#lady hylia deserves better

[moony-daydream]

The skyview tower on top of mt. Lanayru pisses me off so much. How disrespectiful to the Goddesses can you be to first dig out the shrine completly gutting the mountain?? But also build a new, low tech, sheikah tower, on top of sacred spring for the goddess nayru that just so happens to house an imortal dragon named after said goddess?? Thats just supposed to be okay? How absolutley disrespectful this generation of hylians is is insane to me. Not to mention lookout landing, which was built on top of "Sacred grounds", not exactly sure what the grounds are sacred for, but considering the title i assume its something, which should be grounds enough to not disrespect it like that. I get they needed somewhere to put their outpost, but be so fr they could've put that anywhere, hell, they could have just rebuilt castle town before mutilating yet another sacred ground?

And the fact that they gutted the shrine of resurection (yes i know the game developers scraped all the old tech for the games stand alone play-ability or something, but i'm looking at this from strictly an in game lore perspective because i'm insane) is so bad. That shrine brought the literal hero of hyrule back to life? Why didn't that matter enought to let it live? I know Zelda and Purah were worried about the old sheikah tech getting possesed by the calamity again, but how can they even act like the new shit they have built is more trustworthy when half those towers malfunctioned before Link could even get to them.

So, we know that the reason Hylians have pointy elf-like ears is as a gift from the goddess Hylia so as they could hear the Gods speak to them... And I noticed that in flashbacks Queen Sonia has much larger ears than any of the hylians we see in botw/present day totk. I wonder if the Devs did that on purpose to draw attention to the fact that they mutalated all the sacred grounds. Their ears shrunk because they stopped caring about what the Gods had to say. I know there was a calamity and like half the population died and all the books with history were lost or whatever but idk it doesn't take a genius to see a spring with a literal dragon living in it to know that its sacred...

[linktheacehero]

Congrats on 200, Ace!! :) You deserve it! Here's a little request (could be a doodle or drabble, whichever you think fits best): Sheik/OoT Zelda teaching Link something that Impa taught them.

I had originally planned this to be fluff and it turned into angst LMAO

Sheik did not expect to find the Hero of Time so late at night in Lake Hylia. Much less huddled beneath the lone tree near the pedestal. His fairy companion, Navi they remembered, floated over Link's head in a soothing pattern.

The sheikah silently edged closer, kneeling before the hero who's face was buried in his arms. "Link," they whispered gently. The hylian's ears twitched in acknowledgement, but made no effort to look at them.

"Are you alright? What's the matter?"

They held no response besides shaky breaths. Navi flew closer to Sheik, her color saturated than usual, and spoke. "He's been like this for hours. He hasn't stopped shaking."

Hours?!

"Do you know what could have caused this?" They asked.

"His shadow," she responded. Sheik cocked their head. "In the temple, there was this shadow monster that looked exactly like him. It pinned him to the ground, then whispered something into his ear and Link rushed out afterwards."

At the mention of the monster, Link tensed, digging his nails into his arms.

"Can you help him?" Navi pleaded. Sheik gave her a simple nod. Sheik understood now; why their hero was silent, why his body remained still for hours, why not even the sound of a familiar voice could drag him out of the fog.

They had been the same.

With a light touch, they placed their hand over Link's. He made no reaction. "Link," they spoke again, "Can you hear me right now? If you can, give me a sign."

Had Sheik not been focused they would have missed it. Link raised his head the slightest bit, eyes still hidden. So he could hear him, that was good.

"I'm going to hold your hands okay?" Link shifted again. Link's hands were cold to the touch, trembling within Sheik's. With his hands in theirs, Sheik could see their hero's face- and their heart broke.

Blood scattered across his jaw, a clean cut beneath his eye, and an expression filled with the world's sorrows. A fire sparked within Sheik, fueling with the rage and resentment they've held for the man who holds their father's crown. Ganondorf had done this, his own creation had done this.

He will get the justice he deserves.

But that did not matter right now. What was most important, was the broken man before them.

"Link, can you lift your head for me?" He did as he was told, but still did not meet Sheik's eyes. "I need you to look at me," they gently ordered, "please." Link's hands gripped tighter in reluctance. "Link-"

"I'm scared." For the first time since seeing him, Link spoke. His voice was shaky, lips quivering, "Every time I look up I see that thing, and I don't want to see it in you."

"You won't," they reassured. "There are no monsters here Link. It's just you, Navi and me." His fairy rested on his shoulder, nudging him in encouragement. Closing his eyes, he raised his head to meet up with Sheik's. They didn't know what came over them, but Sheik let go one of Link's hands and tenderly cupped his cheek.

"I'm right here. The shadow will not reach you here."

He opened his eyes. Beneath the mask, Sheik smiled.

"Follow my lead okay?" They inhaled slowly, counting the seconds with the hand that once held Links cheek, then exhaled. The hero did as instructed, and as they continued Sheik could feel his companion relax.

"How are you feeling right now?" they asked, scooting to sit next to Link who then rested his head on their shoulder.

"Better." Their hands were still intertwined, neither let go. "Where did you learn to do that?"

"Lady Impa taught me."

[sunset-peril]

Successors - Chapter Three - In Ruta's Shadow

The Champion’s Festival. 

The rest of Hyrule might share a similar day of remembrance for the Calamity’s casualties, Horano did not know, but this one was strictly Zora. 

It was to honor the sacrifice of Princess Mipha, who surrendered her long life to a set of Hylians that had not done any grand endeavors to win her favor. 

Princess Zelda and Prince Link, they were dear friends of her lovely Mipha. But the elders had already turned against them. Stripped Link of his title, even. They were still angry about Mipha’s death, but Horano assumed they held a grudge against the gentle Wolfbred.

After all, he did reject Mipha’s marriage proposal. 

But in the Hylian prince’s defense, he was already engaged to another. It was only fair to Zelda, who may have even been with child by that time. Horano did not know whether the golden little woman was expecting at the time Mipha proposed to Link, but that changed nothing. Link was already engaged to her, and had he been in love with Mipha instead, he wouldn’t have said yes. 

Neither of them deserved the elder’s punishment, which involved “forgetting” to remember that Link was the Prince of Hyrule and Zelda’s husband. Not even Rhoam tried to make the world forget his daughter was married. 

No doubt the elders would work to change Hylian history in the minds of future Zora youth, but that would not work on her: the shadow of the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, inactivated in the Rutala Dam’s waters, reminded her of the truth. 

Horano truly believed that Mipha’s death was not a malicious act by either Link or Zelda, but rather a tragedy that was accounted for when Mipha accepted their plea. She was not a selfish soul, after all. While it did not lessen Horano’s mourning, especially on this special day, it was important to remember alongside. 

Zora were beginning to gather at Mipha’s newly-finished statue. She wondered why they did not gather at Vah Ruta. Later today, she decided, she would visit the place where her princess fell. As she went to pick up the Lightscale Trident, she stumbled upon the small Prince Sidon. “Oh, my prince. Are you alright?”

His young eyes looked up at her. “I miss Mipha…”

“I do too… we all do.” 

“Why did she go?”

“Because Hylia needed her…”

“Will Hylia need me?” His voice was so vulnerable. 

“I don’t know, Sidon… but maybe. You’re the future of the Domain, if by some reason the Royal Family survived, Hylia will likely need you to help the kingdom.” 

“Will I see Mipha again after?”

“Maybe. Only Hylia knows.” She braced his back. “But today, let’s celebrate your sister, how about that?”

…

Although the entire domain made an appearance at their late Champion’s statue, she was the only soul sitting in Ruta’s shadow. The quiet fit the somber mood, but she also wished someone had come. 

After all, what better way to remember a late Champion than by spending time at their Divine Beast?    

“Excuse me?”

Horano’s attention flipped to a tall woman standing at the entrance. At first glance, the woman’s clothing made her seem like a Hylian, but striking red hair and a muscled body revealed her to be a middle-aged Gerudo. She had been a confident soldier, it seemed, but she no longer had that Gerudo fury. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Would it be alright if I came and sat by Vah Ruta? I didn't know if it was Zora-only or not."

"You're welcome to sit here. It would be lovely." 

"Thank you, kind Zora." The Gerudo came and sat beside her, looking up at Vah Ruta. 

“If you don’t mind me asking, who are you?”

“My name is Esosu. Former Captain of the Gerudo Palace Guard.”

“You’re from Gerudo Town?”

“I used to be.”

Horano blinked in confusion. “Used to?”

“I fled when Chief Akeku succeeded Lady Urbosa. She rules the Gerudo with an iron fist, forcing them to abandon Hylia and Hyrule. I now live in Hateno Village, been there about a year.” 

“Ah! We share something in common. Our elders are trying to force us to forget that Champion Link was married to Princess Zelda and Prince of Hyrule. They are angry at him for refusing her marriage proposal and then taking her to that fateful battle.” 

“It’s sad enough that my people have turned against Hyrule. But the Zora have been long-term allies with them…”

“The King is still in favor of Hyrule, it is just some of our elders that are not.” 

“Ah!” Esosu nodded in some relief. “What is your name?”

“I’m Horano. I’m a guard for the Zora Palace.” 

“A small world!” Esosu declared with a few claps. 

“Indeed.” They looked back up and the elephantine mechanical beast that rested noiselessly in the reservoir. “Do the Gerudo visit Naboris?”

“Not that I am aware of. We tried to find it right after Lady Urbosa fell, but couldn’t find it in the blowing sand. I left shortly afterwards; I don't know if they ever found Naboris.” 

“How is the late prince’s family doing?”

Esosu startled a little at the sudden subject change, but promptly responded. “They still hurt. I don’t know if his father will ever heal… He didn’t lose just his son, but his son, his daughter-in-law, and their baby. I believe it was too much loss for his old heart. The Duchess will be alright, but I don’t think she’ll ever move on. Even a year afterwards, she still pulls me aside to show me something new that reminded her of her brother. The whole village still grieves, he was beloved by all of them.” 

"Ah," Horano sighed sadly. "I hope her father will soon find peace, and that she will heal enough to live. She's got so much life ahead of her, it all will be wasted if she can't move on from her past… when her brother was alive…"

Edited - 04/14/2024

[weirdlynotspecific]

Ask and you shall receive! (I have state testing tomorrow and should be sleeping but oh well lol)

Link was in a foul mood. The normally plucky and upbeat hylian hero had been shot at, rained on, almost murdered, soaked in sludge, and had his heart broken in the span of ten minutes. This was after he had fallen from the sky, so needless to say, he had felt better.

Now, reasonably pissed and confused, he was climbing up a mountain to see his boyfriend (? He wasn't quite sure where they stood at the moment given he had been in the SKY for Hylia knows how long) to check on him and help him as best he can.

As he climbed, a few things crossed his mind. Who even is she? I've never heard of her... Maybe this is all a misunderstanding. Maybe I misheard...

He reached the mountain and saw him. The most beautiful being Link had ever had the opportunity to meet was standing in the water using his magic.

Link threw himself forward, sprinting into the fountain, and flung his arms around the Zora prince.

Sidon whirled around in the water and held Link close. "Is- Is it really you?"

Link looked up and grinned at him. "I sure hope you're not hugging some stranger." He quickly signed as best he could in the confines of the hug.

"It is you!" Sidon lifted Link off the ground and spun him around. "I... I didn't know if I'd ever see you again. I've been beside myself with concern."

Link suddenly pulled away from Sidon, balled a fist, and struck Sidon in the stomach, not hard enough to hurt terribly, but enough to know that he was upset.

Sidon clutched his stomach and looked up as Link signed furiously. All he grasped was the sign for "fiance".

"I suppose that is deserved. You must have met Lady Yona." Sidon tried to give him a small smile, his sharp white teeth glimmering in the sun.

Link responded with an unimpressed glare. "Yes. Your fiance. I understand I disappeared but I was gone for a year."

"Five years, Love." He softly touched Links shoulder with a webbed hand. "A... A lot has happened since you vanished and the Upheaval happened. My father arranged a marriage for me for starters."

The Hylian pulled away suddenly looking very guilty. He looked up at Sidon then glanced to the side, cheeks red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I didn't know." His hands moved slower and his gestures were smaller, a habit Sidon had figured out meant the Hylian was whispering.

"It'll be okay. Lady Yona is like a sister to me, and I swear to you there is no romantic attraction there. She knows how much I care about you." The Zora hugged Link close, then realized his dear friend was staring at the waterfall of sludge behind him. "I suppose you've noticed I'm not the only thing that's changed."

Link signed quickly. "I will help. Where do I start?"

Zelda TOTK spoilers below (Kinda, not really)

Can someone please write a fic where instead of getting all weepy and depressed when he finds out about Yona, Link cuts her off at the word fiancé to ask where Sidon is, and then scales a mountain just to see Sidon open his big arms for a hug and then sucker punches him in the stomach? I feel like given how we see Link handle all his other problems this would be more in character, and funnier. Thank you!

[mrows-fan-works]

True Courage

Chapter Four; Meet the Fur Thing.

Rating: Teen

Words: 1,181

Tags: None

Summary: Wind wakes up and meets a new furry friend :) and Elenor but the cat is here!

Previous Chapter -> Next?

Ch. 1/ Ch.2

A03 link:

Warm. Soft. Wind came back to the world slowly. He felt heavy, like a rock was sitting on his chest, forcing him down. Numbness had switched places with pain and ache.

The wound on his shoulder stretched where stitches had been sewn in. That was strange, War's stitches never hurt. Wind couldn’t hear anyone nearby, surely Time had posted someone so he wouldn't wake up alone? He hated to admit it but his brothers always made him feel better with their jokes and inquiries into his well-being. It reminded him of his Grandma back home. Something wasn’t right. His brothers would’ve noticed by now that he had awakened. Where was he? He fought the fatigue to try and sit up in vain. Despite his own mental efforts, the best Wind could manage was moving his head to the side to get a glimpse of what the room looked like. The rooms, or really room, he was situated in was separated into two areas. A bedroom to the left, where Wind was stuck, and a simple kitchen. The front door was situated opposite of the crude wooden counter. Everything looked as if it was made by hand by someone who only had a simple idea of what they were doing. Legend would be appalled. The floor showed obvious signs of use. Trails of sodden footprints could be seen trailing around the house. There was a distinct lack of vases and cabinets. Instead the builder opted for open shelves. Wooden dishes replaced glass. The only reason Wind could tell that the house itself was chilly was the slight breeze brushing past his face. Already his energy seemed spent. Hylia, this was the worst switch he had ever endured. He didn’t deserve this slander from some high and mighty light Lady and her nemesis. When she saw him next he was gonna give her a piece of his mind. Not even Time could stop him from using all of his vocabulary. Wind was glaring at the ceiling, thinking about giving Hylia her due diligence when his fur blankets shifted. The weight on his chest lightened for a moment only to return a second later on his stomach. Curiosity overrode his fear as he tried to lift his head enough to see just what thing was laying on him. Peeking over the covers, the first thing he saw was a lump of gray fur. It moved up and down as if breathing. It looked unusual. It definitely wasn’t a dog, Wild had told them about those. Wolfie had been there too, of course. But no, this was something entirely different. Leaning on one shoulder, Wind dared to move his hand from under the covers to touch the lump itself. Lightly, he set his hand on top of the lump. Strangely, the lump started...vibrating? It shifted closer to him. Without his say-so, his hand was enveloped in soft fur. Little paws grasped his arm and something rough was tickling his hand. Wind sat back, not wanting to disturb what the thing was doing. Now he could see large rounded ears on top of a furry head. It’s eyes were still closed but Wind could clearly see it licking his hand as it held it hostage. It did ring a few bells though. Twilight had mentioned something like this from his Hyrule. He had called it a cat but was shocked to hear that, excluding Four, no one had any experience with them. He had promised to introduce them to one before… Nevermind. It did fit the description he gave though. But this one was way sweeter than Four had made them out to be. He did know one thing for certain. Twi was gonna be so jealous. He had been complaining about not being able to cuddle with any for weeks prior to their switch. Wind now had the perfect cannon fodder to terrorize him with. That is, when he found them. (If he found them). Wind found himself relaxing after several long minutes. The cat thing looked perfectly content cuddling his arm and there wasn’t anything Wind could do about it. He found himself once again staring at the ceiling. He tried not to feel lonely. The cat was nice but it didn’t distract him from the fact that he still had no idea where he was or where his brothers had teleported to. He had to have a plan for escape, just in case. People don’t live in creepy woods because they want to. They could be insane, living here with their strange cuddly cat eating birds for days on end. He was lying there, contemplating his escape when loud noises thumped outside.

Gasping, Wind tensed, worst case scenarios flashed in his mind. Another residual thump by the door. Wind’s breath quickened as the cat thing raised its head, ears perked. Slowly the door creaked open, a bit of fur peeked past the edge of the door. At the angle Wind was at he couldn’t see their face but he could tell they were looking at him. Oh yeah, definitely insane. Unless they were nervous? Whatever, it didn’t matter. He was leaving as soon as possible anyway. He could tell they were trying to be quiet as they slowly closed the door behind them. WInds breathing stuttered as he fought to control it and pretend to be asleep. Their steps were measured as they crossed the dwelling. “How’s he doing?” The cat merumphed and began vibrating once again as it stood to rub its head against them. Wind was trying not to freak out, he really was. But it was obvious that they hadn’t noticed he was awake. “Oh that’s good. How are you doing today?” The cat answered. Were they…having a conversation???? Do people do this with cats? He didn't have experience with them like Twilight. What was happening? Granted, when Wind was desperate he sometimes spoke to the pigs on Outset but nothing like this, and they certainly never answered. This was too awkward. He had to make himself known before things got worse. “Hello?” Wow, his voice was rough. It cracked painfully. He had his share of throat aches, he was a sailor after all, but this was something else. It got the job done though. The person immediately stopped conversing with their cat and moved closer to him. “Kit, why didn’t you tell me they were awake?” The blankets shifted slightly to where more of the room was visible. Green eyes met his. Their hair was brown. Scars rippled over the left side of their face, almost as if someone had sprinkled acid on half their face. To be blunt, they looked old. Older than Wars, maybe even older than Twi but not older than Time. Their eyes had the same wisdom that he saw in his Grandma’s when she got lost in thought. Most of all however, they radiated warmth, kindness, and concern. How could he be afraid of someone who reminded so much of his own family? “Are you feeling better hun?” Wind smiled slightly rasping, “Yeah.”

[hyrule-kingdom-updates]

Asivus took a few steps closer, looking around the green house, as passing under some of the tinted light. “How did you know it was me?”

“Practice. I know many a footstep that pass through these castle halls. You can tell a lot about someone that way…”

“Is that right…”

Asivus looked around, taking in the lush green colors that scaled the floors, the elevated counters, and even the stone wall that connected the greenhouse with the castle. Though most of the skylights were open and unfiltered for the glory of the natural sun, the window he was passing by now was stained blue. He stopped in front of some orange flowers.

“So what exactly can you tell?”

The sound of trickling water returned as Lady Asu returned to her plants. “I know The Rito Warrior is outside—the clicks of his talons again the tiles are graceful, yet with intended sound, as if to let one know subtly of his arrival.” She smoothed her dress of some stray droplets, the silk seeming to shimmer in the light. “The Zora Princess paces outside as we speak, either out of excitement or worry, or some combination of both, which wouldn’t be surprising considering what happened to the two of them.” 

Asivus hummed to himself, a bit impressed. “Alrighty, well what about mine?”

The Lady paused for a moment, looking outside at the blue sky and thinking. “I must admit, it’s gotten slightly harder to pin down as of late. It used to be so simple. The leather boots that seemed to slap the floor in uneven steps, as if any moment you were preparing to slouch off and escape into the wild.” She stopped to inspect the leaf of one of her plants that seemed to have a spot of rot. “However, now you’ve developed a better pace, better stance. You’re not a walking drunkard, at least, not as often.”

She turned around slowly, hands leaning against the counter behind her. “But I can tell the difference when someone walks with practiced grace, and when someone walks to make others think they have grace. You walk quietly, you walk unassumingly, but it’s forced. Because for some reason, the loud mouthed Hartell, for once in his life, wants to be unseen.”

Asivus looked away from the orange flower, and locked eyes with her. After a moment of silence, he simply shrugged and gave a smirk. “Sure is a lot to interpret from some walking.”

“I don’t get to where I am by surrounding myself with people who stand still. Moving up, and staying up, means being on the move.”

“Except…” he rocked from one foot to the other, and waved his arm in a circle, “...for right now, of course.”

“Not many know that I take breaks in the greenhouse. I’m curious as to how you knew as such.” 

“Maybe I just got lucky.”

“Maybe you were using that peculiar ability of yours.”

Asivus raised an eyebrow, but kept his friendly grin. “Gee, now I’m curious as to how you knew that.”

“I didn’t, for sure. Until you just said that.”

Asivus frowned. “Well, rumours come from somewhere.” 

Lady Asu played with something in her lash. “Oh, well you know how it is. Ligero Hartell loves to talk under certain circumstances.” 

She walked closer now, tilting her head, curiously. “Now, is there something I can do for you today, Quill Master Hartell? Or perhaps that’s too posh for you...Orator, then?”

He messed with the hair on his, before giving another half shrug. “Just Asivus would be great, thanks.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” She started walking back to the other flowers, passing through the purples and blues that trickled from the sky. “You’re infringing on my valuable time. I have to go kiss some general’s boots in ten minutes before anyone gets any ideas about banishing every Sheikah that works in this damn castle.”

Asivus walked around and explored the other plants. One that he thought looked like mint, peaked his interest. He plucked a leaf and licked it, before immediately sputtering it back out, and placing the stray leaf back in the plant’s pot. 

“That’s Poison Oak.” Lady Asu said, her back still turned as she hung up her garden gloves. Asivus suddenly started flickering his eyes between the plant and his hand, before she turned around with a smile. “I jest, I jest. It’s Mugwort. You’ll be fine. If you’re looking for the weed, I’m afraid that’s three floors down.”

He brushed his hands on his pants. “I’m not here for drugs.”

“Then what are you here for, besides plucking around and ruining my herbs?”

Asivus bit his tongue for a moment, thinking through his words. “I’m looking for your son.”

“Tsk. Isn’t everyone these days…”

“You don’t seem as concerned as I thought you would be…”

She suddenly narrowed her eyes, walking forward from the gold to blush red light. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He raised his arms in surrender, back by the purple tinted windows and shaking his head. “Now, now, now! I wasn’t trying to say anything!”

“You mean to insinuate that I don’t care for my son? That I don’t care for his well being?”

“Whoops...looks like I touched a nerve there. Sorry ‘bout that—”

“Like the hells you are. How dare you think you can waltz in here and assume anything about me! Some homeless Hylian who barges in and asks about people’s personal lives!”

“Well, all I’m saying is, this ‘homeless Hylian’ seems to have spent a lot more time with little Z-bag than his own mother…”

The two stared each other down for a long moment. Blue skies on sunset red. Hylian frown on Sheikah glower. 

Finally, the Lady’s glare loosened, and she turned away with a sigh. “You think I don’t care because I was never around. You think I don’t love him because I was never there. And perhaps you’re half right, I won’t pretend to be the perfect mother, or even a mother at all.” 

There was a pause, but he didn’t say a word. She closed her eyes and held her arms, as if dreaming of the memory. “I don’t know how to be a mother, we weren’t even supposed to have him. The lineage was supposed to mainly come from my brother, who led Kakariko Village. Then...not even a year after a little Zavis was born, my husband was found to be a member of the Yiga.”

She whipped back towards him, eyes ablaze. “Do you know what it’s like, Hartell? How the process goes when such treason is found at such high positions? For Sheikah? It’s not just the traitor themselves, but the families. The fathers, the daughters, the brothers, the aunts. For 10,000 years ago nearly Sheikah were all banished out of fear, except for a small, tucked away mountain village to the south named Kakariko. And luckily for us, by the time anyone found us, the Royal Family was practically grovelling for the help. And thus we retook our place as servants…”

Her eyes narrowed again. “But that just means that they wish to keep us all as perfect as possible. One slip up, and it’s not just a nip of the bud, but the whole plant, the soil itself. ‘We wouldn’t want such flaws spreading to the rest of the Sheikah,’ and all that.” She shook her head and sighed once more. “My divorce the year prior spared my head, but there was still that perception on my back. ‘The wife of the Yiga Spy.’ I did what I had to to spare my son from my fate.” She jabbed her finger at Asivus’ chest. “I let him be loved by those who could love him the way he deserved. Which we both know isn’t me. I worked my ass off to give him everything else, including my whimsical dream of working off the dark stain my stupid husband left us with. I worked every day of my life for my people, and for him, and if it costs him hating me for the rest of my life, I will gladly take it. It’s better that way, so long as he grows safe and sound.”

She finally backed away, taking a shaky breath, and the delicate silence filled the greenhouse once more.

Asivus dared to break it. “But it wasn’t enough.”

Lady Asu stilled, before nodding, slowly. “But it wasn’t enough.” She paced back towards the door, holding the bridge of her nose.

“Look, I get that your kid means a lot too you—”

“What. Do. You want. From me?”

“I’m sorry alright, but—”

“Goddess Hylia...I thought you were supposed to be the bluntest out of the Hartells. Spit it out, already!”

Asivus chewed his lip for a few seconds, before answering. “Who’s his father?”

The Lady placed a hand on her hip. “Why on earth would you need to know that?”

He stepped out from the purple light, calmly chasing after a red butterfly. “No reason.”

“Then you’re gonna need to try harder than that.”

He scoffed. “I need to know in order to find him.”

She regained composure, tucking stray black hair behind her ear. “Well now...perhaps I’ll be more talkative if I knew a bit about how your ability in finding him works?”

She was met with an eye roll before she smirked. “Come now, didn’t your father teach you how these work? No one around here cares for favours or money anymore. We like to be updated, we like information. That’s the true currency of Hyrule…”

The Orator thought to himself for a moment. “I can’t just see anything. It has to be someone. Someone I know. Someone I can connect to.”

“You out of anyone would know my son well.”

“Yeah well,” he clasped his hands together. “Our mutual understanding has been...let’s just say rocky, as of late. I feel like I know him less and less. Don’t know what’s true, and what’s all a lie…And I’ve tried, oh believe me!”

Lady Asu tapped her chin, thoughtfully. “So you wish to gain a better understanding of him based on who his father is?”

“Considering he’s not dead and Zavis sought after him and the Yiga to find comfort in his life, yes I’d say his identity is important.”

She stilled. “How did you know that?”

“I didn’t.”

A click of the tongue. “...Well played.”

Lady Asu paced back through the light, now under the royal blue stained window. “Alright, alright. Why should I tell you information that should lead to his capture, then? If anything I should know for future reference to keep my mouth shut.”

Asivus let his arms drop and let loose a playful whine. “Awwww, well THAT’S not how the game is played, is it?” 

“Tsk. Didn’t you spend your youth as a con artist?”

“I hardly see how that’s relevant.”

She wagged a finger and clicked her tongue again, before placing a hand on the door. “Well, if that’s all your attempted interrogation is gonna be then, feel free to be on your way then.”

Assivus eyed her, dangerously.

“Alright, alright, alright, alright. I’ll spill the beans, but you gotta promise not to tell anyone.” He winked, and she turned back to him, intrigued. 

“Very well then. Tell.”

“I don’t plan to capture your son. Sure, I need the logbook he rudely stole, but capture? Execution? Pfft. I mean, obviously, no one up top knows I’m personally looking for him.” He paced across the floor.

“But if you must know, when I do find him, I intend to beat that manipulative brat to death with a fucking stick.”

“WHAT?!” The woman started to march towards him.

There was a knock at the door.

“I mean, do you know how much I poured into that kid? How much I didn’t know I sacrificed for him until it was too late? SUPER annoying how everything was a lie and that it was all for nothing. I’d say the lying little shit should get a bit of what’s coming to him.”

There was a knock at the door again. But no one noticed.

“SAY THAT AGAIN, HARTELL. I DARE YOU, YOU BASTARD!” With her dress touching the floor, she seemed to be flying towards him.

“I said your son is a four-eye freak with a fake personality who seems to be following in his daddy’s footsteps of being a manipulative, uncaring, stupid bitch.”

There was a shing of metal that rang through the air, and a sword came into Lady Asu’s hands seemingly from out of nowhere. Paper talismans littered the floor under it.

“I’LL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND.” Lady Asu moved into a practiced stance,

Well, that seems compelling. Were what Asivus’ lasts thoughts would have been.

Suddenly, the door burst down. Revali and Mipha had their weapons at the ready.

“What's going on here?!”

“Ma’am, please put the weapon down!”

The Sheikah rolled her eyes. “Oh relax. I’m only taking out my frustrations. Healthy habits, and such.”

Asivus rubbed his chin. “Hmm...some nice Yiga blades you got there.”

“And those talismans on the floor…” Revali eyed the papers just beside Lady Asu.

She scoffed. “Gods, don’t be stupid. Those have the eye of the Sheikah, it’s not inverted. It’s simple ancient techniques. Where do you think my niece learned everything from?”

“Wait a moment…” Mipha stepped closer, cautiously, “That blade…”

Asivus stepped closer as well, eyeing their unique design. Not quite a Windcleaver, but stronger, and sturdier, with unique black and red grip. 

“No fucking way…” Asivus grinned, though unsure what for. “It’s those very same blades.” This is exactly the tip I was hoping for. 

He looked up at Lady Asu. 

“Don’t tell me now, Mrs. Jou Asu...you were married to him?! The fucking Right Hand of the Inverted Eye?” 

[dullweapons-a]

👋, 🎀, ☀ :))

MUSE TALKING ABOUT THE MUN ------- ACCEPTING !

👋 Do you and the mun agree on something?

“...” 

            (  ily ray pls say something nice i’ll give you a cookie- two cookies !!!! )

“We...agree that one should never give up on hope. That things could be better, and that they will get better. That you -- yourself -- deserve good things. We both struggle to remember this when we find ourselves in times of darkness but always remember -- you are good.”

🎀  What does the mun have for a music taste? Do you like it?

“His taste goes all over the place. Musical numbers, dark cabaret, pop, goth...even christian rock -- very odd considering he’s a Satanist. ” 

           ( the inner machinations of my mind are an enigma..............)

“Some of the music is...odd. One song he is listening too is about these machine life forms dying together to ‘become as gods’.  Or songs about death. I am not a fan of his music; even the ones he says are relatable to me. I rather enjoy acoustic guitar - something to relax to. Something that may play in the background of a tavern.”

☀ Does the mun have other muses beside you? What is your opinion on them?

“Shadow Link ( @shadowlink) is his other muse. Little devil that one is. Annoying. Loud. A terror. Why Ansem takes pleasure out of playing the roll of villainy is beyond me. The little interloper has a heart...albeit very misplaced...”

“He is also working on yet another original character; one named Vis Von Hellbert...a person I utterly detest. A teacher with a god-complex. Hope he gives up making that one -- “ 

             ( I will not silence yourself himbo. )

“Another he is debating a Hylia blog. Not the one you know -- but a false god based upon her role in Hyrule Conquest.  Could be interesting. Yet I foresee it going poorly because he has difficulty writing muses of the opposite gender.“ 

           ( ray pls....don’t call me out like this.........ladies scawy.......)

[golvio]

For reference, I don’t have the whole context for the scenes I’ve seen yet, but I feel like I have to put down my thoughts about this or else I’ll explode.

“Uwuuubuuuu Monster Pig Ganon is bad because he’s just a mindless monster because I think he’s ugly and something something Downfall Timeline,” yeah, sure, but have you considered this man loves being an abomination and a crime against the divinely-ordained order of things as decided by Hylia?

It’s not like people really treated him like he was a human being back when he was human! Neither the Gerudo nor the fandom bandwagon were interested in anything about him from the neck up, and the monarchy just wanted a perfect little automaton who endlessly flattered them and went to war for them when useful. He knew the second they realized they couldn’t hollow him out and put a type of man they could actually stand to consume in there, he’d be marked for culling. Why even bother pretending at that point? Why not become something that can’t be killed in any way that matters, instead?

Like…I’m having a lot of feelings I can’t quite put into words about the guy willingly forsaking his own humanity after the one glimpse we got into his early years in a spinoff had his people regarding his child self with this silent, seething contempt, waiting for him to magically change into the sort of man they could desire once he hits puberty and, they presume, put his silly hobbies behind him so he can become properly interested in girls and starting a family.

Sure, who he grew up into wasn’t a cute, cuddly Likable person, but…to spend your life knowing people reject you by default, will reject you once they get to know you, that they don’t want You but someone who looks just like you but with a “better” personality and totally different priorities…it’s not surprising to me that he’d grow bitter about that and desperately yearn to become Something Else Entirely, who those concerns couldn’t touch. Why he’d be so desperate to throw away that body that everyone desired but also regarded as something Made For Them to devour, to the point where they practically treated the person it was attached to like livestock, ignoring his wishes and prodding him when he moved in directions other than the one they were going. It’s not surprising he’d come to see such a body as a prison and want to escape it. And, like…I sense the sorts of impossible expectations that the people he grew up around placed on him to grant their wishes and satisfy their fantasies when they literally gave up on men entirely when he inevitably disappointed them and walked out.

And, after being told by the order outside that nevertheless dictated his entire life that he was inferior because destiny said so, no matter how important and special and talented he was in the place where he was born. That he should accept his lot in life and devote himself to a life of servitude to the Superior People, the One True King, the One True Goddess, etc. That he should give up on his ambitions and dreams and sleepwalk into a loveless political marriage devoted to siring children like a prizewinning bull for women who don’t even want to try to understand him, or to be ogled by the court ladies and gentlemen like an exotic zoo exhibit, a trophy and symbol of the new monarchy’s reach and influence… It’s understandable, that fantasy of becoming something that can just…bypass all that. Something that can no-sell all attempts to restrain or control it. Something so much more than any of the pitiful fools who try to shackle it in servitude. Something that can put out the eyes of anyone who looks at it without the respect it deserves, or turn them into deer and have them torn apart by their own hunting dogs.

And that shot of him looking at his own mutated hand, sodden and dripping with Gloom, where he flexes his hand and then starts to laugh with joy and wonder, as opposed to breaking down and lamenting the loss of his humanity, What Have I Become, etc. He doesn’t care if the god he ends up becoming is one of betrayal, revenge, consumption, the cycle of waning and decay and resurrection that all creatures of the land were beholden to before their home was invaded and the Shrines were built to stop it. So long as he is transcendent, that is all that matters.

It’s…I don’t know what it is, quite yet. I’ll know more when I have more context and see every memory all the way through.

I spoiled myself on a few plot details, and I’m actively looking forward to seeing Ganondorf be a transhumanist piece of shit who loves being all fucked up and stygian.

[katbug313131]

Grand Mage: Cold Delusions

A small writing with Wind and my own character in it! They’ve just gotten snowed into a cave after getting separated from the group during a snow storm. Also a warning for mentions of mild abuse and violence.

She cradled the tiny hero in her lap, pulling her cloak tightly around them both. His body heat spread throughout it, causing a warm feeling of pain to blossom across her skin. She was so cold. She put all her energy into making sure he was alright and okay and warm, and he wasn’t going to let her be cold anymore.

The sailor pushed his back against her, making sure to pass along as much body heat as possible. Her lips were blue, skin pale, and despite her attempts to hide it with a closed mouth, he could hear her teeth chatter. Her cloak. Her magic. She used it all during the time he was unconscious to heal him and keep him warm.

Grey-blue eyes appeared without life more than before, and with lids threatening to close, never to open again. He had to do something to keep her awake.

“Do you have any siblings?” It was a sensitive subject to all the links, regarded as something personal that one would only choose to share if they were able. Wind, the youngest of them all, was lucky to have family about.

“What about you? You said you had one didn’t you? What was her name?” The mage redirected the question onto him, and he wasn’t going to let that happen.

“Aryll. I really miss her, but I’m sure she's strong enough to be fine without me there. What about you? Any siblings you’re missing?” It felt odd to ask, since Magic always acted like she was alone, and it even felt like she never had companionship before.

A moment of silence passed. 

“Yes.” Solemn. Her tone had so much emotion in it, all in one word. He shouldn’t have asked.

“I have-”, she paused a moment, “had many siblings, but the one I miss most, that's my younger brother.” Her voice was calm, but betrayed emotion, a quiet sadness that teemed with peace.

“What was his name?” The tiny hero asked, shifting to get comfortable in her lap.

“Arbole.” Before Wind could say anything she spoke his mind. “Would you like to hear about him?”

“Yes.”

She was silent for a time. Wind could practically hear the gears turning in her head, and see her split eyes flash with memories despite being empty. Everything became colder, telling the boy that the sun had set, despite the magic fire before them.

“He had hair just like mine. Black like the night sky without stars, fluffy like a tornado tore through it, and soft like a child's blanket.” Her head tilted and she set it down on his own. “I remember one day, he came crying to me, saying that our father wouldn’t let him grow his hair out. I had the brilliant idea that I would grow out my hair for him, since dad would let me, and he loved that. He really did. He’d brush and braid and do all sorts with it, he loved it long, and he loved it like it was his own.”  It wasn't a fluid speech, nor did it sound very conscious, but her rambling the sailor decided, was better than her falling asleep and not waking up.

“Is that why you have that long braid in your hair?” Magic’s hair was odd. It was mostly short, but at the back of her head was a long strand of hair that she always braided, so much longer than the rest.

She hummed. “Back home, in my Hyrule, it's a symbol of letting go and forgetting the past when you cut your hair. And I really, really, wanted to keep some of it long, just for him. So I could never forget.” She nuzzled her cheek against his hair. “I didn’t want to forget him, or his face, or the things he liked and the things he loved to do...” She trailed off.

“Magic?”

“Hm?” 

“You alright?”

“Mmhm.” He was worried she had passed out finally, but it seemed her eyes glazed over, despite her scars. “I think, I think I can show you him.” Wind stayed silent, letting her get through the fog in her mind.

She raised her head, and breathed in deeply. And when she breathed out, a beautiful blue dust spread through the air. It swarmed before them, the fire dying down enough for it to be seen, before turning into the shape of a person.

It was a child, a preteen at most, but most definitely younger than the little hero. A small smile adorned them, with open eyes that Wind couldn’t see the color of, due to it being small lights linking together to show a figure. He could see short hair that flowed in every direction, slightly chubby cheeks, and a puffed out chest showing confidence. 

“I can barely remember it, his face. My sight has been gone so long that when I try thinking of it, all I can see is darkness sometimes. I forget I can show memories like this, but you can see him, right?”

The boy was silent for a moment, absorbing all the little details that could be seen.

“It’s amazing, he’s got wild hair just like you said.” She laughed lightly, and without much energy, though it sounded content nonetheless.

“Your hair reminds me of his, that's the little bit he’s like you, other than the slight optimism.”

He shuffled in her lap, “Who else is he like?”

“Time, a bit of Wild as well.” She huffed, seemingly amused with herself.

“How's he like them?” He needed to keep her talking, until her lips weren't so blue, and her skin not so pale.

“Ha, he always acted so confident when other people were around. Unless it was me or Sarita, he would always act so strong and diligent, I get it though. We were born to a mistress, you see, not the family lady at the time, and that made it difficult to prove our worth. And so he acted like he was big and strong so he could get the attention he needed as a kid. So he could prove himself.”

“And what about you? Was being a mage good?”

“Ha, ha,” she trailed off with light laughter, the sailor being able to feel her chest heave with the motions, “I wasn’t a mage then, I was a swordster just like everyone else in my family.” The increase of the painful tingles on her skin caused her to move, just a bit, to try and get the warming process over faster.

“I was a prodigy. Well, that's what they called me, that’s what my father called me. Fourteen short years of training with a blade and showing my skill and he decided..” This fade wasn’t from exhaustion, the boy could tell, at least not physically.

He moved his hands from his lap, and placed them on her forearms, pulling her closer.

“What did he decide?” 

“He decided I would unsheathe the sword. We-we were the Great Family you see, and this blade was passed down for centuries upon centuries. And he decided, a year early compared to the tradition, that I would unsheathe that blade, not attempt, he was absolutely sure I would wield it.”

“I..I, there were so many people there, at the ceremony. Kings and royalty of other places, and important people I didn’t even know. It was terrifying. I was at the center of it all, no knowledge of if I could do it or not. My father assured me I would unsheathe it, but deep in my heart, I felt otherwise. I was right. I was right.” Her breathing became uneven, and tears slowly fell from her eyes. She was shaking, not from the cold, but pure emotional force.

“I failed to wield the blade. In front of all those royals and leaders and legends, I failed. I failed to become one of them, despite what my father said.” She paused for a moment, a soft hiccup escaping her.

 ”The sword, no, the spirit in the sword denied me. It embarrassed me right then and there, and I hurt my family’s pride, everyone's. And my father..oh by Hylia-he was furious, embarrassed, tarnished. He bragged about me for so long before this, claiming something that wasn’t set in stone. And when everything he said became nothing more than childish boasting, he imploded, and exploded, too.” Her temperature rose during her speech, the tears warming her face and dampening the young hero's hair. The hero of wind didn't dare move, nor flinch at the warm droplets now rolling down his head.

“He, later that night, confronted me in my room. He shouted and screamed, and broke things and swung the blade about, he was it’s wielder at the time, and I knew, I knew what was going to happen.” Her words spilled out, rushed and panicked, the fear of reliving it in her mind pushing her forward. “He took that sword, the one that denied me, and he…” She took a shaky breath.

“And he blinded me with it,” her voice quivered, “and my hand, he put that cursed thing right through it. He-he said something along the lines of, ‘this is so you can never wield a sword again, so you can never embarrass this family again’, it hurt. It hurt.” Her tears were in full form, and she whimpered quietly, digging her face into his hair.

“I-I passed out after he, after my hand was-pierced, and when I woke up, everything was ashes. Everything. My whole home, the whole valley, my whole family. I-I miss him so much,” she hiccupped,” I miss his smile, and how he loved cooking with me and Sarita, and-and-” 

Lurching, she moved her head away from him. “I deserve it all. For being a failure, that was my punishment. Losing him and everything else.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” the boy said quickly, moving his back from her and dropping his hands, raising them to soothe her. His little appendages floated in the air for a moment, unsure of what to do. He shouldn’t have brought it up.

He took a risk. Some of them don’t like being touched, some of them don’t like telling people things, or receiving comfort from anyone. But he took the risk, and he hugged her.

He held onto her torso, hugging her tightly, being kind to avoid her stomach.

“Hey, Magic, Magic,” he placed his head over her heart, listening to the rapid beating and feeling her chest heave with the effort of breathing, “it’s okay, you’re okay now.” Neri once mentioned how people spill out trauma when they can’t hold it anymore, and when they feel safe, and to someone they trust. He wanted her to trust him after this, to feel better if possible. It wasn’t just about helping her physical health now, if she trusted him, even when delusional from the cold's effect, he wanted to help her.

“You’re strong, Magic, you know that, and to all of us, you’re not a failure. You’re an amazing and wonderful person. You help people and hurt people, but that’s life- and you didn’t deserve what he did to you or what happened to them. You didn’t deserve it.” He tightened his hold, if he was a little stronger, he’d probably keep her from breathing. “You can’t wield that blade, but it doesn’t change the fact you’re an important person to us, that you’re just as much a good person as the rest of us, Magic.”

“Marion.”

He stilled a moment, as her breathing slightly hiccupped. He mumbled out a ‘huh’, just barely audible.

“That, that’s my name. I’m not a Link, like you all, sorry.” She tilted her head down, sniffling and avoiding the boy's gaze. He leaned back, but didn’t let go, hands gently hanging on her waist. A soft smile found itself on his features.

“That's a lovely, lovely name.” She laughed softly, and then her face was solemn again. Her shaking still persisted, though it wasn’t as bad as before. And her skin was turning red, while her lips lost some of the blue that painted them. Her body was warming up.

Wind opened his mouth to speak, and closed it again. Settling on hugging her once more. Words won’t fix the emptiness that she felt now, but sometimes, actions are more comforting than words. And the links? Well, they knew that best.   

[katedoesfics]

Shadows of Hyrule | Chapter 48

“Tell me again why you’re dragging me out here in the middle of fucking Faron?” Link hissed at his sister.

“Because,” Aryll started excitedly. “We’re gonna meet Camilla and get our money!”

“There won’t be any money,” Link said dryly. He winced as Aryll hit a pothole. “Watch it!”

“Hey, I’m driving,” she barked.

“Do you even know where you’re going?”

“Yes,” Aryll said. “That’s why I’m driving.”

Link settled back against the seat and sighed. “What if she’s crazy? What if this is all a trap?”

Aryll gave her brother a skeptical look. “A trap? To what? Give us warm cookies and milk? That’s what old ladies do.”

“Maybe Telma was on team Yiga,” Link said. “And Cremia is the last remaining one, and she’s going to kidnap us, take the Triforce from me, and -”

“Dude,” Aryll cut him off. “Fucking chill. For the love of Hylia!” She checked the GPS on her phone, then slowed in front of an old, Victorian styled house. She perked up, grinning, and pulled into the drive. “This is it.” She cut the engine, then bounced out of the car excitedly and up the stairs, not waiting for her brother to follow. She knocked three times on the door, then glanced at Link over her shoulder as he begrudgingly followed behind her.

“This is -”

But the door opened, cutting him off. An older, dark skinned woman stood before them, her dark, salt and pepper hair pulled back in a large bun. Camilla put a hand on her hip and smiled. “Well, if you ain’t a sight,” she said. “You look just like ‘im.” She gestured for them to enter, stepping aside as they cautiously crossed the threshold. “I’m glad you both came by,” she started. “Your father made me promise to give you some stuff.”

“What kinda stuff?” Aryll asked curiously.

“I honestly don’t know,” she said. She walked through the old house, gesturing for them to follow her. She spoke as she lead them through. “But, a promise is a promise, hm?” She laughed lightly. “You know, your father was always my mother’s favorite,” she said. “I was so sorry to hear what happened to him.” She stopped at a door and pushed it open. The walls of the room were lined with boxes stacked on top of one another. They were all clearly labeled with various names and dates.

“Telma was so attached to the kids that came to her,” she continued. She started to sift through the boxes casually, selecting a few of the photos that were contained inside and smiling at them. “She shared in all their joys and triumphs, and all their failures and pain.” She laughed lightly. “Sometimes, it seemed she liked them more than me, her own daughter.” She frowned. “We lost too many too young. She always felt like she had failed them when that happened.” She moved across the room and looked through a few more boxes before selecting one to place in the middle of the room. On it, the name ‘Rusl’ was scribbled on the side.

Aryll opened it and looked through the photos, smiling down at them. Some of them were of when their father was much younger, playing with some of the other boys in the barn, or chasing after chickens. There were many of him riding bareback on various horses, or playing with them in their paddocks.

“He really took a liking to the horses,” she explained. “So much so, that Telma promised to let him ride and give him lessons if he worked hard enough. And he did. And whenever he got his free time, he would jump right on and take off.” She laughed. “I always told Mum that one day, he’d never come back. But he always did. He took care of those horses like they were his kids. He made sure they were nice and cooled off, fed and happy before he went right back to do his chores.”

“He never really talked about Telma,” Aryll said with a frown. She held a picture in her hand of some young kids gathered around a woman who she assumed to be Telma. “Why was he in foster care?”

“Both his parents spent a lot of time in and out of jail,” she said. “Drugs and the like. He was a troublemaker himself when he came to Telma. At that point, he had been bounced around to a few different places. He was a rotten kid when he was younger.” She laughed. “Goddesses, how he would torment me. I was in high school when he came around, and he just loved to scare off my boyfriends.”

“That seems so unlike him,” Aryll said.

“I guess he didn’t turn out to be so bad,” Camilla said. “Mum always hoped for that.” She reached into a box and pulled out a disc, then smiled. “She was obsessed with documenting everything.” She slipped the disk into a player, then turned on a small tv screen in the room. “She tried to take some videos before he joined the army. Before he left, she gave ‘em all a day off. A little send-off party, I s’pose.” She played the video. A young boy’s face appeared, his brows knit together angrily.

“Say somethin’ nice, Karsen,” Telma’s voice said.

Karsen grinned. “Hey, Rusl. Kill all those fuckers dead! Kill ‘em all, man!” He made a head sawing motion with his hand.

“That’s that same guy?” Aryll muttered. “Yikes.”

“Lovely,” Telma said dryly. “Where did I go wrong with you, you twisted little child?”

Karsen’s grin widened. “And come back soon and get me outta here, man! Telma’s gonna make me go crazy!”

The video darkened for a moment, then a younger Rusl came into view. He looked at the camera with an annoyed and exasperated expression.

“Can you please stop with that thing?”

“Never,” Telma said. “I’m gonna need something to show those kids of yours someday.”

Rusl rolled his eyes and moved his hand to block the camera’s view. “Right,” he muttered.

The camera lowered, giving them a view of the ground.

“Hey,” Telma started. “Don’t you keep running away.  I know you’re scared, ‘unnie. But you are not just a pawn in a war that waits on our horizon. You are so much more, Rusl. And that boy - he’s gonna be the greatest thing in your life, hero or not. His future - his destiny - none of it will matter, because he will be your son, and I know you will do everything for him. But don’t think you’re doing him any favors by running from him. Don’t try to stop him from coming into your life. You need him. And he needs you. Understand? And when he comes around, you better let me meet him. You hear me?”

Rusl was hesitant. “Yeah, Telma. I will.”

The camera shifted, then the screen turned dark.

Aryll frowned. “I wish we could have met her.”

“Me too,” Camilla said. “She would have loved on you more than me.” She grinned at them, then removed the disk from the player.

Aryll continued to sift through the box until she came across a small bag. “What’s this?” She held up the bag, inspecting it. Inside was a small card that she recognized.

Camilla peered at it curiously. “Dunno,” she said with a shrug. “Nothing I’ve seen before.”

“It goes in a phone,” Aryll said, already taking it out and inserting it into her own phone. She tapped on the screen and opened the file. A twenty year-old Rusl’s face appeared, his brows furrowed.

“Hey, Kid,” his voice started. “You’re not around yet. Who knows when you’ll come around.” He grinned. “I don’t even have a girlfriend. So, you know, that’s going well.” His face turned serious. “Unless you’re like, really young when you’re watching this, then use protection and shit.” His face softened. “But hopefully you’re not young. Because you shouldn’t be seeing this until after I’m gone.” He hesitated, then cleared his throat. “Look, this is where I grew up.”

The camera moved around as he stepped outside, giving them a view of Telma’s farm. “I promised Telma I’d let her meet you. I guess this is as close as it gets.” The camera turned back to face him. “Anyway. Going through all her shit made me realize she wasn’t as crazy as she seemed, sometimes. And, I dunno. I felt like I should leave you with something. Because one thing’s for sure; there’s a lot you’re not gonna know. About me, about you. About this fucked up destiny that’s been thrust upon us.” He sighed. “I’m not telling you any of it. You don’t need to know. You have enough shit to deal with then to know the truth about me.” He shrugged. “But I guess I can’t leave you with nothing, either. Unanswered questions and shit. I know that would drive me crazy. But you need to understand that there’s a reason I couldn’t tell you this before, when I’m… was… alive. Because if you’re anything like me, you’ll try to stop it. You’ll try to save me. And that can’t happen.” He paused for a moment before continuing.

“See… we all serve a purpose in this life, I guess. And mine is to bring you into this world… and leave. As long as I’m alive, you will never be able to access the full power of the Triforce.” He shook his head. “For reasons D tried to explain to me. Hylia’s power is weakening, blah blah blah. I’m sure you’ll learn some of this. I’ll tell you as much as I can, when I can. I won’t leave you in the dark about everything. But the point is, if you’re going to be able to save the world, I will need to die. I’ve known this for a while. Well, I’ve had my suspicions, anyway. I’ve accepted it. Because even though you don’t even exist yet, and I don’t even know when you will.” He hesitated. “I love the crap outta ya. I will do anything and everything for you, especially to give you a normal a life as possible. I never got that. Not that I was born a hero destined to save the world or anything. But you deserve better than the crap I went through. You know, a father who’s actually around. I’ll give you everything that I can. I just want you to understand why things will happen - or, happened - the way that they will, or did, or something. I’ll give my life for you, kid, hero or not. It doesn’t matter to me who you are. That’s why I can accept this, I guess. Because I’d do it in a heartbeat. Again and again and again. Anything to give you the life you deserve. Hopefully, a life of peace and happiness. And I know you won’t accept it. That’s why I can’t - couldn’t - tell you. I’m sorry that this is the way it has to be, but I know you’ll be fine. If I can survive this shit, you can, too. You’ve got a lot more going for you than I do, anyway.” His gaze moved beyond the camera as he looked over the farm.

“I guess she was right. I need you. I just hope everything I do will be enough.” His gaze moved back to the camera, and he shrugged. “Alright, well, I guess that’s it, then. You know the truth. Don’t be mad at me. I did what I had to do. Just know that. Everything I’ll ever do in this life is for you.” He smiled. “And that’s all I’ve ever wanted, really, so it’s okay. Okay?” He paused. “I love you, kid. I’ll see you soon.”

The video ended.

Aryll stared at her phone until the screen darkened. She jumped when her brother got to his feet, and he abruptly left the room.

Link stormed outside angrily. Leave it to his father to bring secrets to his damn grave. He was furious at him for not telling him the truth. Of course he wouldn’t have let his father make such a sacrifice. If he had just been honest with him, they could have found another way. His father could have still been alive.

But he was right. As Link looked back at the battle that had taken place only a week ago, his father was right. Link didn’t stand a damn chance against the Yiga. Not without the Master Sword. And certainly not without the full power of the Triforce. Surely, if there was anything he could have done to bring that power forth sooner, Impa would have trained him for that. She would have beat the power out of him. Despite it all, Impa knew of their destinies. She knew how to prepare them for the approaching war. Which meant that she knew Link would not be able to use his power like Zelda could, so she had to compensate in other ways.

There was nothing he could have done. As long as his father remained alive, he would not have been able to access that power that allowed him to stop Kohga once and for all, and he would have failed to protect Hyrule. To protect Aryll. To protect his friends. Which was all he really wanted to do. Just as his father only wanted to protect him.

He cursed loudly and kicked at the tire of the car. It didn’t matter how much he justified in, or how logically he looked at the situation; he was still furious. He never wanted anyone to have to sacrifice their lives for him, his father most of all. But he wasn’t angry with his father. He was angry that he was the one to be thrust into such a destiny. That his father had to pay the price, regardless of whether he wanted to or not. Why in the hell did it have to be him? And who else would have to die so that Hyrule could stay safe? He couldn’t do it anymore; he couldn’t fight another war. For the love of Hylia, let it all be over with…

He turned to the house as Aryll stepped outside. Her eyes were wet, but she regarded Link fiercely, her phone in her hand.

“There’s something else on here,” she said. Her brows furrowed. “It looks like info to a bank account. There’s a phone number on it, too.”

Link moved to her side and peered at the information on her screen. Curiously, he dialed the number and gave the account number to the woman on the line.

“Ah, yes, here we are,” she said, her voice light and cheery. “This account is fully mature. It looks like it opened up for you just a couple of weeks ago, and will remain open until you wish to close it. Would you like the money wired over to you now, Link?”

“Money?” Link echoed. “What money? How much is in there?”

“Your account balance is one million, two hundred -”

The phone dropped from Link’s hand. He stared at it, his mouth gaping.

“Link? What’s wrong?” When her brother did not respond, Aryll picked up the phone. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” the voice said. “I can only speak to the holder of the account.”

“Of course,” she sneered. She glanced at her brother, still seemingly in shock, though he met her gaze. “Link’s gonna have to call you back.” She ended the call and handed him the phone, her brows knit together. “What is it?”

“There’s… over a million…”

“A million?” Aryll shrieked. “I knew it! An inheritance!” She jumped up and down excitedly. “Oh my Goddesses. I can go to college?”

“He fucking robbed a bank,” Link muttered. He turned to his sister. “Where the fuck would he have gotten that kind of money?”

Aryll frowned. “I can’t go to college using dirty money.” She hesitated. “Do you really think he stole it?”

“Well,” Link started slowly. “Either that, or he was a drug lord.” He shrugged. “Maybe he was a serial killer who harvested and sold organs on the black market. Or sold secrets to the Yiga Clan. Or -”

“Yeah, alright,” Aryll snapped. “He wouldn’t have done any of those things.” Her gaze softened. “What are you going to do?”

Link met her gaze. “I don’t know,” he said slowly. “What would you do with that much money?”

“Send me to college! Buy me a car! Pay the damn electric bill!”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You have to graduate high school, first.”

“Alright,” Aryll pressed. “I’m gonna graduate, okay? Jeez, Link! Give me my money!”

“Right,” he said. “When you graduate and figure out what the hell you want to do, then we can talk.”

Camilla appeared in the doorway, her gaze hesitant. “So, I love my mother and all, but I can’t keep holdin’ on to this shit. You want it?”

Aryll took the steps two at a time as she bounded to Camilla’s side. “Yes,” she said quickly. “Give me.” She grinned up at Camilla. “Thanks for tracking us down.”

“Ah, well,” Camilla started. “It’s the least I could have done for Rusl’s kids.”

[anotherlifefic]

Chapter 37: Back to Life as it was

I took Link along on Glory, since Epona was still in the city stable, and together, he, Zelda and I made our way back to Hyrule. I took a long, deep breath of the fresh air as we rode along the shore of Lake Hylia. It felt so good to see the lush, green grass again. And the sun! How I had missed the sun! I looked across the lake and saw a family of Zora play in the water. If Link hadn‘t been in such poor shape after his imprisonment, I would have stopped to nap in the grass and maybe take a dip in the lake. Just enjoy all of the things Ganondorf had destroyed in the future. But Link needed to see a healer, and I wanted to see Gareth again. My sweet, darling son.

We only took occasional breaks, but it still took us two days until we finally stood in front of the castle again. We stopped when we noticed the group of people standing in front of the gate. Naboru was the first to notice us. „There are our heroes!“, she called out, waving at us with a wide grin. „You‘re all back!“, Zelda exclaimed. Her eyes darted to Impa, who gave er a motherly smile. „You‘ve done great, Princess.“ „You‘ve all done great!“, Darunia shouted in his booming voice. „Too bad nobody but us remembers!“ I shook my head. „I think it‘s better that way.“ Princess Ruto looked at me, still some hostility in her eyes. Then she turned away. „You did okay, I guess.“ I smiled at her. Princess Ruto and I would probably never be friends. But I was okay with that. „Memory or no memory, how about we celebrate our victory before everyone returns home?“, Saria asked. Zelda rubbed her chin. „I think I could arrange something. But all of you should return home, first. And I will prepare a celebration of all of your return.“ Then she turned to Link and me. „Would you mind staying in the castle for a while? Link probably needs a lot of supervision from a doctor during his recovery, and...“ She paused for a moment. „...I just really want have the two of you close to me right now.“ I leaned over on Glory, making sure not to lose balance, and hugged her. „Of course we‘ll stay, Zelda.“

I brought Link to the royal doctor‘s office. And while Dr. Tori was taking care of him, I took his hand. „Darling, can I leave for a moment? I want to go pick Gareth up.“ Link gave me a weak smile and stroked the back of my hand with his thumb. „Yes, please. I want to see him, too.“ Just then, Zelda entered the room. „That won‘t be necessary. I just told a servant to go fetch the woman who cared for him while we were gone.“

A few minutes passed, during which I almost cried from the anticipation. I had missed my little boy so much, and now I would finally be able to hold him again. I jumped up as soon as the door opened and the gardener stepped in with Gareth in her arms. This was it. I was just a few steps away from holding my baby again. „There you go, mistress“, the woman said as she handed him over to me. I had to take a few deep breaths before I could tell her:„Thank you so much for taking care of him.“ „Oh it was nothing. Your boy is such a sweetheart!“ I held Gareth a little closer. „Yes. Yes he is.“ Then I returned to Link‘s bedside and asked:„Do you think you can hold him, Link?“ Link held out his arms, and his eyes became watery once I had passed Gareth over to him. „Sorry that I‘ve been gone for so long“, he mumbled, gently rocking the sleeping baby. „I swear that won‘t happen again.“ Zelda joined us by the other side of Link‘s bed, and gently put her hand under Gareth‘s head to help support it. „Your son is blessed to have the two of you.“ Then she looked up, smiling at both Link and me. „And so am I.“ „Aw, Zelda. I‘m already sentimental enough as it is.“ Too late, there were a few tiny tears running down my face. I was just happy to have my beautiful little family all in one place again.

The days after our return were incredibly busy. All of the races in Hyrule were in an uproar about their beloved leaders returning. I helped Zelda with the preparations for the ball the was to be held in celebration for the sages while Link was still recovering from his imprisonment. And finally, the day had come. The most important people of Hyrule were gathered in the ballroom of the castle; ministers and priests and nobles. I was wearing my green silk-dress and Link his silk-tunic. It was pleasant callback to first days of our relationship. And we stood among the guests as Zelda welcomed each of the sages. First was Princess Ruto, wrapped into a shawl of sheer, deep blue fabric that made her look almost ethereal. Upon her head she wore a golden headdress with amethysts worked into it that had the same hue as her eyes. Then came Impa, dressed in an exquisite purple kimono with black cranes embroidered onto it. Darunia, without any ceremonial armor or clothing. He let his mere presence speak for itself. Little Saria, in a lovely green dress and a flowercrown upon her head. Naboru in her pink bedlam, but with a crown-like headpiece worked around the jewel on her forehead that let everyone know that she was the queen of the Gerudo. And finally, Rauru, now in his human form, wearing his usual clerical garb. Once they had all taken their place in front of Zelda, she softly cleared her throat before raising her voice: „My dear friends. Words cannot express the kind of joy I feel about your return. Your disappearance had left a hole in all of our hearts, and now, it is like each race of Hyrule has regained a piece that has been sorely missing. So let me say, in the name of all of Hyrule: Welcome home.“ „Welcome home!“, all of the guests said in unison; some bowed, among them Link and I. Zelda lifted her hands to gain the attention of all attendees once more. „And now, let us be merry in honor of those that returned… and those who now watch over us from the great beyond.“

As the music began to play, Link and I retreated to the sidelines, where Zelda stood, talking to Impa. The Shiekah turned to us and smiled. „The Hero of Time and his wife. Finally, we can meet in person.“ I curtsied. „It‘s an honor, Lady Impa.“ „It‘s good to know that you‘re back, Impa“, Link said cheerfully. „Well.. it‘s good to know that everyone is back. But I‘m sure Zelda will need you to watch her back for her while she‘s busy being Queen.“ „I‘m sure she will. I trust that you will attend her coronation as well?“ „Wouldn‘t miss it for the world“, I replied, smoothing down my skirt. The crowd parted slightly, and Princess Ruto came up to us, giving me a sour look and then turning to Link. „Link, would you please dance with me?“ „Uhm… I‘m not sure it would be appropriate, since I‘m married and-“ „I think it‘s a great idea. I was just about to ask Princess Zelda for a dance, anyway.“ I smiled. Princess Ruto let go of his arm and glared at me. „Link doesn‘t NEED your permission!“ „You‘re right, he doesn‘t. I‘m just saying that he doesn‘t need to worry about me being jealous.“ Link shrugged. „Okay, then I don‘t see why not.“ Ruto gave me one last withering glare before tucking her arm into Link‘s and leading him off onto the dancefloor. I bowed to Zelda. „May I ask for this dance, Your Highness?“ Zelda chuckled. „Happily.“

She was a fantastic dancer, and managed to even out all of my small mistakes. While we were twirling on the floor, we passed Link and Princess Ruto, just as it was time to swap partners. „Do you want to dance with Link now?“, I asked Zelda. She smiled and her cheeks flushed a little. „I‘d love to, but then who will you dance with?“ Before I could answer, the uncomfortably familiar feeling of scales burying into my skin interrupted my train of thought and Princess Ruto dragged me off, leaving a slightly befuddled Zelda and Link behind. Ruto wasn‘t as gracious a dancepartner as Zelda had been. Her movements were absolutely perfect, but she made no attempt at concealing my lack of skill. „Just so you know, I still hate that you and Link are married. And I still hate you. He deserves better.“ Her amethyst eyes bore into mine. Then she sighed. „But I also know when I am beaten.“ „Oh?“, I asked. „Where does that change of attitude come from?“ She huffed. „It‘s not like I can change the way he feels. The whole time we were dancing, he kept looking at you. He thought I didn‘t notice, but I did.“ Now she let go of me and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing awkwardly in the middle of the dancefloor, until I quietly slipped to the sidelines again, where Saria stood. „What‘s with the sad face?“, she asked kindly and motioned for me to bend down. Then she plucked a white moonflower out of her flowercrown and tucked it behind my ear. „Today is a joyful day! You should be smiling!“ I bit my lip, not wanting to unload my emotional baggage onto her. She had already seen and lived through enough. „Uhm. I don‘t know. Maybe it‘s just the stress catching up to me. There wasn‘t much time to unwind with everything going on right now.“ „Oh, that‘s understandable. Do you want to go out onto the balcony? Get some fresh air?“ I sighed. „I‘d love to.“

The sun was slowly setting, and I took a deep, relieved breath. „Ah… this is much better.“ Saria out onto the cityscape and then back to me. „And now, won‘t you tell me what is bothering you? I can tell it‘s not just the stress.“ „Well… it kinda is. And I‘m sure that what I just lived through plays a big part in it. But mostly… I‘m not sure where to go from here. I can‘t just go back to being the person I was before all of this started. I spent the entire journey doubting myself and wishing to turn back time and just be a farmhand or even a wife and mother again. But now, going back to that would feel like regressing. And another thing is… So many things happened in that other future that brought Link and I closer. And all of those things were erased now, and he doesn‘t remember.“ „Maybe he doesn‘t remember, but I‘m sure he still feels it.“ She took my hand and gave me a kind smile. „He loves you. I can feel it. Don‘t you feel it, too? It wasn‘t too long ago that this love was sown in his heart, but it took root and now it is on its way to becoming a beautiful tree.“ She closed her eyes. „Speak of the devil. There he comes. I‘ll leave you two alone.“ She walked off, and I turned my head towards the horizon again. I didn‘t have to see or hear him. I felt that he was there, his gaze lingering on me, before he came to stand next to me. „Are you enjoying the party?“, he asked gently. My lips twitched into a half-smile. „It‘s… overwhelming. How about you?“ „Way too many women want to dance with me“, he said, wiping some sweat from his brow. „I passed Saria on the way here and promised to dance with her later. But first, I wanted to spend some time with you.“ He took my hand and kissed it. „Come on. Dance with me.“ And before I could answer, he pulled me to his chest and led me into a slow waltz. I leaned my head onto his shoulder, taking in his scent, and just followed his movement. I was glad that nobody would look at us out here on the balcony. This was a private moment; other people would have just made it less intimate. This way, I could just bask in the perfection of the moment. Together, at last.

[b-lightwalker]

A Royal Guard’s Final Moments

Summary: It’s hard being a Royal Guard, especially on the princess’ birthday.

WARNING: death involved.

Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda does not belong to me.

I groggily open my eyes as the sound of one of those blasted cucco’s crowing fill the air. Dang. I have a sanctum post today. Nothing says Royal Guard like spending half the day in the throne room. But today is different, so maybe I will be dismissed early. Regardless, one way or another, my position is both a blessing and a curse. I need to hurry up before I’m late. I stretch and yawn before swinging my legs over the edge of my bunk and jumping off the bed.

I change into my Royal Guard uniform before heading to the dining hall. This day was going to be long, so I would need the energy. I enter and wave a good-bye to Link as he rushes out. He waves back as he quickly scarfs down an apple. Oh right, today is Princess Zelda’s seventeenth birthday, she’s now officially an adult. I walk to a table, sit down, and pick up some fruit. Although, after the argument she had with her father, it was a little bittersweet.

Of course, the princess didn’t know what her father was planning for when she returned. I finish eating and head for the sanctum. A small, but thoughtful, birthday party. It was a sweet gesture. I enter the sanctum and walk to my place. The Champions, Royal Councilors, Royal Guards, and some Sheikah were the only invitees. King Rhoam could’ve made the party big and grand, like most of the councilors suggested.

“A day as great as the princess’ birthday deserves a party as equally great,” Lady Elfrida said.

Rhoam considered, but when he saw Lord Cyrill’s look of disapproval, he asked him what he suggested. Cyrill was a Royal Councilor, but unlike the others who represented a settlement, he represented the knights. Although Cyrill was the lowest ranking  councilor, he spoke as if he was the head councilor.

“We should have a small party, instead. It might make it easier for when you attempt to make up with your daughter. Besides, it might take off some of the pressure, should she come back without earning her sacred power.”

Rhoam liked the idea. So that was the plan, have a small party for the princess. Someone walked through the sanctum entrance. Let the daily problem-solving begin. Soon enough, it’s evening. Thank Hylia. The princess should be arriving soon.

Suddenly, a massive earthquake started. I, along with the others, struggle to stay on my feet. I hear thunder and see fuschia strikes of lighting outside. I hear a loud, guttural sound that’s a mix between a roar and a growl. I see black and fuchsia swirls rise off the ground next to me. I back up as I watch a black Moblin take form. It looks around before setting its eyes upon the king, who was being escorted out. The Moblin doesn’t have a weapon, so I can take him, and even if he did I still could. I unsheath my royal broadsword.

“Come at me, you filth!” I scream at it.

It stops in its track and turns to face me. We fight and I defeat it. However, I was so busy focusing on this one Moblin that I failed to notice the other monsters. I turn and help the other guards in the fight. Monster followed by monster followed by monster. The other guards and I were starting to tire. It will only be a matter of time before we fall.

I hear that weird quirking Lizalfos sound from behind me, but I fail to turn in time. It gets me. A stab to the side with a sword from a fallen guard in this very room. I fall to my knees and clutch the wound with my free hand. I watch as it runs away from me and kills another guard. I hiss and start dragging myself to the wall. This, on top of my other injuries, made this stab more lethal than it would normally be.

…It’s night now, maybe midnight, maybe early morning, but it doesn’t matter. Here I am, a Royal Guard, lying uselessly against the sanctum wall. Blood drips down my chin and onto my uniform. The stab wound in my lower back was slowly bleeding out, only making this experience worse. I can’t believe it. We…we prepared so much but…in the end it was all pointless. Hopefully, the princess is safe….And the king.

There were a few guards like me, who weren’t blessed with a quick death and are being tortured with a slow, painful one instead. Captain Garren, a good friend of mine is close to me. He has tears running down his face. He keeps whispering sweet nothings that his wife will never hear, and apologies to his daughter for breaking his promise. I forgot, today, or yesterday, is, or was, her birthday, too. I start to tear up a little and sniff as I wipe a tear away. He’s reminding me of my own family. I want to tell him everything will be all right. He and I had been in similar situations before, but this… This was a whole new scale of life threatening.

I sigh. My-my body’s starting to feel numb. Is this a bad thing? It’s…it’s getting harder to…focus on anything. Link you…you better be protecting her…Princess Zelda. How do you think King Rhoam will act when he…when he learns you…you failed to protect…his daughter? My body…it doesn’t hurt anymore. I just feel so tired… I just need some rest…just need to sleep….I’m struggling to keep my eyes open.

“Ryder?”

I look at Garren.

“You need to stay awake.”

“Relax, Captain,” I breath, “I just need some rest.”

“Ryder, please. You have a wife and two children. If you can’t stay awake for yourself, at the least stay awake for them.”

I let out an airy chuckle, “Kagami took Aryll to…to Hateno.”

“What about your son?”

I felt tears starting to form and blinked. “He’s fine. Link’s…fine…”

“Ryder? Ryder!”

[golvio]

✨ 🏳‍🌈

✨: “what draws you towards your hyperfixation? what is interesting about it?” 

For Steven Universe, I was a little curious about it since it had an unusual premise, but I mostly absorbed information about it by osmosis. I didn’t earnestly get into it until the one-two punch of “On the Run” and “Rose’s Scabbard,” and then Jailbreak sealed the deal. It was as much for Jasper as it was for the fact that they actually went there with Garnet. I think this and “Rose’s Scabbard” started cluing me into the fact that I wasn’t straight by depicting queer relationships in ways that actually resonated with me, and it was also the first time I was exposed to nonbinary characters in fiction, as well as a butch character who wasn’t treated as a joke. What a way to end a season!

Also, a lot of the “lessons” hidden within each episode weren’t just presented in a way that felt natural and not patronizing, but were also things that I really needed to hear at the time.

Zelda I’ve loved on and off, as I grew up with a Nintendo 64 and had watched people play OOT since I was a young’in. However, Wind Waker was when it started entering the Special Interest Zone for me, particularly due to the fact that its version of Ganondorf was probably the coolest and most interesting interpretation of his character in the whole series. It can be frustrating in that Nintendo prefers to focus on the gameplay and level design rather than the story and characterization, but the empty space leaves a lot of room to play around in with regards to fan content.

🏳‍🌈: “do you have any headcanons (lgbt, race, neuro, etc) that are important to you?”

Steven Universe

Pearl, Peridot, and Jasper are all autistic. Jasper just doesn’t know it yet and has been destroying herself masking due to a shitload of internalized ableism, chalking up her quirks to “not trying hard enough” or, worse, as proof that she’s somehow “defective” in a way no one can see. Someone please get this Gem a healthy, non-self-destructive stim so she stops tearing up the lawn. Some extremely tough silly putty would be good for her.

Legend of Zelda

All three the Triforce Trio are some flavor of autistic. Link has selective mutism and his special interests are cooking and horse training. Zelda’s special interest is technology, she will infodump uncontrollably about it when given the chance, and her dad was an asshole for forcing her to not do anything she enjoyed in the name of “following the ways of their ancestors.” Ganondorf has spent most periods of his life not devoted to villaining trapped in Hyperfixation City, which explains why he never really does anything after taking over. The man keeps taking over Hyrule Castle and building Wizard Towers with no front door and hiring right-hand mages/creating constructs shaped like himself solely so he never has to speak to more than one person at once and can spend most of his time alone, for goodness’ sake. He also has some kind of PTSD, although he has been through so much at this point that it’s hard to tell where it starts and ends.

There is no way that Ganondorf is attracted to women. He has never married, has no interest in having an heir, and always turns the Gerudo against him and eventually leaves whenever he’s reincarnated as their prince. The way Barriara talks about him in Cadence of Hyrule just screams “He’s going through a phase, and I’m sure he’ll grow out of it into a hunky straight man all the ladies can adore.” Except he did not grow out of it, and went to live in Hyrule Castle and compose organ sonatas in the dark forever.

Ghirahim and Fi are autistic. Fi deserved better, and the writers wasted her potential by treating her more like a game mechanic than a character who needed developing. In addition, Ghirahim deserved better. He needs a bearer who doesn’t suck at swordfighting and doesn’t treat him like garbage. Come on, the Hero/Hylia’s Unwitting Stand-In parallels he could have with Ganondorf are so obvious, except Ganondorf would trash the cycle the moment he found out that Demise retroactively ruined his life, and then they would skip merrily into the sunset together.

Hylia is not nearly as nice, wholesome, and all-loving as everyone thinks she is. The way she controls basically everything Link and Zelda do freaks me out. Also, the robots in Lanayru Desert and the Sheikah deserved better than to be expendable servants for The Cause.

All of the major players in the series are autistic. You cannot change my mind and you cannot stop me.

Rhoam is a terrible father and a coward who’s afraid of confrontation. His wimpy diary entry didn’t make up for his years of emotional abuse at all. He needs to get over himself, drag his sorry butt back from the afterlife, and apologize to his daughter directly.