#shadow over hyrule fi

[grooviestsadpapaya]

Omfg she look like a animal woaw. I’m excited to design the master sword off of her :] and yes I’m hoping to design Ghirahim with the same conventions in mind

[bokettochild]

I just saw a post asking which Link would make the best villain and....

It's Time guys

Like, I love the man, but let's be real; he's a second from snapping and committing atrocities.

Twilight is so thoroughly traumatized by the vision the spirits gave him and Fi's judgement of him that he literally can't stand messing with magic that isn't actually his own or connected to him. And while, sure, he doesn't need magic to be a villain, let's be real, it'd take something magical to force him to turn his back on everything he's ever fought for.

Similarly, Wild fought and died for his kingdom, and his people. There is nothing and no one worse than what he's already seen that could possibly make him turn his back on it all and throw his work down the drain just to destroy everything he'd built himself.

Legend is the same. he's been doing this far too long to ditch now. Granted, he's a grump, but if you look at his games, you see he's a highly empathetic and caring person. Unlike the others, who were tasked with saving the world by a mentor or friend, or had to go and save a friend or family member, or who where sworn to duty; Legend was literally some kid who was asked by an utter stranger to help, and did. Six times. No way someone like that is going to go and destroy everything.

And Wind! Wind is a moral guy, with a good heart. he set out for personal reasons and saw in his journey that there were bigger fish to fry, and he fried them. He had no reason to take it on, no call of the goddess, no responsibility, no reason for him, a child, to go and save the world as well as his sister, but he did it anyway.

Sky and Warriors are simply too devout. Warriors to the kingdom and it's people; with everything he suffered for them, you can't tell me the man isn't dedicated to serving his country. And Sky is loyal to Sun, who is Hylia, so he literally would never go against her. And by the law of the Zelda universe, villains are those who go against Hylia and Hyrule.

Four is an iffy one. Most people might say "but Vio was a villain!" but let's be real; if you read the manga, you know Vio was bluffing all along. If Vio, part of Four, didn't bow even under Shadow's influence, and Vaati's, and Ganon's, then again; who and what would drive this man to become a villain? Granted, the persuing of dark magic to bring back his lost friend could be argued, but is more likely to lead to his corruption than his attempting to take over Hyrule and kill innocents.

Hyrule is tough, since we have very little to work off of in cannon, but come on, even if Hyrule did turn to evil, he wouldn't exactly be able to do much. Hyrule's already in ruins in his time, and the monsters wouldn't hear of working beside him. He'd have everyone against him, and even if he does hold the triforce in it's entirety and thus could do all sorts of horrible things, he has neither motivation nor reason to turn away to becoming a villain.

Time though......

Time has watched the world burn and all his efforts be turned around and lost. He has lost everything so many times, usually with no reward or reason. In the end, Time, though a good man, cares more for the individual than the country. He cares about his wife and his boys, and based off the scars, we can only guess what lengths he's already gone to in order to accomplish his goals.

Time, if faced with the right issue, has every risk of dropping from defender to threat. Hyrule be damned, this man cares for his wife, his kids, his home, and if you threaten that, no matter who you are, he will go after you. He's one second away from going after Hylia and all she has done to him and those around him. He detests the Blade of Evil's bane, the symbol of Hylia's blessing. He borders every moment on the precipice of taking power beyond mortals to fulfill his own wishes, even if it is to help those he loves.

Put Malon in danger, heck, one of the boys, and Time won't let something silly like morals stop him from doing whatever it takes to protect what little that is still his and hasn't already been taken from him. He will fight tooth and nail not to lose anything else, and he won't let even the goddesses stop him.l

[shadowsageingempress]

Tierlist of the Great Sea costumes from Hyrule Warriors.

I plan on doing more for the other costumes from the rest of the Adventure Mode maps.

(Costumes and explanations below the cut. There's a lot to go over, so it'll be long)

They probably couldn't make Warriors' costume based on Toon Link because it would likely be too similar to the Skyloft outfit, so they went with the crayfish pajamas. And I gotta say, I really like it. The blue shirt, white scarf, orange pants and gray boots go really well together.

I don't know why they made Impa wear pink. Maybe they were trying to reference the King of Red Lions? I'm not sure. But I do think it works pretty well for her.

I only just realized that Sheik's costume is colored that way as a reference to Tetra. That makes me like it a bit more. These colors are very striking, but they look good on her in my opinion.

Lana's costume is apparently based off the koroks, which I don't know if it matches up well with her. But the outfit looks really nice. My only complaint is that I don't know if the green hair fits her, so I've deducted points for that. Otherwise, she looks pretty cute and festive.

Of course, they gave Valor the princess dress that Tetra wears for the latter half of the game. The color of the dress is fine, but the dull armor and too bright hair kind of ruin it for me. Also, my partner is PISSED that this costume isn't based on Tetra. I think that would look substantially cooler, even if Sheik's costume would make it redundant.

I don't know who decided to make Ganondorf's costume fuck so goddamn much, but I am so glad they did! Everything about this Phantom Ganon costume is incredible. It kind of gives me Metroid Prime vibes, which is a very good thing.

Darunia's Phantom Hourglass goron costume isn't too big of a change, especially when compared to the masterpiece that was Ganondorf's. I don't really care for the brown spikes, but the stomach tattoo looks pretty cool.

The Laruto costume that Ruto has is very striking, and I think it works very well. Between the color combination and the character reference, I like it quite a bit.

I'm not sure why they decided to make Agitha a goth with this costume, but I think it suits her. Unfortunately, the way her face paint looks kind of lessens my fondness for it. But I definitely don't hate it.

Midna is already my favorite character in this game, so I was probably going to like whatever costume she had. But this Floormaster-inspired look is incredible! The changes are pretty slight, but the pink markings and the darker color of the Fused Shadow adds so much to what was already peak character design. In fact, she probably could have been on the top of S Tier if they'd leaned a bit more into it.

I don't know if Zant's costume is based on Gohdan or Jabun. Neither of those options really fit him, in fact they're kind of the opposite, and it may seem a bit weird to give him such bright colors. However, I actually like how he looks in this costume, even if it does look a bit more regal than he deserves.

Given that Fi's design was partially based on the Fairy Queen, this costume was only natural. And I'd describe it in the same way. This coloration is perfect for Fi, and the purple ribbon-markings down her legs are a nice touch.

Kalle Demos is one of my favorite Zelda bosses from a strictly aesthetic view. So it only makes sense that they were the base for one as, shall we say, colorful as Ghirahim. I love the gradients on his suit and cape, and I only recently noticed the green gem on his belt.

Like with Agitha, I don't really get the reference in Cia's costume. But I will not deny that she looks really good in that dark red, especially with the sunset colors of her shoulder cape. I do think that her hatless outfit is the best looking of the three, though.

Volga's costume is another with a subtle change. But like Midna's, I think that this one looks really good. The colors look good, and the reference to Valoo is quite fitting.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Wizzro. I think his costume is based off of Jalhalla, which could have worked. But I really don't like the brown.

I'm already conflicted about how I feel about the design of Midna's true form, or 'Twili Midna' as she's called in Hyrule Warriors (I don't get why), and this costume only adds to it. I don't know what the reference was here. And while I don't hate the color combination they used, I don't think it works with her. It's really a shame.

Also, why did they change the color of her skin here?

I have a lot of questions about Young Link's costume. What is the costume supposed to be? Why is he purple? Why does he have red hair? I don't hate this costume, but it doesn't make much sense to me.

This may be surprising, but I actually kind of like how Tingle looks in this costume. The gray and blue work well together, and I like the reference to Ankel or Knuckel. It's good.

Given what costume they gave to Warriors, I think it makes sense that Linkle's is based off of Aryll's dress. Not only do the colors work, but I like the little flower designs on the tunic. It's adorable.

Oh, Hell yes! I love Skull kid's costume. Not only do the white and purple go well together, but they look perfect when put with the colorful Majora's mask. I think it's also based on the poes, which also works. I can't think of anything I would improve with this one.

Another Link, another set of crayfish pajamas. I don't know why he has a belt, but it doesn't take too much away from the appeal. It's just a solid design. Although, if they did this one twice, then maybe they could have made Valor's costume look more like Tetra

Speaking of Tetra, her costume is also pretty cool. I think it's cool how the colors of her jacket and bandana are swapped. My only complaint is that I don't really care for the striped shirt. But I guess it helps to get the reference to Niko across. I like this one, even if my partner doesn't get why she needs a Great Sea costume

Finally, we have King Daphnes. I really don't know who or what his costume is based on. But I also don't hate it. The bright colors are very striking and mesh decently well together. It actually kind of reminds me of a movie I saw when I was a kid.

[beesandhoney1219]

A Work In Progress For My Hyrule Warriors x Linked Universe Fanfic (Character List) :)

Lemme know what you think, and put your thoughts below! Basically, all the heroes were dropped off in the middle of Warriors' era for their first meeting. Who will they trust? And how much blood will be spilled?

“Heroes”

Warriors- The general of the Hyrule troops. He is also the first to meet with all the new Links brought by Hylia.

Mask(Time)- The first Link that appeared in the war. He stays in his child form except in dire situations.

Tune(Wind)- The second Link to appear, joining with Tetra. The two of them will take a bit to adjust to solid ground and not endless waves.

Spirit (Toon Link)- Appeared soon after Tune with Phantom. All four know they’re relatives, but keep it on the down low. For now, both Tune and Spirit are around the same age.

Sky- Fi personally introduced Sky to the rest of the heroes, having vanished in the middle of the night once she sensed his presence. Sky suffers from breathing problems and is mostly kept on the backlines as a last resort.

Artemis/Sheik- The ruler over Hyrule, and is regarded as the main general (with Warriors as her backup). She only dresses as Sheik for recon missions, or if she wants to get away from everyone.

Tetra- She uses her guns for range, providing covering fire for the troops. She is also a powerful sword wielder. She also is the best at controlling ships and loves water-based missions.

Phantom (Toon Zelda)- One of the many powerhouses in the troops due to her possessive abilities. Although many people can see her, hitting her is a different story. She has gotten very good at dodging while she’s separated from her body.

Linkle- Due to her clumsiness and lack of directions, Linkle is barely on the battlefield except if the fight is close to the main base. She is used mostly to gather supplies and teach less experienced troops how to fire crossbows.

Impa- She trains all new troops and is a close friend of Artemis. She is also a massive powerhouse.

Lana- A powerful sorcerer and healer. Due to her and Cia’s unique circumstances, she is mostly used as a healer and support, helping those who suffer wounds during battles.

Darunia-

Ruto-

Fi-

King Daphnes-

Medli-

Marin-

Neutral

Midna-

Twilight-

Agitha-

Ravio-

Tingle-

Skullkid/Majora-

“Villains”

Ganondorf (General Villain)-

Cia (Warriors’ Villain)-

Zant (Twilight’s Villain)-

Ghirahim (Sky’s Villain)-

Volga (Warriors’ Villain)-

Wizzro (Warriors’ Villain)-

Yuga (Legend’s Villain)-

Astor (Wild’s Villain)-

Bellum (Wind’s Villain)-

Onox (Legend’s Villain)- 

Vaati (Four’s Villain)-

Octavio (General Villain)-

Four- Cia was able to manipulate Four to her side by promising to revive Shadow. They only joined after seeing Vaati’s revival with their own eyes. Nobody knows about the Colors (besides Vaati, but the sorcerer is keeping it a secret).

Wild- With his shattered memories, Cia was easily able to convince Wild that the heroes were the bad guys in the situation, saying that they were the reason why he was brought here and away from his era. Wild is a soldier at heart and dutifully follows the orders of the person who helped him first, Cia.  

Hyrule- Hyrule, in a new era filled with bloodshed and violence, was reduced to his paranoid and aggressive behavior from his past. He lashes out like a wild animal, yet will retreat as soon as a drop of his blood is spilled. Only Cia and Ganondorf know about the magical abilities of his blood and will collect it to heal/revive those who fall in battle. The only reason why he stays with the villains is due to Cia’s kindness towards him. Is it manipulation? Or does she have a soft spot for the hero?

Legend- Legend is not trustful of anyone besides Hyrule, who he knows is his predecessor. He stays with the villains just to keep an eye on the other. He doesn’t trust the other villains, but he also doesn’t trust the heroes. They’re all suspicious in his eyes. 

[links-crosses-multiverse]

Welcome to my Whumptober Prompt challenge! I know it's a day to late but I hope you still like it. I've put together a unique set of prompts for anyone who loves diving into the emotional intensity of angst, hurt/comfort, and character-driven storytelling. These prompts are designed to explore a variety of scenarios where characters are pushed to their limits—whether it's physical, emotional, or psychological.

1. A Chain of Sorrow – When one of the heroes falls in battle, the group struggles to carry on.

2. Silent Nights, Heavy Hearts – The heroes take shelter, but memories of their past haunt them.

3. Lost in Time – Wild accidentally triggers a time rift, sending the heroes into an alternate timeline.

4. A Hero’s Funeral – After one of the group sacrifices himself, the heroes give him a proper send-off.

5. Echoes of the Past – Each hero must confront the ghosts of their past lives.

6. Shelter from the Storm – Forced to take refuge, the heroes share stories of home and family.

7. The Last Breath of Twilight – Twilight faces a moment of reckoning with Midna.

8. Unspoken Words – Warriors and Time finally confront the tension between them.

9. A Cup of Peace – A rare peaceful morning as the heroes bond over breakfast.

10. Resting Place – Four leads the group to an ancient ruin that holds an unexpected surprise.

11. Not All Heroes Return – Legend goes missing after a battle, and the group fears the worst.

12. Home is a Battlefield – The heroes encounter familiar enemies, but this time, they're fighting to protect each other.

13. Stars Above, Darkness Below – Wind is haunted by memories of the Great Sea as the group travels through dark waters.

14. Scars We Don't Speak Of – Each hero reveals the price they paid to become a legend.

15. A Hero’s Resolve – Sky steps up to make a hard decision, one that could cost him everything.

16. When the Light Fades – Time faces a foe too powerful to defeat, and it’s up to the others to save him.

17. Midnight Shadows – Twilight is trapped in the Twilight Realm and must rely on the others to pull him out.

18. Bonds Forged in Flame – A dangerous fire forces the heroes to work together in new ways.

19. The Wolf's Lament – Twilight is injured in battle and the Chain must carry on without him.

20. In the Hands of Fate – The heroes are separated, each facing their own trials alone.

21. Lullaby of the Lost – Wind remembers Aryll and his childhood on Outset Island.

22. Broken, But Not Beaten – After a devastating defeat, the heroes regroup, determined to fight on.

23. A Hero’s Burden – Time carries the weight of being a leader, but it starts to crack him.

24. The Heart of Courage – Four must choose between his friends and his destiny as a hero.

25. Tears in the Rain – Hyrule is forced to face his past as a healer, where not everyone could be saved.

26. Shattered Shields – In a fierce battle, the group’s defenses break, and a beloved hero falls.

27. Rest for the Weary – The group finds an unexpected haven, giving them a moment of solace and vulnerability.

28. Falling Stars, Broken Hearts – Sky watches as Fi fades away once again.

29. Of Wolves and Heroes, the Blood Moon - Twilight’s dual identity as a wolf causes friction within the group, because of the blood moon.

30. Where the Wildflowers Bloom – Wild takes the group to a special place in Hyrule where he finds peace.

31. The Last Legend – When all hope seems lost, Legend, reminds them why they fight.

Feel free to join in and create alongside me! Whether you enjoy writing, drawing, or any other form of creative expression, these prompts are open for everyone to interpret and bring to life. Let’s share in the drama, pain, and healing together!

[skyward-floored]

I found a short scene I wrote for Incredibles au from the second movie just to mess with things that I’d completely forgotten about, and people wanted to see it, so here it is.

It’s right after that part where all the supers invade the house and Frozone helps the kids escape, but doesn’t escape himself, and they’re all debating what to do. That should hopefully be all the background you need to figure out what’s going on but you haven’t watched the movie there’s only so much I can help you with XD

Enjoy 👍

————————————————————

Twilight kept their father’s old car going until they were plenty far away from the house, the ice Warriors had shot at them slowly melting off the sides. Nobody spoke while they rode, even Shadow acting strangely subdued for once, and it wasn’t until Twilight told the car to pull over on a quiet country road that the silence was broken.

“They got Warriors,” Wind whispered, a hand wrapped tightly around his middle.

Legend pressed a little tighter against his side, and Wind leaned against him, looking miserable.

“We wouldn’t have gotten away without him,” Hyrule said in an equally quiet voice. “If it weren’t for him...”

He trailed off, and Wind shrank down in his seat.

“What do we do now?” Wild asked in a small voice, and all of them turned to look at Twilight.

Twilight swallowed.

“We... well. We can’t go to Fi’s,” he began slowly, “or Sky’s, they’ll just get them too if... if they haven’t already. And you saw those goggles they put on Warriors, they were all wearing them. They're all under someone's control somehow, and they... they probably did the same to Dad,” he finished in a quiet voice.

The boys went silent again, and a cricket chirped in the grass by the side of the road.

“Okay,” Legend swallowed, a hand tugging at his bangs. “A bunch of hypnotized bad guys after us. No Mom, no Dad. No Warriors or Sky.”

“But we do have our powers,” Wild cut in, looking somewhat hopeful. “Plus this car, and, and... um... anything else?”

Four flinched in the backseat, and with a flash of light, he suddenly split into four, Shadow growling as he shoved an already-crying Red off of his lap.

“They got Mom and Dad!” Red wailed, and Hyrule awkwardly patted him on the shoulder.

“I say we go and get everyone back, now,” Blue growled, and Twilight waved his arms in an attempt to get the situation back under control.

“Four— er, Fours, try to calm down,” he said gently, but Red continued to cry, and Green and Blue were both looking upset in different ways as well. “Guys, please, getting upset won’t help, we have to think of a plan.”

“Any plan you have is probably going to get us all killed,” Shadow snorted, and Vio elbowed him when Red sobbed harder. “What?”

“Dad said he was going to that ship thing, wasn’t he?” Legend said, and Twilight looked over at him as he gathered Red into his arms. “And that’s where Mom is. We should go there.”

“You want us to go right to the bad guys?” Shadow scoffed.

“I don’t know...” Wind said in a small voice. He swiped a hand over his eyes. “What if they just get us too?”

“Let’s vote,” Twilight said, having calmed Red’s sobbing to quieter sniffles. “Everyone in favor of going and saving Mom and Dad and Warriors?”

Wild immediately raised his hand, as did Blue and Legend, and Hyrule and Green shortly did afterward. Twilight and Red had their hands up, and after a long moment, Wind and Vio raised theirs as well.

Which meant everyone had voted yes except Shadow.

“Shadow? What do you think?” Vio asked, and the other boy looked away.

“Either way you’re going to bring me, so I don’t see why it matters what I vote,” he grumbled.

“If you’d rather go back to the house that’s crawling with hypnotized supers who want to put hypno-goggles on us, be my guest,” Twilight said, and Shadow crossed his arms and sank down in the seat.

“Fine. I vote go.”

“Then it’s unanimous,” Wild said, and he pounded his fist into his hand as he sat straight up in his seat. “We’re going to go save Mom and Dad and everyone else.”

All of the boys looked around at each other, and their faces grew determined, still worried and scared, and in a few cases teary-eyed, but determined to save their parents, and everyone else as well.

Shadow moaned.

“We’re all gonna die.”

[wild-dagon]

How have we not put the Sheikah slates ability to track objects and Sky’s ability to ‘dowse’ with the master sword to find any object to good use.

Mainly how are their no fics of Sky and Wild helping Twilight find the pieces of the mirror of twilight.

Yes I’ve seen fics about the mirror runes in breath of the wild. But I’m talking about they are looking for the shattered pieces in Twilight’s world.

Wild asked Twilight if Minda was one of the people he saw when he was dying so Twilight’s obviously shared his relationship with Minda with Wild.

Maybe Wild showed Twilight the Mirror fragmentation his own world. They try to put it back together but it doesn’t work. Maybe it’s to removed from the magic. But Twilight admits that even if it did work, it wouldn’t help him see Midna. Wild’s world is so far down the timeline from Twilight’s that Minda wouldn’t be alive. It was a fools hope.

But Wild like all hero’s is stubborn and he keeps a picture of the mirror just incase.

The next time they get dropped into Twilight’s time Wild snags Hyrule with the excuse of exploring. Everyone knows they are wandering buddies. Twilight offers to go as well but Wild promises not to go far. After all the main group needs Twilight’s expertise.

In reality Wild doesn’t want Twilight there if his idea fails. He and Hyrule are going to wander. They just have more direction than usual because Wild has set the Mirror to his scanner. And he doesn’t expect it to work. He has no map of Twilight’s time so there’s no reason to believe the scanner will work.

But it does. The thing starts beeping immediately. In their short walk Wild and Hyrule find five little pieces of the mirror. And wow did Midna shatter that mirror, these pieces are tiny. They’ve probably blown all over Hyrule.

They return to camp with their findings and Twilight is shocked. They found something in a 30 minute walk that he’s been looking for for years! The rest of the chain is confused about why Twilight is so excited and touched by Wild’s actions

One explanation of who Midna is and what happened later and the whole chain is on board with finding these Mirror shards.

Sky hears the words separates from crush by dark magic and portals and is immediately on board. He knows exactly what that feels like. His whole quest was trying to reunite with Zelda. He’s more than prepared to help Twilight reunite with Midna.

He grabs one of the pieces of the mirror and has Fi lock on to its prescense now he can dowse for it. Now both Wild and Sky are able to locate Mirror shards.

Do the others have items like this?

I know Four would be super interested in this because he lost Shadow in a very similar way. If they can put Twilights mirror back together then maybe…..

Legend is trying not to show it but he’s super invested to. He lost Marin and knows exactly what he would do for the chance to see her again. If they can give that to Twilight he’s all in.

Maybe the chain splits into two groups. (Or more of other objects function the same, maybe the lenses of truth?)

Wild, Twilight, Time, Wind

Sky, Four, Hyrule, Legend, Warriors

I tried to evenly split them and make sure each group had “leaders” or older members.

[crazylittlejester]

Here's the little snippet as promised- I got a little carried away lol

By the time they'd managed to track down their missing brother, the chain was more like a frayed string. When Warriors had gone missing after a fight, it was like a constant blood moon; with no professional medic, they could only hope fairies and Time's uncanny ability to find them would fix the worst wounds. With no teasing yet caring and painfully observant eyes watching out for everyone, communication dwindled into whispers, banter into hurling insults. But most importantly, they'd all lost their collective big brother. And nobody was taking it well. Time's dark circles had only grown darker over the month that his brother was missing. He became overbearingly protective over the rest of the chain, though it manifested in him becoming snappy and strict. He refused to talk otherwise, unless it was to discuss theories of the Captain's disappearance. Well... and to soothe the nightmares that plagued Wind at night. But now? Now daybreak is drawing closer and the blood moon is nearing its end, for Sky had managed to track Warriors with Fi's dowsing abilities after a month of failure and dead ends. Dead ends that took the form of cryptic puzzles whose answers revealed nonsense that made Time grow pale and sickly. They were secrets of their missing brother being taunted by the malice, perhaps in an attempt to corrupt their view of him? It didn't work. In fact, it just strengthened their resolve to beat up the stupid lizalfos and rescue him. Their wanderings brought them to an abandoned bunker in the middle of nowhere. Sky was panting with exertion, doubled over by the time it appeared in their sights. Wind wound up giving Four a piggyback after the latter had been sent flying by a hidden bomb, since he wouldn't play such a vital role in the potential fight. They'd need Twilight for heavy hitting, powerful attacks while Time got him out, Hyrule for his healing and magical expertise, Legend for his swift reaction time and quick thinking, Sky for the holy magic his blade gleamed with, and Wild for his archery skill and unpredictable attacks. Though, Wind had to wonder, did they think he was too young to face what might've happened to his brother? He huffed, tightening his grip on Four's thighs as he propped the dazed hero up on his back. He was a hero, just like them! He could help. But... Four also needed help. And he wasn't important enough... no, no, scratch that. Wars wouldn't want him thinking like that! He needs to be happy for when his brother returns to them. And he will return, Wind knows it. When he looks over, the rest of the chain are sipping water from their waterskins, restless hands checking over weapons one final time. Their shoulders are tense with the weight of a brother's life. Time was ready to fucking murder that shadow. Though nobody could have prepared them for the sight that met their eyes. (Tw: graphic injury description, implied torture) Warriors, their collective big brother, the comforting presence beside the fire after a nightmare, was bloodied and shirtless. His body hung limp from shackles secured to the top of a cage, cuffs crusted with blood that had dried running down his arms. Whip marks marred his back, cutting deep through innumerable scars of similar shape and where his flesh had melted in a fight against a dragon. Black bruises painted his front in a cacophony of agony. His face was almost unrecognisable; gaunt yet swollen and horribly disfigured with flaky dried blood and open, seeping wounds. His eyelids hung nearly closed, though any light in his eyes was gone. His lips, cracked and vaguely swollen, appeared grey in colour. His ribs appeared visibly broken beneath purple skin drawn tight. Every bone in his upper body was visibly protruding. They could see every. Single. Bone. Despite it all, no futher life was in the musty stone coffin. "Oh, Link..." Time whispered, and blue eyes suddenly flickered open.

Anyways, I hope you like this :) it isn't that good but still, Wars whump

- sadistic anon

my god, the devil works hard but you my friend work harder. IT’S BARELY BEEN AN HOUR HOW DID YOU WRITE THAT THAT FAST??

OUGH. oUGH. WHAT THE FUCK MAN. OW??? HIT ME WITH A BRICK NEXT TIME IT’LL HURT LESS

i seriously liked your descriptions of how losing wars impacted the others. printing this out and eating it

also i will be spawning at your location because oh my god you beat the fuckin shit outta him whatd he ever do to you, go give him a hug and atone for your sins /j :(

you cooked tho. but god DAMN. OW.

[tashacee]

Consider ✨

An au like Heros Aspect but Wild is stuck in the dark armor instead.

I crave comedy of errors style misunderstandings =)

OOOOOOOOOH boy i started to answer this before and it got REALLY DARK so i've scrapped that and have started again.

SO

A lot of the initial chase and fleeing would be strangely similar. Yes, Wild can talk now, but the others think he's Dark Link, and Dink always lies. They don't listen to a word he says until he's lying in the river, bleeding from where Warriors shot him, trembling as he tries to show he's not a threat.

Dink doesn't bleed. That's their first clue that Wild is one of them and not a monster. That's what gives them pause.

("Wait- he's bleeding." said pinky, holding up a hand to stop the others and lowering his sword a fraction.

What the- damn right, he's bleeding! You just shot me! Wild wanted to retort, but something told him that wouldn't help matters. It was a little voice that he liked to call his inner-Zelda, and for once he elected to listen to it)

And then Sky came stumbling out of the woods, telling his brothers not to attack, that he was one of them.

Wars Four and Legend exchanged glances. Four was the first one to shrug and say 'eh that tracks'. The others wondered at his easy acceptance, but of course, they didn't know about Shadow.

Still, the boys were probably more wary with Wild in the Dark armour than the Aspect, and when he reached out to touch the sword they watched him like hawks. But of course, Fi didn't burn him. Instead she gave him his name and cemented him as one of the team.

("OH THANK HYLIA!" the newly dubbed Wild said, sighing in relief and flopping back into the water. "I thought you guys were really going to kill me!"

The three who had chased him exchanged uncomfortable glances, but none of them said what they were all thinking. For a moment there, so had they.

Wild looked up at them again and they all - minus Sky, of course - started. His eyes were all red and glowed even in the daylight, casting a sickening pallor over his already grey skin. He furrowed his brow and smiled, the scars that laced one side of his face pulling at the movement.

"I- I don't normally look like this." he whispered nervously. "It's a mask I tried on. But I can't get it off." he sighed. "Worst fashion choice ever.")

With this explained, the boys bandage his wound as best they can and bring him back to camp, embarrassed and apologetic. Wild brushes off their apologies. After all, he does look exactly like the shadow monster that has been trying to kill them. What's a little grievous bodily harm between a shared soul, eh?

The others are a little concerned about his blase attitude to being hurt, but who are they to judge?

Once again, they make him wait outside the camp while they explain to the rest who he is and how they met. Legend includes both that he looks like Dink and also that it's because he tried on a mask and got his ass cursed (his words). Wild can hear Time facepalming from where he hides.

He's still nervous stepping into camp. Twilight still encourages him. Wind is still friendly. Time is still welcoming. Hyrule is still nervous. It's obvious that they're all shaken by his appearance, but it takes about the same amount of time for them to all warm up to him as if he was in the Aspect.

The main difference is that Dark!Wild can creep up on them and scare them more effectively, what with being his normal height and having creepy glowing eyes. Also when they're trying to sneak places at night, his eyes are super distracting. He gets banana sunglasses to match sky's, just to hide their glow.

Some of the stunts the Chain pull are different. Rather than Cat Island, Wind tells everyone that Wild is from Shadow Island where he rules over the dead. Some are exactly the same. Wild still makes friends with the cats in ordon, and inexplicably, kids still love him.

He does not understand why.

But what mostly stays the same is that he has brothers who love and care about him, and who think he's an absolute idiot for getting himself cursed to be stuck in the Dink mask.

And yes, he still manages to get stuck in the Mask of Awakening.

[hyruleairbnb]

if i wanted to write a direct sequel to skyward sword it'd be like this:

a robed figure walks into the sealed temple, right up to Fi, Sword of Hylia, and proceeds to use shadow powers to extract Ghirahim from her, revealing that the black sword is in fact NOT the Sword of Demise, but rather the robed being's property [the only thing different being his appearance in a different being's hand]

as Link and Zelda rush in, the robed figure calls Zelda by the name Hylia as the robed one is unfazed by the shell, and reveals himself to be Vaati, God of the Night

he would then rush out of the temple and fly off, as disasters begin to occur, the two are spirited away by divine power

the divine power would infact be that of Ordona, God of Time who tells them [and groose, can't leave him out of this] that the hyrulean divinity has been compromised by Vaati, effectively issuing various plagues upon hyrule: the sun is gone, the oceans swallow the land, floral life grows infertile, disease infects what remains, and the dead are unkept [yes i know that's the fucking plot of god of war 3]

basically link has to go out of his way to rescue the gods from Vaati's nocturnal creations, and to find his way to them he has to scour a Citadel of Time, which in terms of progression would be like the tower in spirit tracks but minus spirit zelda hijacking the boys there

eventually however Vaati comes after Ordona and drops a big truth on Link: Ordona is his father, who had him conceived as part of Hylia's plan to bring an end to the titan Demise's insurrection, and then uses his nocturnal power to take control of Ordona, forcing him to fight link to the death

at the end of that fight Vaati forces Ordona to stop time to finish off Link, only for him to resist, and drive his own sword [named Elgis, which unlike Fi and Ghirahim, would be devoid of a soul] through his solid quartz heart in order to prevent Vaati from ruling over time itself, and after one last heart to heart with Link, would use the last of his power to ensure that his spirit is reborn again, as his clockwork body corrodes away

Vaati would then pass through a gateway as the Citadel of Time collapes with it's master gone, which Link follows through into The Lunar Citadel, which would actually be located on the moon, and at the centre of the moon would be Vaati, waiting for the final duel, which would play out in a similar manner to Demise's duel

eventually Vaati is struck down, in his final moments, he drives Ghirahim into the floor, and promises Link that he would return, in another time, in another life, and that eventually one of his reincarnations would find their way to the moon and take up Ghirahim once more, before rewarding him with a way out of his domain, back to Skyloft, before he disintegrates into stardust

what an interesting concept thank you<3

[mothfables]

Linked Universe Headcanons + Fic Ideas I May Or May Not Use

like i said in my earlier post, i don’t know if i’ll ever use some of these in my writing, so feel free to take them for yourself if anything strikes you! just, yknow, credit me please <3

bun/bunself Legend- uses he/him around the Chain until he’s ratted out by Ravio (unintentionally)

Hyrule learning about Gender- with help?? from Wild (wild literally doesn’t care what people call him/how they refer to him, he’s just Gender. He Is Gender)

Wild meeting (+ remeeting) the Chain in his hyrule during totk; he is Not having a Good Time :)

Ghost Chain watching over Wild till the present/Living Chain show up; he’s suspicious but doesn’t fully make the connection (because some of them, like Wind + Hyrule, changed how they looked as they grew up) until they’re back in his hyrule; the (living) Chain hasn’t heard him speak up to this point until there’s a sudden shout of ‘YOU MOTHERFUCKERS’ and strangely familiar laughter

The Gang Goes Fishing^TM; the Chain compares fishing techniques

Wild’s Walking Tour of Hyrule^TM

Wild consistently forgetting the bridge to Dueling Peaks Stable is out (which may or may not be based on my own gameplay)

Wild’s slate can record the game music (boss fights, etc.); he likes to listen to them from time to time

Legend is the biggest Theatre Kid^TM you’ve ever seen; Ravio is definitely a close second, though in his own way

multipronoun Legend; goes along with bun/bunself Legend in that he uses it once in a great blue moon but will absolutely not telling the Chain this

Legend + Wars are the kind of best friends that beat the shit out of each other but don’t hesitate to have each other’s back

Four is like a fusion from Steven Universe- he’s his own person, but so are the Colours; you know how fusion works, right? right.

voidpunk Shadow (from fsa); some pronoun ideas: voi/void/voidself, fea/fear/fearself, thon/thonself feels like it fits, i’ve also seen spook/spookself used

on that note: ver/verseself Vio, fi/fir/fireself Red

Shadow calling Four/the Colours Rainbow is cute as shit i love that headcanon

god the fuckin- Devil & Shadow bits from the SnapCube Sonic Dub. Shadow to Four all the way. are you listening

Sky + Wind have the worst long-term stamina of the group; Sky’s experience + Wind’s youthful energy tend to balance it out short-term, but long excursions hit them harder

no pronoun Legend

[yiga-hellhole]

TFTK Extended Cut: CHAPTER 2

another bonus chapter to fill in the time between now and chapter 12!! this time featuring midna and fi, bonding over shared worries and shared joys. they are besties :3 this one is casual but still a lot of fun i think. around 5k words under the cut! enjoy!

ao3 mirror HERE!

Midna awoke to the sound of late afternoon bustle outside her tent. Immediately she was greeted with the stubborn burning of the aftermath from almost two weeks before. The scarring on her neck tugged with each breath — now without their stifling bandages, but insistent on bothering her nonetheless. For a moment, she allowed herself to sigh deeply, feeling the tepid air rush into her lungs as she closed her eyes, and lazily fluttering her eyelids back open as it left her. The ceiling of her tent was pitch black, shrouding the inside of her dwelling in the same shade, save for some endearing salt lamps gifted to her by the Gerudo refugees. Mere days ago, they arrived at the Eldin border in droves, having trekked from their desert home and across Hyrule Field to plead for safety with the Princess. Zelda, eager to receive any help, and offer any shelter that could be exchanged in these trying times, welcomed them with open arms. As she had done for every people that came knocking on the castle walls.

The thought of those women scattered through their camp, and how she’d fought for their safety, suddenly snapped her into panicked realization. She quickly looked to her side, before the icy chill of fear could sweat down her back, to find her Fused Shadow placed by her bedside. That loyal helmet proudly displayed itself there, its stone-hewn eye watching over her as she slept. She exhaled, the tension building up leaving her with that very same breath. Just looking upon it made her trace her fingers gently over the bubbly flesh of the scar that now spanned from her upper lip to her cheekbone. If it hadn’t been for her helmet deflecting most of Ghirahim’s knives, that encounter would certainly have cost her a lot more than bits of skin. The camp was safe, for now, but such a priceless artifact could tempt even the purest of souls into getting sticky-fingered. 

Just as she was starting to drift off again, the sound of a chime twinkled through the air outside her tent. One of her guards, who was hushing in idle conversation with her colleague just earlier, announced a visitor. Midna welcomed them in.

A presence, or rather, a lack thereof, gently parted the curtain of her tent. Purple, wing-like flowing drapery peeked past the dark blue fabric. Soundlessly floating inside, the curtain fell back into place again, blocking out the flash of outside light that overpowered the gentle glow of the tapestries for just a moment. Herself now shining a luminescent blue, Fi, Spirit of the Master Sword, had entered.

Midna gave a crooked smile with only the right half of her face. It must have looked a bit strange, but with the scabbed-over gashes pulling at the skin on her face, she took up the habit. “On sick call again, huh?”

A soft sound of chimes emanated from her as she hovered closer to the bed, looking down at her with her big, glazed-over eyes. “Greetings, Princess Midna,” she said. “Your scarring looks favorable. I foresee a 79% chance of your recovery.”

The Twilight Princess snickered a bit solemnly in response and cocked a brow at her. “That’s funny. Yesterday you said 81%.”

Fi did not respond. Her pale expression did not change, but her head tipped slightly downward, avoiding her gaze. It seemed that even the cold and calculating weapon of the Goddess was familiar with the delicate art of lip service. Midna knew very well that she did not look all too good. Her cursed form aside, Ghirahim and Zant had done quite a number on her in their last battle. Demon Blade Ghirahim, with his devious tricks, tainted her face with a barrage of daggers. To make matters worse, that worm of a Usurper managed to leave her with broken ribs and a nasty concussion. Much to her wounded pride, Princess Zelda forbade her to even set foot outside her tent, with her grocery list of injuries. 

The loophole of “I don’t walk, I float,” didn’t do her any favors, either.

So here she lied, every day, condemned to bed rest. Her sole fortune was the frequent visits she got from her fellow lieutenants. She knew none of these people — not truly — except for the young girl they had enlisted as a mage and scout. Little Agitha, one Princess to another, dropped by every other evening for tea, to prattle off about some little insect she’d found in the fields to her ‘Miss Kitty’. Something about it made her nostalgic for a time she shouldn’t be too keen to look back on.

One unexpected comrade she found, was Fi. Technically, the two had traveled together once before, they simply weren’t aware of the fact at the time. To see the mighty Master Sword now hovering by her bedside, her statue-like face in the approximation of a pout, was as jarring as it was endearing.

“You’re just trying to make me feel better, I get it,” Midna sighed, her expression softening. She reached out with her tiny, clawed hand, waving it at Fi’s wing. “Hey. Why don’t you come sit with me? Let’s talk.”

Fi glanced down at her hand, tracking its motions until it slumped onto the mattress. For a moment, Midna thought her request had fallen on deaf ears until the sword spirit twirled in place, and weightlessly sat down on the mattress, like a feather touching down on water. 

“What do you wish to discuss, Your Grace?” Fi inquired, tipping her head to look down at her.

Midna snickered, batting playfully at the cloak that now draped on her mattress within reach. “First things first, drop the formalities. When it’s you and me, I’m just Midna.”

A pause. Fi turned her head to look out in front of her, as if processing something, and then turned back to her. “As you wish. Midna, what shall we talk about?”

So she had to compute that real quick, first? How amusing the sight was, to see a data input happening in real-time, with a real-life automaton. Though the Twilight Realm was filled with pseudo-conscious machines, none were as sophisticated as Fi. Curious, given her thousands of years lagging behind her own time. Or maybe she was not truly a machine at all..? Thinking about it, Midna realized she knew very little about the workings of the sword spirit sitting by her. 

“… Tell me how you met your Link and Zelda,” she asked, looking up at her with a smile. “We have that much in common, right?”

Fi met her smile with her own, though hers was gentle. Timid, almost, uncertain like butterflies deciding upon a flower to perch on. “The art of storytelling in a way that is pleasing to you was not bestowed upon me my design, but I will relay our tale to you to the best of my ability.”

Fi recounted her stories in greatest scrutiny, speaking on and on about scorching arachnids beneath the volcanoes, endless spans of sand wastes, and ships lost at sea. Glassy eyes turned to the black fabric of her tent, she prattled on for what must have been an hour. Still, Midna found herself not minding in the slightest, and simply curled up against her pillow. As contented as she could be, at least, straining against the pressure of her injuries. With the scenes she described almost projecting from her eyes and onto the cloth before her, the peculiar way Fi viewed the world was evident in how she spoke of it. Incredibly specific attributes were carefully logged in her mind, treating every little environmental detail with the same weight as she would the many riveting battles.

“The entrance gate to the next room was forged of steel with curious properties, resisting temperatures of at least 1.100° Celsius…”

As she spoke, the Hyrule of Old seemed as familiar as it seemed strange. Midna knew of the Eldin Volcano, of Faron Woods, but not of the ancient structures she described. 

“A humanoid cephalopod, defying any known taxonomies through its leg-count of approximately thirty-six…”

Fi spoke as though reciting a captain’s logbook, or the research notes of a long-lost scholar. Youthful as she may have seemed, with a face no older than that of a girl in the springtide of her life, her way of speaking betrayed wisdom as old as time itself. Whereas others spun their yarns into warm, if not slightly sloppy scarves, losing stitches and weaving in colors for the flair of it all, Fi constructed a veritable tapestry. 

“… decorated with a central votive statue of a human, deconstructed into a head, torso, and four arms. Its frescoes consisted of patterns depicting the Nymphaea genus, which grew throughout the central pool…”

Such methodical recollections continued on and on, but her tone changed entirely when speaking of the people she’d met along the way. Fi understood material properties, and the angular features of architecture, but in her centuries of isolation, she didn’t come to understand the complexities of mortal lives. But instead of surface-level analyses, when she told Midna about those candid little anecdotes, she described their words and expressions with careful fondness. As if uncertain of what to do with it, or waiting for permission, she cradled and cherished that feeling of friendship as if her very speaking of them could turn those memories to dust. 

As she got to her tale’s end, she turned to Midna again, as if physically shutting out one part of her mind, and turning to the next. It was subtle, but her expression changed, then, a warmth cast over her sapphire complexion. 

“… And as we stood before the Gate of Time, I realized that our mission had come to an end. I said my goodbyes then, to our Link, our Zelda, and parted from them as their Servant. I am certain, however, that I have stayed with them as their friend, even if only in memory.”

Almost exhausted by this extensive tale, Midna cocked her head, meeting that innocent face with a smile. Fi looked back at her, a touch puzzled, as if thinking she’d missed out on some sort of joke. Assuringly, Midna reached out to pat her on the tip of her cloth wing, but retracted soon after the bruising nagged in her ribs. 

Such a veritable tale, with all its twists and bends, yet its fateful, epic ending. A journey crossing continents and threads of time to meet one noble goal, and sealed with the dawn of Hyrule itself. With all the chaos and gloom she herself had endured, something troubling bubbled up in her.

“Honestly,” Midna sighed, resting her head on her hand. “The way you describe your journey makes it sound all clean and plotted out. Completely destined to happen the way it did, yeah? It makes my own journey seem so messy in hindsight. Even stumbling into Link was more of a chance encounter, if anything!”

Fi looked at her once again a little confused, but soon her posture straightened. “Our own quest was not without its perils. You may be mistaken. Simply because it did not appear like it at the time, does not mean the Goddesses did not smile upon you in your efforts to save Hyrule.”

Midna nodded a bit absentmindedly at her words. She wondered if indeed, those residing in the Sacred Realm had any hand in delivering her resolution to her. Would They be so bold, after Their descendants cast her very people into their own prison? Somewhere, she wanted to be convinced that the peace and tranquility the Twili had built there was their own making, even if she herself carried no grudge toward the Golden Goddesses. Fi’s words, forged by Hylia Herself, knitted themselves into unease in the back of her mind.

Right as she was getting lost in thought, the Sword Spirit continued to speak. “… And, even if it was not destiny… The Hero always needs a friend, and I believe you to be a fine choice for a companion, indeed. He was fortunate to have met you.”

Midna found herself tongue-tied for a moment. Even as she spoke, Fi did not part her confronting, azure gaze from her, and she grasped onto it with her own wide-eyed stare. Her words bloomed into a warmth in her stomach, spreading to behind her collarbones, tickling up to her cheeks that split into a wide, toothy grin. A laugh escaped her. 

“Right you are! That idiot would have been toast if it weren’t for me,” she cackled, humming and examining her nails with a smug glee.

Something inexplicable crossed Fi’s expression. Something made the polished surface of her eyes turbulent like the ocean itself, but the emotion lurking between those deep blue mirrors remained but a vague shadow. At least, until she spoke. “I am conflicted. Has Link’s carelessness truly not faded between Cycles?”

Midna scoffed. Faded! What a joke. To decide which of their Links was the most whimsical would have to be decided by coin-flip, and with their luck, the thing would land on its side. “As hare-brained as ever, I’m afraid,” she responded, picking at her teeth with her pinkie nail. Despite her lack of lungs, Fi sighed exasperatedly.

By all means, their merry exchange of pleasantries should have confused the guards outside her tent by now. Fi, by no means, had a reputation of being particularly social, though even Midna had to admit this was for a good reason. It was excessively difficult to smalltalk with her. The sword’s short, matter-of-fact responses essentially fashioned every topic with a ball and chain around the ankle and pushed it off the pier. Still, Midna enjoyed a challenge, and after having dwelled in the realm of queendom for the past years, getting to just chat with someone was a refreshing change of pace. She needed to think about something that wasn’t the crushing burden of war for just a little. By now, Fi had scooted to sit next to her, back to the pillow and one leg swung on the mattress. Her reclining pose was stiff, like a mannequin’s, but this was perhaps her first time ever in a resting position that didn’t involve being embedded in a pedestal. Head rested on the sword spirit’s shoulder, she decided to cut the poor girl some slack, and refrain from commenting.

A yawn escaped her. She was getting drowsy. The dark shrouding her tent reminded her of home; perhaps a little too much so. Such tranquility made (most of) her people mellow, but she wasn’t quite feeling up to heading back to sleep yet. 

She nudged Fi’s waist with the back of her hand.“Actually, can you part the curtain a bit? I want to see what’s going on out there.”

Not turning to look at her, Fi kept her gaze fixed on the opposite wall as she spoke. “Midna, that would be unwise. The sun’s light will impede your recovery.”

“Oh, it’ll be fine. So long as I’m out of direct light I’m good to go,” Midna drawled with a wave of the hand. “Besides, it’s almost evening, isn’t it? They don’t call me the Twilight Princess for nothing.”

Fi nodded, raising herself from her seat through sheer defiance of gravity, and bobbed through the air to open the curtain. A pillar of light split the darkness inside the tent into perfect halves, casting colors on the opposite wall, but left the Twilight Princess untouched. The world was already a drowned, pale crimson, dusk settling comfortably as the sun placed itself upon the horizon like a golden helmet. Fi lingered a moment there, peering outside, before curtsying politely at some unseen group outside the tent.

As the sword spirit returned to sit at her bedside, Midna could now see who was lingering out in the camp. Princess Zelda was accompanied by her most fateful knight, Link, discussing pleasantries with King Darunia, who braced a massive hand on her shoulder in sympathy. No matter the incarnation, it seemed the Princess was doomed to be burdened with trials of calamity. Midna almost seemed ashamed to be laying there so casually, within view of the group, but they soon turned to face her. Shame turned to a chilled comfort as Zelda smiled at her, nodding warmly with her hand crossed over her chest. Link and Darunia, unburdened by such formalities, simply grinned and waved cheerfully. Midna found herself mimicking that very same lightheartedness, rather than the royal, dainty wave her advisors back home tried so hard to imprint on her. Even now, that blond goofball sparked silliness within her, no matter how grave their outlook.

Her hand lowered as they turned back to their conversation. She sighed, her hearty smile turning to bittersweet somberness. “… Hey, Fi. When you look at them, what goes through your head?” Midna asked, speaking without taking her eyes off the group outside. “You’ve been through a lot with them, too, back in your world. Don’t you feel weird around them? It’s them, but… It’s not.”

Fi’s peering at their old, yet new friends, did not linger. Instead, she turned straight to look at her. “What I think of them is not relevant. It is my duty to aid them,” she said. Something about the cold tone in her voice made Midna’s eyelid twitch. After spending all that time telling her about her adventures, did truly nothing strike her, ripped into this strange future world as they were? To be confronted with those same voices, those same smiles, yet to see not a blink of recognition in return?

“It is relevant!” Midna snapped, but quickly faltered. Stonefaced as ever, Fi did not even flinch at the raising of her voice, yet something in the way she stared back at her made guilt drop into her gut like a lead ball. “… I’m sorry. I just want to hear what you have to say. There’s nobody else who can hear me out.”

For a while, Fi was silent and averted her gaze. Figures, Midna thought. Recollecting details from her journey in her own verbose and analytical way suited the Sword Spirit fine, but to ask her opinion on a social matter… From what she’d told her, her Link was her only conversational partner in thousands of years. Maybe it wasn’t right to assume she was comfortable talking about those kinds of things yet. A little remorseful, and about to retract her offer, Midna looked up at her, only to realize just what it was Fi was peering at so intensely.

She had her eyes right on the Fused Shadow.

With her lips curved into a gentle smile, Fi looked to the helmet for just another moment, before turning to Midna again, seemingly having decided exactly what to say. “They are incarnations. Not exactly the people we knew, but not entirely different, either.” 

Fabric brushed over her fingers. Fi had laid her ‘hand’ on hers. 

“They may not be the same, but they retain some memories. Enough to know that they can trust us, Midna.”

She looked at her lap again, her blank expression cracking just a touch. Whatever thoughts and observations she had in mind, she was weighing them off with great care. “When I last saw the Princess, I… Cannot say I am sure, but all her vital signs pointed to a deep worry. She cares for you, Midna. She is not your Zelda, and he is not your Link, but they will fight with you. In this War Across the Ages, nothing is more important.”

Finally, Fi sat up straight, and her wing retracted from her hand. “That is all I have to say.”

At a loss for words once again, Midna stared at her companion, mouth slightly agape. It wasn’t simply the information she’s dropped on her — the incarnations, the retained memories — it was the implication. She didn’t realize how she needed to hear from someone else that something was wrong, that it wasn’t the same, and that there was a disconnect. She didn’t realize how she wanted the comfort of being trusted by those descendants of her dear friends, and how they thought of her fondly despite being near perfect strangers. Above all, she didn’t realize how much she wanted to hear it from Fi, of all people. If even a tool, forged specifically for the mission she undertook, could feel conflicted, yet finally, comforted, by all this, then…

“… Fi?”

Fi’s eyes widened somewhat, having not even flinched for all the time Midna spent staring at her. “Yes?”

Midna sat up slightly, wincing at the slight ache it brought to her ribs, and settled somewhat gravely. “When you get back to your own time, can you do me a favor?”

“That depends on my ability to fulfill your request,” Fi replied, as bluntly as she expected she would.

“Before you return to your slumber inside the Master Sword, or whatever,” she began, fingers curling together in her lap as she sought the right words. “Can you just… Go see your Link and Zelda? Just to see what they’re up to now, and to say goodbye again,” Midna offered, smiling somewhat bittersweetly.

Once again, the intricacies of sentimentality were lost on Fi. Her blank expression was once again truly empty, a state she reverted to whenever her comprehension of mortal matters failed her. “… I apologize. I fail to comprehend your request. I have said my farewells to the Chosen Hero and Incarnated Goddess already, before my reawakening. Furthermore, I do not see how this benefits you. You would not be there to see it.”

“The favor isn’t to benefit me, it’s for you. After all this, you’re going to want to go see them. Trust me.”

Fi cocked her head curiously. That empty expression brought Midna to frustration – or rather, desperation. The weight of being tossed through time and confronted with her friends under threat of the very same force tore at her foundations, and her many walls crumbled. Hiding herself from those incarnations outside behind Fi’s veils, she felt choked by her yearning for her old friends. If she could not, then maybe…

“… Fi, you can go do something that I have no hope of doing ever again. When I crossed into the Realm of Light, the worlds we loved withered before our very eyes. Zelda, Link, and I, we all gave our lives for one another to save it,” Midna started, her hand insistently clutching the fabric of Fi’s wing, as if she could squeeze the understanding into her through her fingers alone. Her voice faltered. “Now, I can never see either of them ever again, and if I were to try to, I’d just risk another maniac like Zant trying to cross over to hurt them and their land. So I beg of you. Please fulfill my wish in my stead. You’ll be glad you did it.”

Fi stared at her wordlessly, empty eyes not parting from hers, until they were no longer empty at all. Instead, that glossy blue suddenly seemed all-encompassing. Midna could only break away from the contact when a light, fluttering feeling cast down upon her hands, and she glanced down to see Fi had placed her other wing to cover hers. A shadow loomed over her, and she looked up at the sword spirit again, who had leaned in with a nod. For the first time, she almost looked somber as she spoke. 

“I understand.”

The room grew quiet. For the past hour, the air was stirred by the constant flow of words, making it feel all the more stagnant when silence did fall. Curiously, Fi also seemed bothered by the tension left by the heavy words they’d just exchanged, and rose from her seat. Fearing she would leave, Midna stammered for a moment, about to extend her hand to halt her, until she noticed Fi simply floated across the tent, idly observing the various knick-knacks she’d displayed around the place. Did boredom make her a touch nervous? 

Midna took the opportunity to reel her back in and relieve her from her shared antsiness. “… So what were you planning to do when you get back otherwise? Just head straight back to sleep?”

Attention captured immediately, Fi hummed thoughtfully, staring down at the floor. She appeared almost giddy, like an adventurous child plotting to sneak away to do something they hadn’t the permission to do. The sight of it almost made Midna want to bully her a bit. “When I turned to my slumber without end, the plans to settle the Hylians back on the surface were not yet underway. If I return, the progress on this development would be fruitful for my logbook, indeed. Though, its proper chronicling will have to be left to the Hylians themselves…”

Midna scoffed and waved her hand. “Oh, don’t be silly with your ‘if’s. You’re the spirit of the Master Sword, you’ll be fine.”

“Indeed. As the Master Sword, I shall prevail,” Fi nodded. She turned fully back to her now, hovering at the foot of her bed. Staring down at her like this, the sheer nobility of that metallic being stirred a feeling of awe inside her. With the rays of the sun shrouding her in a golden veil, Fi truly looked then like the ancient, wisened being that she managed to hide behind a youthful countenance and an odd speech pattern. “The root of my uncertainty lies not with myself, but with our allies. Even if I live on, were we to lose Lana, I would be trapped in this time. As would you.”

Still, one arcane being wouldn’t be moonstruck by another just like that. She leaned her cheek on her hand, considering her words. Lana… She ought to have more words with that woman. It was that blue-haired mage that assisted her in doing away with the then-revived Zant, back when the Twilight Realm was freshly ripped into this future world. That baseline of trust could use some expanding upon. “… I see. You got it all plotted out, don’t you?”

“Indeed. Our chances are not hopeless, but they seem to dwindle with every battle.”

Midna looked up at her and frowned. Once again, the people she swore to protect were dropping like flies, and once again, she was powerless to do anything against it. “… Yeah, and here I am, laying in bed. Doing nothing at all!”

Fi leaned closer to her, face blank, yet her sheer energy buzzed with something stern. “You are recovering. Without your full strength, you would simply perish. Focus on your rest, and join us again at the battlefield at your full potential.”

For a moment, Midna pouted, her fang protruding defiantly from her lips. But then, she peered back into the eyes that hovered so close to hers, and she realized something. 

“You’re sounding just like Zelda,” she grinned.

Fi nodded dryly, fully intending to take her words as a compliment at face value. “She is wise beyond her years. I’m honored to be influenced by her.”

Midna let out a laugh, squinting her eyes shut and smacking her hand on the mattress. For just a moment, she could ignore the deep ache that burned through her ribs, completely overshadowed by the fond company of her friend. “Yeah, yeah. Forget I said anything!’

After all the time they’d spent, one giggling, and the other intrigued, eager to understand, yet not fully capable of it, it had to come to an end. The rattle of metal and stomping of feet outside alerted the pair of someone of certain esteem approaching the tent, and indeed, heavy footfall stopped outside the tent, shy of entering through the parted curtain. An imposing shadow was cast inside, but Midna had grown far too familiar with the figure it belonged to, to be even slightly intimidated.

“Lady Midna,” spoke a voice like the cracking of a whip. “May I enter?”

Midna perked up. Impa was inviting herself in. “Oops. That’s your cue, bluebird,” she giggled, fondly patting on the wing that was laid by her. “Our General wants to interrogate me, I’ll bet.”

Fi looked down at the contact, and cocked her head. “I understand,” she spoke with a nod, and slowly levitated to rise. “Then, I wish you luck. May Lady Impa be merciful to you. I thank you for your invitation to converse with me. It was… Fun.”

Though her eyes did not move, the sword spirit’s lips, smooth like polished tourmaline, cracked into a gentle smile.

“Hey, Fi. Before you leave,” Midna interrupted her before she could float away, a hand extended. Fi looked over her shoulder. “Think about what I said, yeah? You won’t regret it.”

Fi nodded. Time and time again, people around camp have hushed whispers about the sword spirit. How she was off-putting and robotic, lacking any kind of emotion. Midna believed not a shred of it. In her own way, Fi told the world how she felt, even if she did so in ways organic beings wouldn’t understand. It wasn’t like she had put up walls for people to break through. Midna was taken aback, then, by how incredibly open Fi was, and how easily the two confided in one another. She just had to know where to look to understand what the odd girl wanted to convey. Between two strange, otherworldly beings, a chord had been struck. Midna was rambunctious and loud, while Fi was decidedly more reserved, but in a way, both wore their hearts on their sleeves. An odd warmth sprang into her chest as she saw the blue spirit glittering in the light of the setting sun, her own sapphire glow drowning out the golden hue cast upon her. The light went straight through her when she looked back at her, a gentle smile pulling at the corners of her lips. 

“I foresee my likelihood of fulfilling your request to be… Favorable. Goodbye, Midna. May you fulfill that 79% percent with strength and grace.”

[zarvasace]

I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough time! I hope everything goes well.

I’ve been curious about this, and I’ve been enjoying your Linked Nexus and Experimentation AUs, so I wanted to ask: What gave you the inspiration for each of them, and what can we as readers expect for future chapters???

Things are okay now, I was prepared for another two-week hospital stay (not me, a family member) but it isn't as bad as that. Phew! But thank you very much. :)

Linked Nexus happened mostly because I love sci-fi designs. I actually think I became obsessed with them while watching Star Trek TNG, those uniforms are so slick and I loved the idea of color-coding them! My love of sci-fi stuff has expanded since then, though I've always loved the trope of "found family flies a spaceship," and also stuff about alien biology and galactic worldbuilding. the Starfinder ttrpg definitely contributed to that as well.

The experiments AU is mostly based on two old original stories of mine. One was about magical creatures like a mermaid and a vampire in a lab-like setting like this, and one was about a war between animals and goblins and how they had hidden information about their plans in people's DNA. I kinda mashed the two concepts and wanted some angsty whump. This AU is really self-indulgent and I'm really surprised (but not upset!) that people have taken to it as much as they have!! XD

Some ideas I have written down for linked nexus include:

- ln: Shadow takes over four briefly

- ln: four talks to flora and gets repaired

- ln: depths drive fails

- ln 16: on a need to know basis (Hyrule)

- ln 17: field care 101 (wars?)

- ln 18: the doctor is in (alt: screaming?)

- ln 19: just a scratch (Legend)

And for experiments AU:

Escape scene? 

Outsider perspective 

Table experiments 

Four and Time shorties 

Sky and Legend oof

Mixed media format!!

Sky bad time: stumbling

[cloudninetonine]

Being on the run does something for one's psyche. Punishing and slow, it burns away at the spirit until the only remaining this is anxiety and paranoia- of the known, of the unknown, at this point you were afraid of your own Shadow. (And for good reason, after all)

Even with her, the Master Sword strapped securely to your back, you knew you weren't entirely safe, you knew they followed you knew they were hunting you but there was only so kich you could do.

You were a lone person, with only the basics of sword play, scraped from the bottom of the barrel of knowledge and it chilled you to the bone that any move you made could really end to your last breath.

Strayed from life, you found comfort in more secluded areas- the hollowed bases of trees, hidden pockets behind falls of water, the darkest corners of caves. Funny really, places you once grew to fear being your only solace in these times.

Until now that is, laid out within a tiny cave carved in some unknown mountain, just on the verge of sleep after so many days of it evading you-

"Uh, I think I may have found a dead body."

A small kick was laid upon your boot, jostling your exhausted body and sending you leaping into a sitting position within a second, wide eyes focusing on the person who had jumped in a similar fashion, their eyes staring back at you in shock.

Red hair, dark skin, golden yellow eyes-

Ganondorf Dragmire looked down at you with his intimidating near 8ft stature, very much alive and very much real as you laid there, frozen.

A scream echoed through the cave, one you didn't register as your own until it felt as if you were tearing your own throat, clawing back away from the man until your back made harsh contact with the wall behind you.

Ganondorf had stumbled back in horror at your terrified wail, flinching at the intensity but you didn't stop, no, your voice only rose when you heard the sound of multiple footsteps approaching, your hand falling to the Fi sheathed under your cloak beside you and tearing her from her protector, presenting it towards Hyrule's greatest villain.

Eyes hardened at the sight, his hand falling to his own sword hanging from his hip only for another man's voice, muffled from your hysteria but resulting in Ganondorf's deflation. His body distanced itself slowly, a gap growing between the two of you until you finally felt your voice stop, pants still crazed in hyperventilation from pure terror.

When the other voice appeared, carefully waddling around the wall of the wave conventially placed in view of the mouth of the cave, an illusion to those not looking carefully. Your mouth could only manage even more petrified gasps and hiccups, scrambling back into the cave wall in hopes it would swallow you whole and free you from the sight of another Ganondorf rounding the corner.

There were more of them?!

He looked older than the other, an elder man gifted with a great beard that framed his face, eyes staring down at you kinder compared to the other (A trick) His hands were raised as he approached.

"Hello young-" He eyed Fi carefully "Hero"

You didn't correct him, hos wariness of the sword could have possibly been the only thing keeping you alive this long. (Even though she rattled with your jitters, after all you held no courage, that was why you ran)

"I assume from your fear that you know our names- and, unfortunately, you associate them with malice." He talked as if he had said the phrase thousands of times, like it was scripted, not forcefully but definitely something he was used to saying. "I assure you, young hero, you have no quarrel with you."

The other Ganon just stared,watching the scene quietly with his arms crossed over his chest- Though he did glance to his side occasionally, eyes pulling into a glare flat made you nervous.

Was there more?

"Me and my party wish to seek shelter in your cave to avoid the oncoming storm." He kneeled down to your height, not invading your space, but to shave away some of the intimidation that came with his Gerudo size. "We promise not to disturb you, we will keep our distance- may we please stay?"

Options weighed in your mind, too many outcomes that you proffered not to think about beating at your skull and making your head pound in such a sickening way.

Why was he asking? Why was he being...polite? This couldn't have been Ganondorf, Prince of the Darkness it just wasn't possible. A trick? A ruse? But surely the man couldn't keep up such a thing?

Unless...it wasn't?

Your mind reeled back to a familiar set of faces, cloaked in lies and deceit, if they weren't truly what they said they were...

We're these the men who were destined to defeat them?

....The true Heroes?

You were still shaking, the adrenaline was really a drug and not one you had grown fond of as of recently, body still in a state of alarm as you shakily brought down the sword and curled deeper into your dark corner.

The nod you managed was hesitant, heavily so but it was clear enough to bring an understanding smile to the old man's face while he stood, small laboured groan falling from his mouth before he sighed as he popped in back into place.

"Thank you, young hero." The old Ganon gestured to the younger one, a beckon as he waddled away towards the light behind your cave wall, the sound of crackling fire quiet but there. "Come now."

With a last lingering look, the younger Ganon disappeared alongside the other to join his, what you guessed, small group.

You stayed in your little corner, huddled with Fi close to your chest as you finally relaxed. Your hiccups faded, your breath slowed, but your body still shivered occasionally.

Truth to his word, no one disturbed you for the time you stayed awake, only the fire was any real indication they were still there and sift chatter that was incomprehensible thanks to the pounding rain outside. But to be honest you didn't want to know, you didn't care to know, just let your body succumb to exhaustion and darkness fade your vision finally.

You awoke to a bowl sat by your feet.

----------

New au just dropped

Well, not completely new, discord baddies you know what time it is.

Mess au let's go

[needfantasticstories]

Feb 1, 2024: I split chapter 1 into two chapters, and added chapter 3 and 4.

CHAPTER 3: CHAIN REACTION

Storms in Wild’s era moved quickly. Lightning struck close behind them. As the thunder faded, no one dared speak. The rain trickled, then stopped as spears of sunlight broke through the clouds, dispelling the forest’s deepest shadows. Dew glittered on the leaves. Nothing moved in the woods but a light breeze.

Sky stared into the rain-washed forest, standing by the trees he’d felled with his skyward strike. Smoke still curled lazily from the fallen trunks. 

“They are gone,” Warrior stated sharply. 

Slowly, the others wiped and sheathed their swords, and tried to make sense of what happened. Four silently gathered Hyrule and Legend’s fallen weapons. Wild passed out the last of his stamina potions. Sky stood staring ahead at the place Ghirahim and Hyrule disappeared, but he could not see the forest, only flashes of marble walls, black stone floors, and dim torches.

“Sky?” Wild approached the knight carefully.

Sky didn’t answer, only muttering what Wild guessed was a prayer. The cadence was smooth, and repeated over and over  

Wild left the elixir at his feet.

Sky didn’t respond. He couldn’t. His legs barely held him upright already, shaking too badly to take even one step. His heart still raced. Branching scars on his right hand pulled taut over his clenched fist. His fingers ached as they locked around Fi’s hilt. Sky willed himself to let go, to relax, but how could he ever let her go again? Last time he’d left her, in the war of Ages… 

But he didn’t deserve her.   

Sky lifted her pommel high. Gripping her braided hilt in both hands, he slammed Fi’s blade into the muddy grass. 

He knelt before her, stomach fluttering and threatening to empty as he moved. Heavy eyelids closed, blocking out the woods and seeing only red, black, and white flashes dancing in his vision. Chills crawled over his arms and down his back. His throat was squeezing closed...he couldn’t breathe…were the others watching? Of course they were. Why couldn’t he be alone? Why couldn’t the demon leave him alone? His ears rang with chilling laughter. They all knew now. They all could see, and now they’d watch him break like a coward. Nevertheless, he bowed his head, and he prayed.

“Hylia, Goddess of Light,” he mumbled, “Hear my prayer and guide my blade. I offer my heart and strength to your service. Grant me courage, wisdom, and strength. Hylia, Goddess of Light…” 

Crossing blades with the demon had sparked a fire in him. At long last, he could fight back! It gave him focus, purpose, direction. He would right that horrible wrong. 

But he’d failed again. Haunted by new memories.   

So he prayed all the more urgently before Fi, the Goddess’s divine blade that he wasn’t worthy to hold. 

“Hylia, Goddess of Light, hear my prayer and guide my blade. I offer my heart and strength to your service. Grant me courage, wisdom, and strength. Hylia, Goddess of Light…” 

He prayed again. And again. And again.

Wild watched Sky kneel and pray with a mixture of pity and worry. It wasn’t that the goddess never answered prayers, she’d answered many of his own, if somewhat mechanically. But if asked, she always answered the first time without any oblations or prostration on his part. But this, he’d seen before. 

It wouldn’t work. Not for Sky, not for Zelda. He wished he knew why. Goddesses, he wished he knew. Zelda still didn’t know how the goddess so easily opened her blessing to him when she had tried so hard. Perhaps she only answered specific requests.  

He wanted to stop Sky, bring him back, and make sure he wasn’t too cold or too wet; but as with the princess, he dared not interrupt. TOo bad they wre so far from any of Hylia’s statues. 

Wild walked away from the sky knight and handed a green elixir to Four, who was brushing mud off Hyrule’s enchanted sword. 

“Wild, where would the Yiga have taken them?” the Smithy asked, finally breaking the heavy silence hovering over the group.

Twilight dismounted and soothed Epona while he checked her for wounds, and listened in. The others moved closer as well. 

Slate raised, map glowing, Wild answered, “Here, most likely.” A blue symbol near the outlines of a canyon glowed at his fingertip. “In the Gerudo Highlands, just on the inside of those.” He lowered the slate and pointed to the highest ridge in a row of snow-capped mesas, all hazy in the distance. “There’s a canyon where they hide out. They’ve kept prisoners there before, though not many since I cleared them out.” 

“You know the layout?” Time asked, and grimaced as he sipped a bitter elixir.  

“Yes.” Wild couldn’t help but grin a little. He knew how to handle the Yiga base, having snuck in and out dozens of times. It was easily the best way to gather bananas while reducing the enemy’s supplies whenever they inevitably crawled back into the place like roaches. Wild laughed without mirth, “Legend isn’t one to go down easy. Good luck to the Yiga who grabbed him.” And good luck to the Yiga that stand in my way .

“We can’t afford to underestimate them. They can reach our worlds now, our homes , and impersonate anyone. No matter how foolish they may have been in the past, they’re a deadly threat on those two facts alone. So for once , Wild,” Time chided with a glare, his voice low and harsh, “take the threat seriously.”

Wild stepped back quickly and busied himself with his slate, eyes wide .   

“Time…” Twilight growled. 

His mentor ignored him. Time was so thrice-damned tired of not knowing what was ahead; what the black blood meant, what the goddesses had in store for them, and if they’d all make it home alive. Above all, he was tired of not knowing if Malon was really safe . Surely Wild could at least think about what this meant for all of them, if not for himself. 

Warrior looked around the group. Each of them slouched where they stood despite the stamina elixirs. Fighting after two days without rest put them all at risk if they jumped into action once more; yet the stable was close. It would have to be enough, for Legend and Rulie’s sake, and for the hope of the others. They had to try. “So there’s still a chance we can find them. How fast can we get there?” 

“Instantly, if it’s just me.” Wild lifted his slate. “I can’t teleport you until you register with Purah, but I can scout their base, then meet you at the stable. There’s a shrine near both locations.”

“You shouldn't go anywhere alone,” Warrior countered. “We should at least stay in teams.” 

“I can take Twilight and be there in a heartbeat. Otherwise, it’s a five day journey at least.”

“You can teleport him?” Four raised an eyebrow. 

“I can take one passenger, and Twilight is the best option.” Wild’s face and ear tips flushed.

“Should have led with that,” Four scoffed. 

Wind elbowed him, but the Champion almost sighed in relief. One skeptic down. Two to go. 

“Sounds like a plan.” Warrior nodded, and turned to watch Sky. 

Wild turned to their eldest.

Time pinched his chin in thought at the plan. Splitting up felt like risking them all. He ached to see his stolen boys. Five day journey? Ten days, more likely. Wonderful. Time shook his head. “You sure that’s wise? Just you two against how many Yiga, if spotted? 

“I know the area well. I know how to approach without being seen. Twilight’s one of our best scouts anyway. We’ll be in and out.” Wild hoped he sounded convincing. He did not want to explain why his slate would only work for Twilight. At least for future Twilight. “Purah is at the stable, and she can register the rest of you with the slate.” 

“And you sure it’s safe?” Twilight eyed the slate skeptically as he dabbed red potion over the worst of Epona’s scrapes. He’d never told them about his nightmares of being sucked into the slate, but Epona sensed his attention and nuzzled him. He kept picturing himself in it, somehow.

“Yes, I’m certain.” Wild sniped back more harshly than he meant to.  

“Fine. Your era, your rules,” Time affirmed. “Scout, but don’t be reckless. The rest of us will go on to Highland stable. We’ll gather supplies on the way.” He tilted his head forward toward a hearty radish just off the path. At least your world has one redeeming quality.

Wild nodded. “Zelda might have supplies waiting for us too. I’ll tell her what’s happened and make sure she’s safe.” Without further discussion or warning, he grabbed Twilight’s arm. 

“Wild, wait! I—” 

They disappeared in tendrils of brilliant blue light. 

Startled, Epona reared. 

Time hurried to soothe her. “He’s alright, girl. Let's get to the stable.” 

Four nudged Wind. “So who was that creep?” 

“Wish I f******* knew!” the sailor yelled as he cleaned the blood off his gear and scoured the woods for any signs of Yiga lingering nearby, as did the others. 

“He sure seemed to recognize you.” Four gave him a side-glance as he spun the last drops of rain off his hammer and put it away. 

Wind grimaced. “I know! But I’ve never seen him before!”

“Maybe you look like someone else?” Four theorized.

“I guess,” he replied lamely, examining his own muddy hammer. 

“Wars! Sky! Time!” Four planted fists on hips once the pair joined the others closer to the crossroad. “Anyone mind finally explaining just who in the dark world that man was?”

“Yeah! Or why he wants Traveler and Veteran, or why he called me a weird name, or why his tongue is so nasty and long?” Wind fired his questions all in one breath. 

“What did he tell you?” Time turned his sharp blue eye to Warrior and Sky. “Ghirahim seemed familiar with you and Sky.” 

Sky did not answer, still kneeling in the woods. 

“Sky? Can you hear us?” Four called.

“Is he hurt?” Time asked.

“No. I’ll explain about Ghirahim while we take a quick rest.”

“Warrior, we’re losing daylight. We should continue and meet with Purah,” Time insisted, and led Epona onward. “Tell us what we need to know on the way.” 

Wind and Four gave Sky a worried glance.

“Then you three go on ahead. We’ll meet up soon. I can see you from the trailhead.” Warrior affirmed.  

“We should stay together, Captain,” Time objected, and the younger heroes froze. “Sky, can you at least get to the stable? Before Ghirahim decides to come back.” 

Sky shook his head and clutched at the soft, damp sailcloth tighter around his shoulders. 

“Time!” Warrior shouted. “He already took what he came for. Just give us a little longer."

Time huffed. “I understand he’s shaken. We all are, but–” 

“No, you don’t understand, or you’d hold your tongue,” Warrior snapped back. And thank the goddesses you don’t, Mask.

Wind and Four flinched at the sharpness in his tone.

“Either move out and we’ll catch up later, or settle in and I’ll explain the basics.” Warrior stomped away and wrapped his scarf around Sky’s shoulders. The knight didn't move, stiff as stone. Warrior returned, arms folded, as he waited for Time to decide.

The elder little brother exhaled slowly, and relented. He draped Epona’s lead over a branch thin enough for her to break if she needed to, letting her graze on the long grass as he joined a small circle with Four, Wind, and Warrior. 

Where to start? Warrior wondered. The smaller heroes had never seen the demon before today, though Wind would someday face him in the War of Ages after this adventure ended. The knowledge that he would live to face that both comforted and haunted the Captain. 

They’d also never seen Sky like this. Kind, collected if a little impatient to get home to his Sun. A machine on the battlefield, and yet there he trembled. 

Warrior spoke quietly, “Ghirahim is the Demon Lord, and commands an army of monsters—or at least he did in Sky’s era. In my time, a powerful witch named Cia opened portals to other eras, including one in Skyloft and another below it.” 

Four gaped. “Wait, you’ve been to Skyloft?” 

“Briefly.” Warrior looked at Time. Mask had joined the war not long after that battle, but he’d told the Sprite much about the bright world of Skyloft and their battles there. 

“You met Sky before the rest of us? And you didn’t say anything?” Wind asked, shocked.

Warrior stifled a smile and shook his head. The irony. Forgive me, Wind, but back then, you didn’t tell me about all this either, he thought. “No. I’d always assumed the portal opened to a more distant time, long before Sky.”

“But he was there.” Four concluded for him.

Time looked taken aback. 

“We weren’t able to meet him.” He looked back at Sky,remained kneeling and repeating his prayer. Change the topic. “In my era, a witch named Cia and her champion, Volga, recruited Ghirahim to help her steal the Triforce and take over Hyrule. My Hyrule, that is. But the demon and Gannon’s other lackey tricked her into restoring Ganondorf as well. Once she learned he’d revived, she scattered the Triforce to keep it from him, and the gates closed. I faced Ghirahim in battle several times in order to defeat both Cia and Ganondorf. I never dealt with him beyond that. He’s stronger than I remembered. That bastar—”

“Wars,” Time interrupted.

“Language, yes. I know.”

“That’s—no, that’s not—If Sky was there, why didn’t the army ever meet him?”

Why didn’t he join the battle went unspoken. Time hadn’t heard Ghirahim’s mocking revelations in the fight. He also had yet to admit to the chain his role in the War of Ages, the little hypocrite. 

“He’ll tell us when he’s ready,” the Captain answered with finality. 

“Sky, can you hear us?” Four had called to him. 

Sky wanted to answer, but he couldn’t . They were watching him. He could feel their eyes. He couldn’t do this to them, hold them back with his pathetic fear. Not now, when they had to hurry! They needed a plan. They needed Wild to explain this. 

But his body was like stone. So Sky knelt, and stared blankly at the forest ahead as he prayed.  

“Hylia, Goddess of Light, hear my prayer and guide my blade…” Sky mumbled again. Loftwing statues across the surface displayed this prayer, and repeating it often had brought him strength on Hylia’s mission to end Demise. No such statues graced the land now, but the words helped hold back the sting of that laughter, the rustle of that cloak, the tinkle of chimes, and the ghosts of chains on his skin. 

He bowed his head against Fi, the sacred Blade that Seals the Darkness, so unnervingly quiet now, and begged Hylia’s forgiveness. He was still too slow. They were so close to completing the Skyward Strike when the demon had caught Hyrule! Electricity had danced on the young man’s fingertips just before—goddesses, hadn’t Legend and Hyrule endured more than enough already? 

Ghirahim’s laughter rang in his ears, and his mocking words repeated in his mind. “Magic users… keep setting up those pesky spells at night…”  

How long had the demon been watching them from the dark, unable to reach them due to spells he’d never known were saving them all? Had the others known? 

“Hylia, Goddess of—” 

How is the demon still alive? How?

But suddenly the prayer lost it’s power, like paper in a gale, fluttering away. His own burning thoughts burst from his heart. “Goddess, I failed you again! Please forgive me for not protecting them! Please show me the way! I will not falter. If I had another vision I did not understand, reveal it to me. Guide us!”

Sky’s hands shook around Fi’s hilt. Why had Hylia forsaken him again–NO! She had a reason. But how had the demon returned? Barely eight hours in Wild’s Hyrule, and everything had fallen apart. Ghirahim lived, and he’d taken Rulie, disappearing into thin air. Legend had yelled something about blood… but why? Worse still, Ghirahim had convinced the Yiga to join him, and they had taken Legend with them in a cloud of red. But where? Why? 

He’d never broken apart like this, not since he had escaped. It had been nearly a year since then. 

Memories swallowed him.  He tried to clear his head of the demon flashing in his vision, the cold crawling over his skin, but his throat was closing...he couldn’t breathe… why couldn’t he breathe? Hands on his neck! Closing tighter! His breath turned into a gasping wheeze. Could the others hear? He tried to call for help, but his body locked up again, and refused to allow any movement or sound. He’d trained himself to do this, dammit, just to survive. Stay alive! Too slow, too late. Scream—no! don’t scream. Don’t give him that satisfaction! He found you. He knows where you are. He’s coming back!

Sky forced his eyes open and he stared at the tiny, gasping reflection of himself in Fi’s muddied blade. 

A tall figure approached behind him

“Sky! What’s wrong?” Warrior wrapped his arm around Sky’s shoulder. 

Sky lurched sideways in a panic and fell into the muddy grass. Throat still rattling, he scrambled up to one knee and sucked in air desperately, clutching his throat.

“Easy! Sky, I’ve got you. Breathe with me. Can you do that?”  

Sky nodded, but still clutched his throat. 

Warrior pulled him straighter and put a hand on his chest. 

“It’s safe now. You’re okay. Breathe slowly.” The Captain put his hand on the knight’s shoulder.

You’re alive, a whispered comfort settled over his thoughts. You survived . 

He gasped, finally pulling in air, dimly aware of the questions circling around him. 

Sky’s thoughts raced. Think of Sun, her voice, the vibrating harp strings. Groose’s deep laugh. Pipit chatting about loftwings, his mom cursing in professor Owlan’s face when he criticized her housekeeping… anything but the dark, the cracking fingers, the daggers—

“Good. Keep breathing. It’s alright. We’ll find them. He wants them alive, so we have time to plan.” When his breathing grew steady once more, the Captain whispered, “I told them the basics about the demon, so you don’t have to.I only told them my part, not yours. Take a break.”

Sky began to hyperventilate again, and he hated himself for it. He never wanted to think of that monster again, but it was all around him now, swallowing him like Demise had Swallowed Sun. He could not escape it any more than he could escape their eyes all watching him, seeing him at last for the fool he was. Goddesses strike me down for my cowardice .

“No, no. Sky! look at me.” He took Sky’s shaking hand and pressed it to his own chest. “We’re here for you. Watch me breathe. Just like this.”

Sky felt the ribs expand under his palm, and he tried to follow suit. His own ribs felt like iron, unbending, but he tried again, and his lungs opened ever so slightly. 

“You should—take her,” Sky gasped, looking at Fi. “I don’t—I’m not—”

“Can you walk, Sky?” Warrior’s smooth, calm voice stopped his dark train of thought.

Sky nodded.

“Then pick up your blade, Sky. She’s yours.”

Sky nodded in reply, but didn’t move; he only glared at his reflection on Fi. 

Failure .  Impa’s voice was cold and sharp. 

Pathetic . Ghirahim sneered. 

“Sky?” Warrior pressed a hand on his shoulder. 

Sky shuddered, but did not pull away. He would not let his fear win. He held still. Controlled.  

“Try again!” Knight Commander Eagus’s voice came to him, sure and strong. 

Sky wiped the mud from his hands and knees as best he could before wrapping his stiff fingers around Fi’s hilt. She was cold, but warmed quickly in his palm.

Will she still accept me? Am I really worthy enough to wield her again? Or has Hylia called Warriors once again to step in for my failures? He frowned, holding tighter. 

He pulled.

He expected her to fight him, but she slipped easily from the ground. 

Sky stood up, still shivering but the small rest had revived him. He brushed the mud off his sailcloth and held it close as he walked beside Warrior onto the path forward, as Time led the others ahead.

At long last they reached the crossroad where Ghirahim had first appeared. Turning left, they started up a steeply rising canyon up toward Highland Stable. The path looked more like a muddy stream after the rain. They carefully picked their way through the mud and loose stones as it grew ever steeper. The men and boys watched the canyon tops for the slightest hint of enemies. An ambush here could be fatal with only small boulders and a few little trees for cover. 

Warrior stayed at Sky’s side and accepted the young man’s vice-like grip just below his pauldron. Both held their swords drawn. 

The sun began to warm the land.

“Th-thank you,” Sky quietly stammered. His eyes looked sharper now, less haunted, and he scanned the clifftops on the right so Warrior could focus on the left. Whether he stuttered from a chill or linkering panic attack, Warriors didn’t know.    

“Any time, Sky.” He stole a glance back. Another line of clouds hung heavy in the distance. But something else, toward the West, caught his eye. 

“Sky.” He nudged the knight and pointed behind them. 

Sky turned, and gawked, his mouth open in a silent question, mesmerized by the sight.

[cicada-wisp]

Hello everyone! I am here to share with you all my most recent hyper-fixation!! Hurray!!

So, I’ve always been a huge fan of role-swaps, and so I came up with an idea for a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time role-swap, and thought I should share it with you all!

So basically, the main idea is that the Sages, along with the Sages elements, swap with each other, along with the races.

So this is what the swaps are:

Forest - Light

Water - Shadow

Fire - Spirit

Zelda - Link

Ghirahim - Fi

Saria - Rauru

Ruto - Impa

Darunia - Nabooru

Kokiri - Hylians

Zora - Sheikah

Gorons - Gerudo

Goddess Harp - Ocarina of Time

Ganon does not change, however. He remains the same.

So this is based on the classic Zelda/Link role-swap, but with enough changes for it to be different.

The plot would follow the same story beats, basically, that being:

Main character saves someone from evil however they die anyway.

Main character gets entrusted with a special item/s which will help with their journey. 

Main character finds someone who is also needed to save the world.

Main character helps a bunch of people, getting more special items that will help them on their journey.

Main character fails at stopping the evil but gets a special weapon after time has passed.

Main character finds a wise person to help them and goes on what is basically a fetch quest.

Main character defeats the big evil with the help of the person from before and the items along the way.

This is the basis of Ocarina of Time but boiled down to the extreme basics. I think.

Here is some information about the new world of Hyrule:

Hyrule is mostly a forest.

The fantasy races (Kokiri, Zora, Gorons) all work together to rule over Hyrule.

The Kokiri are the ‘main rulers’, basically, with the capital being the area which they do not age.

Link is an actual Kokiri, although Zelda isn’t.

The reason why he ages while Zelda’s sealed away for seven years is that he fled the Kokiri capital, away from the anti-aging magic of the Great Deku Tree.

Zelda was left at a Temple (the Temple of Time) when she was just a baby and has lived there her whole life.

She is known to be someone sent by the Goddesses. Due to her strong sacred power.

The Hylians were originally the rulers, but they were thought to be unfit for the role due to them not being ‘one with the Goddesses.’

This is referring to how they weren’t magical enough, basically.

This is what caused the civil war, which happened a much longer time ago than in the official/canon Ocarina of Time.

The sacred stones which Zelda has to collect are:

The Sacred Stone of Light, given to her by the High Priestess of the Church which Zelda was left.

After removing the evil sent by Ganon from her, although not saving her life in the process.

The Sacred Stone of Shadow, given to her by Impa of the Sheikah.

After saving Kakariko village from a Poe tormenting them.

The Sacred Stone of Spirit, given by Nabooru of the Gerudo.

After calming a sandstorm caused by a large bird’s wingbeats.

Link is engaged to Princess Ruto of the Zora.

The story roughly follows the plot of the Ocarina of Time manga, but also the game as well.

Zelda wasn’t told to meet Link, however she was guided by her prophetic dreams.

Zelda is, obviously, the main character and the Heroine of Hyrule.

However, all of this is still in the works. If anyone has any ideas regarding this role-swap, I would love to hear them.

Have an amazing rest of your day, and do not forget to have courage, move with wisdom, and have power as well!