#and the Minish by them only being visible to children

[ordon-shield]

Okay potentially dumb question, but do you know where zonai came from? I've played a ton of zelda games, but I don't think I ever heard any mention of them before? At least not in the games I've played? And everyone is theorising about them with totk, but I have no idea where all of that suddenly came from? Did I miss something in a game somewhere or something?

The Zonai are new to BotW and TotK! There’s some mention of them in Breath of the Wild, as an ancient group who lived in Faron but disappeared mysteriously, but prior to Tears of the Kingdom most of what we knew about them was extrapolated from environmental details (eg we know they built the labyrinths and Typhlo Ruins because the architecture has the same style). My personal theory for their origins in-universe? Aliens.

[fourswords]

starting sketching out light and like. HES 12??? like I get it- he's about to be 13- And knight is the oldest at a grand total of 15 but like-

BRO DOESNT EVEN HAVE AN ATTENTION SPAN YET???

like I know they're dumb in the manga but 😭 every 12-13 year old I've ever met is like a certified dumpster fire, which you might wanna consider in his character lmso

but I just feel like after the manga it wouldn't even matter that he saved Hyrule, he's just getting grounded until he's a legal adult 😭

like azure THATS A BABY- Aint no way he's smart enough to have even survived half the manga even with his dumb luck!

im crying please add like one year to all their ages im on my hands and knees is your goal to give this tiny child some form of PTSD because he is IN CONSTANT DANGER.children need to have a sense of safety (and their stupidity doesn't count, blue got swallowed alive and frozen, vio was lying to SAVE HIS LIFE, green was straight up about to kill vio and had to deal with attacking another knight, and couldn't bring himself to attack their own dad, and then red got chased by an angry mob and then lost all will to LIVE with blue in that one temple-) 12 is barely even conscious and self aware 😭

like I know 12 year olds have complex emotions and can handle abstract concepts and start getting into deeper moral understanding- but my human of earth the self awareness is either ONE THOUSAND OR ZERO AND THERE ISNT A BETWEEN AT THAT AGE-

im sorry if I sound rude or something btw I'm mostly just joking and I tend to overdramatize for comedic effect but I genuinely cant wrap my head around him being just 12- like at least 14??? maybe bump knight to 16 while ur at it? ?

also I'm gonna figure out some way to incorporate the different colors into his hat probably, its big so its like a bag lol since in the manga blue just shoved his whole hammer in there I'm pretty sure

smithy will be extremely small without complaint.

feel free not to take my words seriously tho lol I just cant imagine a 12 year old going thru the manga, like look me in the eyes and tell me a 12 year old-

if I misunderstood anything lmk lol I am a lil stupid sometimes

HAHAHA YES HE IS IN FACT TWELVE. The Legend of Zelda is a series that's all about "yeah let's hand this child a sword and let him go nuts" (to use a popular example, BOTW Link being canonically handed a sword at age four and is said in Mipha's diary to have been able to best grown men in fights: "At the request of Hyrule's king, a group of outsiders came to greet us at the domain. One of them was a Hylian child of only about four years of age. His name was Link. He made quite a first impression. He was curious and full of energy, with a ready smile. Are all Hylian children that way? One thing that surely sets him apart is his swordsmanship, which I hear is exceptional. He has even bested adults. He must be somewhat reckless, however, as he was covered in bruises.") and I absolutely intend to lean into that as much as possible. Light's age comes mainly from comparing Akira Himekawa's designs for Links of varying ages side-by-side with each other; for example, you have Minish Cap Link, who's very obviously drawn like a young child:

You have Twilight Princess Link and Ocarina of Time Link, both drawn to look like older teenagers (and we know OOT Link's older age is 16-17 depending on who you ask):

We have Skyward Sword Prequel Link, who is a fully-fledged adult (his other panels illustrate the difference more sharply, but this is what he looks like, so):

And then we have FSA Link in the manga, who is drawn to be VERY visibly younger than OOT, TP and SS Prequel Link, but is definitely visibly older than MC Link (he's got the rounder face + eyes, the shorter stature, and it becomes even more visible when compared to the knights in the FSA manga itself):

His maturity level also does, to me, match that of an average 12-year-old nepo baby (which he really kind of is)—kid who thinks he knows everything & that he's hot shit but is kind of a giant train wreck internally.

All three Four Sword heroes prior to him were explicitly stated to be "young boys", and FSA manga Link is really no different in that regard—in the context of my own AU, he's actually the one who went on his adventure at the oldest age (with Smithy going on his around 8-9, Four going on his at 10, and Knight now going on his at 11). It's just been a shorter time since his adventure than it has been for the others ^^;

[totklorerun]

Ok so, do you think Dinraal, Farosh and Naydra are also people ( probably zonai) that ate their secret stones? I have a theory that because the zonai were seen as gods, Din, Farore and Nayru were zonai themselves and that they ate their secret stones for some reason, which would also explain their disappearance for the entirety of Hyrule’s history. It could be that the three were honored for their sacrifice and with Rauru and Mineru sharing their story with the hylians, the story expanded into what it is today. Anyway, I’d really like your opinion on the subject (little side note, do you think the people of Hyrule could see the final fight? Because aren’t the dragons only visible to certain people?)

Hello

I do think that Dinraal, Farosh, and Naydra were once possibly Zonai, but I disagree that the Golden Goddesses were Zonai. There seems to be different sets/types of gods in the Zelda universe. Not only are there the Golden Three who are said to have created this world, but there's also Hylia (and maybe Demise if you see him as a god). There are also Zephos and Cyclos from Wind Waker, and several different types of guardian spirits like Ordona or Faron or Valoo. I think that the Zonai are just another set of gods/godly descendants.

In Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, and Minish Cap, there are three women: Nayru, Din, and Farore. While they're named after the Golden Three, they are just humans, albeit oracles. I believe that Dinraal, Farosh, and Naydra were something more like them. Maybe they were oracles or priestesses. Then as dragons they became something similar to the ones in Skyward Sword

The first time we ever heard of Din, Farore, and Nayru as we know them as an audience was in Ocarina of TIme. They were portrayed as the world's creators, and completely disappeared when they were finished. So I'm not sold on the BotW/TotK Dragons being the Golden Goddesses.

I will respond to your side note underneath the cut. Thank you for this question. If you have anything else you would like to discuss, please feel free to ask.

I have always believed that, at the very least, everyone could see the sky turn red when Link fought Dark Beast Ganon. People knew that something big was going on, but just didn't know what. And I think it's the same for the final fight. No one may be able to see the dragons but children.

But everyone saw the sky turn red again. Some might have even seen Link, falling, seemingly flying, striking at something invisible. Maybe they can't see the fight, but they can hear it.

[tentimesthecourage]

Colors and Ihcamodot

Summary: Four’s turn! This was... something.

"Mister Rinku!" Rinku's ears perked and twitched as he turned to the two young daughters of one of the Sheikah guards. He crouched down and tilted his head, smiling softly.

"Yes girls? How can I help you?"

"We found a little creature!" Koko chirped with Cottla nodding, holding something cupped in her hands.

"Is that right?" He hummed, wondering if they had managed to catch a Restless Cricket or something. But when Cottla held out her hands to show him, he was taken aback.

It (They? He? She?) was a mouse-like creature with wide yet soft dark eyes and short blonde hair held back by a headband that had a red and white feather attached to it. They cocked their head at the sight of the hylian male before glancing at the girls and squeaking something that Rinku couldn't understand, but apparently they did.

"He says he wants to go with you!"

And that was the first meeting of Colors.

-----

Colors rolled his eyes in a seemingly sassy manner when Rinku mentioned the name, giving the taller male a 'Are you serious?' look causing Rinku to shrug helplessly. "Hey! At least I didn't suggest something like Mouse. You certainly look like one-ow." He huffed at the sharp nip he got in response. "Maybe I should go with 'Brat' instead."

Colors merely smirked, clearly pleased with himself. Meanwhile Rinku threw Link, who was sniggering, a look.

"Great, gonna spend my time being bullied by a mouse and my own twin."

"Edusuam aw nesamira!"

"I don't know what that means!"

Even with their bickering, a bond was definitely forming.

-----

Well, he might not be able to understand the language, but he could definitely tell Colors was disappointed in him by the way he was going off. Nearby he noted that Link was getting his own 'scolding' by means of disappointed glare from Wolfie, but his attention was drawn back to Colors by a sharp nip to his index finger. He pointed at the Hylian, visibly shaking with... what? Anger? Fear?

"Agek o atihs omak nesamerihs! Atana ag uraednezna ot nihsukak etihs iani on in, ezan atana aw inan'nos anobum otok o urus usedon ak?!"

Rinku almost jolted when he heard the tiny hitch in his voice. Colors either didn't notice or didn't care as he hastily scrubbed at his eyes. Was he... crying?

"Atana aw ihsataw o aragawok ates... Ihsataw aw attomo... Ihsata aw atana o uoraduanihsu ot attomo..."

The ex guard's ears drooped and he reached his free hand to gently rub the top of Colors' head. The smaller being looked up and he felt even worse to know he was right, seeing tear stains on his flushed cheeks.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to worry you so much..." He brought him closer, watching as Colors flopped against his chest, right over his heart. It was almost as if he was checking that it was still beating. Had he really worried him that much?

"Anakoro..." He barely heard the mutter. "Atana aw ometot usedakoro... Ihsakihs, omotukanukus atana aw okok in usami. Omotukanukus atana aw usednezna..." Rinku gently brushed his fingers over his head, feeling more than hearing his cries dull down.

He never wanted to worry him like that again.

-----

Hyrule Castle was menacing, even just from the outside. They were sitting by the broken fountain in the ruins of Castle Town, taking a moment to breathe after getting rid of the guardians that had been in the area and checking to see they were prepared to face the chaos that would be inside those stone walls.

Rinku noticed Colors seemed distracted by something, continuously glancing off in the distance.

"Is something wrong...?"

He lifted his head before sighing, ears falling back.

"Ihsataw aw... Aberekanaki ianaran..." He gestured out in the direction he had been gazing. Rinku followed his gaze, seeing nothing, but when he looked back at him, he took note of the saddened expression and slowly it clicked.

"You... you have to leave, don't you? Like Wolfie did." The Wolf had disappeared a few days ago after a tearful farewell from Link. It hurt to think that Colors would have to do the same.

He nodded before climbing onto his hand, gesturing for him to lift his hand. Rinku did so slowly, enough so they were eye to eye. He reached out and placed a clawed hand on his face gingerly, smiling despite the tears shining in his eyes. Rinku could have sworn they flashed several different colors.

"Atana ot okok in uri otok aw ometot ihsarabus usedotok... Abotok aw ihsataw ag odoherod esawaihs ak o negoyh urus otok aw nesamiked..." Colors used his free hand to wipe his eyes, being so close Rinku could see the little crystal clear droplets sliding down his cheeks. "Nezna o ohukak etihs iasaduk... Iagato on awes o etihs iasaduk..."

"Don't you worry... we'll be careful... and maybe... maybe we'll see each other again?" He hoped, he wished. Colors' smile widened slightly and he nodded slowly before tapping him gently.

"Ihcamodot." He said firmly, looking so sure of himself. Rinku still had no idea what he was saying, but the word made him feel warm. He smiled softly and shifted his hold on the smaller male to gently press him to his cheek in the slightest imitation of a hug he could manage. He both felt and heard the startled squeak before it melted into gentle purring.

Reluctantly he pulled away and lowered his hand to allow Colors to jump off. "I'll miss you..." He whispered. Colors gave him a sad smile before he turned and darted off. It didn't take long for Rinku to lose sight of him and the ex guard slumped.

He glanced over when he felt Link's hand grasp his shoulder and squeeze gently. His twin gave a sad understanding smile causing him to return it before they nodded together and headed towards the castle. It was time to finish this.

-----

"There, you see them?" Rinku pointed at the small creatures. "They're so cute... what are they?"

Four raised an eyebrow in surprise before chuckling softly. "They're called Minish. Normally only good children can see them, myself being an exception of course... so I don't know why you can." His tone was teasing. "As you are not a child. Not physically anyway."

"Oh hah hah hah..." He huffed gently, nudging his boyfriend gently. "You're hilarious."

"I know~"

It was a peaceful silence before Rinku spoke again, watching the Minish scurry about. "I... met one, in my time." He didn't notice Four stiffening beside him.

"Oh...?" The smith's voice was near breathless causing him to blink before he continued.

"Yeah... I didn't know what he was at the time... never heard the word 'Minish' until today... but he was definitely one of them." Rinku's voice was fond and sad. "I couldn't understand a word he said, but I knew he meant the best. He was my friend... a companion throughout the journey. Though he would probably say he was more of a babysitter, keeping me from doing stupid things." A little laugh escaped him. "I miss him..." He felt Four take hold of his hand and squeeze gently and he smiled faintly in thanks.

"I um... I called him Colors, because of the outfit he wore... it was different from those..." He gestured towards the small group. A small thoughtful frown crossed his face and he glanced over at Four who looked slightly nervous. "Now that I think about it... it kinda looked like yours."

When he averted his gaze, Rinku tilted his head, gently squeezing his hand. "Four?"

"...I didn't want to bring it up." He wouldn't look at him. "How do you even bring something like that up? It sounds insane."

"We're ten heroes, nine being named Link, traveling from Hyrule to Hyrule to fight monsters that bleed black with no idea where the source is. I think we've gone past insane." He pointed out gently. "But talk to me... please?"

"I..." Four faltered. How did he put this? "I'm sure it's obvious now... but I knew you... before the rest of us came back to your Hyrule. Like how Twilight was Wild's companion... I was yours." He fiddled with his tunic, clearly struggling with how to explain this. "I don't know how I got there... just remember waking up there... and when the girls brought me to you... I just knew... I knew had to stick with you." He still wouldn't look at him.

"For not telling you sooner... I'm so-" Four tensed as he was abruptly cut off by a tight hug.

"I'm sorry for worrying you so much." He blinked at Rinku's words. "It... made me feel so guilty when I saw you getting upset if I was hurt or if I did something that could have gotten me hurt or worse." The ex guard pulled back just enough for their eyes to meet.

"I'm not upset that you didn't tell me. We've all got secrets after all." He smiled faintly before leaning down to press a tender kiss to his lips. "I'm just glad I get to see you again... to be with you..."

Four could feel his cheeks and the tips of his ears burning, but nothing was going to wipe the smile off his face. It didn't stop him however, from reaching up and suddenly yanking on Rinku's ear causing him to yelp.

"That is for being stupid and setting off that chain of bomb barrels with Wild when Wolfie and I told you no!"

"Owowowow, FOUR!"

Mini Bonus:

"Clearly you understood Hylian... could you not speak it?"

"No, I could and still can when I'm in Minish form."

"Then why didn't you??"

"Because you kept doing stupid things, so that was my own form of payback."

"Oh you...!"

The Chain is not even going to ask why they've come across Rinku and Four wrestling in the campsite. Wild snickered silently while Twilight merely sighed, both having a general idea what was happening.

Minish Translations:

Edusuam aw nesamira! - Not a mouse! Agek o atihs omak nesamerihs! Atana ag uraednezna ot nihsukak etihs iani on in, ezan atana aw inan'nos anobum otok o urus usedon ak?! - You could have gotten hurt! Why would you do something so reckless when you didn't know for sure you would be safe?! Atana aw ihsataw o aragawok ates... Ihsataw aw attomo... Ihsata aw atana o uoraduanihsu ot attomo... - You frightened me... I thought... I thought I was going to lose you... Anakoro... Atana aw ometot usedakoro... Ihsakihs, omotukanukus atana aw okok in usami. Omotukanukus atana aw usednezna... - Stupid... you are so damn stupid... but at least you are here. At least you are safe... Ihsataw aw… Aberekanaki ianaran… - I... I have to go... Atana ot okok in uri otok aw ometot ihsarabus usedotok... Abotok aw ihsataw ag odoherod esawaihs ak o negoyh urus otok aw nesamiked... Nezna o ohukak etihs iasaduk... Iagato on awes o etihs iasaduk... - It has been so wonderful to be here with you... Words cannot express how happy I am... Please be safe... look after one another... Ihcamodot - Friend

[hyrule-in-a-pokeball]

Hyrule Field Guide: Fairies

Pictured: Common depiction of a fairy as described in various Hylian legends

Fairies are a mysterious presence in many Hylian legends, appearing to aid many heroes and even acting as guides to some. Perhaps the most famous fairy in Hylian legend was Navi, who appeared as the hero’s guide and companion in The Rise and Fall of the King of Demons. In this legend, there was also a tribe of forest dwelling children called the Kokiri who all possessed a fairy companion of their own.

Fairies are very difficult to study, as, on top of being an exceptionally rare sight, they seem nearly impossible to capture. Because of this, their true nature is unknown. Some believe them to be supernatural in nature, while others believe them to be an exceptionally bright glowing and wily species of firefly.  The high difficulty of capturing a fairy, along with their presence in legends lending aid to the various heroes, has lead many of the fairy believers to speculate that only the pure of heart can actually capture one, which, in a sense, makes them similar to the fabled Minish; A diminutive race said to only be visible to pure-hearted children.

According to fairy lore, there is a sort of hierarchy among fairies. Above the small fairies are the Great Fairies, beings said to possess unparalleled beauty who lend a fraction of their power to the hero in many of the legends they appear in. Above the Great Faires is the Fairy Queen. While the Great fairies have appeared in almost every legend normal fairies have, the Fairy Queen has appeared far fewer times, with the most notable appearance of the Fairy Queen in Hylian legend perhaps being her appearance in The Sleeping Kingdom, In which she bestowed upon the Hero the power of ice and fire to aid him in his quest.

Pictured: Artist interpretation of the Fairy Queen, as described in The Sleeping Kingdom. She is depicted holding a doll that matches the description of the Great Fairies from the same legend

Whether these beings are real or not, and whether they are exceptionally bright fireflies, or actual fairies remains unknown, and perhaps only the old heroes of legend and heroes yet to come will ever actually know for sure.