#hylink fanfiction

[rottencandyapp1es-writeblog]

Millennia ago,

when the gods still walked alongside us,

the first war for the sacred golden triangles took place.

A goddess, cloaked in white, wielding her divine wisdom like a mighty sword, tasked with guarding those triangles.

A demon king, boasting of incomprehensible strength and a will stronger than steel, who desired their power.

The demon king's siege on the land of the goddess was relentless, choking the life out of each and every corner.

The goddess, her back to the wall, turned to an old friend for help...

Now this friend of the goddess was quite the accomplished warrior himself.

He was hailed for vanquishing a powerful entity that terrorized another world.

His strength of spirit unmatched, the mortals revered him as a fierce deity.

Sensing the danger of letting the demon king go on unchallenged, he agreed to help his dear friend...

One by one they traveled to the far reaches of the land, driving the demon king's army back more and more with each step.

With the demon king now backed into a corner, the three engaged in a fearsome battle.

Then the demon king, greatly weakened, was sealed away with the goddess' divine power. They had done it! They had won!

But that victory did not come without great sacrifice...

As the only one remaining, the goddess set about restoring balance to the world.

Deeply mourning the loss of her companion, the grief-stricken goddess withdrew from her people,

with a quiet vow to protect the land from the shadows....

.

.

.

(This blog is low-key dead so here's an old snippet I remembered I had in my phone notes.)

[liv-andletdie]

Zelink Week 2024 - Enchantment

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Fandoms: The Legend of Zelda Relationships: Hylia/Link (Legend of Zelda) @zelinkcommunity

Summary: Hylia struggles to understand and contain her new emotions; and the strange desires she has for a certain Hero.

Ao3 Link [x]

---

Hylia often watched, had watched, had been watching (tenses were hard) the lives of her people. Generations passing in the blink of an eye. Great families fading to obscurity, relative nobodies rising to infamy. She had seen, could see, would see it all. 

She had watched as they threw Him in that cage. A rigged trial hand ensured that he was locked away behind that cell door, strung up and beaten, starved and berated. He had been forced to endure all manner of cruelty before she stepped in. 

She had never really forgiven herself for letting his torment go on for as long as it had. Nayru, her eldest sister, would tell her that it had been out of her hands, that she was unable to interfere or be part of the mortal world. That this was necessary. That the only reason she could walk amongst her people now was because of Demise. That when this war was won she would have to retreat back to the Sacred Realm, never to set foot on earthly soil again. 

(Nayru was the wisest of her three sisters, but her words were hardly a comfort.) 

Watching her people now felt… different somehow. Perhaps it was the change in timespan. As a being of divine blood, she was used to seeing centuries disappear in the blink of an eye. She knew this to be the same for her foe too. His plan, most likely millenia in the making, was nearing it’s end point. He had had to enter the Mortal Realm for the finale, just as she had, and so would most likely be feeling the shortened and lengthened time frame. 

Gods did not experience time the same as mortals. To them a week lasted a week, a month lasted and month, and a year sometimes felt like it lasted for five. But overall they seemed to have a better handle on time as a one to one scale than she did. Which made it quite alarming that Link seemingly did not. 

She had asked him, will ask him? (Tenses again) just how long he had been trapped in that cell. He had told her that he didn’t know. That at some point he had “lost count”. The cage he had been confined in had had no windows by which to see the sun, no way to track the comings and goings of the stars. Just a perpetual night, broken only by beatings and the rare times they deigned to give him food. 

He had tried, at first, to gauge how long he had been kept there. But at some point keeping track of how long you’ve been suffering feels pointless. Especially when you know that there will be no end to it. 

Hearing that had shifted something in her. Her chest, her lungs compressed, and for a truly astonishing second she had felt the need to cry. She had seen this before, in the lives she had watched. This reaction, the involuntary sharing of pain. She had watched people crumble, great pillars of the community disintegrate like sand castles under waves. All because of blood shed, and it didn’t even need to be their own. 

Hylia understood. She had questioned it before, but now. She understood. 

(Maybe her life here was affecting more than just her timekeeping.) 

It was distressing, feeling another’s pain so acutely. Yet there was also something so oddly enchanting about it. About the way it felt to have that much emotion roll through you. For the majority of her existence she had felt sedatenary. She was the Lady of Time, tasked to see everything as it was, is, and will be. And yet, knowing the inevitable end of things, seeing, watching as they decayed, had never affected her like this. Had never stopped her in her tracks, wracked her body in grief, and choked the breath in her throat like this.

What was this?

This desire, this need, to be close to him. To take his pain away. To hold his face in her hands and whisper sweet words to soothe the ache in his soul. To press soft kisses against his brow and promise him that he would never have to suffer again. To rip away the night’s dark cloak so that he could always feel the sun on his skin. To wrap him up in her wings so that the cold could never again dig it’s icy claws into his bones. 

It was quite a shock to realize this about herself. 

It was a bigger shock to realize that she had no clue of what to do about it. 

✦✦✦

She found him, as he always was on his days away from the fort, alone. Tucked into the roots of an old oak tree, his head tipped back resting against the rough bark. His eyes were closed against the sun beating down on him. And, whilst she knew that he was not asleep (as he felt it difficult to truly rest these days), he looked utterly at peace. Hylia stood back at the edge of the clearing, wanting to give him a few more seconds of rest before she approached. 

There it was again, that burning need to protect him. To give him everything that he had missed out on, that had been stolen from him. 

Shaking herself off, she stepped forward. 

He reacted immediately, blue eyes snapping open, body lurching upright, a strong arm bearing his sword towards her as if ready to defend himself. Teeth bared like a cornered animal, until he recognized her. 

“Your Grace,” he dropped his blade, his limbs still rigid. “Forgive me. If I had known it was you I would never-”

“It is alright.” She said, taking another step closer. “I’m sorry, I did not wish to wake you.”

He looked at her for a moment, as if he couldn’t quite believe that she was standing there, or that he was free. “I wasn’t asleep.” His words were blunt but without malice, as if he was out of practice with speaking to people. 

“I know,” she shifted her weight on her feet slightly, the dry underbrush crunching with her movement. That itching worry settled itself between her ribs and she asked “Do you find it difficult to sleep?”

“Sometimes, Your Grace.” He looked sheepish, unsure, his hand clenching around the hilt of his sword. “Nightmares are tricky things.” 

“Nightmares of what?”

He stood silent. His eyes turning dull in the midday sun, his mind a million miles away. Gently, she reached a hand forward, her delicate touch just grazing over his wrist. His skin felt like fire beneath her fingers, so alive and bright it took her breath away. 

“Of… that time.” His voice was dark and hollow. She understood. 

The itching guilt began to stab, like a twisted knife between the ribs. Those years he spent there, in that prison, alone and betrayed. Suffering at the behest of another’s goals. Suffering on another’s word. 

“I am so sorry,” She gasped, apologizing for mentioning it, for letting him go through it, for something else entirely. “I shouldn’t have-”

“It’s alright,” He cut in, taking his own step towards her. “If Your Grace asked, there is no question I would not answer.” 

She wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry. She wanted to put her hand on his neck and feel his pulse race. All these new wants were going to drown her soon if she wasn’t careful. 

“That is very kind of you, Hero.” She bowed her head, hearing his breath catch lightly. “Thank you.”

“There is no need to thank me.” This man, she wanted to scream. 

“There is every need!” She looked at him then, all golden and warm. Such a contrast to her unnaturally white skin and silver hair. She looked so cold against him. “You have given so much of yourself, you must let me show you my gratitude. Here,” 

She took a reluctant step back and reached into her sleeve. Hylia had been thinking about this for a long time, she had watched what some women gave their paramours, what tokens they bestowed. She had wanted to give Link something similar. Something to show… show how he was affecting her. 

In her hands she held a soft warm cloak. It was red, the colour of hearts blood, the same shade as her Loftwing and the blush on his cheeks. Strung through with strands of golden light, her own magic. It would certainly keep the cold at bay when he flew. 

And it would also mark her as his. 

Link’s eyes grew wide at the sight of it, his hand reaching out to touch. He looked like he had been winded, his mouth hanging open in a gasp. And then he pulled back, shutting himself behind an invisible wall. 

“I cannot accept this, Your Grace.” When he spoke it sounded practised and forced. “It is too fine a gift for one such as I.” 

“How do you mean?”

“I am undeserving of such a gift.” He looked up at her, blue eyes so round and open. Trying and failing desperately to hide a hurt that lingered there. “Especially one from a Goddess such as yourself. This must go to someone worthy of it.” 

She could feel a rage begin to simmer in her stomach. Rage at the ideas he held, that he had been allowed to believe it. That someone might have told him that he was unworthy. 

“What if I think you are worthy?” 

His jaw dropped. “My Goddess?”

“Link,” her hands fisted in the fabric, twisting red and gold around her fingers. All of her new emotions threatening to boil over. That he should be surprised at his own worth? It was ridiculous. “I made this for you, because I believe - I know that there is no one else in this land worthier than you. You are the only one who I trust to ride my Loftwing, to wield my blade,” a breath. “You are very important to me, Link.” 

He looked like he was about to cry, shining tears hanging on his lashes. Must it really be such a shock?

“My Lady, please,” he begged. “You mustn’t say such things.”

“Why?!”

“Because I am a criminal!” He cried, hanging his head low. “I hear them talk. Some of the men still believe Dagianis’s words. They believe me to be a charlatan and a thief. And if they hear you say such things then they may turn on you too! My reputation, my honour is poisoned. I do not wish for it to stain yours as well.” 

Hylia had stood as a protector for thousands of years. She had heard countless prayers for salvation and pleas for help. It felt… to be on the other side of it felt… . Dropping the cloak from one hand, she reached forward to take his chin in her fingers. To tilt his face to hers. 

“You are worried for my safety?” 

He swallowed, electricity shooting down her spine as his gaze met hers. “I am your knight, your most devoted follower.” A tongue darted out to lick his lips. “I worry that I am not good enough to serve you. That I will only bring you ruin.” 

As if drawn like an arrow to it’s bullseye, a moth to a flame, Hylia stepped fully into his space. She could feel his breath, hot in the space between them. She could feel his eyes, intense and burning as they watched her every move. She could see his heart racing in his chest and she finally closed the distance. 

“Link,” The blood red cloak trailed from her fingers like water down a fall. “You were the first to see the danger looming, You are the one the Loftwing chose. You are the one who reforged my blade. There is none other than you fit to lead our people out of ruin. To lead them to safety.” fabric slid over his shoulders, her fingers lingering on the clasp at the base of his throat. “Let me bestow upon you this gift so you may know that as fact. And know that… I…” 

She trailed off. She knew, finally, what this feeling was. What the ache in her heart, the violent desire to protect him, and this soft begging thing in her chest were all connected too. She Understands. 

“Hylia.” The sound of her true name on his lips is what finally breaks her. Her last defences falling under his most devastating attack. 

“I find you enchanting.” 

When their lips meet it is inevitable and holy. Silver and Gold. 

She understands. 

She loved, loves, will always love him. 

Fin 

[writingnocturne]

"By Your Side for Eternity"

Skyward Sword

Words – 750; Expand to read!

By Your Side for Eternity

He had to tell her.

They tell each other everything. 

He refused to keep it from her forever, but now– as he watches his partner's eyes well up with tears– he regrets every word. 

"...Link, it was a curse." Zelda mumbles, her hands over her mouth to try and conceal her shock. 

The two sit beneath a tree that was planted in the sealed temple– the Temple of Hylia– that they have been working to restore to its former state. Link had been long plagued by words he could never begin to understand… and Zelda had finally decided she had enough of him hiding that something was wrong. She tried to reach out to him, but, even with her supposed power of foresight, she didn't predict that he was carrying the burden of the world's fate. 

"...I… thought as much, Zelda, but–" Link gently brings his hand to the side of her face, a mourning gaze meeting hers. However, Zelda only continues.

"Our land of Hyrule is so young… And it is already doomed. This is all my own fault! Because I could not finish Demise in the first place… the world will…" She buries her face in her hands, which are balled into fists, "I… I thought it was over. Why can't it just be over?" 

His pupils quake in his eyes, unable to focus when seeing her like this… but he forces himself to. Link knows he brought this. He brings his other hand to her shoulder, lightly rubbing it as a means to try and comfort her.

"I was the one who angered Demise. But… he's the one who created the curse. He's responsible for this, you're not. You… you did everything you could." His words begin to fumble near the end, the memory of all he had to watch her endure overwhelming him. 

Zelda takes a sharp inhale as she lowers her hands, only able to plant her face in his shoulder and sob. When the part of Hylia deep within her was awakened, she knew it was her duty to stand tall and accept it. But that was when she knew there was still a battle to be won. She struggles to keep control over the weight that has been suddenly returned, Link's own shoulder becoming wet with her tears… Even so, he does not mind. She could pour her soul to him, and he would not mind. He only wraps his arms around her in a consoling embrace, ducking his head down beside hers. For a while, it remains like this; both at a loss of words, with only each other to understand what it means.  

"All of the people we've worked to protect… in the skies and the surface world… It couldn’t have been for nothing. I… I won't let it be–"

"It wasn't…! Zelda, it wasn't." Link mutters, keeping his voice soft, "Regardless of what Demise has done… there's at least peace now to watch Hyrule grow. And when that time has passed, then… I'll be beside you to protect it. No matter the time or the realm, I promise I will be there. I don't…– I don't care how many lifetimes it takes to defeat the curse. We will." He knows 

"...Link, you don't deserve to be dragged into this war more than you already have been." Her words are muffled from her face remaining planted. "You never deserved this. No one deserves this." 

"I… I know. No one deserves this. But someone has to go through with it… and now it may have to be us. Either way, if– if the duty of protecting this world means I can fall in love with you all over again, then I'm willing to face the struggle."

Zelda lifts her head, sniffling. "It isn't fair how willing you are to put everything aside." 

"It isn't fair how that demon is able to plummet this entire world into suffering. It isn't fair that he can keep you tied to this." 

"...Yet you're willing to fight him forever, if I must."

"...That's right." Link touches his forehead to Zelda's, a light smile coming across his face. "I won't ever let you go alone, okay? I love you. I took up the task of drawing the Goddess Sword because I love you, and I'll take up this one, too."

"Link…" His words are given a moment to resonate with her." I love you, too." Zelda shuts her eyes, gently cupping his face in her hands. "...I'm sorry."

Notes:

Thank you for reading! This writing is actually months old, but I was hesitant to share it ever. Thanks to @skyyknights and @linktheacehero for encouraging me to post it! Go check out their stuff, it's great. :)

Also, I didn't do the color-coded dialogue this time; mostly because I'm wondering if it even looks good? If you have any thoughts on it, please voice them so I know what to do with it from now on.

Art Info:

Time Elapsed: 56 minutes

Program Used: IbisPaint X

Other:

Ao3 – If you liked this, check out my Ao3 where I post some things early! I write a fair mix of both one-shots and multichapter fics.

[writingissues]

[zeldaseyebrows]

Chapter Four of Sacrilege and Sororities is out!

Summary: After an assassination attempt, Link and Zelda must live together and navigate the impending Calamity, grad school, strange dreams, and their complete disasters of personal lives. One of those things is more difficult than the others.

Pairing: Link/Zelda, OG Link/Hylia

Rating: E (earned it this chapter haha)

Excerpt from Chapter 4 (Dreams of the Divine):

Link dreams.

Stars that he’s never seen shine above ancient trees whose names are forgotten. Warm night air rushes against the skin of his arms that his light tunic doesn’t cover. The woods smell like summer and blooming life and everything he’s been yearning for in the last four years trapped in a dank dungeon. And the woman glowing in the moonlight in front of him is everything that he’s been yearning for since he first learned how to want. As she approaches Link in the center of the clearing, her bare feet brush against flowers that emit their own blue glow.

“Link,” she greets him as she does every night, her voice speaking his name like an instrument he can’t quite name but that he knows deep in some ancient part of his mind. “It’s lovely to see you again.”

It’s both his name and not at the same time; it isn’t really Link here, but it is still somehow his name. And aside from the difference in names, Link realizes that they’re speaking a long-passed dialect of Hylian that is forgotten to even history books. But he somehow knows and remembers it as well as his own language.

For Link, sometimes dreams, memories, and memories of dreams are one and the same. But this is the first time he’s ever dreamt of her, the Goddess.

“I fell asleep as soon as I could, My Goddess Hylia,” his past self replies, unable to help the grin that breaks his face whenever he sees her. Now that’s Link’s gotten used to smiling again, his facial muscles ache less.

They’ve met in his dreams every night after Hylia arrived on a crimson loftwing and gave him the divine sword, gave him his life back, gave him purpose again. He knows it’s not normal for mortals to converse with goddesses, let alone for hours every single night for months on end, but he can’t bring himself to care. Link would give anything to spend all of his daylight hours with her, too.

Hylia laughs but then grows quiet at the sight of his bare arms in the moonlight.

“Oh, Link…”

Link almost chokes when the Goddess takes his hand in hers and brings it up to her face, examining his wrist and forearm. Her touch is fire and lightning and everything dangerous and powerful.

It’s been months since his release from prison and he’s had hardly any human contact, aside from help during his relearning to walk. Though he supposes this doesn’t exactly count as “human” contact.

As her gaze focuses upon the heavy scars encircling Link’s wrists, Hylia speaks, her voice full of sorrow, “I’m so sorry for what you had to endure. I’m so sorry for all of your suffering. I fear that there is still so much more you’ll have to bear, and I can’t protect you from it.”

Hylia’s words sink into his mind with a dull sort of horror. After years and years of suffering, Link is still not done. He’s never done. Perhaps he’ll never truly know comfort or peace. Though her touch is an absolution Link never even imagined he’d know, either. And if pain is the price he has to pay for her touch, he’s a willing sacrifice.

[sparrowsworkshop]

“All I Am” by OneWingedSparrow, for Zelink Week 2023; Chapter 1: Deceptive Appearances

Next Chapter >>> (Coming Soon) Fic Summary: The captain of the Knights of Hylia has been tasked with holding back the demon king’s forces. Aware that he is out of his league, Link struggles with coming to terms with the gravity of this command. Fortunately, Hylia is watching out for him. Main Tags: Link / Hylia, Hylia & The First Hero, Hylia & Link vs Demise, Worth, Purpose, Romance, Skyward Sword I Love You But We Ignore SkSw Canon for the Sake of Creative Liberty, I suppose that fact makes this an AU, it’s supposed to be set way before the events of Skyward Sword anyway, Additional Tags to Be Added Warning Tags: Alcohol Use, Conversations about Death, Struggling with Feeling Unworthy, Addtional Tags to be Added

Author’s Note: This fic will be rated M on AO3, but will stay SFW throughout. Before you choose to read, please be mindful that this story will touch upon heavier themes. Angst with a Good Ending: As of now, I cannot promise that this story will have a Happy ending; but I am certain that it will be Good. Read on AO3 @zelinkcommunity​ Here is my fic for Day 2 of Zelink Week 2023! “Forbidden.” The rest of this fic will not be posted for Zelink Week (I have other fics to share for the remaining days), but I intend to return to it at a later date! I hope you will keep it on your radar! ✨ Reblogs are appreciated!

~ He was going to die. He knew better than to believe in mercy from a demon king. That’s why Link didn’t bat an eye at the inflated price of Tabantha’s homemade whiskey, but simply tossed the bag of rupees over the counter at her and started drinking straight from the bottle. If anyone had been seated on the empty stool to his right, they might have noted the haggard lines carved into the man’s forehead—that is, if those were even visible under the low-hanging hood of his tattered black cloak. If such a person had a keen eye, they might even have recognized the blood red scarf tucked inside the hood, a noose that never left his neck; and they would well have wondered, perhaps aloud, “What is the captain of Hylia’s army doing at this bar at this hour, drinking his life away?” Not that the captain himself would have answered. Link’s eyes were distant, staring into a realm no mortal could wander. He downed the whiskey with the same practice and precision as he might have driven a blade into the heart of a foe. How long he sat there, whiling away what little remained of his life, Link neither knew nor cared. Though Tabantha’s bar was filled with its usual number of patrons, and a steady hubbub rollicked the room, silence was the captain’s only companion. Until someone took the stool to his right, and swung it towards him, long skirt swishing over the worn, oak floor. Removed though he was, the motion caught his eye. Link glanced over the bottle to see a woman beside him, leaning one elbow over the bar. The light from the sconces on the wall seemed to make her hair sparkle; golden, it was, and long like a tapestry, with purple beads braided into a few choice sections. If he was in his right mind, he might have thought her beautiful. But hearts blinded by dread so rarely acknowledge the beauty set before them, prominent though it may be. “No man thirsts so without reason,” his companion said. Her voice was soft, and seemed to float through the air like a feather. “What is it that you seek to forget?” Link tugged at his scarf, freeing just enough to wipe his mouth. A burp came out before his reply, but he was too drunk for his lack of table etiquette to bother him. “All of it,” he said, raising the bottle in a solitary toast. “Take it...take it away.” “That is much to ask for, my friend. Is that truly what you wish?” “Why not?” He laughed, hard and long, but there was no humor in the sound. “No point in holding on. You get it, yeah? You—you unnerstand.” Even the hearty din of the room could not drown out her silence. She was quiet for a time, though he wasn’t sure how long that time was. He shouldn’t have cared—why was this woman even bothering to talk to him, anyway?—and yet, when he tipped the bottle back again, it froze before the rim even touched his lips. She...she was looking straight at him, and for some reason, he startled. Her face...those eyes. Did he know her? Huh. How strangely...familiar. This unplanned staring contest could have gone on forever, had the woman not looked away first. Despite this, Link knew she was not turning away from him, not writing him off as some drunken fool blabbering on. No, she was still listening; he was convinced she was listening. For some reason, words started to dribble out of his mouth, freely as the whiskey on his chin. “We’re gonna die,” Link said bluntly. “We’re all gonna die. They think we can fight the Demon King. Ha!” His voice cracked. “Th’ last line of defense, they call us, an’ they’re right, they’re right. They’re right, y’know. We can’t hold him off for long. Not alone, without divine aid.” He spread his arms wide for dramatic effect, and then let them fall, limply, to his sides. Her long, pointed ears inclined towards him, her countenance somber. “Your wisdom is sound,” she said softly. “Facing him alone is ill-advised.” The bottle was slick in his grasp. He tipped it on accident, spilling a considerable amount of booze on his cloak. Link growled at the treachery, and tried unsuccessfully to wipe it away. “You need not face him alone, Link. I vow, I shall be with you.” This news was surprising enough to divert his attention. He looked her up and down. Round face, white dress, bare feet. Her hands looked too soft to have held any weapons. Her face seemed too peaceful to have seen much battle. If she believed herself a warrior, where was the proof? “You?” he said hoarsely, now too tired to laugh. “I,” she said, with a smile that rivaled the glitter of her beads. “You,” he repeated, frowning. Such confidence, such poise...it all seemed so familiar. Was she an acquaintance? An old friend? Did he know her after all? He couldn’t recall. “Wha’s—” Link hiccuped. “Your name, by the by?” “Hylia,” she replied. “I am Hylia.” Link stared at her through bleary eyes. “Like the—the, the goddess?” “Precisely like the goddess,” said the woman named Hylia, feathery voice embellished with a certain fondness. “You are correct.” Well, he didn’t know anyone named Hylia. Clearly, his gut was mistaken. She must have reminded him of someone he once knew. “Tha’s funny,” Link mused. “You don’...look like a Hy...lia.” With that proclamation, he tipped off the stool. The whiskey slipped from his fingers; but Hylia caught the bottle before it could crash to the floorboards alongside his crumpled form. The liquid sloshed lackadaisically within; the bottle was nearly empty. “And you do not look like a Hero, Captain,” Hylia said, peering down at the floor where he lay, hood and scarf both fallen askew. She set the whiskey upon the counter, and the brown glass dimly reflected the faint glow of her long, golden hair. “But appearance oft belies the deeper truth within.” *        *        * A ruthless hangover thrashed him into waking. Hmm. Tent poles. He was in his tent, back at the warcamp. Birds twittered outside, gossiping behind his back. He sat up and groaned, shooing a fly away from his face. How...did he get here? He had no memory of the night before. “Well, that’s mighty fine,” Link said aloud, with a snort. There was much he wished he could forget; the escapades of last night were certainly the least of his troubles. Summoned by his voice, the flap of the tent lifted. The army cook poked his head in, immediately wrinkling his nose. “Captain. I see you’re awake.” “Yeah? I see it too,” Link muttered dryly. Stretching, he reached for his nearby daypack, and began rummaging through its pockets. “Do you have anything truly useful to report, Dovos?” “The soldiers grow antsy,” Dovos said. “You are not usually absent for the morning drills. Pipit wanted to wake you earlier, but left to run the drills instead.” His fingers danced between several smooth, cold objects. There was a catch. There was always a catch. “How kindhearted of Pipit to let me sleep in,” Link said, distractedly. “I sent him away from your tent.” The cook cleared his throat. “Captain, I...I never thought you to be a drinking man.” There it was. “I am not,” Link replied, and tossed a gift through the air. A single rupee landed in Dovos’ open palms. When he saw the color, the cook’s tanned face turned darker than ever. “Silver? You play a dangerous game, Captain. The Knights of Hylia must abstain from alcohol. You know this.” “And a man on his deathbed is gifted spirits to drown the pain,” Link snapped. “If Hylia so desires, she may strike me down. Frankly, it would be a mercy.” So saying, he threw another rupee at the man. This time, it was gold. Dovos’ eyes went wide. “I appreciate your concern,” Link said, voice hardening, “but my business is my own. Consider this my token of thanks for carrying me back, and mind that you do not follow me on my private outings again.” “I did not carry you back, sir,” Dovos stammered, fumbling with the rupees. Link scowled. “Un—understood, Captain.” The cook ducked, and the flap closed after him. Blasted headache. Link rubbed his eyes, while his dry, dirty hair fell over his face like a veil. What had become of him the evening before? Had he stumbled back here alone? In the dark? Miles from camp? No...someone had to have been with him. Hiding his intoxicated state from the soldiers. Ensuring no one took advantage of him on the way. Keeping him from getting lost. With a sigh, Link loosened the scarf on his neck, and then threw the soiled fabric to the corner of the tent. As if that would happen. No one ever cared that much. ~ Next Chapter >>> (Coming Soon)

[friendlyneighborhoodamara]

What Your Favorite Zelda Ship Says About You (for the games I’m familiar with)

General:

Link x Zelda (ZeLink): You are a firm believer in the inherent beauty of two souls coming together, again and again, through reincarnation after reincarnation.

Hylia x Hero: …see above. Also, you read the Skyward Sword manga.

Ocarina of Time:

Link x Zelda (ZeLink): You think classic Disney Princess movies are more feminist than given credit, and that Cinderella is more badass than she’s given credit.

Link x Sheik: You were absolutely fucking pissed to learn that you can only play as Sheik in Super Smash Bros. Also you are almost definitely some flavor of trans.

Link x Dark Link: Looking back on your childhood, you can pinpoint Ocarina of Time as the beginning of your crippling addiction to “Enemies to Lovers”.

(Child) Link x Saria: You really like Disney Channel movies where the popular kid’s girlfriend is nice to the loser protagonist.

Link x Malon: You just want good things for Link. And really, who wouldn’t? Also, you’re a horse girl.

(Adult) Link x Nabooru: Your favorite Champion is Urbosa.

Link x Ruto: You love the scene in Dragon Ball where Goku accidentally proposes to Chi-Chi but holds up to that promise when they’re adults.

Twilight Princess:

Link x Midna (MidLink): You are a firm believer in the inherent eroticism of getting dunked on. 

Link x Zelda (ZeLink): You are a firm believer in keeping things canon and keeping things wholesome. 

Link x Ilia (IliaLink): You believe that the Hero of Time settled down with Malon.

Midna x Zelda (Midzel): You hypothetically want a girlfriend who can kick your ass but realistically you just want to be bridle carried. Also, you read the manga.

Midna x Zelda x Link (Midzelink): Your solution to a love triangle is ALWAYS polyamory.

Midna x Zant (MidZant): Your AO3 history is about 50% Reylo fanfiction.

Zant x Ganondorf (Zandorf): You definitely got your start in the Star Wars fandom by writing Kylo x Hux slash fic.

Skyward Sword:

Link x Zelda (ZeLink): You have gotten into at least five heated Internet arguments about Skyward Sword being underrated. Also you cried at that ZeLink shot in the Tears of the Kingdom trailer.

Hylia x (Original) Link (Hylink): You cried at that other shot in the Tears of the Kingdom trailer of maybe Link’s metal arm holding maybe Hylia’s arm. Also you read the manga.

Link x Ghirahim (GhiraLink): You are still pissed Ghirahim wasn’t in Smash.

Link x Groose (GroosLink): Your mom told you that that mean boy on the playground pulled your hair because he likes you and you never let go of that.

Zelda x Groose (Zeloose): You are painfully heterosexual. Alternatively, you are Groose.

Breath of the Wild:

Link x Zelda (ZeLink): You are a firm believer in the inherent romanticism of shared trauma and Knight x Princess dynamics.

Link x Mipha (MiphLink): Your ideal relationship dynamic is one-sided, tragic pining. Press F to pay respects.

Link x Paya (PayLink): You just want good things for Paya. And really, who wouldn’t?

Link x Sidon (SidLink): You’re always a slut for beautiful cinnamon rolls, too good for this world, too pure.

Link x Revali (RevaLink): You love the Tumblr meme that’s like “You want to fuck me so bad, it makes you look stupid.” Also, you think people are too mean to Revali.

Zelda x Revali (ZeReval (?)): You are heterosexual.

Urbosa x Zelda’s Mom: You are a strong supporter of two women who are sick of a man’s bullshit.

King Rhoam x Literally Anyone: You think Endeavor deserves a redemption arc.

EDIT: the sequel

[realm-of-zelink]

Realm of Zelink

NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THERE BE REPOSTS OF ART. ONLY REBLOGS, AS THIS BLOG EXISTS FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF HELPING CREATORS GET NOTICED. ONLY SFW CONTENT WILL BE REBLOGGED.

Ships

This blog includes:

Zelink

Telink

Shink

Hylink

Hildavio/Ravlida

Marink

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This post may be subject to edits.

FIGHT THE ALGORITHM!!! Remember to check out the creators I reblog from, they make a lot more content than I can keep up with!

[uncleskyrule]

Words: 861 Fandom: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Rating: G Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hylia/Link, Hylia & Link Characters: Link, Hylia Additional Tags: One-Sided Attraction, Light Angst, Happy Ending, POV Link, Set after acquiring the paraglider Summary: He sat with his back against the cold temple wall and looked up at the statue watching over him. Hylia, Rhoam had called her. The goddess of Hyrule, and its namesake. She had apparently chosen the Hero to protect her land. Could a goddess make mistakes?

Linktober 2022 Day 6: Ghost

[hyylia]

hyylia’s masterlist 

ao3 • zelink community

welcome to my page!! fics are linked below the cut.

close to gold - rated T the legend of zelda | hylink | 2.5k oneshot link is hylia's chosen hero

of dancing & deception - rated G spy x family | loidyor/twiyor | 1k oneshot anya tries to trick loid & yor, based on this ask

statues after twilight - rated T the legend of zelda | zelink | 1.5k oneshot after twilight princess, link and zelda heal, find friendship, & love

hold me dear into the night - rated G inuyasha | inukag | 1k oneshot on the night of the new moon, inuyasha sleeps soundly in her arms

dancing with our hands tied - rated E the legend of zelda | zelink | 4.1k oneshot after a night of celebration, hands wander and lips touch

in the morning - rated T the legend of zelda | zelink | <1k drabble the mornings are his favorite

revelations in a time past - rated G the legend of zelda | zelink | 2.9k oneshot in the past, queen sonia provides zelda with a revelation--and advice on how to deal with that certain swordsman back home

cooking lessons - rated G the legend of zelda | zelink | 3.3k oneshot for their anniversary, zelda faces the forbidden head-on - a loose backstory for the “gourmets go missing” totk sidequest

five paces back - rated G the legend of zelda | zelink | 1.3k oneshot princess zelda has a new appointed knight--only he’s not as she expects

[theseventhsage]

A fleeting moment passes as the regret of a goddess and the determination that brought forth the strength to see her plans through collide with a princess overlooking the fires of destruction.

-

The trailer for the sequel to Breath of the Wild finally gave me the energy and motivation to finish this fanfic about Zelda, Hylia, and the time that exists between the two.

[rottencandyapp1es-writeblog]

Like Real People Do

(Hylia/Fierce Deity) (SFE)

The inky blue of the evening sky seemed to boast even more brilliant stars than usual across the land of Hylia; the roar of the late summer heat now a faint whimper. On that night, in a village safely tucked behind a dense forest, a small festival took place. The chattering of cicadas echoed throughout as the villagers danced and sang under a string of softly colored lights, hung hours before in anticipation. Several tables boasting a colorful array of roasted pheasant, seasonal vegetables and sweets sat neatly in rows of three. A small statue of the goddess Hylia was nestled in the middle of it all, sporting a crown woven with peonies and marigolds.

Little did they know that goddess was observing their little get-together from afar, alongside her companion.

Perched on a cliff, feet dangling over the edge, the two sat together as they quietly observed the spectacle below. Eventually, Hylia spoke.

"What do you suppose they're talking about?"

The towering figure beside her remained silent for a few moments before he spoke, his profile illuminated by the pale moonlight. "Hopefully they are talking about the coming winter and how to prepare for it. They do not seem ready at all."

Hylia snorted, "I meant the cicadas, Kishin."

"......The...cicadas."

Hylia could almost feel his brow furrowing in confusion as she leaned forward, "Well it is their mating season, so-"

Kishin barked out a small laugh, a rare smile cracking through his usually stony features. "That seems like a private matter, and definitely not something I would like to know." He turned to her and smirked "But tell me, what do you think they are saying?"

Hylia tapped her chin in mock thought, "Hmmm.... Maybe something along the lines of "Come to me! Love me! Never leave me!"

As she said it, Hylia raised the pitch of her voice and dramatically gestured with her hands, causing Kishin to burst out laughing.

"Ah of course!" he cackled as Hylia dissolved into a fit of giggles herself.

As the fearsome god of war, Kishin took his duties very seriously; but tonight, his usual silver armor was exchanged for a pale blue tunic. Ever stoic and solemn, it was unlike him to be so relaxed. While Hylia admired his strength and steadfastness, she couldn't help but take joy in seeing her dear friend at ease for once.

Eventually their laughter died down and they resumed their watch of the village festivities. While things were starting to die down, there were still some couples dancing together. They gleefully spun across the small stretch of grass, hands tightly clasped together. Hylia couldn't help but be mesmerized by them, which didn't go unnoticed by Kishin.

As their goddess who swore to protect them at any cost, Hylia held considerable affection for the mortals and their various customs. She guarded them, as well as the land itself, with a ferocity unlike any other. Kishin admired her greatly for her unending devotion and compassion.

Not that he could ever vocalize it.

"How wonderful! We get to see the Lover's Waltz!" Hylia said with a soft, dreamy smile.

"....Lover's Waltz?"

"It's mostly done at celebrations, primarily weddings; in fact, it's often the first dance that a newly married pair does at their reception."

"I see." Kishin said softly. He remained quiet for a moment before he spoke again, "Have you ever...danced like that before with someone?"

Hylia gave a small chuckle at his query. "Ah, unfortunately no. I'm not one for dancing."

"The way you move on the battlefield suggests otherwise."

"Oh that's different and you know it! Hylia dismissively waved her hand, blushing inwardly at his compliment. "As precious as Fi is to me, a sword is hardly a passable dance partner...... How about you?"

"I have not." Kishin stated matter-of-factly.

"....I see."

The two sat in silence, listening to the wind as it effortlessly glided through the trees behind them. Suddenly, Hylia stood up and extended her hand towards her still-seated companion. Curiosity glinted in Kishin's eyes as he looked at her.

"Care to dance?" Hylia said with a smile.

Kishin blinked, "Come again?"

"I think we should try it! Dance with me!"

"Do not be ridiculous. I will probably just trip all over you."

Hylia placed a hand on his shoulder before he could turn away. "You really think I'll fair any better? Who's really being ridiculous here?"

Hylia once again offered her hand to him. With a smile and a shake of the head, Kishin rose to his feet and faced her, "Alright fine, but let us move inward; I would rather we not tumble off this cliff in the process." He reached out and took her hand in his, calluses meeting calluses.

Hand-in-hand, the two made their way to a nearby clearing, where fireflies danced amongst the flora and the moonlight seemed to shine even brighter than before. Once they reached the middle, Hylia began her instruction.

"I'll wrap my hand around yours. Now wrap your other arm around me. A little higher. Good! Now my hand goes on your shoulder...."

"Are you sure this is right?"

"Of course I am!" Hylia's golden eyes met his stark white, causing her to pause and revel in the closeness of their bodies. Fighting against the blessed butterflies that now fluttered relentlessly in her chest, she continued:

"Now you take one step forward and I'll take one back. To the side. Back together. Again! Foward. Side. Together. Once more! Foward. Side. Together. Annnd that's it! Those are the basic steps; we just repeat them."

Kishin let out a breathless laugh as they broke apart, smiling brighter than even the most dazzling of stars, "Hah! That was not to bad!"

Hylia grinned, shooting her own beams of light back at him, "I knew you'd be a fast learner! Well done!"

"Why thank you. I had a good teacher." This time he was the one to extend his hand to her, "Shall we continue?"

"But of course!"

[maythevoidnotscreamback]

Beta Reader(s) and/or Sounding Board Wanted

Hello! I’d like to ask if there is anyone who is interested in helping me with my Zelda Timeline fanfic. Be warned, I’ve practically made an entire Verse/World to use though if you’d like to help flesh it out that would be great. 

Now, first of all: there’s roughly fourteen parts - I’m still debating making them colossal chapters in a single fanfic or a an actual Series of multi-chapter fanfics - that’ll follow the third person Point of View of Hylia’s Bloodline Assassin’s Creed Animus-style. Second of all: each part will be the various versions of Goddess and Hero becoming romantically involved so if you’re not a HyLink/ZeLink/TetLink shipper there’s no need for you to apply. Third of all: though it spans the Timeline, some of said timeline games are not going to be featured simply because I have nothing to inspire that sort of chapter to be written and thus have been excluded. Fourth of all: each part will include the same tragedy in some form or another and that will not change. Fifth of all: I’m looking for MORE than just praise for my story. I’m looking for advice, criticism, ideas, concepts, and so on.

Knowing all that, if you’re still interested, I’d appreciate any help you’re willing to give me. I ask that you message me either here or at sarahplatko@gmail. Looking forward to working with you.

[writingnocturne]

Zelinktines

Day 9, 11, 21, 29 - A Watery Smile, Heartbeat, Breathless, and Make a Wish!

Hylink (Pre-SkSw)

Misfortune dooms the fates of a goddess and her first love.

Word Count: 5,401

Rating: T. Major character death + graphic depictions of violence.

Meant to be read after Past Love and From the Sky, but can also be read alone, also written for @zelinktines24.

[ashleyswrittenwords]

Of Gods and Goddesses (IV)

Note: I finally revisited this one. Here is the final installment of OGAG! This is dedicated to my burning love for HyLink. A final thank you to @royxhe for the inspirational fanart!

First Chapter

Previous

---

Of Gods and Goddesses

Hyrule had been torn to pieces by Demise’s hoard. It had been years since Hylia’s descension and the Hylians were cornered. Refugees from all walks of life met at a single point to defend both the Triforce and their survival. The goddess of light was at the forefront, organizing forces and splitting resources to sustain the camps. It would be wildly convenient if her sisters would return, but they never did. Hylia was left alone to pick up the pieces. All the while, looking forward to the day she would drive a blade through Demise’s dark heart. Her people were calling him a demon king and refused to refer to him as any sort of god.

Then one day, one of her commanders approached her with word that a man with the Triforce imprinted on his right hand was found. She rushed to the entrance of her tent and threw aside the drapes. Lightening boomed through the sky and she found him knelt in the pouring rain, knees sunken in the mud. Sandy blond hair was soggy, and his forest green attire was drenched by the travel. From what the commander had said, he was from the frontlines.

The man refused to do no less than bow in reverence before her until she demanded to see his hand. The wavering words and the sight of the triplet triangles made their eyes meet for the first time. However, to Hylia, it felt like the countless time she had seen those blue irises.

“Alikah?” she breathed out in disbelief.

His expression twisted in confusion but held an odd air. The man couldn’t quite place her. He knew who the goddess was, of course, from the tales and legends. But this was altogether different.

“Actually, Your Grace. My name is Link.”

Alikah’s death echoed pain through the years and her heart seized. Eyes wide with a tight grasp around his hand Hylia knew it was him, although now in a mortal form. It had been over 25 years since she felt him take his last breath. Usually that span of time would be nothing, yet each morning felt empty and each night lonely. It had been so long and here he was, albeit different. He didn’t have a godly glow around him, nor the perfections that came from being holy, but this was him. Alikah’s eyes, his voice, his hair, his mark that he had tattooed on his back was in her hands.

Even so, he did not recognize her. She was to him as she was to the rest of the mortals. Hylia could see it in his face. The mother goddess and the light of Hyrule.

Biting down a wave of grief, she released his hand and it fell to his side. Link returned to kneeling and she realized what Alikah had meant. He wasn’t useful as a god and there were strains in her chain of command. They revered her, but when it came to drawing out battle plans they refused to speak their minds. Having their own at the table beside her would potentially change the course of this war.

With a steady breath, she pulled the sword from her side. The master sword had been her companion since the beginning and she was no stranger to Alikah. He had wielded her once before, and he would have to unwittingly do it again. His eyes flickered up to hers as she held it out, “Link, I must ask of you to give more than just yourself. To wield my sword and stand by my side until the Demon King is defeated.” Hylia forced her voice to be strong, but the implications of forcing a mortal to endure conquering Demise… is this what Alikah would have wanted?

“You’re free to walk away. I will not hold you to this,” she finished. His eyes fell from hers and all that could be heard was the rain falling around him. When he finally spoke, all she saw was resolve.

“If it means protecting this land and your people,” Link spoke as surprise filled her, “I wholeheartedly accept, my goddess.”

My love…

Then, it was done. He took the Sword that Seals the Darkness gingerly from her grasp and the crowd that formed around them watched in awe as the chosen hero accepted his destiny from the goddess of light.

  Time went by steadily and the war dragged on longer with it. It wasn’t like the War of Old where centuries went by without a notice. Each year was grueling and tore at Hylia whose army beat down on Demise’s hoards. It didn’t matter how efficient they were, the monsters regrouped greater in both strength and number. She felt that every life that fell was by her own hand. Even still, she had to keep positive. The Hylians depended on her and saw hope in her being. If she were to lose face before her people, she feared all would be lost.

Hylia found comfort in wearing their clothes and actively participating in their customs when war wasn’t immediately called for. As she charted out where each battalion would move next, she wondered what Din would say at her discolored and seemingly bland skirts. It made her smile despite the weight on her heart. Even the generals have insisted on more elegant apparel. She had expressed her profound disapproval of the notion. Why would she wear anything different than the people that fight for her?

The opening of her tent shifted, stilling her quill. A head of blond hair popped through and the rest of the man followed.

“Ah, Link,” she smiled. “What do I owe the pleasure?”

The sword on his back glowed warmly as it always did in her presence. It was rather late in the night and she hadn’t expected him. He nodded in her direction, “Your Grace.”

She glanced around, “Please sit anywhere.”

He did, drawing a chair to her desk and looking curiously at her plans. These past few years were cruel, but Link’s presence was a great help. His prior years climbing the ranks until his mark was found out gave him an edge that many generals did not have in the fight against the demon king. The man knew the varied monsters and strategies to take them down. His expertise only solidified Hylia’s conviction that he was the rightful one be by her side. Not to be forgotten was their growing friendship.

“I had a premonition last night,” Link said in that quiet voice of his. He didn’t speak loudly and the only times she had seen him upset were in the manner of his words, not his volume. She straightened, fully taken with his speech. “A premonition?”

Link’s hands rested on his knees, thumbing the seams of his trousers. “I have no other explanation for what it could be,” he looked up at her then. In his eyes there was a pleading. “Hylia, if I were to die… what would happen?”

A pregnant silence settled so softly that she hardly noticed how much he sounded like a god who was killed nearly three decades prior. Her gaze left him to rest on the melting candle before her. It wicked away at the wax and she wondered if the appropriate action were to cry. Though, she decided against it. Whatever stirred within her had to wait.

“You won’t. I do not think I could bare a pain like that again.”

He was quick to reiterate her words, like he knew something she did not. In his seat, Link leaned forward, “Again?”

Hylia searched his face. He looked so much like him. A wilted, weak part of the goddess wished to make him hold her as Alikah did. Another part desperately tried to separate them only to see their mannerism, their words, and features grow so similar that they melted together in her fantasies; causing her to start the process all over born from the frustrations of her own inadequacy. Even now, she could see that in his patient waiting the man was picking apart her words and trying to read her as she read him.

If her hunch was correct and he was the reincarnate of Alikah’s wish, there was danger in speaking too much. Hylians simply weren’t built to carry the soul of a god. If, for whatever reason, the memories of Alikah were to surface there was no telling what would happen. It was easier for Hylia to avoid talking about him altogether – no matter how much it hurt.

She wore a plastic smile and folded her hands in her lap. “I misspoke.”

His body seemed to sag at her words. It concerned her. “Link,” she reached for his hand and he did not stop her. “If you want to walk away-”

“No, it’s not that,” Link interrupted, curling his hand in hers. “I need to know if… if you would be able to endure.”

As it was, the strategy was to incapacitate Demise. At best he would be dead. Link was the driving force. Once they pushed through the hoard, the demon king would be forced down by the chosen hero. With her light, Hylia would then plunge Demise into light. If she was able to reach his heart, his life was as good as over.

If the goddess could labor both, she would. Forgoing the downfall of Demise was her ultimate goal, but if she were to slip and succumb to his darkness at any point there wouldn’t be enough power vested in her to make one final act to save her people. After all, Demise was an ancient god in himself and it took an army of immortals to vanquish three of his kind.

“Unfortunately,” she started, “even I have limitations. The future would be uncertain.”

They grew close, she found comfort in his trust. Link’s forehead brushed hers. A sad smile graced Hylia and her voice dipped into a whisper, “But you must know already that when it comes to it, I will give myself for you and this land.”

“In all of your plans, do you see yourself staying with me?”

The question was plainly stated, but it had brought back the aching. She was certain that without the dark reign of Demise, the people would be able to cultivate the land once more without her. Everything her sisters gifted them would remain. It had given her hope that when she uses herself to bring the god of darkness to his own demise, they could continue without her.

Never did she afford herself a dream where she survived.

“It would be a lie to say I haven’t tried.”

Alikah had told her that Hylian culture had many odd customs, although she found nothing odd in the way Link pressed his lips to hers. As his hand threaded through her hair, she realized that he had hid more than she thought.

  The demon below her screamed has Hylia’s light burned it from the inside. Around them, the hoard was thinning as they cut through the monsters. Black blood coated her armor as she waved the battalion forward. It was a smaller group of men and women, but their loyalty to the cause was of gold. Link retched the master sword from the head of a Hinox. Her feet touched the ground beside him.

“He’s inside,” she said gravely. A spiraling building was before them. Above that, thick clouds swirled and drowned out the daylight to create perpetual night. Link stared up with a grimace, “To think someone would want the world like this.”

Wind was rushing by them with a fierceness. The dark hurricane had been roaring since they broke through the second wall of monsters and now it was almost deafening. To Hylia, there was no doubt in her mind that this was where the portal lies – and with it the creator.

Link then turned to his soldiers and barked out orders to keep any incoming hoards away while he and the goddess confronted the demon king. They followed suit, taking defensive positions as Link and Hylia walked towards the entrance of the dark tower. This was it. This was what years of violence had led up to.

Hylia hummed, “Most of this is an illusion. He’s expecting us.”

She willed her power to course heavier through her veins. With it, any petty illusion that she used to blend in with the Hylians slipped away. Golden hair softly wavered around her in a halo and if you looked in her eyes, you’d see heaven.

Wordlessly, the hero and the goddess walked along the drawbridge. Below them were serpents in the moat that moved in the same manner as water. The walls were lined with torches and the sickening scent of death. It opened up into a cavernous throne room where a single sword laid in the center. Everything was the color of coal, yet the weapon still burned darker. Link voiced his curiosity and began walking towards it.

That was when Hylia realized she couldn’t feel its presence.

“Link, don’t!” she shouted, making him twist around in confusion. It was an enchantment. While the hero’s back was turned a sharp void shot from the sword and the goddess leapt, creating a wall of light as she did. The blast hit the wall and sent shocks through her magic. The darkness withered her light into faint sparks.

A laughter haunted through the room in several directions as black sludge melted the sword. From it an arm emerged, curling against the stone floor before birthing a twin. In long drapes, a cloak stood from the darkness. The whisperings of black magic plucked at Hylia’s consciousness for this was its father. In Demise’s grasp was a jagged weapon. Orange flames licked down his face, matching the fire in his eyes.

Blown back from the force of power, Link steeled himself at Hylia’s side.

“You been locked in your own dimension all this time,” the goddess stated bluntly.

A crooked, mangled smile spread itself on his face, “Always the clever one of your sisters. Why should I waste away on the Surface when I could be saving myself for you?”

The god walked a thin line around them slowly, eyeing Link with some curiosity. “The Almighty has assorted with dirt for so long. I wondered if perhaps you would simply guide me to the Triforce yourself. How is it living with rodents?”

“It will never be yours.”

Her words made him laugh.

“You’re living in a pipe dream, Hylia. Though, there is still time to leave everything for my good graces. I wouldn’t mind a pet,” he left her for Link. “But it looks like you’ve adopted your own to send to the slaughter.”

Light burned in her hand and in her palm formed a hilt up to a sharp point. Her feet tapped on the ground in a quick burst as she jumped through the air for her sword of light to meet his. It clashed and sent shockwaves. With a spare hand, she pressed it to Demise’s chest. Before she could gather enough power, he gripped it in his own and twisted it. She bit down and gripped his forearm in a vice, flinging him into the opposite wall. The goddess needed to buy time.

Demons poured through the hole in the wall Demise made. Link and Hylia looked upon each other. Their defenses outside the fortress had fallen. In a desperate attempt, she visualized a boxed room in her mind and made it so. As the vision became reality, the shield started at her feet and crawled along the floor like spilling water. The demon king growled, already recovered and sped towards Hylia with red eyes. She braced herself for the impact.

A different clash was heard; it was familiar. The master sword whispered in her mind and she saw Link’s red mantle, now long muddied by the journey, in front of her. His feet slid on the ground from Demise’s force but stayed upright. The shield around them was almost complete. She could feel Demise fighting it and pushing his own poison to will her light away. Distracted by the Hylian, the shield was positioned.

Demise was trapped.

“You insolent-!”

The master sword slipped in a grating sound against the spiked tips of the dark sword. Link ducked out of the way. Enraged by his actions, Demise suddenly doubled over into a hunch. Screams tore through his throat, knocking back the goddess. Before her eyes, he grew in a mangled fashion. Spores burst from his back and his veins split. Screams turned to laughter.

“He turned himself into one of them,” Hylia couldn’t look away, horrified. “I have to stop him.”

Link shouted her name, but it was too late. The goddess started out in a sprint and sent a charge through her sword. With enormous strain, she stabbed into the god’s back only to watch the wound heal. Each attempt let darkness infect her sword just as the void did her wall of light. The whispers of fear adhered to her as she tried to evaluate what to do. He was merging with his demons.

With all her might, she drew her light cleaver upwards and slashed deeply into his back. The swords dragged down with the sickening noise of wet flesh flaying. It shattered in her grasp. She thrusted her now empty hand into the bloodied tear before it could regenerate and bellowed as light burst from her fingertips. Her power drained slowly as if he were absorbing it.

Suddenly the world went sideways as Demise roared over her in more voices than one. In a blast, she hit her own shield and then the floor of the throne room. The goddess could hear her chosen hero scream her name and the wet, sinking footsteps of a monster coated in his own blood.

“Do you think I would suffer through isolation for millennia to squander at your feet?” it said through scratchy and inhumane noises. “I find happiness in your misery, goddess of light, and I will perpetuate it longer than you have mine.”

Unable to recoil from the coldness that dripped on her, it took everything to keep the shield steady. In the least, she had dislodged whatever kept him healing. Another set of footsteps and then Demise let out the awful yell that deafened her. Hylia opened her eyes to find Demise being sunk to the ground by the master sword. Her weak heart leapt and she forced herself to her feet, swaying from the drain of lifeforce.

“Damn you, Alikah!” the demon king growled. “I will take the pleasure of killing you twice!”

As the tip of the blade evaded Demise’s monstrous arms and touches what was left of his chest, the corrupted god pierced his own sword into Link’s abdomen. Link plunged the sword deeper, ignoring Hylia’s screams and the pain that would inevitably kill him. Even so, she couldn’t get to him fast enough. His hands slipped from the hilt and the master sword wavered in the chest of their enemy, Tears poured from her eyes as she fell to her knees in front of him. With a broken cry, she willed the sword to stay, knowing it wouldn’t hold him for long. Tears fell from her cheeks as Link gasped for air. The shield had shrunk around them and Demise’s hoard pounded on it.

“I’m so sorry,” she cried, pulling him into her lap. “This is all my fault.”

Link denied her with a slight shake to his head, then with a withered voice, “You don’t have enough left in you, do you?”

He grasped her wrist; her pulse was faint. Without heaven’s source, she was limited. After years of putting protections of villages and crops, this was what she was left with. A nod confirmed his fear. She wouldn’t be able to vanquish the life of a god so easily, instead she would need to seal him away and nothing was permanent. The sword shook again.

“It’s okay,” Link smiled weakly. “I’m so proud of you.”

And she saw Alikah again, instead he was dying with red blood in place of gold.

She took his face in her hands, “I want to see you again.”

“I would happily die if it meant I could know of your smile in another life,” he said. Hylia felt herself faulter as golden light surrounded them both. He was slipping away; a god’s soul was dangerous to hold onto for long. The demon king hoarsely screamed out curses as words melted from Hylia’s lips.

The light was blinding now. Around them, the Surface groaned and shifted. Link’s fingers lacked the warmth they once held. The green of his tunic was beginning to match the dark scarlet of his cloak. Far away, where they met, land was being uprooted.

Along with it, the Triforce.

Hylia was giving herself to the darkness and the darkness with giving in to her. The curses of Demise faded with his demons.

She wasn’t there anymore.

When the goddess opened her eyes, warm breeze hit her cheeks. She sat under an oak tree in a field of grass. In her lap with a languished grin, Alikah stared up at her. No longer was he bloodied. Hylia ran her fingers through his hair, “We lost.”

“Though, you’ve succeeded them.”

“The world will change drastically.”

“And they will still prosper because of you.”

She sighed, sinking deeper into her seat in the grass. Her sisters had influence in this place. There was truth in his words and despite her body not surviving, she felt comfort.

“Our destinies have become intertwined, my love,” she brushed blond bangs from his eyes.

Alikah’s smile softened, “Then I will see you again.”

[zeldaseyebrows]

First Lines

Thank you @bahbahhh​ @pastelsandpining​ and @linktheacehero​ for tagging me! Here’s the first line for both published and unpublished fics.

1. “She shouldn’t have looked.”            -The Calamity of Link’s Cargo Shorts

2. “The first one is easy.”            -Cross My Heart

3. “Zelda sees everything.”            -The Mushroom Risotto Incident

4. “When it starts, it starts quietly.”            -In the Blood

5. “I hate him!”           -Sacrilege and Sororities

6. “The new poison taster arrives at the castle in the dead of night.”           -A Taste of Poison

7.  “There are many things Ganondorf should have known.”          -Ganondorf’s (Rude) Awakening

8. “On the ferry ride, Zelda catches a glance of a familiar face.”          -Sealed with a Kiss

9. “Link, I’m pregnant.”         -A Royal Ordonian Shotgun Wedding

10. “Hylia breaks her first vow on a freezing day in the middle of winter, the kind of cold that burrows into veins with sharp claws and leaves behind only ice.”         -Mortal Vows