purple, gilded with gold and a hilt to match. It is spotless as it always is. Link always does keep his nicer weapons clean.

…especially this one.

She had thought, at the start of their relationship so very long ago, that he had done so out of pride. But now she knows better. Now she understands what it is to care for a sword who places a burden so great upon such young shoulders. And yet, carries that burden itself as well.

It is a complex thing she knows, not a simple enemy as she had once viewed it. Link, she believes, sees it in a similar way.

He has never spoken of being bitter about being the goddess’ chosen one, though she had seen the toll it had taken on him. But the way he looks at the sword, the way he wields it, it is as though he abhors it, yet cannot bear to, loves it, yet is reluctant to take it in hand.

It is a friend and a foe. A companion and a protector. A cruel taskmaster and a logical trainer. 

Its spirit is a curious thing. Zelda has found, after eons of traveling the skies with only her as her companion, that she loves her.

Not in the way one would love a parent or a friend. Certainly not in the way one would love a mate. No, in the way one would love a god or goddess. Someone so beyond you, yet very much like you all the same.

It is a dear, special thing. A treasure. But…as with so many special things it has now come to an end.

For that is why they have ventured into the Lost Woods today – to return the sword to her rightful place. 

“She deserves to rest, after everything,” Zelda says thoughtfully. Link glances back at her. If he is surprised by her breaking of the silence, he doesn’t look so. “But…we have known one another for so long that it seems…it seems almost a regretful thing to leave her alone.”

He nods, understanding in his eyes. 

“It’s a relief as well, however,” she continues. “Perhaps, now that she can rest we can also. Perhaps…perhaps now we can…”

Link slows to a stop and turns to face her. Amidst the fog he almost looks like someone else. Another boy in another time, facing another princess beneath the drooping shade of the trees. 

“Now we can make the future we’ve always wanted,” he says, in that quiet voice of his. Such a precious thing it is for her ears to hear it. “We can go back to rebuilding Hyrule. We can go back to the life we were creating before all of this happened. You can teach in the school again and do your research. And I – ”

“ – can interrupt both.”

Link chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “I want to build you a study. An actual study, not one at the bottom of a well.”

“My well one isn’t so bad.”

He grins. “It could be a lot better. I had a lot of time to think up ideas and I think I’ve got a good one.” 

Zelda shakes her head. “Only you would think up architecture while saving Hyrule.” She turns away, reluctantly, to face forward once more. “It can’t be much farther, can it?”

“Not at all.” He begins to walk again, leading her gently along through the mist. “We’re nearly there.”

————

The pedestal is just where they left it. The platform it rests in seems to glow in the ethereal light, beckoning them forth. Silent princesses pepper the ground around it, tilting gracefully so that their petals catch the sun. 

Zelda and Link stand side by side, gazing at the Master Sword’s resting place.

The Deku Tree’s voice echoes around them, wisened and old.

“You have done well to come here, my children. The sword, she yearns for slumber. It is time to allow her that privilege.” The bark of his face creases as he smiles. “And yourselves, as well.

“Now, Link, noble swordsman, lift the sword high and strike true. Return her to her pedestal.”

Slowly, Link reaches back and unsheathes the sword. He holds it up to the light, tilting it so that the cool metal glints. Bathed in sunlight, with weapon in hand, he looks every bit Hyrule’s hero. It is almost as if he and the sword are one.

She gazes at him, almost enraptured by the scene. But he doesn’t seem to notice her. His eyes are firmly on the sword.

For the briefest of moments, Zelda swears that she can see the corners of his mouth lift and his hold on the weapon tighten slightly, as though he is squeezing someone’s hand. Then, it is over. 

He lowers the weapon and steps forward. But he doesn’t plunge it into the pedestal immediately. Instead, he turns to Zelda.

“Come on, Zel,” he murmurs. “We’ll put her to rest together. It’s only right.”

Zelda looks from him to the sword and back again. Then, with a deep, decisive breath, she too steps forward.

The weapon hums when she positions her fingers next to Link’s. Zelda smiles. She knows that language well.

“Farewell, Fi,” she whispers. “Thank you…for everything.”

The two of them raise their hands and together the princess and her knight plunge the Master Sword back into its pedestal. 

Its glow dims and steadies as though time itself has slowed. The hum fades away. Fi closes her eyes once more. 

“Farewell,” she murmurs in the space before slumber takes her. “Farewell, brave ones.”

And her wielders turn away smiling.

[speedyartist30]

Botw AU: Divine intervention pt4

Its been a week since Jay and Link returned back to Hyrule castle with the master sword and the news of Link being the chosen hero spread like wild fire. While it raised hope to the land for their success against the calamity. Link was appointed to be Zelda’s personal guard and was order to stay by her side much to the princesses displeasure. Still even with all the good news being shared some people couldn’t see past Zelda’s lack of power. But behind the scenes of all the celebrations and commotion,Jay requested to speak with King Rhoam alone.

King Rhoam:”Theres a hylian that has the same power the calamity possess? What’s the meaning of this?”

“Yes your majesty,but I’m afraid it’s not the exact same power. This hylian has pure malice which seems to be stronger and is capable of effecting spirits as well.He took control over a forest spirit, but I managed to remove it with my power.I also have suspicion that he may be behind the sudden strength and intelligence in the monsters. From what I gathered he was seen in Haneto village….Do you have a book on Hyrule history?”

The king pushed his chair back and moved to the bookshelf on the further side of the library. The man raised a hand before pulling down a large book that he puts on the table for Jay to read. The book was titled, “Hyrules Legends and History.” With a quiet “thank you” Jay began flipping through the pages in the search for a specific title but in the back of the book there it was.

King Rhoam:”The yiga clan? You believe this hylian is a assassin?”

“No, but I have a feeling they are involved with him somehow.The Yiga clan has history with worshipping Ganon and killing anyone who oppose to their ideals. But if this hylian is capable of possessing a power similar to their “God” then I suspect them to form some alliance. Especially if this stranger gives these bastards an opportunity in making their goal’s reality…Um sorry for the language your majesty.”

Jay gave a shy smile at the Kings stern gaze and kept searching for any clues about any outside accomplices to the Yiga, but didn’t find nothing besides the ruthless attacks they inflicted upon villages hundreds of years ago. The teen also noticed the lack of information on the orb Kaya told him about. But before he could tell the King a group of Royal guards came to escort him to a meeting he had with the Shekiah elder.The older man looked down at him and to Jays suprise gave him a task.

King Rhoam:”You seem to be well informed about the situation and capable of destroying pure malice. I’m holding you responsible to finding out more information and stopping this hylian. I want this problem kept hidden and resolved. I’m also sending you to accompany Zelda and Link to meet the pilots and hopefully Hyrules future champions.Hylia knows we can’t afford anymore setbacks.”

“Yes sir.”

Jay gave a low bow while the king left along with his guards. Straightening up,Jay put the book back on the shelf and began running out the library to meet up with the princess at the Royal Ancient lab. Zelda said she wanted him to meet her Royal advisor and the head researcher of the ancient tech team, but he couldn’t think of a reason to why. Once Jay got off castle grounds he walked the rest of the way to give himself time to think.

*So I got to finds this unknown hylian, keep an eye on the Yiga, accompany Zelda to meet these pilots, and help her find a way to unlock her own power.*

With a sigh, Jay ran a hand through his hair as he started planning out what to prioritize first, he decided that the champions were the most important at the moment. With them officially being dubbed champions that gives him more freedom to focus on the yiga and find the unknown hylian. Then that leaves no distractions are worries for Zelda to worry about and that’ll leave all her focus on her power.

Nodding to himself,Jay saw the lab up ahead and jogged the rest of the way until he was at the front door.He let himself inside and Jay tried not to get distracted by his surroundings but he never been inside a lab before.There were sheikah researchers talking and writing on these extremely detailed chalk boards, glowing charts,books all over the floor and walls, and a guardian was sitting in the back of the room!

“Woah…This place is huge!”

A few researchers looked his way and Jay blushed when a shekiah woman smiled at his reaction. Looking around he spots the princess and carefully stepped around the cluster of books to reach her. She was talking to two sheikah women, one of them he could tell right away was a warrior while the other wore a long coat. Behind them a sheikah man leaned against the table, he had weird glasses and a tech like bag resting on his back. Farthest from the group stood Link with a blank face, but he gives him the faintest nod when Jay waved toward him as a quick hello.

Zelda:”And he’s-Oh there he is! Jay this is Impa she’s my Royal advisor and this is her sister P-

Purah:”Aww check it!! I’m Purah and this is my partner in crime Robbie!”

As if they rehearsed this Purah and Robbie stood side by side and posed with as much flare and style as they could muster. Jay titled his head and Impa have a weary sigh. After a moment he realized they were serious so he gave short bow to be polite.

“It’s nice to meet all of you.”

When he rose, he noticed the observing glint in Purahs eyes and she confidently stepped up to him. She mumbled under her breath and circled him with her hands on her hips. Suddenly she told the other researchers to clear out the lab, she said they could have a earlier break but Jay felt it was a little suspicious that she decided to give them one as soon as he got here. When the last research walked out the door Purah locked it,Jay turned to Zelda for a explanation and the princess reassured him that it was just to give the group privacy to talk.

And just like that Jay went out to explain his power and his ability too see souls. He tried to keep his explanation short and brief but with Robbie and Purah constantly asking him questions made his suppose to be short response a whole lecture. By the end he ultimately decided to show his dragon form to them after telling to swear to secrecy. Let’s just say he wasn’t expecting to find himself on the table and showing off his powers.

Purah:”SNAP! You can make lightning that doesn’t shock! Wait I need a pencil! Robbie write this down!!”

Jay mindlessly kicked his legs as the two researchers scrambled around the room. Impa took intrest to his tail and poked at it with a curious eyes. She looked at him asked…

Impa:”You didn’t say what color soul a yiga holds. Do they not have a color?”

”It’s hard to give the Yiga a color since they are either hylians or traitors of the sheikah tribe.They can be either yellow or silver. The yiga also don’t have power around their souls.”

Purah:”So that’s how you knew Linky was the one chosen for the sword! You saw his power!”

Jay nodded and tried not move when Purah and Robbie touched the horns on his head or when they asked him to open his mouth so they could see how sharp his canines are. He’d put up with the two’s research if it means he has another person to trust with his true form. But he didn’t miss the subtle frown on Zelda’s face when Purah mentioned her appointed knight. Which was probably what led her to saying…

Zelda:”Jay I was wondering if you can help me with unlocking my power. When we were children you tried to before and I felt something. I think we should try again.”

“I don’t know…”

Zelda:”Why not? If I can unlock my power now then that leaves more room to explore these ancient relcis. As the princess I command you to take action.”

Jay eyes looked into determined emeralds, but he didn’t want to refuse and step all over her determination. And what if she is right? If he can help her unlock her power now then it’ll better their chances in winning. But there was one problem that he wasn’t sure he could solve.

*I’m older now so maybe I can help her this time.*

Taking a deep breath, Jay agreed and told Zelda to sit on the table with him. Scooting back to make room Jay sat crisscross and faced her. Zelda copied him and Jay grabbed her hands, he was not about to put his hand on her chest. Impa came and placed a supportive hand on Zelda’s shoulder while Link came up to her other side, but he didn’t get within reaching distance. Robbie and Purah stood behind him with journals in hand.

“Ok, I want you to do the same thing we did all those years ago princess. You need to feel your power. If you can feel it then you can take control.”

Zelda nodded her head and Jay let his eyes slit to view her soul. The same soft yellow he’s seen before, Jay concentrated on her power and closed his eyes while sparks circled his hands. He felt his surroundings fade away as he drifted into a meditative state, his tail twitching behind him when he felt a presence, but it was a unforgiving force that was beginning to form around him. Jay tried to overcome this unknown obstacle,but like a fish out of water he felt himself being forcefully pulled out. Letting go of Zelda’s hands Jay sighed and massaged his forehead.

Impa:”Did it work?”

Zelda:”I felt something again, but I lost it when you let go Jay. Let’s try once more.”

“I don’t think this will work.”

Zelda:”What? But Jay I felt…There was something there.”

“That’s the problem. I don’t think it’s me your feeling…What did you feel?”

Zelda frowned and held a hand over her chest, she looked at him before letting her gaze drop down.

Zelda:”It felt like a powerful force…Pushing something away.”

“I was worried this would happen….I’m sorry princess,but I don’t think I’m capable of unlocking your power for you due to divine intervention. In some instances there are things can’t be changed due to fate the goddess have already set.Throughout Hylrues history the princess has to unlock her power on her own just like the hero has to pull the sword himself. I think what your feeling…Is my power being pushed away from you.”

Robbie:”So your saying Hylia is stopping you from getting the princess power out, because she has it set for her to do it on her own?”

“I’m afraid so.”

Jay felt awful and the disappointment on Zelda’s face was just salt on the wound.Impa gave her a hung and Link watched her with saddened eyes. The knight reached out for her but slowly brought his hand back to his side. Purah came up Zelda next with a smile and pointed out…

Purah:”Well Hylia never had any easy challenges waiting for us, eh? This just means we all have to do our best and see this through!”

Impa:”Yeah, princess we still have time before the Calamity’s awakening and with your mind and determination I know you’ll find a way to unlock your power.”

Jay smiled at the women’s encouraging voices,he climbed off the table and gave Zelda a hand to help her down.With a confident voice of his own he tells her…

“Your not fighting this alone princess, we are all here to support you and I’ll still help you in anyway with unlocking your power.”

Link stepped beside him and gave Zelda a firm nod to show his support. Bubbly with laughter, Purah skipped around the two teens and pulled her arms around theirs. Doing her signature pose she grinned at Zelda, who had a little smile on her face.

Purah:”And when you do get your power will take the calamity down as easy as click, snap!”

Zelda gave a short giggle before her face smoothed out, she didn’t look sad anymore but determined.Standing up she went to a map of hyrule on the wall and with a pointer stick she lifted up and smacked it right in the center of hyrule.

Zelda:”Alright then, I believe it’s time I sought out our pilots for the divine beast. I want to travel to Zoras domain first, Goron city second, next will be rito village and the last stop will be greudo town. Any recommendations Impa?”

The sheikah woman stood up and glanced at the map herself before humming…

Impa:”It’s a sound plan princess, though I do advise you to stop by villages nearby by to restock on supplies. And you need to inform the king about this departure to see if he approves.”

“Actually I think he’s already aware of you leaving soon. He asked me to accompany you and Link to meet the pilots and to clear out the roads for travelers.”

That last part was a lie,but it was an exuse to give him some time to slip away without suspicion. Strangely Zelda didn’t seem to please to hear that Link will be tagging along.Turning her back she started writing on the board. Fidgeting with this earrings,Jay turned to Impa for help.

“Um ok…So who are the pilots?“

Impa:”Princess Mipha of the Zora,lord Daruk of the Goron, Master Revali of the rito, and Lady Urbosa of the Greudo. Have you been around those regions?”

Jay shook his head and reached in his bag for his own map, he had his own notes and Link let him copy notes from his map for the places hes never traveled to.

“Well I been around Zoras domain but I never actually went inside there place. I never went to the Hebra region because I have a low cold tolerance,I didn’t go to Greduo dessert because of the rule about men not being able to enter, and I didn’t want go to Eldin because I heard you will burst into flames which is…you know bad.“

Purah snorted behind him and tried to disguise it with a cough. It was poorly timed. Impa then help him find the places he should go to get proper gear for the trip and wrote down how long it would take him to get there on foot.

“Oh, I forgot to mention I can run really fast and fly, but I’m faster on my feet then I am in the air.”

Proving his point,Jay floated to the ceiling and when he landed he ran around the room to show his speed. Sliding to stop, he fidgeted with his hair when he saw their reactions, he forgot only Link knew about his speed.

Smiling a little Jays ears perked up at the sound of footsteps and he swiftly changed out his dragon form. The researchers had returned from their break and got back to work, so Jay decided to take this as his cue to leave.

“I got to go clear up the monster camps down the road. Again it’s nice meeting all of you.”

Pausing he held up a purple rupee and tossed it to Purah. Shrugging Jay nonchalantly said…

“I found it under your desk when I was running.”

Purah:”Oh, like this guy.”

Smiling Jay waved at left out the lab and once he was sure he was out of sight of any eyes he was off. The rest of the day was spent taking out new monsters that appeared in Hyrule fields. He noticed the increase of camps, but what had him feeling anxious was the lightening of purple souls. It made him wonder how many more have changed in the other regions, so out of curiosity he ran Faron, Neculda, and the outer areas of Lanayru. By the time he returned back to his room in the castle it was already dark out.

*Ok, let’s compare those three to hyrule fields.*

Using his sparks he lit the candles in his room to give him some light. Jay took out his journal and sat in the floor with a pencil in hand, he barely wrote anything when his door opened. It was just link, who was out of his knights uniform and in forest green sleepwear. But he still had his sword strapped to his back.

Link:’Sorry for barging in.You were gone the last few times I stopped by.’

“It’s ok. I see your done guarding Zelda for the night.”

Link sighed and sat on the bed, he brought his hands up to sign but looked to be thinking over his response. Jay changed back into his dragon form and gave his head a little shake while his tail wrapped around him. Bringing his own hands up he signed.

‘What’s the matter?’

Link:’She hates me and I don’t know why. I’m trying to stay by her side to keep watch,but she keeps purposely leaving without telling me. Then I have to run around and look for her.’

‘She doesn’t hate you.’

Link:’I saved her from a guardian blast today….I don’t know what happened,but it fired at her. I used my shield to block the shot,but when it hit my shield it deflected right back at the guardian. It destroyed it and she got really angry at me.’

‘You did the right thing. You saved her. A gurdian can be replaced.’

Link:’I know, but after she wanted me to stay away from her but I can’t because it’s my duty to be her guard.The king told me to never leave her side no matter what she command she gives me…But she doesn’t know that.’

Jay tilted his head. Did the king tell Link to keep that a secret like he told him to keep quiet about the yiga?’

‘Why not tell her?’

Link:’I tried. She’s not fluent in sign and she just stormed off when she couldn’t understand me.’

That made the descendants tail twitch with agitation, he knew how hard it was to talk at times so for the princess to do that rubbed him the wrong way.

‘I can tell her for you. That your under the kings command if you want? Or I can try to keep her in a good mood.’

Link:‘That can work., thank you.’

Nodding his head,Jay turned back to his journal and began writing down the information he gained from his quick exploration.He took his map out of his bag started writing more notes when Link tapped his shoulder.

“Hm?”

Link:’What are you doing?’

“I’m trying to see the difference in monsters souls. See, in hyrule fields the monsters are stronger than theses places that I explored earlier. It’s like whatever is making them stronger is slowly spreading.”

Link:”Like a blight.”

Jay paused at Links comparison before looking down at his map. All the places he marked were slowly spreading out to other regions just like a blight would do to a plant. The blight slowly changes the plant on the surface but in reality it’s slowly killing it.

“Yeah…But what is causing it? I don’t think it’s just malice…Do you know when the next blood moon will come?”

Link shrugged and Jay tried to think back on the last one. It’s been nearly a month since the last one so it happen any day now, he wasn’t looking forward to it. Link yawned and stood up with a stretch and slowly signed

Link:’But I do know we are going to Zoras Domain tomorrow. The princess wants to leave as soon as possible. I was trying to tell you earlier,but I couldn’t find you.’

“Oh, well thanks for the heads up.”

The two signed good night and link left to return to his chambers. Jay packed up his notes and went to wash up in the rooms overly big bathroom. Once he was cleaned and smelled nothing but lavander,Jay blew out his candles and floated to bed. One half of him was worried about his mission the king gave him, but the other half was excited to go to Zoras domain.

It was the first step into creating Hyrule’s Champions and a even closer step to facing the calamity.

[crazylittlejester]

Been thinking about my Royal Depths au lately. the one with the kid Ganon. I will draw the au again probably within the next two months lamo.

Anyways, since I’ve been thinking about that au, I also remembered that one ask I sent you, where I asked what art style you would like to see a loz game have. Combining these two idea, I’ve got another question for you:

What would you like a new LoZ game/story to be about? Like, in RD I made the main character Ravio and had a itty bitty Ganon as one of his party members. What would your LoZ game be about? Would it be a sequel of sorts to another game, or just have some calls backs to another game(like maybe hw who knows 😏)? Would Link be the main character, or would it be a different character like Zelda(like with eow), or maybe a new character that would have an interesting perspective on the LoZ world(like idk a zora or fairy)?

Anyways uh. You’re creative and I like seeing your ideas. You could picture the game to look like the game art style you said earlier(I think it was an Alice in Wonderland type game? Idk it also kinda reminded me of Don’t Starve, art style wise if that rings any bells), if that makes things easier. Idk, with EoW around the corner I’ve been pondering about new LoZ stories like a mad man.

Hope all of this made sense, and have a great rest of your day!

I took a sec to answer this because I have SERIOUS thoughts about it and wanted to make sure i’d have the time to write it all out alskdkddk

i mentioned this about a month ago, and i would absolutely love to write this in fic form one day, and i plan to, it will just take me a LONG time but this is the storyline I would give a Zelda game if I had the power to make one:

I think of “Zelda” as a middle name of sorts, I think each princess has her own first name, but the first daughter of the royal family has that as a middle time and will end up going by that. The protagonist of this game? The eldest daughter of the royal family, and she cannot for the life of her figure out how to get those powers Hylia should’ve gifted her. Ganondorf is becoming more and more of a threat every day, and there’s nothing she can do about it except make sure he can’t get his hands on the triforce, which she’s just barely accomplishing. She thinks it her duty to be out there on the front lines getting shit done because if she can’t do the one thing she’s supposed to (unlock her powers) you best believe she’s out there with a sword kicking ass. She’s also trying to find Link because if the world is ending then there HAS to be a hero, but she literally find him and is getting really frustrated

I would give Ganon a much more compelling story. He’s not born evil, he’s born with as much capacity for good as anyone else, but due to the events of his childhood he becomes something terrible. No matter what he did everyone looked at him like he was going to be awful. They treated him poorly, nothing he could do was right in the eyes of ANYONE. He WANTED to break the cycle, but he couldn’t so to get everyone to just stop and leave him alone he’s seeking total control over everything because in his mind he’ll feel like he can breathe if he does

Now where the fuck is Link you may be asking? Well I firmly believe Hylia is a bit of a gatekeeper (/j) and will only give her magic to the eldest DAUGHTER in her bloodline. No man gets her powers, no thank you. So when the protagonist’s little sister, out of pure panic and desperation, makes an attempt to stop Ganon from destroying Hyrule Castle and her powers roar to life, the three main characters all stop and stare at each other for a minute because what the hell how did the younger sibling do that??

It is at this point the oldest ‘daughter’ realizes officially even Hylia knew he was trans before he did (he’d had his suspicions but this whole thing just confirmed it for him), and he hauls ass to get the Master Sword because with his little sister’s goddess given powers revealed he realizes HIS place in this whole hot mess, he’s Hylia’s HERO not her DAUGHTER, and he and the new Zelda use the power of supportive gay siblings to bonk Ganon over the head hard enough he just factory resets

And then they have group therapy /hj

So yeah, the REAL quest to find Link was the gender journey we had along the way

[genshinemblem564]

Zelda x Genshin Headcanons

__________________________________________

• When Zelda and Ayaka first meet, it's as members of royal families. Neither of them would speak of their insecurities in fear of making a bad first impression. However, both Urbosa and Ayato notice their similarities, and after some intervening from those two, the two princesses became quick friends and often confide in each other when in the same area.

• Albedo draws each of the champions (surprise). He is practically enthralled by their elegant blue garbs. They look practically identical, minus the Divine Beasts and Master Sword design, and yet they seem to accentuate each champion's prominent trait, to the point that he can't imagine them wearing anything else.

• Tighnari and the rest of the Amurta darshan are fascinated by the Hyrulian races. While they are curious as to why Hylians have pointed ears, they are infintly more curious about the Gerudo's dominant feminine gene that causes only females to be born, and the Rito, Zora, and Gorons as a whole.(While a Gerudo's height is also an anomaly the feminine gene is what catches their attention.)

• Tartaglia is thrilled to meet Link, believing he found someone equal to him in skill and weapon mastery. While Link's marksmanship far outshines Childe's, the Hylian champion's spearmanship could use some polish. The eleventh Fatui harbinger promises to help Link train his use of a polearm if Link helps him train his archery.

• Faruzan has been on leave to study both the languages of Hyrule and its technology. With how many ruins this land has, she was greeted by many new, eager students from both Hyrule and Teyvat. While most of them were just there to learn how to read the other nations' texts, whether for business or exploration purposes, it still kept her busier than usual.

• Urbosa's trip to Sumeru's desert leads her to Aaru village, where she meets Candace and Dehya. She gains respect for the two vai for different reasons. Candace's sense of duty is admirable, but Urbosa echoes Dehya when she says the spearwoman needs to relax a little. Dehya is respected for her integrity, despite her job's description, her loyalty and justice keep her from taking certain jobs. However, Urbosa believes that Dehya should take the "Eremite" scams a bit more seriously. (I've only listened to Dehya's voicelines, so this might not be accurate.)

• Daruk and Mipha were popular with children back home, and that hasn't changed in Teyvat. Daruk can be seen with kids climbing his back like a cliff side while Mipha tells stories of her and Link, and the other champions as well, of course.

• Revali, stubborn as always, remains in Rito village, that doesn't stop him from getting visitors. He often has to "correct misinformation" spread by the other champions (It's not misinformation, but he wants to keep his cool and dignified appearance). He's just a massive introvert, in the sense that he only shows his true colors around children and those he trusts.

___________________________________________

Note: Sorry for neglecting this series. My adhd both requires and makes it impossible to write a full-length story, as my brain keeps skipping to the good stuff. In case you're wondering why I can't do an intermission like with FEH x Sagau, it's because there isn't a substantial gap in time. I haven't forgotten about this, I'm just still structuring chapter 2.

[newtthetranswriter]

Kindred Souls

Summary: Princess Zelda, her appointed Knight Link, and her advisor/ secondary guard Y/n travel below Hyrule castle to find out what is causing the gloom that is making people fall ill, they are met with mystery and challenges when they reach the source.

Warnings: Injury, maybe some angst done the line, Spoilers for LoZ:ToTK, that's it for now 

Paring: ToTK!Link x gn!Reader

Word count: 2766

a/n: this does contain spoilers for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Let me know if you enjoy this and if you want me to continue it further. Name might change later  MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT

 We were traveling into the depths underneath Hyrule castle, and by we I mean Princess Zelda, the one who wields the sword that seals the darkness, Link, and Me. I’m one of Zelda’s advisors. I wasn’t around 100 years ago when the great calamity first hit but when Link awoke from his slumber, I ran into him near hateno village and started helping him in his goal to save Zelda and the kingdom. But anyways we are currently making our way below the castle because there have been reports of people getting sick because of a red and black smoke-like substance rising from below.

  “We’ve been descending for a while now… These tunnels are deeper than I thought. What could be down here?” Zelda questioned noticing we had been on this journey a lot longer than we had expected.

  “No idea, but whatever is causing all this gloom can’t be a good thing.” I responded as I passed a shrugging Link who also seemed just as confused by the journey as the two of us. We continued on through the depths. I was also actively tuning out Zelda’s ramblings about a race of peoples who once inhabited Hyrule known as the Zonai. I only stopped when we entered a rather large room, where the gloom was extremely thick and there was an ominous green glowing light.

  “What is this palace?” Zelda asked knowing none of us would have the answer before stating, “Let’s continue Link, and Y/n, but we must be extremely careful.” 

  Link and I nodded in agreement and we proceeded into open space towards the light.

    As we approached the source of the light we saw what looked like an ancient mummy with long hair and a weird stone on its forehead, it also seemed the light was coming from a glowing arm planted against the mummy’s chest with its own stone embedded in the back of its hand.   “What is that?” I said as we got closer to the strange sight. The closer we got, I could see the hand start to spasm and then fall away from the mummy. As it fell from the corpse the stone fell from its hand and rolled to Zelda’s feet. 

  Zelda had bent down to grab the stone and once it was in her hand it began to glow a yellow color. As she rose to a standing position, what sounded like a heartbeat echoed through the room. We all turned to the mummy that seemed to twitch as if coming to life.

 It feel back in a jerking motion only to turn it’s head towards our small group and reveal two red-orange glowing eyes. After it laid eyes on our group it released what seemed to be a massive attack of gloom in all directions, one stream heading straight for Zelda and the other coming at me.

  I watched as Link jumped in front of Zelda to protect her, while I pulled my Hylian shield in front of me in hopes to lessen the blow that I knew I wouldn't be able to dodge. As I was pushed back I watched in horror as the gloom surrounded Link’s arm and the Master sword, leaving Link’s arm crippled and the Master sword with a strange red spot that looked almost like an infection. After the first strike the mummy sent out another stream of this hardened gloom directly at Link, the swordsman swung his sword at the attack in hopes of dispeling it only to watch in shock as the legendary blade shattered like a piece of glass. A small fragment flying and slicing the mummy’s check.

  “Was that the sword that seals the darkness? A blade that shatters so easily against my power cannot save you from me.” The creature said as it rose to an upright position. “ Zelda… You, who carries that fragile sword… are Link, and you with the h/c hair are Y/n. Rauru placed his faith in you… and that was all you could do?” It continued shocking all of us as it called each of us by name.

   Zelda stepped back “how do you… know our names?” she voiced in fear. I was also stepping back in fear as I watched the beast begin to release a catastrophic amount of gloom from its chest. And directed upwards towards the castle above us.

  The entire room began to shake as the castle appeared to be lifting out of the ground and into the sky, rubble began to fall around as I tried to  make my way back to the entrance of the room, not having realized that the princess had fallen as the floor collapsed beneath her until i heard her call for Link. I turned and watched as Link jumped from his position in an attempt to catch her only to miss by centimeters with his injured hand. I continued to watch in amazement as the light from the stone zelda’s hand enveloped her and then faded with a trace of her being there. I also witnessed the hand from before grab Link’s good arm and hold him in the air for a second before it also disappeared in a bright flash of light taking the man with it.

  Not completely understanding what was happening I decided the best course of action was to get back to Look out Landing and speak with Purah about organizing a search party for the Princess, and Link. What I failed to realize was that when I had used my shield to absorb the hit from the gloom, some of the gloom had hit my leg making it difficult to walk now that the adrenaline of the encounter with an ancient mummy had worn off. With this difficulty to walk I was only able to just barely make it to the surface by crawling for what felt like days out of the tunnels under Hyrule castle. As I made it to the surface I hoped someone would realize that something was wrong and come looking for us and find me before a bokoblin or other monster who is freshly risen comes along to kill me in my weekend state.

  As I laid in one of the barley standing rooms that didn’t rise to the sky with the rest of the castle I could help but to think of what the hell happened and where the hell did Zelda and Link disappear to. Are they in the same place? Are they still alive? What the hell was that thing and why was it under the castle? Will someone find me soon? Will we ever find them? Will I ever be able to tell Link how I feel?  I mean I’ve liked him for a while now, but i haven’t found the right time to tell him. I don’t even know if he would like me back, but I shouldn't worry about that right now. I should be thinking about whether or not I should stay where I'm at and wait for help or if I should suck it up and try to get back on my own. 

    I waited for another hour for the pain in my leg to subside and the thoughts in my head to get back on track. I had finally decided that I wasn’t going to wait around for someone or something to find me here so I maneuvered myself towards the closest wall to use to prove myself up. I believed wholeheartedly I would be able to stand up and limp my way back to safety… I was wrong as I took a step forward with my good leg and then went to move the injured one my body gave out and I collapsed back to the floor. As I hit the floor I knew I wasn't getting out by myself and was left to hope that a search team found me before a monster did. The last thought to enter my head before I passed out was please at least let Link and Zelda be ok. And then my world faded to black.

  I awoke with a jolt. I sat up in bed taking in my surroundings. I could tell I was in the emergency bunker in Lookout Landing, but I was sure how I got there. Last thing I remember was going with Link and Zelda to investigate the gloom coming from underneath the castle. I was about to ask one of the other people sitting in the bunker if they knew how I got there when a familiar white head of hair made an appearance in my field of view.

  “Y/n/n, I’m glad to see you finally awake. How’s the leg doing? It was pretty messed up when we found you. Also could you tell me what happened, where are the Princess and Link?” Purah asked as she noticed I was awake. 

  I just looked at her in confusion, not quite sure what she meant. Then it hit me the ache in my left leg and the memory of that thing attacking us, Zelda and Link both disappearing in different flashes of light. “I’m not sure how to explain what happened and I have no clue where they are.” I responded still just as confused even with the memories flooding back.

  Purah looked at me in slight concern knowing that a lot must have happened under the castle seeing as only one of our party of three returned and the castle was now floating in the air surrounded by gloom. “It’s ok, take your time. We already organized a search party to find them. You rest for now when you feel up to it just as one of the workers to get me and we can talk about it. Ok? For now just rest.” She said before making her way out of the bunker but not before telling one of the workers to get me something to eat and drink.

  I just watched her leave and accepted the small meal of fish and mushrooms offered to me by the cook. I uttered a quick thanks before eating the meal and trying to sort through everything that happened. The only thing I was sure of was that Link and Zelda were gone and that weird mummy thing was plotting something. It was bad news and I hoped Link would return before things got any worse. I could fight off some monsters by myself but I couldn't possibly beat whatever that was.

     After resting for another day I was able to pull myself up the ladder and then limp my way over to Purah’s makeshift lab here in lookout landing. When I got there I was greeted with a tight hug and Purah urging me to explain anything I could about what was happening.

 “ I don’t know how to really explain it, maybe if Zelda or Link were here they could explain it, but what I do know is your search party probably won’t find either of them at the castle.” I said knowing that wherever they were it was nowhere near the castle. The lights that seemingly teleported the two definitely took them somewhere completely different. Plus if Link was still in the castle or in the tunnels below it he would have made his way back here awhile ago.

   “How are you so sure? What happened that’s making you think they wouldn’t be in the castle? You were pretty beat up when we found you, I wouldn’t be surprised if you had a concussion.” Purah stated somewhat doubting my comment because I wasn’t explaining it more than stating it as fact.

  I got slightly irritated, “ They aren’t anywhere near the castle, I watched both of them be surrounded by bright glowing lights before disappearing into thin air. I doubt whatever took them would have just moved them around the castle. You’re looking in the wrong place.” I said with obvious irritation in my tone. I didn’t know how to explain what I saw but this is the best I can do.  

 “Ok, thank you for at least telling me that much, but then again it does kind of make sense as we have been getting reports from all over Hyrule that Zelda has been spotted in random places these past couple days.” Purha said finally, listening to the fact that our missing friends weren’t in the castle.

  “ wait a second past a couple days… How long have I been in the bunker? It couldn’t have been more than a day since they went missing.” I asked in confusion thinking I had to have been found shortly after passing out at the castle and had woken up shortly after being placed in the bunker.

  Purah looked at me almost sadly. “ You’ve been unconscious for about a week. We found you at the castle about twelve hours after the castle lifted into the sky. We only waited that long to see if you guys would come back on your own, and when you didn’t that's why I sent out a search party.” Purah said it was obvious she felt bad for not sending people sooner, but it was understandable. She had complete faith in all of us that we would all come back safely no matter what happened. 

  “Wow, a week. I’m sorry, I must have worried you, but right now we need to focus on finding Link and Zelda. I'm not sure where to start looking but we need to find them soon.” I responded trying to get the topic back on the important fact that we need to find them. “I will help as best I can but with my leg messed up I’m not sure if I should be traveling to the ends of Hyrule on my own. Is there any one who can a-” My sentence was interrupted by Josha saying something outside that I could barely make out.

  “Doctor Purah! The swordsman! The swordsman has returned!” I heard her yell loud and clear. Purah and I made eye contact and we both immediately scrambled to the door.

  “Where have you been?! Linky… You’re not a ghost, are you?” Purah asked Link who was standing out front wearing what looked like an old shawl over one shoulder and a kilt looking skirt with sandals. His hair that was normally in a half up due is now falling nicely over his shoulders bangs still framing his face. The most notable change to his appearance was his right arm, the last time I saw him, his right arm had been completely crippled from the malice of the attack from that beast. In place of the destroyed limb was a gray arm with what looks like brass arm bands and rings along it; it also had lighter gray marks moving up from about the elbow working its way over the right side of Link’s exposed shoulder and chest.

 Seeing him standing there after what was apparently a week of him being missing, took my breath away. I wasn’t accepting him to just show up here , let alone with a new arm and in a completely different outfit. I also made note of the fact the Master sword was missing from his person, it was odd but i pushed it to the back of my mind focused on the joy of seeing him again. I was so overwhelmed with joy I couldn't stop myself from running into his arms and hugging him. 

  After the shock of being nearly tackled by me wore off, Link wrapped his arms around me as well. Not letting go of me, turned his attention back to Purah who also seemed slightly shocked by my display of affection for our dear friend but brushed off to start asking more questions.

  “What exactly happened?” She asked now, having two people present that had been under the castle when it lifted from the ground into the sky, she figured she’d get some answers.

  Finally releasing Link with a whispered apology, I turned back to Purah and said “Let’s go inside to talk about it, I guess, my leg is starting to hurt again so I'd like to sit down while we talk.” Feeling my injured leg start to hurt more. I also felt a little more comfortable having Link here to help me explain what had happened under the castle, because it wouldn’t sound as crazy if two people agreed upon the story. With that we made our way into Purah’s lab to discuss what had been happening and where Link had gone.

[ladybellissima]

an interesting mission

Link x Reader

A heavy sigh escaped his lips, while he let himself fall into the soft gras. Relieved that he was able to find a quiet place, peaceful and beautiful close to the castle of hyrule. How long till they would get him for another task? Lately it was getting out of hand. Or better more ridicolous.

Deep in thought about his life, the hero clothed in green watched out for his loyal horse epona. Resting beside him he felt at ease himself about her calm aura.

Was it right to become the Hero of Time? To follow the order of the great deku tree, leaving his ordinary life and fight for Hyrule.

"Sure… Somebody had to stop Ganondorf. It was my fate..but now? After all these years…", Link whispered unsure of his thoughts and about his latest tasks. Situations where he had to sort out quarrels of villagers. Unnecessary fights and exhausting conversations. He just wanted to rest…

"Link! There you are!", a sudden voice interrupted his thoughts and made him shot up from his laying position. Looking out he was met with a stressed looking Impa, quickly rushing to his side.

"Beautiful day isn't it?", Link spoke with a hint of sarcasm, knowing quite well something was off. The loyal guard of princess Zelda was quite overworked as well.

"Link, why are you here? Are you out of your mind! Zelda wants to see you, so get up and hurry.", she spoke with a sigh, giving him a serious look.

"Hello too Link. Yeah it is really nice. How is it going?.", he joked, while slowly getting up, meeting her grumbling gaze with amusement.

"Don't! You know exactly how it's going lately!", she grumbled annoyed, frustrated of the endless orders of the king of hyrule. "Beside my tasks, i had to look out for you! Like i have time for that! Unbelievable!", she spoke angered, while leaving the chuckling hero behind.

"And watch your attitude Link! Keep your composure in front of guests. You have a title! By the goddesses he will be the death of me..", she called out from the distance, this time making Link grumbling in annoyance. He was aware of his status. His title given by the king and princess. His reputation he had to prove everyday.

Which also means attending balls, escorting Zelda to meetings, attending ceremonies with important people, never being able to keep their names. He had to watch out his behavior, his speaking, act noble. Not really sure what Zelda expect exactly. Was it that bad to be just Link?

"She was mad just because i gave a hand shake and made a joke instead of a silent royal bow…ridicolous..", Link grumbled and headed to castle town. Still being aware that he had to change.

Silent and his look focused onto the ground to avoid any unnecessary meetings with royals, he reached the throne hall.

"Took you long enough, Hero of time.", a confident voice reached his ears and made him slightly stop in his tracks. Feeling moving automatically like a robot, Link started to step confidently along the red carpet of the hall. Head high, brave and kind of arrogant like he was told to. Like everyone wanted to see and cheer him on. Like a puppet, but the next moment his composure struggled after his eyes landed on a young shy looking girl next to princess Zelda and her father the king.

For a moment his breath stopped and he remained silent. Slowy Link reached the princess and the mysterious girl, who struggled with her nervoussness. Shaken she made a short bow and waited for the princess to speak.

Stunned about the fact that Link, this time, behaved well with a short bow, Zelda gave him a relieved smile. Even if it was more a short nod, but still he kept quiet in front of her father, who was always first to speak his thoughts.

"Link. This is (Y/N). She…"

"I am sorry that you have to wait.", he interrupted the king and stepped closer to the young girl missing Zelda's shocked gaze completely. Too focused onto the soft expression and beautiful bright eyes of the young girl. It kind of felt like Link's heart was about to explode. Nervously he took his hat off and smiled kindly at her shy gaze. She had something he couldn't really put into words.

Zelda furrowed her brows in frustration, but the next moment felt relieved of her father's short laugh. Beside keeping the land of hyrule safe, the king luckily  always felt entertained by the young man's carefree attitude.

The young girl on the other hand was quite surprised that he spoke so freely in front of his highness and impressed of his openness.

"What do you think (Y/N). He is the hero…", she thought stressed, while balling her fists to keep them from shaking.

She was so nervous, after she got the order to collect important herbs for the medical sector. It was her first high class mission. Something (Y/N) already felt overwhelmed. But the next moment she was escorted by Lady Impa inside the castle. Never would she have thought to enter this luxurious place. Her heart was about to jump out of her ribcage, after she had to step before the king and his breathtaking kind daughter.

"What if i fail? By the goddesses…this is too much and now the hero too!", (Y/N)'s mind was racing after the princess explained her order and the side note that the hero clothed in green would help her travel. The man who saved the world, who was cheered on by every girl and now her personal guard for her safety.

"Alone standing next to him is mind blowing. How i am able to handle that?!!", her mind was screaming of the moment.

She often saw him at the distance, riding his beautiful horse, helping townspeople, watching his nervous laugh and embarrassed state, after he had to handle his fangirls. Never being unpolite, always patient and understanding.

For her he was flawless. And at the same time someone unreachable. Just listening to villagers about his gossip, his stories. A mysterious person. Unrealistic to meet him in real. Like a myth.

And now? She was standing in front of him. Traveling with him and definately speaking with him.

"I…i don't..no problem! I didn't have to wait..", (Y/N) blurted out and avoid eye contact.

"How cute…", Link thought and smiled brightly at her slightly struggle.

"So Link if it's okay, i would explain everything to you.", Zelda spoke calmly, but gave the knight dressed in green a short strong glance to send her secret message. Link stopped and waited for her to go on, taking a glimpse once in a while of (Y/N) who was just so adorable with her red cheeks and shy behaviour.

"So (Y/N) has to collect important herbs at the Lost Woods. I want you to have a look on her for her savety. It will take one day perhaps, Link..(Y/N).. I count on you.", she ordered and gave (Y/N) a short nod to go on.

"We will be on our way.", Link spoke motivated and started to head back to the exit, followed by the young nervous girl.

Silence took place and (Y/N) was thinking of how to start a conversation. She had read about such things in books, but in reality those moments were much more complicated. For Link it wasn't easy either. Most of his journey he was on his own, but still he enjoyed having her company. It was the first time to be with someone for a longer time. On top someone who took his interest in an instant. His body was overflowing with energy and happiness, plus the sweet feeling of nervoussness. "A whole day to get to know her! She seems so calm and nice…", his inner self was jumping like a maniac.

"So… (Y/N). Are you motivated to get this quest done?", he said and held his hand out for her to take. (Y/N) watched his hand and took a deep breath.

''I got an important mission…and a day with…the hero of time. I have to be more confident'', she thought and grabbed his hand in a soft manner. He was fighting beasts and monsters, but his hands were gentle and felt warm. In an instant she relaxed and gave him a relieved smile of being able to get over her shyness.  This time Link was the stuttering boy, while guiding her red as a tomato.

xxx

"I am sorry Link that you have to go with me on such a beautiful day..", (Y/N) started nervously, after reaching the Lost Woods. She couldn't look into his beautiful blue eyes. "How could someone be so perfect?! Strong and brave!", she thought stressed. Quickly looking forward to find the right herbs on her way, she tried to avoid his gaze. On the other hand, for Link it was the perfect chance to watch her silently and enjoyed her beautiful being in the sunlight, heart racing of her excited smile, after finding something. He never felt such a wave of longing for someone. He even was able to get to know her better on the way and by the goddesses he felt even more head over heels for her. She was hard working. Helping others. Honest and kind. Speaking with her was so easy. Carefree he talked about his interests, working hard to control his heartbeat of her beauty.

"Link? Are you okay?", (Y/N) asked worried after she got no answer. Link just watched her dreamingly. After some time he realized his situation and blushed deeply. Quckly he hid his face with one hand and turned around to avoid her worried gaze. "Everythings alright. I was just..thinking of what we could eat later.", he struggled for words. "Good job Link, i am acting like an idiot.", he thought stressed.

(Y/N) laughed sweetly. "That was my question. Don't worry i made us some snacks. I wanted to thank you for your help so here.", she said excited and handed him her backbag. Link took a look and his face light up immediately, acting like a child. If it's about food, he couldn't behave properly. (Y/N) laughed and was happy to see his reaction.

"You are too good to be true! (Y/N) this looks amazing! Thank you!", he said full of joy and took a bite from one of the sandwiches. Suddenly he froze in the spot. "Link? Something wrong? Oh god, they don't taste good. I…i shouldn't have tried the new recipe..i wanted to make you something special as a thank you.i am such a fool..", she stuttered shocked and embarrassed, but was quickly stopped by two gentle hands, which grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to a heartwarming embrace.

"Link..what?..", she couldn't believe that he was hugging her, but slowly gave in. Hiding her face into his chest, she took a breath of his tunic. He smelt so good.. it felt so right, so calming and sweet to be in his arms.

"(Y/N)..don't worry… they are delicious! Where have you been this whole time?", he whispered with a soft smile. Shocked of his words, her gaze wandered up to his blushing face. He couldn't but gave her a soft kiss onto her cheek. His mind was screaming about what he just had done. But her soft smile showed him that it was alright. They were completely fine.

"I was always there…", she whispered back and tried to avoid his gaze. Link took her face in his hands, his deep blue eyes captured hers once more. For a moment nobody said anything. It was so calming and relaxing. Just they two, deep in the woods.

"I was looking for you…"

"For me?", she asked innocent. Knowing what this was about, but longing to hear more. Already trapped by his charme.

"Yeah the girl i fall in love…and make my life exciting again…",he said in a husky tone and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Who would have thought that his work could also get interesting.

[nightttoon]

Hello friend! I have a request if you’ll take me up on it!

How would things go if reader tells Daruk they were in love with him?

Please & thank you 💕

Hell yeah! Wanted something sweet but didn't know what to write, I guess it's time!

The green valley shines under the rays of the midday sun, the leaves of the trees rustle because of the light breeze, and the flowers dance, shining with bright colors. And it was the day that you and your dear Goron decided to meet at. Daruk rarely left Eldin, but it's summer, which you've been so happily talked about. The sun is shining in the sky, making him squint.

He was used to the heat and the bright sun, but Death Mountain had never been so full of colors. Although he genuinely liked some of them. They reminded him of people he knows. Although he still thought that a good lunch would be nicer...

It wasn't too far to your meeting place anymore, he was already approaching the forest near the Great Plateau. Daruk had no idea why you choose this particular place to meet. Beautiful views are also can be seen from the mountains of the Eldin region! Why climb the plateau? But the warrior also knew that the Hylians were uncomfortable so close to the volcano, so he agreed. And to be honest, Goron understood that it was a long way from your village to here, too, so he could only guess how important it was for you. Maybe something happened and you need help? Or did you find something on the plateau and want to show it to him? Well... He won't know until he gets there.

Having already climbed the Great Plateau, Daruk looked up at the cliff in the middle of the plateau. You were sitting there, the sunlight enveloping your figure, forcing Daruk to cover his eyes with his hand. You always seemed soft to him. Well... Compared to him, all Hylians seem small and soft, but that didn't make him think of them as weak. Both you and Link, and even Princess Zelda herself, have shown him that the people of Hyrule are not as weak as they seem at first glance. But now, looking at you in your moment of piece, when you are so calm, just looking at the blue sky, enveloped in sunlight, he wants to cherish you. Just like the Hylians cherish their gods, how the Gorons sing of their heroes.... But unfortunately, it's time to interrupt your trance....

Oh... Your goron has come. Understood you when a shadow fell on you from behind, blocking you from the scorching sun.

"Hello, gemstone" Daruk said, sitting down next to you and looking at the landscape. He can see his home from here, Eldin...

"Hello, Daruk..." You whisper, looking at the landscape in front of you...

"So what did you want to talk about? I was worried." Goron said, turning to you. Your eyes are shining like the most beautiful gems he's ever seen....

You nervously bit your lower lip. Will he understand...? How to answer? And what if you ruin everything...?

"It's a beautiful view, isn't it? And you can see the Death Mountain..." You squeezed words out of yourself, calming your shaking hands.

Daruk chuckles, "It's really beautiful. But I don't think you dragged me out here to look at the landscape."

Doubts have always been your enemy, but under his gentle gaze they seemed to melt away.

"I am... I wanted to confess.... I know we've been friends for a long time, and you're practically like family to me, but... I.. I love you..." You could tell, you were blushing like a boiled crab.

Daruk froze. Now he looks like those little animals you saw in the forest, as if his heart stopped in his chest for a split second.

"I'll understand if you don't feel that way about me... I don't want to force you to do anything..." You added, seeing the nervousness on his face.

The great Daruk is not afraid of monsters or people, his only fear is dogs, and his weakness is you. Or can this be considered his another strong side? After all, he never considered you weak. At your first meeting, you quite successfully rebuffed a couple of bokoblins...

Daruk has never been too experienced in a serious relationship.... Same with declarations of love. He has experience with women's needs, but it didn't last longer than a couple of weeks... But you. It's different with you.

He knew that he loved you, he knew that he was ready to fight the most big dog for you.... But he didn't come to this right away. Without the help of his friends and fellow warriors, he would not have realized how he felt. But he loves you. Now he is absolutely sure.

Anyway, when you turned away, he couldn't help himself. Daruk grabbed you by the waist, and a bear hug crashed on you.

Pressing his face into crook of your neck, the Goron warrior began to speak with a wide grin.

"You know... I'm not very experienced in such matters, such serious feelings are rare among Gorons... But it feels right with you. As if that's the way it should be. So I think I love you too!" Goron proudly announced, hugging you like a plush toy, his voice and warm breath sending goosebumps down your spine.

You're laughing. "More than Rock Roast?"

"More than the juiciest rocks in the whole Hyrule!"

Write me if I didn't get it right and you meant that reader was into him some time ago, and now not... I am sorry if I misunderstood. I am open for requests.

[laughingsour]

Wind’s father figures.

Okay, this is definitely one fic I gotta write when I finish my current one for One Piece:

Before meeting the Chain, Wind has had a total of three people he's considered his dad.

Everyone talks about Linebeck and how he's Wind dad even if he won't admit it, so for now I'll leave him be and focus on the other two.

-First it was his birth father that tragically died when he was 5. He was a famous cartographer from whom Wind inherited his love for the sea and navigation skills.

-Wind's father would tell him the legend of the Hero of Time himself and other stories about his journeys across the Great Sea while they would both stare longingly at the waves.

-When Wind was born, he stopped sailing for some time because he was afriad of leaving his family alone if something happened to him. But when Wind's mother got pregnant with Aryll, the family was suddenly in need of more money.

-It was then that someone offered Wind's father a huge sum for drawing a map to locate the infamous ghost ship of the Great Sea. He took the job because the money would be enough for the family, but he'd have to lie to say he wasn't happy to get back on the waves one more time.

-Wind's father was able to complete the map and even discovered what was the supposed treasure in it's cargo. But before he could tell anyone, he mysteriously died and his map dissappeared.

-Since the map was nowhere to be found, the rich man who commissioned him refused to pay his familiy. This is one of the reasons Wind started to embrace the pirate's life while sailing the Great Sea.

-Wind's mom died when she gave birth to Aryll and so her two children were left to be raised by their grandma.

-During Wind Waker, Wind bonds with the King of Red Lions/King Daphnes

-I imagine King Daphnes as an opposite to King Roahm, but just as tragic and unintentionally harmfull. While Roahm didn't make sure to let Zelda know that he was in her corner, Daphnes innocently put too much pressure in Wind by remaining supportive, but still placing all his hopes in him.

-Think of Shifu's line to Tai Lung in Kung Fu Panda, "I loved you too much to realize what I was turning you into. I'm sorry."

-King Daphnes is not only is the first to believe that Wind has the makings of a Hero, he remains his biggest supporter through their journey.

-King Daphnes is the one who teaches Wind how to navigate and sail and Wind is ecstatic to find out he inherited his father's skills as a natural navigator and cartographer.

-He also encourages Wind to explore the Great Sea as he's wanted to his entire life, on the basis that it'll help him become strong enough to face Ganondorf. More importantly though, Daphnes just wants Wind to be as much of a kid as he can be in their situation.

-It's not long before they start to see each other as father and son. Daphnes tells him that, even if the gods thought otherwise, to him he would always be as brave and heroic as any old legend and that he's proud no matter what happens.

-This does become a problem because Daphnes has such belief and pride in Wind that he fails to realize in how much danger he's dragging his boy into. A brave boy, yes. But still a boy who shouldn't have to fight a man's battle.

-Because of that, he never stops to think about persuading Wind to stop and let an adult handle it. Wind would've refused of course, but that conversation between them never happens.

-It's not until Wind's friends start to be chosen one by one to fullfill their duties as Princess and Sages that Wind starts to question Daphnes and the kingdom's importance.

-Makar becoming a Sage is the last straw for Wind and he and Daphnes have a terrible disagreement. In the end, Wind tells Daphnes that he'll keep fighting to save his friends but that he was a fool for getting attached to someone who's just using him.

-That serves as a wake-up call to Daphnes to what he's doing and he starts to wonder if this world would be better off without Hyrule.

-Wind not only discovers his father's ghost ship map but also manages to hunt the ship down and recover the treasure aboard: A piece of the Triforce. He still doesn't find out what truly happened to his father but he's glad that his final work wasn't for nothing in the end.

-His expirience aboard the ship leaves him very shaken, but he still refuses to speak or listen to Daphnes unless necessary.

-When Wind gets appointed as the new Hero Spirit before descending to Hyrule again, Wind no longer feels as excited as he thought he would be in that moment.

-When Daphnes wishes for Hyrule to be drowned, part of him wants to come with Wind to keep raising his boy, if he'll have him. But the other is too weighted down by regret over failing his kingdom before and his son in the present.

-To this day, Wind is still guilt-ridden over saying Daphnes never cared for him. He'd give anything to be able to take it back.

-Wind is very much aware that Daphnes put him and his loved ones in danger and he's conflicted on why he chose to stay to drown. But he can't find it in him to stop missing the King or loving him.

[spaceless-vacuum]

What if the zeldas from the links like sun and sky being yandere for reader too.

Would they Ally with their links are not are would they break those ally with their links if we're to have reader in their hyrule.

Zelda from koridia game is a savage

So I watched all of the t.v show episodes and I can finally start adding some of my opinions on this, starting with Courage and (I don't think she has a nickname yet I think I’ll just call her Wisdom because it matches her Link’s name but correct me if there's a better one).

. . .

To begin, both of these two can Fight! Wisdom often goes along with Courage to the underground realm where Ganon’s lair is and will help him save the day. While she doesn't like to get her hands dirty if she doesn't have to, she refuses to sit around and do nothing when there's work to be done. She still keeps a strict line between her princess duties and that of a knight. She isn't as competent of a fighter as Courage is so she leaves the heavy hitting to him. She stands back and helps out and manages to keep herself out of trouble just enough that her friend doesn't have to worry about her too much. She doesn't want to be overwhelmed or kidnapped after all.

During her time Hyrule is not as powerful or as present as it once was, and only two pieces of the triforce have been found (in the show they just dismiss the triforce of courage and never mention it so i'm going to assume it’s lost, same with the master sword because they never call Courage’s sword by name and it doesn't seal Ganondorf it just takes him away for awhile.) As such it’s hard for Ganondorf to win; but they also can't seal him away just yet. This means Hyrule for her is a peaceful zone until it isn't for a few days and then it all goes back to normal. Action isn't uncommon but most people live peaceful lives thanks to the efforts and worries from the princess and the triforce’s Guardian.

When you roll into town it isn't under attack but there's still evidence of the terror that rampaged through just a few days prior. It’s clear something bad happened but not bad enough to put a damper on the good peoples spirits. You just finished up booking a room in the inn for the night and you're walking around town trying to figure out what to do when Courage spots you from afar. He stops his morning walk in its tracks just to get a good look at you. A new stranger in town is always newsworthy and he just has to know what you're up to, it might be no good and he reasons that such a pretty thing like you shouldnt be left around with no one by your side. He walks over to you and the conversation is friendly enough, but then he finds out you're an adventurer.

This strikes him as funny because Courage used to be an adventurer like you before he got stuck with a job in the castle. It’s been so long since he's been on the open road and he really misses it. He invites you over top of the castle for some tea and before you can reply he points out that it’s just ahead anyways. You have no choice but to accept as he takes your hand and practically drags you along for the ride. Following him down the brick path through the wide open gates into a stunning and painstakingly kept courtyard the stone brick of the castles waits and beckons you to explore.

He walks down the hallways very casually and asks you lots of questions about where you're from, what you're doing here, how the roads were like, and what your favourite food is. The conversation goes from regular chatting to flirting very quickly. He can't help it seeing such a sweet thing like you all by yourself means you must have plenty of stories to tell and he just can't wait to hear them all.

Wisdom bumps into you two not far from the entrance. She was just about to follow Courage to make sure he wasn't going to shirk his duties as a knight. They didn't have many knights around so it was all hands on deck for this one; and then she sees you. A beauty walking into her castle and where were her manners. She looks more smitten than the hero was and quickly resumes the neutral mask as her role as a princess and takes over interrogating. Where are you from, is this your first time in their kingdom, oh it is? Well you just have to stay for dinner and tea! She’d be more than happy to show you around if you’d be so gracious.

Courage follows behind the two of you as Wisdom takes over the talking. He has to admit that she has a way with words. Watching you two he can see Wisdom slowly sink her fangs into you. One hand is placed gently on your back and he can see an unusual tension in her body. It isn't hard for him to realise that he may have fallen for you but she fell harder. The three of you walk to a side room with a table and you all gather around and swap stories. Courage tells you about his adventures, Wisdom talks about the kingdom and what’s going on with Ganondorf, and you fill them in with how you came to wind up here.

All in all Wisdom offers you a place to stay at the castle as it would be a better spot than any for resting after such a long journey. It is hard to turn her down with how sweet she’s being and she's absolutely right about it being much better than the inn you were going to stay at. Courage goes to collect your bags from your old spot and offers you a room by his. Just in case anything happens, that way you'll be safe. Wisdom tells you not to worry as Ganondorf never attacks so soon but agrees that you should stay close to him. You thank her again and she spends some time talking to you before showing you to your room.

Oh true, it is not befitting of her to marry someone of a lower station but she can't help but be mesmerised by you. Somewhere between the tough and gritty shell of an adventure she can see the soft soul of someone like her. A mixture between gentle and heroic; kind and able to get the job done. It just draws her in like a moth to flame but some part of her knows it is in her duties to one day marry for the good of the kingdom. If it’s in her luck they will be much like you.

Not that taking a consort was so out of the question but it's at a time and place in history while Hyrule is starting to rebuild again and she has to plan for the future. When Courage gets back she talks to him about her feelings. She can see how hurt he is at first when she begins talking; but he doesn't say anything as the two have been friends for ages at this point. Even if he does flirt with her and they do fight from time to time nothing can separate them and they know that. The kingdom rests on their shoulders and more than that protecting and retaining the triforce is key for the future of all of Hyrule. 

It isn't until she talks about her final thoughts and feelings; about how she wants you here but can't take you for himself that he realises what she’s after. He jumps in joy when he realises he gets to keep the cake and eat it too. He asks offhandedly if having you here means that he can't ask her for kisses anymore and she laughs before lightly punching his shoulder. Joking about how uncivil he can be before relaxing and asking that he keep you here in the castle, that is both a request from a friend and an order.

Courage looks a little taken back and Wisdom lightly lets him know that she wants to see the two of you happy together and doesn't want to take any chances. The endorsement of your relationship seems to be more of a way to have her cake and eat it too and Courage doesn't believe she is as serious as she seems at first. He gets to have you but by him having you she gets you as well? The concept goes over his head and Wisdom has to gently reexplain the concept several times before he comes to understand what's going on.

The aftermath is both of them taking things lightly while whisking you away. You can defend yourself and they often take you on their journeys together. This is an open relationship where you and Courage are officially dating while Zelda gets to keep you in her life and enjoy sweeter moments and company from you. Courage doesn't mind at all and finds himself happy to share, you're his in the end anyways. You and the princess are seen as especially close friends. Of course your willingness to defend the princess in battle is commendable and from the outside all seems calm and normal. You're just another helping hand and dating the hero. Nothing strange is seen.

. . .

I wrote more for those two than I meant to, anyways here's a flash round of how I think the others would go!

. . .

Dot would love for you to join the knights of Hyrule. This keeps you and Four by her side, while allowing the two of them more time with you. You get personal training from Four and to all outsiders you're just another personal guard who spends all their time guarding the princess, as a good knight should. Why all that time seems to be in her chambers and acting more like a pet than actual knight is rumoured but no one can confirm what’s going on as you are rarely seen. When not with Dot Four has you by his side in a chain that matches your armour. All that training doesn't seem to save you from anything as you're in more of a political bind than physical. It keeps you still more than any physical chain can after all. I’m not sure if Dot and Four would also have feelings for each other, rather I see them as close friends with a shared love interest and they never even have to go through that awkward phase of ‘we both like the same person dont we’. They both just nod at each other and understand that it’s not an issue for them.

. . .

Sky and Sun have a house for you! And if it’s not a house out in the woods it's a special room made in the castle that was renovated with a door that locks from the outside. With all the chaos going on on the surface many people soon forget about the strange room that the queen asks for, and it's only there for when you forget your role by their side. Sky, you, and Sun are a power throuple and everyone in the kingdom knows it. You help Sun rule the kingdom by making sure she takes care of herself and her and you often spar together while Sky watches. You don't join the knights because that would mean going out and doing dirty work, rather your job at the castle is more of a personal friend borderline assistant. It crosses the fine line between royal lover and pet but between the two of them always cooing over you and each other you're being so smothered in love it's hard to tell where one line ends and the other begins. Everyone knows all three of you are in a relationship and everyone is cool with it.

. . .

God Artemis and Warriors… Ok so for this one I think they would have a huge rivals aspect to it. Not in a ‘i hate you way’ rather a ‘I can make them swoon way harder than you can’. Both find it funny and it's all in good faith. You for your part are so confused about how you got these two wonderful people suddenly fighting very hard for affection but it soon gets to be very overwhelming. Openly no one can see what's going on, just more banter between the princess and the hero. I don't see them sharing you together rather one will take you for a while before the other will spirit you away. I can see you being a soldier or messenger during wartime; your position is high enough to draw attention but not so much so you're in the active line of duty. Safe enough to not worry them too much while close enough to the fight to make your presence known. This is what sparks envy in them as you aren't close to either of them but they're both keeping tabs on you. You see none of the behind the scenes but Warrior is asking everyone you've ever worked with what they know about you, what your secrets are, where you live, and he passes it all under the rug as official business and your comrades are all too happy to give you up if it's the captain asking.

Meanwhile Artemis just pulled up your records and got all the information from that. Warrior shows up in her office to brag and she's just sipping tea while calmly explaining she already knows all of that and didn't have to work for three extra weeks to find it out. Trouble ensues.

Warrior gets you when he's not on active duty, and after the war he gets to have you when he returns from his missions. Aremis dresses you up in the finest of clothes she can find and leaves you for him as a present; he deserves to come home to his precious darling after all he's been through. He returns the favour by presenting you in much the same way before he leaves to go take care of business; he also handles any of the dirty work such as removing rivals and taking care of punishments that she can't handle herself. The two share you separately and take on the responsibilities of keeping you quiet together.

. . .

Flora Can see you and how close you are with Wild. She swatches from afar as you two grow closer and she feels a little strange watching how closely you two are. Of course she agrees that you are the most precious gem in all of Hyrule and is so thankful for you; both for your huge heart in helping to restore Hyrule to what it once was and also for helping Wild. She knows she can not be there to comfort him like she wishes to be so having you there to be a shoulder to cry on is so sweet to watch. She just wishes to be there too. Her time alone leaves her with a lot of time to simmer over her feelings and she often finds herself wondering if she can make the three of you work out. She wants you by her side and wants him too, god shes so head over heels and knows that he must feel the same way. If only she was there now, please don't make her wait…

When she is rescued she reunites with Wild, and the two of them talk and are so happy. She avoids the subject of you. Rather she already knows you were safely left at his house in Hateno and wants to say hello to Wild first before making the journey there. She has to test the water and say hello to her close friend first. By the time they make it to the village it's nighttime and you are sleeping peacefully. She goes upstairs to check on you and Wild follows behind. It's not hard to tell from the look on her face to know what she is thinking about. All it takes is one look at each other and the two of them know, in the way only two destined to fall in love can know, what the other is thinking.

For this one it’s a slowish burn between Wild and Flora while they also love you. Another polycue that will only have to face more troubles as a rejuvenated Ganon is on the horizon.

. . .

Fauna and Calamity i'm on the fence over. Some people write him as hating the nobility and his involvement in the war and having a sore spot over how he was treated, and while I have to agree I think he's also a forgive but never forget type of person. Like it still hurts but he wont let that change how he acts around others. This relationship is rough but I can see it having a happy ending. With Fauna and Calamity never ending up together I can still see them reaching a conclusion and sharing you. Especially since after all is said and done Calamity is still a knight beholding to Hyrule and the Princess. Him and Fauna can work together to keep you in the castle, but this is where they start to disagree.

Fauna wants to show you off. She wants to have everyone see you hanging off of her arm so they know you're taken. This sets Calamity off because he's the type to want to hide you away from others instead. This results in a fight between him and Fauna and it isn't until she points out that it's smarter this way; as now everyone knows you're taken and they won't be able to make a move on you because of her power. You Are Safer because you've been marked as off limits. Once he hears this and really processes it he relaxes and realises that she's right. She can do things he can't and after this the two have a heart to heart. What happened during the war was the hardest time of his life and he's always been training to be the perfect soldier and now that it's over he's finally healing. He has a life now and no matter what you’re the make upon it. She agrees wholeheartedly and swears she never wants to take you from him. She wants to see him happy and won't ever cross any line without good cause and reason. They both need and want you and even if they go about it in different ways they both agree that the other's way isn't bad; in fact it blends quite well.

When the loud drum of nobles and the castle becomes too much for you Calamity and Fauna will go on a trip to a quieter part of Hyrule and work out well for all three of you! They need to get out and make sure the rest of the country is recovering well and everyone is always glad to see the hero and princess again. It means a lot to the both of them to take you out and about every so often, even if you are now stuck inbetween the biggest power couple in Hyrule that isn't even a couple.

This matchup is funny to me because I can see Fauna and Calamity healing from everything and reforging their friendship afterwards and being really close physically; being touchy and feely but both agreeing there's nothing romantic about it. You can often find Calamity passed out in the lap of the princess and he stands guard over her so happily that everyone assumes it’s them dating, and in reality they are just extremely close and it's you dating them. They love to gush about you to each other and the kingdom just accepts the princess and her knight have a thing for you, and that she's dating you both but nothing has been made official yet. They saved the kingdom, let them do whatever they want.

...

To be honest I headcanon that polyam is accepted in loz because why wouldn't it be, and also its a bit of a matriarch because its the three golden goddesses and Hylia is the patron goddess to Hyrule, and even in Lorule i'm assuming they also have goddesses? To be honest It’s a very female ruled kingdom as well because it’s Zelda’s blood that holds the power to seal the darkness and also she rules the kingdom. So needless to say no one minds Zelda doing what she wants especially when it's an era with a hero, they saved everyone for god's sake let them have some peace.

. . .

Ok so for the others we have Dusk/Twilight, Wind/Tetra, Fable/Legend, Hyrule/Dawn/Aurora, Lullaby/Time, and Koridai/(I haven't thought of a good name for her yet…) and I will get those done on a later date because this is so long as it is. I know I went hard into the Wisdom and Courage part but in my defence I just finished watching the show and I thought it was goofy and fun!

[whimsica]

Thoughts on TOTK's ending

so i was kind of disappointed by the ending. from a gameplay perspective I thought the demon dragon fight was kinda lame, especially since there had been such a fun aerial boss fight with Colgera setting the precedent. But moreso, from a story perspective it feels like zelda turning back into a human and link getting his wounds undone just removes all the impact from the story.

while playing, I thought that the story of zelda and her sacrificing herself to become a dragon was great. i would have preferred she be a playable character like a lot of people wanted but if she was going to be a sacrifice then I thought that the way they did it hit super hard and emotionally, and so much of that was due to the finality of it. everyone in the game talking about dragonification is talking about how it's permanent and irreversible and how zelda will be forever changed, unable to ever return to being a human or even her own conscious self. It also has the impact of breaking the cycle of reincarnation, again, making her sacrifice so much heavier and more meaningful.

Similarly, link's arm and the scars from the gloom are a permanent mark on him, something he never would have truly healed, a sign that he battled against the darkness with the body of a mortal.

Rauru and sonia's spirits showing up at the end to reverse time for the both of them and undo all of those permanent changes just felt like pulling the rug out from under the story for me. It gave us a happy ending, sure, and allowed the cycle of reincarnation to continue, but that was partially what I felt so disappointed by.

there was an opportunity there to see what would have happened had the cycle been broken. What would the world of hyrule look like when two of the three have been permanently removed from the cycle, when both the incarnation of the goddess and the power of darkness are no longer, when all that is left is a human.

It was a missed opportunity to mix up the formula of the legend of zelda series, and perhaps that's why they didn't do it, is that they didn't want to mix up that working formula, but nonetheless, I'm sad to have missed it.

The ending feels a lot like a sort of cop-out so that they didn't have to consider what hyrule would looks like post-upheaval, with or without zelda. It's left totk in the same state as botw, where the game is in a perpetual state of incompletion

So much of totk is about rebuilding and recovering from a disaster, and adjusting to a new world forever changed, with monsters and gloom and falling islands. In addition to cutting away the emotional impact of zelda's sacrifice, having a big "undo" as the ending for link and zelda doesn't match with the rest of the game's themes of adjusting to change and working to rebuild step by step.

The things I would have really wanted to see are:

Zelda and Ganondorf both permanently become dragons

The demonic dragon is not destroyed, but becomes a fixture of the world, the source of how monsters keep respawning. Dragons are eternal and unchanging, after all

Zleda remains a dragon, and we see that there is some recognition of link, as there is in the game, but that she is truly and permanently gone. In game, her dragon form goes from being called "Light Dragon" to actually having her name, similar to the other three dragons.

After defeating ganondorf, Link must continue to rebuild hyrule, as well as determine a new identify for himself in a world without zelda or ganondorf, given how much of his character was defined by being the princess' royal knight and the bearer of the master sword.

***

If I were the writers of totk, how I would have wanted to do it (i recognize that maybe the writers did have something better planned for an ending but were stopped by the studio):

In the Demonic Dragon fight, Link ends the fight by plunging the Master Sword into The Demonic Dragon's head, which destroys the remains of Ganondorf's will to rule and destroy, leaving the Demonic Dragon a simple force of nature like the other dragons. It can occasionally be seen flying above hyrule as the blood moon approaches, far out of the reach of the player.

Zelda, remaining a dragon, deposits Link back on the isle of awakening, and returns to eternally roaming the skies above hyrule, the last remains of her duty as a human completed. During the post-game, Link can return there and interact with her, but she remains a dragon forevermore.

With the demonic dragon still alive, the blood moon cutscene changes. Now, it reads something like "Once again, the sinister Demonic Dragon darkens the skies of Hyrule. With the power of the endless gloom which drifts from it, slain monsters return to life once more." additionally, this would be narrated by Purah or Robbie, rather than Zelda, to further reflect the permanence of zelda's change and the fact that the world is moving past the Upheaval.

The game remains playable after the fight, rather than being in this perpetual state of incompletion. It also does away with the awkward feeling of needing to urgently save zelda and defeat ganondorf but link is spending his time collecting apples or doing races rather than working on the main quests, since now all the various side quests and miscellaneous stuff can be done after the final fight.

Once all quests have been completed, all people helped, all monster defense forces trained, all structures rebuilt, players can choose to 'end' the game and get a finishing cutscene, that being this;

Once he has helped everyone he can and fulfilled his duties to the best of his ability, Link retires to the great sky island to spend time with zelda in her dragon form. After all, since she was willing to sacrifice herself and spend millennia alone in the sky to achieve peace, now that Link has done all he can and is no longer needed, he is willing to spend his remaining time accompanying her, even if she can no longer recognize him.

[gust-jar-simulator]

I want to think out loud, so let's talk about my concept for Dark Link in BOTW. Specifically the playthrough I'm doing.

The thing is, I have two things I REALLY want to do in BOTW. I want to beat the game primarily with spears, because they're my favorite, so I've decided to RP the idea that after getting resurrected Link flees from man and god and becomes someone new. New name, new look. Best way to do that? Move into the Gerudo Desert. People are asking for a swordsman, not a molduga hunting spear-wielding vai.

Unfortunately the call of destiny takes no shit and no prisoners, and even if he tries to fully integrate into Gerudo culture, he is unfortunately the only person capable of stopping the horrible zappy camel mecha. So defeating that is what will unlock the main quest for me- right now I'm region locking myself to the Gerudo desert and highlands until I defeat Vah Naboris. Also, only vai clothes. For trans reasons.

After that though, there's only one full set of armor I'm at all interested in- Dark Link's set. Weirdly enough, you can only unlock it after defeating all four divine beasts, so I've got my work cut out for me. Once I get it though, I want to permanently switch over to that for fun.

My concept for this Link, and the story I'm telling about him (tagged Rewilding) involves a lot of identity fuckery on multiple levels. The function of a Dark Link, in my mind, is to make Link confront the version of himself that he's afraid of. Sometimes the thing the gods are afraid of him becoming, to better keep him in line- but sometimes it's fundamentally just him. His own personal monster. Himself.

These are two very different things.

What would the gods be afraid of him becoming? Someone who won't defeat Ganon, probably. Someone who joins him or loves him or embraces the malice because he's so fucking done with the cosmic game. Someone who refuses to play, even though refusal is never really an option. The oathbreaker paladin who rejects his princess- and wouldn't it be justified, after the way she rejected him? Ganon has material to work with, there, with Link's memories already corrupted and Sheikah tech flowing through his veins. There's no reason the blood moon couldn't whisper to him the way it does guardians and lynels and every other foul thing in Hyrule. Doesn't he deserve a break?

You get Dark Link's set right around the time you hit a plateau and have to make a choice in the questline. After defeating the Divine Beasts, you can go to the castle. Or, you can faff off into the wilderness, complete every sidequest and pick every flower. Sure your princess is waiting, but why not suck the marrow out of life and leave her on read a bit longer, y'know?

It's an open world game. These things are for frolicking in, not beating. <- (Dark Link whispering in your ear telling you to find every Korok because you might get cool loot)

That said, what would Link be afraid of becoming? I think I have my answer, and while an argument could be made that he's afraid of letting Zelda down again, failing her the way he failed a hundred years ago- if it was me, and of course in my games Link is always to some degree me, I'd be afraid of who I was and am not anymore. I'd say Link is afraid of Zelda's Appointed Knight, Champion of Hyrule, bodyguard and pissboy and unthinking unfeeling sword. I'd say he's afraid of the Hero Chosen by Hylia, and most especially the sword that defined him, deciding his fate before he was old enough to understand.

He's afraid of becoming the Hero, and even once he makes his peace with that, he's still afraid of who he was, this nebulous creature everyone relevant expects him to be. The whole game orbits around his amnesia and memory loss. While that's scary, it's scarier to realize that he's not free to remake himself in post-apocalyptic Hyrule. He should be. It's been a hundred years. It should be okay if he can't remember, nobody else does- as long as he saves the day, it shouldn't matter who he is or how he does it.

But there are people who remember him, people with expectations that aren't just save us but also be the boy we remember, and he can't do that. Not fully. You can't cross the same river twice, and he was dead. The knight never freeclimbed a Zonai ruin in the rain to test his anti-lightning earrings. The knight never considered the freedom of gender fuckery. The knight never bounced Rito chicks on his knee or indulged in cool sunset pictures. He wouldn't know how, and if he did he might not understand why.

Link came back from the dead and fell in love with the wind in the grass. The knight never had that. He is incapable of being that again, but there's songs and legends and people who see the stoic soldier when they look at a young man dressed in his underwear and a korok leaf. There's an expectation.

He's terrified because if he becomes that soldier, he'll be killing who he is now, and he doesn't want to die. In that small, unnoticeable, inconsequential way that is important to only him. He can have things that are important, now. He can be happy. Does he have to choose, between being happy and being Who Was Promised? Can't he save Hyrule and be himself? With every memory, something else is rooting behind his eyes like parasitic ivy, and as much as he wants a purpose he wants it to be his own. He'd be much happier saving Zelda without remembering her at all, but that's... cruel. And, unfortunately, he kind of does want to know. So he does, hunts down the familiar-foreign feeling of mute devotion and tries to figure out if he feels longing or horror as the memories fit under his skin like a foreign thing settling into a too-small coat.

I think if we had to fight Dark Link in BOTW, he should manifest as the Champion of Hyrule, Zelda's devoted and utterly wraith-silent knight, with environmental storytelling to indicate the guilt of the failure at Fort Hateno as well as the horror of being a soldier.

This is Breath of the Wild. Every wolf and korok in the country has seen Link's ass as he paraglides and drops into freefall to shoot bomb arrows. You've never seen a less civilized gender anarchist. He's probably got sticks in his hair, and squees at cute clothes.

The knight is clean and groomed and primped like a showdog. He doesn't speak. He doesn't emote. He kills, and kills well, and when he's not killing he follows like a shadow. He is the mortal extension of the Master Sword, and needs be nothing else. He's a thing. An ideal. A prophecy in motion, and has been since the tender age of 4. That's when kids start learning how to read, and he was learning how to kill.

Nothing, not even Ganon, horrifies Link more than someone looking him in the eye and expecting that he be the king's lifeless attack dog again. Assuming, even, that he's eager to remember and become that again. Not many people get born twice, and he much prefers a childhood of baked apples and freeclimbing to indoctrination and conformity.

Link came back wrong and he likes it that way. So, if I may be humorous about it, this version of Dark Link would be Link's personal blend of toxic masculinity made flesh. Talk about exposure therapy...

Anyway, I put a lot of thought into this and I think it would be very fun to give Zelda everything she wants- a Link who remembers her, her devoted knight who's everything he never wanted to be again.

[fwoosheye]

papyrus in hyrule :>?

Oh ho ho Nyeh heh heh! This gives me tons of ideas! Get ready for my special attack! (Text wall)

Some TotK spoilers at the end — only stuff one sees in tutorial area and one (1) detail from later in the game that I tried to keep vague. That detail will be written with small letters like this but in blue! I'm gonna try putting the spoilers under a readmore but I've noticed tumblr sometimes show it anyway and I don't know why.

Anyway!

First of all, regardless of where or when in Hyrule he ends up, Papyrus would be initially mistaken for a Stalfos. If he were to appear in a spot with hylians they would probably scream and run away (like they do in TP Castle Town for Wolf Link) and Papyrus would assume they're screaming because they're his fans and running away because they're shy. If he were to appear in an area with monsters the monsters would probably be curious but otherwise mostly leave him alone. Papyrus would probably try to teach them how to fight properly (as in the UT style) and have them perfect not killing their opponent just like him, and have a pretty good success rate on that. He would also try to teach them how to make and solve puzzles, with less success. If he were to end up in a dungeon he would have fun solving all the puzzles, sometimes with accidental cheese because the laws of physics is merely a suggestion to Papyrus.

I'd like to imagine that when Link encounters him he is a little thrown off by a monster talking (unless ofc it's the Link from the Oracle games cause he knows plenty of talking skeletons, or OoT Link if it's after Majora's Mask because of the whole Captain Keeta quest, but most other Links only knows 1-2 talking monsters if any), but mostly because the monster is encouraging him and saying how the Great Papyrus will teach him how to be good etc, and then he'd probably be a bit thrown off by the different style of fighting. If it's early on in Link's quest he might even lose fight and wake up in a cage where the bars are far too wide apart to make it useful.

Perhaps Link have already heard from locals about the Nearby Friendly Stalfos that will treat your injuries and then "spare" you if you lose to it three times. Perhaps they have also heard Papyrus talking about wanting to be a part of the Royal Guards, and think it's a recruit who have risen from the dead with the goal to fulfill its final wish or something. The local kids probably adore him once the locals have stopped fearing him and goes around saying Nyeh heh heh. So I imagine Link would befriend him and have various side quests related to him, like finding/making a Royal Guard uniform for him (ST-style or BotW-style or other), helping with puzzles, and depending on which Hyrule it is he might help with "training" "Papyrus' fans" that have flags with his face on but not acting like a proper Royal Guard (basically, take down pirate bases but without killing the enemies). This could also result in a hilarious conversation between Papyrus and Tetra, even if her flag doesn't have a skull on iirc.

Speaking of Tetra, the moment Papyrus realizes the Zelda he is talking to is a Princess he would probably beg to be a part of their Royal Guard. Tetra would say no because she doesn't see herself as a Royal, but she would probably accept him into his crew (and if he could manage to convince her to add a skull to their flag, future pirate flags would indeed be based on his face which is hilarious imo). Most other Zeldas would probably accept him into the Guard after a bit of hesitation — probably less so from the younger Zeldas.

... Ganondorf would just kill him. No mercy there.

Moving on to side characters/races.

Ravio would probably faint by having a loud skeleton appear in his shop. Papyrus would bemoan how it's a bad habit to take a nap when standing and then tuck Ravio in in a bed, maybe scold him for not listening to his body (because why else would you faint take a nap if it isn't due to being overworked?) and then maybe read fluffy bunny to him too. Papyrus would probably keep an eye socket on Sheerow though because he is small, white and might be the bird version of the Annoying Dog. Papyrus would still befriend them pretty fast, though Ravio would not be as fast because he is terrified for a long while even after Papyrus have declared them friends.

The various versions of Impa would probably be both impressed by his battle skills and exasperated by his naivety.

The Yiga would be horrified by his attempts to make banana spaghetti (because he tried to teach them to be good by using cooking lessons like Undyne did to him. Sorta). They have sworn to stay out of his way because it is not worth the risk of being forced into a "cooking lesson" since none of them can take him on.

Malon would be scared at first and then accept him with open arms. She would teach him a lot about farming and that milk is good for the bones. She might even successfully teach him simpler cooking and/or how to make cheese and butter. Papyrus will be a walking Milk promoter afterwards.

He would totally join the Postman/Running Man on his runs. And have him holler about how great they are while they're at it.

He would probably be sad that Stalhorses disappear at dawn and decide to make his own that doesn't. It doesn't quite look like a horse though (more like a mix between a stalhorse and a small wingless version of his Gaster Blaster in Unexpected Guests by @/undertalethingems) and it tends to act more like a puppy. One who will fall over and ask for belly rubs the moment you touch it, unless it wants to play. He would probably not be permitted to register it in ba stable (if it's the BotW-verse) until Link and/or Zelda stared the Stable owners down so they would make an exception. Not that it would really matter because he wouldn't board it or leave it alone out in nowhere so the stable have to fetch it like Link does, but still.

He would absolutely call the Zoras "Undyne's relatives". And he would probably try to feed Gorons sprinkles because that's what Sans' pet rock ate. Not sure how he would react to the Rito or other non-human races in Hyrule, all I know is that he would be a cool dude about all of them.

He would be shut out from Gerudo Town at first, but he would either get in a technically ("Are you a vai or a voe?" "I'm a skeleton! Nyeh heh heh!"). Or, he would earn a membership card like in OoT because of his fight prowess and/or through hard work and obvious lack of ulterior motives. Heck he might even accidentally help keep creeps away because he "convinces" them to do annoying dumb endless tasks when they get too close (eg sweeping sand away from the road between the town and the bazaar).

Here comes the spoilers if tumblr is silly and skips the readmore:

If he were to end up in Hyrule's founding times, he might think the Zonai are related to Asgore — or Asgore-clones that used dye.

He'd might consider the constructs bad Mettaton copies, but he likes the Construct Stewards because they aren't trying to be copies and have a good work ethic.

Big spoiler tried to be made vague comming up now!

My HC is that Papyrus does know a bit of healing, so to have a bit of angst it could be interesting if Papyrus was nearby when a certain character dies, and when he realises he can't heal it on his own he absorbs their SOUL (only with the intention of it being temporarily though) and tries to heal the damage with the boosted power.

[drsteggy]

Author’s Notes: So this took a little longer than anticipated, but I didn’t have a lot of down time the last ten days or whatever. The original plan was to do like 500-750 words per section, but this one needed more. I also had to “do research” for Link and Zelda’s path to this shrine, because I did not realize it was actually accessible by horse until like 3 days ago.

So if you’re worried about “the same Hyrule” for TOTK, maybe don’t be because I have like a thousand hours in this one and I still learn new things.

The battle sequence here is what I did to clear the path so I could ride my damn horse up to the shrine.

********

“I do,” his voice is soft as drops his gaze back to his dinner. He scrapes the spoon across the bottom of the wooden bowl. “I remember.”

She sets her own spoon down on the table and wipes her hands on a napkin. “Do you remember my apology?”

He had read about that in her diary. He shakes his head.

“I know you felt bad about yelling. We were both different people then.”

She goes silent. When he looks up at her, her eyes are round and soft. Her lip curls slightly as she fights back a tear. “Well, I’m sorry. You did not deserve my anger that day. Or any day.”

“It’s okay, Prin- Zelda. It’s okay. We were different people.”

“I suppose. There are things I wish I did differently, especially with you.”

Link debates licking his bowl clean and decides it’s not appropriate behavior in front of a princess, even if she doesn’t want to be one anymore.

“We could ride out there, maybe?” Hope lifts her voice.

“Sure.”

“Great,” She stands up, pushing the bench away from the table. “We can leave in the morning.”

Link runs the conversation over in his head, trying to figure out where he erred. “What about Impa and Kakariko? That’s across Hyrule?”

Zelda turns her gaze to him, brow now wrinkled as she briefly considers the question. Tension coils in his chest, though he isn’t sure why.

“I think Impa will wait a little longer. I did.” She punctuates her statement with a bright smile before turning and striding out of the stable.

Link sighs and tips his face to the ceiling.

****

He takes a second horse from Riverside Stable so she has her own mount and gives her a refresher riding lesson. She lifts her hands too high to steer, but the horse he picked is forgiving and gentle. She will be safe on Caramel’s back.

They set out across central Hyrule, riding past the very place they battled the Calamity not so long ago. The ground is still burned, though there’s new grass trying to fill things in. Neither says anything about it, but Link clucks Epona into a canter.

A week later they stay at the stable by the Great Bridge in the southern edges of Tabantha. The air has gotten crisp and cold. Link cooks with peppers and Goron spice that night to try and keep warm. Zelda claims his hooded cloak. She has reclaimed the slate as well.

“The first time I came here, I had to scramble past a pair of flying guardians.” Link says as he banks the coals for the night. “I hope they aren’t still there. It didn’t occur to me to try and bring a horse up to that shrine until I found the memory you left me. And then I had to back track.”

Zelda nods absently, with her hands clutching a mug of tea. Her eyes search the sky, picking out constellations.

“I guess you already know about the path up.” Link takes his own mug and sits across from the fire.

“Sorry,” she turns her attention back to him. “It still feels new, having a body again. But, yes, I know the path up. I had such a hard time getting Storm up there a hundred years ago it ruined most of my early start.”

Link doesn’t remember much about the incident a hundred years earlier before sliding Darcy to a stop at the foot of the shrine, dismounting before the horse had come to a halt. Zelda spun on him immediately, and expressed her displeasure loudly. Storm grazed, one foot cocked and ignored the entire scene until Zelda angrily grabbed the horse’s reins and dragged him off to find a suitable mounting block.

“How early did you start?”

Zelda smiles. “Well before the sun. I had to tack the horse away from camp so I didn’t wake you, and then I left. And struggled and cursed for the next two hours to get up that path. It has steps! I don’t know why he wouldn’t just go!”

“Steps are not made for horses.”

“Still, it was easier going than a lot of other places where he just went.”

“He followed Darcy. He didn’t want to go alone.”

Zelda makes a small, non committed sound.

“Well, we will go together in the morning. Together.” He makes sure to meet her eyes as he says this, and is rewarded with a smile.

“Together.” She agrees.

They rise with the sun to cross the bridge, enjoying the quiet and the early light. The bridge is in bad shape after a century of neglect, so the ride out is slow. Link hopes to pick the pace up on the other side.

He spots the first skywatcher almost as soon as the horses are off the bridge. Din’s balls.

Zelda lets out a huff as the unwieldy machine flies into view, its red light searching as it travels some prescribed path around a tall column of stone.

“Stay here,” Link makes sure to get her direct attention. “I’ll take care of them.”

“I fought the Calamity, too.” Her voice is perhaps sharper than she intends.

“Yes, but I’ve fought these particular guardians several times.”

Zelda huffs again but doesn’t dismount. Link hops off Epona and pulls out a bow he took off a dead lynel. The bow magically turns a single arrow into three, maximizing his stash of ancient arrows. He nocks an arrow, half draws the bow and runs forward.

His first shot falls short.

The skywatcher has not noticed him yet, so he drops to a squat, calling on Revali to lift him into the air.

Revali is silent. For the first time since he’s earned it, the Gale does not explode around him. Link’s eyes widen, but the fast beepbeepbeep that fills his ears says the guardian has seen him. He bolts, acutely aware that he is a little too far from the column to hide behind it before that targeting light turns…

Everything around him goes white and he tumbles, the grass burning as the guardian’s white-blue light hits him in the middle of his back. The tunic is reinforced with dragon horn and protects him from most of the damage. He gets up and runs to put the column between him and the skywatcher.

With the sight line broken, the guardian hovers in place, searching the ground for him. He takes the moment to climb the column, using all his stamina as he leaps and pulls himself to the top.

He drags himself to the top, panting, and sticky with sweat as the guardian decides he is no longer a worry and begins circling the column again. It flies low enough that it does not see him until he pulls out the bow and launches a triplet of ancient arrows into it.

The machine lights up pink and rises, planting its target in the center of his forehead. Link calmly raises his bow and takes careful aim at the guardian’s eye. The beeping grows faster and he draws a breath before releasing the bowstring.

The bow explodes into pieces as he does, but the arrows already hit their mark and the guardian drops to the ground, leaving a pile of wreckage. Link can see a small ancient core from his vantage point. That’s mine, you bastard.

He steps off the ledge, unsnapping the paraglider to slow his fall, intent on taking his spoils before dealing with the second guardian.

His hand is on the ancient core when the whine of the targeting light starts again. He drops the core and runs back to the column, making it to safety just as a bolt of white-blue light hits the ground behind him.

The Yiga bow only offers a pair of arrows instead of three, but they fly in a straight line instead of an array. He nocks an ancient arrow, draws and takes aim at the agitated skywatcher swinging its search light at the ground. It takes two shots to bring it down.

He steps forward to retrieve his spoils, suddenly tired. Slicing down the pair of chuchus sensing an opportunity is an after thought.

When he gets back to Zelda she is wide eyed and her fingers are tight on her reins. “So you’ve fought them before? Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” He puts his foot in a stirrup and swings a leg over Epona’s back.

Why hadn’t Revali’s blessing worked?

He shakes his head. “Let’s go. It’s pretty straightforward from here, and the ground is easy.”

They follow the road at a canter, turning off to follow a barely marked trail that leads up to the small plateau the shrine sits on. The trip is uneventful, even as it takes them past a camp of lizalfos that seems to ignore them. Link clears a few moblins that roam the top, but by mid morning they stand before Tena Ko’sah shrine.

“There it is.” Zelda slides off Caramel and slowly makes her way to the shrine. It had been dead stone the last time they stood on this spot together. Today it is lit up in blue.

They stand together silently. Link has only a memory of a memory of what happened here a hundred years ago; his memory of this place is one of trial by combat, trying to prove that he is worthy of accolades he earned in another life.

Zelda seems oddly on edge, standing a little taller than usual, almost resting on the balls of her feet. She presses her lips together and whispers, “I’m so sorry about what I said to you here.”

Link shakes his head. “You are forgiven, princess- Zelda, Zelda.”

She looks over at him and he smiles at her. She returns it almost immediately, warming him as much as the sunshine.

“You can still get inside, correct?” She asks.

Results in 24 hours!

Rules - part one