#and obviously i have plenty of issues with the breeding world too. oh boy do i have issues lmao

[namira]

Honestly I have a lot of Thoughts on the US animal rescue industry as a whole, particularly the rescues in big cities in blue states, which generally don't actually have much in the way of an abandoned/stray animal problem. (I'd have to go in and try to find actual statistics, but a definitely significant amount of the shelters and rescues around here get most of their animals from overcrowded shelters in the Southern US, because there aren't actually enough unwanted animals here, particularly dogs, to meet the demand for rescue animals.) Like the demonization of breeders, no matter how ethical (and people who get animals from said breeders) gets insane. And the adoption requirements also get insane, in a way that can make it extremely difficult for anyone who isn't upper middle class or above (or old enough that they managed to buy property decades ago before the cost of housing became absurd) to get a dog in these areas.

[needfantasticstories]

You! Name your favorite Link and say why he’s your favorite. (I say like I don’t already know XD, I’m just going around and asking all my mutual)

Aw fuuuuuuu… I mean, depends on the fic I’m writing? Let’s run with Sky, since it’s him for sure at the moment.

This’ll be a bit long.

I love how Sky had time to question who he was and actually find some answers. No one told him he had to be anything before Fi and Impa gave him a destiny. He just wanted to be his best self. Loves life. Deals with school issues. He’s got hobbies and interests like woodcarving and some mystery sport (soccer? Fencing? Bomb throwing? Loftwing quidditch? Who knows?!)

I love that he starts with a big surrogate family at the academy. They praise him because he’s genuinely a nice kid, trustworthy, hard working, strong and helpful. But they don’t dawn or anything. He’s chill. When he helps others, he also inspires those around him to be their best, like Fletch.

(TBH they kinda rely too much on him… or use him… *cough*Hylia*cough*)

He helps people all over the islands, even Pippit’s “lazy” mom and a creepy toilet ghost (moaning Myrtle, is that you?) All the Links help others, but he knows these people intimately, and the familiarity did not breed contempt.

He’s probably the most “modern” out of the Links. He has a comfortable life. And he left all that comfort behind to go explore the Surface, but not for curiosity. For his bestie! (He has the option of declaring his love for Peatrice too, so he’s got agency to keep it purely platonic, if perhaps secret for a while)

I love how loyal he is to Zelda as his best friend rather than as romantic partner or ruler, going up against the most insane and ridiculous odds. Like, I love my friends and family, but I’m not sure I’d deal well with having to face fire keese, bokos, F-ing Ghirahim (Noooope! I’m out!), let alone having to cut the goopy toes off a giant world-eating slithering black jelly bean just to save them. But he’s like “Yes, obviously I’ll do it! We all help each other.” (Communism poster boy. I will not elaborate)

He’s like the biblical Adam plus Samwise Gamgee. Like, “Oh you fell/need to go on alone? I’m coming with you!” And jumps. And then he finds out he actually can come back up, iirc. Instead of some flawed, fallen Eve character, he finds out his bestie is GOD. And she is just as self-sacrificing as him. (I love their story so much)

Back to Link. He’s got raw talent. (I know a guy in real life like him. He picks up skills quickly, so he’s bored in classes and falls asleep a lot. And he has a simmering rage deep down, that comes out to defend what’s his. As much as the game tries to frame this as a weakness, when they also give him prophetic dreams and a desire for not drawing attention to himself (bullies!) and a sweet but slightly jealous bestie, he’s got plenty of reasons to be sleepy. Nightmares, narcolepsy, staying up late to practice in private, limited downtime for hobbies… let the boy sleep in!

I love how expressive he is! Of all the Links, he’s the most emotive over things that are not food or treasure/items. I like to think he’s more emotionally mature and empathetic, and Jojo’s comic supports this. His first in-story action is to rush to help Time, who was speared, instead of attacking the monster. Later, he’s supportive of Wind’s enthusiasm when others tease him about the childishness of masks, and is the sweetest about teasing Legend for being a bunny. The man’s heart is gold, sturdy but soft too.

And his music! The boy rocks the harp. Musical prodigy too? Who has insanely good footwork and can balance on a tightrope and probably dances better than anybody in Skyloft if he wanted to?!? (No wonder Zelda is jealous.)

Oh, and Pippit calls his bird a red terror, so he’s probably gotten into some shenanigans with it growing up. The divine bird is a delightfully bad influence, and I love it.

I’m sure I could go on, but that’ll do for now. He’s a shield first and a sword second.